Bahamas Playhouse

Tasked with transforming a long-forgotten island home into a spirited short-term rental, Jeid Studio approached this renovation with imagination, determination, and a palette full of color. The brief was simple: bring joy back to the bones of a property that had weathered time and neglect, and do it in a way that felt unforgettable.

From the beginning, it was clear this would be no ordinary project. Managing the entire process from our studio in Des Moines, we coordinated every detail from afar, navigating customs, weather delays, and the layered logistics of working in the Caribbean. One of the more nuanced challenges was bridging a language barrier on site. To communicate clearly across teams, we leaned into visual tools like hand-drawn sketches and renderings supported by a foundation of trust and collaboration. Strong relationships with both the crew and the receiving docks ensured that everything from construction documents to furnishing manifests was clearly understood and thoughtfully executed.

Designing in a new climate also meant designing with unfamiliar materials. Instead of wood framing and drywall, this structure was built with hurricane-resistant concrete blocks. That shift prompted us to rethink common design solutions and respond with flexibility, often in real time.

We made our first and only site visit for the final styling phase, layering in art. That final evening ended on the covered porch, surrounded by neighbors, homeowners, and the construction team, gathered for a catered celebration under the palms. The result is a vibrant, layered space filled with soul and intention, a true testament to the power of design to connect, adapt, and transform.

Location: Harbour Island, Bahamas

Lead Designer: Jessi Economos