Sartorial style was the gateway to cultivating my admiration for design. I’ve become inherently interested in, more than, just what I was wearing, and visual and physical tactility have become the focal point of my world. It’s rooted in my everyday life, whether it’s something I wear or an exceptional cocktail enjoyed at my favorite local stomping ground, The Post House Inn. I am the type of person who is stimulated and inspired by my environment and every detail that creates it, brings this passion, attention to detail and storytelling into the spaces I design.
– Emily Sanford, Founder
Sanford Collective | Interior Design Studio
Sanford Collective Interiors is a Charleston-based design studio founded in 2021 by principal designer Emily Sanford. We specialize in bespoke residential projects—new builds, renovations, and full-home furnishing—offering clients a thoughtful, start-to-finish experience.
Our work blends timeless design with a respect for place, influenced by the character of Charleston and the Lowcountry—embracing patina and celebrating the rich layers that stand the test of time. Emily brings a layered perspective to every project, embracing color, texture, and pattern in ways that feel natural and enduring. With each project—whether a ground-up build, a renovation, or a single-room refresh—her collaborative process ensures every home feels true to the people who live there.
Our services include construction and remodel collaboration, renovation design, alongside furnishing and decoration. With a comprehensive, full-service approach, we work closely with architects, contractors, and artisans to bring every detail together seamlessly. Favoring timelessness over trends, we craft homes that are lasting, livable, and deeply personal. Emily’s work is driven by the pursuit of that near-elusive, intangible feeling of home— a sense of belonging that can’t quite be named, but is instantly felt.
Emily lives in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant with her husband, their two young children, and their dog. Outside of design, she enjoys gardening, antiquing, taking in the beauty of the Lowcountry, and playing Mahjong—pursuits that, much like her interiors, celebrate history, connection, and a sense of place.