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.

[@hedykarim3614]

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 .

[@marybrisbane2581]

So sorry about your husband. What treat to see her cozy home ❤blessings to you!

[@afihaileywibowo1095]

I hope someday you would have a house like this or the house of your dream. Me too!😊❤

[@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.

[@Schumacher1889]

She is so talented!

[@ahhsnap1232]

⁰⁰

[@marybrisbane2581]

Finally someone who acknowledges the importance of Christmas ✨🎄

[@swisschalet1658]

I agree that sometimes I have to click away from a video even if the house is beautiful...because the fake screechy valley-girl-sounding voices of the grown women are a big no-can-do for me.

[@oliverabone4564]

Agree 100%.

[@jb-0481]

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! ❤

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@Summerdee223]

ugh! The annoying voice uptick is really a thing these days and I wish it would go away. This video and the homeowner/designer were so refreshing!

[@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 KZbin. Very stylish!

[@Schumacher1889]

Very stylish! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@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.

[@janicerivera5570]

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

[@Schumacher1889]

She and her home are stunning!

[@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.

[@kermitthefrog3632]

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

[@Schumacher1889]

Charleston is stunning!

[@omowhanre]

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

[@Schumacher1889]

We love her gift to Charleston, so very thoughtful!

[@twistoffate4791]

@Fatima M, your comment resonated with me. My parents' home welcomed many people, some from other countries, at our table, particularly at Thanksgiving. They wanted people to know who we were as Americans, as well as Christians. My parents are gone, and I have found myself with no husband, no children or family. Close friends moved away for other opportunities. People know I am alone but there have been no invitations to their happy, bright, Thanksgiving tables, full of joy & laughter, as ours once was. I dread the holidays now. At least I have my memories & a roof over my head. Take care.

[@swisschalet1658]

@@twistoffate4791 I'm so sorry to hear that. Perhaps you could reach out to other single people in similar situations and host a party of your own at your home. It could be the start of a new tradition.

[@snoweleis]

@@twistoffate4791I know I am 8 months late but I hope one day you will be able to continue this tradition with the people you love. Wishing the best to you in life and love! The world around you will open up your heart if you let it 🤍

[@angelataylor8863]

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 !

[@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.

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed it!

[@swisschalet1658]

Absolutely. We need to bring back society to a time when homes were the center of the universe for families. No matter how big or small, a house can become the most inportant place for children and adults alike when we make beauty and comfort more of a priority.

[@oliversweden]

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

[@susannegiesen2114]

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🍀

[@Schumacher1889]

So many happy memories!

[@oscarchagoya5985]

I have watched this video over 20 times and each time I love it. She has an incredible taste elegant yet confortable. I am jealous i wish I could afford her to do my home

[@kimrunyan5106]

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!

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy that we got to show you a peak inside one of your favorite homes!

[@JaneFan-wu2il]

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

[@Schumacher1889]

She has a great eye!

[@chrisholzhauer3698]

Historical homes in Charleston are gorgeous and you know it's a labor of love and a truckload of money to maintain them so beautifully over the years.

[@JB-pd3ir]

Yes, “ truckload of money” - while I don’t believe in materialism obey is a tool that can be used for beauty and to x press the innate creativity that is in us all.

[@elizabethheatley22]

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

[@Scully331]

Absolutely beautiful. The way colors, patterns, textures and old and new furniture and art come together seems effortless, but - this is why you hire a designer! It takes a special talent to balance all that wonder. I can get stuck in ole reliable beigeville too often, but this is home is inspiring me.

[@Schumacher1889]

We are so inspired!

[@rschmidt7286]

Wow! She is talented, and has cash and taste a plenty.

[@pamtryph2189]

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

[@josheggler8180]

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!

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy this tour brought you joy, what a compliment!

[@marijamagdalena7156]

Such a stunning woman and designer! I'm glad I found her, I've never before seen her so far I remember. Thank you for the treat! This is a perfect holiday content 🌟

[@809livin5]

Lovely! You get a sense of life, love, and luxury that runs through the whole house in an non-fussy way. Well done!!!

