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Auto Mechanic Near James Island, SC

When was the last time you walked into a mechanic's shop and thought to yourself, "Wow, everyone here is so friendly! Their waiting room is nice too. I think I'll stay while they work on my car." The truth is, too many autobody shops in James Island, SC are dark, dingy, and dirty. To make matters worse, their staff are aloof and often don't know a thing about customer service.

At A+ Auto, our goal is to change the way people view Automotive Shops. When you visit our shop, we want you to walk in and feel like you are a part of our family. When you become our customer, we will work hard to ensure you never have a reason to look for a different mechanic in James Island, SC. We want to restore your trust in the automotive business and make certain you never feel cheated or are unsure about your vehicle's repairs.

As a full-service auto mechanic shop in James Island, SC, we do everything from routine maintenance like oil changes to major repairs involving engines and transmissions. We started off in 2004 as a Major Repair Auto Shop and barely made it through the 2008 recession. However, we persevered and came back strong in 2010 by adding more services and becoming a true full-service auto shop. Today, we have been at our location in North James Island, SC for more than 16 years, and we have no intention of going anywhere soon.

Unlike some auto repair shops in James Island, SC, we pride ourselves on A+ customer satisfaction and outstanding workmanship. We are so confident in our abilities that we back up our work with a four-year, 48K mile warranty - unheard of in our industry. When we say we're a one-stop-shop for ALL of your auto repair needs, we mean it!

Auto Service James Island, SC

Some of the most requested auto repair services we offer include:

  • General Maintenance and Repair
  • Transmission Repair
  • Air Conditioning Repair
  • Engine Repair
  • Electrical Repair
  • Alignment Services
  • Diagnostic Services

Why Choose A+ for Auto
Repair in James Island, SC?

Our loyal customers keep coming back to A+ Auto because we genuinely want to provide them with top-notch auto repairs and the most helpful customer service in the James Island, SC mechanic industry.

Why choose us, you ask?

We provide:

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The Best Warranty in the Biz

Our warranty covers your first 48 Months or 48,000 Miles

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The Best Car Mechanics in James Island, SC

Our auto body professionals are ASE certified technicians. In addition, our shop is certified as Nationwide Gold and a NAPA Auto Care Center.

The Best Perks

We're talking FREE shuttle rides, same-day service on most repairs, quality work approved by you, and no surprise charges. Our business model is simple: give our customers the highest quality work with the most helpful customer service. No if's, and's, or but's.

As a family-owned and operated auto mechanic shop in James Island, SC, we are proud to serve the Lowcountry. After all, you're our neighbors, and neighbors have to look out for one another. Swing by our shop to see the A+ Auto difference. We think you will like what you see!

General Automobile
Maintenance and Repair
in James Island, SC

You have spent thousands of dollars on your vehicle. Doesn't it make sense, then, to take care of your investment? General maintenance and repair services like oil changes and tire rotations are crucial for maintaining the life of your car or truck. Perhaps more importantly, routine service can help ensure your safety systems are fully functional. When your car is up-to-date on maintenance, you have peace of mind knowing your friends and family are safe.

A few reasons you should bring your car or truck in for regular maintenance include:

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 Automotive Shop James Island, SC
Extend Your Vehicle's Life

Extend Your Vehicle's Life

With regular maintenance, you can keep your vehicle in good shape year-round. By keeping a regular maintenance schedule, you can prevent breakdowns and reduce wear and tear that can reduce the life of your vehicle. By giving your car or truck the attention it needs, you can get the most out of your vehicle and keep it in good shape well past the 100k mile mark.

Better Safety

Better Safety

Few situations are as sketchy as your vehicle breaking down on a road or highway, especially at night. Regular maintenance can help reduce the probability of getting stranded. Plus, your car will be in better working condition year-round.

Fewer Repairs Needed

Fewer Repairs Needed

When you have the A+ team perform preventative maintenance on your vehicle, you're staying ahead of the repair game. Wait too long to have your car's oil changed, or its engine checked, and you might need emergency auto repair. These problems often happen at the worst times and cost a lot of money. When you keep your vehicle maintained, you can reduce repairs and their cost.

