Refined Elegance

Interior design is at the forefront of a peaceful retreat on Kiawah Island

For a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom marshside property on Kiawah Island, Charlotte-based interior designer Anne Buresh took a hands-on approach, curating vision boards with tangible fabric and rug samples that helped translate the beauty of the marsh’s landscape into the interiors. From the outset, her goal was to seamlessly blend the natural beauty outside with the calm, sophisticated atmosphere inside.

Buresh perfectly captured the essence of coastal charm infused with refined elegance in her latest project. With years of experience working on Kiawah Island and in other renowned markets like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Highlands, North Carolina, Buresh collaborated closely with the homeowners to create a space that feels uniquely their own—a true reflection of who they are and how they live.

“We want the home to blend and flow,” says Buresh. “The rooms marry each other while keeping their own individual feel. Each room was thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and serve as a peaceful retreat.”

Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the home allow natural light to flood the interiors, and capture every view of the marsh. To highlight the natural beauty surrounding the home, Buresh utilized soft colors that were reflective of the marsh within the home–blues, greens, ivory, and plenty of natural wood.

“The environment is very important to us,” says Buresh. “Every view in this home is beautiful–like a painting.”

The open-concept kitchen serves as the heart of the home, with natural wood and stone elements grounding the space. An expansive island doubles as a gathering spot, while custom cabinetry and dark hardware add a sleek, contemporary touch. 

The kitchen and bar integrated a more contemporary concept–with dark hardware, stainless steel appliances, and lamps. The same hardware flows into the main floor’s powder room, which features paneled walls.

“On the bar, antique silver trays sourced from France are paired with elegant silver shakers and beautiful decanters—each piece alluding to timeless French artistry and sophistication,” says Buresh.

Personal touches, like a meaningful statue displayed at the bar, underscore the homeowners' love for art, a theme woven throughout the home. Buresh designed around their personal collections, as well as existing furniture pieces.

“I love to incorporate old with new—things that are refined or collected from travels,” she says.

The kitchen opens to the home’s spacious living room. Buresh designs each room to scale, with custom furniture pieces to keep the room open and flowing–with plenty of room to move around. A custom neutral rug inspired by the patterns imprinted on sand after it's blown in the wind continues to bring nature inside.

“It felt like movement,” says Buresh.

The screened-in porch, designed with the couple’s passion for entertaining in mind, is an extension of the kitchen and living spaces.

“If you look outside (from the kitchen), it blends in with the marsh,” adds Buresh.

The home’s marshside patio is a true oasis.

“The owners are big Georgia football fans, so there is a television and a table that extends to seat more guests,” says Buresh. “They can entertain friends with cocktails, or they can sit quietly in the mornings sipping coffee.”

The patio gracefully wraps around the property, guiding guests to the serene pool area and in-law suite. Here, an olive tree takes center stage, surrounded by ample seating, stylish accent tables, and luxurious lounge chairs—creating an effortlessly entertaining retreat.

The redesign of the home’s bedrooms was a testament to thoughtful luxury, featuring custom rugs, elegant window treatments, and curated lighting. To set the perfect ambiance, Buresh ensured that dimmers were installed in each room, offering flexibility to match the mood.

The primary bedroom and bathroom hold special meaning for the homeowners. The space is anchored by a large white soaking tub positioned to take in serene marshside views through a nearby window. The bedroom itself is a peaceful retreat, showcasing the couple’s cherished artwork, including a striking floral oil painting above a cozy gas fireplace. Lavender and soft blue accents are woven throughout, enhancing the calming atmosphere. Thoughtful touches, like extra seating and large adjacent windows—including access to a small patio—capitalize on the natural light and the room’s sloped ceiling.

“The master bedroom features custom window treatments, rugs and beautiful bedding that blends with the rest of the home and pulls all the bedrooms together,” says Buresh.

The secondary bedrooms are equally inviting. Custom bedding, window treatments, and bespoke lighting create a serene ambiance, while personalized details, including curated artwork and soft, layered textures ensure every space feels uniquely designed.

The home’s refined coastal design strikes the perfect balance between elegance and livability, tailored to reflect the owners’ unique personalities.

“My focus was on creating a space where this couple could truly embrace their lifestyle while feeling relaxed and at ease,” says Buresh. “I want my clients to say, ‘It feels like me. It feels like us. It feels like home’.” ϒ

Resources: anneburesh.com