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    Home » General

    Charleston Symphony Designer Showhouse (Part 1)

    By: Jane · Updated: 7 Jul, '18 · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

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    I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the media event for the Charleston Symphony Designer Showhouse this past Wednesday. I took hundreds of photos of the exquisitely decorated circa 1840 Greek Revival house located just steps away from the Charleston harbor. 

    Charleston designer showhouse 2017

    The elegant home sports double piazzas with traditional ironwork that one associates with Charleston, SC. A young couple owns the house and had recently undertaken its renovation before the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League asked them if it could be used as the site of the 40th Designer Showhouse this year. In fact, that is the young owner's arm that you see in the above photo! 

    Csol designer showhouse

    source

    Because a young family lives here, the local and nationally renowned interior designers brought creative, contemporary elements into the historic home, incorporating some of the couple's antiques in the mix.

    Y'ALL, I may live in a small country cottage but I have always had an interest in home decor and design. And if you do,too, then you do not want to miss seeing the magic that these designers created! You have from now until April 15 to get yourself down to Charleston to see it for yourself! You can find more ticket info at the end of this post.

    I took so many photos at the media event that I'm breaking down this post into 2 parts. But let me tell ya. There is no way that my photos can truly capture its magnificance. Today I'm sharing the rooms on the main living level.

    Charleston design showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    When you step up onto the first level piazza, a coastal theme greets you, appropriate given that the home is located not very far from the harbor and neighboring beaches. What a wonderful, relaxing place to greet visitors and offer them a cool drink.

    Charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The Showhouse is brought to you by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League in partnership with Traditional Home and Charleston Magazine. So this relaxing spot would be a great place to peruse the latest design magazines or curl up with a good book. And when the mood strikes, you could even take a snooze on that bed swing!

    Charleston symphony design showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    On the other side of the porch was a conversation area done in peaceful coastal colors.

    Charleston symphony design showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    That embroidered jellyfish pillow was simply GORGEOUS!

    Charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Upon entering the home, I was immediately drawn to the dramatic color of the walls and the flowy fabric of the draperies juxtaposed with modern, eclectic art and light fixture. 

    Charleston designers showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    In conjunction with Charleston Fashion Week, the media event featured Dress-to-Room pairings where models were dressed to match the rooms. 

    Charleston designers showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    In each room were cards listing sources and paint colors so if you are interested in that kind of information, more than likely, I can find it for you. For example, the wall color in this room is Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain. 

    Charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    I'm seriously in love with this brass lamp and the contemporary art above it depicting headphones with donut ear pieces. Funky and fun yet sophisticated!

    Charleston  symphony designer showhouse

    Down the hall was the light filled music room featuring a grand piano.

    Charleston symphony designers showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

     The focal point on one wall was the textured chinoiserie panels created by a local artist using stencils and plaster. And look at those interesting, teal colored chairs! Southerners do love beautiful colors!

    Charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The unique hinged flower vases showcase those pretty pink ranunculus! 

    Charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    I especially loved these rivited stools used in the room with the vibrant fabric on the top. 

    Charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    You really can't tell from this photo, but the wallpaper had a pearlized sheen to it which contributed to the lightness of the room. And I simply must copy this terrarium! 

    Charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The adjoining bathroom used similar colors with a crocodile pearlescent wallpaper. What great use of color and shine to wake up what could be a stodgy, historic house! 

    Dining room in the designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Across the hall was the dining room. Here you see another model wearing a coral dress that matched the color of the interior of the built in cabinets as well as the wallpaper and other fabrics used in the room. Nothing formal here in this room but there were interesting things and combinations everywhere you looked.

     

    Murano chandelier in the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Such as this interesting and unique Murano glass chandelier! 

    Iris apfel artwork in the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Above the buffet was this Iris Apfel piece of stunning, custom made artwork. 

    Charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    And I was stunned to discover that it was created out of bottle caps! 

    Iris apfel cocktail napkins | cottage at the crossroads

    And look at these cheeky cocktail napkins!!! No detail was overlooked in this room!

    Powder room at the charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Close by was a small powder room with a large scale wallpaper that gave this space lots of color and character. The gold in the wallpaper coordinated with the aged brass fixtures and mirror.

    Powder room in the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    And the tassels on the basket add a fun and youthful touch!

    Impressionistic, round artwork at the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Are you still with me on the tour? Good because I had to show you this round, over-sized impressionistic painting that was directly across from the kitchen. Where in the world do you find such a large canvas? Talk about DRAMA! 

    Kitchen in the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The kitchen had a timeless, modern French flair. You can't see it in the photo, but the ceiling was painted Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray. 

