A story written in color

Ready to break out of the neutral tones of modern Lowcountry? Discover how colorful your world can be in this beautiful Sea Pines home.

Story by Barry Kaufman + Photos by Bailey Davidson Photography

When Dean Huntley of Plantation Interiors talks about working on the Sea Pines home of Paul and Linda Groen, she talks about it in terms of stories. Not the typical stories one associates with a home, but the stories that are told in its many colors.

MIX & MATCH • In a home defined by color, the great room is a decidedly more subdued affair to contrast against the more vibrant rooms like the office, pictured opposite.

The way the periwinkle blue of the custom hood and LaCornue range was carried out into the fabric of the dining space is a story. The way the rich peridot greens of the Bruce Riley original in the office complement a rug just as well as they contrast against the aubergine grasscloth wallpaper is another story.

“That was the excitement of working on this house – it was a colorful story,” said Huntley. “They didn’t want pale and plain.”


“Violet, seaglass hues, and punches of spartina green are a theme throughout.”


While neutral tones may dominate the Lowcountry trendscape right now, conceding a throw pillow or a rug here and there for a “pop” of color, this home stands apart for its bold strokes and sophisticated materials.

“I think Hilton Head is a lively, family-type of place, so I think some color is called for,” said Linda Groen. “We’ve owned 11 different places, and I’ve always used a lot of color in all of them. It feels more youthful, and it’s interesting.”

BLUE Heaven • The kitchen and dining room perfectly illustrate the flow of color throughout the home, with the periwinkle blue of the range hood carrying over to the dining room chairs.

Inspired by the surroundings of sea, sky and lush foliage, Linda had already picked out some of her palette before Huntley came on board. However, it was when their creative visions came together that the true vibrance of the home began to shine. “I think that’s when you really need a designer to pull things together,” said Linda. “I had these ideas and I knew what I was doing, but I needed someone with that background who really knows how to make everything cohesive.”

Float an idea • Much of the décor sprang from items that Linda already owned, like the feathers along this wall. “I wanted the wall to look like they were floating in the sky,” she said.

And thus the colorful stories that abound throughout this house began to take shape. Violet, seaglass hues, and punches of spartina green are a theme throughout. From the unexpected aqua of the rocking chairs to the lux layers of iris blue pillows on the Lowcountry porch swing, you are greeted with color at every turn. The guest bedroom dazzles with feathery gold accents against an indigo blue accent wall. The story continues with the powder room, told in flowery wallpaper hand selected to match the butterfly mirror. The master bedroom revels in a deep Prussian blue accent wall, streaked by painted boughs of magnolia branches. “The magnolias are so indicative of Hilton Head and Savannah…I knew I would use them,” said Linda.


HUG THE COAST • The master bedroom’s accent wall dazzles with magnolia patterns designed to evoke the Lowcountry, a coastal vibe that carries through the house.


This is a home defined by its colors, but the appeal of it goes well beyond the palette. Even without those vibrant hues, you’re still left with a marvelous Lowcountry home, one filled with the craftsmanship and luxury that entails. You’ll see it in the Savannah brick that lines the sweeping front porch, the reclaimed flooring that runs throughout, the richly veined quartz around the fireplace and the meticulously crafted millwork that frames each space.

And, of course, what would a Lowcountry home be without an exquisite outdoor living space?

“We’re out there all the time,” said Linda of the sprawling rear deck. To one end, a screened-in great room indulges with an outdoor fireplace, TV and stunning views of the setting sun and of the transition from fourth green to fifth tee at Atlantic Dunes. With the flip of a switch, vinyl panels descend, allowing for year-round comfort. And then there’s the pool, raised to the height of the home to allow for exquisite golf views over the infinity edge. Fire pots around the pool add to the ambience.

This home’s story is written in those views, in the evenings spent enjoying outdoor living and in the artistic inspiration behind each colorful room. And Linda Groen knows it’s a story she didn’t write alone.

“It’s so important to have people you can trust and share that vision with,” she said.


Interior design firm under new ownership

An interior design firm serving Hilton Head Island for more than 40 years has transitioned to new ownership and gained a new name in the process. Plantation Interiors is now under the banner of LaSource Living, and is committed to keeping the legacy of client-focused, high-quality service with an expansive complex located at 10 Target Road featuring an interior design studio, furniture, art and lighting showroom, an Inspired Closets showroom, a Farrow & Ball paint shop and a wallpaper shop. LaSource Living offers a beautifully curated retail experience as well as full-service interior design services, paint consultation and organizing solutions for every room from Inspired Closets. The new owners have another business, La Source Home, a kitchen and bath store offering high-level products, remodeling and design services, through this location, Bluffton and Savannah. The businesses are future focused, with a greater offering of products and services for their clients and great ideas on the horizon. Follow them on Instagram (@PI_homehhi) or call 843-785-5261 for more information.


The Home Team

Architect: Neil Gordon Architect, PA
Interior designer: Dean Huntley, Plantation Interiors
Builder: Larry Page Custom Homes
Cabinetry: Advanced Kitchen Designs and LaSource
Lighting: Visual Comfort available through Plantation Interiors
Appliances: LaSource
Furnishings & accessories: Plantation Interiors

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