Text by Katie Ellis
Nestled among three of the most charming vacation destinations along the South Atlantic coast, Brays Island Plantation in Sheldon, South Carolina, presented these fortunate homeowners with their own slice of paradise. With Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, all just a short drive away, Brays Island and its world-class sporting, natural beauty, and Southern charm welcome homeowners and visitors alike to a community unlike any other.
While building their dream home, these homeowners opted to include an additional guest cottage on the property as well. To make their Lowcountry cottage style a reality, they worked with a team of home experts, including interior designer Sheena F. Jenkins of SF Jenkins Interiors, Inc. in Port Royal, South Carolina, before moving in 2014. “I was fortunate to work [alongside] the architect, builder, and homeowners throughout the entire process,” Sheena says, noting all the recommendations for interior fixtures and finishes, along with furnishing and interiors, were based on the architectural style, the location, and the clients’ lifestyle.
When it came to designing the interiors of this Southern cottage, Sheena thoughtfully created a space that reflected the home’s idyllic location. She describes the design as “Lowcountry casual with textures and colors of the surrounding marshes.” The open-concept living and dining space helps make the cozy quarters feel larger. Sheena was mindful to select a soft color palette that felt comfortable, bright, and spacious. The main living room, which includes the kitchen and dining area, looks out onto the tidal marshes that provided the perfect inspiration for the home’s interior design.
“The most challenging part of the cottage,” Sheena says, “was the interior details and choosing properly scaled furnishings. Even though the cottage is very gracious in size, it was important to add texture and color to the rooms while keeping a light-handed approach.” Casual and comfortable were the key words when it came to selecting furnishings and finishes throughout the cottage. Sheena incorporated a custom standard sleeper sofa and plush swivel chairs from Theodore Alexander in the living room, and a striking orb light fixture from Gabby anchors the coastal kitchen.
The cottage’s two bedrooms provide the ultimate retreats. Decked in textured wallpaper, the bedrooms make way for tranquil respite while maintaining the overall Lowcountry design scheme. Custom headboards create a unique personal touch, and layered linens invite peaceful dreams amongst the tidal marshes.
