One of the loveliest things about being in Hawaii was experiencing firsthand how the environment--warm breezes, endless coastlines, lush foliage--can influence interiors. A sun-filled room in all white seems just perfect for whiling away the afternoon, and of course a sweeping view is required for admiring the sunset!
Trade winds whisper through the windows of a casual living room. Turned wood mahogany chairs have a global sensibility, and the serene palette feels right at home on the beach.
Imagine preparing an island feast in this lovely kitchen! A wicker armchair gives a nod to coastal style while airy linen window treatments keep the space sophisticated.
A big, airy bathroom is just right for cleaning the sand out from between your toes! Grasscloth wall coverings add tropical texture to a monochromatic space.
Of course the bedroom is the most important space in any island idyll. Perhaps you'd like just a brush of blue in a neutral, clean-lined retreat.
Maybe high-pitched ceilings and a terra cotta floor are on your 'must have' list?
Or maybe your only requirement is that most glamourous of tropical accoutrements, a gauzy mosquito net?
Did I say the most important room is the bedroom? I lied. It's the patio, and this one is pretty much perfect, no?
Stay tuned for more island inspired style--cause there's more to Hawaii than white sand beaches, after all!
Image Credits: 1. Veranda 2. Marie Claire Maison 3. House Beautiful 4. Homes and Gardens 5. House Beautiful 6. House Beautiful 7. Ditte Isager 8. House Beautiful 9. House Beautiful
{Sigh.}
Posted by: Shell Sherree | May 04, 2009 at 11:44 PM
I love the kitchen! White floor, white roof, windows above the countertop... Especially this kind of window placement is something that's not often seen in Norway. I don't know why, it seems so much more wonderful looking out when your working than staring into the wall...
Posted by: The Deco Detective | May 05, 2009 at 12:26 AM
What a lovely all-white round-up!
Posted by: Raina | May 05, 2009 at 12:51 AM
I am more relaxed just looking at these interiors. Is that the ocean I hear? :) My, oh, my... I love that big white comfy couch and view.
Posted by: Paulette Ink. | May 05, 2009 at 05:16 AM
this is all eye candy but that second bedroom is my favorite.
Posted by: Down and Out Chic | May 05, 2009 at 05:31 AM
Delicious!
Glad to hear you had such a fab time away.
Posted by: Catherine@simplynatural | May 05, 2009 at 05:39 AM
lovely.
welcome back, miss Sage. looks like you had a wonderful time! i just got back from FL! i wanted to stay. it was way too short. i'm sure you felt the same—i know i would not have wanted to come back from Hawaii!
but i'm glad you're back.
Posted by: Georgia | May 05, 2009 at 06:40 AM
in hawaii, we call the "patio" the lanai (luh-nie)
Posted by: Alix | May 05, 2009 at 07:22 AM
So lovely. I want to see more! That kitchen especially... it's dreamy. The wall of windows is so perfect.
Posted by: Kristin @ Contented Me | May 05, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Love the window kitchen backsplash - it really makes you feel like you're cooking outdoors. What a wonderful idea.
Posted by: Kotori | May 05, 2009 at 07:33 AM
I love that first living room. And the patio.
It's always funny to me how mosquito nets here are used for decoration. I grew up actually using them to keep from being eaten by mosquitoes. ;) One of the most aggravating things is having a mosquito stuck in your net with you while you sleep. That incessant buzzing in your ear, and the 50 itchy bites the next day...just make sure you tuck the ends tightly around your mattress.
Posted by: Kristy | May 05, 2009 at 08:41 AM
That livingroom and kitchen... oh and that bed room!!! what an amazing post!~
Posted by: laurel Denison | May 05, 2009 at 09:27 AM
that last image is too much for me! sigh
Posted by: Caroline @ Patagonia Gifts | May 05, 2009 at 09:48 AM
There is nothing more romantic than a bed draped with a mosquito net, minus the mosquitoes. Take me away!
Posted by: Heidi | May 05, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Welcome back from Hawaii. I hope you had a lovely time! xoxo, katy
Posted by: katy elliott | May 05, 2009 at 10:05 AM
be still, my heart...! these are so incredibly beautiful.
Posted by: Elena R. | May 05, 2009 at 10:27 AM
in the second photo, did they paint a carpet on the floor? I love that!
Posted by: abigail | May 05, 2009 at 02:41 PM
That first living room is my ideal for a beach house. It's just perfect. But I think you're right, the patio may just be the most important space of all. If you had one like that last photo, would you even need the rest of the house? Sigh.
Posted by: from the right bank | May 05, 2009 at 03:37 PM
What a great white round-up. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog :)
Posted by: City Girl | May 05, 2009 at 06:06 PM
Dreamy rooms! Dibs on the bathroom!!
Posted by: M | May 05, 2009 at 08:33 PM
I love love love all that white! I really wish I could have more of that in my house, but not with the pets (and hubby).
I found the same thing while in Hawaii. Things are so simple, fresh, pure, and clean when you live in such a place. I'm thinking about it right now :)
Great post!
Posted by: Chris | May 05, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Oh, these photos whisked me away from my computer surrounded by my children and mess, to an idylic luxury beach house. Wish I could make it there in person! Thanks for expanding my horizons this afternoon.
Clare x
Posted by: Clare | May 05, 2009 at 11:25 PM
How beautiful, I'd very much want that light in my home and I wouldn't mind a soft breeze either.
Posted by: Jenny | May 06, 2009 at 01:19 AM
Love this post! So dreamy...
Posted by: Daniella | May 06, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Anne, that kitchen leaves me breathless and I really love the subtle refelctive quality of the paint on the ceiling boards. But the bedroom with the bed just slightly askew and the palest of pale blue on the door...sigh...that would be my perfect island retreat.
What a fab round-up!
Posted by: nkp | May 06, 2009 at 08:17 AM