BETWEEN THE DUNES
By Brandy Woods Snow; Photography by Julia Lynn
This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Home Design & Decor’s Charlotte edition.
An Isle of Palms home embraces modern low-country design with an oceanfront view.
Perched along one of Isle of Palms’ most coveted stretches of shoreline, a striking oceanfront home rises against the dunes and proves that modern design and coastal living can coexist beautifully. Designed as a vacation retreat for a close-knit family of retirees and their growing circle of children and grandchildren, the home balances elevated design with an effortless sense of ease, embodying the best of what a true beach escape should offer.
The homeowners had a twenty-year relationship with designer David Smith of Custom Interiors, partnering with them on a Lake Norman home as well as a previous beach home on the island’s southern end. After a few years, however, they outgrew that first island home. Though finding a lot for sale on Isle of Palms was nearly impossible, when the clients saw a massive oceanfront property with large dunes in front, they knew it was the site of their future home. When the opportunity arose to secure the lot, the dramatic dunes and unobstructed views proved too compelling to pass up, and they knew exactly who to call.
Architecturally, the home blends the rhythm of Charleston-style row houses with a distinctly modern edge. Long sight lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a narrow footprint allow nearly every space to engage with the surrounding landscape. From the moment you step inside, the view is the star—framed by steel, stone, plaster, and warm wood tones that echo the natural environment beyond the windows.
“This house was about letting the setting lead,” says Smith. “The goal was to create interiors that didn’t compete with the ocean but felt like an extension of it.” Inside, the home embodies quiet luxury with modern appeal. Custom elements appear throughout, from the sculptural glass-and-steel staircase to integrated cabinetry that disappears seamlessly into plastered walls. Hidden doors, a concealed pantry, and thoughtfully layered materials keep the spaces feeling clean yet richly detailed. The palette remains soft and coastal without leaning literal, as creamy stones, muted woods, and subtle texture do most of the talking.
The kitchen and living areas were designed for gathering, with generous proportions that allow multiple people to cook, lounge, and entertain at once. Upstairs, private spaces are serene and understated, with bedrooms and baths designed to echo the tones of sand and sea. In the owner’s suite, a spa-like bath opens directly to an outdoor porch, blurring the line between indoors and out.
Outdoors, the home truly comes alive. Covered porches, a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub, sweeping dune views, immersive natural vignettes, and refreshing breezes serve as the heart of the home and create a place where leaving feels unnecessary.
For Smith, the project was not only rewarding but also personal. “These clients are like family,” he says. “Seeing them walk through the finished home, witnessing their tears and smiles while knowing it would be the backdrop for many memories to come, was the ultimate reward.”