EXPLORING THE RICH TAPESTRY OF THE SOUTH
&
SHARING IT WITH YOU
September 2026 Edition
Featuring...
THE FABLED FIFTH WALL
If you've never sat beneath an oppressive expanse of matte white ceiling and felt the uncontrollable urge to paint, paper, or clad it, you're probably not in the design industry. Designers often reference "The Fifth Wall," emphasizing the ceiling's equal importance to the vertical walls in thoughtful design. Southern Homes have a rich tradition of fantastic Fifth Walls, with the Haint Blue porch ceilings of the Lowcountry providing a notable example.
A practice introduced by the Gullah & Geechee people, who brought their indigo knowledge and spiritual beliefs from Central and West Africa to the American South, the paint was applied liberally on Lowcountry ceilings and exteriors. Haint Blue was intended to mimic the color of water and sky with the goal of disorienting restless spirits, called Haints, preventing them from entering homes. Made from indigo, lime, buttermilk, and, sometimes, lye, the varying shades of blue paint were also rumored to ward off insects, deterring the construction of nests on porch ceilings by tricking them into believing the ceiling was sky. Though this myth endures, it was likely the alkali content, not the color, that kept pests at bay.
Whether you're endeavoring to control pests of the ghastly and arthropodal varieties or simply trying to pull together a cohesive aesthetic, the ceiling must be considered. This month we are sharing some of our favorite ways to handle ceilings in the design of your home.
The easiest and most budget friendly option for transforming your ceilings is the use of paint, either as an accent or in the context of a color drench, a technique in which the walls, ceiling, and trim are all painted the same color. Just as it's important to see a man in all seasons before you marry him, it is important to observe your paint color choice in all light conditions before making a commitment. Apply a large sample swatch and view in natural and artificial light, day and night. Perhaps it is my Lowcountry upbringing but I am a sucker for a blue ceiling and I have shared some of my favorite blue hues in the last section of this month's blog.
The application of wallpaper to the ceiling presents an opportunity to bring pattern and texture into the equation. Wading through the seemingly infinite options can feel overwhelming. I recommend crafting a Mood Board for the space as a guide ensuring the selected pattern, color, and texture reinforce the vision for the room. Perspective changes when patterns are installed overhead. Small scale patterns should generally be reserved for small spaces such as Powder Rooms, Entries, and Halls. Since the stresses placed on the paper and adhesive are different overhead, ceilings are a place to avoid peel-and-stick or excessively heavy products. We recommend hiring an experienced professional to get the best result.
Tongue & groove, shiplap, beams, or coffers—whether stained, painted, new, or reclaimed—each choice influences the overall character created by these architectural ceiling features. Beams and coffers introduce a sense of rhythm and can bring formality to a room, even when made from rustic materials. We often use these elements to reinforce the pattern of openings in a space.
If you've worked with Calvin and a skylight was not recommended at some point, you've witnessed a Herculean feat of restraint. He believes few ceilings wouldn't be improved by a bit of glass and, while certainly the most expensive option we've presented, skylights pay infinite dividends in the quality of natural light and visual interest they bring to a space. The skylights in our own kitchen provide daily opportunities for joy and wonder throughout the year. We are partial to the Velux brand, whose primary North American manufacturing facility is located in Greenwood, South Carolina.
Euphoria 2026
It is our sincere hope to avoid the kitchen this weekend as we enjoy the cuisine presented by the talented chefs at Greenville's annual Euphoria festival. Keep a lookout for some familiar faces in the Fall issue of Vessel, released this week to festival goers and to the general market next week!
American Beautyberry Season
Each year, as the blooms of our garden finish their Summer Season, one of my favorites starts showing off. An unassuming woody shrub for much of the year, The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), like any self-respecting native Southern lady, gets gussied up in September for the coming party season. The massive jewels of her deep purple fruit seem to appear overnight. I love to stuff the laden branches in a crock or vase in the kitchen for some early Fall color. They aren't just opulent adornments, though. These berries are a source of nutrition for a host of wildlife and can be used to make dyes and jellies. The leaves of the plant are even an effective natural insect repellant. American Beautyberry is a native Southern garden staple and we recommend adding it as an understory layer along woodland edges.
Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories
by Jacques Pépin
A dear cousin gifted me this book several years ago. It is a beautiful way to commemorate the guests welcomed, cuisine served, and festivities enjoyed as you entertain throughout the year.
Fifth Wall Favorites
As promised, here are three beautiful ceiling blues, certain to make your fifth wall fabulous!
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