Hawaii Home + Remodeling February 2020 by aio Hawaiʻi

IT’ S TI M E TO R E NOVATE H AWA I I H O M E + R E M O D E L I N G

F R E E | F E B R UARY 2 02 0 ENHANCE YOUR HOME VOLUME X XI, ISSUE 2 | FREE

An Urban Reveal Updating a Kakaako condo in an evolving neighborhood

2 20 20

BY THE FIRE

Warming up the outdoors

NEW CLASSIC Cool color to bring inside

PHOTO: ASHLEY CAMPER

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2020

Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year is a fresh start to a brand new decade.

Exposed concrete and minimalist style prevail in this urban condo renovation.

This heartfelt renovation pairs contemporary and rustic highlights.

Cooking meals can be a little easier with these storage and organization tips.

A Blue Beginning

Uncovering Potential

Family Matters

Pantry Organization

on the cover: This previously dark and dated Kakaako condo was renovated to keep up with the evolving neighborhood. Photo by Olivier Koning 6 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

PHOTOS: AARON K. YOSHINO, COURTESY OF MARVIN, OLIVIER KONING, COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

IN EVERY ISSUE: 8 EDITOR’S NOTES | 11 WELCOME | 58 RADAR

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EDITOR’S NOTES

My adorable, sneaky little silky terrier has an affection for my shoes. letting junk mail, keys and his leash pile up to an unattractive mess. This month, I finally purchased the shoe cabinet I’ve been eyeing at INspiration Interiors, and it’s made stepping through my front door better every time. Now when I come home, I can place my slippers or shoes into the sleek cabinet’s drawers, where I can neatly fit about 20 pairs of footwear (with some open space for when friends and family come over). Function aside, it looks gorgeous, too! It takes up less space than my open shelving and my dog’s leash, paw wipes, etc., are concealed behind the cabinet’s side door with interior shelves. I no longer have to worry about him grabbing something he shouldn’t and running off with it. There are many ways to enhance your house to turn it into a home you love, whether it’s a new piece of functional furniture, an interior renovation or landscape design. I hope this issue inspires you to make the upgrades you need to love your home even more.

e tries to grab them the moment I take them off and, if he’s quicker than me, runs with one in his mouth to chew on under my bed. No amount of positive training and treats have been able to break him of this habit.

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Up until this month, I’ve had an open-shelf storage system by the entry to my home. The top shelves held shoes out of his reach, while the bottom three held decorative storage boxes with small items that were protected from his curiosity. On the top shelf, I had my own bad habit of

Stephanie Silverstein EDITOR

stephanies@hawaiihomemag.com

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF STEPHANIE SILVERSTEIN; KAREN DE BORJA

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WELCOME FEBRUARY 2020

City Life

PHOTO: OLIVIER KONING

the guest bedroom in this Imperial Plaza condo is outfitted with an industrial, city loft vibe. The wallpaper, City Park from Brooklyn-based Flavor Paper, has nods to urban life, while the room’s color palette was inspired by the building’s maroon window frames and lanai railings. See more of this renovated condo starting on page 18.

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COLOR

Blue Beginnings Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year brings it back to “classics.” BY STEPHANIE KIM

antone is making a return to a timeless “classic” with its 2020 Color of the Year. Classic Blue, an elegant and calming hue, brings about peace and tranquility in its simplicity. A fitting and confident way to start off a brand-new year and decade. “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” shares Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. In home interiors, Classic Blue offers a boost of creative confidence and is “easily applied across so many different materials, textures and finishes,” according to Pantone. “It is definitely a classic color,” and one that can be used year-round, says Mauibased Dee Dee Ackerman, president of the Hawaii chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and owner of DL Ackerman Design Group.

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARVIN

COLOR

hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 13

COLOR

You can embrace this rich tone in your home in a variety of ways — on your walls, in your accent pieces and cabinetry, even on your front door — shares Ackerman. “It’s a universal color; it goes with virtually anything,” she adds. “You can use it boldly, like painting a room, or you can just do accessories in that color.” And with the right framework for your home, you can enhance this color to its fullest potential. Consider pairing

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Marvin windows and doors in a darker finish to make Classic Blue pop within your home. “Marvin is an excellent brand. They pay close attention to the needs of both the architects designing the home as well as the homeowners,” says Chris Ayres of Pacific Source. “Their goal is to imagine and create better ways of living. This focus on lifestyle has led to a product line that can meet the needs of many applications and styles.”

COLOR

designed to evoke certain feelings or emotions,” says Jackie Schneider, vice president of marketing at Marvin. “Deep blues can be used as both beautiful, grounding accent colors or even as a dominant color in a room for a bolder statement, like theater rooms, living rooms or smaller powder rooms.” Learn more about Pantone’s multisensory color at pantone.com, and find Marvin products locally at Pacific Source.

