Last weekend, we attended a lecture from the fine folks over at Basic Projects -- see their work in person here in Charleston at Basic Kitchen, The Post House Inn, and Sullivan's Fish Camp -- grabbed brunch at The Dewberry, a quick drink at The Citrus Club and then walked the beautiful Designer Vignettes at the Aiken-Rhett House. You can read more about the history of the Aiken-Rhett House on the Historical Charleston Foundation website.
It's hard to put into words the numerous exquisite details found throughout the home, and the additional vignettes peppered throughout only highlighted its innate beauty even further. The ceilings. The staircases. The deep history on display through the peeling plaster layers. You must experience it if you ever pay Charleston a visit.
The staircases are incredible, and quite honestly put modern day staircases to shame. The curved banisters and intricate spindles stand alone as a work of art, and the ceiling detail paired with worn away plaster walls complete the picturesque scene.
This walls in this room tell their own story; through missing wallpaper, layers of plaster and so many colors, it's a room fit for royalty. It makes you wish you could see it in its full splendor before time had its way with it. Jill Hooper's art was perfectly suited to this room's moody and whimsical refinement.
The winding staircases, again, were incredible, especially when adorned with Petaloso's designs for the event.
This beautiful room reminds you not to ignore "small" spaces that seemingly serve no purpose. This beauty was a landing at the top of a staircase and acted as a hallway of sorts, and here was turned into a sitting room with a desk for research and correspondence by Gray Wade Design.
The fireplace mantle. The walls. The trim. The juxtaposition of the modern, abstract art against the worn historical backdrop. Perfection.
These topiaries perfectly flank the large symmetrical windows, and strategically placed art and a simple but bold for the space chair dress up a seemingly simple facade. We loved with Stephanie Molster did with this room; she truly breathed life into the aging beauty.
Above you can see the courtyard with the main house (yellow) and the carriage house, laundry and kitchen to the sides. A walk through this courtyard immediately has you wondering what life was like here in a different time. Very surreal and beautiful.
Just imagine having your morning coffee out here in the courtyard with a book, or using this open air structure as your yoga retreat. The wisteria that literally grows through the bricks, the whippet addition... divine.
If you find yourself in the lowcountry by April 14, be sure to check out the various events around town through The Charleston Festival. These Designer Vignettes were a one weekend only feature, but you can still tour the Aiken-Rhett House.
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