HANDMADE HOLIDAY Needlepoint’s Staying Power
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HO LIDA Y / W INT ER 2023
INSIDE The Iconic Kessler Armstrong Mansion
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302 East 46th Street, Savannah, GA 31405 7 Bed • 6 Bath • 9,595 Sq Ft • $2,600,000
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12 Eagle Point Drive, Savannah, GA 31406 5 Bed • 6 Bath • 6,300 Sq Ft • $2,675,000
300 East 44th Street, Savannah, GA 31405 6 Bed • 9 Bath • 6,274 Sq Ft • $2,300,000
Nestled along the Vernon River in the Rivers Edge gated community. This expertly planned estate sits on a premier lot with panoramic river views, and stunning sunsets. Quick Intracoastal Waterway access from the private dock. Quintin Cowart (912) 667-5585
Seize the chance to restore a historic Tudor Revival on over an acre in Ardsley Park. Mid-renovation, this estate offers a tennis court, pool, large bedrooms, and outdoor entertainment area. A full city block to make your vision a reality. Jessica Kelly (912) 441-9101
1 South Grant Street, Savannah, GA 31419 4 Bed • 6 Bath • 5,081 Sq Ft • $2,200,000
2822 Bee Road, Savannah, GA 31404 3 Bed • 3 Bath • 3,150 Sq Ft • $899,000 Stunning example of contemporary architecture, next to beautiful 80 acre Daffin Park. This 3 story new construction townhome features custom steel staircase, luxury kitchen, wet bar, private courtyard and spacious primary suite. Jessica Kelly (912) 441-9101
Private waterfront estate on over an acre, with a primary suite offering stunning views, bespoke closets, and a spa bath. Boasting a library, office, photography dark room, and a collector‘s garage, plus a dock for easy waterway access. Quintin Cowart (912) 667-5585
Where Exceptional Homes Dazzle Every Season. E N G E L & VÖ L K E R S S AVA N N A H 1650 East Victory Drive | Savannah | GA 31404 +1 912-238-0874 | savannah@evrealestate.com Learn more at savannah.evrealestate.com ©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
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TABLE of CONTENTS H O L I D AY/ W I N T E R 2 0 2 3
FEATURES 52
Heart and Soul Holiday Lowcountry interior designer Leah Bailey brings a touching mix of passion, perseverance and panache to her home’s holiday decor ensemble Written by PAULA MAGRINI Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy LEAH BAILEY INTERIORS
65
A Very Kessler Christmas The restored Kessler Armstrong Mansion celebrates its 104th holiday season in seriously elegant style Written by MARGARET DANIEL Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
71
New House, Same Holiday Chicago transplants build a new home in Palmetto Bluff with family — and Christmastime — in mind Written by ALLISON LANE FARMER Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
52 Photo by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy LEAH BAILEY INTERIORS
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The iconic Kessler Armstrong Mansion in its holiday finery, page 65 Photo by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
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EDITOR’S LETTER
AS CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS APPEAR EVERY FALL, encroaching upon Halloween and Thanksgiving’s brief moments of celebration, I typically find myself curmudgeonly muttering about the joy-deflating effects of a grossly protracted holiday season. While I cherish the enchanting glow of a Christmas tree, festive parties and downtown’s many magical window displays, there’s only so long I can keep my holiday spirits high during the busiest weeks of the year. Right? But this year, with stories of wars and economic distress occupying every news and social media channel, I am changing my tune. All reminders of joy, peace, light and love are buoying my spirits and welcome to stay as long as possible. To that effect, the tastemakers featured in these pages, ruthless in their pursuit of beauty, exemplify these good tidings and graciously share them with Savannah to the benefit of all in their orbit. Floral experts from across the Hostess City share their best tips for showcasing nature’s bounty (“Tabletop Showstoppers,” page 23) while Joshua E. White of Port Town Collective reminds us there’s always a reason to celebrate with style (“Party Animal,” page 43). Elizabeth Skeadas (“Not Your Mother’s Needlepoint,” page 37) and Dr. Keisha Reddick (“Trimmed to Perfection,” page 33), an avid needlepointer and imaginative decorator, respectively, reinforce that the best holiday memories are the products of our hearts and hands.
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Then, welcoming us into her family’s home, interior designer Leah Bailey gushes with gratitude for the well-ordered life she and her husband cultivated in light of her harrowing battle with cancer (“Heart and Soul Holiday,” page 52). Luxury hotelier Richard C. Kessler restores another bit of Savannah history — the Kessler Armstrong Mansion — continuing the charitable legacy of the family who built it 100-plus years ago (“A Very Kessler Christmas,” page 65). And, rounding out this issue, Court Atkins Group provides a couple of Chicago transplants with a peaceful new place to welcome family during the holidays, thoughtfully planning the placement of their Tannenbaum before beginning construction (“New House, Same Holiday,” page 71). Armed with pages full of fresh perspectives on the season and tricks for extra special entertaining, may you usher in the close of 2023 with warmth, light and a healthy dose of chic emanating from your own homes.
Margaret Daniel Guest Editor Photo by NIKKI KRECICKI
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CONTRIBUTORS 23 years. She loves combining her background in journalism and photography to tell compelling stories. Originally from Yonkers, New York, Siobhan came to Savannah with her husband, Anthony, in 2005 to attend graduate school. They fell in love with the city and never left.
Allison Lane Farmer Writer
Bevin Valentine Jalbert Stylist
“New House, Same Holiday,” page 71
“Tabletop Showstoppers,” page 23 “Not Your Mother’s Needlepoint,” page 37
BEVIN VALENTINE JALBERT is the stylist for Paprika Southern, where she works with clients to create their dream photo shoots. Her work allows her to blend her undergraduate background in art history with her graduate degree in photography, and she finds joy in every aspect of photo shoot-planning, from concept, to sourcing props, to setting up shots. Bevin moved to Savannah in 2006, where she resides with her husband and two calicos.
