Spotlight on 5 Local Designers We Love

Charleston Designer

Charleston boasts some of the most beautifully designed homes in the United States, from historic mansions that have been restored to gleaming new builds on the beach. There are many places to see gorgeous interiors and exteriors in this area. But, who are the people behind these stunning designs? Creating a welcoming home requires a lot of creativity and skill and we want to recognize the designers responsible for some of the most beloved homes in the Lowcountry.

From traditional styles to contemporary and coastal designs, there’s an interior designer on this list that will fit your taste and budget. So, whether you need help with a small room or a whole house, these interior designers in Charleston can help you create the home of your dreams.

Buff Coles

Buff Coles

With an expert eye for design, Buff Coles mixes the old and new to create fun and inspiring homes across Charleston. She’s a master at infusing spaces with quintessential Southern charm, which she achieves with traditional decor balanced by luxe, contemporary shapes, and patterns. For example, you might find polished antiques upholstered in breezy, colorful prints in a space she has designed.

Allison Elebash

Allison Elebash

Inspired by the beauty of coastal landscapes, Allison Elebash has completed both residential and commercial design projects from here to the Caribbean. Her company, Allison Elebash Interiors specializes in full-service interior design that befits a seaside lifestyle. Her elegant, yet relaxed designs have been featured in Southern Living, Coastal Living, Better Homes & Gardens, and Charleston Magazine, and on various interior design blogs.

Joy Lang

Joy Lang

Adding a bit of glam to every space she touches, Joy Lang is a highly sought-after designer in Charleston for both residential and commercial services. From the early days of construction to the final accents, she helps clients bring their visions to life – whether your project is a hunting lodge or coastal hideaway. Her eye for gorgeous style is why so many clients have turned to her for help in designing their homes; if you’re searching for someone who will help you achieve a stylish space, she’s definitely worth speaking to!

Emily McAden

Emily McAden

Emily McAden’s coastal decorating philosophy is all about emphasizing natural light and organic textures to create a comfortable environment that feels both elegant and welcoming. From family rooms to timeless kitchens and kids’ rooms, she fills every space with warmth and openness. While she often uses neutral tones as the foundation of her designs, you’ll often find colorful accent pieces and metallics that add a luxe element to express the personality of her clients. 

Edith Royall Smith

Edith Royall Smith

For over 25 years, Edith Royall Smith has been creating beautiful spaces along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Before any project, whether it’s one room or an entire home, she spends time getting to know each client and the pieces in their collection that are important to them. Smith then builds from these existing pieces, adding unique, unexpected touches to create homes that are both personal and artistic. Smith provides interior and exterior on-site consultations to help bring any vision to life.


Designing Your Dream Home with GDC

A great interior designer can do more than just design. They understand how to execute and manage a project, how to create an environment that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing, and they have strong relationships with contractors who are skilled at making all of these things come together. The designers above can handle it all—from initial design through completion. If you’re looking for high-quality work done on time and on budget, contact these designers today or stop by one of our three Charleston furniture stores to speak with one of our in-house designers about your project. GDC Home offers free in-store consultations and for a modest fee, we will visit your space to see how we can help!


Shop the Look


Charleston Chair

Charleston Chair

The perfect Charleston chair. We love this crisp white fabric with dark wood accent. A great addition to any living room or sitting area.

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Gulab Duvet

Gulab Organic Duvet

Broken prints create new spaces and a mystery you don’t find in a complete design. The Gulab in a rosy pink comes together and apart like such a block.

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Blanca Chandelier

Blanca Chandelier

Glamourous and elegant this handmade chandelier is made of wood beads and antique white finish for the ultimate statement piece.

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Margate Mirror

Margate Mirror

The Margate Mirror has a hand-applied oyster-shell panel on the interior of its scalloped frame, the shells carefully placed there by artisans.

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Explore more of our latest styles and keep up-to-date with design trends by following GDC Home on our social platforms below. View our gallery and use the hashtag to find your next design inspiration!

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