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When gardening is your passion and being outdoors is what you consider bliss, it is only natural to want to bring the warmth, beauty and serenity of the outdoors inside.  That was the purpose of this sunroom and patio addition.  The current family room opened onto an underused, unsafe deck overlooking a handsome wooded yard with winding river views outlining the manicured greens of a championship golf course.  The homeowner wanted to expand her living space and capture the wholesome panoramic views of this idyllic landscape. The addition needed to work with the existing patio footprint and could not obstruct the bedroom windows on the upper level.  A design solution was carefully crafted to allow for maximum views from all sides of the new sun room as well as an equally serene patio level with oversized masonry piers that support the addition  both structurally and visually.  A low sloped hipped roof was designed to not interfere with the existing upper level windows, but was given en

I recently stepped out of the design studio and into the recording studio at 94.5 FM The Answer in Greenville, SC.  My friend and colleague, Caren Clark, asked me to join her as a guest co-host on the upstate's number one Home Improvement radio show, From House to Home with Ken and Caren . I have been on the show in the past as a guest expert to talk about topics such as Universal Design and Design Trends, but this time Caren needed a co-host since Ken was going out of town.  I have to admit, the idea scared me a little.  In the end, I considered it more of an honor and fun opportunity and I'm glad I did.  Caren had expertly prepared an outline of topics and it was just up to me to follow her lead.  Luckily, I was better at following along in the recording studio than I am at following along on the dance floor :) From House to Home with Ken and Caren airs every Saturday afternoon on 94.5 FM from 4-5pm.  If you've never tuned in, you're missing out!  The show features l

Each year on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day, we post a message or meme expressing our gratitude for and appreciation of our US Military service members.  This year we have decided that is not enough, so we are launching our first annual Gratitude Project. Beginning on Memorial Day, Monday May 29, 2017, we will be accepting nominations for our first ever Gratitude Project winner.  The winning nominee will receive a free home evaluation from Kustom Home Design along with a full set of master plan designs and construction documents for renovating their home to make it more accessible, comfortable and conducive to the healing process.  We want to help these hometown heroes live with dignity and independence. Nominations will be accepted from May 29, 2017 - June 15, 2017.  The winning nominee will be announced on Independence Day, July 4, 2017. At Kustom Home Design, we specialize in new home and renovation designs that meet the unique needs of seniors, disabled adults, disabled childre

Chances are you've day dreamed about a new kitchen for quite a while, but you just don't know how to turn those dreams into a reality.  Homeowners everywhere face this dilemma year after year.  Many homeowners will give up on their dreams or buy a new house just because they don't know where to begin or how to proceed.   There are 10 steps that will help you get from dreaming to doing.  Each step is just as important as the next, so don't rush through them.  Take your time and plan ahead.  This is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home and you want it to be perfect! Step One:  Defining the Dream A good place to start is always by taking a closer look at where you already are.  In other words, take the time to evaluate your existing kitchen.  Make a list of the things you like and dislike about your existing kitchen.  Maybe you like having two wall ovens instead of a range or you love your gas cooktop, but you can't stand not having an island and y

This next home was built by the Stokton family who bought a beautiful slip of land that teeters on the brink of the serene Fripp Island marshes in South Carolina.  The home was designed by Atlanta architect, Dwayne Stone, who was asked to take full advantage of the lush marsh views.  Constructed by contractor, Alan Patterson, the home has wonderful entertaining space and a unique feature I refer to as "The Crows Nest". Exterior view of the Stokton home on Fripp Island, SC Tall windows capped with transoms, broad overhangs, a satin metal roof, soft coastal green shingle siding and the playful crows nest perched at the peak of the roof make this island home a welcome addition to the breezy marsh land of Fripp Island, SC. Interior view of the casually comfortable living spaces The open great room space crowned with a vaulted ceiling and timber beams is surrounded on three sides by the amazing coastal views of golden and green marsh grass. Interior view of the open kitchen with o

This creative villa, redesigned by Nancy Hurley of Coastal Designs by Nancy, is the first in a series of six coastal homes I am highlighting in my "Coastal Design" blog series.  All of these homes are located on Fripp Island, SC and were part of the 2016 Fripp Island Women's Club Home Tour. We began our tour at the Captain John Fripp Villa and were surprised and delighted by the fresh interiors and modern take on traditional coastal design. Bright whites mixed with weathered wood, shiny chrome, mirrored accents and muted taupes create a relaxing oasis perfect for coastal living or for those of us who wish we were living at the coast. A faux transom made from framed mirrors adds visual interest and a sense of height to the otherwise low ceiling.  This detail is carried throughout the 1250 square foot villa. The Master bedroom walls are accented with ship lap and continue the mirrored transom detail.  The white interior is coupled with contrasting dark stained elements and