I’m a big believer in leaving things better than how you found them. The concept of stewardship has been a core part of my life since childhood — as a Kalihi girl, I learned early on to be grateful for what you are given and treat everything, and everyone, with care. I remember a quote from our October/November 2022 cover feature that exemplifies what stewardship is all about. Homeowner Guy Brand, in talking about the inspiration behind his net-zero “Musubi House” on Hawaii Island, said, “Hawaii was here long before us, and will be here long after we are gone. We are only guests to this beauti ..read more

April brings showers, refreshing seasonal breezes and Earth month. Natural beauty abounds in the Islands, and residents can incorporate environmental inspiration in unique ways at home. Here, a floral arrangement by Kailua boutique owner Alicia Sword adds a decorative biophilic accent and ceramic touch to a table. Read on for more spring home ideas and sustainable living tips.   Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our&nbs ..read more

Live Beautiful Home is more than a shop for owner Alicia Sword — it’s a childhood dream come true. As a little girl, she was passionate about interiors, decluttering and rearranging furniture “in every home I got my hands on,” she says. Today, she runs her Kailua boutique with an intuitive sense of space and grace. “Our focus at Live Beautiful Home over the past two years has been on nurturing the connection with our community and customers,” says Sword. “As we approach our third anniversary in April, we are excited to announce that we are expanding our product offerings to include furniture ..read more

Few would disagree that Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to call home. On Oahu’s North Shore, a uniquely designed abode embraces the perks of paradisal living while honoring Island ecosystems and natural resources. Peter Vincent Architects and Mokulua High Performance Builder won the 2023 LEED Outstanding Single Family Project award from the U.S. Green Building Council for their work on the “Slice of Paradise” residence in Kahuku. The honor was among the national 2023 LEED Homes Awards, which recognizes projects, developers and home builders that have demonstrated leadership in the ..read more

When an East Honolulu homeowner contacted Bella Pietra Design inquiring about its exclusive Artistic Tile collections, a fabulous and creative working relationship was born. What started as conversations about remodeling the homeowner’s recently purchased abode evolved into a dynamic exploration of fresh ways in which tile and stonework can elevate style and space. The home has a spectacular ocean view, with a great lot and foundational bones for an extensive renovation, says the homeowner, who is a retired interior designer. Her vision was to bring the serene shades inspired by the seascapes ..read more

If you couldn’t make it to Las Vegas for the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this past February, you can still get inspired by the award-winning innovations spotlighted at the event. In this edition of our Home Guide, we sourced KBIS products and ideas that are worth posting on your project vision boards and wish lists. Q: Which KBIS product launches would work best for a sleek, elegant kitchen? New collections by Cambria (as shown in the featured image above) gained attention at KBIS for product excellence. Known for its timeless elegance in American-made quartz surfaces, Cambria showc ..read more

Staying cool in Hawaii’s tropical climate is no easy feat. According to the Hawaii Climate Data Portal, peak average annual temperatures in the Islands have been increasing steadily since 2020. As indoor temperatures run high, efficient and environmentally friendly cooling options are available to help local residents beat the heat. Here, our experts share their cooling and ventilation recommendations for keeping your home comfortable all summer long. Dial Electric Supply Co., Inc. dialelectricsupply.com | (808) 845-7811 Photos: Courtesy of Dial Electric Supply Co., Inc. Tried and True ..read more

Our family invested in a split unit air conditioner in 2012, but the rising temperatures each year have us wondering if it’s time for an upgrade. How do we know if our unit is outdated and should we be shopping for a new unit to stay cool through the summer? — Homeowner, Kapolei If you have an older air conditioner approaching 15 years, you should definitely start looking at newer units and make sure you have your current model regularly serviced. That includes not only vacuuming and cleaning the indoor filter, but also making sure the indoor coil is clean so you’re getting the maximum heat t ..read more

When planning a new home build or remodel, the types of woods you pick should depend on where and how it will be utilized. “The most important element is understanding the application of the wood and selecting the right species to ensure the best performance,” says Marshall Hickox, president of Homeworks Construction. “Varieties like ipe, teak, and cedar are beautiful woods that are naturally rot- and pest-resistant, which are great for exterior applications.” Hickox adds that for interior surfaces, selecting woods with high levels of hardness is key to protecting against wear and tear. The t ..read more

Landscape architects are to exterior areas what interior designers are to the rooms of our homes. They’re pros who have the knowledge and experience needed to create ideal outdoor spaces. “We are a licensed profession, just like architects are,” says Nancy Cassandro, landscape architect and president of the Hawaii chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. “We create healthy, safe, [outdoor] environments. We come up with an integrated design, and we combine all of the functional needs of the landscape with aesthetics to make exterior spaces beautiful.” Integrated design, Cassand ..read more