DINING ROOMS

CHARLESTON INSPIRED SPACES

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INJECT A LITTLE SOUTHERN CHARM TO YOUR INTERIOR

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Every once in a while I get the pleasure of visiting different cities and taking in all its history and charm! Charleston has always been at the top of my list, and luckily it did not disappoint. There is this eery yet beautiful calm while walking down the historic streets, and I couldn’t help but envision the architectural beauty awaiting behind each door .

Historic Homes of Charleston

Historic Homes of Charleston

I pictured winding staircases, millwork for days, aged marble, antique chandeliers, layers of pattern and color on wallpaper and furnishing. I imagined if ever given the opportunity to design such a space, how paying homage to the past and present would marry so well in spaces such as these. I believe there is a way to still achieve a classic design while adding a bit of new age flair.

So! I dreamt up my own dining room for this historic home in Charleston, one adorned with classic chinoiserie pattern juxtaposed with more geometric elements. Bringing in the soft muted tones and accenting with pops of color. The push and pull of the space keeps it timeless and stunning all at the same time.

Lisa Gilmore Design- Charleston Inspired Dining Room

Lisa Gilmore Design- Charleston Inspired Dining Room

Till next time!

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MIXING PATTERNS FOR TRANSITIONAL DINING

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"Transitional" -- what exactly does this term mean? Especially, when describing interior design. Transitional style design, usually means that you have characteristics of both modern and traditional in your space. You kind of fall in that even middle ground between both styles.  

For this dining room, our client was just that. However, she wasn't aware of it. She was trying to pair multiple traditional elements together, but it left her feeling unhappy. The space was feeling dark, filled with heavy furniture and nothing was popping or even uplifting. She knew she liked to mix patterns and textures, but was also unsure of how to achieve that.  

As I looked around her home, I realized that their art collection definitely leaned more on the modern and colorful side of the spectrum. This was a big indicator to me, she wasn't fully traditional at all, she was more transitional! That was my que, and we got to work and this is the result:

 

A beautiful monochromatic wallpaper pattern on the wall really set the room off, the ceiling is finished with a lovely blue-ish grasscloth featuring an intertwined golden metallic. When the sun hits it just right, it sparkles ever so gently, slightly mimicking the salt water just outdoors.  

A little bit of ikat, a healthy dose of stripe, paired with geometric and zig-zag and finished with a dash of damask. This makes for a stimulating balance of pattern and color. The eye gracefully travels throughout the dining room touching each element.  

And of course, you know me, we must talk about the chandelier! This particular chandelier is a fun choice, it dances gently above the dining table. It is reminiscent of a handcrafted bracelet, something that would adorn the wrist as a statement piece, this chandelier does the same over the table. 

Overall, I am so pleased with how this dining room turned out! Wait until you see with the way we transformed a few of the adjoining spaces throughout the residence.  

How do you feel? Would you love a dining room mixed with so many patterns and textures? 

 All Photography by Native House Photography

HOW THIS SKIRT INSPIRED A DINING ROOM

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A while back I was browsing through one of my favorite local boutiques (Misred Outfitters); looking through all the different clothes "oh that's cute"; "this is nice"... you know, the standard thoughts while aimlessly shopping. 

Then, I stumbled across this long skirt. I instantly fell in love (like deep love) with the pattern. 

My mind immediately started on this design inspiration whirl-wind. Before I knew it I had put together this make believe dining room, well for nobody in particular. 

Every time I put on this skirt, the dining room pops into my mind. So I decided it was time to share my inspiration with you!

A mixture of purples, magentas and oranges make for a lively and underused palette. Paired with blacks and champagne gold tons take it up to that glam notch, that I always personally crave. 

Are you ever inspired by a random find with your interior? Inspiration comes from all sorts of areas, we say act on it!