When a young couple’s charming 1942 home in Spartanburg, South Carolina, needed a new aesthetic direction, they called in Greenville designer Whitney McGregor for help. The result is so upbeat and fresh that McGregor says she would happily move right in. “In another world, I live here by myself,” McGregor laughs. “It’s happy and cozy and bright, and it’s reflective of my clients and their personality. They’re light and fun-loving.”
Inspired by glowy sunsets in the husband’s hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, McGregor sourced shades of pink, goldenrod yellow, blue, and green. Mixed with cheering wallcoverings and fun fabrics, the result feels traditional but with an irreverent, youthful twist.
“We focused on paint and furnishings primarily,” McGregor says. “I did what I could to not change everything. I used pieces they already had; then we swapped out the rest.”
Today, the home’s refreshed palette reflects the couple’s authentic style. “I dug deep into their preferences, researched and studied their inspiration,” McGregor says. “I think it came through.”
FAMILY ROOM
A pastel palette and patterned wallpaper contribute to the lighthearted feel.
The custom window-niche seating is upholstered in Lee Jofa fabric and accented with Sister Parish pillows. The trim, which is original to the home, is painted Farrow & Ball Clunch. A vintage cabinet adds to the high-low mix.
BAR ROOM
Textural walls create a moody atmosphere.
In the couple’s bar room, McGregor repainted trim and built-in cabinetry in Teresa’s Green by Farrow and Ball and upholstered a settee in menswear plaid. Wilmington’s marshes inspired the use of an earthy Schumacher grasscloth on the walls. A Caleb Mahoney art piece hangs on the wall. “Everything else is collected,” McGregor says. “It’s an eclectic mix of things.”
LIVING ROOM
A stately fireplace surround hints at the home’s classical origins.
Middleton Pink was chosen to complement an existing art piece by the client’s cousin, displayed above a leather Highland House settee. An upholstered slipper chair by Oomph features Pocantico fabric in fern by Sister Parish. The stool under the coffee table was an antique store find.
McGregor designed custom silk shades for a pair of heirloom lamps using a silk ikat fabric she sourced on eBay. The colors tie into an adjacent painting by Sally King Benedict and the soft pink walls. “My client found the art; she sent it to me, and I said, ‘Buy that right now,’” recounts McGregor. “I don’t see her do that many still lives. So that was just one of those things where it all came together.”
KITCHEN
Small swaps make a big impact in the already-renovated space.
The freshly renovated galley kitchen was pre-existing. “The cabinets and the colors of the countertop—all that was done,” McGregor says. “We swapped out the lights and added all the accessories and the window treatments.”
The kitchen niche features a custom window treatment by Quadrille and an antique letter cabinet.
DINING ROOM
Inset china cabinets offer a moment to display prized pieces.
The couple’s dining room is light and bright. McGregor chose Lulie Wallace’s Bea print for the walls and window drapery. Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball is painted on the ceiling so it recedes visually. “If this were my dining room, I’d sit here from breakfast until lunch,” says McGregor. “I’d read the paper, have coffee, linger and talk—so that’s how this room came to be.”
POWDER ROOM
A vintage mirror adds a touch of shine.
McGregor chose a blue and green floral wallpaper to coordinate with the bathroom’s original blue tilework.
BEDROOM
Pattern-on-pattern finishes bring charm and whimsy.
With pattern mixing on full display, a pale blue wallpaper by Cat Judice offsets verdant Dolly fabric by Sister Parish on the headboard and pink scalloped Matouk sheets. “I certainly have color pairings that I love,” says McGregor. “I love pink and yellow together, pink with red, and pink with orange. My clients had strong opinions about colors; they have favorites, too. Orange, yellow, and green are theirs.”
