Piercing White

I don’t know about where you live, but in Dallas it is incredibly hot right now. Today, I want to take you to Houston. Where I am positive it is just as hot, stifling, and even more humid. While I should be showing you fall images of deep velvet, dark glossy rooms, and fur blankets, it is just not a reality at the moment.

Instead, I am going to show you the perfect house to beat the heat, without veering off of my signature beat. Pamela Pierce’s Houston home was the very first residence that came to mind. It is finished in shades of white and timeless architecture. It is not overly formal, nor does it lack sophistication. It is rustic, refined and cool with warm accents. It is exactly where I would like to be at the moment to celebrate Labor Day, the demise of white, and the everlasting Texas summer.

I’ll be back Tuesday to let you know if I follow the No White After Labor Day rule, or if I am a rebel to the cause. What do you think? Have a happy long weekend!

Photos of Pamela Pierce’s home are by Laura Resen for Veranda.

Exterior of Pamela Pierce's Houston house in Veranda

Potted boxwoods, shades of beige, and beautifully shuttered. So many people (like me) would be tempted to do black shutters, but this works wonderfully.

Light and White room in Pamela Pierce's Houston home via Veranda

White and a bit rustic. Not expected from the look of the exterior, but I always like a good surprise.

White and Rustic Dining room of Pamela Pierce via Veranda

In most houses white provides the backdrop for colors to pop, in this house it is the natural earth-tone elements.

The casual dining room of Pamela Pierce via Veranda

A perfect dining area that blends into the kitchen and living room. Notice how Pamela framed the kitchen entrance with white curtains and a wooden-track. Adds a fantastic soft texture.

The kitchen of Pamela Pierce via Veranda

I love the stainless island, the more modern windows, and the relaxed atmosphere.

A casually elegant bedroom of Pamela Pierce's Houston home via Veranda

Doesn’t this look like the perfect place to sleep on a hot summer night?! I love an all white bed.

A lovely white marbles bathroom via Veranda

Just perfect. That is all. Look at how the mirror suspends!!

Tuften twins in Pamela Pierce's Houston home via Veranda

A lovely tufted twin bed combination. Elegant, simple, and incredibly cool.

 

 

The Potted Hydrangea

I love a beautiful boxwood garden, but I love it even more with abundant hydrangeas. While peonies and tulips are a continual favorite, hydrangeas never disappoint with their full nature, plethora of colors, and always classic appeal.

I am always placing hydrangeas in vases (almost always white ones) around my house for an instant and complete finish to a room. Like potted boxwoods, potted hydrangeas are also highly effective to make your outdoors appear polished and elegant. Here are several inspiring images of potted hydrangeas (often paired with potted boxwoods) that will have you yearning for it to be summer all year round.

 

Hydrangea Potting Information:

Tips

Weather

 

Beautiful Blue and White Potted Hydrangeas by Mary McDonald via Belcalire House

Blue and white pots of dreams by Mary McDonald. Photo source: Belclaire House Blog

Clay Potted Hydrangeas via Pinterest

Gorgeous clay pots full of enchanting shades of purple and pink. Photo source: Pinterest

Entereance with Boxwood via Brooks and Falotico

Another fantastic entry with blue and white potted hydrangeas. Architecture and photo source: Brooks and Falotico

Furlow Gatewood Driveway Photo Max Kim-Bee via Veranda

The Georgia estate of Furlow Gatewood is surrounded with oversized pots of hydrangeas.

Furlow Gatewood Potted Hydrangeas

Another beautiful image of the Gatewood landscape. A perfect use of white pots with blue flowers. Photo source: Veranda

Green Potted Hydrangeas

Gorgeous green hydrangeas with recycled pots via Pinterest.

