They embraced the architecture of the grand residence--built in 1856 but dramatically remodeled in the 1890s--and overcame its challenges. Then they welcomed 7,000 visitors for tours in March and April, raising more than $100,000 for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Check out their design innovations and get expert tips to use in your home.
FOYER
Donna Horack, ASID &
Cynthia B. Zimmerman, Allied ASID
The foyer’s architectural details alone were enough to blow a visitor away: a main staircase with prominent posts and balusters; a double-height ceiling; original hardwood floors, wainscot, and mouldings; and stained-glass windows. Interior design vets Donna Horack and Cynthia Zimmerman wanted to embrace that beauty, “placing artwork and minimal furniture that would highlight the architectural features,” they say. For example, “We had a modern console table made to fit the height of the wainscot as not to interrupt that visual line. We placed a round mirror above it to break up the room’s rectangular elements.”
Color Play: A light wall color, such as this room’s buttery “Buckram Binding” by Sherwin-Williams, allows dark woodwork to shine. Horack Patch & Associates, (843) 343-4170, horackpatch.com Zimmerman Interiors, (843) 971-6880, zimmermaninteriors.net
Resources
Mirror from Charleston Architectural Glass Studio, Inc., 1750 Signal Point Rd., Unit 7E, James Island, SC 2941X, (843) 452-0427, www.charlestonarchitecturalglass.com (opens in a new tab)
Lamps and chandelier from Circa Lighting, 426 King St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 937-5990; www.circalighting.com (opens in a new tab)
Scott Moore’s Broad Street Viewand St. Phillips Evening, both on stairwell, from Ella Richardson Gallery, 58 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-3660; www.ellarichardson.com (opens in a new tab)
Console table, three stools underneath it, and pedestal below woven canvases from Matt Decell Furniture, 1175 Machinist St., North Charleston, SC 29405; (843) 554-1100; www.mattdecell.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint (“Buckram Binding”) from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Anne Thames’s koi fish paintings and Catherine Spencer’s On a Clear Dayin hallway from Spencer Art Gallery, 55 & 57 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401(843)722-6854; www.spencerartgallery.com (opens in a new tab)
Woven canvas panels by Terri Katz Kasimov, (716) 432-8475, contact@terrikatzkasimov.com
Rug from Zinn Oriental Rug Gallery, 767 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 856-5066; www.zinnruggallery.com (opens in a new tab)
MUSIC ROOM
Donna Horack & Cynthia B. Zimmerman
“We wanted this to be an elegant place to entertain but also have proper circulation clearances, as this room leads into the kitchen,” report Horack and Zimmerman. Thus they situated the piano near the middle of the room, where it would serve as a defining focal point and wouldn’t block any of the four doors. They kept the homeowners’ armoire to lend rich, natural colors and “to fill a void on the wall without cluttering the space with more artwork or small furniture.” Minimal seating—just two simple chairs—turned the room into “more of a conversation area than a performance space.” Smart idea: The pair played up the sleekness of the piano with a mirrored console table (not shown) and a chrome pharmacy lamp.
