Lisa’s Luxury Design
Welcome to Lisa’s Luxury Design. I have teamed with several amazing local Charleston, SC designers to bring you guest blogs. Each designer has their own unique design approach. I hope you enjoy their tips and tricks and their design ideas. And make sure to reach out to them during your next design project. If you are buying or selling a home in the Charleston, SC area working with a top real estate agent and top Charleston interior designers makes the process easy.
Lisa Patterson
843-991-6809
Realtor of Distinction
Top Charleston SC Realtor
Top 10 Agent of the Year SC
To the Max! Maximalism Makes a Comeback
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
Perhaps it’s COVID fatigue that led to the desire for cozier at-home spaces. But there’s no doubt that minimalism has run its course. There’s a growing desire for spaces that can’t be visually absorbed in one glance. Forget everything you knew about the rule of three! With maximalism, if three is good, five is better, as long as the five are well-selected and harmonious.
Too much chaos and one craves order. Too much order and one can feel stifled. Perfecting a balanced design that is neither cluttered nor overly matchy-matchy is a matter of recognizing a few principles concerning shape, color and placement. Take for example this wall. Minimalism would suggest one large piece of art swimming in the middle of white space, with perhaps a piece of heavy furniture under it to anchor it in place. But how much more interesting to group similar pieces to create a more visually interesting wall and create multiple anchors rather than just one. What makes it work is the variety of shapes and consistency of colors. Each item occupies its own space, yet has a defined relationship to the other items. Nothing is random here.
Likewise, this small room, a carriage house conversion in Charleston, is a marvel of efficiency, with bed, living area and kitchen occupying a mere 700 square feet. It accommodates two chairs, a desk, a small loveseat, tables and more. Yet it doesn’t feel crowded due to the calming effect of consistent color, in this case shades of green and aqua.
Consider the ubiquitous "little black dress". Chic and elegant, yes! But it involves little effort or thought to buy and wear. You look good—but you also look like every other woman at the party.
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
https://www.allysonkdesigns.com
256-651-8628
Interior Design is Not Just for Inside
Debbie DeLong
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Whoever said interior design had to remain indoors, said no interior designer ever! I am so thrilled that the sun is out and the gentle breezes are blowing once again here in the Low Country, which means summer entertaining has officially opened! Here I took my home decor ideas outside. Showing you how I can help you create a luxurious inviting outdoor entertaining space you can share with your family and friends. Whether you have a large lanai, a lovely veranda, a spacious backyard or a small garden patio there is always a solution to creating an enjoyable outdoor space which will make it look like an extension of your home. It’s time to Invite all your friends over and wine and dine them with your sweet patio set up.
Call me today I’ll be happy to help.
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbie
Master Bathroom Transformation
Debbie DeLong
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
I completely remodeled this master bath from 12 by 12 inch dark hunter green tiles that ran along the floor and into the shower walls, that look had a long faded from years gone by.
I designed this bath with shiplap walls and porcelain marble tiles from floors to the shower walls.
I revamped the vanity keeping the cost down using the structure base then replacing the doors to a shaker style, replaced the countertop with white and a splash of grey quartz, new sinks, fixtures and bronze gooseneck lighting replaced the old stark round harsh bulbs. I had the old square structure oval tub removed and replaced it with this gorgeous white floating tub, then added floor fixtures making a more dramatic look.
My client ask for the modern farmhouse look, light, bright and airy and that’s exactly what I set out to do. My main goal was to bring her an oasis to come to after a long day at work.
Then to top it all off my master bathroom redesign is featured in the top leading Charleston magazine, “Charleston Home and Design“ as one of the most “Wondrous Washrooms”, with a grateful heart I’m honored to be in their spring 2021 Magazine issue.
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbie
Create A Show Stopper
Debbie DeLong
Designs By Imagine That
When designing a dining room I want it to be functional as well as a cozy space for you and your guests, as you’ll most always sit a minute with an after dinner desert endearing in the most delightful of conversations. I found that this chandelier makes a statement all on its on, it says to your guest welcome and come on in. I always chose a comfortable chair to enjoy your dinner and again relax and sit back with an after dinner coffee.
My designs are wrapped around the landscape of the homes I design. This one is on the East coast with the ocean as a backdrop, it’s all the more reason that I would choose elements of blues and whites. I like to bring in a little rustic such as in this chandelier pairing it with two glimmering white table lamps. So no matter what your style adding simple elegance to your room will sure to bring you a show-stopper.
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbie
LAYER UP …
Take your interior to the next level with layering.
