Masculine Retreats and How You Can Create Yours with Connie Sewell
With Father’s Day rambling around the corner, it feels appropriate to spotlight some of our favorite man spaces around the Lowcountry. So, buckle up and take a trip through these next-level homes and get inspired to create your own oasis.
The Bourbon Room Approach. Tucked away in a cozy room atop their charming two-story home, Glenda and Lonny Satterly left no detail behind when creating their private bourbon room. Keeping a connection to their Kentucky roots and their love of bourbon, The Satterlys found all the right finishes to give this room all the feels. The antique iron double doors leading into the room set the mood for this incredible space. Clint Eastwood art situated on the wall as you enter is the prominent piece dictating the vibe and anchoring all the accessories and memorabilia surrounding the room. The brick walls add character and give the walls a rich backdrop for the wood bar lined with their favorite bourbons. From the cozy seating area to the interesting accessories, you can guarantee a lot of thought was given to every element. Surely there have been many fun times shared with friends in their amazing creation, but Lonny never minds spending some quiet time alone, taking it all in.
The Carriage House Approach. Nestled deep in the heart of a beautiful Lowcountry paradise, Bob Gregory has created his own private paradise, a carriage house full of his favorite collectibles. There is hardly room to move, and every turn leaves something to be discovered. As a matter of fact, you can’t take it all in during one tour. When we asked Gregory about his favorite cars, he shared his love for his 1928 Paddy Wagon, his 1929 Gatsby Packard and his 1982 Litestar. That’s right. Gregory has cars almost 100 years old and possibly even older. But there is one thing that really caught our eye, and that is how meticulous he is with the care of his collection. He has spent decades seeking and enjoying the most exotic and rare antiques and collectibles. My personal favorite is his stock market antiques. Gregory spent years in the banking industry and has some of the first stock market gadgets. I am sure it is quite a job keeping the carriage house up, but when he gets tired of tinkering, he has a cozy little bar where he can prop up his feet and enjoy a cocktail.
The Club K Approach. Just off the courtyard of this architectural masterpiece constructed in the luxurious community of Palmetto Bluff, Michael Kronimus has carried his tradition of Club K to his newest design. Working with one of the area’s most talented designers, Kelly Caron, Kronimus brought a whole different feel to his second Club K. The style, a little more modern than the original, features beautiful furniture, rich woods and exposed air ducts through the vaulted ceilings to give it a modern feel. The kitchen, outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances and a pizza oven, allows their family to entertain friends without having to leave or call for catering. The club features big screen TVs throughout, perfect for football season. The billiards room, just a winding walk up the spiral staircase, is the ideal spot to get your game face on and compete in a game of pool. The Caron and Kronimus collaboration certainly hit the mark for excellence in this beautifully designed and well-planned wing of the Mt. Pelia home. They have since sold the home, and Kronimus is working on Club K3. We can only imagine what is in the works, but knowing him, it will be equally as amazing or possibly outshine his previous creations.
The Music Room Approach. Situated in the second story of their Tuscan-style estate, a sprawling theatre and billiards room features David and Kim McPhail’s favorite recorded concerts of classic bands and artists. The McPhails spend a tremendous amount of time entertaining neighborhood friends and have the perfect spot to do so. As you enter the home, you will be greeted by a curved staircase calling you to the second story. Entering the theatre, you will find art from their favorite artist, Kent Paulette, lining the walls to bring color and life to this dark, masculine oasis. The McPhails commissioned Paulette to create the one-of-a-kind originals of their favorite musicians to pull the themed room together and make it all about music. One of the paintings features Stevie Nicks and is floating in the staircase situated in the vaulted foyer of the home. The sound system and big screen scream high tech, and you realize some amazing shows have been enjoyed here. If David and Kim ever get bored of watching concerts and music videos, which is doubtful, they have a billiards table to keep them entertained.
Masculine Retreats Inspiration
Bourbon and Boujee. Creating a space that screams elegance but still has that manly feel. If you want to give the gift of a lifetime for Father’s Day and have an unused space in your home crying out for attention, here is a guide to help you do just that!
Available at Pyramids on Main Street
Set the tone. To each his own, but I love a rich, dark room with pops of color through fabrics, trims, finishes, and accessories. I like to find one inspiration and work from that. This incredible tequila decanter and these amazing shot glasses caught my eye and set the tone for the room.
Billiards table available through Coastal Billiards in Savannah, Ga.
Cigar and bourbon tray available online
It’s all about textures. This colorway and grouping of fabrics and finishes, a collaborative design board with Parker Paton Design, brings in rich textures and colors to set the stage for the dark furnishings. The rug is hand-knotted and absolutely stunning. The wallpaper carries the rich leather texture from the floor to the ceiling while this gorgeous chenille blue fabric accents the windows with the elegant tape trim to give a vibrant contrast. Blue worn tiles add color to the backsplash of the bar crafted of dark woods. The white countertop allows the accessories to standout. The plaid fabric for a custom sofa brings in a little light and sits fabulously between the hair-on-hide club chairs. Custom drapery and tape trim, hand-knotted rug, leathered baseball-stitch wallpaper, neutral plaid sofa, and hair-on-hide club chair, all available through Parker Paton Design in the Village at Wexford.
Hair-on-hide club chair is available through Parker Paton Design in the Village at Wexford.
Book from Al & Harry’s in Bluffton
Items available at Burnt Church Distillery
Rectangular wine crate coffee table available online
Storage is key. The wine crate coffee table is the perfect place to house your cigar collection and hold your bourbon and cigar tray. The round barrel table works perfectly surrounded by a group of four chairs or as a side table.
Round barrel coffee table available online
Available at Carolina Cigars
Available at Pyramids on Main Street
Available at Burnt Church Distillery
