Architectural Antiques and Design is a new/old shop in Charleston. Formerly known as Architectural Antiques Warehouse...or the as I liked to call it, the shop I could never find (I would drive by at least three times, each time, before I found the shopping center). I am sad to say that the previous owner, Terry, passed away unexpectedly on the day of her 60th birthday party. While coping with her death, Terry's family had hired someone to sell the contents of the shop in an estate sale. But good friends, Brad and Jeff, couldn't let that happen! Despite the tough economy, they wrestled up the funds to buy the shop in its entirety and maintain the legacy that their dear friend Terry started.
If you have ever been in there you know it is a haven of fabulous finds but you gotta hunt for them! Which is something I love to do but I imagine the layers of dirt and grim, the aroma of cat urine and the falling ceiling probably deterred many folks! After making the necessary structural repairs, the new owners vow to maintain some of the old shop's charm while also incorporating their own flair. Using skills from their previous careers with shelter magazines, staging and interior design, Brad and Jeff hope to make the front of the shop more retail friendly with some creative merchandising and one-of-a-kind pieces. They will be re-purposing many of the shop's architectural objects into functional items like lamps, tables, art, etc.
They have a lot of work in store for them (get it, in store!) but they are making a dent!
This is some of the "hunting" I was referring to...
This backyard full of iron pieces, Turkish jars, cement statues, etc. will stay as is.
These guys are super nice so I encourage you to stop by and chat them up!
1011 St. Andrews Boulevard (Highway 61) Charleston, SC 29407 Next to the Hokus Pokus (look out for this sign)
The thing people comment most on when they come into my shop is the barn door. They want to know what color it is painted, where I got the track, who made it, is it heavy, etc., etc. So here goes...
This is the cooler door from Belva's (my shop use to be Belva's Flower Shop). As the story goes, the husband (Mr. Belva) was out on the road for his sales job and called Belva to tell her he had bought the cooler door (which was quite expensive) but before he could tell her she expressed her doubts about opening up a flower shop. He said "Too late honey, I already bought the cooler door!" So when I was upfitting the shop I wanted to repurpose this awesome old door. I designed a barn door track in the center of the shop but turns out the old cooler door wouldn't work...it was too small and too heavy.
So Old Village Restoration built one for me. The barn door track is galvanized and came from Royall Ace Hardware. Shop local! (And by local I really do mean it...they are next door!)
Here is a photo from an event I had at the shop. The color of the door is Benjamin Moore's Peacock Blue.
I noticed that when the barn door is closed there was a large white space so I had my super talented friend, Sara Beauchene of Reclaimed Artistry, paint the definition of "eclectic" on the wall. I had to add the phonetics do it in part to the fact that I have to correct people on the pronounciation of Eclectic about ten times a day! Yes, I am a smart alleck like that.
Saw Wallace and Gromit's new feature-length film, The Curse of the Wererabbit, last night. Seeing it was a foregone conclusion ever since I walked into the mall and saw a fullsize colour poster advertising the movie. I've been a fan of theirs since my wonderful British friends introduced me to the shorts several years ago.
I won't reiterate a plot overview since you can find that anywhere, just give a few thoughts:
Overall the movie was excellent. Just as gloriously wacky, absurd, convoluted and innocent as you'd come to expect from W&G. The characters are eccentric, the plot zany, the allusions subtle and hilarious. The ending, of course, is satisfactory and W&G, good old pals, can return home in peace, another tragedy having been averted.
The humor is brilliant. Without going into details, it is loaded with enough innuendo, visual puns, slapstick, and hilarity for six films. You will be kept laughing throughout. Some of it is subtle enough not to be caught by any but the most observant, and I think bits of it were lost on at least the audience I was watching it with (e.g. when the villain of the piece says, "The buck stops here", I don't know if anyone but myself realized it was a pun on the term for a male rabbit). However there is enough obvious humor for even children to enjoy this film.
What were the differences, if any, between the movie and the short films? Well, I think the movie is rather self-consciously "big screen", although not detrimentally so. I think the creators stepped things up to fit into feature-film mode without selling out the charm and character we have come to love in W&G. It has a different quality to the shorts, as could be expected. You needn't have seen the shorts to enjoy the film, though it does help.
The action is a lot faster and more elaborate. The shorts have a gentle, almost dream-like quality, even in action scenarios. W&G seem to inhabit their own quiet and slightly zany little world alone. In fact, I think the only other human character who appears in the shorts is the female owner of the wool shop in "A Close Shave". Dog and man act out their surrealistic adventures solo except for a few assorted other animal characters. Usually the only voice is Wallace's. Street scenes are always conspicuously empty.
By contrast this film is full of the town characters, and characters they are. It's Wallace and Gromit Go Public. It adds an interesting and indispensable dimension to the movie, although I hope W&G's private world does not get lost. It seems to me to be a much-too valuable element of the shorter films.
W&G's characters do not seem to have been altered a bit, which is a relief. Wallace is still ineffectual, naive, and cheeseloving (sort of--you'll see); and Gromit is still sharp-witted, silent and heroic. W&G fans will not be disappointed.
The only slight beef I have with it--and slight though it is I wish the creators could have seen fit to dispense with this seemingly ubiquitous feature of modern films--was the gentle but obvious bits of sexual innuendo. No, I am not a prude. Yes, I have definitely seen far worse, even in kids' movies. However, it is just such an unnecessary intrusion into the film and it could have been done without. The W&G shorts have a rare and beautiful quality of innocence nearly unseen these days, and it was a shame for the film to lose that even slightly. It seems nobody is class enough to be able to enjoy a movie without at least a touch of the sexual, and that W&G creators were banking on this. For me, it was the only disappointment that marred an otherwise brilliant movie.
