Architecture & Design // 3 min Read

Behind the Design: Using Natural Elements

Written by Palmetto Bluff

“Bringing the outdoors in” is a popular concept in classic Lowcountry architecture. With unparalleled views, cool breezes from the May River, and a temperate climate in the winter, many of the homes at Palmetto Bluff are made for year-round living with features like raised front porches, private courtyards, expansive screened porches, fire pits, and more.

In addition to outdoor living spaces that provide a connection to your natural surroundings, incorporating natural elements like wood, leather, stone, and organic textiles into your interior design results in a beautiful aesthetic that is on-trend, calming, and timeless.

Part of the Builder Guild Collection and built by Brightwater Homes, this Mews home is a great example of how you can bring the outdoors in with textures and accessories inspired by nature. Interior designer Mikaelah Seifrit from Southern Grace Interiors uses wood, leather, and woven accessories like throughout the home – creating a classic, comfortable Lowcountry retreat.

Nature

The soft, neutral tones of the cabinets create a restful feel in this kitchen. The open shelving elevates crisp, white dishes to an artful design element in the space.

Dining Area=

In the dining area, bamboo windowpane-style chairs soften the geometry of the trim details. Simple line art, framed to match the chairs, ties the room together without being visually overwhelming.

Living Room Leather Chairs=

The simple mid-century shapes of the furniture pieces balance with the heavy texture of woven leather chairs, stone coffee table, nubby fabrics, and plush down pillows, creating a cozy space perfect for fireside chats and a good book.

handwoven Bed=

The warm, natural tone and texture of the raffia bed frame contrasts with the cool, deep blues to complete a well-balanced and harmonious space.

Guest Bedroom Wood Accents=

The rich hues of the leather and wood accents are picked up in the intricately patterned rug, livening the muted grays in this bedroom.

Kitchen Pendants=

These fun, natural seagrass pendants tie together the nearby organic elements found throughout the well-defined spaces of this open floor plan.

Guest Bedroom Wood Leather=

Wood and leather are used sparingly, but with great impact, in this high-contrast, heavy-textured space.

Woven Chairs=

Similar to the dining area, these wooden chairs with a unique geometric pattern add a welcome organic element to the crisp architectural geometry in this space.

Guest Bedroom Cabinets=

The cool colors of the cabinetry and paint are balanced by the natural warmth of leather and rattan décor, creating a small space that is big on style.

Conservation
Hidden History

Over thousands of years, countless people have called this place home, and through ongoing archaeological work, their stories continue to surface—tangible pieces of the past that help us understand the Bluff’s remarkable continuum of life.Story by Hailey Wist ...

Aug 2026

Architecture & Design
Bunk Up

Story by Barry Kaufman Photographs by Anne Caufmann, Kelli Boyd, Corey Gibson, and Josh Gibson There have been numerous think pieces and articles that have celebrated Palmetto Bluff’s unique architecture. The way screened porches extend the living space ...

Jul 2026
bramble park palmetto bluff

Real Estate
Bramble Park: New Palmetto Bluff Homes for Sale

Inside Bramble Park: Palmetto Bluff’s Newest Neighborhood in Moreland Forest  Neighborhoods in Palmetto Bluff feel less like new additions and more like places that have always been there, waiting to be discovered. Bramble Park is the latest community to take...

Jul 2026
Waterways in south carolina

Waterways
The Waterways That Define Life at Palmetto Bluff

Exploring the South Carolina Waterways of Palmetto Bluff Water surrounds Palmetto Bluff on three sides. The May River wraps the north and northeast, while the Cooper River runs along the east and southeast, and the New River borders the south and southwest. A...

Jul 2026

Club Life
PBGO: Where Childhood Grows at Palmetto Bluff

At Palmetto Bluff, some of childhood's best moments begin outside. Days are measured by muddy shoes, saltwater adventures, and the excitement of discovering something new just beyond the next trail.That spirit is at the heart of PBGO (Palmetto Bluff Growing Ou...

Jul 2026

Food & Wine
Chef Beth Cosgrove’s Sun-Ripened Tomato and Rich Ricotta Tart

This simple tomato and ricotta tart recipe from Palmetto Bluff Club Executive Chef Beth Cosgrove is the perfect summertime dish for your next gathering. The flaky puff pastry crust is topped with a creamy ricotta mixture along with fresh herbs and sun-ripe...

Jul 2026

Real Estate
Contemporary Classics: Three Homes With a Modern Take on Lowcountry Architecture

Timeless Lowcountry architecture has always been defined by its connection to the landscape. Wide porches invite conversation and capture cool coastal breezes, while natural materials and sunlight filled interiors blur the line between indoors and out. As life...

Jul 2026

Club Life
Hampton Watts: Painting the South to Life

This August, Savannah-based painter Hampton Watts will join us at the Bluff to share his contemporary Southern art celebrating the landscapes, traditions, and enduring spirit of the South. Drawing inspiration from generations of Southern heritage, Hampton c...

Jul 2026

Food & Wine
Home Grown

From weekly harvests to farmers markets and seasonal dinners, The Farm plays a central role in Palmetto Bluff’s culinary program. Story by Joanny Palsson | Photographs by Summer Pagatpatan Most mornings at Palmetto Bluff begin at sunrise, before the kitche...

Jul 2026
Palmetto Bluff Real Estate

Real Estate
Inside 20 Butterweed Road: A New Moreland Forest Home Built for Lowcountry Living

Palmetto Bluff Real Estate: 20 Butterweed Road, Moreland Forest  Moreland Forest sits a short walk or ride from Moreland Village and Crossroads, Palmetto Bluff’s nine-hole reversible course. Moreland Forest centers around an intricate trail system and an ...

Jul 2026

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us