Resources
Window treatment installation from Advanced Window Fashions, 502 Wando Park Blvd., Ste. 105, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 881-8858, www.charlestonblinds.com (opens in a new tab)
Spencer Herr’s Cavalry Trot over mirrored chest, Spence Herr’s Cowboy's & Indiansand Deerover radiator from Atelier Gallery, 153 King St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-5668; www.atelier24lexington.com (opens in a new tab)
Wire man sculpture by Chris Sim
Lamps from Circa Lighting, 426 King St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 937-5990; www.circalighting.com (opens in a new tab)
Mirrored chest from GDC Home, 1290 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407; (843) 571-5142; www.gdchome.com (opens in a new tab)
Window treatments from Genie’s Drapery Service, 1815 Old Parsonage Rd., Charleston, SC; (843) 766-1135; www.geniesdrapery.com (opens in a new tab)
Plants and their containers from Horack Patch & Associates, 1908 Marsh Oak Ln., Seabrook Island, SC 29455; (843) 343-4170; www.horackpatch.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint (“Macadamia”) from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Large area rug, small rug, and killim pillows from Zinn Oriental Rug Gallery, 767 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 856-5066; www.zinnruggallery.com (opens in a new tab)
LIVING ROOM
Mark Phelps, ASID
Inspired by “old-school design that’s stood the test of time—think Sister Parish, Billy Baldwin, and Dorothy Draper,” Charlotte-based Mark Phelps sought to bring a mix of formal and fun to this living room. “To make the large space cozier and more welcoming, I lacquered the walls a warm brown,” says Phelps, whose work has been featured in publications such as House Beautiful, Decor, and Southern Accents. “Using sheen on the walls plays with light during the day and gives a beautiful glow at night.” He even coated the Victorian mantel with lacquer, “essentially making it go away.” Challenge: Dressing the large bay window. Solution: Hanging pink silk drapery panels and a valance inside the room to frame the bay, creating an intimate seating area within. Mark Phelps Interiors, (704) 333-5010, markphelpsinteriors.com
Resources
Crystal lamps and brass floor lamp from Circa Lighting, 426 King St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 937-5990; www.circalighting.com (opens in a new tab)
Window treatments were custom made
Custom wood blinds from Fine Design, request contact information from Mark Phelps Interiors
Upholstered velvet chairs and upholstered linen chairs by Mrs. Howard, 425 Peachtree Hills Ave. Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30305; (404) 816-3830; 1001 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC, 28204; (704) 376-8900; www.phoebehoward.net (opens in a new tab)
Fine drapery and art installation by Mike Barcliff, request contact information from Mark Phelps Interiors
Antique Canton porcelain from Moore House Antiques, 150 King St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-8065; www.moorehouseantiques.com (opens in a new tab)
Glazed wall paint from Rick Kausch Decorative Painting, request contact information from Mark Phelps Interiors
Lucite coffee table from Travis and Company, 351 Peachtree Hills Ave., Ste. 128, Atlanta, GA 30305; (404) 237-5079; www.travisandcompany.com (opens in a new tab)
Paintings, English chest, French lamps, English Pembroke table, fireplace fender, campaign desk, and gilt mirror from Tucker Payne Antiques, 164 Market St. #C, Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 577-8515; www.tuckerpayneantiques.com (opens in a new tab)
Sofa slipcovers from Undercover Upholstery, 124 Botany Bay Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418; (843) 552-4206; www.undercoverelmhurst.com (opens in a new tab)
Antique Oushak rug from Zinn Oriental Rug Gallery, 767 Coleman Blvd. #4, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 856-5066; www.zinnruggallery.com (opens in a new tab)
DINING ROOM
Donna Horack & Cynthia B. Zimmerman
“We had to make sure this room didn’t come across as too dark,” say Horack and Zimmerman. “In addition to the wood floors and wainscot panelling, we had a fireplace, built-in curio cabinet, and mahogany table.” To brighten things up and draw the eye to the center of the room, they brought in Gothic-style, celadon-hued dining chairs with pale upholstery. “We also used a soft wall color (‘Whole Wheat’ by Sherwin-Williams), burlap table runner, and light blue rug, filling the étagère with colorful raku and glazed pottery by local artists.” Get creative: For a contemporary take on floral arrangements, fill a wooden trough with fresh succulents.
Resources
Window treatment installation by Advanced Window Fashions, 502 Wando Park Blvd., Ste. 105, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 881-8858, www.charlestonblinds.com (opens in a new tab)
Rug from Fine Rugs of Charleston, 1523 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, SC 29405; (843) 577-3386; www.finerugsofcharleston.com (opens in a new tab)
Window treatments from Genie’s Drapery Service, 1815 Old Parsonage Rd., Charleston, SC; (843) 766-1135; www.geniesdrapery.com (opens in a new tab)
Chandelier from Lowcountry Lighting, 1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 881-4170; www.lowcountrylightingcenter.com (opens in a new tab)
Dining table and chairs, console table, and pedestal sculpturesfrom Matt Decell Furniture, 1175 Machinist St., North Charleston, SC 29405; (843) 554-1100; www.mattdecell.com (opens in a new tab)
Raku pottery, red glass platter, and other accessories from One of a Kind Gallery, 74-A North Market St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 534-1774; www.oneofakindcharleston.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint (“Whole Wheat” on walls and “Believable Buff” on ceiling) from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Painting over mantle,Palmetto by Scott Penegarfrom Spencer Art Gallery, 55 & 57 Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-6854; www.spencerartgallery.com (opens in a new tab)
Painted canvas panels above consolefrom Terri Katz Kasimov, (716) 432-8475; contact@terrikatzkasimov.com
KITCHEN
Duval Acker, ASID, CMKBD & Dionne H. Gadsden, Allied ASID
A cker, a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer, and Gadsden, experienced in corporate design, were faced with a challenge: update a 1950s kitchen built on an old porch. “The walls needed extensive preparation before we could apply Sherwin-Williams’ ‘Honey Blush,’ which we enhanced with hand-applied clouding,” they say. Mercury Mosaics bubble tiles on the back splash repeated hues from the rug, with art and window valances carrying the palette into the dining area.
