Home show spotlights both builders, designers

Now that the annual boat show has sailed beyond the horizon, it's time for real estate to take center stage.

The Charleston Home + Design Show, now in its eighth year, runs Friday through Sunday at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston. The event offers a venue for smaller construction-related businesses to showcase their work.

Look for the event's spin on speed dating to connect buyers with builders, architects or interior designers, and someone will win a $27,000 bathroom makeover.

The American Society of Interior Designers Carolinas Chapter will offer free consultations all weekend.

There's no admission fee on Friday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., but it's $15 from 7-10 p.m. for the Kitchens, Baths + All That Jazz event with live music, food and a cash bar.

The show continues on Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $7 Saturday and Sunday. Go to www.charlestonhomeanddesignshow.com for more details.

Island bound

With the opening of a new office, Dunes Properties has nearly all of Charleston's beachfront covered.

The firm has opened its fourth office, near Seabrook and Kiawah islands, at 1887 Bohicket Marina Village. It will be staffed by four agents: Karen Hilty, Lucie Jones, Joy Millar and Debbie Mansfield.

"We felt like it was time," said marketing director Traci Magnus. "Things are picking up, and there's a lot of interest in the area."

The firm has 42 agents with other offices on Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and downtown Charleston.

Reach Katy Stech at 937-5549.