Decorating & Design
Nam Dang-Mitchell Creates An Elegant Vacation Retreat On Maui
Published on November 13, 2024
They say Maui is where heaven meets earth, and that rings true for Agata and James Korth. The two Calgarians call Mākena, on the southwest tip of the second largest of Hawaii’s islands, their second home. Covered in white sand with a rocky coastline and bursting with palm trees and lilikoi, Mākena is the last community before the rugged lava fields. The family, including kids George, Charlie and Lily, has always spent time on Maui; James’ parents have had a condo here for almost 20 years. Six years ago, Agata and James built a home on the island, then later sold it and, in 2020, the family lived in Lahaina before returning to Canada in 2023.
When they started planning their forever vacation house, building it in Mākena was a given. “We like having more space, and Mākena offers that,” says Agata. “It’s our favorite part of Maui; it’s my piece of calm.” The Korths asked designer Nam Dang-Mitchell to create airy, serene interiors that would promote a lifestyle best described as barefoot living. Friends in Calgary, Agata and Nam were aligned from the beginning of the three-year-long project. “It had always been a dream to work with Nam, and she knew exactly what we wanted — a sophisticated, beautiful, comfortable home with a neutral palette and soulful vibe. She nailed it!” says Agata.
Nam was involved from early on, consulting on windows and exterior finishes with Weigang Marvick & Associates, an architectural firm based in Kailua that’s well-versed in Hawaiian vernacular. “We kept a more traditional Hawaiian look with the deep veranda and shallow sloping roof, but we modernized it,” says Nam. “It still feels like a Hawaiian home, just without the redwoods or Polynesian themes.”
Scroll down to see inside a Maui vacation home designed by Nam Dang-Mitchell!
The Korth family, from left: George, Agata, Lily, Charlie and James.
The Korth family visits Maui often, and friends — from Canada and the island — are always welcome in Mākena to surf, hike, golf and rest. “I had a picture in my mind about what I wanted, and that dream came true,” says Agata. “It’s a special place with a special energy; it feels like the house has always been on the island.”
The 6,600-square-foot, five-bedroom bungalow sits on an elevated lot across from an old church, on street away from the ocean. The warm-modernist design fully embraces indoor-outdoor living — every day, you’ll find the kids hanging out by the pool or ocean before making their way to the lanai for meals. Palm trees, tiki torches and sleek loungers around the pool set the scene for relaxation in paradise. “This is outdoor living at its finest,” says Nam.
The foyer is grounded by a handsome stone table; the fluted wall further defines the space as guests are welcomed in. “I wanted the interiors to be simple,” says Agata. “We have beautiful windows everywhere to bring the outdoors in, and color comes from the flowers, birds and the pool.”
Inside, it feels breezy and laid-back, thanks to the plaster walls and wood-clad ceilings that add understated warmth. A material mix of stone, soft linens, woven fabrics and unfussy slipcovers is beachy yet sophisticated. The thoughtful, eclectic mix of vintage and new furniture and accessories also conjures joy. “There are a few things I found that I wish I’d kept for myself,” says Nam with a laugh, noting the vintage charcoal drawing that leans on the bench in the great room.
Successful shopping trips in Los Angeles resulted in sourcing materials and pieces that fit the tranquil vibe: marble for the kitchen and bathrooms, concrete tile for the ensuites, porcelain and bronze light fixtures, and reclaimed white oak floors. “I didn’t think we’d pick hardwood because it’s so humid in Maui, but I wanted that floor,” says Agata. “I love the way it looks against the black-framed windows and doors. It’s one of the things that makes me happiest in the house.”
Both Nam and Agata love the tongue-and-groove panelled island. “We spiced it up with the curve — it’s sculptural,” says Nam.
“There’s a barefoot casualness to the design,” says Name. “We achieved balance here; the benches around the dining table and surfboards on the walls are paired with chic art and furniture. The vintage 1950s Danish safari chairs are a gorgeous example — they have that patina Agata loves, and they elevate the space.”
The moody powder room has textured walls and a stunning stone counter and sink.
The huge sectional in the family room is perfect for when the kids want to play video games and watch movies. The wood panelling, coffee table and surfboard art warm up the space.
“We call this the ‘sunburn room,’ ” says Nam of the family room. “It’s darker and cozier than the rest of the house. It’s where you want to be when you get too much sun — you can crawl onto the sectional, pull the drapes and watch TV.”
James and Agata’s bedroom boasts a custom wood screen behind the bed and a vintage Greek Klismos bench with woven leather in front.
The principal ensuite shower enclosure is clad in Calacatta marble and has custom steel and glass doors.
The tub has a view to the tropical greenery outside.
Blush-hued drapes and bed linens in Lily’s bedroom are soft pops of color against the sandy walls and floor.
Lily’s ensuite has a feminine touch — there’s a pretty arch motif on the vanity wall and the entrance to her water closet. The counter and baseboards are in Calacatta Viola marble.
George’s bedroom doubles as a guest room when friends and family visit. A black-framed window has a grounding effect.
The laundry room’s white oak cabinets, zellige bejmat tile and concrete floors in a herringbone pattern echo the finishes used in other rooms for a cohesive look.
A timeless palette of bleached, sandy tones is inspired by the surroundings, and the black roof and trim on the windows and doors nod to the island’s lava. The outdoor entertaining space features a big, comfy sectional that looks out to the pool and ocean.
The family almost always dines alfresco next to their outdoor kitchen on the lanai.
Stools tucked underneath an island provides a spot for guests to hang out while someone uses the grill.
Nam Dang-Mitchell/Lindsey Masterson (portrait photography)
House & Home
Weigang Marvick & Associates (architecture)/Nam Dang-Mitchell (design)