[@Schumacher1889]

Agreed! So much life and love was poured into this home!

[@delfinblanco73]

Que elegancia y estilo y una casa que se vivie realmente no es sólo decoración sino que sus integrantes la vivien la usan y sus hijos hermosos y ella muy equilibrada en su diseño

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the video!

[@mtngrl5859]

Very articulate lady and love her take on the design elements within her stunning home. Love how all the rooms are quite different but complement each other. Would love a library like hers. Charleston has so many lovely homes and buildings.

[@kimgoranson9954]

I sold homes for 30 yrs. I always viewed my career as impactful to my clients lives. I always said, “a Doctor can save your life, and my life’s work gives you a home in which to LIVE that life”.

[@Schumacher1889]

What a great moto!

[@joelcrow]

I just took a photo of her door a few days ago! She's in one of the best locations in Charleston.

[@flavius_pisapia_sculpture]

Love the character of the house and how sensitively was designed.

[@Schumacher1889]

Agreed!

[@User25896]

Absolutely gorgeous house❤especially love the entryway floor design ❤the outdoors is to die for❤

[@Schumacher1889]

To die for!

[@Selbeauty04]

Lived in Charleston my whole life & always walked by these homes curious to know what they looked like on the inside. Beautiful home! 😍

[@vickidoyle4518]

Me too!

[@carinwiseman4309]

OMG, this is the type of house in the location I have always dreamed of. So wish I could afford a home there, even a tiny one, but especially those narrow, second floor porch babies. Thank you for showing what they look like inside. Even better than I had imagined.

[@TheMarsha06]

This is lovely to watch. A real person with kids dogs and cats and even lets them on the furniture!

[@Cenepk101]

Really REALLY love this home - saw it in a magazine a while back and stared hours at the photos. She done a tremendous job. Thanks for the tour !!!!!!

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the tour! Subscribe to FREDERIC magazine for all the print stories! ezsubscription.com/fre/subscribe?key=7CLREF

[@Blessedgirl1955]

Such a beautiful home and I love her style in that she likes color as do I. How special it is that she feels like the caretaker of the home and wants to share it Charleston which is such a beautiful city!

[@TB-nn6wb]

That jacket she's wearing is everything!

[@phyllisarrington7436]

What a lovely home. I have many fond memories of my visits to Charleston.

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@reneebledsoe3152]

Adore this one :) Her and Cathy Kincaid give off similar vibes (loving their homes to be lived in and comfortable) and I love that!

[@blancasanchez3536]

The front door is gorgeous! I wish I was there to take our Christmas picture! In front of it. It’s so sweet that you put it us for the city of Charleston. Lovely home, thank you for sharing.

[@karis7649]

Boy I love this house. Cool lady too, she feels very genuine, such a lacking thing on the internet.

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

What a stunning home. Charleston seems like such a gorgeous place to visit, and people there seems to embrace the heritage of the site. So adorable to see!

[@gemstonesparkle7915]

Oh, and the cats… ❤

[@hrh597788]

The house is lovely, but I don't understand how that white snake rug in the dining room, as cool as it is, would survive an average dinner party, one spilled glass of red wine or one whoopsie with a plate of pasta marinara. Ditto the white sofa in the living room with kids and cats and dogs. My cats would use that fuzzy white sheep with the Santa hat as a scratching post. Quintessence has a video With Issac Mizrahi where he shows all of the places where his dogs have chewed up his very expensive rugs. He has a great sense of humor about it. Amy Sedaris has a friend who sews patches on her sofa whenever her pet bunny chews holes in it. There is probably a creative way to deal with marinara on a white rug. Make more splatters in different colors and call it homage to Pollock?

[@janebishop5885]

This beautiful, bright, cheerful well thought out and lived in home puts anything in NewYork or Paris to shame. We should all strive for such welcoming and warm homes at whatever level we happen to live. Merry Christmas!

[@clairekalemkeris4606]

Ceara Donnelly's work is a gift that keeps giving, refinement, creativity, surprise, warmth and elegance. Thanks for such an inspiring present.

