Homes in the Lowcountry are unique. As the name implies, you are rarely higher than 10 feet above sea level, thus you will be hard-pressed to find a home with a basement. Many homes are elevated to clear the flood zone, so the area underneath the house becomes a garage and/or storage space. The result? Homes that are typically at least 3 stories high. And with Charleston being such a popular designation for retirees, people start to think elevator!
Stephen and I have been casually looking at homes in a gorgeous neighborhood on Johns Island, all of which are elevated due to its proximity to the Stono River and marshland. One home that we fell in love with had 4 spacious bedrooms (a master, two bedrooms for each daughter, and a formal guest room). The only problem: Stephen works from home and there was no separate office. We loved the home and wanted to make it work, so we started to problem solve. The home, as do many in the Lowcountry, had an unfinished elevator shaft turned into a closet on the main and second floors so the owner could put in an elevator at a later date if desired. These closets are large, usually just over 5’ square, with lots of opportunity! If you are doing new construction, the most important thing is to make sure you have an outlet in the elevator shaft (an easy add on for the builder or it can be added on easily at a later date).
1. Home Office / Arts + Crafts Closet
This was our original plan. Stephen’s Tresanti desk (sold out from Costco.com) is a standing, adjustable height desk with glass top. Similar styles linked here and here. Other, more stylish options, are linked here and here. Most desks are 48” wide, so plenty of space to fit against one of the walls. Standard desk depths are usually 30”, but I recommend going with a narrower desk to maximize your chair space. Position the desk against the far back wall directly opposite the door opening to allow more space behind the desk chair. To maximize space and draw the eye up, use open shelving above the desk. I love the idea of a fun wallpaper behind the open shelves to give the small space an extra pop and a fun, flush mount light fixture.
2. Nursery
Standard crib length is 54”, so enough space to place along the back wall. Keep the closet white to make the space seem larger. But consider a fun wallpaper on the back wall (linked some favorites below). Depending on your budget, consider changing the closet door to a glass door to let some in some natural light. Finish off the space with a fun, small chandelier.
3. Pet Retreat
What pet doesn’t deserve their own space away from the chaos? This could be as simple as a feeding station with a crate/bed or as complex as a space for your Litter-Robot and kitty highway so they can explore vertically away from the main living space.
4. Wine Cellar or Bar
The opportunities are endless and range depending on how much you are looking to spend. For those on a budget, consider putting a wine refrigerator in with a fun bar cart and open shelving above to show off your glassware and spirits. Again, a fun light fixture and wallpaper are a simple and inexpensive way to add a pop of style! Consider taking the door off the closet to allow the space to become part of the living area. For those looking for a top of the line option, click here for a DIY wine cellar or consider having one professionally installed.
5. Play House / Fort
How fun are some of these play spaces? To really make an entrance (see what I did there?), consider drywalling off the closet door and making a mini front door and porch. For the inside, paint a dark blue or green and add comfy poufs or pillows for seating. For older kids, include a bookshelf and a ladder up to a reading nook. For younger kiddos, you could simply put a play mat on the floor and stock with their larger toys (e.g. play kitchens, teepees) to get them out of your main living area. Include a fun light fixture or some glow in the dark lights on the ceiling for a fun added touch.
6. … a Closet
Ok this is a boring one, but these closets are huge and are great space for added storage, especially when you are talking about Lowcountry homes that don’t have a basement or large attics. Consider having a closet company come and doing formal built ins or DIY with these ClosetMaid Starter Kits.
Favorite, easy to install wallpapers from Amazon:
I love these ideas! So creative! For me it would definitely be a toss up between wine cellar or pet retreat!! 😂