This Sea Pines Foyer Pairs Coastal Warmth with Durable Design

Room of the month

Story by Sheila Paz + Photography by Greg Ellison

Owning an oceanfront rental requires strategic planning to handle frequent guest turnover without sacrificing beauty. Chris McCollum and his team at Old Town Flooring approached this Duckhawk Road home in Sea Pines with both style and performance in mind. Their choice — engineered white oak — strikes an ideal balance between durability and design, creating a light-filled, welcoming foyer that reflects the home’s coastal setting.

The white oak’s soft grain pattern and pale, neutral hue perfectly complement the surrounding finishes. Engineered for stability, it resists the humidity and temperature swings common to the Lowcountry, making it a smart option for rental properties that see year-round use. Its resistance to warping and wear ensures long-term elegance with minimal maintenance.

Extra-wide planks visually stretch the space, reducing seams and allowing the natural character of the wood to shine. The finish and custom-stained risers echo the rich tones of the front door and tongue-and-groove ceiling, creating a warm visual rhythm that moves the eye upward and outward.

But it’s not just the flooring that makes this room special. Natural light pours in through side windows and the glass-paneled front door, brightening the space and enhancing the wood’s subtle glow. A large-scale coastal landscape painting introduces marsh-inspired hues, grounding the home in its Lowcountry surroundings. A tailored bench and textured ceramic vase filled with tall greenery offer both utility and softness, welcoming guests with understated style.

The ceiling detail adds depth and texture, while a wide drum pendant provides warm, ambient light that complements the natural palette. Altogether, the space is more than just an entry — it’s a carefully composed introduction to the relaxed, refined experience that awaits beyond.

PRO TIP

An extra layer of protection

A well-placed area rug does more than enhance the design. In a busy entry like this, it helps guard against scratches and everyday wear, extending the life of the flooring beneath.