Camden Lifestyle Magazine Issue 02 "The Outdoors"

DESIGN IS IN THE
DETAILS
Photo Taylor Dean & Written by Steve Rodgers
After rescuing a historic c1912 house from demolition on a
whim, Mark Mullis and Steve Rodgers opened the doors of
their award-winning design business, The Southern Charmer.
What started as an antique shop offering beautiful hand-selected
antique furniture, quickly transitioned into a full-service
home interiors business. Customers who visited the charming
shop recognized the artistic professional attention to detail
and began requesting personalized decorating help with their
homes. Steve’s obsession with design and Mark’s preference
for handling the business side of the venture, was a perfect
combination for success. The Southern Charmer Interiors recently
celebrated it’s 28 year anniversary offering custom furniture,
re-upholstery, home accessories, and interior design services.
Steve’s eye for detail and love for design started early in
life; as a young adult he assisted his aunt in building her home.
She commissioned an experienced designer from Jacksonville
Florida to furnish and decorate the home’s interior. Steve accompanied
her to most of the appointments, and she relied as
much on his suggestions as she did the hired designer. With his
Aunt always encouraging him to become a designer his love
for design and decor continued to grow into a big dream. It
wasn’t until The Southern Charmer opened many years later
did that dream finally become a reality. Steve’s favorite part of
decorating is in the details. Whilst most people simply coördinate
a picture on the wall and choose a rug that matches their
furniture, true design is found in the smaller details. A professional
designer knows how to artistically blend fabrics for
window treatments and pillows, select trims and wall covers,
partner the perfect shade of paint and accent colors, showcase
with lighting, and artfully arrange furniture placement. Steve
knows the colors, patterns, and textures chosen will make a
world of difference in the finished project. In addition to design,
it’s décor… the accessories that complete a room. The icing
on the cake! These smaller pieces are the details that truly
create a unique living space.