Georgia O'Keeffe's entryway is a portrait of the Southwest

The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is located in the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, South Carolina. This 2,000-acre property, situated on 20 miles of coastline, showcases the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, including salt marsh, maritime forest, and wildflower meadows. The selection of this location was influenced by the presence of two significant live oak trees, which are central to the home's design and landscaping. To bring the vision for the Idea House to life, a team of South Carolina-based professionals was assembled. This team included interior designer Allison Elebash of Allison Elebash Interior Design, architect Kirsten Schoettelkotte of MHK Architecture, builder Tom Dillard of Dillard-Jones, and landscape architect Scott Parker of DesignWorks. Their collective goal was to create a home that respects the area's history and natural environment, emphasizing a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The architectural design by Kirsten Schoettelkotte drew inspiration from historic Lowcountry farmsteads, particularly given the site's proximity to a working farm. The main structure features three dormers and three porches, complemented by a taller right wing and a separate carriage house, creating the impression of a property that evolved over many years. Materials such as James Hardie lap siding, copper accents, and a cedar-shingle roof were chosen to enhance this aged aesthetic. Landscape architect Scott Parker focused on preserving the health of the existing live oak trees, making their well-being a primary consideration in all design decisions. The landscaping around the oaks utilizes native plants, mimicking the maritime forest environment, while areas closer to the house feature more formal gardens, reflecting Charleston and Lowcountry traditions. Interior design elements by Allison Elebash prioritize organic finishes to align with the natural backdrop and humble architectural origins. Unlacquered brass fixtures from Waterworks were used throughout, allowing for a natural patina to develop over time. The kitchen features an oversized custom plaster hood above a Monogram range and handmade zellige tile backsplash from Clé, further contributing to the earthy texture palette. Thoughtful design details are evident throughout the house. A walkway made of tabby, a concrete made from crushed oyster shells, leads to the front porch, creating an inviting entrance. Copper gas fixtures by Carolina Lanterns & Lighting and planters filled with 'Diamond Spire' gardenias and 'Soft Caress' mahonias from the Southern Living Plant Collection enhance the hospitable atmosphere. Inside, the dining room features Marvin sliding doors that frame views of the marsh, with simple furnishings like wavy side chairs and a custom walnut table by Eric Brooks. A freestanding white oak staircase, designed with The Heirloom Companies, offers views of the neighboring farm. An installation of Murmurations (sculpted porcelain pieces) by Christina Watka adorns the walls, reminiscent of barnacles, and a Coley Home game table and swivel chairs provide function to a corner space. The living and dining areas are unified by a natural sisal floor covering from Fibreworks, with a vintage rug from Zuma defining the family room. Art, including a painting by Paula Rubino over an Alabama Stone limestone fireplace, and built-in shelves contribute to a layered, homey feel. The entry hallway is enhanced by a custom mural wallcovering by Rebecca Atwood Designs, creating an immersive experience akin to "forest bathing." The primary bedroom features Rebecca Atwood Designs' Marble Fern Wallpaper on the ceiling, color-matched to the wainscot painted Sherwin-Williams’ Soft Sage, creating a serene, canopy-like effect. Classic white bedding from the Southern Living Home Collection at Dillard’s, a handcrafted four-poster bed by Reid Classics, and mid-century modern nightstands from Chelsea Textiles complete the space. The home includes playful yet versatile twin bedrooms with Rebecca Atwood Designs’ Gridded Ikat print headboards, Regina Andrew sconces, and Mary Maguire watercolors. A guest suite functions as a "second primary," featuring Rebecca Atwood Designs’ Little Palm Wallpaper on walls and ceiling for a cohesive, elegant feel. An upstairs den offers a cozy retreat with a Coley Home sectional, wood-clad walls in Sherwin-Williams’ Sand Trap, and unique pieces like a bouclé chair and a leggy lamp. The carriage house, designed with a lighthearted, beachy aesthetic, incorporates durable materials like Mirth Studio floor tiles and wooden wall hooks, with hand-painted stripes and modern furnishings upstairs. Outdoor living was a priority, with a screened outdoor living room to mitigate insects. Resin-wicker chairs, a stone-top cocktail table, and Zuri Premium Decking provide durable yet stylish outdoor spaces. The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is open for tours from August 9 to December 22, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting Communities In Schools of South Carolina, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, and the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation. #IdeaHouse #SouthernLiving #KiawahRiver #LowcountryDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeDecor #SouthCarolina #CoastalLiving

