Two years ago, in my note for our annual “Home Design” issue, I wrote that while we may not top lists of design-centric American cities, centuries-old Charleston aptly hosts an ongoing conversation about the balance of preservation and progress, reverence for history and the realities of modern living. Today, that discussion has only grown more expansive and ambitious.

Our design community has magnified in both visibility and influence, fueled by a growing cadre of architects, designers, and artisans shaping how the Lowcountry lives now. The emergence of the Charleston Design District at the Navy Yard last fall has created a hub for a number of these talents, as well as a destination for savvy consumers. Events like Historic Charleston Foundation’s annual spring Charleston by Design have broadened the dialogue, bringing together national voices and local expertise to examine the future of Southern design, preservation, and placemaking.

This year’s “Home Design” issue touches on those themes. In “Design In Mind” (page 88), you’ll meet local artists, makers, and designers crafting products, from custom furnishings and lighting fixtures to textiles and tech accessories, that elevate everyday living and are sought after well beyond the peninsula. And in “Kiawah Calling” (page 100) you’ll tour a stunning new residence, where the architects, builder, and interior designer conspired to create a coastal retreat that delivers modern comfort and sophistication in harmony with its natural environment. 

Here’s to the makers and spaces shaping Charleston’s next chapter.

Enjoy!

Darcy Shankland
dshankland@charlestonmag.com