Design & Build magazine March/April 2015

InspiringPlacesBeautifulSpaces
“
the completion of the project he passed away from cancer.
“He was not just a builder, but a true craftsman who
slung the hammer,” says Kim.
In each room, there is something unique which contributes
to the finished look of the house. “I worked with
local artist Paige Hudspeth to design the faux finishes.
Her company is Paint with Class,” says Robin. “I didn’t
want all the walls to be plain sheetrock walls. In the past
we had done some paint finishes on walls that were very
unique and I envisioned this happening with the new
Roger’s home.”
“We wanted the house to be a retreat,” said Kim.
“When Robin started decorating the rooms, she started
with the fabrics and then created the finish on the walls.
The finish in the bedroom is called faux bois (from the
French for false wood) and mimics wood panels.”
Robin set out to create a French provincial decorating
style in the master bedroom, with a painting technique
comprised of five layers of paint brushed on in the direction
of the grain. This style gives the illusion of wood
but is actually sheetrock. The walls are transformed to
look like a wood paneled room. After the painting process
is complete, the addition
of 1 x 4 is the finishing
touch to mimic paneling,
and a room is transformed.
“Paige did the paint, creating
a very peaceful retreat
for Steve and Kim’s bedroom,
especially as it’s on
the river,” said Robin.
The main living area is
large and expansive, enhanced
by an upstairs loft
which connects the downstairs living to the upstairs bedrooms.
The Chippendale railing that is found in the front
of the house is emulated in the loft area, creating a harmony
of recognizable shapes and repeating patterns that
maintain a sense of order. The kitchen is part of the main
living space and is complete with a large island that is
perfect for entertaining family and friends.
“We wanted openness for the main part of the house”
says Kim. “We did not feel the need of a formal dining
room so we combined the kitchen, dining and living ar-
We didn’t want glossy finishes
on any countertops
so we used honed granite,
which is a brushed finish with
a rock pitch edging. There is
no granite used anywhere in
the house with shiny finish. Kim
wanted a river feel because
she grew up in Savannah.
~Robin Sullivan, RMS Interiors
“
Robin Sullivan and Kim Rogers
“
The Master bedroom
opens onto
the back porch,
and with the expansive
windows, they
have a perfect view
of the Savannah River.
There are a lot
of different textures,
and brings elements
in from the outside.
We put tongue and
groove board on
the walls and finished
it with a stain.
~Robin Sullivan,
RMS Interiors
“