From the outside in

Ocean and sand inspired the look of this stunning kitchen in Sea Pines.

It’s not hard to guess the inspiration for this beautiful kitchen recently constructed in Sea Pines. With an open floor plan, interior designer Kelly Caron was able to create a palette that flowed from the outside in, using colors of the nearby ocean and sand dunes. Here are her five favorite features:

1. Functional islands “Whether the kitchen island is for prepping, cooking, gathering, dining, or a statement architectural element in the home, it is in fact a most important functional statement in the room,” Kelly said. “Kitchen islands get bigger and better — all shapes and sizes allowed. They have in some cases replaced the formal dining room or become the anchor in the environment for family and friend congregation.” The eat-in breakfast table was custom made by Rutt Cabinetry. The pull-up side chairs are by Palecek. Just Cushions templated and fabricated the Channel-style curved banquette with material provided by Kelly Caron Designs.

2. Hiding appliances “Appliances should be fully functional but also not necessarily be the focal point,” Kelly said. “Adding proper cabinetry aesthetics and perfect hardware selections can hide the locations of the appliances. In contemporary design, some appliance elements may be purposeful to the design intent. Other kitchens may have all hidden appliances and a fabulous hood and range that is the center of attention.” Appliances were provided by Billy Wood Appliance. The glass backsplash was hand-selected at Savannah Surfaces.

3. Edge impact “A simple detail to add drama and high style to a kitchen is enhancing the edge profile to a thicker, mitered edge or laminated design for visual impact,” Kelly said. “Eased edge shape is the most popular shape, however, in a more traditional home, we will still be an ogee or laminated thicker island and decorative edge profile.” The natural stone quartzite countertop selections were hand-selected at AGM Imports. Distinctive Granite & Marble was the fabricator.

4. Modernize cabinet door style “They always say less is more. A simpler door style can make a bigger, modern, forward-thinking design impact,” Kelly said. “While the traditional door profile is still available, the trend is heading to a more simple design. A smaller profile around the door or even a slab front door is becoming a normal conversation in all cabinet meetings. Consider the shift if it suites your style.” Cabinets are from Palmetto Cabinet Studio.

5. LED lighting “So long bulbs! Integrating LED lighting fixtures over the island and throughout the home is a new home and renovation trend,” Kelly said. “Many fixtures have the bulb element in the actual fixture so there is no need for changing bulbs (yes, they are still dimmable). It is also a more energy efficient, eco-friendly option. If you still have bulbs, the LED bulb selections will be the new normal and typically in the 3000k color, so it is still a nice light and color for the interior of the home.” Hubbardton Forge is a great vendor for LED pendant lighting.