Rolling Out the Carpets

It feels like we have been waiting may months for spring to arrive. As we welcome this season of transition into our home, it is the perfect time to lighten up the inside of our tranquil living space. It is important to keep stimulating your senses and switch things ups from time to time. It is the perfect season is to add visual interest, and create an open and airy transitional space that welcomes the new season with open arms. There are so many ways to make these changes that include painting, introducing brighter color linens and pillows, layering natural textures or simply adding plants and flowers to the space. These small changes can make a big impact on a minimal budget.

As trends revolve like the seasons and color palettes evolve, your home becomes the canvas for you and your family. There are elements of your home that remain consistent and may be forgotten. The flooring in your dwelling is the one element that requires a commitment and rarely changes after you make the selection. It can be one of the costliest investments you introduce into any renovation budget and certainly not something you update or change for the season.

This is the season for you to introduce natural fiber area rugs to your home. Get ready to roll up those heavy wool rugs and put them in storage until October. There are so many options on the market today that can update your space and add a lighter natural element to your floors. Start small or go big and keep it neutral. These beautiful woven pieces of art can transform any space and introduce a casual ease. Best used over hardwood flooring, tiles and brick these textured beauties come in a variety of colors, sizes and woven patterns.

First, lets define a natural fiber. A natural fiber comes from plants or animals. Natural fiber rugs are woven from durable threads that range from sisal, seagrass, jute, coir and bamboo. Natural fiber rugs bring a modern organic look and neutral texture to any setting. They are a natural choice for adding a casual look to classic living and family rooms, or a relaxed kickback feel to the weekend cottage. Each natural rug brings a human element to your home. Each of these rugs are woven by hand into interesting pattern by craftsmen who have skills that have been handed down for generations.

Sisal is a popular choice for many, these rugs are resistant to most stains and repels dust. Sisal is the toughest of all natural fibers and works great in high-traffic areas. It is made from the long pointed leaves of the Sisalana plant, which is native to Brazil, Mexico and parts of Africa. Sisal actually absorbs the humidity on hot summer days, which helps to cool a room. The sisal fibers are coarse so it is not ideal for small children or bare feet. Sisal cannot be used outdoors. The natural color of sisal is creamy white. Prolonged exposure to the sun will cause colored-sisal to fade. Sisal’s exceptional durability is suitable for both residential and commercial use. However, after prolong use on a stairway, sisal will become slippery, therefore, avoid stairways.

Seagrass is a fiber that is also strong and resistant to most spills and stains. Sea grass does not contain chemicals and toxins. This is a perfect option for allergy sufferers who want a beautiful natural rug. Seagrass rugs are very durable and usually have a latex backing. They have a lot of texture, which creates dimension to an interior. This type of rug is also excellent on an enclosed porch or entryway as well as in your bedroom.

Jute rugs originate in India and Bangladesh. These fibers come from the plant stalk instead of the leaves, so the fibers are softer than some other natural fiber rugs, but less durable. Jute rugs more closely resemble wool than the other natural fibers. The natural color of jute is brown. Jute holds up well under low to medium traffic. I would define high traffic areas include hallways, family room and entryway. Medium traffic areas include the dining room and home office. Low traffic areas include bedrooms and formal living room.

Coir rugs are made from the husks of coconuts and have a latex backing. They are an environmentally friendly option. Only discarded coconut husks are used to construct these rugs, so the tree remains intact. Coir rugs are hand-loomed and will have imperfections. Coir rugs must use a rug pad to protect the floor beneath.

Bamboo is fast-growing plant and can be harvested without killing the host plant. There are many benefits to owning a bamboo rug, such as its natural fire resistance, durability and easy care. Bamboo rugs have felt backing to protect the floor from scratches.

Easy care and vacuuming regularly will extend the life of your natural rug. Make certain you blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent white cloth or spot clean with a dry extraction powder. Natural fibers are quite absorbent and can shrink and expand with changes in humidity. They are intended for indoor use only and are not recommended for use in damp or humid areas such as bathrooms. Make certain you keep them out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading. Rotate the rug periodically to help reduce uneven wear. Lastly, make sure you use a rug pad under any non-backed fiber rug. If you chose to use the rug over carpeting a rug pad should also be used.

Easily forgotten, the floors of our home deserve a little special update seasonally as well as it counterparts. This spring explore, experiment and take a risk. Introduce a natural element rug to any space in your home and continue to bring the “outside inside”.

Rolilng out

SPACE SAVER

Are you finding that you just can’t make things squeeze into place? Perhaps your previously organized spaces are overflowing and crazy? You should consider these stylish options to add a little zing to your home and efficiency to your home.

If your living-room coffee table has become the center of bill paying, homework, and the occasional meal—you might want to consider a sofa table that adapts with action. Select a multifunctional table that has two adjustable wood panels that lift with storage inside. They act as trays when up (for laptops or plates of food) and conceal storage when down (perfect for a vast collection of remotes or magazines). This table can even serve as a party station, enticing guests to circulate away from the buffet or a space to relax in the evening.
If your pots and utensils are cluttering your cabinets invest in a beautiful pot rack. Choose a style that can be mounted to a wall or the ceiling. There are even styles that now have lighting attached and can be utilized above a busy kitchen island. If you are on a budget, pick up some S-hooks from the hardware store. Mount a copper bar to the wall and allow it to accommodate pans or small pots. Be sure to leave at least two feet between the bar and the counter so there’s room for the pots to hang. For an elegant and shabby chic look, suspend a beautiful piece of found driftwood from the ceiling with rope and utilize it as an overhead rack.
Bulky cable boxes and tangles of cords have nearly driven all of us bonkers. Target has now introduced a genius console/entertainment center that has got your ugly tech stuff covered. This unique console has strategically sized and spaced holes in the front covered panels to allow your remote’s gamma rays, etc. to penetrate. Inside, your cable box, Blu-ray player, and movie-streaming device can be hidden, with cords neatly threaded through precut holes in back.
A rolling cart utilizes vertical space perfectly and is small enough to work in super tight quarters. For the bathroom, fill one with towels, shower essentials, and toiletries. Looking for more roll-a-way storage ideas? For BBQ use, keep a cart stocked with outdoor-entertaining staples and wheel it onto the patio for a pop-up party. In the garage, fill one with maintenance supplies (motor oil, wiper fluid, car-wash cloths). Use another as an easy-to-stash crafting station.
The best thing to happen to workstations since the laptop is the hide away home office. This concept provides an impressive setup for a small desk that folds right up internally into the unit-similar to a murphy bed.

pot rack

Swivel Chairs

Chairs are getting quite a bit of attention, and one style that’s increasingly popular for its versatility is the swivel chair. Not only are they comfortable, but in big open floor plans where kitchen, dining and living areas all occupy one big room, swivel chairs allow you and your guests to pivot to different activities and conversations.

I have been seeing the swivel chair trend everywhere this season. These amazingly versatile seats are actually amazing for rearranging on a whim, lounging in over the weekend and, most importantly, entertaining. After all, who has time to adjust all of the seating for company when the chairs can do all of the work with one quick spin?

Unrivaled in movement, function, and flexibility, swivel chairs have been an industry standard for many years. Now, designer-favorite swivels are available in an array of irresistible styles. Why have these seats become so popular? Upholstered swivel chairs enhance the modern home with adaptability and seamless motion, while simultaneously solving a plethora of design challenges. Small space? Consider a swivel chair. Open floor plan? Consider a swivel chair. Multiple focal points? You guessed it—consider a swivel!

Whether you are incorporating vintage swivel chairs into your decor for function or style, there is something inherently fun about being able to take a spin in a comfortable seat. While we tend to associate swivel chairs with salons or office spaces, they are making a comeback in a big way to modern styling. Vintage swivel chairs are getting new fabrics and elegant lines so they can highlight your decor beautifully while hiding the mechanisms that allow them to swivel.

Swivel chairs offer versatility; they work in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and even outdoors. If you’re thinking of outdated wooden desk chairs, think again. In a variety of materials, like fabric, leather, and rattan, swivel chairs fit any aesthetic, from traditional to modern to eclectic.

Swivel chairs also add coziness in large rooms or outdoor spaces. Group a few on the patio to create a chat area in the sun or place a pair in front of a fireplace to create conversation areas. This will help anchor your spaces and create structure in spots that could otherwise feel bare and uninviting. I really embrace the ability of movement that swivel chairs offer. You can turn towards the person with whom you’re speaking, or you can angle to better catch the light if you’re curled up with a magazine. I love placing a cozy swivel chair in the corner of a bedroom to create a little reading nook. These chairs offer a sleek, low profile, and gently hug your body whether you’re curling up with a book or socializing with loved ones.

The truth is, there’s no right answer when it comes to swivel chair placement; simply look for a piece that fits your scale and style. Then, get creative—unexpected areas can often benefit the most from flexible seating.

swivel chair

TULIP TIME

When I think of spring tulips are the most iconic symbol that warmer weather and brighter sunshine days are right around the corner. While visiting the market yesterday, I was so pleased to be greeted by bright colors or yellow, hot pink, red and lavender. Is it true? Winter is coming to a close? As I thought about it, I quickly recalled my days of living on 13^thStreet in Washington, DC. Every week it was a treated to pick up new tulips on my walk home from work. It was almost like these little pops of color were the pendulum of swinging in spring. They also inspired me to switch out pillow covers and change the drapes to brighter and lighter linen styles.

So how can we make the most of our tulip selection? Here are a few tips to prolong the life of these little friends that can perk up any space this spring.

Try to pick the freshest bunch possible. Tight and closed is my first hint.
Trim ¼ inch from the base of the stems (wash of any soil that might still be on the stems)
Make certain you select the perfect vase. Finding a vase with a smaller opening on top will keep the tulips closer and more erect.
Use a small amount of water in the vase. Otherwise, the tulips will continue to grow and they will bend over and break.
Don’t re-cut the stems or change the water. This will make them droop.
Add a splash of bleach to the water. This will keep the water clear and give you fresh, beautiful tulips for an entire week.
Lastly, if you have a special event and are not concerned about the lifespan of the tulips, locate a penny produced before 1982 drop it in the water and let it sink to the bottom of the vase. This penny will keep your tulips standing straight however, it will shorten the life.

tuilips

Furniture Shopping Online

With online shopping making up less than 10% of total retail sales in the US, it may seem bold to declare the online world as the future of interior design. But while there will always be stronger physical markets for categories like food, cars, and gasoline, the online market is undeniably on the rise for categories like apparel and home goods.

Online shopping is a great tool for furnishing your home. Many people write off the idea of buying furniture online because it seems too risky. How can you tell if what you see is actually what you get? How do you know the piece will work in your home if you haven’t had a chance to see it first?

However, did you know that in most furniture stores, “design consultant” is just a fancy word for a salesperson? Sales teams earn both a salary and commission, sometimes 10% or more, and many stores require their sales associates to meet a minimum dollar amount before they can even earn their commission. What is the result? You end up on the receiving end of an aggressive sales pitch claiming that the sofa you’ve been eyeing is “almost sold out” or “won’t go on sale again.”

A new study published in Forbes magazine states that, “the [brick and mortar’s] competitive issue with online retailers isn’t pricing. It’s a fulfillment and service battle.” Most usually online you will always get an answer from a customer service representative. Their responsiveness is just the first step they take when it comes to service. What was truly missing in the online industry was a reliable resource where trained designers and product experts could actually answer your questions and meet your design needs from purchase to delivery. However, as time has progresses and more interior designers and homeowners use the power of the Internet to shop this has been rectified. Many times you will not have this responsiveness from a brick and mortar store.

Before you make a commitment to order and purchase furniture online, here are a few things to consider:

Measuring is the most important component of buying furniture, period. It’s even more crucial when buying online. Since you won’t be able to walk into a brick-and-mortar store and see with your own eyes how that piece will fit in your space, you’ll have to make sure your measuring skills are solid.
When you have an item you want to buy, read over the product listing to find the dimensions. (If you can’t find the dimensions, don’t buy that one.) Next, use measured-out painter’s tape or string to build a layout of how it will look in your home on the floor.
Don’t just rely on an outline on the floor – build a model. You can use cardboard boxes to mark off the space visually for the height. This will give you a sense of volume. Utilize this three-dimensional mock up to get a visual frame of reference. Next, try to live with it for a few days before making the commitment to purchase it. This exercise will allow you the opportunity to make certain the space is not overcrowded and is still going to be functional for you, especially if it’s a hallway or highly trafficked area.
Ask for samples, use photos and close-ups. While the color accuracy depicted on screens has come a long way, take advantage of the opportunity to get free fabric or leather swatches sent to you. Many companies will send one to you to ensure you’re happy with the way the fabric looks.
If a swatch is not an option, you can always do an image search for consumer photos of the product. While some details will still be slightly altered by your computer screen, those will show you a different version of how the piece will look once you’ve furnished your home with it.
Consider comfort and support. Perhaps the biggest stumbling blocks for going online to buy upholstered pieces like a sofa is that you can’t give them a test-sit in advance. Look at the depth dimensions of the item. This is super important to think about. If you’re going to use the piece mainly for lounging, or you love lots of throw pillows, you’re going to want a deeper seat. Lower sofas will also give a more deep-seated feel. Lastly, don’t forget about materials. Down sits a lot cushier and a lot softer versus polyfill, which allows you to have more support.

Onlineshopping

Be Mine…

We celebrate Valentine’s Day in order to express our love through pink hearts, candy, red roses and a loved-up card– but the true history of the holiday isn’t as sweet. Originating as a pagan ritual for fertility, Valentine’s Day has evolved throughout centuries worth of martyrdom, religious politics, beheadings, and industrialization to become the holiday we now associate with love.

\Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

While the exact origins of Valentine’s Day remain murky, some historians consider the Ancient Roman feast Lupercalia, held from February 13 to 15, the holiday’s earliest iteration. During the festivities, Roman priests sacrificed a goat and a dog, using strips of the animals’ hides dipped in blood to whip women in the belief that it would make them more fertile. The ritual also included a matchmaking session, with bachelors selecting the names of their “sweethearts” from an urn.

In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. Esther A. Howland (known as “Mother of the Valentine”) began selling the first mass-produced cards in America in the 1840s and Hallmark Cards entered the scene in 1913. Today, the Greeting Card Association estimates that loved ones send approximately 145 million cards around the world every year.

The tradition of giving flowers to loved ones on Valentine’s Day originated in the 17th century when King Charles II of Sweden popularized “the language of flowers”, or attaching conversationalist meanings to different types of flowers, throughout Europe. The most traditional type for Valentine’s Day became the rose because of its association with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Since then, the custom has grown with the National Retail Federation estimating that $2 billion are spent on Valentine’s Day flowers each year.

VDay

Be Mine…

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

VDay

Paris Fashion Week In Your Home

Did you know that we are now deep into Spring 2019 Fashion Week in Paris? What a weekend it was with many of the newest interpretations of fashion heritage as well as cutting edge new looks. I have already been completely blown away from the likes of Celine, Loewe, and Valentino (btw-Valentino was the first Italian Couturier to show in Paris). All of these shows are on the heels of London, New York and Milan Fashion Week. There are so many new trends that you should anticipate. Look for ruffles and sizeable proportions, crochet, aspen gold, khaki is the new black, highlighter color blocking and tons of 80’s inspiration.

Interior design and fashion have always been intimately connected to each other. Previously, furniture wouldn’t appear until five or six years after it appeared on the runway. This decreased as people started to realize the potential for fashion inspiring interior design. A few years ago, it reached a point where it was a mere two seasons away.

Today, we’ve reached a point where there is no gap. Both industries work together to inspire each other. And this is something that will continue to happen from now on. We’re increasingly seeing interior design trends cropping up on the major catwalks of the industry. This wasn’t always the case before.

