Along the scenic waterways of one of Hilton Head Island’s most prestigious communities, a newly reimagined waterfront home stands as a testament to the art of blending classic elegance with contemporary comfort.
Alexandria Wildasin, ASID, owner and principal designer of Edwards Antiques and Interiors (EAI), and her associate designer Sarah Plankey, ASID, took on the challenge of transforming a grand yet outdated Mediterranean-style home into a refined, inviting sanctuary that reflects their clients’ modern sensibilities while honoring the home’s architectural heritage.
A new beginning
The journey to this stunning redesign began with an unexpected turn. The homeowners, previous clients of Wildasin and Plankey, had just completed an extensive interior update on their previous home when they decided to make a spontaneous move.
“We had literally just finished their project. We had just installed everything, and we were waiting on three rugs,” Wildasin said. “Then I got a call from the client saying, ‘We sold the house!’ I was in complete shock. She told me, ‘This house just came on the market around the corner, and we fell in love with it. We put our home on the market, had a bidding war within two hours, and it sold. Can you help us with the new one?’”
With a full roster of ongoing projects, Wildasin and Plankey scrambled to accommodate their longtime clients, understanding the urgency of their request. “They wanted it done as fast as humanly possible,” Wildasin said. “We started the consultation before they had even closed on the house. They were so eager to begin.”
In perfect balance to the house’s restrained elegance, the den provides a cozy respite filled with saturated tones and textures.
Breathing light into a dark space
The home, built in 2006, exuded a heavy Mediterranean influence, with dark wood cabinetry, deep red and yellow walls, ornate detailing, and an overall feeling of heaviness. Despite its impressive scale and prime location, it lacked the airy, welcoming feel the new homeowners desired.
“The house gets incredible natural light because of its positioning on the waterway, yet the interior felt so dark,” Plankey said. “We knew immediately that our main goal was to brighten and refresh the space while maintaining its character.”
The team opted to keep the original hand-scraped walnut floors, which added warmth and contrast to the new, lighter palette. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with cabinets painted a soft neutral shade, new countertops, and an island that was reconfigured for a more streamlined look.
“The original island had a step-up design, which felt very dated, so we cut that off and made it all one level,” Wildasin said. “We also replastered the hood above the range to smooth out some of the ornate detailing – it originally had faux brick and carved grapevines, which were just too much.”
Statement lighting and grand scale
A defining feature of the home is its grand scale, which posed a unique design challenge. “A lot of the rooms aren’t huge in terms of footprint, but the ceilings are incredibly high, and there are so many dramatic architectural elements,” Wildasin said. “We had to find ways to balance those proportions to make the home feel inviting rather than overwhelming.”
Lighting played a crucial role in achieving this balance. “We waited and waited for the chandelier in the living room because it had to be just right,” Wildasin said. “It’s nearly 60 inches wide, and finding something that would work with the ceiling height was tricky.”
Similar attention was given to the lantern in the stairwell – a bold, oversized fixture that enhances the home’s verticality while maintaining a sense of warmth.
“We wanted the light fixtures to anchor the rooms rather than disappear,” Wildasin said. “The rust-finished chandeliers in the dining and living rooms are a perfect example. They have this beautifully gritty patina that contrasts with the fresh, bright walls and cabinetry. They almost feel like pieces salvaged from a centuries-old French chateau, which brings so much depth to the design.”
A luxurious and timeless primary suite
The primary bedroom was another space that required a thoughtful approach. “It’s a funky-shaped room,” Wildasin said. “It’s surprisingly long but not very deep, and it has a curved wall leading into the bathroom.” To create a sense of structure, the team added a paneled accent wall in a deep, rich wood tone.
“People often worry that darker colors will make a space feel smaller, but in reality, they can create a greater sense of balance,” Wildasin said. “The paneling gave the room a cozy, grounded feel while allowing the water views to remain the star.”
The space was further softened with herringbone rugs, motorized linen drapery, and plush, oversized bedding, blending luxury with livability.
The primary bathroom underwent the most dramatic transformation. Originally an ornate travertine-filled space with columns, a built-in tiled tub, and excessive detailing, it felt overwhelming. Wildasin said, “The clients initially considered keeping it, but after spending just one night in the house, they called me and said, ‘The good news is, the shower is completely busted! We’re ripping it out!’”
Working with Savannah Surfaces, the team selected large-scale marble tile that felt both formal and timeless. “The new space is sophisticated yet simple – a perfect retreat,” Plankey said. “We kept the original cabinetry but refinished it, replaced the countertops, added new hardware, and installed a freestanding tub that makes the room feel much more open.”
The art of blending old and new
Antiques are a signature element of EAI’s designs, and this home was no exception. “Every room has at least one antique piece,” Wildasin said. “It’s something we always do to ensure that a space feels layered, collected, and not overly ‘new.’”
In the keeping room, a French wine-tasting table serves as a breakfast table, adding rustic charm. The living room’s bibliotheca, a massive antique bookcase with a bleached finish, brings a sense of history to the space. Even smaller details, like the coffee table sourced from a Charleston dealer, contribute to the home’s distinct personality.
A particularly playful antique find ended up in the wine room – a portrait of a monk holding a magnum of wine. “It’s from an artist who restores damaged oil paintings and adds funny details,” Wildasin said. “When I saw it, I texted the client immediately and said, ‘I’m buying this for you. It’s going in the wine room.’ They loved it.”
A home designed for living
Beyond its beauty, the home is designed to be lived in and enjoyed. “The goal was always to create spaces that feel comfortable yet elegant,” Plankey said. “From the formal living room with its layered textiles and plush seating to the upstairs media room with its game table and bar, every space is meant to be used and loved.”
One of the most unique custom pieces in the home is a fully curved, built-in sofa in the keeping room’s round bay window. “That was a tricky space to furnish, so we designed something that would fit perfectly, creating the ultimate cozy nook for reading and lounging,” Wildasin said.
The homeowners’ favorite part of the finished home changes frequently, Wildasin said. “Every time we talk to them, they mention a different space,” she said. “One day it’s the media room, the next it’s the den, then it’s the outdoor lanai. I think that’s the sign of a truly well-designed home – when you’re just as excited to wake up and spend time in one space as you are another.”
With its blend of classic grandeur and relaxed sophistication, this waterfront home is a masterclass in timeless design – a home that doesn’t just look beautiful but feels welcoming, comfortable, and uniquely personal.
