How was interior designer Melissa Lenox able to give up her dream home on the banks of the Ashley River? By building an even better one, right next door.
Modern Moment: When Melissa and Brad built a house in Lowndes Pointe for the second time, they took architectural inspiration from the New Urban town of Alys Beach in Florida. A charming courtyard; lush, low maintenance foliage; and a fountain designed by Cindy Cline complete the modern, coastal aesthetic.
The spiral staircase within the courtyard leads to the first floor.
Laid-Back Living: The layout of the main living space is almost identical to their previous house, taking full advantage of the gorgeous sunset views over the Ashley River. Melissa kept the sofa and leather chairs and added a custom-designed Calacatta marble fireplace surround, complemented by artwork the couple acquired in Germany.
A Cisco Brothers ottoman covered with a Holly Hunt bouclé fabric sits on top of a vintage Khotan rug, and pillows covered in Mark Alexander and ZAK+FOX fabrics add a pop of pattern.
Dining in Style: Separating the kitchen from the living room, the dining area features a Ligne Roset “Eaton” table surrounded by Brazilian wood “Duda” chairs from Sossego Design. A vintage Moroccan rug from Elegant Nomad covers the old-growth pine floors that connect the spaces. The scene is illuminated by a “Highwire” fixture from the New York-based Apparatus Studio.
Chill Space: A selection of soft white paints (walls are Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace,” cabinets, Farrow & Ball “Ammonite”), combined with warm woods, bronze accents, and a pop of color courtesy of the island, create a sense of coziness in this open-plan kitchen.
This is also Brad’s office, where he perches on a Bacco barstool under Corda pendant lights from Fritz Porter to take in the view while he works.
The doors to the left lead to an indoor/outdoor bar area, where a large window opens to the deck.
Marsh Mellow: Upstairs, the primary bedroom also takes advantage of the view with a similarly mellow color palette that accentuates the hues of the marsh beyond. White linen drapes, a soft gray rug from Armadillo Home, and custom linen bedding create a calm space.
The relaxing theme continues in the primary bathroom, featuring Calacatta marble walls and a Mirabelle tub.
A dressing room sits between the bedroom and bathroom, providing the perfect spot for the couple’s mementos.
Pretty Pastels: Daughter Amelia’s bedroom and en-suite bath features a play of soft color and pattern, from the gorgeous pale blue vanity to the textured Anthropology rug and purple throw from a market in Peru.
Downstairs, the corridor passes Melissa’s office as it leads to the guest bath and media room. The walls are full of photographs from the couple’s many travels.
Outdoor Oasis: The main outdoor deck features a pool, installed by Aqua Blue, and an Ipe wood deck furnished with an outdoor sectional in a rugged Perennials fabric, accessorized with Clay McLaurin throw pillows. Melissa and Brad love to watch dolphins and their babies frolic in the river while soaking up the sunsets over the Ashley.
Lenox constructed the airy, Alys Beach-inspired family home in downtown’s Lowndes Pointe neighborhood
