What do you do when you love your house and where you live, but your needs have changed? Most people would renovate to accommodate, but in the case of this family in Charleston, South Carolina, they went one step further and started over completely.
The couple in question started with a classic bungalow in the Old Village but wanted a more open (read: indoor/outdoor) environment for their young family. After exploring renovation options with architect Heather A. Wilson, they decided to start over and created the lofty light-filled spaces they really wanted. A dramatic decision, perhaps; but clearly not an impulsive one.
Interiors by Jen Langston. Photos via Heather A. Wilson, Architect.
Above: While the original classic bungalow was rebuilt, the architect maintained a similar scale and feel.
Above: Ceiling fans, and outdoor fireplace and a hanging daybed all play a part in creating a holiday vibe in the home's outdoor areas (see the pool and cabana in Holiday at Home, Charleston Edition on Gardenista).
Above: A large living room with two seating areas has been created to face the pool area outside.
Above: A wide opening into the kitchen allows the kitchen area to be separate and part of the living area the same time.
Above: Wood siding creates an intimate scale in the tall ceilinged kitchen.
Above: Large sliding barn doors in the living space create flexible open living.
Above: A small room with wine storage acts as a buffer between the living spaces and private spaces.
Above: A small enclosed porch sits off the open front porch of the house.
Above: Visions of hanging out on the front porch loom large.
What do you think? I am considering putting wood paneling on the ceilings of the family room of my house in Connecticut to introduce scale and texture into its high ceilinged 1980s interior and looked through 5,000 images (yes, I'm that obsessive) of Wood Paneling in our Gallery of rooms and spaces for ideas. Should I do it or not? Let me know what you think in the comments below.