Houzz Tour: Colorful, Casual Hawaiian Vacation Home
Cheerful colors combine happily with comfortable island-appropriate furnishings in this tropical-style home on Maui
Front and back lanais lit with twinkling string lights, open living spaces full of natural light and a soothing blue and green color palette come together in this cheerful tropical getaway for a busy California couple. With five business locations throughout Maui and Oahu, Hawaii, the pair reached out to designer Natalie Younger to design a relaxing home for them to retreat to.
Younger worked from Los Angeles, hiring a team in Maui to execute her vision. Using a tropical palette with modern patterns and toned-down hues, Younger created a home that emanates island life while still feeling comfortable for a couple with mainland roots.
Houzz at a Glance:
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Who lives here: A California couple, on vacations
Size: 1,600 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Younger worked from Los Angeles, hiring a team in Maui to execute her vision. Using a tropical palette with modern patterns and toned-down hues, Younger created a home that emanates island life while still feeling comfortable for a couple with mainland roots.
Houzz at a Glance:
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Who lives here: A California couple, on vacations
Size: 1,600 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Nothing beats living right on the beach, but the constant sand can make cleaning a hassle. Younger installed simple hardwood flooring to make sweeping easy and put a tightly woven carpet in the bedrooms for a cozier feel.
All of the home's furnishings were treated with a nontoxic coating to prevent the stains, spills and wear and tear that come with beachfront living. Younger had the outdoor cushions and pillows made with Sunbrella fabric for durability against the elements.
Toned-down blue and green hues pay tribute to the home's stunning surroundings. Linen drapes and bamboo Roman shades contribute to the relaxed ambience. A starburst clock adds a bit of glam to the simply adorned walls. "Time is not always accounted for on the island, so the clock was more of a decorative piece," says Younger.
Paint: Taliesin Blue, Dunn Edwards
Paint: Taliesin Blue, Dunn Edwards
The L-shape kitchen sits just around the corner from the dining room. Since this is a vacation home, the clients wanted to keep the kitchen simple and economical. A collage of the client's photographs of favorite spots in Maui hangs on the wall, and wallpapered open shelving provides personality.
A shell chandelier was the perfect fit for the dining room. Grass cloth walls meld with rattan chairs for added texture. Younger and the clients had a hard time finding simple but brightly colored artwork that would work for the home, so Younger designed and painted the home's wall art on her own.
Table and chairs: Bali; chandelier: Capiz, West Elm
Table and chairs: Bali; chandelier: Capiz, West Elm
The custom-made sofa was stuffed with premium fill for an extra-cozy feel. "After a long day at the beach, there's nothing better than coming home and lounging on the sofa," says Younger. Unique accent pieces, like the custom-made pillows and trunk from Bali, are great tropical touches that would still feel at home in California.
Rug: Facet Citrine, DwellStudio; sofa: custom; sconces: Jonathan Adler; mirror: Pier 1; coffee table: Pampa Furniture; fan: Artemis Natural Maple
Rug: Facet Citrine, DwellStudio; sofa: custom; sconces: Jonathan Adler; mirror: Pier 1; coffee table: Pampa Furniture; fan: Artemis Natural Maple
The home's floor plan eliminates closed-off spaces — the kitchen, the dining room, the living room and the outdoor rooms all run into one another. Plentiful windows and doors let in fresh air and light. "It's a space that lives two lives," says Younger. "In the day, light and the island views become an addition to the overall design. But at night, when all the lighting is set and dimmed, it gives off an ambience that allows for long and memorable dinner nights with family and friends."
Both the clients and Younger recognize the importance of good lighting, so they put new fixtures into virtually every room in the house. Modern sconces dress up the living room walls, while bulb string lights and lanterns extend the glow outdoors.
The master bed is an authentic piece from Bali. The woven headboard adds texture and warmth to the simple and soothing space.
Bed frame: Bali; wall paint: Hot Springs, Valspar; bedding: West Elm; table lamps: Pier 1
Bed frame: Bali; wall paint: Hot Springs, Valspar; bedding: West Elm; table lamps: Pier 1
Having extra space for guests was important to the clients. A guest bedroom has ample space for couples staying overnight, and the custom sectional in the living room is outfitted with a pullout bed.
Designing the home from overseas presented challenges for Younger. She could be onsite only for the initial impression and final touches. Luckily, she found an amazing team in Hawaii that could be her eyes while she wasn't there and made sure the design was executed exactly as she envisioned it.
Wall paint: Salisbury Green, Benjamin Moore; bedding: DKNY
Designing the home from overseas presented challenges for Younger. She could be onsite only for the initial impression and final touches. Luckily, she found an amazing team in Hawaii that could be her eyes while she wasn't there and made sure the design was executed exactly as she envisioned it.
Wall paint: Salisbury Green, Benjamin Moore; bedding: DKNY
Wicker furniture: Bali; pillows: custom