A pinning, sourcing and swooning eye spy session put inspiration to idea for this in the Lowcountry style of show and tell. Recently I received an email from Traditional Home which piqued my interest (isn’t that the point?). As most of us do, I followed through with a click and, Lowcountry and behold, I discovered the feature “Breezy Lowcountry Home by Amy Elbert.” The image gallery featured fifteen images capturing the charm of the inviting spaces and places of a vacation home in South Carolina’s Lowcountry designed by architect Geoffrey Bray and interior designer Wendy Kirkland. Even though the article appears to be from the June 2014 issue, it proves classic design and decorating choices rooted in symmetry and proportion stand the test of time and trend.
I really like this image of the great room vignette, and thought it may be fun to emulate the look in an in the Lowcountry style of show and tell feature. I can’t tell you how many times a client has started a consultation by showing me an image from a shelter magazine or Pinterest followed up with a request for the completed space(s) to look exactly as pictured in the aforementioned image. Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, and I’ve yet to meet a decorista who hasn’t flattered the heck out of designer or decorator by borrowing from a well designed and decorated space. Call it a creative compliment.
I don’t participate in, condone, nor suggest taking the work of another and calling it your own.
Ever.
What I have done and continue to do is use the initial presentation as inspiration and from there incorporate my own personal in the Lowcountry style of preferences.
The Lowcountry refers to the geographic and cultural region along the coastal region of the Georgia and South Carolina coast. Lowcountry style combines sophisticated coastal with Southern chic.
Sourcing furnishings and decor items in the style of consists of searching sites for antiques, vintage and new pieces that complement the primary style, and then utilizing those finds to create visual harmony, balance and beauty.
Solid Mahogany Rustic Continental Style Server Console
Antique buffets, sideboards, and servers make excellent spot pieces. I’ve seen them used in foyers, hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, mudrooms, bathrooms- you get the idea. Antique furniture does not do it for everyone, but when you compare quality, price, patina and presence of an antique piece to a new piece, often there is no comparison between the two.
Early 19th Century French Server || Antique Louis XV French Country Style Buffet
The Sir John’s Cabinet is a new piece with antique characteristics.
Turned feet.
Dentil moulded frieze accent.
Parquetry doors.
Okay, let’s move on to the accessories and accents part of the in the Lowcountry style of show and tell.
Theodore Alexander Castle Bromwich Sir John’s Cabinet
When I can’t find the exact item or don’t exactly love the piece in totality, I pull from the highlights and work from there. A large natural barnacle cluster paired with a Rosewood rectangular display stand images the look while being more in line with my own taste.
Why no stand under the decorative barnacle bunch? Try, try as I may, I could not get the stand positioned correctly and adding it to the moodboard threw the entire look off.
The landscape painting in the image is by artist Peter Hoffer. I am sourcing an original work of Peter Hoffer and an in the style of option.
Cameo 39, 2013 by Peter Hoffer
The Elm Tree Canvas Print by George Inness
The lamp featured in the game room vignette is made from architectural salvage. The antique reproduction stool/chair is upholstered in a Pearson fabric. I’ve come up with several in the Lowcountry style of recommendations for your decorating consideration.
Catalina Lighting Oil Rubbed Bronze Two-Light Table Lamp
The wall sconce light used in the moodboard sold out before I could post, so back to the moodboard we go for a selection of substitutions.
Studebaker 2-Light Wall Sconce || Karissa 2-Light Wall Sconce Colesberry 2-Light Wall Sconce || Williamsburg Lightfoot 2-Light Armed Sconce || Underscore 2-Light Wallchieres
Lanesboro 26″ Bar Stool || Unadilla 30.5″ Bar Stool
The all you need is a decorative throw pillow to complete the look option applies here.
Loloi Rich Chenille and Viscose Chili Down Pillow || Delphine Square Throw Pillow in Russet || J. Queen New York Serenity Ogee Piped Square Throw Pillow || Birmingham Throw Pillow || Sloane Crewel Stitched Decorative Pillow || Versailles Crewel Stitch Lumbar Pillow
When they go cheap, we go chic. By cheap I mean inexpensive, and by chic I mean fantastic style as it stands, but fabulous with a touch of customization.
Carolina Cottage Remick 30-Inch Barley Twist Leg Bar Stool in Espresso
When the price point allows, consider upholstering a piece in a striking fabric to add yet another layer of personal style to the look.
Coastal design style is a summer natural, and when it is merged with in the Lowcountry style of accents and accessories the result is a serene, inviting, and charming aesthetic.
