One of the most interesting classrooms we’ve ever seen comes to us courtesy of designer Mary Knight of Seaside Homes. Mary was asked to convert two office spaces with no distinguishing features into a home school. Her client wanted a space that would not only encourage learning, but also provide complete freedom for her children’s creativity. Adding to the charm are heart pine ceiling beams and antique columns. Many items from the antique wire baskets to the ceiling fans originated in a cotton factory in Lanett, Alabama.
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
In high cotton...
Connecting the two spaces with an antique barn door set the tone for this rustic industrial but warm and inviting look. The open ceilings are covered with the wire baskets originally used to catch cotton at the factory.
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Exotic repurposing!
The wall to the left is a tinted mirror with bookcases. School supplies are stored in 60 year-old tin bins. Under the mirror is a vegetable sink, originally from Budapest.
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Look at these desks!
The side desks facing the marina were handcrafted by Edie’s Wildsmith Woodworking. The desktops are hammered copper and each desk has a tin canopy.
The center wall has antique columns and an 1880 fireplace surround from the Lanett factory. The center table was made from an instrument used to compact cotton and adorned with a copper top.
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
All furnishings were provided by Seaside Home for durability and comfort. And with a collaborated effort between Island Sea Designs and Seaside Homes, these vintage fixtures and unique architectural elements are a true example of reclaiming, recycling and repurposing.
Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Mary and Ernie Knight opened Floor Décor 30 years ago, specializing in all types of flooring. Their craftsmanship now extends to a fabrication shop creating counter tops including granite and marble. Mary and Ernie’s two children have joined the business. Ryan manages the fabrication shop and Brittney is their regional buyer. Mary also opened Seaside Homes eight years ago. Seaside Home is located at 125 Gary L. Moore Court.
