Transform your home with organic elegance and repurposed charm
Natural beauty
Story by Sheila Paz + photoS by Mike Ritterbeck
Find inspiration in the 2024 LOCAL Life Idea House
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dive into the diverse rooms of the 2024 LOCAL Life Idea House, our exclusive peek into The Charles, the newest waterfront condominium at Hilton Head Plantation. We’ll showcase transformative room makeovers throughout the year and offer practical decorating tips and ideas. Each feature aims to inspire your next home refresh, adding a personal flair to your living spaces. For more information about The Charles, email sales@thecharleshhi.com.
Bringing elements of the Lowcountry into your home infuses your space with charm and character. Supporting local artists who use locally sourced materials allows you to capture the region’s natural beauty within your home. This Hilton Head Plantation homeowner partnered with Lowcountry Handcrafted and Low Country Stucco to create spaces with distinct, all-natural flair. Incorporating similar elements into your home can make it feel more connected to its surroundings while adding layers of meaning and authenticity.
Oyster shell chic
The homeowner hired Low Country Stucco and Stone to transform a minimalistic fireplace into this stunning, textured centerpiece. Using over 1,000 hand-installed oyster shells from the May River, they created a design that is both unique and locally sourced. Adding a textured, locally sourced design to your home not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also brings a touch of local heritage and natural beauty indoors, adding depth and personality to your space, making it truly one of a kind.
Cleaning tip: To maintain the beauty of oyster shells, gently dust the shells with a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the delicate shells.
Waves of wax: Above the fireplace an encaustic wax 3-D painting by local artist Pam White features textured waves, reminiscent of Hilton Head beaches. As light washes over the painting, it adds to the local theme and the beauty of the home. Cleaning tip: Dust can dull the wax’s textures. The artist recommended “buffing the waves” with a soft cloth to add a shimmer when the light catches the painting.
Storm-salvaged splendor
The homeowner collaborated with local woodworker Andy Pitts, owner of Lowcountry Handcrafted, to incorporate repurposed wood into the home. Using wood from a southern yellow pine toppled during Hurricane Matthew, Andy crafted a sliding barn door, a mantle and floating shelves. Incorporating repurposed wood into your home not only adds character and charm but also supports sustainability. Each piece tells a story, bringing a sense of history and craftsmanship into your living space.
Cleaning tip: Maintain live-edged furniture with a microfiber towel and a natural cleaner made of equal parts vinegar and water.
