Before & After: Thoughtfully designed functional spaces

An addition and renovation so impressive, it won the 2021 Lighthouse Award for Best Innovation of Space, as well as the hearts of the homeowners.

Story by Libby O’Regan + Photos by J. Savage Gibson

When Daniel and Elaine Taylor decided to renovate their Palmetto Bluff home, they tapped into their European roots and worked with a dream team of architects, designers and builder Element Construction. The project lasted approximately eight months and started in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic – no easy feat as everyone knows! Carefully considering how Daniel and Elaine wanted to use the space of their 1,200-square-foot addition, the design/build team created a new laundry room, powder room, wine room, mudroom and a garage with guest suite that included a bathroom and living space.

Laundry becomes nostalgic

The old laundry room was cramped, as it also served as the home’s pantry and mudroom. Elaine grew up with a “Sheila Maid,” so the design/build team was able to source a Scottish-made pully rack system in the U.S. which is a prominent feature of the laundry room. The laundry room is not only spacious and functional but bright and cheery.

Personal touches

Elaine had two light fixtures from a previous home that were in storage. They were a perfect match for the Bianco Avion marble in the wine room. Daniel enjoys collecting wine from their travels, so the team designed a display and storage areas for his collection. The wine room cabinetry was handcrafted by Element Construction Senior Project Manager, Dave Stevenson.

Must-haves

The home previously did not have a garage, so that was a “must-have” addition to this Palmetto Bluff home. Daniel and Elaine also chose to add a guest suite over the garage that was impeccably designed and a true retreat for visitors. A serene bathroom, plush bed, comfortable sitting area, and a wet bar were added in this bonus space.

Other additions

No area was overlooked, as the mudroom and powder room were thoughtfully considered and beautifully designed.

Favorite new feature

“We were able to add several unique features to enhance each vignette,” said Andrea Eldred, head of business development for Element Construction. “One of my favorites is the Bianco Avion marble that we used as the full-height backsplash in the wine room, capturing the dramatic veining; but also on the custom powder room vanity top featuring a wall-mounted faucet and elegant side splashes.”