When a Virginia transplant wanted enjoy the charms of downtown Charleston without the concerns that come with maintaining a centuries-old home, a top-floor condo in the Gadsden provided the perfect solution.
Downsizing Downtown: Retired nurse Peggy Balla relocated from an 8,500-square-foot lake house in Virginia to a tidy, 1,300-square-foot condo on Gadsdenboro Street, where minimal maintenance, spectacular views, and a sense of community have created the ideal home for her.
Peggy Balla.
An Inviting Aerie: The condo’s open-plan living space encompasses a sitting room, breakfast nook, and kitchen. Low-slung furniture allows for unimpeded views, and the simple barrel shape of two Baker Furniture chairs covered in a Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa fabric in the sitting room adds warmth and style. Their sleek bronze legs and a vintage 1970s coffee table contrast with the simple white sofa and the pretty patterned drapes from Quadrille.
breakfast with a view: The small dining nook offers views of the Ravenel in the distance. A fun chandelier from Ro Sham Beaux above a Knoll tulip table adds whimsy.
In the kitchen, handcrafted ceramic light fixtures by Rory Pots in Vermont pair with wicker stools from Palecek for an organic touch
Creature Comforts: Balla’s bedroom suite has a sift, feminine feel, with floral wallpaper by Victoria Larson and peach pillows from Little Design Co. A pair of handcrafted table lamps by Victoria Ellis and a white Visual Comfort light fixture complement the light, bright decor.
The wallpaper continues into the bathroom, where two brass-accented vanity mirrors from Mirror Home are illuminated by Visual Comfort wall sconces.
True Blue: The guest room/office/second sitting room is a riot of color courtesy of the bold Scalamandré wallpaper and custom cabinets painted blue.
The Kravet sofa turns into a bed, and the drawers have pull-out table tops to function as nightstands when guests visit.
Form fitted: A striking sculptural entry console from Slate Interiors in Charlotte is topped by an Arteriors mirror, reflecting the original artwork by Amber Goldhammer on the opposite wall.
A pedestal from CB2 showcases a Kalalou vase backed by an original painting by Dutch contemporary artist Erik Renssen.
Minimal maintenance, spectacular views, and a sense of community created the ideal home for retired nurse Peggy Balla
