In The Lowcountry Style Of Show and Tell

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.

low-country-foyer

Designer Wendy Kirkland

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.

Hunting_Island_lowcountry

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.

Lowcountry style

Sourcing furnishings and décor 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-server

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.

20th C Hand Carved Provincial Chest

20th C Hand Carved Provincial Chest

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.

antique-buffet

     Early 19th Century French Server
Antique Louis XV French Country Style Buffet 

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.

beach-style-decorative-objects-and-figurines-baranacles

Barnacle Cluster

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.

Oriental-Style-Rectangular-Display-Stand-Base

Rosewood Rectangular Stand

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.

peter-hoffer-painting

Cameo 39, 2013 by Peter Hoffer 

the-elm-tree-george-inness--canvas-print

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-bronze-table-lamp

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.

low-country-style-iron-wall-sconces

Shannon 2-Light Sconce in Warm Brass with White Fabric Shade
SAFAVIEH Lighting Covington 1-light Silver Black Wall Sconce 
Lazzaro Antique Iron 30-inch Wall Lamp
Royce Edge 1 light Golden Iron Wall Sconce

Barley Twist Bar Stool with Back - Navajo Red - Camel Color Leather Seat

Barley Twist Bar Stool with Back – Navajo Red – Camel Color Leather Seat

Barley Twist Carved Oak Arm Chair

The all you need is a decorative throw pillow to complete the look option applies here.

throw-pillows-lowcountry

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

Carolina Cottage Remick 30-Inch Barley Twist Leg Bar Stool in Espresso

fabric-samples-counter-stool

Inside Fabric

When the price point allows, consider upholstering a piece in a striking fabric to add yet another layer of personal style to the look.

fabric-low-country-style

Inside Fabric

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.

love your style

 

Show & Tell

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