One of the most frequently asked
questions, “How can I pull my home together with confidence,” is what prompted
me to write my book, “Secrets of Southern Design.” I sincerely believe
that everyone should live beautifully no matter what their station in life.
This belief, coupled with a real
desire to help people solve their own design dilemmas and feel good about
creating beauty in their own spaces, was the drive that pushed me to put my
thoughts and philosophies about interior design into book form.
With many years of design
experience, I am constantly traveling throughout the Southeast and beyond
sharing my expertise. It is in these travels that I often hear questions
pertaining specifically to the lifestyle of Southerners. People seem to be
fascinated with how Southerners create a lifestyle that is not only beautiful
but also gracious and comfortable.
Before I began writing my book, I
must say that I took this genteel approach to design for granted. Upon really
studying the concept, I discovered it is not just a “look” into the design
world, but rather an approach to good design. Thus, I wanted to share my
knowledge, and exploration of true Southern style, with homeowners.
Battle of the sexes
Designing for the sexes is a
frequently addressed topic in my design practice, and is the topic of an entire
chapter in my book.
I believe that both men and women,
along with children, need to have input into developing a home’s interiors as
well as individual spaces. It is for this reason that I oftentimes schedule
individual appointments with family members to be sure everyone is heard. Then,
collectively, we set about making sure the desires of each person in the
household is met.
The woman of the house needs a sense
of place. Whether it is a comfy sitting area off the master suite or an office,
this room should reflect her own style. To create a vibrant, inviting area,
pair bold red accents with champagne-colored walls. For a cozy feel, I suggest
incorporating a softer color palette of pale blues and cream.
In addition, by adding feminine
touches to various rooms in the house can also make a woman feel right at home.
Try adding window treatments to bedroom and living spaces with floral patterns
or place a tablescape arrangement of your favorite flowers on sideboard in the
dining room for a whimsical effect.
Conversely, as I explain in my book,
men also have certain needs when it comes to decorating. For example, the
chapter “Southern Man Spaces” addresses issues such as comfort versus beauty
and how crucial this is. Dedicating a room to the man of the house is very
important. He needs a place of his own to relax.
Personal effects
Personalization is a hot topic in “Secrets
of Southern Design.” This practice is one of importance in creating a warm
and welcoming interior.
A layering technique, which includes
using heirloom collections and treasures, helps create a more personable
atmosphere. In the chapter about designing foyers, I suggest that you begin to
tell the story of your home from the very beginning, when your guests first
walk in the front door. Your entryway allows people to get to know you from the
onset. Southerners are masters at this, right?
A Southern home’s foyer should often
contain details such as family mementos and portraits. In my own foyer, I had
an artist recreate a series of gardens our family toured while vacationing in
France. The muralist paid careful attention to detail and even included a
subtle family tree. The tree features faintly painted leaves with each family
member’s name and is depicted as if potted in a lovely blue and white porcelain
container, which is a reminder of the blue and white porcelain collection I
started at the age of 10.
Life outdoors
Southerners also spend quite a bit
of time on their porches and verandas. Decorating these spaces to feel like an
outdoor room is a common theme throughout the South. The pleasant climate
promotes a lifestyle that is inviting and luxurious. Just as an interior space
is carefully planned and executed, outdoor living rooms require the same
effort.
With new products on the market such
as indoor-outdoor rugs and furniture sets coupled with sun-resistant fabrics,
such as Sunbrella, make outdoor decorating a little easier. In addition, when
an exterior space calls for it, I recommend water features, exterior fireplaces
and outdoor kitchens to enable you to host elegant parties or intimate family
get-togethers.
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