What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 117
Our fair and Holy City of Charleston, South Carolina, is painted with dabs and dots of a single signature color, which is commonly referred to as Charleston Green. It's a color that could dress up the shabbiest Charleston single house, and aggrandize the smallest freedman's cottage.
A green so dark it appears black, it lends an air of subtle chameleon mystery to streets with light streaming through moss draped trees. The color changes as you move and elevates what might have been a simple flat black to a rich and dignified tone.
The History Behind Charleston Green
Charleston Green lends a formal sensibility, but the purported history is more rebellious. The origin of the color is contested, but the story goes that after the American Civil War, the Union sent buckets of plain black government-issued paint down to Charleston to gloss over what war had done to the city. But Charlestonians, less than impressed with boring black, added yellow and blue (or green, depending on the source) to make the deep forest green now named for the city where it originated.
How to Use Charleston Green on Your Home
If you're strolling Downtown Charleston on the brick, pavement, or cobblestone streets, you'll notice the hue applied to front doors, window shutters, Italianate trim and even balustrades. There's no right or wrong way to use Charleston Green, but do remember that direct sunlight will heat the dark color and could cause it to bubble, or even be hot to the touch—a danger those moss draped trees can alleviate, since the Charleston housing market is quite hot enough on its own.
This deepest-deep green hue can be used in a variety of different exterior color schemes. The most classic is off-white with Charleston Green shutters and doors. Green shutters can compliment a lighter green home, a yellow home, or even a pink one.
If you'd like to add a touch of black-tie class, but don't want to darken your overall palette, try painting just the front door, or brushing the window sashes with Charleston Green while the casing remains white. Some homes paint only their front steps in the color. Window boxes are a nice place to add a deep green to bring out the green leaves and flowers and provide a visual anchor to the shape of the windows. Think of them as the strong brows on the face of your home.
You can also pull the color inside by using it on an interior staircase or in a study. Give a high-style makeover to a small half bath with a stunning high gloss enamel finish or treat a mantle to a stroke of dark green.
While the color chip is readily available from Historic Charleston Foundation's collection at your nearest Sherwin-Williams, you could also mix your own using a local recipe:
DIY: Charleston Green Recipe
10 ounces black paint
4 ounces green paint
½ ounce yellow paint
Now that you know what to look for, the next time you're walking South of Broad , you'll more easily spot the difference between a true black hue and the trademark tint that we call Charleston Green.
Looking for something different? See below for current listings downtown Charleston!
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48 Warren Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 19000535 / Sold
This turn of the Century, three-bedroom Downtown Charleston home sits on high ground overlooking the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, in the hea...
23 Queen Street UNIT E
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 19001031 / Sold
Listed as Post Revolutionary / Notable in ''This is Charleston''. Here is your opportunity to own the perfect pied-a-terre in the heart of the Fren...
73 Rutledge Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 19000143 / Sold
One of Charleston's most stately homes, the Whilden-Hirsch house was built in 1856. The house was extensively remodeled in 2014 w/ adl. removations...
44 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 19000051 / Sold
Located in the original neighborhood of Ansonborough, the James Stocker House built between 1840-1842 is one of a kind! Constructed of Philadelphia...
63 Rutledge Avenue UNIT #27
Charleston, SC 29401
Berkeley Court
Residential
MLS# 18033406 / Sold
***NEW PRICE*** Incredible view & incredible location! A perfectly charming Charleston pied-a-terre, a great opportunity for downsizing, or just an...
48 Barre Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 18033341 / Sold
NEW PRICE! A truly wonderful renovation of a 1950 classic brick home, well located in the Harleston Village neighborhood of downtown Charleston. ...
66 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
MLS# 18033117 / Sold
Location, Location, Location! This grand Charleston home was built in 1852 and is waiting for a new owner. Extensive renovations are needed howev...
40 Charlotte Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Mazyck
Residential
MLS# 19000177 / Sold
The Jonah M. Venning House, c.1831, is a 3-story wood single house and faces the street in the plantation style. Historians suggest that it is one...
16 Morris Street UNIT A&B
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Residential
MLS# 18032864 / Sold
Fantastic Duplex in one of the best locations in downtown Charleston. One block to King Street and very close to the College of Charleston and MUSC...
16 Halsey Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 18032826 / Sold
Unique two-story California-style bungalow on a double, corner lot, is a treasured find on the Peninsula. Located in historic Harleston Village, th...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT G-4
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
MLS# 18032696 / Sold
50 x 18 foot boat slip at The Harborage At Ashley Marina. Located near the Historic District in downtown Charleston. The new WestEdge research area...
83 Spring Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential
MLS# 18032687 / Sold
83 Spring Street is an architecturally significant, Carolopolis Award winning, Charleston single style home. One of the oldest homes in Elliotborou...
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #416
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
MLS# 18032556 / Sold
Experience historic downtown Charleston's newest jewel in the crown of luxury residences. Unit 416 is one of only 76 units in The Gadsden, the muc...
26 Smith Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 18032566 / Sold
** Old World Charm in This Condominium w/ Modern Conveniences ** Hard to Find w/ Best of Both Worlds ** 636 Sqft of Outdoor Living Space w/ Large P...
6 Kennedy Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential
MLS# 18032387 / Sold
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! SELLER RELOCATING TO WEST COAST AND IS MOTIVATED!! SELLING WAY BELOW NEW APPRAISAL IN HAND. Charleston Charm with a Modern T...
85 Alexander Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
MLS# 18032469 / Sold
Beautifully restored Carolopolis Award-winning Charleston single located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Double-piazza lined with french doors...
114 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 18032322 / Sold
first time on the market in over 50 years. 114 Tradd is a beautifully maintained late 18th century historic home. Complete with a formal living roo...
2 Laurens Street UNIT 1-B
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
MLS# 18032309 / Sold
Enjoy Luxury living (without maintenance) in the heart of downtown Charleston. This sophisticated condo is available for the first time since cons...
86 1/2 Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 18032050 / Sold
Quintessential southern style in centrally located Radcliffeborough! Lovingly remodeled by the current owner, this Charleston Single has off-street...
110 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 18031888 / Sold
The Thayer-Lynah House, c. 1881, as featured in The Buildings of Charleston.This impeccably-maintained home exudes the charm and grace of the grand...
130 Logan Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 18031726 / Sold
130 Logan, located in the quaint, Historic Charleston subdivision of Harleston Village, blocks from the College of Charleston, King Street, Broad S...
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The broker providing these data believes them to be correct, but advises interested parties to confirm them before relying on them in a purchase decision.
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