Coley Home Spotlight: Stephanie Molster

Meet Stephanie! Based in Charleston, SC, she creates stunning spaces that mix classic charm with modern style. We love her playful use of color and pattern to craft fun, personalized designs that fit her clients perfectly!

Tell us about yourself!

I started my design firm, Stephanie Molster Interiors, a little over a decade ago after moving from NYC to Charleston. From my years of experience working in NYC, my goal was to offer a unique perspective by elegantly infusing traditional and modern elements into each of my designs. I love finding the harmony between beauty, sophistication, and function in order to not only give my clients what they want, but also what they need!

How would you describe your design style?

Fresh, refined, and client-driven.

You did such a wonderful job incorporating pieces that complemented such a historic room in the Aiken Rhett Vignette. Walk us through the design process!

When envisioning the design for this room, I aimed to evoke a sense of regal opulence, elegance, and sophistication. The initial inspiration stemmed from the museum’s magnificent wooden sleigh bed dating back to the 1820s, which served as the perfect foundation for my design. To elevate its importance, I crafted a grand canopy that gracefully enveloped the bed's frame. I chose a monochromatic floral fabric that exuded femininity and refinement, which created a striking contrast against the raw historic walls of the room. I wanted to incorporate these soft layered elements to further enhance the natural beauty of the bedroom in a harmonious juxtaposition.

Get the Look:

The Toddy Swivel

in Luxe Velvet, Olive with Luxe Velvet, Shadow Welt

What are some of your go to spots in Charleston?

The list is long! I love Elizabeth Stuart, Fritz Porter, Seventeen South Antiques and Wynsum Antiques. I am also very excited about a new store that just opened downtown called Wentworth, which is a treasure trove of beautifully curated items.

Favorite areas to splurge when designing a home, and favorite places to save?

My favorite items to splurge on are lighting and hardware. Great lighting can set the entire tone and mood of a room, while hardware is like jewelry – it’s the final detail that can truly elevate a space.

Favorite paint color at the moment?

Farrow & Ball’s “Brinjal.” The rich aubergine color is to die for!

Wallpaper you are dying to use in a project?

“Berry & Grove” by Schumacher. The colors are so fun, and it would be so chic in a Mud Room or Butler’s Pantry

What has been your biggest challenge as a designer?

While the internet has been an incredible tool in helping bring amazing resources to our fingertips, I have found it also proves to be a challenge in getting clients to focus on their own specific needs. With so much visual content available, clients often get swayed and start making changes once a project has started causing pesky delays.

Go-to places for design inspiration?

Books and traveling to new destinations.

Favorite coffee table book?

The Well-Loved House by Ashley Whittaker and Home by D. Stanley Dixon

Dream travel destination?

I would LOVE to go to Greece one day!