King Street Penthouse, Charleston

Project style – Transitional Penthouse – luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic

Cabinet and hardware lines – Locally made Custom cabinetry – unlacquered brass hardware

Special features – Inset Cabinetry – Custom Painted – one piece island – Paneled built in appliances – pantry cabinetry with a built in icemaker, trash pull out, and pocket doors. Bathrooms feature natural inset walnut cabinetry

Challenges – Bringing the materials into the space, working and installing on a brick wall and scribing the cabinetry to it. Creating a one piece island. Integrating the paneled icemaker into a pantry cabinet.

Designer – Erika Frizol

Perched above Charleston’s iconic King Street, this transitional penthouse kitchen designed by Erika Frizol embodies luxurious sophistication through impeccable craftsmanship and refined material selections. The space features locally-made custom inset cabinetry with a distinctive painted finish, complemented by unlacquered brass hardware that will develop a rich patina over time. The kitchen’s centerpiece is a striking one-piece island that creates a seamless, sculptural presence in the space. Paneled built-in appliances disappear into the cabinetry for a clean, integrated look, while the thoughtfully designed pantry incorporates a built-in icemaker, convenient trash pull-out, and elegant pocket doors that maximize accessibility without compromising the streamlined aesthetic. The design extends beyond the kitchen, with the bathrooms showcasing natural inset walnut cabinetry that introduces organic warmth throughout the penthouse.

This installation presented unique logistical and technical challenges that required expert problem-solving and precision execution. Transporting materials to the penthouse level and maneuvering them through the space demanded careful planning and coordination. The existing brick wall required meticulous scribing techniques to ensure the cabinetry fit perfectly against the uneven surface while maintaining the clean lines essential to the transitional style. Fabricating and installing the one-piece island as a single unit showcased the team’s exceptional craftsmanship capabilities. Perhaps most technically demanding was integrating the paneled icemaker seamlessly into the pantry cabinetry, requiring custom solutions to accommodate plumbing, ventilation, and accessibility while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic. The result is a penthouse kitchen that exemplifies urban luxury, where every challenge overcome contributes to an environment of effortless elegance.

FAQs

What is the King Street Penthouse project completed by Charleston Custom Cabinetry?

The King Street Penthouse is a signature downtown Charleston renovation by Charleston Custom Cabinetry that demonstrates a transitional design approach. Led by designer Erika, the project includes locally made inset cabinetry, custom painted finishes, unlacquered brass hardware, a shop-fabricated one-piece island, paneled appliance integration, and natural walnut vanities—showcasing our high-end kitchen remodeling, precise craftsmanship, and tailored solutions for urban penthouses.

What does ‘transitional’ style mean in the context of the King Street Penthouse remodel?

In this project ‘transitional’ refers to blending clean, modern lines and functionality with classic proportions and warm materials. Charleston Custom Cabinetry used inset doors, a one-piece island, paneled appliances, and warm walnut and brass accents to create a balanced aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless for downtown living.

Which materials and hardware were selected for the King Street Penthouse cabinetry?

We used locally made custom cabinetry with precise inset doors and drawers, custom painted finishes chosen for the penthouse palette, unlacquered brass hardware for a warm patina, and natural walnut for bathroom vanities—materials selected to deliver a cohesive, luxurious finish while ensuring durability in an urban environment.

What are the benefits of inset cabinetry and why did Charleston Custom Cabinetry use it in this project?

Inset cabinetry provides refined sightlines and a furniture-quality, flush appearance. For the King Street Penthouse we specified inset construction to elevate the overall aesthetic, improve fit-and-finish, and create tight joints that read as custom furniture—an ideal choice when clients want a high-end, tailored look.

What is a one-piece island and how did Charleston Custom Cabinetry deliver it for the penthouse?

The one-piece island is a single, sculpted unit designed to read as a continuous mass and act as a central culinary and social hub. Our shop engineered and fabricated the island to maintain structural integrity, coordinated transport into the penthouse, and expertly scribed and installed it onsite so the finished unit met the design intent without compromising finish quality.

How does Charleston Custom Cabinetry integrate appliances with paneled fronts?

We design built-in appliance panels to align with cabinet sightlines and finishes so appliances blend seamlessly into the cabinetry. On the King Street Penthouse we coordinated panel dimensions, appliance clearances, and service access during design and installation to maintain visual continuity while ensuring functionality and ventilation requirements were met.

What specialty pantry features were included in the King Street Penthouse kitchen?

The pantry includes custom cabinetry with a built-in icemaker, trash pull-out, and pocket doors for discreet storage and streamlined function. Charleston Custom Cabinetry tailors pantry layouts to traffic flow, storage needs, and appliance integration to maximize utility while keeping sightlines clean.

How did Charleston Custom Cabinetry handle installation challenges in a historic downtown penthouse?

Working in a historic Charleston building requires careful logistics. Our installation team planned staging, protection, and timing to safely deliver and install cabinetry in constrained access conditions. We coordinate with building management, schedule deliveries for minimal disruption, and use custom packaging and protection to preserve finishes during installation.

How were uneven brick walls and other irregular surfaces addressed during the remodel?

Our craftsmen custom-scribed cabinet carcasses and face frames to the masonry so joints read flush despite irregular substrates. For the King Street Penthouse we precisely measured and adapted millwork onsite, ensuring tight fits and a seamless appearance against the brick wall without compromising cabinet construction or finish.

Does Charleston Custom Cabinetry provide custom bathroom vanities like the walnut inset cabinets used in the penthouse?

Yes. We fabricate natural inset walnut vanity cabinets and other custom bath millwork tailored to your finish and proportion preferences. The King Street Penthouse demonstrates how natural walnut adds tactile depth and warmth; we can match scale, hardware, and finish to suit any bathroom design.

How long has Charleston Custom Cabinetry been serving the Charleston area and why is local fabrication important?

Charleston Custom Cabinetry has served the Greater Charleston area for over 15 years. Local fabrication matters because it enables close quality control, faster communication, easier custom adjustments, and more reliable installation coordination—particularly valuable for historic homes, condos, and downtown penthouses with unique site conditions.

What is Charleston Custom Cabinetry’s process from initial consultation to final installation?

Our process begins with a complimentary initial consultation to discuss goals and site constraints, followed by design development with our lead designer (such as Erika), material and finish selection, shop fabrication of custom cabinetry, and coordinated onsite installation with staging and protection. We prioritize clarity, communication, and milestones so clients know what to expect at every step.

Can Charleston Custom Cabinetry work on downtown condos and penthouses with limited access or tight timelines?

Yes. Our team has experience planning deliveries, staging, and timing for downtown projects to mitigate access constraints. For the King Street Penthouse we coordinated transport and onsite protection to meet schedule and preserve finishes—our approach minimizes disruption and keeps projects on track even in tight urban conditions.

How should I maintain unlacquered brass hardware and custom painted cabinetry installed by Charleston Custom Cabinetry?

Unlacquered brass develops a warm patina over time; maintain it by wiping with a soft, dry cloth and avoiding abrasive cleaners. For custom painted finishes, use gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and soft microfiber cloths. Charleston Custom Cabinetry provides care recommendations tailored to the specific finishes used in your project to preserve appearance and longevity.

How can I start a kitchen remodel or custom cabinetry project with Charleston Custom Cabinetry?

To start, schedule a complimentary initial consultation by calling Charleston Custom Cabinetry at 843-548-2436 or visiting charlestoncabinetry.com. Our team—led by experienced designers like Erika—will review your space, discuss goals and budget, and outline design, fabrication, and installation timelines so you can move forward with confidence.