I have a habit of storing plastic bags, and, when I go to the supermarket to do my shopping, taking them along with me. This is to prevent myself receiving fifty gazillion more each and every time I shop which will carry my groceries for perhaps ten minutes between the store and my house and then go into a landfill somewhere to do their bit to clog up the biosphere for ten million years (do plastic bags ever break down?). This way, the idea goes, I will be doing my bit to save the environment and put a tiny finger in the very leaky dam that stands in the way of the flood of thousands and millions and trillions of plastic bags leaving supermarkets every day. Every day. Think of it. Think of how many they give you, then multiply that by how many people shop at your supermarket, and contemplate the staggering amount of plastic bag wastage that goes on at one supermarket alone. Then multiply that by all the stores in the world and, well—it's frightening.
I severely miss the supermarket I shopped at in Toronto, which charged you 5 cents per plastic bag. The bags were capacious and sturdy and if you had forgotten to bring some of your own, it was worthwhile buying a few because they could be stored up at home for the next trip or used as dandy garbage bags. Failing that, there was a helpful stash of empty cardboard boxes that produce and the like came in to be had for the taking, if you were driving or had the African habit of carrying things on your head. This served very nicely to keep to an absolute minimum the number of plastic bags leaving the store, and to encourage everyone to bring their own and to stuff them as fully as possible. It was a brilliant system. And since most of the people who shopped there were recent immigrants from India, Africa, the Middle East, China and the Caribbean, who knew about economy and whose cash flow was generally not overwhelming, people followed it scrupulously.
But, sadly, there is no supermarket like it, that I know of, in this area.
And so, at the checkout registers of the supermarkets, plastic bags flow as freely as water. Buying a pack of gum? Put it in a plastic bag. Bread? Has to go by itself in another plastic bag. Cans? Three of 'em will be put into a double-bagger. By the time it's over, fifty dollars' worth of groceries has procured you fifty bags to boot.
Most people are quite happy with this system. They stroll with their trollies stuffed full of bags to the car and take them home where presumably they keep some of them for cat litter and garbage bags and, I don't know, throw out the rest? I can't imagine one household creating a demand for that many plastic bags in one week, ever.
Cashiers and bag boys like giving you plastic bags. It is what they are used to. Your purchases can be swiftly and easily deposited into bags using the neat little hanging system they have by their counter and hoisted into your trolley for takeaway. They know by heart what things should go into what bags and how many things to put in each bag and what to double-bag and what needs to go by itself. They like their little system. It is safe, predictable, easy, quick, and they can do it without thinking. I don't blame them. It's their job.
And then along come I to put a monkey wrench into the works.
Because I politely request that they use the plastic bags that I've brought. Or if it's just one or two items I just say, "I don't need a bag, thanks." Most of the time they are in the midst of swift and automatic movement to deposit my purchases into a bag. And they have to stop, and re-calculate. And look at me as if either I've grown three heads and announced that I'll be commuting home in my spaceship, or as if they've had to take their brains out of park to deal with me and they are not very happy with the disruption to their routine.
Most of the time, they will politely comply. However, this is with varying degrees of success. Often, the bag boys don't realize that the giant canvas bag I carry my bags in is actually a BAG, and thus capable of stowing groceries in. So once I had a kind but befuddled bag boy give me new plastic bags in lieu of using the canvas one, which he folded neatly and returned to me. Once I told a cashier I didn't need the bag she'd put my purchase in, only for her to turn around and throw it out (I suppose it was unusable after holding a fleece jacket for all of three seconds).
Last time I went shopping, the cashier, who hadn't heard my request, swiftly stuffed the few remaining items the bag boy hadn't yet gotten to into three new plastic bags. Then, the bag boy, now having two of my original bags left over, kindly put them into ANOTHER plastic bag for me to take home! I was staggered. I don't know what kept me from saying anything because it lurched forward out of my protesting brain and then somehow got stopped at my tongue. I suppose it's fear of making a public scene, or being perceived as peculiar and idiosyncratic, or of annoying someone who is doing you a service by requesting them to do it in the manner you actually desire. Whatever it was, I didn't say anything, but I carefully and vengefully left those three or four extra bags in the trolley when I returned it. I don't know what happened to them. Probably they just got thrown out. But at least it wasn't me who did it.
As you all know... I LOVE COTTAGE STYLE! There are so many ways to achieve this charming, vintage look. My Gramma is my inspiration. No matter where she lived her home was a haven...a place of love and a gentle sweetness. She was not a woman of means but her home was always enchanting...a little piece of heaven!
This charming shelf has been in my home for over twenty years. It was originally brown, then red and now creamy white. My Gramma crocheted the beautiful white lace. She lovingly stitched it to my wedding pillowcases many years ago. After the pillowcases wore thin I carefully removed the lace and saved her lovely handiwork. Nearly all the items...dishes, cups, the candlestand, creamers and sugar bowl were thrifted. The only things I purchased new were the three candles and the "Cottage" sign.
Crocheted cotton lace made by my Gramma. Hasn't it made a perfect edging on this pretty white shelf?
This darling cream and sugar is one of my favorite thrift shop treasures. I paid a total of five dollars for them.
My sweet Mom-in-Love gave me this feminine little rocking chair when we left Tennessee to move to Oregon. I recovered the seat and fashioned a new cushion out of discounted home decorating fabrics. The country french scene is a fabric sample that I purchased for two dollars. I added soft pink pompoms to add a bit of whimsy.