Siobhan Egan Photographer
“Tabletop Showstoppers,” page 23 “Not Your Mother’s Needlepoint,” page 37
SIOBHAN EGAN has been a professional photographer for 16
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Paula Magrini Writer
“Heart and Soul Holiday,” page 52
A GRADUATE of the University of Notre Dame with a master’s degree from Northwestern University, Paula Magrini began her writing career as a TV news reporter and anchor. Her first assignment was in Austin, Texas, and she later covered news stories around the country at network affiliate locations in South Bend, Indiana, and Richmond, Virginia. She relocated to Hilton Head Island to be closer to family and their long-time retreat. Since then, Paula has steered marketing and public relations for coastal resort communities while freelancing for publications such as Local Life and CH2 magazine. Passionate about all aspects of Lowcountry living, she also keeps an eye on Boston, where her son recently embarked on his new career in healthcare.
ALLISON LANE FARMER is a writer and photographer whose passion for new places, inspiring design and a great story have led her on Airstream trips down Florida’s dirt roads, to dive bars in New Orleans and more backroad produce stands than she can count. Allison is no stranger to the charms of the Lowcountry, having grown up in neighboring Charleston, South Carolina, but is happy to call Savannah’s Ardsley Park home. While not behind a camera or clacking away at a keyboard, she can be found spending time with her husband, their baby boy, and their three perfectly misbehaved dogs.
THROUGH YEARS of experience in the world of marketing and design coupled with a well-traveled mind and heart, the language of Kelli’s work embodies a unique approach to visual storytelling. Her bespoke sense of style speaks to those seeking an intuitive, creative and unforgettable embodiment of the moment. Her passion for cultivating and sharing an authentic connection through her photographs expresses itself naturally in a style that is joyful, distinctive and artful.
Jax Taylor Photography Assistant “Tabletop Showstoppers,” page 23 “Not Your Mother’s Needlepoint,” page 37
Kelli Boyd Photographer “Real Homes,” page 51
JALEN “JAX” TAYLOR is a creative based in Savannah. Jax has contributed to numerous projects as a voice actor, game designer and photographer. As a foodie and lover of art, he is always searching for interesting places and projects. This insatiable appetite for food, growth and new hats to wear has earned him the moniker, “Jax of All Trades.”
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Wrap Local
Adorn your gifts with the prettiest papers and bags from local artisans Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY
Various wrapping papers,
BEACH HOUSE STUDIO In 2016, three artistic sisters, Daisy Whelan Sullivant, Katelyn Whelan and Mimi Whelan, were underwhelmed with gift-wrapping styles, so they created their own — and Beach House Studio was born. In the years since, they have developed multiple collections of handillustrated designer gift wrap and elevated the art of gifting — “Something every Southern hostess, guest, friend and sister can truly appreciate,” Katelyn says. Chic wrapping patterns celebrate the coastal lifestyle with hand-drawn illustrations of shells and nautical stripes, while holiday styles feature painterly plaids, fir trees, candy canes and more. Pick up a roll at Hannah E. or online at beachhousestudio.co, with local delivery available.
Nutcracker Garland wrapping paper,
EMILY MCCARTHY SHOPPE
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Enhance your holiday scene with these contemporary collectibles Hand-painted Nutcracker,
CO UR TE S Y J UL U
KAMU
With a name derived from Sanskrit meaning “moved by love,” Kamu offers original paper goods — such as the star design in collaboration with Atlanta-based artist Barrett Ervin — and other entertaining essentials curated by husband-and-wife team Clay and Leah Hughes. Shop via feelkamu.com
COU R TESY EMILY MCCA R THY SHOPPE
CO UR T E S Y AS H E R + RY E
Various wrapping papers, gift tags and holiday cards,
Bottlebrush trees with glitter,
ASHER + RYE
Night market fill tote,
LEAH BAILEY INTERIORS’ LBI COLLECTION For a sustainable take on gift wrapping, the design experts at Leah Bailey Interiors suggest opting for a reusable bag, such as this round market basket handwoven in Morocco from a palm leaf. Filled with treats and tied with a bow, this gift will go far for the person who adheres to a low-waste lifestyle.
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Oyster shell trees,
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B R E T T S T R I C K L A N D . E N G E L & VÖ L K E R S S AVA N N A H 1650 East Victory Drive | Savannah | GA 31404 O (912)-238-0874 | M (912) 547-2812 brett.strickland@evrealestate.com ©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.
IN SEASON
Tabletop Showstoppers Local floral experts share fresh tips for elevating your holiday table with nature’s bounty Written by MARGARET DANIEL Styling by BEVIN VALENTINE JALBERT of PAPRIKA SOUTHERN Photography by SIOBHAN EGAN of PAPRIKA SOUTHERN with assistance by JAX TAYLOR
Color Outside the Lines
“All holidays have a typical, expected color palette; however, incorporating different shades of those more traditional colors and adding in neutrals can create a very unique look that feels fresh and unexpected, while still fitting the time of year,” Nicole Mason, owner of Ivory & Beau, says. She suggests pairing deep, rich burgundy and soft greens for Christmastime. Blooms: • acacia foliage • carnations • quicksand roses • sunflowers • eucalyptus • astrantia
H O L I DAY/ W I N T ER 2 0 2 3
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IN SEASON
Elevated Arrangements
For Sandfly Flower Shop owner Sebrell Smith, unexpected containers are a must. “Complex arrangements with multiple blooms can be hard to pull off without the right tools and design experience, but a statement vase filled with a bunch of the same blooms can be just as elegant — and much easier to pull off,” she says. Blooms: • antique hydrangeas • ranunculus • blue thistle • orchid • tulips • pine • mullein
PRO TIP “Consider the flowers and materials you are using in your arrangement when selecting your container,” Sebrell advises. “Some flowers need more support than others. For example, if you plan to incorporate large branches or top-heavy blooms, your vase may need to be weighted.”
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IN SEASON
Light & Bright
For a Hanukkah-inspired arrangement, August Floral & Event Design founder Kim Cheney focuses on the traditional blue and white in her choice of container, and then introduces a third hue — like lavender — in her florals to create tonality. She also recommends adding foraged pieces from the garden, such as fragrant rosemary or dried elements like cool, curled-up leaves and contorted branches. “I love lots of texture. It adds depth and richness,” Cheney adds.
