A Dreamy Lowcountry-Style Second Home on Amelia Island

Completed in 2022, their lavish new-construction home in a neighborhood called Crane Island encompasses 7,123 square feet, with 4,800 square feet of heated and cooled interior space. The exterior architecture pays homage to classic Lowcountry style, integrating seamlessly with the island’s lush oak trees and picturesque Intracoastal Waterway. The brick-lined tabby driveway and gas copper lanterns were also key elements in creating a Lowcountry aesthetic, while multiple porches amplify the region’s open-air architecture and laid-back lifestyle.

“The homeowners created a floor plan with family gatherings in mind, and we worked closely with them to select the construction materials as well as all the furnishings,” says JuliAnne Kelly, owner and lead designer of Carrier Design Co. in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, where she partners with her sister, Allison Carrier. “From the start, this couple was open to a colorful approach, so our palette began with a blue kitchen. We found the perfect shade, and from there, we wove hues of blue and green throughout the entire home.”

The owners also love fabrics and wallpapers, so the Carrier Design Co. team worked together to select whimsical and vibrant patterns for a bespoke family aesthetic. They layered in lighting, cabinet colors, tile, and paint to pull the look together. In each room, they balanced fabrics and wallpapers with natural textures and a soft, cohesive palette. “I tend to use tonal colors to create a more relaxed feel,” notes the designer. “We loved how open our clients were to color and pattern, so we leaned into that design direction. As this is their second home, they were more adventurous playing with color and wanted to have a little fun.”

Many of Kelly’s design decisions considered the homeowners’ personalities as well as the lifestyles of their extended family. This prompted her use of performance fabrics on most of the upholstery, ensuring the home was livable and could handle messy hands and feet. The design team worked to provide both comfortable and durable performance fabrics, so the homeowners could relax and enjoy time together as a family. For the bedrooms, they implemented custom beds upholstered with sumptuous fabrics and finished with layered bedding, giving luxe comfort to family and guests. In the dining room, the table includes a large extension, allowing plenty of seats for everyone at gatherings and holidays. “True Southern style is not just about design but often more about how a space lives and feels,” Kelly adds. “I’m drawn to homes that are approachable and encourage togetherness.”

To enhance durability, the team incorporated millwork in all the home’s high-traffic areas. They applied vertical V-groove trim to the entire kitchen, living area, and lower half of the powder bath and used horizontal shiplap in the kids’ bath and bunk room. “I love the layering effect trim and millwork bring to a space,” Kelly notes. “The combination of millwork with a wipeable paint offers durability with interesting detail. We also used natural textures and materials with a combination of wood, grasscloth, and rattan to create a relaxed, approachable feel. I would describe the home’s style as classic Lowcountry with a fresh and colorful twist.”

While working through the overall design, Kelly reserved a softer palette for the primary bedroom, generating a calm, restful environment. Secondary spaces such as guest rooms, the playroom, the laundry area, and the powder bath presented ideal opportunities to infuse personality with bold colors and patterns. After living in their new dwelling, the owners revealed their favorite aspect is how comfortable and inviting it feels. In true Lowcountry fashion, the porches are where they spend a lot of time enjoying splendid views and evening sunsets. Their four children and grandchildren love to visit often— “the ultimate compliment, since our client’s homes are where so many cherished moments happen,” notes Kelly. “Creating spaces where families can be together and make memories is one of the core reasons why we love what we do.

My fondest memories were made at our family vacation home, so to be brought in to help this couple create a space that holds their precious memories was truly an honor.”