WHAT WE WANT...
Keep it clean. Embrace the great attributes of the building, lots of light and air. A clean color and building material palette will allow the building’s attributes and views to shine.
Lighter, airy space
New vibe (ibiza, Med., Boho chic, neutrals, natural fibers and finishes)
Better connection to outdoors and views beyond
Removal of walls / structural elements to open up space
Better space planning and understanding of use of each space
SPACE PLANNING
To achieve higher and better use, and allow each space to serve its purpose the maximum, consider the following space plan.
Remove non-essential columns and walls (@ kitchen, living area) to open up the space and allow better views upon entry
Shuffle the layout:
DINING: Move dining near the entry for an ultra-clean, impactful first impression and better connection to the kitchen. This also moves all social and living areas to the backyard area.
New ceiling: 4 new skylights on same lines as existing windows to allow more light. Also a new ceiling panel detail to define the space.
New lighting: To make the space glow and adjust mood as needed.
LIVING: Create a large living space for family time and socializing. Three main areas:
TV Lounge: Recess the monitor into the existing bookshelf, with sliding paneling to hide the TV when not in use. Create a comfortable lounge area around this.
Fireplace/Back Lounge: Connected to the TV lounge (those are ottomans between them, allowing for seating either way and connection), this area connects to the backyard via the new large door set.
Cocktail Lounge: Somewhat connected is the new cocktail lounge with 4 club chairs on swivels. A new door set here also connect this to the backyard. Flanking this area is a new bar area with stools that connects to the kitchen zone. This are also gets:
New ceiling: soffits and coffers to better define the space
New lighting: To make the space glow and adjust mood as needed.
KITCHEN: Footprint remains the same. Considering a few things (see NOTES below).
MATERIAL / COLOR ASSORTMENT
DIRECTION 1: Light everywhere with dark architectural features (structural beams, doors, cabinetry); possible decorative wood inserts in select ceiling areas (coffers of kitchen, dining room).
DIRECTION 2: Light everywhere with mainly light architectural features (structural beams to be wrapped in wood veneer); white tongue and groove wood inserts in select ceiling areas (coffers of kitchen, dining room); dark cabinetry
DIRECTION 3: Washed out and clean, concrete and whitewashed walls. Mainly light architectural features (structural beams); decorative wood inserts in select ceiling areas (coffers of kitchen, dining room); light cabinetry.
ENTRY
Upon entry, new doors to suit new design. Consider new layout for courtyard to match, to hide bikes and fun toys, and perhaps new entry for apt (TBD).
DINING
Large dining table (either natural wood (cedar like your pantry) or concrete or raw edge slab from Kauai. 3 large woven pendant lights above. Ceiling gets 4 new skylights and decorative cladding (TBD).
LIVING ROOM
A large social space with multiple areas for breakout relaxation. One area is centered on the existing cabinetry, which will be refinished depending on material/color direction, which will house the TV, hidden behind sliding panels. The other area connects more to the backyard, with new club chairs (or hanging chairs!). The fireplace gets new wrap. These areas should all connect, like a hotel lobby.
COCKTAIL LOUNGE
An informal lounge. New barstool area creates connection to the kitchen. A new door set matches the other set and allows for better views and connection to backyard. Ceiling gets replaced and raised, allowing for new lighting plan and to match what will happen in the kitchen and dining.
MORE VIBES
More…
SOURCING TO START
Counters: Design TBD, likely a natural surface, Ceasarstone or marble or soapstone perhaps.
Pohaku Fabrication is the go-to on Kauai.Skylights: Here’s some info on the Velux system that has shades and is operable. I think Home Depot can order, or contractors.
Wall Coating: you can search for lime wash, or natural washes, or concrete skim coats. Check out:
Ardex Feather finish (in white). Goes on thick and a little more tech.
Kalk Litir might be the best.
This wall finish is more popular now, so google and find more vendors. I can help too as things progress.
Vacuum: We got this one and it works well. Runs at night.
Happy to provide more sourcing as the project progresses. LMK.