Hydrangeas with Ferns via House Beautiful

A lovely mix of ferns, sweet potato vine, and hydrangeas. Photo source: House Beautiful

Potted Hydrangea via Elle Decor

The ideal outdoor centerpiece in this rustic setting. Photo source: Elle Decor

Potted Hydrangeas and Roses via Style Me Pretty

Incredible urns of white roses and hydrangeas. Photo source: Style Me Pretty

Potted Hydrangeas by the Pool via Three Dogs in A Garden

I think hydrangeas are the perfect flower for by the pool. Photo source: Three Dogs in a Garden

Potted Hydrangeas via The Fuller View

Aren’t hydrangeas the ideal companion for boxwoods? Photo source: The Fuller View

Potted Topiaries with Hydranges via Things That Inspire

Swoon. Drool. Gasp….Total perfection. Photo source: Things That Inspire

Purple Shades of Hydrangeas via Flowers Gardens Love

This overly abundant potted hydrangea clearly steals the show. Photo source: Flowers Gardens Love

Single Potted Hydrangea via Pinterest

For an opposite approach, this single urn of hydrangeas provides the perfect contrast against the green lush hedges. Photo source: Pinterest

via Belgian Pearls

Notice how they collectively bunched the pots together. It gives a much fuller effect. Photo source: Belgian Pearls

White Hydranges by a white bench via Pinterest

A dreamy place to begin or end a summer day. Photo source: Pinterest

White Potted Hydrangeas via The Pink Pagoda

Blue and white with potted hydrangeas. So much detail just in this small part of the landscape. Photo source: The Pink Pagoda 

Potted Hydrangeas and Boxwoods via Claire Mee

Saving the best for last. A potted hydrangea, a potted boxwood, and a sweet pug. If you follow me on instagram, you already know my love of pugs (and boxwoods).

Savor summer while it is still here. We will be wishing it wasn’t cold soon enough!

 

Take A Gambrel

There are often images that I have seen time and time again, and leave me in awe of the immense design talent that exists. Undoubtedly, Steven Gambrel is responsible for a great deal of them. Steven uses clean lines, classic furniture, and perfect shades of color. His work is not only timeless, but also relevant.

Every room Gambrel designs is polished, inviting, and full of seamless surprises. That combination can be so rare in the world of interiors. Gambrel has perfected his craft, and it shows in the images below. If you aren’t familiar with his designs, please make yourself at home.

Steven gsambrel Staircase with green lacquer hall via Elle Decor

This high-gloss green entry is incredible in every way. The stairs may be narrow, but the personality is not! Photo source: Elle Decor

A Hamptons Kitchen by Steven Gambrel via AD

A lovely and light Hampton’s kitchen featured in Architectural Digest. Look at the detail on the door!

Bathroom by Steven Gambrel via Elle Decor

The bathroom that I compare all bathrooms too. How could you not? It is clean, sleek, and totally timeless! Photo source: Elle Decor

Beautiful Blue in this room by Steven Gambrel via Shelterness

A pretty play of blue in this children’s room. I adore the trim on the moldings and the stunning doors. Photo source: Shelterness

Black Laquer by Steven Gambrel via Domaine Home

Black lacquered magic with a stunning yellow ceiling. How every den should be: rich with texture. Photo source: Domaine Home

Charming Kitchen by Steven Gambrel via Delight By Design

I love this rustic chevron cabinetry in this country home by Gambrel. Photo source: Delight By Design

Foyer of Chicago TOwnhouse by Steven Gambrel via HB

What a fantastically bold personality in this foyer equip with it’s red runner, matted wall, and octagon checkerboard floors. Photo source: House Beautiful 

Bedroom by Steven Gambrel via Elle Decor

A lovely and serene bedroom that is full of lush texture and classic design elements. Photo source: Elle Decor

Long Island Staircase by Steven Gambrel via House Beautiful

A naturally classic entry with architecturally phenomenal lighting. Photo source: House Beautiful 

New York Apt by Steven Gambrel

Color so perfectly incorporated, collected, and distributed. Look at that green parsons desk! Remember: Curtains to the ceiling people!

Steven Gamrel checkerboard floor via CocoCozy

Divine contrast of glossy black and white. Once again, those light fixtures steal the show! Photo source: Coco Cozy

Purple Tufted Sofa by Steven Gambrel in House Beautiful

A purple tufted sofa adds a punch of color to this lovely den. Photo source: House Beautiful 

Robert A.M. Stern anf Steven Gambrel  combine to make thsi dreamy bathroom

This bathroom is chic, sophisticated, and incredibly dreamy! Blue and white perfection. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Steven Gabrel Built-In Bookshelves via Dering Hall

These aren’t your average built-in bookshelves. Outstandingly executed. Photo source: Dering Hall

Steven Gambrel Bathroom via AD

An incredibly masculine, rich, and refined shower. That bench is excellent. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Steven Gambrel Closet

A sophisticated and glamorous closet of red, black, white, and soft texture. Photo source: Pinterest

Steven Gambrel Kitchen via Houe and Home

Again, Gambrel uses amazing contrast in his kitchen designs. The shelving on the sides of the stove allow for a wonderful pop against the black backsplash.

