A SpEciAl SEcTioN oF ThE IslAND PAckET AND ThE BEAuFoRT

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October 15, 2010 • islandpacket.com • beaufortgazette.com • The Island Packet • The Beaufort Gazette
LOWCOUNTRY LIVING
Local designers define Lowcountry decor
By Stacey Studley Collins
Special to the Packet and Gazette
A
ward winning designer Stasia Berk works with clients around the world
tailoring spaces to suit their needs and tastes. But when she was asked to
create a vacation retreat for Hampton Lake’s new fractional ownership
property, The Sanctuary, she tapped into her own Lowcountry roots.
The result is both stunning and comfortable.
“When people walk into this home, they get an immediate sense of Lowcountry
comfort,” said Berk. “It’s an invitation to put your feet up and stay as long as you
like.”
Sitting in the main living room at one of the 25 homes at The Sanctuary, she drew
attention to the walls, painted in watery grey aptly named “Great Blue Heron.” Berk
chose the color, part of the Carolina Lowcountry suite by Sherwin Williams, to provide a subtle visual cue to the outdoors.
“Reinforcing native colors helps guests recall the heron they watched stand vigil at
the lake’s edge and the way the marsh grasses changed color at sunset,” she said.
Artwork and accessories also are important in achieving an authentic Lowcountry ambiance. The works of three talented local artists bring life to The Sanctuary.
Photos by Marci Tressel, and vibrant original paintings by Cheryl Coe Eppolito and
Kathy Tortorell give the fractional ownership homes a private residential feel.
Even the downy throw pillows that punctuate the space are hand embroidered with
creatures and plants that can be found right outside the door.
In a vacation home, comfort and durability are paramount. Many vacation rentals
see a new set of guests virtually every week of the year. To ensure that the fabrics
would retain their good looks over time, Berk chose quality textiles in colors that
wouldn’t show much wear—for example, an inviting dark chocolate sofa covered
in soft and stain resistant nylon fabric.
Local designers
recommend using
distressed furniture,
quality textiles and
local art to create a
welcoming vacation
rental home. Stasia
Burke did the
appointments at
new fractional ownership community
The Sanctuary at
Hampton Lake. Here,
a living room at the
property shows a
style not often seen
in timeshares. Berk
used rough beams
to coffer the living
room and treated
the bedroom
ceilings with a
washed wood finish.
Special to the Packet and Gazette
PALMETTO BLUFF
Other inspiring examples of Lowcountry decor can be found in the guest homes
at Palmetto Bluff’s Auberge Resort. Designer Cris Taylor, of Plantation Interiors,
worked on a number of the homes in the resort’s rental program and provides some
suggestions on making the look your own.
“Art is very important,” said Taylor, who also made extensive use of local artists in
choosing pieces for her projects. She even made creative use of old area maps and a
variety of Lowcountry themed books to help guests feel connected to the history and
natural beauty of Palmetto Bluff. While many of her selections were true antiques,
she was quick to point out that with a little ingenuity, less expensive reproductions
can be found.
“Even things like old money, letters, or sea shells can be made into visually interesting works of art,” she said.
As for furnishings, both designers recommend making good use of distressed finishes in Lowcountry designs. At Hampton Lake, Berk used rough beams to coffer
the living room. She also paneled the bedroom ceilings with a washed wood finish
to provide architectural interest.
Reproduction lighting and fans that harken back to the early 1900’s can also be
found at both properties. “Furniture with rubbed or worn finishes tend to grow more
beautiful with time,” said Taylor, “that’s an especially important consideration in a
vacation rental home.”
MAGNOLIA
UPHOLSTERY & FABRIC GALLERY INC.
Craftsmen of fine upholstered furniture.
Specializing in custom upholstery and redesign.
Custom Design as seen at Le Spa, The Shops at Sea Pines Center
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