Charleston's Finest

Impeccable taste and an open mind give these historic homes new life.

- Meghan Salgado

Sometimes we find ourselves without the words to explain the vision we have in our heads. But this doesn’t mean you’ll fail at design.“I confess to always having been more of a visually connected person as opposed to a verbal one,” says designer Amelia Handegan. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Handegan has over 30 years of experience designing up and down the Eastern seaboard. In Amelia Handegan Rooms, stunning photos bring to life 13 unique homes the author has worked on, including a few of her own properties.

A HEAD FOR HISTORY

Working primarily on the East Coast,Handegan’s book of work is filled with homes dating from periods as early as the 1770s. She is masterful in her ability to highlight the beauty of tradition while also making a home modern. “I love the contrast between this contemporary and functional space in a historic setting,” she says. “For me, the ideal project keeps one foot in the past and one in the present.” When moving into a historic home, you can add modern features without losing the charm of the time period. Unexpected décor, plus a focus on creating functional spaces, may seem a strange combination for a historic home, but Handegan makes it seem effortless. Recreate this by using period-appropriate décor on the walls and set the tone with a more formal color. Combining form and functionality is particularly relevant in the bathroom and kitchen. Add small touches in an appropriate material such as stone or marble to further highlight the time period, and be sure to keep modern appliances out of sight.

SEEING RED