J. Banks Design Group, based in Hilton Head Island, has long been recognized for its uncompromising quality and refined coastal‑to‑mountain design sensibility. That same standard of excellence now extends to the Plateau with the opening of J. Banks’ Cashiers studio at 45 Chestnut Square, a welcoming space where clients can meet with designers and explore inspired possibilities for their mountain homes.
The studio brings together designers who understand both the region and the thoughtful approach J. Banks is known for – designers like Sarah Kowalski, whose experience and long family history in the area enrich her work.
Sarah brings nearly two decades of design experience to J. Banks, along with a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Her connection to the region shapes her understanding of mountain living and the way homes here relate to their surroundings. Her family’s history in the area stretches back generations, including her great‑great‑grandfather’s leadership in building the Toxaway Inn. The family once held 800 acres at Cow Rock, and the land has remained an enduring part of their story.
Today, her father’s home sits in Lonesome Valley, a name known for generations. Cow Rock rises above the valley, while the home itself looks toward Laurel Knob, offering a breathtaking panorama just minutes from Highlands‑Cashiers. Given her eye for mountain living and her long connection to the area, Sarah was the natural choice to shape the home’s interiors.
Inside, Sarah’s design work reveals her belief that “every space should have intention.” She transformed unexpected nooks into purposeful moments: a morning coffee bar tucked into a corner, an attic bunk room for visiting grandchildren, and even a dog‑shower cleverly integrated into the utility area.
In the kitchen, she helped her father, an admitted non‑cook, create a layout that feels effortless and inviting. His favorite wood appears in the ceiling and wall beams, grounding the space with warmth. A leathered‑stone island, a Sarah signature, adds texture, while the walnut dining table, efficient sink area, thoughtful storage, and abundant natural light make the room both practical and welcoming. “A kitchen shouldn’t feel sterile,” she says. “It should feel like the heart of the home.”
The living area is designed for all ages, with a TV and fireplace positioned side‑by‑side for easy gathering. A generous coffee table anchors the room, surrounded by ottomans and poufs ready for games, snacks, and conversation. Every angle captures a view of Laurel Knob, reinforcing the home’s connection to the landscape.
In the primary bedroom, this scenery takes center stage. Sarah kept the palette simple and harmonious to balance indoors and out, using a warm white, Oatmilk, to unify textures throughout the space. The bathrooms follow the same philosophy: barrier‑free, universally designed, spacious, and friendly.
Sarah’s approach to design is grounded in longevity. “I want spaces to endure, not to push people into spending unnecessarily,” she says. “If you create a fresh design without it being too trendy, it won’t require replacing.”
That thoughtful, lasting approach is woven through every project she touches at J. Banks. To experience the firm’s work firsthand, schedule an appointment at the Cashiers studio by calling (843) 681‑5122. For more information about J. Banks’ services and designers, visit jbanksdesign.com.
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