Explore LSThe Renovation of Gadsden House: A Designer’s Eye

Robin Rogers, Lead Interior Designer, Luxury Simplified

The first time I became aware of the renovation work at the historically significant Gadsden House I was driving down East Bay Street and noticed a huge painted screen rippling in the wind from the 2-story piazzas – Luxury Simplified was restoring the Gadsden House! Knowing the expertise and attention to detail that Luxury Simplified puts into every restoration project they undertake, I was intrigued. Soon thereafter the project manager, Tim Sites, asked me to walk through the house with him. He and I had worked together on design projects before and I knew that caliber of work that he delivered.  I recognized a number of American College of the Building Arts graduates working on the bones of this glorious Federal Style mansion – these craftsmen are masters in their respective specialties of restoration of intricate crown moldings, plaster ceiling medallions, fireplace mantles – I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be involved in this project. 

 As an interior designer I tried to envision the parlors from the prospective of the thousands of people who would be creating lasting memories in these rooms when, after it was completed, it would become a premiere event venue. The backdrop for such a venue should, by necessity, be very neutral – but I wanted a very subtle hint of color. We found the perfect wall hue – white with a hint of fresh blue gray. Appropriately named “Paper White “ by Benjamin Moore for the walls and ceilings, and “Simply White “ another beautiful Benjamin Moore color for all the opulent moldings. 

Next, onto the sparkle … making the indoor and outdoor lighting selections. This was our opportunity to give a bit of personality to this historic building. We selected traditional federal style chandeliers for the four parlors and copper lanterns for the piazzas. We then selected the amazing Roswell wall sconces from Circa Lighting for each parlor. Gorgeous! To continue with the “traditional lighting with a twist ” idea we found two amazing gold lanterns for the hallways – both again from Circa Lighting -The simple Darlana lantern (medium) and my very favorite – the Brighton Pagoda lantern. Totally pleased with the mix of lighting styles – like icing on the cake! Check out their recent blog post to see all of these final selections in place – absolutely divine.

The Gadsden House is a place that memories will be made for many years to come. My design team and I are honored to have been a part of this beautiful journey!

Note: Delivering exceptional results on any historic renovation project they undertake has become the hallmark of Luxury Simplified Construction.  They were recently awarded the Robert N.S and Patti Foos Whitelaw Founders Award for excellence in preservation by the Historic Charleston Foundation.  

Have a look at the video documentary that tells the story of this important renovation project.