Beach House Getaway
04 May 2025
Updating the interior design to complement the outdoors
May-June 2025
Written By: By Mia Atkins | Images: Photo by Holger Obenaus
Capturing the breathtaking beauty of Charleston and bringing it into a home is no easy feat, but that's exactly what Terra Designs Interiors excels at. They have been transforming homes in the Charleston area for over 20 years and don’t plan on stopping. Their retail space allows the store to work on various projects and welcome walk-in clients, offering a comprehensive range of services from furniture and rugs to lighting, art, accessories, draperies and fabrics.
Interior Designer and owner Jennifer Patterson has a design philosophy that revolves around a coastal modern feel, encapsulated by her tagline, "classic design, timeless style." Her expertise spans new design builds, renovations, historic restorations and resort design. Patterson’s passion lies in transforming old designs into something new and discovering the heart of what her clients wishes are. "I love the connection I have with my clients, many of whom come back years later to do another project with me. I love to educate the client about the renovation process. That prepares them for what’s ahead,” she explained. "If I’m working on a home on the beach and they are thinking about motorized drapery, we prepare them well ahead in the construction phase for what it takes." In addition to in-person services, Terra Designs Interiors offers virtual consultations, and they are willing to travel to clients' homes, even out of state. "I like to think of myself as the bridge between the architect and the client," she added.
One of Jennifer's recent projects involved a complete renovation of a retired couple's beach house from the early 1980s. The house, which had not been updated in decades, was gutted and redesigned with a modern coastal look. Patterson aimed to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring the colors complemented rather than competed with each other. The couple wanted a space that was comfortable for visiting with grandchildren but also served as a beach getaway. Patterson chose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring for its durability and acoustic properties, while maintaining the appearance of wood. "Since it’s a beach house, we did a special LVP flooring instead of hardwoods to make it comfortable under foot and more suitable for their lifestyle.
Local craftsmanship is a core value. “We work with local tradesmen and artisans to bring these projects to life,” Patterson emphasized. Her Mount Pleasant studio is both a design haven and a testament to the power of community-driven quality.
For more information, visit terradesignsinteriors.com