The winners and runners-up in our 18th annual readers’ choice survey of local home experts.
With more than 150 winners and runners-up, our 18th annual readers’ choice survey celebrates our area’s talented design community. Whether you want to replace your wallpaper, install a custom closet, or even buy a whole new home, these are the local experts in Savannah and the Lowcountry who can get the job done best.
How the list works: The Best of Savannah HOMES honorees were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per voter was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address were disqualified. Savannah magazine does not control how honorees campaigned.
BEST ANTIQUE FURNITURE STORE
Winner: Jere’s Antiques, jeresantiques.com
Runner-up: Seventh Heaven Antiques, antiquesinsavannah.com
BEST ANTIQUE MALL
Winner: Tapley’s Mercantile & Antiques, tapleysmercantile.com
Runner-up: Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market, pickerjoes.com
BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX
Winner: Merritt at Whitemarsh, themerritt.org
Runner-up: The Ellis, theellissavannah.com
BEST APPLIANCE STORE
Winner: Livingood’s Appliances and Bedding, livingoodsonline.com
Runner-up: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, ferguson.com
BEST ARCHITECTURE FIRM
Winner: Lynch Associates Architects, lyncharch.com
Runner-up: Hansen Architects, hansensavannah.com
BEST ASSISTED-LIVING/RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Winner: The Marshes of Skidaway Island, marshesofskidaway.org
Runner-up: Thrive on Skidaway, thrivesl.com/skidaway
BEST BATH DESIGN COMPANY
Winner: Jamestown Designer Kitchens, jamestownkitchens.com
Runner-up: Custom Cabinets, custom-cabinets.net
BEST BATH SUPPLY COMPANY
Winner: Sandpiper Supply, sandpipersav.com
Runner-up: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, ferguson.com
BEST BLINDS/SHUTTERS COMPANY
Winner: Savannah Blinds, Shutters and Shades, savannahblinds.com
Runner-up: Budget Blinds of Savannah, budgetblinds.com/savannah
Coastal Sash and Door
Winner, Best Door Retailer
Winner, Best Window Retailer
When choosing windows and doors, functionality is as important as appearance. Coastal Sash and Door co-owners Toby Tift and Brent Goodman have built their business on helping homeowners make decisions with confidence. “Building in Savannah and elsewhere along the coast requires using products that meet strict codes [regarding] impact performance, design pressure, and energy ratings,” Tift explains. Those requirements apply not only to new construction but also to remodels.
To meet those demands, Coastal Sash and Door offers a comprehensive line of Marvin windows and doors, along with specialty wood and steel products that complement Marvin’s performance standards. The focus is on pairing coastal durability with charming design.
What distinguishes this business is its dedicated focus. “We are strictly a window and door company,” Tift states. He recognizes that this specialization enables the team to master their craft and become experts on their products. By collaborating closely with homeowners, contractors, and designers, Coastal Sash and Door serves as a trusted guide on this specific — and highly important — aspect of any home building and renovation project.
BEST CABINET MAKER
Winner (tie): Custom Cabinets, custom-cabinets.net; AWD of Savannah, awdsavannah.com
Runner-up: Crawford Norris Custom Cabinets, crawfordnorriscustomcabinets.com
BEST CARPET CLEANING SERVICE
Winner: Culver Rug Co., culverrug.com
Runner-up: Treat Your Feet Carpet Cleaners, treatyourfeetcarpetcleaners.com
BEST CARPETING COMPANY
Winner: Culver Rug Co., culverrug.com
Runner-up: Eckard’s Flooring Design Center, eckardssavannah.com
BEST CHIMNEY SWEEP
Winner: T.D. Anderson LLC Chimney Sweeps & Gas Log Specialists, gaslogspecialties.com
Runner-up: The Chimney Guy, 912.786.6010
BEST CLOSET COMPANY
Winner: Closets by Design — Coastal South Carolina, coastalsouthcarolina.closetsbydesign.com
Runner-up: Closet & Cabinet Experts, closetspecialist.com
BEST CONCRETE COMPANY
Winner: Waters Construction and Concrete, watersconstructionandconcrete.com
Runner-up: Thomas Concrete, thomasconcrete.com
BEST COUNTERTOP COMPANY
Winner: Counter Fitters, counterfitterssav.com
Runner-up: MultiStone, multistoneinc.com
BEST CUSTOM ART FRAMING COMPANY
Winner: Friedman’s Framing, friedmansframing.com
Runner-up: Savannah Framing Co., savannahframing.com
BEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Winner: Alair Homes Savannah, alairsavannah.com
Runner-up: Brooks Construction Group, brooksconstruct.com
BEST DOOR RETAILER
Winner: Coastal Sash & Door, coastalsashanddoor.com
Runner-up: Guerry Lumber Millwork, guerrylumber.com
BEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Winner: Braddy Electric, braddyelectricco.com
Runner-up: Rushing Electric, rushingelectric.com
Ezelle Strong Team/Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty
Winner, Best Real Estate Team
In Savannah’s competitive real estate market, preparation is key. According to Carolyn Ezelle of the Ezelle Strong Team at Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, the homes that will stand out in 2026 are the ones that hit the market fully ready. According to Ezelle, completing needed repairs, deep cleaning, decluttering rooms and closets, and ensuring exteriors are immaculate with pressure washing, manicured landscaping, and colorful flowers can make all the difference. “Attention to these details creates a strong first impression and positions the home for the best possible offers,” she says.
