Step Inside Ceara Donnelley’s Charleston, SC Home

When interior designer Ceara Donnelley picked up her family and moved from New York, where she had a career as a lawyer, to Charleston, South Carolina, she fell in love with her soon-to-be house even before she fell in love with the city.

Built in the 1740s, this classic Charleston single had the perfect bones—original arched windows, moldings and panels, and beautiful floors to boot—but needed a major overhaul. Thankfully, Donnelley was up for the task. Her love of the tension between old and new propelled the transformation forward with ease. She artfully transformed the historic home by gutting and renovating the kitchens and bathrooms and rejiggering the traffic flow to fit modern family life. In other words: The house is now dog, cat, kid, and entertaining friendly, but still maintains its 18th-century charm.

Because the house was dark, Donnelley strategically added sconces, chandeliers, and table lamps. She swathed the triple-height foyer walls and ceiling with a reflective Venetian plaster finish that helps bounce light around the entryway. A reproduction Tony Duquette chandelier and a moody blue-green paint color inspired by nearby Drayton Hall were the jumping off points she used when designing the dining room. Her formal living room is a mix of modern and traditional; highlights include an ivory tufted sofa with long bullion fringe and a sculpture that’s an homage to Claude Lalanne. She describes her bedroom as the “hub of the house,” with a canopy bed she designed out of bleached and pickled oak as its centerpiece.

While Donnelley takes a more modern approach to interior design, her Christmas decorations are classic, traditional, and meant to evoke feelings of love and importance of family. The designer happily admits that she’s “in charge of creating [Christmas] memories for her children.” And the setting she whips up each holiday season is a blissful one, with several live trees throughout house, cookies baking, an annual tree-trimming party complete with hot chocolate for the kids (and champagne for her!), and the most luscious magnolia garland that proudly frames the house’s front door. While the holidays are always a frenzy of hustle and bustle, Donnelley makes time to create a mood of joy and celebration that spans the entire month of December—because every day should feel like Christmas.

Produced by Tori Mellott. Cinematography by Emmrich Creative.

[hedykarim]

I remember when this house was being redone . I would drive to town as walk after my husband died and I always wondered how pretty it was inside . When you’re an immigrant with no family around and you have little money walking around gives you something free and enjoyable to do . Living vicariously through others . So happy to see how it turned out .

[crowquilltarot]

This is immensely enjoyable. Firstly, let me say that it is fabulous to listen to someone who is knowledgable and sounds normal. So many home tours have high-pitched, hyped up homeowners talking a mile-a-minute who are difficult to listen to; or every other word is "um". Ceara Donnelly is articulate and has my utmost admiration. That said, she is also a talented designer. She gets the WHY of design: it's about the people, the memories, the safe haven, the joy. Thank you for this Ceara Donnelly and Shumacher. Especially at Christmas it is nice to have some substance and depth being shared.

[UMVELINQANGI]

What she has done with her home is visual poetry. It has the sophistication and the glamor of a show house, but it also has the warmth and the character that is seldom present in show houses. I don't know how she accomplished such magic, but it is a stunning achievement that can be enjoyed for many years to come because of this video. Thanks for sharing this beautiful home.

[jb-]

This is one of my fave decor videos out there. The designer is low key and matter of fact about her loves and uses of color and “things.” No annoying voice uptick that so many of these video hostesses use. Just non pretentious and beautiful about showing her space and sharing with the community. Love it! ❤

[LovingRiv]

I’ve lived in Charleston for 18 years but have never seen the inside of one of the historic homes in downtown Charleston! You blew my expectations! Wonderful

[kaydesign]

One of the most stunning houses I have seen on YouTube. Very stylish!

[omowhanre]

The most beautiful part of the house is that she shares it with the community. We need more of this!

[janicerivera]

Wonderful sense of style! I love her boldness and confidence. Beautiful home.

[kermitthefrog]

Charleston is such a gorgeous city and this home is one of her jewels.

[susannegiesen]

What a caring and thoughtful mother this Lady is. She is so right to create happy memories! This time never comes back. And the house is beautiful😊 May there be many years of happiness for all of them- the cats and dogs too. God bless🍀

[TGSHomeandGarden]

She is a designer with taste AND style. I love her home. It has a look that makes you believe it could be anywhere.

[angelataylor]

Absolutely beautiful. Nothing is too precious. The cats and dogs are right at home. I loved the garland over the entry way. I live in South Carolina and this home represents the state well.

[Imanimaryam]

I am from South Carolina, my grandfather was from Charleston originally. Charleston is so beautiful and an amazing place to live 🥰. One day I will build a home there so I love this video and her home !

[oliversweden]

Wow, this is someone who understands interior design❤️ absolutely stunning!!

[JaneFan-wuil]

What a stunning house! Her ability to mix styles and patterns in a way that just makes sense is amazing.

[LenaMMcKee]

Traditional yet modern and funky I love it! And what I love even more is your homage to what home means ...you are so on point . I used to be a social worker and so many destructive patterns of behavior culminate because of the problems that people had growing up in their homes and so I like how you linked design, ambiance and home life .how you can nurture, find balance and create a solid foundation and stability for your kids.

[josheggler]

Watching this film was the highlight of my month! What a stunning home and fantastic story she has to tell. Love the way this was captured, you certainly have a talented team!

[kimrunyan]

Having been a visitor to Charleston many times, I have admired your house for years. It is even more lovely inside than out. I most appreciate that it is a home for you, your kids and animals, not just a showplace. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas!

[elizabethheatley]

I love this house and the designer’s ethos - beautiful design that embraces children and animals. Just stunning and joyous!

[pamtryph]

This is without a doubt the most beautiful house/decor I've seen. Just exquisitely done. That entryway floor! Perfection, all of it.