Steven Gambrel Living room in New York via AD

A modern and sophisticated living room in this New York home. Incredible molding and symmetry. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Steven Gambrel Red Kitchen via AD

This kitchen uses Gambrel’s wonderful application of red, white, and black. The height of the ceiling, the use of color, and the  beautiful application tiling make a big impact. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Steven Gambrel Southampton via via Mark D Sikes Blog

A lovely vignette in this Southampton home. I have very mixed opinions about port-hole mirrors. What are your thoughts? Photo source: Mark D. Sikes

Steven Gambrel Staircase via Foo Dog Ate My Homework

A perfectly pale blue entry with a stunning red runner staircase. Those columns are phenomenal. Photo source: The Foo Dog Ate My Homework

Steven Gambrel via House Beautiful

A deep blue high-gloss den. I tended to gravitate toward Gambrel’s blue rooms. They are so cosmopolitan and luxe. Photo source: House Beautiful

Steven Gamrbrel Bedroom via House Beautiful

A lovely juxtaposition of sharp and soft in this bedroom featured in House Beautiful.

Steven Grambrel hallway via high street market blog

A look at Gambrel’s rustic and contemporary approach to this home featured on the High Street Market blog.

Wall Covering and Blue Built In Sofa

 

An incredible wall covering behind this built-in blue sitting area. Also, notice those bright blue and brass chairs to the left- LOVE!

 

 

 

 

Animal House

It is often said that you should not wear leopard on a first date. I have really never understood that. I get that it may “scare” a guy, but if leopard scares him then chances are a second date is not in the near future. I admit a whole outfit of leopard may be much, but what is the harm with a splash of it. I love leopard shoes, they go with just about everything. Honestly, this is the same philosophy I have with leopard in decorating. I love pops of animal print throughout the house.

I recently bought these leopard print pillows at Furbish Studio. They add texture, pattern, and neutrality to my space. Animal prints can stand-out if you choose, or blend in seamlessly. It is up to you, your placement, and your light. Yes, light is a huge factor for the tone of your animal print. A dark space with animal print sets a dramatic and opulent tone. Leopard and zebra in a space with plenty of light sets a sophisticated attitude.

Either way, you can’t go wrong. Just don’t go overboard.

 

“As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral”

-Jenna Lyons

A small bit of animal print via Pinterest

A perfect touch of leopard in this neutral and airy room. Photo source: Veranda

Leopard runner via AD

A gorgeous green latticed stairway with a leopard runner and zebra rug. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Barclay Butera vie his website

Comfy leopard chairs in this dining room by Barclay Butera.

Charles Spada Sofa via Veranda

My all-time favorite leopard sofa in this Normandy home designed by Charles Spada. Photo source: Veranda

DVF's penthouse via AD

A splash of zebra in the NYC penthouse of Diane Von Furstenberg. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Animal Print Staircase in Hutton Wilkinsons home via Bazaar

A dramatic use of leopard on this spiraling staircase in the home of Hutton Wilkinson. Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar

Leopard Bench via Lonny Mag

A wonderfully collected room with a leopard bench for a coffee table. I love the piped lining. Photo source: Lonny

jimenez leopard rug in AD

A neutral leopard rug in this dining room by David Jimenez featured in Architectural Digest.

Leopard walls by Windsor Smith via Veranda

A kelly green desk pops in this room of a leopard linen by Peter Dunham. This room designed by Windsor Smith was featured in Veranda.

Mary McDonald's wall via Interior Design Chat

Lots of print, yet this room works beautifully! Interiors by the glamourous  Mary McDonald. Photo source: Interior Designer Chat

Michelle Adams Leopard Stools via Lonny

I love these incredible ottomans at the end of the bed. A fun mix of black and white in this room by Michelle Adams. Photo source: Lonny

Jeffert Bilhuber leopard sofa via AD

An incredibly worldly and eclectic room by Jeffery Bilhuber featured in Architectural Digest.

Miles Redd den with animal print pillows

A lovely little den by Miles Redd with a bold use of red and leopard.