Not very pretty with books and baskets in view...
"SOLUTION" A soft and pretty skirt. I made a waist band and added a skirt... Just like I was making a wrap skirt for myself.
Would you believe I found this beautiful lamp at my local thrift shop? It was on sale for sixteen dollars. It had no shade and a very tattered cloth electric cord. My hubby rewired it for me and I purchased a new shade. I found the crystal trim on clearance and added it to give it a touch of elegance.
Oh, the things one can do with a can of spray paint! The little chair and powder blue tray are items that I repainted. They were originally brown. The linens... clock... candle votif and baby shoes were all thrifted finds.
My sweet little Zoey loves sitting by the fire. She is one of my three housekitties. The blue and white nine patch quilt is something I made to disguise the large opening above the fireplace. There are various items stored discreetly behind the quilt. I made the white wicker chair cushions from discounted home decorator fabric. I shopped at Joanns and waited to use my 50% coupon to purchase the fabric.
Yes...I spray painted the little thrifted blue basket. It provided the perfect place to display some of my handmade pillows. I perched it atop a trio of hatboxes that provide storage for odds and ends. My cats love napping in this chair in the late afternoon.
I love having special quiet times in my blue plaid chair. The big chair and the matching loveseat used to be in our living room. The ottoman is cushy and my kitties love curling up at my feet. The quilt lying on the ottoman is one that I found thrifting. I only paid ten dollars for it. It is snuggly, soft and in perfect condition.
Thank you, my dear friends, for your kind visit to my Cottage Nest. I hope you'll come back... I have more to share... and, lots of helpful and inexpensive tips.
Blessings, Carolynn xoxo
"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."Galatians 5:22
Here are some photos I took on the day I went to look at the property. It might shock you to think I feel instantly in love but I did...it was perfect! I had the vision right away of what I wanted my shop to look like. I wish I took more photos during the renovation but it was hard to get good shots that showed you anything other than sheetrock going up. My smart friend who was in the movie business told me I should have taken videos of the progress...sure wish I had thought of that! Anyway, here are some before, during and after shots. Hope I'm not boring y'all to pieces!
Before of the Front Left Section
During
I added two walls in the front half of the shop to create two seperate sections.
After
Before of the Back Wall
During I added a wall along the entire back of the building so I could put my office in the back. The barn door separates the two areas.
After
Before of the Front Right Section
During
After
During of Front Left Wall
After
Before (this section was demolished)
New Middle Room
Back Office
That's what she looks like for now! But things will be constantly changing...as you can see I am getting new merchandise in all the time.
(My trash pile this am.)
And I'm off to market (plus flea marketing) this week to find and create more! So come in and check it out for yourself!
Being home to one of the world's leading cultural festivals, Spoleto, and over thirty art galleries in downtown alone, it is fair to say that Charleston is well-known for its art scene! With so much inspiration surrounding us from the rich historical character to the breathtaking architecture to the poetic landscape of the Lowcountry, it is no wonder why so many artists are drawn to this city.
As an art lover, I enjoy exploring galleries and discovering new (to me) artists as well as up and coming artists. With the explosion of social media, it has been interesting to watch our local Charleston artists careers blossom into the mainstream via blogs, Instagram, etc. One of the main goals when I started my business was to support local artisans, craftsman, designers, etc. as I think it is important to SHOP LOCAL, if you will, and support your community. So in my business plan was an idea to feature a new local artist each month (or Charleston related/Eclectic friend). My first year with shop was a total blur so I am just now getting around to these plans in year number two (bare with me)! So with all that being said, I am happy to announce the ARTIST SPOTLIGHT SERIES at Eclectic!
Each month I will feature a new artist who has created an exclusive series of work just for Eclectic. This collection will be displayed in my brick and mortar shop for all to come and see (but only for that month!)! This is a great opportunity for you to be exposed to some new artists, see their work in person and get some amazing original art at fantastic price points! I will also be posting these pieces online so they can be purchased and shipped if you are not local.
I goofed the schedule in January and the storm has put us behind a bit in February BUT I will announce February's artist tomorrow! Stay tuned...
Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services.Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.
Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.
I recently sat down with my friend Elizabeth Gumb to chat with her about her growing business in the Charleston office of The Well Coiffed Closet. For those of you who don't know her, Elizabeth is a Personal Stylist whose passion is helping others find their own personal style! Elizabeth is able to help her clients with all of their wardrobe needs - from organizing closets to shopping for garments to creating personal client look books by occasion or season.
Elizabeth Gumb of Well Coiffed Closet
Her home is as stylish as she is and bears her signature pink color!
So tell us, how did you meet the owner, Megan Evans, of The Well Coiffed Closet? We actually got connected through mutual friends... she's from Charleston and started The Well Coiffed Closet in New York about four years ago. Being from here, she wanted to open a Charleston office and I’m thrilled she brought me on to be at it’s helm.
Were there any indicators that told you this is what you should be doing? Well, I was voted best dressed in high school, and I wasn't scared to try new looks! I've always been the one when I'm shopping with friends saying, "You should totally buy this, it'll look great on you!"or the first one they asked to help them pack for trips and put outfits together. I’ve been known to plan outfits – down to the earring – for my own trips and I’ve begun to realize how helpful it is to have certain “looks” planned out in advance for clients.
Some of Elizabeth's old packing lists... she doesn't discriminate Atari shirt, Cynthia Rowley shirt...
What skills do you think make a good stylist? It is of the utmost importance to understand fit, form, proportion, as well as be able to have an innate eye for style.
