What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 226
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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122 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 1228268 / Sold
122 SMITH ST. IS A WONDERFUL DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON HOME FEATURING A PHILLIP ROGERS BLACKSMITH CUSTOM-MADE WROUGHT IRON GATE WHICH OPENS INTO A PRIVAT...
21 George Street UNIT 306 A
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
MLS# 1228263 / Sold
THE SOPHISTICATED AND UPSCALE XXI GEORGE STREET IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC CHARLESTON. EXCLUSIVE THIRD FLOOR CONDOMINIUM WITH FANTASTIC VIEWS OF DOWN...
165 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 1228234 / Sold
Circa 1890 Charleston Single beautifully renovated in 2006, including two- story rear addition. Double piazzas overlooking historic Tradd St. an...
233 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential
MLS# 1228165 / Sold
This home is located in a central location near all of the conveniences including MUSC, the College of Charleston, the Citadel and within walking d...
27 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 1228135 / Sold
The Joseph Johnson House, Circa 1779 is located on one of the most picturesque streets South of Broad. 27 Tradd Street is beautifully restored a...
162 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Morris Square
Residential
MLS# 1228081 / Sold
*** GREAT SHORT-SALE OPPORTUNITY IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON, SC *** This lovely Charleston Single Style home was built in 2007and...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT B4
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
MLS# 1227940 / Sold
***UPDATED PRICING & HOT, BANK OWNED SLIP IS PRICED TO SELL*** This 50X18 BANK OWNED SLIP is located in The Harborage at Ashley Marina, one of t...
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT B3
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
MLS# 1227939 / Sold
***UPDATED PRICING & HOT, BANK OWNED SLIP IS PRICED TO SELL*** This 50X18 BANK OWNED SLIP is located in The Harborage at Ashley Marina, one of t...
87 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 1227588 / Sold
Wonderful turn-of-the-century cottage in the heart of Harleston Village. Uniquely situated, partially hidden from the street by mature landscapi...
195 East Bay Street UNIT #223
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 1227488 / Sold
FORECLOSURE, NOT A SHORT SALE, CAN CLOSE QUICKLY! Great Pied-A-Terre overlooking Lodge Alley courtyard and fountain; perfect as investment with ren...
15 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 1227484 / Sold
House is being sold for lot value. Seller has disclosed that the property has serious structural problems. The pool has multiple cracks and will ne...
54 Smith Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 11G
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential
MLS# 1227086 / Sold
Breathtaking views of downtown Charleston! This immaculate unit is in a great location featuring beautiful views of Alberta Long lake and Charle...
18 Corinne Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential
MLS# 1226330 / Sold
Walking distance to College of Charleston, MUSC, downtown Charleston shopping, restaurants and nightlife. 18 Corinne sits on a quite and safe stree...
40 Bee Street UNIT #117
Charleston, SC 29403
University Place
Residential
MLS# 1227349 / Sold
$3,500.00 CLOSING ASSISTANCE WITH ACCEPTABLE OFFER!! PRIME LOCATION**HARD TO FIND 2 bedroom 2 bath condo downtown across from Dental School and ...
85 Cumberland Street UNIT #10
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 1226805 / Sold
Gorgeous luxury condominium with 11'+ ceilings, granite counter tops, custom cabinetry, heart pine flooring, high-end stainless steel appliances...
150 Bee Street UNIT #406
Charleston, SC 29403
Bee Street Lofts
Residential
MLS# 1226703 / Sold
Welcome to Bee Street Lofts. Charleston's first urban loft style living at it's finest. The location and water views are fabulous, situated acro...
5 Middle Atlantic Whf Street UNIT 4A
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 1226632 / Sold
IT'S JUST MAGNIFICENT! Enjoy this wonderful top-floor Factor's Walk unit and walk to all that Charleston has to offer. The spacious rooms, light...
32 Prioleau Street UNIT O
Charleston, SC 29401
French Quarter
Residential
MLS# 1226668 / Sold
Located in the French Quarter, this harbor front luxury residence at Vendue Range overlooks Charleston Waterfront Park. Quiet and spacious, loca...
40 Society Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 1226644 / Sold
The perfect opportunity to acquire a premier Ansonborough home and location. For the sophisticated buyer, a tasteful blend of mid-19th century "...
17 Lowndes Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 1226187 / Sold
This charming home is located on peaceful Lowndes Street, offering a very functional floor plan with 3 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The private de...
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