“It’s so good to be the daddy,” was perhaps one of my dad’s favorite quotes as I was growing up. Whenever he tasked my sister or me with a chore and we inevitably complained, especially when it came to cleaning the kitchen, he spouted off this all too aggravating phrase as he danced across the kitchen and tormented us. That simple phrase that used to make me absolutely crazy, is one of my most endearing childhood memories. Now, as I have joined alongside him in the family business, he has replaced that with, “it’s so good to be the boss,” which, to be clear, he would only ever say to me. Just last week, as I was bombarding him with questions about a design job, he jokingly said, “if you look over here and I am banging my head against my desk, you will know you have finally worn me down.” I would not, however, have it any other way. Anyone that knows Lance, the brains behind CHD, knows he is as honest, funny, and talented as they come. He would give you the shirt off his back and has been my fiercest protector, biggest advocate, and greatest role model. He is also stubborn and opinionated as all get out. (Yes, I can call him out too.)
One of Dad’s core beliefs in designing a home is that every space should be tailored to how each specific family lives. Where do they congregate? Do they prefer being indoors or out? Do they cook and eat meals together? Do they play games? Do they entertain often? And, in keeping with that, he designs a flawless space that is comfortable, functional, and beautiful, all at the same time. For our family, like many families who live on the picturesque coast, our favorite place to congregate is on my mom and dad’s back porch overlooking the serene inlet. And, no one loves that porch more than my dad. In fact, it can be 100 degrees outside with no breeze and he will insist that we have dinner on the porch. It has actually become the family joke that Mama will insist it is too hot, and Daddy will have set the porch table with no less than 3 fans flanking it so we have no choice but to eat outside. Then, he will pretend he is not dying of a heat stroke throughout the entire meal (whilst complaining that the hurricane-force winds emanating from the fans are making his dinner cold).
Exhibit A – The often peaceful and occasionally sweltering heat den known as Mama and Daddy’s Porch.
Creating a beautiful outdoor space is essential when you live in the beautiful, coastal low country. After all, we have majestic oaks, tranquil waters, crisp breezes, and whiffs of pluff mud that just smells of “home.” At CHD, we believe in designing an outdoor area that suits your family and allows you a meaningful place to make memories. Whether your goal is an outdoor dining space, a comfortable seating area, or a combination of both, we can help you make that space perfect at CHD.
And, as Lance would say, don’t forget the details! An antique shell chest, vintage rowboat, or accessorized old English bread bowl adds the finishing touches.
While this Father’s Day is going to look a little different, spend some time in your family’s “comfy space.” And, if your dad, husband, or special father figure in your life wants to sit in the sixth layer of hell to enjoy a family dinner together, suck it up, buttercup! This year we need to embrace gratitude and appreciate the moments we have together. A pandemic does, after all, have its silver lining and perhaps, that silver lining is more togetherness with the people we love. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there. You do you this Father’s Day!
Xoxo, Meg
“There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.” – John Gregory Brown