What's your typical routine with a new client? We sit down and discuss what their closet ‘issue’ is. It is unique to each client as some people call me to help them organize their closets, put looks together, help cleanse their closet, help with shopping, or all of the above. And I just want to stress that everyone says to me: “I’d never let you in my closet—I’d be embarrassed!” But people have to realize that I never see perfect closets because that is why they are calling me. To help them get to that perfect closet!
A favorite of Elizabeth's she wore on her 29th birthday!
According to Elizabeth, "Fashion needs to be fun and effortless… you shouldn't have to think too hard when you walk into your closet. If you do, it may be time to clean out, update and overhaul."
Elizabeth pulled some more faves from her closet "I love the fact that you can dress this skirt up or down... you have to have those versatile pieces."
If you could pick three things every woman should have in her closet this fall what would they be? I definitely think that every woman needs three essentials this fall, and they are all investment pieces to wear for years to come. The first being a pencil skirt, which is such a classic look with so many different tops.Then I’d love to see the pencil skirt paired with a camel sweater, and you can’t go wrong with the color, as it is the quintessential neutral. I love adding a bright silk blouse underneath camel, or adding the camel to bright jeans. Also, a boxy, top-handle purse is great. I love this one by LoefflerRandall because it also has the crossbody strap.And everyone needs a clutch. I have my eye on this Lizzie Fortunatoone.Oops that was four. But I could go on and on!
What has been the most rewarding part of your job? What makes me the happiest is helping my clients find that piece of self-confidence that may have been missing in them. By finding new looks with pieces they already own, and helping them figure out the best way for them to pair them together, it makes them happy, and more importantly, confidant to walk out the door.
What are your favorite fashion magazines? Lucky Magazine, Harpers Bazaar, and Vogue
What are your favorite fashion blogs? Who What Wear The Glitter Guide
Les Nouvelles
Thanks Elizabeth! Want to learn more about Elizabeth Gumb and/or The Well Coiffed Closet? Well...
SAVE THE DATE!!! Thursday, September 26
Fall is a great time to clean out and freshen up your closet! So come enjoy a cocktail (or two) while viewing the latest fall styles provided by Hamden Clothing and getting style tips from Personal Stylist Elizabeth Gumb of The Well Coiffed Closet. You might even get inspired to organize your own closet as there will also be lots of decorative storage products for sale/to order as well as innovative closet organizing ideas from Sidney Wagner of Eclectic. Hope to see you there! (more details and invite to follow)
Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services.Please email sidney@eclectic-idg.com for additional information.
Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, South Carolina) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made art with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.
Ahhh lighting!...One of the most important (and one of my most favorite) parts in designing a space as lighting enhances a room by greatly changing the mood-not only with actual light but with how the materials and finishes play off each other. We recently had the opportunity to visit an amazing lighting company, The Urban Electric Co. and it left us feeling OH. SO. INSPIRED!
Where all the magic happens...
The Urban Electric Co. was founded here in Charleston in 2003 by Dave Dawson who had a clear vision for the company as well as a strong passion for design and craftsmanship. Dawson personally oversee's the entire process from the in-house marketing campaigns down to the way the products are shipped, this quality-control over his brand is what has made Urban Electric the company that it is today.
All light fixtures are handcrafted by local, trained artisans who take pride in each step of the process while making these gorgeous works of art! They are made from the finest materials which makes them not just pieces you will have for a few years...but investment, heirloom pieces that you will enjoy for a lifetime!
Team of artisans hard at work
Athena Pendant in the making...
Baxter Wall Sconce
Shade for Metro Wall Sconce
Another interesting feature about The Urban Electric Co. that you need to know...all of their light fixtures are totally customizable. Need a different color, size, finish?... They can do it! That makes Designers like me really happy! In fact, most of their designer collaborations came about due to Designers/Architects customizing some of their pieces and The Urban Electric Co. enjoying what they were creating! Some of these collections include talented Designers like Amanda Nisbet, Tom Scheerer, and Amanda Handegan. Here are just a few of our favorites...
Above images via
View all of the collections here!
So, do you need to re-think some of the lighting in your home? Go check out The Urban Electric Co!
Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services.Please email sidney@eclectic-idg.com for additional information.
Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, South Carolina) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made art with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.
I have been stitching away on some old fashioned vintage bonnets. Over the past few years, I've made these sweet prairie bonnets for several of the little girls in my life. They remind me of the young pioneer girls that trudged alongside the covered wagons. My great grandmother was six years old when she traveled with her parents across the plains in the covered wagon from Tecumseh, Kansas to the Oregon Territory. I have lovingly dedicated these bonnets to her...Evaleena Benson Newman.
Don't you think Laura Ingalls Wilder would have loved wearing this sunbonnet? "THREE IN ONE"1. As an Apron with a nice pocket in front.2. As a Sunbonnet to shade one's sweet face from the hot sun3. As an extra spacious Clothespin Apron when folded up and buttoned(see button and buttonhole placement in a photo below)
M. L. Attwell
I made my own coordinating binding for this one. I think it added a bit of extra charm.
My favorite collection of fabric is Aunt Grace's 1930 reproduction prints. I have been collecting these prints for nearly 20 years. I also love feedsack prints and have a few original ones.
A TINY TUTORIAL For Clothespin Apron pouch
**Tie apron around child's waist **Attach lower right corner buttonhole to upper right button. **Then, attach lower left buttonhole to upper left button. There you have it... A handy pouch for gathering posies, holding clothespins... and if you're very very careful a few farm fresh eggs.
