We Do It Island Style
Beautify your indoors with these shopping ideas, tips and tricks. We talked with the experts and perused stores across Oahu to help you create an Island style that brings the outdoors in.
Article by Elaine Terry
Issue Date: February 2008
For this master bedroom, Tiare Noelani Cowan, CKD, Allied ASID, of Archipelago Hawaii, created a clean, contemporary look while incorporating a tropical feel. Only a few choice pieces—such as the bedspread and the Balinese carved piece sitting in the window—are used to convey a sense of place. The terra-cotta wall provides a punch of color that strikes a balance between all the finishes and complements the natural colors used on the bed. “Homeowners still want a sense of place, but they do not want a kitschy look,” she explains. “They want something a little more subtle. This room shows a simple tropical print, but even that tropical print is not over-the-top floral. It’s a subtler, simple palm leaf. I’m doing a lot more textures rather than bright colors, too.” Cowan recommends providing texture via fabrics, as wall coverings or accent pieces. For example, a woven ottoman (at right) is a good way to introduce a tropical feel in a contemporary way.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
IN THE BATHROOM
“The design concept for the home was a blending of contemporary and natural design styles,” explains Eyler. “The bathroom is a prime example of the success of this blending of styles.” Jackson expands on this, describing the style as organic modern. A major component of this is the mango wood used for the cabinetry, taken from a 150-year-old mango tree at Limahuli Gardens. “We cut down the tree, so we didn’t ship it in,” she says. “We didn’t use any fossil fuels. The tree was a gift to the lady, and we actually went on-site with a portable mill and milled the wood. That feels pretty organic to me.” The fronts of the bathroom cabinets are actually Plexiglas placemats with bamboo leaf. Jackson kept the design palette simple, combining bamboo (reflected in the wall color), concrete (the flooring) and stainless steel (bath accessories) textures. Another organic element, she points out, is the hanging seashell light. “It’s taking something that’s very organic, like a seashell, and making it out of recycled plastic,” she says. That one piece sums up the idea of organic modern design.
IN THE DINING ROOM
This Windward residence features three of his stained glass panels, including this dining room window. The heliconias and gingers mimic nature and complement the natural scenery outside. Seventy-five percent of Dwight’s work features either tropical flowers or ocean scenes, and each one is a unique piece of art, custom designed for the homeowner. “I will draw until I hit the design that turns the client on. And if I can’t do that, then it doesn’t cost them anything,” he explains. “If I’m unable to design a window for you that you really love, then you shouldn’t have to pay me anything.” Dwight’s work runs $175 per square foot, which includes design, materials and labor. A window like this one, approximately three feet by four feet, costs $2,100.
IN THE BEDROOM
Fabrics & TexturesThese fabric swatches are select examples of the hundreds of custom bedding options available from Kreative Kamaaina. Prices vary widely.
The Art of Making a Bed According to Kaye Fawcett of Fine Linens & Furnishings, even professional designers are sometimes at a loss when it comes to the fine details of a well-made bed. It’s never too late to learn. Find out more at Fine Linens’ Bedding 101 event, to be held Feb. 29 and March 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will learn how to make the bed of their dreams and the answers to questions such as, “What is a Euro pillow?” or “Do I paint my room first then choose bedding, or buy bedding and then paint?” Call 589-2737 for more information. HOW TO SHOP, BETTER
“I’m all for retail therapy, but the fact is that inspired purchases often end up right back at the sales counter as returns,” Lee says. “How do we avoid the disappointment and waste of time? The answer is to shop with focus.” Here are eight tips she offers to shop a little better for the home. 1. Determine styles and colors beforehand. Is your dominant decorating style contemporary, Island, rustic Asian? What colors do you want to play up? Earth tones with splashes of gold? A neutral scheme anchored by black accents? Then stick to items within these choices when you’re out shopping. 2. Contrast textures. Does your room have too much wood, marble or fabric? A mix of texture can mean the difference between boring and dramatic, chaos and sophistication. Juxtaposing the same texture, such as all wood, is visually bland. In that case, find a wool or sisal rug to place between the wood floor and wooden furniture. Consider placing glass or metal bowls on a wooden coffee table, or stone figurines on glass shelving. Here and there, repeat some of these textures to tie the room together. 3. Decide on a furniture layout. Nothing stops irrational furniture purchases better than having a plan, and sticking to it. 4. Measure! There’s a world of beautiful furniture, ceiling fans, mirrors, rugs and art out there. But if the sofa at home is seven feet long, the painting for the wall above should be smaller; and an 8-inch shelf can’t hold a 10-inch bowl. 5. Vary heights. Does the space look incomplete or overly imposing? Too many short or too many tall pieces create these effects. When shopping for furniture, lamps and accessories, keep in mind the goal of varying heights across a room. The finished result will look more composed. 6. Consider the function of the space. You’ll need hard-wearing, resistant surfaces, fabrics and accessories for kid-friendly rooms. Save the antiques for grown-up spaces where the décor can be elegant and expensive. 7. Use patterns. Patterns are the accents of the texture world. Too often they are overlooked in decorating. Rooms will have too many clashing patterns, or none at all. One or two bold patterns should dominate, and if you want more, bring in a medium-size or small pattern. A great way to showcase patterns is with cushions or area rugs. 8. Use the power of three. If there’s space for a grouping of accessories, look for items that would work in a trio. They don’t all have to be the same thing. In fact, they should be of varying heights and sizes, but they should share at least one unifying element, such as color or shape. Hungry for more? Lee will be hosting a fun-filled, interactive design workshop on Feb. 23 at Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Tapa Ballroom. Call 545-7787 for more information. WHERE TO GET ITArchipelago Hawaii, Refined Island Designs 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 121A 536-7739 www.archipelagohawaii.com Bali Boo, a division of King & Zelko Hawaiian Woodworks 201 Kapaa Quarry Road, Kailua 261-7239 www.kingandzelko.com C.S. Wo 1 Location on Oahu and 1 on the Big Island 702 S. Beretania St. 543-5388 www.cswo.com Fine Linens & Furnishings 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 106 589-2737 www.finelinensandfurnishings.com Hawaiian Furniture & Lamp Co. Inc. 801 Dillingham Blvd. 531-5393 www.hawaiianfurnitureandlamp.com Island Glassworks 171-A Hamakua Drive, Kailua 263-4527 www.islandglassworks.com Island Furnishings 3075 N. Nimitz Hwy. 833-4400 www.islandfurnishingsonline.com Island Rug Co. 415 Kapahulu Ave. 735-2404 www.islandrugcompany.com Joe Dwight’s Stained Glass 261-3514 • 291-0468 www.joedwightstainedglass.com Kreative Kamaaina Design Gallery 2 locations on Oahu 401 Kamakee St. 593-2702 Pacific Home 420 Ward Ave. 596-9338 www.pacific-home.com RSVPstyle 545-7787 www.rsvpstyle.com SoHa 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Ward Centre 591-9777 www.sohaliving.com Wickerworks Windward Mall 235-1960 |
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