Paint tip: Over-estimate the funds and time needed to prep walls. Kitchens By Design, (843) 849-6890, www.kitchensbydesign-sc.com (opens in a new tab) Dionne H. Gadsden, dhgadsden@gmail.com
Resources
Seating from Coralberry Cottage, 976 A Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29424; (843) 884-2225; www.coralberrycottage.com (opens in a new tab)
The Other Side of the Moonby Richard Hagerty, Landscapesby Judith Cox, and Blue Periodby Lese Corrigan from Corrigan Art Gallery, 62 Queen St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-9868; www.corrigangallery.com (opens in a new tab)
Tile installation by Frankie Davis from Davis Tile, (843) 200-9152
Place setting from Eventa Bella, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 284-8001; www.eventabella.com (opens in a new tab)
Handmade rugs from Fine Rugs of Charleston, 1523 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29405; (843) 577-3386; www.finerugsofcharleston.com (opens in a new tab)
Wall treatment by Gale Ray, 14 Lindendale Ave., Charleston, SC 29407; (843) 769-0856; www.galeray.com (opens in a new tab)
Accessories and window treatments by Melissa Hunter from MW Hunter Custom Design, 1722 Ashley River Rd. #D, Charleston, SC 29407; (843) 556-4939
Custom ceramic tile by Mercury Mosaics & Tile from Palmetto Tile Distributors, 4639 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405; (843) 266-8700; www.palmettotile.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint (“Honey Blush”) from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Refrigerator from Theresa Childs at Wholesale Appliance, 1518 Ashley River Rd., SC 29407; (843) 556-0917; www.wholesaleappliancecenter.com (opens in a new tab)
Carpentry, electrical, and painting by Tom Acker, (843) 200-0596
UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
Art Institute of Charleston students with Jane Thompson Jilich, ASID
To turn an “awkwardly shaped, dimly lit cave” into a vibrant hallway, Art Institute of Charleston student members of ASID—with professional liaison Jane Jilich—took the lead from a stained-glass window on the stairwell. “The Art Nouveau pattern was saturated in blues, chartreuse, and pink, so we painted the walls an electric blue inspired by a room in the Nathaniel Russell House,” says Chase White. “We added teardrop mirrors and mixed classical furnishings with contemporary and tribal art.”
Lesson: A modern twist on an historic color is a smart way to revitalize a room. Art Institute of Charleston, (843) 727-3500, artinstitutes.edu/charleston J. Jilich Design & Associates, (843) 853-9622, jjilichdesign.com
Resources
Lighting from Circa Lighting, 426 King St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 937-5990; www.circalighting.com (opens in a new tab)
Artwork and accessories from J. Jillich Design and Associates, 112 B Bull St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 853-9622; www.jjilichdesign.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint (“Jamaica Bay” on walls) by Lord and Evans
Chest handmade by Tommy Beaver of Rockford’s Chest, McClellanville, SC, 29458; (336) 466-1885; www.rockfordchest.com (opens in a new tab)
Mirrors from William Bates III LLC
Rugs from Zinn Oriental Rug Gallery, 767 Coleman Blvd. #4, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 856-5066; www.zinnruggallery.com (opens in a new tab)
SITTING ROOM
Marian S. Chatfield, ASID
“This is a long, narrow room that feels even more so because of high ceilings,” says Marian Chatfield, who has specialized in residential design since 1989. “To make the room inviting, I needed to bring the focus to eye level.” Artwork—including Lowcountry landscapes by Vicki Gates that “give a sense of place”—did the trick, and she painted the ceiling light gray to shift attention down. A golden wall color, as well as a rug and curtains in muted tones, conjured a serene vibe. Note: “Small spaces don’t always need small furnishings. Often, a couple large pieces with beautiful lines are a better choice.” Chatfield Interiors, (843) 971-7405, chatfieldinteriors.com
Resources
Chandelier from Charleston Lamp Company, 1760 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC 29407; (843) 763-9150; www.charlestonlampcompany.com (opens in a new tab)