Common maintenance and repair jobs include:

  • Oil Change
  • Brakes
  • Tune-ups
  • Water pumps
  • Radiators
  • Belts & Hoses
  • Fluid Services
  • Suspension
  • Chassis

All services performed by A+ Auto Service will be backed by our Industry Leading 4 Year/ 48,000 Mile Parts and Labor Warranty.

Electrical Maintenance and
Repair in James Island, SC

Every day, we hop in our cars, crank the ignition, and make our way to whatever destination we're headed to. Most vehicle owners do this without a second thought, but have you ever taken a moment to think about your car's electrical components?

Your vehicle's electric system not only starts your car - it makes your radio, dashboard, and headlights functional. Today, most cars have complex electrical components that are responsible for on-road safety systems and all-wheel drive mechanics.

At A+ Auto, we perform a variety of electrical maintenance work in James Island, SC, from simple battery replacements to comprehensive re-wiring. Our team of skilled electrical technicians will dial down to the root cause of your issues and provide you with a detailed explanation of what's going on with your car. Once we understand your car's electrical issues, we get to work on solving the problem at a price you can afford.

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Some common automobile electrical problems we solve include:

  • Dead Batteries
  • Bad Alternators
  • Bad Battery Cables
  • Blown Electrical Fuses
  • Bad Starter

Engine Repair in James Island, SC

When it comes to your car or truck, maintaining your engine is arguably the most important task you can take. That's because the engine is like the heart of your vehicle. Without a properly functioning engine, you can't drive anywhere. One of the most common signs that your engine needs service is an oil leak. If you notice a leak, we advise you to bring your vehicle to our experienced mechanic in James Island, SC, immediately. Driving a vehicle with a leak can cause more damage, which in the end, could cause engine failure and result in very expensive repairs.

Some common engine maintenance services we offer include:

  • Air and Fuel Filter Replacement
  • Spark Plug Replacement
  • Spark Plug Wiring Inspection
  • Throttle Body Services
  • Much More

At A+ Auto Service, we don't stop with routine engine maintenance. Our highly-skilled engine repair technicians can completely rebuild or replace your faulty engine at a price you can afford. If your "check engine" light comes on, don't ignore it - bring it in to our shop before the problem gets worse.

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 Auto Mechanic James Island, SC

Transmission Repair
in James Island, SC

If your engine is the heart of your car or truck, consider your transmission its circulatory system. Problems with your vehicle's transmission are just as "mission-critical" as those with your engine. Fortunately, with regular maintenance checks and our transmission repair services, your vehicle is in good hands. However, waiting too long to have your transmission serviced can lead to a domino effect of issues. Those problems will be costly and may render your vehicle inoperable.

A few warning signs you may need transmission repair include:

  • Slipping Gears
  • Burning Smell
  • Leaking Fluid
  • Humming or Clunking Sounds
  • Unresponsive Gear Shifts

From minor maintenance services like transmission fluid changes to full transmission rebuilds, we have the tools and trained technicians to handle the job.

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 Repair Auto Shop James Island, SC

Air Conditioning Repair
in James Island, SC

There are some things in the south that you must have. When it comes to your automobile, you can include air conditioning on that list. In James Island, SC, the weather doesn't just get hot - it gets really hot, with a lot of humidity. Keeping your A/C maintained helps prevent serious situations where your A/C goes out when you need it the most. Of course, air conditioning isn't just reserved for hot days in the Lowcountry - your car's A/C plays an important role in the winter as well, like defrosting your windows. If you notice strange smells, leaks, or no air conditioning at all, it's time to bring your vehicle to our A/C mechanic in James Island, SC.

