A COASTAL HAVEN
Where Nature and Elegance Converge on Kiawah Island
Tucked along the serene marshlands of Kiawah Island, a breathtaking four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom retreat unfolds like a love letter to the coastal landscape. With her signature blend of sophistication and organic beauty, Charlotte-based interior designer Anne Buresh transformed this residence into a sanctuary where nature and refined luxury coexist in perfect harmony.
For Buresh, design is an immersive experience—one that begins with a vision and culminates in a space that feels deeply personal. Her meticulous approach involved vision boards layered in rich textures and earthy hues, drawing inspiration directly from the sweeping marsh views. The result? A home that feels like an extension of its surroundings, seamlessly integrating the tranquility of the landscape with an effortless elegance inside.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows invite an abundance of natural light, allowing the lush greens and shifting blues of the marsh to become an ever-changing work of art. Buresh embraced a palette of soft ivories, muted blues, and warm wood tones to echo the colors found just beyond the glass. The effect is both grounding and ethereal, a space that feels as though it breathes in unison with the tides.
“We wanted the home to blend and flow,” Buresh explains. “Each room has its own personality, and yet there’s a sense of ease and harmony as you move through the space.”
At the heart of the home, the open-concept kitchen is a celebration of craftsmanship and functionality. An oversized island, wrapped in natural wood and topped with sleek stone, anchors the space—doubling as both a chef’s workspace and a gathering hub. Dark metal hardware and custom cabinetry lend a modern edge, while European-inspired silver trays and curated barware infuse an old-world charm.
Just beyond the kitchen, the living area balances openness with intimacy. Here, custom furnishings and a neutral-hued rug—its pattern reminiscent of wind-swept sand—reinforce the home’s organic aesthetic. Thoughtfully layered textures and strategic lighting create an inviting ambiance, perfect for both quiet evenings and vibrant gatherings.
Designed with entertaining in mind, a screened-in porch extends the home’s living space. The marshside patio, an outdoor oasis, is outfitted with plush lounge chairs, an expandable dining table, and a sculptural olive tree centerpiece—ideal for everything from game-day get-togethers to tranquil morning coffees.
In the primary suite, luxury and serenity converge. A freestanding soaking tub, positioned to frame the marsh views, invites quiet moments of indulgence. Above the fireplace, a striking floral oil painting in hues of lavender and soft blue sets the tone for a space that is as calming as it is elegant. Custom bedding, layered window treatments, and curated lighting complete the sanctuary.
“The primary bedroom pulls everything together,” Buresh shares. “It’s layered and personal—custom bedding, soft treatments, and collected pieces that make the space feel lived-in and loved.”
Secondary bedrooms follow suit, each offering a bespoke balance of comfort and sophistication. From plush textures to thoughtfully chosen artwork, every detail speaks to a curated approach to coastal living.
This Kiawah Island retreat is more than just a beautifully designed space—it’s a reflection of the homeowners’ lifestyle and passions, a place where elegance and ease go hand in hand.
“My goal is always to create spaces where my clients feel completely at ease,” says Buresh. “I want them to walk in and say, ‘It feels like me. It feels like us. It feels like home.’”
In this stunning marsh-side haven, that goal has been beautifully realized—a testament to the power of design that honors both nature and the art of living well.
