Going Green

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The HGTV 2008 Green Home appeals to me on so many levels, other than a few minor changes—like adding my personal stuff, artwork, and shelves for my books—I would take it as-is and move right in.

HGTV 2008 Green Home in Tradition, SC.

Located on waterfront property near Hilton Head, SC, it’s a small house—a traditional, low-country cottage with just over 2,000 square feet.

It has a fluid floor plan, three bedrooms, and 2.5 baths; and it features design elements, including solar power, that make it eco-friendly and energy-efficient for a cleaner, healthier living environment.

The Foyer

The entry is informal and understated. From the front door, you can see straight through to the living room and beyond. Horizontal paneling on the creamy walls visually extends the hallway. Flooring is gorgeous.

[above left to right] 1. Glass front door lets in plenty of natural light; 2. Window on the stairway to second floor brings in more natural light; 3. The floor is polished walnut veneer planking.

A simple rack for hats and coats hangs on the wall near the front door.

Trundle chest in foyer makes a bold statement and provides storage.

The powder room off foyer is basic black-and-white and beautiful in its simplicity.

Living Room

Light and airy living room.

Furniture in the living room has straight, clean lines and is upholstered with eco-friendly fabrics in neutral colors and rich textures. The area rug (from the Anso® Nylon carpet collection) is recycled nylon that can be recycled again. It has an interesting basket-weave pattern that works well with the solid fabrics.

High-backed settee and straight lines are softened by an antique vineyard table, used as a coffee table.

Expansive, energy-efficient windows and French doors capitalize the view from all angles.

Bamboo étagère, in living room corner, evokes the feeling of old Hilton Head.

Dining Room

Entrance hallway opens to an inviting dining area. High ceilings are a shade darker than the walls and crowned with crisp white molding. Antique furnishings and natural bamboo shades create a casual, relaxed feel.

A distressed buffet, up against a recessed wall opposite the table, provides storage for tableware and linens.

Green accents pop against the neutral color palette.

Cottage Kitchen

Small, yet efficient, this kitchen has all the creature comforts—stainless-steel appliances, solid-surface countertop and backsplash, a farmhouse sink, and task lighting. A walk-through pantry, off the kitchen, leads to the laundry room and features open shelving for more storage and an under-the-counter recycling station.

Casual, cook-friendly kitchen is well-lit with plenty of cabinets and counter space.

Dark walnut flooring looks great with the cream-colored cabinets.

Farmhouse sink is undermounted for sleek lines and easy clean-ups.

Tall upper cabinets with glass doors add to the country cottage look.

Walk-through pantry, with under-the-counter recycling bins and open shelving, leads to a good-sized laundry room.

Master Suite

Subdued, earthy tones make the master bedroom an inviting, restful retreat. French doors lead to the south garden and one of the house’s four porches. Master bath is luxurious with a traditional clawfoot tub that is deep enough for soaking.

Massive four-poster looks great with the chair rail and paneled ceiling.

Crewel-work pillows are adorned with flowers.

Bedside lamps are made of recycled tin and aluminum.

Modern master bath has an elegant clawfoot soaking tub and a view of the blue sky.

Guest Bedroom and Bath

Guest bedroom is sunny and bright. Mosaic glass tile stripes in the guest bathroom give the shower unique flair.

The guest bedroom is sunny and bright.

Maybe this is our house? That looks like our pup, Mitzi, in the framed photo.

The guest bath has a unique, striped mosaic tile shower.

Sitting Room

Comfortable sitting room offers a quiet place to sit, watch TV, or read.

The View

Need I say more?

View of the house from across the lagoon.