Case Study of The Horizon Lounge at The Abaco Club

The Horizon Lounge is an adults-only retreat located on the second floor of the new Bay Club at The Abaco Club, a private residential community by Southworth located along Winding Bay on Great Abaco in the Bahamas. Designed by Pembrooke & Ives, the 1,000-square-foot lounge was envisioned as a sophisticated yet relaxed gathering place with an interior that captures the spirit of island living while meeting the functional demands of a high-traffic hospitality environment. A coastal palette of oceanic blues and greens is layered with sun-washed neutrals and moments of soft pink, creating a space that feels distinctly Bahamian. Inside, a custom bar, billiards table, and game tables anchor the lounge, while a wraparound terrace extends the experience outdoors, offering intimate seating areas and firepits overlooking the water.

ENTRY
Upon entering the Horizon Lounge, members are welcomed into a living room-style composition that immediately establishes the tone of the space, a polished interpretation of island living that feels elevated yet effortless. Natural tones inform the palette, with warm wood millwork, a tile-top coffee table, and sculptural armchairs providing a sense of balance and permanence.
A custom credenza with rattan paneling introduces a tactile, distinctly tropical texture, reinforcing the lounge’s connection to its surroundings. Above, a wallpaper mural by Pierre Frey depicting a lush tropical scene where butterflies, exotic birds, and flamingos, the Bahamas’ national bird, move through palms and citrus trees. The mural adds color and liveliness, setting an expressive backdrop for the room.

BAR
Positioned along the back wall, the bar grounds the interior and lends a sense of symmetry to the overall layout. The custom bar is crafted from English oak and features fluted tambour paneling along the front, paired with Taj Mahal quartzite on both the bar top and backsplash. A triple bullnose edge detail adds a layer of refinement, highlighting the level of craftsmanship throughout the space. Bar stools with softly curved profiles and woven detailing complement the relaxed coastal mood.
A custom bar-height library table creates a subtle division between the bar and the central lounge. Preserving views was a key consideration here, and the furniture layout was carefully calibrated to maintain uninterrupted sightlines to the water beyond. Taller elements, like the bar and library table, are positioned toward the back of the room, while lower-profile seating populates the center and front, ensuring that the landscape remains a constant visual presence.
Suspended over the library table is a dramatic custom light fixture that serves as a central focal point. Weighing nearly 800 pounds, the chandelier is composed of many smaller pendants that were reconfigured into a singular sculptural installation, designed and fabricated specifically for the Horizon Lounge. The organic forms evoke sea urchins and shells, subtly referencing the surrounding marine environment and Great Abaco’s reputation for snorkeling and diving.

To further root the space in its local context, Pembrooke & Ives collaborated with Bahamian galleries to source artwork by local artists including Jessica Whittingham. Her mixed-media collages explore everyday life in The Bahamas through a vibrant, contemporary lens, highlighting both the notable and the mundane moments that define island living.
CENTER LOUNGE
At the heart of the space, the central lounge is organized around a custom-designed area rug that evokes the movement and depth of water. This rug became a foundational element for the interior, informing the palette, forms, and patterns used for the furnishings.
Curvilinear forms appear throughout this area, echoing the fluidity of waves while also enhancing circulation and energy flow through the room. Sofas upholstered in a seafoam textile from Nobilis are paired with swivel chairs in a sandy, geometric fabric and armchairs upholstered in a celadon Pierre Frey pattern inspired by olive branches. The layout encourages movement and conversation, supporting the lounge’s role as a social hub within the club.
The Member’s Lounge is an idyllic place to come and relax after a round of golf. We wanted this room to offer a little something for everyone, whether a quieter corner to sit with a laptop, a more social setting for playing games, or a welcoming bar to enjoy a drink.— Jessica Iwaniec, Designer Director
POOL TABLE LOUNGE
A dedicated pool table lounge introduces a more playful, entertainment-focused atmosphere. A custom billiards table with a wood frame and vibrant blue felt is complemented by adjacent game tables carved from stone, and banquette seating where members can gather for cocktails or a game of cards. The Pierre Frey mural maintains visual continuity and balance, while the inclusion of a flat-screen television and gaming elements signals a more casual, activity-based use of the space.

TERRACE
Wrapping around the exterior of the Horizon Lounge, the terrace extends the interior experience outdoors. Fireplaces and intimate seating arrangements are positioned to take full advantage of sweeping views across the pool and the water beyond. Every piece of outdoor furniture was selected with both aesthetics and durability in mind, ensuring comfort and longevity in the Caribbean climate.









