Bringing the outdoors in is a benchmark of contemporary
design; that being said, this Kohala coastline vacation home by Dara Rosenfeld
Design takes that process a few steps further — using a lava-rock wall divider
between the shower and the tub in the master bath! Infused with seashore blues
and greens, this 7,000-square-foot residence is a haven not only for family to
gather but for the owners to showcase and enjoy objects of all kinds collected
on their travels to Tahiti and Bora Bora. You can see the island influence
everywhere: in the carvings on a bedstead, the wood inlay of the ceilings, and
splashy fabrics, colors, and prints. Gorgeous ceramic tile accents bring more
island ambience into the home, as does a lavish “fern” print at a desk (a seat
in a friendly jungle!).
Beyond integration of textures and literal materials of the
islands, the house also features more conventional indoor/outdoor living
touches — such as the flagstone patio flooring that carries into the indoor
dining and living areas of the home. Casual chairs group around a wood table
with a barrel base; the bocce ball court looks as if it were photographed
mid-match. Finally, as is also a benchmark with Dara Rosenfeld, customized
furnishings and accessories play a large part in the décor: among them are
Parisian Thomas Boog pendant lights made of opalescent oyster shells, a
cast-stone dining table top, and a custom bamboo sofa. The combination of
custom work, architectural material that melds indoors and out, and the
fabulous tropical colors of this retreat make this getaway a shining Kohala
coastline jewel.
