It’s hard to find modern design in Charleston, so when I stumbled upon Iola Modern in Park Circle I knew I hit the jackpot! Owner Steven Ortego has such a distinct eye for what’s hip, cool, and eye catching. He carries exclusive brands like Gus Modern, American Leather, Blue Dot, Alessi, Kartell and a mix of merchandise from furniture and home accents to unique gifts for him and her. Plus he has access to a dizzying array of wallpaper. His interior design background and grooming with Design Within Reach has given him insight to create a space that his clients will enjoy for years to come.
Velvet Blush Margot Chairs by Gus Modern $1,425, Copper modular storage unit by Kartell, Light by Fatboy, all from Iola Modern // Photo print by Anne Rhett
I really wanted blush velvet furniture in my renovated living space but I wasn’t sure if I could commit to a sectional. These 2 chairs by Gus Modern were the perfect compromise. The added bonus is that you can fit two people in each chair so we didn’t have to sacrifice space in our living room. They are both plush and firm at the same time, and you can just feel the quality when you sit down. Everyone thinks we’re crazy that we got such a light color with our active boys and pets, but don’t underestimate the power of Scotch Guard. It has worked miracles so far. I am in love with the color and I’m thankful my house full of boys love it too.
The rose gold Kartell storage unit is the perfect hiding place for the remote controls and xbox devices. Our living room use to be a cluttered mess and now we can stylishly hide and organize everything. Plus the color is divine. You can order many different colors through Iola including gold, silver, white, and red. You know you can’t go wrong when it’s Italian made.
Alessi is another Italian brand that Iola Modern carries, and their products vary from room diffusers, candles, doggie bowls to teapots. I’m a big tea drinker and I just love this modern tea pot. I have the room diffuser and spray by Alessi too and the scent is heavenly. This doggie bowl is designed so well because when you need to pick it up to wash it or fill it up with water you don’t have to bend down all the way, you can just pick it up by the bone.
I can’t wait to choose more of the right pieces for my house at Iola Modern. The beauty of shopping with Iola is that it’s local and someone can guide you to make all the right choices in person. It makes such a difference when you have insight and one on one experience when you’re shopping for furniture for your home.