At A+ Auto, we service a wide variety of A/C issues, including:

  • Damaged or Failed Compressor
  • A/C System Leaks
  • Clutch Issues
  • Low Refrigerant Levels
  • Filter Problems
  • Broken Belts
  • Broken Blower Motor
  • Cross Contamination
  • A/C Control Head Malfunctions
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 Auto Maintenance James Island, SC

Vehicle Wheel Alignment in
James Island, SC

Do you really need to have your wheels aligned when you bring your vehicle in for service? Yes, absolutely. A proper wheel alignment ensures your tires meet the road at the right angle, point straight when they need to, and remain centered in your wheel wells. When your wheels are out of alignment, your gas mileage and ride comfort suffer.

Common signs of misalignment include:

  • Car Pulling to Right or Left
  • Rapid Tire Wear
  • Uneven Tire Wear
  • Noisy Steering
  • Squealing Tires

Not only can alignment issues cause driving to be uncomfortable, but it can also cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. To avoid uneven tire wear and costly repairs, we suggest getting your vehicle alignment checked, which is FREE at A+ Auto.

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 Auto Repair Shop James Island, SC

Tires & Brakes in James Island, SC

Few situations are scarier than driving when the brakes go out. Your vehicle's brakes are its most vital safety system. They give you the ability to stop or slow down, so you can avoid serious car accidents and pedestrians in the roadway. Having good brakes can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is so important that you keep them well maintained. If your brakes are getting worse and worse, it might be time to replace them.

The same goes for your tires - another vital part of your vehicle's makeup. When your tires are worn, you're putting yourself and your family at risk when you drive with them. Tires with worn-out tread won't function properly in adverse conditions, like when you drive through deep standing water on the highway.

A+ Auto Service is a Certified Hercules, General & Continental Tire Dealer. A lot goes into finding the right tire, whether you need basic all-season tires or real-deal off-road rubber. If you don't know where to start on your search for new tires, one of our auto mechanics in James Island, SC would be happy to help.

When you visit our shop for routine maintenance or new tires in James Island, SC, be sure to have your brakes inspected while you wait. The last thing you want to do is drive off our lot with brakes that won't stop you.

Some common warning signs that you need brake repair includes:

  • Grinding Noises When Stopping
  • Spongy-Feeling Brake Pedals
  • Shaking Steering Column
  • Squealing and Squeaking Sounds When Stopping
  • Wobbling or Vibration at Highway Speeds
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 Auto Body Shop James Island, SC

Welcome to the A+ Auto
Family

When you trust us with your vehicle, know that we take that trust very seriously. Unlike some of our competitors, we like to treat our customers like family. And when you're like family, you can rest easy knowing your car or truck is in capable hands. Whether you need a simple oil change or a new engine install, we're here for you every step of the way.

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 Car Shop James Island, SC

Latest News in James Island, SC

Construction will soon start on project that could alleviate traffic for Johns Island and West Ashley

Charleston County is set to begin construction on a project that will alleviate traffic for West Ashley and Johns Island residents, officials told residents at the first quarterly update meeting for the road improvements March 13.The project encompasses a number of improvements to help with traffic including construction of flyovers at the intersection of Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an interchange at Main Road and Highway 17 for drivers who want to avoid the intersection, a bridge over CSX Railroad, a roundabout at the intersection...

Charleston County is set to begin construction on a project that will alleviate traffic for West Ashley and Johns Island residents, officials told residents at the first quarterly update meeting for the road improvements March 13.

The project encompasses a number of improvements to help with traffic including construction of flyovers at the intersection of Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an interchange at Main Road and Highway 17 for drivers who want to avoid the intersection, a bridge over CSX Railroad, a roundabout at the intersection of Main, Chisholm and River roads, and a widening of Main Road from River and Chisholm roads to the interchange ramps.

The improvements were originally part of a bigger project for Main Road, from Bees Ferry Road to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. The project was then split into three segments, with this segment first estimated to cost $130 million in 2020.

This now $354 million project — the largest infrastructure project in Charleston County history — is funded by the 2016 half-cent transportation sales tax.

Herb Nimz, county project manager, said during the county's quarterly project meeting on March 13 that they're still in the permitting process, but have worked on securing right-of-way acquisition. They're also currently doing test piles, or assessing the strength and stability of the columns that will support the interchange and flyovers. Plans are in the works to relocate utilities, like Charleston Water System and Dominion Energy, before construction starts in May, he said.

