Get Inspired by the Architecture and Design of the Caribbean

Discover why ironwood is an ideal building material, how Caribbean architecture offers natural cooling solutions, and how to add a personal touch to your home's exterior with a family coat of arms.

During my recent Dinogo cruise, I was captivated by the local architecture and design of the Eastern Caribbean. It's no wonder! For those seeking to design a modern yet timeless home, studying enduring architectural styles makes perfect sense. Join me on a visual journey through Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, and Grand Turk Island as we explore the functionality, beauty, and deeper meaning of Caribbean design. You might even be tempted to borrow a few ideas from these true trailblazers!

Defense and Decoration

Home security has always been essential, whether it’s defending against hostile tribes or protecting the last cookie from the Cookie Monster.

Oh, does that only happen at my house…

In Puerto Rico, residents of Old San Juan fortified their city with structures like Castillo de San Cristóbal. They crafted heavy wooden doors and shutters from a native wood called ausubo, or ironwood. This wood hardens over time, becoming nearly indestructible. It deepens in color when exposed to air and can be polished to a stunning shine.

Ironwood shutters at Castillo de San Cristóbal

Here are a few examples where vibrant colors on building exteriors cleverly mask defensive elements.

Inviting entrance to an office in San Juan

Ironwood door with metal studs at the front entry of a private home

Staying Cool

As someone who grew up in the South, I’ve lived through plenty of scorching summers. Ceiling fans, air conditioning, and ice water are the go-to remedies for Southerners. But I’m convinced the Caribbean holds the real secrets to staying cool—shade and ventilation are everything!

During my time in St. Kitts, I joined the Island History and Rum Tasting Tour, which brought us to the beautifully restored Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens. Here, vaulted ceilings, built for ventilation, show how effective airflow design can be. While difficult to construct in earlier times, these high ceilings offered much more comfort than flat ones. Warm air rises, leaving the cooler air below. In the image above, carvings in the beams further enhance airflow between rooms.

Vaulted ceilings and mosquito nets ensure a comfortable night's sleep in the master bedroom at Fairview Great House

The vaulted ceilings extend into the historic bathroom of St. Kitts' Fairview Great House

A sidewalk café in Grand Turk features simple, dual-purpose windows. They offer shade for patrons when open and security for the shopkeeper when closed.

Leaving Your Signature

I've always felt that a home's decor should reflect the people living inside. Even more intriguing is when these hints appear on the exterior. During our Old San Juan Walk, Mojito, and Mofongo Experience, I noticed the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico displayed at the entry gates on Paseo de la Princesa.

A closer look at the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

Why not showcase your family's coat of arms on your gate or at the front entrance?

Don’t have one? Gather the family and create your own! It’s a fun activity! When designing your family coat of arms, list the core values and beliefs that everyone shares. Then, research the symbols and colors that represent those values. This activity is enjoyable for the whole family and fosters unity and cherished traditions.