We meet the Dominican interior designer Jorge Brown. In his latest project, a private residence at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, the eclectic aesthetic, among tropical plants, intense colors and works of art, appears fresh, pleasant, made special by a touch of luxury.
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Tropical plants, artwork and handcrafted pieces in a Caribbean residence
The eclectic spaces of the private residence at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, designed by designer Jorge Brown, in their discreet elegance, are in direct connection with the tropical plants of the garden. Each space from the kitchen to the bedrooms has a unique identity and aesthetic.
«The design of this Dominican residence is decidedly eclectic, a stylistic approach that I love» says the designer, Interiors Director of Galerie Philia «The biggest challenge was to create a coherent story, at the same time changeable, imbued with the many beauties of the owners, from all over the world» he continues «We also wanted to include some fantasy elements: the dining room, with the black tropical hand-painted wallpaper with palm trees and tropical birds, mixed with antique screens from South Asia, works by he art by the Peruvian artist Aldo Chaparro is an invitation to indulge in the Caribbean night. The bedrooms are little worlds apart, where woven raffia palms blend into a retro décor, with local creations by Dominican artisans».
«The design of this Dominican residence is decidedly eclectic, a stylistic approach that I love» says the designer, Interiors Director of Galerie Philia «The biggest challenge was to create a coherent story, at the same time changeable, imbued with the many beauties of the owners, from all over the world» he continues «We also wanted to include some fantasy elements: the dining room, with the black tropical hand-painted wallpaper with palm trees and tropical birds, mixed with antique screens from South Asia, works by he art by the Peruvian artist Aldo Chaparro is an invitation to indulge in the Caribbean night. The bedrooms are little worlds apart, where woven raffia palms blend into a retro décor, with local creations by Dominican artisans».
What is the first thing that attracted you to this tropical landscape?
«This house is the perfect trait d’union between beach life, family life and the wild nature of the Caribbean. It’s remote and secluded, yet close to everything. Just an hour and a half from Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, it is a haven where you can relax at home and enjoy the social life of Casa de Campo, or isolate yourself and recharge your batteries in a true green paradise. Combining all these elements was really exciting»
What is your advice for furnishing a beach house?
«Beach houses tend to be second homes. It’s time to take risks, make risky choices, play with your imagination, pay more attention to guest rooms and have fun. It’s time to create memorable spaces to celebrate life in all its forms. A beach house should be a refuge from everyday life where you can find the pleasure of entertaining and hosting»
Which color palette did you prefer and why?
«A house, by the sea, in the tropics, in the countryside must tell the story of its inhabitants. This was the starting point for the color palette. For the outdoor areas, as well as the dining room and kitchen, we wanted to follow a maritime theme – blue and white, elegant and timeless patterns using Hermes fabrics. The idea was to evoke the wind and movement of a sailboat, thanks to Calder’s majestic sculpture that dominates the main outdoor living room, Evan Fay’s Lawless chair made of woven metal with cushions twisted like an anchor at the bottom of the sea ».
What do you love about this Caribbean residence and why?
«The energy of this place is contagious: it is a large canvas. The lush gardens speak for themselves, the sun and light of the Dominican Republic shines through. But it’s also an impeccable home: we wanted every room, every piece of furniture, every corner to offer a space to relax and feel good. Everything has been designed with a single purpose: to live in the present moment. It has a distinct personality, as many treasures acquired by the owners during their travels have found their enchanted space – such as the Moroccan-themed modern outdoor living rooms, a secret little oasis perfect for reading on a hot afternoon.
What’s your favorite room?
«The nautical-themed kitchen is the heart of the home for me. The dining table is large enough for the whole family to gather for lunch, enjoying some of the best views over the gardens.”
There are some pieces with a unique and personal story.
«I like to explore the local scene of artisans, designers, potters and artists of the place where a house takes root. In the Dominican Republic, it was very interesting to track down the many talents of the island: guests will be able to appreciate the special commissions of ceramics from Casa Alfarera, the special Ratan lamps commissioned by the local Dominican studio Lu & Bo, the kitchen table made of made by local artisans and other Latin American pieces of art».
An image or poem that reflects this tropical residence
«”Hay un pais en el mundo” by the Dominican poet Pedro Mir is probably one of the most romantic, accurate and touching descriptions of what it is like to experience the island. This poem is a tribute to a certain feeling, a certain way of life that one can experience when spending time in the Dominican Republic».
