Designafi on Daniel Island transforms interior dreams into reality

Late last year, Designafi, a woman-owned interior design business founded by a military spouse, opened on Daniel Island. Designafi serves as the official Charleston showroom for several lines, including Thibaut and Fabricut. 

Alexandre Fleuren, owner and lead designer, says Designafi is built to turn a client’s spark of inspiration into a finished space they can live in and love. From fabricating custom pieces to handling installation, she says the team keeps the process in-house, so every detail comes together with intention. 

Becky Brouwer, a Beresford Hall resident, says Designafi gave several tired rooms a fresh new personality. What started with floor coverings soon unfolded into a full design refresh, from finding the perfect lamp to adding wallpaper that brought the spaces to life. 

“Alex started out with the critical part – rugs! She used this as a base to draw you into the rooms. This was done in our entrance area, dining room, and the game room that is directly across from the dining room.”    

Brouwer says the game room has become a family favorite. 

“She switched out the window treatments, added a French side table with two lamps, and then placed my existing items in a unique manner on our shelves. I had her create slipcovers for the chairs at our game table with our family initials monogrammed to the back of each chair.”  

Fleuren then found a chandelier for the entrance. Made from unique oyster pearl shells for a beautiful and soft/elegant look. The main chandelier was found in New York City, and Brouwer called it a perfect match. 

At first Brouwer was unsure about Fleuren’s suggestion to wallpaper the entrance walls. 

“Even as I was hesitant, I decided to go with her ideas, as she is perfect in respecting one's wishes but adding touches that I could never have figured out! Her team is so efficient and excellent in executing the top-grade work one desires when working with a designer. 

"Alexandre easily works off a client's list of desired changes, listening and observing the client's family history. This is different from many designers, as they have their own 'look' and current fashion statement.” 

Every time Brouwer hosts parties, dinners, or family functions, she always receives positive reactions. She’s quick to recommend Fleuren because of her ability to see design in a way that reflects the heart of the client. 

“Alex has a unique fashion statement in design but adds one-of-a-kind touches to enhance personal looks. I have Scottish-Irish history, and she added unique pieces from Europe to reflect that family heritage! Alex is not just a designer; she respects the joy of creating a house into a home that is full of elegance and classic touches,” Brouwer said. 

Designafi is located at 100 Coastal Drive, Suite 115, on Daniel Island. 

If there are any local merchants you’d like to see featured in an upcoming column, send an email to marie@thedanielislandnews.com.