Vista Del Mar: From Concept to Completion

When a client wants a big impact without a big renovation, it’s important to work smart.

For Vista Del Mar, the IDG team used their expertise to determine the best way to update the property without undergoing significant changes, like ripping up floors or overhauling the layout.

The client is from Toronto and bought the property sight unseen during the pandemic. Unable to get to Cayman, they knew they needed a company they could trust to upgrade their home while away – a referral led them to IDG.

Because the client would be off-island for the renovation, IDG interior designers Andrea Keuler and Justin Szigeti went above and beyond to make sure they felt comfortable and informed. Constant communication through video and messaging ensured they were involved at every step.

Now, with the finish line in sight, IDG is preparing to welcome this client to their new dream home. Below, we look at what it took to get there, from the initial planning period to the final installation.

Concept and Planning

To start the process, IDG set up video calls to walk the owners through the original space. By listening to their wants and needs, IDG was able to create a detailed list of everything required to transform the home.

“Once we had a feel for what they wanted, we created a mood board and 3D renderings so the client could really visualize the proposed transformations,” Andrea explains. “Being able to walk a person through a space virtually is so helpful. It ensures we’re all on the same page and helps clients identify any small revisions they’d like made.”

These tools and conversations helped IDG present a plan the client loved. After that, it was time to develop the technical drawings for contractors and make detailed notes on the construction execution.

Design

The existing home felt pretty outdated and had a stark and sterile interior,” Justin says. “We wanted to create something a bit more contemporary and with a moodier, sexier feel.” Dark wood tones, monochromatic colors and beautiful stonework helped evoke this sophisticated and timeless feeling.

“Although the client didn’t want a major renovation, there were small things we could do to make a splash,” Andrea says. “For example, painting the doors black and squaring off the traditional curved archways.”

This client loves to entertain, so focus areas include the kitchen, living and dining rooms.

“The new kitchen design is one of my favorite parts of the home,” Justin says. “We adjusted the previous floor plan to create something that was more of a statement and perfect for entertaining.”

The designers also looked for areas that weren’t previously being utilized, such as a bar area in the living room. When planning out the new space, IDG proposed a beautiful new wine room – something that’s become one of the project’s most stunning additions.

Build

“At IDG, our typical build process is demolition, framing, drywall, painting, cabinetry, plumbing and electrical,” Justin says. “But for this build, the addition of custom millwork was the star of the show. Adding new casings, wall coverings and cabinets added character to the space and gave everything a more architectural feel.”

In the kitchen, the team installed two-toned cabinetry and reconfigured the appliances to make it more efficient for cooking and entertaining. They also added a new pantry and extra storage.

“Another big change happened over in the garage,” Andrea says. “The previous home had a large double garage, so we took advantage and converted half the area into a self-contained nanny suite with its own separate entrance, sleeping quarters, bathroom and walk-in closet.”

Decorating

This last step of the project is currently underway, and the decorating part is when everything really starts to come together.

Furniture has been installed, and final touches like drapes and accessories are being added. With every project, IDG strives to use the highest quality materials and furnishings. This home is on the water, so anything outside has to be able stand up to the elements. For the interior, IDG also needed to ensure that everything was pet-friendly and easy to clean.

Because the client for this project has been away from the very beginning, IDG’s designers wanted to make their upcoming arrival super special. IDG designs people’s dream homes and wants every client to feel that magic when they walk in.

So, not only has furniture been installed, but the team has also helped place bedding and pack cupboards in the new kitchen. “We really want that turn-key experience when they arrive,” Andrea says. “We want a place that’s ready to welcome family and friends, and we’re so excited that Vista Del Mar is almost move-in ready!”