Light Woods and Gold-Veined Stone Lend a Beachy Vibe to This Revived Lanikai Kitchen
(Sponsored) When renovating his own home general contractor Mark Librie turned to Pacific American Lumber for quality finishes.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
When local general contractor Mark Librie and his wife Robin bought their Lanikai home 20 years ago, the house was just a year old. They didn’t love the kitchen, but since it was relatively new, the couple held off on remodeling. After some water damage and a look that began to feel outdated, they decided it was time for an upgrade.
“My wife designed the layout, including Sub-Zero fridges on each side and a bigger pocket window where the old one was,” says Librie. “The previous cooktop was stuck at a 45-degree angle in a corner, which we didn’t like, so we changed that. The old kitchen had dark wood; we wanted to lighten things up and go for a beachier feel, which suits Lanikai.”
Librie took the project into his own hands, literally, as a veteran contractor. He remodeled the kitchen and dining area using materials from Pacific American Lumber (PAL). His working relationship with PAL president Chris Nied spans decades, and Natascha Roblee in architectural specifications has long been a trusted resource for expert advice and product recommendations. “They’re like family,” says Librie. “I know I’m getting top-of-the-line materials from Chris, and I go to PAL for almost all my hardwood needs.”
Supplying a contractor with materials for his own home renovation is a strong vote of confidence in the product lines PAL brings in for the Hawai‘i market, says Nied. For Roblee, it’s also helpful that Librie, as a contractor, understands the logistical considerations and inevitable challenges of a construction project. “Because they’re contractors, they know things will go wrong,” says Roblee. “They know some things will come in late, and they’re prepared to deal with it. They also order enough waste material.”
Roblee says Librie and his wife worked with PAL to choose flooring based on the colors and tones in their space. They selected Impression Oak engineered wood flooring from UA Floors’ Classics+ Collection. This timeless, light brown flooring is sustainably manufactured using a process that inhibits the growth of microbes on the surface, supporting easier maintenance and helping prevent staining and mildew. “They even used the same flooring to make floating shelves, so everything matched,” says Roblee.
For the countertops, his wife fell in love with Neolith, a sintered stone line carried exclusively at PAL. Chosen in Abu Dhabi, Neolith offers the look of marble with gold-gray veining and the durability of a mineral-based surface that resists stains, burns, scratches and heat. “She looked at other surfaces, but Neolith offered the durability they needed for everyday living with a more refined look,” says Roblee.
The flooring and stonework selections pair beautifully with large rattan pendant lights above the kitchen island, creating the relaxed and welcoming vibe of a Lanikai bungalow. By researching quality products that matched their lifestyle and aesthetic, and working with a trusted vendor, the couple achieved a remodel that’s built to last well into the next 20 years.
Pacific American Lumber, 142 Mokauea St., Sand Island, (808) 845-8700, pacamlumber.com, @pacamlumber
