Designing Island Vibes: Interiors, Color, & Real Life with Studio Shaolin

Written By R Nickson Interiors

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I sit down with Hawaii-based interior designer Shaolin Low, founder of Studio Shaolin. Based in Honolulu, Shaolin has built a thriving design firm known for creating layered, personality-filled spaces that feel effortlessly livable. But designing in Hawaii comes with its own set of challenges — from sourcing and shipping limitations to the pressure of creating homes that capture the relaxed beauty of island life while still feeling deeply personal. In this conversation, Shaolin shares how her non-traditional background, event-planning mindset, and love of color come together to shape every project she touches.

Shaolin brings a unique perspective shaped by her background in event production, her upbringing with a general contractor father, and her experience growing a design firm in one of the most logistically challenging places to work: the Hawaiian Islands.

From sourcing and shipping headaches to bold color palettes and meaningful client connections, Shaolin shares how she balances function, creativity, and personality in every project.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The behind-the-scenes realities of designing in Hawaii

  • How color (even pink!) can serve as a neutral

  • What it’s like to design both second homes and full-time residences

  • The importance of comfort and livability in well-designed spaces

  • Her philosophy on collections, custom furnishings, and evolving with your space

  • Why truly personalized design starts with understanding how a client lives

Whether you're a designer, a design enthusiast, or just someone curious about what it means to truly live in your space, this episode offers honest insight and inspiring takeaways.

Connect with Shaolin

R Nickson Interiors https://www.rnicksoninteriors.com
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