An Island Coastal Cottage

A hands-on homeowner works with an expert team to build a coastal vacation cottage on Bald Head Island, North Carolina

- By Autumn Krause. Photography by Dustin Peck

Homeowners often delegate their interior design projects to professionals. It's a wise move, considering that experts have the connections, aesthetic sensibilities and skills honed over years of experience and formal training. Homeowners can know their projects will turn out wonderfully without having to worry or ever unfurl a measuring tape.

However, a homeowner sometimes has a crystal clear vision and wants to be involved at a micro-level as opposed to signing off on things from the sidelines—which makes it delightful for everyone involved.

This was the case with a new build on the island escape of Bald Head Island, located just off the coast of Southport, North Carolina. A family from Virginia wanted a vacation home custom-built for their needs.

The family turned to Vicky Serany and Kayla Boyle of Southern Studio Interior Design, along with Whitney Blair Custom Homes and Allison Ramsey Architects.

Seeking a place for their family to gather, the homeowners enlisted us for this very special project, principal designer Vicky says.

Client Carolyn was hands-on throughout the process, and her energetic spirit added an element of fun and personalization. She made the trip from Virginia to the Southern Studios office in Cary, North Carolina, and, together with the team, brainstormed a design.

Carolyn's excitement and energy were contagious, and you can see that spark in the resulting project, Vicky says.