We ship your entire furnishings package complete in 8 weeks, starting from the date your signed order and deposit are received.  If you’ve lived or worked in Mexico, you know what a luxury this is!

What’s included in my furnishings package?

The CRATE package offers all the benefits of working with an interior designer at a very competitive price.  Your package includes (i) our custom-designer floor plans created specifically for your unit, (ii) coordinated themes with many variable choices (iii) door-to-door brokerage services from our LA warehouse to your unit, and (iv) our complimentary White Glove Installation.

How do I choose my furnishings?

There are 6 distinctive themes to choose from, all designed specifically for Resort Living in Paradise by CRATE.  Please browse the website and preview our Portfolio to determine which look fits your lifestyle.  These themes have many customizable options, so the final result is a unique combination chosen by you.  No matter what you select the look is fool proof – cohesive, color coordinated and professionally designed.

Where can I see the CRATE furnishings?

We have two showrooms: Open House Gallery by Tropicasa in Puerto Vallarta, and Open House Gallery, Riviera Nayarit Mexico.  We have a fully furnished showcase apartment in Alta Vista that’s open by appointment.  Our design headquarters and EVO South model home are in Los Angeles.  If you have purchased a luxury condominium along the Mexican Riviera, please call us to arrange your design consultation today!

How long does the design appointment take?

Within 2 hours you will choose all the components of your new home, from furnishings to carpets, outdoor furniture and accessories.  We even offer hotel grade mattresses by Sealy, high quality linens, towels, essential kitchenware, tabletop and artful accessories.  We guarantee you’ll save time, money and maximize your efficiency by coordinating everything all at one time with our design professionals!

How complete will my unit be?

Our custom-designed floor plans give you a completely furnished and beautifully coordinated setting for every room in your resort home.  For example, in the Living Room you may choose a large sectional, coffee table, club chair, a floor lamp, accent cushions, a carpet plus carpet pad and numerous choices for artful accessories.  Of course, you can add items from our A La Carte Menu or find your own local treasures.

Should I be worried about mold and the effects of tropical rains?

Each piece in the CRATE offering is chosen with tropical conditions in mind.  Our beautiful indoor-outdoor rugs are 100% poly and don’t mold.  Our upholstery is also 100% poly fill (not down) to avoid allergens.  Our linens, sheets and towels are woven with high quality bamboo and naturally anti-microbial.  Before you ship any art or furniture from your own home, consult an expert on the long term effects of life in the tropics.

How does the CRATE quality compare with furnishings I’d find in the local market?

All CRATE furnishings are selected from high quality vendors and renown brand names.  We personally inspect each piece before including it in the CRATE offering.  We handcraft much of the key upholstery ourselves and work directly with over 25 respected manufacturers who produce for Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Design Within Reach, Ethan Allen, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn etc.  We also represent B&B Italian, Maxalta, Cassini, Palecek and Sealy exclusively along the Riviera Nayarit.  You won’t find this quality or selection anywhere else.

How do I plan my budget?

A great rule of thumb is allocating approximately 10-15% of your condo’s property value to furnishings.  If you have purchased a freestanding home or villa, allow up to 25%.  This keeps your investment in line with the market value and, if you’ve purchased an income property, maximizes your rental rates.  Our CRATE packages are competitively designed to provide a completely furnished home for 7-10%.

Could I spend less by buying in the local market?

Our budget guideline (listed above) is an accurate indicator of what you’ll spend in furnishings anywhere.  Buying thru the CRATE program saves you weeks of shopping time, thousands of dollars in travel expenses and hours of frustration when playing the role of your own designer.  By selecting your furnishings all at once within the CRATE program, you’ll be able to manage your budget and spend far less than shopping piece by piece.

What is the payment schedule?

A 50% deposit is required along with your signed order.  The balance of 50% is due once all your furnishings have arrived in our warehouse and are ready to ship and install in your resort location.

What if there are damages in transit?

Our brokers and shippers are highly skilled and insured.  We contract these companies for all our projects in resort markets and our damage rate is less than 1%.  If there are breakages, a claim will be processed for the value of your goods.  We will do our best to ensure your home is installed beautifully and every detail is handled seamlessly.  For further information, please see our testimonials page.

What about selecting artwork?

There are many fine galleries throughout the Bahia de Banderas and nearby cities like San Miguel Allende.  In fact, the weekly Art Walk tours are an excellent way to meet new people and get to know the artists personally.  As avid art collectors, the CRATE design team is always happy to advise clients on art buying and help select from these dynamic offerings.