This storied Bahamian residence takes on new life through a thoughtful balance of heritage and ease. Lauren Nelson Design approached the home as a dialogue between traditional colonial character and a relaxed California sensibility, preserving its architectural integrity while layering in tailored millwork, contemporary furnishings, and rich, textured finishes. Photographer Kate S Jordan captured the warmth, collectedness, and deep connection to the island that make this home uniquely inviting.

From Lauren Nelson Design… This project began with a young family living full-time in Nassau who wanted to preserve the historic colonial character of their home while introducing a fresh, California-influenced perspective. The house, one of the few authentically Bahamian-designed residences in Lyford Cay, came with a charming history, including its name, Lunastone, which was inspired by moonlight and the previous owners. From the start, the goal was to honor the home’s original architecture, dark mahogany windows and doors, tongue-and-groove paneling, and wraparound porches, while reorganizing the layout to better suit a busy household with five boys. We expanded and brightened the kitchen, created a new family room, reworked the primary suite, and layered in custom millwork, plaster finishes, dramatic stone, rich earthy colors, vintage furniture, and contemporary Caribbean art.

The journey was far from simple. Construction during the height of COVID, the “island time” pace of work, disappearing trades, storms, floods, and hurdles with customs required constant problem-solving, patience, and creativity. Yet the challenges ultimately shaped a more intentional result. The standout moments came from weaving together the clients’ backgrounds, her Bahamian roots and work in the art world, his Cuban heritage and landscape design sensibility, and translating that into spaces that feel deeply personal, modern, and rooted in place. The finished home is a layered blend of tradition and modernity, moody, collected, tactile, and unmistakably connected to the island they love.

Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Lauren Nelson Design · Photography: Kate S Jordan · Styling: Brittany Albert · Architect N & M Architects