This past weekend, I was so happy to have been able to visit the Southern Living 2014 Idea House . . .

~ ~ located in Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton), South Carolina, while traveling with friends.

When possible, I try to make it to the Idea Houses each year.

Way back when . . . when Southern Living built several Idea Houses a year across the South . . .

~ ~ I toured all three (Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina) one year.

This home was beautifully decorated by Suzanne Kasler who designs for Ballard Designs.

The view walking up to the house . . . a true Low Country design.

Nestled in the pines of the Low Country . . .

~ ~ I have always loved metal roofs . . . taking notes for our “one day downsized home”.

When you walk into the house there is a foyer with this beautiful gallery wall.

The dining room is right off the foyer as you walk into the house . . .

~ ~ you can see the front door in the background.

The dining area was an area that the volunteers used . . . so it was hard to get a shot of it without “people”

The volunteers talking to my friend, giving her advice on places to visit and eat.

Just love the lighting over the dining room table!

The “Great Room” from above.

I was talking to my friend and we both agreed that a large table in the area of the two sofas that are up

against the large windows would be great and what a great view to have while dining.

Sitting at those sofas do not lend for views as your back is to the windows.

Hey, I was re-arranging the furniture!

Also, where the dining room is, we thought that a great grouping of 4 chairs and a table for conversation. . .

~ ~ would be great . . . chairs that swivel that is . . so you can move toward the conversations in the room!

I heart this chandelier !!!

The great room viewed from the kitchen.

Beautifully styled bookcase.

Love the versatility of the table.

Was going to crop out the “legs” . . . but must say, nice legs guys!

Now how great are these stools around the coffee table . . .

The one end of the great room where I think a large dining room table would be great . . .

~ ~ can you imagine sitting at the table and looking out to that gorgeous view?

Outdoor views from the great room . . . looking into the wonderful screen porch and view of the water.

As you can see . . . this is the kitchen . . . where there is no upper cabinetry.

They were taking advantage of the views outside . . .

Two sets of shelving flank one side of the kitchen.

For added storage, there are two sets of these pantries . . . the other is directly across the room.

Truly has lots of storage space in these pull out pantries . . . and a cabinet underneath.

Also, notice the great planked ceiling in the kitchen . . . many of the walls in the house were wood planked.

The other side of the kitchen set up for “Happy Hour”

And I leave you for now, with “Happy Hour” in mind . . .

Stay tuned for Part Two and Three . . .

Part Two will have my favorite room of this Idea House . . . a room that I want for my next house!!!

Hope you gained much inspiration today!

I am joining:

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday