Gold accents—from the Michael Aram “Palm” fireplace screen to the framed works above the antique French cane chair—enhance the luxe aesthetic.
Ron Griffin gifted his wife, Claudia, this stately, brick and stucco Charleston single house on Queen Street for her birthday in 2010.
Over a decade later, the couple was able to retire to the circa-1797, Federalist-style home, prompting a thoughtful interior redesign—including this elegant drawing room—that marries modern living with exquisite antiques and vintage furnishings, such as the Maison Charles brass sunflower wall sconces and Maison Jansen mirrored coffee table from Karl Kemp.
Soothing Sanctuary: The drawing room’s glossy, lacquered ceiling (Benjamin Moore “Misted Green”), soft color palette, and luxurious fabrics create a calm oasis for Claudia. “I love this space. It’s so peaceful to me.” The custom sofa, wrapped in Halsey & Spruce raw silk, is flanked by luminous Sabina Fay Braxton fabric drapes. The antique Swedish secretary cabinet from The Painted Room harkens back to the home’s original era.
A Warm REception: Halsey & Spruce dupioni silk-covered walls pair with the Twigs “Villa Foscari”-papered ceiling in the dining room to create a feeling of grandeur in the small room. Overlooked by the George III Japanese cabinet in green and gold, a custom, round mahogany table with Chesterfield dining chairs upholstered in gold velvet provide enough space for the Griffin family to congregate.
he home’s entryway, flanked by the drawing and dining rooms, features original heart-of-pine floors, an 18th-century French Régence gilt-wood mirror, and a Baroque chest of drawers.
Light & Bright: The kitchen, situated in the home’s hyphen, is painted in Benjamin Moore “White Dove” and boasts a La Cornue range.
The Suite Life: The primary bedroom occupies the top floor of the converted kitchen house, its gable roof creating a cozy feel in the warm space, painted in Benjamin Moore “Monroe Bisque.” The Jim Thompson “Cedros” wallpaper, featuring metallic bonsai trees, creates an accent wall behind the bed. The motif is replicated with antique textiles crafted into pillows by Cynthia Murphy Designs. The circa-1780 Italian neoclassical gilt-wood mirror from Navona Antiques and Persian Heriz rug from Lavender Oriental Carpets add majestic touches to the space.
An Art Nouveau mirror from Van den Andern highlights a gold-framed, 19th-century French settee from 17 South Antiques in the room’s small sitting area.
Midas Touch: The Griffins’ antique chest pairs with a French neoclassical Baccarat bowl from Chairish and an Italian gilt-wood lamp from The Antique and Artisan Gallery, topped with a custom lampshade.
Rosy Outlook: The guest bedroom features bold red drapes made from a Christian Fischbacher fabric, Matouk bedding with custom embroidery, and reading lights from Visual Comfort on walls painted in Benjamin Moore “Opaline.”
Howard drew the palette from this painting of wildflowers by Hilarie Lambert.
Secret Garden: Howard created a sanctuary in the brick walled garden, expanding the feel of the long narrow space with carefully positioned mirrors, including antique arched verdigris mirrors from England. Planted container gardens, managed by Blooms by Beth, complement the ivy-clad walls, and a wrought iron outdoor dining set allows for alfresco entertaining.
Designer Alexandra Howard revamped the interiors with understated elegance
