At MDI, we believe in charm, we believe in fun, we believe in the unexpected. Most of all, we believe in creating functional spaces that make people happy- because great design should make you smile and make your life easier. Whether we’re designing cozy Kiawah getaways or chic Charleston condos, we love combining modern and historic themes with a coastal touch. When it comes to playful design…these are a few of our favorite things!

A Nod to the Past

Some pieces will forever be charming, and a classic spool bed is one of them. “I love the old-fashioned feel,” shares Margaret. With its timeless design and handcrafted look, this Old Biscayne Designs bed adds both nostalgia and character to the space, making it a favorite for cozy, traditional bedrooms.

Dining Chair Love

Sabrina has had her eye on this standout Jessica Charles dining chair. Beautiful teal patterned upholstery adds a little coastal flair to the wood and rattan frame. It’s a perfect balance of texture and tone, with just the right amount of color to spice up a space. 

Gearing Up for Warm Weather

As the Lowcountry heats up, Grace is loving this adorable McKinnon and Harris bar cart, complete with green trim and woven baskets. It is simultaneously modern and nostalgic, bringing up memories of summer picnics and lemonade stands. We love that it’s multifunctional and would charm up the space, indoors or outdoors.

Curves That Make a Statement

Sometimes subtle choices make the biggest impact. Liz is loving a fresh approach to traditional ninety-degree corners. “A curved backsplash offers a more playful and artistic alternative to traditional straight-edged lines,” she shares. The rounded corners soften the space and add interest and a bespoke feel to a bathroom.

Modern Classics, Reimagined

Lily is drawn to two pieces that put a fresh twist on traditional design. “I love this modern take on a traditional rocking chair with organic lines, and custom luggage racks for convenience in guest bedrooms!” she shares. Both pieces are rooted in function, offering comfort and hospitality. But they’re entirely elevated with clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful details.

Lighting, Unplugged

Lighting that looks good and goes anywhere? Yes, please! “I love rechargeable lamps for their perfect blend of portability, sustainability, and effortless lighting where needed,” Hannah shares. These versatile cordless lamps by Visual Comfort are a go-to for adding ambiance without the hassle of hiding cords or searching for outlets.

Vintage-Inspired Wallpaper

The perfect wallpaper can set the tone for an entire space. For Heather, that is this Gracie Studio design. “I have this wallpaper pulled for a client and it is beautiful! I am very excited to be building our room design around this beautiful pattern!” she says. The soft, scenic design creates an interesting yet calming foundation for the rest of the room to grow from.

Vintage-Inspired Design

For Mikala, vintage pieces write the story of the space. “I love incorporating vintage items into my designs to add a beautiful layer of texture and charm. There is something so rich and warm about the history and character of the perfect vintage piece that cannot be duplicated. I had a great time with my client and Margaret at Round Top in Texas, exploring, selecting items, and hearing their stories and histories. It was so inspiring, and I would love to continue to layer in these moments into our projects to feel curated and special,” she shares.

For more classic and playful design, be sure to check out some of our projects in our portfolio!