If you’ve ever bought or sold a property in the Hostess City, you know our market has unique challenges, from limited inventory to historic homes that may require updates before listing. The Ezelle Strong Team, which also includes Lavinia Strong, works to ease that pressure by managing the behind-the-scenes moving parts, including staging, inspections, repairs, and move-out logistics. The goal, Ezelle says, is for clients to feel confident and supported at every stage.
With 21 years of proven results, the team’s strength lies in collaboration and consistency. “Clients trust us because they know we’re present, responsive, and committed to protecting their best interests,” Ezelle says, an approach that continues to set them apart in Savannah’s evolving market.
BEST FABRIC COMPANY
Winner: Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric & More, facebook.com/SherrysHoneyPotFabric
Runner-up: Culver Rug Co., culverrug.com
BEST FENCING COMPANY
Winner: JDH Decks and Fences, jdhdecksandfences.com
Runner-up: Savannah Fence Co., savannahfencingcompany.com
BEST FURNITURE STORE — NEW
Winner: Whelan’s Home, whelanshome.com
Runner-up: One Fish Two Fish, onefishstore.com
BEST FURNITURE STORE — OUTDOOR
Winner: Broad Street Interiors, broadstreetinteriorssav.com
Runner-up: Courtyard Lifestyle, courtyardlifestyle.com
BEST FURNITURE STORE — USED
Winner: Clutter Furnishings & Interiors, cluttersav.com
Runner-up: Savannah Furniture Consignment, savannahfurnitureconsignment.com
BEST GARAGE DOOR COMPANY
Winner: Overhead Door Company of Savannah, overheaddoorofsavannah.com
Runner-up: Padgett Overhead Garage Doors, facebook.com/padgettgaragedoors
BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Winner: Alair Homes Savannah, alairsavannah.com
Runner-up: American Craftsman Renovations, americancraftsmanrenovations.com
BEST “GREEN” BUILDING COMPANY
Winner: Ellsworth Design · Build, ellsworthdesignbuild.com
Runner-up: Alair Homes Savannah, alairsavannah.com
BEST “GREEN” DESIGN COMPANY
Winner (tie): Ellsworth Design · Build, ellsworthdesignbuild.com; Felder & Associates, felderassociates.net
Runner-up: Greenline Architecture, greenlinearch.com
BEST HANDYMAN
Winner: Mr. Handyman of Greater Savannah and Hilton Head, mrhandyman.com/greater-savannah
Runner-up: Georgia Handyman Experts, georgiahandymanexperts.com
Jamestown Designer Kitchens
Winner, Best Kitchen Design Company
Winner, Best Bath Design Company
Kitchen design is entering a warmer, more personal era, and Jamestown Designer Kitchens is helping homeowners move confidently beyond the once-dominant all-white aesthetic. While owner Chrissy Kernodle says white kitchens will remain timeless, she’s seeing clients crave spaces that feel more lived-in and inviting. “After years of cool gray tones and stark black-and-white palettes, people are ready for warmth,” Kernodle explains. Richly stained wood cabinetry, textured tiles, gold hardware, and darker paint colors (such as saturated greens) are returning to style or emerging as new trends.
Founded in 2007, Jamestown Designer Kitchens remains a family-owned business with a strong hands-on approach. Kernodle credits the company’s success to a collaborative team that blends experienced designers, strong project management, and skilled craftsmen in the field. That full-circle process allows the firm to tackle complex layouts and custom cabinetry with confidence, ensuring kitchens are as functional as they are beautiful.
