Andrea Lecusay and Louis Jensen have interior motives. What motivated them to leave an extremely lucrative field, that of redesigning upscale homes and yachts worth more than most homes on Kaua’i, is another part of the story of House Chantik,
Andrea Lecusay and Louis Jensen have interior motives.
What motivated them to leave an extremely lucrative field, that of redesigning upscale homes and yachts worth more than most homes on Kaua’i, is another part of the story of House Chantik, their new showroom on the second floor of the Kauai Design Center on Lehua Street in Kapa’a.
While in Indonesia to shop for woods and furnishings, they fell in love with the indigenous people they were dealing with, and decided that saving their environment and giving them jobs and training in perpetuating sustainable forests there was much more important than making money hand over fist in South Florida, Lecusay said.
In Florida, all the fine woods and furnishings of yachts and upscale homes went right into the landfills when they were finished with their redesign work, she said.
Lecusay and Jensen feel Kaua’i is the place to get sustainable, and environmentally-friendly, she said.
All furnishings available are created from recycled or reclaimed Indonesian hardwoods that have been hand carved in Bali and Thailand, she explained.
“By utilizing already-existing raw materials, we are working to help slow down and eventually stop the massive deforestation that has sadly been taking place for many years in this part of the world,” Lecusay continued.
“The creation of our products is also providing much-needed work and income for the indigenous people of the region,” she said.
“Ultimately, we feel home should be a sacred space which reflects your personality while living in harmony with the planet,” she said.
“In a world which is depleting its natural resources, we hope to aspire to global consciousness living through art.”
In the showroom can be found unique, high- quality, handcarved Balinese furniture, accessories, gifts, lighting, fine art, antiques, outdoor teak patio furniture, vacation-rental packages, design services and more.
“House Chantik” means “house beautiful” in Indonesian, and both Lecusay and Jensen are interior designers offering design services through the showroom.
They have just launched their marketing plan, so far consisting of a mass mailing with discount coupons and a mass e-mailing to real-estate professionals, Lecusay said.
During the grand-opening celebration now through the end of the month, they are offering 20-percent discounts off everything in the store.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Design services are available at other hours as well.
Call 822-1901 for more information, or see the Web site, www.housechantik.com.