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
Layer to make your spaces interesting, rich, compliment-worthy. Do it like you would layer an outfit with accessories: stunning jewelry, sunglasses, a great belt or scarf. As in fashion, all the elements should work together yet pop individually. In fact, the approach to layering a great space or pulling off high fashion is the same. You're arranging shapes, patterns, textures and colors to play off one another. And layering gives you the opportunity to optimally display the things you enjoy collecting.
Add elements one at a time; then stand back or take a photo to assess. If the layering is too minimal, the effect will be boring; if too stacked, the space looks cluttered. Unify by theme, color, texture. Contrast objects, such as shiny vs matte. If items are very disparate, arrange them by color.
Then add some mystery and invite the eye to explore. Tuck in a framed miniature or small books, add an orchid. Understand that not every object has to be seen in its entirety. In this case, the whole is greater than its parts. A layered look is a work in progress. You want to curate a lived-in aesthetic, not an intransigent Rock of Gibraltar! Layering should be a fun exercise — add a piece, subtract a piece, shift objects — until you find a composition that pleases you.
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
https://www.allysonkdesigns.com
256-651-8628
Make A Statement
Debbie DeLong
Designs By Imagine That
Ahhh.... where cool breezes dance between island dwellings is where my Kiawah Island project began. You all know my passion to create a well- appointed room that inspires my clients personal touches, sparing no details as well as pairing it with the unexpected!
When designing this room I always look for something that makes a statement, something that says wow and welcomes you into the room. First I started with the area rug and then the rest was easy gathering pillows, lamps and decor from the blues and corals in this rug. I must say these pictures were my all time favorite find. They actually completed the room and my client was oh so very happy.
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbie
Stand Out From The Crowd
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
I encourage clients to mix in antiques and vintage furniture. Enjoy the hunt for one - of -a -kind pieces that add instant character and patina tp your space. I love the carving of this Trudeau mirror. It’s from a local boutique shop that was having a moving sale. Lucky for me, everything was highly discounted!
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
https://www.allysonkdesigns.com
256-651-8628
Go Classic
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
The world may be in flux but we do have control over how we imagine our space!
If you are renovating a bathroom or kitchen, I recommend a classic approach. Because being on trend costs more in the long run. There are some designs that never look out of style. Take this bathroom: there’s no gimmicky trim to give away it’s era. You can get this look with real marble or an inexpensive look -alike porcelain. Years from now, you will not be able to identify the decade.Go Classic
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
https://www.allysonkdesigns.com
256-651-8628
Designing A Loft In Style
Debbie DeLong
Designs By Imagine That
Designing this loft was an all-time favorite of mine. My client brought me this adorable painting of two zebra finches and ask if I would use it in the design. I was delighted to do so because it made for the perfect color palette. I wanted to redefine this space and bring in a fresh new idea of inspiration. I envisioned a change in this room by creating a sweet little getaway dream-room for her guest. I went with a coastal color palette with elegance and simplicity in mind. I once read from the incredible, Diana Veeland, “Give your clients what they never knew they wanted”. This is so very true in my world of interior design. I totally enjoy giving my clients the ultimate of surprise.
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbie
What’s Your Christmas Style This Year?: Simple and Natural Or Glitz And Glamor
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
I never anticipated that Covid would linger long enough to impact our 2020 holiday enjoyment! But here we are. Without my family’s usual generational gathering, I’m giving the ornaments a rest and embracing simple and natural. And I’m limiting my effort to the fireplace mantel and favorite collected pieces that I display year round.
For the mantel, the forest-lined roads leading to my Highlands retreat, provide fraser fir and cedar sprigs. In the middle, I placed a boxwood wreath adorned with satin ribbon and wired with an antique Majolica plate in the center.
The focal point of my dining room, this antique zinc maiden, has a shawl of white pine intertwined with green satin ribbon. She wears a tiny boxwood-wreath bonnet on her head.
The silver-leaf asian horse in my great room carries a greenery bough and sports a ribbon that complements the zebra-leg lamps on either side.
I’ve tried to add just enough greenery “cheer” to acknowledge this special time of year. Blessings to all and here’s hoping for a return to everyone’s favorite holiday tradition in 2021!!
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
https://www.allysonkdesigns.com
256-651-8628
Great Holiday Tables
Debbie DeLong
City sidewalks Busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style in the air there’s a feeling of Christmas... What an enchanting time of year! It always brings out the nostalgia in me. Yes I’m that girl who has a sentimental wistful affection for the holidays. I have such fond memories of friends & family gathering around my Christmas table. I have enjoyed blending whites with reds this year. When I came across these adorable white reindeer I knew in a moments notice they would be at this years table setting. I usually go with a theme of some sort as well as placing a fun little something on my guests salad plates for them to take home with them. Here I used smaller reindeer than what I chose for the centerpiece and a red whimsical jingle bell in the center of each plate. I used red tartan ribbon, red and white starburst on the plates, white candlesticks and polka dotted napkins. I hope you find decorating as much fun as I do. Sending out warm December greetings and until next time Merry Christmas!