    Kitchen in the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The accessories were French inspired, but take a look at the backsplash. I think the insets in the diamond shaped tile were mirrors. 

    Backsplash in the kitchen at the designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    What a way to bring some sparkle and shine into a room! 

    Orchid arrangement in the kitchen of the designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The orchid arrangement on the island was the crowning touch for this gorgeous kitchen!

    Man's study at the designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Across from the kitchen was the man's study which used the owner's antique desk. The fabric on the wing chair is by Thibaut.

    Gallery wall in the man's study at the designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    The gallery wall expresses the owner's interest in Charleston wildlife.

    Custom artwork in the man's study at the charleston designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    And one could get lost in this woodland painting in this room.

    Lady's study at the charleston symphony designer showhouse | cottage at the crossroads

    Adjacent to the man's study was the lady's study with this elegant damask wallpaper by Thibaut. This model was elegant as well in her Dress-to-Room pairing. 

    The designers' talent breathed new life into the first floor rooms, don't you think? Photographs just don't do it justice. I've been in quite a few designer showhouses, but this one is a MUST SEE! Below you will find ticket information. 

    I'll be back soon with the rooms on the second level of the Charleston Symphony Designer Showhouse.

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    1. Jean

      May 29, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Jane the photos are beautiful and there are so many gorgeous furnishings. What a treat. I wish I could have gone to see this house as it is french decor and my favorite as you well know. Thank you for sharing the photos with your followers. Jean

      Reply
    2. Sandy

      March 19, 2017 at 7:30 pm

      I love it when others share the beautiful home tours. I love home decor as well. Several things caught my eye...that starfish basket tray ---how cute! I love the tassel basket and the textured chinoiserie panels---those are pretty and clever.
      However, I LOVE the wildlife photography.

      Reply
    3. Janice

      March 18, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Jane! Great pictures! Loved our "tour"! My area in NYS does decorator homes biannually. A real treat to see these old mansions/estates given new life!
      Anxious to see the remainder of this old Charleston beauty!????
      Thank you!!

      Reply
    4. Stacey

      March 18, 2017 at 12:25 pm

      Wow! It's always so interesting to me when a very traditional home is decorated in a non traditional way. There's a lot to love in this house and some odd things too. I absolutely love the kitchen and that model in the lady's study is stunning! That doughnut art work....interesting. 🙂

      Reply
    5. virginia farrow jordan

      March 18, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Loved the tour as Charleston is my very favorite city and these homes are grand.

      Can't wait for part 2!

      Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    6. Denise

      March 18, 2017 at 9:26 am

      Sorry, the only room I liked is the kitchen. But what a kitchen it is! Hooweeeee, gorgeous!

      Reply
    7. Faye Griffin

      March 18, 2017 at 9:24 am

      Thanks, Jane for your amazing tour; looking forward to the second installment. You have truly captured the beauty and creativity to be found in this year's DSH. Next year I need to get you down here in the early stages of this project so you can get a feel for the "before and after." Thanks for coming; loved your being here.

      Reply
    8. Libby Wilkie

      March 18, 2017 at 9:18 am

      We're headed to Charleston on Monday...but don't know if we have time for this. I'm going on the Anson St. archcitectural tour. Let's hope we have good weather! Thanks for this, and look forward to more!

      Reply
    9. Mary Keels

      March 18, 2017 at 8:35 am

      This would be a fun day trip adventure. I love the models who matched the room styles. I've never seen that done in a design house, it's wonderful idea. So much to love in these pictures, where to start. I really liked the pearlescent crocodile wallpaper and the diamond mirrored tile in the kitchen. As a home embroiderer though I especially loved seeing all the beautiful embroidery used throughout this home. I am not scrambling to find some pretty jellyfish designs now too! Lovely show, can't wait to see more!

      Reply
      • Mary Keels

        March 18, 2017 at 8:36 am

        Oops, meant to say I am now scrambling!

        Reply
        • Jane Windham

          March 18, 2017 at 8:40 am

          Oh, yes! I knew what you meant! That jellyfish pillow is divine!

          Reply
    10. Mary

      March 18, 2017 at 7:13 am

      We just got back from Charleston after attending the Wine + Food Festival a couple of weeks ago. I would love to go back and see this gorgeous home. There was so much renovation going on we noticed and it seems like a daunting task to work on those grand old homes. Those bed swings on the porch are perfect for a Charleston and that kitchen is amazing. Thanks for the tour, looking forward to part 2!

      Reply
    11. Pat @ Life At Lydias House

      March 17, 2017 at 11:30 pm

      What a great tour Jane! I can't wait to see the rest of your pictures and I can't wait to see it in person!

      Reply

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