Early morning sitting in the kitchen bundled up in a blanket, with the heater on. I can’t be the only woman here, who tends to put the heater on too high a time or two. Then again maybe it’s just a husband trait to never let us forget, we’ve turned the dial up to 80 degrees!
Read moreFall Gathering Inspiration
The best part of hosting Thanksgiving for myself and my decorating enthusiasts alike, is deciding how you will set the table. What color scheme should you choose, and which pieces will accent everything beautifully. I’ve gathered my top inspirational finds below, I hope you find this helpful and inspires you to create something magical of your own!
Photo Cred: Cooking Light
I am loving the warm tones by using fruit as decor from the oranges, persimmon, pomegranates and apples each color reminds me of a floral bouquet. What a fun bountiful arrangement this could be to your thanksgiving table, to make it feel more elegant add candlesticks for ambiance.
Photo Cred: Martha Stewart
Harvest colors in full effect, with pale-pink and white dahlias with accents of golden hues. This bright and colorful arrangement works well with any traditional thanksgiving place setting.
Photo Cred: Martha Stewart
What is a thanksgiving table without pumpkins? Find apples and pears at your local grocery store to blend and mix throughout your home. The simplicity of the white anemone windflowers makes this scene feel light and airy.
Photo Cred: Randi Garrett Design
Gold is center stage in this formal setting mixed perfectly with colored mossy pale-green pumpkins. The hydrangeas of multiple colors compliment the china quite beautifully. The muted neutrals in this dining room allows the flowers and accessories to be the bold element.
Photo Cred: Julie Blazer
If you’re anything like me by this time of year you’re trying to push the boundaries of mixing Thanksgiving and Christmas into one, without it being too noticeable. This earthy option has the colors of fall mixed with the edgy pine-cones and gold accents to warm up the arrangement. This un-traditional option will definitely get noticed by your family and friends.
Photo Cred: Martha Stewart
A contemporary take on florals, this arrangement reminds me of an overgrown garden in the backyard of a beautiful cottage. The centerpiece speaks for itself without any pumpkins or fruits necessary!
If you’re one of the lucky ones and can pick flowers from your garden, do so! Why not? In order to make a beautiful centerpiece you don’t have to spend a lot of money find what you already have in your home and make it your own!
How do you decorate your table this time of year? I would love to hear your thoughts and any fun ideas below!
XOXO | Stephanie
Summer is here
Summertime to me is all about bright colors and the warm sunshine. The interiors switch from heavy textiles to light throws for the furniture. It’s all about bringing the indoors out and enjoying the time in the sun. Of course it doesn’t hurt to get a little tan during all these either. I hope you enjoy my collection of summer fun below.
Photography credits in order of appearance: The Beverly Hills Hotel, Amanda Mercado A Glam Lifestyle, Jacquetta Wheeler Moroccan Villa on AD, Monika Hibbs, Jennifer from FleamarketFab on Glitter Guide, Glitter Guide showcases Simona Wohlner's home that La designer Layne Kula designed.
Out & About - Healdsburg, CA
The weekend is a time to unwind and to explore places unknown, new experiences and sites you’ve never known before. Sonoma County was top on our list last weekend. The area is notorious for wine and vineyards as they go hand in hand. Sonoma neighbors with Napa Valley so you can imagine this is the place to be for great wine tasting. Sadly, we didn’t taste any wine on our trip. We enjoyed walking the downtown area of Healdsburg, slowing down and taking in all the sites.
Bar Bravas, was a lovely restaurant we saw in the middle of town – wish we weren’t full from our picnic lunch. Once a single family home, they converted the structure into a restaurant. The front patio had bistro style table and chairs with orange accents throughout the front garden. The place seemed like a great spot to have coffee and or a quick bite with a friend. As we continued past, we noticed the once driveway now led you down a fun and inviting journey. I mean could you have walked past this and not wandered back there in curiosity? If we find ourselves back in town we will definitely be sure to stop here for a bite and request to sit in the backyard, so peaceful and serene.
The antique shop was my favorite. I love items that have history to them and being able to repurpose and reuse an item brings it back to life. The possibilities in this shop were amazing, although at times I felt very overwhelmed as if I had missed something unique!
I wonder what amazing places we will discover this weekend?
Summer Round Up: Favorite Trends
The next few months are going to be full of all things fall and pumpkins, so I wanted to pay a homage to summertime. I am going to cover a few of my favorite trends from the season and how you can incorporate them into your home.
