Vintage Vibes

A Bold Charleston Home Full of Personality

We’re in sunny Charleston, South Carolina, visiting the home of blogger and author Carmel Phillips, who filled her new-build house with layers of personality and old-world charm.

From a bold leopard-print sofa to a moody, book-lined library, Carmel’s home celebrates color, pattern, and meaningful, secondhand treasures collected over time.

About 15 years ago, she launched her blog, Our Fifth House, as she and her family made their fifth home in Lexington their own. Since then, her community followed along as she’s transformed homes six—and now seven—each one reflecting her family’s personality.