A joyful retreat in Maui showcasing the beauty and warmth of tropical house design, blending nature, texture, and playful indoor-outdoor living.
Designing a tropical house design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about crafting a place that invites feeling, connection, and a sense of discovery. This is exactly what Matthew Leverone of Leverone Design and architect Greg Warner of Walker Warner achieved with a stunning guesthouse on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Their collaboration resulted in a retreat that blends tactile materials, playful details, and a relaxed yet thoughtful layout. Inspired by Brazilian music, vintage style, and a client’s clear vision, this guesthouse captures a spirit of joy and exploration that redefines what tropical house design can be.
A Home That Speaks Through Feeling
The homeowner’s vision was clear: the guesthouse needed to connect with the main residence but feel distinct — a place with a “variety of sensations” that resonate emotionally. Rather than a purely intellectual approach, the design focused on instinct and experience, core to tropical house design philosofy.
From the first moment they enter the courtyard, visitors encounter solid walls that purposely hold back the ocean view, creating anticipation. This deliberate choreography invites exploration and frames the experience as a journey rather than a mere arrival.
The Living Room: A Textural Symphony
Stepping inside the living room, you immediately notice how texture and materiality work together to create warmth and comfort, essential elements in tropical house design. The centerpiece is a striking cocktail table made from bleached maple burl by designer Rogan Gregory.
Surrounding it are pieces chosen for both their craftsmanship and character: a sheepskin-covered sofa, alder wood lounge chairs, and vintage Swedish seats upholstered in soft shearling. A woven swinging chair by Patricia Urquiola adds a sculptural, playful touch — a throne for the matriarch, according to the homeowner.
The Kitchen and Custom Details
Adjacent to the living area, the kitchen continues the artisanal theme. A pendant light carved from a fallen tree by British designer Nic Webb hangs over a table and bench set from Roman and Williams Guild, blending organic shapes with functional comfort.
Storage solutions, like a custom wardrobe with oak and handwoven straw doors designed by Gareth Neal, show the client’s emotional investment in every detail. Each piece tells a story and reflects the owner’s love for handmade objects that feel personal and authentic.
Outdoor Spaces: Merging Nature and Design
One of the most compelling features of the guesthouse is its seamless connection to the outdoors. Unlike the main house, which has more formal bronze canopies, the guesthouse embraces a rougher, freer aesthetic with eucalyptus twig canopies shading breezeways and patios.
This choice reflects a “camp-like” atmosphere — open, breathable, and in tune with Maui’s climate. The eucalyptus structures create dappled light and invite the ocean breeze, enhancing the tropical house design living experience.
Furniture on the lanai includes 1960s French garden pieces, which blend vintage charm with comfort. The outdoor deck features a vintage Björn Hultén chair alongside a custom MQuan table, offering inviting spots to relax and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Unexpected Whimsy: The Secret Airstream
Adding a touch of playful surprise, the property includes a vintage Airstream trailer tucked away in a secret garden. Far from its industrial origins, the trailer is transformed with plush mohair, alpaca, and suede textiles.
Inside, midcentury treasures by Charlotte Perriand and Evelyn Ackerman bring warmth and character. The client’s inspiration from stories like The Jungle Book and Where the Wild Things Are shines through — the garden and trailer feel like a magical reward for curious explorers.
Craftsmanship and Materiality as Storytelling
The guesthouse’s design relies heavily on the narrative power of materials. Walls are finished with hand-applied plaster that reveals subtle imperfections — a celebration of the artisan’s touch.
Wooden beams, stone surfaces, and carefully selected furnishings embody the island’s volcanic and tropical landscape, grounding the home in place and story. This attention to natural texture and form is central to the tropical house design’s authenticity.
Designing for Experience Over Perfection
Architect Greg Warner contrasts the guesthouse with the main home: while the original structure is highly refined and “buttoned up,” the guesthouse is intentionally more casual and playful. It embraces imperfection, lightness, and a sense of freedom.
This design philosophy allows the home to breathe, encouraging residents to engage with the space instinctively and joyfully. It’s less about rigid perfection and more about daily rituals and spontaneous moments – hallmarks of sucessfull tropical house design.
The Role of Art and Personal Expression
Art is woven into the fabric of the house, from sculptures to paintings that complement the organic forms around them. Pieces by artists like Suzan Frecon and Alma Allen punctuate rooms, adding layers of meaning and visual intrigue.
The homeowner’s desire for spaces that “transport” people is realized not just through architecture but through these artistic elements — each piece an invitation to pause, reflect, and feel.
A Joyful Approach to Tropical Design
This Maui guesthouse is a masterclass in how tropical house design can transcend style to become a joyful, sensory experience. Its blend of natural materials, playful details, and emotional resonance creates a place that nurtures both body and soul.
Whether it’s the tactile living room, the shaded breezeways, or the secret Airstream garden, every corner invites discovery and delight.
Ready to Bring Joyful Tropical House Design to Your Space?
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Source: Architectural Digest
