Paula Gillman & Co: Custom Kitchen and Bath Design in Charleston

Who Paula Gillman & Co is and what they do

Paula Gillman & Co is a Charleston-based kitchen and bath design firm that works with homeowners and builders on custom renovations and new construction. The studio handles the full design process—from initial consultation through material selection to final installation oversight—and specializes in high-end residential projects across the Lowcountry.

The firm works primarily on kitchens and bathrooms, the two rooms that typically drive renovation budgets and affect daily living most directly. Paula Gillman & Co takes on projects ranging from modest updates to complete gut renovations, and they work with both historic homes in Charleston's downtown and newer construction in surrounding areas.

Key Takeaways

• Paula Gillman & Co is a Charleston design studio focused on custom kitchen and bathroom projects for residential clients.
• The firm handles design consultation, material sourcing, and project management from start to finish.
• They work on both historic home renovations and new construction across the Charleston area and Lowcountry.
• You can reach them directly to discuss your project scope and get a sense of their design approach and pricing.

What to expect in a design consultation

A first conversation with Paula Gillman & Co typically starts with understanding what you want to change and why. They ask about how you use the space, what frustrates you about the current layout, and what your budget range is. This conversation shapes everything that follows, because a designer working on a $30,000 kitchen update makes different choices than one working on a $150,000 renovation.

After the initial consultation, the studio moves into the design phase. This usually involves site measurements, material samples, and multiple rounds of drawings or renderings so you can see options before anything is ordered or built. The goal is to land on a design that fits your home's character, your daily habits, and your budget—not to push you toward the most expensive option.

Kitchen design and renovation scope

Kitchen projects through Paula Gillman & Co can range from replacing cabinets and countertops while keeping the existing layout, to moving walls, relocating plumbing, and completely reconfiguring the space. The scope depends on what you want to achieve and what your home's structure allows.

Common kitchen work includes cabinet design or selection, countertop materials (quartz, granite, marble, butcher block), backsplash tile, flooring, lighting, and hardware. The firm also handles appliance selection and placement, which affects both function and the overall look of the finished kitchen. If your project involves moving a sink or stove, that requires coordination with plumbers and electricians, which Paula Gillman & Co manages as part of the project.

Bathroom design and renovation scope

Bathroom projects often focus on the shower or tub area, vanity design, flooring, and lighting. A bathroom renovation might involve replacing fixtures and tile, reconfiguring the layout to add a second vanity or enlarge the shower, or updating finishes while keeping the footprint the same.

Paula Gillman & Co works with tile selections, fixture finishes, mirror and lighting choices, and storage solutions. Bathrooms in older Charleston homes sometimes need plumbing or structural updates to support modern fixtures, and the studio coordinates those conversations with contractors and inspectors. Guest baths, master baths, and powder rooms each have different priorities, and the design reflects how the space will actually be used.

Working with historic homes in Charleston

Charleston's historic district and surrounding neighborhoods contain homes built in the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s. Renovating kitchens and bathrooms in these homes requires balancing modern function with the home's architectural character and, in some cases, with historic district guidelines.

Paula Gillman & Co has experience navigating these constraints. In a historic home, a kitchen might need to stay visually understated from the front of the house while being fully modern in the back, or a bathroom might need period-appropriate tile and fixtures even though the plumbing and electrical systems are entirely new. The firm knows which materials and styles read as appropriate to different eras and neighborhoods, which matters both for how the home looks and for resale value.

How to contact Paula Gillman & Co

You can reach Paula Gillman & Co through their Charleston office to discuss your project. Have a sense of your budget range and timeline before you call, and be ready to describe what you want to change and why. If you have photos of spaces you like—whether from magazines, websites, or other homes—bring those to the consultation.

The firm typically schedules an initial consultation to understand your project scope and see whether it's a good fit for their workload. From there, they can discuss next steps, design fees, and timeline. Many homeowners find it helpful to meet in person at their space so the designer can see the room, the light, and any structural or layout challenges firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to work with Paula Gillman & Co?

Costs vary widely depending on project scope, materials selected, and whether structural changes are needed. A kitchen or bathroom renovation can range from modest updates to high-end custom work. The studio discusses budget during the initial consultation so the design process stays aligned with what you want to spend.

How long does a typical kitchen or bathroom project take?

Timeline depends on project complexity and contractor availability. A straightforward bathroom update might take a few weeks; a full kitchen renovation with structural changes can take several months. Paula Gillman & Co provides a realistic timeline during the planning phase.

Do they work with builders on new construction?

Yes. Paula Gillman & Co works on both renovation projects and new construction homes, designing kitchens and bathrooms as part of the building process. This is often easier than renovation because there are fewer existing constraints.

Can they help if my home is in a historic district?

Yes. The firm has experience with Charleston's historic homes and understands the design and approval considerations that come with them. Bring any historic district guidelines or restrictions to your first consultation.

What if I'm not sure what I want yet?

That's normal. The initial consultation is designed to explore possibilities and understand your priorities. Bring photos of spaces you like, describe how you use your kitchen or bathroom, and let the designer ask questions. The design process helps clarify what will work best for your home and your life.