Practicality Meets Modernity with Claudia Leonard Interiors

A Fresh Take on a Traditional Home

Built in 2007, this Charleston home was full of heavy trim, dark granite, and outdated wood finishes. The homeowners hired Claudia Leonard of Claudia Leonard Interiors to transform the space into something brighter and more in line with their lifestyle. 

Claudia infused the interiors with transitional style, preserving Southern charm while introducing a more modern and livable aesthetic.

She reimagined the kitchen without starting from scratch, keeping the original base cabinets but expanding the island by 12 inches to create more storage and prep space. A dolomite waterfall-edge countertop from AGM Imports added polish, while the homeowner’s backsplash choice introduced a timeless French bistro touch.

Working alongside contractor Chris Simmons of CDS Restoration, she replaced the upper cabinets and installed new doors on the lowers. Farrow & Ball’s Blackened paint gave the cabinetry a fresh look, shifting between soft gray and blue in changing light. 

To eliminate congestion near the back door, Claudia replaced the freestanding table with a built-in banquette. The new nook improved circulation and created a cozy spot for morning coffee, family meals, and casual work sessions.

The homeowners wanted to preserve their heirloom dining pieces, including a Georgian table, a sideboard, and an armoire. Claudia simplified the room’s original multicolored ceiling with a limewash finish from Portola Paints, bringing in subtle texture without distraction. She selected Schumacher Scalamandre drapes to complement the furniture without overwhelming it.

Claudia refined moldings throughout the home to bring consistency to each space. In some areas, she scaled back ornate trim. In others, she introduced paneling to create a sense of cohesion. She carried that attention to detail into the butler’s pantry, where a Thibaut wallpaper in deep green ties in with the fabrics and accents used in nearby rooms.

“Overly traditional spaces can feel stuffy,” Claudia says, “I wanted the home to feel classic but flexible—something the family can enjoy now and continue to love in the future.”

Claudia Leonard Interiors delivered a thoughtful update that combines character with comfort. Every room now feels intentional, inviting, and aligned with the family’s current lifestyle.

For more information, call Claudia Leonard Interiors at  (201) 788-5839 or visit claudialeonardinteriors.com.

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Photography by Kelly Parrish