[@teresejohnson6767]

per·​fec·​tion… kiddos, dogs, kitties, + beautiful design and art elements. Thank you for sharing this wonderful Christmas life!

[@lorrainebrown3881]

Amazingly blurred the southern and northern design esthetic! Charming. ❤

[@trishwhetzel2061]

Your house is absolutely exquisite. Your taste is impeccable. If I win the lottery I want you to come decorate my house in Tucson Arizona. If you do read these comments where did you get all those amazing old black-and-white prints? Thank you for sharing.

[@oliverabone4564]

Crisp presentation with constant features of the spaces without ramblings of side-stories. Family experiences shared in video form.

[@janetprincehair4356]

Charleston is a beautiful city. This home reflects all the wonderful things it has to offer. The entry way floors were the highlight for me.. All is gorgeous.❣

[@lawryh2250]

Everything about this video is beautiful, starting with how the video itself is produced. The camera work and editing complement Ms. Donnelley's organic, unassuming commentary. The stars of this video are the fabrics, which receive their well-deserved closeups! Ms. Donnelley's jacket is beautiful - where did she buy it?

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@juliasmith100right7]

That. House is sooo mesmerizing! Beautiful, well done! 💕

[@stevemiller7949]

The brainiacs at Schumacher have done it again. Wonderful segment!🙂🙂😉😉❤️

[@Schumacher1889]

All the love!

[@marikadiamond4366]

SOOO beautiful... nothing pretentious about her which was very refreshing. Her style of mixing is timeless. Show us more of this type of person and their home.

[@mitterpe]

A dream house! I love the plum colored library the most!! But its gorgeous through and through! Thank you for sharing it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@eveningstar8581]

This house is beyond gorgeous! The design obviously is fabulous, but the actual house is out of this world stunning!

[@rebekkad.2092]

I adore Charleston and I am so glad you are a steward for this house. You have made it beautiful with form and function. Stunning.

[@Schumacher1889]

Just stunning!

[@kylaodonnell5016]

What a wonderful home! Such great style! Love her ideas and Christmas decorations! Stunning

[@hedykarim3614]

I think she needs some kumquat and persimmon trees . The fuyu persimmon tree grows small and has a beautiful fall color . She needs some color in her green scape which looks tropical and nice . A bit of yellow bamboo too

[@murdige]

I’d love to see how she manages design of children’s ideas… their arts, crafts, supplies, toys… things that for me are difficult to balance looking nice while inviting creativity.

[@nancyvance2772]

As a lover of Charleston, I so appreciate being "invited" into this magnificent home. IT IS TRULY SUBLIME!

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

Aside from loving the home, appreciating and connecting to the community/ neighborhood is another thing. 🥰🥰

[@reneeb9021]

I love this home! It’s lived in too. Dogs have a very nice room and the cat on the stack of books was adorable. Great style in each room 💖 I adore the Magnolia ribbon garland on the front entryway. Stunning. So Charleston ……. 🎄🥰

[@barbaramelendez-rapp193]

I'm late to the party with regards to seeing this house! Stunning in so many ways. Her attention to detail and the mix of old and new is spot on, the houses oozes love and I'm in love with it!

[@zenaidagonzalez6343]

Love this house and all the interiors. Glad to see that she has not forgotten her New York roots. I'm a native New Yorker too and your heart never leaves this great city. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you ❤️

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the video!

[@jcrane45585]

"Home is extraordinarily important in the development of people." Absolutely!

[@baharam98]

So much charm and beauty. I love your home. Wish you and family the best for always.❤

[@buickinvicta288]

Well that was gorgeous. Very creative and unique. I would love to see the kitchen.

[@lemuelmalik8347]

Love a multitude of her choices in her beautiful home. Very well thought out awesome use of color and practicality would have loved to see her kitchen

[@baffibaffi1]

Super schön 💖👍😍 zum wohlfühlen💖💖💖🎄🎄🎄👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kevindukes3012]

I worked for Lorna Colbert, Steven's Mother, while I was at C of C for many years. Basically did her yard, cleaned the house and BnB after her maid. Her place was 39 East Battery but she sold it in 1996. Such a beautiful home and a beautiful Woman!!