My prairie bonnets and their sewing pattern are being featured at a local quilt shop in the town where I live. I will be selling the pattern on Etsy in the near future.
I received an order from a shop in Sisters, Oregon. These are some that I've made for their shop. I used reproduction prints from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. You might recognize some American Jane...Dick and Jane prints.
MAMA'S LITTLE HELPERS
These are a few of my favorite things... How I love the soft colors and old fashioned conversation prints!
Many Hands Make Light Work!
Thank you for visiting me, my dear friends! I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Blessings, Carolynn xoxo
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
LINKING WITH
The Charm of Home www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com Farm Girl Friday Blog Fest www.fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com Mockingbird Hill Cottage www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com Sunny Simple Sundays www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com Mosaic Monday www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com Market Monday www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com Cozy Little House www.cozylittlehouse.com Kathe With An E www.kathewithane.blogspot.com Coastal Charm www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com A Delightsome Life www.blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com Rednesday www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com Lavender Garden Cottage www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com Ivy and Elephants www.ivyandelephants.blogspot.com Share Your Cup Thursday www.jannolson.blogspot.com French Country Cottage www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Charleston native Shannon Brown Wood grew up among the marsh grass, tidal creeks, waters and wide skies of the Lowcountry. The constantly changing light and hues of the marsh water create an infinite supply of inspiration and surprise for artist and audience alike. Wood earned a BFA in graphic design from the University of Georgia and spent six years as a designer for Gil Shuler Graphic Design in Charleston. In 2005, she volunteered at Redux Contemporary Art Center as a resident artist, and in 2006, her work was included at a Charleston City Gallery emerging artist exhibit, Under the Radar. Her work, focused on the marshes and waterways she still calls home, invites the viewer to revel in the possibilities that live just beyond the horizon. Often incorporating natural elements, reeds or grasses hand-sewn into the canvas, wood juxtaposes tactile touches of the real with her own response to a moment of light, color and wonder-beautifully suspended-and forever captured-in time. For more on Shannon and her work visit The Charleston Artist Collective or her website shannonwoodart.com.
Is there anyone you credit with gifting you your artistic ability and/or teaching you your skills? Or did you just pick up a brush one day and get lucky? My mom was a huge influence. She was an art history major at the College of Charleston so she has always had an appreciation for art. She always had me in private art lessons outside of school and really nurtured my talent.
Since it varies for each artist, we want to know what inspires you? I would say that the most important inspiration for me is nature. Having grown up in Charleston, I have a love for everything coastal: the water, the smells, the textures. It’s inspiring just being surrounded by it. I also love finding things at the beach and by the marsh and often incorporate them into my paintings.
Do you hang your own work in your home? Yes I do. I love to collect other artist work as well.
Is there a specific artist/work that you covet? Robert Rauschenberg. I ‘ve seen many of his paintings in museums and they have such an amazing textural quality. They just lure me in.
If you were not an artist, what career do you think you’d have? Archaeologistor chef. I love to cook! It’s a lot like being a painter—but instead of paint you are mixing ingredients together to create a beautiful dish.
Rapid fire… Favorite city to travel to? Cortona, Itlay Guilty pleasure? Wine Favorite restaurant in Charleston? Coda Del Pesce on Isle of Plams Saturday activity: beach, shopping, museum, festival or sofa? Beach---Museum being a close second. Three words to describe yourself: Sarcastic, easygoing, dreamer
If you are interested in purchasing any of Shannon's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of October and yes we will ship for an additional charge!
Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services.Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.
Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.
I was fortunate to "tweak" my schedule to get in one last visit to my beloved Oregon Coast before the Winter begins to set in. I live on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range and when the snow starts to fly traveling to the coast on mountain roads is risky at best.
Red, White and Blue...How I love these Nautical colors! Having grown up by the sea I am most at home with sea breezes, salt air and the sound of a seagulls shrill cry.
Ride Like The Wind!
This darling bungalow is just a few blocks from the beach. I had the fun of touring it while I visited this past summer.
Just look at that cheeky little chicken...And, oh, those polka dot mugs!
Big Tall Fish tales are allowed at this cozy beach bungalow!
"By The Sea" A Bodacious Beach Babe... A Classic "Woody" Sporting a Shiny Surfboard... and A glass jar full of Sandy Sea Shells.
One of our family's favorite past times... While on vacation we have sat up until wee hours of the morning playing table games.
Neskowin, Oregon is a tiny village by the sea. The first homestead was created in 1876.
Just one more glimpse before I head home.
I always sleep so well at the coast. The clean, fresh air is invigorating and it readies me for a good night's rest. The sound of the surf in the late night hours is soothing...bringing sweet sleep. I always feel refreshed after spending time at the beach.
Thank you for taking one last trip with me,my dear blogging friends. There will always be next summer... Blessings,Carolynn xoxo "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and, through the rivers,they shall not overcome you..."Isaiah 43:2 Linking To Little Red Housewww.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.comThe Shop Around The Cornerwww.alittleshoparoundthecorner.blogspot.comEtsy Cottage Stylewww.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.comCozy Little Housewww.cozylittlehouse.comLavender Garden Cottagewww.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.comRednesdaywww.suelovescherries.blogspot.comHave A Daily Cup of Mrs Olsonwww.haveadailycupofmrsolson.blogspot.comBrambleberry Cottagewww.brambleberrycottage.blogspot.comNo Minimalist Herewww.nominimalisthere.blogspot.comThe French Hutchwww.thefrenchhutch.comThe Charm of Homewww.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com French Country Cottagewww.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.comCommon Groundwww.debras-vintagecommonground.blogspot.comRooted In Thymewww.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Ann Keane is inspired by the natural world around her. Colors and shapes come alive on her canvas. “The feeling and texture of the painting is what draws me,” she says. Thick brushstrokes transform trees and marsh grass into abstract blocks of colors. The sense of movement in Keane’s art is influenced by music, an essential element. Moving while she paints keeps the energy flowing. Using a palette knife, Keane scrapes and carves lines and shapes to construct a canvas full of movement. Keane builds up layers of paint so just a sliver of the original peaks through. The blueprint of the landscape is secondary to the placement of the blocks of color.
