Design Files: A Dream Home on the Beach
We love our clients and our projects. Each one is unique, and our clients are incredibly special to us. We particularly enjoy our new construction projects because they often span years, allowing us to form deeper connections. By the end of these projects, our clients feel more like friends or even family.
This particular project is especially close to my heart. During its course, I experienced significant life changes, including two pregnancies, grief and loss, and the joy of welcoming a new baby girl. The project concluded in March 2020, just as the world shut down. We had only two days to complete the installation before we were no longer allowed back on the island.
However, The joy we felt in creating a safe haven for this wonderful family during the pandemic is a testament to why we love what we do.
Rewind to 2017…
I remember driving to Kiawah Island for my initial interview, with oak trees lining the road and a sense of serenity with every mile. Kiawah is about thirty-five minutes from Charleston, and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The client’s existing home was right on the beach, and the breathtaking view upon entering confirmed this would be a stunning project. I knew immediately that this was what I like to call a “soulmate project” and I am still so grateful to this day for having the opportunity to design this home!
The project involved tearing down the original home, which had significant mold issues, and building anew. Working with the fantastic architect Anderson Studio and Contractor Epic Development Group was a dream collaboration! They truly made everything so seamless and also fun!
Our team was responsible for choosing all the finishes and colors (interior/exterior), lighting, cabinet and door hardware, flooring, tile, paint and stain colors, plumbing, and all the other finish details you will see throughout. What we love about this part (we call this Phase I) of the project, is we know we are helping our clients to sleep a little better at night knowing that they have someone making sure they avoid costly mistakes, while also creating the home of their dreams.
Phase II is the decor phase. For this project, we were also contracted for Phase II and helped to design and select 90% of the furnishings, lamps, rugs, drapery, pillows, wallpaper, and accessories in the home. But please don’t ask us what phase we like the most! I don’t think we could tell you. They are both so fun and SO important to us!
The client and I spent a lot of time together, traveling to New York and Atlanta for shopping trips and spending countless hours planning and meeting with the team. We meticulously crafted design boards and selections to transform this house into a home tailored perfectly to the family's lifestyle.
I look forward to sharing more about the design process in upcoming posts and taking you through the journey to the beautiful end result: A Dream Home on the Beach.
Photography by Brennan Wesley
