Editor's Note: Haute Design partner Jule Lucero worked closely with the owners and architect of this Hawaiian oasis to create a modern, yet inviting home.
This house sits on the East facing hillside of Lanikai, the prestigious, yet quaint town in Kailua, on the island of Oahu. The house had experienced some damage from the elements due to a leaking roof, windows and doors. The owners wanted a home which embraced the vast views of the Pacific, the tropical sunlight, and the cool Tradewinds from the East. In addition, the home owners requested an environment for evening entertaining, and an inspiring artists atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Ethan Sharkey
Jule created a design concept that speaks to the modern architecture, the tropical geography, and the easy, elegant lifestyle of the homeowners. Maple flooring with a water-based sealer was used throughout the main level, which is offset with Basalt-like, Absolute Black tiles for the entry, with a flamed finish, which grounded the modern materials with the rustic architectural concrete walls.
For the kitchen, Jule created an open, yet functional layout. She selected a green Limestone for the counter, fresh white cabinets, matte green glass tile, and stainless steel. The windows were replaced with wide Jalousie and Awning style to invite in the cooling trade winds. The doors were replaced with glass sliders and sidelights in a warm grey, almost white. Heavy interior columns were replaced with minimal steel posts to maximize the open concept between spaces. The ceiling was redesigned to incorporate a new skylight to ease the light level contrasts, and a washed wood tambour between the painted rafters.
Photo Credit: Ethan Sharkey
The adjacent dining room is the center of the main floor. Jule created a focal wall on the opposite side of the dining buffet wall, which ends short of the ceiling, again, to invite lighting and airflow. For the furnishings, Jule selected contrasting materials & textures with elegant lines. The result is an atmosphere which is timeless, classic, elegant and inviting.
