Hartwell Multi-Generation Lakehouse
Seneca, South Carolina
Designing for Multiple Generations
This Lake Hartwell renovation project involved not just the redesign of one kitchen, but the thoughtful addition of another. The client wanted to create a private apartment on the lower level of the home to accommodate his father—multi-generations with multiple needs all under one roof.
As a residential designer specializing in multi-generational home design, I focused on balancing independence and connection through intentional spatial planning and warm, cohesive finishes.
A New Vision for the Main-Level Kitchen
The main-level kitchen required a complete rework. The existing space awkwardly overlooked the front yard and was separated from the living spaces. It was too small, too cramped, and quite unattractive. I moved the location of the kitchen to align it with the living and dining space, creating a large open-concept plan with expansive views to Lake Hartwell.
The kitchen is L-shaped with the cooktop centered on the exterior wall beyond a central island. I added symmetrical windows to either side of the cooktop and hood to give balance to the primary view of the space. Double wall ovens provide plenty of baking space for large gatherings and offer easy-to-reach, ergonomically friendly access to the oven cavity.
The side wall houses the counter-depth stainless-steel refrigerator with a hidden coffee station discreetly placed behind hinged cabinet doors that open and pocket into the cabinet sides. Additional cabinet and counter space along this wall allow for flexible use and additional prep space.
The island aligns with the casual dining table and is centered about the cooktop and hood beyond. The sink and dishwasher are located in the island along with a waste-bin pull-out, under-counter storage, and seating for two.
A large new laundry room was added to the space where the kitchen had once lived and a pantry closet was created adjacent to the new kitchen. Views to the lake were maximized and earthy warm gray tones were used on the cabinets and tilework. White quartz tops with fluid veining provide the perfect contrast to the darker tone grays and coordinate perfectly with the lighter gray island.
A Second Kitchen Below—Practical and Personal
On the lower level of the house, I transformed an unfinished storage room into a modest galley kitchen complete with a range, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher. What the kitchen lacks in size, it makes up for in design.
Warm white cabinets topped with deep gray-and-white-veined quartz and glossy white elongated brick-like subway tiles accented with deep oak floating shelves make the modest kitchen feel inviting and welcoming. Storage and surfaces have been carefully planned to provide the most function possible.
This lower-level apartment kitchen design allows for independent living while maintaining proximity and connection to family—a key principle of universal and accessible design.
Preserving Views and Creating a Sense of Home
Views to the lake were preserved, and the kitchen opens to the other living spaces to help make the apartment feel like home.
The result is a multi-generational lake house renovation in Seneca, South Carolina, that honors family legacy while embracing modern living. True to Kerl Design’s philosophy, it balances style, function, and emotion—creating spaces that age gracefully alongside the people who call them home.