Social media has increased the speed at which information travels. You no longer have to wait for the next issue of a magazine to come out. Almost as soon as a collection hits the runway, reporters, photographers and bloggers are sharing these events with their readers and viewers. These images are quickly posted on blogs, websites and across our television screens to the consumer. So, where fashion was once a true driver of the world of interiors, the two are now working together.

Interior design is almost as big as the clothing industry. There are countless magazines, blogs, and shows all displaying the latest trends. If you’re an aspiring fashion designer, or you simply want a new wardrobe, interior design can help you. Inspiration doesn’t always have to mean copying. Sometimes, fashion magazines don’t offer anything new. You need to look elsewhere for inspiration.

Believe it or not, patterns for dresses tend to appear in our homes before they appear on the catwalk. Think of the popular floral pattern that’s ‘in’ today. This isn’t anything new or innovative. Floral designs have been used since the early 20th century. In those days, having these patterns on clothing would have been unthinkable.

Fashion designers have been inspired by different patterns found in carpets and on walls over the years. It starts with a flat surface, such as a wall, and then designers work with it to turn it into a three-dimensional moving garment.

An essential part of interior design is how patterns and colors work together. This is also a consideration for those in the fashion world. One way fashion designers can become inspired is by looking at nature. This is due to the vast color combinations and the use of light and shading. The interior design also has the same capacity to inspire. Carpets must fit in with walls and shelves. Cupboards must work with sofas and TV stands.

Just as your wardrobe changes with the seasons and trends from the runway, your interiors can do the same. Whether it’s adding a hot, new print to your couch with some throw pillows, or acquiring a chair in an of-the-moment color, you can find some of the best décor inspiration straight from the runways. As fashion designers max out boho looks with unexpected mixes of materials and prints in complementary tones, get gutsy with your combinations at home. As we continue to see a ton of gold and brass in fashion and interior design, and they’re still a great way to elevate any look, both in your wardrobe and at home. Mirrored shine, lame, and silver details sparkled down the runway too this season. Go bold with this concept in your home with, what else—mirrors. Lastly, the classic silhouette of a classic trench from Burberry–was made modern on the runway with an unexpected, but practical fabrication accented with pops of color and chain. Give traditional elements to your home such as a burlwood Parsons desk, a tufted sofa, and a turned leg ottoman and add an unexpected pop with Lucite chairs. Remember, life is your runway. Make it your own utilizing the inspiration around you.

Celine SS19

Loewe SS19

Valentino SS19

Burberry SS19

Stoked To Surf Via Art

The sport of surfing continues to be one of the major pat times for most Hawaiians. There are very few given days that you cannot stop at the shore line and catch a few big barrel waves. But did you know that this love affair with the waves has become a worldwide fascination? You might be surprised to know that Tokyo has become one of the newest surfing destinations on the planet. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why Japanese and many other Asian families are drawn to Hawaii.

We are all obsessed with the mystery and unpredictability of the ocean. If you visit Tokyo you might be taken backby the many people in wetsuits clutching surfboards on pedal cruiser bikes through the torii, the stone gates that lead from Kamakura’s main street on to Yuigahama beach. The scene at the beach is straight out of the book of surfing clichés as enthusiasts with sun-reddened faces and broad shoulders, wearing Wayfarers and board shorts, swap stories in the parking lot. Yet there is something quintessentially Japanese about it: a row of sandals has been carefully left at the edge of the beach, and unlike their carefree Californian and Australian counterparts, Japanese surfers carry portable showers, foot towels, and plastic coat hangers on which to dry their wet suits.

This surfing craze has now only heightened awareness of upcoming Hawaiian local surf artists. Today there is a whole genre of surf art. It’s usually illustration-based and characterized by a mixture of psychedelic, surrealist, punk and comic book-derived influences.

To understand the development of surf art, you need to understand the development of the surfboard. While today the surfboard is inextricably linked to images of California in the 1960s, it is by no means an American invention. Surf culture originated in Polynesia and came to the US by way of Hawaii. The light, shiny, colorful surfboard that we know today is fundamentally a product of material technologies developed during the years surrounding World War II. Styrofoam and, later, polyurethane foam made for an unprecedentedly light board body, which would be weighted with strips of balsa or redwood. Then, the whole board would be encased in a thin coating of smooth, shiny fiberglass that could be endlessly polished.

