Mr Alex TATE - Reimagines Island Living

Perched along the pristine Ffryes Beach on the west coast of Antigua, the Tamarind Hills villa project became a canvas for Alex Alonso and the mr Alex TATE Design firm to showcase their distinctive, eclectic aesthetic. Spanning two luxurious stories, this five-bedroom, oceanfront residence serves as a cherished part-time vacation retreat for a family residing in the United Kingdom. Entrusted with the task of infusing life and character into the newly constructed abode, the couple engaged Alonso, whose vision unfolded into a vibrant interpretation of a tropical sanctuary. Eschewing conventional floral motifs, Alonso opted for a rich tapestry of color, pattern, and tactile elements. A significant emphasis was placed on custom-designed upholstery, both indoors and outdoors, and personalized touches through carefully curated artwork, decorative accents, and striking statement lighting.

The villa's lower level seamlessly transitions to an expansive pool deck and multi-tiered outdoor seating area, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The main living, dining, kitchen, and bar areas operate on an open-concept plan, allowing Alonso to strategically deploy patterns and colors, harmoniously uniting each zone. In the living room, an assortment of textural textiles was introduced, creating visual depth and interest. Adjacent, the dining room boasts a generous round table paired with dining chairs upholstered in a whimsical pattern. The bar's walls are adorned with textural grasscloth, reminiscent of indigenous basketry. Alonso incorporated artwork that evoked a strong sense of place throughout the villa, notably including Slim Aarons photographs from the 1970s, captured during the photographer’s time in Antigua and the broader Caribbean. Furthermore, vintage-inspired maps of Antigua and the Caribbean are strategically placed, particularly in the main living areas, adding a layer of historical charm.

In designing the bedrooms, Alonso aimed to achieve individuality in each room while maintaining a cohesive design language. Guest rooms were assigned distinct color palettes while sharing a consistent pattern in the textiles. For all fabrics, the focus was on materials possessing a tangible, hand-made quality, ensuring relevance to the setting. Vintage travel posters of the Caribbean and Antigua grace the walls, reinforcing the sense of location. The expansive primary bedroom features multiple seating arrangements and a dedicated workspace, while the adjacent outdoor deck was enhanced with lighting fixtures designed to cast a soft, inviting glow in the evenings. The outdoor furniture upholstery is a dynamic interplay of patterns and trims, contributing to the overall eclectic yet refined ambiance. 

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