Charleston Home Magazine by Gulfstream Communications

charleston

FRESH NEW LOOK! from the publishers of Charleston magazine

charlestonhomemag.com

® Fall/Winter 2009

cooking • decorating • gardening • nesting

simple

entertaining ideas

delicious (and effortless)recipes Classic meets contemporary on Society Street

Restyle your bedroom

{ special section! } Your Guide to

Remodeling in the Lowcountry page 91

Designer Eric Cohler talks real-life decorating

$4.95

on a budget

{ contents }

68 MODERN HISTORY

Mix It Up! Marni and Marcus Durlach fill their historic single with a pareddown blend of modern and traditional furnishings • by Stephanie Hunt

78 COOKING FOR A CROWD

staff favorite

section

{SIMPLE RECIPES • USEFUL TIPS • BUDGET-SAVVY PLANS} by Mary Matthews • recipes by Heather Garvin

{ charleston home magazine’s }

57 One-Room Revamp:

p e t e r

46 Antiques 101

Clocks

The Linwood Inn

50 Personal Space

Hunting for Style

64 Neighborly Advice: Your

111 On the Table

household questions answered

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staff favorite

48 This Old House

52 Fashion to Furnishings

Street condo goes back to basics

w i l l i a m s f r a n k

e d w a r d s

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61 Small Spaces: An historic Bee

Step-by-step bedroom makeover

b r i e

* special

What about a budget?

Your must-read guide for shopping, gardening, and decorating locally

57 Homeowners’ Notebook

What kinds of financing are available?

Should I do it myself?

What are the building codes?

Will I get my money back?

31 Homefront

staff favorite

How do I find a contractor?

Lo p-byu- r G caStep u id l e

Should I hire an architect?

21 Create a Verdant Centerpiece 22 Rediscover Sweet Potatoes 24 Scout Out Hot Home Events 24 Find the Best Local Blogs 26 Shape Up Your Shelves

32 Market Report 34 Bargains & Best Bets 36 Do-It-Yourself: Mini-Bar Makeover 38 Dig It: Diascia 40 10 Minutes With Eric Cohler 42 Book Report

Where do I start?

staff favorite

Seasonally inspired tips for house and home

k page

Everything you need to know to renovate your Lowcountry home

Cool-Weather Recipes

FALL/WINTER 2009

SPECIAL SECTION:

Your Guide to Renovating Your Home in the Lowcountry • Set a workable budget • Find the right contractor • Get the kitchen you want • Add value to your home • Discover energy-efficient fixes

In Every Issue

10 Editor’s Note 12 Contributors 14 Letters 16 On the Web 116 Resources 122 Accents 124 Real Estate Marketplace 128 Last Say

On the Cover: photograph by Brie Williams; styled by Heather Garvin

21 Fresh Ideas

j u l i a

ly n n

remodeling Handbook

j e n n

h a i r

FALL / WINTER 2009

charleston Home’s Creative Staff

Editor Ellen McGauley Art Director Melinda Smith Monk Associate Art Director Julie Wood Lead Designer Ivy C. Deitch

Editor-In-Chief Darcy Shankland Senior Editor Melissa Bigner Style Editor Ayoka Lucas Staff Editors Anna Evans & Lauren Brooks Johnson

• Assistant Art Director Camilla Nilsson Contributing Designer Tami Boyce

• CONTRIBUTING Editors

Mitchell Crosby & Stephanie Hunt Food Editors Heather Garvin & Marion Sullivan

• INTERNS

Editorial: Margaret Ann Brinson & Emaly Standridge Art: Rachael Baldwin, Nick Branch, Elizabeth Boeschen, Rachel Corbett, Theresa D’Alessandro, Megan Green, Jenn Hair, Christopher Nelson, Eric Reou, & Zach Suggs Style: Camille Pompeii & Mary Wilbourn

charleston home is published 2 times per year by DEZ Inc., d/b/a GulfStream Communications, 782 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite C, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

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charleston Publisher Jed Drew

• Senior Account Executives Elayne H. Cason, Gene Crim, Denise Janove, & Catherine Lambert Advertising Art Director Zach Norris Traffic Manager/Sales Assistant Kathryn J. Aydlett

• Director of Marketing & Circulation Misty Lister Johnson Special Events Naomi Russell Distribution Coordinator Larry F. James, Jr. Circulation Assistant Helen Knight

• Financial Manager Pamela Robinson Accounting Assistant Matthew Flynn Subscriptions & Office Manager Jacqueline Hicks

• Web Director Rory Johnson Web Developer Michael Fussell IT Assistant Thomas Fussell

• INTERNS

Marketing: Ashley Harpster, Esmé Melchoir, & Karen Peters Production: Ryan Krause Sales: Claire Coscia Web: Rachel Cope

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{ editor’s note }

Keeping It Fresh Our new look is all about bringing you more of the real-life, locally inspired ideas you crave

elcome home! As you may have noticed, we’ve made some

pretty exciting changes. This past winter, our staff n e l s o n

began brainstorming ways to ensure Charleston Home is the inspired, yet thoroughly relatable,

C h r i s t o p h e r

home and garden resource you need. In the process, we kept coming back to the concept of “nesting,” emphasizing those cozy, reassuring rituals that help define our spaces. The result? A lively new look and re-energized content featuring more family-friendly recipes, money-saving tips, and smart solutions for your interior. Our goal is to deliver resourceful ideas you can use, whether through a five-step bedroom makeover (page 57), real-simple entertaining advice (page 78), or a comprehensive guide to remodeling your dwelling (page 91). And

“We kept coming back to the concept of ‘nesting,’ those cozy, reassuring rituals that help define our spaces.” —Ellen McGauley, editor

we’re still your source for the best-looking houses in the Lowcountry. My strategy for selecting those is pretty simple: if a house I scout leaves me eager to get home and try something new in my own abode, it’s a sure winner. In addition to our biannual issues, our newly revamped website h a i r

(charlestonhomemag.com) features colorful blogs, holiday recipes and projects,

j e n n

and more; plus you can send decorating questions, your own smart solutions,

t h e r e s a

d ' a l e s s a n d r o

and favorite recipes by clicking the At-Home Editor link. It’s also where you

(Top) Photographer Brie Williams and associate art director Julie Wood prep dishes at our “Cooking for a Crowd” shoot. (Above) The creative staff reviews layouts on “the wall,” where we post the pages for review before press time. 10

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can enter our first-ever Before & After Contest (see page 93 for details)—we’ll publish the best of the best in our Spring/Summer 2010 issue. Speaking of makeovers, how do you like ours? Do tell. We’d love to hear from you!

Ellen McGauley editor, Charleston Home emcgauley@charlestonmag.com P.S. This issue only, we’re offering the complete Fall/Winter magazine online. Tell your friends!

{ contributors } Heather Garvin

Who she is: Charleston Home food editor Pages: 24 (“Season Your Menu”); 78 (“Cooking for a Crowd”) Bio: No stranger to entertaining the masses, the Johnson & Wales-trained chef manages upscale caterer Mediterra, where she dreams up innovative menus for clients of all sorts and cooks up fare for both intimate affairs and all-out bashes. On entertaining friends at home: “My first rule is to not overdo it. If I’m serving hors d’oeuvres, a main course, and dessert, there’s no need to prepare eight options of each. And I don’t need hand-stitched monogrammed napkins either. I cook and style minimally, and that’s how I know I’ll be ready and guests will be happily fed.”

Brie Williams

Who she is: Freelance photographer Page: 78 (“Cooking for a Crowd”) Bio: Along with shooting for mags like ours and Southern Accents, Brie worked with New York florist Michael George on North Light Books’ Simply Elegant Flowers and is currently on assignment in Paris, shooting The French Table for Gibbs Smith Publisher. On life and parties: “My entertaining skills would have to evolve considerably for me to pull off a party these days. While shooting in France, all my stuff is in a 10 x 10foot stateside storage unit. But it is climate controlled, so who knows? There might be some possibilities there.” 12

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Who she is: Charleston Home senior editor and freelance writer Pages: 38 (“Diascia”); 61 (“Quantity, Meet Quality”) Bio: Melissa is the editor of our own Charleston Weddings magazine. She’s also penned books for Better Homes & Gardens, TLC, and HGTV, and her first independent book project, Southern Bouquets, is due out in early 2010. On making the most of her own square footage: “I recently went to the Ikea outside of D.C. and began picking up a ton of cool whatsits and loaded them into my cart. Just before checkout, I took inventory. I looked at each item and asked myself, ‘Is this something I need? Do I have room for this? Is this something I’d wrap up, pack, and move with me?’ In the end, I walked out of that giant hipster heaven with one $7.99 box of candles. The best part? They burn away to nothing. That’s pretty darn appealing these days, given I live and work in 1,250 square feet.”

n e l s o n

Melissa Bigner

{ letters }

We askED: What’s the one household item you’re willing to splurge on? Gourmet coffee? High thread-

count linens? A babysitter for a couple of hours a week? HERE’S WHAT YOU SAID:

Fresh flowers. For less than $10 a week, I can find an arrangement to put next to my kitchen sink. It makes me happy, and when I’m happy, everyone is happy. —Nancy Butler, Mount Pleasant Interesting serving platters or bowls. They make easy centerpieces—I actually look forward to entertaining when I think about designing the table around them. —Anna Stockton, Woodbridge, Virginia Monogrammed note cards. I never go without them. I still love sending personal notes—thank-you notes by e-mail or text are unacceptable. —Deborah Leigh, West Ashley A sexy area rug that my children will probably destroy. —Shari Knight-Gillum, Charleston A good piece of consignment furniture. Even if it means forking over all my fun money for the month, I’ll gladly do it for a table or cupboard with loads of potential. —Rosemary Nickles, Jacksonville, Florida Really good olive oil. Always extra-virgin, always organic, always first cold-pressed, and

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always Greek. I use it to make vinaigrettes, sprinkle on veggies, drizzle on bread, and lots more. It adds up to a king’s ransom, but it’s worth it. —Elle Kleckley, Mount Pleasant I have five kids, so I spring for boxes and boxes of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to save myself from weekly repaints of every room in the house. Also, a really good chocolate bar to stash under the peas in my freezer. It comes in handy at the end (or beginning!) of a long day. —Sarah Turner, Toledo, Ohio Magazines. I’m a sucker for all the most current magazines—everything from People to House Beautiful to Charleston Home. I love to look at pictures, get decorating ideas, and just get up-to-date. —Patricia Lenox, via e-mail High thread-count sheets. —Barbara Whalen, via e-mail

{ plus }

you said 15% offresh flowers you said soft toilet paper 10% ofgood, you said soaps and 10% ofscented cleaning supplies

We ask: What is your favorite neighborhood tradition? Whether it’s spring block parties, Sunday street clean-ups, or just those informal after-dinner gatherings under the street lamps, we’re looking for neighborly customs that make you feel right at home.

reply 3 ways

1. online: charlestonhomemag.com/athomeeditor 2. e-mail: emcgauley@charlestonmag.com 3. write: Charleston Home, P.O. Box 1794, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465

{ on the web} www.charlestonhomemag.com

October & November

n All about pumpkins! A look at this versatile fall veggie, complete with growing and cooking tips, clever crafting ideas, and five tasty recipes your family will love. Pumpkin pancakes, anyone? n Haunting Halloween projects you can do with the kids—perfect for a ghostly bash

December

January & February

we want to hear from you!

web

charlestonhomemag.com

Tell us what you’re doing in your home—we’d love to hear your ideas! Click on our At-Home Editor link on our website to send us your best recipes, household tips, makeover projects, questions, and photos.

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m i l e s

n Sneak peeks at the gorgeous dwellings she’s scouting for upcoming issues n More at-home projects for improving your interiors n An inside look at area design events, as well as highlights from interviews with top local tastemakers n And much, much more!

K U Z N I AR ,

Editor Ellen McGauley brings you inside the Charleston design scene with a first look at what’s in her sights, including:

T E RRY

Plus: Charleston Home’s “On the House” Blog

b e a c h ,

n Local camellias: A look at the five common classifications of camellia blooms found in gardens around the Lowcountry. We’ll show you varieties large and small, along with propagation methods used by some of the area’s most seasoned camellia growers.

p h o t o g r a p h s b y ROO W AY , a n d CHR I STOPH E R N E LSO N

n The BEST potluck recipes: Simple dishes designed for holiday party-hopping n A dozen homemade gift ideas for hands-on merrymaking n Decorating projects for hearth and home, including pretty tree ornaments, colorful centerpieces, and inventive wreaths you can make in an afternoon

Seasonally inspired tips for house and home

idea Get Your Greens On! Nip in the air? Bring your plants inside with a flourish. Here, Annie Mueller of Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A New Leaf Studio formed a verdant tabletop centerpiece from potted herbs, succulents, and other cool-weather foliage. By using what was already on no-hassle winner.

p h o t o g r a p h

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p e t e r

f r a n k

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hand, she scored a no-cost,

Party Favor

Want to send guests home with a gift that has staying power? Let them choose a potted plant from your centerpiece.

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fall/WINTER 2009

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ideas

Your Menu 2 Season right now: sweet potatoes

idea

( S e rv e s 4

as a side dish)

3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped 1 Tbs. canola oil 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into half-inch cubes 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced Pinch of red pepper flakes In a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy

’Tater Tips

brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and pour off

Sweeten up freshly harvested sweet potatoes—and prolong shelf life—by storing them in a dry nook at about 55-65ºF for two to eight weeks before consuming. Once cured, they’ll keep for up to three weeks. Don’t refrigerate uncooked sweet potatoes, as they can get tough. Scrub before cooking, and try them baked, fried, grilled, or even microwaved.

* * *

excess fat. Heat the oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until cubes are nicely browned and almost fork tender, about 15 minutes. Add onion and pepper and continue cooking for another few minutes until all vegetables are tender. Fold in cooked bacon pieces and red pepper flakes. Prepared hash can be held in a warm oven while eggs are cooking.

Decorating Tip: Take A Cue From Your Closet {

r's edito

pick }

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ur entire staff was wowed by the wisdom in The Well-Dressed Home and author Annette Tatum’s excellent point: Why is it that few of us enter a room and know just the window treatment it needs, while each morning we confidently toss on the perfect blouse? Find your fashion style, she advises, and dress your world in it. That means your favorite beaded cashmere cardigan might just fuel your kitchen makeover, and those flowered sandals could help you pick your dream wallpaper. So ask yourself: Am I runway chic or vintage denim? ($35, September 2009, Clarkson Potter)

home

Love It! There’s an inspiration board of fashion looks, fabric swatches, and more for each room.

Candy-colored accessories converted this kitchen into a retro sweet shop.

p h o t o s b y K a r y n R . M i l l e t , L i t t l e H o u s e C o l l e c t i o n s I n c .

recipe: Sweet Potato Hash

p h o t o b y b r i e w i l l i a m s ; r e c i p e b y h e a t h e r g a r v i n

s your recipe repertoire slightly overcooked? Stir things up with locally grown sweet potatoes. Though the root veggies are planted in spring and summer, harvest time runs August to December, which means farmers markets and produce stands should have ample reserves for months to come. Load up now, as the tasty treats are inexpensive and vitamin- and fiber-rich, plus they'll keep for weeks.

ideas

Hot Home Events 3 Scout in our backyard

idea

“Ask a Gardener” booth). See Resources for locations, dates, and hours.

From Farm to Table Everyone loves a good farmers market, and we’ve got some of

Neighbors in Need

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c o u r t e s y

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p h o e b e

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*pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com The two-years-young Pink Wallpaper has our attention as impeccable Charleston interiors gal Shannon Darby delivers daily collages of the rooms and palettes that

Local & Lovely

*huggingthecoast.com

NYC cabbie-turned-foodie Doug Ducap powers this Lowcountry gastro-blog. It’s busy and the photos are so-so, but 18 awardwinning burger recipes? We're in.

*parkersimsinteriors.com/blog Local design duo Ivie

inspire her own design work. Expect ev-

Parker and Adrian

erything from sweet to rustic looks gath-

Sims Truluck feature

ered from near and far, sumptuous photos

their own before-

galore, and an overall comfy-chic vibe.

and-afters and

Why Pink Is So Pretty:

open houses, plus

Darby makes design as approachable as

the of-the-moment

she is—by stitching together images from

homegoods that

a variety of sources, she takes the stuffi-

have them smitten.

ness out of style.

h o m e

h o w a r d

Inspire Your Interiors

Visit our online calendar for more events!

a l l o r a

idea Treat Yourself 4 to a good blog (or three!)

web

charlestonhomemag.com

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the best: Travel & Leisure named downtown’s one of the nation’s top 10, and the revamped Mount Pleasant market rocks. But frills and accolades aside, the reason we love ours is because they’re especially great for nesting. Plan supper according to available ingredients, fill vases with gardengrown everything, and get solid planting advice (via the Clemson Extension Master Gardeners’

The 12-year-old charity Operation Home takes over Mount Pleasant hotspot Red Drum October 25 for their annual fundraising event. Your good time (dinner, spirits, mingling) raises cash that upgrades the homes of needy local families with wheelchair ramps, roof repairs, air conditioning units, and more. Red Drum, 803 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant. October 25, 6p.m. $100 per ticket. (843) 853-3211, operationhome.org

c o u r t e s y

high time you did. The city’s largest garage sale, this annual event draws junking pros and amateurs alike to scour 15,000 square feet of secondhand steals. What finds have we scored? A velvetupholstered armchair for $20, an Oriental rug for $75, and a vintage wooden beach chair for $3. Arrive early (before doors open), and be ready to sift through items from appliances to lighting to fabrics. Proceeds aid the Junior League of Charleston in its sponsorship of community programs. Gaillard Auditorium Exhibition Hall,

77 Calhoun St., November 7, 8a.m.-1p.m. (843) 763-5284, jlcharleston.org

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Downtown Treasure Hunt If you haven’t shopped the Whale of a Sale in its 34-year history, it’s

ideas

Before

Shape Up 5 your shelves

idea

Freshen up an old bookcase in an afternoon with decorative paper and a little restyling

From Blah to Beautiful 1. Find a decorative paper to cover the interior for added depth and contrast. We mounted a few sheets with Mod Podge, but spray mount works well, too.

