South of Broad is a particularly beautiful area of Charleston. It is known for a colorful row of homes, called “Rainbow Row,” historic homes with multiple levels of grandeur. South of Broad is also known for carriage houses, window boxes, and tiny European-style streets. It was particularly wet and rainy the day I photographed Millie’s Apartment, so walking into the bright living room was especially wonderful!

Millie’s home is full of mid-century modern pieces and lots of color. She’s an avid art buyer and furniture collector, which she says she gets from her mom, who designs and manufactures furniture. Must be in the genes!

My Style: Mid-century eclectic with a whimsical vibe

Inspiration: My mom is a huge inspiration to me. She designs and manufactures furniture reminiscent of the mid-century style but with a contemporary spin. She procures and restores original mid-century pieces as well. She’s also an artist and has incredible style. I’ve adopted her technique of threading her personal flavor into a recognized aesthetic. The Millie twist on mid-century modern is girly but a bit wild. I incorporate personal inspirations into the design concept, prominently art and nature and the places where they meet.

Favorite Element: The art wall. I love being greeted by a flock of pretty things when I walk through the door. I handpicked all of the pieces and many of them have sentimental value. The butterflies were a birthday gift from a friend because I love winged things. She found them in a vintage shop in Barcelona. I happened to be in Venice at the same time, which is where I acquired the Venice map. The small funky piece beside them is by the artist who painted the murals in my favorite neighborhood eatery. He left it in the “Free Little Library” box down the block and I was the lucky finder! I named it “Celestial Love.”

Biggest Challenge: Space. I’m kind of a hoarder and it’s hard to keep clutter-free when I refuse to part with anything.

What Friends Say: It’s happy and fun.

Biggest Embarrassment: The ancient linoleum flooring in the kitchen. The landlords offered to replace it when I moved in, but I was too eager to get settled so I threw some hides down over it instead.

Proudest DIY: The campaign chests. My boyfriend Bailey had them in his place before he moved in here; they had a dark brown stain and the brass was black with tarnish. I wanted to keep them so I painted them white to fit into the aesthetic. We must have spent 20 hours together polishing the brass. I think they came out beautifully and they really bring the bedroom together.

Biggest Indulgence: Flowers! I love having fresh flowers around all the time. Bailey helps to indulge me a great deal. He is wonderful about getting me flowers.

Best Advice: Make your home feel like you. It should be a space you feel happy to live in.

Dream Sources: Shopping a Vladimir Kagan showroom would be very dreamy. My reality dream source is my mother’s collection. Half of my apartment came from her designs and finds! I’m lucky we have similar taste—I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

LIVING ROOM
Vintage Three Piece Sectional Sofa — Private dealer, re-covered in 2014 Pantone Color of the Year “Dazzling Blue”
Hand-sewn Pillows — A/S Art and Home
Vintage Love Seat — A/S Art and Home
Vintage Boomerang Coffee Table — A/S Art and Home
Vintage Credenza — House of Nevin
Crossley Turntable — Crosley
Veruschka Photo — Vogue, 1968 by Franco Rubartelli
Original Art “Celestial Love” — by John Reese (Instagram @reesedesigns)
Vintage Chinoiserie Lamps — A/S Art and Home
Lantana Floor Lamps – Design by Conran
Printed Vases and Platter — Jonathan Adler

KITCHEN
Vintage Bucket Chairs — A/S Art and Home
Original Art – by Millicent Sims

MASTER BEDROOM
Leather Headboard — Designed by Millicent Sims
Original Art — by Danielle Faircloth (Instagram @daniellefairclothart)
Original Art — by Millicent Sims
Vintage Needlepoint – A/S Art and Home
Duvet Cover and Pillow Covers — Jonathan Adler
Needlepoint Pagoda Pillows — Jonathan Adler
Upholstered Console — Original Design by A/S Art and Home
Low Dresser — CB2
Vintage Hollywood Regency Vanity — House of Nevin
Hands Stool in Matte White — Global Views
Scalloped Mirror — Jonathan Adler

GUEST BEDROOM
Printed Lamps — Jonathan Adler
End Tables — Original Design by A/S Art and Home

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