Coastal Reverie by KBAA

COASTAL REVERIE

06 16 08

COASTAL EXPRESSIONS

A few of our favorite art and design moments inspired by the shape of the shore.

FAIRMONT ORCHID, HAWAII

Exploring how our art program brings the beauty of the Kohala Coast to life through texture, tone, and storytelling.

PARTNER Q&A

A conversation with Jacob Royster, Associate at HBA on the design vision behind Fairmont Orchid.

SUMMER 2025 TREND REPORT

From

REVERIE ESSENTIALS

Curated picks for artful escapes and creative inspiration all summer long.

cozy knits to bold blues, the fisherman aesthetic is making waves this season.

A fresh look at how art brings nostalgic Cape Cod charm to this seaside retreat.

RED JACKET RESORTS

A LOVE LETTER TO THE FLEETING MAGIC OF SUMMER BY THE SEA

There’s just something special about summers at the beach. Time stretches under golden sunsets, ocean breezes sweep away the day’s worries, and somehow even a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich tastes gourmet.

Growing up on the West Coast, I spent many sunny days at Zuma Beach as a junior lifeguard. I was taught that even in the calmest waves, there’s always an undercurrent to be aware of. The ocean carries a depth of story beneath its shimmering surface, and I’ve always found that mystery endlessly inspiring.

So many of my favorite memories are rooted in coastal places. My mom was a TWA flight attendant, and each summer we were lucky enough to fly to Maui for a family getaway. It started as just the four of us: my mom, dad, brother, and me. These days, the tradition continues with an even bigger crew, as my brother and I each have kids of our own, and I love it even more.

Another great summer pastime is heading to Union Station to catch the Amtrak Surfliner. We’d take it straight to Del Mar to celebrate the surf, and the turf, at the Del Mar racetrack–one of my dad’s favorite traditions. Early in my career at KBAA, we’d hop on the train on Friday afternoons and settle in for the ride, watching the coastline drift by. During those long stretches, my dad would share stories of growing up on Long Island that included lifeguarding, clam bakes, and lobster rolls. No matter the coast, summers always offer a dreamy nostalgia I just can’t get enough of.

This feeling is captured on every page of our Coastal Reverie issue. Inside, we explore how artists draw inspiration from shorelines around the world. From Cape Cod to the Kohala Coast, we explore work that brings the outside in, inviting us to pause and be present in the magic summer offers.

As we drift into the season of longer days and lingering light, I hope this issue brings a sense of warmth, beauty, and inspiration—wherever your favorite coast may be.

Warmly, Allison

Barry

Memories in Maui, when my son Oliver was only four!

A STUDY IN SEASIDE INFLUENCE, THIS COLLECTION SHOWCASES A CURATED GLIMPSE INTO THE MANY MOODS OF COASTAL DESIGN

Breezy striped pants perfect for coastal lounging.

Classic Coastal

Channeling the American East coast, this timeless and inviting style evokes a nostalgic charm. Picture summers in Cape Cod or lounging in the Hamptons. Wicker, linen, and rattan pair perfectly with a palette of soft blues, seafoam greens, and bright white.

INSPIRED BY THE

Rooted in Southern Europe, this rustic and elegant style has a laid back spirit. Whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, and textured surfaces make you want to kick back and have a glass of white wine. Vibrant pops of cobalt blue stun against earthy tones.

Natural tones evoke the calm of stone,

“Dark Indigo Twill On Blues” by Rachel Duvall features handwoven linen and natural dyes in soft ocean hues.

“Surrender” by Beatriz Salazar uses earthy terracotta textures.

Tropical Modern

Inspired by lush tropical landscapes in Asia, the Caribbean, or the Hawaiian Islands, this coastal style is all about colors and textures from nature. Bamboo, teak, and stone meet bold botanicals. Almost every shade of green is brought to life with striking yellow, pink, and red florals.

SHAPE OF THE SHORE

Drawing from the foggy coastlines of the Pacific Northwest and North Atlantic, this style embraces a moodier state of mind. Deep navy, charcoal, and driftwood tones create a palette that mirror stormy skies. Cozy up with a thrilling book in a patinaed leather chair with metal accents.

“Untitled” by Jason Martin captures the depth of open sea through textured oil on aluminum.

