HOME & GARDEN
COURTESY OF LINNY MORRIS
Another home featured in "The Hawaiian House Now" manages to be modern while radiating an island vibe.
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Isle Style
A book on 20 local residences was a labor of love for the three collaborators
Behind the scenes, the story of "The Hawaiian House Now" could be described as a tale of three local girls doing good. But Malia Mattoch McManus, Jeanjean Bower and Linny Morris might describe their book as a story about other people.
The three Punahou graduates (classes of '87, '83 and '73, respectively) spoke with multiple homeowners in selecting 20 homes for a book that pays homage to upscale, understated living making the most of their tropical setting. From older, stately homes to newer ones, the homes quietly embrace the classic architectural and design spirit associated with Hawaii.
"The Hawaiian House Now"
By Malia Mattoch McManus, Linny Morris and Jeanjean Bower
Harry N. Abrams Inc., $40
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"The homes were a clear extension of the homeowners," said Morris. "A lot of love has gone into them, and there's a sense of who lives there."
Gathered together in the home of Annie and Dale Hope, one of the couples who opened their doors to author McManus, photographer Morris and production coordinator Bower for the book, the trio discussed their project, starting with writing down their thoughts regarding what the book should be about.
"We thought it should be portraits of interesting people through their homes," Morris said. "There's myriad ways we live in Hawaii, and there's a little bit of fantasy involved. (This book) gives a little bit of free access."
COURTESY OF LINNY MORRIS
Memorabilia from homeowner Dale Hope's travels decorate the surfaces of nearly every room in the household, and almost every item has a story behind it. The dining room, in particular, is outfitted with a collection of furniture and other goods with an Indonesian flair.
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McManus, the host of "Entertaining in Paradise," calls the tome an armchair voyage, a book that offers readers a peek into others' homes. Locations range from a Big Island beach house to a remodeled, upscale plantation house in West Kauai.
The book has consistently scored in the top 10 in the residential-design book category on Amazon.com. Released in November, "The Hawaiian House Now" is now scheduled for a reprint.
"It was such a treat," said McManus, a former KHON reporter/anchor. "It wasn't something you see every day. ... There's something for everyone (to) borrow an idea for inspiration."
The book picks up where Morris' previous collaboration, "Under the Hula Moon," left off. "You could really examine everything in the house ... the plants, the materials," she said. "It all made my job very easy."
Although all three women attended the same high school, it was only in recent years the trio became acquainted through mutual friends, and with their shared interests, decided to work together on the book. From start to finish, the process took five years, and the book was eventually picked up by New York-based publisher Harry N. Abrams.
"All three of us are from (Oahu)," said McManus. "We took a long time covering homes. We wanted to go out and cover one from each island and break it down from there."
But no matter where a house was sited, she said, "There's no doubt these houses are in Hawaii."
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Linny Morris, left, Jeanjean Bower and Malia Mattoch McManus, who produced "The Hawaiian House Now," gather on the front lanai of the Hope's family home, one of the properties featured in the book. The lanai, just one of the highlights of the home, is a comfortable meeting spot for family and friends.
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