Practical advice for building, furnishing and decorating a home in Bluffton, Hilton Head and the Lowcountry. From choosing a builder and avoiding costly construction mistakes to furniture budgets, designer fees and where to shop, these articles are written to help homeowners make better decisions throughout the process.
Full-service design without unnecessary markups. Why professional design expertise and thoughtful project management do not have to come with fees and overhead you do not need.
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Seven decisions Kary would make again in her own Bluffton home, from a hardworking back kitchen and 12-foot ceilings to millwork, closet storage and a dual zone fenced yard for the dogs.
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Where to spend more, where to save, and which local and regional retailers make sense depending on what you're furnishing, from Ethan Allen to Furnitureland South.
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Everything to think through before building and furnishing a custom Lowcountry home, from choosing a community and interviewing builders to budgeting for furniture, windows and rugs.
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What to look for, what to spend, and where to shop for rugs around Bluffton and Hilton Head, from pet-friendly picks to a hidden gem inside an old train depot in Yemassee.
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An honest take on the world’s largest furniture store, who it suits, who should skip it, and how it stacks up against sourcing locally.
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A designer who has worked both sides of the furniture industry on why a free in-store designer works for the store, and an independent designer works for you.
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Where to shop, when to order, and who should handle each purchase when you are furnishing a Lowcountry home from another state, and how to avoid paying for warehousing you do not need.
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A designer’s favorite antique shops and vintage markets from Charleston to Savannah, and how collected pieces keep a home from looking like a showroom.
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Five tips for styling built-in bookshelves so they feel balanced, personal and collected over time, not cluttered or overly arranged.
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Windows are not just an elevation decision. Privacy, sun, furniture, and the real cost of covering them all need a plan before you build.
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A true custom home goes beyond special finishes. It is about designing a space around how you actually live, from the kitchen to a pet station.
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Where to spend more and where to save when building and furnishing a home in the Lowcountry, from millwork and cabinetry to rugs and landscaping.
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How many furniture stores it really takes to furnish a whole house, and how to source upholstery, rugs, artwork, window treatments and accessories the smart way.
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What Kary learned building her own home about why kitchen design can make or break a custom build.
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What custom furniture really means, from fabric and finish choices to contrast welt, trim, fringe, custom sizing and COM.
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An honest look at seven decisions Kary would make differently in her own home, from a tall bed footboard to pocket doors and a too-short dining room rug.
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A look inside cabinetry construction, and what actually drives the price you are quoted.
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The value a designer brings to a build, and exactly where it pays for itself.
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Building a custom home is stressful. A builder liaison advocates for you from the start, catching furniture and layout missteps before they are built into the home.
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How to protect your budget when allowances and change orders start to add up.
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How to choose hardware and fixtures with confidence, without the decision overwhelm.
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Why the back kitchen (or scullery) has become the feature buyers ask for in new Lowcountry homes.
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How to create a relaxed coastal look with color, texture, and natural materials, without the seashell lamps and beach signage.
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The biggest decorating mistake is designing for who you wish you were, not who you are. An honest look at kids, pets, red wine, and rooms that fit real life.
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How to blend old and new finishes for a home that feels collected over time, not staged.
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