Rebecca Atwood
In her third book, The Harmonious Home: Designing Peaceful, Personal Spaces Inspired by Nature (Clarkson Potter), being published later this month, the Rhode Island School of Design graduate explains what it means to look at your home as a “living landscape.” Since relocating from New York to Charleston in 2021, her eponymous line of textiles and wallpapers based on hand-painted designs have been inspired, at least partially, by the Lowcountry. On October 7, she will discuss her latest book and her approach to creating a “sense of atmosphere based on the landscapes you love” at the Charleston Library Society. Here, Atwood shares one of her favorite spaces in her home.
Q: Tell us about one of your recent designs.
A: One of my new favorite designs is “Alder,” our first textured solid wallpaper. In decorating my house, I’ve enjoyed seeing how a flat-painted wall looks against wallpaper and how wallpapers printed on different backgrounds reflect light and color. That inspired me to create some simple, textured colors.
Q: Are there any local stores you love to shop for home decor?
A: Wentworth downtown is the perfect place to pick up a gift, find a niche home magazine, or purchase colorful taper candles for your table, to name a few. You leave feeling inspired. I’m also a fan of Elizabeth Stuart in Mount Pleasant—so much inspiration for the garden.
Q: What item in your wardrobe could you not live without?
A: I’m always wearing my Birkenstocks. My other go-to is a button-down shirt from E.M. Reitz. I’m partial to the “Baker’s Apprentice” style, but I also love the “Boss Dog” and the “Paper Lantern.” I love items that bring ease to dressing but also feel pulled together.
Q: Tell us about your skin-care routine and any products you love.
A: I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to beauty routines, but I do love a facial from Kate Rawlins. I wear sunscreen every day, and my go-to for years has been EltaMD tinted SPF. I love U Beauty for their “The Super Hydrator” moisturizer.
Q: What’s a favorite space in your home?
A: My screened porch has a custom wraparound bench made by Benjamin Paul Studio, and it’s covered in cushions in our pink “Crescent Plaid” fabric (left). We painted the interior of the porch this glowy peach, which makes it feel like golden hour all day.