Designers Evan Krenzien and Pierce Jordan of Shane & Pierce recently renovated a Dallas home, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of Southern living. Their design philosophy blends classic Georgian architectural elements with modern functionality, focusing on warm hospitality rooted in tradition. The renovation showcases seven distinct design ideas that can be adapted to various home styles and sizes. The first idea features a striking black and white marble diamond tile, which is used throughout the entry and hallway. This design choice provides a timeless, Georgian-inspired aesthetic without appearing overly formal. The use of checkered tiles, combined with French doors that allow ample natural light, creates an inviting and dramatic entryway. Evan emphasizes the importance of wide, open hallways and clear sightlines between rooms, even in a more traditional layout, to maintain a sense of flow. Secondly, the design advocates for uniquely defined rooms, moving away from the open-concept trend. Pierce aimed to create spaces with distinct purposes, incorporating traditional elements. The living room, for instance, is anchored by a mix of smaller, sculptural tables rather than a single oversized coffee table, offering flexibility and artistic visual interest. The seamless transition from marble to wood flooring further helps to define individual rooms while maintaining overall cohesion. Evan highlights that despite a move toward dedicated spaces, a modern home still requires easy flow between areas. The third principle is to blend heritage with modern needs. The kitchen exemplifies this with its stunning verde antigua marble, sourced from Verona, Italy, paired with vintage sconces and sage-framed windows. This combination creates a layered, tonal effect that is both classic and fresh. Evan notes that a balance of old and new, incorporating traditional or heirloom pieces into a modern setting, is a enduring aspect of Southern design. The kitchen itself is designed to feel clean, classic, and airy, accommodating both informal gatherings and formal dining occasions. Fourthly, the design prioritizes indoor-outdoor flow. Given Dallas's outdoor-oriented lifestyle, the home's U-shaped footprint wraps around a private pool courtyard, creating natural gathering points for both entertaining and quiet moments. A two-way sofa in the primary bedroom further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, inviting both views and conversation. The fifth idea encourages taking design risks. The designers integrated art deco lighting, British-inspired wallpaper from House of Hackney, and custom marble selections to introduce unexpected flair while preserving a classic foundation. Pierce specifically points to the blend of art deco elements in the primary bathroom with traditional marble as a successful risk. Sixth, the home embraces color, as seen in the office with its deep purple, richly textured wall, signaling a trend for 2026. Finally, maintaining symmetry is a key element. The bathroom tile design echoes the entryway's checkerboard pattern, scaled down to create a cohesive yet charming detail throughout the home. Pierce concludes that timeless Southern living is characterized by understated elegance, rich details, poise, and comfort. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SouthernStyle #DallasHome #GeorgianArchitecture #MarbleTile #DefinedRooms #IndoorOutdoorFlow #DesignRisks

