What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 178
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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9 West St UNIT #4
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 15019326 / Sold
Two story pied-a-terre located two blocks from King Street. Centrally located, this charming property is walkable to Charleston's shops and restaur...
71 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 15019445 / Sold
The gracious Charleston lifestyle can be yours when you call this classically-inspired house designed by Randolph Martz and constructed in 2003 hom...
11 West Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 15019254 / Sold
This is the perfect pied-terre. Located only one block from King Street on a quiet residential street in Harleston Village this one bedroom apartm...
267 Rutledge Avenue
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential
MLS# 15019158 / Sold
This is a major renovation project with much potential for return on a large lot in a great location. The building once included a corner store wi...
192 Ashley Avenue UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 15019001 / Sold
PRICE REDUCED AND $5000 BONUS TO SELLING AGENT!! 192 Ashley Ave #B BEAUREGARD HOUSE, c. 1859-61-Built by The Wickenberg Family, this two and half ...
63 Drake Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential
MLS# 15019009 / Sold
Great investment opportunity in a prime location!
7 Bedons Alley
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 15018961 / Sold
Beautifully renovated gem tucked away on quiet South of Broad street. Gracious living areas overlook professionally designed garden with pool. Fren...
4 Beaufain Street UNIT #306
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
MLS# 15018810 / Sold
No.4 Beaufain, a l875 period atelier has been stylishly converted to chic flats and offers an enviable pied-a-terre address in the art, antique, an...
6 Kennedy Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential
MLS# 15018671 / Sold
Brand new construction in Elliottborough neighborhood. This 2 bedroom exquisite custom residence by award winning architectural-development team pa...
8 Elliott UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 15018655 / Sold
8 C Elliott Street is one of the best locations South of Broad. Tucked away and private, but just steps to the shopping and dining of nearby Broad ...
55 Ashley Avenue UNIT #19
Charleston, SC 29401
Baker House
Residential
MLS# 15018454 / Sold
You will love this light filled open spaced penthouse condo overlooking Colonial Lake.Spectacular views and great location make this condo a must s...
12 Franklin St
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 15018353 / Sold
12 Franklin Street is a stately Italianate residence, including an attached kitchen house and separate carriage house. This Category 2 property ...
330 Concord Street UNIT Th 15
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
MLS# 15018237 / Sold
Fully renovated downtown condo with views of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel bridge. This 1580 sq ft. condo has a great open floor plan. Kitchen ...
256 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential
MLS# 15018311 / Sold
Classic Charleston single family home with double piazzas built in 1890. This charming home would be great as a permanent residence, second home or...
32 Cannon Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough
Residential
MLS# 15018315 / Sold
Great opportunity to be in the exciting Midtown area where Charleston is happening. This late 19th century Charleston Single home has beautiful pi...
7 Longitude Lane
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 15017867 / Sold
Welcome home to 7 Longitude Lane, a charming two story townhome located on a very private cobblestone street just off East Bay. This truly unique ...
4 Beaufain Street UNIT #203
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 15017683 / Sold
LOCATION.LOCATION.Fabulous ''loft style'' residence in the heart of Charleston's Historic District and steps away from luxury shopping, art galleri...
36 Nassau Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential
MLS# 15017428 / Sold
This home is sold strictly ''as is.''
25 Sheppard Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
MLS# 15018952 / Sold
Lowest list price for single family home in downtown Charleston (area 51)! Rehab Opportunity for investor or contractor! Good location! According t...
330 Concord Street UNIT 6h
Charleston, SC 29401
Dockside
Residential
MLS# 15017201 / Sold
Wake up each morning to sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor as you watch the cruise ships roll in from your south-facing private balcony. This ...
10 Sires
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential
MLS# 15017105 / Sold
Home is a blank canvas that requires complete restoration. Demo work has already been carried out and plans have been submitted and approved by BAR...
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker ReciprocitySM Program of the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Marshall Walker Real Estate are marked with the Broker ReciprocitySM logo or the Broker ReciprocitySM thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Last updated on 04-18-2024 11:54 PM EST .
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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