With deep ties to Hawaiian culture, Philpotts Interiors is more than just a Honolulu-based interior design firm. The award-winning firm seamlessly combines the beauty of nature, working with Hawaii’s temperate climate and environment to create stylish and elevated living spaces. Mary Philpotts McGrath, the late firm founder, strongly believed in incorporating Hawaii’s rich heritage, landscape, spirit, and history into the practice’s mission and work. Now led by Mary’s daughter, Marion Philpotts-Miller, Lowell Tom, and Holly Boling Ruiz, as well as a new generation helmed by Senior Designers Anne Tanaka and Kristie Kiggins, the firm continues to proudly follow in Mary’s footsteps.

The following residential projects showcase Philpotts Interiors’ unique ability to design spaces that are multifunctional, maximizing indoor and outdoor spaces and zen gardens that can be enjoyed year-round. Each house captures the essence of living in Hawaii, where warm weather and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world offers the team myriad opportunities to merge the natural world with livability.

Makani Eka

Inspired by traditional Hawaiian villages that are typically organized in loose clusters, Makani Eka is set atop a hardened lava flow, with views of sky, sun, and water. This family compound is composed of four independent structures, including a cedar-clad main living pod, and the siting balances the desire to host friends and family, as well as privacy. This space strikes a balance between modernity and tradition. Old and new ebb and flow through a simple composition of small structures linked by a lush courtyard and a series of walkways and patios.

Philpotts Interiors sought to capture the “adventurous nature” of the clients. For example, in the rec room, custom surfboards are mounted like artworks. The scheme throughout is no-frills, simple, and airy, with a midcentury vibe that Philpotts-Miller says was inspired by the work of Hawaiian modernist Vladimir Ossipoff. The home is a collaboration with Walker Warner Architects.

Mauna Kea Muse 

Originally built by a German baron for his mistress, who was a member of Thai royalty, the home was constructed as a pod house with Balinese elements that surrounded an authentic Japanese garden and koi pond. Badly in need of repair, the new owners considered tearing it down. However, the original home had “good bones”, and was built with some of the best materials available at the time. Teak, harvested from old growth forests, was used generously throughout the house for ceilings, flooring, windows and shutters, and the lanais. Museum quality lighting fixtures, imported from Germany, were still perfect for highlighting an art collection. Thus began the process of preserving its unique elements and character. Furthermore, by living in the house for a year, the homeowners developed a deeper appreciation for its original design, and a reluctance to change exterior features. The home is a collaboration with architect Paige Wilburn.

Coral House

This vacation house is all about creating a sanctuary where a multigenerational family can make memories together. Designed to be LEED Silver-certified, the four-bedroom, four bath home also speaks to the homeowners' desire to maximize wellness and healing moments while at home. Minimizing waste was a priority and, according to senior designer Anne Tanaka, “the clients’ design direction helped us to use locally sourced woods.”

Overlooking Maui’s southern shore with views of the ocean, mountain landscape, and other nearby landscapes, this home was designed to become one with nature. The home’s interior design is thoughtfully considered, with a nod to Hawaiian culture that is reflected in many pieces, such as Leis made from teak in the entry way, kapa inspired wall coverings, wood carvings, and locally sourced Ohia wood. The home is a collaboration with de Reus Architects and VITA Planning + Landscape Architecture.