Kustom Home Design Archives -

Solving the Corner Pantry Conundrum

December 8, 2017 by Kimberly Kerl

In the 1980’s, 1990’s and even into the new millennium many homes were built with corner pantry closets that seemed to take up more space than they provided. Corners are often overlooked and underutilized which may help to account for the large number of builders that quickly adopted the practice of building these cumbersome closets. Anyone who has a corner pantry closet will tell you they are difficult to organize with their major advantage coming in the form of the door which shuts to hide the carnage inside.

We tackled this problem in a recent renovation and wanted to share how we easily solved the organizational dilemma that is the corner pantry. First, you must remove the wire shelving that was invented by a twisted soul intent on reinventing a staple of the American home with a flimsy contraption that causes boxes to snag, bags to bust and crumbs to accumulate in an endless supply upon the floor. Half of the problem is now solved! Next, add low storage with a mix of adjustable open shelves and drawers. Top the bottom cabinets with a counter. Add adjustable wall shelving above to provide storage for large and small items alike. Finally, have some fun by adding a whimsical wall paper accent.

Now instead of useless mess, you have a beautiful breakfast bar, extra prep space or simply an organized pantry. Even better, the door that seemed oh-so-important to hiding the clutter lurking within is no longer needed! This is one corner (pantry) you would be happy to spend time in.

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How Suite It Is: Exploring a Mid-Century Modern Mother-In-Law Suite Addition in Greenville, SC

September 14, 2017 by Kimberly Kerl

Mid-Century Modern isn’t an architectural style common to Greenville, South Carolina, but nestled along a private lake off a busy east side road, there is a home with broad overhangs, low sloping roofs and ribbons of large picture windows. The white brick facade topped with an outstretched vaulted gable entry and large glass surround sits far off the road with abundant land on all sides. It is a gem in an area where mid-century modern treasures are hard to come by.

Front Facade of the Existing Home Before Renovations

The owners were busy making interior updates, but needed extra help with an addition they hoped to build. The addition would serve as a private suite for the owner’s mother-in-law and in the future could be converted into a pool house or guest suite.

Rear Facade of Existing House Before Renovations

The existing home had a glass atrium which housed a large sunken hot tub located off the master bathroom and roof lines that varied in dramatic fashion. A large pool was located behind the house along with a driveway and parking pad that would make it convenient for private access to the new addition.

Side View of the Addition as Seen from the Private Driveway

The design solution utilized a low sloping roof with exaggerated overhangs and matching brick coupled with rich, warm red cedar siding and ceilings to update the look and provide contrast and balance to the stark white brick. An open air connector forms an outdoor entertaining space and provides cover for the restored in-ground hot tub.


Poolside View of Addition with Covered Connector, Outdoor Den and In-ground Hot Tub

Outdoor storage and a powder room are accessible from the pool area. A carport with private entry leads to a laundry room, bedroom, full private bathroom, kitchen, dining area and living room. The rhythm established by existing window patterns are repeated in the addition along with the use of matching brick piers and long linear lines common to the Mid-Century Modern architectural style.

Addition is Located on the Left and Blends Seamlessly with the Existing Home

Visitors to the home are surprised to learn that the addition is not an original structure due to it’s seamless integration and masterful design. A private covered porch highlights the end of the addition with scenic views of the lake.


A Dramatic Vaulted Patio Overlooks a Private Lake

Crisp lines, sweeping overhangs, dramatic cathedral ceilings and clean, understated details make this Mid-Century Modern addition feel right at home.

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Coastal Design Pt. 2 – The Crow’s Nest

August 10, 2016 by Kimberly Kerl

This next home was built by the Stokton family who bought a beautiful slip of land that teeters on the brink of the serene Fripp Island marshes in South Carolina. The home was designed by Atlanta architect, Dwayne Stone, who was asked to take full advantage of the lush marsh views. Constructed by contractor, Alan Patterson, the home has wonderful entertaining space and a unique feature I refer to as “The Crows Nest”.

Exterior view of the Stokton home on Fripp Island, SC

Tall windows capped with transoms, broad overhangs, a satin metal roof, soft coastal green shingle siding and the playful crows nest perched at the peak of the roof make this island home a welcome addition to the breezy marsh land of Fripp Island, SC.

Interior view of the casually comfortable living spaces

The open great room space crowned with a vaulted ceiling and timber beams is surrounded on three sides by the amazing coastal views of golden and green marsh grass.

Interior view of the open kitchen with oversized island and vaulted ceiling

Soft gray cabinets with a white quartz top and sleek stainless steel appliances offer a clean cool look ideal for a tropical vacation home. The painted ship lap ceiling provides a rustic texture that both correlates with and contrasts to the stained timber beams.

Screened dining porch view

Further capturing the magnificent view and brisk island breeze is the dining porch furnished with a slatted teak table and padded teak arm chairs. Naval blue napkins with coordinating patterned dishware and crystal blue glassware set on the earth tone furnishings perfectly mimics with the swirl of ocean and marsh grass that surrounds this outdoor oasis.

The bunk room is reminiscent of sleeping quarters found on sailing vessels allowing it to take advantage of an otherwise tight space in a truly nautical fashion. Madras plaid bedding in bright primary colors pop against the clean white bed frames with stowaway storage. Nautical light sconces provide each bunk with a private reading light or an effective way to keep any coastal ghosts at bay.

Interior view of the crows nest observation loft

The crows nest provides 360 degree views in a cozy loft accessed by a spiral metal stair. The space is perfect for keeping watch or for a relaxing getaway.

Nautical themed accessories can be found throughout the home including this whimsical port hole mirror which opens to reveal shallow storage shelves and this ruler themed mirror frame which hangs in a dressing area.

This open, airy and bright home surrounded by majestic, tranquil marsh views provides ample inspiration for those who wish to bring the appealing look and feel of coastal living into their home.

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Coastal Design Ideas – Captain’s Villa

August 2, 2016 by Kimberly Kerl

This creative villa, redesigned by Nancy Hurley of Coastal Designs by Nancy, is the first in a series of six coastal homes I am highlighting in my “Coastal Design” blog series. All of these homes are located on Fripp Island, SC and were part of the 2016 Fripp Island Women’s Club Home Tour.

We began our tour at the Captain John Fripp Villa and were surprised and delighted by the fresh interiors and modern take on traditional coastal design.

Bright whites mixed with weathered wood, shiny chrome, mirrored accents and muted taupes create a relaxing oasis perfect for coastal living or for those of us who wish we were living at the coast.

A faux transom made from framed mirrors adds visual interest and a sense of height to the otherwise low ceiling. This detail is carried throughout the 1250 square foot villa.

The Master bedroom walls are accented with ship lap and continue the mirrored transom detail. The white interior is coupled with contrasting dark stained elements and subtle textures.

The Guest bedroom continues the use of ship lap and mirrors along with coastal silhouettes.

The Bunk Room sleeps six and takes advantage of storage space under the beds and between them. Burlap and brown accents provide contrast and warmth.

The outside patio overlooks the marsh in a shaded relaxing space with fun blue and green tone accents pieces. The galley kitchen floor has a series of jute mats sewn together to form a runner.

For a small space, this villa has the feel of a luxury home. It was a great beginning to our tour and proved to be one of my favorite designs.

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