2. Create focal points: The built-in sits at the far end of the room, so large-scale photographs and art, along with sizeable design books, make a big—and needed—impact.

3. Tidy towers of magazines and blocks of novels create pedestals for other items and streamline the overall look.

* Size: Replace small, hard-tosee pieces with larger, wellpositioned focal points. * Quantity: Cull items down to two or three collections for an uncluttered look.

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s u g g s z a c h

* Color: Sort books by color to unify your stacks.

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Makeover Tips

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amount of keepsakes.

Paper Trail We chose this paper from Out of Hand in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village for its subtly vintage pattern.

p h o t o g r a p h s

4. Re-introduce only a spare

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FALL / W I N T E R 2 0 0 9

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SHOP SMART!

Find the best local bargains!

Mini-Bar Makeover Upgrading this vintage gaming cart was a snap thanks to a few simple improvements. Turn to page 36 to learn more!

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See pages 34-36

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fall/WINTER 2009

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home front Shop Smart

Market Report The latest picks from Charleston designers’ fall and winter collections

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n e l s o n C h r i s t o p h e r J e n n ( 1 ) , S u g g s Z a c h b y p h o t o g r a p h

Pure & Simple Woodworker Michael Moran’s inaugural line of upholstered furniture included this linen and black walnut sofa. $2,900, michaeljamesmoran.com

Form Meets Fabulous Blacksmith and furniture designer Peyton Avrett turned out this leggy side table with a tapered iron form and antique mirrored top. To the trade, avrett.com

H a i r

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Nice Curves Inspired by our area’s ample produce harvests, Betsey Carter designed this hand-thrown berry bowl for washing and straining; the curvy porcelain dish comes with a saucer to catch drips. $68, see Resources for retailers.

To the Dogs Aubergine’s Chocolate Shadow dog beds are their first venture into four-legged luxury, with five percent of sales going to local shelter Pet Helpers. $98-$179, auberginehome.com

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Glowing Terms Urban Electric’s capsule-shaped Ovus sconce has a chic 1930s Deco vibe, an antique brass finish, and a partially etched glass “shade.” urbanelectric.com

home front Shop Smart

Bargains & Best Bets Design Minds Wanted

ookmark sunnysaves.com, an all-local online source for finding the best deals on everything from cheap eats to affordable couture. Check back frequently to get a heads-up on estate sales, home furnishings closeouts, and cost-saving strategies for your energy bill.

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Best Road Trip Deal

King’s Farm Market, Edisto Island. Along with a fresh selection of homemade pies, quiches, and breads (not to mention locally made marmalades and more), the open-air market offers $5 bunches of blooms ($8 with roses) straight from their cutting garden. Includes zinnias, celosia, and sunflowers. 9 a.m-5:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Closed January and February.

Shop Old School

Carnations will never fall out of favor with us, particularly considering they stay fresh for up to three weeks. Busy B in West Ashley sells 25 for $10—tie the stems together tightly for tidy, updated arrangement.

o f c o u r t e s y

Out of Hand in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village sells 10 stems of Israeli Ruscus for $7.50 (that’s 75 cents a stem!). These greens last up to a full month in a vase, so add in three or four blooms for color, and change those out as they fade.

( 1 ) , ( 1 )

Go Green

PLUS: Don’t miss the return of the Lulan Artisans Sustainability Series, October 20, at 6 p.m. at the Visitors Center Theater. Speakers include Lulan owner Eve Blossom and Adam Bernholz, chairman of Green Wizard, an online resource for the green building industry.

Log On & Save!

Bang for Your Buck: Cut Flowers

a n d n i c k b r a n c h c o u r t e s y o f ESD

Money Savers!

l u l a n

ffer your own economic stimulus to Lowcountry businesses by taking part in the 3/50 Project. The national movement challenges residents to spend $50 a month at the three locally owned shops they wouldn’t want to live without. The idea is that if half of the employed population followed suit, the result would be a $42.6 billion revenue boost. Check out the350project.net for more information and fill us in on your three favorite shops at charlestonhomemag.com.

p h o t o g r a p h s b y c h r i s t o p h e r n e l s o n ( 1 ) ( 3 ) , c o u r t e s y o f k i n g s f a r m m a r k e t ( 1 ) ,

Lulan Artisans launched their first-ever textile competition in June of this year, inviting aspiring tastemakers to vie for a spot in the company’s 2010 collection. Dubbed “No Design Left Behind,” the contest is the brainchild of owner Eve Blossom, who founded the nationally acclaimed fabric company in late 2004 to pair American designers with Asian weavers for eco-friendly, sustainable products. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of 10 judges, and the results will be announced at lulan.com in November.

Be a Better Local

n e l s o n c h r i s t o p h e r b y p h o t o g r a p h

The New Look of Lower King

fter more than a year of construction upgrades, Mayor Riley is set to re-open Lower King’s Antiques District with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, November 12, at 4:30 p.m. Many shops in the district will keep their doors open until 8 p.m. that evening to celebrate the area’s new look. The urban overhaul known as Cityscape spanned the seven antiques-heavy blocks between Market and Broad streets, which are now emerging with new bluestone sidewalks, granite curbing, and side-street traffic signals.

Solve Your Design Dilemma Show up at ESD in West Ashley on Wednesday, November 4 from 7-9 p.m. armed with your most pressing decorating questions and an open mind. Owner and interior designer Muffie Faith (plus her team of designers and buyers along with Charleston Home too) will host a free forum to help solve your space dilemmas, color questions, and any other design quandaries you bring in. Plus, shop the evening’s special 20 percent off sale and enter to win a gorgeous chandelier! For more information, visit charlestonhomemag.com/askmuffie

ant to know where to score great deals? Check out Charleston Home’s new Shop Smart page on our website! We’ve posted home-minded sales of all kinds, from clearance events and one-time-only design promotions to cool freebies we’ve found. Our sale calendar is updated regularly—just go to charlestonhomemag. com/shopsmart. Have you come across a great home or garden deal? Click on the “Share Your Saver” button and tell us about it.

web

www.charlestonhomemag.com

Note

A Interior designer Muffie Faith

s you’re hoofing it through the retail scene this winter, keep in mind that most home shops have blowout after-Christmas sales. Last year’s markdowns often exceeded 50 percent and reached well beyond leftover holiday décor, so if homegoods are on your wish list, set aside a few days in January to troll local stores for steals.

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B Hinged leaves on either side open to extend work area and close to become more space efficient. B A removable tray offers ample storage cubbies underneath. B Two framed surfaces are perfect for fitting patterned fabric or paper for a simple style upgrade. B Casters allow it to scoot from room to room, or even outside. B A $140 pricetag: modern service carts we found are upwards of $250!

Go to charlestonhomemag.com and click on the At-Home Editor link to submit.

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Fine Print We covered both the table surface and lower shelf in a pretty fabric found in our scraps pile.

( 1 ) s u g g s z a c h a n d p h o t o g r a p h s

What makes it a winner

What do you need made over? Send us your “before” photo of an old chair, tired lamp, or threadbare sofa. We’ll pick one and work some magic!

Stash Your Supplies We stored cocktail napkins, swizzle sticks, bar recipes, and more in the felt compartment underneath the tray, formerly used for game accessories.

b y

A Cart of a Different Color After sanding down a few nicks and scars, we applied oil-based primer followed by a couple coats of orange paint in a satin finish.

Raise Your Glass Settling on a primary use as a portable bar, we had a local hardware store cut two panes of glass to fit both the bottom shelf and top tray. This also allows for a quick change of the accent fabric.

( 1 )

hether you’re looking for a specific piece or just out there to get your vintage on, the secondhand scene in Charleston is a trove of useful wares. Take this old English Oak drop-leaf gaming cart, a throwback to the days of parlor games, that we found at Roumillat’s in West Ashley. It’s not super special, but it had precisely what we look for in a salvage shop find: a cheaper pricetag than catalog counterparts, versatility of use, and loads of potential. Before

n e l s o n

Gaming Cart

c h r i s t o p h e r

Mini-Makeover

Easy Proj ect!

home front Dig It

Diascia {

Match: Diascia. She’s a verdant,

}

{ Mature

flower inside the lobes }

{ Leaves,

found underneath the bloom } Pair Diascia With… Trailers: Bacopa, ivy, vinca Low- (to medium) riders: Alyssum, pansies, strawflower Tall dudes: Purple fountain grass, snapdragons

DID YOU KNOW?

Diascia makes a great mounding groundcover, too. Plant in full sun (rock gardens are welcome), about 10 inches apart.

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Diascia Dos & Don’ts

Do: Plant in fall or spring. Don’t: Deadhead blooms. Instead, wait for all to wither then cut plant back to base to encourage new growth and repeat blooming. Cycle should continue until the first hard frost. Do: Cover the plant or bring indoors when hard frost threatens. With proper care, diascia can last through winter if the temps are mild enough. Do: Fertilize monthly or seasonally if planted in a shallow-root container. Don’t: Overwater. Standing water is the kiss of death for diascia, so give her a well-drained container and don’t overdo the watering. Do: Keep her roots covered. A light mulch covering (pine straw works) keeps soil from getting too hot or too cold. Don’t: Let her bake. Even though diascia digs sunshine, protect her roots if she becomes your summer container star, too, by placing her vessel in light shade. —Melissa Bigner

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soil (no acidic preference) Silhouette: Dome or mound Watering: Lightly moist soil Sun: Enjoys full sun to light shade Posse: Snails and slugs are fans Alias: Twinspur

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Potted Pleasure Diascia is a great choice for Charleston window boxes for their rapid, verdant growth and cheery color.

S u e

Origins: South Africa Height: About 10 inches tall Width: About 20 inches wide Foliage: Solid green Soil Preference: Easily draining

capensis }

low-maintenance, nearly all-season annual that blooms her little heart out several times a year. Want to learn more? Read on for her vitals and how to get along great with this cool-weather lovin’ catch.

{ Diascia

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seeks dreamy container plant. Colorful, dainty spring to winter blooms preferred. Must mingle well with other flora, can take sun or mild shade, doesn’t drink too much, and can thrive on benign neglect. Lush looks, availability, and—let’s face it—a cheapo pricetag preferred.

Diascia

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Wanted: Brown-thumbed gardener

Genus:

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home front 10 Minutes With

Eric Cohler

ric Cohler knows a good thing when he sees it. The New Yorkbased designer has earned ink in leading interiors magazines from Traditional Home to House Beautiful, Elle Décor to House & Garden, not to mention his name can be found on nearly every list of hot designers in the country. Industry insiders even crowned him the “mixmaster” for his knack for the unexpected, creating clever pairings of style and color. So when he first arrived in Charleston three years ago on a weekend visit with friends, it didn’t take long for him to take a shine to the city. “From day one, I loved everything about it,” says the Chicago-born Cohler, who holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from Columbia University’s School of Architecture. “The architectural details, how quintessentially Southern the houses are—the city just spoke to me, and I began laying plans Expert Advice to make it my part-time home.” Cohler recommends creating That he did and since took up resian idea cache for every room dence first on Wentworth then on in the house. Living room, George Street while restoring a Southbathroom, playroom—they of-Broad single. With that project beeach get a file for ripped-out hind him, Cohler is in the market for magazine pages, notes, and new digs here, as his “Southern sensiphotos. If you don’t incorbilities” draw him back once a month or porate the ideas this year, he so. “My love affair with the city hasn’t says, you will next year. lessened since I first visited,” he says.

“Perhaps I’m a Southerner at heart?”

Order in the House (Left to right) Cohler played up bold graphics and bright punches of color in this Manhattan living room he designed for a Susan G. Komen Foundation showhouse. The Church Street single Cohler restored last year boasts a handsome ground floor entrance. The foyer of his residence at 4 George Street was a mix of varied artwork and interesting objects.

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Words to Live By Let Function Lead Form I start by asking clients, “How will this space be used?” It’s simple, but it’s the most necessary element. I have to know them and what they like, who they are—it’s all about learning how they live. Stay in the Present When it comes to working with historic structures, think of it as liberating. The envelope that you can’t disrupt actually frees you to explore the possibilities in the structure. What can I do within these constraints? This is how you make it yours. Think about how you can best preserve the past, while ensuring it meets today’s needs, your needs.

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Be Your Stylish Self I interact with a lot of women every day who are so well put together. And then we talk about designing a room and they don’t feel like they can make the right choices. I look at them and say, “Wait, you look amazing. The black skirt, the blouse, the pearls.” What they’re lacking is the courage to let that style cross over into their own living room. Love Your World Don’t be afraid to live with the things you love. If you love purple, design a purple room. There are so many rules out there saying you have to have this, or a room has to look like that. Have the confidence to live with what you like. And remember that life isn’t perfect. Kids spill, dogs jump on the furniture. Your life and how you live it has to be part of the room. Train your eye Look at plenty of art. Studying a Reiman or a Marc Rothko painting stirs emotions and offers lessons in color and composition. —Mary Matthews w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

fall/WINTER 2009

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home front Book Report

Close to Home

We plucked these newly released tomes from fall lists for their kinship to life here in the Lowcountry La Cucina: The Regional Cooking of Italy

Caribbean Houses

1 carrot, chopped parsley, chopped 2 lbs. plum tomat oes, peeled and chopp ed 1 garlic clove 4 sage leaves 2 lbs. eel, cleane head and skin remov d, ed 2 tbsp. flour Salt and pepper

1 bunch flat-leaf

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LAZ IO

s faithful residents of Charleston and the Sea Islands, we’re suckers for Caribbean architecture, and this book is pure, livin’-by-the-sea luxury. Think light-bright Baroque townhouses in Curacao, 16th-century stone slab floors and wooden latticework screens in Cuba, open-air rooms, unfettered views, and old-school European furnishings. ($60, September 2009, Rizzoli)

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2 lbs. eels, cleane head and skin remov d, ed Grated zest of 1 orange Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 bay leaves Salt and pepper

A n g u i ll A A ll A M u r Anese

VEN ETO

low heat until the garlic begin s to take on color eel with the flour, . Dust the cut in lengths of a couple inche and add salt. s each, Add the eel to the pan with cook, turning, the garlic and until browned on all sides and through. Tran cooked sfer the cooke d eel to the toma let it soak up the to sauce, flavor for a few minutes, then serve.

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Cut the eels into short lengths. Put the eels in season with salt, a dish and pepper, orang e and lemon zests, lemon juice, and a little bay leaves. Let the eel marin more than 2 hours ate for . Meanwhile , prepare a grill, the fire burn down letting to low. Thre ad the pieces a spit or sever of eel on al skewers, cross wise, alternating piece of eel with each a bay leaf. Cook over charc slowly. Serve oal very hot.

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er’ s eel

This antique recip e comes to us from the glass Murano, who used makers of the heat of their glass furnaces Cut the eel in to cook it. pieces about 2½ inches long, make the cuts but don’t all the way throu gh, thus leavin not completely g the pieces separated one from ough the next. Thor ly rinse the eel Salt in equal parts water and vineg Arrange the lengt ar. hs of eel curle d in a ring over bay leaves, on a bed of the bed of a glass furnace, salt, cover another abun dant layer of with bay. Leave in about 1 hour. the furna Naturally, this ce special way of can be adapted cooking eel to home cooki ng, making use while following of the oven the same proce dure. Preheat 450°F. Place the the oven to eels in the oven and cook for Lower the temp 2 hours. erature by 50 degrees abou minutes until t every 20 turning it off.

1 large eel (about 2 lbs.), cleane skin and head remov d, ed Vinegar A few bay leaves

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Why we love it The cheery color scheme of our very own Rainbow Row is a tribute to colonial Caribbean architecture. And just as the Dutch introduced the Caribbean to tall, slim buildings, Lord Ashley-Cooper meanwhile was busy laying out the first Charleston single houses on similarly narrow lots 40 to 50 feet wide and 80 to 120 feet deep.

1 Fish

s sourcebooks go, this one is among the best. It isn’t just the two thousand-plus recipes and encyclopedic collection of Old World everything that has us prepping our pasta bowls; it’s that at-home cooks along the Carolina coast pull from many of the same ingredients as those considered staples in Italy: garden-grown tomatoes, fresh herbs, and local seafood. The book dates back to 1953 when the Italian Academy of Cuisine (Academia Italiana delle Cucina) met at Milan’s Hotel Diana to compile a treasury of recipes, complete with regional origins, translations, Why we love it! and histories. The academy founders 1. Recipes are organized by category (antipasti, then fanned out to villages everywhere, soups, fish, etc.) with the name of each dish interviewing farmers and grandmothers referenced in Italian and English. 2. Origins are at their stoves before transcribing their denoted in red. Glassmaker’s Eel, for instance, recipes, many of which had never been is an antique recipe from the glassmakers of documented before now. Murano, who used the heat of their glass furnaces The result is a packed compendium to cook it. 3. Dozens of local traditions are also useful to anyone interested in cooking included, immersing us in Italian custom and lore. real-deal Italian dishes. ($45, October 2009, Rizzoli)

This is being moved to Fresh ideas

The WellDressed Home

â&#x20AC;&#x153;W

hy it is that that few of us have the bravado to enter a room declaring we know just the window treatment it needs, yet each morning we confidently toss blouses and dresses in every direction in a search for the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect palette?" asks author Annette Tatum. Find your style, she advises, and run with it, allowing a beaded

Why we love One look and fearless '70s chic denim jacket and cami?"

it! we were asking, "Am I or a vintage combo of pistachio-colored 1930s

{ antiques101 } Produced by BETSY SHACKELFORD

Photographs by jenn hair

CLOCKS

invented the pendulum in the mid-1600s, clocks entered the decorative arts arena. The Brits especially turned out new fashions like grandfathers and brackets. Here, a few examples from the height of horology, aka the art of making timepieces

Art Deco Table Clock

This gilt bronze piece hails from 1920s France, its floral pattern influenced by well-known Deco designer Sue et Mare.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banjoâ&#x20AC;? Wall Clock

A standard style in 19th-century America, this example was made in Boston between 1850 and 1870 by E. Howard & Company and boasts reverse painted glass.

CLEAN YOUR CLOCK:

Timepieces can stop functioning if they need to be cleaned. A clocksmith can return them to working order.

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Grandfather Clock: Tall mahogany case clocks housing long pendulums in their towers were first introduced by London clockmakers around 1660, making them among the earliest forms of domestic timepieces. This model from Providence, Rhode Island, dates to the late 18th century and is signed by horologist Walter Dupree.

Like Clockwork: When Dutchman Christiaan Huygens

So named for its resemblance to the columned structures of ancient Greece, this ormolu example dates to around 1820.

Regulator Clock

Used as a standard of timekeeping for other clocks, the regulator is a weight-driven piece that would have been found in a clockmaker’s workshop or government building.

Oeil-de-Boeuf Clock: Named for a French expression meaning “eye of the beef,” or “bull's eye,” this mid-19th-century wall clock is typical of French café timepieces of the period.

Portico Clock

REPAIR TIP:

If a clock goes tock-tick, not tick-tock, the pendulum has fallen out of beat. To fix, tilt to one side; if it gets worse, tilt to the other side until it corrects itself.

er oth n a c out specifi k e e to s d with cases. s t e n e side re task ing th e r t e rced lies w o pain o f en, t fami ents t d e n , Sw iffere movem a r d o , e n Me long ing th i s e d ilur Befor buil a f m l . ura come ks, fro t l u in as ric Ag rce of king t sou ckma PriCe tag: clo Mora Clock Bracket Clock

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Tabletop clocks came about after the advent of spring-driven versions with shorter pendulums. This one was made in 18thcentury London and signed by renowned clockmaker Thomas Wagstaffe.

Mantel Clock

Though its face has been removed, this rare, circa-1835 Chinese export is valued for both its shape and rosy pattern.

Tall case clocks are considered highly desirable and draw the steepest price tags, but you can still fetch a signed one for around $3,000$5,000.

This 1810 clock first appeared in Stockholm during the Rococo period. Named for the town where they were produced, such clocks were particularly popular in rural areas. This one is known as a wedding clock for its white color.

Where to Find These Clocks?: See Resources for a list of antiques dealers. F ALL / W I NTER 2 0 0 9

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{ this old house } 200 South Palmetto Street, Summerville

The Linwood House today

The Linwood Inn

Living History

William Hastie (left) near the corral, where his carriage would have been brought to him; Lulu (likely a sister) on the back porch with dogs Gyp and Snipe (below). Photographs circa 1890.

A resilient Victorian traces its roots to a prominent Charleston family known for their high-profile houses

suburban, lesser known cousin of the famed Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation estates, Summerville’s Linwood Inn is the easygoing young charmer of the Drayton clan’s holdings. William Hastie and his wife, Julia Drayton, built the house in 1883 on a plum site—nearly two acres in the center of town—one block from the Summerville train station. For Mr. Hastie, it was an easy commute to work; the first American-made, passenger-carrying steam locomotive (dubbed the “Best Friend of Charleston”) carted him into the Holy City daily and home in the evenings. Meanwhile, Julia’s father, the Reverend John Grimke Drayton, patriarch of Magnolia Plantation, lived out the latter years of his life at Linwood and died there in 1891. The tin-roofed house was built as a two-story clapboard Victorian boasting a central hall plan with a kitchen located in the basement. (Food was brought up to the dining room via a dumbwaiter.)

Then & Now

(Clockwise from above right) Owner Julia Drayton Hastie in Linwood’s front garden; this 1890s photograph was taken by George LaGrange Cook, son of noted Civil War photographer George S. Cook. Today, a number of original features remain: the sitting room boasts period bay windows, moldings, and the original fireplace, and a view of the front porch reveals old triple-sash windows.

1883

Julia Drayton and William Hastie build their home on two acres in the heart of Summerville.

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1886

The house survives the legendary Charleston earthquake with mild damage.

HOME

1901

The Hasties move to Magnolia Plantation and sell their home to the Prettyman family.

1920s

A cottage-style guest house is built on the back of the lot.

1979

Linda and Peter Shelbourne purchase the property for $135,000.

1994

The Shelbournes transform Linwood into a B&B.

2007

A hay barn is renovated into guest quarters.

Heart-of-pine floors, triple-sash windows, and period window bays in the downstairs receiving rooms are all original elements. Remarkably, the Hastiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; newly constructed home remained relatively intact when the 1886 earthquake shook Summerville, though the damage it sustained remains a source of interest to seismologists. Glass from bay windows on either end of the house fell in opposite directions, and supporting piers showed curious circular damage, leading some scientists to speculate that the fault line ran underneath the home. A rendering of the structure, along with details of its damage, are included in the 1887-88 U.S. Geological Survey.

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Glass from bay windows on either end of the house fell in opposite directions... leading some scientists to speculate that the fault line ran underneath the home. The Hasties remained at Linwood until 1901, when they took up residence at Magnolia Plantation, making Julia the first woman in the region with a kitchen inside her house. Meanwhile, Linwood spent the better part of the 20th century as a single-family home, though it did undergo some changes. Open-air sleeping porches were probably added around the turn of the century, as Summerville was considered one of the top two locations in the world to recover from tuberculosis. (Most believed that breathing air filtered through the Summerville pines was beneficial to the lungs.) Today, these porches are enclosed sunrooms. A small parcel of land was sold off in the early 1900s, and with it, the carriage house and stable; in the 1920s, an owner built a cottagestyle guest house on the back of the property. The current owners, Linda and Peter Shelbourne, bought the property in 1979 before opening a bed and breakfast there 15 years later. The couple has restored the gardens, even adding camellias and azaleas named for the previous owners. Among them? A Camellia japonica dedicated to Reverend John Grimke Drayton. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ginny Perkins charlestonhomemag.com

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{ personal space } Written by Kelly Love Johnson

Hunting for Style One design-challenged 30-something gives up her pursuit of dressy digs and settles into cozy comfort

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onfession time: I’m a décor voyeur. It isn’t serious enough to get me arrested, but if you invite me to your home for a dinner party, I’m going to want a tour. And if you don’t offer, I’ll ask, or use the bathroom excuse to wander off after sights unseen. I won’t go through cabinets or drawers, and I’m not looking for your secrets— I just want to do a little style-searching. At a friend’s holiday oyster roast last year, I put in my time around the paper-laden tables and steaming bushels of oysters before making a play for a tour. Graciously, my hostess obliged and was soon pointing out a tapestry from Mexico, a recently reupholstered chair, and some of her own artwork gracing the walls of her den (which were painted a striking persimmon). Offhandedly, she explained, “I just threw some things together, and it worked.” Yes, it worked, I thought, and it looked like it belonged in the pages of a home décor magazine. Threw some things together, my eye. Is that even possible? I’m still not sure. Take my last attempt at “decorating,” when I set out to replace my old mismatched college-era furniture. With the help of a local shop’s in-house design service, I bought a sofa and chairs, an ottoman and pillows, everything ingeniously matched. When the new pieces arrived, I cried for three days. My living room looked like a hotel lobby. The sofa was narrow and uncomfortable. The plaid chairs clashed so hard they gave me a headache, and the pillows

would have been perfect for a 1950s French bordello. Worst of all: It wasn’t me. It looked like someone else’s house. Too embarrassed to return everything—the saleswoman had been so helpful and enthusiastic—I lived with my

matchy living room for five years. I found I spent less and less time there, preferring to watch television in my comfortable bedroom with the easy chair I got for five dollars at a thrift store. Just last year, I replaced the

hotel lobby couch with a more comfortable, overstuffed Pottery Barn version. It’s not high style, but it’s great for naps. I am terribly envious of people who can take a can of paint, a few plain-Jane pieces of furniture, and several yards of fabric and turn them into art. I have a friend who, after coveting a way-too-expensive quilt in a magazine, bought fabric scraps and sewed the quilt herself. I died a little inside. Another friend told me she redecorated her bathroom to “look like Tiffany’s” because she’d found “mistake paint” at Lowe’s that looked just like Tiffany blue. I imagined a silver and turquoise mess, but the actual results were stunning. She’d hung black-and-white photographs on the walls, replaced old hardware with stainless steel, and in less than a week had a brand new bathroom that you never would have known cost less than $200. Again, I died. At the last dinner party I attended, I marveled over my friend’s home office. Walls painted the color of a winter sunset, it had French doors that opened onto a patio, hanging lights, and a wall that served as her “mood board,” filled with inspirational bits and pieces. My own home office, where I spend the majority of my time, is the last room in my house that still contains a hodgepodge collection: the huge oak desk I bought used when an office supply store on King Street went out of business, the rogue plaid chair from my former living room, a green bookcase from my pastel phase, two 1940s chairs I inherited from my grandmother, my bicycle, a magnetic white board, and a tiny paper kite hanging from a hook on the wall. As I jealously compared where I work to my friend’s perfect office, I realized that it wasn’t photogenic perfection I was after. My home office, with all of its faults and oddly shaped corners, was all me. With all of the photographs I’ve torn from decorating magazines because I loved this piece or that one, I could hire someone to come in and create an office that would look just like the ones I’ve coveted for so long. But what if I couldn’t write a word there? What if, just like when I got help choosing my abhorrent living room furniture, I could no longer get w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

My living room looked like a hotel lobby. The sofa was narrow and uncomfortable and the pillows would have been perfect for a 1950s French bordello. comfortable in such a room? It struck me that what I’d been after all along was someone else’s idea of home, and that I should embrace mine as a work in progress. So, okay, it won’t end up in the pages of a magazine, but there’s that perfect

spot on the couch I love to snuggle in; the chair in my office with perfect lumbar support; and, of course, my old-faithful, thriftstore chair in the bedroom that’s perfect for reading, watching television, and thinking.... Perfect—all of it—at least for me.

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2 the runway look

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Like runway royalty, gorgeous greens crowned Marc Jacobsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; catwalk in the form of daring dresses and gem-like accessories 1. Faux snakeskin table tray, $40 at The Sitting Room 2. Acid glass wall sconce by Boomer Dog, $25 at Lesesne 3. Glass lamp with embossed brickwork pattern, $329 at GDC Home 4. Swirling round glass vase, $42 at Out of Hand

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Shades of Jade

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Regal hues and precious metals headline fall looks,

the runway look

Shining Example

Shimmering patterns and vibrant textures lit up DKNY’s ensembles, amplifying gold’s inherently iconic status 1. Hand-painted serving tray, $340 at ESD 2. Vintage Italian spiraled glass and bronze pendant chandelier, $3,750 for pair at ESD 3. Wooden acorn finial, $83 at Acquisitions 4. Metal lotus flower bowls, $19 at GDC Home 5. Silk embroidered throw pillow, $19 at Southern Accents

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{ fashion to furnishings }

prompting a radiant rendezvous with home décor

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{

notebook }

Helpful hints for making the most of where you live

homeowners’

one-room revamp 57 small spaces 61 neighborly advice 64

Restyle Your Bedroom

Treat your boudoir to the bona fide facelift it deserves with big ingenuity, not big bucks

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Sweet Dreams

he bedroom is often the last spot to get its redecorating due. Its place out of the public eye is partly to blame, plus, there’s the fear factor—of change, of disruption, of budget-busting purchases. But why not spend a weekend getting your private quarters up to par? Read on for five easy steps to a hassle-free makeover. After all, when your bedroom is in order, you’re more likely to sleep better, unwind better, and, dare we say, dream better.

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Restyle Your Bedroom

rab a pen and paper and make some notes. Separate your likes from your dislikes, including wall color, fabrics, and furniture. Note colors and pieces that work, and elements that must go (i.e. dated wallpaper, a worn set of pillows). Create a game plan for any substantial work needed like removing paper or repainting. This will give you a starting point to determine how and where to focus your resources.

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2 I

Examine Your Space

Find Your Fabrics

f the fabrics are a source of discontent, tackle them first, and focus especially on streamlining bedding and window treatments. Scour magazines and blogs for looks you love and shop for inspiring fabric swatches, throw pillows, or store-bought window panels to guide your new palette. Window Treatments: Invest time or money, but not both. In other words, don’t spend $300 in raw fabric and countless hours measuring, cutting, and sewing if you can fork over $50 more for those ready-made panels you covet. In the end, decide if it’s cash or idle hours you can part with, then do the research to get the look you want.

Save

Chadwick coverlet in leaf, $139 at Aubergine

Splurge

Pendulous Canopy, $128-$168 per panel at anthropologie.com n e l s o n

Bedding: Can’t swing a whole new set of linens? Spring for a new coverlet in white or a pleasing neutral ($50-$150). Spread it across your bed, then fold a favorite quilt or blanket at the foot for a clean look. Follow suit with new, high-quality shams and a bed skirt.

Black & White Floral Bouquet, $13.99 per panel at World Market

Pretty Palettes Fall for one of these dreamy color pairings Boho

Romantic

Coastal

Glam Papaya

Choice Cream

Aquarium

Soulmate

Quilt Gold

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Alabaster

Rejuvenate

Escapade Gold

If fabric stumps you as a starting point in your search for the perfect palette, begin with paint colors instead. These came from Sherwin Williams, but your neighborhood paint store can match them in the brand of your choice.

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{ homeowners’ notebook }

one-room revamp

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Fact or Fiction? Update Your Furniture

are is the piece of furniture that a coat or two of paint won’t set right. Out of love with your bedroom suite? Repaint your mahogany dresser and switch out the hardware for an updated look. If a splash of glam is what you seek, opt for a paint finish with a high sheen. To accent your revamped digs, consider adding a new piece to the mix, like a mod reading chair.

4 Swing-arm wall lamp in chestnut bronze, $197.50 at Carolina Lanterns

Splurge

Accessorize

Throw Pillows: Craft or collect in a couple of different shapes and textures for maximum impact. Area Rug: Choose from durable wools (unlikely to mold or mildew—key in our climate); washable, inexpensive cottons; and versatile natural fiber rugs, among others. Framed Art: Your quickest, most inexpensive route to a collection? Scour area junk shops for a favorite genre (1940s botanicals, magazine covers from the ’50s, ’70s rock ’n’ roll images, etc.).

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Tylösand chair, $299 at ikea.com

Light It Up

ighting is a great way to warm things up. If your room is heavy on pattern, seek solid or clear glass choices; for simple, neutral rooms, find a chandelier or lamps rich with detail or color. You can find good, inexpensive table lamps at the big-box stores on the cheap (less than $40 apiece), but for best bedtime reading, install a pair of swing-arm wall lights.

Oly Studio Flower Bowl chandelier, $2,199 at Candelabra

clear crystal knob, Bird Decorative Hardware

MYTH: Making over my room will be costly. TRUTH: Think “restyle,” not “redecorate.” Editing clutter, simple color updates on walls or furniture, new curtains, and hardware replacements will go a long way toward a new look. MYTH: Throw pillows are the simplest, most inexpensive route to give my space a fresh face. TRUTH: That depends. If the pillows in question are upwards of $100 apiece, spring for a to-die-for duvet cover before blowing your budget on adornment-only pillows. MYTH: Altering curtains, bedding, and other aspects of the bedroom will mess with my sleep habits. TRUTH: A good bedroom makeover should improve your quality of sleep. Assess everything from mattress quality to natural light, which is essential to maintaining regular sleep patterns. A soothing atmosphere, void of clutter, is important too, so get rid of work- or stress-related items.

Shortcut to Style

If you need a quick and easy route to that “done” look, here are three simple ways to get there fast 1. Window treatments: Place window treatments high on your maximum-impact list. Without them, a room tends to look a little forlorn and forgotten. 2. Lighting: A pair of table lamps or reading lights anchor the bed as a focal point and add a sense of symmetry. 3. Area Rug: This establishes the room’s center and unifies your layout. Check out the sizeable selections of sea grass, sisal, jute, and cotton rugs at Celadon and GDC Home.

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small spaces

Quantity, Meet Quality

A 377-square-foot condo dating to the 1840s lives large thanks to the back-to-basics design of its space-savvy owners

Before

“W

e’re normal people, and this is just a house.” That’s how Charleston native and architect Christopher Liberatos settles into a conversation about the thoughtful revamp of the 377-square-foot condo that he shares with girlfriend and fellow architect, Jenny Bevan. “I think people often make the mistake of putting too much into their houses. Sometimes simple is enough; it doesn’t have to be monumental.” Christopher bought the Bee Street hideaway sight unseen. He was living in England at the time, and though he’d made up his mind to one day land back in his hometown, he first headed to Manhattan and the classical design firm Fairfax & Sammons, where he and Jenny met. w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

New Heights Among the tasks in the gutting process was removing the “modern” ceiling and laying a floor on the attic side of the original timbers to create storage space above and give height to the rooms below. FALL / W I N T E R 2 0 0 9

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{ homeowners’ notebook }

Written by: melissa bigner / Photographs by: gil stose

{ homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; notebook }

Before XX

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Here’s what they did: A

Trimmed unfinished ceiling timbers with a sublime molding (which Christopher designed) to transform the beams into coffers.

Relied on fixed elements— windows, fireplace, and front

door—to establish the floor plan and determine how to divide the condo.

Chose one color throughout the space, which amplifies it. Because the couple couldn’t settle on any single paint shade, they went with

Two years later, Christopher moved back to Charleston, where he opened a satellite office for the firm. In his off-hours, he went to work stripping out the space’s decades-old “upgrades.” Built in the 1840s, the condo is part of a kitchen-carriage structure that sits behind a manor house across from MUSC. A 1970s Post and Courier piece notes that the service building sat untouched for more than a century, the street end housing a groundfloor kitchen with an enormous fireplace and modest living quarters above; the rear was comprised of a downstairs carriage port with towering wooden doors and tiny rooms upstairs. But soon after the article was published, the structure was subdivided and modernized into apartments for med students. w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

It remained as such until about four or five years ago, when the units were converted into condos. Christopher and Jenny (who was still in New York) sent floor plans back and forth as they toyed with the layout and tried to return their pending home to its humble beginnings, which meant tearing out sheetrock walls, a fiberglass tub, a popcorn ceiling, a window unit, vinyl windows, and loose-fill insulation in the attic. Christopher, whose former abode was a Manhattan studio apartment, ruled out an open floor plan, though that was the simple fix others suggested; he counters that one of the best ways to make a place feel bigger is to subdivide it. Today the condo is as shipshape and savvy about use of space as a boat cabin. Organic materials—stucco, brick, and unfinished cypress bead board—form a backdrop as modest as the abode likely was when it was first built, something the pair aimed to recapture for architectural integrity’s sake. And it isn’t equipped with central air, which Jenny and Christopher don’t want. The subject of it prompts a discussion of a 16thcentury Turkish hospital, where breezes blow in and surrounding gardens promote healing. Their own space, says the couple, like the open-air overseas spot, simply feels good. “I don’t see myself moving again,” says Christopher, leaning back on a settee. Adds Jenny, “As far as our favorite place to be in Charleston, there’s no room, no building, or park that we like better than this.”

natural wood by default. With age and protective oil, it took on a rich, honey color.

Maximized kitchen inches with open shelves, and crafted a wooden sink cover that adds counterspace.

Saved more precious inches using bead board partitions (a mere oneand-a-half inches thick) instead of stud walls to separate the bath, bed alcove, and kitchen.

Installed a bed alcove with bead board walls, drawer space underneath, and a slim closet to one side. (Operable shutters cut into the bed alcove walls allow air and light to flow through and give the condo a dynamic, open feeling.)

After

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{ homeowners’ notebook }

small spaces

{ homeowners’ notebook }

neighborly advice Simple answers to your household questions

Do You Need A Primer?

nsure if using a primer before you paint is really necessary? Here are a few tips to help determine when to prime and when it’s okay to skip. Use a primer if you’re painting cement or untreated wood—without it, you could end up with an uneven coat of paint. You’ll also need it if you plan to paint over oil-based paint with latex, otherwise the paint won’t adhere properly. If the walls are in good condition and already have a latex paint coat on them, it’s fine to skip the primer. You might check out Behr Premium Plus Ultra, though our sources tell us that most of today’s paints, particularly those boasting low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), have self-priming properties built in. Choose wisely: If you can’t decide between latex or oilbased paints and primers, keep in mind that many latexbased paints are being made with much lower levels of VOCs that can be harmful to your health.

customize your art collection: Save money on pricey wall art by creating a series of fancy images of your own. All you need is a digital camera with eight mega-pixel capability and a print shop outfitted for medium-format printing. Settle on subjects that would work well in a series (i.e., flowers, architectural elements, an antique tool collection), snap the pics, print, and fit in 8 x 10-inch or 11 x 14-inch frames. 64

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take care of your area rug: Before you take up a rug for cleaning, attach a safety pin to one corner. When you put it back down, you’ll know how it was laid before and can redistribute the wear accordingly.

home

discover household shortcuts: Did you know that stuffing old newspapers in your shoes will help freshen them up? It’s one of several clever tips we found on the People Against Dirty section of the Method Home website (methodhome. com). Click on the Tips tab to find more smart ideas, including how to use food coloring to tell if your toilet is leaking.

REmove old wallpaper: Mix DIF wallpaper stripper (available at most hardware or home improvement stores) with water and apply to papered walls with a spray bottle or sponge. Peel off paper, reapplying as necessary. The longer you let the solution soak on the paper, the better your results.

Get a Speed Bump On Your Street: The process varies by municipality, but in the city of Charleston, send a written request to the Department of Traffic and Transportation. The speed limit on your street can’t exceed 30 mph and daily traffic can’t be more than 350 cars. If this checks out, you’ll need a written petition signed by 75 percent of the residents on the street.

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Written by Stephanie Hunt

â&#x20AC;˘

Photographs by Julia Lynn

modern history

A young family fills an historic Society Street single with simple, pared-down furnishings

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Lofty Idea Sleek surfaces adorn the second-floor kitchen, rich with aged wood. Opposite: Graceful antiques collections offer a nod to the dwellingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long history. w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

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Curb Appeal The Durlachs’ mid19th-century single house underwent a full-scale renovation in the years following Hurricane Hugo. Today the Ansonborough stunner is bathed in cheery saffron. Opposite: The second-floor living room pairs traditional olive-hued armchairs with a sexy white Barcelona sofa. An antique gilt mirror reflects a Charles Ailstock painting.

here are no piles. There’s no clutter. And no cute arrangements of collectibles or zealous population of pillows. “I like throwing things away,” explains a very pregnant Marni Rothschild Durlach, resting a hand on her perfectly round belly in the kitchen room of the Society Street home she shares with her husband, Marcus. “It’s actually one of my favorite things to do. My dad’s a minimalist,” she explains. “I come from a long line of people who’ve always thrown things away. “And to me,” Marni continues, “the more stuff you have in a house, the less you can see its bones, and we really like the bones of this house.” The bones in question are strong and handsome, and some of the oldest in Ansonborough. While most of the neighborhood succumbed to the great fire of 1838, the stout masonry walls of this three-story single—known as the Juliana DuPre House for its original builder—still stood. In fact, when Historic Charleston Foundation initiated its Ansonborough neighborhood restoration program in 1959, the Society Street abode was one of the

first properties they bought. Around that time, the footprint of the home’s original kitchen house was discovered. Today, a slim, interior steel stairwell joins the main house to the kitchen house, resurrected using authentic period masonry and woodwork methods in the 1990s when then-owners Toni and Earl Jackson gave the house a major overhaul. Working with architect Steven Thompson, the Jacksons connected the structures, streamlined the interiors, and luxed up the bathrooms. In the end, signature modernist materials—mahogany, slate, stucco, and steel—used throughout prove that nouveau need not be monotonous or monotone. “There was so much we initially liked about this house,” says Marni, a professional photographer whose well-trained eye knew it to be an aesthetic slam dunk when she first saw it in 2006. “The setup was perfect,” she continues, noting that a ground-floor room by the entrance satisfied her need for a home office, one that clients wouldn’t have to traipse through the house to reach. “And,” she adds, “we loved that it was sleek and not too fussy for a downtown house.” She’s right. While stately

“To me, the more stuff you have in a house, the less you can see the bones, and we really like the bones of this house.” —Marni Rothschild Durlach 70

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Pretty Simple Above left: Basic cabinetry, mahogany countertops, and a copper backsplash dress the uncluttered cookspace. Above right: The kitchen boasts two historic fireplaces, each painted white for a modern update. A cannonball, found on the property by previous owners, rests on one mantel. 72

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and historic, the home is nonetheless understated—there are no ornate moldings, no overly formal spaces. And the Durlachs amplified that vibe, opening the kitchen’s rear wall with a large picture window, adding a second-story terrace that overlooks the garden, and building a handsome, slate-trimmed pool. Taking in the resulting—and surprising—yacht-like feel of the entire property, Marni says, “It’s very shippy.” That suits her husband, a veteran seaman and the son of a son of a sailor, just fine. “We really liked that the two previous owners had done such a good job renovating and maintaining it,” says Marcus, a real estate professional and former serial house-flipper who orchestrated six or seven renovations during his bachelor days. “This is the longest—in my adult life, at least—I’ve ever lived in a house,” he confesses. He and Marni actually bought the home the home

same day they were engaged and later held their wedding in the back garden. As for the furnishings, everything—including original prints shot by Marni and watercolors painted by Marcus’ grandfather—represents a melding of their previous lives and acquisitions. Not much besides a dining room chandelier, a stainless steel kitchen worktable and chairs from Berlins Restaurant Supply, and garden furniture was purchased specifically for their new abode. Again, the prevailing design motif was “pare down,” not fill up. When it came to coloring their world, they opted for cool whites and a creamy pale gray. “We lightened up everything as much as we could,” says Marni. “The house needed that.” The painters dubbed the gray-tinged neutral they chose for the hallways “Durlach Gray,” which makes the mom-to-be laugh. “We tend to put it on everything,” she explains.

air of informality The Durlachs kept things light in the dining room, with linen-slipcovered chairs and a long pine table Marcus found at South of Market. The room is connected to the kitchen house by a narrow hall passage.

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Granted, with a new baby in the house, Marni and Marcus might have to compromise their streamlined style. Inevitably some kiddie clutter will find its way into the mix, and already, one concession was made in the kitchen. When they moved in, the pair took the doors off the cabinets, seeking more openness. It was good incentive to keep things organized, notes Marni. “But we’ve put them back now to hide the plastic baby bottles.” That’s cool, though, because this house is all about embracing continuity and change. Its former owners built on history with architectural integrity, incorporating both rigor and whimsy, and Marni and Marcus have likewise made it their own, mixing modern and traditional furnishings with an eye toward family comfort. And as a good photographer knows, the beauty is in the contrast, and the fun is in seeing what develops. 74

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Urban Oasis Left: French doors on the rear wall of the kitchen open to a sunny terrace enclosed by steel railings; concrete steps lead to the backyard one story below. Above: Sheila Wertimer designed the garden and planted an allée of crepe myrtles to echo the piazza columns.

backyard bliss Marni and Marcus married on the petite back lawn, which is shielded on all sides by a tall, ivy-covered wall. Today, a lap pool stretches the length of it, bordered by ornamental grasses and other evergreen plantings.

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Old & New The coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic-meets-contemporary sensibilities are evident throughout the home. A crystal chandelier sparkles against shojii walls; antique and vintage chairs sit next to mod wardrobes and cabinets; chippedpaint surfaces contrast with seamless plaster walls and steel finishings; the stairwell marries fresh sea grass runners with worn wooden banisters. 76

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Suite Repose French armchairs flank the fireplace in the guest room, which is tucked away on the ground floor, just steps from a shady side garden. Below: Floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest bath afford abbreviated garden views by way of tropical plants between the main residence and kitchen house.

“We loved that it was sleek and not too fussy for a downtown house.” —Marni Rothschild Durlach

Opposites Attract His style’s more traditional, hers is more mod. Here's how the Durlachs married the two sensibilities together:

• Keep a neutral palette. This allows contrasting shapes and forms to blend seamlessly.

• Don’t force it. The mix works great for the Durlachs because it happened naturally—they combined what furniture they had and made it work. Start with cherished pieces that already define you and fill in from there. • Mix and match. The Durlachs’ kitchen hosts both cozy Old World fireplaces and an industrial stainless steel island table. • Be bold but be practical. The nearby work area is “mini-

malist chic,” while an adjoining sitting area is a study in “getcomfy traditional.” Functionality rules in both spaces.

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cooking for a crowd Easy, all-occasion ideas for entertaining at home in the Lowcountry written by Mary Matthews photographs by Brie Williams recipes & food styling by Heather Garvin

hat’s better than friends and family gathering around the supper table, trading stories and dining on home-cooked everything? Not much, as we see it. And we’re not alone: Whether it’s close relatives at the holidays or a weeknight get-together among pals, homespun entertaining is making a grand comeback. Still, whipping up hors d’oeuvres or a meal can be a feat for veteran hosts and amateurs alike. But with the right approach (and a little practice), the part of entertainer extraordinaire can become second-nature. That means you can lose the stress and enjoy the party as it plays out. And if you’re limited on time or money, join the club! Everyone’s in the same boat these days, so we’ve outlined a budget-smart plan that features dishes with minimal, locally accessible ingredients. Plus, we’ve mixed in loads of pointers to help with the process. So get comfy and read on. The party’s about to start... Shot on location at 58 Tradd Street, courtesy of Handsome Properties

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{ cold starters } Olive Tapenade (yields 2

c u p s ) .....................................

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: none 1 cup kalamata olives, coarsely chopped 1 cup Spanish olives, coarsely chopped 2 Tbs. minced red onion 1 Tbs. capers 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. dried thyme Cracked black pepper, to taste

Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Chill until ready to serve.

Creamy Olive Dip (yields 2

c u p s ) .....................................

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: none 1 heaping cup pimiento-stuffed green olives 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

Time Saver

2 Tbs. milk

These dips can be made up to three days in advance.

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. celery salt 1/8 tsp. white pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until fully incorporated. Chill until ready to serve.

{ Food forThought }

Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin

Set The Stage

(yields 1½

c u p s ) .................................

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: none 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

(packed in oil), firmly packed 2-3 garlic cloves 12 oz. cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 3 Tbs. chopped fresh rosemary 1 1/2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil 1/4 tsp. salt Cracked black pepper, to taste

Pulse sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and process until fully incorporated. Serve at room temperature.

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Any good event planner has a roster of A-list venues, and believe it or not, so do you. Think about it, there’s the kitchen-patio-garden area for spring and fall, and how about the kitchen-living room-dining room combo for summer and winter? To pick what’s perfect for now, consider guest flow, temperature, and prime mingling territory. Once you’ve nailed down your party zone, anchor the action there by placing hors d’oeuvres throughout the space.

Time It Right

When is the right time to begin getting ready? It all depends on how you’re wired. Planning too far in advance could wear you out on the whole affair before it even begins; not planning enough can leave both cook and kitchen in disarray, and your to-do list undone. So pull out your calendar, plot backward from the party date, and schedule when you are doing what—shopping, make-ahead cooking, decorating, final prep, and so on.

Keep It Simple

Pick a theme and stick to it, but keep it as basic as possible. Whether it’s a Chips, Dips, & Football afternoon; a Cool-Weather Comfort Food Potluck; or New Year’s Eve Cocktails, use your theme to streamline your ideas. Caution: stick to what’s familiar. Think twice about hosting a Moroccan dinner if you and your guests don’t know a thing about Morocco... and none of you are big on couscous either.

Olive Tapenade Time Saver Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have Worcestershire sauce on hand? Use olive juice instead.

Shop Smart

Any variety of green or black olives works, except those marinated or packed in seasoned oil. Hit up the olive bar at the grocery store for quality olives at a good price and the freedom to buy only the amount you need.

Creamy Olive Dip

Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin

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{ warm starters } Shop Smart

While this recipe calls for ground pork and beef, ground round (a slightly less lean ground beef, and thus less expensive) can be substituted in place of either meat.

through the batches, cooked meatballs can be held in a warm oven. Serve with storebought hoisin, a Chinese dipping sauce that goes well with meat dishes. Meatballs can be made a day in advance and gently reheated in a 250°F oven for five to 10 minutes.

Chèvre-Stuffed Roasted Roma Tomatoes

( y i e l d s 8 ) ........................................

Five-Spice Meatballs

( y i e l d s 2 4 ) .....................................

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

4 oz. goat cheese

Cook Time: 25 minutes

3 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley 3 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano

1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 lb. ground pork

3 Tbs. bread crumbs,

2 Tbs. minced white onion

1 1/2 Tbs. minced green pepper

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 garlic clove, pressed

4 ripe Roma tomatoes

1 large egg white

Olive oil, for drizzling

1 Tbs. bread crumbs

Salt and pepper, to taste

plus more for topping

2 tsp. less-sodium soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp. orange juice 1 tsp. five-spice powder 1 tsp. brown sugar Vegetable oil Hoisin sauce, for dipping

Combine all ingredients except vegetable oil and hoisin in a large bowl. Gently knead mixture until just incorporated. Form into one-inch balls and set aside on a baking sheet. Heat a quarter-inch layer of vegetable oil in a shallow sauté pan over medium heat. Working in batches, brown one side of meatballs for two minutes before turning to brown the opposite side. Continue to turn meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about eight minutes total. While working 82

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Preheat oven to 400°F. Mash goat cheese, herbs, and lemon juice together in a small bowl. Separately, mash the bread crumbs with butter to form a crumbly paste. Halve tomatoes lengthwise and scoop out pulp and seeds. Lay tomatoes cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Turn tomato halves over, coating bottoms with any excess olive oil on foil, and sprinkle salt and pepper over insides of tomato cups. Lightly pack each tomato with goat cheese mixture so it mounds over the top. Sprinkle bread crumb topping evenly over tomatoes, and roast for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Time Saver This recipe comes together in a flash, as most of the amounts can be easily eyeballed to minimize measuring. Tip: You can substitute an herbed chèvre log and skip the fresh herbs.

Budget Your Bash

Don’t break the bank in the name of a good time

sing the recipes you see here, we’ve put together two sample menus—with both food and drink—based on steal and splurge budgets. Our estimates assume you’re cooking with a relatively well-stocked pantry and a fully equipped spice rack. Here’s the menu portion; for bar ideas, see page 89.

{Steal Menu} 6-8 guests

{Starters} • Creamy Olive Dip • Chèvre-Stuffed Roasted Roma Tomatoes

{Splurge Menu} 10-12 guests

{Starters} • All three of our featured dips • Five-Spice Meatballs

{Main Course} {Main Course} • Frogmore Bake • Chopped Pomegranate Salad • Parmesan Risotto Cakes

• Horseradish Encrusted Roast • Chopped Pomegranate Salad • Three-Cheese Penne

{Dessert} {Dessert}

• Black Forest Cupcakes

__________________________

Grocery Bill : $94

Grocery Bill : $143

Budget-Savvy Shopping Tips

n A month before your party, begin looking for specials in the paper. Put your bargain buys in the freezer until the big day. n Plan a seasonal menu—fresh items are less expensive because they are in greater supply. n Buy generic brands. n Avoid purchasing items at eye-level on grocery shelves. The most expensive brands pay for that placement. n Choose recipes with fewer or less expensive ingredients, like the ones on these pages.

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{ main dishes } Horseradish-Encrusted Roast Prime Rib of Beef

( S e r v e s 1 2 ) ..................................... Inactive Prep Time: 1 hour Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 90 minutes 6 lbs. boneless beef rib roast 1 cup prepared horseradish 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 large garlic clove, minced 1 Tbs. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. pepper

Frogmore Bake

( S e r v e s 8 - 1 0 ) ..................................... Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 3 Tbs. unsalted butter 3 stalks celery, diced 1 small yellow onion, diced 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbs. flour 4 cups (1 quart) half-and-half 3 Tbs. beer 1 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice

release natural juices during cooking and thin the sauce.) Remove the bay leaf. Fold in the sliced potatoes, sausage, corn, and shrimp and transfer to a 13 x 9-inch shallow casserole pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until potatoes are al dente. Uncover and cook an additional 20 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and casserole is bubbling. Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Allow beef to come to room temperature (approximately one hour) before roasting. Preheat oven to 425°F. Make five slits on the top of the roast, scoring only the fatty layer and not the beef underneath. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Pat a thin layer evenly over the top and sides of roast. Transfer beef to a pan fitted with a roasting rack and cook for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for 70 to 80 minutes more, or until thermometer inserted in the center reads 130°F (for medium rare). Transfer roast to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before carving. (Internal temperature will rise five to 10 degrees during resting.)

1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 3 Tbs. Old Bay or Cajun seasoning 1 bay leaf 1/4 tsp. black pepper 9 medium red potatoes, sliced 1/8-inch thick 2 1/4 cups (about 12 oz.) Andouille sausage, diced 1 1/2 cups cooked corn

Streamline Your Menu

1 lb. medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, and halved

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the celery and onion until soft, then add in the flour, stirring until it is fully moistened. Slowly whisk in half-and-half. Add beer, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, and pepper and let mixture simmer for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally so it does not scorch. (Mixture will be thick, but the shrimp will 84

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{ Food for Thought }

HOME

Start with hors d’oeuvres or sides you’re known for, rave-worthy creations like “Jane’s meatballs” or “Carrie’s pasta salad.” Then fill in holes with new and/or seasonal dishes.

Hard & Fast Rules

1. Don’t experiment on your guests, unless you’re a bold, seasoned soul. Typically safe party dishes are those you’ve made at least once before. 2. If you fashion an ethnic menu, let guests know ahead of time and have some “safe” foods (i.e. mass-appeal basics) available.

Book It

Track your past hits (and misses) in a party planning notebook. Include perennial hit recipes, menus, drinks, games, winning settings, and timelines that have worked for you. Add sketches, magazine pages, or photos from your last event to help you with décor.

Time Saver Have your grocery store butcher bone and truss (bind with string) your roast. Boneless roasts take less oven space, cook faster, and are easiest to cut than standing (or bone-in) roasts.

j tip

Serving Size Generally, each pound of boneless roast requires 15 minutes to cook and yields two servings. Use this formula to adjust the recipe to your number of guests.

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{ simple sides } Time Saver: Risotto cakes can be cooked and refrigerated one day in advance. Before serving, heat for 10 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a nonstick skillet, enough to just coat the bottom of the pan. Working one at a time, portion and mold risotto into one-inch balls and lightly dredge in cornmeal, pushing down to form a flat cake. (If risotto is not sticky enough to hold together, you can stir in a few teaspoons of cornmeal to help bind the rice.) Gently drop cakes into pan and cook each side until golden brown, about one to two minutes per side. The cakes can warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes before serving time.

Three-Cheese Penne

( S e r v e s 1 2 ) .............................................. Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes 4 Tbs. unsalted butter 5 Tbs. flour 3 cups milk (not skim)

Chopped Pomegranate Salad

( S e r v e s 8 - 1 0 ) .........................................

Parmesan Risotto Cakes

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan

(Yields 24

1 1/2 cups sharp yellow cheddar, shredded,

c a k e s ) ...............................

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5-8 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

divided 1/2 lb. fontina cheese, cubed 2 tsp. dry mustard

8 cups chopped Romaine, Bibb, or

2 Tbs. olive oil, plus more for sautéing cakes

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced

Dash of cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, lightly

2 garlic cloves, finely diced

Pinch of salt

toasted (*see instructions) 1 1/2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

2 cups Arborio rice

1 lb. penne pasta, cooked

2 pears, cored and diced

5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, heated

red leaf Lettuce, packed

2-3 Tbs. white wine (optional) 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan

For the dressing:

White pepper, to taste

1/3 cup pomegranate juice

2 cups cornmeal, or more as needed

2 tsp. honey 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients except the oil until well combined. Add the oil in a slow stream, whisking continuously. Place greens in a large bowl. Just before serving, toss with dressing and top with walnuts, cheese, and pears. *To toast walnuts, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts on baking sheet and broil for about five to eight minutes, taking care not to burn them. Remove, turn over nuts, repeat. Remove and let cool before adding to other ingredients. 86

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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add onion and cook until softened (about two minutes). Add garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring so garlic doesn’t burn. Add rice and stir to coat. If using white wine, add it to the mix to deglaze the pan and let liquid evaporate. (Skip this step if not using wine.) Ladle in chicken broth a small amount at a time, stirring constantly until all of the broth is absorbed before adding more. Continue cooking, maintaining a slow boil until all the broth is incorporated and rice is al dente. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan. Season to taste with white pepper. Let sit until cool enough to handle, or spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat the butter and flour over medium heat for two minutes, stirring constantly, until all flour is incorporated. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in milk. Return to heat and boil until sauce thickens. Add parmesan, one cup cheddar, and fontina a small amount at a time, whisking constantly, letting cheese melt before adding more. Once all cheese is melted and mixture is smooth, stir in mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta, fold in remaining cheddar, and stir until pasta is well coated. Transfer mixture to a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray and bake, covered, for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for 20 minutes more, or until top is golden and cheese is bubbling. This dish can be assembled one day in advance. When baking directly from the refrigerator, add 10 minutes to covered cooking time to ensure the dish is heated through.

j tip

Mack Out Your mac Change up your mac â&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cheese with these tasty additions: crumbled bacon, sliced Kielbasa, diced red peppers and/or tomatoes, or bread crumbs sprinkled over the top before baking.

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{ dessert }

Sweet Treat This cupcakeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;rich chocolate and tart cherry topped with sweetened creamâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;mimics a Black Forest Torte. We made it kid-friendly by skipping the traditional kirsch (cherry brandy).

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Black Forest Cupcakes (Yields 12

c u p c a k e s ) ......................

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup cherry preserves 1 Tbs. water 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbs. sour cream 3/4 cup flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/8 tsp. salt 6 Tbs. unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 12 fresh cherries For the frosting: 2 cups heavy cream

BAR ON A BUDGET

Serve spirits but skip those cash-draining drink bills of the past

2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, preserves, and water, and then cook over medium heat until cherries are softened, about five minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Stir in sour cream and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Alternating in thirds, add the flour and cherry mixtures to the mixing bowl on low speed until just incorporated. Portion the batter into paper-lined muffin pans, filling each cup three-quarters of the way. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pick inserted in center comes out clean. Leave in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting. Whip the cream and confectioner’s sugar together. Right before serving, finish each cupcake with a generous dollop of the topping and garnish with a fresh cherry.

{Steal Bar}

{Splurge Bar}

6-8 guests

10-12 guests

n Serve a signature drink to get the most cocktail bang for your buck. Here’s how: Opt for a drink with three or less ingredients (only one of which is alcoholic). Emphasize color and know that garnishes like sliced fruit add the wow! factor. Local distillery Firefly Vodka has some great recipes—visit fireflyvodka.com. n Ask guests to bring a favorite wine to share. Include this on the invitation and have decorative labels ready for guests to note which one they brought—this should encourage some back-and-forth wine tasting and talking. n Stock up on a case of beer for non-wine drinkers. Choose a tried and true light or dark variety from local brewers like Coast Brewing Company or Palmetto Brewing Company. n Have two non-alcoholic drinks on hand for kids, pregnant guests, and those skipping the spirits for the evening. One two-liter diet cola and two more liters of sparkling water or iced tea (brew some from Wadmalaw’s American Classic Tea) are sound options.

n Stock 1.75 liters each of light liquor (vodka is our crowd-pleaser pick) and dark liquor (a mild bourbon or scotch); and two liters each of cranberry juice, orange juice, and soda mixers. (Note: You should always have more mixers than you do alcohol.) n Though demand decreases where there’s liquor on hand, beer is still a must. Two cases will work. n When dinner is served, wine is a hot ticket item. Plan on one bottle for every two guests, (which means five bottles of wine at minimum in this scenario). Save by heading to your neighborhood wine shop; ask the owner to cut a bulk-buy deal or inquire about case specials. n As always, include soft drinks in your budget. Three two-liter bottles should suffice. ______________________________________

Bar Bill: $133

______________________________________

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se c t i on

{ charleston home magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s }

Everything you need to know to renovate your Lowcountry home Where do I start? How do I find a contractor?

*s p e c i a l

remodeling Handbook

St Yo e ur St p-b e yp

Lo G ca u id l e

What kinds of financing are available?

Should I do it myself?

Should I hire an architect?

What about a budget? Will I get my money back?

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What are the building codes?

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remodeling Handbook

o you’re ready for a change. You’re determined to expand (or perhaps just reconfigure) your domestic fron-

tier, a journey with you at the helm and your house poised to bend to your wishes.

Welcome to Lowcountry Remodeling ting

get ed sta rt

101!

Before you call in the wrecking ball, there’s much to consider: How long do you plan to

Why remodel?

stay in your home? Is it additional square

* You want to increase your home’s

footage you crave or an all-out overhaul? How much can you spend? We surveyed a trusted group of local pros to help get you off on the right foot.

value: Top value-adders are master bedroom suites, kitchens, and landscaping. * You need to stay put: Though the average time a family remains in one residence is six years, that length will likely increase until home values resuscitate.

* It’s Time to Fix what’s faulty:

✔ Set a realistic budget. page 94

Americans spend anywhere from one to three percent of their home’s purchase price per year on maintenance and repairs.

✔ Brush up on building styles. page 96 ✔ Find the right contractor. page 97 ✔ Research energy-efficient fixes. page 98

Why not?

✔ Economize your kitchen design. page 100

remodeling means you’ll price yourself out of the neighborhood:

✔ Make the most of your addition. page 102 ✔ Take some shortcuts. page 106 ✔ Track down helpful resources. page 107

You never want to be the most expensive house on the block, as these are the most difficult to sell.

* You’re only interested in a quick

The best time to flip (buy, spruce up, and sell) a home is when the supply of homes is low and asking prices are rising.

DIY, Pro, or Call in the Remodeling Cavalry?

flip:

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Cosmetic changes New appliances

DIY

Do It Yourself

Updated materials Additional storage

Maintenance & repairs  Porches & decks

PRO

Call in the Pros

Doors & windows

ADVANCED PRO

Energy-efficient upgrades Additional square footage

Design Team Needed

Reconfigured layout Overall overhaul

home

c h a r l e s t o n

h o m e

p r o m o t i o n

Do you have an award-winning before & after renovation?

charleston

Charleston Home is looking for your recently remodeled rooms— dazzling kitchen revamps, family-friendly additions, greenminded overhauls, and more! Do-it-yourselfers are welcome too! Entries will be judged on style, function, and ingenuity. The winning project will appear in the Spring 2010 issue, along with professional photos and a write-up of your domestic journey.

magazines after

before rules:

➊ All entries must include: a) your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. b) a minimum of four photos per room: two “before” pictures, taken at different angles in each room, plus two “after” photos, taken at similar angles as the “before” photos c) a complete description of the project, including the

p h o t o g r a p h

c o u r t e s y

o f

b r i e

w i l l i a m s

Entr deadli y ne:

Janua ry 5 2010 ,

room or rooms that were remodeled, a description of the original problems or needs, the scope of the remodel, and materials used.

include the name of any architect, general contractor, landscape designer, or interior designer used.

Berkeley, Colleton, or Georgetown.

➎ Previously unpublished rooms only please.

➌ All “after” rooms ➋ All entries must be submitted by the homeowner(s) of the residence. It is recommended, but not required, that each entry

must be furnished.

➍ Residences must be located in one of the following counties: Charleston, Dorchester,

www.charlestonhomemag.com

to enter:

Visit charlestonhomemag.com and click on the “Enter Before & After Contest” button. Review and accept contest rules, then fill out an entry form. You can submit your completed form, along with photos, online. There is no cost to enter. OR print the entry form posted on our website and mail submission to P.O. Box 1784, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29465 or drop off at 782 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Ste. C, Mt. Pleasant.

remodeling Handbook

BEFORE YOU SPEND a dime

{SET YOUR PRIORITIES}

ecide how much you can spend and set your priorities based on your reasons for remodeling. Place family must-haves over resale-minded upgrades—you don’t want that new bathroom that will accommodate your growing gaggle of teenagers to come in second to those dreamy granite countertops in the kitchen.

{TALK TO THE TRADE}

ather itemized estimates from a handful of general contractors. Even if you have a single company in mind for the job, this will school you on real costs and unknowns you might not have considered. For example, does your addition’s site have drainage problems? Will getting rid of old, recessed lighting be expensive?

Word to the Wise: Be wary of applying friends’ costs for similar jobs to your projects. Word-of-mouth estimates lack the detail or comprehensiveness of projections based on your needs and site requirements.

{GET REAL}

verage the costs projected for each item; compare the sum to your cash reserves. Edit down your to-do list to match your budget before moving forward. If your cash cache stops short of your plans, consider whether another year of penny-pinching will get you what you want.

Can you afford an architect?

Most assume hiring an architect adds expense, but even a consultation can sometimes save you a significant sum in the long run. “I’ve had clients call me to design additions on houses with rather inefficient floor plans,” says architect Christopher Rose. “By simply cleaning up the interior layout, we alleviated the need for additional square footage. Keeping everything under the existing roof is a huge money-saver.”

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home

Establish Your Budget

Which Loan is Right for You?

here are three primary types of financing available for remodelers, plus a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) option. Here are the highlights, but be sure and talk to your banker or mortgage broker to determine the one that’s right for you.

1. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

What It is: A second loan on your property based on the equity you’ve already accrued; usually interestonly for five to 10 years Who this is Good For: Borrowers who have built up some equity, and have only one lien on the property—one with a good interest rate and terms

2. Renovation Loan

What It is: Similar to a personal loan; not necessarily attached to property value Who this is Good For: Homeowners who already have two liens attached to the property, or those without sufficient equity accrued

3. Cash-Out Refinance

What It is: A way to tap into the equity on your home (i.e. for a home valued at $400K, the owner can draw from the money he’s already paid on it to finance his remodel) Who this is Good For: Homeowners who have built up significant equity in their homes

4. 203K Loan

What It is: An FHA loan specifically for renovations that caps at $35,000, regardless of property value Who this is Good For: First-time homeowners

Keep in Mind

Securing a loan isn’t the walk in the park it used to be and underwriting guidelines have tightened. Also, lenders used to dole out cash to clients with a credit score of 500 or higher—the low mark now is 580.

the bottom line on building codes

{Things to Know}

* The 50 percent rule.

If you’re in a flood zone and plan to spend more than half of the value of your home (excluding the lot value) on remodeling, you’re required to bring the entire structure up to the current code. This may mean raising it to flood elevation, altering your electrical, and/ or updating windows to comply with current wind pressure standards.

* Your permeable surface ratio. In most places, you can’t cover more than 40 percent of your property with a structure or other non-permeable material; in the historic district, that includes paved surfaces.

* All about your building codes. It is ultimately your contractor’s responsibility to know national building codes as well as local ordinances. To brush up on the rules yourself, know that as of July 1, 2009, all local jurisdictions have adopted the 2006 International Residential Code; see page 107 for the building department in your area. Contact the latter for specific code questions.

How Strict Is Your Neighborhood? * Strictest: Downtown Charleston

south of Line Street & Mount Pleasant’s Old Village * moderate: The neighborhoods surrounding Hampton Park downtown, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Summerville’s historic district * Least restrictive: James Island, John’s Island, Park Circle, and West Ashley

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remodeling Handbook

{Ar•chi•tect \är-kə-tekt\ n.} buildings and advises in

When do you need architectural assistance?

their construction.

✔ At the beginning stages of a remodeling

1. one who designs

2. a creative soul who

project. Consult with an architect to clarify your goals and outline how to get there.

can read my thoughts and

✔ When building an addition. Architectural

commit them to paper.

professionals can meld existing spaces to the new ones, research setbacks, and usher your project through any architectural board reviews.

Q: What’s the difference between an architect and architectural designer?

✔ When creativity counts. When you’re seeking

A: An architect is registered by the state after passing a licensing exam. An architectural designer typically has completed similar course studies but does not hold a state license.

Decide if you need an Architect

space- or energy-saving alternatives to your current layout, variations on a stock floor plan, or style adjustments to your home’s elevation (exterior).

✘ Little DIY updates. Skip hiring an architect if you are only updating your home with new fixtures, cabinets, or flooring.

Historic Houses Remodeling these dwellings is tricky because they’re often governed by architectural boards or easements that restrict alterations. In Charleston’s historic districts, rear additions are common due to slim lot widths and BAR (Board of Architectural Review) mandates that prohibit many changes visible from the street. For more information about the BAR, visit charlestoncity.info.

Single: Commonly three stories, with a side street entrance and double or triple piazzas

Victorian: Marked by a corner turret, ornate detailing, steep roof, and large porches

Georgian: Square form emphasizing symmetry and a centralized front entrance

common alteration: Kitchens tend to be small and isolated, so often a family gathering space is incorporated.

common alteration: Intricate repairs are often needed to restore extensive original detailing.

common alteration: Sunrooms built off the back or side lend more casual living space for modern families.

Bungalow: Designed as an affordable house style, these are known for covered front porches, open living spaces, and organic elements

Ranch: Commonly a one-story rectangular form that sits low to the ground and is minimally adorned

Beach house: Architectural styles vary, but most are elevated and feature front and back porches

common alteration: Adding a back room or outfitting the attic as a bedroom lends space to smaller versions.

common alteration: Very adaptable to change, ranches can morph into cottages, bungalows, or mid-century modern gems.

common alteration: These dwellings take a beating, so new siding and decking are common upgrades.

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i l l u s t r a t i o n s

b y

e r i c

r e o u

Common American Styles

remodeling Handbook

{Gen•er•al Con•trac•tor \ jen-(ə-)rəl kän-trak-tər\ n.} 1. a group or individual that contracts with

another organization or individual (the owner)

FIND IGHT THE R AL GENER CTOR A CONTR

for the construction, renovation, or demolition of a building. 2. The person charged with my domestic destiny. Three Steps to finding the Right General Contractor

Consult friends—and even friends of friends—who have completed major renovations of their own and ask who they recommend. New in town? Call your municipal building department, the Board of Architectural Review, Historic Charleston Foundation, or Preservation Society of Charleston. Each organization should be able to make recommendations.

Do your homework. Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few companies, look for: * Lowcountry Experience. Local professionals are knowledgeable about area covenants and regulations and have strong contacts with building departments and architectural review boards. * Proven track records in the industry. Check online for state licenses (www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/ResidentialBuilders) or consult with your local municipality or county directly; further, ask reputable architects about your potential contractor, and the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association, too—the latter can offer information on any of their members. * A company that’s financially sound. Are there any liens on their current projects? Do they have any pending lawsuits? Most of this information is easily found online at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) websites or by contacting these groups directly.

Interview a number of companies. Look for a good personal match. Your general contractor should be willing to listen to you and honest and about the projected timetable. A few bucks off the bottom line means little if you’re unable to communicate effectively about your plans.

Watch Out! * Beware this big mistake: Think twice

about accepting the lowest price quoted, particularly if it is significantly lower than the others. Some contractors will underbid and then nickel-and-dime additional costs in order to make up the difference.

Keep consistent when collecting bids: Make sure all your bids include the same services and same quality of finishes.

* Hire Good Help: A project with a full-time,

on-site general contractor runs smoother, faster, and with less room for error. He or she makes sure that the subcontractors are there when they are supposed to be, that supplies arrive on time, and inspections happen according to schedule.

From the Experts “Always ask what kinds of materials the contractor recommends, and if there are any new products or systems that he prefers to use and why. In the last few years the building industry has exploded with new, cutting-edge products, innovative designs, and superior construction techniques. If your builder is not abreast of what’s current and available, you likely won’t see those options.” —Wally Seinsheimer, Tidewater Homes For a complete list of interview questions to ask contractors, visit charlestonhomemag. com/remodelinghandbook

web

charlestonhomemag.com

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save with smart building

hether aimed at benefiting your wallet, the environment, or a little of both, green-minded changes rank high among today’s remodel considerations. How to wade through the newest offerings? The Lowcountry builders we surveyed agree that Tightening the building envelope and Using a high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system will offer the greatest returns on investment. Here’s more of their feedback:

A La Carte:

* Spray foam insulation ● ● * Solar panels ● ● ● * Fluorescent light fixtures ● ● ● * Rain barrel water collection ● ● * Tankless water heaters ● ● ● * Low-flow faucets ● ● * Composite decking ● ● * Recycled materials for countertops and floors (i.e glass and concrete) ● ●

* Salvaged antique wood like heart pine flooring, or oak and cypress timbers ● ●

* Formaldehyde-free cabinetry ● * Low- or No-VOC paint ● * Sustainable flooring like cork or bamboo ● ● ● =Money-Saver ● =Natural Resources Saver ● =Reduce Waste ● =Improve Air Quality ● =Conserve Energy

For More Information: The Sustainability Institute in North Charleston offers energy audit services, which identify energy-wasting leaks, unhealthy elements like mold, and opportunities to increase overall efficiency. Plus, the United States Green Building Council has a “RE-Green” program developed specifically for renovation projects. For a green product checklist, green guidelines, and more, visit regreenprogram.org.

Do You Need LEED?

go green

From the Experts “Much can be learned about energy efficiency from centuriesold design models. With the cost of materials dear and no powered air conditioners, early Charleston designers dealt with our subtropical climate by creating smaller wallto-opening ratios than the current glass-dominant style. Smaller openings (windows and doors, that is) allow plenty of light and air in, but not so much that the buildings become greenhouses and need cooling year-round. Also, piazzas on single houses are located on the west or south side of the building so that overhangs shade it from harsh sunlight. Shutters blocked strong sun during summer days and kept the warmth in and cold out during winter nights. Such strategies can still work today, especially for people thinking about how to become more energy efficient.” —Christopher Liberatos, Fairfax & Sammons Architects

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a system created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to rate building performance in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Aside from environmental benefits, owners of LEED-certified structures can qualify for a range of tax rebates, zoning exemptions, and other incentives, depending on the city. If a LEED-driven remodel is a priority, visit the Sustainability Institute’s website at sustainabilityinstitutesc.org.

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remodeling Handbook

kitchens C

harleston used to segregate its kitchens from “the big house,” but no more. Now integrated into residences, it often stars as the heart of the home. Read on for ideas to help make your kitchen shine.

What to Consider When Planning Your Kitchen Redesign

Budget

The rule of thumb is to spend no more than 15 percent of the value of the home on your kitchen. If you’re in an area with higher property values, that percentage can be higher but shouldn’t exceed 25 percent.

Cooking: Determine how many people will

cook at one time, what duties they have, the condition of your current appliances, how many sets of dishes you have, and where you prefer to store equipment. This will inform you on how your kitchen should function.

Living: If your kitchen is where family or guests naturally convene, emphasize livability. Consider how many people it needs to accommodate and whether that’s a short-term or long-term number. If you plan to stay in your home more than 10 years, for example, be sure and design a kitchen versatile enough to suit changing needs.

Selling: The kitchen can make or break

a home sale, so consider prospective buyers if you plan to sell in the coming years. New appliances and natural stone countertops top the list of most desirable kitchen elements, along with cozy space for family and guests, so invest accordingly.

Kitchen Remodel Don’ts * Don’t choose a design based on looks rather than

function. Whether your image-conscious kitchen dates itself or under-performs, that’s a lot of money down the drain. * Don’t get your heart set on a countertop or cabinetry design without researching expense. If those elements are cost-prohibitive, you may find it difficult to adapt its less expensive replacement to other design choices. * Don’t rush. Hasty or poor planning can be costly; a simple change of heart after the project begins can have a domino effect on other elements in the works. * Don’t choose a countertop without doing your homework. Marble and soapstone can stain, granite can crack, zinc scratches easily—know what you’re getting before you invest.

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Do you need a designer?

ike an architect, hiring a kitchen designer doesn’t have to be a full-scale expense—most will consult on an hourly basis. And with thousands of product lines and finishes to choose from, and technology that changes almost every day, a kitchen designer will help you sort through aesthetic options from fixtures to backsplash materials to hardware.

Historic Homes: What to expect Logistics: Anticipate uneven floors, out of plumb walls, rooms that aren’t equally proportioned, irregular ceilings, and difficult venting situations for the range hood and plumbing. Layout: Most historic kitchens were originally in detached buildings—even attached, they tend to be isolated from the rest of the house. Incorporating sitting rooms into the kitchen are common alterations, creating a gathering spot for family.

From the Experts “If you plan on staying in your home, remember that tastes change, children grow up, and your next life stage might present different challenges. Thus, approach your kitchen remodel with ergonomics in mind, as well as an eye toward classic, timeless choices. You don’t want to date a kitchen by the fad that was prevalent at the time it was remodeled or built.”—Linda McLain, Signature Kitchens & Baths

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additions N

ationally speaking, the most common house additions are master suites and extended living rooms but, locally, remodelers report a broader range of popular add-ons, including kitchen sitting rooms, screened porches, sunrooms, bathrooms, and game rooms. This squares with reports from the 2009 International Building Show that revealed a trend toward nesting and “community,” leading to alterations centered on gathering spaces in the home. If you’re considering adding on, think on these questions:

Does it have to look old?

hile our Lowcountry sources agree that a continuity between old and new structures is important, they were split on whether it’s okay for additions to look like an add-on. Some say that’s an absolute no-no, others insist it adds character. Sounds like a matter of taste to us. Just keep in mind that scale, mass, and fenestration (design of windows and doors) should be compatible. Beware that in downtown Charleston, the BAR requires additions not look like their historic counterparts. There must be some type of defining hyphen to distinguish old from new.

How can I add on without blowing my budget?

here are ways to keep your addition budget reasonable. Enclose a porch, which serves the same role as adding a room but skips the expense of pouring a new foundation or adding to your roof. Also, depending on the type of addition you need, you might consider modular options. Built off-site and then joined to the house, these can trim as much as 20 percent off your addition costs.

What is the biggest mistake homeowners make?

ot consulting a design professional before building. There are always structural and aesthetic issues to resolve long before building a new structure. Also, be sure and take a survey plat of your home and property to the city zoning office to confirm there is room on your lot for an addition.

STAY PUT Three additions to improve your quality of life

1. MASTER BEDROOM SUITE 2. EXPANDED LIVING ROOM 3.SUNROOM/PORCH From the Experts “Consider playing upon Bernoulli’s principle, which creates wind and increased ventilation according to the relationship of nearby buildings. We’re currently working on a remodel where we’re ripping out three or four previous additions to create an exterior living space between the main house and guest house using that principle.” —Jane Frederick, Frederick + Frederick Architects

2008 averages national Additions

Job Cost

Resale Value

Cost Recouped

Deck (wood)

$10,601

$8,676

81.8%

Deck (composite)

$15,277

$11,260

73.7%

Two-story

$146,538 $103,553

70.7%

Garage

$57,272

$38,161

66.6%

Master Suite

$101,571 $67,037

66.0%

Family Room

$81,315

$53,608

65.9%

Bathroom

$38,078

$24,187

63.5%

Sunroom

$71,745

$40,715

56.7%

Mid-range

source: realtor.org

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updates Store It!

Make your existing square footage work harder

an’t afford adding on square footage? Streamline the storage you have, and it will feel like you’ve scored more space. To get started, note dedicated storage compartments in your house, including kitchen and dining cabinetry; built-in shelving; coat, utility, and bedroom closets; and attic, basement, and garage space. Next, list supplementary storage—bonus rooms, porches, and other spots where stuff piles up. The goal? Economize dedicated storage areas and eliminate supplementary storage. Here’s how:

Call in the closet pros

ire a closet system company to assess your existing storage. A pro can explain height, weight, and depth standards (i.e. 12- to 16-inch shelf depth in linen closets, eight-inch shelf with four-inch clearance for children’s shoes), and guide you on what needs to be stowed, from utility closet items to out-of-season clothing.

Build in cabinetry

ork with an interior designer or cabinetmaker (or both) to evaluate dead space in your existing floor plan. Develop a cabinetry plan with vertical storage, window seats, media cabinets, and mudroom cubbies.

Make storage accessible

ou won’t use space you can’t reach. Investigate easy-stow ladders and step stools. If your attic is difficult to get to, talk to a contractor or craftsman about altering its entrance. Also, remember to update your lighting in hard-to-reach areas.

From the Experts “Spaces underneath stairs offer hidden storage for coats or utility items. We often construct hidden doors with touch latches that look exactly like the walls, complete with baseboards, shoe molding, and chair rail. Just remember that you’ll need to obtain a permit for any structural work you do inside your house, even storage.” —Bud Hay, Palmetto Craftsmen, Inc. Glossary of Windows Replace old, non-functioning windows to dramatically improve air quality and light in your home

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Bay Window: Ideal for carving out a window seat or breakfast nook, bay windows typically have three windows that project out of the home.

Awning: Windows open outward from the bottom and are useful for drawing in cool air. Also, you can leave the windows open while it’s raining.

Casement: First used in medieval England, they feature side hinges and open outwards using a crank.

Double-hung: These windows have two separate sashes, so the bottom half opens while the top stays shut, or vice versa.

Picture: These are designed to allow maximum light; with no moving parts, the window doesn’t open but can be designed for most any size and shape.

Build Your Best Deck map it out. Design your

deck footprint for easy, sensible access from your house, how you’ll use it, and the sun exposure you crave. For example, will you use it most for early morning coffee, midday sunning, afternoon cookouts, or all of the above?

do your homework. If you’re building

it yourself, get schooled before you buy your first 2 x 4. Most hardware stores stock deck-building resource books, and Lowe’s or The Home Depot websites offer free, five- and six-step video series online.

Choose the Right Materials. Good

deck-building materials for our climate include pressure-treated pine, ipé, and composite decking. Pressure-treated woods are less vulnerable to the elements, though they aren’t totally weatherproof and will still expand and contract. Ipé (tropical hardwood that grows in central and South America) is the highest quality option but can be cost-prohibitive and should be ordered through a reputable company that can verify environmentally responsible harvest practices. If creating a low-maintenance structure is a priority, investigate composite decking materials made from wood fiber and durable plastics. Most can’t pass for the look of real wood, but will never shrink, split, splinter, rot, or fade.

Get a Permit. You’ll

need a permit to build, which you can apply for through your county’s planning and zoning department. See page 107 for a list of departments and phone numbers. w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

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remodeling Handbook

Interior design fix or remodel? Don’t have the dollars for a remodel? Live in a rental where you can’t make permanent changes? Can’t score the permits you need to make the renovations you want? Try these low-impact, space-smart interior design fixes to give your place a simple facelift Hang chic curtains

instead of

replacing an interior door

Position a mobile, folding screen

instead of

adding a new wall

Purchase a wardrobe

instead of

adding a closet

Buy self-contained furniture (bookshelves, bunk beds)

instead of

creating built-ins

Opt for furniture—like ottomans—with hidden storage

instead of

building out more cabinetry

Place baskets on open shelves

instead of

adding cabinetry

Post self-adhesive battery-powered lights

instead of

running new wiring for lights

Convert a walk-in closet to a sleeping alcove or office

instead of

adding on a new room

Hang a wire of high-quality string lights

instead of

installing recessed lights

Place a restaurant table, butcher block,

instead of

building a permanent island

Add camouflaging panels to major kitchen appliances

instead of

reconfiguring the kitchen to hide them

Remove cabinet doors and trade out hardware

instead of

replacing cabinetry

Lighten wall paint color and furniture, and darken floors

instead of

adding windows or raising ceilings

Spread premixed texture compounds on drywall

instead of

replacing them with actual stucco walls

Rearrange furniture to create rooms within rooms

instead of

subdividing with walls

Remove interior doors

instead of

tearing out walls to create an open floor plan

Place large area rugs atop existing floors

instead of

refinishing hardwoods or replacing carpet

or other stand-in piece of furniture in your kitchen

From the Experts “Fake your windows bigger. Buy a set of inexpensive rattan blinds in a slightly larger size than your windows. Mount them above and outside your window molding to make your windows look bigger and your ceilings higher, and to add texture to your space. —Angie Hranowsky, Angie Hranowsky Design Studio

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remodeling Handbook

resources Architectural design

Lehigh Land & Builders

California Closets

Colleton County

Christopher Rose Architects, PA

1901 Andell Bluff Blvd.

502 King St., Charleston

Planning and Development

3509 Meeks Farm Rd., Johns Island

Johns Island, (843) 768-0909

(843) 762-7980

Department

(843) 559-7670, (877) 599-7670

lehighone.com

californiaclosets.com

31 Klein St., Walterboro

Palmetto Craftsmen, Inc.

Foxworth Decorative Hardware

Classic Remodeling

46 Romney St., Charleston

1169 Chuck Dawley Blvd.

Dorchester County

1832 River Rd., Johns Island

(843) 722-1101

Mt. Pleasant, (843) 881-0827

Department of Planning & Zoning

(843) 763-3297

palmettocraftsmen.com

foxworth-hardware.com

500 N. Main St., Summerville

Tidewater Homes

Melcer Tile Co.

Dolphin Architects & Builders

837 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Charleston

4965 Dorchester Rd., Charleston

3730 Bohicket Rd., Johns Island

(843) 514-9795

(843) 744-5345, melcertile.com

Kitchen Design

Shannon Hall Design

120 Broad St., Georgetown

chrisrosearchitects.com

(843) 549-1709, colletoncounty.org

classicremodeling.com

(843) 832-0020, (843) 563-0020

(843) 768-2404 dolphindesignbuild.com

dorchestercounty.net Georgetown County Building/Zoning Department

Carolina Kitchens

179 Scott St., Charleston

(843) 545-3116

e.e. fava architects, etc.

2491 Clements Ferry Rd.

(843) 377-8867

georgetowncountysc.org

54 Broad St., Charleston

Charleston, (843) 856-8255

shannonhalldesigns.com

(843) 723-5099, eefava.com

carolinakitchens.net

Fairfax & Sammons Architects

SieMatic

Berkeley County

35 Broad St., Charleston

444 King St., Charleston

Permitting Department

(212) 255-0704

(843) 724-5838, siematic.com

1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner

county offices

fairfaxandsammons.com

(843) 719-4292, Signature Kitchens

Frederick + Frederick Architects

1926 Savannah Hwy., Charleston

38 Meridian Rd., Beaufort

(843) 571-5720, signaturekitchens.net

(843) 522-8422 f-farchitects.com

berkeleycountysc.gov Planning and Zoning Department 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner

financing

(843) 719-4095,

1st Capital Mortgage

www.berkeleycountysc.gov

Herlong & Associates, Inc.

790 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Ste. 200

103 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms

Mt. Pleasant, (843) 628-1040,

Charleston County

(843) 886-9199

mortgagefinderexpert.com

Building Inspection Services

www.herlongarchitects.com

4045 Bridge View Dr., North interior finishing

Charleston, (843) 202-6930

Spivey & Woods Architects

& design

www.charlestoncounty.org

147 Wappoo Creek Dr., Charleston

Angie Hranowsky Design Studio

(843) 795-9370,

2037 Lakeshore Dr., Charleston

Zoning & Planning Department

spiveyandwoods.com

(843) 810-3286, angiehranowsky.com

4045 Bridge View Dr., North

General Contractors

Bird Decorative

Buffington Homes, LP

Hardware & Bath

253 Gardeners Cir., Ste. 240

1081 Morrison Dr., Charleston

Johns Island, (843) 768-8525

(843) 577-5440

buffingtonhomes.com

birddecorativehardware.com

Charleston, (843) 202-7200

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www.charlestoncounty.org

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{ on the table } Food styling by HEATHER GARVIN / Photographs by Christopher Shane

Warm Favorites

We asked for your best cool-weather recipes, and the responses poured in! Our staff voted these four treats the tastiest—and simplest—so dive on in and try them out yourself

web

If you like this recipe, you’ll also like our: Shrimp Creole or Folly Shrimp & Fish Chowder charlestonhomemag.com

soups

Southern Catfish Stew {Serves 12} Submitted by: Carolina Best of Bonneau, South Carolina 4 lbs. catfish 1 large onion, chopped 1 (6 oz.) can stewed tomatoes (crushed) 1 (12 oz.) can V8® juice 1 cup Bloody Mary mix 1/4 cup sugar 1 bay leaf 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbs. Old Bay seasoning Salt, pepper, and hot sauce, to taste 5 slices bacon, grease reserved 1/2 cup butter 4 large potatoes, diced

M r s . b e s t p h o t o g r a p h b y t h e r e s a d ' a l e ss a n d r o

! Wanted: Your Best Recipes Have an easy weeknight dish your family loves? Visit charlestonhomemag.com and click on the At-Home Editor link to submit.

Fill a large stock pot with three to four cups of water. Bring to a boil. Add catfish, ensuring water covers the fish completely, and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from water and cool. Tear the fish into small pieces and remove bones. Return to water and add the next nine ingredients. Simmer on low for an hour to an hour and a half. Fry the bacon until crispy. Break into pieces and stir into the stew; add bacon grease, to taste. Add the butter and potatoes and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm with rustic bread.

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{ on the table } “This quiche has been a family favorite for 25 years and was handed down to me from my mother.” —Shirley Evans

Charleston Spinach Hash Quiche {Serves 8} Submitted by: Shirley Evans of Hollywood, South Carolina 10-inch store-bought pie crust 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach 1 egg 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup,

undiluted 4 oz. sliced or chopped mushrooms

2 Tbs. flour 1 1/2 Tbs. fresh horseradish

Bite-Sized Bliss With a few adjustments, this quiche makes great finger food. Double the recipe and press pie crusts into a 9 x 12-inch foil pan. Prepare as directed. When cool, cut into two-inch squares and serve individually in cupcake wrappers.

1 Tbs. Dijon mustard 1 (15 oz.) can corned beef or roast beef hash 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 2-3 sprigs parsley

Bake pie crust according to package instructions. Set aside to cool. Cook spinach according to package instructions and drain well. In a large bowl, combine spinach with the next six ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F. With a fork, gently spread the hash evenly over the cooked pie shell. Spoon spinach mixture over hash. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the cheese over the top. Bake another three to five minutes, or until cheese is hot and bubbly. Serve warm or cool.

web

If you like this recipe, you’ll also like our: Turnip Onion Gratin charlestonhomemag.com

turnips

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home

{ on the table } Grilled Beets & Carrots with Fresh Herbs {Serves 6-8} Submitted by: Kelly Roberts of Berlin, Maryland 4 large beets, peeled and sliced 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced 1 tsp. sea salt 1 tsp. ground pepper

“One day, I was eager to try something new, so I tossed veggies and herbs from my garden together and put them on the grill. They were delicious!” —Kelly Roberts

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, to taste

In a medium bowl, toss beet and carrot slices with the sea salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix in rosemary, thyme, and sage. Wrap in foil and grill for 10 to 15 minutes or until tender.

web

If you like this recipe, you’ll also like our: Grilled Pears with Mascarpone & Fresh Basil charlestonhomemag.com

pears

r i b s c o u r t e s y o f Fi r e y R o n ' s H o m e T e a m B a r b e c u e

More Grilled Veggies Other delicious ways to fire up your harvest: cut eggplant in long strips and lay them directly on the grates; season onions and wrap them in foil; and top squash with a pat of butter, then cover in foil.

1 tsp. olive oil

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{ on the table } cheLf IG's HT

T SPO

“This dish takes a little longer to prepare than traditional barbecue, but it is well worth it.” —Chef Donald Barickman

Hickory-Smoked Pork Shoulder {Serves 6-8} Submitted by: Chef Donald Barickman of Magnolias Restaurant Dry Rub 2 tsp. granulated garlic powder 1 tsp. cumin 3 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. granulated onion powder 2 1/2 tsp. salt 1 (6- to 7-lb.) pork shoulder

In a small dish, mix all of the dry rub ingredients together. Rub the meat with three-fourths of the mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight. Reserve the remaining rub. When ready to cook, preheat a grill or smoker to 265°F and add hickory chips. Once it is smoking, place the shoulder indirectly over the heat source and smoke it for five to seven hours, or until the shoulder reaches an internal temperature of 185°F sliced, 190°F pulled. If using wood chips and a grill, the chips should be soaked and applied about every 40 minutes. When the meat reaches the desired temperature, remove and cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice in 1/8- to 1/16-inch strips and serve alone or in biscuits. Drizzle Carolina Barbecue Sauce (see below) over top.

Carolina Barbecue Sauce {Yi

c u p s

}

2 Tbs. yellow mustard seeds 2 Tbs. Dijon mustard 1/2 cup tomato paste 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 pork neck bones or ham hocks, smoked (available at grocery stores)

web

Hungry for more? Find additional recipe submissions at charlestonhomemag.com/onthetable

| C h arlest o n

1 cup dark brown sugar

Southern Comfort Chef Barickman suggests serving this dish with Crackling Cream Biscuits and Spicy Yellow Corn. Visit charlestonhomemag.com/onthetable to get the recipes.

114

e l d s

2 cups cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups apple cider

home

Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes or until sauce thickens. Remove any foam that appears on the surface and discard. Remove neck bones or hocks and cool sauce to room temperature before serving.

Like our style? Here’s where we shopped

Shop SMart!

verdant tabletop centerpiece from potted herbs, succulents, and other cool-weather foliage.

Find the best local bargains!

by using what was already on hand, she scored a no-cost,

See pages 34-36

no-hassle winner.

Party Favor

want to send guests home with a gift that has staying power? Let them choose a potted plant from your centerpiece.

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fall/WINTER 2009

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Mini-bar Makeover Upgrading this vintage gaming cart was a snap thanks to a few simple improvements. Turn to page 36 to learn more!

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fall/WINTER 2009

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Fresh Ideas

Homefront

{Page 24} Scout the Home Scene Charleston Farmers Market, Marion Square, corner of King and Calhoun sts. Saturdays, 8am-2pm. (843)724-7309 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, 645 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant. Tuesdays, 3pm until dark. (843)884-8517 North Charleston Farmers Market, 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston. Thursdays, 1-7pm (843)745-1028

{Page 32} Market Report Aubergine, 1131 Queensborough Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)884-8810, auberginehome.com Betsey Carter Ceramics, Cone 10 Studios, 285 Meeting St., Charleston, (843)853-3345, cone10studios.com Michael James Moran Woodworked Furniture, 1611 Meeting St., Charleston, (843)793-9765, michaeljamesmoran.com Peyton Avrett, 2840 Avenue C North, North Charleston, (877)728-7388, avrett.com The Urban Electric Co., 2130 N. Hobson Ave., North Charleston, (843)723-8140 urbanelectricco.com

{Page 26} Shape Up Your Shelves Patterned paper from Out of Hand, 113C Pitt St., Mt. Pleasant, (843)856-3585, shopoutofhand.com Finial, wooden crate, turquoise bowl from The Sitting Room, 1123 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)849-8969, thesittingroomhome.com

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{Pages 34 & 35} Bargains & Best Bets Busy B’s Wholesale Florist, 817 St. Andrew’s Blvd., Charleston, (843)556-3141, busybflowers.com ESD, 422 Savannah Hwy.,

{Page 36} Gaming Cart Fabric by Circa in Hable

ideas

Before

Up 5 Shape your shelves

idea

Freshen up an old bookcase in an afternoon with decorative paper and a little restyling

From Blah to Beautiful 1. Find a decorative paper to cover the interior for added depth and contrast. We mounted a few sheets with Mod Podge, but spray mount works well, too.

2. Create focal points: The built-in sits at the far end of the room, so large-scale photographs and art, along with sizeable design books, make a big—and needed—impact. 3. Tidy towers of magazines and blocks of novels create pedestals for other items and streamline the overall look. 4. Re-introduce only a spare amount of keepsakes.

Paper Trail We chose this paper from out of hand in Mount Pleasant’s old Village for its subtly vintage pattern.

Makeover Tips

* Color: Sort books by color to unify your stacks. * Size: Replace small, hard-tosee pieces with larger, wellpositioned focal points. * Quantity: Cull items down to two or three collections for an uncluttered look.

| Charleston

s u g g s

a new Leaf studio formed a

z a C h

inside with a flourish. here, annie Mueller of Charleston’s

Pear from GDC, 1290 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, (843)571-5142; 695 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)8490711; 420 Freshfields Dr., John’s Island, (843)768-4246; 1215B N. Main St., Summerville, (843)419-1290; gdchome.com Gaming cart from Roumillat’s Antiques and Auctions, 2241 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, (843)766-8899, a-a.com Paint in Determined Orange from Sherwin Williams, 472

b y

idea Get your Greens on! nip in the air? bring your plants

Charleston, (843)225-6282, esdcharleston.com King’s Farm Market, 2559 Hwy. 174, Edisto Island, (843)869-3600, kingsmarketedisto.com Lulan, 469 King St., Charleston, (843)722-0118, lulan.com Out of Hand, 113C Pitt St., Mt. Pleasant, (843)856-3585, shopoutofhand.com

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seasonally inspired tips for house and home

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}

P h o T o g R a P h s

{

resources

fall/winter

home

Shelf Life

Fresh Ideas, {Page 26} The patterned paper we chose for this built-in bookcase gave it a subtle, vintage look, but choose a darker color or design if you’re looking for high drama.

{ resources }

Antiques 101 {Page 46}

Spare Time:

This 1880s gilt bronze cartel mantel clock is an example of the opulent Rocaille style of the Louis XV era. Jacques Antiques, 160 King St., Charleston, (843)577-0104, jacantiques.com

Meeting St., Charleston, (843)853-6725; 464 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, (843)5564021; 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)884-0440; 1776 Main Rd., Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island, (843)559-9444, sherwin-williams.com {Pages 40 & 41} Eric Cohler Eric Cohler Interior Design, 95 Fifth Ave., New York, NY, (212)737-8600, ericcohler.com

Antiques 101 {Pages 46 & 47} Mora clock from Alexandra AD, 156 King St., Charleston, (843)722-4897 Art deco table clock from Carlton Dailey Twentieth Century, 208 King St., Charleston, (843)853-2299, carltondailey.com Grandfather clock, portico clock, bracket clock, and banjo wall clock from Golden & Associates Antiques, 206 King St., Charleston, (843)723-8886 w w w. c h a r l e s t o n h o m e m a g . c o m

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{ resources } Regulator clock and oeil de boeuf clock from Jacques Antiques, 160 King St., Charleston, (843)577-0104, jacantiques.com Mantel clock from Moore House Antiques, 105 Broad St., Charleston, (843)722-8065, moorehouseantiques.com

48 This Old House {Pages 48 & 49} The Linwood Inn, 200 South Palmetto St., Summerville, (843)871-2620

Fashion to Furnishings {Pages 52 & 53} Wooden acorn finial from Acquisitions, 273 East Bay St., Charleston, (843)557-8004, acquisitionsinteriors.com Hand-painted serving tray and vintage Italian chandelier from ESD, 422 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, (843)225-6282, esdcharleston.com Glass lamp with embossed brick pattern and metal lotus flower bowls from GDC, 1290 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, (843)5715142; 695 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)849-0711; 420 Freshfields Dr., Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island, (843)768-4246; 1215B N. Main St., Summerville, (843)419-1290; gdchome.com Acid glass wall sconce from Lesesne, 539 King St., Charleston, (843)853-3905 Swirling round vase from Out of Hand, 113C Pitt St., Mt. Pleasant, (843) 856-3585, shopoutofhand.com Snakeskin patterned leather table tray from The Sitting Room, 1123 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)849-8969, thesittingroomhome.com Silk embroidered throw pillow from Southern Accents, 630 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)884-0282 118

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{ resources } Homeowners’ Notebook {Pages 58 and 59} Restyle Your Bedroom Pendulous canopy window panels from Anthropologie, anthropologie.com Crystal knob hardware from Bird Decorative Hardware, 1081 Morrison Dr., Charleston, (843)720-7183, birddecorativehardware.com Oly studio flower bowl chandelier from Candelabra, 404 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)849-7775, shopcandelabra.com Swing-arm wall lamp from Carolina Lanterns, 1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)881-4170, carolinalanterns.com Tylösand chair from Ikea, ikea.com Paint colors through Sherwin Williams, 472 Meeting St., Charleston, (843)8536725; 464 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, (843)556-4021; 705 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)884-0440; 1776 Main Rd., John’s Island, (843)559-9444; sherwin-williams.com Black & white floral bouquet window panels from World Market, 946 Orleans Rd., Charleston, (843)852-2700, worldmarket.com

61 {Page 61-63} Small Spaces Architectural design by Fairfax & Sammons Architects, 35 Broad St., Charleston, (843)414-8398, fairfaxandsammons.com {Page 64} Neighborly Advice Charleston Paint Company, 522 King St., Charleston, (843)577-6581

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{ resources }

Cherry on Top Cooking for a Crowd, {Page 88}

Fresh fruit packs a powerful punch when it comes to dynamite presentation. By topping these Black Forest Cupcakes with fresh cherries, food editor and stylist Heather Garvin gave us the cover shot we were looking for.

