Betsy Finley (center) with husband, Bruce; dog, Milo; and daughter, Daisy
The furnishings on the piazza, such as the bold patterned pillows from Fritz Porter and the circa-1930s rattan chairs, hint at the blend of modern and vintage styles within.
Something Old, Something New: Bold colors, eclectic art, contrasting fabrics, and a smattering of antiques turn a formal sitting room into a dynamic space. The glass dining table from Patricia Allen Antiques at Fritz Porter dispenses with formality, thanks to white leather chairs from Anthropologie and a green velvet settee from South of Market downtown.
After dinner, the family turns their chairs to enjoy a fireside dessert by the glass and Lucite coffee table (also Patricia Allen Antiques). Restoration Hardware wall cabinets provide ample storage for this multipurpose room.
High Contrast: The entry and stairwell are painted in Benjamin Moore’s striking “Wrought Iron.” Offset by white trim and the wooden treads and handrail, the color adds personality to a utilitarian space and helps the gold accents (wall sconces and chandeliers from Circa Lighting) pop.
Kitchen Confidence: Turning the formal dining room into a kitchen was the biggest challenge of the renovation. A 19th-century fireplace made way for a Wolf induction stove; plaster was removed to reveal the home’s original brick; and John’s Island cabinet maker Robert Paige worked some magic to craft plenty of storage for this family of adventurous cooks.
Trading Spaces: Formerly a slim galley kitchen, this “hyphen” connecting the Ansonborough single house to its guest suite was transformed into a chic lounge space, complete with wet bar.
There, a bar adorned with vintage porcelain glove molds provides a spot to procure libations.
Boho Bedrooms: Justina Blakeney bedding adds a Bohemian touch to the light-filled master bedroom.
Space Saver: The master bath required significant reconfiguring—gone are the bathtub, window, and door to the piazza—to accommodate a closet, laundry room, and walk-in shower. An orange mirror provides a pop of color on the graphic palm frond wallpaper from Serena & Lily.
The former kitchen house is now a charming guest suite—and Betsy’s favorite space to watch the morning news. A kilim-upholstered sofa with orange velvet pillows from Fritz Porter lends a Middle Eastern vibe to the cozy cottage, while palm trees painted by Betsy mimic the vintage floor lamps.
Upstairs, a snug bedroom suite entices with walls painted in “Orangerie” by Farrow and Ball.
Sit a Spell: A spacious bluestone patio and luxurious Janus et Cie lounge chairs invite relaxation around the gas fire pit...
...while the outdoor dining table overlooks a green, ideal for a little post-dinner putting.
A Relaxing Perch: The upstairs porch provides a pleasant respite from everyday cares, with a hammock and Restoration Hardware Moroccan wedding pillows precisely positioned to take in the treetop views.
A dynamic mother-daughter design team breathes new life into a circa-1840 Charleston single house
