Chelcie Eastman is the co-founder of Gray Benko Home, where her work is defined by her respect for history, craftsmanship, and the stories that a home carries. A lifelong resident of Summerville, South Carolina, Chelcie was exposed to the home and design industry from a young age. Her father was a general contractor, and she, her mother, and the rest of the family would often lend a hand in projects. grew up alongside the building trades. Her father, a general contractor, her mother equally involved, and the entire family lending a hand to projects. Those early experiences sparked her passion for design and taught her the importance of preserving quality and character rather than modernizing it. Her love of history and the arts led her to Winthrop University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design and a minor in Art History. From the beginning, Chelcie knew she wanted to pursue design. She has always had a passion for enhancing historic homes, adding modern conveniences and vibrant touches while still honoring their original character. After years of working on historic renovations, Chelcie met Gray Benko at their children’s school. The two quickly discovered how naturally their strengths complemented each other, creating balance both creatively and in business. That partnership grew into Gray Benko Home, and when Magnolia Network invited Gray to create a show, she brought Chelcie into the fold. Together, they brought their bold, personality-filled vision to life on Happy to Be Home, and will soon return to Magnolia Network with a brand new series!

Design is very much a family affair in the Eastman household. Chelcie’s husband, Geoff, is also a designer, focusing his creativity on commercial playgrounds, while their two daughters, Libba Grace and Nora, are already beginning to show their ownartistic flair. Whether Chelcie is preserving a historic Charleston residence, sketching new ideas at the kitchen table, or spending weekends with her girls, family is at the heart of absolutely everything. Beyond her client projects and television work, Chelcie is a dedicated supporter of the American College of the Building Arts, Habitat for Humanity, and is active in local arts and preservation initiatives throughout Charleston and Summerville. Known for her eclectic yet timeless style, she creates spaces that honor history while feeling alive and personal to the families who live in them now. For Chelcie, design has always been about more than just making homes beautiful; it’s about preserving the past, valuing the trades, and creating places filled with grace, story, and a soul.