Technology has had a huge impact not only upon surfboards themselves, but their decorative components. Using cutting edge polyester resin pigments, designers completely reinvented the look of the surfboard by introducing bright colors and graphics applied directly to the plastic core and then sealed in beneath the fiberglass.

A group of Los Angeles painters and sculptors represented by the famed Ferus Gallery (among them Billy Al Bengston, Ken Price and Robert Irwin) saw new opportunities for their own art in the space age plastics, resins and other polymers that surf culture—of which they were themselves a part—had embraced. Bengston famously created paintings that he actually polished, like a surfboard or motorcycle, to a state of impeccable shine. These surf artists showed how surfing design could be transmuted into other spheres, and that the culture and attitude could inform any number of creative activities.

Today we have quite a few artists that are incredibly hot in Hawaii but throughout the world. I thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce you to just a few of them.

One of the coolest and most authentic artists of today’s surf art community is Nick Wells or “Welzie”. Oahu’s North Shore artist Nick Wells spreads aloha with his surf-inspired works. As a young boy in Santa Cruz, Welzie retreated into the blank pages of his sketchbook, experimenting with lines, shapes and colors and finding solace in the images he brought to life. In 2008, Wells and surfboard shaper Carl Olsen started Two Crows Surfboards, a collaboration mashing surfboards and freestyle art. At Olsen’s suggestion, he began signing his pieces “Welzie.” Today, Welzie is most recognized for his one-of-a-kind original resin creations that are fabricated just like surfboards in the Two Crows workshop, but using wood instead of foam. Each piece is covered with fiberglass and laminated with white resin to create a textured canvas, then painted with a mixture of pigments and resin, sealed with another layer of resin and finished off with a final drawing. Visually composed of an abstract, freestyle background overlaid with graphic pop art images, his art embodies a yin-yang. It’s also important to know, he has a big heart. I now consider him a friend and some of the things he does for kids is pretty awesome. He’s the artist behind the shark mural at Banzai Skate Park, which he spontaneously painted in part to cover up graffiti. During surf trips, he delivers art kits to kids with limited resources in places like Baja and Sayulita, Mexico. Nick recently completed a special piece for our collection that includes Marty and myself as little fish. Can you guess which one is me? Check him out at www.welzieart.com.

I can’t discuss surf art without mentioning Kauai resident Heather Brown. She is perhaps the hottest ticket in the world of Hawaiian modern surf art. Inspired by her love for the sea, nature, popular surf breaks, and the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, Heather Brown brings to life some of the most coveted works of art for our generation. After working as a boat captain and dive master to put herself through the Bachelors of Fine Arts program at The University of Hawaii gave Heather Brown the perfect vantage point to fill her head with the beautiful imagery of the Hawaiian Islands.

Brown has been coined the “Godmother of Modern Surf Art” by the Los Angeles Times. Heather Brown’s art has become a benchmark in the global surf art market, finding its way into collector’s homes around the world. Throughout Heather Brown’s career she’s been named “Best Artist In Hawaii” for four consecutive years, and chosen as Rip Curl’s “Artist of the Search” for the past five years now garnering her own clothing line “Heather Brown for Rip Curl.” She has created art for The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Jack Johnson’s Kōkua Festival, The Surfrider Foundation and many more as well as opening up Heather Brown Galleries in Tokyo, and Osaka Japan. She continues to work with numerous non-profits around the world, always keeping “giving back” extremely close to her heart. Check her out at www.heatherbrownart.com

You might recognize the name Kim Sielbeck from the likes of Pepsi and British brand Propercorn, which allowed her to catch the eyes of major London agency JSR, with whom she recently signed. The illustrator, painter, and surface designer recently departed NYC to relocate to the Oahu where she once called home in her youth. Known for her tropical island of kawaii cats, puppies and Hawaiian vibes Kim can find inspiration in the day today paradise that is her own. She clearly one to watch, and an artist bringing her sunny, vibrant style to all corners of the world. We recently completed a commissioned piece for Christian our pup’s tenth birthday and it is fantastic.