Modern History {Page 68} Architectural design by Stephen Thompson {Page 69} Kitchen island from Berlins Restaurant Supply, 5051 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, (843)744-4499, berlins.com {Page 71} Artwork by Charles Ailstock, ailstockarts.com Armchairs from ESD, 422 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, (843)225-6282, esdcharleston.com Coffee table and Barcelona sofa from Design Within Reach, dwr.com Side table by Thos. Moser, thosmoser.com 120

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{ resources } {Page 73} Chairs by Mitchell Gold from South of Market, 173 King St., Charleston, (843) 723-1114, southofmarket.biz Dining table from South of Market

charleston Advertiser index

{Page 74} Terrace table from Design Within Reach, dwr.com

AGM IMPORTS...............................................99

Komen Race for the Cure.......................109

Aloft Hotels ...................................................66

Lane & Smythe.............................................. 67

BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival

LeHigh Land & Building Company......29

Cooking for a Crowd

..............................................................................66

Life Management Center..........................118

Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath........ 23

M&M Oil and Propane, Inc. - The Fire

Buffington Homes......................................... 15

Place...................................................................95

California Closets.........................................20

McAlister Preferred Properties..............55

Candelabra.........................................................5

Melcer Tile........................................................33

Carolina Kitchens.........................................56

Morgan Creek Grill........................................ 41

Carolina Lanterns................................... IFC, 1

Morris Sokol...................................................... 9

Celadon............................................................. 27

Operation Home.......................................... 110

Centex Homes...............................................39

Palmetto Tile................................................... 25

Charleston Architectural Glass................ 6

Passport............................................................65

Charleston Ballet Theatre.........................54

Pierre Deux......................................................39

Charleston Day School..............................28

Preservation Society of Charleston,

Charleston Lamp........................................... 12

The...................................................................... 44

Christopher Rose Architects................IBC

Red Charrette Architects .......................... 11

Classic Remodeling.................................... 90

Reindeer Run.................................................127

Coleman Fine Art.......................................... 18

Remark............................................................... 16

Daniel Island.................................................... 19

RSVP.................................................................108

Daniel Ravenel................................................ 17

SCE&G/SCANA ............................... 104, 105

Dolphin Architects.......................................30

Sherwin-Williams......................................... 60

Dwelling ........................................................... 41

SieMatic................................................................7

Fairfax and Sammons................................. 13

SIM Group Inc.............................................. 120

Foxworth Hardware...................................BC

STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED..............54

GDC....................................................................43

Tile and Stone Design Studio.................28

Herlong & Associates...............................2, 3

Upper King Design Walk..........................45

On the Table

Hibben at Belle Hall..................................... 37

Walker Design Group................................. 27

{Page 111} Magnolia’s Restaurant, 185 East Bay Street, Charleston, (843)577-7771, magnoliasblossom-cypress.com

Historic Charleston Properties...............117

Watermark LLC.............................................49

House Interiors.................................................8

Weesie Newton.............................................119

Island House...................................................49

William Bates Design.................................119

Jaqlene............................................................... 51

Withers Industries......................................109

{Pages 78-89} Blue- and white-striped linen napkins, towel, wood block, wooden spoon, and cutting board from Celadon, 1015 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)8847005; 2221 Noisette Blvd., North Charleston, (843)744-3130, celadonathome.com Juice glasses and cheese knife from The Sitting Room, 1123 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)849-8969, thesittingroomhome.com Cake stand from GDC, 1290 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, (843)571-5142; 695 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)8490711; 420 Freshfields Dr., John’s Island, (843)768-4246; 1215B N. Main St., Summerville, (843)419-1290; gdchome.com Large bamboo cutting board, bamboo bowl with spoon and lid, white- and yellowstriped towels and napkins, wooden spoon, white casserole dish, yellow and white bowls, and ramekin from Marshall’s HomeGoods, Hwy. 17, Mt. Pleasant, (843)884-5584 Foil cupcake wrappers from If It’s Paper, 615 Skylark Dr., Charleston, (843)763-4423; 1076 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, (843)971-9911 Oil cruet from World Market, 946 Orleans Rd., Charleston, (843)852-2700, worldmarket.com

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This mod lantern channels organic design with an innovative ringed pattern reminiscent of the inside of a tree. Call for price. Candelabra, (843) 849-7775

Fill your rooms with alluring autumn scents with this trio of charming timber pear candles. $18 for set. Jaqlene, (803) 609-0252

Usher in the serene scenes of nature with this needlepoint pillow, featuring a pair of colorful quails resting on a branch. $355. Pierre Deux, (843) 724-5880

This stately apothecary cabinet is an elegant way to store everything from cocktail napkins to fine stationery. $1,569. Island House, (843) 884-9450

Light up your morning routine with this bronze vanity fixture, a handsome addition to your bath. $417.50. Carolina Lanterns, (877) 881-4173

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Dripping with style, this Venetian chandelier will brighten even the darkest foyer or dining room. Call for price. Charleston Lamp Company, (843) 763-9150

Celebrate life by the sea with these brass swordfish drawer pulls. $138. Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath, (843) 720-7183

This shapely green hand-crafted lamp is a sophisticated way to light up your living room. $619. GDC Home, (843) 849-0711

Upgrade your courtyard entry with this hanging gas lantern in shiny copper. Call for price. M&M Oil and Propane, Inc.The Fire Place, (843) 402-7790

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This Romero chair, in white leather with metal nailhead detailing, is a contemporary twist on the traditional armchair. Call for price. Dwelling, (843) 723-9699

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The iron flowers on this mirrored tray are as sweet as any dessert you could serve up. $112. Celadon, (843) 884-7005

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charleston estate marketplace Your guide to million-dollar homes in the Lowcountry.

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143 Island Park Drive

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downtown

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21 Iron Bottom Lane

kiawah edisto

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Perched across from the greens of the Ralston Creek course, this Lowcountry retreat offers a spacious and functional floor plan. The gathering room, kitchen, and study all open out to the exterior courtyard, bringing the outdoors in. The gourmet kitchen is centrally located between the gathering room and the formal dining room, creating a seamless flow for entertaining. Luxurious and relaxing, the master suite is on the first floor while the second level features two bedroom suites, each with its own private balcony overlooking the stunning golf course. This property includes Daniel Island Club social membership privileges, plus the opportunity to upgrade to a golf membership. 3,681 square feet, three bedrooms, three and a half baths; $1,185,000 Contact: Daniel Island Real Estate Phone Number: (843) 971-7100 Website: www.danielisland.com

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Nestled on a gorgeous homesite in Daniel Island Park, this traditional Southern-style estate benefits from the ambiance of the mature trees that surround it. The custom interior trim package and four-inch Brazilian cherry hardwood floors create a calming environment for family and friends. The second level features three bedrooms as well as spectacular golf views from the upper level porch. This home’s outdoor areas include a large front porch and covered rear porch that can easily accommodate a wide variety of outdoor entertaining. This property includes Daniel Island Club social membership privileges, plus the opportunity to upgrade to a golf membership. 3,637 square feet, four bedrooms, four and a half baths; $1,100,000 Contact: Daniel Island Real Estate Phone Number: (843) 971-7100 Website: www.danielisland.com

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Located in exclusive Daniel Island Park and bordering the memorable Beresford Creek Golf Course, the Park Club Cottages combine single family residences with the conveniences of condominium living. These retreats boast lavish interior details such as hardwood flooring, tile and marble baths, and granite countertops. All homes feature stunning golf views from multiple rooms and generous outdoor living space. Residents here will become social members of the Daniel Island Club with access to the club’s swim, tennis, fitness, and dining facilities, with the opportunity to upgrade to a golf membership and enjoy 36 holes of private golf. Threeand four-bedroom homes range from 2,104 square feet to 2,646 square feet and start in the high $800s. Contact: Daniel Island Real Estate Phone Number: (843) 971-7100 Website: www.danielisland.com

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daniel island

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Park Club Cottages

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This Caribbean influenced home enjoys amazing views of Smythe Lake and the surrounding gardens and is appointed with quality touches like dark ebony woodwork, walnut floors, copper sinks, and beamed and vaulted ceilings. The first-floor master boasts a walk-in closet, porch access, and a splendid bath with two vanities and a large shower. On the second floor is a media room with a wet bar and three bedroom suites that all have outdoor access and private baths featuring tumbled stone or tile. Enjoy outdoor living with double rear porches and a pergola with a wood burning fireplace. 3,684 square feet, four bedrooms, four and a half baths; $1,599,000 Contact: Daniel Island Real Estate Phone Number: (843) 971-7100 Website: www.danielisland.com

james island

2013 Purcell Lane

This grand home is beautifully framed by a wooded homesite and overlooks hole number three of the Beresford Creek Course. Unique Australian cypress hardwood floors throughout the first level and an elevator are just the first of the many custom details offered. This grand floor plan provides the ultimate in island living with the formal living room, dining room, family room, and kitchen flowing seamlessly together to create an ideal home for entertaining. This property includes Daniel Island Club social membership privileges, plus the opportunity to upgrade to a golf membership. 5,385 square feet, four bedrooms, five baths, two half baths; $1,499,000 Contact: Daniel Island Real Estate Phone Number: (843) 971-7100 Website: www.danielisland.com

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75 Iron Bottom Lane

Old Southern charm meets modern-day luxury in this stylish yet elegant home with double front piazzas and an abundance of unique details. The versatile floor plan features an expansive first-floor master suite, a guest suite over the attached garage, second floor den/media room with built-ins, and a gourmet kitchen offering premium stainless steel appliances. Outside is an inviting in-ground pool and a brick fireplace and sitting area surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. This property includes Daniel Island Club social membership privileges, plus the opportunity to upgrade to a transferable, non-recallable golf membership. 4,995 square feet, five bedrooms, five baths, two half baths; $1,784,000 Contact: Daniel Island Real Estate Phone Number: (843) 971-7100 Website: www.danielisland.com

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319 Ralston Creek Street

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66 Lenwood Boulevard

54 Smith Street

7 Rhett’s Bluff Road

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This is a magnificent deepwater property located at 2509 Harriet’s Island Court in the old section of Dunes West. The property measures 1.40 acres of high land and features a private dock corridor to Wagner Creek. Dock permit in hand. The lot forms a private peninsula with spectacular marsh and river views of the Wando. $830,000 Contact: Charles Baarcke Phone Number: (843) 991-3337 Website: www.mcalisterproperties.com

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Showcasing views of the marsh, creek, and Kiawah River, this home’s open floor plan with hardwood flooring, high ceilings, and custom crown molding gives the copious array of windows opportunities to shine all day long. Even more panoramic waterscapes unfold from the pool, spa, deck, and screened porch. This 5,525-square-foot home also features a gourmet kitchen and master suite with river views. Offered furnished at $6,100,000. Contact: Kiawah Island Real Estate Phone Number: (888) 664-6947 Website: www.kiawah.com

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Deemed “Notable” in “This Is Charleston,” the John Hunter House was built in 1830 and has been well cared for over the years. Designed in the late-Federal style, this house, according to Jonathan Poston, retains its original central lunette window, console brackets, and French windows. With the recent addition of an approximately 100-square-foot wine cellar and reclaimed wood floors on the first floor, this home is unique both architecturally and functionally. The house comes equipped with two HVAC systems, two hot water heaters, and top-of-theline appliances. All fireplaces have been plumbed for gas. The yard shows a beautifully landscaped garden as well as irrigation, potting table, and garden shed with power. $1,295,000 Contact: John Payne Phone Number: (843) 708-0897 Website: www.laneandsmythe.com

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First time on the market in more than 15 years! This home is located on one of South of Broad’s great family streets. Only three short blocks to the water! Owners recently added a very large family room and deck overlooking the spacious back yard. Very open floor plan downstairs. Upstairs has a flexible floor plan that can be easily rearranged to suit a family’s needs. Garden house could become a pool house easily if someone wanted to add a pool. This is a very energy-efficient home. $1,390,000 Contact: Ruthie Smythe, Lane & Smythe Real Estate Brokers Phone Number: (843) 729-1290 Website: www.laneandsmythe.com

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james island

Deepwater Lot, Dunes West

On the banks of Bohicket Creek, this expansive estate resides amid a lush, beautifully maintained haven of 10.9 acres. Beyond the gated entry, a winding drive arrives at the gracious entrance to the residence. With incredible surrounding views, the rooms flow seamlessly and present the perfect backdrop for comfortably elegant entertaining. The spacious master suite with fireplace, sitting area, and luxurious bath is a peaceful refuge. A grand staircase leads to the second floor, where there are four generous bedrooms and three full baths. With a pool, multiple decks, and a deepwater dock, the outdoor living spaces are equally inviting and perfect for active lifestyles and entertaining. $2,995,000 Contact: Beth McCrabb Phone Number: (843) 670-0296 Website: www.danielravenelsir.com

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3282 Bohicket Road

This exquisite Georgian revival boasts a symmetrical design and classic style. It is a representation of one of the finest renovations South of Broad. Remarkable attention to details and exceptional quality are found throughout the interior and exterior. Highlights include a formal living room with water views and a fireplace and a master bedroom suite with elegant master bath and ample closet area. Among the special features are exceptional custom hardware by Nanz, solid gilt bronze sconces imported from France, and exquisite plumbing fixtures from Sherle Wagner and Herbeau. Hardwood floors throughout. Climate controlled garage. Just steps from Charleston’s historic Battery. $2,750,000 Contact: Diana Goff Phone Number: (843) 442-0850 Website: www.danielravenelsir.com

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109 South Battery

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charleston estate marketplace

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james island

27 Fairhope Lane Enjoy the best of Charleston and the Lowcountry. This gracious house with dependency was designed with spaces and gardens that can be used differently depending on where you are in life. Located on a quiet lane less traveled. No stoplights to town. Come see how this could work for you. $899,000 Contact: Catherine Lazenby, catherine@historiccharlestonproperties.com Phone Number: (843) 478-1818 Website: www.charlestonpropertyfinder.com

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Enjoy expansive golf and lagoon views from the rear deck of this beautiful three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath custombuilt home. It’s a short bike to the beach and club amenities. Some quality features include Mexican tile throughout, gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, plantation shutters, custom built-ins, skylights, gas fireplace, central vac system, Pella Palladium double windows, wonderful master suite, and climate controlled cedar closet. Offered at $749,000. Contact: Patsy Zanetti & Stuart Rumph Phone Number: (843) 768-7771, (800) 657-4223 Website: www.seabrookrealestate.com, patsy@seabrookrealestate.com

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Historic Village Step through an historic 1890s house into your own private semi-tropical garden, pool, and pool house located in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s Old Village. Recent upgrades have taken the property to a new level of living. $2,850,000 Contact: Joanie Lucas, joanie@historiccharlestonproperties.com Phone Number: (843) 425-1952 Website: www.charlestonpropertyfinder.com

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Charming Charleston cottage-style home offers three or four bedrooms and three and a half baths in 2,815 square feet of friendly living space! Exterior entails a full wraparound porch, professional landscaping, metal roof, and single-car garage. First-floor master suite has a walk-in closet and luxury bathroom with granite countertops and separate walk-in shower. Kitchen features an island, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets, hardwood floors, and granite countertops. First floor also has 11-foot ceilings, a keeping room/breakfast area, living room, and a spare room that can be an office or bedroom. Second floor has two spacious bedrooms with nine-foot ceilings, wall-to-wall carpet, and one full bathroom. $679,999 Contact: Hibben at Belle Hall Plantation Phone Number: (843) 849-9930 Website: www.hibbenatbellehall.com

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713 Stucco Lane

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Brand new construction from Spear Builders of Charleston in the desirable neighborhood of Hibben! This cottage series is a million-dollar quality home available for $499,000. The home features three bedrooms and two and a half baths in 1,882 square feet of open space living! The exterior entails a front porch, a private yard backing up to protected wetlands, professional landscaping, and a two-car attached garage. First floor features the master bedroom with walk-in closet, a spacious living room, laundry room, dining room, and kitchen. The second floor has two bedrooms with one full bath. An optional guest suite can be added above the garage. Construction will begin soon, so you can still pick out your colors or upgrades! Contact: Hibben at Belle Hall Plantation Phone Number: (843) 849-9930 Website: www.hibbenatbellehall.com

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332 Nevis Trail

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daniel island

james island

isle of palms

3200 Privateer Creek Road

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This beautifully renovated home with private dock is located on Captain Sams Creek, affording panoramic marsh and ocean vistas. The residence’s features include vaulted Pecky cypress ceiling, heart pine flooring, two fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, expansive rear deck, and an elevator. Offered at $1,950,000. Contact: Patsy Zanetti & Stuart Rumph Phone Number: (843) 768-7771, (800) 657-4223 Website: www.seabrookrealestate.com, patsy@seabrookrealestate.com

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3017 Rascal Run

{ last say } Written by Stratton Lawrence

Love Thy Neighbor

One Gen X fellow in Folly Beach keeps the fine art of the drop-in alive

was 12 when my family moved from Virginia to Darlington, South Carolina. One afternoon just days after we arrived, my mother looked out the sunroom window to see two older women making their way, with some difficulty, through the back bushes. They wore white gloves and carried a cake. My mother promptly detached a nursing baby, scooted through rows of half-unpacked boxes, issued instructions to my brother and me regarding our behavior, and threw on a dress just in time to greet the pair at the door with a pitcher of tea and a heartfelt welcome. Since then, I’ve heard people lament that the Southern tradition of “calling” was laid to rest with fruitcake gifting. Apparently, e-mails, texts, and careers have led us to the kind of appalling society where nobody drops by anymore. Really? I’d argue that the tradition is alive and well—it just looks a little different and is therefore more difficult for the naysayers to recognize. For instance, I live on Folly Beach, where I’m “called upon” numerous times a day. I don’t offer my guests tea. My oven has never baked a thing. Rather, my offerings run more along the lines of treats from my garage—surfboards, kayaks, coolers—and a bathroom that’s a stone’s throw from the sand. And whereas my mother opened the door looking the picture of Good Housekeeping, it’s not uncommon that I emerge unshowered and shirtless to greet my visitors. Nonetheless, I will admit to my own mixed feelings about the custom. I’ve hidden in my room before, when I’ve got a story due yesterday or I’m wrapped in the thralls of a Bonanza rerun. But on the whole, I prefer not to scoff in the face of such a deeply rooted custom. So what if I’ve got e-mails to tend to, work to finish, the climactic ending to an irrelevant movie to catch? So what if I was dancing to the Talking Heads in my underwear when you knocked. Please, join me. There’s an invaluable Southern tradition at stake. Tell us: Do you still call on friends unannounced? Do you enjoy receiving such callers? Let us know! Go to charlestonhomemag.com and click on the At-Home Editor link to share your thoughts.

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