Design Profile: Modern Meets Tropical in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Set within the private, gated community of Tamarindo Park, on the Guanacaste coast in northwestern Costa Rica, Equity Estates’ Tamarindo property is a completely new build, retaining just the basic elements of the prior structure.

Thoughtfully designed in a modern, tropical style, the five-bedroom townhome blends coastal Costa Rican touches with the high-end finishes that Equity Estates is known for. The curated décor showcases local artists, as well as custom-made, locally sourced wood details — elements that connect the home to the community.

Professional interior and event designer Keri Schmeling worked with the Equity Estates team on the project. A resident of Costa Rica for over 20 years, she’s known for her unique design aesthetic, “merging Scandinavian functionality with Japanese minimalism, expressed through a tropical lens.” She brought that approach to the Tamarindo residence, which proved to be a perfect fit for the property.

“I would call my style ‘Tropical Japandi,’” Schmeling says. “This approach emphasizes the sleekness of modern design, but keeps it grounded with local, raw textures. I want a space to feel curated, but never untouchable.”

The Vision and the Process

From start to finish, Schmeling partnered with a core team from Equity Estates, as well as local engineers and the property management team, to a create a stunning Costa Rican home-away-from home for Investors. She describes the entire process in three parts:

The Design Proposal — Before any furniture was picked, Schmeling spent time on the property to see how everything would move through the space, then made a proposal.

Budgeting & Procurement — Once the vision was locked-in, the team moved into logistics.

“I managed the budgeting to ensure we were investing in high-impact, ‘forever’ pieces while sourcing local, artisanal materials that give the home its unique Costa Rican soul,” Schmeling says. “For Tamarindo Park, I chose a color palette of warm neutrals, selected textured fabrics and incorporated pops of color using all local artists and photographers.”

The Install — The final, install stage is the most rewarding; where everything comes together, bringing the design to life — starting with main furniture then working on lighting, window treatments and finally, art and accessories.

Highlights of the Décor and Design

Most of the furniture in the home was custom-made by Hohm Costa Rica, with wood native to the country. Hand-carved teak and laurel were used for statement pieces, including the dining room table, coffee table, and custom beds.

“I also sourced custom-woven, pendant light fixtures that cast beautiful shadows at night,” Schmeling says. “I love the weave of the natural fibers and the shadows they create.”

The home’s wallpaper was custom-printed in Costa Rica and gives a tropical, modern feel to the rooms without the typical “beachy” colors.

Schmeling says that textile selections were guided by a “performance-meets-personality” philosophy to create rooms anchored with high-durability, neutral foundations layered in patterns and colors. Bolder motifs were reserved for accent chairs and pillows, creating a space that feels “vibrant and fresh without sacrificing practical resilience.”

One eye-catching feature that’s sure to be a favorite of Investors staying in the home is a stunning mural on a wall in the primary bedroom. The idea for the mural came from the Equity Estates team and was brought to life by local artist Nadya.Travelart.

“The mural’s style blends botanical and tropical leaves with simplified forms, clean contours, and fine lines that suggest movement,” Nadya explains. “It’s inspired by Costa Rican nature and banana leaves.”

Other special details include custom art woven throughout the home, provided by Nadya and two other local artists, Dino Urpi and Johanna Van Parjis, as well as black-and-white prints from photographer Kristen Brown — each piece selected to complement the Costa Rican color palette in each space.

The end result is one that Schmeling and the entire team are immensely proud of — an inviting, accessible home that combines Equity Estates luxury with the authentic feel of tropical Costa Rica.

“They put so much trust in me, and I felt so much appreciation for the work I did,” says Schmeling. “The Equity Estates team truly understands how to build and decorate a home, and I look forward to working with them again.”

More Home Details

Inside the beautiful Tamarindo home, you’ll find well-appointed bedrooms with ensuite baths, an open floorplan with chef’s kitchen, air conditioning, and large windows and sliding glass doors that bring light and spectacular views into the home.

Outdoors, there are two levels of living space for relaxing and entertaining — a main-level patio with private pool, BBQ, and cozy seating and an upper-level, rooftop terrace with a second BBQ and panoramic views of Tamarindo Bay, Playa Langosta, and the beautifully landscaped neighborhood.

In fact, Schmeling says the first thing she noticed about the Tamarindo property was the view. “The way the air moved through the site was incredible,” she recalls.

Minutes from the beach and a short walk from Tamarindo’s town center, the home offers both quiet relaxation in a lush, tropical setting and the convenience of restaurants, shops, and other attractions just 10 minutes away.

When asked what she thinks Equity Estates Investors will appreciate most about the home now that it’s completed, Schmeling is thoughtful, but quick to reply. “This is a house where high-end design meets total relaxation,” she explains. “After a day out on the beach, Investors can retreat poolside with surroundings that feel both sophisticated and relaxed.”

Plan Your Tamarindo Getaway

If you’re ready for your first (or next) Costa Rican vacation and a stay in the beautiful Tamarindo Park home, your Equity Estates Vacation Concierge will work with you to plan your itinerary and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.

If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call.