Most of the road work on Main Road and Highway 17 will take place at night, but residents should still expect some backup during construction, Nimz said.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better," Nimz said.

Residents in West Ashley and on Johns Island who live around the roads slated for changes have mixed feelings.

Jacob Andrew, a Johns Island resident, said he's excited about how the road project will help with traffic.

"It’s going to work," he said. "They could get it 50 percent right, and it would be better than the way it is now."

However, he worries about how traffic volume will only continue to increase around where he lives off Main Road as more people continue to move to the Lowcountry.

Census data shows the population of Johns Island's specifically surged from roughly 15,100 people in 2010 to almost 22,900 in 2021. More than 25,000 people are estimated to live on the island today.

The county will most likely be back to the drawing board in 10 years to come up with another solution, Andrew said.

Andrew is also unhappy the county cut plans for a bike and pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Limehouse Bridge that was previously included in the project. Nimz said he's met with the state Department of Transportation and is working to add at least a sidewalk to the bridge.

West Ashley resident Jamie Jacobs is looking forward to the changes, but worries congestion may remain as Main Road and Highway 17 are highly trafficked roads for people coming from West Ashley, Ravenel and Johns Island.

Ultimately, she said if the flyovers and interchange allow for commuters to no longer wait at the red light at the intersection of Main Road and Highway 17 for an hour, residents will be much happier.

Officials expect the project to be complete late September 2028.

$5.8M Johns Island flood relief project underway

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Construction is underway for a $5.8 million project on Johns Island.The Barberry Woods Restoration Project aims to reduce flooding in Barberry Woods and The Cottages.Flooding often blocks the single entryway in the Barberry Woods cutting off emergency services.“That road into the community can be closed for almost a week. We need to have an access point into the neighborhood. We need the residents to be able to get out, we need emergency services to be able to get in,” City of Char...

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Construction is underway for a $5.8 million project on Johns Island.

The Barberry Woods Restoration Project aims to reduce flooding in Barberry Woods and The Cottages.

Flooding often blocks the single entryway in the Barberry Woods cutting off emergency services.

“That road into the community can be closed for almost a week. We need to have an access point into the neighborhood. We need the residents to be able to get out, we need emergency services to be able to get in,” City of Charleston Director of Stormwater Management Matthew Fountain said.

The project is expected to reduce flooding to less than eight hours during a 100-year storm event.

The City of Charleston estimates that 3,437 residents and 1,687 housing units will benefit from these stormwater improvements.

In a statement, Mayor William Cogswell said “Johns Island has long needed flooding relief in this area, and we’re grateful for SCOR’s partnership in making this project a reality. Once completed, it will significantly improve the quality of life for residents.”

$4.9M is funded by SCOR’s ARPA Stormwater Infrastructure Program. Director of Stormwater Management Matthew Fountain says part of the reason they got that funding was because it’s a green infrastructure project.

“Rather than taking the project, clearing all the trees and basically just building a big pond or something with large pipes and having a road on top of it that we can use for access or a pump station building, this goes back basically as a forest of wetlands,” Fountain said.

They’ll clear the property to dig out a lot of the land to build a low lying wetland area with a meandering stream through it.

The project will also include wetland storage cells, maintenance berms, a walkway and a bridge.

“Between trees and shrubs we’re planting more than 13 thousand individual planting over and then again we’ll preserve that in perpetuity so it will continue to expand out like you would see in any healthy ecological system over the years,” Fountain said.

Fountain said while they are in the tree clearing phase now, when it’s done, he thinks it will be a huge amenity for the community because of the walkway and greenspace it will provide.

Construction is estimated to take 10 months.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Charleston County leaders to give update on major Johns Island road project

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders are taking another step towards a major road project, and they want community members to be a part of it.The Main Road Segment A project is designed to improve areas of US-17 and Main Road. The goal is to improve congestion buildup and provide safer and more efficient travel for drivers in the area.Project leaders are currently analyzing the marsh area South of 17 and East of Main Road and pile testing to make sure that everything is ready for construction in the next few mont...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders are taking another step towards a major road project, and they want community members to be a part of it.

