A balance of comfort, functionality, and effortless style is essential when creating the perfect coastal home.
One of our most recent projects in Summerville was a Lowcountry new build that perfectly captured the essence of coastal living. Our client, a frequent traveler for work, dreamed of a space that could serve as an entertainer’s delight and a peaceful retreat when she wanted to enjoy a quiet evening at home.
She desired spaces that reflected her love of coastal design, provided ample storage, and allowed her to entertain guests in style. What started as a vision for a breezy, open home soon evolved into a Lowcountry-inspired design that blends form with function, offering a sanctuary with custom touches and plenty of personality.
A Coastal Oasis with Plenty of Storage
Our client’s vision regarding functionality was clear: she wanted a Lowcountry new build that embraced the refreshing ambiance of Summerville’s natural surroundings while working for her lifestyle.
The home needed to feel open and airy yet provide enough storage to accommodate the many beautiful pieces she had collected over the years. One of the priorities was creating a design that incorporated elements of the coastal getaways she had enjoyed, combining a palette of sunlit hues, natural textures, and plenty of light.
From the moment we began working on this Lowcountry new build, we focused on maximizing space with functional storage solutions to get the most out of every square foot. One of the challenges of designing for a client who loves to travel and entertain is ensuring that storage doesn’t compromise aesthetics. We created built-in shelves, cabinets, and display areas to keep everything organized yet easily accessible.
Whether it’s a collection of coral or cherished mementos from her travels, these built-ins allowed us to create a visually pleasing and functional layout while giving the client space to showcase her favorite items
Michelle Wooley-Sauter is by far the most talented designer and artist I’ve worked with across several design projects. Her team is incredibly talented as well. I’m in homebuilding and have worked with many design pros, both professionally and personally, over the past 20 years, and Michelle is by far in a league all her own. Michelle has a gift and is skilled in every aspect and at all stages of design. I worked with her and her team on architectural enhancements, space planning, furniture, window treatment, art, and accessory selection. Not only do I love my home and the finished space, the One Coast Design team is very customer-focused and consistently impressed me with the small touches they do that let clients know they’re appreciated. Whenever anyone asks me who I recommend for design and art, it has been and will be Michelle and the amazing team at One Coast Design. Thank you for a beautiful home.
Christina H.
The Casita: A Guest Retreat with Coastal Charm
One of the standout features of this Lowcountry new build is the charming casita, designed as a private retreat for guests.
Located just off the main home and accessed through the open-air walkway, the casita is a perfect escape for visitors seeking a peaceful, Lowcountry-inspired space of their own. The design of the casita ties into the main house’s coastal aesthetic, incorporating the same light colors, natural textures, and relaxed atmosphere, while also adding the warmth visitors always love about Lowcountry living.
Inside the casita, we created a comfortable yet stylish space with everything needed for an enjoyable stay. The design reflects the same open, breezy feel of the main home, making it a cozy place for guests to relax while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
Like the main house, the casita features custom built-ins, providing both function and a design statement. This space serves as both a retreat for guests and a functional area that provides privacy while still being part of the overall home design.
Open Floor Plan: Zoning for Functionality and Flow
One of the unique challenges of designing an open floor plan is maintaining a sense of organization and flow while ensuring each space has its own identity. The client wanted a layout that would foster a relaxed and open atmosphere, allowing for easy movement from one area to another. At the same time, they needed clear distinctions between different zones, such as the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
We worked closely with the client to create visual cues that naturally define each space. We used carefully chosen furniture placement, statement lighting, area rugs, and architectural elements like columns and ceiling treatments. The goal was to create a natural flow between the spaces while still giving each area a distinct personality.
The living area, for example, was designed with ample seating to accommodate guests, and the dining area is centered around a large custom-built table. We ensured the kitchen was both functional and visually appealing, with plenty of counter space and storage hidden in custom cabinetry. In this Lowcountry new build, every space had a specific function, yet the home maintained an airy and cohesive feel.
Custom Built-Ins: Displaying Cherished Belongings and Maximizing Storage
One of the key design features that made this Lowcountry new build stand out was our focus on custom-built storage solutions. Our client had many beloved items from her travels, including art pieces, antiques, and collections. Displaying these items stylishly and functionally was essential, so we designed various custom-built storage solutions that allowed her to showcase her treasures while keeping everything neatly organized.
In the living room, we created built-in shelves that offered both open display areas and concealed storage. A beautifully designed built-in in the main living area allowed our client to showcase her favorite books, photos, and souvenirs while keeping the space clutter-free. We also designed cabinetry in the kitchen and dining area, which is perfect for storing fine china and displaying beautiful glassware and serving pieces when not in use. In the bedrooms, custom closets were installed with built-in drawers, shelving, and hanging space, providing an organized storage solution that blended seamlessly with the overall design.
All built-ins were designed to complement the home’s Lowcountry coastal aesthetic, with light wood finishes and soft, neutral colors to create a calming, harmonious atmosphere. Whether it was an intricately carved shelving unit or a simple, modern cabinet, these custom pieces were integral to the home’s functionality and visual appeal.
Creating a Home That Feels Like a Sanctuary
Living in Summerville, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, means that outdoor living is just as important as your indoor lifestyle. Whether it’s a casual barbecue or an intimate dinner party, the open-air covered area off the garden offers an inviting atmosphere to enjoy the outdoors year-round. We used the surrounding landscape to guide the design, creating a natural flow between the indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Large windows and sliding glass doors were strategically placed to allow for unobstructed views of the garden while maintaining privacy. The garden was carefully curated to complement the Lowcountry coastal aesthetic, with native plants creating a fresh and vibrant space.
Above all, the design of this Lowcountry new build needed to make our client feel at peace and relaxed. As someone who spends much of her time traveling, she wanted a place that felt like a true retreat. Our design focused on creating a sanctuary where she could unwind, entertain, and enjoy time with family and friends.
The open-air garden, the breezy, light-filled interiors, and the cozy, inviting casita all came together to create the perfect environment for relaxation and connection. Whether entertaining friends, hosting family gatherings, or simply spending time at home after a long trip, this home provides the perfect balance of comfort and style. We delivered a home that perfectly suits our client’s lifestyle by carefully considering the layout, storage solutions, and design elements.
Final Thoughts
This Lowcountry new build in Summerville is a testament to thoughtful design that marries function and beauty. With custom-built storage, an open floor plan, a breezy coastal design, and plenty of space for entertaining, this home is everything our client wanted and more. It’s a place where cherished memories are made, and she can feel at home, whether hosting friends or simply relaxing after a long day of travel.
At One Coast Design, we take pride in creating homes that reflect our clients’ unique tastes and lifestyles. Whether it’s a Lowcountry new build or a renovation, we’re committed to making your vision a reality. If you’re ready to create a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful, we’d love to help bring your ideas to life! Reach out today! (843) 879-2152
One Coast Design can help you create the perfect Lowcountry coastal home, contact us today!
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