Try these expert-approved ideas to make your house feel like home.
It’s filled with nights ofimpeccable entertainingand days of lazy respite.
Each room is a chapter of a long, drawling story that will never quite end.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH
(Us Southerners are natural-born storytellers after all; not to mention, often long-winded.)
Here are a few beautiful reasons why Southern homes are truly special.
Possibly the addition of modern art and accessories to give it an interesting mix.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Southerners love stories; Southerners have great stories; and antiques tell a story."
“All the attributes I admire in people, I seek out in objects as well.
We should surround ourselves with things that reflect our values.”
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Treasured collections are an easy way to introduce your personality.
Create Flow Between Outdoors and Indoors
Don’t limit decorating to your interior rooms, notes Palmer.
“Comfortable outdoor upholstered furnishings with large teak or concrete tables are what I am showing my clients.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
There is nothing quite like a dinner on the big front porch on an early Mississippi evening.”
“We aim to merge the indoor and outdoor living spaces to connect the home to its natural environment.
This connection gives the home a sense of place, which I think is critical for successful design.”
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Lindsey Herod ofLindsey Herod Interiors, based in Houston.
The top was removed and replaced with a sink.
Morris, for instance, loves “detailed trim around doorways.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
It can be the subtlest detail that makes such a statement.”
New Orleans designerShaun Smith loves to go all-out in homes' hardest-working and hidden spaces.
“People love to snoop in other people’s pantries.
Credit: Photo: Laurey Glenn
Why not make it beautiful?”
And Palmer recognizes the architectural elements that make a house feel extra special.
Morris says unlacquered brass is always a good idea.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Wallpaper is another investment worth making.
“We love encouraging our clients to use bold, brightwallpapers,” says Houston designerMeg Lonergan.
We find that they make such a big impact on any space, big or small.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Instead, we ‘sort of’ splurged on shiplap."
It just makes for a more interesting composition."
Or, stick to a theme.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“Southerners are loving; and we love to love our people on our walls.”
“I love when a Southern home evokes a feeling of comfort, and history.”
It’s larger, which entices people to come in.
Credit: Joy the Baker
How do you make a small entry hall feel bigger?
Use a large door to get into it."
The living greens create an automatic sense of southern welcome.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Charleston designer Buff Coles takes the same approach in her projects: “Use flowers and greenery.
They can distract from a multitude of sins!”
Try these Southern decorating lessons in your own home.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
