These Lanais Provide the Perfect Place to Relax

This Hawaiian essential doesn't have to stay on the islands. Extend your living space by combining indoor comfort and outdoor sensibility with one of these modern, welcoming lanais.

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March 04, 2021

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Michael Duerinckx

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Photo By: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

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Photo By: Premier Estate Properties, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

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Take in the Seascape

With a view like this, there's no reason to center your living room on a TV. A picturesque window allows the coastal scenery to be fully integrated into the room. Bifold doors expand the space to the small outdoor porch, bringing the coastal breeze indoors.

From: Dettaglio Interior Design

Segment Your Space

Create zones in your living space — a cushy seating area for relaxing, reading or conversing and a table and chairs for dining, playing a game or doing a puzzle. Beadboard ceilings add a touch of cottage charm to the sun-filled room, and if the heat or light gets too much, roller blinds simply pull down from above.

From: Wiedemann Architects

Uninterrupted View

Cached glass doors and clear deck railing create a no-barriers aesthetic for this organic-meets-contemporary outdoor space that overlooks the Bal Harbour in Miami Beach. Beds full of tropical foliage and curved planters and tables soften the modern, clean-lined furniture and exterior.

From: Deborah Wecselman

Bring Exterior Materials In

Infuse a space with instant warmth by using New England's favorite material: cedar shingles. Windows play a major role in this gorgeous room with oversized ones to take in the bucolic landscape, and paned windows above to fill the vaulted space with light.

From: Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Keep It Traditional

This poolside escape is ready for warm days by the water and cool evenings by the fireplace. Shiplap siding continues from the house's exterior into the outdoor living area, where the same stacked stone of the chimney surrounds the fireplace. Classic columns frame the space in timeless appeal.

From: Andrea Swan

Call of the Island Vibe

Located on the island of Kauai, this ranch-style home has an expansive lanai that leads out to an infinity-edge pool. Vistas of the surrounding valley and mountains provide a striking backdrop to the outdoor space, where lush tropical plants and flowers create an oasis-like atmosphere.

From: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers

Broaden Your Horizon

Lanais double the living and often, the dining, spaces of a home. Casual and neutral, this welcoming space has the appearance of an interior room, from the exposed ceiling beams, framed "windows," gorgeously tiled floors and fireplace. A living wall of plants and flowers also serves as an outdoor shower.

From: Kukk Architecture & Design, P.A.

It's Not a Competition

While it may be hard to compete with a view of the ocean, this full-wall stacked stone fireplace surround is making a play for the top spot. Look for modular furniture, like these sleek, armless chairs, that are easy to move around for gatherings or to change up your focal point.

From: Phil Kean Design Group

Now You See Them, Now You Don't

Opt for sliding doors that completely disappear to create an expansive living area. Low-slung furniture in crisp whites and natural woods don't distract from the scenery beyond, and soft blue pillows bring a touch of watery hue to the cozy sectional.

From: Jennifer Mehditash

Hidden From Sight

Simplicity is key when you have lush landscaping and gorgeous vistas. An open lanai provides a welcomed respite from the hot Florida sun, and walls of plants and trees create the ultimate privacy screens.

From: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture

Always Outdoors

The best part of a lanai is it allows you to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Stay out of the sun or the rain while still taking in your natural surroundings. An expandable awning adds extra shade when the sun hits the sky just right, making mealtimes pleasant no matter the time of day.

From: Premier Estate Properties, Inc. and Luxury Portfolio International®

Dining Al Fresco

Instead of one large dining table, two separate round ones allow for a more flexible entertaining solution. The covered lanai of the HGTV Dream Home 2016 is designed for intimate and large gatherings, complete with a sideboard for serving a buffet.

Embrace the Aloha Life

Amp up your outdoor living with a ready-for-the-party bar. This Hawaiian home is made for entertaining with a kitchen and living spaces that open up to the contemporary pool. Smart light planning ensures gatherings can keep going after the sun goes down.

From: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and Luxury Portfolio International®

Designate Different Spaces

Multi-layered living creates room for everyone to spread out. Cool and warm neutrals combine for an oh-so inviting living room, where bifold doors stack to either side of the opening that leads to a covered outdoor dining area. A fun play structure is just a few more steps out and easy for grown-ups to keep an eye on while visiting or sharing a meal.

From: Steele Street Studio

Create a Warm Welcome

Rustic accents add homey charm to this cottage-inspired lanai. A subtle color palette is enhanced with a mix of textures: weathered wood, distressed bricks and woven wickers. The tongue-and-groove ceiling and the brick fireplace with a barnwood mantel adds to the farmhouse appeal.