Bishop created a fairy tale-like atmosphere, weaving whimsical touches throughout, such as the handcrafted fireplace surround.
This Kiawah retreat for a family of six from Ohio blends private and communal spaces on every level. Designed by Cortney Bishop and Cumulus Architecture + Design to balance relaxed coastal living with refined elegance, it feels part family home, part boutique hotel.
Lizzy Lunday’s powerful figurative painting commands the home’s entry hall, positioned above a large oak sideboard by Guillerme et Chambron. “Sullivan” sconces from the Cortney Bishop x Hudson Valley Lighting collection flank the artwork, while the “Kronam” pendant from Urban Electric illuminates the space. Mirth Studio painted wood floors add warmth underfoot, transitioning to an earthy terra-cotta tile in the adjoining kitchen.
There, a custom dining table by Matthew Raw from The New Craftmaker anchors the room, complemented by vintage chairs from 1stDibs wrapped in Pierre Frey “Fleury” jacquard. A Pelle “Nana Lure” chandelier floats overhead, its natural tones reflected in the custom-stained white oak cabinetry built by Robert Paige. Custom wooden dowel pulls complete the country-farmhouse feel.
There’s not a single painted Sheetrock wall—instead, shiplap, herringbone wood, tile, wallpaper, and plaster provide rich layers throughout, including in this downstairs bathroom.
On the second floor, a Verellen “Zola” sectional upholstered in “Hacienda” from Élitis invites relaxation atop the “Celeste” rug by Cortney Bishop x Amadi Carpets.
A walnut “Squiggle” chandelier by Claude Home hangs overhead, while a vintage bamboo-and-velvet chair and brass Swedish floor lamps add warmth.
Pierre Frey “Water Lily” wallpaper in “terra-cotta” wraps the expansive primary bedroom suite, complemented by dark wood ceilings and the home’s signature green trim, Farrow & Ball “Olive No. 13.” The striking “Tidal” chandelier by John Pomp Studio hangs above a Verellen bed with integrated shelves.
In the adjacent wet bar and game room, a vintage French rattan table is surrounded by mid-century Italian Bartolozzi & Maioli wood and gold-leaf chairs. A “George” pendant from the Cortney Bishop x Hudson Valley Lighting illuminates the scene with pops of color in the rug from Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian collection.
In the en-suite bath, a vintage velvet chair from Out of Hand provides a playful pop of yellow. The “Jolene” rug by Cortney Bishop x Amadi Carpets continues the floral theme. Wood ceilings and floors are complemented by deep oak vanities topped by Calacatta “Cremo” marble.
In the shower, “Glazed Earth” zellige tile by Zia reinforces the organic feel. A cane-and-brass mirror from PRB sits atop the vanity, framed by “Squiggle” sconces by Studio Valle.
This bunk room can sleep up to 10 cousins in beds designed by Bishop and crafted by John Vincze. Pierre Frey “Marigold” wallpaper covers the ceiling in a playful pattern, while a Milo Baughman pouf chair and vintage wooden pendant light add character. The “Emelie” rug by Cortney Bishop x Amadi Carpets softens the floor.
A spacious den, replete with a wet bar, provides a communal space that connects to three guest rooms on the second floor.
Ample outdoor living space invites relaxation. Situated just outside the living room, a large “Giro” sectional by Kettal━dressed in pillows upholstered in “Venice Beach” by Élitis━and striking wicker chairs provide ample seating.
Kettal “Double Deckchairs” and sculptural “Cala” side tables frame the view beyond the infinity pool, replete with landscaping by Wertimer + Cline.
The whimsical Kiawah retreat features bespoke tiles, bold patterns, and sweeping Atlantic views