Blooms: • blue hydrangea • lavender anemone • white larkspur • amnesia roses • lavender hybrid delphinium
• rosemary • blue thistle • lavender scabiosa
PRO TIP Before assembling, be sure to measure how high your centerpiece can be without blocking dinner guests’ eyes.
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IN SEASON
H O L I DAY/ W I N T ER 2 0 2 3
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IN SEASON
Balancing Act
We all know how stressful the holidays can sometimes be. Pulling inspiration from ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers, combine florals in a way that creates a “breath of stillness and serenity within the chaos, a chance to pause and enjoy each little detail that makes the moments with those we love so memorable and special,” says Kierceton Keller, production manager at Urban Poppy. Blooms: • anemones • delphinium • leucadendron (safari sunset protea)
• merletto • crimson antique carnations
• moss
PRO TIP Experimenting with ikebana? Less is definitely more. “Let the shape of the flowers guide you,” Keller says. “There might be a slight curve in the growth of a bloom, or maybe a flower isn’t facing the exact way you want it to — that’s okay! Ikebana is all about embracing the imperfections in nature and finding beauty in the shapes of each stem. Play with asymmetry and height variation, too.”
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IN SEASON
Going Coastal
For a sentimental approach, Everbloom, Inc. owner Jen Frerichs suggests shopping at local antique or thrift stores for inspiration and pulling pieces from your home or the outdoors. “I’ve shopped in the kitchen section and found utensil crocks and platters that can easily be used as great holiday containers, whether as a centerpiece or an arrangement of amaryllis bulbs or paperwhites.” Here, felt ball garland and a starfish bring a whimsical nod to the ocean. Blooms: dried bear grass, echeveria crinoline ruffles, trailing bova
Blooms: (wreath) blue thistle, antique hydrangea, pittosporum, garden roses Blooms: (bottom right) hot pink scabiosa, cedar, hot pink cloni ranunculus, hot pink spray roses, explosion grass, chartreuse button mums, chartreuse hydrangea, chartreuse millet, green ball dianthus, hot pink David Austin rose, Darcey Garden rose
In the Pink
Untraditional pops of hot pink or orange can be just as festive as red and green as long as the mood of the arrangement matches its intended purpose. “An evening cocktail party with dark jewel-tone colors can create a sense of drama and excitement that may be a little over the top for an afternoon bridge party,” Smith says. Cheney echoes the sentiment: “Pushing the traditional colorway one expects for holidays is exciting. Amp it up with chartreuse and hot pink.” Don’t stop with the tabletop — add a wreath to make a grand first impression on holiday guests. 30
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Trimmed to Perfection One physician finds respite from a demanding career through her creative holiday decor
EACH YEAR, AMERICANS descend upon tree lots and big box stores in droves, taking home an estimated 50 million Christmas trees — a number that continues to grow as some shoppers deck the halls with multiple lighted firs, both real and fake, per home for extra holiday cheer. Dr. Keisha Reddick is ahead of the curve. Considering her busy roles as the chair of obstetrics and gynecology, medical director for women’s services, and the soon-to-be vice chief of staff at Memorial Health University Medical Center, some may be surprised to learn her Savannah home is lit by at least eight brilliantly appointed trees. From the beginning of October until Thanksgiving, the Morehouse School of Medicine- and Duke University-educated physician, wife and mother of three fills her evenings with the decoration of her 6-foot-plus masterpieces. Not to mention, each one is based on a meticulously researched and rendered theme. Inspired by her mother’s love for detail-oriented, seasonal decorating, Reddick began reinventing her holiday decor when her family relocated to Savannah in 2014. “I started putting up Christmas trees in medical school, and over the last seven years, I have gotten more and more creative with them,” Reddick says. “My first year, I wanted one big tree, but then I started thinking about having trees with specific themes.” There is the sugar plum tree, with its rose gold boughs covered in soft pink, teal and purple balls and fairy ornaments. A black-and-red Georgia Bulldogs tree was retired last year in favor of the Bubble tree, its 500 clear balls giving the illusion of shimmering suds. New for the 2023 season are the Emerald City tree and the Renaissance fir — the latter based upon the silvery disco
C OU R T E S Y DR. K EISHA REDDICK
Written by MARGARET DANIEL
Dr. Keisha Reddick’s Bubble Tree
“I started putting up Christmas trees in medical school, and over the last seven years, I have gotten more and more creative with them.” H O L I DAY/ W I N T ER 2 0 2 3
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COU R TESY DR. KEISHA R E DDI C K
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LEFT: The Renaissance Fir RIGHT: The Emerald City Tree
ball fashions worn by Reddick and her daughter, Gabrielle, to Beyoncé’s blockbuster Renaissance world tour this past summer. “Last year, I decided to retire a traditional gold and white tree because I had the vision for a new Emerald City tree this year,” Reddick gushes of the glassy, green-covered tree inspired by “The Wiz” adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.” “I started planning months in advance so I could be organized about what things I need because I start putting up the trees well before Thanksgiving.” With hordes of trees and ornaments, yards of ribbon and ample accessories, Reddick has commandeered her guest bedroom for hyper-organized holiday storage. “I store everything for each tree together. Each [one] has its own bin for ornaments and ribbons, and the same goes for [my] tablescapes,” she says. “When it’s time [to decorate], my husband and son bring everything downstairs. Then I decide which tree I will start with first.” With two or three R&B or jazz ballads on loop — never Christmas music — Reddick gets to work punctuating her living
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spaces with flocked pink, green and black trees, outfitting them with their designated ornaments, carefully fluffing branches and weaving ribbons through the boughs before turning her attention to the main event: the family room’s 12-foot fir affectionately known as “Big Mama.” “I do the trees in a certain order, and the largest one is done last. I think of it as artistic work, down to the ribbon,” Reddick says. “I dim the lights while I decorate so I can get a better idea of what it’s going to look like, and each tree gets a few new ornaments each year.” With ample responsibility occupying her mind during the workday, Reddick welcomes the opportunity to let her creativity flow, sharing her works and inspiration one by one via Instagram to the adulation of her friends and family. “This is mom time. I wear a lot of hats, but that’s why having other outlets is important,” Reddick says. “It’s important for others to see you can be a great physician and leader and mom and wife, but you can also be creative and have fun in your life, and truly enjoy the holiday season.”
