It was the view that seduced Gary Valenzuela, a Northern California businessman, and his wife, Janice, to purchase a vacation home at Wailea Beach Villas. But their dilemma was, which view to choose?

When the couple toured the luxury condominium development, they were enchanted by the grand ocean vistas from the second-floor residence. But just below, the first-floor unit looked out to a private plunge pool, lush tropical landscaping, and waves lapping onto the sand.

The Valenzuela pondered which to select: the inspirational ocean panorama from on high? Or the direct, up-close-and-personal perspective on Hawaiian fun in the sun?  Gary was partial to the lofty upper unit; Janice liked the breezier lower one. They solved the problem by purchasing both upper and lower homes, deciding to use the second-floor unit as their personal vacation living quarters. The lower condominium would be for guests. They commissioned designer Jill Braden, a partner with Braden and Mehta Architecture and Interior Design, for both.

“The Valenzuelas wanted to convey a sense of quality consonant with the real estate’s value,” Braden says. “And though these residences are condominiums, they wanted them to feel like homes.”
 
In layout, the two units are identical, with living room, dining room, and kitchen flowing together, glass walls and an expansive L-shaped länai. But while Braden designed the top unit to feel formal and exotic, with Chinese, Indochinese, and Japanese elements, the lower unit is casual, earthy and fun. And while the top residence evokes ancient Asia, the bottom residence looks so Hawaiian that you can almost hear the ukulele strum.

In recognition of the stunning sea vistas from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Valenzuelas named the upper unit Ka Lae ‘Iki, which translates to “The Long View – Seeking the Whole Picture.” Braden referred to that same limitless concept when she designed the home with a “Gateway to Asia” theme.

From your first step inside, you feel as though you have entered an exotic, faraway place. Wherever you cast your eyes, you are treated to a visual feast of rich woods, multiple textures, ornately carved furnishings, and a blend of patterns. Stencils, sculptures, paintings, and etchings cover every wall and fill every nook and cranny. “The Valenzuelas are not ‘less-is-more’ people,” Braden explains. “They have a very traditional sense of style, and they are not fond of anything modern.”

Braden made two shopping trips to Indonesia to acquire the home’s furnishings, including an antique armoire and table from Jakarta. “Indonesia is a treasure trove of antiques,” she says. Other pieces, such as the cabinetry and big hunk of a bed were custom-made by local carpenters and artisans. Silk rugs from The Indich Collection in Honolulu impart a watercolor feel.

The home’s art collection, which includes pieces obtained in Asia, acquired from collectors, and purchased from Robyn Buntin and other local galleries, contributes to the Pan Asian theme. There’s a gathering of bronze Buddhas, intricate Balinese woodcarvings, a large Japanese screen and, in the entry, a gold-embroidered Sumatran ceremonial sarong.

One exceptionally stunning piece was literally created by the sea. Salvaged from an ancient shipwreck, it consists of several pieces of exquisite blue-and-white Chinese pottery dating from the Sung Dynasty, with coral growing around and cradling each piece. It perfectly melds the notions of antiquity, the sea, Asia and art.

While the upstairs unit conveys a gateway to Asia, the downstairs unit was designed to feel Polynesian and Hawaiian, from the Tommy Bahama bed to the hand-carved canoe paddles in the entrance.

“I wanted this home to say, ‘Wow, this is Hawai‘i,’” Braden says, gesturing towards the ocean lapping on the beach just outside the window. “Nature and texture are big elements in Hawaiian design. You have to reference what’s outside.”

More casual and earthier than the upstairs unit, the lower level is decorated primarily in rustic brown and green tones. Even its name – “Hali’a Makamae,” which refers to happy memories of a loving, joyful life – is cheery. The art in the lower-level home is also predominantly Hawaiian, from the grass-cloth wall coverings to the ceremonial skirt made of cowry shells.

If anything both unifies and distinguishes the two homes, it’s the museum-worthy art collection. Exceptional pieces in the lower-level residence include an ancient Tibetan chest, adorned with crimson elephants, tigers, and dragons; as well as a glazed vessel dating from the Tang dynasty that reigns over the hallway. 
 
Layers of exotic artifacts from different eras and various cultures give both upstairs and downstairs homes a sense of “surprise,” Braden explains. “The best home designs incorporate elements that are a bit unexpected,” she says. “Otherwise, a room may seem too ‘pat’ or planned.

“My intention was to create a sense of surprise in each room, so that the homes look as though they have evolved over many years. You don’t ever want people to walk in and say, ‘Who designed your house?’”

But there’s absolutely no danger of experiencing an over-designed feeling in the twin Wailea Beach Villa homes of Gary and Janice Valenzuela. Together, these homes tell a “Tale Of Two Hawaii’s,” each offering an equally valid interpretation of the Islands…and each executed with equally organic integrity of design and theme.