Charleston Custom Home Builders & Home Renovations | Sceltas, LLC

New Project West of the Ashley

sceltas — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:14:34 +0000

We recently began working on a family home in West Ashley right along Charleston’s beautiful marshes.

This family really wants to create a larger living space for lounging, gathering, entertaining and enjoying all of what the surrounding landscape has to offer. We all know that spring and fall evenings in the Lowcountry are simply magical. What better way to appreciate them than with a new screened porch? We plan to have the porch connect the living and kitchen areas with the master suite.

Even better, the old screened porch will be turned into a fantastic and comfortable heated and cooled space, adding 500 square feet to the home. This home will soon have a very large, open living area after this renovation is complete. The master bedroom will also receive a makeover with this new addition and will likely double in size! Who wouldn’t want a larger master suite?

Many homeowners consider converting porches into closed spaces and, likewise, consider adding screened porches, covered patios and more to their backyard landscaping plans. It comes with the Charleston territory. Let us know if you need help doing the same!

Could Touch Screens Enter Your Kitchen?

sceltas — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:40:48 +0000

Are interactive surfaces the next big thing in kitchen upgrades? Many think they may be, and they’re working on ways to incorporate a projector-based computer input system that can transform kitchen surfaces into touch screens.

Purdue’s C-Design lab / Purdue University

Touch screens have become extremely popular with the growth of smartphone usage. Consumers are using iPads and similar devices in their kitchens for purposes like displaying recipes, creating grocery lists and watching programs while cooking. Intel recently demoed their project to introduce a product that could be incorporated into every day life:

“Instead of propping up a tablet or putting a touchscreen computer in your kitchen, picture yourself tapping on the counter top to pull menus, look up recipes and add items to a shopping list.”

Intel Researchers

And, they aren’t the only ones. This has long been a central feature of Microsoft Home has featured this concept in its showcase house, which was built to display futuristic concepts from researchers at Microsoft.

Other by microsoft.com

So what do you think? Can you see your kitchen countertop morphing into an interactive display? Are you ready to take the leap?

Isle of Palms and South Carolina Coastal Beach Bathroom Designs and Ideas

sceltas — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:29:42 +0000

Whether you’re lucky enough to live on the beautiful Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island near Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC, or if you live on Kiawah Island, Beaufort or another coast community in South Carolina, we’re sure at one point you’ve thought about updating your beach home bathrooms. Maybe you’ve even thought about adding another bathroom outside or downstairs. Or, better yet, maybe you want to turn your master bathroom into a dreamy, cozy resort.

Here are some bathroom designs and bathroom ideas to get you started.

Outdoor Beach Residential Bathrooms

Our clients who lived on Ocean Boulevard took a small space underneath their home and turned it into a bathroom and mudroom, accessible from the outside so guests could enjoy the nearby beaches and cleanup before entering the home. Built in the late 1930’s as a beachfront property on the Isle of Palms, this home is one of the island’s originals.

To replicate this look, here are a few tips:

Make sure you have easy access to water to save time and money.
Select simple, functional materials that are appropriate for indoor/outdoor use. Basic wood and shower and sink fixtures (without investing in upgrades) are just fine for this space.
Consider an indoor/outdoor area rug and accessories to glam up the entrance to the bathroom and/or shower.

Master Bathroom Remodels

Nothing is better than relaxing in your master bathroom after a long day outside enjoying our Charleston weather or entertaining guests in your home. We’ve had the pleasure to work with many home owners on the Isle of Palms and turned their master bathrooms into a space they would enjoy – or others would enjoy as some of these are fabulous rental properties – for years to come.

Here are some design ideas:

Incorporate light, pastel colors on your walls to resemble the ocean waves and beach breezy feel. We like this color especially with white tile, bathtubs and showers to complete a clean look.
Select countertops with texture. At the time of installation, this homeowner chose a very rare, high-end recycled mosaic glass material for the countertop. Now this material may be purchased at an affordable price as supply increases.
Choose glass mosaic tiles, which will enhance the design and create an upscale feel. We have several pictures of this project… check our gallery!
Mix dark with light! Try some black or dark grey granite against your pale walls, creating a contrast sure to catch everyone’s eyes.

Guest Bathrooms Updates

Everyone should be spoiled with a nice bathroom, right? Why not give your children, visitors or guests a cozy corner of their own? Some guest bathroom ideas to keep in mind:

Incorporate beach-like decorations. Make them remember they are at a “beach resort” with pictures shells, sea life, sand, etc. Or, try a small, brown woven-basket. View this project in full.
Try texture or go all out with a standing tub. It’s very Charleston-like to include beadbaord on bathroom walls, but maybe create a cottage-like atmosphere by installing them horizontally.
Consider two stand-alone sinks or double vanities. They are usually reserved for master bathrooms, but no one says you can’t add them to your guest bathrooms! Especially if you have children, this is a great way to avoid sink battles!

