Our principal designer and founder, Ginger Lunt Walters, fell in love with this 1950s classic Hawaiian home nestled in a forest preserve above bustling Honolulu, many years ago when her family lived just a few homes away. It had previously belonged to family friends, and she’d developed a fondness for it after spending many hours and many holidays within its walls. When she moved into the house in 2018, knowing that it needed new life breathed into its good bones, she set about a renovation that would feel fresh and modern while keeping its mid century-meets-Hawaiian plantation style intact. Surrounded by verdant plant life and outfitted with wraparound windows and porches, the original design of the home pays homage to its place on the mountain, letting inside and outside merge almost imperceptibly. The home’s connection to nature, clean lines, incredible views, and personal history inspired Ginger to transform the historic gem into a home for her family and a home studio for her design practice.
THE TREE HOUSE
Photography - Mariko Reed
Floral Styling - Paiko Hawai’i and Mei Day Hawai’i
When it came to preserving the integrity of the design, Ginger did her research, pouring over old photographs, plans, and mid century references to ensure the original charm of the home was respected and maintained. Damaged elements were restored for functionality and additional support was given to the structure. Original design elements, like the locally sourced lava rock fireplace, highly sought after koa wood floors, and classic painted tongue-and-groove walls were preserved, inviting the 1950s spirit of the house to shine through the renovation. Warm-toned whites on the wall paneling, built-ins, and upstairs fireplace provide the perfect, crisp backdrop for Ginger’s collection of vintage and custom furniture, meaningful artworks, and collected treasures. The result is a warm, inviting sanctuary that feels at one with the mountainside, the perfect place for inspired living and creating.
To enhance the indoor-outdoor feel of the home, Ginger optimized the function of the many windows by removing bulky shades and drapes, as well as adding a motorized shade system that automatically lowers at peak sunlight hours.
Vintage and locally crafted furniture are incorporated throughout the house, bringing a one-of-a-kind, lived-in feel to every room. The stools at the kitchen island were custom-made by local woodworker Evan Boyle of Burl & Barrel; the coffee table was sourced at a local midcentury shop Hawaii Modern; and the classic vintage rattan sofas in the living room have been lovingly reupholstered numerous times by Ginger’s family.
Ocean-themed artwork and natural, locally-sourced objects adorn the walls and shelves, helping to maintain the Hawaiian spirit of the house. Ginger’s personal art collection features works by artists Harry Daily, Nick Black, Mayumi Oda, Peter Shepard Cole, Wayne Levin, and the designer’s own grandmother.
A rainwater catchment system is thoughtfully hidden with plantlife in the garden, enabling the designer to take advantage of the location’s plentiful rainstorms.
Objects and art books are curated into thoughtful, ever-changing vignettes throughout the house, bringing moments of surprise and intrigue to the calm, balanced rooms.
