Architect Hunter Kennedy conceived this surf shack behind a South Carolina family’s main house, which he also designed, while Courtney Bishop handled all the interiors. “Life at the beach requires extra storage, so the shed holds the pool and water toys, plus surf and paddle boards,” Bishop says. Photo by Andrew Cebulka
Mid-century, collected, authentic and bespoke are some of the adjectives Cortney Bishop uses to describe her interiors for a South Carolina beach house, located just a few steps from the Atlantic ocean.
The cozy home, designed by local architect Hunter Kennedy for a couple and their two young sons, reflects the owners’ passions for art, mid-century furniture and travel. “Our clients desired a truly layered, refined interior that showcased authentic Scandinavian design amongst their own personal and meaningful furnishings and art — gathered from travels and family heirlooms,” Bishop says.
She mixed elements of past and present to achieve the desired look. “Vintage finds played a huge role in the interior design of this home,” Bishop says. “Danish modern originals, custom-designed pieces and one-of-a-kind accessories are sprinkled throughout the house.”
Living Room
Photo by Andrew Cebulka
“The living area is one of my favorite rooms in the home,” Bishop says. “It’s unique, collected and cozy. It’s a true family room with layers that tell a story.”
A Verellen sectional combines with a coffee table by Hickory Chair Furniture Company and a Ralph Lauren chair and ottoman on a Moattar rug. The drapery is by Zak+Fox and the Clarkson floor lamps are by Visual Comfort.
Dining Room
Photo by Andrew Cebulka
“Our clients are really educated on design — not only style, but also form and function,” Bishop says. “The mix of Danish modern originals and custom-designed pieces is the real story!”
A chandelier by Hunter Kennedy, the home’s architect, hangs over the Parsons dining table from Petersen Antiques, which is surrounded by vintage Hans Wegner chairs. Both paintings are by David Boatwright, the rug is by Moattar and the drapery fabric is by Katie Leede.
Photo by Katie Fiedler
Along one wall of the dining room, a custom credenza by Charleston carpenter Eurocraft is topped with a vintage lamp and radio. “Sourcing accessories was the most fun,” says Bishop.
“Our client loves pieces that tell a story and have deeper meaning. It was vital to blend the old with the new. That pull and play is what gave balance to the entire home. It is an homage to the past and a fresh perspective towards the future.”
Kitchen
Photo by Andrew Cebulka
“We decided to ditch tradition with this one,” Bishop notes. “I was focused on bringing more personality and function to this space. The rest of the home had become so visually interesting that the kitchen needed to kick it up a notch. The choice to go with vintage blue made sense and really elevated the overall home design while balancing the very eclectic and collected interior.”
The pendant light fixture is by Design Within Reach and the vintage walnut and black leather Piero stools were sourced from 1stdibs.
Master Bedroom
Photo Andrew Cebulka
“In this home, each piece was chosen together with the owners to add purpose and character,” Bishop says. “Mixing these pieces with the small prints and patterns on the fabrics really helped create a feeling of comfort.”
The room features a custom-made canopy bed from Petersen Antiques, a low dresser by Eurocraft and a Culloden table lamp by Visual Comfort.
Children’s Den
Photo Andrew Cebulka
“Our clients were not scared of color,” Bishop says. “We have many different species of wood in this home, such as pine, walnut, maple, oak and cherry. Vibrant hues really make the walls come alive. In this room, we layered shades of blue, while black adds that contrasting edge that I’m always pushing for.”
Several pieces, including the rug, banquettes, coffee table and artwork, are from the client’s personal collection. The fabric for the throw pillows is by Zak+Fox.
