This South Carolina Property Completely Redefines Beach House Chic
A young couple wanted their home on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, to reflect their passions: surfing, travel, and hanging out in bare feet. In fact, when designer Kate Towill of the Charleston-based firm Basic Projects asked them to give her three words to inspire the design they responded with: summer, hideaway, and barefoot. The house itself, which was designed by architect Heather A. Wilson, has a similarly laid-back vibe and feels like it would fit right in on the islands of Fiji or Hawaii, where the couple frequently travels.
Inside, Towill focused on letting the materials take center stage. "We like to strip things back and let the materials be in the rawest state — like the plaster fireplace and shelves, the poured concrete floors and countertops, and all the organic linen," she said. The designer also gathered furnishings from a wide range of sources, making sure everything — even down to the frames on the artwork — feels like it was collected over the years. The finished result is what a beach house should be: breezy, relaxed, and barefoot-friendly.
1. Exterior
Architect Heather A. Wilson's design for the home was inspired by the couple's favorite island destinations. A pool was recently added and a pool house is currently under construction.
2. Entry
Olivia Rae James
Towill furnished the entry with an oak bench that she found on 1stdibs. Wood pegs from Fact+Fiction Toys provide a spot to hang jackets, bags, and even a planter.
3. Living Room
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Relaxed linen-covered sofas topped with colorful throw pillows from House of Cindy anchor the living room. Towill covered the peacock chair's cushions in a vintage Hawaiian fabric and installed brass Orbit sconces by Workstead.
4. Dining Room
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The plaster-clad fireplace can be enjoyed from the living room or the dining room. An Isamu Noguchi lantern hangs above the oak table and benches from Another Country.
5. Kitchen
Olivia Rae James
Towill installed concrete countertops and a handmade ceramic tile backsplash in the kitchen. Stools from Lostine are pulled up to the custom island, which is illuminated by Original BTC from Horne.
6. Bar
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The bar is lined with colorful ceramic by Smink Things and custom Sapele wood cabinets.
7. Bedroom
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A custom wall hanging by Mae Pate and Workstead pendant lights frame the master bedroom's Serena & Lily bed. Towill layered a Turkish flatweave rug from Woven and sisal from Pottery Barn.
8. Bathroom
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Mirrors by Restoration Hardware complement the brass fixtures from California Faucets. The sconces are by Cedar + Moss.
9. Bedroom
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A Caroline Z. Hurley quilt and art from Serena & Lily add splashes of color to one of the guest rooms.
10. Bedroom
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Another guest room is painted in Farrow & Ball's Green Blue. The desk, prints, and frames are all vintage finds.