In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Make no mistake: Margaret Donaldson is a Charlestonian. The designer draws inspiration from her city and the surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry. “This mood board is a visual celebration of my home,” she tells Business of Home. “The mix is a nod to Charleston’s diverse architectural history and our city’s tradition of blending the old with the new.”
There is a clear coastal influence throughout the scheme, which showcases everything from oyster-shell-inlaid quartz to a classic striped cotton fabric and a mother-of-pearl-accented wallcovering. In fitting with her seaside motifs, Donaldson employed an array of eco-minded materials—including rattan, salvaged wood, and glass beads made from recycled Coke bottles—to infuse the flat lay with natural character. “The mood is familiar and relaxing,” she says of the design. “It reflects the artful synthesis of nature, luxury and local charm.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details, from a nubby boucle fabric to an abaca rug.
1. SALVAGED-WOOD TRESTLE TABLE SAMPLE BY CLUBCU
“Weaving naturally weathered elements into a design creates an earthy, organic feel.”
2. HAVEN FABRIC IN 10777.02 BY NOBILIS
“This nubby boucle is one of our office’s favorite go-tos.”
3. SEABROOK ENGINEERED QUARTZ WITH SEASHELLS BY VETROSTONE USA
“Oysters are a staple in the Lowcountry, and this surface design by local brand Vetrostone USA is made from quartz and oyster shells.”
4. CEMB1229 FABRIC IN GREIGE-GREEN BY LIBAS LIMITED
“I love working with patterns that incorporate a surprise and playful element, and this insect embroidery is one of my favorites.”
5. RATTAN IN RIVER BLUE BY SOANE BRITAIN
“This is such a fun and unique way to elevate a casual coastal-style space.”
6. POULTON STRIPE FABRIC IN L-259 BY FERMOIE
“We love a stripe moment—it’s a classic beach look.”
7. MOROCCAN SEA SALT ZELLIGE TILE BY CLÉ TILE
“Hand-made tile adds charm to a room; we love this for a kitchen backsplash.”
8. SEASIDE BRONZE METAL FINISH BY URBAN ELECTRIC CO.
“Urban Electric Co. offers something unique to the market, and each piece is completely customizable to suit every client’s needs.”
9. INCHYRA BLUE PAINT BY FARROW & BALL
“This color feels like an updated version of traditional Charleston green.”
10. SEYCHELLES WALLCOVERING IN ARC10 BY NOBILIS
“Mother-of-pearl walls? Why not! It’s such a fun way to add natural texture to a space.”
11. COKE BOTTLE RECYCLED GLASS BEADS BY RO SHAM BEAUX
“This local vendor promotes sustainability by creating light fixtures using glass beads made from recycled Coke bottles.”
12. WHITE DOVE PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE WITH CUSTOM VENETIAN PLASTER FINISH BY CANDICE MURPHY
“Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic white, and we love adding a hand-applied plaster finish to create depth and dimension.”
13. CABANA TASSEL FRINGE IN SEAGLASS BY SAMUEL & SONS
“This fringe is a playful way to add visual interest to a room. We like to think of trim as the finishing touch and the ‘jewelry’ of a design.”
14. SANDBAR FABRIC IN TROPIC BY EMILY DAWS
“Emily Daws is one of our favorite local boutique textile lines.”
15. STEEL AND PAPIER-MÂCHÉ FIXTURE SAMPLE WITH SILVER FINISH BY FISHER WEISMAN
“Fisher Weisman fixtures bring such sophisticated glamour to a space.”
16. SHELL GROTTO FABRIC IN 004 BY FERMOIE
“This Fermoie fabric screams the beach and Kiawah Island.”
17. MPS AIDEN RUG BY PATTERSON FLYNN
“Natural rugs add a textural element, creating depth and warmth without adding visual weight to a space.”
18. CLEAR CREEKSIDE FUSION GLASS BY CHARLESTON FORGE
“We love using cast glass in a project—it evokes the feel of water.”
