Mastering Indoor-Outdoor Living

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Photos: Olivier Koning; Courtesy of Averylily; Henry Houghton

Living in Hawaii comes with the privilege of experiencing the great outdoors all year. Refreshing Island breezes and a beautiful, temperate climate allow us to fully enjoy every season. For many local homeowners, indoor-outdoor spaces like covered decks, or lanai, and alfresco dining and kitchen areas, are popular areas for gathering and relaxing.

“Integrating our exterior and interior spaces is what makes our homes unique to our environment,” says Avery Solmssen, interior designer for Averylily, a retailer and interior design firm based in Honolulu. “In Hawaii, where the cost of living is high, it allows homeowners to more cost-effectively increase the square footage of their homes.”

For optimum comfort, designers, architects and contractors keep in mind the many nuances of indoor-outdoor spaces. “When designing an outdoor space in Hawaii, it is important to take into consideration the direction of our prevailing trade winds,” says Solmssen. A home designed with a lanai on the leeward side of the property enables homeowners “to enjoy their outdoor spaces, wind, rain or shine.” The leeward side is protected and sheltered by the mountains, facing away from harsh weather elements while remaining open to surrounding breezes.

A nature-centric aesthetic imbues indoor spaces with a sense of connection to the outside environment. Natural wood and rock are seen throughout Hale Mauna, creating warmth and ease.

With Native Hawaiian family roots, interior designer and retailer Avery Solmssen infuses inspiration from Hawaii’s culture and environment into her work. Hale Mauna is an exemplary project that captures the beauty of indoor-outdoor living on Hawaii Island.

Using organic materials also creates a nature-centric aesthetic that seamlessly transitions from interior spaces like open-concept living rooms or kitchens, to outdoor lounge areas. Solmssen’s Hale Mauna project on Hawaii Island is a terrific example of incorporating nature into a home, with large wood and stone elements throughout. Soaring wood-beamed ceilings, a knotted-wood mantel, natural wood shelving and flooring, and stone used on the fireplace and interior walls imbue a rustic, refined feel.

Interior kitchen and bath designs feature neutral colors and finishes, cohesively blending with views of the outdoor patio, where large wooden beams frame the barbecue area with a backdrop made of gray stone. The interior wood-beamed ceilings are pulled through large airy doors that open to a wood-framed lanai. Large picture windows frame the home’s surrounding views of Hawaii Island like dreamy, panoramic art.

A soothing color palette is used in interior spaces, such as the kitchen, where wood finishes complement greens and neutrals. The natural tones harmonize with the surrounding stone, wood, and plants in the outdoor kitchen area.

Averylily Hale Mauna Bbq Henry Houghton

Natural stone and a knotted-wood mantel give this fireplace a rustic, refined feel.

“My ultimate favorite [indoor-outdoor elements] are the swings in the lanai,” says Solmssen. “It makes for a casual but energizing conversation area.” The comfortable swing chairs are fun and unexpected, she explains, adding a touch of whimsy to the space.

For enduring indoor-outdoor spaces, Solmssen advises to “always use high-quality outdoor performance fabrics. We also recommend furniture made of powder-coated aluminums or synthetic rope — things that will stand the test of time and require less maintenance.”

For an airy touch of whimsy, Solmssen chose durable and beautiful swing seating for the outdoor lounge area.

Infusing nature into indoor spaces can also be done through thoughtfully selected prints and textiles.

Inside, the Hale Mauna project uses a natural color palette and tropical-patterned design. Color can be changed and layered with the use of textiles and art, Solmssen explains, and the natural base is timeless, regardless of changes in modern style or ownership.

This article appears in the October/November 2024 issue of Hawaii Home + Remodeling.