Charleston Inspired Decor

Does this happen to you?

I am half way through a vacation and I can't wait to get home because I am so inspired by the surroundings. 

Charleston was such a city. 

The tropical climate plus the Colonial history created a desire for some touches of British Colonial style to our home for the summer. 

The first step in a Katie Mansfield decorating spurt involves prints or some other kind of art work. 

 A Currier and Ives calendar page from a Traveler's Insurance calendar from July 1968 was the perfect springboard for our front entryway. 
This calendar page belonged to my grandmother. 
It depicts a southern plantation and features a river in front of the home. 

We learned during a tour that the river tide went out in the morning and that families could travel by boat to Charleston with the morning tide. 

They could return later in the day when the tide came back in.
Amazing. 

 We also heard that Audubon came to the marshes around the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to draw his bird illustrations for his ornithological studies. 

That was thrilling for me. 
I love bird watching.


I got "The Birds of North America." at Half Price Books for $14.98 and it offers an almost endless supply of bird prints for framing.
 

He viewed this bird in South Carolina. 
How perfect is that? 
 It rests on our mantel. 

 

 Another companion print is displayed on the little desk in the living room. 

This one even shows a plantation in South Carolina. 

I'm wild about the stork nursery planter. 
Isn't he a cutie? 
I got him years ago at an antique store. 

The palm leaves came from Hobby Lobby. 
That is all for now my lovelies. 
I spent the day tweaking and cleaning the garden room.
I've got more to show in there so please stop back by.  
I'm about to dip into the pool before I make supper for my sweetie. 
Have a wonderful evening.
Katie  

Linking with,
Thoughts of Home Thursday
A Stroll Thru Life 
The Scoop 
Savvy Southern Style

 

Charleston Single Houses

Charleston became a bucket list destination for me when I started reading Southern Living Magazine. 

Many issues of that publication had the city of Charleston as a feature.

The iconic Charleston Single House was featured many times as well. 

It soon became one of my favorite types of architecture and I wanted to see this iconic and unique style in person. 

It didn't disappoint. 

A Charleston single house is one room wide on the street side but can be several rooms deep.    

The "front" door actually leads to the piazza or porch. 

The actual front door to the dwelling is in the center of the porch.

I saw examples by car, bus, horse drawn carriage and on foot. 

The piazza or porch proved irresistible to me to the extent that I dreamed I had such a porch. 

 Two legends float around town for the origination of the style. 

One theory relates to the taxation of a dwelling. 

The narrow front view would have cost less in taxes. 

This story is circulated at the welcome center and by tour guides. 

Many say that this is a myth. 

 Another theory attributes the style to that of dwellings in Barbados. 

Most historical experts believe that the windows and covered porches took advantage of the prevailing winds. 

Let me tell you, Charleston is hot.

The humidity was stifling.

I imagine that the early residents needed to take advantage of any breeze afforded to them. 

The city was a walled city. 

Charleston dates back to 1663. 

It was the site of Revolutionary War skirmishes as well as Civil War battles. 
The long and narrow lots allowed more residents and it offered protection. 

It has sustained many fires, hurricanes and a major earthquake. 

This city is resilient.

It is charming

and darling. 

I saw one gentleman enjoying the Saturday morning paper and coffee from the comfort of his piazza.

Many of these home overlook fabulous walled gardens or courtyards.

Can you imagine?
Gorgeous!
Katie 

Linking with, 
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style 
The Essence Of Home