Indoor and Outdoor Inspiration from Lowcountry Designers

Across the Lowcountry, designers and builders are giving cozy new meaning with inspired indoor and outdoor fireplaces

Story by Audrey Geib

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire: the soft crackle, the steady warmth, the easy conversation that follows. Across the Lowcountry builders and designers are giving this age-old tradition a fresh spark. Whether it’s a stately indoor hearth or an open-air showpiece, today’s fireplaces blend craftsmanship, comfort and a touch of modern magic. Each one invites connection, reflection and a slower pace, reminding us that life’s best moments often happen by the fire.

A hearth for the holidays

In this Palmetto Bluff home designed by Court Atkins Group, craftsmanship meets coastal ease. The great room’s fireplace anchors the shingle-style estate, surrounded by detailed millwork and soft, layered textures that glow in the soft light. Designed to mix legacy pieces with Lowcountry airiness, the space strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. It’s the kind of room made for gathering, celebrating and lingering, long after the fire fades.

European grace

Group 3 Designs brought refined European flair to this Hilton Head Plantation family room. A mantel carved from solid block marble imported from Europe adds sculptural beauty and weight to the space. The result feels both elegant and welcoming, a focal point that proves craftsmanship and warmth can share the same flame.

Modern marvel

Front Light Building Co. created a true showpiece for modern living in Palmetto Bluff. Rising 32 feet to the rafters, this sleek statement wall is clad in six book-matched MSI quartz slabs. The marble surround adds natural luxury, while a 72-inch linear firebox casts a warm, elegant glow. It’s as striking as it is inviting, equally at home as the backdrop to family movie night or a quiet evening with a glass of wine.

Crafted with character

Bellwether Design + Build crafted this fireplace with a mix of texture and tradition. Savannah Grey brick pairs with a hand-applied tabby-shell finish, nodding to classic Lowcountry materials. A reclaimed heart pine mantel adds depth and history, turning this fireplace into a warm, storied centerpiece that feels as if it’s always belonged.

Brick beauty 

Pearce Scott Architects gave this Gascoigne Bluff renovation its defining feature: a grand brick fireplace that connects the open kitchen, dining and living spaces. Its rustic texture wraps the home in warmth, while the foyer on the reverse side greets guests with bold architectural presence. More than just a feature, it’s the heart of the home, built to last and to gather around.

Fireside gatherings

Earthworks completed this Bluffton retreat overlooking the Okatie River in June. The wood-burning fireplace anchors the outdoor living space, casting a welcoming glow over a pool terrace. It’s a spot made for gathering on cool spring mornings and long summer nights where every spark feels like a small celebration.

Screened serenity

RCH Construction brought the warmth of Pennsylvania winters to a Sea Pines retreat. This screened porch blends nostalgia with coastal beauty, featuring deep charcoal and chocolate porcelain tile that complements the brickwork around a dual wood- or gas-burning fireplace. Reclaimed wood from the homeowner’s family property in western Pennsylvania adds lore to the cabinetry and granite countertops. The space feels grounded, personal and ready for a quiet evening by the flames.

Hearth and harmony

Blending comfort and craftsmanship, this luxurious Colleton River screened porch by Southern Coastal Homes invites effortless year-round living. A 42-inch, vent-free fireplace anchors the space, clad in stacked and herringbone Savannah Gray brick supplied by Acme Brick. The mix of patterns adds texture and depth, while the soft, natural tones echo the surrounding landscape. It’s a refined, yet welcoming retreat, perfect for quiet mornings or cozy evenings by the fire.

Kindled by nature

Savannah Surfaces designed this Colleton River Club fireplace to make the most of its marsh backdrop. A custom stone and tile surround frames a decorative metal centerpiece, while plush seating invites guests to stay for one more sunset. It’s a place where craftsmanship meets comfort and nature takes center stage.