“Argyle” by Susan Maddux pairs structured folds and vibrant tropical shades.

Misty Maritime

Folds and layers echo the textures of coastal plant life.

Soft yellows pop against deep ocean blues.

FAIRMONT ORCHID, FRAMED BY NATURE

On Hawaii Island’s wildly beautiful Kohala Coast, Fairmont Orchid has long been a destination for coastal reverie. Recently refreshed to meet a new standard of elegance, the five-star oceanfront oasis celebrates its breathtaking natural setting and the enduring rhythms of Hawaiian culture. Open-air breezeways, a soft interior color palette, and rich textures allow the surrounding landscape to shine. With over 540 rooms and suites, expansive black-lava beaches, and unique private lagoons, the Fairmont Orchid is an endless world for guests to immerse themselves in.

As part of the resort’s revitalization, our team at Kevin Barry Art Advisory collaborated with hospitality design firm HBA San Francisco, ownership group Accor, and talented local artists to craft a visual narrative deeply rooted in the natural landscape. Inspired by endemic flora, Hawaiian craft traditions, and the organic textures of nature, the art program offers a genuine

sense of place. A palette of ocean blues, coral pinks, and sunwarmed neutrals flows throughout the resort, creating a visual rhythm that feels both intentional and effortless.

The art is designed to be discovered slowly, inviting quiet moments of stillness and reflection. As guests wander through Fairmont Orchid and its shoreline surroundings, perhaps they’ll recall the abstracted petroglyphs after a sun-drenched hike in Waikoloa, or recognize the delicate cyanotype impressions of sea grass echoing their time snorkeling in the Makaiwa Bay. With each passing day, the artwork becomes a gentle tide, mirroring the rhythms of the land and sea, inviting them to sink deeper into ease…as though this place was dreamed into being just for their rest, their wonder, and their renewal.

Layered coastal textures come to life in carved wood and paint in the KBAA custom piece, “Topo Aerial.”

A TACTILE TRIBUTE TO HAWAII

When our art advisors first saw Kristina Nobleman’s work, we were drawn to her organic, tactile approach. Her unique textile-print technique was an ideal fit for Fairmont Orchid’s art program as it’s rooted in nature, quietly expressive, and beautifully spontaneous. We invited her to create a commissioned monotype piece for the resort, knowing her perspective would add layered dimension to the space.

Working with ink and large sheets of lightweight kozo paper, Kristina manipulated the material with minimal intervention. She used subtle techniques like folding, binding, and shaping to encourage creases that would evolve under the pressure of the press. Like the waves of the ocean, these gestures were intentional but uncontrollable, producing a sculptural surface of organic pleats. The resulting composition conjured abstracted elements of Hawaii’s native flora as well as the weathered surfaces of the Coast. Spiked birds of paradise, Lauhala weavings made from crisp palm leaves, sea-worn rocks, driftwood, and sand were all rich sources of inspiration. Kristina’s piece invites stillness and presence, aligning beautifully with the spirit of the Fairmont Orchid. With each crease and impression, her work offers the same peaceful reverie one might feel while walking along the Kohala Coast, offering guests a moment to slow down and feel connected to the place around them.

“There is a timeless, knowing presence in the panoramic scale of Hawaii’s volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls and rainforests that recognizes that everything changes over time.”

- Kristina Nobleman

“I find so much inspiration when going on nature walks, hikes, beach trails or impromptu foraging missions. The sacred beauty and connection that is found in Hawaii is truly remarkable. It reminds me of our Kuleana to care for the land, its resources and the gifts it provides.”

- Carena

TRUE EXPRESSIONS OF NATURE

We love to partner with local artists, and the Fairmont Orchid art program highlights the work of several Hawaii Island-based creatives. Carena Phillips is the epitome of Hawaiian artistry, using the land as both inspiration and material in her cyanotype process. This method involves hand-coating paper with salt-based chemistry in a darkroom, then exposing it to Hawaii’s sunlight alongside native flora. Elements like ocean water, Hawaiian salt, and local coffee add richness and texture to each one-of-a-kind piece.

