Eschewing the familiar coastal vibe for the interiors of this Sullivan’s Island home, designer Elizabeth Stuart Faith blended collections of artwork, lighting, and mid-century furnishings with a popping color palette for a new beach house aesthetic.
MARSHFRONT MAGIC: A curved lot with expansive views on three sides, taking in the Intracoastal Waterway, the Ben Sawyer Bridge, and Charleston in the distance, was the inspiration for this classic Lowcountry beach house designed by Beau Clowney and built by Structures.
Inside, a cozy entryway warm white oak flooring leads to the kitchen, as well as the large, bright open-plan living space.
Clean Lines: The home’s interiors are designed for comfort with a hefty dose of style. Low, mid-century furniture, including a pair of circa-1960 Danish Brazilian rosewood “Cube” club chairs by Jydsk Møbelværk, a two-piece modern sectional by Harvey Probber, and an acrylic side table, draw the eye to the view beyond. The soft, marsh-inspired palette is highlighted by the custom Sherwin Williams faint blue semi-gloss paint on the ceiling, evoking the Lowcountry sky.
Lounge Act: A 17th-century oil painting in the manner of English painter Marmaduke Cradock adds a touch of drama above the fireplace while tying in the blue sky theme. A classic Herman Miller Eames chair and ottoman in black leather and mid-century George Nelson-style slatted coffee table are watched over by a 1960s patinaed metal chandelier.
A Room With Three Views: The “coffee room” off the kitchen is the homeowner’s favorite spot. Paneled in custom-painted poplar, the luxurious space features a quartet of comfy chairs. A vintage glass chandelier complements the 19th-century painting of the Arc De Triomphe by Paul Gagni above the French limestone mantelpiece.
The adjoining kitchen continues the Gallic theme, where a 19th-century French wrought-iron chandelier with zinc shades from Golden & Associates Antiques hangs over the soapstone countertop with a custom-coined edge. Three vintage 1950s rush-and-wood slat bar stools cozy up to the white oak island.
Conversation Space: The wood-paneled study is infused with warm tones. Chrome lounge chairs, upholstered in a Maharam cotton velvet, pick up on the green emanating from the dashing Hunter with Rabbits portrait by American painter Albert Edward Sterner (1936). A 1960s Kalmar light fixture with cascading, multi-tiered rectangular drops spills down to a mid-century Danish kidney coffee table, atop an antique rug.
In the upstairs hallway, a wooden bench, upholstered in a playful coral fabric, picks up on hues in the painting of an Italian streetscape and complements the whimsical Val Saint Lambert Sputnik chandelier.
Color them Happy: In contrast to the more subdued palette of the main floor, the upstairs guest bedrooms are vibrant with color. From verdant green reflected in the headboard and coverlet and pillows in Schumacher’s “Hothouse Flowers.”
The deep oranges of the USM Haller nightstand and vintage lamp in the shiplapped chamber.
The third bedroom boasts a pendant drum shade covered in a pastel pink and orange Cindy Barganier fabric, which plays with the large, velvet fish pillow from Elizabeth Stuart.
In a guest bath, a pair of chrome ribbon lamps sit atop a vintage dressing table with a Lucite and brass mirror.
The Bright side: The primary bedroom suite is a study in refined elegance. A soothing landscape painting by local artist Mickey Williams resides above the headboard wrapped in Coleman Taylor “Gatsby Velvet.” Murano glass “Spheres” lamps with lacquered lampshades lined in gold rest atop heirloom bedside tables.
The large walk-in closet features Donghia velvet wallpaper.
