Home Staging: Hilltop Retreat at Makakilo Cliffs

Perched high above Kapolei on the southern end of the Leeward coast of O’ahu, this two bedroom condo at Makakilo Cliffs is elegant in its simplicity. With big windows, bright energy, and an inviting grassy knoll overlooking expansive ocean views just outside the living room, being in this home makes you feel like you’re miles away from busy life.

The main living space is an open floor plan, where the dining flows in the living room. To make each space feel distinct, we played with angles and creating pockets of space for special moments. Using a gold detail bar cart tucked just behind a our plush Navy Velvet Modern Sofa, we were able to expand the space of the dining / entertainment area while also creating an exciting visual vignette that signaled to visitors that they’re welcomed over to be entertained.

For the lounge area of the living space, we featured a comfortable size couch along one wall and seating across from it, with a coffee table and floor pouf in between, creating a cozy, socially focused environment, perfect for games amongst friends or family! Though the space isn’t particularly large, arranging your seating to orient towards each other or around a central table can expand the feeling of the space, as well as the sense of intimacy and warmth it offers. Small touches like blankets and pillows and the soft touch of green from house plants all send a warm and inviting signal as well.

In the master bedroom, two huge windows offer near panoramic views of the ocean. With a mountain-top view of the ocean, why would you choose to close off the windows with blinds? We added shear white curtains and a mostly neutral palette with a few pops of color which allowed the view to take center stage. Big windows like these also help make the room feel more open and connected to the outside, too. A live edge bench at the foot of the bed and a decorative basket provides extra storage and interest to the space, and a place to sit while decompressing before crawling into bed at night.

With views for days, an open concept floor plan that flows into a covered porch and private yard, and windows enough to brighten the whole house all day, this charming two bedroom is a steal. It’s perfect for a young family or share whose looking for a sense of community and a space away from it all where they can unwind.

The more homes we stage, the more we’re convinced: every property can be a paradise with the right touch. Ultimately, what makes a home is the heart and soul you bring to it, which, in our minds, is what design is all about! We had such a fun time showing off the potential of this space, and can’t wait to share the next one.

xoxo,

Diane

All photos by Photo Ops Hawaii