YESTERDAY'S NEWS

Just wanted to share a bit of "yesterday's news"!  Take a peek at this article which landed on the front page of Sunday's Home & Garden section in The Post and Courier.

Let us know what you think about this color trend!

Fall 2010

Cooking in the kitchen!

HELLO FRIENDS!
Just wanted to share a few photos from a recent kitchen project! 

This fresh, fun kitchen is located in a South of Broad home, in the heart of Charleston's historic district.  This is a second home for our client and it was important for the kitchen to serve as a space to both cook and entertain, as well as reflect the vibrant spirit of the rest of the house.  Coming up with an efficient layout to make the most of the small space was a challenge, but the final plan both functions well and looks amazing.  The cabinet style, trim work, and color palette came together with ease, as we were inspired by the sunny colors throughout the home.

The countertops are solid slabs of Bianco Avion marble (super-white, like ice in an ice skating rink!) and the cabinets are hand-crafted maple cabinets, and despite the small layout, are chock-full all the custom conveniences of a modern chef's-kitchen.  And one surprise detail: after a few focused meetings with the client to select materials, we completed this delightful kitchen in only one, short week!  

What's your favorite detail?

BEST-IN-GREEN & Local!

HELLO FRIENDS!

Great day!  We're so happy to be included in the Charleston City Paper's "BEST-IN-GREEN-and-local" list... AND to be listed in four categories, no less!  

(hope you'll add a comment, tweet about it, or at the very least, "like" it.)        

Resonate!

HELLO FRIENDS!

As the hordes of interior design enthusiasts on Twitter are well aware, today, June 14th, 2010 is #NateDay, celebrating the work of interior design talent, Nate Berkus.


Many of you may be familiar with Nate's work from his numerous installments on Oprah's show, as well as his editorial spreads in various shelter magazines.  Considering the way his interiors have such an effect on so many, we decided to explore some of the reasons his work is makes such an impact:


* Nate Berkus seems to understand the difference between a house and a home.  He designs spaces for the people who will live in them, and creates settings that suit the needs of their individual lifestyles.
* Relatable rooms - Nate's designs keep a focus on interactions.  They are oriented toward conversing and entertaining.  He never overlooks the social side of living.
* It's all about the mix.  Every Nate Berkus space seems to maintain the proper mix of old and new, mix of textures and finishes, and mix of color palates.  Mixing these elements add depth and interest to any home.


Psst: FYI: The Nate Berkus Show launches September 13th.

Spring 2010 Design Walk!

HELLO FRIENDS!  We just want to give a big THANK YOU to so many who made the Spring 2010 Design Walk such a great success!


The event was blessed with truly gorgeous weather, but even more beautiful were the throngs of smiling faces who flooded upper King Street to eye the wealth of offerings in Charleston's distinctive Design District.


The event's kick-off celebration, led by Mayor Riley, could not have been more perfect, capped off by the Mayor seated in a pedi-cab outfitted with an iPad and receiving a tutorial on the tours available thru City Slicker's fascinating app!

Once the event was underway, shoppers at Dwelling enjoyed the sounds of DJ Sonar, who was spinning at the turntables and keeping the groove going throughout the night.


Dwelling guests also enjoyed tasty sweets from Christophe Chocolatier, featuring their gorgeous hand painted chocolates, truffles, and clever chocolate sculptures!

Beautiful arrangements of fresh Spring flowers graced our cocktail tables and consoles throughout the store, thanks to the talent and style of Stems!


And adding energy and tech-style to our store, the City Slicker crew were here giving iPad demos of their tour app.  Crowds gathered in the rear of the store to explore the sites, shopping, and restaurants of Charleston in a whole new way.


All in all, it was a great night.  We so appreciate the continued support of all those who come to King Street to explore and experience Charleston's diverse and accomplished design community.  Cheers to all for a fun evening!

Gather 'round!

HELLO FRIENDS! We loved opening the pages of this month's Southern Living magazine and seeing one of our round dining tables, the Molly, featured in the dining room of one of our favorite event planners, Tara Guerard of Soiree. Tara's comments on entertaining are always noteworthy, and her thoughts regarding the wonderful way round dining tables are so condusive to conversation definitely ring true. Another bonus with round dining tables is their varied uses: they serve as the perfect welcome when used as an entry table, they make excellent reading tables in a home library, and round tables with leaves offer such flexibility when entertaining! Anyway, all this talk of the elegance and intimacy of round dining tables prompted us to round up a few of our favorite styles. Most are available in various diameters and finishes to suit any decor. Enjoy!

