New “Beach Luxe” Design Store Opens in Kahului

Wendy Takemoto (right) and Jessica Guard McLellan (left) open HUE, a new design studio and home boutique, in Kahului. Photo by Kristy Copperfield.

By Sonia Isotov

Owners Jessica Guard McLellan and Wendy Takemoto have opened a new interior design studio and home boutique on Lalo Street in Kahului.

“We describe our offerings as beach luxe: a bold blend of fun patterns, bright colors and trendy accessories that are perfect for a modern island lifestyle,” said McLellan, who is the daughter of John and Susan Guard, owners of The Pet Shop.

“I still believe that small local businesses can succeed on Maui, if you  provide good value and outstanding service, which I think we do,” said McLellan.  “We enjoy being at the store and seeing familiar faces walk through the door. We hope to create a loyal customer base this way and really just meet a lot of new people. My parents set a good example for me in that respect.”

Wendy’s great-grandfather started an antique business on Oahu, which grew into a large furniture store later run by her grandfather James Sur during the 1940s through the 1970s. “I’m thrilled to be continuing the tradition with HUE and I hope that my grandfather would be proud of me for carrying on the family legacy,” she said.

Jessica Guard McLellan, a Seabury Hall graduate, studied architecture at New York University and received a degree in interior design at the Art Institute of Seattle.  Recently, McLellan was featured in the Modern Luxury Hawaii’s “Best of The Isles 2008” premier issue for her efforts towards promoting the movement towards sustainable design here in the islands. Her signature style combines natural elements with hints of glamor to create timeless and inviting spaces.

The “dream bed” designed by HUE. Photo by Kristy Copperfield Photography,

For over a decade, Wendy Takemoto has been designing high-end residential homes throughout California and Hawaii. After studying architecture at the University of Southern California, she worked in Los Angeles for “Hollywood Legend” designer, Carol Poet, of Poet Design Company. Returning home to Oahu in 2004, she was working in interior design for the architectural firm of  Long & Associates in Honolulu.

The 1,800 sq. ft. store, located at 261 Lalo Street, Kahului offers unique retail items as well as an interior design studio and wedding registry. The store makes available products typically only available through an interior designer.

HUE features furniture, home accessories, coffee table books, candles, pillows, rugs and more, many of which are Maui exclusives. Co-owners and designers McLellan and Takemoto plan to bring in a fun children’s furniture line and also feature local artists.

HUE’s main upholstery line is manufactured by Lee Industries, which makes furniture for Crate and Barrel and a few other well-known companies. Other unique products include custom painted bookshelves, Surya Rugs, Trina Turk and Thomas Paul pillows, and jewelry from Viv & Ingrid.

Interior design professional services include residential and commercial interior design, space planning, furniture sourcing, window treatment design and installation, kitchen and bath design, architectural computer renderings, custom upholstery, designer fabric selections, and more.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HUE will celebrate its grand opening with 20% off custom orders during November, and “black Friday” specials on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24, featuring 25% off storewide, excluding fine art.