10 transitional design lessons we learned from this luxurious penthouse that blends antiques with contemporary decor

This article explores a luxurious penthouse apartment located in an award-winning converted vocational school in Charleston, SC, highlighting ten key transitional design lessons derived from its interior scheme. The design, spearheaded by Moe Draz of Architrave Interior Design, masterfully integrates the owners' extensive collection of modern art and European antiques within the historic architecture of the building. The design philosophy emphasizes beginning with the building's envelope, considering room scale, windows, and natural light to inform design choices. A strong start is evident in the entry vestibule, where a dramatic dark brown paint creates a bold contrast for a lacquered chinoiserie secretary and a gilt wood chandelier, alongside antique gilt chairs and an Oushak rug. In the sunroom, positioned at the corner of the building with abundant natural light, grass cloth wallcovering is used to introduce softness and balance the strong architectural elements like high ceilings and steel-framed windows. The chartreuse green grasscloth from Innovations in Wallcoverings interacts effectively with the dark elements of the room, creating a relaxing space for lounging and plant cultivation. The home library, a favorite room of designer Moe Draz, showcases a fresh take on traditional furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, library steps, molded cabinets, and brass wall lights are complemented by a sleek built-in design, a custom rug, and a textured wallcovering. A Lewis & Wood printed linen fabric for the sofa, a tweed-like chevron patterned woven paper from Cowtan & Tout for the walls, and a custom rug from Sullivan Fine Rugs contribute to a masculine yet modern feel. Leather from Holland & Sherry was used for a high-back chair, echoing the green of the sofa in a swivel club chair. The dining room leverages its high ceilings and large steel-framed windows, guiding the placement of art and antiques with strong lines. Decorative paint effects, specifically a Venetian plaster finish by Kristen Bunting, enhance the walls, while an 18th-century Genoese chandelier and custom-embroidered window treatments by Holland & Sherry add exquisite softening touches. A harmonious effect throughout the apartment is achieved by maintaining a consistent color palette, primarily citrusy greens and yellows, with recurring pink and raspberry accent tones. This approach ties the interiors together in a calm manner, creating an elegant and soft space for entertaining in the living room. For the kitchen, a minimalist and modern approach was taken with custom high-gloss cabinets to maximize space and light in the galley layout. Even in this sleek environment, personality is added through brass hardware, light fittings, and a small antique painting above the sink, contributing depth to the space. The breakfast room features unexpected eat-in kitchen ideas, utilizing a 19th-century fruitwood farm table as a console with a custom bench and chairs. A custom mural by Gracie Studio, depicting a low country marsh scene with citrus trees, palm trees, and azalea bushes, addresses the tall walls, adding a unique and elegant surprise. Transitional areas like the hallway are given significant attention. A previously dark, narrow passageway is transformed into a gallery space with walls covered in paper-backed silk by Gracie Studio in a sunny yellow tone, providing a bright background for art. The floor features a hand-stenciled classic geometric pattern by Kristen Bunting, breaking up the linear space. Personal touches are evident in the display of meaningful pieces. The primary bedroom centers around the client’s painted bed from Alfonso Marina and a vintage rug. Additional antique and period-style pieces, including a vintage 1930s Italian chandelier with emerald green crystals and a damask-printed wallcovering by Zoffany, complete the curated scheme. A bed canopy, inspired by a French chateau, with a custom painted and gilt wood cornice from Sarkis Studio, draped in pink silk by James Hare and lined with a small print from Silk Works, helps to bring down the room's scale, creating a more comfortable feel. Finally, the primary bathroom incorporates a stunning Lewis & Wood large-scale wallpaper by Adam Calkin, bringing a garden atmosphere to the interior space. Despite plumbing constraints, a fully tiled wet room was designed with ample space for an open shower and tub. Mirrored paneling above the vanity conceals hidden storage, and the woodwork and vanity are painted and glazed to resemble old French furniture. #InteriorDesign #TransitionalDesign #LuxuryPenthouse #AntiqueFurniture #ModernArtIntegration #Wallcoverings #CharlestonHomes #MoeDraz #ArchitraveInteriorDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TransitionalDesign #LuxuryPenthouse #AntiqueFurniture #ModernArtIntegration #Wallcoverings #CharlestonHomes #MoeDraz #ArchitraveInteriorDesign #HomeDecor