When Elizabeth Damrich traded New York City for sunny Charleston, SC, the interior designer and stylist fell hard for the city’s historic charm. The setting suits her penchant for combining modern and classic. “For my design projects, I love mixing contemporary pieces with antiques for a minimal, romantic aesthetic,” she says. Her hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage gems has led her to discover some of the city’s best spots for scoping out antique treasures. Read on and follow along for a day of antiquing and exploring.
Designer, stylist, and Southern native Elizabeth Damrich returned to her roots with a move to Charleston, SC, where she runs her eponymous interiors firm.
The charm of Charleston is endlessly inspiring. “My interior style leans toward a romantic modernism with a nod to the past,” says Liz. “I always try to walk the line between that juxtaposition. Being from the South, I hope there’s always a bit of nostalgia and warmth that seeps in as well.”
Don’t forget to look up: Grand Charleston homes come with equally grand porches—often stacked two or three stories high—known locally as piazzas.
Where to Shop: Downtown
Wynsum Antiques & Interiors
“Wynsum Antiques is my go-to for a beautiful mix of high and low. Look for interesting iron sconces, garden urns, daybeds, and the occasional canopy bed. It’s located right next to The Daily, so grab a coffee before or after you browse.”
Fritz Porter
“Fritz Porter is expertly curated, with layers of antiques and interior items. Look especially to John Pope’s booth for beautiful mirrors and clean-lined antiques. They also house new designers such as Apparatus, as well as a range of fabrics and Farrow & Ball paint.”
The cavernous, warehouse-style space at Wynsum Antiques & Interiors is always chock-full of amazing finds, like this gold-leafed floor mirror.
Framed oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, iron canopies: The antiques at Wynsum have a genteel Southern elegance.
Where to Break for Lunch
One Broad Street
“The stunning Italian Renaissance architecture of One Broad Street is worth the visit, but the easy, extremely casual vibe of the restaurant will keep you coming back. It’s a restaurant where the entry doors are always wide open, a jazz duo is set up for brunch on the weekends, and neighborhood locals post up at the bar. For brunch, my favorite is the shakshouka with a little hot sauce.”
Come for the architecture, stay for the food at One Broad Street, a neighborhood hangout that’s open from breakfast till dinner.
The bakery counter at One Broad Street is nearly impossible to resist. “Take home a loaf of Normandy Farm’s rustic bread for the rest of your stay,” Liz suggests.
Where to Shop: Off the Beaten Path
Antiques of South Windermere
“Antiques of South Windermere is a hidden gem off the peninsula just over the bridge. It’s family-owned and one of my favorite places to scour interesting antiques for my clients.”
Well Furnished
“Well Furnished is a small shop tucked away over the bridge as well. Outside of newer items, I usually expect great antique dining chairs, chests, and accessories.”
“Worth the trip!” says Liz of Antiques of South Windermere, a treasure trove located a short drive over the bridge from downtown.
The designer’s own home is filled with a well-curated mix of contemporary classics and antiques with patina. “My favorite era of furnishings is the French Directoire style for its mixing of ancient and contemporary elements alongside clean lines,” Liz says. Photo by Ben Jack for Fuzzco.
Graphic contemporary artwork harmonizes with a vintage burlwood chest in the master bedroom of Liz’s home. Photo by Ben Jack for Fuzzco.
Our stylish tour guide, @liz_damrich.
Where to Unwind
“Finally it’s time to wander back to a porch and pour yourself a cocktail,” Liz says. “I like to keep it simple with an Aperol spritz. Hopefully there is a bit of a sea breeze to go along with it!”
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