Carena’s work is placed thoughtfully throughout the resort’s common areas, where it invites guests to feel connected to the nature around them. Her pieces bring the elements indoors, like the one shown above featuring Palapalai, a native Hawaiian fern. With each print, she weaves natural materials and ancestral meaning into the guest experience, creating quiet moments of reflection and connection to the ʻāina (land).

A process shot of Kristina Nobleman’s prints drying, inspired by the natural world.

Carena Phillips infuses her deep connection to the Hawaiian land into her process.

Kristina Nobleman’s art captures nature’s beauty through textile, ink, and paper.

03 “Palapalai” by local artist Carena Phillips captures Hawaiian beauty using a unique cyanotype process.

Phillips

SCULPTING A SENSE OF PLACE

One of the most stunning pieces in our art program lives just behind the reception desk. Upon entering the resort, guests are greeted by the work of local artist Jonathan Swanz. This multi-piece glass installation was handmade in Jonathan’s studio on the east side of the island. He named the piece Pua Nalu , combining the Hawaiian words for flower and wave.

Jonathan was inspired by the opihi shell. Opihi are endemic to Hawaii, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world! To make these forms out of glass, he used optic molds to form vertical ridges, then softened each shape into flowing, flower-like curves. These incredible glass blooms shimmer in natural blues, refracting light like the ocean itself. Subtle shifts in color and form give the piece a true sense of motion, as if waves have come to life.

Every detail was carefully considered with the guest experience in mind. Even down to the custom brass hardware, which subtly nods to nautical design. During installation, Jonathan adjusted and arranged each element by hand to ensure balance with the surrounding architecture. The final result is both striking and serene, offering guests an artful welcome rooted in the rhythm of Hawaii.

“The most meaningful aspect of Hawaii’s natural elements for me is the diversity of the individual elements that exist in a collective harmony to create an infinitely unique environment offering sublime to subtle awe.”

- Jonathan Swanz

WHERE NATURE COMES TO LIFE

Jonathan’s piece acts as a perfect intro to the nature-focused art you see throughout the entire resort. As guests explore the sprawling space, they’ll discover works by other local artists, including Rejuvenation by Douglas Pooloa Tolentino. This monoprint on paper is beautifully accented by its unique frame and matting.

Our advisors curated and installed hundreds of works, all thoughtfully selected to bring the local feeling inward. You’ll find ocean blues, soft sunset corals, and sand beige tones. It’s our fresh take on local culture, aiming to honor traditional Hawaiian craft with a modern lens.

“Rejuvenation” by Hawaiian native Douglas Pooloa Tolentino features collagraph on linen with distinctive matting detail.

“Opihi Glass” by Jonathan Swanz stuns behind the reception desk.

closer look at Swanz’s glass blooms from his local studio.

ART THAT MAKES YOU FEEL

There are endless pieces to explore if you’re lucky enough to visit Fairmont Orchid. Look closely at works like Wahine Po’aimoku by Abigail Romanchak and you’ll start to uncover a deeper meaning. Abigail sees her art as a way to empower her Hawaiian identity. Her work aims to perpetuate Hawaiian culture through contemporary means, ensuring it endures for generations to come.

That same spirit flows through the entire property, in both big and small moments. In the guest rooms, calming artworks echo the surrounding landscape with soft, natural palettes. A sculptural piece by Kerry Vesper sweeps along a common area wall. And of course, featured on this issue’s cover, is Kuroshio Currents by Randy Doering. Named after the warm ocean currents that flow from the western Pacific toward Hawaii, this piece reflects the natural forces that shape the island’s climate and marine life. Flip back to the cover to see one of his hand-crafted metal wall sculptures basking in the sun.

“Wahine Po’aimoku” by local artist Abigail Romanchak is a kapa print on paper rooted in Hawaiian tradition.

Custom-made by KBAA from resin and paint, “Oceanic Embrace” adds a calming touch to the guest rooms.

“Wooden Wave” by Kerry Vesper is a flowing sculpture carved from rich wenge wood.

IN CONVERSATION WITH JACOB ROYSTER OF HBA

Exploring how form, material, and meaning shape the refreshed Fairmont Orchid experience.

To begin, could you share a bit about HBA’s hospitality design philosophy and how your role contributes to translating that vision into reality?