[@fittoseejane]

Beautiful classic home. I love the library and the pale blue dining room.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Really lovely. Thank you for sharing. So real with kids dogs cats and so warm. Happy Christmas

[@waltonbone6038]

Simply beautifully designed. Great job everywhere. Loved it.

[@mompreneurlife]

❤gorgeous home. it's like a palace. love seeing the various colors and textured that were used to decorate various corners of the house. more videos like this please!❤

[@jennifersutton3115]

I love this beautiful home ❤️ Thanks for sharing 😊

[@superannieoakley4513]

I'm from Chas & know this house very well! I've often photographed it & the doorway. It's just beautiful!

[@laysamarr]

Omgshh I live in Charleston and walk past that house all the time and LOVE it! 😍😍🤩 So happy to know how it looks like inside 🤩

[@susancraigo8218]

Wow. I moved to Greenville from IL in August last year and loving SC. We took a drive to see Charleston in September and fell in love with the colors. Thank you for bringing me inside your beautiful home.

[@patriciaramirez3139]

BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR IDEAS AND LET US INTO YOUR HOUSE. GREETINGS FROM TEXAS. 🤠👍

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@Gweynn5]

OMG I LUV THE CHECKERED FLOOR! ❤️

[@nataliecoles9518]

I love the way she speaks about curating joy. Loved it!

[@salmasuilaman3651]

I enjoyed watching the video, thank you sharing with us 😊 Happy holidays 🎄🎄🎄

[@Schumacher1889]

Happy holidays to you! We are so happy you enjoyed the tour!

[@katherineaustin2477]

I live in Charleston sc and this was a wonderful video

[@lauraherman6773]

in absolute awe of this house - what a serene, elegant and elevated space!

[@JJ33438]

just a beautiful home and so well decorated. thanks for this.

[@Schumacher1889]

So beautiful!

[@annjohnson8437]

Gorgeous home, beautiful family, and tons of design inspiration in this tour! Thank you, and happy holidays! 🎄

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy you enjoyed the tour! Happy Holidays!

[@candacerodrigue8123]

Absolutely Gorgeous. Well done. thank you for sharing. Great way to inspire me on a Monday:) Cheers.

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy to make your Monday great!

[@ellenhageman7380]

Absolutely gorgeous! Amazingly beautiful and love that you have kids, dogs and cats!!!!

[@sandrabrown6326]

Your home is so beautiful. Your cat looks just like our cat that we lost to illness. So, I loved getting to see your cat also. Thank you for sharing

[@Schumacher1889]

We're so happy that this video brought you happy memories!

[@yvonneschermerhorn866]

I would have liked to see more of this fabulous home! I like that the owner didn't focus this video so much on, " I got this piece of art...blah, blah". She did leave me wanting to see more. Her attitude of being a " steward" of the home was refreshing. Loved those banana trees!

[@fransirahome]

Gorgeous and lovely home, love the Christmas decor. And love the entryway floor design too.

[@Schumacher1889]

Every detail of this home is perfection!

[@snorlund1]

Loved the library and the living room! Nice banana trees, too! 😊

[@ninajazzy1840]

Such a beauty! My favorite house on KZbin.

[@ShaunaPloeger]

Loved this one! Well done on the interiors and that magnolia door! Beautiful!!

[@Schumacher1889]

The magnolia door of our dreams!

[@latricewashington8490]

the Dining Room is exquisite.

[@Schumacher1889]

Agreed!

[@ataleofjoy]

I LOVED this house! Soooo beautifully designed. Im also dying to know the Drayton Hall-inspired wall paint color! I need it. Gorgeous!

[@kathrincichos3114]

WOW! THIS INTERIOR IS AMAZING! 😘

[@beetlebum1]

She is so right. A home and an ecclectic one is so important in the development of a child. I spoke to my therapist about this recently, and all those odd rooms at my old house, my grandparents houses etc have shaped my sense of aesthetics and also my imagination in a way nothing else could. The sense of safety - so much so as well. x

[@Ajenee2]

Beautiful home , thanks for sharing