Their approach will be on full display in Jamestown’s new showroom, opening this summer at 8815 Waters Ave. Intended to feel comfortable and inspiring, the showroom will highlight the newest innovations in kitchen design. As Kernodle puts it, “We want it to be a place where clients feel at home while designing the space they’ve always imagined.”
BEST HARDWARE STORE
Winner: Islands Ace Hardware, acehardware.com/store-details/14407
Runner-up: Maycrest Hardware, maycresthardware.com
BEST HARDWOOD FLOORING COMPANY
Winner: Eckard’s Flooring Design Center, eckardssavannah.com
Runner-up: Culver Rug Co., culverrug.com
BEST HEATING/AC COMPANY
Winner: Canady’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, canadys.com
Runner-up: Byrd Heating & Air Conditioning, byrdheatingandair.com
BEST HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMPANY
Winner: Ellsworth Design · Build, ellsworthdesignbuild.com
Runner-up: Ethos Preservation, ethospreservation.com
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES STORE
Winner: One Fish Two Fish, onefishstore.com
Runner-up: Clutter Furnishings & Interiors, cluttersav.com
BEST HOME CLEANING SERVICE
Winner: Hubbard’s Maid Service, hubbardsmaidservice.com
Runner-up: Merry Maids of Savannah, merrymaids.com/savannah
BEST HOME INSPECTION COMPANY
Winner: Savannah Home Inspections, 912.272.6220
Runner-up: Sunbeam Home Inspections, sunbeamhomeinspection.com
BEST HOME INSURANCE AGENT
Matt Hall, Beach Insurance Group, beachinsgroup.com
Runner-up: Jeff Brady, Rountree Brady Insurance Agency, rountreebradyinsurance.com
BEST HOME INSURANCE AGENCY/COMPANY
Winner: State Farm, statefarm.com/agent/us/ga/savannah
Runner-up: Bernard Williams Insurance & Financial Services, thepoweroftheshield.com
BEST HOME SECURITY COMPANY
Winner: ADT Security Services, adt.com/local/ga/savannah
Runner-up: SafeTouch of Savannah, safetouchsavannah.com
BEST INTERIOR DECORATOR
Winner: Stephanie Kisgen, Coastal Staging & Design Co., coastalstagingco.com
Runner-up: Allison Willis, Linen + Line Designs, facebook.com/linenandline
Guerry Lumber and Guerry Lumber Millwork
Winner, Best Lumber Company (Guerry Lumber)
Winner, Best Millwork Company (Guerry Lumber Millwork)
Runner-up, Best Door Retailer (Guerry Lumber Millwork)
As Savannah continues to grow while preserving its architectural heritage, Guerry Lumber remains a steady presence behind many of the city’s most enduring homes. “We’re more than just a lumber yard,” says president Will Wheat. “It’s all about our Guerry Lumber family, quality products, and the customers we serve.” Approaching its 100th year in business and now under fifth-generation family leadership, the company has long played a role in both historic renovations and new construction across the area, especially in the Historic District.
Manufacturing has always been central to Guerry Lumber’s identity, and its custom millwork shop allows the team to recreate original details with precision. “We can match any original windows, doors, and molding — rebuilding them true to their character,” Wheat says, whether the concept comes from detailed plans or “a sketch on a napkin.”
For new builds and renovations, Guerry Lumber serves as a guide through an often overwhelming process. “Homeowners today are faced with endless options,” Wheat notes. By carefully selecting trusted vendors and prioritizing quality materials, the team helps customers make confident, informed decisions. For nearly a century, Guerry Lumber has continued the tradition of craftsmanship, supporting Savannah’s past while also helping to shape its future.