FOR TREE-TRIMMING PERFECTION • Start small with whatever you have, and do what makes you feel good. Whether that’s a traditional tree, a small tree or an all-pink tree, if that is what gives you energy in this time of year or reminds you of someone special, then do it. There is nothing that has to be traditional about the holiday season. It is really about the energy you want to put out there. • Keep perfectionism at bay. Competition is the worst thing you can have in your mind because it is a threat to yourself. • Get the kids involved. Source smaller, 3- to 4-foot starter trees for their bedroom or playroom that they can decorate themselves with homemade crafts and school ornaments.
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Not Your Mother’s
Needlepoint The ancient art is back with a youthful bent, and one Dutch Island maker is happily jumping into the fray
Written by MARGARET DANIEL // Styling and photography by PAPRIKA SOUTHERN with assistance by JAX TAYLOR
Needlepoint purse by Elizabeth Skeadas
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Elizabeth Skeadas’ collection of purses, coasters and over 45 ornaments highlight her hobbies and loves — M&Ms candy, Christmas baking, travel and volunteer work — along with mementos from her childhood spent in North Carolina.
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WHILE YOUNG PEOPLE are often accused of taking too lightly the wisdom and traditions of yesteryear, millennials and Gen Z deserve credit for the inspiring rebirth of one oldschool artform: needlepoint. Once regarded as “woman’s work,” the hobby boasted limited canvas options and minimal creative input until contemporary inventive enthusiasts like Jessica Chaney of Lycette Designs and Rudy Saunders of Dorothy Draper & Company began posting their pithy, preppy canvas designs on Instagram, inspiring crafters to personalize keychains, pillows, Lucite trays and shoes. COVID’s stay-at-home orders gave the increasingly popular hobby a stratospheric nudge and, suddenly, the craft that dates back to 1500 B.C.E. had an international audience spanning generations. One such avid convert is Dutch Island resident Elizabeth Skeadas. “I learned as a teenager [because] my mother was a needlepointer. She made her own needlepoint chairs,” Skeadas says. “That was back when you bought the preworked needlepoint and filled in the background.” Seven years ago, after a decade devoted to knitting, Skeadas got back to her roots, amazed by the playful canvases, threads and stitching techniques her friends were finding on social media. “There is so much creativity with the stitches, and you can paint anything on a canvas now,” Skeadas says. “My first project was a belt for my son that featured our three dogs on it as a gift from graduate school.” Multiple purses, pillows, 45 ornaments and sets of Christmas coasters now dot her family’s home and, this year, one very special stocking fabricated for her grandson will appear on the mantel. “I love making pieces that are personal, [and] the sentiment is a big deal for me,” Skeadas says of the ambitious gift. “I want to give my grandchild a stocking he will use his whole life.” Bolstering her commitment to each creative undertaking is her needlepoint club, Stitch Club Savannah. Fellow stitchers gather at The 5 Spot in Sandfly to share their projects and ask for advice.
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“I am always asking them what colors and stitches I should be using on a canvas. It is great to get their feedback and emotional support,” Skeadas says. “It’s like any hobby — if you are doing it with friends, it’s more fun.” Interestingly, the research agrees, as needlepoint provides stitchers with logic relaxation, a byproduct of periods of self-induced focus that stimulate and strengthen neural pathways while lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate as the brain picks up on and follows new patterns. While Skeadas typically reserves larger projects like stockings and homewares for Stitch Club meetings or evenings at home, she savors stitching holiday decorations and small projects like keychains on the go. For her son’s wedding, she stitched 15 personalized keychains for his groomsmen and a delicate ornament depicting him and his bride. “I usually have four or five projects going at once,” Skeadas shares. “And when I travel, I will take a few ornaments with me because they are easy to stuff in a bag, and you don’t have to worry about bumping someone on the plane.” Averaging eight ornaments per year, Skeadas favors whimsical canvases that speak to her hobbies (baking and volunteering), favorite treats and childhood in North Carolina. From Thanksgiving weekend until mid-January, Skeadas’ finished pieces dot the dining room’s filigree mirror, embedded in swags of garland for easy viewing. “Lots of needlepointers swag greenery up their staircases and hang the ornaments in there,” she says. “You see them so much better [here] than you do on a tree.” While her adult children are not stitchers themselves, Skeadas continues stitching with hopes that her family will hold onto these heritage pieces for decades, incorporating her ornaments and decorations into their own holiday celebrations. “I’ve trained my kids well to be sentimental about all this,” she says. “I feel certain they will treasure this needlepoint at some time.”
Tried-and-true Tip “Ornaments are a great place to start because they are small, short projects [which don’t require] a large investment in the canvas and threads. Go to the needlepoint store and ask them to show you a beginner stitch. You don’t need to invest into the equipment a lot of us have acquired over the years. Just pick one ornament canvas and get started.” — Elizabeth Skeadas, needlepoint enthusiast
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DESIGN Q&A
Party Animal JOSHUA E. WHITE
CEO and Chief Curator of Port Town Collective Get to know the founder beyond the boutique event planning firm’s fine fêtes and florals Written by MARGARET DANIEL
ES T H ER G R I F F I N PH OTOG RA PHY
JOSHUA E. WHITE knows his way around a Savannah soirée. A native Savannahian whose family ties to Georgia trace back several generations, White honed his skills for hosting, event styling and socializing through a career as a nonprofit fundraiser and many years of volunteerism. When the pandemic turned the world upside down, White returned to his hometown and now puts his penchant for fabulous parties to good use through Port Town Collective — a planning firm for intimate events and bespoke holiday styling with reach across the South. Here, White shares where he finds creative inspiration, his tried-and-true tips for entertaining and what’s in his cocktail glass. ON PREPARING FOR PARTY SEASON
The holidays for Port Town Collective start in July with client proposals. Then, we have a month or two for sourcing and deliveries. By the time Oct. 1 comes, we are heads-down, drink your water, on-the-go protein shakes, don’t forget your sunscreen and layers, and keeping Corn Huskers Lotion in the work truck so the 7,000 garlands don’t grate our fingers to the bone. I love doing holiday installs, and the best compliment is a good review. Can’t ask for better in 2023. Our word is our bond.
