Building a house in a historic neighborhood sounds dreamy and daring.
See the magic happen in Mississippi.
Oxford, Mississippi, was love at first sight for lawyer turned interior designer Virginia Mary Brown.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Although the couple ultimately settled in Houston, Texas, Oxford would always remain their special getaway.
“Textured materials add age to a new house,” says Brown.
“They help make everything feel softer and more relaxed.”
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Other nature-inspired accent pieces in the space include the oversize rattan hurricane and the landscape painting over the fireplace.
Add Instant Character
The living room’s marble-topped chest was an auction find.
“I like for every room to have one genuine antique,” says Brown.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
The winner was an antique pine piece that easily seats 10 and came with its imperfections.
“It’s elegant, but it can also take a beating,” says Brown.
She mixed it with gray wicker chairs and a sky blue lantern to complete the look.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Every ceiling in the house is paintedBenjamin Moore’s Lavender Wash (CSP-515).
“It brings freshness,” says Brown.
She covered this barely 3 12-foot-wide space with Fireworks by Albert Hadley.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
“I’ve been eyeing this wallpaper for years,” she adds.
“It’s made the house for us,” she says.
“Ray and I both get so much work done there.”
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
In fact, she finds oversize artwork has more impact in a small space.
Case in point: the bird prints hung on either side of the black spindle bed.
Stick With Old Standbys
“Some things are timeless for a reason,” says Brown.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
She used tried-and-true (and affordable!)
materials like botanical prints and subway and hex tiles to pull together the finishing touches for the guest bath.
(See also: the ever-popular flat-screen television.)
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
The four La Jolla Lounge Chairs from Restoration Hardware are constructed from a durable all-weather wicker material.
In the fall, everyone watches football out here.
To find the details for this house and hundreds more, visit houseplans.southernliving.com.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Southern Living