Artwork by Vicki Gates from Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, 1 ½ Broad St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843)722-5353; www.ellis-nicholsongallery.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Draperies and cushions fromThreadhouse, Inc., 11 Isabella St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 377-2602; www.threadhouseinc.com (opens in a new tab)
Rug from Zinn Oriental Rug Gallery, 767 Coleman Blvd. #4, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 856-5066; www.zinnruggallery.com (opens in a new tab)
MASTER BEDROOM
Cynthia B. Zimmerman, Allied ASID
Zimmerman, who’s been practicing interior design locally since 1998, wanted to play off this room’s historical architectural features—including floor-to-ceiling windows and an original fireplace—with contemporary furnishings. “I kept the homeowners’ Victorian-style bed and chest to anchor the space, then added a mirrored nightstand, chrome and crystal chandelier, and a geometric folding screen,” she says. For a cohesive design, she kept to a color scheme of whites, greys, and chartreuse. “Using a restrained palette might seem like a challenge when selecting art, but you can really spice up a room with the pieces you choose.” Good look: A floor mirror placed on top of a chest makes the most of high ceilings. Zimmerman Interiors, (843) 971-6880, zimmermaninteriors.net
Resources
Suzanne DeCuir’s Coastline and Barbara Fischer’s Have we Met?from Atelier Gallery, 153 King St., Charleston SC 29401; (843) 722-5668; www.atelier24lexington.com (opens in a new tab)
Lamps from Circa Lighting, 426 King St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 937-5990; www.circalighting.com (opens in a new tab)
Painting above nightstand and painting over mantleby Dan Haugaard, 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-2256
Leather chair and ottoman and rug from Danco Furniture, 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-2256; www.dancohome.com (opens in a new tab)
Mirror on dresser GDC Home, 1290 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407; (843) 571-5142; 695 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 849-0711; 420 Freshfields Dr., John’s Island, SC 29455, (843) 768-4246, www.gdchome.com (opens in a new tab)
Accessories from J. Jillich Design and Associates, 112 B Bull St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 853-9622; www.jjilichdesign.com (opens in a new tab)
Chandelier, sconces, and folding screen from Lowcountry Lighting, 1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 881-4170; www.lowcountrylightingcenter.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint (“Hammered Silver”) from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Accessories from Zimmerman Interiors, 1313 Woodlake Ct.,
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 971-6880; www.zimmermaninteriors.net (opens in a new tab)
NURSERY
Donna Horack, ASID
The goal in this room was “to provide an entertaining space for grandchildren and a welcoming retreat for grown-up guests,” says Horack, who’s participated in seven CSOL Designer Showhouses. A deep armchair is perfect for story time; a handmade dollhouse awaits young imaginations; and an antique cradle, accented with the same French ribbon found on the window valances, is placed at the foot of the bed. Contemporary art mixes with traditional children’s rabbit paintings for a room where all ages will feel at home. Surprise element: Horack chose silver pedestal tables for either side of the bed; their simple design ensured that they wouldn’t feel formal. Horack Patch & Associates, (843) 343-4170, horackpatch.com
Resources
Window treatment installation by Advanced Window Fashions, 502 Wando Park Blvd., Ste. 105, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 881-8858, www.charlestonblinds.com (opens in a new tab)
Art from Atelier Art Gallery, 153 King St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-5668; http://www.atelier24lexington.com/charleston-info.html (opens in a new tab)
Bedding from Aubergine Home Collection, 215 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-8100, www.auberginehome.com (opens in a new tab)
Chandelier from Carolina Lanterns, 1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 881-4170; www.carolinalanterns.com (opens in a new tab)
Lamps from Circa Lighting, 426 King St., Charleston, SC 29403; (843) 937-5990; www.circalighting.com (opens in a new tab)
Art from Donna Horack, 1908 Marsh Oak Ln., Seabrook Island, SC 29455, (843) 343-4170, www.horackpatch.com (opens in a new tab)