The Main Road Segment A project is designed to improve areas of US-17 and Main Road. The goal is to improve congestion buildup and provide safer and more efficient travel for drivers in the area.

Project leaders are currently analyzing the marsh area South of 17 and East of Main Road and pile testing to make sure that everything is ready for construction in the next few months.

Project leaders are currently working to obtain permitting and right of way acquisition. The right of way acquisition process is a huge part of this and could continue into the summer. They have submitted 60% of their design plans to the regulatory agencies necessary and are continuing to work with the railroads and local utility companies to get the actual construction started. Utility relocation will be one of the first steps of the construction process.

Herbert Nimz is the Engineering Division Manager for Charleston County Public Works. He says that they hope to get all permits and begin construction by this May. This is a four-year project that they expect to complete before 2029.

Charleston County awarded a $354,000,000 construction contract for this project in September, so they are now taking the final steps before work begins.

The main goals of this segment of the project are to improve congestion at the intersection of US-17 and Main Road. Nimz says that they also hope to increase the number of cars that can travel along Main Road and improve safety so drivers can easily and efficiently access commercial and residential properties.

In addition to the major road work, there are also some cyclist and pedestrian elements included, as well as planned stormwater drainage improvements.

Nimz says that this project was necessary, as this is a constantly congested area.

“Anyone that’s driven on 17 turning onto Johns Island obviously has been stuck in that congestion. It does not matter what time of day,” he says. “It’s a very popular project as far as public input, but this is one of two ways on and off of Johns Island. It’s especially important during emergency evacuations. And it’s also necessary for people trying to get from Johns Island into Charleston. So we’re really excited.”

Nimz believes the completion of this project will provide a great benefit to all community members in the area. He says it will affect both motorized and non-motorized road users in a very positive way.

“I think people will not only be driving in a less congested area, but there is a multi-use path component. So, it’s a multimodal project,” he says. “It’s connecting Bees Ferry to the West Ashley Greenway. I think that brings a lot of benefit to the community just to get out and about, but primarily it’s a reduction in traffic congestion.”

Charleston County leaders will host quarterly public meetings on this project to be as transparent as possible with the community. The first quarterly public meeting is set to take place Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s High School, located at 1518 Main Road on Johns Island.

At this meeting, they will provide the latest updates on the project. Nimz says they want to share all of the behind scenes work that they have been doing, as well as provide community members the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the project. Nimz says he understands that it may not look like they have done much yet, and they have received a lot of questions from community members about the project, but he wants to reassure everyone that they have done a lot of work that cannot be seen. He hopes at this meeting he can inform the public on all the behind the scenes work that has been done and provide some reassurance that this project is a priority.

Click here for more information about the Main Road Segment A project.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

This Lowcountry farm has been operating for 300 years. It's one of the oldest in South Carolina.

JOHNS ISLAND — The most popular person with the animals at Legare Farms is the one with the food.On a cold and blustery March morning, Linda Legare-Berry is the day's star as she walks to a shed near the enclosure where the cows, donkeys, goats and pigs are. With part of the enclosure open, allowing the animals to wander, two Sicilian donkeys, Aurora and Coco, follow her into the shed as she gathers the stock feed pellets.Legare-Berry shoos the donkeys...

JOHNS ISLAND — The most popular person with the animals at Legare Farms is the one with the food.

On a cold and blustery March morning, Linda Legare-Berry is the day's star as she walks to a shed near the enclosure where the cows, donkeys, goats and pigs are. With part of the enclosure open, allowing the animals to wander, two Sicilian donkeys, Aurora and Coco, follow her into the shed as she gathers the stock feed pellets.

Legare-Berry shoos the donkeys away so she can close the door behind her. But Aurora and Coco wait and then follow her while she feeds the animals by hand, and almost fighting with the cows after the last of the pellets gets dumped on the ground.

Some animals have a particular taste for other morsels beyond stock feed, Legare-Berry notes.

"Coco loves marshmallows," she said as she fed the donkey.

