PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
Set within the agricultural community, this new-build began with a unique foundation—an empty lot where only the concrete of a swimming pool and a serene Buddha statue that would become an unexpected guardian remained. “During construction of the home, the Lāhainā fire happened,” explains principal interior designer Stephanie Brown. “It was a very shocking and scary time; trying to find out if the workers were ok, if the home was ok, etc.” Yet, from this, an opportunity to create a retreat from scratch that could accommodate multiple families while continuing to maintain an intimate, welcoming atmosphere emerged. In a stunning blend of modern farmhouse architecture and Hawaiian sensibility, a new vacation home was born.
PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
The architectural vision responds naturally to the agricultural setting and strict local fire guidelines. Structural timbers grace the vaulted great room, extending their warm presence to the exterior through carefully planned outdoor living spaces. This inside-out approach creates a harmonious flow, with covered lanais and a raised barbecue pavilion offering premier sunset viewing and entertainment areas.
“We are always influenced by the architecture of a home, and creating a unified feeling from outside in,” says Brown. “So we embraced the modern farmhouse aesthetic and incorporated warm natural materials and accents of rich blue, as a subtle nod to the island locale.”
The details, materials, and furnishings throughout the home are all hard-wearing and low-maintenance to ensure time spent in the home by its residents and visitors alike can be care-free and enjoyable, without worry about sitting on a dining chair with a wet swimsuit, for example. PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
Designed with a nod to island style, sea-inspired blue hues in the guest bedroom and cane paneling in cabinets in the primary bathroom were incorporated. PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
Interior spaces strike a balance between sophistication and durability. Tumbled natural stone flooring throughout the main living areas provides beauty and practicality—perfect for wet swimsuits and sandy feet. The design team thoughtfully incorporated island elements without falling into cliché, using cane paneling in cabinets, woven rattan pendant lighting, and grasscloth wallcoverings to add texture and warmth. “We worked with local Maui artists such as Susanna Cromwell, to include locally crafted art work,” adds Brown. “We also incorporated sea-inspired blue hues throughout the home, ranging from accent tiles in bathrooms to the decor and toss cushions.”
The heart of the home—a great room with soaring ceilings—flows seamlessly to outdoor living spaces through a clever kitchen pass-through window that folds entirely open for a drink ledge. Two primary suites feature luxury touches like free-standing tubs and private outdoor showers, while vaulted ceilings maintain the airy, expansive feel.
“We employed an inside-out approach with the use of timbers. The architects had designed a lovely, open vaulted great room and kitchen with structural timbers,” says Brown. “We then carried the use of timbers outside, creating a shaded screening over the front entrance, and also over the rear lanai. The structures and use of natural wood helps give the exterior of the home more dimension and warmth.”
Using timbers over the front entrance gives the exterior of the home more dimension and warmth. PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
The result is a home that accomplishes its mission: “To create a casual and inviting family vacation home that is welcoming, care-free, and which focuses on indoor-outdoor living for an active family with young children,” notes Brown. Perhaps the most charming detail is the property’s silent guardian—the stone Buddha that remains in the garden today, a symbol of continuity and peaceful transformation.
The use of Ann Sacks Bordeaux Gris rectangle field flooring in the Old Bourgogne pattern creates a unified feeling from the outside in. PHOTO BY PHIL CROZIER
Location
Lahaina, Maui
Designer
Stephanie Brown Inc.,
Architect
Kasprzycki Designs,
Builder
Imagine It Builders,
Landscape Architect
Ames Tile
Lume tile in primary bathroom, amestile.com
Ann Sacks
Bordeaux Gris Rectangle Field, Old Bourgogne flooring in entry, kitchen, living room & patio; Palladium, Herringbone in primary bathroom,
Cedar & Moss
Ramona 8” lighting in master bathroom, cedarandmoss.com
Four Hands
Navarro Chair in living room; Parish coffee table & Lina end table on patio, fourhands.com
MSI
Fantasy Macaubas quartzite kitchen countertops/ backsplash; Infinity black quartzite vanity in primary bath, msisurfaces.com
New Energy Works
Timber kitchen ceiling accent, newenergyworks.com
RH
Belgian sofa, Oslo tables & custom Sari rug in living room. Mesa weathered Teak Collection, Sunbrella canvas; Marbella dining table; Aegean bar table; Cast side table; Ixtapa fire table; & Aegean chaises outdoors. rh.com
Schoolhouse
Factory 7 cable pendant and Abrams sconce in kitchen, schoolhouse.com
Photography by:
