Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, with its own distinct style and a wealth of exquisitely preserved architectural gems.  It’s a veritable treasure-trove of inspiration for the traveling designer.  Stepping out of our hotel onto Meeting Street, we were immediately enchanted by the city’s soft Southern charm: the smell of magnolias, live oaks draped with moss, stately white-columned homes, and fresh sea breezes.

We enjoyed the lively and colorful facades of Rainbow Row.  We marveled at the cobblestone streets, the wide porches, and the beautiful gas lanterns, relics of a bygone age.  We took in the charm and kindness of the Charlestonians and sampled the rich local fare (such delicious Southern staples as fried chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits).  Small wonder that some of the country’s leading artists, home-accessories dealers and interior designers have decided to make a home for themselves here, in an impressive stretch of boutiques, showrooms, and studios known as the Upper King Design District.

Across town at a renovated naval yard, Sandy was able to meet with Missy Hulsey, the Director of Sales at Urban Electric, for a lovely tour of their factory and to discuss the details of several custom light fixtures they are making for our projects.  We are always looking for unique lanterns and think this fixture below has great lines.

Urban Electric is one of the most highly recognized and innovative lighting companies in the industry and one whose fixtures we place regularly in our clients’ homes.

Below is a custom Urban Electric fixture we had made for a client’s home here in Houston.

The blue inside of this lantern complements a very colorful interior.  We also love the reflective pattern it displays on the ceiling.  Urban Electric can customize glass in any number of ways; such as color, etching, and antiquing.

The William Aiken House is a beautifully restored landmark in the heart of the Upper King Design District.

We had the pleasure of attending a wedding here on our most recent trip to Charleston.  Notice on the porch the pair of Charleston Hang lanterns from Urban Electric.

As you can see, we think Charleston is a great place to go and a great place to find inspiration.  It’s hard to not feel right at home in this enchanting city…

We are currently working on a new project on Kiawah Island just outside of Charleston.  Picture colorful Quadrille and Schumacher patterns to reflect the colorful city of Charleston. Stay tuned this summer for an inside look!

“Beautiful as a dream, tinged with romance, consecrated by tradition, glorified by history, rising from the very bosom of the waves, like a fairy city created by the enchanter’s wand….” 

-Arthur Mazyck, GUIDE TO CHARLESTON, Illustrated (published 1875)