Serenity in Contrast: From screened-in living to tranquil poolside views

Take it outside

Story by Barry Kaufman + Photography by Molly Rose

Metal roofing, board-and-batten siding and traditional lap details come together in a design that feels layered and lived-in, as if added to over generations. The result is a timeless Lowcountry elevation with modern intention.

With one glance at the home’s variety of rooflines and finishes, it’s clear that this is a home of contrasts. Here, the lines freely cross, between the lines of the metal roof to the exterior’s interplay of board-and-batten and traditional siding. As with many Palmetto Bluff homes, the idea is to make a home look like it has evolved over generations, creating a slightly different look with each era.

While the Carolina room may dominate the conversation when it comes to this home’s outdoor spaces, the property was built to be a study in contrasts. With the screened-in expanse incorporating an outdoor kitchen, living room and dining room, it is clearly a place where the energy is lively and the vibe is communal. On this peaceful rear porch architects Amanda Lamb, Lydia DePauw and builder CS Thomas Construction created a space where serenity reigns amid lush landscaping and golf views.

“It feels really clean,” said designer Lisa Whitley with J. Banks Design Group. “We didn’t go overboard and make it feel fussy, but the scale was used really well in this space. The architects wanted it to be usable so it’s a nice, deep porch.”

A hanging bed at one end drives home the peaceful atmosphere that the architects and designers were going for, oriented to take full advantage of the views and the gentle breezes. Surrounding it, paneled walls unite the home’s interior and exterior design.

“We ran the paneling up to the ceiling because we had such large windows, and we wanted to create something that didn’t take away from the setting,” she said. “We did a lot of the interior mill-work drawings before we even started, and I think that was helpful in coming up with ways of combining styles. We don’t always get that opportunity, but it really simplifies things.”

Stretching away from the porch, a pool deck of brick and travertine surrounds the pool, but it’s the sublime natural beauty of the landscaping that dominates the view.

“The grass comes really close to the far edge of the pool, and that little bit of space really puts nature at the forefront,” added Whitley.