Pantone’s Classic Blue can be found in five varying color palettes, including desert twilight, ponder and untraditional.

PANTONE® 19-4052 Classic Blue

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PHOTO: SARA TRAMP, DESIGN BY EMILY HENDERSON; COURTESY OF PANTONE

Marvin products can highlight the beauty and nuances of any design, shares Ayres, from slim sightlines for a modern contemporary feel to the detailed woodworking of a craftsman-style home. “Deep blue tones like Pantone’s Classic Blue are timeless colors that offer homeowners flexibility from a design perspective. Homeowners are interested in flexing their creativity by cultivating spaces that are thoughtfully

PAN ® 6TON -141E2® 20-0028 36EBra1ss 0N Knuckles A0N-T 0O P ® 2 cco ONE yStu T N PA Penn Two ® 125 PANTON ® 83 E-1 0E101 20-0113 -ten T2O 0N PA®NGlis ing z Grape rt a u E Q TONPeach PAN e x i P i

8 714 PANTONEE®®-161821-0 TEO®N17 1 3801 PAN Opa lOGra y T rnNhusk PANCoViolet Red 24

39 PANTONE® 11-4®302 19ONE Cannoli Cre T am N PA t Sky h Nig

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ACCESSORIES

Fetching Finds Pet-centric accessories to liven up your home. BY STEPHANIE KIM PHOTO BY AARON K. YOSHINO

how affection for your pets with animal-inspired furnishings and accessories. From art prints to pawfect additions, you’re sure to love these items in your home.

heltie Wagging Tail S Clock, available in assorted breeds, $60, from True Friends

LOYAL COMPANION More than 100 breeds are featured on an array of products, from household décor to pet attire, at True Friends in Ala Moana Center.

ifle Paper Art Prints 8-by-10, Dog R Day, $29, from Eden in Love

Stoneware Bunny Flower Pot, $29, from Eden in Love eramic Dog in Silver (set C of two), $18, from Red Knot

Beagle Towel and German Shepherd Towel, available in assorted breeds, $17 each, from True Friends

Poodle Pencil Holder, $24, from Eden in Love Pomeranian World’s Most Absorbent Coaster, available in assorted breeds, $8 each, from True Friends

Fringe Pet Ceramic Mug, Cat Lady, $18, from Eden in Love

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Gold Turtle Box, $29, from Red Knot

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UNCOVERING THE POTENTIAL A structural engineer and artist together create a condo atmosphere fit for their lifestyle and the evolving neighborhood. STORY BY STEPHANIE SILVERSTEIN PHOTOS BY OLIVIER KONING 18 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

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hen juan paulo morla and attila pohlmann first

stepped into this condo unit at the Imperial Plaza six years ago, they saw right past its imperfections. Drawn to the condo’s high ceilings, open spaces and mauka-to-makai view, they envisioned what could be behind the dark and dated interior, original to the early 1990s building. Morla, a structural engineer, and Pohlmann, an artist, coupled their professional skills with their passions for interior design to make decisions that would help create a space that feels like home, their first together. They wanted a modern, clutter-free environment that is personal and intentional. “Our main goal was to take these great ‘bare bones’ and modernize them, emphasizing the best architectural features of the building while being respectful of Hawaii’s incontestable natural beauty that surrounds it,” Pohlmann says. The first priority: remove the condo’s popcorn ceilings, which then drove decisions for the rest of the renovation. “The removal of the outdated popcorn ceiling throughout the unit was pivotal, as we wanted exposed concrete ceilings to emphasize the unusually high 10-foot ceilings. Together with the maroon window frames, the exposed concrete ceilings set the tone for all design choices,” Morla says. “We focused heavily on interior design, bringing the spaces to life with textures, colors and prints.” Because there is a single power source in the living room, they decided to install cable lighting on the concrete ceiling. The KableLite system by Tech Lighting provides the flexibility to move each light head to illuminate different areas and features of the space. The living room is the center point of the home, connecting the bedrooms, kitchen and lanai. right: The master bedroom’s textured wallpaper mimics bamboo stalks, while the color of the area rug plays off the maroon window frames.

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“We focused heavily on interior design, bringing the spaces to life with textures, colors and prints.” — JUAN PAULO MORLA, HOMEOWNER

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The homeowners expressed their creativity in the guest bedroom, with a cool color palette, statement-making ceiling lamp and city-themed wallpaper.

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above: Homeowner Juan Paulo Morla in his renovated condo’s living room. right: Each of the city building figurines displayed in the guest bedroom have special meaning to Morla. From left, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Willis Tower in Chicago, Empire State Building in New York, and Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco.

