Room For Change Decor: October 2012

TREASURE HUNTING IN CHARLESTON

All of you who love the excitement and joy that comes with finding buried treasure follow me!

I was focused on all aspects of the Charleston history. From the local foods, to historical homes, gardens but, I could not pass up a day to go treasure hunting.

I do this at home but it is even more fun when you have a whole new resource of history and discovery in a town or country far away!

My day out in Charleston with a local guide was full of surprises. What added to my joy is she stopped at a local framing shop and asked me to help her choose a mat and frame for a piece of art. Yes, I can do that!!

Then we visited a range of venues that spanned all price points and with Laura guiding us was able to hear her stories that made a piece or find that more interesting.

One such find was a book, Mellowed by Time, by Elizabeth O'Neill Verner, a distinguished American who has been noted for her etchings. Permanent collections of her work may be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and many other well known American Institutions. I now have it sitting amongst my treasures as a reminder that our guide, Laura, a lifelong Charlestonian borrowed quotes of this author in her passionate displays of poetic history over lunch!

Another exciting moment was when we both reached for the same lamp but to discover that there were more in the "back room"!! We laughed at such "luck" and serendipity. Needless to say I now have a new addition to my living room. Getting it on the plane - awkward - seeing it in my home - joy! Say no more!

I loved our day treasure hunting and if you are lost for adventure.....put on some comfortable clothes, take a tote bag, and visit your local thrift shops to see what treasures you can find. It can be less than the price of a trip to the theatre.

Tap into your design or creative side and see what you can come up with.

This was inscribed inside the cover

Not Sterling Silver but a rich design never the less - I did not hesitate.

Sweet and I loved the detail!

Have you guessed what this is yet? It is a lamp Finial!

Yes this is me (on the left) and our guide Laura (in red). Crazy fun!

INTERIORS STEEPED IN TRADITION AND STYLE

You cannot mistake the steeped Traditional style inside the historical Georgian Homes of Charleston, South Carolina. Signs that tradition runs deep and style is secure shows in their symmetrical mantel placements, the Silver Tea Service on the buffet, the Chintz fabrics covering the windows. Inside and out, these beautifully preserved historical homes have much in common such as the grand curved stairs and banisters, beautiful original tile inlays and classic marble flooring.

This was all candy to my eyes. I loved discovering the beautifully rich details that in the decorating and design world are referred to as classic. The hardwood, marble and architectural detailing such as ceiling medalions above the chandeliers and the classical egg and dart design used in the molding details were all brought from Europe by the wealthy merchants when they landed on the eastern seaboard of the "old south".

Today, all design and decor influences from Europe that gives our homes a sense of timelessness comes from style that has lasted the test of time.

Below are a few photos that I captured that transcended traditional detailing into art and one of a kind.

Because I love decor details and love to add these elements of surprise to the rooms I put together for my clients, I believe it always adds a unique feeling that can bring a personal story to life!

Here's to Happy decorating and finding your own sense of style.

Do not feel stuck, call me if you require advise, or help in pulling together your own spaces.
You can reach me at ROOM FOR CHANGE DECOR INC. 780 469-2718.

Sterling Silver is a sign of wealth and still sits proudly as it is passed from one generation to the next

Magnolia Leaves from the indigineous trees

This piece was handmade in Charleston and handed down through three generations

I love the colours of the bird feathers

The hall passage was used as a library

It is said that the thirteen panes represent the original thirteen colonies

Adding a sentimental object from your families history bring life to a room


Symmetry is very indicative to Traditional Style

Wood inlay in the basket weave pattern - Wentworth Mansion

original tile entrance pattern - Wentworth Mansion

Georgian Style architecture with added veranda's facing the river to catch the breeze

Look for my latest space I helped transform in my next blog post...........

FIREFLY TEA, FROGMORE STEW AND FALSE DOORS

Can you guess where I have just returned from my latest adventure by reading the title of this post? If you have guessed CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, then you, too, may have ventured down the United States eastern seaboard into Confederate history. You might have stayed in a historical Antebellum home, sipped firefly tea with bourbon from a sterling silver goblet, walked under a 400 year old Live Oak Tree dripping with Spanish Moss, and that Bacon drippings and Pork Belly are a vital ingredient to many regional dishes!

What I love about travel is finding how a regional culture and tradition evolves. We know it comes on the backs of explorers, settlers and combined flavors of many other cultures, and especially defines our North American history. Travel changes us, it expanses our thoughts and mellows our thinking and evaporates our assumptions. It speaks to my poetic heart and always reminds me how I enjoy learning through my visual sensitivities. I am connected to the people's history from whom I am hearing the stories.

I love the words "lets go and explore".

Here are some snaps with my iphone that represents a small glimpse of what was happening around me.

In my next blog post I will share what I found in my ANTIQUING UNTIL YOU DROP DAY with a local Charlestonian who led me and my girlfriend on a antique treasure hunt day!

I hope this inspires you to explore. I always come away richer, in mind and spirit!