Architecture: Steve Herlong, Herlong Architecture + Interiors, Sullivan’s Island, SC
Interior Design: David Smith, IDS, Custom Interiors, Cornelius, NC
Photography: Julia Lynn Photography, Charleston, SC
When a couple from Charlotte, North Carolina, aspired to build a retreat where family and friends could gather for generations to come, they couldn’t help but fall in love with the charming Isle of Palms on the South Carolina coast. Embodying the relaxed pace of beach life synonymous with Lowcountry living, this idyllic location offered nothing less than a dreamscape for their next new chapter. Enlisting area architect Steve Herlong, AIA, founder and design principal at Herlong Architecture + Design, was a natural next step. His Charleston-based firm has been celebrated for its breathtaking seaside homes that connect seamlessly to the beauty of the landscape, from the Lowcountry to the beaches of the Caribbean.
“Our clients particularly admired Caribbean architecture but wanted something that felt appropriate for coastal South Carolina,” says Steve. “Their lot allowed for uninterrupted ocean views, a short golf cart ride to the quaint restaurants of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, as well as a quick commute to downtown Charleston.”
Caribbean Character
This extraordinary 4,683-square-foot beachfront dwelling includes an airy open floorplan with six bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a pool, and a series of inviting alfresco living areas. The home emanates a sense of order and symmetry typical of British Colonial architecture. These characteristics blend effortlessly with the organic and relaxed feel of traditional local materials on the islands. Natural light and views of the Atlantic dictated the spatial planning of the exterior and interior spaces.
“The clients were inspired by Caribbean architecture,” says Steve, “and having designed many homes there, we have a strong understanding of the architectural elements and lifestyle that attract people to this aesthetic.”
A Welcome Breeze
The entryway opens onto a spectacular ocean view, creating a dramatic yet calming effect. The seaside vista draws you in through the generously sized foyer and into the main living, dining, and kitchen spaces. “I strategically designed this home for my clients’ laidback lifestyle,” says interior designer David Smith, owner of Custom Interiors in Cornelius, NC. “They wanted a family-friendly beach house where all felt comfortable living in the spaces. Inspired by the natural surroundings, the color palette brings hues from the exterior landscape to the interiors, making a peaceful transition upon entering the home.”
David designed the iron handrails for the stairway, complemented by Urban Electric Company ceiling fixtures, a Verellen bench, and a Noir cabinet. A plush white alpaca rug from Moattar softens and anchors the space.
Greater Horizons
A curved balcony offers a breathtaking view of the tropical landscape, pool terrace, and blue ocean waves beyond. “Isle of Palms is a beautiful area just 15 minutes north of Charleston,” says the designer. It is well known for its stunning homes and luxurious Lowcountry living. There are fantastic restaurants, small downtown beachfront boutiques, and an amazing marina—all of which speak to why my clients chose this ideal location. Plus, it’s only a three-hour commute from their primary home.”
Sea-Worthy Sightlines
The open kitchen, dining, and living room offer the best of Lowcountry living with a continuous panoramic view. The presence of pecky cypress creates a warm and inviting ambiance that emanates a sense of being surrounded by natural driftwood. Timber beams add dimension and punctuate the spaces against clean white shiplap walls.
“All the living spaces throughout the home reflect the family’s love of the beach, with sun- and sand-friendly furnishings and ample opportunities for year-round outdoor living and entertaining,” says Steve. “It was intentional to design the indoor gathering areas to connect seamlessly to the view by an uninterrupted wall of glass doors. This creates an uninhibited sense of place, allowing the family to constantly see, hear, and feel the beauty of the beach.”
Putting a modern spin on a traditional style, David elevated the details yet maintained a fun beach home aesthetic. “The materials were all based on an organic-inspired design concept—easy, soft, neutrals and wood finishes that could take a little wear and tear,” he says. “Most of the house is clad with shiplap walls and ceilings, and I incorporated pecky cypress wood to bring a weathered character to the spaces. My furniture plan was simple—getting as many seats into a space as possible without looking crowded. That’s really what determined the floorplans.”
Windswept Warmth
In the living room, custom-designed built-ins surround the pecky cypress fireplace. Verellen seating pieces in neutral linen coverings emit a casual beachy mood, along with a wool Moroccan rug from Moattar and soft blue shear wool draperies made from Rogers & Goffigon fabrics. Vintage ceiling beams in a natural sun-bleached finish lend well-worn texture, and bleached oak Noir console tables behind the sofa create pleasing visual contrast.
Island Oasis
The kitchen features a lustrous soapstone island and a Callacatta marble countertop paired with a book-matched backsplash on the range wall. Pecky cypress adorns the island base as well as the barn-style door leading to the pantry and laundry area. Woven JANUS et Cie counter stools provide a textural counterbalance, and sleek Urban Electric Co. pendants illuminate the island.
Sky Light
As you move upstairs, sunlight pours into the stairwell and second floor through a dramatic oval skylight. Two generously sized upper-level primary suites have their own access to the top balcony as well as symmetrical port-hole style windows. With dual suites, the homeowners can comfortably host multiple families.
Ocean Lull
Dressed in luxurious linens and calming neutrals, this bedroom remains delightfully spare so the ocean views can provide the main attraction. Just a dash of pattern at the windows generates a touch of movement echoing the waves beyond.
Bathing Beauty
Custom vanities and Bianco Bella marble countertops with light gray veining infuse the primary bathroom with clean and elegant sophistication. Clad in tile walls with a contrasting darker hue, the walk-in shower provides a cozy alcove. Patterned Walker Zanger tiles create graphic visual appeal without disrupting the minimalist aesthetic.
Bunk Bungalow
Pecky Cypress continues upstairs, making its most notable representation in the kids’ guest room. Everything, including the custom built-in bunk beds, dressers, and ceiling, is clad with this beautifully weathered wood. A turtle print from Trowbridge Gallery adds a playful accent.
Open-Air Opulence
The curvilinear porch features concealed heaters, so indoor/outdoor living and entertaining can be enjoyed year-round. Low-maintenance teak lounge furniture offers durability that can withstand the humid and sometimes harsh beach climate. “We used as few cushions as possible,” says David. “Pillows tend to blow away at the ocean.”
Evening Glow
In the evenings, as the sun sets on the ocean, the home and pool gleam like a jewel, befitting the enchantment that comes with being on the Isles of Palms. “The homeowners love entertaining friends and family year-round,” says Steve. “We have many fond memories from this project and the design process. The owners are repeat clients for us, so we’ve gotten to know them well, and we always appreciate their propensity towards new and creative ideas.”
The kitchen and back porch have become the most popular spaces in the house by far. “There’s nothing better—food, family, comfy chairs, a sea breeze, and an incredible view,” David adds. “It was a truly memorable experience to create a home for these amazing clients, work alongside Steve and the Herlong team, and navigate through such a great home and build—I loved every minute.”
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