They configured the living room to take advantage of the view, placing the fabric sofa where they would have a view of the ocean and Diamond Head. The coffee table from INspiration Interiors anchors the seating area, while bringing warmth and storage to the space. “It was a perfect match in terms of the size and the materials,” Morla says, noting the color gradient with its combination of glass and wood. Morla and Pohlmann installed a closet system in the master bedroom’s walk-in closet, which helps immensely with storage and organization to achieve the minimalist style they desire. They selected a neutral, textured wallpaper that mimics bamboo stalks behind the Chelsea bed by Modloft and a contemporary custom rug that complements the window frames.

“In the second bedroom, I was able to have a little more fun,” Morla says. A closer look at the blue-and-white wallpaper shows signs of city life: parking meters, fire hydrants and critters. The ceiling lamp, Skydro by Artemide, is a collection of polished chrome pebble shapes that brings even more visual interest to the vibrant room. Years after purchasing what was a dated-looking condo, Morla and Pohlmann are pleased with the results of their renovation and the personal touches they’ve added throughout. “Sometimes we’re afraid to start a project and it can honestly be overwhelming, but I think in a way we wish we would have started even earlier,” Morla says. “Once we started, it was inconvenient for a short time, but then the rewards afterward more than made it worth it.”

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FAMILY MATTERS

A thoughtful home renovation that’s both stylish and functional. STORY BY STEPHANIE KIM PHOTOS BY OLIVIER KONING FEATURING DESIGN TRENDS CONSTRUCTION hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 25

haring meals in the kitchen, watching children grow up, spending time together in the living room: For the owner and her late husband, cherished memories like these were made in this nearly 40-year-old house. Then, in 2019, the owner decided it was time to renew the family home in her husband’s honor. The idea was to renovate after the children were done with college, says the homeowner. But the project always seemed to get put off. Until last year. “This was in memory of him and knowing he wanted her to enjoy the home,” says Brenton Liu of Design Trends Construction. Liu and his team were tasked with

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above: The L-shaped kitchen balances cool, contemporary tones with rustic highlights. right: Brand new appliances, such as the built-in wall oven, were kept at counter height, providing easy access for the owner.

renovating the 1980s-era standard track home, which houses three generations of family. The plans began initially with the kitchen, then grew in segments, from the entryway and downstairs powder room to the master suite and more. “For the foyer, she wanted a great and stylish organized solution for entering the home,” says Liu. From the front door, guests step into an organized entryway where they can leave their shoes. “It’s gorgeous,” shares the homeowner, noting that when people come over, they just stop and say, “wow.” For the homeowner, it was important to have a kitchen that was easy to maintain and universally designed.

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left: The organized foyer offers sleek storage to hide away items and store shoes. right: The downstairs powder room received a light, modern update to connect it with the design of the rest of the home.

“They wanted a more functional and comfortable space. Their kitchen design wasted a lot of room and wasn’t laid out well,” says Liu. The kitchen now offers plenty of counter and prep space, as well as organized storage. To add visual interest, Design Trends Construction used multitoned cabinetry and different colors of LG Viatera quartz for the island and perimeter countertop. “They wanted a unique contemporary feel with some rustic and transitional highlights,” shares Liu. A built-in wall oven allows the homeowner to easily reach in to take out baked goods without having to bend down. “I wanted an oven that was counter height and I wanted to keep gas appliances,” she says. A kitchen island was a must, along with durable quartz countertops. The downstairs powder room was redone

to keep with the contemporary look found throughout the renovated home. “The bathroom is very modern,” says the homeowner. “Everything is beautiful and very functional.” Liu also improved the design of the master bathroom, redoing the shower and adding a large tub. “We removed the partition wall, which gave it a much more functional feel,” he says. Working with Design Trends Construction was a breeze for this homeowner. “They would tell me what difficulties or problems they were having, but they would have a solution,” she says. “The one thing I really liked was they took care of me,” adds the homeowner. “I consider them my boys. I would give ice cream treats before the end of the day. Everyone I met, they were just terrific. They felt like family.”

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Rustic Charm

on an Old Hawaii Farm A custom fire pit built on a North Shore farm emulates an old rustic cabin vibe. STORY BY ASHLEY INSONG PHOTOS BY AARON K. YOSHINO FEATURING STEVE’S GARDENING SERVICE

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This natural wood-burning fire pit built by Steve’s Gardening Service has a concrete foundation topped with puka lava rock tile, giving the homeowners a safe, warm place to sit fireside.

magine living in a remote area of the waianae range, looking over unobstructed

views of the North Shore. Behind you are green mountain ridges and a forest full of wildlife. During the cooler winter months, you lounge around a glowing fire with loved ones while sipping on hot cocoa and gazing upon the twinkling stars of a clear night sky. The rustic cabins of Hawaii, California and Oregon were the inspiration for this simple farm-style fire pit

