Fresh from her honeymoon, Charleston interior designer, Megan Molten (formerly Megan Ann McFarland) sat down with us to chat about her signature style, an easy, breezy take on classic coastal interiors. With a new last name, fresh brand identity, and a newly minted online shop, this young designer will surely be skyrocketing to design stardom. Before she reaches icon status, let’s get to know this Charleston interior designer on the rise, Mrs. Megan Molten.
Say Hi to Megan! Featured here is GABBY’s Adler Chandelier.
Designing Charleston with Megan Molten Interiors
From medical sales to Charleston interior design maven, Megan took a chance on her passion, and it absolutely paid off: “My journey into interior design was definitely a unique one!”. After “climbing the corporate ladder” for twelve years, Megan started designing her first home, a charming Charleston cottage and sharing the progress on social media. Quickly, this “fun hobby” snowballed into a full-fledged business, and within six months Megan had a fresh new studio, two employees, an e-commerce website and a waiting list of clients. She says, “To say I was thankful is not enough. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness, and for once in my life knew I had taken the right path.”
{ Bonus: Charleston Travel Guide! Later, Megan shares her favorite Charleston picks for an unforgettable summer getaway––whether you’re a South Carolina local or a traveling Turista .}
Welcome home! We love how Megan styled these entryways with coastal accents and organic textures. Our Gregory Pendant is featured on the left and our Adler Small Chandelier is pictured on the right.
Megan’s signature aesthetic is light, bright, and oh-so-airy. How does she create ethereal interiors that are still so warm and welcoming? We asked her to share her best interior design styling tips for a coastal-inspired, Charleston home.
Defining Charleston Interior Design
Megan masterfully balances coastal decor and sophisticated, transitional style. She shares, “I’m really inspired by Charleston interior design. It’s a very coastal town while also being super sophisticated and classic.”
“It’s funny because this signature aesthetic of mine is one I don’t even think I realized I had––it just came naturally to me. I am a very visual person, of course, so my process always starts with a clean foundation: usually white paint, light upholstery, and natural rugs, and then the soft colors come with the art, accessories and pillows.” ––Megan Molten
This airy and inviting living space showcases slipcovered upholstery with an all-white palette including our Adler Rectangular shaped Chandelier over the kitchen island.
Here are 5 of Megan’s Top Coastal Styling Tips:
- Source Local Artwork. “I always strive to use local Charleston artists as much as possible––we have so many talented ones right here at our fingertips! You will see a lot of coastal influence brought in via my art selections. Whether it’s a marsh scene, boats, or oysters, they are usually done in an abstract way…which gives it a much more modern touch!”
- Choose Organic Materials. “White ceramic, driftwood, and glass are my go-to’s! Two large glass hurricanes filled with sand and candles next to a piece of driftwood on a dining table is a favorite setup of mine for a Lowcountry dinner table. It’s coastal and modern.”
- Paint it White. “I love white. Take any home and paint the interior bright white––it just completely changes the feel. It suddenly feels fresh, light, bright and more modern. I can’t get away from it. It’s kind of my signature.”
- Opt for Performance Fabrics. I often use performance fabrics for all of my upholstery pieces. All of my clients have kids, dogs and live a very low-country lifestyle, meaning they are in the water a lot! The performance fabric selections have stepped it up about ten notches, so now I can get a sofa that looks like 100% linen, but it’s actually 100% poly and that makes my client’s very happy.”
- Select Modern Finishes. “I always gravitate towards dark iron and brass. Both matte and super simple to set a really modern vibe.” Learn how to mix-and-match metallic finishes like Megan.
Modern Meals: A structured chandelier and metal planters create a sophisticated atmosphere in this dining room. Learn how to pair kitchen and dining lights.
GABBY’s Picks for a Designing Coastal Home
Now that we know the secret for styling a coastal home from Charleston interior designer, Megan Molten, consider using one of these coastal designs in your next project!
The Chase Chest is the perfect way to add texture inside the home! Wrapped entirely in natural seagrass, this chest features a unique U-shape bottom drawer paired with antique bronze hardware adding a hint of modern to this vintage coastal design.
The Bentley Chair defines all things coastal with the contrasting white and natural rattan frame. Try incorporating this at the breakfast table or even in an office design!
The Callisto Mirror adds a bold, modern take on a coastal life ring style mirror with its ring of clear lucite and delicate petals in gilded gold.
The Gregory Chandelier weaves a soft white cotton rope into this breezy, beautifully shaped design for a casual, coastal charm look.
The Hutch Side Table is crafted in an all-natural woven, seagrass cord paired with a playful tied rope tassel at the back and inlaid circle motif on the top and shelf for a unique coastal look.
Soothing shades of blue, white and sand fill this serene sleeping space. Find more ideas for guest bedroom decor.
Charleston Interior Design City Guide: Megan’s Local Favorites
Explore Charleston, South Carolina like a local with Megan’s most-loved places to sip, dine and shop.
Coffee Shop: Vintage; a latte and an acai bowl is my jam.
Cocktail Hour: Zero George has the best porch happy hour in town.
Breakfast & Brunch: Halls Chophouse gospel brunch is a must with the crabcake eggs benedict and mimosa on the side.
Girls Night Out: Citrus Club has the best rooftop in Charleston with frozen drinks and gorgeous views.
Staycation Hotel: The Dewberry ––we stayed here for our wedding weekend!
Date Night: Chez Nous; It’s owned by a fab French couple from a tiny Charleston home––such a special place.
Clothing Boutique: Hampden; A design-lovers dream and Stacy, the owner, is the sweetest.
Home Decor Boutique: Celadon ––love my Celadonnas! They know some imports like nobody else in town.
Charleston Local Artists: Danielle Cohen, Chelsea Goer, Teil Duncan, Blakely Little, Michelle Owenby, Jennifer Latimer…Oh my goodness there’s too many to count!
Cultural Experience: Charleston Symphony Orchestra; We go quarterly and are always the youngest people there, but we love it.
Be sure to follow Megan on Instagram to see more coastal-inspired homes and follow along her journey at Charleston’s next up and coming interior designer!
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