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbie
First Impressions ….
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
Consider the front door: It's the focal point that channels your personal style. If you love using your front door to reflect the essence of seasons, wreaths and hanging baskets are a no-brainer. If, as I do, you also love the hunt for vintage and antique items, search for pieces that can be used to make a one-of-a-kind entry beyond the greenery.
This door is at the end of a long narrow deck overlooking a thicket of trees. The style and natural wood appropriately reflect the mountain setting. No need to paint it or tweak the hardware. But when you start down that long walkway, the entry just blends into the wall, there was no sense of “arrival”!
That’s what I set out to fix. As I’m always on the hunt, I own a collection of unique items that couldn’t be resisted when discovered. The antique iron pedestals on either side of the doorway, have been waiting in the wings for their moment. The iron horse heads were discovered at the Cashiers Designer Showhouse a couple years ago. But my favorite entry enhancement — the antique wood pediment over the door — was a recent find and my final tweak to this doorway. The total look is unique, a little quirky, and exudes a sense of fun. I hope it makes you want to discover what’s inside!!
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
https://www.allysonkdesigns.com
256-651-8628
Your Thanksgiving Table Decor Does Not Have To Be Traditional Fall Colors
Debbie DeLong
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
It’s going to be a blue coastal thanksgiving here in our home this year! I’m so excited to be decorating my table-scape and celebrating on this lovely outdoor porch with family. Come along with me and I’ll share how my imagination begins to create when I’m designing. I wanted to do something a little unexpected in this gorgeous light and airy space! I love paring blues and whites any time of the year and I especially enjoy using Chinoiserie, it’s absolutely timeless! I decided to side step the traditional fall colors and play up the crisp lines in this space with soft blues, neutrals linens and textures. I love how the white table and chairs add such a delicate and soothing contrast to the blues. I always add candles to all of my table-scapes I find it brings with them a delicate warmth for my guest to enjoy. Then smack dab in the center of my salad plates I found the most unusual, the most cute of all cute little pumpkins that add a little whimsical fun to this table. So tell me, what will Your
Thanksgiving table look like this year? Let me know if I can help. Whatever your plan, I hope your holiday is exceptionally wonderful with loads of thanksgiving fun!
Debbie DeLong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: (843) 345-5788
www.Facebook.com/ImagineThatwithDebbieDebbie DeLong
Changing Garden Decor From Summer to Fall
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
The beginnings of a fall chill in Charleston has me eyeing the outdoors again. With the morning and evening nip in the air, I’m ready to sit and enjoy the charm of my garden minus summer’s humidity and bugs. I love to make this antique garden settee (Wynsum Antiques) cozy and welcoming with the addition of faux fur pillows and a throw. Like wearing a sweater again for the first time since early spring, the “dressing” of my garden furniture heralds a fresh season that becomes more and more invigorating. During summers in the low country, a vibrant blue in the yard cools things off. When the air cools, throw some white fur on it and enjoy the punch of a blue and white palette. I make no significant investment in my “fur” decor. In Charleston, we have many discount home stores to peruse and if you don’t want to mix with the crowds, go online (Etsy is a favorite). Embrace your autumn!
Allyson Kirkpatrick
Allyson K. Designs
256-651-8628
https://www.instagram.com/allysonkdesigns/
Creating Inviting Holiday Spaces
Debbie Delong
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
A soft throw, a few pretty fall pillows in orange spiced hues and a glass of mulled wine or cider is all you need to create a warm, inviting space this holiday season. I’m all about creating heartwarming outdoor spaces for my clients to entertain their guests. Seeing my guests faces light up and then relaxing into the space brings me joy
I find that deep blues such as sapphire or indigo will go well with many fall colors, a pumpkin or two, some radiant rust colored mums. Then add some blues! An easy way to do this is being in some napkins with a soft blue pattern - don’t you just love how these napkins add a little dance to the plate? Look for napkins that bring you joy and your guests will love them too.
Another nice touch would be to put some copper silverware around your plates- such as the ones I used here to warm up the setting. Place these elements around your fire pit and then you will have a gorgeous place for family and friends to gather.
Debbie Delong
Interior Designer
Designs by Imagine That, LLC
Phone: 843-(843) 345-5788
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