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outside a Waialua home on Oahu’s North Shore. Built by Steve Dewald of Steve’s Gardening Service, this fire pit is reminiscent of old paniolo days in the more rural and country areas of the Islands. Located on the edge of a 4.5acre property, the seating area around the fire pit offers vast views stretching from the white sandy beaches of Mokuleia to Sunset Point. Right below the property are green acres of agricultural land where the crops that grow change with the seasons. This fire pit is unlike any that Dewald has built for

his other clients. “Ninety percent of my clients ask for contemporary-style gas-burning fire pits or fireplaces,” he says, adding that many people would rather not worry about finding wood to burn and cleaning up after the fire. This homeowner, however, explains that he is a “real fire” guy. “I like the smell of a natural wood-burning fire — the taste of barbecue that is cooked over kiawe wood is not exactly the same as when it is cooked over a gas fire,” he says. The fire pit is located in a lightly covered squareshaped area surrounded by four poles made out of ohia

trees and neatly cut grass and shrubs. Dewald built the fire pit with a concrete foundation, to keep it strong and sturdy, and veneered the concrete in moss rock sourced from Waianae to create a more rustic look. The tile cap is made out of puka lava rock, which adds to the feeling of being in a high mountainous area of Hawaii. “You can sit on the tile cap to keep warm when it’s cold,” says the homeowner. The interior of the fire pit is lined with firebrick to keep the fire hot and help create larger fires.

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The homeowner gathers and cuts natural wood from his property to fuel the fire. The pit’s interior is lined with firebrick to keep it hot and help create larger fires.

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The family enjoys their property’s sweeping view while sitting around the fire pit.

When the sun begins to set, the area becomes a place of gathering, a comfortable spot to have conversations with loved ones or to roast huli-huli chicken over the fire pit’s warm flames. “It’s nice to have something warm, especially during the winter months,” says the homeowner. “It’s also a great area to see the stars at night.” The homeowner explains that he uses organic wood from his property to kindle the fire and keep it burning. He spends time during the day gathering and cutting dead wood from trees around the property, letting nothing go to waste. The homeowner and his family spend a lot of time outside since the primary residence on the property is under construction. “We have a fire here almost every night,” he says. “It has become a comfortable seating area, focal point, and a great place to gather during the cool evenings.”

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FINANCE

Tips for Beginning that Bucket-List Project The time to start your long-awaited home improvement project has finally arrived. But how do you begin?

1. DON’T RUSH INTO IT. Just because you’ve been waiting for what seems like forever, it doesn’t mean you need to make a mad dash to the finish line. Take your time to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.

very homeowner has that house-project bucket list. You know the one — it might say “install new kitchen cabinetry” or “build an addition.” The list includes both small tasks and huge ones. Either way, there’s always a dream project — one major wish list-type item that you thought you’d never get around to. When the time to tackle that venture finally comes, getting started can be overwhelming. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to crossing the biggest item off your list.

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2. CHECK OUT CONTRACTORS’ ONLINE REVIEWS AND ASK FOR REFERRALS FROM TRUSTED FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS. Firsthand accounts can provide valuable insight before you commit.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

BY LENNIE OMALZA

FINANCE

3. NEVER PAY UNREASONABLE AMOUNTS OF MONEY UPFRONT. A contractor who requires an illogical amount of cash in hand before beginning a project may be having financial issues, which is concerning. 4. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU AND YOUR CONTRACTOR HAVE AGREED UPON. Changes to the contract will cost you, requiring a budget adjustment. hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 37

FINANCE

Q&A Kelii Peltier, AVP Loan Administrator, NMLS # 489883 HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union

What’s the best way to finance a long-awaited home improvement project? A: In a low-interest rate market like the present, a second mortgage, or even a Home Equity Line of Credit, would be viable options. Both second mortgages and HELOCs typically have payments divvied over 180 months, or 15 years. Many times, extended families want to keep the costs of the renovations and/or addition separate; mom and dad pay the first mortgage for the existing house and their child pays for their addition through a second mortgage or HELOC. Usually, if you can pay down the balance quicker, a HELOC is the way to go since they have variable rates.

Q: Have you had members use a second mortgage or HELOC for a bucket-list project?

A: I remember once, a member was expecting a large sum of money in a short period of time. They took out a HELOC to cover an addition to their home and received the monies in time to pay down the HELOC before the promotional rate expired. Even though their rate went back to normal after the promotional period, the member now had a HELOC to draw on to deal with future life events.

Q: Any additional advice for homeowners

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A: A HELOC is great if you are looking for the lowest rate and can pay down the balance significantly. Most HELOC programs have promotional rates; you want to try to take care of whatever balance you can during this promotional period. Interest-only programs — though attractive due to the lower payment — leave the principal balance unchanged. Without reducing your principal, your interest charges will never go down, which means the balance will always be looming in the background of your financial picture. Always consult your tax adviser to explore any and all possible tax options you may have.

who are considering a HELOC?

