The Starlight Motor Inn: A Mid-mod Lovers Dream
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Tour the 1960s renovated motel offering unconventional spaces in the Charleston events scene

In the heart of North Charleston, SC - The Starlight Motor Inn has been a landmark in the neighborhood for over 60 years. Originally built in 1961, the midcentury motel was lovingly restored and reimagined as a 50 room oasis that welcomes visitors and locals alike to stay, swim, dine, drink and host events.
The Starlight's unique event venues feature an outdoor pool with a bar and courtyard, the intimate Burgundy Lounge cocktail bar, and the newly restored al fresco spot they call the 'The Crabshack.' We recently outfitted some of their event spaces with our signature bold and eclectic design style - keep scrolling to take a tour and get inspired!

Cocktails In The Courtyard
The lush courtyard adjacent to the outdoor pool is the perfect cocktail lounge spot with its cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to unwind and socialize. We dressed this vibrant outdoor space with our distinctive color-infused style - incorporating fresh citrus hues, zesty lemon yellows, lively lime greens, and juicy orange tones. Using a cheerful, sun-kissed color palette really helped brighten and bring warmth to the space.
The floral arrangements by Roadside Blooms harmonized beautifully with the design pairing playful sculptural stems with soft, romantic blooms and fresh fruit woven throughout.


Incorporating fresh citrus hues, like zesty lemon yellows, lively lime greens, and juicy orange tones infused warmth and cheerfulness into the space.
We used color block stripes in various patterns to add a playful touch, ensuring the design was visually stimulating without overwhelming the senses. As a nod to the property's mid-century appeal, we chose sleek mid-mod furnishings in vibrant colors, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.
The Cilantro Pagoda Umbrellas were a must-have addition here! The umbrellas not only provide guests with shade but also serve as a focal point for the overall design. Their unique silhouette and vibrant pattern introduce an element of interest, drawing the eye upward.


Featured Rentals: Cilantro Pagoda Umbrellas, Apollo 10' Bar, Sand Dune Wicker Lamps, French Kiss Sofa, Martini Accent Chairs, Cogsworth Coffee Table, Wailin' Side Tables, Assorted Pillows, Vintage Books, Assorted Colored Glass Vessels
Iconic Poolside Hangs
The fully restored pool area, featuring its iconic checkerboard deck, is nestled under palm trees and framed by classic midcentury architecture and design. The pool, along with the nearby cocktail lounge and verdant green spaces, is available to hotel guests or can be booked for private parties, weddings, or themed events.





Featuring its iconic checkerboard deck and flamingo floats, the outdoor pool is nestled under palm trees and framed by classic midcentury architecture and design.

Featured Rentals:
The 'Crabshack'
The Starlight recently announced the opening of a newly restored event space they've dubbed 'The Crabshack'. With plenty of room to dance, dine, and sip under the stars, this rustic al fresco venue is ideal for events ranging from rehearsal dinners to Lowcountry boils to intimate concerts.
We explored multiple layouts to showcase the space’s versatility, beginning with a cocktail-style design. A finely styled bar and centered lounge area grounded the room, while perimeter cocktail tables create an easy flow—inviting guests to move, mingle, and lounge at their own pace.


Sleek, mid-century lounge pieces in deep, saturated hues—like our Gold Digger Sofa and Moondust Chairs—elevated the charmingly rustic space without feeling out of place. A jute checkered rug and rust-striped pillows introduced an easy, playful mix of pattern and texture.
Gild Florals brought the whole scene to life with arrangements tucked into the lounge and bar moments. Bold, sunset-hued blooms with playful textures added depth, color, and a little spark to every corner.


Featured Rentals: Gold Digger Sofas, Moondust Chairs, Jaipur Coffee Table, Satellite Accent Tables, Neutral Checker Rug, Rust Colorblock Pillows, Rollins Cocktail Tables
For the second design, we shifted into a more intimate, family-style dinner inside The Crabshack. Long farm tables, warm ambient lighting, and that golden-hour glow set the tone for a relaxed, communal evening. Just outside, the open field became a laid-back cocktail hour moment, with patterned linens, scattered cocktail tables, and a cozy lounge setup - creating a natural flow between gathering, dining, mingling and connection.




With plenty of room to dance, dine, and sip under the stars, 'The Crabshack' is the newly restored al fresco event space.




Featured Rentals:
Pine Farm Tables, Bentwood Dining Chair, Rust Table Runner, Manhattan Chairs, Coral Scalloped Umbrellas, Gossip Girl Lounge, Modern Relic Coffee Table, Green Pleated Lamp, Neutral Checker Rug, Fresh Floral Pillows, Le Creme Side Tables
"The Host of America"
Fun Fact: Recognized as the first modular-built motel in the South, The Starlight was conceived as an affordable and accessible destination for everyday Americans and was often called, "The Host of America." Decades later, the midcentury motel has maintained it's vintage charm and reimagined into a quirky destination for guests to gather.
Planning a celebration? We've teamed up with The Starlight to offer discounted rental packages to easily outfit their event spaces. Find out more information on how to host an event HERE!
Featured Vendors:
Cocktails In The Courtyard + Iconic Poolside Hangs:
Design + Furniture Rentals: The French Eclectic
Photography: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay Photography
Floral Design: Roadside Blooms
The 'Crabshack':
Planning & Design: Allie Cooper Callahan
Design + Furniture Rentals: The French Eclectic
Photography: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay Photography
Floral Design: Gild Florals
Linens: Stradley Davidson









































Comments