What is the Story Behind Charleston Green? - Page 7
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 Bogard Street UNIT #2
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential
MLS# 24006416 / Sold
Step into this charming single-family home in the heart of downtown Charleston with an easy walking distance to dozens of popular restaurants, bars...
198 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 24006327 / Active Contingent
Welcome to this Harleston Village residence offering an opportunity for investors or for the buyer who wants to renovate to make a home truly their...
40 Bee Street UNIT #409
Charleston, SC 29403
University Place
Residential
MLS# 24006245 / Active
This top-floor downtown condo has seen some wonderful renovations and rental history! Located across the street from MUSC, it is perfect for anyone...
240 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Residential
MLS# 24006206 / Active
Welcome to a truly unique and enchanting property, perfectly blending history and modern convenience in the heart of the city. This exceptional wor...
143 Bull Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 24006152 / Active Contingent
Located in the desirable Harleston Village, 143 Bull Street is close to MUSC and College of Charleston, perfect for students. This four-bedroom, fo...
19 Harleston Place
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Place
Residential
MLS# 24006140 / Active
Water Views are breathtaking! Sunset over the Ashley. Watch the sun sink slowly behind he river. Prime Downtown location. Beautiful Home with Heart...
Reduced -$34,000
9 Meeting Street UNIT E
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24006102 / Active
This charming brick carriage house at 9 Meeting Street offers a rare opportunity to own an historic property South of Broad. This early 1700's home...
5 Gadsdenboro Street UNIT #513
Charleston, SC 29401
Gadsdenboro
Residential
MLS# 24006063 / Sold
Now is your chance to own a unit in Charleston's premier luxury condominium complex situated alongside Gadsdenboro Park and downtown's harborside c...
30 Mary Street UNIT #5
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
MLS# 24006024 / Sold
A true Charleston living experience! Beautiful penthouse condo with all the historic charm you could ask for. Built in 1885, this updated Victorian...
43 Charlotte Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Wraggborough
Residential
MLS# 24005892 / Active
Stunning Greek Revival, the William A Hussey house, located in the heart of Wraggborough circa 1849, has been meticulously restored per National Re...
18 Murray Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24005806 / Sold
Watch the boats pass by and enjoy spectacular sunsets from this grand South of Broad home with unparalleled waterfront views! 18 Murray Boulevard's...
4 Beaufain Street UNIT #303
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential
MLS# 24005792 / Sold
Location, location, location - find yourself living in one of the most iconic areas of Charleston. A beautiful, loft-style residence in the heart o...
2 Laurens Street UNIT 3a
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 24005789 / Sold
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a luxury condominium in Anson House, downtown's most exclusive residential building with a full time concie...
81 Ashley Avenue UNIT E
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 24005765 / Active
CHARMING AND COZY STUDIO CONDO LOCATED STEPS AWAY FROM COLONIAL LAKE IN HISTORIC HARLESTON VILLAGE. OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS, CERAMIC T...
Reduced -$40,000
4 Battery Place
Charleston, SC 29401
City Of Charleston
Residential
MLS# 24005667 / Active Contingent
Contemporary and chic, this turn-key South of Broad home has it all. This sophisticated home is a jewel with seamlessly integrated indoor and outdo...
Reduced -$249,000
33 Lockwood Drive UNIT F24
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Residential
MLS# 24008327 / Active
Slip F-24 is 45ft x 18ft and can accommodate a 45-foot boat in the premium Harborage at Ashley Marina. The marina comes equipped with IPE docks, pr...
14 Lockwood Drive UNIT 11g
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
Residential
MLS# 24005639 / Sold
Enjoy the breathtaking views from the 11th floor of this high rise overlooking the rooftops and church steeples of historic downtown Charleston! Pr...
75 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential
MLS# 24005575 / Active Contingent
Circa 1815 - Dr. Aaron Whitney Leland House. This elegant high-ground home was constructed by Leland while serving as minister of nearby First Scot...
186 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential
MLS# 24005640 / Active
Welcome to 186 Wentworth Street, a stunning Charleston Single Home circa 1895, where historic charm seamlessly blends w/modern luxuries. Situated j...
Reduced -$51,000
18 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Residential
MLS# 24005537 / Sold
This is a phenomenal investment opportunity for an investor or someone looking to have a large amount of equity for the future. This rented home ha...
30 Wentworth Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential
MLS# 24005454 / Sold
This 1843 historical gem has all of the components of an elegant and Handsome Charleston Single home. The generously sized Living Room and Dining R...
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