Keowee Lakeside Retreat
Lake Keowee, South Carolina
Opening the Home to the Lake
This Lake Keowee kitchen renovation involved enlarging the existing kitchen and relocating it to take full advantage of the scenic lake views. We transformed an existing screen porch into interior square footage and added a new screen porch. This expanded footprint allowed me to move the kitchen to the rear of the house where it would overlook the majestic lake views below and create a better connection between the living room and kitchen.
As a trusted residential designer in Upstate South Carolina, I approach each renovation as an opportunity to improve both beauty and livability. Here, thoughtful spatial planning allows the architecture and natural surroundings to merge seamlessly—turning everyday moments into something extraordinary.
Creating Warmth and Flow
A cozy sitting area was added in the space once occupied by the kitchen, creating a keeping room ideal for entertaining and quiet moments in front of the new fireplace. A beverage bar stocked with an undercounter wine chiller and ice maker are paired with a discreet pantry cabinet that sit alongside the keeping room, providing the perfect transition between the kitchen and formal dining room.
This connection between rooms creates a sense of openness while maintaining intimacy—hallmarks of Kerl Design’s residential work throughout the region.
Balancing Beauty and Performance
The kitchen was expanded with a long wall for the paneled built-in refrigerator and 48” professional range expertly centered between two large new picture windows. A custom hood with classic panel details makes the kitchen feel native to the home and balanced with an impressive central focal point.
The oversized island repeats the classic paneling and is topped with a warm, inviting wide plank butcherblock countertop. The wood top works perfectly for the nearly 12-foot-long island, which would require a seam if it had a stone countertop. Large, comfortable counter-height bar stools with upholstered seats and backs provide ample space to cozy up to this island for a meal or an intimate conversation.
Timeless Materials and Lasting Comfort
The kitchen is washed in daylight from the expansive glass windows and doors that frame the beautiful views beyond. Spring, summer, and fall often bring with them open doors and refreshing breezes that fill the kitchen with fresh air.
Quartz countertops with delicate gray veining top the base cabinets filled with creative storage solutions including a deep pull-out for cooking sheets and trays, deep drawers for pots and pans, spice pull-outs, and utensil drawers. Double waste bins are conveniently located in tall pull-outs near the white porcelain farm sink. Lantern pendants cast soft glows of light upon the smooth, matte waxed wood counters.
The new design allows the client to entertain more easily, cook and prep without interruption, and enjoy views of the lake from all points within the redesigned room. Pulling the kitchen out of an interior location and opening it up to the living room makes all the spaces feel larger and more connected. Improved function combined with classic colors, finishes, and details common to the existing home leave no hints that the kitchen is new and has not been a part of the home from the beginning.
This Lake Keowee renovation exemplifies the best of residential design in Upstate South Carolina—rooted in craftsmanship, connection, and enduring beauty.
