The Kauai Remodel was a “down to the studs” remodel that included a sizable addition. This gave us a chance to redo everything. Kitchen, bathrooms, all surfaces… and introduce some really cool materials as well. Choosing granite for the countertops was really fun because this house was on the Wailua river and we wanted our stone and tile choices to somehow reflect that “state of place.”

For the new bathroom that was a second floor addition we chose a soothing green granite called Caribbean Moss. This choice brightened the room and blended well with the Seagrass tiles we used for the shower and wainscot. We also used the Caribbean in a the lower level powder room.

In the master bath the owners had requested that we use a gold Onyx as part of our tile selection. To coordinate with the Onyx decided to go big and bold with the granite countertop material and chose a granite called Tornado. The Tornado had the rich yellow tones of the Onyx in it but also red and black of the antique chinese chest we converted to vanity. So it was a perfect match.

Last but not least, the kitchen. The kitchen has such a prominent role in the house that we knew we had to choose the perfect stone for the counter tops. Finally we narrowed our choices down to just a couple. But still, I didn’t think we’d found the perfect granite. Then we stumbled upon the Grande Fossil… named for the fossils imbedded in it. We chose a natural leathered surface. To us, this granite spoke of ancient seas and rivers, and it bended in very well with the cherry tones of the cabinetry and the Koa wood floors.

Getting the granite materials shipped from the mainland was a bit of an adventure in itself, but fabrication went smoothly and we were very pleased with the granite choices for the Kauai House. Design and Build by Trilogy Partners and Azaya Design. For more photos of the Kauai Project please visit the Kauai Photo Gallery.

One of the most exciting features of the Kauai house is the lower level Lanai with its great river views. But it was sorely in need of an update.

Lanai Before

We opened up the entire wall between the lanai and the rest of the house, installing folding glass doors. We also installed motorized screens so the Lanai could be used at night, when the mosquitoes come out to play.

We pulled up the old red brick tile and installed new tile in a “river” pattern.

The Lanai becomes a western style dining area as opposed to the Tatami dining area (foreground.)

The lanai new lanai may now be the most used room in the house with it’s great views of the river.

And the gardens. The “river”pattern snakes across the floor toward a water feature.

A water feature occupied by the Goddess fountain.

More Kauai Before and After posts to follow. Visit the Kauai Remodel Gallery for more great photos of this fantastic project. Design by Trilogy Partners and Azaya Design.

The home on the Wailua River in Hawaii was haphazardly remodeled after nearly being destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Azaya Design and Trilogy Partners joined together to take on this extensive design and build project. The living room had been redecorated in 2007 but it felt a bit dark and separate from the rest of the home. The room needed brightening and more of a traditional island feel. Removing a wall between this living space and the kitchen made a dramatic difference. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Living Room Before Remodel

The entry to the home was to the side of the living room. There was nothing dramatic or welcoming about it. It, too, needed to be refreshed.

Entry Before Remodel

Ridge Beams and Rafters create a Balinese feel. Koa wood paneling was removed to brighten the room. Koa wood was also removed from the soffits to “lift” the ceiling.

Living Room, left and entry, to the right. The walls were plastered with American Clay plaster and the original Koa wood floors were refinished to beautiful effect.

Double doors spread wide. A gate (to the left) separates the entry vestibule from the outside.

Balinese wall carvings are actually fountains. The floor features broken “Sea Grass” stone tile from Arizona Tile and a river pattern of ebony stone.

All five spaces, Kitchen, Living Room, Tatami Dining Area, Entry, and Lanai all merge into one fabulous space.

More Kauai Before and After posts to follow. Visit the Kauai Remodel Gallery for more great photos of this fantastic project. Design by Azaya Design and Trilogy Partners.