Interior Inspirations: Historic Mansion In Charleston Mixes Classic Architecture With Modern Design

With an industry that generates around $10 billion in annual revenue, interior design is never short on ideas. Whether you want to extend one masterfully planned decor theme throughout your entire home, or are looking to mix and match styles to give your space some attitude, Janet Brooks Design will help you make your interior design dreams come true. When a historic mansion in Charleston, South Carolina’s South of Broad neighborhood landed on the market with a $13.85 million price tag, we know the sellers had some help designing the luxurious abode. At a staggering 7,800 square feet and boasting five bedrooms, four baths, and two half-baths, this estate effortlessly combines the warmth and rusticity of southern charm without sacrificing any of the creature comforts we’ve gotten used to in this technological age. The modern kitchen has two of everything: two islands, two sinks, two dishwashers, a double refrigerator/freezer combo (with its own built-in coffee maker), and a double Wolf oven, so that no one needs to worry about bumping into each other when they’re hard at work preparing dinner (or entire dinner parties). In fact, doubles seem to be everywhere: from the uncommon and expected double sinks in the master bath to the surprising pair of washers and dryers in the highly modernized mudroom (which even contains a pet shower to prevent pesky paws from tracking dirt into the home), this home leaves no luxury behind. All of this pristine technology is balanced by the sophisticated charm the house exudes. Light penetrates every corner of the home while soaring ceilings make it seem larger than life; combined with “museum-quality” wood finishes, exposed beams, and brick walls — not to mention the velvet-walled library –, this mansion embodies a paradox: it feels cozy and intimate yet possesses massive, open rooms and towers over others in the neighborhood. Consider this historic abode (which was built in the 1830s) a lesson in what to do right. Use it as inspiration for your own “southern rustic” design, and call the team at Janet Brooks Design. a knowledgeable and experienced residential home designer to help you make your dreams a reality. Please visit our gallery to get an idea of what design tastes, colors and interior design looks you love!
Easy Interior Design Ways to Make a Statement in Your Home

Decorating your home may not be the easiest thing to do without a professional interior designer, but if you utilize a few simple décor pieces, you can change the look of your space. Please read about a few ideas. Accent Walls An accent wall can really spice up a space with a few coats of paint. They work perfectly in any room like the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and even work in a more unusual place like an entryway. If you don’t want to make the wall bright and bold, consider something neutral that will give the space a bit more depth. But if you are feeling bold, choose a dramatic wallpaper. Pillows Patterned pillows are interior design pieces that can be used in any room in your home. You can match them to any room or mismatch them to make them stand out a bit more. They can make a simple chair look less plain or make a bed look luxurious. Since pillows are so easy to switch up, you can change them out depending on the season. Area Rugs An area rug will not only warm up a space and reduce the echo, but it can act as a statement. If you don’t want to invest in colorful furniture, an area rug is an option. Look at an area rug as artwork for your floor, especially if it is a rental space. There are so many designs and colors to choose from; the options are endless. Of course, these are just a few options to aid in your design. A try interior design takes strategy and a analysis of your unique tastes. Call us today to create a long lasting look for your home.
A Few of Our Favorite Decorating Tips for Open Floor Plans

If there’s one thing potential homebuyers love, it’s an open floor plan. Not only do these floor plans signify a step into modernity for many homes, they create open, inviting spaces for all. But how are you supposed to decorate a home with an open floor plan? That’s where we come in. Call Janet Brooks design to set an appointment and we’ll create a custom interior design, that speaks to your tastes. For now though, below, please find a few of our decorating tips for open floor plans. These tips can get you started to help you create a great open floor home plan. Start with Symmetry Sometimes an open space can seem too open if you’re not furnishing it effectively. One of the best ways to avoid that empty, echoing feeling is to create balance across your space. Doubling up on couches and accenting the area with a big dining table can bring an instant look of symmetry to your space. If you’re worried about adding personal interior decorating touches, there’s still space for that! Balancing the bigger elements in your open space gives you more license to break up that symmetry with smaller accents. Adding an odd number of candles on your coffee table or a statement piece in a single corner can provide contrast in the larger, balanced picture. Craft Your Corners Wisely Corners are your best friends when it comes to decorating your home with an open floor plan. These areas give you the opportunity to craft small spaces for specific purposes. Case in point: the cozy reading corner. This is an especially enticing decor idea if you have two walls of windows that meet in a corner. Not only are you provided with lots of light, you’re given the opportunity to add the coziest blankets and pillows on your reading furniture. Another corner in your open floor plan may be completely different, but that’s the beauty of the openness. Each corner may serve a different purpose, but the open design and your personal style can tie everything together. Create Stylistic Connections The vast majority of open floor plans combine the living, dining, and kitchen areas into one space, which means there should be a sense of stylistic consistency throughout the area. It’s a fine line to walk. On one hand, you could go for a completely monochromatic look while decorating, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, choose large anchor pieces (dining table, sofa, kitchen island) that complement each other. Your unifying elements should be smaller accent pieces. For example, if you want the color red to be your unifying element while decorating, you should incorporate it in small splashes. These splashes of color could be in patterned pillows or floral arrangements. There are plenty of ways to bring out the beauty in an open floor plan. Call us today to help you design the space of your dreams.