Try Our Design|Build Services

Our bathroom design ideas are endless. If you’d like an initial consultation with our team, we’re happy to meet with you and go over your goals for your outdoor, master or guest bathroom. (And, you don’t have to live on the beach!) Just give us a shout.

And, if not, we hope these design ideas get you started on the right foot. Are there others you’ve thought about? Share with us by adding your comment below!

Mount Pleasant Kitchen Renovation Catches Eyes

sceltas — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:27:55 +0000

We recently took a look at our top 10 project photos on Houzz, and we noticed that two of the images were from our Lansing Kitchen Remodel project.

How could you forget…

Kitchen remodel with island

But, did you know that the original kitchen looked like this…

This transformation is very typical of the kitchen remodels that we complete in brick ranches in Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Charleston area. Many homebuyers are opting for older homes in these communities and choosing to update their living spaces rather than purchasing a new home or building a custom home.

If you’re looking for kitchen design ideas or if you’re ready to renovate your kitchen, here are some insights into what made this kitchen renovation great.

Mount Pleasant Kitchen Remodel Tips

Open up your space. If your kitchen cabinet wall creates a barrier between your kitchen and living room, then consider taking it down. Open areas entice family interaction and provide a wonderful hosting opportunity for guests to congregate while you’re prepping or cooking in the kitchen… because as we all know, typically everyone ends up in the kitchen! This kitchen wall was crying out to be removed:
Add an island. Whether you have children, enjoy entertaining or need a prepping spot to cook, this multi-functional island serves all purposes. We chose a sturdy butcher block countertop, which is stylish and useful. It’s also less expensive than many other countertops such as granite, quartz, marble or other stone materials.
Extend your hardwood into the kitchen. We don’t always choose this option, but for a traditional brick ranch, it definitely fits the bill. By extending your flooring from your family/living room into your kitchen, you’ve elongated your space and created a nice flow between rooms. It’s also a timeless selection, so you’ll never get caught up in trendy tile selections. Instead, choose an area rug that fits your style and switch it out as trends or your tastes change.
Upgrade your backsplash. Many kitchens have a minimal amount of wall space between the cabinets and countertops. We selected a glass thin mosaic tile for this kitchen, blending with the white cabinets and grey walls.
Add an elegant chandelier. Choose a light fixture that is sure to catch eyes and start conversations. This is also another piece that can be changed out, but this particular chandelier will stand the test of time.

For more inspiring kitchen remodel photos, take a look at our project gallery. Or, feel free to contact our team for an initial consultation. Happy kitchen updating!

Top Ten Sceltas Project Photos on Houzz

sceltas — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:18:25 +0000

What’s not to like about Houzz? We love it, and we’re sure you do to. Houzz is used by our team for photo inspirations, design research, trend updates, but more importantly, it’s another way for our home construction team members to share our projects and communicate with residential homeowners like you!

If you care to do so, follow our Houzz projects.

We decided to take a quick look at our top 10 photos added to Houzz users’ Ideabooks. All of them are pretty unique to Charleston, SC, architecture and design, and range from modern to traditional or contemporary. Take a look at these bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and THE most popular picture by far, our Isle of Palms boardwalk and gazebo!

Best of Photos

Houzz- Kitchens, Bathrooms and More »

Interiors and Decorating ideas- For Example:

Storage & Closets Design Ideas · Kids Design Ideas · Gym Design Ideas · Laundry Room Design Ideas · Bathroom Design Ideas · Kitchen Design Ideas · Bedroom Design Ideas · Hall Design Ideas ·

Which is your favorite? Comment and let us know!

Drywall, Paint & Lighting: Quick Updates for Mount Pleasant Brick Ranch

sceltas — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:56:32 +0000

Many homebuyers in Mount Pleasant and the Charleston area are choosing to purchase older homes that can be updated over time. Home sale prices are generally lower and the homeowners have the flexibility to choose rooms – sometimes one at a time – to update according to their personal preferences rather than, say, purchasing a new home or one that has already been remodeled with a decor that didn’t quite fit their personalities.

We see this all of the time. Updates usually begin with the basics – ceilings, walls and floors. We recommend starting with the items that need to be tackled before moving in large furniture. However, if and when budgets permit, it’s always good to knock out any walls or make any floor plan changes before move-in (and before installing new floors) to save on long-term investments.

One of our clients recently purchased an older home in an established neighborhood in Mount Pleasant. Surrounded by many beautiful trees, this home had wonderful curb-side appeal.

Outside of home when it was purchased.

However, the family had many remodeling ideas from the beginning. We chose to start with removing the popcorn ceiling that dated the home. Since the popcorn on their ceilings had been painted over, we opted for installing drywall over the existing popcorn, creating a smooth, clean surface. Drywall only shortens the ceiling by 3/8″, but once it’s painted your ceilings look brand new.

Drywall is up but not yet painted.

It also made sense to brighten up the home, so we added four canned lights in the formal living, family room and master bedroom. Perfect timing since we were already working on the ceiling.

Once the dust settled, it was time to address the walls. This family saved by using the same painting crew for the walls and ceilings. With the selection of warm grey tones throughout most of the home and a dark grey fireplace, this brick ranch turned modern (just like the family wanted) in no time.

Fireplace was painted dark grey during the construction phase.

The budget allowed for one complete renovation and the family chose the master bathroom, which needed repairs anyway. We are in the process of installing the custom glass door and can’t wait to share the final results from this master bathroom remodel. Also, after shots of the entire home will be placed in our project gallery very soon!

If you are considering an older home, we recommend that you work with your contractor in the early phases so your dreams for the home can come to life. Our team is happy to meet with you and help you think through the right order of updates, meeting your timeframe and budget. Just give us a call!

Historic Pitt Street Building To Undergo Repairs & Makeover

sceltas — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:48:50 +0000

Sceltas project signs can be seen on the historic Charleston Peninsula again. We love working downtown, where the homes and buildings were meticulously built with weather safeguards and beautiful architectural details.

We will be working on an old Pitt Street home, which is located on the property of Bethel United Methodist Church. The church is breathtaking with bold, white pillars, signifying a strong – yet elegant – structure.

Currently, Gee Creative is using the space as a branding and marketing firm. Take a look at the building:

The Sceltas team will be repairing rotted wood and refinishing the aluminum siding that was added some time ago and began to oxidize. We’ll post after shots soon, which are sure to look awesome. Check back or take a look at our other project galleries in the meantime.

Brick Ranch Receives Exterior Makeover

sceltas — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:03:27 +0000

We’ve completed a lot of work on this former brick ranch in Mount Pleasant, SC. You might remember our first project with them – a kitchen remodel:

Kitchen remodel with island

Recently, the home received a complete exterior makeover, including a fresh coat of paint on the brick, light fixtures, plants and a brick driveway. They started with a trusty landscaping plan from our collegue, Charlotte Reeves, who shared a guest post with us recently about simple outdoor transformations. Hardy Services Group also played an important role.

Before the outside makeover

After… what a transformation!

New gate and playground

Custom fence for Mount Pleasant brick ranch

From Krystine, the homeowner and blogger of Living Pretty Styled:

“The final detail was a new gate and fence- think I heard the term “living fence” or something where in the spring we will probably have the Confederate Jasmine growing…and yes my husband decided to add this insane play set for the boys- it is definitely a happy place for my oldest!”

There is a lot more to share about this fun house and family, so check back in the near future. We’re going to provide some more details about that custom-made play set! And, read more about this outdoor makeover from Krystine on her blog.

Colorful Pocket Doors & Mudroom Added to Mount Pleasant Home

sceltas — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:27:45 +0000

We recently enjoyed working with a young Mount Pleasant family as they converted their old garage into a master suite that included a mudroom, sitting room and bathroom. With three children under the age of five, we used our imaginations and creatively redesigned these spaces to include fun, vibrant colors and modern, yet functional, elements.

From our client:

“Our experience with Sceltas was great! They were kind, receptive, creative and hard working. Our addition looks and feels like it has always been a part of our home. Our communication was always open and relaxed, which made the whole experience easy and exciting. They had great ideas and were very receptive to our ideas making the project something that was both beautiful AND functional.

Here are some pictures of my favorite things about my addition. Obviously, the tub is fantastic! Also, I love my colorful pocket doors, mudroom and “roomy” bedroom!”

Like most Mount Pleasant families, you probably treasure your home and all that it offers you and your family. But, a few updates to your space could make all the difference! We welcome you to contact our qualified contractors, and we’ll work with you to achieve the best results possible!

Backyard Enhancements: Custom Pools

sceltas — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 17:58:50 +0000

Recently, this Mediterranean pool became the focus of much discussion on Houzz. (By the way, we love this site for its ideabooks and discussions. Make sure you follow our boards and projects on our Houzz profile.)

Mediterranean Pool design by Orange County Architect Pekarek Crandell Architects

We, too, love the creativity that was involved in the architectural details of this backyard custom pool and its surrounding environment, which incorporated a fire pit, outdoor patio and beautiful landscaping.

A couple of years ago we did something similar – but not as extravagant so that it conformed properly to its location – at 143 Queen. It’s very rare to find an in-ground pool on the historical downtown Charleston Peninsula, but we managed to get this one just right.

Contemporary Pool design by Charleston Design-build Sceltas Build + Consult

This contemporary 20K gallon salt/saline (more efficient and better for you than chlorine) pool on historic property features a colored dark grey bottom for a nice water feature. It was surrounded by decorative stamp concrete as the pool decking, landscape lighting, Evergreen plants, ivies and small sago palms that are consistent with the downtown Charleston look. Evergreen plants are perfect for well-manicured lawns with pools as they don’t lose their leafs easily, leaving very little debris.

It may be January, but it’s never too early to start planning for the spring! Add a new small, modern in-ground pool and turn your backyard into a garden oasis.

If you’d love some drawings of what this could look like in your backyard, please contact us!