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GAS ENERGY :

Getting Gas is Easier Than You Think

Gas is America’s fuel choice for heating, cooking and hot water. Are you ready to make the switch? BY LENNIE OMALZA

year for gas than they would for electricity to do the exact same tasks — and the cost to convert is less than you probably think. Mustafa Demirbag, executive director of sales and marketing of Hawaii Gas, answers common questions for local homeowners who are considering making the move from electricity to gas.

Q: I’m thinking about changing

plumber or contractor will handle the permit for the meter or tank.

A: Changing your kitchen over to

Q: What if my house isn’t close to

my kitchen from electricity to gas. How does installation work? gas is quite simple. Start by having your kitchen designer or contractor design your kitchen renovation with gas. Then contact Hawaii Gas to speak with a residential gas installation expert; they will help you determine whether you have a natural gas line nearby or if your gas service will be propane. They will also work with you on bringing natural gas to the meter — which will be set at your property line — or on installing a propane tank.

a gas pipeline?

A: If you’re in a Hawaii Gas pipeline

subdivision, we can connect your home to one of our reliable utility systems. If your home is located

away from a pipeline, Hawaii Gas also offers propane cylinder or tank delivery options. Q: Aside from cost, what’s another

benefit of gas?

A: Oahu pipeline customers are

already benefiting from Hawaii Gas’ first renewable natural gas facility, which opened in 2018. Resiliency is also an important point. If you have gas during times of severe weather, you can still cook, take hot showers, etc. — even if the electricity goes out. Are you ready to take the next step toward using gas energy in your home? Visit hawaiigas.com for more information or to request service.

Q: When compared to electricity,

is it more costly to cook with gas?

A: Actually, in most cases, gas costs

less than electricity for the same cooking tasks.

Q: Will I need to get a permit for

installation?

A: Hawaii Gas will obtain the

necessary permits to bring gas service from the main pipeline to your meter or tank installation. Your

hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 41

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Y P I C A L H A W A I I G A S C U S T O M E R S P A Y L E S S per

O R G A N I Z AT I O N

5 Tips to Organize your Pantry Navigate through your kitchen necessities with ease using these organization tips. BY ASHLEY INSONG

he kitchen pantry is a place where you grab what you need and go. Whether you’re looking for something to snack on or searching for ingredients to cook a meal, having a clean and organized pantry will allow you to navigate through your stock with ease. California Closets offers a wide range of customizable storage options for anywhere in the home — including the kitchen pantry. Open baskets, drawers, pullout shelves and vertical shelves neatly store not only food items, but also pots, pans and bakeware. “In the pantry, everything has a home,” says California Closets designer Lauren Lindvall. “The kitchen pantry is a space that we access every day, and an organized pantry will allow us to function more freely.” Following are Lindvall’s five tips for an organized kitchen pantry.

42 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

1. Declutter Over time, pantry items tend to pile up, which means there’s less space to store what you’ll use. “It’s important to check expiration dates and understand what you are storing in your pantry,” says Lindvall. Check the expiration dates on all items, especially canned goods, and get rid of anything that’s expired.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

O R G A N I Z AT I O N

hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 43

O R G A N I Z AT I O N

3. Store your most-used items at eye-level Storing your most-used items at eye-level allows you to access your necessities without any hassle. “This is a great technique so people don’t have to bend down to get the items they need,” says Lindvall.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

2. Organize by food groups or related items Designating areas in your pantry for specific items creates order. This way, every time you open your pantry, you’ll know where to get the items you need. For example, keep baking ingredients in one place and grains in another, and dedicate a section to storing meal prep containers. However you prefer to organize, always compartmentalize your storage space.

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OV E R 3 0 Y E ARS OF E XCE PTI ON AL WO R K 4. Use a slanted can rack or shoe shelf Canned goods of all different shapes and sizes can often be found stacked in the corner of the pantry. California Closets offers a better way: a slanted shelf rack for canned goods. California Closets transformed a shoe rack into a kitchen shelf rack, for a smart, dual purpose. Having a shelf rack is great for displaying your canned goods in a neat and orderly way and allows you to recognize the labels on your cans at a glance. 5. Make use of wasted space Maximize your storage space by creating a purpose for every nook and cranny of your kitchen pantry. “If you have deep corners on your shelves, you should use those too,” says Lindvall.

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ASK THE EXPERT

Ask the Expert: Air Conditioning An energy-efficient air conditioner system has financial and lifestyle benefits. Read on for advice from Noella Cosco of Cosco Hawaii.

What makes an air conditioner system energyefficient and why should you invest in one?

Q: How can you properly maintain your air conditioner system?

