Rucker’s Reno: Kohler Sophistication Meets Historic Charleston

Published June 17, 2022

Darius Rucker’s Charleston home renovation captured in all-new series Rucker’s Reno created the perfect platform for a stunning, historical modern transformation. Who better to come alongside to provide signature chic sophistication than Kohler. From kitchen to powder rooms, primary bath to butler pantry, Kohler fixtures helped to transform this historic house with a checkered past while still preserving aspects of its important roots. With faucets and plumbing that intersect artistic design and practical function, Betsy Berry and her team worked with Darius to select jaw-dropping, refined fixtures that are nothing short of wow.

Kohler in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, whether you’re cooking, hosting, or popping in for a quick meal. Growing up, the kitchen was a special space for Darius, as he recalls memories of Sunday dinner and the smell of okra wafting through his childhood home. After several conversations with Betsy and Neil, the lead architect on the project, they concluded it had to be done right. Together the design and architectural team worked to overcome several hurdles that accompany a historic renovation. From lack of wall space to proper ventilation, they solved each one including the biggest – that this original Colonial home didn’t even have a kitchen!

With the help of great design elements like creating built-ins for added storage, a gorgeous new range and modern island, Kohler worked with Darius to distinguish the kitchen as the most functional room in the house. Here, the Kohler sink is matched with Kohler’s Artifacts Bridge Faucet in a polished nickel finish that ties the whole room together and honors the historical modern aesthetic.

High-Impact Primary Bath

For someone who spends as much time traveling, performing, and singing on the road as Darius does, a primary bath becomes more than just a place to rinse off. With the help of Kohler, Betsy’s goal for this space was to create an immersive, at-home spa for Darius that could help him relax and reset between shows while navigating the challenges of a historic property.

Set within the shower walls made of massive marble slabs sits a gorgeous Memoirs freestanding Bath, creating a unique enclosed glass bathroom space that functions as a shower and a tub at the same time. 

Betsy overcame the lack of wall space and honored the historic bones of this room by mounting two gorgeous, framed mirrors in front of each window to preserve this space’s impressive natural light. Kohler’s Pinstripe showerhead is paired with Artifacts wall-mount hand shower holder, both in polished nickel. The room is finished off with a dramatic oversized light fixture that ties the nickel finishes together and creates an instant feeling of being transported to a spa oasis.

A Statement Powder Room, Butler’s Pantry and Wet Bar

Adjacent to the mudroom and a primary landing spot for guests entering the home, Betsy knew the powder room deserved as much attention to detail as the main living spaces. Gorgeous, rich wood paneling complements the statement tile floors and creates the perfect backdrop for the Kohler fixtures to shine. Right away, your eye is drawn to the Kathryn marble console tabletop and complementary Caxton oval under-mount sink. Polished nickel finishes continue as a statement choice throughout, from the sink to the toilet handles. The powder room is completed by Kohler’s new lighting collection, as the Tresdoux three-light pendant adorns this jewelry box of a space.

Lacquered in an unforgettable rich green the butler’s pantry creates a kitchen pass through that allows for everything from conversation to cappuccinos. Betsy’s challenge was to create a  throughway that serves two functions. First as a main artery of the home connecting the dining and kitchen areas to the main living room, and also as a functional kitchen utility space for storage, housing wine, mixing a drink or brewing coffee. This space is every bit as ‘wow’ as the main areas of the home and tied in once again with the Artifacts bridge faucet that creates cohesion with the kitchen.

What primary sitting area would be complete without a wet bar? Betsy and Darius worked together to create a distinct, private living space off of the primary bedroom where he could choose to relax or entertain. Either way, the accessibility of a southern cocktail would be key. The Gentleman’s bar sink faucet from Kohler adorned this stunning mixed metals space, reflective with brass and mirrors that enhance the natural light. Overhead lanterns create a feeling of welcome and nod to the outdoor access adjacent to this space.

This historical Charleston renovation was a balance of honoring the past and inviting the present. Through Betsy Berry and Darius’ team effort, the home was elevated in masterful style and adorned in Kohler’s signature sophistication. With features that are both beautiful and functional, every room at 119 Broad becomes its own masterpiece.

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