At HBA, we believe design should tell a story—one rooted in locale, culture, and emotional resonance. Our role is to translate those layers into spaces that are both timeless and transformative. At Fairmont Orchid, we leaned into this philosophy by allowing the land itself—its textures, contrasts, and motifs—to guide the design narrative. As designers, we act as interpreters, crafting an experience that connects guests more deeply to their surroundings through materials, form, and creating an overall aesthetic atmosphere.

When working with an established property like Fairmont Orchid, what’s your team’s starting point for reimagining the space?

We begin with an analysis of the property’s legacy—its target market, its place in the community, and, in the case of renovations, the bones of the space. From there, we look to the natural and cultural context to inspire a renewed design language.

At Fairmont Orchid, that meant embracing the dynamic tension between land and sea, black lava and white coral, history and modernity. The goal of the renovation and the resulting design language was not to erase the past, but to reveal something more authentic and elemental through thoughtful transformation of the property.

What made the Fairmont Orchid property stand out to you as a designer?

Fairmont Orchid sits at a breathtaking intersection of natural power and serenity. The contrast of arid jet-black lava fields against crystalline waters immediately struck us—it felt both raw and poetic. We wanted guests to feel that same emotional duality: grounded in nature, but elevated by luxury. Throughout the project, we emphasized a rhythm of discovery and calm—a sense of place that unfolds gently, inviting guests to slow down and connect more deeply with their surroundings.

What colors, textures, and materials were used in this design direction?

We worked with a palette drawn directly from the island: volcanic blacks, sun-bleached neutrals, soft blushes, coralinspired hues, and oceanic blues. Materials were tactile and

storied—lava-like stone, carved wood, woven fibers, honed surfaces that catch light differently throughout the day. One of my favorite components is how texture plays a central role in the guestroom experience: from the fluted wood detailing to the shimmer of a patterned wallcovering behind the TV, each element is designed to surprise and delight guests.

You collaborated closely with our art advisory team at KBAA throughout this project. How did the partnership help bring dimension and story to the property?

The collaboration with KBAA was essential in deepening the narrative of the design. They brought an artistic lens that mirrored our design language—abstract yet evocative, rooted in place yet visually fresh. Their ability to interpret themes of marine life, celestial movement, and native flora through contemporary and textural mediums added richness and layering to the interior environments. Together, we created moments that didn’t just decorate the space, but expanded the story it told.

Describe one of your favorite art moments in the hotel and why it stands out to you.

My favorite art moments are found on the Fairmont Gold Floor, particularly within the guestrooms, where the design narrative becomes more intimate and elevated. The pieces evoke the island’s “golden hour”—those fleeting moments at sunset when the sky is bathed in hues of coral, rose, and amber. Some artworks layer geometric patterns reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian kapa, while others feature delicate compositions of shells arranged in rhythmic, almost meditative formations. These pieces feel both immersive and refined, quietly echoing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the islands. They embody the essence of the Gold experience—curated, warm, and deeply attuned to the rhythm of Hawai‘i.

Design and art often work in parallel, but in this case, they feel fully intertwined. How do you think that synergy impacts the guest experience?

When design and art are truly integrated, the guest doesn’t experience them as separate layers—they simply feel immersed. At Fairmont Orchid, that synergy fosters a sense of flow. The art doesn’t interrupt the space; it enhances it, often whispering rather than shouting. That subtlety allows guests to feel something intuitive and emotional, even if they can’t quite explain why. It’s the difference between interacting in a space and being carried by its story— where every detail quietly deepens the sense of place.

What words come to mind when you think about the lasting impression Fairmont Orchid leaves on its guests?

Timeless. Restored. Nurtured. Fairmont Orchid leaves an imprint that’s both sensory and soulful. The experience is one of harmony—between luxury and landscape, tradition and transformation.

“Sanctuary”

Custom made by KBAA, “Kākau” channels traditional markings through overlapping prints on paper.

“Nā ao i ka Lani” by Paul Duncan captures the quiet beauty of the Hawaiian sky.

by Jennifer Glover Riggs layers dimensional paper and acrylic into a serene sculptural form.

“Seashell Sunrise” by KBAA pairs real shells with linen to evoke calm coastal moments in the guest room.