Bright hues of decorative pom-poms & tassels were all the craze this summer. The neutrals of the straw bags are perfect against the colorful yarns. Poms have also made their way into home decor seen on throw blankets and playful accessories. Please check out this fun article from Apartment Therapy on "Trend Report: The "It" Decor Item We're Seeing Everywhere" showcasing all the ways you can incorporate pom-poms in your daily life.
I've noticed wooden beaded necklaces have become more popular as decoration around the home than a piece of jewelry. I absolutely love these and I want to make some for myself after reading the article linked below written by Melissa from Brown Dog Vintage.
Check out this great how to $8 DIY Wooden Bead Garland
Wicker furniture is making a come back! My bohemian vibes are in full force when I come across beautiful pieces like this. As a young girl, I can remember my bubble gum pink wicker-rattan headboard, much like the pieces World Market offers on there website.
Apartment Therapy wrote an informative article on The History of Wicker Furniture.
"Wicker is the term for the product of weaving any number of natural materials, including rattan, cane, willow and raffia, among other plant fibers." - by Anna Hoffman via Apartment Therapy.
Share below your top Summer Trends from the past few months!
Bye Bye Summer Hello Fall! Xo Stephanie
Design in Charleston
Who doesn't love coffee table books?! Said Nobody EVER!
My passion for design never stops even on vacation. To my surprise along our journey down king street in Charleston, SC we noticed Mitchell Hill it looked like a store we couldn't pass up.
Abstract & Geometric forms are all the craze right now.
Patterns & Colors around every corner.
Transforming traditional chair forms & re-upholstering the piece with high contrast textiles. The pillows are also beautifully showcased with one larger square pillow and a small lumbar support. When deciding on throw pillows for your space, one must first know there color scheme. Pillows are always best when the scale of the pattern is different than the one next to it. Mixing with colors & texture brings an added interest to the seating arrangement.
Remember those tips next time you find yourself staring down the pillow wall. Questioning yourself on if you need another pillow or not?! We all do it!
What is your craziest must have when you find yourself in a home store? I have to pull myself away from the coffee table books & throws. I believe you need a different throw for every season! It's almost time to get the fluffy fur blankets out, yay to Autumn near.
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Castle on Craven
Known as "The Castle" in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Photographed shot by Stephanie (author) on vacation in Beaufort.
During our vacation in the low country one of our stops was in Beaufort, South Carolina. One day we decided to take the car for a drive and see what we could find. We discovered many beautiful 19th century homes but one in particular stood out from all the others. This house has earned the nickname "The Castle" due to the nearby river flowing alongside the property resembling a moat. One can only gawk and imagine what the interiors must look like in this twenty-three room mansion and the amazing views held from each of the seventy-nine windows.
Well, we are in luck. Veranada Magazine got the story and captured an array of beautiful shots inside the getaway home of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke.
Main entry & staircase
Photo captured by Veranda Magazine
Antique Cane Sofa & Chandelier.
Photo captured by Veranda Magazine
Elizabeth Locke, on the porch of her vacation home
Photo captured by Veranda Magazine
Large window opens out onto the front porch
Photo captured by Veranda Magazine
Aiken-Rhett House
Once operating as the main entrance of the home now resides two symmetrical parlors divided between two pocket doors. The character and details of the house are popularly known as Greek Revival.
The Aiken-Rhett House is a beautiful time capsule built in 1820. The tour takes you back into time seeing what it was like living in Charleston, South Carolina during the era. The home was passed down through several individuals who created what we see today. The wealthy merchant, John Robinson, purchased the land and built the original house. Governor William Aiken purchased the house; therefore, passing it down to his son William Aiken Jr. After William Jr.'s death the house went to his daughter Harriet Lowndes Aiken and his son-in-law Major A.B. Rhett. They went on to raise their children in the house and made renovations to the property that are visible today.
The house is now owned by the Historical Charleston Foundation and located at 48 Elizabeth Street. They’ve adopted a conservation approach holding true to the style and original state of the house. They seek to preserve and protect the building and artifacts of historical significance.
Circular plaster centerpiece located in the two symmetrical drawing rooms. From the center moving outwards with 12 radiating acanthus leaves enclosed within a plain band centered by a beaded trim. The ornate outer trim with rosettes encloses the medallion from which is suspended a glass French chandelier.
Stair Hall
Main central stair hall leading to all three floors. This room is rectangular with a wooden staircase and two octagonal-and-turned balusters to each tread.
The furniture and decor in the house are original to the families who lived there. It is clear that time has left its mark. There is still something so beautiful about the scroll work and "C" - curves that go into this floor mirror spanning the second floor hallway as shown above.
View looking up to the third story ceiling, a plaster cornice, and centerpiece consisting of 12 radiating acanthus leaves surrounded by a greek key fret band.
Verandah's of the Aiken-Rhett
Buildings in the south have two and three story porches, known as piazzas, that are strategically designed to take full advantage of the local winds. The porches also come in handy as a covering when the afternoon rain showers begin.
The columns of the porch are doric in character with turned baluster railings. The single hung windows transform into doorways that allow you to walk onto the verandahs. These windows are advantageously placed to allow for a cross breeze through the house and are extremely common in the South.
Historic Details
All of the colored photographs pictured above were taken by me on our tour of the Aiken Rhett. The information I gathered was from an audio tour and, much to my surprise, the amazing documents compiled after 1933 by the Historic American Buildings Survey. I found the information through the Library of Congress.
The black & white photographs appear to be taken between 1977 - 79.
I cannot pinpoint the era in which the drawings were created but to my understanding it appears to be after William Aiken junior died and passed the home down to his daughter & son-in-law. The drawings show changes to the structure by transforming the size of the two drawing rooms and moving the main entrance to the side of Elizabeth street.
Front elevation, drawing
Front elevation
Main entrance after the renovations
West elevation, drawing
First floor southwest room, also known as the two symmetrical drawing rooms.
Check out my other post about The Charleston Foundations additional property, The Nathaniel Russell House.
Please let me know what you thought about this post? All feedback is always welcome & helpful.
Eats & Drinks in Charleston
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The building dates back to the 1800s each dish is styled and displayed beautifully. The cocktails are something to try. Live music into the evening hour.
The locals informed us we should make our way down King Street just passed Calhoun where the shops end and great eats & drinks begin.
The rooftop offered covered bar seating and a lounge area. The breeze on the roof was heavenly amongst the southern heat. Stop by for a quick drink or watch the sunset at this hidden rooftop bar in Charleston.
Savannah Bee Company
King Street is the place to shop in Charleston, during our afternoon stroll we found a lovely honey store. Anything honey we are usually all over it and to my surprise they had a mead tasting room. Mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water sometimes added fruits, grains and hops. We purchased the local honey and whipped honey.
270 King St
Charleston, SC 29401
Husk
"The kitchen reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in Charleston." - Husk
We added our name on the 2 hour waitlist for the evening. It sounds crazy but we didn't waste anytime as we continued to explore Charleston along Bay Street. The wait flew by and to our surprise we got a table on the second story balcony overlooking the magnolia tree.
Magnolias Uptown Down South
“Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with modern flair for artful presentations.” - Magnolias
Starter: Down South Egg Roll Collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, peach chutney
Fried Mac & Cheese Bacon jam, hot pepper relish
Entrees: Parmesan Crusted Market Catch creek shrimp & jasmine rice pirloo, warm asparagus, sweet corn & tomato salad, citrus beurre blanc
Spicy Shrimp & Sausage tasso gravy, creamy white grits
Poogan's Porch
“TUCKED AWAY on charming Queen Street, Poogan’s Porch is one of Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishments, with a fresh approach to Low country cuisine.” - Poogan’s Porch
Starter: Ribs & Pickles Poogan’s Signature BBQ, Garlic Pickles
Mac & Cheese Country Ham, Aged Smoked Gouda, Ham Dust, Green Onions
Entrees: Shrimp & Grits Andouille Sausage, Sweet Onions, Bell Peppers, Tasso Ham Gravy
Crispy Snapper Pimiento Cheese & Tasso Ham Grit Cake, Pulled Pork, Local Radish, Wilted Watercress, NC BBQ Reduction
The Macintosh
The restaurants menu is inspired by the low country and southern flare. Ingredients are sourced locally with a menu that changes daily.
Cocktail: Sister Basil Vodka, Yellow Chartreuse, Strawberry, Basil, Balsamic, Black Pepper
Starter: Sautéed Scallops Mixed with watermelon and Jalapeño dressing
Peach Salad grilled peaches, blackberries, granola on a bed of arugula with sweet dressing.
Entree: Confit Pork Shoulder Corn, Spinach, Sorghum, Peppers
Sides: Pecorino Truffle Frites
We shared the entree & side of fries for our meal, it was perfect*
Cocktail: Roots, Rock, Rum Punch Spiced Rum, Silver Rum, Absinthe, Grapefruit, Lime, Basil
Starter: Focaccia Bread
Entrees: Double Cheeseburger* Bacon, Mornay, Aioli, Pickle, Fries
Lamb Shoulder* Creamed Sweet Corn, Nduja, Okra, Basil
Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
We spotted this gem walking home from dinner as we noticed a sign "rooftop open". We're from San Francisco and never pass up a rooftop opportunity. Through the reclaimed Appalachian Walnut wainscoting, passed the leather lined high curved booths and up a flight of stairs lie a rooftop for the stars.
Cocktail: Nectar of The Stars Peach and clementine vodka, fresh orange juice
Cocktail: Dont Call Me Sweetheart Rum, Brandy, Strawberry, House Rhubarb Shrub, Mint, Black Pepper, Lemon
Starter: Kentuckyaki Glazed Crispy Pig’s Ear Lettuce Wraps, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad, Togarashi
Broadbent Country Ham, Buttermilk Biscuits, Dijonnaise, House Made Pickles
Entrees: Atlantic Snapper, Carolina Gold Rice, Summer Squash and Zucchini, Roasted Fennel, Sweet Peas, Vadouvan Broth
Carolina Heritage Pork, White Acre Peas and Sea Island Red Peas, Summer Peppers, Jowl Bacon, Spinach, Smoked Tomato
Dessert: Peach Profiterole Peach Sherbet, Honey Mascarpone, Blueberry
Funnel Cake Summer Berries, Whipped Cream
We hit this spot right around lunch time, perfect place for a good bite & some time to cool down.
Cocktail: Peach Tea Punch
**loved this restaurant, definitely atop destination in Charleston.
Cocktail: Sangria
When on Vacation - One deserves a drink :)
The food in Charleston was a wonderful selection of local, farm-to-table and southern style that we were looking to find. We are inspired to try a new restaurants in San Francisco each month when we get back home.
If you find yourself hungry in Charleston stop by one of these places. You won’t regret it.
Please leave comments or questions below I would love to hear what you think.
Have you been to Charleston before? Tell me about your experience and what places you went to eat? Thank you.
Nathaniel Russell House
The Nathaniel Russell House is a historic house at 51 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina. I am breaking down our destinations as we adventure through the low country.
Nathaniel Russel House - Charleston, South Carolina. The rectangular house has a symmetrical facade. The second floor windows are ornamented with white marble lintels recessed below roman inspired arches.
Gardens leading to the visitors center
Front of house
I am absolutely in love with the gardens in the low country. The climate is humid and tropical, resembling a hothouse. It rains almost every afternoon so I doubt many people have to think about watering their plants. I live in California and envy this flourishing horticultural climate.
The most important architectural feature in the home is the warm yellow ochre staircase hall that spans three stories. The spiral staircase is a canteliver design (the step above supports the step below). This was all accomplished by the use of wooden pegs, not a single nail or screw was used during construction. The center features a troupe-l'oeil painting, an artistic illusion to trick the eye into believing the design is 3d.
Elipitial medallion to meet the second story
The shutters and pine plank flooring is original to the house. To prevent the furniture from being further damaged by the sunlight, the shutters are closed during specific times of the day.
Adjacent to the spiral staircase sits the oval dining room. The walls are covered in turquoise wallpaper applied square by square and painted after application. Interesting fact about life in the south: they begin the day with breakfast; as much of us do, although they eat an early supper around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Later in the evening around 5 or 6 leftovers/cold-cuts are served or available if people are still hungry, followed shortly by dessert.
The oval drawing room is located on the second floor right above the dining room. This is where the women would retire to after dinner, separating themselves from the men. The brightly colored and ornate rug is reflected through the entire room with its apricot walls and detailed crown molding.
This room is similar to what we refer to as the master bedroom. The walls were hand painted with a special brush to replicate how it would have looked in the 18th century. The furniture in the home is not directly related to the Russell family, but pieces from the time period that they resided in the home. The Nathaniel Russell House is definitely a site to visit if you find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina. The surrounding area and neighborhood of this site allows for an incredible opportunity to walk around and enjoy the beautiful homes. The sister property to this house is the Aiken-Rhett House. I will share more about the Aiken-Rhett in later post.
Georgian style four poster bed with upholstery hangings for ornate and warmth purposes.
Have you had the pleasure to visit Charleston, SC? If so what was your favorite thing about the historic downtown district?
Please share comments below if you enjoyed the following post. Thank you.