First time home purchasers in Puerto Vallarta make the same errors over and over again when it comes to furnishing a property. Many come from colder, dryer climates but Puerto Vallarta is far from cold and dry. Our rainy season starts mid-June and can run thru October with extremely humid circumstances making property maintenance an ongoing issue.
We have new, modern high-rises that rival Miami´s Brickell neighborhood and, yes, the units enjoy air-conditioning but the tlc that a property in the tropics requires is much different from what you might be used to. Puerto Vallarta´s growing population of Baby Boomers and national vacationers acquiring second homes has brought such a demand for home decor needs that many of Guadalajara´s large furniture stores have opened up locations to serve the Bay of Banderas offering extensive decor options to meet the demands of all styles and tastes.
Here are 5 tips for decorating in the tropics to maximize your pesos when it comes to decorating your Puerto Vallarta property:
- HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER: Interview various candidates and compare prices, attitude, and check references! A relationship with a decorator is like a marriage and chemistry is a must. Decorators are accustomed to being interviewed and will respect your telling them that you are checking previous work and references. Compare quotes and don’t hesitate to negotiate and be firm on your budget. There are very reputable décor companies to choose from. The furniture selection/creation process can be done via internet and he/she can coordinate delivery and installation of all items/remodel/paint etc.
- DIY (DO IT YOURSELF):If time is not an issue, you could spend one full week in Puerto Vallarta checking out all that our wide selection of home decor shops have to offer or take a road trip to beautiful Guadalajara where there are endless options and many delightful towns outside of this big city like Tonala to buy items directly from the creator.
- RENTAL PROPERTIES: If your property is going to be on the vacation rental market, beware! This is where a decorator’s expertise can come in handy as they spend most of their days furnishing properties that have a lot of traffic. Upholstery fabric, linens, and window treatments must be carefully selected using fabrics that can handle bright sun, and of course children, damp with salt water and sand! What many homeowners will do is have separate sets of linens and slip covers for their own use.
- METAL CORROSION:Avoid furniture/drapery that has metal details. Corrosion is frustrating for persons living in the tropics. WD40 is a must have to be used continually as preventative maintenance.
- USING WOOD:Tropical wood is fantastic, but termites share the same feeling. If you must have wooden furniture, preventative fumigation is a must and recommended on a regular basis.
- PLASTIC:There are fabulous modern furniture options available that fit well with our modern skyscrapers. Remember that plastic needs to stay out of direct sunlight as it will slowly disintegrate causing an unpleasant smell.
- LESS IS BEST:Anything you do, keep it to a minimum and don’t jump the gun feeling that you must furnish quickly. Some of the best pieces can be found over time, so keep it minimal and add furniture and splashes of color little by little. Making friends is a great way to get decoration ideas. Other people´s homes can be inspiring and imitation is the finest form of flattery.