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

The Tahoe Pines project, located in California, presents a design aesthetic that marries the ruggedness of a ski chalet with the tranquility of lakeside living. This approach, termed "modern mountain architecture meets classic Studio McGee styling," aims to create a welcoming vacation home. The design process began with existing architectural elements, such as large windows and high ceilings, which were integrated into the interior scheme. The entryway, while modest in size, was conceived to make a strong first impression. A rustic console table was chosen as the focal point, setting the overall tone for the home and reflecting the clients' appreciation for Studio McGee's established design style, which seamlessly blends with the modern mountain aesthetic. In the great room, the design team focused on balancing the architectural grandeur of soaring ceilings and expansive windows with a sense of coziness. This involved softening the fireplace's stark lines and arranging furniture to encourage social interaction. The furniture selection included a classic main sofa complemented by interesting side pieces and a bold plaid sofa, maximizing the spacious layout. The dining room, an integral part of the open-plan living space, is clearly delineated from the great room by a console table positioned behind the sofa. A large extension dining table, capable of seating ten, establishes a rustic mountain feel, with a mix of dining chairs and backless counter stools providing varied seating options. The kitchen and pantry were designed around the clients' preference for warm grey and wood. The range and hood serve as a central feature, flanked by built-in cabinets and a zellige tile backsplash that extends to the ceiling. A strategically placed shelf with pewter sconces adds warmth and display space for personal items. The pantry introduces a surprise element with a moody color palette, and a built-in desk provides a functional area for everyday items. The breakfast nook, adjacent to the kitchen, features a distinctive arched sconce instead of a traditional pendant, creating visual interest. Built-in shelving showcases vintage pieces, adding character to the new construction. Green banquette seating, with unique x-stitching, acts as a unifying color element throughout the home. Moving to the upper level, the primary suite features a vaulted ceiling and a textural pendant light, symbolizing the blend of mountain and lake influences. The decor in the primary suite and other bedrooms is kept understated, aligning with the relaxed atmosphere of a vacation home. The bunk room emphasizes a lakehouse theme with plaid wallpaper and white cabinetry, a gallery wall of vintage pieces, and a daybed for lounging or additional sleeping. In the teen bedroom, vintage oars are used as a decorative element above the beds, and a green ceiling adds subtle color without overwhelming the space. The layout prioritizes a single nightstand between two beds to enhance symmetry. The playroom and lounge area is designed as a versatile family space, featuring a prominent bear flag that reflects the Tahoe location. The office is characterized by a deep green color scheme, including cabinetry, ceiling, and an accent chair. This palette is chosen to harmonize with the natural surroundings of the home. A lighter-toned desk provides contrast and an anchoring point in the room. The laundry room, though compact, incorporates thoughtful design choices such as a vintage-style sink and a curved backsplash, compensating for limited natural light. The exterior design focuses on integrating the home with its natural environment, utilizing natural wood and earthy tones, and large window systems to optimize views. Overall, the Tahoe Pines project showcases a comprehensive interior design approach that thoughtfully combines modern mountain aesthetics with comfortable, livable spaces, ensuring each area is both functional and visually appealing while drawing inspiration from its unique California lakeside setting. #TahoePines #StudioMcGee #ModernMountainDesign #LakesideLiving #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #VacationHome #CaliforniaDesign

This article details the journey of designer/builder Victoria Holland in constructing her own home, a process that spanned five years after a decade of building homes for others. Growing up in a heavily wooded area of Bellevue, Washington, the author developed a deep appreciation for nature, which profoundly influenced her desire for a home that felt connected to its natural surroundings. Her chosen site, a small parcel of land filled with cedar trees and sword ferns, became the backdrop for her unique vision. Inspired by Native American longhouse designs, particularly a visit to a Kwakiutl tribal village on Vancouver Island, the author decided to incorporate elements of traditional longhouse architecture into her contemporary home. A key inspiration was the concept of massive, peeled logs serving as both structural elements and aesthetic focal points, reminiscent of the carved poles that supported traditional longhouses. She intentionally designed the house to be unobtrusive within its wooded setting, carefully aligning its main axis to maximize sunlight, a crucial consideration given the dark, grey winters of the Pacific Northwest. Approximately a year before construction began, the author sourced four straight, 16-inch diameter Douglas-fir trees to serve as the primary structural logs. These logs were cut in early July, a strategic timing choice as summer-cut logs are easier to peel. The peeling process was done on-site using a floor scraper, or spud, and after drying for a year, the logs were treated with a bleach solution to remove mold, resulting in a distinct silver-grey finish. The remainder of the house was conventionally framed around these prominent logs, with the exterior walls constructed using 2x6 framing. These walls were then clad with 1x4 horizontal tongue-and-groove clear-cedar siding, stained to blend with the natural color of aged cedar bark in the surrounding forest. The interior design philosophy prioritized open space and an abundance of natural light, aiming to evoke the sense of wonder and possibility the author experienced as a child playing in the woods. The layout also drew from longhouse principles, where raised floors along the sides traditionally served as sleeping or private areas, while the lower central core functioned as a communal space and fire pit. Although not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the synopsis mentions a roof-wide skylight that contributes significantly to the interior's brightness and dramatic aesthetic. The interior materials consist of a clean blend of glass, concrete, and hemlock, creating a modern yet natural feel. Adding to the holistic design, a separate zen bathhouse was constructed a short distance from the main house. This bathhouse features a radiant-slate floor, Japanese-style shoji screens for a tranquil ambiance, and a compact laundry area. This detached structure further reinforces the theme of connecting with nature and creating distinct, purposeful spaces within the property. The entire project reflects a design philosophy that prioritizes personal vision, natural integration, and a departure from conventional resale value considerations or neighborhood styles, allowing for creative freedom in material and design choices. #HomeDesign #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #NativeAmericanInfluence #LogConstruction #SustainableDesign #NaturalLight #Skylight #CustomHomeBuilding