Hawaiian Hideaway |
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| Located in the heart of Waikiki, the Hawaiian hideaway is just two blocks from the area’s famous beaches. Tucked high above the city on the ninth floor, our aerie has an expanse of glass with views to the east that are peppered with the slim elegant towers of Honolulu and glimpses of Diamond Head beyond. The charm of the condominium lies in the fact that it is just far enough away to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, yet close enough to join the activity on a whim. All that is required is an elevator ride. Officially designated as a Hawaiian one bedroom, the unit has a charming malleable quality not readily found in architecture on the Mainland. The weather and Asian influences have helped develop a unique design style. Large sliding shoji panels of mahogany and thick rice paper provide privacy as it turns the light to glowing amber. Bi-fold louvered walls allow the gentle Trade Winds to coddle the unit with their balmy breezes. |
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The rectangular shape of the condominium takes advantage of the views as does its straightforward floor plan. To create a dramatic entrance in an otherwise regulation white box, I painted the entrance hall and vestibule to the bedroom and bathroom in a faux macassar ebony finish. Even the doors and mouldings were painted with the dramatic graining. The faux finish creates the impression of stepping into an exotic, inlaid wooden box. This sense of enclosure was very much calculated. The journey from compression to expansion gives the impression of a much larger space. This helps to belie the fact that the apartment is a mere 680 square feet. Inspired by vintage Hawaiiana, the décor of the hideaway is a mix of thrift shop finds and rescued hotel furniture. This imbues the space with a sense of old Hawaii. But the concrete floor firmly places it in the present. Painted the color of the blue Pacific, the floor is a refreshingly cool contrast to the orange tones of the wood – real and faux. |
| The grained entry wall gives way to the shoji panels that screen the bedroom from the living area. The living area furniture arrangement is anchored by an area rug the color of sand. This grouping forms conversation island in a lagoon of blue. |  |
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Teak and vintage rattan lend a tropical touch without going overboard into the realm of kitsch. The brilliant yellow orchid looks right at home in its teak planter filled with black lava cinders. Koa wood stumps do double duty as extra seating or side tables. And sternly gazing down at it all is an ornately carved tiki mask. |  |