KIAWAH ISLAND
KIAWAH ISLAND
Feature: Outdoor Living & Guest Spaces
Life on Kiawah Island is all about enjoying the sunshine. The residents of this beach home knew they would spend more time outside than inside and wanted an outdoor living space that reflected their preference.
When furnishing the covered porch we took care to maximize the river view and to stage seating that would encourage cigar entertaining. We used fabrics that are antimicrobial, fade-resistant, highly durable, liquid-resistant, and stain-resistant. And for all their practicality, the fabrics lack nothing in style and comfort; they are soft and a beautiful shade of cream to keep our color scheme consistent with the interior.
For the poolside furniture, we selected teak, which is naturally water-resistant, strong, and durable. The sling seating allows water to drain through and dries out quickly. Teak can be easily cleaned and provides an overall low-maintenance exterior product that is always both beautiful and functional. We were able to comfortably fit dining, poolside lounge, and conversational pieces all in this sunny oasis.
KIAWAH ISLAND
Feature: Living Spaces
A home as spectacular as this Kiawah Island residence calls for a grand entry. We went for a metallic grasscloth wallpaper in the foyer and stairwell to play up the drama and cover the original paint stripes. Bold light fixtures in a mix of metals complete the stunning first impression.
The spacious living room presented a challenge: how could we maximize the beautiful view and functionality of the space with our furniture placement? We settled on a low-back sectional facing the best view. All the pieces of the sectional are freestanding and can be rearranged in numerous ways. A game table doubles as extra dining space and an oversized chandelier fits the room. The original art, selected by the client from a local gallery, feels as though it were commissioned for the space.
Because this island home is a place for gathering with extended family, we needed a large dining room table. We replaced the original center fixture with 2 airy chandeliers and installed reflective wallpaper on the walls and mica wallpaper on the ceiling to expand the space. We also selected kid-friendly upholstery.
KIAWAH ISLAND
Feature: Kitchen & Dining
With good bones and a beautiful location, this home in Kiawah Island, SC, has been a dream to design. The kitchen, with dining and family spaces at arms reach, is easily the heart of the home. A quick update of the finishes brought the space to life.
Initially, the homeowners were hesitant to renovate the kitchen. They were understandably eager to move in and wary of living in a construction zone. But once I presented a simple kitchen renovation that brought existing elements up-to-date, they realized we could create a high-impact space with minimal disturbance to their daily life. We loved their existing travertine floors and copper vent hood, both of which were key elements in forming the color palette of the home. We replaced the dark countertops and dated backsplash with cristallo quartzite that the clients fell in love with from a supplier warehouse.
Once we selected this gorgeous countertop, we knew it had to be the single focal point of the kitchen, so we used the material for the backsplash as well. The island was freshly painted in the most appropriate color by Sherwin Williams—Beach House SW7518—and we selected the custom stool upholstery to match. The original island light was heavy and blocked the hood. Our new selection is lightweight, offers adequate lighting, and blends mixed metals seamlessly with a mottled finish. If we had left the kitchen in its original state, this whole portion of the home may have fallen flat, while a full gut job would not have allowed the clients to really live in their home. Our strategic renovation allowed the homeowners to revitalize their space without compromising their day-to-day lives.