SUMMER 2025

ALL THINGS FISHERMAN AESTHETIC

If your local shops and social feeds aren’t already swimming in fisherman vibes, where have you been? Even Pinterest named “Fisherman Aesthetic” one of the topsearched styles for summer. We’re loving the bold reds, sky blues, and weathered wood textures that define this nostalgic maritime moment. Add a buoy-inspired pop with pieces like this sculptural moment (top left) by Kelly Farley.

LIFESTYLE OF A FISHERMAN

Well… maybe not exactly. But we’re embracing the cozy coastal lifestyle with heavyweight knits in bold hues, perfect for breezy summer nights. Bonus points for keeping tinned fish on hand.

BRING THE SEASIDE IN

No ocean view? No problem. Channel coastal energy with fish motifs in wallpaper, block prints, and art that makes every room feel a little more sea-swept.

SEASIDE NOSTALGIA AT RED JACKET RESORTS

Set along the scenic shores of Cape Cod, Red Jacket Resorts capture the classic spirit of an East Coast summer. This collection of five iconic properties offers everything from oceanfront views to breezy cottages. Beloved by generations of returning families, Red Jacket’s relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm create the kind of memories that feel straight out of a best-selling beach read. For our art program, we worked hand-in-hand with Suomi Design Works and Red Hospitality to curate a meaningful experience. Here’s a look at some of our favorite highlights.

Exterior view of the flagship property in the Red Jacket Resorts collection.

Each surfboard features logos that correspond to its specific property, like the Riviera version seen here.

A custom surfboard in a Red Jacket Beach Resort room brings the East Coast lifestyle inside.

surf buggies at Riviera Beach Resort nod to the classic rides of local surfers.

nook at Red Jacket Beach Resort.

Our art program leans into a sense of nostalgia, blending playful retro touches with a true connection to the local vibe. Throughout the properties, you’ll find sun-bleached and scuffed surfboards branded to each hotel, prints of panoramic dune scenes, and installations made from found materials like buoys, wood, and rope. Each piece is thoughtfully selected to evoke that dreamy, warm Cape Cod feeling.

It’s such a joy to visit our favorite moments, and highlight the creative way our art advisors captured the ephemera of a great beach vacation. From polaroids you’d tape to the fridge to postcards you’d find years later in a drawer, our art program brings the coastal experience to life. Each piece is designed to feel lived-in, remembered, and worth returning to.

A whimsical illustration of ocean waves adds a playful touch above the suite lounge area.

Postcard-style prints add a charming coastal motif to guest rooms at Red Jacket Beach Resort.

Textured photography at Riviera Beach Resort feels like a collection of old photos.

A turquoise surfboard adds a vibrant pop, connecting the interior to the ocean view beyond.

KEVIN BARRY Founder & CEO Los Angeles, CA

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, life is short!”

MEG MCNALLY

Project Manager New York, NY

“Little steps still move you forward.”

CHARLOTTE LEONARD

Art Coordinator New York, NY

WHAT SHORT NOTE WOULD YOU CAST ADRIFT AS A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE?

“Everything. Everyone. A gift for your life.”

GREGORY AINSWORTH

Account Manager Pasadena, CA

“Salt water heals all wounds.”

NICOLE FEYEN

Director of Business Development Philadelphia,

“Give Nemo my regards!”

MABEL DESHOMMES

Project Developer Brooklyn, NY

“Not lost – just waiting to be found again.”

ARMANDO ANGUIANO

Director of Production & Fulfillment

Port Hueneme, CA

PAINT A WATERCOLOR TINNED FISH WITH KBAA ARTIST AYNSLEY WILLE

SKETCH IT OUT

LAY DOWN YOUR BASE

01 02 03

Start by sketching the outline of your tin and the fish inside.

Begin with lighter colors and layer darker tones on top. Let each layer dry to avoid bleeding, and use water to create soft gradients.

ADD THE DETAILS

Once dry, add in your detailed moments. Finish with ink to make everything pop!

Closing out our Coastal Reverie issue, we leave you with Ma’o Hau Hele by Sarah Stockstill. This fine art print with a deckled edge pays an abstracted tribute to Hawaii’s state flower, the hibiscus. A perfect moment at Fairmont Orchid, it brings native flora into the heart of the art program.

KEVINBARRY.COM | 888-255-3563