A: A/C maintenance is important whether you have a window unit, portable, central air conditioner or a mini-split system. Maintenance is the best way to improve the efficiency and life of the A/C. While the design of each unit is different, all operate similarly and have more or less the same components. Here are a few areas you should maintain: 46 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

• Change the filter. This is one of the first and easiest items to change and monitor with your A/C. Clogged filters reduce the efficiency of your A/C by creating airflow resistance, which in turn causes the motor to work harder than designed. • Check on your indoor and outdoor coil. Any buildup on the coil means your unit is not removing and releasing heat as effectively as it was designed to. Owners can spray cleaner on the indoor coil — be sure to protect the surrounding area — to remove any buildup. For the outdoor unit, cleaners are available but it is recommended

that a contractor do the work because of the chemicals. • Monitor the drain line. At Cosco, we offer drain tablets that break down grime, mold and buildup from the condensation in your A/C. Monitoring your drain will help you avoid any backup that could occur with a blocked drain line. If you ever feel this is too much for you, reaching out to an A/C contractor is always a good call. Cosco Air Conditioning Multiple locations statewide coscohawaii.com

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COSCO HAWAII

A: Generally, energy-efficient A/C systems are those with variable speed and inverter technology. Variable speed most often refers to the motor: It has more than one speed that adjusts according to the cooling demand required. Inverter technology controls and adjusts the power supply to the compressor located in the outdoor unit (condensing unit). With both technologies working together, you get consistent indoor comfort. Instead of turning on and off, as seen with single-speed systems, the variable speed unit will adjust accordingly so you don’t get swings in cooling comfort. As such, inverter technology results in lower power consumption to reach the desired room temperature, which in turn saves you money on your electric bill. Investing in a Daikin — the creator of inverter technology — will not only reduce your electric bill, it will also allow for a quieter system that provides better air filtration.

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FRAMES

Frame of Reference A picture-perfect way to display your favorite memories. BY STEPHANIE KIM PHOTOS BY AARON K. YOSHINO

picture frame is more than a means of showcasing your art and images; it’s a way to hold onto the memories from holidays spent together, family reunions and major life moments through the years. And with custom framing, these captured moments are made even more special. “We preserve memories,” shares Allan Bennington, senior store manager at Pictures Plus, a locally owned company that specializes in custom framing. “It’s not just pictures for art — it’s preserving a moment in your life and framing it on your wall.” As the largest framer in the state, Pictures Plus offers three framing options: readymade frames, online ordering and custom framing — a popular choice with endless possibilities. “We can do anything physically possible,” says Bennington.

right: Showcase all of life’s moments — from college graduations to souvenirs from your trip abroad — with custom frames from Pictures Plus.

48 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

FRAMES

Along with basic photo framing selections, you can display an array of objects and personal effects. For instance, your pet’s collar and paw printed art, your kid’s college diploma or souvenirs from your honeymoon can be placed in a shadow box or creatively displayed. “I’ve done masks that wouldn’t necessarily fit in the frame so I floated it,” says Bennington. “Floating art on top of frames rather than behind a frame adds texture and color.” Bennington shares that anything is possible — and at Pictures Plus, you can work with a trained designer to make your ideas come to fruition. “This is the benefit of custom work — you get the opportunity to work with our designers.” While a designer will be able to help brainstorm and lay out all your options, be sure to “get an idea of what you want and where you want to hang the piece before you come in,” recommends Bennington. At the heart of custom framing is the preservation of your cherished memory. “With digital technology and frameless artwork, those are 100% a fad and a lot of that doesn’t work for long,” says Bennington. “If you want to preserve it, custom frame it.”

PICTURES PLUS OFFERS THREE OPTIONS FOR FRAMING: Ready-made Frames. These are available in-store and online, for you to assemble at home. At right are three 8-by-10-inch frames in distressed gray, koa veneer and cherry classic. Online Ordering. Simple custom framing at the click of a button. The website offers select moldings that are made to order. Visit picturesplus.com. Custom Framing. Come into a Pictures Plus store — no appointment necessary — with your project and meet with a trained designer who can lay out a detailed plan for you. You should have your completed piece in seven to 10 days.

SUN PROTECTION “Every form of light, with the exception of LED, will fade your artwork,” says Bennington, who recommends using a basic UV glass for your art and pictures.

hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 49

PLANTS

Dig It: The Fiddle Leaf Fig Add some green to your home and create a relaxing environment with the fiddle leaf fig. BY ASHLEY INSONG PHOTO BY OLIVIER KONING

lants are a key component to consider when decorating your home — they purify the air and help bring the beauty of the outdoors in. Lighten up your space with the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). The fiddle leaf fig’s huge light-catching leaves and its ability to easily adapt to the environment make it one of the most desired houseplants today. “This tree will instantly make any room feel more inviting,” says Katie Hachmeister of City Mill, which carries these houseplants. “Having plants around, in general, is also known to greatly reduce stress and this beautiful tree can’t help but make you feel a little happier every time you look at those giant leaves.” One of the things that make the fiddle leaf fig so unique is that it can be shaped into different styles. In its natural environment, the fiddle leaf fig can grow up to 40 feet tall; it’s capable of growing up to 6 feet tall in indoor spaces. It can be pruned and shaped to look like a tree or a bush. And, Hachmeister shares that with enough care and patience, you can groom your tree in other ways