She is a member of the Charleston Artist’s Collective, a web-based business that is comprised of local artists who work towards shared goals of artistic challenges. Keane also shows her work at Atrium Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina where she resides.
Is there anyone you credit with gifting you your artistic ability and/or teaching you your skills? Or did you just pick up a brush one day and get lucky? - I started painting to fill my walls. I took one art class, charcoal, at Boston University. Also, since I started painting 12 years ago I have taken workshops with Ian Roberts and definitely credit him... so I guess I started out lucky and then learned skills. I do know that a daily practice helps improve anything so I try to paint every day.
Since it varies for each artist, we want to know what inspires you? - The outdoors and definitely music. My studio is on my back porch. I am out there rain or shine, hot or cold. I don't paint without music my neighbors can attest to that. In the field I wear my banana yellow earbuds, don't leave home without them... I like music.
Do you hang your own work in your home? - Why of course, that's why I started painting...to fill my walls!
Is there a specific artist/work that you covet? - I love this question but don't have just one! Brian Rutenberg, Euan Uglow, Richard Diebenkorn, Wassily Kandinski, Mark Rothko, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Carot and of course Paul Cezanne..none which I own but would love to. I also have a wall of small paintings from artist I love; Leslie Pratt Thomas, Marc Hanson, Mark Kelvin Horton, Adele Earnshaw, Anne Darby Parker.
If you were not an artist, what career do you think you’d have? - I have two careers, Artist and Mom, both I love and wouldn't change for the world. Rapid fire… Favorite city to travel to? New York. Guilty pleasure? I definitely have a few...I plead the 5th. Favorite restaurant in Charleston? Two Boroughs Larder - downtown Charleston on Coming Street. Saturday activity: beach, shopping, museum, festival or sofa? Having a coffee at the farmers market or on my front porch, hanging on the dock, walks, runs or painting during the daylight hours. At night...I'm always up for something. Three words to describe yourself: persistent, giving, sarcastic
If you are interested in purchasing any of Ann's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of July and yes we will ship for an additional charge!
Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services.Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.
Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.
Way Way Allen had an early introduction into the art world, watching her father sketch and later honing her skills with classical training at The University of the South and abroad. After years of studio work and the birth of two children, her interests diverted to a new enterprise, Blue Chickadee, commissioned canvases and textiles for children. After several successful seasons, Allen now returns to her roots in abstract painting. Deeply personal, her art draws from the natural world and vivid hues of her Charleston surroundings. Working from small natural details, Allen creates large abstracts that magnify and celebrate the common pattern while also amplifying the beauty of negative space.
Her paintings reflect a depth that has garnered her a devoted following from collectors to interior designers. Her works, both deliberate and wildly gestural in stroke, can be found on a variety of medium from paper to wood panels as well as a recent foray into textiles.
Allen is a co-founder of Novel. Showroom, a unique space located in the heart of downtown Charleston that showcases the works and wares of area creatives. A native of Columbia, SC, she now resides in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with her husband and two rambunctious sons. Most days, you can find Allen painting in the natural light and silence of her King Street studio.
See more of her work at waywayallen.com.
Is there anyone you credit with gifting you your artistic ability and/or teaching you your skills? Or did you just pick up a brush one day and get lucky? My dad is an amazing artist as well as a talented architect. My mom has an incredible eye for design as well. Match made in heaven for me. I feel so lucky to have grown up in a house full of art and artists. They paved the way for me.
Since it varies for each artist, we want to know what inspires you? Color, pattern, textiles...I'm inspired by all of the natural beauty of my surroundings living at the beach.
Do you hang your own work in your home? Yes, I do, but I change it out regularly. I will admit, I have commitment issues with my art. I have had some pieces leaning against our master bedroom walls for over a year now. Hard to pick a favorite piece and how I want to group my art. Some of my very favorite pieces are ones my boys (ages 3 and 6) have painted. They are so uncontrived and always bring just the right pop of color to our walls!
Is there a specific artist/work that you covet? I admire the works of Helen Frankenthaler, Cy Twombly, Mary Abbott to name a few.
If you were not an artist, what career do you think you’d have? I always thought interior design would have been a career I would have enjoyed, had I gone back to school. I also love to cook, so something in the culinary field would have been another way to get my creative juices flowing had I not become an artist.
Rapid fire… Favorite city to travel to?In the US, dying to go to Austin, TX, love San Fran...Florence, Italy is pretty amazing as well
Guilty pleasure? coffee ice cream
Favorite restaurant in Charleston? There are so many... Indaco, The Ordinary, Butcher and Bee...still so many I have yet to try!
Saturday activity: beach, shopping, museum. Festival or sofa? B.E.A.C.H.
Three words to describe yourself: In no particular order: People Pleaser, Over Analyzer, Lover of Laughter
Thanks so much for participating Way Way!
Tomorrow I will post a numerical listing of her work but here is a sneak peek!
If you are interested in purchasing any of Way Way's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of March and yes we will ship for an additional charge!
Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services.Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.
Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.
My dad and I went to Savannah last week to do a little shopping. It has become a bit of a tradition for us at Thanksgiving...a lil' father/daughter bonding. We hit up antique malls and some of the home decor shops. It's great, my dad follows me around and asks "What is that? Where would you use that? What are you buying that for?" It cracks me up but if I didn't love him so much it might put me over the edge. We laugh at all the "tourists" in line to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant then we stop for some lunch at Soho, a restaurant/art gallery that has the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever had (and I am quite the grilled cheese connoisseur!).
The Paris Flea Market A great shop that has country French inspired items and one-of-a-kind flea market finds. Also a great place to pick up design books. And this time of year it is fun to see how they take their style and decorate for Christmas!
I love the deer antler wreath!
SCAD Shop A shop filled with student's art and creations from Savannah College of Art and Design. They have everything from oil paintings to dog clothes to organic soaps. I love seeing what creative minds come up with!
In typical Sidney fashion, I got a migraine so we had to cut the trip short however we did get to hit up a few of the main stops like Jere's Antiques a HUGE warehouse, I am talking 33,000 square feet HUGE, filled with antiques as well as a few other antique places along the river. All in all, it was fun and I bought some stuff that will be for sale on my new online shop, Eclectic Finds, debuting in January!
They seem to be popping up a lot lately so I thought I would post about them. I was at a new client's this morning on Sullivan's Island and the exterior of the house was amazing but the interior was finished very inexpensively. There were like three different types of wood floors thought the house and none of the transitions were smooth. In one area, they painted the floors white, my guess was to help mask the variations. But honestly I liked the painted floors so much that I wished they had done the whole house! I know it is almost sacrilegious to some people to paint wood floors but MY GOD when they look this good why wouldn't you???
via Chic Coles
via remodelingguy.net
via royaltdesigns
via takesunset.com
My friend Brett Elrod of C. Brett Elrod Construction is finishing up a new shop in the Old Village called Shrimp & Grits Kids and he painted the floors in a high gloss white. Here is a sneak peek...
Gorgeous!
And yet another example of white floors is the new shop Novel at 341 King Street, Suite B. My friend Way Way of Blue Chickadee, Lauren Lail of Library Fashion and Jane Pope of Jane Pope and Balboa Jewelry opened up their shop last week and the entire thing is painted white. Love!
If you are local you probably know what that means. The building that my shop is in was built in 1956 by Belva Williams as Mt. Pleasant's first and now oldest florist. When I tell people where I am located they say "Oh, your in the Old Belva's building." During the up-fit all the subs kept calling it Belva's and I would jokingly say "You mean Eclectic?" It was a big day for me when they painted the building and you could no longer see Belva's Flower Shop anymore...I felt like it was finally Eclectic! [Although the historian/preservationist in me felt rather guilty on the same accord. Keep reading my posts and you'll see what I've done to preserve what I could of ol' Belva's.]
A little bit o' trivia, there was another building in the same spot before this one.
Photo via here
Here is a shot mid-reno...
And an after shot...
My landlord thought I was crazy for wanting to keep the old, worn tin roof as is vs repainting it but that is one of my favorite things about the building! He also thought I was crazy for wanting to paint the whole thing white. He actually said "Sidney, I can't figure you out." [I'm guessing he's not the first person to utter those words...pretty sure a few ex boyfriends have said that to me as well.]
I should mention that Belva's Flower Shop is still located in Mt. Pleasant at 1409B Stuart Engals Boulevard so stop by and see them, they are super nice and make beautiful arrangements. Apparently their booming (or should I say blooming...no, no I shouldn't) business (both local and online) required them to move to a bigger location so cheers to them!
Hi Ladies! It's hard to believe summer is almost over. Temperatures have begun to drop. It has been in the 30s the past few nights. I actually threw another quilt on the bed this week.
I made this little Birdhouse Miniature Quilt using my favorite "Aunt Grace's" 1930s reproduction prints. Each tiny birdhouse has a vintage button perch stitched on front. The borders are hand quilted.
I am so inspired by the many embroidered pretties that so many of you have been sharing on your lovely blogs. My favorite quilt shop has so many wonderful ideas and patterns available. I thought you might enjoy some of the shop samples...and, who knows, you may be inspired, too!
How I love tea towels! Aren't these the sweetest?I am so fond of the old fashioned edgings.RICK RACK...POM POMS...LACE...HAND CROCHET... They add such lovely finishing touches!
I had fun making this little "Aunt Grace's" Sampler Doll Quilt.Don't you love all the Bubble Gum Pink prints?
"Chloe's Quilt" I made this small Log Cabin quilt for my sweet little kitty, Chloe. She would curl up on it and nap in the afternoon sun. I only had her for five years. I lost her, suddenly, to kidney failure. I miss her so much!
Yes...More of my favorite "Aunt Grace's" prints. I made this chubby teddy bear using strips and a crazy quilting method.
I thought I better hurry and post this beautiful summer quilt.It is a sample that hangs at my favorite quilt shop"Sew Many Quilts" inBend, Oregon
Thank you for your warm visits and comments. I appreciate each one of you! Blessings, my sweet friends,Carolynn xoxo
"And now these things remain: faith, hope and love.But the greatest of these is love."I Corinthians 13:13"A PREVIEW OF MY NEXT POST"
I hope you'll come back for my next post on "TWEAK IT TUESDAY" www.cozylittlehouse.com to discover why I posted this on "MOSAIC MONDAY" www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
I am a huge, huge, huge movie buff. I love movies for the entertainment factor, obviously, but I also love them for the entire creative process that envelopes them. If you think about all that goes into the production of a movie from screenplay adaptation to casting to location scouting to set design to wardrobe creation to trailer development, I would love to do all of it! My dad has always teased me that The Oscars are like my version of The Superbowl.