Legare-Berry is the ninth generation of her family to work on Legare Farms, which is celebrating 300 years of operations this year. The 300-acre property is one of the oldest farms in South Carolina.

The farm, located down a long dirt drive off River Road south of the county airport, celebrated its historical milestone with a Heritage Day on March 8. The event included hayrides, antique tractors and a corn cannon. They also did demonstrations of activities that once took place on the farm, like indigo dyeing and candle makingree. There also were reenactments of the American Revolution and Civil War, both of which Legare family members fought in.

One of three siblings that runs the farm today, Legare-Berry has spent the last seven years working on a book that details its history, starting with Solomon Legare, a silver and goldsmith who immigrated from France in the late 17th century.

Legare-Berry said she worries if the history isn't written down, it will be lost to time. She hopes it will help her children and grandchildren learn the farm's past and continue running it for another 300 years.

History of cash crops and versatility

Solomon Legare bought property on Johns Island in 1725, which marked the beginning of Legare Farms. The first couple generations of Legares grew rice and indigo, Legare-Berry said. The fourth generation started growing Sea Island cotton, completing the big-three of cash crops grown on Southern plantations.

Legare-Berry said the farm did use slave labor.

"I don’t think there would be any farms anywhere in the Lowcountry that didn’t," she said. But other than one will from Thomas Legare in 1842, Legare-Berry said she hasn't been able to find other wills that mention any enslaved people by name.

She's found more information about enslaved people from records of the Johns Island Presbyterian Church, where both the Legare family as well as the enslaved laborers attended.

After the Revolutionary War, the farm stopped growing indigo. It stopped harvesting Sea Island cotton after World War I. In the 1920s, the family started growing cabbage and potatoes, Legare-Berry said. Over time they switched to grain, watermelons and cantaloupes, and started raising animals like cows and sheep.

Now, the Legares plant a variety of vegetables, like collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and squash.

Legare-Berry said the farm has continued to work for three centuries, in part, because of its versatility.

"So many of the other farmers that we've known had one niche that they were in, and when it failed for whatever reason, they couldn’t keep going," Legare-Berry said. "Our family has apparently always been very adaptable and willing to change with the times."

Wayne O’Bryant, historian at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture in Aiken, said it's impressive for Legare Farms to remain within the family for 300 years. There are several historic properties that are no longer owned by the families they're named after, like the William Aiken House on King Street, he said.

"It's not like it's the only case, but there's not a lot of cases of people holding on to (property) from the 1700s to the present," O’Bryant said. "It's relatively rare."

Many plantations are now designated historic sites and ownership has changed to a historic society or a municipality so it could be run as a tourist destination, O’Bryant said. What makes Legare Farms interesting is that it remains an operational farm and that's how the Legares make money, he said.

Legare-Berry said it can be a difficult responsibility to keep the farm going through tough times. But she's grateful the family has a beautiful piece of property on the Stono River and has the opportunity to bring kids out to the farm to teach them more about agriculture.

"When I was a teenager, I couldn't wait to get away," Legare-Berry said. "You couldn’t drag me away now."

Looking back, she said she realizes she had an idyllic childhood being raised on the farm. While she didn't enjoy having to work growing up, she now appreciates the work ethic she developed.

See How Designer Laura Jenkins Turned Around A Family's 1930 Lowcountry Home

Second time's the charm!When Lauren Fogelgren landed an unexpected job opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina, she and her husband jumped at the chance to move from Atlanta to the coast. "We've always been drawn to Charleston and wanted to be near the water but also felt like it would be a great place for our then 2-year-old ch...

Second time's the charm!

When Lauren Fogelgren landed an unexpected job opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina, she and her husband jumped at the chance to move from Atlanta to the coast. "We've always been drawn to Charleston and wanted to be near the water but also felt like it would be a great place for our then 2-year-old child to grow up," says Fogelgren. After seeing this classic Colonial-style house in a quiet pocket of James Island, just a street over from rows of live oaks, the couple knew it was the one. "It felt like a family home," says Fogelgren. "I immediately loved how it had formal rooms but all of the spaces still felt connected. It was warm and welcoming." They also knew it needed a lot of TLC, especially when it came to updating the tight kitchen and baths.