Lastly, Karen Obuhanych or ktoart was raised in California where she enjoyed the outdoors, sports and doing anything creative. Inspired by annual trips to Hawaii, where her father grew up, Karen moved to Oahu to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting. Karen currently resides on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the simple element of happiness that drives Karen Obuhanych and her artwork. Nature presents little gifts of joy in amazing compositions and brilliant color every day. Karen strives to capture these moments in each painting. My team at Tiffany & Co. commissioned a painting for our wedding in 2015 and it is one that we will cherish forever. She is located at www.ktoart.com

There are so many artists and free spirits on our islands. This week I only had room for a few in my blog but, I promise to keep you posted on the many more. Do yourself a favor and check out the art scene the next time you visit our islands. As you can see, it really has made an impact world-wide.

ktoart

Welzie

ktoart & Heather Brown

Kim Sielbeck

Heather Brown, Koji Toyoda, Dietrich Varez

Running Around Kauai

Last week, I shared with you a little history about the sugar industry on my home island of Kauai. We are definitely so fortunate to have this emergence of cultures and we take pride in the amazing food, design and compassion our residents share with each other. What you might not know is that Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and is sometimes called the “Garden Island,” which is an entirely accurate description. The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls! Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination. More than just dramatic beauty, the island is home to a variety of outdoor activities.

While Kauai is famous for its dramatic cliffs, canyons and rainforests, it’s also home to some of Hawaii’s most picturesque beaches. 50 miles of shimmering white-sand coast is where you can enjoy overwhelmingly beautiful unspoiled views surround the island. Find activities for both daring and more relaxed travelers, from surfing Hanalei Bay’s waves in the North Shore to spotting whales and sea turtles at Poipu Beach Park in the south.

Kauai’s lush landscapes and pristine beaches are a feast for the senses. You’ll find a multitude of things to do around the island — whether it’s an exhilarating zip line adventure through the jungle, a relaxing day at the beach, or a kayaking trip on one of Kauai’s rivers. The Garden Isle is a true adventurer’s playground. For those seeking a quieter pace, the island offers plenty of additional opportunities to explore local culture, history and more — including museums, historical landmarks, farmers markets and more. You can tour the film locations of more than 60 movies and TV shows.

Each year on Labor Day weekend, Kauai welcomes visitors from all over the world to participate in the Kauai Marathon. The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon begin in Poipu, the world-class resort community at the sunny southern end of the island, with routes sharing the first 11 miles. The courses follow the contour of the scenic coastline, offering magnificent views of the island’s picturesque beaches, rugged volcanic peaks, and green tropical rain forests. As dawn breaks, runners experience lush green vistas as they approach the shade of the century-old Tunnel of Trees before winding through misty Omao (my neighborhood) where the half marathoners enter Kukui’ula Resort offering spectacular ocean views for the last few miles. The full marathon heads out to Lawai before climbing to reveal stunning ocean views at the top of Kalaheo. The remaining miles are a gradual descent until runners receive a rousing island welcome upon their return to Poipu Beach.

The original purpose of the event was to gather residents and visitors together for a world-class race experience that fosters camaraderie, friendship, and charitable giving. While the main event is the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon, there are many other festivities throughout the race weekend that bring people of all ages together to make this one of the most unique destination races in the world. From the Fun Run and Keiki events on Saturday morning to the Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo complimentary presentations, to gorgeous dancers, cultural course entertainment, and volunteers and spectators on race day that inspire and encourage participants to keep going. This aloha spirit and community generosity make this a truly special event.

For the last two years, my husband Marty participated in the half marathon. In mid-May I had a total right hip replacement (I’m not ancient yet – only 45) and he decided to cheer with Christian (#GHKPUP) and myself from our driveway as the runners and walkers went past. It truly was an inspiring event to see the entire community come out and support the athletes. We were located near the ninth mile and were fortunate to have a local hula halau dance to the beat of the Ipu Heke across the street from our home. We were so very proud of our local ohana as well as all the participants and friends from allover the world that came to participate. This is just another reason to visit Kauai on Labor Day weekend.