When it came to conceptualizing the interiors of Lilia Waikiki—the first Class A rental high-rise building built in Waikiki in over 20 years—Jules Wilson Design Studio designed to embrace and reflect the unique locale to create a refined hospitality living experience that artfully captures the graciousness of the aloha spirit. “Hawai‘i’s nature, texture and history is always permeating throughout the design,” says the San Diego-based interior design atelier. “But the emotion that draws me to Hawai‘i is one of tranquility, peace, good nature and kindness. When on island, it’s as if a weight has been lifted. The stress of the world seems to disappear. That is the feeling we try to bring to our spaces.”
A zigzag trellis leads guests from the new Lilia Waikiki lobby to its banyan lanai, designed by Jules Wilson Design. PHOTO BY ADAM TAYLOR
Consisting of penthouses and a thoughtful collection of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, this residential property boasts expansive mauka and makai views that are reflected inside the residences using a palette that is serene and rich with colors and materials. In the main lobby, a contoured wood canopy pays modern homage to the natural architecture of the 100-year-old banyan tree that is original to the site, while the concierge desk boasts a custom-designed feature wall with inlaid wood in abstracted modern versions of traditional Hawaiian patterns. In addition to the interior design, Wilson created a lush banyan garden and luxurious amenity deck. When asked what she is most excited for new owners to enjoy, Wilson says her favorite aspect of the project is the “zigzag trellis we created that pulls you from the lobby out to the banyan lanai. The undulating layers of wood planks were inspired by midcentury Hawaiian architecture and rippling sands of the ocean’s coastal edge. Their weight and scale makes the spaces below feel warm and inviting, a serene place to enjoy the banyan garden’s unique setting.” juleswilsondesign.com
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