Basement Makeover

Our basement was in pretty bad shape when we bought our house.  They called it "semi-finished".  Luckily we loved the rest of the house so much that the basement really didn't matter.  And we knew we could rennovate.  I tried to keep the family room a little masculine, knowing that my husband would be spending the most time there!  I used a chocolate brown paint, black leather and black and white architectural prints.  However, I still wanted it to be warm and inviting so I added a light wood floor with a cream shag, some patterned throw pillows and a faux tin ceiling just to give the drop ceiling some interest.  The guest bedroom and bath were just all about incorporating furniture we already had and creating an inviting bedroom for our occassional house guests.

BEFORE: Staircase Area

AFTER: Staircase Area

BEFORE: Family Room Area

AFTER: Family Room Area

Before: Laundry Area

After: Laundry Area

Before: Spare Bedroom

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER



House Tour: Hilton Head Island, S.C.

When I think of "beach house" decor I think of soft creams, whites and blues, accessories with shells and coral, and floral fabrics.  I don't normally think of jewel tones, silk damask fabrics, fine antiques and chandeliers!  But that is exactly what I love the most about this house, it is totally UNEXPECTED!  And what a pleasant surprise it is!  I was lucky enough to take a tour of this breathtaking Mediterranean style estate named "Toscana Mare".  It is located in an unlikely place, Hilton Head Island South Carolina.  This home and the neighboring home were built in 2004 by a delveloper who had a love for old-world Italy and wanted to recreate the Italian design he had grown to love.  They were built next to each other in a private gated enclave on the beach!

Gated entrance to both homes.

This is the bridge over the marshes that leads to both homes.  The one I toured is on the right.

Above and below: The fountains located between the two houses.

Foyer and staircase: These walls along with most of the walls in the house are actually fabric

At the top of the steps outside Master Bedroom

This is the first floor living room.  Both the marble fireplace and light fixtures are antiques from Italy.

Above: view from the kitchen

Above: view of ocean and balcony from kitchen/family room

The kitchen

Lower level family room with projection screen hidden behind hand painted screen.

These are actually antique radiator covers that were built in with marble tops to create these console tables.

Mosaic tile sink in powder room on first floor

View of ocean from master bedroom balcony

Master bedroom sitting are with television concealed behind the glass doors of this antique cabinet.  Above is an Italian handblown glass chandelier.

Master bath

Marble shower in master bath

Above: Guest bedroom Below: Guest bath

Above: second guest room Below: second guest bath

Above and Below: second floor sitting room and bath

Pool and patio area. 

 

Hope you enjoyed this amazing estate!!!!