Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Colorful Preppy Style in South Carolina
Bright shades and DIY touches contribute to the relaxed vibe in this historic Charleston home
“I like to collect things that make me smile because I think they will make other people smile too,” Liz says. A collection of Yoga Joes in warrior poses that Liz spray-painted gold are displayed under a cloche on the coffee table. The metallic dish shaped like a peanut is a reminder of an Amy Carter doll Liz had as a child.
The couple love the location of their home as it’s within walking distance of the downtown district. They also love its large living areas. “Even though it’s not really my style, all the exposed beams and brickwork feel like a little piece of history,” Liz says. “How can you not appreciate just how long the house has been there?”
Wall paint: Anchors Aweigh, Sherwin-Williams; Turkish Towel: Charleston Weekender
Wall paint: Anchors Aweigh, Sherwin-Williams; Turkish Towel: Charleston Weekender
“I try to have things around that are maybe not so grown up, or just make people laugh. You’re not looking at my house and thinking a serious person lives here,” Liz says. The croquet set belonged to Liz’s family.
Ladder: Celadon
Ladder: Celadon
The colorful accent pillows were a DIY project.
Chairs: Home Goods; Faux Fur Stool: Hobby Lobby; Madison Mixer Bar Cart: Society Social
Chairs: Home Goods; Faux Fur Stool: Hobby Lobby; Madison Mixer Bar Cart: Society Social
Marrying her trendy style with the historic aesthetic of the house wasn’t easy, but Liz, pictured, says she enjoyed the challenge. Bright colors, fresh flowers and fun prints provide a cheerful feel throughout the home. “You have to make a choice to create a nice environment for yourself,” Liz says. “When you work hard, you deserve that. Putting little details around like fresh flowers is like self-care.”
Displayed on her bar cart is a hand-lettered print that says “cheers!” in a number of languages. A friend, Danielle Fabrega, made it for one of her first blog shoots, and she keeps it as a reminder of how far her business has come and of her motto to celebrate every day.
Displayed on her bar cart is a hand-lettered print that says “cheers!” in a number of languages. A friend, Danielle Fabrega, made it for one of her first blog shoots, and she keeps it as a reminder of how far her business has come and of her motto to celebrate every day.
A gallery wall of framed travel prints and typographic accents leads into the dining area. The wooden bench was given to Liz by a friend.
Weekender bag: Charleston Weekender
Weekender bag: Charleston Weekender
The brick fireplace creates a natural separation between the living and dining areas while maintaining an open-concept feel. Liz found the blue-painted piano at a neighborhood swap and shop. It was the color that first caught her eye, but she bought it for her husband’s birthday because he has always wanted to play. “If it hadn’t been blue we probably wouldn’t have gotten it, and he wouldn’t have learned how to play,” she says, “which would be a shame, because he started taking lessons and he’s pretty good!”
Tabouret Bistro Dining Chair, mint: Overstock; dining table: Target
Tabouret Bistro Dining Chair, mint: Overstock; dining table: Target
The framed Charleston print on top of the piano is by Danielle Fabrega of The Town Serif, the same friend who made the “cheers!” print on the bar cart.
A floral print by Lulie Wallace is displayed inside the fireplace on the dining room side.
Behind the dining area is a narrow kitchen. Liz said she was glad to trade a smaller kitchen for more space throughout the rest of the house since she and Jonathan do not do a lot of cooking.
While there may not be a lot of room for gathering inside the kitchen, Liz says the bar-top counter serves as the social spot during parties. Friends can gather there and chat while the couple preps food and drinks. “No matter how small a kitchen is, having a bar counter helps it feel more spacious,” she says.
Riviera Counter Stools, Serena & Lily
Riviera Counter Stools, Serena & Lily
Melamine Lulie Wallace plates add festive flair to the dining room. “I only registered for fine china,” Liz says. “So I collect crazy character plates — fun plates all the way!”
