Oahu is known for many things: endless coastlines, lush rainforests, and magical nature trails that seemingly extend to infinity. For one couple from the Bay Area, capturing some of this magic in their new apartment in Waikiki was key to making it feel like home. And yet, the existing shell—a standard ’90s selection with yellow walls and maple floors and cabinets—was far from entrancing. “Everything felt old and dated. It just didn’t match their vibe,” recalls Oahu-based interior designer Shaolin Low, who was enlisted to give the home a modern face-lift.
For the couple, it was important that the interior feel like a cocoon. But dialing up the calm didn’t mean toning down the color—especially in the windowless powder room. They wanted the design to invite the outside view indoors, while also introducing fun hues.
What started as a hunt for the perfect wallpaper (the couple had a Pinterest board with shortlisted inspiration) soon turned into an exercise in saturated palettes. And before they knew it, the three had a mood board for a tropical-chic haven that held a mirror up to the neighboring rainforests. “From there, everything just flowed. We knew we’d plaster the walls in the same color, and have the vanity custom built. We were convinced the powder room had to be the shining star of the home,” recalls Shaolin.
Location: Waikiki, Oahu
The before: A colorless and characterless space with patchy walls and a maple-toned cupboard.
The inspiration: “The clients originally favored a modern aesthetic, but they also wanted the powder room to be really fun and crazy. When we were working on the concept, they showed me some wallpaper shortlists and the jungle one really stood out. It was moody and beautiful and felt like a lot, but it wasn’t overwhelming. That became our centerpiece,” says Shaolin.