“Make sure you are having a good time. If you are having fun, so will your guests.”
ON HIS SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Not to be totally cliché, but we make the best Chatham Artillery Punch there ever was. We use the Herb Traub recipe from the old Pirates’ House cookbook. We make it as directed in July, then put it in airtight jugs in a cool, dry place until December.
Joshua E. White
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Pour in a case of good Champs — not the cheap stuff — and serve over a solid mass of ice, never crushed. My grandmother says, “If you make it right, you shouldn’t be able to feel your lips after the second one.” We really stand by that.
Watch your favorite films, and look at the style of the set. Our work at Port Town Collective is inspired by and described through the lens of one film or another. We used the movie “Clue” as inspiration for a raucous birthday mystery dinner. We had the Japanese menu items listed on a bill of fare that looked like the movie poster and a seated table with drippy, waxed candelabras where the “murder weapons” were found amongst the faded florals and cobwebs.
E ST HE R G R I FFI N P HOT OG R A P HY
ON HOLIDAY DECOR INSPIRATION
ON THE HOLIDAY PLAYLIST
I like to listen to — and half-watch — the old Christmas specials from the ’70s, and Cher’s 1975 Christmas special is my favorite. I love the Carpenters’ specials and the [1977] Johnny Cash one with a tone-on-tone green set and giant metallic gold wreath decorated with a huge green velvet bow. I also like “The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show” and “Once Upon a Christmas” with Kenny [Rogers] and Dolly [Parton]. If it sounds like Judy Garland is on the verge of tears, it’s for me! ON HIS FAVORITE (AND LEAST FAVORITE) FLORALS
ON HIS PERSONAL PARTY PHILOSOPHY
I’m a more-is-more kind of guy, but it better look elegant and expensive even if it’s not. I have done plenty in a pinch with dollar-store stuff. I do like a little grit to things as well. I’ve always been fascinated with the Miss Havisham aesthetic. As my grandmother often says, “The money in our family ran out generations ago, and all we are left with are these damn gorgeous things!” I love tarnished silver overrun with vines and drippy wax at events. It’s not for every day, but it’s fun in [a party] setting.
J O S HU A E . WHITE
I use camellia greens a lot. I hate buying greens at the florist because I like for our work to look like our regional environment. I use moss a lot, too, because I want a little patina on almost everything I do. We often incorporate fruits and veggies into our work — carrots at Easter and pomegranates at Christmas. You will never see alstroemeria [in an arrangement], God as my witness! I will never be that desperate.
First, invest in scent. Then [think about] lighting. [Keep bulb wattage] low, nothing LED “cool white” or “daylight.” We don’t invest this much in our Botox to also deal with overhead lighting unless it’s incandescent and dimmable. [Lastly,] make sure that you are having a good time. If you are having fun, so will your guests. Also, if you are painfully boring, please let me know ahead of arrival.
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J OS HU A E . WHI T E
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DEC. 6 Head to Syd Nichole Fashion & Flowers at Eastern Wharf to learn the tips and tricks of making a gorgeous wreath in just 90 minutes. For $80, this Holiday Wreath Workshop includes all the materials and tools, and participants take home their creations to enjoy. Register and find more upcoming events at sydnichole.com.
DEC. 7-15 Happy Hanukkah!
DEC. 9 Learn about the African American celebration of Kwanzaa at the Savannah African Art Museum. During this educational workshop, guests can create and decorate a kinara — the candle holder for the seven symbolic candles lit each day of the celebration, which takes place between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. The workshop is part of the museum’s ongoing Kwanzaa Marketplace series held throughout December. Visit savannahafricanartmuseum.org for more dates and details. Explore some of the city’s most breathtaking and beautifully decorated homes, historic inns and museums during the Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) Holiday Tour of Homes. This walking tour will run for two sessions with staggered start and end times from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with all proceeds going to the DNA’s charitable giving program. Experience the Christmas
C OU R T E SY PA L M E T T O BL U FF
HOLIDAY &
WINTER
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Palmetto Bluff
traditions of yesteryear at Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the joyful period music and live history demonstrations throughout the historical site, and warm yourself by the Yule log starting at 2 p.m.
DEC. 14 Local chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) mix and mingle at Starland Yard for the 2023 High Design Holiday Party.
DEC. 17 ’Tis the season to be jolly at the holiday edition of Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to live music and pick up last-minute gifts at this public event on the Village Green in Wilson Village from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DEC. 25 Merry Christmas!
DEC. 26-28 Step back in time at the Green-Meldrim House. The 1853 Gothic Revivalstyle townhouse on Madison Square welcomes visitors with traditional decorations showcasing its architectural style and historical significance. For tour dates and times, visit greenmeldrimhouse.org.
DEC. 26-30 Period-clad interpreters guide you through the storied halls of the Davenport House Museum in true 19th-century style during their Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight.
JAN. 1 Happy New Year!
MORE EVENTS Find more holiday happenings in the November/December issue of Savannah magazine and in our weekly email newsletter. Scan to sign up now.
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Take a closer look inside the Kessler Armstrong Mansion dressed in its holiday best, page 65.
Photo by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
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Heart and Soul Holiday Lowcountry interior designer Leah Bailey brings a touching mix of passion, perseverance and panache to her own holiday decor ensemble Written by PAULA MAGRINI // Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
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REAL HOMES
“CHRISTMAS DECORATING is not all about red bows, tartan plaid and gingerbread,” says Leah Bailey, owner of the eponymous design firm and a seasoned 23-year veteran in the business of creating timeless, classic interior design for homeowners in the Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia. “For me, it’s a very personal tradition, so I blend a natural palette, diverse textures and touches of nature that resonate with my family and many of our treasured experiences.” At the Bailey residence on Savannah’s Whitemarsh Island, the combination is magical, from yards of
fragrant pine and eucalyptus garland, countless boxwood wreaths and shiny gold leaf stars to creamy poinsettias, heirloom crystal and lovingly wrapped packages adorned with homemade bows. Vintage holiday tinsel and glowing antique lanterns also abound while atop the glorious, ornament-laden tree, a captivating headpiece of pheasant feathers greets holiday guests. The latter masterpiece was arranged in just an hour, with the bounty from a recent hunting expedition, as only someone with Bailey’s sense of artistry — and Lowcountry moxie — can do.
