Rich with history, coastal beauty, and classic charm, Charleston has a bright, welcoming design style that both residents and visitors adore. With three home furniture stores in the Charleston area, our team of Charleston interior designers are experts at achieving this local style and love to share it with our clients. If you’re feeling inspired by Charleston, take a look at this guide, where we’ve rounded up some of the most important elements to fill your space. By blending antique and casual furniture, pastel hues, and coastal accents, you can bring together a quintessential Charleston-style home.
Pastel Colors
Charleston’s historic homes, like Rainbow Row, are known for their use of pastel colors. Soft hues like mint green, blush pink, light blue, and lemon yellow can be used for decorating both interiors or exteriors. If you have a neutral-hued house, you can also paint your front door a bright color to make a statement befitting a traditional home in Charleston. You’ll also find many homes downtown with light blue porch ceilings, which is a Gullah Geechee tradition that keeps evil spirits away.
Antique Meets Casual Furniture
When it comes to furniture pieces in traditional Southern homes, you’ll often find a blend of family heirlooms and casual contemporary furniture pieces. This transitional style makes homes feel very livable and personalized, rather than picture-perfect. The best interior designers in Charleston know that home decor should be a reflection of their client’s interests, which means mixing old and new furniture pieces.
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Butler’s Pantry
A traditional feature in many Charleston homes, a butler’s pantry adds both functionality and charm. This small space in between the kitchen and dining room can serve a variety of purposes from displaying china to serving as a bar before a dinner party. Learn more about our favorite ways to use a Butler’s Pantry here.
Colorful Guest Suite
While many will opt for more neutral hues in the primary bedroom, we frequently use bright colors in guest suites. You can make a splash with paint colors in a smaller space like a guest room, making the room memorable for those who come to stay. Bold patterns, colorful pieces of art, and fresh flowers can also liven up the room for your guests. When it comes to Southern hospitality, no one does it better than Charlestonians!
Natural Materials
If there is one thing that Lowcountry homes share, it’s the use of natural materials. Hardwood and natural elements like oyster shells and rattan are incredibly common here. These elements echo the natural environment surrounding the homes and create a welcoming feel.
Indoor/Outdoor Connectivity
On a similar note, many locals like to take advantage of the mild climate in Charleston by creating a sense of flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sliding doors, large windows, and outdoor seating areas can help create a harmonious flow between your home’s living room and the outdoors. Consider upgrading your porch or garden to maximize your outdoor living space and boost curb appeal.
Bring the Old-World Charm of Charleston Home with Our Interior Design Services
Ready to capture the magic of Charleston in your own home? Our team of talented Charleston interior designers is always here to help with whatever interior design project you are working on. Stop by any of our three furniture store locations — Mount Pleasant, Kiawah Island, and downtown Charleston — and schedule a consultation today!
Shop the Look
Coastal Living Ariel Sconce
Smooth curves and a polished design make this sconce an unexpected classic and add an element of serenity to your coastal retreat.
Honeycomb Handwoven Wool Rug
The rug’s subtle honeycomb pattern has a weathered effect that will give any home a bit of coastal charm.
