TERI THOMAS has known her clients for more than two decades. Nearly twenty-five years ago, the designer was tasked with designing the interiors of their Myers Park home. The relationship and working experience was so wonderful that when it came time to downsize and retire to a home on Kiawah Island, the first and only designer they called was Thomas. “I would never use anyone else because we had such a fantastic experience with Teri,” says the homeowner.
The Kiawah property, which was built by Bennett- McLuen Home builders, was a different challenge for the designer. While the homeowners had worked with an architect on the initial design, the architectural details were “far too formal for a beach home,” says Thomas. “The interior architecture included coffered ceilings and ornate crown molding, so we stripped a lot of it away in order to achieve a more casual yet sophisticated feel.”
“Casual at the beach” often toes the line between kitschy and elegant, and Thomas certainly wanted to err on the side of the latter. “We wanted a casual island living aesthetic, but we also knew that this would be their primary home, not a vacation home. We were walking that fine line between the location and lifestyle, but also not wanting it to feel like it’s flip flops and sand all the time.” In lieu of shiplap everywhere, Thomas wove the architectural element into the design in small but impactful ways, like an accent wall in the kitchen and the inset of custom built-ins. When used in larger spaces, she often painted the shiplap, which toned it down but provided a touch of detail where needed.
For Thomas, the interior design relied heavily on textures in the furnishings, which were mostly brand new. “We needed more texture in this home than we needed pattern,” she says, wanting the home’s setting to play a role in the design. “There were a few pieces we kept or updated from their Myers Park home, but for the most part, much of it was too formal or traditional for this space.” A sisal rug in the foyer coupled with cane chairs create eye-catching but subtle interest, imbuing an overall elegant aesthetic in a very casual way. In the adjacent living room, comfort and easy living were a priority. “The couple lives in this room and wanted a softness of color and pattern that doesn’t detract from the view of the outdoors,” explains Thomas.
“Texture is the key to making all of these elements come together with interest.” Not to be overshadowed, the couple’s art collection provided the dose of color the home needed. “Light, bright, and neutral, with a little bit of color, is what I love,” says the homeowner. “I never liked that all-white phase. I have this notebook of all the items we own in storage, including some artwork. Teri and I looked through all of it and planned out exactly where each piece would go in the new home.” In the foyer, a vintage framed piece above the antique walnut- and fruitwood-inlayed French chest draws out the blues and greens from the outdoors. Above the bed in the owner’s suite are two pieces of art by Emma Childs from Hidell Brooks Gallery, adding a contemporary edge and a pop of color.
The home has become a sanctuary for the homeowners, whose two daughters are grown and often come back to visit their parents. A puzzle table, a large kitchen island, comfortable sofas to relax on, a screened-in porch off the back, and a pool and patio are all family gathering places. The home’s casual but elegant coastal-inspired aesthetic allows for comfort all around. “Nothing is too precious in this home,” says Thomas. “It’s the perfect combination of relaxing and sophisticated.”