By Micah Hanvey

Exemplifying whimsical style that combines classic southern traditions with vivacious and lively color, Grace Frederick creates a lavishness within the world of interior design that is both unique and fresh. Growing up in South Carolina amidst antique shops, flea markets, and fabric swatches, Grace acquired a taste for interior design at an early age.

After graduating from Auburn University, Grace returned to Charleston to pursue a career in interior design, creating her eponymous firm Grace Frederick Design. Grace believes a house should feel like a home at all times, and each and every design element should be layered and personal to the homeowner. In 2016, Grace expanded her business to include curated tablescapes and dinner parties channeling her decorative passion and eye for personal intricacies. The beautiful china and silver she discovered in antique stores and collected over the years honed her skill for designing imaginative tablescapes that tell a story. She delights in allowing personal collections and tiny treasures to be seen and celebrated everyday.

We are thrilled to welcome Grace to The Glam Pad today to learn more about her work and enjoy highlights from her exquisite portfolio. Welcome, Grace!

Q: How does living in a historic city like Charleston impact or influence your design style?

A: Charleston is a city with good bones and even better stories. It’s steeped in tradition but never takes itself too seriously, which is exactly how I like to decorate. Living here has made me fall hard for patina, plaster, and anything with a story. It’s a city that knows how to mix history with hospitality, and that’s exactly what I try to bring into every space I design.

Q: How do you define your style?

A: My style is rooted in tradition but never stuck in the past. I love a home that feels layered and personal, like it’s been lovingly added to over time. You’ll always find antiques, interesting textiles, meaningful art, and a few playful touches to keep it from feeling too serious. I want a room to feel gracious, collected, and just a little unexpected. Our tagline is “traditional interiors with a touch of whimsy”.

Q: What initially intrigued you about antiques and how did spending so much time in antique stores influence your design style?

A: I always say my childhood was a mini design school. I grew up trailing my mom through antique malls and stuffing fabric swatches in my pockets. Antiques taught me to look for character, not perfection- and that a home should feel collected, not decorated. I love that feeling when you stumble on something that truly speaks to you and you know it’s one of a kind. It’s this now-or-never moment that gives me such a rush…. an occupational hazard, really. I think you can really hone in on your personal style by spending time in antique stores and paying attention to what pulls you in. That’s where the magic starts.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of developing your business?

A:  Balancing creativity with the realities of business ownership. I’ve had to become fluent in everything from cash flow to customs forms, while still holding space for inspiration and storytelling. But I’ve learned that structure can be freeing, and having a strong process allows me to create with more intention.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of developing your business?

A: Seeing our projects become the backdrop for people’s lives. When a client sends me a photo of their kids playing in a room we designed, or a holiday table we helped set; those are the moments that matter most. I’ve also loved the relationships we’ve built along the way. From reps and artisans to fellow designers, this business has connected me with such an inspiring, generous community. Many of those connections have grown into true friendships- something I deeply cherish.

Q: What began your interest in tablescapes that convinced you to expand your business past interior design?

A:  I’ve always loved setting a beautiful table, whether it’s just for my family on a weeknight or an all-out dinner party. I get so much joy from pulling out all of my pretty, sentimental pieces. Your fine china and silver deserve to see the light of day, use the good stuff! I’m also an avid collector of… well, many things. Some may call it hoarding, but to me, it’s all treasure.

My retail journey evolved naturally over time. I once shared an antique booth with a friend, later launched a tabletop collection with another dear friend who’s an event planner, and most recently, we opened the doors to our first brick-and-mortar. GFD The Atelier has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and I just adore our little jewel box of a shop.

Q: Besides antique stores, where else do you find inspiration for your designs?

A: Auction catalogs are my guilty pleasure…I treat them like bedtime reading. I’ve also been collecting coffee table books for years, and I find so much inspiration flipping through their pages. There’s something about revisiting an old shelter magazine, too, pulling one from a few years back and seeing what still holds up. And don’t get me started on hotels- I love a well-designed hotel. It’s the ultimate mix of fantasy and function, and I always leave with head full of ideas.

Q: What are you working on next that we can look forward to?

A: We just wrapped a few incredible projects in Charleston, and we’re beginning work on our first international project in St. Barths- which is such a dream. I’m also expanding my trade program, Privy, for fellow designers and continuing to grow The Atelier, our brick-and-mortar shop. It’s a full season, but an exciting one.

Thank you, Grace, for participating in our Style Profile Series!

To learn more, please visit Grace Frederick Design and follow @gracefrederickdesign on Instagram. Grace offers her expertise and services to those wishing to add colorful flare to their home and enjoy distinctive entertaining.