50 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

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fi Keep your ves free of a le e fig’s larg ust the leaves d y tl n dust. Ge or bimonthly monthly sponge or ft using a so er cloth. fi ro mic b

• •

PLANTS

“This beautiful tree can’t help but make you feel a little happier every time you look at those giant leaves.” — KATIE HACHMEISTER, CITY MILL

SURVIVAL TIPS

Although this plant thrives in moist, warm rainforests, it can easily adapt to a Hawaii home environment. Caring for your fiddle leaf fig is pretty simple with Hachmeister’s guidance. Light: Bright indirect lighting

— there are even varieties that have braided trunks and compact varieties with leaves that are half the size of normal fiddle leaf figs. When deciding how you would like your tree to look, it’s important to keep in mind where it will be placed. “If you have a very narrow and tall area then it might be best to let your lyrata grow tall and slim with little to no pruning. If you are looking to fill out a larger area with your tree then more pruning will be needed to get

the desired effect,” says Hachmeister. There are things you must avoid doing to keep your fiddle leaf fig happy. “This tree does not like to have its leaves constantly touched or bumped into,” says Hachmeister. “Try to keep this plant out of narrow walkways and resist the temptation to touch its leaves.” Hachmeister also suggests refraining from moving the plant around too much. “Let it stay in one place, and let it adjust to its new home.”

Temperature: A slightly humid environment Soil: Any potting soil that drains well; a heavy soil-based mix with peat moss is ideal Fertilizer: Nutricote 13-13-13 Watering: If indoors, every 5-10 days; if outdoors, every day or every other day Longevity: If indoors, 10 years or more

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FURNISHINGS

Beauty by Design A well-organized, stylish space makes getting ready for the day or an evening out easier and more enjoyable. BY ASHLEY INSONG PHOTOS BY AARON. K YOSHINO

personal vanity is like a haven – it should be a comfortable space to sit down, relax and get ready. Especially useful for those living in small spaces or for couples with only one bathroom, a dedicated vanity frees up the bathroom mirror for a partner to use, making it easier to share space and time.

Choose Versatility When choosing a vanity for your bedroom, think about the different features you want it to include. For instance, if counter space is a priority, a vanity with a hidden mirror and storage compartments that can be revealed as needed may be a good option. The Alf Italia Artemide Vanity from HomeWorld Furniture has both of these features. Crafted in Italy, this desk has a sleek design that features an open-up mirror with a zoom-in mirror on top of it, a drawer for storing products, and an area to display and organize jewelry. Alf Italia Artemide Vanity, $1,500, from HomeWorld Furniture. Comfort is Key Feel at-ease during the time you spend at your vanity desk by selecting a chair that is comfortable and complements its look. The Blast Dining Side Chair from Red Knot is a contemporary choice that is comfortable and minimalist. Blast Dining Side Chair by Actona Company, $150 for set of two, from Red Knot. 52 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

T y i

FURNISHINGS

Shine a Light on Efficiency Doing hair and makeup can be time-consuming and detailed. Adding extra light can help you avoid missteps and get ready faster. Transitional Steel Lamp in Black Nickel by Style Craft Home Collections, $52, from HomeWorld Furniture. Stay Organized To keep your desk organized, designate areas for specific beauty products. For example, use Simply Organized’s Acrylic Makeup/Desk Organizer to display and store your makeup brushes, and the Clarity Plastic Storage Drawer Organizer to divide storage space in your drawers for makeup palettes or hair accessories. Acrylic Makeup/ Desk Organizer, $26; Clarity Plastic Divided Storage Drawer Organizer, $17; Clarity Plastic Storage Drawer Organizer, $11; from Simply Organized.

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BUILD NEW OR REDO

Should You Build New or Redo? It’s a question many homeowners ask themselves when beginning plans for their dream home. Marshall Hickox of Homeworks Construction helps weigh out the options. BY STEPHANIE KIM PHOTO BY OLIVIER KONING

eciding whether or not it’s time to tear down or remodel your home can be a difficult choice, with many homeowners feeling a bit apprehensive about the idea of a brand new home. Marshall Hickox of Homeworks Construction understands how emotional and daunting the decision can be. With home walk-throughs, Hickox says, owners will often list the improvements they’d like to see, such as new plumbing and electrical throughout, leveling the foundation, redoing the bathrooms, reconfiguring floor plans, updating the kitchen, replacing roofing — the list goes on. “There is a tipping point, and it’s not always monetarily,” shares Hickox. “One has to look at if it is a wise investment in your hard-earned money and what are you sacrificing by doing so much work on a tired home.” Hickox, who conducts seminars on the subject of new homes versus remodeling, shares some insight.