Rug from Fine Rugs of Charleston, 1523 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, SC 29405; (843) 577-3386; www.finerugsofcharleston.com (opens in a new tab)
Window treatments from Genie’s Drapery Service, 1815 Old Parsonage Rd., Charleston, SC; (843) 766-1135; www.geniesdrapery.com (opens in a new tab)
Paint work Harry Curtis, (843) 343-8016
Paint (SW6427/“Sprout” on walls, SW7100/“Arcade White” on trim, and SW6210/“Window Pane” on ceiling) from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
End table, chest, and chair from Stuckey Brothers Furniture, 1113 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-2650; www.stuckeybrothers.com (opens in a new tab)
Electrical work by Transelectric, (843) 345-6913
GUEST ROOM
Kathy Evans, Allied ASID & Lydia Gieczys, Allied ASID
A 19th century-inspired, linen-padded headboard and a slip-covered bergère chair set the stage for the relaxed guest room that Evans and Gieczys—who have a combined 21 years of experience at Ethan Allen—conceptualized. After painting the walls Sherwin-Williams’ “Sullivan’s Island,” they flanked the bed with an antiqued mirrored night table and a petite French desk, creating an eclectic feel in keeping with their credo: “Mixing furniture styles and finishes is key to the success of any room, because it lends a collected look.” Remember: Your ultimate goal is the total picture—don’t agonize over every detail. Ethan Allen, (843) 971-4338,ethanallen.com
Resources
All furnishings from Ethan Allen, 1905 Hwy. 17N, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 971-4338; www.ethanallen.com (opens in a new tab)
“Sullivan’s Island”/DCL019 paint from Sherwin-Williams, 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 884-0440; www.sherwinwilliams.com (opens in a new tab)
Room painting by Ralph Dandridge from Steady Hands Painting, 1899 Pierce St., Charleston, SC 29492; (843) 906-4092
POWDER ROOM
Donna Coudes, Allied ASID
“In this tiny room, which appeared too tall for its width and depth, ‘beauty’ depended on what I could find to distract the eye,” says Coudes, who brought 25 years of interior design experience to the task. “To improve the sense of proportion, I wanted to create a ‘line’ at least 18 inches from the ceiling. Two tall paintings appropriate to the 19th-century space would be perfect.” She commissioned the works from local Becca Barnet. A swag of antique satin on the sink hid its plumbing, while a dramatic antique mirror and an American silver pitcher filled with sunflowers rounded out the room’s historically inspired elegance. Try this: Give a family memento, such as treasured silver or china, center stage in a powder room. Interiors by Donna Coudes, (828) 775-4399,interiorsbydonna.com
Resources
Paintings by Becca Barnet, www.beccabar.net (opens in a new tab)
Antique mirror from David Skinner Antiques, 177 King St., Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 853-3104; www.davidskinnerantiques.com (opens in a new tab)
Antique pitcher from Geo. C. Birlant’s and Co. Antiques, 191 King St.,
Charleston, SC 29401; (843) 722-3842; www.birlant.com (opens in a new tab)
PIAZZA
Jesse Phipps, Allied ASID
A piazza is an ideal spot to take design risks, says Jesse Phipps, who works with Ink Interiors architect and owner Anita King on residential and commercial projects. “Since it’s a secondary space, you can experiment with schemes you’d shy away from inside.” For her part, Phipps had fun with floral, stripe, and ikat fabrics in vibrant hues while dividing the piazza into three sections: a dining area with two seats and a small table, a chaise lounge for reading, and a sofa and rocking chairs for group entertainment. A copper mirror and three metal fish from Palmetto Moon Antiques went on the wall, joining container plants to create a sense of lived-in comfort. Hint: Dividing a long, narrow space into three smaller areas can make it more cozy. Ink Interiors, (843) 882-7810, inkarchitecturellc.com
Resources
Green planters from GDC Home, 1290 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407; (843) 571-5142; 695 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 849-0711; 420 Freshfields Dr., John’s Island, SC 29455, (843) 768-4246, www.gdchome.com (opens in a new tab)
Plants from Hyam’s Garden Center, 870 Folly Rd., Charleston, SC 29412; (843) 795-4570; www.hyamsgardencenter.com (opens in a new tab)
Copper mirror and metal fish cut outs from Palmetto Moon Antiques,