Q+A: Shaolin Low

We chat with Honolulu interior designer Shaolin Low as she grows Studio Shaolin.

Pictured Above: Interior Designer Shaolin Low (Center) and a Shot of the Designer’s One Ala Moana Project (Right)

Five years ago, Honolulu interior designer Shaolin Low returned home to launch Studio Shaolin after years spent traveling the world as an event producer and home stager. Low grew up in Hawaii, immersed in the design world, but left the state to learn and work in London, San Francisco, LA and NYC. Sustainable, holistic and livable, Low’s work often touches on both international influences and the natural beauty of Hawaii. Today, we catch up with Shaolin Low as she expands the interior design side of Studio Shaolin. We will discuss Low’s transition from staging to interior design, her most rewarding projects and -- of course -- the studio’s name change. Read the full transcript of our conversation below.

Elizabeth Burton: So let’s get this one out of the way. Why did you change the studio’s name from Paper Town Interiors to Studio Shaolin?

Shaolin Low: In 2016 when I chose the name Paper Town Home Staging, I loved it for what a "paper town" is and the concept that there is originality and a signature look no matter how many times something is copied. But, when I thought about adding design to our services, it made sense to incorporate my name. Design is very personal and intimate, and I want all of my clients to know who exactly is guiding their project and vision. 

EB: That makes sense. And I love the alliterative “Studio Shaolin” name. Though you have shifted more into interior design over the last few years, your practice still includes home staging. How has your career in staging affected the way you view interior design? 

SL: Staging is all about the appeal. Getting the right shot and showcasing the home. Interior design is all about how you live in a space. So, they can be very different, but I think the variety in them is what makes us unique. That we have experience from both perspectives and are able to have a really good understanding of space and layout. Staging pushed me by making me realize my gifts in design and how much I love to help people create beautiful spaces.

EB: Now that you’ve been in the space for a while, what would you say makes residential interior design special to you? 

SL: I get invited into people's homes, become a part of their story and get to execute their desires with beautiful furnishings, artwork and pieces that they might not otherwise find for themselves. I get to curate their story in their home. 

EB: Do you find that certain interior design projects are especially meaningful or enjoyable?

SL: I love all the variety of projects and the different challenges they present. I love working with people who are going more for a vibe/feeling rather than perfection. Perfection is an exhausting goal and I think it's more important to tell a story in someone's home than have everything perfectly placed. People do not live in photographs, and I think I bring a realistic take on the purpose of design. 

EB: How would you describe your approach to design and how is it different in Hawaii vs. on the mainland?

SL: My approach is fun, relaxed, playful and overall happy. I want anyone to be able to walk into a finished space and feel as though they can kick up their feet, relax, rejuvenate and share good memories with the people they love.

EB: Has your approach to interior design changed since moving home to Hawaii in 2016?

SL: Hawaii is definitely all about this approach [that I have]. We have the ocean and mountains as our backdrop and the casual, island feel is hard to escape (I don't know why you would want to). Hawaii has a way of putting everyone at ease, so it definitely influences the way our homes are designed.

EB: So would you say the design sensibilities of clients differ between Hawaii and other states? 

SL: New York is very influenced by the latest designs, pushing the edge of what is new and exciting, while still maintaining it's glamour and high society feel. While you can get this relaxed feel there, you always feel a bit more high strung, ready for action and ready to go. I really think the city demands that from everyone. California really spans the spectrum, depending if you're in Northern or Southern California, but I think they really have this coastal Scandinavian vibe going on and it's influencing everyone. In my mind, California has always been this happy medium between NYC and Hawaii. Pulling the city and beach feel into one. Hawaii is “ultimate paradise” -- it's playful, relaxing and naturally rejuvenating so it's easy to relax here.

EB: Given this, what are some challenges you face working in Hawaii as a designer that you didn't have on the mainland? 

SL: We actually got into this in a recent post on our blog. Basically, shipping, quality control and small space design are all big challenges we face in Hawaii. I mean, the average size of a single family home in 2015 on the mainland was 2,687 square feet. In Hawaii, the average size is almost half that -- around 1300 square feet.

 
EB: You already partially answered my next question by mentioning the space constraints of Hawaiian homes, but what else comes to mind when someone says “Hawaiian design?” 

SL: This term means a lot of different things for different people. Traditional Hawaiian design has a lot of wood tones, rattan, floral patterns and natural finishes. For us, I think Hawaiian design is about the beauty that surrounds us and incorporating the colors of nature, the feel of the ocean and the power of the mountains, is something that is so inspiring and definitely plays into all of our designs.

EB: Let’s talk a bit about how you interact with interior design clients. How do you get to know each client and really figure out what they are looking for in a design project? 

SL: This varies with all of our clients. Some are really forthcoming and clear on what they like/dislike, others are scattered among many different areas. I think our gift is that we can see between the lines of what people are saying, how they are behaving in their home and what they like. I think a big gift of being a designer is being able to help people sort through it all and give them the holistic and vibe they are hoping for. I outline our whole consultation process on the website. 

EB: You’ve had some exciting projects and worked with a number of incredible vendors over the last few years. Are there any vendors you particularly enjoy partnering with?

SL: I love all of our vendors, but Made Goods, Four Hands and Mirror Image Home are always my go-to’s for most projects.

EB: Given your approach to design, the fresh but timeless products curated by Made Goods, Four Hands and Mirror Image Home make complete sense. Are you looking forward to any upcoming projects in particular? 

SL: We have some really fun ones in the works. I'm really excited about this Manoa home from the 1920's that we are helping to renovate to sell -- it has a garage built for a carriage! So many fun things in the works and I can't wait to share them.

EB: Could you leave us with a little bit of advice?

SL: Sure! 

EB: When considering remodels, renovations or custom interiors, what do you recommend homeowners splurge and save on? 

SL: Worth it splurges are appliances, countertops and cabinets. These are all pieces that will be long term investments and where your dollar will be the most well spent. Rugs, artwork (unless you're a collector or have a favorite artist) and throw pillows are where I tend to be budget friendly. They are easy to change out and you won't be heartbroken if they get damaged/stained. Now, with the internet, it's easy to find imitation pieces of the designer high end options, so just knowing what's valuable to you in your home is where I start and then we can work through the budget.

EB: Thanks so much, Shaolin! It was lovely chatting with you. Your studio produces incredible spaces. 

Stay tuned for project reveals, design advice and more from Studio Shaolin.