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
Winner: Curry & Co., currysalandi.com
Runner-up: Broad Street Interiors, broadstreetinteriorssav.com
BEST KITCHEN DESIGN COMPANY
Winner: Jamestown Designer Kitchens, jamestownkitchens.com
Runner-up: Kitchen Design Solutions, kitchendesignsolutions.com
BEST KITCHEN SUPPLY SHOWROOM
Winner: Sandpiper Supply, sandpipersav.com
Runner-up: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, ferguson.com
BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN COMPANY
Winner: TideWater Landscape Management, tidewaterusa.com
Runner-up: Victory Gardens, savannahvictorygardens.com
BEST LAWN CARE COMPANY
Winner: TideWater Landscape Management, tidewaterusa.com
Runner-up: Shoreline Landscape Solutions, facebook.com/p/Shoreline-Landscape-Solutions-100057099084476/
BEST LIGHTING SHOWROOM
Winner: Pace Lighting, pacelighting.com
Runner-up: Visual Comfort & Co., visualcomfort.com/savannah
BEST LOCAL FURNITURE MAKER
Winner: AWD of Savannah, awdsavannah.com
Runner-up: Rickenbacker Furniture and Repair, rickenbackerfurnitureandrepair.com
BEST LUMBER COMPANY
Winner: Guerry Lumber, guerrylumber.com
Runner-up: Gaster Lumber & Hardware, gasterlumber.com
BEST MARBLE/GRANITE COMPANY
Winner: AGM Imports Granite & Marble, agmimports.com
Runner-up: Counter Fitters, counterfitterssav.com
BEST MATTRESS STORE
Winner: Green Frog Sleep Center, greenfrogsleepcenter.com
Runner-up: Livingood’s Appliances and Bedding, livingoodsonline.com
BEST METAL FABRICATOR
Winner: Forsyth Metal Works, forsythmetalworks.com
Runner-up: Savannah Metalworks, smwog.com
Counter Fitters
Winner, Best Countertop Company
Runner-up, Best Marble/Granite Company
Today’s kitchen countertops are doing more than ever, serving as both a design statement and a functional workspace. At Counter Fitters, the current shift toward warm colors and natural textures is undeniable. “Natural-looking surfaces, specifically engineered quartz that mimics natural stone such as Taj Mahal quartzite and Calacatta marbles, [are in high demand],” says sales representative Carley Gunn. After years of kitchens dominated by cool grays and whites, she notes that warm, creamy-white, beige, and earthy tones are making a comeback.
Beyond color, homeowners are embracing bold design details. Specialty edges, such as laminations, mitered profiles, apron fronts, and waterfall sides, add architectural interest, while full-height backsplashes that extend to the undersides of cabinets create a seamless, dramatic look. “It replaces tile and creates a cohesive design,” Gunn explains. That functionality extends further with integrated sinks and drain boards, added shelving within stone backsplashes, and even pop-up outlets concealed within islands for a sleek finish, office manager Miranda Toomey notes.
With 33 years in business, Counter Fitters pairs trend-forward expertise with deep local roots. “Savannah is such a close-knit community, so having a reliable reputation and years of experience [truly matters],” says manager Nicole Stevens. The company’s longevity has been built on trust, referrals, and a team that works collaboratively to problem-solve on every project. “We are always striving to learn the next best thing in order to provide the best customer experience and highest quality product,” Stevens adds. Through craftsmanship, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach, the team continues to deliver both beauty and dependability, counter by counter.
BEST MILLWORK COMPANY
Winner: Guerry Lumber Millwork, guerrylumber.com
Runner-up: Custom Cabinets, custom-cabinets.net
BEST MORTGAGE/LENDING INSTITUTION
Winner: BankSouth Mortgage, go.banksouthmortgage.com/bestmortgagelenderofsavannah
Runner-up: Coastal Custom Mortgage, coastalcustommortgage.com
BEST MOVING COMPANY
Winner: BC Brothers Moving, bcbrothersmoving.com
Runner-up: Two Men and a Truck Savannah, twomenandatruck.com/savannah
BEST NEW HOME BUILDER
Winner: Brooks Construction Group, brooksconstruct.com
Runner-up: Alair Homes Savannah, alairsavannah.com
BEST NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER
Winner: Herb Creek Landscape Supply, herbcreek.com
Runner-up: Hester & Zipperer, facebook.com/zipperergardens
BEST ORGANIZING COMPANY
Winner: House of Von, houseofvon.com
Runner-up: Orchid Organizing, orchidorganizing.com
BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTING INSTALLATION COMPANY
Winner: NiteLites, nitelites.com/location/savannah-ga
Runner-up: Pace Lighting, pacelighting.com
BEST OUTDOOR SHADE/AWNINGS
Winner: Coastal Canvas Products, coastalcanvas.com
Runner-up: Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades, savannahblinds.com
BEST PAINT STORE
Winner: Spectrum Paint, spectrumpaint.com
Runner-up: Sherwin-Williams (on Abercorn Street), sherwin-williams.com
BEST PAINTING CONTRACTOR
Winner: Sharpe Painting
Runner-up: TKO Painting, tkopaint.com
BEST PEST CONTROL
Winner: Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control, yates-astro.com
Runner-up: Bee Green Pest Solutions, beegreenpestsolutions.com
Henry Plumbing Co.