Tables shown, clockwise from top left: Triangle Round; the New Yorker, by Hickory Chair; Phillippe; Collier and Choate by Hickory Chair; Petite Babette and Dakota dining tables

Twist & Shout!

HELLO FRIENDS! Can I just say how much I love swivel chairs!?! They are truly the chair of choice for media rooms as well as rooms which must multi-task: you know, the rooms in which we sometimes entertain guests & sometimes settle in to watch a good movie. Swivel chairs are simply clever interpretations of comfy club chairs, set on a base that turns, allowing one to be part of the conversation OR face the tube (without having to crane their neck)! See what I mean? The best of both! (Bonus: Great fun for kids - of all ages!)

HELLO FRIENDS!

I'm happy to say that we are currently featured as a guest blogger on Charleston Magazine's beautiful website, www.charelstonmag.com! Please take a peek and leave a comment to let us know what you think!

All the best!

Leigh

HELLO FRIENDS! It's getting to be that time of year! If you're entertaining guests in the coming weeks and need to freshen up your music offerings, stop in! We have some great CD's in that are perfect for dinner parties... or to enjoy while prepping for guests. I always have more fun in the kitchen with my favorite tunes! Sometimes our daughter brings her "friends" Miley, Taylor, and the Jo Bros. and we have a big time. But for more adult fare, Dwelling has some GREAT compilation CD's that are mixed specifically for entertaining by the DJs at some of the globe's hippest hotspots!

course title: Design Walk 101

HELLO FRIENDS!

Here we are at the peak of Charleston's fall social calendar and we have upon us one of the most fashion-forward and fun-filled evenings of the season! I have posted all the pertainent details regarding the Upper King Design Walk, and in addition I've posted a few fun "did you know....? facts:

* Charleston's Upper King Design Walks began in the Spring of 2002, when 8 bold-post-9/11-newly-opened-design-related-merchants decided that it might be a good idea to band together to promote this fledgeling district. The first Design Walk served as a group Grand Opening for the merchants. It was so much fun we immediately began planning the fall walk!

* As the Design District has welcomed new shops & design firms, the Design Walks have continued to grow! This Fall's Design Walk will be featuring more than 28 participating businesses! The events are held once each Fall and once each Spring.

* Rain or shine! The Design Walks have always marched on despite inclimate weather. Interestingly enough, some of the most successful walks have occured on wet, drizzly nights -- the rain encourages folks to linger in each shop a bit longer and makes things a bit more intimate.

* The event has taken on a whole new dimension since, at the Spring Design Walk of 2007, Mayor Joseph P. Riley cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening of the newly Streetscaped Upper King Street. This once delapidated district now boasts bluestone sidewalks, palm trees, lamp posts, sidewalk cafes, and many, many well-heeled shoppers!

* The Design Walk has grown into such an event that it now has sponsors! As well as a great website to keep you informed about ALL the happenings of the Upper King Design District! Take a look at www.upperkingdesigndistrict.com!!!!

* Come out and join us this Thursday night and enjoy an evening of style! Feel great about supporting so many great local businesses, and most of all, SHOP! :)

All the best!

Leigh

Ready, set, GO!

HELLO FRIENDS! Here at Dwelling we are all about custom furnishings and decorative accessories! Dwelling offers a wide variety of upholstery styles (sofas, loveseats, chairs, and ottomans) which are available in over 700 fabulous fabrics, leathers, and ultrasuedes. Our casegoods (cocktail tables, dining tables, armoirs...) are available in a wide variety of finishes and are often available in custom sizes. Additionally, we offer a beautiful selection of beds and bedlinens.

In addition to furniture and fabrics, Dwelling features decorative lighting (table lamps, floor lamps, pendants, & chandeliers) and natural fiber rugs, and custom window treatments.

Design Services are also available to help with projects large or small.

Please FOLLOW US on Twitter, and follow our blog as well for updates on new products and special promotions. We are so appreciative of your interest, and look forward to assisting with your design needs!