Hello from South Carolina

Earlier this month, I ventured down to South Carolina for the annual Aiken Antique Show. It was my first trip to Aiken but certainly won’t be my last. We walked through the charming historic district, along its boulevards lined with the homes of Aiken’s Winter Colony shaded by a beautiful canopy of sprawling oak trees. We toured the Banksia Mansion, one of the historic homes open to the public. It now serves as the Aiken County Historical Museum, and is an outstanding example of the homes in Aiken. To read more, https://www.scpictureproject.org/aiken-county/aiken-county-historical-museum.html

Touring historic houses has always been such a delight. Whether or not I am incorporating antiques in an interior design project, I will forever be inspired by them. I have always been enamored with the quality, craftsmanship and functionality of pieces from a completely different era that have stood the test of time.

My favorite way to incorporate antiques or family heirlooms is to pair them with modern pieces, creating an eclectic mix that feels fresh and current. If your great aunt’s sideboard is too dark and heavy, lighten it up with a coat of high gloss paint in a bold color. I’ve never been afraid of color!

Here are a few of my favorite updated items: