Palmetto Bluff Idea House: Before & After Transformations

Click here to see the front door transformation.

Enduring materials such as board-and-batten siding and patinaed brick set the stage for a welcoming front porch, while the gas lantern hanging above offers timeless appeal. Oversize zinc urns bursting with greenery bring nature right to the front door. A classic screened door greets guests in breezy style and suggests the low-key elegance that defines this home.

Click here to see the side porch transformation.

Here, X really does mark the spot. The X details on the teak table and chairs mimic the design of the nearby porch railing. The swooping line of the woodwork provides a comforting sense of enclosure and a little extra shade. Antique urns and a one-of-a-kind planter accent the table.

Click here to see the back porch transformation.

The bold stripes of the blue-and-white rug complement the white siding and blue doors and trim used on the home’s exterior. The U-shaped white sectional accented by blue throw pillows proves the best seat in the house for watching the sun rise over the lake is actually outside. Durable teak and aluminum furnishings and outdoor-indoor fabrics and rugs can stand up to the whims of Mother Nature.

Click here to see the dining porch transformation.

An octagonal table encircled by a quartet of campaign-style teak chairs is the ideal setting for an easygoing brunch with friends and makes an equally nice spot for a casual supper. A large teak planter filled with greenery and a bouquet of blue and white hydrangeas echo the surrounding landscape.

Click here to see the dining room and entry transformation.

The open dining room makes a great first impression, serving double duty as the home’s entry. Positioned beneath the bridge that connects the two wings of the second floor, it has a cozy feel thanks to the low, beamed ceiling. Six translucent pendants suspended above the table make an artistic statement while shedding light on the situation. Encircling the long trestle table are an ottoman and four campaign-style chairs. Made of teak and an indoor-outdoor fabric, the durable chairs are the same ones used outside on the porches, so inevitable dining spills and mishaps won’t pose a problem.

Click here to see the living room seating area transformation.

White-painted walls capitalize on the abundant natural light from the double-height clerestory bay window that graces the living room. Floor-to-ceiling draperies emphasize the dramatic scale, and a large sisal rug grounds the space. This seating area can host a crowd with a pair of sofas as well as a couple of chairs—all upholstered in crisp white fabric. A trio of nesting tables and two rustic wooden stools can be moved as needed for holding drinks.

Click here to see the living room fireplace transformation.

Dubbed the “super-hearth,” the fireplace area is the ultimate multitasker. Covered in blackened steel, it offers a nice change of pace from its serene white surroundings. In the center, metallic coil fabric conceals the 55-inch TV and the fireplace when they aren’t in use. To the left, shelving offers a spot to showcase collectibles. To the right, a discreet door upholstered to blend in to the hearth provides access to the adjacent master bedroom.

Click here to see the kitchen transformation.

The U-shaped kitchen is centered on a square island topped with Calacatta gold marble. With its gray-blue cabinets and gray-painted ceiling, the kitchen echoes the tones of the super-hearth in the adjoining living room. The banks of windows running along two walls and the light-toned countertops, barstools, and accessories ensure the space feels cheery despite the deeper colors. Open shelving flanking the windows provides storage without compromising the airy feel of the space.

Click here to see the staircase transformation.

Though the staircase is placed off to the side, it’s still worthy of being the center of attention. It shines in subtle ways, such as the distinctive curved railing, inspired by the swooping lines used on the design of the home’s exterior. To avoid an avalanche of snowy tones, the white walls and stairway are offset by the warm browns in the floors, the stair treads, and the playful wooden ball. Contemporary artwork in shades of blue reflects the bright sky just outside the door.

Click here to see the clutter room transformation.

Decorative details such as the framed art on the wall, an antique French barley-twist table, and arrangements in simple vases certainly look beautiful, but the durable floor pavers, several under-counter appliances, and an abundance of storage let you know this room is much more than just a pretty face. It’s smart and hardworking too. Modeled after grocery-store displays, the shelving unit was painted the same gray as the walls to make the dishes and pitchers being stored there the focal points. Woven baskets corral smaller items on the shelves.

Click here to see the master bedroom transformation.

Soothing neutrals envelop you in the master bedroom, from the sisal rug on the floor to the whites and taupes that cover the bed to the elegant draperies that frame the French doors. A few darker tones on the canopy bed frame, the curtain rods, and the starburst mirror provide contrast without creating a jarring effect. A traditional wing chair and a mod Barcelona chair are united with similar white upholstery.

Click here to see the girl's room transformation.

The simple upholstered headboard keeps a low profile to allow the eye-catching pattern of the pink-and orange duvet and shams to be the star. Pink grosgrain ribbon accenting the bed skirt, Roman shades, and pillows helps tie the pattern to the white elements in the room. Matching bedside tables with baskets underneath for storage add warm tones to the room. A sofa fits snugly in the shed dormer to create a cozy spot to read.

Click here to see the boy's room transformation.

This nautical space steers toward bold pattern with combinations of stripes in shades of navy blue and white. A campaign-style chest makes a handy nightstand and offers plenty of storage. The uniform lines of the stripes and the right angles of the furniture are softened by the curves of the urn lamp and the rounded bowl.