We sat down with Elaine Thompson of Pistachio Designs, and discussed her family’s whimsy-filled cottage in downtown Charleston.

Elaine, please tell us a bit about the project.

The house was built in 1855 and has a cozy, cottage feel. It's simple in exterior and interior decoration and almost feels like a mini-farmhouse plopped down in the middle of downtown Charleston.

Where is the project located?

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Tell us a bit about the homeowner.

My husband and I are the homeowners! We wanted to have a small space to spend extended time in when we needed a break from NYC and this little spot has been the perfect fit.

What convinced you to purchase the home?

The history and details of the house are so special. The structure was built by a local carpenter (so I KNEW it had good bones!) in the late 1800's and it has been used since then as a dressmaker's studio, home to a tinsmith, teacher, and dentist in it's 200 year history. The space was restored in the 1990's after years of neglect as part of a neighborhood restoration initiative and now remains under a covenant of the city's historical foundation. There are so many little quirks and unexpected details we are (still!) discovering that make designing and living in this space such a treat.

What were your sources of inspiration to design and decorate this home?

English countryside cottages. I can't wait to continue to add to the rooms over time to make it all feel even more lived-in.

What type of atmosphere did you want to create and how did you achieve it?

Cozy and functional. I focused on sourcing quality, scale-appropriate furniture that can withstand lots of love.

What type of colors did you decide to use in this home and why?

Lots of cool blues and greens to compliment the lush landscaping outside! I played with pops of color where I could - like in the dining nook - to add a feeling of whimsy.

What key Furniture, Fixtures or Finishes were instrumental to creating the space?

Key favorites were: (1) The dining banquette, custom by Skyline Furniture, (2) Blockprint rugs, by various Etsy sellers, (3) My all-time favorite affordable roman bamboo shades by Arlo Blinds, as seen in the bedrooms.

What was the biggest challenge you faced to design this home? How long did it take?
Since this space is being used primarily for short-term rentals, decorating to accommodate and anticipate heavy wear-and-tear has been the biggest challenge. I wanted the space to still feel home-y and inviting while also embracing the reality that the decor and furniture need to suit many visitors and families. Time was of the essence too; the space was fully decorated in about 4 months.
The space is available for rent for anyone looking for a warm-weather, culture-filled getaway!

If you would have to describe this home in one sentence, what would it be?

A whimsy-filled cottage in downtown Charleston.

Pistachio Designs is a residential interior decorating firm based in NYC, led by Elaine Thompson. Elaine worked on the corporate side of fashion and beauty brands before focusing on her design business and is equipped with both the creative skillset to design beautiful spaces and also logistics and operations knowledge to execute projects. Pistachio Designs' rooms are layered, often full of print and pattern, but most importantly, reflect the personality of each client.

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