A Little Bit of Haiti/A Little Bit of Italy

by Schachne Architects & Builders

This unique project was a thrill to work on because the owners were so fantastic to collaborate with. The owners both worked for the U.S. government and were living in Haiti at the time of construction. The husband grew up in south Florida, Jamaica and other Caribbean islands and the wife, a wonderful artist was originally from northern Italy. The goal was to tear open the dungeon like kitchen area of this 1970's house and to make one contiguous kitchen/dining room and living room area. The owner wanted to add windows and incorporate as much natural light as possible. Many of the elements of the kitchen were to be similar to her house in Italy. The colors and art are all reminiscent of Haiti and the cabinetry and finishes were reminiscent of northern Italy.