Life in an Award-Winning Coastal Home: One Year Later

Robin Johnson
Nov 14
4 min read

There’s something magical about seeing a home come to life — and then watching a family live, grow, and thrive in it. Today I’m excited to share the story of one of my favorite projects: a gorgeous new construction home that recently earned a Bronze in the ASID Awards for “New Construction Homes over 3500 sq. ft.” across North and South Carolina. Even better? It’s been a full year since the homeowners, Jenna and her family moved in.

I recently sat down with Jenna to hear all about what it’s like to live in her new home, the design choices they love the most, and any changes she might make after being there for a year.

From Floorplans to Family Home

When Jenna first reached out in 2021, she had a builder lined up and a few key spaces in mind that she wanted professional design help with: the kitchen, the laundry/craft room, and the main foyer.

One of the funniest (and most rewarding) moments came early on with the floorplan showing a small shoe closet off the primary bedroom. I immediately thought, Nope — that’s going to be a scullery! With Jenna’s love of entertaining, a hidden prep and storage space would be the perfect solution to keeping her main kitchen ready for big family gatherings.

This is exactly why early design intake meetings are so important... Discovering how a family lives, what matters most to them, and important lifestyle details allow me to really make a home unique by transforming a standard plan into a home that truly fits.

Light, Style, and Everyday Living

One of the goals for this home was to bring in natural light and achieve a modern, serene coastal aesthetic reminiscent of Serena & Lily designs. Jenna says the light-filled, airy spaces have made a huge difference in how the family lives day-to-day.

Some favorite spaces? The kitchen island for family gatherings, the cozy breakfast nook for morning coffee, and even small details that have grown on her over time — like the way the light hits the floors or the functional placement of storage that keeps the house feeling organized and calm.

Kitchens, Sculleries, and Smart Design

The kitchen is always a favorite space in any home, and this one is no exception. The layout flows beautifully: a coffee bar and microwave drawer on one end, the central cooking zone, and a large island with a breakfast area on the other.

And then there’s the scullery — designed to be both hidden and hardworking. Jenna says it’s become an essential space for holiday prep and hosting, helping to keep the main kitchen clutter-free. “It’s like our secret weapon,” she laughed during our interview.

Laundry + Craft Room Magic

Who says utility spaces can’t be fun? This laundry and craft room is a dream:

Double washers and dryers
Laundry chute from upstairs
Built-in desk and sink
Full island for gift-wrapping and crafting, complete with drawers for rolls of wrapping paper
Dog shower

Jenna shared that this space has completely changed how the family tackles everyday chores — and yes, even the dogs seem to enjoy their custom shower setup.

Foyer and First Impressions

Guests entering the home for the first time are greeted by a light-filled foyer with a statement basket light. It’s the perfect balance of style and function — and it immediately sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Builders

Building a custom home is a journey full of decisions — some big, some small. Jenna reflected on lessons learned, including the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, trusting the design process, and planning for both family needs and future growth.

Her advice? Don’t skip upgrades that make a real difference in how you live in your home. And yes — she would absolutely build a custom home again as long as a moving company is involved.

Looking Ahead

With her boys now 9 and 14, Jenna can already see how the home will evolve with the family. From favorite hangout spots to family memories in the kitchen and living areas, the house is not just beautiful — it’s functional, joyful, and built to last. She's even already thinking of grand kids!

Celebrating an Award-Winning Home

Earlier this year, I submitted this project to the ASID panel in the “New Construction Homes over 3500 sq. ft.” category — and I’m thrilled to share that we earned Bronze, coming in third place across North and South Carolina. It’s an honor to be recognized, but even more rewarding to know that the home is loved and lived in every single day.

Design isn’t just about how a space looks — it’s about how it feels, how it functions, and how it supports the people who live there. Spending time with Jenna reminded me why I love what I do: creating homes that are beautiful, functional, and truly lived in.

If you’re dreaming about building or remodeling, let this home inspire you to think about flow, light, and the little details that make everyday life effortless — and joyful. And don't miss the chance to snag my DIY kitchen design course opening again soon... the perfect holiday gift to make 2026 a super exciting year ahead. Get on the WAITLIST HERE.