Rarely do homes in the Lowcountry exude modernism; it’s a style most commonly reserved for swanky New York City apartments overlooking Central Park. However, when two homeowners chose to carve out their own piece of Kiawah paradise, they wanted to bring with them their penchant for the contemporary. To do this, they partnered with architect Bill Huey of Bill Huey and Associates.
Bill’s goal and plan was clear, and it involved creating balance. In order to incorporate the modern panache of the homeowners and still please the vision of Kiawah’s Architectural Review Board, Bill established equilibrium between contemporary and coastal. He describes, “This house was a little bit of a challenge for us; it’s atypical for our Kiawah clients. The homeowners wanted this house to have a contemporary edge to it, yet still fit into the Kiawah ambiance. Because of that, what we have in this house are cleaner lines and more modern materials. For example, the entire first floor is tile instead of the default hardwood.” Other modern features include neutral colors, minimalist Siematic cabinetry in the kitchen, a linear fireplace, metallic accents, and absolutely no clutter.
Order and cleanliness are of utmost importance in modern design. For example, you won’t see things like knickknacks or exposed bookshelves in a minimalistic space. Bill achieved this clutter-free look by designing an overabundance of closet space into the layout. “Now that we use spray- foam insulation in homes, the eaves and attics become ideal for conditioned storage spaces. We used every inch we could. There’s quite a bit of storage in this house that isn’t really seen,” Bill reveals. Furthermore, he placed hidden nooks and crannies throughout to hold everyday items (like a sliding granite piece that hides the spice rack behind the stove and a behind-the-wall cabinet that conceals the television remotes).
What sets this Kiawah home apart from those New York apartments, though, is its warmth. The space is far from institutional or cold. It’s livable because of Bill’s incorporation of curves and natural-wood textures in strategic areas. “The house has a level of detail that is inviting. A modern design can be very hard and angular, but we introduced curvilinear elements and accessories that soften the look. The curvilinear theme is evident in the exterior, foyer, and ceiling over the dining table,” explains Bill. To separate the kitchen and dining areas from the living area, Bill created a ceiling element in a rich wood tone that acts as a subtle, curved divider in the modern room. Traditional light fixtures—like the chandelier adorning the arched foyer—also help to bring warmth to the space.
Eventually, this house will become the owners’ permanent dwelling, and it was designed to function as a full-time residence, not merely a vacation home. Until that time, though, the owners will enjoy their contemporary-coastal spot near Kiawah’s peaceful beaches each summer (and every other possible opportunity for a quick getaway).
For more information,call Bill Huey and Associates at (843) 805-6700 or visit hueyarchitect.com.
