Saying goodbye to bright colors, bold patterns and traditional island-style design, homebuyers are beginning to revive the trend of tropical modernism.
Creating a seductive, high-end feel while still drawing inspiration from local traditions, tropical modernism puts a spin on traditional island-style décor. Many buyers are paying premium prices for this trend, which calls for clean lines, a muted color palette and the use of exotic woods and stone.
Hoping to gain the attention of buyers, these Hawaiian homes are bringing back tropical modernism:
Kukui’ula
Kauai, Hawaii
This resort and real estate community on the sunny south shore of Kauai embodies the trend of tropical modernism through various custom homes, bungalows, villas and cottages. Celebrating indoor-outdoor living, Kukui’ula’s home design features breezy, open floor plans with a minimalistic approach to let the outdoors in. Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor showers in glass covered bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes with lush greenery.
Photos courtesy of Kukuiula
Hualalai Resort
Kailua-kona, Hawaii
Furnished by award-winning designer, Gina Willman, 72-3548 Kulanakauhale features contemporary interiors and clean lines complemented by natural materials. With versatile indoor-outdoor living space, the views of Hualālai Volcano, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains are as spectacular as the panoramic Pacific Ocean views.
Photos courtesy of Hualalai
Montage Residences Kapalua Bay
Maui, Hawaii
Residence 2604, a sleek residence designed by Bassman & Blaine, offers a relaxed, yet luxurious feel that pairs well with the world-class destination that is Kapalua Bay. The muted color palettes are highlighted with a pop of color to draw the attention to the scenic ocean background and provide a timeless, high-end feel for even the most discerning of buyers.
Photos courtesy of Montage Residences Kapalua Bay
Luana Garden Villas
Maui, Hawaii
The residences at Luana Garden Villas are thoughtfully designed for island living and combine tropical palette colors with sleek angles and geometric patterns. With residences available in two distinct color schemes, Vibrant and Serene, the interiors at Luana reflect the exterior natural landscape through a contemporary lens. The Serene scheme is inspired by the rare Hinahina (Silversword) plant that grows on the slopes of Haleakalā. This plant is believed to evoke serenity and peace and its soft greyish-white color informed the color palette for the Serene scheme. Characteristic of tropical modernism, Luana features wide, open spaces throughout each room and the expansive lanai at each villa.
Photos courtesy of Luana Garden Villas
Photos courtesy of Nic Lehoux
Ward Village
Honolulu, HI
Ward Village honors the rich culture of Hawaii’s past while transforming the destination into a model 21st century sustainable community, epitomizing tropical modernism by truly building a city of the future. Waiea, the first residential tower to be completed at Ward Village, has a sweeping, unparalleled glass façade and spacious view-oriented interiors. The interior, designed by Tony Ingrao, complements the building’s exterior with refined, exceptional detailing throughout. Ingrao embraced a clean aesthetic, keeping the design elegant and streamline — from sleek marbled bathroom walls to the clean, effortless lines of the kitchen and living spaces.
