PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Restoring Charm in Charleston
Set along Charleston's historic Battery, designer Monica Lavin's restored home reflects a love of original architecture, collected furnishings and beautifully layered light. Read on for a conversation with Monica where she shares inspiration, favorite rooms, and design decisions that shaped the home.
Photography by Cameron Wilder
How would you describe the overall vision or feeling you wanted to create throughout the home?
It was incredibly important to preserve the historical elements that made the home feel so special, like the original crown molding, hardwood floors, and the custom wrought iron staircase railing in the foyer. We actually changed very little about the first floor layout, aside from removing a few small walls to create a larger, more functional kitchen. Because we live on the water, we wanted every space to feel bright, airy and connected to the views outside. The goal was to create a home that feels timeless, welcoming and layered.
Talia 25" Flush Mount by Julie Neill.
Dani Medium Cordless Table Lamp by Thomas O’Brien.
Where did lighting have the biggest impact?
I would definitely say the kitchen. We layered several different types of lighting — task lighting, pendants, a chandelier, picture lights and even cordless lamps — and together they created so much warmth and depth. The room feels just as inviting in the evening as it does during the day, and that layered approach completely changed how we experience the space.
Allister 21" Hanging Shade by Schumacher; Anette Single Sconce by Ralph Lauren; Vendome Small Chandelier by Thomas O’Brien.
Anette Single Sconce by Ralph Lauren.
18" Cabinet Maker's Picture Light by Chapman & Myers.
Tell us about your favorite room in the home. What makes it special?
That’s a tough question because I really love both our breakfast room and our butler’s pantry. I designed the wallpaper in both spaces in collaboration with Jordan Connelly, and watching those ideas come to life was incredibly rewarding. Jordan is so talented, and together we created spaces that feel unique to our home. They're rooms we use every day, but they also bring me so much joy every time I walk into them.
Myrna Chandelier by Alexa Hampton; Talia 13" Cordless Accent Lamp by Julie Neill.
Vendome Small Chandelier by Thomas O’Brien. Anette Single Sconce by Ralph Lauren.
How do you go about choosing lighting for a space?
Choosing the lighting is honestly one of my favorite parts of the design process. It feels like the finishing touch — once the lighting is right, everything else seems to fall into place.
My favorite time of day is dusk because soft, warm lighting completely transforms the mood of a home. I always think about scale, finishes, functionality and how we’ll actually use the space. For example, we added overhead lighting in our formal living room and even installed a spotlight above our mahjong and puzzle table because that's where our family spends so much time together.
Amalfi 41" Chandelier by Chapman & Myers; Alander Floor Lamp by AERIN; Talia 13" Cordless Accent Lamp by Julie Neill.
What are some of the biggest influences on your personal style and the way you approach your home?
I love homes that feel collected over time rather than perfectly decorated all at once. I'm drawn to classic architecture, natural materials, antiques, layered textiles and craftsmanship that tells a story. I always joke that at one point my husband looked around and said, "I think we have too many antiques," and to me that was the best compliment. I never want our home to feel like everything was purchased in one weekend — I want it to feel warm, personal and as though each piece has been thoughtfully discovered over time.
Totie Task Lamp by Thomas O’Brien.
Amandine 25" Table Lamp by AERIN; Anette Floor Lamp by Ralph Lauren.
How did Visual Comfort & Co. become a part of your design story?
I first discovered Visual Comfort & Co. when I lived in Savannah, Georgia. There was a showroom just down the street from our home, and I loved stopping in to see the newest collections in person. I’d spend time talking with the lighting specialists and learning about the craftsmanship behind the brand. It quickly became one of my favorite places for inspiration.
Ingela 24" Single Sconce by Amber Lewis.
How do you typically work with the Visual Comfort & Co. showroom and lighting specialists?
I really enjoy collaborating with the showroom team because they have such an incredible knowledge of both design and lighting. I'll often bring in floor plans, inspiration images or fabric samples and together we'll discuss scale, finishes and how each fixture will function within the space. Having that expertise makes the design process so much easier and gives me confidence in every decision.
Goodman Petite Hanging Shade by Thomas O’Brien; Bryce Medium Flush Mount by Kate Spade Flush Mount.
Clementine 22" Tail Sconce by Julie Neill.
What advice would you give someone renovating or furnishing a home when it comes to lighting?
Choose your lighting much earlier than you think you need to. Lighting isn't something to figure out at the end of a renovation — it should be part of the planning process from the very beginning. Knowing where your fixtures will go helps determine wiring, ceiling placement, and even furniture layout. It's one of the few design decisions that's much easier to get right upfront than to change later.
Monica Lavin
About the Designer
Monica Lavin founded Lavin Label in 2015 to share her love of timeless interiors and beautiful living. What began as a design blog quickly became a trusted destination for aspirational homes and visual storytelling, and her work has been featured by leading design publications including House Beautiful and Southern Living.
In 2024, Monica launched Art of the Entry, a lifestyle brand inspired by a simple observation: while homeowners invest so much care into creating beautiful interiors, thoughtfully designed exterior accents were surprisingly difficult to find. Every collection is influenced by the elegance of Southern architecture, the warmth of gracious hospitality, and a belief that great design should begin the moment you arrive home.
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