As you can image, I have always dreamed about doing set design. While working at a retail shop in Charleston, I met a production assistant for the film The Notebook. I bombarded that poor woman with so many questions that I ran her out of the store! Before she left she was nice enough to invite me to watch them film a block away on Pitt Street. One of the coolest experiences of my life! [Should I not admit that?] It was fun to see how they transformed our quaint little Mt. Pleasant village into a 1940's storefront.
Anyway, there are certainly some iconic films when it comes to set design: Somethings Gotta Give, The Holiday and Father of the Bride are the films that my clients mention most often. All of which, were created by famed director Nancy Meyers who is a god when it comes to depicting stunning dream homes that are undeniably timeless. Learn more about this talented director in this article via Silver Screen Surroundings blog (great source!) or here on imdb.com.
Can you guess which photo is from which movie? Answers: 1) Somethings Gotta Give 2-4) The Holiday 5) Father of the Bride 6) Somethings Gotta Give
I cannot talk about movies without mentioning a few of my obsessions. Hitchcock and Dorris Day films, both of which I discovered in high school and both of which require their own entire post so I will refrain from getting started. However, I also grew up watching James Bond movies with my dad and my brother and although I enjoyed the plot; over-the-top bad guys, high-tech gadgets, and kitschy one-liners, I especially loved watching the films. The Bond series spans over five decades (and counting) so each film captures the trends of the times in regards to fashion, furnishings, architecture and technology.
Dr. No (1962)
Moonraker (1979)
Casino Royale (2006)
Have a movie you love for the set design? Let me know!
~Images: Courtesy of Silver Screen Surroundings Blog, Urban Grace Blog and hotflick.net
Interior designer and University of Georgia alum (holla!), Lindsey Coral Harper, left South Georgia for The Big Apple and has been kicking the design world's ass ever since. Her resume includes an internship with Ralph Lauren in London, eight years working under famed designer Richard Langham and freelance work for Dorothy Draper, Inc. just to name a few! Images of her New York apartment have been blowing up the design websites/blogs and she was set to be featured in Domino just as the magazine folded...wa wa wa. But don't feel too sorry for her, when you are as talented as she is, you are bound to recover.
Lindsey Harper's NY Apartment
Lindsey's sister and my sister-in-law are bff's so we have been hearing about each other for years but have yet to meet. I finally emailed her introducing myself and she was nice enough to take the time to answer some questions. So here goes...
After years of residing in NY (and abroad), do you think your southern roots have any influence in your designs? If so, in what ways? ABSOLUTELY! I am Southern to the core, ask anyone who knows me...or ask me a question and you can hear it as I still have the accent. Or as my grandfather used to say, "we don't have an accent, the rest of the world does". One of the things I love about this city is that there is a huge southern contingency and we stick together. I actually have a large group of southern decorating friends and we refer to ourselves (and so do others) as the Southern Mafia. I do think being southern has had a huge influence on my life, the way I live and the way I design and decorate. I am big on comfort and I like most southerner's I love to entertain! I really try to get to know the client and figure out who they are and how they live so that I can make their house or apartment a welcoming and comfortable environment they really love to be in all the time. In the end it's really about lifestyle!
You have such talent for accessorizing and creating eye catching tablescapes. Any advice or rules of thumb you live by? Why thank you! I do love my accessories. If anything I'm a maximalist not a minimalist. I love shopping, antiquing, flea markets, and junk stores. If an object catches my eye whether it's a great color or a wonderful shape, a bit odd or makes me laugh, I will usually buy it. A great accessory doesn't have to be expensive or "important". It just has to mean something to you. I also love to travel so I bring things home with me typically in my carry-on (I do not check my luggage) and then I have a little reminder of that place and that trip. Most of my accessories are really wonderful memories.
You clearly are not afraid of color! Where does your color inspiration come from? And are there any colors that you refuse to work with? I certainly love color. Not sure why, but it just makes me happy. And if you think my apartment is colorful, you should see my closet!! Maybe because I'm a redhead, I had to deal with pairing colors and getting colors right from an early age. I also think my color confidence comes from working with RKL. He too admired color and wasn't afraid to use it. He trusted me to pick paint colors for him on several jobs in the beginning of my career there. A few years later I was specifying all the colors for all of my clients and big jobs, no questions asked. He was a huge risk taker and pushed me to think outside of the box. I also like to try new things and new colors!! There are so many great colors, textiles and color combinations out there...why do the same thing over and over?! The only color I'm really adverse to is white! I rarely do white walls. Unless you have a KILLER art collection, you are going to have to really beg me to give you white walls. If I do white walls look closely, they are probably a textured paper and will definitely be paired with an amazing hi-gloss colored ceiling! Don't you just love when a really well done hi-gloss ceiling looks like glass!
Some of Lindsey Harper's Design Projects
Palm Beach
New York
This busy designer is currently working on several projects from Vermont to New York to Palm Beach. Click here to see LCH Interiors full portfolio.
Lindsey also has an online shop, called Lamshop, with her bestie and business partner, Maggie Currey, which offers custom furniture, art and one-of-a-kind treasures. Lindsey said they are working on some new pieces incorporating fun elements like Shagreen, Tortoise, Malachite, and Faux Bois as well as some new jewel-inspired tables that are "very glam." I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!!!
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