Your Charleston Interior Design Questions, Answered
Are there any interior design considerations specific to Charleston’s climate?
Charleston’s coastal climate of humid, hot summers, mild winters, and salty sea air definitely influence how homes should be designed and furnished. Materials such as flooring, cabinetry, and fabrics need to withstand humidity. Light, airy color palettes reflect the coastal feel as well as keep things cooler during the hot months. In Charleston, design is all about blending traditional elegance with coastal ease.
How do I maximize natural light while keeping my home cool in the Charleston heat?
Window coverings are the answer! Sheer drapery or woven shades offer light-filtering options on windows. This gives a level of privacy, as well as keeping your home cool and beautiful.
What’s the best way to integrate indoor-outdoor living in Charleston’s climate?
Charleston is made for indoor-outdoor living! The key is designing spaces that are beautiful, durable and comfortable year-round. This is accomplished a few ways:
- By creating seamless transitions such as large glass doors, consistent flooring materials, and carrying a soft, coastal color palette throughout the home.
- By using durable indoor-outdoor fabrics and all-weather wicker or teak furniture.
- By creating an outdoor kitchen or dining area. Think of your outdoor area as another room of the house. Furnish it with the same intention, zones for lounging, dining, and gathering.
Your Charleston Interior Design Questions, Answered
Are there any interior design considerations specific to Charleston’s climate?
Charleston’s coastal climate of humid, hot summers, mild winters, and salty sea air definitely influence how homes should be designed and furnished. Materials such as flooring, cabinetry and fabrics need to withstand humidity. Light, airy color palettes reflect the coastal feel as well as keep things cooler during the hot months. In Charleston, design is all about blending traditional elegance with coastal ease.
How do I maximize natural light while keeping my home cool in the Charleston heat?
Window coverings are the answer! Sheer drapery or woven shades offer light filtering options on windows. This gives a level of privacy, as well as keeping your home cool and beautiful.
What’s the best way to integrate indoor-outdoor living in Charleston’s climate?
Charleston is made for indoor-outdoor living! The key is designing spaces that are beautiful, durable and comfortable year round. This is accomplished a few ways:
- By creating seamless transitions such as large glass doors, consistent flooring materials, and carrying a soft, coastal color palette throughout the home.
- By using durable indoor-outdoor fabrics and all-weather wicker or teak furniture
- Creating an outdoor kitchen or dining area. Think of your outdoor area as another room of the house. Furnish it with the same intention, zones for lounging, dining, and gathering.
Full-service interior design in Mount Pleasant, SC.
For homeowners seeking a turnkey design experience, my full-service interior design package is ideal. I manage everything from concept to completion, ensuring a cohesive, well-executed space.
This package includes:
- Comprehensive design plan
A personalized design strategy tailored to your home and lifestyle. - Furniture & decor selection
Curated pieces that complement your aesthetic. - Material & finish selection
Assistance in choosing high-quality flooring, tile, countertops, and more. - Project management & ordering
I handle sourcing, procurement, and vendor coordination. - Professional installation & styling
A final, polished transformation of your space.
With regular updates and clear communication, you’ll always know where we are in the process—without worrying about the details.
What color should I paint my bedroom?
I always love a neutral color on bedroom walls, like a “greige.” This allows you to add color and texture with bedding, rugs, and accessories.
What color should I paint my living room?
Choose something neutral that reflects the amount of light in the space, like warm whites, creams, or light beige. I like the room to feel light and airy.
What design style fits my home and how do I define my personal style?
I suggest starting with what you’re drawn to. Look for inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram and save images that speak to you. Then consider your lifestyle. Your style should support how you live, not just how a room looks. Try defining your style in a few words like “warm, neutral, timeless.” This will become your design filter, and when you make decisions, ask yourself if they fit those words.
How do I mix patterns, textures, and colors without it looking chaotic?
Mixing color, pattern, and texture makes a home feel layered and curated, but without a system it can appear chaotic. Start with a main neutral (gray, beige, warm white, soft taupe) and add two accent colors you love. Use those colors when mixing patterns. If they share the same palette, the space won’t feel chaotic. Natural elements and texture bring life to a room. Using the neutral on larger elements (wall color, sofas, area rugs) anchors the space, while accent colors work best on smaller items (pillows, artwork, decor).
Are any interior design trends outdated, and what should I avoid doing?
Trends and styles come and go. Focus on what you love and build from there. It’s your home. The goal is to let your style shine through.
How do I arrange furniture in a small living room?
In small spaces, it’s all about maximizing flow, comfort, and function without making the room feel cramped. Place a small sofa on the longest wall, angle one or two occasional chairs toward it, and use a rug to pull the seating area together. I like multifunctional pieces, such as a coffee table with shelves or a storage bench, to keep clutter to a minimum.
