Text by Bethany Adams
When the Tylers decided to make the move from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, they knew that the developing community of Palmetto Bluff would be the perfect place to settle in. Saturated with golden sunlight, calming breezes, and uniquely beautiful vistas, the property offered the ideal location to start construction on their new home.
In order to make the wait as comfortable as possible, the Tylers decided they needed a place to stay during the interim. “So, they called and said, ‘We’d like to do this really amazing house, but we’re going to start with a cottage,’” says Sheena Jenkins of SF Jenkins Interiors.
Sheena got to work designing a space that, in addition to drawing from the beauty of the property, would represent the Tylers’ personal style. “They were able to express what their vision was,” she says, which was a Lowcountry cottage that was “very casual but sophisticated.”
As a result, the interior is a stylish reflection of the home’s vibrant surroundings. From the walls to the furniture to the décor, much of the design is painted in Sally Tyler’s favorite color. “Blue—like the river,” Sheena explains. The coastal influence, while subtle, is evident in everything from the wall art to the kitchen island topped with crushed oyster shells, and it finds its balance in natural tones, stretches of clean white, and contemporary patterns.
In the kitchenette, the Lowcountry influence is seen in the material that tops the island. “It’s an oyster shell countertop that we had leathered, so it’s not polished and it’s not matte,” Sheena says. “It was a really great way to add some texture to that small kitchen, and [the Tylers] love it.”
“They also wanted it to feel like it wasn’t brand-new—that it had some history,” Sheena notes. To accomplish that, Sheena chose pieces featuring darker wood tones, distressed finishes, and the occasional touch of antique style. Natural materials like raffia and wicker soften the sleek lines of the planked walls and ceiling and accentuate the uniquely Southern views outside the windows.
Since Sheena knew the structure would serve as a guesthouse after the main home was finished, she made sure that the space was as inviting as possible. “They wanted it to be very welcoming for their guests and also be able to accommodate them and their two dogs while the main house was built,” Sheena says. To that end, the cottage is complete with everything needed for a comfortable stay, no matter the length of the visit.
In addition to plenty of room for gathering with friends and enjoying the sun, the cottage also features a kitchenette, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a laundry room. “Everything’s small-scale but completely functional,” Sheena explains, noting that the design provides all of the necessities in a “minimalistic way.”
In the end, this welcoming cottage encapsulates the unique charm of the Lowcountry. Awash with enchanting blue tones and equipped with enough windows to allow for an unforgettable view, the space is the perfect getaway for friends and family alike. And with all the comforts of home, it’s sure to have guests looking forward to future visits.
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