Name: The Wo Hing Society
Location: Lahaina, Maui
Size: Two story main building and adjacent cook house
"Wo Hing" means harmony and prosperity. It is the name of a cultural society formed in 1909 to provide a sense of community and support to the thousands of Chinese living on Maui at the time. The society built the structure in 1912 as a place to gather and celebrate as well as to serve as a temple.
The Wo Hing Society buildings now function as a museum, a snapshot of a home for a community in a foreign land.
I thought this was Chicago AT? You're showing before/after stories and house tours of places that aren't even near Chicago. I have a hard time believing that there aren't enought creative and inspiring homes in this area to showcase. I also must mention that the before/after pics of the basement remodel make me shake my head. This is APARTMENT therapy, no? Just a little bit confused!
Lovely photos Janel! It looks so peaceful and zen. Love the temple cat and the glossy wood floors.
Katie--
How do I say this nicely? Zen is Japanese -- this is a Chinese... it's a little different. different country, different religions, different languages, different in so many more ways.
I do love the use of red and the interesting color combinations like the white walls, light blue trim on the windows with the red floors.
I love this set of fotos because antiques like the wooden cabinet, display, and the distressed red lacquered bowls are displayed so nicely.
There are a number of places in NYC that sell chinese antique knockoffs at a reasonable price.
In Hong Kong and China there is a thriving antique reproduction business-- it is amazing what you would find. Just don't be fooled into paying exorbitant prices for fake antiques!
quel faux-pas! thanks for the tip baimudan
I came across Apartment Therapy because I did a Web search for small space design. Although I really like the Maui house tour, I hope AT doesn't lose its original focus. I can get my interior design buzz from shelter magazines. AT has been the only place I can find creative small space solutions coupled with great design.
Wanted to point out that zen is a valid concept in China as well. It is pronounced differently in mandarin -- namely, "Chan", but the philosophy is still there. So don't worry, it's not really a faux-pas. :)
Click my name for a googled URL briefly explaining the etymology.
I don't live in an apartment but I still visit apartment therapy regularly - I think there are plenty of ideas that can be used for houses, as well. And I bet I am not alone. Great design goes anywhere.
Nice house show. I am a big fan of the plainer Chinese/Tibetan furniture. When I lived in Nepal, I bought ten pieces. I think that they give great color pop and can really rev up an otherwise simple room.