Hawaiian Inspired Color Palettes-According to LiLu

HAWAIIAN INSPIRED COLOR PALETTES

A Visit to Hawaii Inspires Hawaiian Color Palettes

Hawaiian inspired color palettes? Why did we ever come up with this idea? We recently completed the design for a new construction home on the Big Island of Hawaii. We were lucky enough to visit the Big Island a few times for site visits during construction and furniture installation.
While we worked hard for our client while we were there, we are curious by nature so we made time to explore a bit while we were there.
The sheer variety of the sea and landscapes on the Big Island was impressive. Did you know that there are 11 of the 13 climate zones in the world represented on the Big Island. Driving around the island on a Sunday, we were able to see almost all of them. And we soaked in the inspiration!

LAVA AND BEACHES

One of the spots I made it too almost daily was a beach called Waikōloa Beach. It was near where I stayed and so I got up early every morning to walk along the beach and would take in the sunset in the evening as well.
The sunsets are different every day and you could create a dozen Hawaiian inspired color palettes just from this one spot.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Big Island I highly recommend visiting the Lava Lava Beach Club for dinner just prior to sunset. Linger over drinks and take in the magic moment the sun hits the water.

Taking a Drive

We circumnavigated the island and were amazed by all the variation in the landscapes. This view from a higher elevation encompassed ranch land and the ocean. The highest point on the Big Island is Mauna Kea and it's impressively beautiful. I love the color scheme we created from this photo (which may have been taken from a moving car). It feels grounded and airy at the same time.

Sunset Inspiration

The sunrises and sunsets on the Big Island are awe-inspiring. Head for the beach and take one in if you are on the Big Island. Better yet, consider a sunrise kayak! Paddling in the water and watching the sunrise is a favorite pastime of many visitors.
This photo was taken from the beach just in front of the Lava Lava Beach club. The sunset could inspire many color palettes. So many opportunities on this trip to see Hawaiian inspired color palettes

Tropical Flowers

One of the micro climates on the Big Island is a rain forest. We hiked through the rain forest on the rim of Pololu Valley at the end of the paved road past Hawi and Kapa’au in North Kohala. We saw monstera leaves so large it looked like you could lie down on one and take a nap. And fiddle heads that looked like they belonged on a bass.
Against the back drop of all the magical greenery there were stunningly colored tropical flowers. One of my favorites was a flowering red torch ginger plant. Here we've pulled together a dramatic color scheme based on the drama of the rain forest.

Ground Level

At the ground level of the Rain Forest, there is a different kind of beauty. Mossy, barky and dark it's a darker moodier world. I took many photos of the bark and moss. This is but one. A rich and dramatic color scheme is the result.

Incomparable Orchids

The variety and volume of wild orchids on the Big Island is amazing. I was particularly struck by the delicate coloring of this particular orchid. Many are bright and showy but this beauty whisper of soft beauty. It's subtlety of blushy, peachy colors is truly inspiring to me. I love color, all color! These subtly colors inspired a palette grounded in earthy greens.
I could have created dozens of Hawaiian inspired color palettes but I have a life to live so I had to move on.

Want to read more color inspiration? Read about soothing color palettes or about how to use coral in your color palette or color palettes inspired by Sedona!

And in case you missed it. Look to the right....We have a new downloadable guide to decorating! Please check it out!