Is there an emotional tie? For builders, architects and those in the industry, it’s important to never make assumptions on the reason behind the build or remodel. “Most times, we are dealing with an emotional attachment. Many people have lived in these homes their entire lives, raised their kids in them, raised their kids’ kids in them even,” says Hickox. There are so many personal factors to consider and ways you can tie it in, but sometimes a new build is necessary. Pros and Cons To avoid feeling as if you are being upsold to spend more money, make sure you know

all of your options. Lay out the pros and cons, which will differ in almost every home. “There is not a magic formula or checklist one can use to give the ‘right’ answer of what’s best for you,” shares Hickox. He adds that while a new home’s extended warranties on new products may be attractive to one person, saving a few thousand dollars with a remodel may be ideal for another. Original Home Features Older homes with nonconforming features that have been grandfathered in, such as encroachment and proximity to the ocean, can’t be replicated once removed. “If this

is something the owner wants to keep, then a budgeted and phased remodel that meets the legal conditions maintaining the nonconformance may be the only way,” says Hickox. The owners of this home originally wanted to remodel, but the extent of the changes — due to age and structure — made it more financially sensible to start over. Parts of the original 1920s home were kept at the owners’ wishes, such as the columns seen in this living room. “Rock walls, wall paneling, columns and doors were many of the items we recycled back into the new home, and the owners felt they had kept some of the soul of the old home alive,” says Hickox. hawaiihomemag.com • FEBRUARY 2020 • 55

I N D U S T R Y WAT C H

Keep the Momentum Take these important next steps to get your home renovation projects in motion. BY GLADYS QUINTO MARRONE

ia-hawaii just wrapped up another successful Big Home Building & Remodeling Show in January. Tens of thousands of attendees visited hundreds of contractors, suppliers, and remodeling, design, solar and financing experts under one roof. We appreciate the continued support as the success of the home show and other BIA events helps us in our mission to serve as the voice of the construction industry and to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaii. You walked through the aisles, picking up information for your kitchen or bath remodel, talked with a solar PV expert, attended a seminar to learn more about aging in place, checked out plans for a new accessory dwelling unit, and finally walked out with bags of knowledge. So, what now? How and where do you get started to find the right person to take on building or improving possibly the biggest investment of your life?

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be added to any closet for enclosed storage. Make Using a level and a drill your storage work for you. attach the Rail to the wall. After that, all other components simply lock into place. No complicated instructions and no confusing parts and pieces. You’ll be astonished at how quickly freedomRail installs!

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I N D U S T R Y WAT C H

Determine what you would like to accomplish for your project. What’s your plan? What do you envision? Contact the coconut wireless of folks who have had similar projects done on their homes. Ask friends, relatives and neighbors for referrals and references. Find a contractor who routinely does the projects you want done. When you’ve generated a list of potential contractors, be sure to interview at least three. Get a written bid from each one and, when comparing them, make sure they include the same, or similar, materials and the same type of work, so you’re comparing apples to apples.

Your written contract should include information such as detailed time frames, total cost, any payment arrangements, license numbers, project description and subcontractors, and how any necessary additional costs will be handled. In this economy, expect a contractor to be too busy to start right away. The best folks are usually the busy ones. Check on applicable licenses and complaints history. BIAHawaii verifies this information when membership applications are accepted. However, things may have changed since that time so you should consider doing your own due diligence with any disciplinary or licensing boards and the Better Business Bureau.

Educate yourself about what is required, such as any necessary permits or regulations that must be met, so you know what’s going on behind the scenes. Ensure the project is 100% complete to your satisfaction before making the final payment. While the process of securing the right contractor may require some work, the end result will be worth it. You can also find contractors at biahawaii.org.

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Gladys Quinto Marrone is CEO of the Building Industry Association – Hawaii.

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Check references. See if you can talk with the last three customers the contractor worked for.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Know your budget, then add 10% for any contingencies.

RADAR

Isabella Power Loveseat in white, from HomeWorld Furniture

Feel the Love(seat) BY ASHLEY INSONG

lounging around with your significant other gets even more advanced with powerreclining loveseats. These loveseats allow you to adjust your headrest, back and even your feet, making it easier to get comfortable beside your partner. Choose from these options and get even closer this Valentine’s Day — and every day.

Accoglienza Power Loveseat in white, from HomeWorld Furniture

58 • FEBRUARY 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

Brady Dual Reclining Loveseat with Power Headrests in gray top grain leather, from INspiration Interiors

Evan Loveseat in gray fabric, from INspiration Interiors

PHOTOS: AARON K. YOSHINO, COURTESY OF INSPIRATION INTERIORS, HOMEWORLD FURNITURE

May Dual Reclining Loveseat with Power Headrests in dark gray top grain leather, from INspiration Interiors

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