Nina Griscom Lepard Pillows via AD

Leopard pillows accent this sofa in a room designed by Nina Griscom. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Miles Redd in Boxwood House ATL via Town and Country

Another room by Miles Redd at the Boxwood house in Atlanta, the former home of Danielle Rollins. I have featured this house previously, but it is too good not to post again. That carpet!

 

A Gorgeous Greenway

Dallas can be a tricky town. It is large, but it is small. It has beauty, and it has beauty disguised as beasts (pretty houses with hideous interiors/ thirty-thousand dollar millionaires). Much of the focus is on the ritzy and well known Park Cities and Preston Hollow areas. However, I love a sweet neighborhood called Greenway Parks. It is lush with landscape, full of distinctive architecture, and is oozing with charm.

In the last issue of Milieu Magazine, a Greenway Parks home by interior designer Shannon Bowers was featured. It is eclectic and enchanting. The home encompasses modern features with traditional design. Basically, it has a little bit of everything to love. Speaking of love, Milieu Magazine is a new favorite publication of mine that has so many unique and high-end design elements, as well as up and coming designer features.

So have some fun and head to greener pastures today. Happy Weekend!

Photos of this home by designer Shannon Bowers were photographed by Peter Vitale and featured in Milieu Magazine. To see more photos of this home, visit www.Milieu-Mag.com

House by Shannon Bowers in Milieu Mag

The landscape lives up to the name of Greenway Parks. How lush and lovely is this greenery with the boxwoods flanking the walkway.

Bowers Living Room via Milieu

A hint of pink and a splash of yellow add a nice tonal element to this neutral room full of natural light.

Dining Area by Shannon Bowers in Milieu Mag

An early-nineteenth century Itaian chandelier provides a glamorous focal point over the Moorish-chairs and simplistic dining room.

Bedroom by Shannon Bowers in Milieu Mag

A serene and clean master retreat. The custom shades and upholstered headboard give-off a sense of calm.

Sitting area by Shannon Bowers in Milieu Magazine

Designers Guild wallpaper showcases the phenomenal arches in this upper-story sitting area.  This once again proves wallpaper doesn’t have to be bold (a misconception). Pick a soft pattern or a neutral texture.

Garden at Greenway Parks home of Shannon Bowers via Milieu Mag

A side garden of the home.  If you have the space, utilize the the side of your house. There is so much emphasis on the front and the back, but no one likes a bad side profile!

Wallpapered Bedroom by Shannon Bowers in Milieu Mag

A divine Quadrille wallpaper covers the walls in the daughter’s luxe room.

Screen Play

Have you ever seen a space that is perfectly furnished, well-appointed, beautifully decorated, yet incomplete? If this question has ever come to mind, think of using a screen. Screens are often underrated and avoided. Why cover up a pretty painted or wallpapered wall? Well, I will tell you why. Rooms need dimension and texture. Screens have the cunning ability to fill voids in large spaces and add personality to small ones.

Screens can be deceptively expensive, but an old screen can be transformed with a chunk of fabric and a bucket of paint (for all my DIY’ers). I am fortunate enough to have grown up around beautiful antique screens- some of which will be featured below. A mirrored screen can open a room, an upholstered screen can soften a room, and a painted screen can scale down a room. Screens are not just a pretty antique element. They serve a purpose and can create a high-end space flattened or folded.

Screens are the one item of furniture that will happily sit in a corner. See for yourself.

Miles Redd via House Beautiful

A lovely blue and nailhead screen by Miles Redd in House Beautiful.

Charlotte Moss Dining Room via The Enchanted Home

Double the screens, double the fun. Charlotte Moss masters this dining room with two distinct screens to scale-down the large space. Photo source: The Enchanted Home

Animal Print with Gallery Wall and Screen via Elle Decor

This wooden screen scales-down the tall ceiling and adds a steady focal pint to the gallery-walled living room. Photo source: Elle Decor

Bunny Williams with screen via Lonny

A beautiful screen in a corner of a room by Bunny Williams. Corners can often look incomplete, screens really assist in avoiding that aesthetic. Photo source: Style Beat Blog

Amanda Nisbet Room with Screen via her website

A mirrored and black painted screen in a room by Amanda Nisbet.

Celerie Kemble Fireplace with Screen via Distinctive Fireplaces

Celerie Kemble created this timeless room and added a wonderful richness with this painted screen.

Charlotte Moss via TH

Charlotte Moss uses this screen in place of large artwork or a gallery wall. While buying multiple paintings is always nice, screens can fill large wall space (Often it is more economically savvy!). Photo source: Traditional Home

Daphne Guinness Daniel Romualdez

Daniel Romualdez creates a gorgeous contrast with a black velvet chair and hand-painted screen in Daphne Guiness’ home. LOVE. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Ellen Pompeo's Home by Marin-Lawrence Bullard via High Street Market

Martin Lawrence-Bullard creates an airy and collected space in Ellen Pompeo’s L. A. home. Photo source: High Street Market

Celerie Kemble Screen via Dering Hall

Celerie Kemble uses a more contemporary screen in this bedroom featured in Dering Hall.

Mary McDonald Screen via HB

A handsome room complete with a dark and detailed screen by Mary McDonald. Photo source: House Beautiful 

Gorgeous screen corner via Pinterest

A lovely and light screen on the wall of this classic home. Photo source: Pinterest

Jan Showers Screen in Dining Room via Pinterest

Jan Showers’ screen is used in a dining room of her design. A lovely mix of glamorous, modern, and traditional.

Jorge Elias via AD

Jorge Elias designed this beautiful blue and white room with a pop of a red screen. Do me a favor and picture the space without it. The screens brings the room back to scale. Photo source: Architectural Digest

Roberto Begnini's Room in Doria Pamphilj via Elle Decor

Another worldy-red screen in this private apartment bedroom of Roberto Benigni in the Doria Pamphilj. P.S. I went there this summer in Italy- a MUST see in Rome. Photo source: Elle Decor

Screen from Todd Alexander Romano via Elle Decor

A one-of-a-kind hand painted screen from Todd Alexander Romano. This screen with enormous detail was featured in Elle Decor.

HA BUNNY 06C

A well-appointed room by Bunny Williams. I love this mix of pattern and the juxtaposition of color.

Jan Showers in Traditional Home

A mirrored screen by Jan Showers opens up the room. Photo source: Traditional Home

Windsor Smith via The Foo Dog Ate My Homework

A lovely mounted screen in a room by Windsor Smith. Photo source: Architectural Digest.

The Potted Boxwood Family Screen 1

A lovely screen in a guest bedroom of my grandmother’s house. It is so much larger than this picture portrays. Photo source: The Potted Boxwood

The Potted Boxwood Family Screen 2

The screen in my grandmother’s living room. Like I said, my family is a big believer in screens! Photo source: The Potted Boxwood

The Potted Boxwood Family Screen 3

A smaller screen on the side of the kitchen counter. Photo source: The Potted Boxwood

The Potted Boxwood Family Screen 4

An antique mirrored screen opens up this dining area corner. Photo source: The Potted Boxwood

 

 

Study Time

It is that time of year, time to go back to school. For some it has already started, for others it is about to begin.  Regardless of whether you have a kid or follow an academic calendar, the start of school effects everyone. Your quick summer routes will become a little more congested when the yellow school-zone light starts to flash. While I love the free feel of summer, I also love darker denim, flats, boots, and my NEST pumpkin chai candle.

While January signifies a new year, I believe that August is really the start of a fresh one. With a fresh start, should come fresh study spaces. From a kid’s nook to an adult desk, everyone should have a space where they can be focused, inspired, and (hopefully) organized. I have found several study designs that will put you in the top of your class.

 

Remember that a study does not have to be a designated room, but a desk you put in the corner of a bedroom, living room, kitchen, or laundry. Just be sure to make it your own!

 

“Don’t you just love New York in the fall. It makes me wanna buy school supplies.”

-Tom Hanks, You’ve Got Mail

 
LA Study by Commune in AD
A Los Angeles study in a home designed by Commune in Architectural Digest.
 Andrea Anson's Manhatton Townhouse Study via AD
A lovely desk space in the corner of this formal living room in Andrea Anson’s townhouse. Photo source: Architectural Digest 
Desk in The Kitchen via House Beautiful
A desk as an extension of a kitchen. When you are short on space, the kitchen can be the most logical place for a desk area. I love the shelving to the ceiling and the cork board backsplash for the desk. Photo source: House Beautiful 
The Texas Ranch Desk of President Bush via AD
A classic corner of a beautifully paneled room in the ranch retreat of Laura and George W. Bush. All you need is a corner! Photo source: Architectural Digest
Tamara Mellon London Apartment designed by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard via Elle Decor
A lovely mix of modern and antique elements in Tamara Mellon’s London apartment designed by Martin Lawrence-Bullard.  This light space features a gorgeous desk flanked by two light fixtures. Photo source: Elle Decor
Study Brockschmidt & Coleman | Elle Decor
The more bookshelves the better. When I am not using my desk, it turns into a coffee table book library. When I do need to use it (often), I just push and pile them together to make space. It may seem cluttered, but it makes me feel inspired to work in that space. Design by Brockschmdt and Coleman in Elle Decor
Silje Aune Eriksen Desk Nook via Elle Decoration
The perfect wall space in a bedroom designed by Silje Aune Eriksen. This desk really adheres to the sleek and calm environment of the room. Photo source: Elle Decoration
Elle Decor Study with Gallery Wall
A divine matted green gallery wall with a contemporary chair and classic lamp. Photo source: Elle Decor
Duplex in Edingurgh via Apartment Therapy
A children’s study that is functional and fabulously designed. This couple’s duplex in Edinburgh was featured on Apartment Therapy
Monique Lhullier's Study Elle Decor
Monique Lhullier’s handsome and dramatic study featured in Elle Decor. If you do get a room for a study, go bold!
Sandra Lee's Home Office in Elle Decor
A soft study in Sandra Lee’s home featured in Elle Decor. I love when people bind thier books in white. What a fresh look! 
Modern Home Office via Pinterest
An incredible piece of furniture used in this industrial study. Photo source: Pinterest
Miles Redd via House Beautiful
A small desk makes a big impact in this Japanese cork-wallpapered room designed by Miles Redd. Photo source: House Beautiful 
Lisa Pomerantz New York Apartment via Elle Decor   
A clean and streamlined space in Lisa Pomerantz’s New York City apartment. This look could easily be recreated (think Ikea and Container Store). Photo source: Elle Decor
Elle Decor Study from October 2007
An incredible high-glossed office space with a mix of texture, prints, and design. SO glamorous! Photo source: Elle Decor
Elissa Cullman's Connecticut Study via AD
A charming and classic window view for an antique desk in Elissa Cullman’s Connecticut home.  I believe that all desks should be near a window and have wallpaper surrounding them if the room is right! Photo source: Architectural Digest   

 

 

 

 

The Everlasting Battery

It is often remarked that Charlestonians are like the Chinese: They eat rice, worship their ancestors, and speak in a language that is hard to understand. Well, if I could live in a town that was incredibly charming and full of architecturally significant homes, I would be happy to adapt to their customs.

My trip to Charleston was absolutely fabulous. While the town was lovely and the food was divine, the company I was with made it worthwhile. I was able to drag my friends around town to take some beautiful pictures of homes in the battery. Charelstonian homes possess a glorious mix of styles that include federal, georgian, greek revival, adamesque, italianate, and victorian.

If you haven’t visited this sweet southern city by the water, I highly recommend a visit. I also recommend that you go during the holidays. August is a little too hot and humid, and the decorations at Christmas will truly put you in a state of bliss.

Here are some photos I took that will encourage you to pick up the latest issue of Garden & Gun, book a room at The Planters Inn, and take a walk around the beautiful battery.

 

Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood.

TPB 2 story porch in Charleston

The details of the homes in Charleston were something to see! Between the balconies, shutters, and molding, it was incredible. Nothing more fabulous than a white house with black shutters.

TPB 3 story porch in Charleston

Charleston homes are known for being short in width and long in length.

TPB painted blue celing in Charleston

I didn’t notice this as I was taking the picture, but look at the ceiling of the porch. Such a lovely light blue color.

TPB American Flag with Black Doors in Charleston

The double front door facade leads to the typical Charlestonian style porch.

TPB Beautiful home in Charleston's Battery

A light peachy coral colored home with long black shutters. The top floor showcases exposed brick.

TPB Courtyard in Charleston

TPB Steeple Roofline in Charleston

A steepled tower roof gives this home some fabulous architectural flair. Visiting Charleston has me longing for a courtyard.

