Island Inspired

Crisp whites, striking blacks, and warming woods and wovens blend seamlessly to create organic perfection—an aesthetic the name ‘Lisa Sherry Interieurs’ is synonymous with on the East Coast and beyond. The inspiration behind the designer’s newest undertaking: The pristine landscape of Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

“Summer, sunshine, wind, and surf are the inspiration for this home,” Principal Creative Director Lisa Sherry says, “Kiawah Island is a magical place. This home feels like part of the flora and fauna of the area.”

Sherry’s ties to the location began years ago with her purchase of a house on a nearby barrier island, just off the coast of North Carolina. Even though she no longer owns the home, Sherry says the opportunity to work with Kiawah Island clients felt “like a bit of a homecoming” for her. 

“It faces a wide expanse of waving marshlands,” Sherry says. “As a designer and a creative person, I am drawn to water. I know and love the atmosphere. For me, it’s oxygen.” 

Unlike many of the interior designers of conventional Atlantic Coast beach homes, Sherry—true to her nature—opted for a more natural design path. Sunwashed woods fill the space, with pops of neutrals to create modern elegance. Soft patterns and textures are placed strategically to lead the eye through the main living, cooking, and dining spaces to the open air decks, screened-in porch, pool, and swaying marsh trees beyond.

“My clients sought me out for this fresh approach, especially the embrace of a neutral palette, organic elements, and a certain free-flowing fluidity, the casual sophistication,” Sherry says. “I look to Nature for inspiration, and She never makes mistakes.”

For the designer, functionality and aesthetics always coexist without the need for compromise. Sherry says the design style, while slightly unusual for the area, felt second-nature to both her and the picturesque landscape of Kiawah Island.

“While this home is refreshing and happily uncommon for the area, everything works in harmony with the natural world,” Sherry says. “Every detail. In a very real sense, this home and my style feel more authentic and indigenous.”

No matter her client, inspiring relaxation is an unwavering goal for Sherry. These specific homeowners, busy professionals with houses in the U.S. and Europe, called for an especially tranquil environment.

“When they come to Kiawah, I want them to feel at home and agenda-less,” Sherry says. “Like a big exhale. Regardless of locale, being at home should feel natural, effortless, easy, and beautiful, regardless of the pin drop.”

*Maybe lined along the bottom?*

Tips From the Designer

Backgrounds Don’t Fade to Background

“All the backgrounds—flooring, wall color, and hardscapes (like stone, tile, and hardware) are all chosen with care as a single, although wonderfully diverse, foundational environment. This creates an essential harmony.”

A Neutral Palette is Like a Peace Sign

“Warm or cool tones of white, beige, gray and black, flesh tones, and hues borrowed from nature are calming and restorative. The absence of strong color is invigorating.”

Texture is the New Color

“The texture in this space is very intentional. In this home, texture is expressed in natural fibers, weaves, and layers; tactile surfaces, found objects, reclaimed wood, stones, and metals. Smooth is even a texture. I use texture rather than bold and divergent colors to add personality to a space. It’s dynamic. And subtle.”

Embrace All the Senses

“In my world, a successful design plan embraces all the senses, pleasing to the eye and the hand with sight, sound, and scent touchpoints. What we take in through our senses, we give back to family, friends, ourselves, and ultimately the world. I can feel the ebb and flow in this beach house. I know my clients do too.”

Architect: Heather A. Wilson Architect. http://heatherawilsonarchitect.com

Builder: Knight Residential Group. https://www.krgbuilds.com

Photograph: Alexandra Cabral. http://alexandracabral.com

Designer: Lisa Sherry Interiors https://www.lisasherryinterieurs.com