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“If my cancer experience affected me in any way, it was the realization that I needed to reevaluate my approach to design. I wanted to thoroughly appreciate the depth and complexity of each project as well as the unique wishes of each client.” — Leah Bailey, interior designer
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REAL HOMES
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She makes it all seem so naturally effortless. Yet, Bailey’s talent is the product of unparalleled tenacity and a firm commitment to authentic, livable lifestyles for both her clients and her own home setting. “I build on core neutral colors, mainly white or ivory, and then the layering process begins,” she explains. As reflected by her holiday decor, Bailey doesn’t hesitate to blend personal treasures with the understated elegance that has become her signature style. “Every home has its own story,” she says. “So we tell the story with details that are meaningful and carefully curated
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— like a collection of precious ginger jars or a pair of bleached end tables that has evolved with family history.” Bailey digs deep into her clients’ hearts and souls — and closets — to find antique relics and souvenirs like sandy seashells, which eventually become part of her custom designs. “I’m always editing in my head,” Bailey shares. “When a client finds something they love, we make it work, no matter where we are on the [design] journey.” Bailey’s personal journey recently reinforced her dedication to telling clients’ narratives. Her destiny as a top local designer hung in the balance when
she faced a grim breast cancer diagnosis in 2019. Rather than take a step back, she valiantly steered her projects while undergoing an aggressive oncology protocol, including 25 rounds of radiation and 16 rounds of chemotherapy at the renowned Mayo Clinic. “I’m so passionate about design and will always feel that way,” Bailey says. “I wasn’t going to let cancer dictate a change in my lifestyle.” She never missed a beat with her company or her husband, Stephen, and children, 19-yearold Lily and 16-year-old Conner. Even the Bailey pups — Duck, Tate and London — received her relentless care.
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“If my cancer experience affected me in any way, it was the realization that I needed to reevaluate my approach to design,” Bailey explains. “I wanted to thoroughly appreciate the depth and complexity of each project as well as the unique wishes of each client.” Hence, her tenacious editing of each design and close rapport with her clients. “Time has a different value to me now,” she adds. “After my full recovery, I decided to get off the hamster wheel and give my full attention — professionally and personally — to the people who matter most in my life.” Special occasions like Christmas and other gatherings with family and friends have never been more significant to Bailey, and her holiday home evokes a renewed appreciation for the comforts of nostalgia and the warmth of Southern hospitality. In the midst of pressing legacy linens and hanging a dozen wreaths, Bailey dwells on the secret to balancing home life with a thriving business: “I’m listening carefully to all the conversations and moving forward with measured intention,” she acknowledges. Energized by her survival and ongoing remission, she’s expanded her design team to include three full-time designers plus retail and administrative team members. She also expanded the footprint of her company, adding a Savannah location for the design firm and lifestyle shop in early 2023. “As our company unfolds, the hope is that no customer will leave either store empty-handed,” she says. Memorable home design can begin with one simple selection — and then the story continues.”
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Bailey’s touches of holiday cheer, including textured garland, boxwood wreaths and miniature trees, carry into the bedrooms and beyond.
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REAL HOMES
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REAL HOMES
Details Homeowners: Leah and Stephen Bailey Year built: 2014 Year purchased: 2017 Square footage: 4,948 (3,693 heated) Bedrooms and bathrooms: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths Time to complete renovation/remodel: one year Residential planners: Wilson Roberts Residential Designs Interior designer: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC Contractor/builder: Jeff Hart, Homes With Hart Construction Tile/flooring: Garden State Tile; MT Adams Tile; Phillips Flooring Center Counters: Creative Stone Paint: David Balza, JD Painting Services Wallpaper: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC. Wallpaper installer: Edwina Scarborough Windows/doors: Andersen Windows and Doors Kitchen design: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC; Kohler via Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Bath design: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC; Rohl via Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery; Wilson Cabinetry; Circa Lighting (now Visual Comforts & Co.) Lighting design: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC Audio/visual: Sight & Sound Technologies Plumber: Randy Arkwood Landscape and hardscape design: Will Schubert, Premier Landscaping Management HVAC: Ogeechee Heating & Air, Inc. Furniture: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC
Drawing upon the natural beauty and unique charm of the Coastal Georgia and South Carolina region, Southern Coastal Weddings offers an elevated and authentic view of the region’s wedding culture … ever after, circa now.
Appliances: Livingood’s Appliances & Bedding Accessories: Leah G. Bailey of LGB Interiors, LLC; Habersham Antique Market & Collectibles; Alex Raskin Antiques; Clutter Furnishings & Interiors; Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market; Scott Antique Markets; Irene Mayo; Bellamy Murphy
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Art framing: Atwell’s Art & Frame Family portraits: Christine Hall Photography
All details supplied by the homeowner/interior designer.