TPB Beautiful street corner landscaping in Charleston

TPB stately columns in Charleston

Stately columns on the side of this large corner revival house in the battery.

TPB Black garage in Charleston

Chic black garages surrounded by charming brick in the arches.

TPB Yellow White and Black home in Charleston

This is one house I am quite in love with. So very Charleston with incredible attention to detail. Notice the exposed grid on the door and the revival-style facade that leads to the porch.

TPB Black Shutter home with iron balcony

A little different look, but a handsome mix of colors with wonderful shutters.

TPB Blue Home in Charleston

A nice blue paint with white trim.

TPB Blue Painted Ceiling on Charleston Porch

Again, the ceiling on the porch is painted a lovely light blue that makes for a wonderful reflection of light.

TPB White Picket Fence in Charleson

A sweet and gracious egg-shell colored home with blue shutters. Who doesn’t love a picket fence?!

TPB Charleston Porch

Magnificent arches line the porch of this blue home with shorter balustrades on the roof.

TPB Charleston Red Brick

A wonderful sidewalk view.

TPB Charleston Shuttered Porch

Look at this amazing shutter work on the porch. I love how they can go up and down to allow for more light or shade.

TPB Red Front Door in Charleston

A burnt red door with boxwood topiaries. Almost has a London-like feel.

TPB Charlestonian Entry

The battery is full of fabulous American-Southern architecture.

TPB Charmng 4 Story in Charleston

 

TPB Charming Entry in Charleston

I could almost picture this type of architecture on the upper east-side.  Simply stunning.

TPB cypress trees and mossy steps in Charleston

Mossy green steps flanked by cypress trees lead to this amazing black front door.

TPB Deep Coral home in Charleston

Iron work and a pop of color on this battery home.

TPB Green Front Door

Look at that stunning green door surrounded by intricate wood moldings. Love!

TPB Driveway in Charleston's Battery

A driveway that is lush with landscaping and weathered with original brick pavers.

TPB historic home in the battery

TPB gated enterance in the battery

So historic, so charming, and so architecturally significant.

TPB gated side enterance in Charleston

I would love to know how old those bricks are!

TPB Shutter Magic in Charleston

More wonderful shutter work and intricate detail.

TPB Green Shutter home in Charleston

I love green, and I love the green shutter and iron work. Charleston architecture really understands the importance of shutters, how to use them and the impact of big windows!

TPB ivy covered drive in Charleston

A peek into a driveway. How adorable are the pots scaling the wall?!

TPB Lovely Lush Yard in Charleston

How wonderful.

TPB My favorite brick home in Charleston

TPB My favorite Red brick house in Charleston 2

TPB driveway of my favorite brick homeTPB My favorite Red Brick home in Charleston 3

By far, one of my favorite houses. The courtyard, landscape, and overall architecture was charming, sophisticated, and all together perfection.

TPB Pink home in Charleston TPB Pink home in Charleston's Battery

A little pink that only Charleston can pull off!

TPB Porch and Shutters to Love in Charleston

I love the light fixtures on the porch.

TPB Porch View

An elevated black and white beauty.

TPB Red brick georgian home in Charleston

A red roofed brick home. So charming!

TPB Red brick side view

Beautiful boxwoods frame this side entry.

TPB Red Roof in Charleston

Another white home with red roof top.

TPB Rounded Entry in Charleston

An immaculate circular front entry porch.

TPB sidewalk in Charleston

A favorite view on a charming street corner.

TPB white hosue with black shutters in the battery

Another white house, another black shutter, and another masterpiece in Charleston.

TPB Side Entry of Home in Charleston

Small boxwood hedges line the entry with a gas lamp-post.

TPB window boxes on a home with balck shutters

Divine window boxes on this black-shuttered home.

TPB white and blue house perfecton in Charleston

TPB blue front door in Charleston

Blue and white is such a timeless combination. Notice how the windows in the picture above are lined in a light blue, while this dark blue front door adds a wonderful punch of color.

TPB wide porch in Charleston

Jaw-dropping column and balustrade work.

TPB Window Boxes in Charleston

I thought these window boxes were very unique. I love how they kept them all green.

TPB Wood Door Walk-Up in Charleston

TPB Boxwood Landscape in Charleston

Notice how most entries have steps to the front door. This home in particularly has a wonderful boxwood garden for the small front yard space.

