"Beyond function, it is the way these homes compel those living within them to be conscious of their settings that is today's measure of a Hawaiian house." So ends the Introduction of The Hawaiian House Now, a new hardcover coffee table book published by Abrams, and so begins a wonderful journey through a handpicked selection of some of Hawai'i's most beautiful homes.
Five concise chapters focus on different architectural styles of homes in the Islands. Each chapter is detailed with descriptive quotes from architects, interior designers, and homeowners, who are in some cases one and the same. The brief chapter text provides the perfect amount of description and editorial, allowing the photos and their equally detailed captions to complete most of the storytelling.
Homes in the city, country, on the beach, and in the mountains are each explored by the ever-vigilant camera eye of photographer Linny Morris. His work is stunning, and further justifies her reputation as one of Hawai'i's finest architecture and interior photographers. From full page, expansive images that capture the entirety of a room, to close-up inset shots of a plate of fruit, or a table with decorations, Linny captures the true essence and feeling of the homes.
Read altogether the volume provides a comprehensive cross-section of home life in Hawai'i. From opulent residences found near resorts, to plantation homes, beach cottages, and much in between, The Hawaiian House Now offers samples of many different styles of what those living in the Hawaiian Islands call home.
There are so many stunning homes within the pages of this book that it is impossible to select just a few to highlight, especially since each home is special in its own way and no two are alike. The Küki'o Cottage which opens the book illustrates the Indonesian "pod" system of layout, located at one of Big Island resort communities, while the Vladimir Ossipoff-design home found on page 110 shows a simultaneously historic and modern take on Hawaiian home design. Another classic is the internationally flavored beach home of the Watumull family, which reveals influences from the owners' home country of India, as well as Mexico and Bali, but still feels very much in harmony with Hawai'i.
Then there is the eclectic home of an artist living in the secluded Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. It features hand-painted walls and panels of seashells that cover the bathroom walls. Don't forget the "Floating House, which is aptly named because of its modernist styling and massive coral walls that seem to float over the large infinity edged swimming pool that also acts as a reflecting pool. Morris has not only captured incredible images of all these structures with her camera, but her very selection of homes is near perfection.
The book's layout is open and refreshing, as are the photos and the homes themselves—giving the text and images ample room to breathe. One feels relaxed just turning the pages of this book, dreaming of being in any of these stunning homes.
Any student of architecture and interior design will benefit from reading this book and the interviews from the architects and designers that are quoted and share their inspiration and experience from designing on the Islands. Anyone living, or planning to live in Hawaii will want this fabulous reference for designing and decorating their own home, too.
The Hawaiian House Now192p., Hardcover
$40.00
Abrams