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A Very Kessler Christmas The restored Kessler Armstrong Mansion celebrates its 104th holiday season in seriously elegant style Written by MARGARET DANIEL // Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
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ANOTHER POLITICAL SCIENCE LECTURE BEHIND HIM, RICHARD C. KESSLER looked out onto Forsyth Park and walked down the granite stairs of Armstrong Junior College, one step closer to the start of his professional life. Then an undergraduate student on the cusp of a remarkable career in hospitality, Kessler had his eyes on the world outside Savannah. “I never imagined I would one day call this magnificent building home, so living here really is a full-circle experience for me,” the hotelier recalls. Decades after he left the Hostess City to pursue a career in real estate and hotel development, the chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection — a portfolio of elite, immersive properties with restaurants, spas, cooking schools, wine blending experiences and more — kicked off a large-scale homecoming with the monumental creation of Plant Riverside District. With architect Christian Sottile of Sottile & Sottile already engaged on the massive riverfront site, Kessler jumped at the chance to add a second adaptive reuse project to their roster: the restoration of Savannah’s largest, most ambitious Gilded Age residence. Designed by Swedish architect Henrik Wallin for the family of shipping magnate George Armstrong, the mansion later served as Armstrong Junior College’s first campus and then, for 50 years, served as the law office of Bouhan, Williams & Levy (now Bouhan Falligant). A steward of historic buildings and avid fan of the decorative arts, Kessler snapped up the property in 2016. He rounded out his construction team with contractor Robert Stewart, Choate Construction, and interior designer Chuck Chewning, Charles H. Chewning Interiors. “The building was originally constructed between 1917 and 1919, and we restored it to its original use between 2017 and 2019,” Sottile says of the centennial overhaul. “We even replicated the opening invitations from 1919 for the grand opening in 2019.” Through conversations with members of the Armstrong family, who provided a bevy of letters and articles about the home, and Wallin’s original interior watercolors, Sottile and Chewning were
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easily able to reimagine the famed building’s envelope and interiors. “The restoration process was truly inspiring and offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring this iconic home back to its original grandeur,” Kessler says. “We uncovered original marble floors, hardwood floors, exquisite hand-carved wood panels and other fascinating period details that dated back more than a century.” “As an architect, it felt like we were performing open heart surgery on a celebrity. It’s such an iconic building in Savannah, but it really is a top example nationwide of the Italian Renaissance Revival style,” Sottile adds. “Many times with adaptive use, you are exploring a use of a building that extends its life but is often different from its [previous] use, but here, the adaptive use was to return the building to its original use, which is very rare.” A marvel for its time, the house’s exterior features a cast-concrete frame clad in marble-glazed brick and granite and topped with 125 steel and bronze windows, constructed in the style of fellow buildings by Wallin around Savannah. Today, polycarbonate window films add great efficiency to the original single-pane windows while over 30 individual units, seamlessly integrated into the original architecture, are used to heat and cool the home. “There are over 8 miles of low-voltage cabling throughout the home. The lighting, sound, heating and cooling, and security are fully integrated,” Sottile says. “All of it can be controlled from smart panels and on a phone.” For the interiors, Chewning and Kessler took inspiration from Kessler’s extensive decorative art and furnishing collection and the architect’s original interior watercolors. “Both Richard and I wanted to be very faithful and sensitive to the original interiors, especially on the main floor,” Chewning says. “The way Wallin laid out the interiors, each room represents a different time or movement in design. The dining room is Georgian, the entrance hall is French Renaissance, Adamesque in the music room and the study is Jacobean. We were very faithful to that but, at the same time, wanted the house to be very comfortable and livable.” To keep the house from feeling too precious or reading like a museum with velvet ropes across the door openings, Chewning and Kessler mixed artworks and furnishings from different periods, personalized the primary suite to suit Kessler’s tastes and converted the upstairs billiards room into a music conservatory befitting his collection of Bösendorfer concert pianos — including one designed by Porsche and a Hammond B3 organ. On the lower level, Chewning designed a gorgeous wine cellar, (Kessler is an expert sommelier) and galleries for displaying his Native American and African art collections. In Chewning’s mind, however, the best room is the ground floor loggia with its gleaming marble floors and detailed plaster ceiling. “It’s a long, glassed porch that faces Forsyth Park. The way Wallin sited the house, you feel like the park is an extension of the grounds of the house,” Chewning says. “It is a beautifully proportioned room.” Amid Kessler’s marble sculpture collection, the original marble fountain, now inoperable, is the focal point of cocktail hour. “We put ice and champagne bottles in it,” Chewning says with a laugh.
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“I’m deeply honored to call this iconic residence home, during the holidays and throughout the year.” — Richard C. Kessler, homeowner
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“[Richard] loves to serve cocktails there, so any time he entertains or hosts a dinner party, we begin with cocktails overlooking Forsyth Park at night.” To deck the mansion out for the holidays, Kessler employs local floral designer Chuck Haynes to create a comprehensive Christmas decor scheme. “Chuck does an incredible job stringing fresh pine garlands and white lights along the fence and in the courtyard,” Kessler says. “He also helps decorate the Christmas tree in the main foyer and adds plenty of live wreaths, garlands, white lights and other special holiday touches.” When the holiday hubbub winds down, Kessler likes to steal away for a moment of peace at his other legacy landmark before retiring to his primary suite. “One of my favorite holiday traditions involves walking along the riverfront at night during the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District,” Kessler says. “I love seeing families, couples and visitors from around the world celebrating the holidays at the Savannah Christmas Market.” Holiday spirit lifted, Kessler returns to his decadent domicile, walking the same steps he took to class those many years ago. “I’m deeply honored to call this iconic residence home, during the holidays and throughout the year,” he says.
Details
Kitchen design: Charles H. Chewning Interiors
Owner: Richard C. Kessler
Bath design: Charles H. Chewning Interiors
Year built: 1917-1919 Year purchased: 2016 Square footage: 26,100 Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 13 beds, 23 baths Time to complete renovation/ remodel: 2017-2019 Architect: 1917: Henrik Wallin; 2017: Sottile & Sottile, Christian B. Sottile, FAIA Interior designer: Charles H. Chewning Interiors Contractor/builder: Choate Interiors Tile/flooring: existing, restored by Choate Counters: Vitoria International
Lighting design: Charles H. Chewning Interiors Landscape and hardscape design: Wertimer + Cline, Charleston Audio/visual: Kessler Collection Plumber: Choate Landscaper: Wetimer Cline, Charleston HVAC: Choate Furniture: From the collection of Richard Kessler Appliances: Livinggood’s Appliances & Bedding Accessories: From the collection of Richard Kessler
Paint: Sherwin-Williams
Art: From the collection of Richard Kessler
Windows/doors: existing, restored by Choate
Art framing: existing; Friedman’s Framing
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Edmund Osthaus (Germany/OH, 1858 - 1928), English Setter, Oil on Canvas, $10,000 - 15,000
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REAL HOMES
New House, Same Holiday Chicago transplants build a new home in Palmetto Bluff with family — and Christmastime — in mind Written by ALLISON LANE FARMER // Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
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“I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU LOVE IT, it will work,” says Deborah Van Plew, interior design director for Court Atkins Group. This flexibility, coupled with Van Plew’s sharp eye for detail and broad repertoire of projects and styles, sealed the deal for Palmetto Bluff newcomers Bob and Jeanne Morette. Hailing from a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, the Morettes initially intended to retire to The Cliffs, a collection of mountainous communities that span the Carolinas. “We knew our kids were going to be in different cities and scattered, so we wanted a place they wanted to come to. A destination,” Bob explains. “We wanted it to be something they all loved.” As fate would have it, though, a chance trip to Hilton Head Island led to the pair’s discovery of nearby Palmetto Bluff. The 20,000-acre community checked the box, and the couple wasted no time purchasing a large double lot along the 7.5-mile inland waterway. They enlisted the help of Bluffton, South Carolina-based architecture and interior design firm Court Atkins Group to handle all aspects of the home design process, and fellow Bluffton-based Simpson Construction to manage the buildout. “We don’t have a design bone in our body, but we know what we like,” Bob says with a laugh. “We spent a lot of time talking to Bob and Jeanne before we even started designing,” explains William Court, founding principal and architect of Court Atkins Group. “One of their primary concerns at the time was how do we build a house that belongs in Palmetto Bluff but has a level of detail and formality befitting the pieces and furnishings we’re bringing?” The couple, whose furniture ranged in style from an antique French provincial chest to a turn-of-the-century French country breakfast table, looked to Van Plew for guidance. “I told them that if it didn’t hurt their feelings, we could reenvision these pieces in different spaces,” Van Plew says.
