CASE STUDY: All White All Right — From Jungle Treehouse to Luxe Coastal Retreat
THE BRIEF: A Vision in White
Some design briefs leave room for interpretation. This one didn’t. The client’s directive was crystal clear: everything must be white. From the walls to the fabrics, every surface should radiate light, airiness and a calming sense of zen. See the full Pinterest Board here.
Our client—a high-performing boho creative and seasoned real estate investor—spends her winters training black diamond skiers in Idaho, her summers longboarding the Pacific, and her in-between days trail running with her two Labradors in the tropics. She envisioned a home that reflected her lifestyle: natural, serene and deeply connected to the outdoors.
THE LOCATION: Paradise in Sayulita
Working with MexHome Realty and Premier Agent Tess Stoble, she discovered a hillside retreat in Punta Sayulita, a Robinson Crusoe–style treehouse originally crafted by Contact Development Co. Perched above the iconic surf town, the property boasts a double-height palapa roofline framing panoramic views of the curving Sayulita coastline. From the infinity pool deck, you’re immersed in lush jungle fauna and the rhythmic sound of waves below.
The iconic Villas at PUNTA SAYULITA are set deep in the jungle overlooking the Bay of Sayulita, MX
THE CHALLENGE: A Speedy 4-Week Transformation
Due to delays in closing, our CRATE Interiors team had just four weeks to deliver a full-scale renovation before move-in. The scope of services included:
Full gut and remodel of the kitchen, washrooms, pool deck and garden areas
Expert repairs to the leaking palapa roof—completed barefoot at extreme heights by skilled local craftsmen
A custom lighting plan with LED rope lighting, dimmers in every room and modernized consolidated switch plates
Selection and installation of premium imported appliances and commercial-grade ceiling fans
Custom carpentry and furnishings, including a handcrafted dining table, outdoor swings and many bespoke accents tailored to the client’s exact vision.
Design sessions were conducted on the go, between our client’s nomadic travel schedule using texts, Pinterest boards and video chats. Our crew got more excited with each idea she threw at us, eager to execute and find a creative solution to her vision. More behind-the-scenes progress on YouTube.
The Design plan for the Villa is warm and cozy, showcasing soothing textures in shades of white
THE PROOF: Results That Speak for Themselves
Phase 1 was delivered on time, on scale, and on budget backed by:
☑️ Weekly inspections following an exact workflow sequence and system
☑️ Progress reports from the jobsite, ensuring transparency and peace of mind
☑️ Audited invoicing with comprehensive trades quotes in both English and Spanish
☑️ Every item on the client’s Scope of Service delivered as promised, and more.
Our full-service crew typically delivers in 60-90 days what others complete in 6-12 months. This kind of execution is only possible when you combine a detailed sequenced plan, a vetted professional team, and 14+ years of turnkey design expertise in Mexico’s most sought-after coastal markets.
The original architects renderings for PUNTA SAYULITA inspired the art procurement plan for this project.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Finishing Touches
The final phase is art procurement, a curated collaboration with local artists and galleries to reflect the owner’s personality and her family’s connection to the region. This is where the “forever” feeling comes alive, evoking an unmistakable sense of place and time.
YOUR TURN
If you’re ready to transform your legacy property into a profitable rental or forever home—without the delays, missteps, or guesswork—CRATE Interiors delivers from keys to cashflow.
📩 Schedule your FREE DISCOVERY CALL today. A 50-minute deep dive into your project, ALL-IN budget and décor style. If this is the year you transform your legacy property in paradise, let’s create it together!
