global warming

aloha clock

tropical style typically leans towards palm trees and a gratuitous use of raffia that i venture to guess is used more to recreate the islands in other parts of the world more than i have ever seen used in hawaii (outside of waikiki).

so i was delighted to find that europe is doing modern tropical style right from the pop worthy aloha clock designed in the netherlands to jenny wilkinson's cheeky wall decor straight from the uk.

pineapple wallpaper-by-numbers

octopus hide & seek paint-by-numbers

yep, paint-by-number is making a comeback in a big way and now you can tap into your inner artiste with retrolicious wallpaper-by-numbers in the oh so tropical pineapple design. yes, it's a wee ironic to surround yourself in a virtual pineapple field especially if you have a parent who worked at the cannery during their summer breaks (aka the ultimate guilt trip for 80's era island teens).

it's your choice whether to paint it to match your decor or leave it be in all its paint-by-number wonder. and, for those of you who love to dive into the great unknown, you also have the option of wrapping a room in a sea worthy border depicting life underwater in all its glory.

monkeypod treehouse

the big island seems to have become a haven for fans of modern architecture. case in point, the fabulous monkeypod treehouse located in the puna district. if you're seeking privacy, this looks like a wonderful and luxurious retreat stocked with modern furnishings and features a screened living room, 500 foot deck & an outdoor shower.

if space is an issue, there are 2 master bedrooms so there is plenty of room to invite family or friends to join you on your island getaway. and, after a day spent exploring the nearby beaches and lava fields, your body will appreciate the memory foam beds and 500 thread count sheets when slumberland comes a calling.

rates range from $125 a night in the low season to $175 during the holidays.

let there be light

ipu + light pod

plywood lamps have been making a comeback recently and artist mark chai is adding a hawaiian perspective with his handcrafted designs. each lamp is made with interlocking pieces of 2-ply wood veneer and it's fun to study the construction when you see them hovering above you.

these are definitely conversation pieces and designs range from the curvaceous ipu to the statement making light pod. photos really don't do the lamps justice so if you're in chinatown stop by into to take a peek.

miemiko atelier

thought i would share a site i recently stumbled upon for all the brides-to-be out there. if you have the budget and absolutely adore letterpress printing, you should definitely connect with miemiko atelier.

the designs are fresh and, if you need a bit of hand holding during the creative process, no worries since the designer will work with you from start to finish to tailor custom invites to announce your big day.

redesign on a dime

dr. pitt * orbit lounge

shopping for a gift for my friend's housewarming gave me the perfect excuse to stop by pacific home off ward avenue during my last trip home. this is definitely the place to go to deck out your digs with stylish and modern furniture and accessories not typically found in hawaii.

pacific home is the exclusive hawaii dealer for mitchell gold (fyi - many of the pieces at pottery barn and crate & barrel are designed by mg) and is design junkie nirvana since it is the only place in the islands to find thomas paul pillows, lights up! lamps, amenity bedding, and angela adams rugs under one roof.

the new showroom is huge and i just want to warn you that, even if you weren't planning on it, you will probably be ready to redecorate your home after your first visit. good thing pacific home is throwing a sale this month!

• sale dates: oct 13th to 23rd
• map it