The view of Wappoo Creek, as seen from the wide back porches of the houses set along it, looks much the same today as it did hundreds of years ago: high marsh grass, mature live oaks, saw palmettos. The designs of those homes along the water may have changed, but the low-country landscape that surrounds them hasn't. That contrast of old and new, traditional and modern, posed an interesting challenge for local interior designer Cortney Bishop, who was tasked with giving a new build on the creek, just outside of Charleston, a "lived-in feel, nestled into its surroundings."
The young family building their dream home wanted to make the most of the waterfront property, so local architectural designer Hunter Kennedy conceived of a 4,800-square-foot farmhouse-meets-Colonial floor plan, with an additional 1,200 square feet of deck extending into the marshland. After that, it felt natural to Bishop, who's known for her organic modern design style, to bring elements of the landscape indoors. Inspired by the live oaks along the water, Bishop chose white oak paneling for all floors and custom cabinetry. The wood also paves entire ceilings and walls and serves as trim; its natural warmth is enhanced by walls finished in Benjamin Moore White Dove plaster, applied by Jess Artistic Designs. For contrast, details are painted in Farrow & Ball Tar, a soft, moody bronzed black that changes from gray to brown in the shifting light. The soapstone kitchen island, which will patina over time, is paired with marble that reappears in all the bathrooms.
"There's a delicate balance of consistent material that plays through the house," Bishop says. "We intentionally avoided competing with the picturesque marsh views and wove their tones into various spaces instead."
In addition to a home that harmonizes with its surroundings, the owners hoped for an elegant and sophisticated space for entertaining, especially hosting holidays. To make that a reality, Bishop carved out hardworking areas, like the scullery and mudroom, to help everyone stay organized. Plentiful storage in these spaces allows the kitchen to double as a sleek gathering spot. Bishop strove for a balance of comfort and durability in materials, to minimize wear and tear from guests, as well as the family's two kids. The kitchen banquette, for example, has woven leather upholstery.
The result is a fine-tuned mix of feminine and masculine, nostalgia and timelessness. As Bishop puts it, this home has "an immersive depth that seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment and the old trees."
Entry Hall
The foyer establishes what Bishop calls the home's "relaxed formality." Paint: Tar (door), Farrow & Ball. Mirror: vintage. Console: Antiques of South Windermere. Tile: Buckhannon Tile. Rug: Moattar.
Family Room
Bohemian accents like the tasseled chandelier by M2C Studio set a cozy, kid-friendly mood. Roman shades: Castec. Art: Charleston Artist Collective. Sofa: Hickory Chair. Sideboard: custom, Jaworski Woodworks. Ottoman: Verellen. Rug: Lulu and Georgia.
Kitchen
The seamless blend of antique Dominioni pendants with the sleek, contemporary waterfall soapstone island "epitomizes our design approach," Bishop says. Flush mounts: Visual Comfort & Co. Countertop and backsplash: Calacatta Matarazzo marble from AGM Imports. Fixtures: Waterworks. Range: Wolf. Barstools: McGuire.
Aged brass hardware, a vintage chandelier, and soapstone counters exude a lived-in ambiance. Custom cabinets by Saunders Woodworks house a beverage fridge and the family's heirloom silverware. Paint: Pigeon (cabinets), Farrow & Ball. Tile: Lauren Liess. Café curtains: Harwood House.
This casual gathering place next to the living room centers on a Saarinen Tulip table the owners cherish. Banquette: custom, in Lance Woven Leather. Chairs: Verellen. Art: Eneby Home.
Dining Room
The Zak+Fox wallpaper was "the cornerstone of the entire design," Bishop says. The sisal chandelier was inspired by Mexican Christmas piñatas. Table: Jacob May. Drapery and chair fabric: Harwood House. Chandelier: Fisher Weisman. Paint: Studio Green (walls), Farrow & Ball. Rug: Moattar.
Kids' Room
The color palette was taken from the "tailored, modern, and elegant" Mitchell Black wallpaper. Draperies: Harwood House. Paint: Tar (trim and headboards), Farrow & Ball. Surfboard art: Heart of Gold Gallery. Sconce: Design Within Reach. Headboards: vintage. Coverlets: Folk Textiles.
Primary Bedroom
Pillows from the hotel boutique at Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy, complete the bed. Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries. Draperies: Harwood House. Nightstands: Bennett Galleries. Bedding: Folk Textiles. Bed: Radnor. Sconce: Huey Lightshop. Window seat: custom, in Farrow & Ball Tar paint and Zak+Fox fabric.
Primary Bathroom
Brass Forbes & Lomax switch plates are used throughout. Sconces: Studio Dunn. Mirrors: Made Goods. Fixtures: Waterworks. Countertop: Calacatta Matarazzo marble from AGM Imports. Rug: Moattar.
Pool Deck
Pictured above.
This ipe wood deck—accessed from the primary suite and a screened-in porch off the living room—features a pool, spa, and views of the tidal marsh surrounding Wappoo Creek.
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