This Big Island home’s aesthetic blends Asian and Japanese influences with a touch of Hawaiian elegance.
The outdoor space features a restored Japanese garden surrounding a koi pond, providing a serene retreat for relaxation and entertainment. Photography by NICOLE FRANZEN
Honolulu’s interior design firm, Philpotts Interiors, has inspired the industry for nearly six decades. Known for its legacy of creating a sense of place for its clients, the new owners of this Kohala Coast home asked for their expertise to seamlessly integrate the Aloha spirit, honoring the home’s rich history while infusing it with modern comforts. “The clients were keen on retaining the original charm of the home while enhancing its functionality and livability,” says Marion Philpotts-Miller, partner at Philpotts Interiors. “They appreciated the unique architectural features and sought to showcase them while incorporating modern amenities.”
Initially built by a German baron for his Thai mistress, a member of Thai royalty, the home was constructed as a series of spaces around a U-shaped courtyard with Asian influences and Japanese elements such as a garden and koi pond. Badly in need of repair, the new owners considered tearing it down. However, the original home had good bones and was built with some of the best materials available at the time. Teak, harvested from old-growth forests, was used generously throughout the house for ceilings, flooring, windows and shutters, and the lanais. Original museum-quality lighting fixtures imported from Germany were preserved as still perfect for highlighting an Asian art collection. So, the process of preserving its unique elements and character began. “There’s a story that’s almost like cinematography in the way that this home creates such a unique personality and playfulness,” explains Philpotts-Miller. “We call it Mauna Kea Muse, but it definitely has a nod to the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.”
Original artwork and playful Botanic Wave quartzite countertops set the mood for entertaining in the kitchen. Photography by NICOLE FRANZEN
“Our client’s vision of restoration was a collaboration of our interpretation. Additionally, the decision to live in the house for a year before embarking on renovations highlights the homeowners’ dedication to understanding and appreciating its unique character,” says Philpotts-Miller. “The character of the existing building was paramount for the restoration, and we were inspired by the character of this home to bring it back to life, maintaining the exotic character and original bones.” An interesting detail is the incorporation of salvaged materials and artifacts discovered during the restoration process, adding layers of history and authenticity to the home’s story. Unique design elements in the home include intricately carved teak ceilings, traditional Japanese sliding doors (shoji) and cherry blossom wallcovering, and curated art collections and tapa designs showcased under museum-quality lighting.
Matthew Fairbanks Giotto sconces from Sloan Miyasato (sloanm.com) surround the custom Mau House (mauhouse.com) mirror to light up the primary bathroom. Photography by NICOLE FRANZEN
The interior design themes revolve around honoring the home’s cultural voices and emphasizing its connection to nature. Natural color palettes with earthy tones and serene hues dominate the interior, creating a tranquil atmosphere that complements the outdoor garden spaces. “The dining room was inspired by a tea house floating on the water. We brought in the celebration of cherry blossoms with custom-painted panels to create a backdrop and celebrate scenes like Japanese cherry blossoms and springtime. Silk hanging lanterns embellish the dining experience,” says Philpotts-Miller. “The living room was anchored in a yesteryear exotic sensibility with a nod to Hawaiian culture. Bold signatures such as the sofa wall wallpaper, custom light and rich palette came together beautifully, celebrating the original character of its foundation and the vision for the restoration of the new owners. The kitchen was thoughtfully designed to bring a functional cooking space yet melded a comfort for lounging and entertaining. This experience includes a playful mood that features custom copper touches on the cabinets with beautiful original artwork and playful Botanic Wave quartzite stone countertops.”
A custom walnut bed in the primary bedroom is decorated with Donghia Shirley cream bedding and Higgins red pillows (kravet.com/donghia). Photography by NICOLE FRANZEN
“The result is a harmonious fusion of cultures, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and natural materials,” says Philpotts-Miller. “The fusion of cultural motifs and architectural details creates a one-of-a-kind living space.”
LOCATION
Kohala Coast, Hawai‘i Island
DESIGNER
Philpotts Interiors
philpotts.net
ARCHITECT
Paige Wilburn Architecture
paigewilburnarchitecture.com
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
David Y. Tamura Associates
808.935.3466
ARTISTIC TILE
Jerusalem Pearl Textures Field Tile, polished and raked, on the walls in the primary bathroom, artistictile.com
BAKER / MCGUIRE
McGuire Maiden counter stools in the kitchen and McGuire Sedan chair in the primary bedroom, bakerfurniture.com/design-story/mcguire
KALLISTA
Brushed nickel finishes in the kitchen, kallista.com
ORLEY SHABAHANG
Cheshmah Persia rug in the primary bedroom, orleyshabahang.com
PAI‘EA MILLWRIGHTS
A custom walnut bed and nightstands in the primary bedroom, paieamillwrights.com
PONO STONE
Egyptian Crema Luna Limestone, sandblasted and brushed, on the floor in the primary bathroom, ponostonehawaii.com
PRATT + LARSON
Handmade Field Tile backsplash in the kitchen, prattandlarson.com
STEVE ALTERMAN CABINETS
Custom kitchen cabinets in rift-cut White Oak finish with Copper patina, 808.329.8304
TUCKER ROBINS
Woven rattan with ribbing pod lights in the primary bedroom, tuckerrobbins.com
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