Remodeling a home on a Caribbean island is equal parts paradise and puzzle. The turquoise water, balmy breezes, and rhythm of island life make for an idyllic setting, but those same elements add layers of complexity to any renovation. Materials may take weeks to arrive by boat, contractors often juggle island schedules that run on their own time, and the salty, humid air demands construction choices built to withstand the elements.
Yet the rewards outweigh the hurdles. Imagine waking up in a freshly refurbished home where wide verandas catch the trade winds, interiors are designed to stay cool under the tropical sun, and every detail feels shaped by the island itself. With thoughtful planning, like choosing storm-resistant windows, sourcing durable local materials, and scheduling work around the wet and dry seasons, you can turn your island retreat into a space that balances beauty, resilience, and comfort.
We caught up with Kathleen Siegel, owner of the newly renovated vacation villa, Beso Del Sol to get her thoughts on building a dream property in the BVI...
Did you work with a local architect or designer, or did you have someone in mind to work with when you purchased the property?
Yes, we worked with a local Architect. After meeting with several candidates, we chose the one who really understood our vision. Because the project was a complete renovation, her expertise was invaluable. She guided us in expanding the original footprint while enhancing the home in keeping with the integrity of its original style.
How would you describe your design style, and how is it reflected in your new vacation home?
This home is a modern Boho Classic, designed with a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor space. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors invite in the island’s natural light and views. The interior features natural coral stone floors handcrafted custom wood furnishings, decorative rattan pendants, complimented by layered textures and earthy tones that adds warmth and character and reflects the beauty and tranquillity of the island lifestyle.
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What was the most rewarding part of the process for you personally?
As the renovation came to a close, the results were everything we had hoped for and better than expected. Before beginning the renovation, we created a picture book filled with magazine clippings that captured our vision for each room. Midway through, the book was set aside and forgotten, but when we came across it again, we were thrilled to see how closely the finished home reflected our original dream. Everything came perfectly together to capture the island lifestyle we envisioned.
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Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises during the renovation?
Yes absolutely. Renovations always come with surprises especially when transforming an existing home rather than building new. Being closely involved allowed us to work through each challenge side by side with our builder, finding solutions along the way. What began as a working relationship turned into a true friendship.
How did weather or seasonal conditions in your location impact the renovation process?
On an island the weather can
What advice would you give to someone planning a remodel in a hard-to-reach location?
Plan to take 9 months to 1 year out of your life to the process , either live on the island or arrange for frequent extended visits during the remodel. While it can be challenging to be present every day, being onsite allows you to troubleshoot issues in real time, communicate directly with the builder, guide material selections and ensure your vision is being carried out in the right way.
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From architects and designers to contractors and tradespeople, the team you choose will determine whether your vision comes to life smoothly, or turns into a stressful, costly process. The right professionals not only bring skill and experience, but also communication, trust, and accountability. Meet the team who made the Seigel's design dream into reality.
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Lavina Liburd is the founder and Principal of TigerQi Architecture, an award winning boutique design firm based in the British Virgin Islands. With current projects in the BVI and her native St. Kitts-Nevis, her work includes commercial buildings, luxury residential developments, and single family homes, as well as corporate, medical, and retail interior fit-out projects. Prior to founding TigerQi Architecture, Lavina was a lead designer and Project Architect with OBMI (BVI) for seven years. Lavina is a California Licensed Architect. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of California at Berkeley, holding a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a Master of Science in Architecture degree with an emphasis on Environmental Design in Developing Countries.
Lavina practiced in the San Francisco Bay Area for seven years before moving to the BVI, working on significant civic and institutional projects including the San Francisco International Airport, the San Francisco Youth Guidance Center, and the design of two Outpatient Clinics for the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System. Lavina became a Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Road Town, BVI, in July 2008 and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by her club in June 2009. She served as President in 2019-2020. She serves on the Board of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and the BVI Surveyors’ Board. Lavina’s work has recently been featured in the book “100 Women: Architects in Practice” published by the Royal Institute of British Architects Publishing house. Featured in Wallpaper Architect's Directory 2024, and annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.
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You can find Lavina on social media as @lavinaliburdarchitect
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Debbie Carson boasts over 20 years experience in the Caribbean and NCIDQ Certification, her designs are proven sustainable solutions. Carson’s portfolio reflects a vast range including the main offices for Conyers, KPMG, Peter Island Resort, Nanny Cay and Brandywine developments along with numerous others in all facets of commercial, residential and hospitality design. From producing interior architectural documentation, and site-work to procurement, her firm has expansive relationships with fabricators, suppliers and resources that are sure to be vital to any design project. Debi is a well sought after artist in our region.
You can find her artwork displayed in Commercial Offices, Private Collections in the US and throughout the Caribbean, and Hospitality installations such as Peter Island. Her piece “Neon Energy” was selected to represent the BVI in the Pan-Am Olympics in 2015. Her latest installation is at the Gallery at IAC here in Road Town. Debi has a passion for art and design, and you can often find her in our community teaching art to children, the young at heart or in search of the next great opportunity to collaborate in creative projects.
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Evelyn's Construction
Read our handy blogs to answer any questions you may have if you are considering buying a vacation villa here in the beautiful BVI:
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5 Home Remodel Tips for a Successful Renovation
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The Advantages of Owning a Vacation Rental in the BVI:
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Eco-Friendly Building Trends in the BVI: What Buyers Should Know
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