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“Nothing was shiny and new, so it feels like a home where things were acquired over time. It feels very collected.” — Deborah Van Plew, interior design director, Court Atkins Group
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True to her word, a Persian rug and two chests of drawers were relocated from the formal dining room to a new light-filled great room. Van Plew balanced these heavier statement pieces with fresh upholstery in varying shades of blue, antiqued gold leaf mirrors and a Lowcountry Originals chandelier. “Nothing was shiny and new, so it feels like a home where things were acquired over time,” Van Plew explains. “It feels very collected.” In the morning room, the round breakfast table carries fond memories for the homeowners, whose children gathered around it nightly to finish their homework. Rather than push the couple to choose a more current piece, Van Plew dressed the chairs in a playful geometric pattern and selected an elegant chandelier from Visual Comfort &
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Co. to hang above it. “It was a give and take,” Van Plew says. “Giving the upholstered pieces a fresher fabric with clean lines counterbalanced the more formal antique pieces.” This artful balance can be found throughout the home, most notably in the design of the walnut butler’s pantry. From a practical standpoint, the area is home to the couple’s impressive collection of china, silver and various sundries. Design-wise, it’s a clever visual break in what could have been a monotonous hallway. “It was a nice relief, material-wise, from all of the painted paneling,” Van Plew says. “It feels more like a furniture piece.” The functionality of the butler’s pantry was critical to the Morettes, whose love for entertaining and family was a significant consideration throughout the
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“ There was a lot of conversation with the Morettes about how it’s the two of them most of the time, but the home has to work when the family descends on the holidays. The great room and outdoor living spaces are sized beyond what we normally do, so when the family comes in, it still feels like it lives every bit as well.” — William Court, founding principal and architect, Court Atkins Group 76
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design process. “There was a lot of conversation with the Morettes about how it’s the two of them most of the time, but the home has to work when the family descends on the holidays,” Court notes. “The great room and outdoor living spaces are sized beyond what we normally do, so when the whole family comes in, it still feels like it lives every bit as well.” Family is paramount to the Morettes, and as an extension, so too are the holidays. “Christmas is big in our house,” Jeanne says. Indeed, their Chicago home was previously featured in a holiday issue of Chicago Home & Garden. It should come as no surprise then, that the placement of the annual 12-foot Christmas tree was discussed early on. “They told me they do Christmas big,” Van Plew says. “So when Jeanne asked, ‘Where do you think the Christmas tree will go?’ I said, ‘If you put it in the French windows, you can enjoy it from the living
room, dining room, wherever.’” The placement was a hit, and from its central location, passersby can admire the tree in all of its golden-hued glory. The pair adds that neighbors comment on each year’s tree, comparing it to ones from years past. The couple carries the Yuletide cheer into the dining room, where a nativity scene of Hummel figurines plays out along an antique sideboard. Fresh greenery, heirloom-quality Lynn Haney Santas and a troupe of festive Byers’ Choice carolers round out the home’s downstairs finery, while upstairs, Bob’s model train collection has grown to span an entire dedicated room. “eBay is a wonderful thing,” the enthusiast jokes. The couple’s Christmas decor sings against a backdrop of fine architecture and quiet details. “It’s truly a home for them,” Van Plew shares. “They have family, they have friends. It’s laughter and good times in that house. It’s a gift.”
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Details Homeowners: Bob and Jeanne Morette Year built: 2019 Neighborhood: Palmetto Bluff Bedrooms and bathrooms: six bedrooms, six full bathrooms and two half baths Square footage: 8,263
Furniture: Stanford; Hickory White; Hickory Chair; Vanguard; Century; Lloyd Flanders; antiques Tile: Savannah Surfaces Flooring: Natural Creations – Burchette and Burchette Hardwood Floors Lighting: Lowcountry Originals; Visual Comfort & Co.
Architect: Court Atkins Group Interior Designer: Court Atkins Group
Art: homeowners’ collection
Builder: Simpson Construction Cabinetry: Mark of Excellence Custom Woodworking
Landscape: Witmer Jones Keefer Paint: Benjamin Moore & Co.
Countertops: AGM Imports; Creative Stone
Windows and doors: Marvin Windows & Doors
Rugs: Keivan Woven Arts; homeowners’ own
Appliances: Livingood’s Appliances & Bedding
All details supplied by the architect/designer.
Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours!
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Not too long after clearing away their Thanksgiving dishes, Ellen and Sidney “Jeep” Bolch III are decking the halls of their circa-1847 home on the Vernon River for the holidays. In the entrance hall, a chandelier temporarily comes down to make way for a slender 12-foot fir freshly shipped from North Carolina. For 25 years, the Bolches have enlisted interior designer Carolyn Hultman to fill the home with family memories and holiday cheer. See more of the home in the November/December issue of Savannah magazine and online at savannahmagazine.com. 80
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Photo by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY // Styling by HULTMAN INTERIORS
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