Home is where the heart is. For our recent design project the goal was to design a home reflecting a heart born and raised in South Carolina. A love for state history and a desire to build a family legacy result in labor of love we call the Piedmont Estate. In the kitchen, a toasted beige color on the walls and heavy valances left dwellers feeling a bit dull and drowsy. Transforming the kitchen started with a crisp coat of grey paint.  Starring as the centerpiece of the eat in kitchen, an artisan farmhouse table exudes rustic charm. Cornice boards and burlap valances replace the heavy valances drawing your eyes up to the high ceilings creating a bright and open atmosphere.

A one-of-a-kind buffet flanks the wall adjacent to the table. Finding a vintage sideboard at a local shop, it was the perfect look but the wrong proportions. Cutting it down to the dimensions that the room needed, this custom finished beauty sits pretty, albeit with a modestly narrow profile as to leave floor space. The family verse that hangs above the buffet and a custom watercolor painting of grandmother’s famous cornbread bring “home” into the kitchen.

Because of the warm tones and deep browns that were previously prominent in the living room, the space felt a bit overcast. The family hoped for a fresh feel and new life in the room they gather most. After removing the oddly placed sconces inherited from previous homeowners, there was a clean slate. Now guests entering the new living room see “The Legacy Wall” as the focal point. So much history hangs on this wall alone and each piece has such significant meaning. For this project, 90% of the product was acquired locally. One of the eye catching wall hangings is this original South Carolina flag from the Pinckney Estate. Including ration cards from a little girl in SC, the collection holds state coins, vintage postcard (enlarged), portrait of the state dog the Boykin Spaniel, SC 1970’s license plates, and several other unique pieces. A family portrait and a family name sign remind viewers of the true legacy in the home.

Newel posts originating from a local historic mansion grace the mantel. Greenery and local antiques bring a farmhouse feel. Calming colors with meaningful yet minimal decor tempt visitors to stay for long visits with this heartwarming family. And just as I have, they will find the heart of the home is not the decor, but this wonderful family in the Piedmont.