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[Oznell]

Designer Jeanie Gilmer has downsized to a cute, 1940's house in Charleston--

The house is in a quiet neighborhood that was built to house workers in the Charleston Navy Yards, post-World War II.

Jeanie has a beautiful, artistic but relaxed touch in the small galley kitchen--

She likes the Carrara marble she had put in, with the little English style shelf....

....and the natural wood cabinets contrasting with the cream colored ones below.  I love the unlacquered brass rail holding cups, and the art.

A mirror amplifies light, and a painting hangs above her little coffee station--

She couldn't have a separate coffee bar in a kitchen this small, but gave hers impact by enclosing in a handsome silver tray.

Also enjoy her little sheep paintings flanking the hood area, each with its own sconce highlighting it.

She made so many great choices here.  The windowed door on the back wall helps the space feel more spacious, and like it merges with the back yard.

Despite her obvious affection for the 'aesthetics' of a kitchen, she said it is very functional, and had cooked for 10 people the day before.

And if she isn't worried about kitchen grease "despoiling" things, I'm not going to!

"BEFORE" KITCHEN PICTURES:

None of the rooms are very big, but like the kitchen, they are liveable and faithfully reflect their owner.

She calls the little house the "Bee's Nest",  and found an antique brass bee knocker from England that reflects the theme.  @just bee , you should have gotten to it first:

You walk right into the intimate living room.

You can get a real feeling for the proportions of the house-- the kitchen is right behind her.  She and the renovating architect kept all the house's original arches and other features.

Love her low-profile, sophisticated slipper chairs, and the way they coordinate, color-wise, with the curtains, but are instead in a fern pattern.

Speaking of the pretty, rather unexpected curtains, they are a Schumacher fabric in a stencil or block print.  Fresh.

She said that Jackie O is her style inspiration, and had to have this famous photo of Jackie and ice cream, love.

A collection can be just 3 things-- and her collection of antique boxes here hold all kinds of necessities. One of her ingenious tips is to put an art light over a frame TV, to further the illusion of art!  Her slightly zany treatment of her plaster bust shows her light-hearted approach...

Part of the fun of the tour was her explanation of her various works of art, a passionate interest.  She commissioned this charming painting years ago to suggest her and her two daughters--

She said that the mixed media piece is especially significant to her, since her favorite scripture and favorite hymn are woven into the bottom of the work--

Jeanie has a theory that certain special items contribute the most impact to a room--  good looking pillows, lighting, and one or two pieces of first-rate furniture. In her case of course, art is a biggie too.  I like the way she has those two tiny round antique intaglios boldly framed, and hung above the couch. 

Just steps away, through another arch, is her office, graced by another pastoral painting of sheep.  Beautiful lamps and pendant in here.

What sweeties--

The walls are a subtle sisal-like grasscloth--

It's a lovely desk, that can double as a table...

When she first moved in, her old doggie was still alive, and he loved to snuggle with her when she worked. Thus, she got the settee that they could share, instead of a chair.

She didn't say, but I think this room was the original dining room.  She said that she turns the desk into a buffet area for entertaining.  So sounds like it's really an office/ dining space. Makes sense if you have a busy design business, but don't have indoor, sit-down dinners very often...

The room has her trademark meaningful personal touches, like this old black and white photo of her parents dressed as Tarzan and Jane for a long-ago Hallowe'en party... 

The master bedroom has a serene air, yet lots of personality.  The lamps used to be a pair of jars she owned, now converted to striking lamps.

The room used to be smaller, with a laundry nook located where Jeanie is standing. Her architect relocated that, so she gets precious extra feet in her bedroom retreat.

Jeanie's twin sister had this painting made, to show Jeanie, her twin sister and their best friend.  Jeanie's twin and their pal are carrying wine glasses, and Jeanie is meant to be carrying a Bible, to help her pray for the other two, ha.  But she says some think that Jeanie's Bible is the wine bottle....  Love the way her humor bubbles up in the decor.

On the chest, another meaningful item-- a pitcher and basin set that belonged to her great-grandmother.

The only other bedroom is also light and comfortable.  Another neat tip of hers-- if you want that fluffy, 'bed-and- breakfast' look to the bed, take two pillows and tuck them under the quilt spanning the bottom of the bed-- instant luxurious look!

She re-purposed the hostess chair from her dining room in her old house, to be a handy chair to have in this guest room.

The backyard has ample patio space to expand her entertaining possibilities, and ends in a quaint shed at the back which forms an attractive focal point.

[DSD2]

The house itself is lovely and a perfect size. The backyard is just beautiful.

Love the slipper chairs and the second bedroom.

The galley kitchen is very sweet and functional. I prefer to do other things rather than cook but I'm sure it provides everything to feed more than a few.

I would pare down the furniture (perhaps it's just me but most seemed too "large" for the space). Love the "bee" on the front door.

@Oznell this little home is a treasure. Thank you for sharing. 

[rms1954]

Love every bit, esp. the Jackie O photo.  

[tansy]

Totally homey in a good way.  

I cringe when I see paintings in a kitchen though.

Drapes seem to be making a comeback.

[shoesnbags]

Interesting house, but it doesn't really speak to me - and I generally like small houses.  Have to agree with @DSD2 about the furniture.  The rooms feel too small and filled with furniture. Maybe furniture on a smaller scale would be better.  Anyway, I felt a bit claustrophic looking at these rooms.  Probably just me.  Son and DIL have a second home that is an older, small house like this and it feels a lot more open inside because of the way they've furnished it.

ETA: The exterior is really cute.

[shoptilyadropagain]

The exterior is so charming.  The inside is cute and cozy although most of it is filled with things I would swap out.  The kitchen is my favorite room and, believe it or not, she has more counterspace than I do.  I also agree that she has several pieces that are too big for the rooms they are in but I'm sure they have special meaning to her.

[just bee]

Cute house. 

Some nice elements...

... but I lived in a similar home (post war California bungalow) and one must be careful with those tiny spaces.  Large pieces are overwhelming.

Clutter is a constant battle.

[DREAMON]

Cute house...funny about the Jackie O photo because I thought Jeanie looked like Maria Schreiver if Maria had gray hair.

[stevieb]

Precious little house, but despite some appealing elements the overall decor lacks appeal for me. The kitchen does too, as I'd not have opted for all the chilly marble but for something warmer and more in keeping with the home's bones.

[Mz iMac]

@Oznell   brick houses

marble anything

Roman Shades

Is someone expected to sit on that?