Winner, Best Plumbing Contractor
In a city like Savannah, where historic charm often comes with aging infrastructure, plumbing is a critical consideration for homeowners and buyers alike. That’s where Henry Plumbing Co. has carved out a trusted role, helping residents make smart decisions before small issues turn into major expenses. As owner Tonya Reed notes, plumbing is one of the major mechanical systems that can cause costly repairs, especially in older homes where problems aren’t always as easy to spot. Using advanced camera and locator systems, Henry Plumbing can identify hidden issues such as roots in drain lines or other problems that could otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Looking ahead, Reed notes that the plumbing industry is seeing a rise in the use of smart technology. “Leak detectors and auto shut-off valves are trending for 2026,” she says, adding that many insurance companies are now requiring them, particularly for homeowners with a history of water damage. These systems monitor abnormal water use and can prevent disasters before they start.
Founded in 1968, Henry Plumbing remains a family-run, multigenerational business rooted in the community. “We’re committed to educating people about plumbing and providing opportunities for others to learn the trade,” Reed says, continuing a legacy that supports both local homeowners and growth within their industry.
BEST PLANNED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Winner: The Landings, thelandings.com
Runner-up: Savannah Quarters, savannahquarters.com
BEST PLUMBING CONTRACTOR
Winner: Henry Plumbing Co., henryplumbingco.com
Runner-up: Hutson Plumbing Co., hutsonplumbing.com
BEST POOL INSTALLATION COMPANY
Winner: Pride Pools, Spas, & Leisure Products, pridepools.com
Runner-up: Clearwater Pools & Patios, clearwaterpools-patios.com
BEST POOL MAINTENANCE COMPANY
Winner: Clearwater Pools & Patios, clearwaterpools-patios.com
Runner-up: Moon River Pool Care, moonriverpools.com
BEST PRESSURE WASHING COMPANY
Winner: Soap on a Rope, soaponaropeinc.com
Runner-up: Super Clean Power Wash, supercleanpw.com
BEST PROPERTY MANAGER
Winner: Lanier Management, laniermanagement.com
Runner-up: Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, danielravenelsir.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Winner: Christy Moore, The Landings Real Estate Company, thelandings.com/real-estate-team/christy-moore
Runner-up: Christie Wallace-Bergen, Salt Marsh Realty, christie.saltmarshsavannah.com
BEST REAL ESTATE APPRAISER
Winner: Stephen Ham, Colliers International Valuation and Advisory Services Group, colliers.com/en/experts/stephen-ham
BEST REAL ESTATE CLOSING ATTORNEY
Winner: Matthew R. Toler, Toler Law LLC, tmlawsav.com
Runner-up: Jordan Dyke, Law Offices of Jordan Dyke, jordandykelaw.com
BEST REAL ESTATE CLOSING FIRM
Winner: Rubnitz Thompson Ziblut, rtzlaw.com
Runner-up: McManamy Jackson Hollis, mjhfirm.com
BEST REAL ESTATE TEAM
Winner: Ezelle Strong Team (Carolyn Ezelle and Lavinia Strong), Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, danielravenelsir.com/savannah/agents/ezelle-strong
Runner-up: Harris Home Team, Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners, sellingsavannahhomes.com
Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques
Winner, Best Antique Mall
Antiques are finding new life with a new generation, and Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques is seeing that shift firsthand. Owner Brenda Anderson says shoppers in their 20s through 40s now make up the majority of the store’s customers — drawn not just to aesthetics but also to a lighter environmental footprint. “They’re conscious of sustainability and know that if a dresser has been around for 100 years, it will be here for 100 more,” Anderson says, pointing to the enduring quality that defines the store’s vintage inventory.
While trends may come and go, Tapley’s approach is timeless. For instance, plate walls made of mismatched china are popular right now, and shoppers can find pieces to create their own look in secondhand stores. As Anderson puts it, “We don’t sell trends, but we support them.” She adds that many shoppers focus on finding versatile, well-made decor and furniture that can evolve with their home, such as a vintage dresser repurposed as a changing table or a chest that moves effortlessly from bedroom to living room. “There are no rules for how to use a piece!” she says.
Small imperfections on secondhand items that might deter some buyers often end up sealing the deal for Tapley’s shoppers. “You know that a piece has been loved, and now you’re going to love it,” Anderson says, describing the character that makes each item unique.
