Pinckney Marketing
How to Design an Elegant Office in Your Coastal Home
A space in a luxury coastal home dedicated to business is key to separating work and play. Since many homes also double as offices, creating a work environment that inspires focus is crucial to productivity and well-being. When designing a home office, remember that the space can be functional and elegant, and the coastal-chic aesthetic of the rest of the home can be maintained.
Read on to discover our seven tips to designing the perfect luxury home office.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
1. An Office With a View
Many people work long hours in their home offices, which is why it is important to choose a location that inspires creativity and productivity. Placing an office in a room with a window, preferably one that offers a view of scenic landscapes or waterways, can be highly beneficial. Natural surroundings have been shown to enhance productivity and creativity while reducing stress levels.
2. Choose the Right Color Scheme
When selecting a color palette for a luxury home office, consider what hues inspire you. Some people enjoy rustic neutrals, while others need bright colors to keep them feeling energized.
Shades of blue and green are best for a working environment because they have calming effects on the brain. Additionally, pops of color can boost one’s mood and inspire creativity.
Kiawah Island
3. Home Office Storage
When working from home, things can quickly become cluttered. From the accumulation of documents to the many cords of technological gadgets, it is essential to keep your space organized. Add built-in shelving with plenty of drawer space to store supplies out of sight while proudly displaying family photos and other personal heirlooms.
4. Invest in a Quality Desk and Office Chair
When working from home, a functional desk and office chair are essential. Those who require multiple computer screens may prefer a large, L-shaped desk. Others may prefer a simple wood writing desk that exudes coastal elegance while keeping the room uncluttered and modern.
When it comes to selecting an office chair, comfort is key. Look for one that provides plenty of ergonomic support and can be adjusted for your specific needs. Consulting with an experienced interior designer can help determine the best desk and chair combo for the available office space.
Image Credit: Timber Trails
5. Allow Natural Light to Brighten the Home Office
Natural light in interior design has been shown to improve productivity and boost overall wellness. The sun’s rays can also reduce strain on your eyes from too much exposure to artificial light.
Leaving the curtains open can boost productivity, reduce eye strain, and increase overall mood, leading to more efficient and enjoyable work sessions.
6. Bring Nature Indoors
Plants are an excellent finishing touch for any space—especially a home office. In addition to adding life to a room and boosting creativity, some plants even work to purify the air! Adding an indoor plant or an arrangement of flowers can provide a touch of natural beauty to an otherwise simple space.
7. Select Tasteful Artwork
When decorating a luxury home office, choose artwork that inspires and motivates. Select pieces that will lift your mood and inspire your work, whether it’s an abstract painting or a scenic landscape. For more pop, choose art pieces that contrast with the wall colors, giving each piece a unique and solidified space in the office.
Working From Your Kiawah Island Home Office
Working from home on Kiawah Island means watching the sun rise above the ocean before beginning your day, and meeting friends for a round of golf after finishing your last task. It’s taking a mid-day walk with your family exploring the Island’s many winding trails, and visiting the spa after a particularly stressful week.
If you’re considering Kiawah Island as your next home office, check out our available properties below!
What to Consider When Buying Luxury Property in the Lowcountry
The Lowcountry is home to some of the most picturesque real estate in the country, boasting beautiful waterfront homes with classic Charleston style. As a region known for spectacular year-round living, it’s no wonder more and more people move to this slice of paradise every year.
While purchasing luxury property in the Lowcountry is on many people’s bucket lists, it shouldn’t be rushed. There are many critical aspects to consider before buying a home on the South Carolina coast. Read on to learn about the six things you should consider before purchasing luxury property in the Lowcountry.
1. Grow Your Knowledge of the Lowcountry Luxury Market
Due to the Lowcountry’s popularity growth, the market can often be competitive and dynamic. Whether you’re looking for a classic downtown Charleston home, or a spacious waterfront oasis on Kiawah Island, homes generally start at around $1 million and can climb up to about $20 million. So, knowing your price range, and the different areas that may accommodate your budget, is essential to any property search here.
However, one significant benefit of the luxury Lowcountry real estate market is that although it can be competitive, you will receive tremendous value with your purchase. Homes here provide space and access to bountiful nature and are always close to great dining and entertainment options.
While it is recommended to do initial research yourself, you will eventually reach a point where expert advice is needed. If you find that Kiawah Island interests you, our experienced real estate sales team, focused solely on Kiawah Island real estate, will help guide you through the local market, allowing you to make the most informed decision possible regarding your luxury purchase. Reach out to our team below!
2. Find a Location that Fits Your Lifestyle
While all of the Lowcountry is beautiful and offers a thriving lifestyle, there are certainly different parts of the region that better suit specific tastes. For example, if buyers want to be next to the action on King Street, a classic downtown Charleston home may be best. On the other hand, if buyers want more space and proximity to nature, a property on Kiawah Island might be best.
In general, it’s important to map out your priorities before speaking to a real estate professional. By explaining your wants and needs in terms of proximity to water, accessibility to dining options, and other lifestyle aspects, a real estate agent can use their knowledge to determine which region of the Lowcountry is best for you.
Related: Five Hidden Gem Locations on the South Carolina Coast
3. Schedule Private Showings
The properties in the Lowcountry show their true beauty when you see them in person. Once you have a few general areas in mind, schedule tours with properties that pique your interest. Regardless of the time of year, each season offers something beautiful to homeowners in the area.
Touring luxury properties requires a keen eye, so check for quality of construction, architectural details, and any custom features on your list of necessities. On Kiawah Island, homes are constructed with the highest quality of materials and great attention to detail. Our new developer releases are a perfect example of the quality of residences found on the Island. Check them out below!
Check out our New Developer Releases.
4. Secure Financing Options Early
When buying luxury property, specialized financing is often necessary—especially in a competitive market. If not planning to purchase in cash, getting pre-approved for a jumbo loan is critical for higher-priced properties. We recommend working with lenders experienced in larger loans to ensure you experience the most efficient process possible.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the financial documentation for these types of loans can be extensive, so starting the process early is best. Consult your financial advisor to better understand the tax implications and investment benefits of buying luxury properties.
5. Conduct Due Diligence
Luxury homes, especially in the Lowcountry, will often come with unique considerations, such as historic preservation rules, flood zones, and HOA restrictions. Ensure your agent walks you through these factors to avoid any surprises when closing on a home.
It’s generally recommended to hire qualified inspectors to assess the property’s condition in areas such as structural integrity and plumbing. While it varies for each residence, inspectors help avoid any unwelcome surprises later for homebuyers. Mitigating these risks prior to purchasing a luxury home ensures the most positive outcome.
6. Consider Long-Term Goals
Determining your vision for the property you are purchasing is an essential consideration in the luxury market. Will this be a second home? Do you plan to sell it in the future once you’ve increased the value?
Possibly, you are planning ahead for retirement. In this scenario, you would want to go after a property with a more peaceful location and convenient amenities. Whatever your vision may be, it’s important to have a solid plan laid out before purchasing a luxury property. Understandably, priorities may change during ownership, but making those adjustments later based on lifestyle needs is easier done when there is an original plan to pivot from.
Find Your Luxury Lowcountry Home on Kiawah Island
Whatever you’re looking for in a Lowcountry home, Kiawah Island truly has something for everyone. From views of the beach, Kiawah River, marshes, maritime forests, and pristine golf courses, the beauty and opportunities are endless.
As experts on luxury real estate on Kiawah Island, we have helped more than 10,000 families call Kiawah home. If you’re interested in what the Island has to offer, view our available properties below.