Choosing a designer to tackle the renovation was easy. Before the move, they had been working with Laura Jenkins to reimagine their Atlanta bungalow. Halting progress there, the pair brought the Georgia designer along for the Lowcountry turnaround. "This is the third home we’ve lived in that was built in 1930, so I guess we have a thing for old houses," says Fogelgren.

The trio began inside, tweaking the floor plan and reconfiguring the furniture layout to make the most of the three-bedroom home’s 2,322 square feet. Outside, they leaned into the facade’s traditional style, framing the entry with wisteria and splashing the front door with Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster (No. 231). "Walking through downtown Charleston, there is so much inspiration and color," explains Fogelgren. "Since it’s a very black-and-white house, we wanted to brighten it and add some cheer." Here’s how the young couple, with Jenkins as their guide, infused the historic home with a comfortable, English-influenced blend of old and new.

Treat Your House Like a Blank Canvas

"The simple, muted palette of the home allows all the added layers to shine," says Jenkins of the entry, where the warmth of the original hardwood floors is balanced with a coat of Farrow &Ball’s French Gray (No. 18) on the trim and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) on the walls. Up the staircase, an ever-changing gallery wall introduces color and character. "These are mostly Charleston artists," says Fogelgren. “I’ve found a lot of vintage artwork and local pieces over the past few years.”

Let the Light in

The existing dark and closed off kitchen was far from inviting, so they doubled its size by combining the original space with the adjacent mudroom. "We have always had old houses that were very compartmentalized, so it made the biggest difference to open up the kitchen," says Fogelgren. To balance the newness, they found inspiration in English farmhouses. "We designed it with materials that will age with the home so it feels like it could have been here all along," says Jenkins.

Take a Moody Approach

A closet turned butler’s pantry, painted Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue (No. 289), brings a little drama to the otherwise light color scheme.

PHOTO:

Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli

PHOTO:

Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli

Go With the Flow

Because the couple loves to host, an area for carefree mingling with plenty of seating was essential. "We spend a lot of time out here, and with the indoor-outdoor flow, we always feel connected," says Fogelgren of the back patio, which is linked to the kitchen via bifold windows. While the covered porch and pool were existing, the bar setup is new. "It was previously just a plain wall of white siding asking for an upgrade," she remembers, so they added an awning to break it up and soften the look. "I’ve always loved Italian-esque stripes, and I feel like the classic black and white really brought it together."

PHOTO:

Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli

PHOTO:

Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli

Strike a Balance

The family of four wanted a comfortable, fuss-free area to gather. A sofa with room to sprawl out was their first purchase. "It’s become the space where we spend the most time," says the homeowner, whose grand-mother’s end table and antique coffee table tie it all together.

For a laid-back dining area that is equal parts fresh and timeless, Jenkins chose high-quality, casual pieces like a Knoll Saarinen table, a Serena & Lily light fixture, and a simplified take on wishbone chairs.

Make Smart Trade-Offs

Although square footage was limited, the couple was set on a king-size bed (Serena & Lily’s Webster), so they made other space-saving choices, forgoing side tables that were large enough to fit lamps in favor of smaller ones and swing-arm sconces. Art and textiles layer personality into the white room. "It’s very relaxing and gives us everything we need," says Fogelgren.

Add a Modern Touch

In the primary bath, the trio borrowed ideas from their Atlanta renovation, using finish selections and millwork designs by Hancock Surface Studio to turn a pint-size bath and walk-in closet into a spacious one with floor-to-ceiling cane wardrobes. To emphasize its abundant natural light, Jenkins filled the spot with tones and textures that nod to nature: Heath Ceramics Ogawa Green tile, white oak cabinets, and a linen Roman shade in Jennifer Shorto’s Oranges & Leaves. "For a contemporary take on traditional, we added a fluted-front bead detail to the cabinets, which are paired with a chunky Calacatta gold marble vanity," she says.

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