How can I make an open floor plan feel cozy and defined?
Use furniture to create zones. For example, a large living room can include a TV-watching area with a sectional and console table, plus a sitting/conversation area with four occasional chairs angled toward each other.
What’s the right size rug for my space?
Rug size is one of the most challenging design choices. A couple of rules of thumb: bigger is usually better, larger rugs connect the furniture and make a space feel unified. Also leave a border: aim for 8–18 inches of bare floor around the edges.
What’s the right size chandelier for my space?
Fixture size depends on where it hangs and the room’s proportions and the furniture it is anchoring. A simple rule for bedrooms, foyers, or living rooms: add the room’s length and width (in feet) and convert that number to inches. For example, a 12’ × 14’ room → 12 + 14 = 26, so ~26″ diameter.
How do I choose kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and cabinets that go together?
Start with function, then balance color, texture, and pattern. Choose cabinets first, they’re the largest visual element and set the mood. Next, select countertops, the workhorse surface. If you go bold with cabinets, keep the countertop neutral (and vice versa). Layer in the backsplash as a decorative element. Make sure the elements flow and share an undertone—warm or cool—so they coordinate, while letting one feature take the spotlight.
Designer By Your Side
Not every project requires full-service design, but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate it alone. My Designer By Your Side service offers expert guidance while allowing you to maintain control over purchasing and implementation.
This package is perfect if you:
- Prefer professional input but want flexibility in making final selections
- Need help choosing colors, furniture, or materials
- Are tackling a DIY renovation and need a trained eye for reassurance
With structured hourly blocks, I’ll work alongside you to refine your home’s design while ensuring a stress-free experience.
Interior Designer for a Day
Sometimes, all you need is a dedicated design session to gain clarity and direction. My Designer for a Day package provides a four-hour consultation, where we can:
- Walk through your space and refine your layout
- Select materials, finishes, and furnishings
- Visit showrooms and shop with expert guidance
This is an efficient and cost-effective way to get personalized design advice without the commitment of an extended project.
What should I expect to pay for interior design?
Many factors influence cost including scope of work, service level, experience, location, and fee structure. Common pricing models include hourly, flat-fee per room or project, and per-square-foot pricing (often for new builds or renovations). I’m happy to work within a defined budget and tailor a fee to fit your project.
How can I make my home look more upscale on a budget?
A fresh coat of paint, upgraded lighting, and affordable décor, like fresh greenery or new pillows, can instantly elevate a space.
When should I consider hiring an interior designer?
Bring a designer in when you’re remodeling or renovating, building a new home, refreshing a space but don’t know where to start, or aiming to improve function. Bringing me in early saves time, avoids costly mistakes, and streamlines decisions.
When do I bring in an interior designer if we’re renovating or building a home?
The earlier, the better. Bringing me in at the beginning lets me collaborate with your contractor and architect as part of the design–build team. I help refine the vision, develop floor plans, and ensure ideas are realistic, beautiful, and functional.
We’re selling our home—should we hire an interior designer? Could it add value?
Absolutely. Hiring a designer before listing can add value, especially if your home needs a refresh or you’re in a competitive market. I update finishes and styling so your home appeals to today’s buyers and feels spacious, cohesive, and polished. Even modest updates guided by a designer can lead to a faster, more profitable sale.
My aesthetic approach: Relaxed yet refined.
As a Mount Pleasant resident and interior designer, my aesthetic is inspired by the region’s natural beauty, balancing timeless sophistication with relaxed, welcoming comfort. Trends come and go, but great design endures. My approach blends classic design principles with contemporary elements, creating spaces that evolve naturally with the people who live in them. I specialize in transitional coastal design, combining modern touches with timeless coastal influences for a sophisticated, inviting aesthetic.
I also prioritize functional design, ensuring that your home not only looks beautiful but also enhances your daily life. Whether that means optimizing storage, incorporating durable materials, or curating a clean, clutter-free environment, I make sure every detail serves a purpose.
Let’s transform your space!
If you’re looking for an interior designer in Mount Pleasant, SC, let’s create something special together. Whether you need full-service design, flexible guidance, or a one-day consultation, I’m here to help. I work with homeowners across Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Daniel Island, and surrounding coastal communities, delivering timeless, coastal-inspired designs tailored to your lifestyle.
- Kitchen & bathroom refreshes
- Whole-home styling & space planning
- Furniture & decor selection
- Coastal-inspired interior design
- Personalized color & material consultations
- And more…
As an experienced interior designer, I understand that taking on a design project can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Let’s create a home that reflects your personality, style, and the way you live. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a beautifully designed space you’ll love.
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