Luxury Home Magazine

television, a sound system, and plenty of seating. With all these amenities, you can keep the luxury to your immediate family or invite friends over for some ideal outdoor entertaining. e ocean is a fantastic place to swim and sun, but sometimes it’s nice to have a reliable bit of the beach in your own backyard. From swimming pools and spas you can soak in the view from natural installations that blend in with the landscape. While some worldly locations prefer opulent lap pools ordained with Grecian statues, luxury homes in Hawaii lean toward more natural installations to blend in with the landscape. Surface materials such as quartzite are a sparkling yet subtle addition to a lasting backyard lagoon. Consider using quartzite for interior floors or walls to give your home more texture and character. For a cohesive design, lush natural foliage is an aesthetic yet crucial inclusion. A perfectly manicured lawn looks out of place on a tropical island, so take landscape design into consideration when crafting your backyard oasis. Emphasize local, low-maintenance plants to make the outside exotic but livable. For the wow-factor, install water features both indoors and out. Whether with a natural pond, fountain, or cascading waterfall, both the visual and the sound of water lends well to the island lifestyle. While each individual element is significant in capturing the indoor- outdoor lifestyle, some homes are designed entirely with that aspect in mind. Balinese-style architecture includes minimal walls and materials that blend in with the natural surrounding and bales (gazebos) for lounging and dining. Wherever you make your home in Hawaii, a well-set lanai at your residential paradise will make for an exceptional indoor-outdoor lifestyle. So open up your pocket windows, let the trade winds blow, and join us on the lanai. 4. Lighting. Enjoy your lanai long after the sun goes down by adding just the right light. Hang an outdoor chandelier or a string of globe lights. Or line your stairway with battery operated candles that emit light but won’t get blown out by the trade winds. If you aren’t ready to invest in a complete outdoor overhaul, but you want to make your lanai more livable, don’t despair. With a few quick changes you can make your outdoor living space your favorite place on your property. Here’s how. 1. Paint. If you have pillars or an overhang, give them a fresh coat of paint in a vibrant color that goes with your decor. Try burnt orange for a Balinese look or a shade of Kelly green for Hawaiiana. 2. Plants. If you’d rather not paint your home green, add the hue with tropical plants. Group several potted plants together for a dramatic visual statement. 3. Flooring. Paint isn’t just for your walls. Update a simple slab patio with concrete stain that will take your oor from drab to fab.