Design Diaries

Mini Salt Box - Harbour Island, Bahamas

The 19th century, Salt Box, is one of the oldest houses in Dunmore Town and one of only a handful of extant houses structured of quarried limestone. The Mini Salt Box is an added guest house designed by architect Kiko Sanchez, who exactingly replicated its distinctive gable roof. Materials and colors were also deliberately copied.

"Nothing about this new house looks new, and that was the whole point.”, says Amanda.

A charming outdoor veranda, looking into the pool, serves as both the living and dining room of the Mini Salt Box.

Unique, vintage high-backed rattan chairs from France comprise an outdoor living room along with a bench and table, built on-site, by a local Harbour Island builder.

Louvered shutters can be opened or pulled shut depending on the weather.

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An open-air-mini-kitchen allows guests to make a drink or prepare a snack to enjoy on the veranda.

Hexagonal encaustic tiles in a variety of blue shades give this bathroom a whimsical yet timeless feel. Vintage rattan furnishings are in keeping with an old-fashioned bathtub.

This hallway connecting two identical bedrooms is adorned with hats and bags made by the ladies of Harbour Island, who do the best straw work.

(Right) In one of the bedrooms, a Les Indiennes fabric enhances the bed and a locally made, fringed lampshade adds a touch of whimsy. (Left) The other bedroom features a vintage bamboo-and-rattan desk and a dormitory-style black metal bed. The curtain fabric is from Les Indiennes.

Wouldn’t you love to see more? Check out Amanda’s book, Island Hopping that showcases the Mini Salt Box project plus many other of Amanda’s interior design projects. Signed Edition $70