The secret to good design
I walked into this Charlotte home and immediately wished I could bottle the feeling. It was the little bit of sunshine and cheer we’ve all been looking for this winter.
The charming Charlotte home — with character and designer finishes — will leave you dreaming and energized. Every wall, every corner, every detail — intentionally finished. While I toured this home in-person, it was hard to capture it all in an Instagram Reel.
So I partnered with the realtor, Meredith Tomascak, and interior designer, Anne Pearson, to bring you beautiful images that I think you’ll love.
Anne has graciously provided paint colors and other sources which I share below. I’ve also asked her to share some advice for homeowners aspiring to create a home that feels finished and personalized.
If you find it helpful, please share with a friend and subscribe for even more like this.
Now, sit back and enjoy the tour.
The Paint | sherwin williams clary sage (railings and front door)
You have beautiful artwork. Where are some of your favorite places to source art?
Anne: I purchase a lot through artists I follow on Instagram: Caleb Mahoney, Renee Bouchon, Laura McCarty, Alexis Walters, Catherine B Jones. I also have been bidding on antique paintings on live auction like the one in the laundry room. I had that one reframed.
The Advice (from Anne) | I really focused on buying smaller pieces that I love and then put some money into the framing. It takes time to develop a collection. Decorating slowly is not a bad thing!! Take your time and get the bones of your house right first then work on adding all the layers.
Anne’s home has evolved over the last six years. She truly has lived into her advice to take your time and find the things you love.
For example, here is the entry way during the process of decorating.
Now!!
Your home feels so collected and layered. Where do you look and what do you look for when thinking about accessories?
Anne: I scour Etsy and consignment stores for accessories like old books and turnbridge boxes and my little collection of marble fruits. All of these together add so much warmth and character to a home.
The Wallpaper | quadrille arbre de matisse camel on tint
The Paint | sherwin williams clary sage (same as railings and front door)
The Paint | extra white by sherwin williams, tricorn black by sherwin williams
What advice would you give a homeowner just starting out decorating their home?
The Advice (from Anne): I will have to heed my own advice with our new/old house as it will not be done in a day a week or even a year. Good design takes time.
For more on this home, check out my Instagram Reel and the listing by Meredith Tomascak.
For home finds I love, head over to my ShopMy page. Lots of pretty, new pieces!!
Top 5 Antique Stores in the South East
Mixing old and new is core to my personal home design philosophy. I just love how antiques ground a space and help tell a richer story. For that reason, when I created the Garden & Grace directory, I knew I had to have trusted antique shops in the mix.Here are five antique stores all throughout the South that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.
Mixing old and new is core to my personal home design philosophy. I just love how antiques ground a space and help tell a richer story. For that reason, when I created the Garden & Grace directory, I knew I had to have trusted antique shops in the mix.
Here are five antique stores all throughout the South that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.
Character House in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Character House boasts a layered blend of fine antiques, artisan made accessories, vintage treasures, luxury lampshades from England, and even hand trimmed live topiaries.
Elizabeth Stuart Design in Charleston, South Carolina
I always stop by Elizabeth Stuart when I’m in CHS for special home and garden finds. The store is known for its point of view that's both timeless and modern, familiar yet fresh, and always distinct with detail.
Heritage in Charlotte, North Carolina
I have several Heritage pieces in my own home that I love dearly. It’s Charlotte’s premier destination for thoughtfully curated decor, custom upholstery and fine European antiques. In addition to the shop, Heritage is a complete interior design firm with over 20 years experience in the design industry.
McIntosh Cottage Antiques in Columbia, South Carolina
This family-owned and operated antique shop specializes in high-end English and French antiques. They travel straight to the source to bring clients exquisite, unique and timeless pieces. Bonus: They ship all around the U.S.!
The Plantation Shop in Amelia Island, Florida
Open since 1978, this trusted shop offers a hands-on approach and they source some of the finest English and French Country antiques around. They travel to England 6-8 times a year to work with English dealers and attend International antique fairs.
Looking for more trusted sources? Please check out the Garden & Grace directory, which features dozens of home design professionals all across the country. All of the resources shared there are personally approved by me in hopes to connect you with the best professionals possible!
A Design Lover's Guide to Charleston
My husband and I were lucky enough to sneak off to Charleston for a quick getaway a few weeks ago! Child-free quality time in one of our favorite places before the rush of the holidays was such a treat. I shared a few of these recs on Instagram, but wanted to give them a more permanent spot on the blog, just in case it’s helpful for your planning!
My husband and I were lucky enough to sneak off to Charleston for a quick getaway a few weeks ago! Child-free quality time in one of our favorite places before the rush of the holidays was such a treat. I shared a few of these recs on Instagram, but wanted to give them a more permanent spot on the blog, just in case it’s helpful for your planning!
WHERE WE ATE
With so many incredible places to eat, it can be hard to pick. But we have some go-to spots we almost never miss and even tried a few new places! Here’s what we ended up doing.
Lunch: Lewis Barbecue
If you like BBQ, you need to add this spot to your list! They serve Central Texas-style, which is known for its dry-rub meats. Must try: green chile corn pudding.
Pre-dinner drinks: Post House Inn
A restaurant in a charming home, nestled in a charming waterfront neighborhood? Sign me up! We just stopped in for drinks this time, but the brunch is worth adding to your list. Post House isn’t technically in Charleston, but it's worth the quick (and scenic!) drive into Mount Pleasant.
Dinner: Costa Cuisine
This spot is relatively new and is quickly climbing to the top of my must-try list! They specialize in Coastal-Italian, so think of bright, fresh flavors. I would start with the scallop crudo and burrata and split the pasta special for your main.
Dessert: We ended our food tour with dessert at the Thoroughbred Club at The Charleston Place. You could also do late-night cake from Carmella's Café & Dessert Bar.
Breakfast: It has to be Miller’s All Day, one of the most-recommended places from y’all. The atmosphere and food were a great way to end our quick trip!
WHERE TO SHOP
Charleston has so many wonderful businesses. Here are a few I recommend:
- Elizabeth Stuart: I’ll never miss this well-curated home store with antique and giftable goods when I’m in CHS.
- Lake Pajamas: Some of my favorite pajamas for me and the kids! The fabric is SO soft.
- Salisbury and Manus: Another great home store with elegant finds.
- M Dumas and Sons: A stylish men’s clothing store that opened in 1917!
- Juliska: One of my go-to spots for all my tabletop needs.
- Buru: They have some really unique women’s clothing, made in small batches.
- George C Birlant & Co.: A high-quality antique store right in King Street.
WHERE TO STAY
This trip we stayed at The Charleston Place, which was so wonderful. I really loved the complimentary cruiser bikes — such a charming perk and one of the best ways to see the city! I’ve also stayed at Hotel Bennett, which is another fabulous option with a cute champagne bar.
Check out more Charleston recommendations on my Charleston Instagram highlights.