What Happened To Caribbean Interior Design?

You’ve probably seen it. The bright colours… the open air layouts… the way Caribbean homes once felt connected to the environment, culture, and everyday life. But somewhere along the way… something changed. This video hits home for me cause as a Haitian Caribbean, I am speaking from a personal place. We’re breaking down the evolution of Caribbean interior design; from Indigenous structures and colonial influences, to the rise of tourism, modern development, and global aesthetics. I essentially want to ask a deeper question: Are Caribbean homes still designed for the people who live in them… or for how they look to the outside world? From places like Barbados and Jamaica to lesser-discussed cities like Cap-Haïtien, we’re exploring what’s been preserved, what’s been lost, and what’s quietly evolving. Like, comment, and subscribe for more content on interior design, architecture, and cultural influence. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: Which style do you prefer? 👉 Traditional Caribbean homes 👉 Modern Caribbean homes Vote in the poll and let me know why in the comments. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 1:00 – Indigenous Structures & Early Caribbean Design 2:32 – Colonial Influence & Historical Layers 6:04– What Shifted in the Mid 20th Century 8:59 – The Modern turn toward tourism & resorts 11:59 – What doesn't get highlighted (Closing Thoughts) 14:21 – End Some sources/credit: Barbados Chattel Homes https://www.henrybourne.com/chattel-h... Puerto Rico Gentrification https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2022... Cane Garden Estates https://www.stcroixwindmills.org/qq/c... Early Caribbean Home Design & Architecture https://www.incollect.com/articles/ca...