Project Update {One Year Later} - Isle of Palms New Construction


Sometimes people ask me when they should get started with the design of either their new construction or renovation project if they're already working with an Architect.  Granted, there are many very talented architects and designers out there that bring a lot of input to the table, but in reality - if you truly want to create the kitchen (or in this case, the entire home) of your dreams, it's best to start EARLY.  It has been almost exactly one year since my last blog update on this project when I introduced the conceptual design of the kitchen.  Today those concepts are becoming reality and even though the project is not complete, I thought I'd give you a sneak preview of the progress of the installation.  This has been a REALLY fun project and every day something is changing and coming to life.  For many it's the most stressful period of the project because any errors made during the design phase always show up now - but for me, it's ALWAYS the most exciting part of the project because we can now see, touch, and feel what we've been looking at on paper for so long.  So without further ado, the photos.... 



Congrats Jamie McPherson - 2010 Southern Living Idea House

Photo by Tria Giovan for Southern Living

Our friend and former Atlanta colleague, Jamie Elliot McPherson of Hearth and Home Interiors, recently completed the interior design for the 2010 Georgia Idea House for Southern Living Magazine.  Although we haven't had the opportunity to tour the home, the images & videos on Southern Living's website are breathtaking.  

Since opening Hearth and Home Interiors, Jamie has truly flourished as not only an award winning Kitchen & Bath designer, but as a whole house Interior Designer as well.  He has been published numerous times and was named one of Atlanta's Top Talents Under 40 by Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.  

Congratulations Jamie!  This is a WELL deserved honor!

Right Time, Right Place...Joel Parker Preview @ Scoop Studios

Artist Joel Parker
Yesterday, during a detour through our beautiful city, I found myself on Broad St. and decided to stop by and visit the lovely Saramel Evans, co-owner of SCOOP Studios at 57 1/2 Broad.  As luck would have it, my visit proved to be perfect timing to meet the artist featured in the upcoming solo exhibit "Rite of Passage", Joel Parker (BA in Art History, Studio Art & Historic Preservation from the College of Charleston / MFA in Painting from Washington University).

But hold on, there's more...I got to PREVIEW some of the pieces to be included in the exhibit.  Now I have to say - one of the reasons that I love SCOOP so much is due to their always adventurous CONTEMPORARY exhibits that certainly push well past the boundaries of the sometimes typical Charleston art scene (although I have to say that I've been impressed lately) - but this show is sure to take that juxtaposition to a whole new level.  Why, you ask?  Well, Parker has called upon his extensive knowledge of art history to create pieces that vary between competing stylized forces of romanticism, rationalism and realism - combines art historical poses with scenes of "college parties" - and portrays each subject in the nude.  

Have your attention now?  Why don't you click here and hop on over to the SCOOP website to read a full description of the upcoming exhibit.  And in case you miss it on their site, I will say it here as well...this exhibit is strongly recommended for ages 18 & older due to nude content.  

Rite of Passage | Solo Cups by Joel Parker
Reception:  Friday August 6, 2010, 5-8pm


In Town Living...


Post submitted by KSKC Project Design Manager McGregor Jordan.
To learn more about McGregor, click here.




In Town Living...the Past Future

Above - vintage photo of King Street

When you are planning for your future, especially when real estate is involved, long term trends should be a very important consideration. Nobody wants to buy a home in a future ghetto or design a space that is destined to be outdated in a few years. So here are my two cents on a major trend I see for the future of Charleston…PEOPLE ARE MOVING BACK IN TOWN!

As gas prices rise and people become generally more conscious of their carbon footprints and energy consumption, so rises the desire to live nearer the heart of town. No longer do you need a car to shop, or commute, and you won’t even need a treadmill to go for a walk. This has been a national trend for a while, especially since gas prices hit $4.50/gallon two summers ago, but here in Charleston we have more reason to expect this trend to really take off. We have critical mass on our side! FYI – critical mass is that point at which enough people get on board with an idea that the idea takes on a life of its own and begins to spread under its own power.

Let me explain how this works for us here in Charleston. As more people move downtown, or at least closer to it, more downtown business can be sustained. As more people move in and more business continue to open we eventually reach a point at which you can fulfill all your daily needs without being forced to leave the part of town in which you live. As more people bear witness to this type of lifestyle the trend really takes on a life of its own. We have certainly reached this critical mass point here. If you keep your eye open it is evident in almost every part of downtown – just look at the diversity of businesses, reemergence of corner stores, abundance of entertainment and recreation, density of interesting people walking the sidewalks, empty houses being restored, empty lots being developed, etc. etc.

So how does this affect your decisions? Impact your path through life? Well here are a few ideas...

I would consider planning a home in a part of town with higher density, and design your home to accommodate an increase in density in the coming years. If you are building or renovating seek out designers and architects who understand and emphasize efficient use of space, and energy efficiency. Consider lots and home sizes that are slightly smaller than that fantasy mansion you dreamed of as a child {click here to read recent post "The Incredible Shrinking House"}. Perhaps that will give you a better idea of what your real fantasy home might look like. After all the best home for you and your family might not be that same old home concept that has been advertised to us for so many years….

Slideshow Photos above are courtesy of George Holt & Andrew Gould, Design Principles at Downtown Charleston design firm "New World Byzantine". This urban infill development combines advancements in efficient planning, innovative technologies, historic renovations, and new construction projects. Click Here to read more about the neighborhood project & to see additional photos.

KSKC to Host High Cotton Chef Ramon Taimanglo



King Street Kitchen Company welcomes Ramon Taimanglo, Chef de Cuisine at High Cotton - one of Historic Downtown Charleston's most recognized dining destinations. Having attended the Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Institute in Charleston, Ramon returns to his culinary home after mastering his skills in kitchens across the country - including a position as Executive Sous Chef under the celebrated Chef Bob Kinkead in Washington, D.C. We are excited to see what kitchen secrets Ramon will share....okay yes - our tummies are excited too! But can you blame them?

This installment of our monthly cooking demos proved to be popular looooong before the actual event. The demo quickly booked prior to even sending out our typical official announcement. However, in order to allow those that were not able to book their reservation, we are releasing our typically reserved media passes to the public. Please click the "get tickets" link below to get your name on the list ASAP.

KSKC Chef's Kitchen Demo
543 King Street - Upper King Design District
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
6 - 8 (ish)pm
$20 per guest
*All Proceeds Donated to Louie's Kids*

Click below for easy & secure registration: