Hawai'i : a Sense of Place

Book excerpt: If you think Hawaiian interiors begin and end with floral patterns and a little rattan, think again. Hawaii's best designed rooms exude warmth and comfort while protecting privacy and giving artistic expression to their inhabitants. First in every islander's mind is a love of their natural surroundings and a desire to connect to the environment. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii has for centuries been inspired by the cultures of the Pacific Rim, influenced by both Asia and the United States. Hawaii's leading interior designer, Mary Philpotts McGrath, shows you how to get an easy, stylish island look. Peek inside the homes of many of her firm's clients and her good friends. She shows that Hawaiian design is timeless, with a connection to place that transcends fads and fashions.