Beyond the vintage finds, Tapley’s has become a place where people like to linger. “What makes us different is that we want to be a part of your community, and we want you to be part of ours,” Anderson says, a philosophy that continues to make the store a welcoming, inspiring space for Savannah locals and visitors alike.
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Winner: Seabolt Real Estate, seaboltrealestate.com
Runner-up: Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, danielravenelsir.com
BEST REMODELING COMPANY
Winner: Tollison & Co., tollisonandcompany.com
Runner-up: American Craftsman Renovations, americancraftsmanrenovations.com
BEST RESIDENTIAL AUDIO/VIDEO COMPANY
Winner: Rody’s Audio Warehouse, rodysaudiowarehouse.com
Runner-up: Cunningham Audio Visual, 912.398.6456
BEST RESIDENTIAL GLASS COMPANY
Winner: Rick’s Glass Co., ricksglass.com
Runner-up: J & L Glass, jlglassinc.com
BEST RESIDENTIAL MOSQUITO CONTROL COMPANY
Winner: Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control, yates-astro.com
Runner-up: Mosquito Authority, mosquito-authority.com/locations/savannah-ga
BEST ROOFING COMPANY
Winner: Michael’s Roofing, michaelsroofingsavannah.com
Runner-up: Grassi Roofing, grassiroofing.com
BEST RUG COMPANY
Winner: Culver Rug Co., culverrug.com
Runner-up: The Rug Shoppe, rugshoppeflooringamerica.com
BEST STAGING COMPANY
Winner: Staging-By Design, staging-bydesign.com
Runner-up: Clutter Furnishings & Interiors, cluttersav.com
BEST STONE/HARDSCAPE COMPANY
Winner: Savannah Hardscapes Construction, savannahhardscapes.com
Runner-up: Garden State Tile, gstile.com/location/savannah-ga
BEST TILE COMPANY
Winner: Garden State Tile, gstile.com
Runner-up: Savannah Surfaces, savannahsurfaces.com
BEST UPHOLSTERER
Winner: Davis Upholstery
Runner-up (tie): Taylor Upholstering, taylorupholstering.com; Abercorn Upholstery, abercornupholstery.com
Curry & Co.
Winner, Best Interior Design Firm
Runner-up, Best Wallpaper Supplier
Refreshing a home doesn’t always require a full renovation. Rather, it can be about subtle yet thoughtful updates that shift the overall mood of a space. Interior designer Curry Salandi of Curry & Co. encourages homeowners to start small but with intention. “Introducing new accent pillows is one of the simplest ways to add color and texture,” she says. In compact spaces like powder rooms or vestibules, Salandi often recommends using wallpaper to create a memorable design moment. “It should make you smile every time you enter the space,” she adds.
One of the biggest trends she’s seeing is color drenching, which involves painting walls, trim, doors, and even ceilings in the same hue using varied finishes for depth. “The color doesn’t have to be bold or dramatic,” Salandi notes. “Even a soft blue-gray can achieve the same effect while keeping the room feeling fresh and inviting.” Lighting is another understated game changer, and Salandi suggests swapping in fabric lampshades, particularly in light-colored solids or small-scale patterns. “All of these ideas add warmth and sophistication to the space,” she says.
Sometimes, the most impact can be made by simply reimagining what you already have. By moving existing vignettes and layering books and accessories in different ways, Salandi creates spaces that feel new yet personal, demonstrating that good interior design is as much about thoughtful editing as it is about additions.
BEST UTILITY COMPANY
Winner: Georgia Power, georgiapower.com
Runner-up: Coastal Electric Cooperative, coastalelectric.coop
BEST WALLPAPER INSTALLER
Winner: Mike Holcombe Wallcoverings, 912.657.5907
Runner-up: Edwina Scarboro, 912.695.1988
BEST WALLPAPER SUPPLIER
Winner (tie): Culver Rug Co., culverrug.com; Broad Street Interiors, broadstreetinteriorssav.com
Runner-up: Curry & Co., currysalandi.com
BEST WINDOW RETAILER
Winner: Coastal Sash & Door, coastalsashanddoor.com
Runner-up: Window World of Savannah, windowworldsavannah.com
BEST WINDOW TREATMENT COMPANY
Winner: Savannah Blinds Shutters and Shades, savannahblinds.com
Runner-up: Palmetto Shutter Co., palmettoshutters.com
BEST WINDOW WASHING COMPANY
Winner: Soap on a Rope, soaponaropeinc.com
Runner-up: Window Gang of Savannah, windowgang.com/savannah-ga
