Mollie Bean grew up watching her father, a prominent architect, Chris McCarthy, draw plans for his projects in and around Charleston. Bean enjoyed visiting job sites with him to watch houses and commercial structures being built from the ground up.
Fascinated with the process, Bean often found herself in deep conversations with the contractors, asking detailed questions to learn all about their methods. Later, this childlike curiosity led Bean to travel the world extensively and move to New York City, where she took a position as a project manager for a high-end architecture firm.
After 13 years there, Bean returned to the Lowcountry, where she raised her family on Daniel Island. In 2015, she launched MB Within, a luxury residential and commercial interior design company that services clients both locally and around the globe. Known for attention to specifics and outstanding customer service, the firm helps clients avoid costly mistakes while enhancing the value of the properties on which they work.
The first step in Bean’s timeline when working with a client is to chat through the client’s vision, what they’re looking to achieve and their budget. Then, Bean assesses the space with her team of contractors and creates a rendering to present to the client for approval so that they can get on the trades’ schedules.
In each of Bean’s projects, every component, down to the smallest detail, must be as functional as it is beautiful, including her bathroom designs. She shared what’s trending in that category for 2026 and beyond.
What’s “In” & “Out”
“For their primary baths, many of our clients envision a sauna or spa-like wellness zone. To create that effect, we suggest installing curbless showers, layered lighting and organic finishes,” Bean said. “There’s also a heavy movement towards earth elements such as stone and natural tones.”
Bean continued, “For guest baths, clients are open to choosing fun tiles, bold color, playful mirror shapes and hammered metals.”
For powder or half-baths, Bean said she is seeing that clients are taking more chances with wallpaper, pattern and moodier lighting.
To incorporate additional storage in a small space, Bean said, “Our projects are leaning more towards recessed medicine cabinets built into the wall for hidden storage. Towers and exposed shelving are out.”
Wave Goodbye to White Walls
While that design technique makes a small space feel bigger, she said that tile drenching, small grout lines and statement mirrors can also impact the room. Paint colors are another component to consider. Yet for Bean, the controversial Pantone “Cloud Dancer” Color of the Year is a no-go. “I’m so sick of white walls and clients are letting me go dark – finally. Think jewel tones, earth tones and color-drenched.”
Indeed, the adage that a dark color in a small space makes the room feel tinier is an old wife’s tale. Quite the opposite is true – when done right, a rich hue such as chocolate brown, emerald green or ruby can make a room glow like the inside of a jewel box.
Choosing the best lighting is also important, added Bean. “The older we get, the lower we want the sconces – to hide the wrinkles, think about hanging them at eye level for 40 years and above.”
“Chrome can fall off a cliff”
When it comes to hardware and finishes, nickel and unlacquered brass are de rigueur, but chrome can fall off a cliff, according to Bean. “We have to teach clients to love the living finishes.” Living finishes, she explained, are natural patinas on a metal or other material, such as bronze, bamboo, leather or teak.
Bean also recommended getting away from generic builder-quality sinks and countertops that came with the house and using fully-integrated options instead. For flooring, Bean said she’s loving microcement right now.
“Coastal is dead”
No matter what’s en vogue, Bean is adamant about ditching a certain look. “It is time to stop the coastal trend that everyone wants because truthfully, it’s all about what the next person has,” she said. “In my mind, coastal is dead. I’m so sick of seeing it. There is no design in it. It is time for you to want your own style and we are here to bring it.”
Bean elaborated that when selecting any design elements, don’t make choices based on resale. “Do what makes this house your home,” she advised.
Overall, Bean concluded, “Take chances and let your designer guide you to make sure it turns out better than you wished for.”
By Sarah Rose
Leave a Reply