Tantalus Studio Residence Honolulu, Hawaii luxury home images, Central Pacific property

Tantalus Studio Residence in Honolulu

March 11, 2025

Architects: Tantalus Studio

Location: Hawaii, Central Pacific, United States of America

Photos: Mariko Reed

Tantalus Studio Residence, Hawaii

This restored 1954 residence high above Honolulu in a forest reserve is the home to boutique interior design firm, Tantalus Studio. Entering the property you are surrounded by lush greenery, which slowly opens up to an expansive view of mountain ranges and ocean towards the west.

The exterior of the Tantalus Studio Residence structure is a unique blend of midcentury clean lines with Hawaiian materiality of rough cut lava rock, board and batten stained redwood walls, and poured concrete entry stairs. An intimate bricked garden courtyard in the front of the home layered with a multitude of plantings creates an outdoor living area year round.

Ginger Lunt Walters of Tantalus Studio restored the home in 2018 with the help of various tradespeople. Her aim was to preserve the original design elements, including koa wood flooring, midcentury but-in millwork, and lava rock fireplace whilst blending in her eclectic collection of furnishings and artwork, both old and new.

The neutral, warm palette of finishes layered with treasured objects and pieces from family creates a serene backdrop for the dramatic views from every room.

The spaces are informal, casual, and welcoming, speaking to the island culture that Ginger grew up surrounded by. The reinvigorated home’s design creates a warm and cohesive space that honors it’s past while establishing its design relevance in today’s world.