INTERIORS
Soul Surfing
An Idyllic Isle of Palms Retreat
Cathy Austin
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Peter Frank Edwards
WRITTEN BY
T
There is something indescribably
alluring about the atmosphere in
Charleston and its surrounding Lowcountry that has attracted creative and
adventurous spirits since 1670. It is no
wonder the English colonists decided
to settle in this spectacular seaside
locale nearly 350 years ago. The Historical Society describes Charleston,
“A Great City is like a tapestry—their
history, character and individuality are
the fabric from which they are woven.”
This tempting tapestry is precisely what
lured homeowner Alex Opoulos as well
as interior designer Cortney Bishop to
the Charleston area. Alex grew up in
Newport Beach, California, and moved
to Isle of Palms in 1994 to be closer
to his mother. Originally an Atlanta,
Georgia native, Cortney had moved
to Sullivan’s Island with her husband
in 2005 after graduating from the
University of Georgia’s School of Business. She had grown up spending her
summers at Kiawah Island and always
knew she would one day come back.
The client and designer met through
Alex’s wife, Monica, who shared the
same close circle of friends as Cortney.
The designer is best known for her
multilayered philosophy that combines
her love of art, fashion and interiors.
Eight-year-old Max ready to hit the beach in search of his next wave.
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