Liz wallpapered the small powder room that serves as the downstairs bath with Peel and Stick paper from Target. She said the project was affordable and took only a few hours, unlike traditional wallpaper. To do a gallery wall on a budget, she finds and frames postcards or calendar pages by favorite artists, like the swimsuit illustrations by Dorothy Shain.
A set of three clocks tell the time on the East Coast, Australia, and Turkey, where her contacts reside for getting the Turkish towels she sells in her shop.
Side table: Ikea
Side table: Ikea
The accent wall above Liz’s desk is a DIY wallpaper-inspired hack where she used a combination of faux ferns and washi tape.
Desk and Eames Transparent Chair: Hobby Lobby
Desk and Eames Transparent Chair: Hobby Lobby
Liz was inspired by similar DIY tutorials online that used flowers and washi tape. She used faux ferns from Michael’s for a long-lasting look.
Liz said she hoped the accent wall would add a chic and modern element to the room without having to repaint. She’s pictured here with Maddie, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Modular shelving helps keep her office area organized.
Kallax Shelving: Ikea; record table: Hobby Lobby
Kallax Shelving: Ikea; record table: Hobby Lobby
Navy is one of the colors used upstairs in the master bedroom, where a striped bedspread contrasts against a spotted headboard.
Headboard: Target; Stripe Duvet Cover: West Elm; rug: Urban Outfitters; ladder: Celadon; Hayworth Silver Nightstands and lingerie chest: Pier 1 Imports; Escape bag: Charleston Weekender
Headboard: Target; Stripe Duvet Cover: West Elm; rug: Urban Outfitters; ladder: Celadon; Hayworth Silver Nightstands and lingerie chest: Pier 1 Imports; Escape bag: Charleston Weekender
The Target headboard was a fun and affordable piece. “I do work on a budget when decorating,” Liz says. “So I’ll pick things that are practical to invest in first, then accessorize with fun details.”
The flamingos came from a window display at the local Kate Spade shop. Liz says she likes to keep a bathing suit or Turkish towel out as a reminder to go to the beach.
The clawfoot tub in the upstairs bathroom is Liz’s retreat.
“Taking a bath in the evening feels like such a reward. I light a candle and I have my little floats for my wine, and I just give myself this time,” she says. “It’s all part of the weekend mantra —to enjoy the little things.”
Turkish Towel: Charleston Weekender
“Taking a bath in the evening feels like such a reward. I light a candle and I have my little floats for my wine, and I just give myself this time,” she says. “It’s all part of the weekend mantra —to enjoy the little things.”
Turkish Towel: Charleston Weekender
The couple had just signed a lease on a rental when their realtor called and suggested they check out the historic home, which just happened to be on Liz’s favorite street. They checked out the space and put an offer on it the same day.
The front porch is another retreat for the couple. “Anytime you can be on the front porch helps you feel like part of the community,” Liz says. “You see the same people walk by and you can give yourself permission to escape and relax. I think no matter where I live, I would always have to have a porch.”
The home was renovated by the previous owners, who took careful measures to preserve historic details. It’s a recipient of the Carolopolis Award from the Preservation Society of Charleston, given to homes whose renovations did not add conjectural details or remove character-defining historic elements, such as the wood beams, fireplace and windows.
In the backyard, the couple decided not to battle trying to grow grass downtown and installed pebbles and mulch instead. The low-maintenance solution cost under $1,500.
A backyard bocce court provides everyday entertainment and is a popular activity with friends on weekends.
See more photos of this home
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
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See more photos of this home
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Liz and Jonathan Martin and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maddie
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 1,900 square feet (177 square meters); three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Year built: 1902
Liz Martin never expected to fall in love with a historic house. The co-owner of Cannonborough Collective and lifestyle blogger at Charleston Weekender describes her style as classic and preppy as well as colorful and bright.
Liz’s decorating motto, “Every day should feel like it’s the weekend,” is reflected throughout the home she shares with husband Jonathan, a partner at an accounting firm. Tropical patterns and prints mix with funky details and accessories to create a fun and relaxed environment.
Rug: West Elm; Terrace Coffee Table: West Elm; sectional: Celadon; Palm Pillow: H&M