Luxury Home Magazine

PacificLuxuryLiving.com 32 | Fabulous Kitchens Old Kailua town was once the weekend get-away for the elite of Honolulu. The sprawling front yards and beach front lanais of these uniquely styled Hawaiian plantation beach homes have been sub-di- vided and developed over the years. Today a hodge-podge of homes with typical single wall 1950’s era homes mix with grand mansions sporting stucco walls and tile roofs. Yet, in between this mix of hous- ing remains some of the original beach estate homes with their archi- tectural details, Hawaiian beach cottage simplicity and feel of old Hawaii permeating through the redwood siding. One such home has been enjoyed by a local family for many years. A gathering place for friends and family the home seems to draw you in and welcome you to sit and relax, enjoy an afternoon or a week, letting the days slip by and the gentle breezes lull you to sleep. The homeowner wanted to expand the size of her kitchen and incorporate a better work triangle with com- mercial style appliances. She also wanted to keep the plantation style of the home but with a contemporary edge. Additionally, the homeowner wanted the designers to utilize green products wherever Hale Aina By The Sea- An Archipelago Hawaii Solution possible. The designers were to incorporate a small office and re- define the family gathering space in the kitchen, where most of the daily activities and family gatherings take place. Abundant storage was also a must, as well as opening up the kitchen to the rest of the home The designers noted these requests and went to work by document- ing exiting features and obstacles of the kitchen space. Working closely with the contractor and homeowner, the designers came up with the new design and to make sure that the structural details and design style were planned out with particular attention to the details that would make the kitchen a truly unique living space. Rich stained shaker style cherry doors were utilized with compli- menting off white cabinets for the island and pantry. The island and table legs were designed for a plantation/traditional look combined with playful glass backsplashes and stainless appliances for a con- temporary edge. The pass through to the dining room was enlarged and flanked by mahogany columns with additional decorative display cabinets on the dining room side. The center of the kitchen com- bined a prep sink island and a lowered seating table for casual family gatherings. A stainless tambour door allows the chef to close off the office area when entertaining. The office area breaks up the wall of cabinetry and helps to lessen the cramped feel of the hallway laun- dry. All the features truly make this kitchen one of Luxury Home Magazine’s favorites. In 2007, the kitchen designers, Archipelago Hawaii earned the Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA) Grand Award. “ ” …the new design would make the kitchen a truly unique living space. A 2007 BIA Grand Award Winner, this kitch- en incorporates a blend of contemporary features while warming the space with natural color. See Page 23