Home design entrepreneur Lily Kanter, who has led three successful companies as a co-founder and CEO including Serena & Lily, Boon Supply and Mill Valley Baby & Kids, recently teamed up with Hawai‘i’s beloved interior designer Avery Solmssen to launch Averylily Design Studio (averylily.com). Based in Honolulu, Averylily serves clients on the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, creating spaces, products and experiences that reflect a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the surroundings in Hawai’i. Here, they share how they bring a sense of place and community in all they create, starting with the launch of the Averylily Home Collection, which includes bedding, bath and beach towels, and art.
Averylily’s Surfer Collection made in collaboration with Andrew Mau or Mau House. PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERYLILY
How did Averylily begin?
LK: I came on an adventure to Hawai‘i in the summer of 2020 with my family and fell in love. We bought a house on the Big Island in 2021, and I was struck by the design—it so beautifully highlighted the natural beauty and integrated the indoors and outdoors. I asked to meet the designer and was introduced to Avery.
AS: When I heard Lily wanted to meet me, I was thrilled! She asked me to add more color and pattern to her home—or to Lily-ify it, as I say. We hit it off immediately.
The dynamic duo, Avery Solmssen and Lily Kanter. PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERYLILY
What motivated the launch?
AS: As an interior designer working on the islands for over a decade, I’ve seen a huge need for home essentials available on the Islands. People want beautiful designs from start to finish and a home they can move into and enjoy right away. We wanted to create both businesses in service of each other, so we could really provide both, including designs that are local—from design concept to purchase—right here on the Islands and support the local community.
What was the design inspiration behind the home collection?
AS: All of the designs in this collection are inspired by our surroundings in Hawai‘i. We want to tell a story of Hawai‘i through color and texture in a way that honors it without appropriating it. For colors, we have palm, sand and ocean, among others, that really paint a picture. And the design motifs include waterfall, weave, wind and wave—the W’s are a tribute to my son, whose name starts with the letter W. Hawai‘i is full of inspiration!
Which item is a must-buy?
AS: It’s hard to choose, but I’m most excited about the Surf Collection made in collaboration with Andrew Mau of Mau House. Andrew is such an incredible artistic talent, and we’re proud to feature his work. We wanted to represent his one-of-a-kind handprinted block designs to best represent his original design. The beautiful inconsistencies and details make it so unique. I’m going to get the quilts in both colors for my son and daughter.
What do you enjoy most about creating Averylily?
LK: Having the opportunity to build a values-driven business that honors the people and places with someone as talented as Avery is a dream. Being a local business that supports the local community is a driving mission for what we are building.
Averylily beach towels. PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERYLILY
Averylily’s Big Island quilt and sham and Weave sheets featuring the Bahia & Caledonia pillows by Serena Dugan Studio. PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERYLILY
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