Bathroom Design Redefined

Opulence and artistry mark one of the most lavish master bathrooms that’s graced our pages.

One of the things that makes Hawaii Home + Remodeling special is its comprehensive chronicling of the evolution of local home design. With that, our publication over the past four decades has also had the honor of seeing how local businesses have grown and changed over time. This story from 1994 exemplifies long-standing connections we’ve made in the community, and is a nostalgic review of bathroom design trends that have come and gone.

This custom master bath in a Kahala abode was done by Glenda Anderson of Details International Inc., and Jack Adams of Adams Design. The article introduces us to a palatial single-family residence that blends ornate European influences with an homage to Hawaii’s natural beauty.

The project team faced a different type of challenge with this home. “Our usual challenge is how to get enough finery into a small space without looking crowded,” explains Anderson in the article. “In this case we had a very fine space, and it was so enormous, we had to figure a way of meaningfully and attractively filling it.”

She and Adams opted to create a centerpiece with back-to-back vanities, a focal point in the space highlighted by exquisite craftsmanship and innovative functionality for the time. The choice to position these vanities at the room’s heart — away from the walls, thanks to clever plumbing — underscores the project team’s commitment to spatial elegance.

Opulence was a popular theme in 1990s bathroom design. We marvel at the European-style radius cabinets, marble countertops, intricately-crafted pulls and knobs, and marble columns. The concepts of balancing form and function with luxury nuances are still relevant today. In revisiting this story, we find inspiration to curate our homes and spaces as sanctuaries that speak to our own unique styles. Perhaps that is the most timeless trend of all — designing with authenticity and your own tastes in mind.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, subscribe to our digital edition or pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.