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

A cocktail lounge and bar area with midcentury modern furniture next to a pool at the Starlight Motor Inn in Charleston, SC. Vintage Event Furniture rentals from The French Eclectic

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.

Outdoor seating area with green and white umbrellas, pink sofa, green chairs, and orange accents. Lush greenery and flowers surround.

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.

Green chair with orange striped pillow on grass, beside a small table holding flowers and an orange. Background shows a building and a green umbrella.

Floral arrangement with orange and cream flowers, small yellow fruits, on a white cocktail bar. Green and white umbrella in the background.

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.

Aerial view of the Starlight Motor Inn pool with people lounging, pink floats in water, green palm trees, and checkered deck under red umbrellas. Sunny and vibrant.

Outdoor pool patio with wicker chairs, green plants, and a yellow-striped pillow on a tiled floor. A bright yellow umbrella provides shade. Event Rentals for private events in North Charleston, SC

Poolside view at Starlight Motor Inn, featuring a retro sign, yellow umbrellas, wicker chairs, and flowers from The French Eclectic event rentals. Sign reads "Everybody is a star."

Poolside seating area with wooden chairs and a yellow-striped cushion, set on a checkered patio surrounded by lush greenery and a yellow umbrella. Private event furniture rentals in Charleston, SC

Starlight Motor Inn sign with "Everybody is a star" text. Poolside with pink flamingo float, yellow umbrella, and palm trees. Sunny day. The French Eclectic black cocktail bar and lounge setup for private 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.

Behind the scenes photo of The French Eclectic design team at The Starlight Inn. Three people with inflatable pool toys stand poolside near a pink building. A palm tree and a maroon umbrella are in the background.

Featured Rentals:

Sundrop Umbrella, Onyx 10' Bar, Acacia Settee, Acacia Chairs, Hunter Accent Tables

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.

Cozy lounge with teal chairs, a wooden table with flowers, and disco balls above. Warm lighting and lush plants create a relaxed vibe. Event design and private event furnishings and decor from The French Eclectic event rentals.

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.

The Crabshack event space at The Starlight Motor Inn with event design and furniture event rentals from The French Eclectic. Cozy outdoor deck with teal and mustard chairs, table with flowers. Hanging lights and disco balls, lush green plants in background.

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.

The Crabshack event venue at The Starlight Motor Inn with intimate farm table style dining setup with cocktail bar. Design by The French Eclectic event rentals.

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

Floral tablecloths and pink umbrellas in an outdoor cocktail hour setting for a private event. A small vase with orange and pink flowers on the table. Warm lighting. Corporate and private event furniture and decor from The French Eclectic event rentals.

Cocktail hour event setup at The Crabshack event venue at the Starlight Inn. Floral tablecloths and pink umbrellas in an outdoor cocktail hour setting for a private event. Corporate and private event furniture and decor from The French Eclectic event rentals.

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