TPB yellow home with black shutters in battery

Such a classic look for home.

TPB Yellow Home

A sweet yellow home with white trim that includes a magnificent wrap-around porch!

TPB Yellow House and Black Shutters in Charleston

Just look at all the detail!

TPb Architecurally Gorgeous corner in Charleston

TPB Charleston Architecture 2

A colorful display of homes along the battery.

TPB Charleston Architecture

TPB Charleston Street View

Charleston is a town with ideal architecture, fabulous shopping, and excellent dining. It will surely charm you!

 

 

Charleston Charm

I am traveling with friends to Charleston, South Carolina for the weekend. It has been some time since I have been to the city full of Southern Charm. I know that Charleston has endless unique and rich architecture to offer, and I truly hope I can share it with you upon my return. However, this is a trip to celebrate a bride-to-be, so I am not sure how much leisure time I will have to snap pictures between toasting champs!

I looked through many Charleston homes featured in publications, and I loved the juxtaposition of old meets new in a home that was featured in Veranda years ago. The home was designed by it’s owner Eric Cohler and plays on contemporary and classic, with timeless and true Charleston elements throughout.

I can’t wait to share more on Charleston. As always, follow @thepottedboxwood on Instagram for up-to-the-minute pictures of my trip!

Photos of Eric Cohler’s Charleston home are by Jeff McNamara featured in  Veranda.

Charleston Home via Veranda

A fabulous long-side balcony covers both stories of Eric’s Charleston home.

Charleston Entry via Veranda

A stately checkerboard piazza. I love the black shutters and benches. A perfect porch for a nice cup of coffee.

Fireplace in Charleston Home via Veranda

The interior is an incredible play of contemporary and classic. Notice how the mantle does not have a large focal point, but a collection of antique and modern small-framed art.

Dining Room of old and new in Charleston Home via Veranda

A seagrass rug gives the dining room a less formal feel and allows the chinese stone-top table and Warhol silk screens to be the focal point.

Charleston Living Room via Veranda

I adore this room. It is timeless in so many ways.

Vignette in Charleston Home via Veranda

Many Charleston homes can go for the overly classical antique look. What Cohler accomplishes so brilliantly is an incorporation of antiques with touches of modern art and elements (the lamps in this picture).

Library in Charleston Home via Veranda

A lovely library and den with exposed brick fireplace.

Bedroom in Charleston Home via Veranda

An 1809 carved mantel adorns this fireplace in a bedroom with a traditional clean atmosphere.

An Armani One-Liner

Yesterday, my year-old pug puppy decided it would be a fabulous idea to jump on my vanity and remove my Armani eye-liner for an afternoon snack. The rest of the day called for a vet visit, a home-cooked Whole Foods dog dinner, and constant drooling (and not the kind you have over Gracie wallpaper).

I think it is only fitting that I showcase the very sleek and contemporary Milan residence of the fashion, makeup, and furniture king. Armani has a gift of timeless dressing, incredible coverup (seriously- it is the best!), and sharp lines. The only thing Armani lacks is an ingredient list for it’s make-up products. I can live with that, as long as Emmie lives. Today I am going to show you how Giorgio Armani lives, which is as flawless as his foundation and as smooth as his silk.

Giorgio Armani in Milan

Armani Library via Vogue UK

A stellar galley library in Armani’s Milan home. Photo source: Vogue UK

Den of Armani via Nuevo Estilo

Sleek wood walls in this library in the home. Photo source: Nuevo Estilo

Armani Dining Room via Nuevo Estilo

A checkerboard rug and contemporary high-back chairs in the dining area. Photo source: Nuevo Estilo

Armani Hallway via NYT

An airy hallway with simple details. Photo source: New York Times

Amani's Hallway via Nuevo Estilo

A close-up of the hallway and the black panthers. A home that is minimalist in one sense, and intricate in another. Photo source: Nuevo Estilo

Living Room of Armani via Nuevo Estilo

A comfortable and contrasting living area. Photo source: Nuevo Estilo

Armani Living Area via Neuvo Estilo

High ceilings and warm simplicity. Photo source: Nuevo Estilo

Armani's Milan House via Nuevo Estilo

The exterior of the Milan residence. Photo source: Nuevo Estilo