See James Farmer's Reimagined Georgia Cottage In This Excerpt From His New Book

The Southern Living House Plan Number 1870, known as the Farmdale Cottage, is designed to evoke the charm of a country cottage, suitable for both rural and suburban settings. This particular plan is praised for its ability to maximize living space and create a welcoming atmosphere, even within its modest footprint of 2057 square feet. The design, as highlighted by architect Taylor Norris, initially featured a front porch that was cleverly enclosed to add over 300 square feet of heated living area, transforming it into a versatile entry and dining space. This architectural decision not only expanded the usable area but also contributed to the home's distinctive character. The interior design of the Farmdale Cottage incorporates elements traditionally found on the exterior, such as brick floors and vaulted ceilings in the dining area. This integration of materials blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, contributing to a sense of spaciousness and an informal, convivial ambiance. The dining room, for instance, is described as having a "breezy casual feel," making it an ideal setting for social gatherings rather than formal dinner parties. This design choice aims to enhance the home's perceived size and functionality, making it feel larger and more accommodating than its square footage might suggest. The house plan features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, providing ample space for residents and guests. The design emphasizes comfort and hospitality, key aspects of Southern living. The front exterior is notable for its inviting brick walk and a pergola over the front door, which offers an opportunity for homeowners to cultivate climbing plants, further enhancing the cottage's aesthetic appeal. This detail adds to the overall country charm and curb appeal of the residence. The collaboration with James Farmer, a well-known lifestyle expert, suggests an emphasis on a cohesive design that extends beyond structural elements to include interior decor and garden design. Farmer's involvement likely ensures that the home's aesthetic aligns with a classic Southern style, characterized by comfort, elegance, and a connection to nature. The article suggests that the Farmdale Cottage fulfills a long-held dream for individuals seeking a perfect country retreat, whether on a sprawling farm or nestled within a suburban neighborhood. Ultimately, the appeal of Southern Living House Plan Number 1870 lies in its thoughtful design, which balances practicality with aesthetic charm. The strategic enclosure of the front porch, the use of exterior materials indoors, and the overall focus on creating an inviting environment contribute to a home that is both functional and beautiful. It represents a successful execution of a country cottage ideal, offering a comfortable and stylish living space that feels larger and more open through innovative design solutions. #JamesFarmer #CountryCottage #FarmdaleCottage #SouthernLiving #HousePlan #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

This article showcases the holiday decorations at designer James Farmer's 2,000-square-foot cottage in Perry, Georgia. The home's architecture, inspired by an old post office in Leroy, Alabama, was brought to life by Spitzmiller and Norris, Inc., and is available as a Southern Living House Plan. Farmer's Christmas decor incorporates traditional deep reds and classic greens with unexpected jolts of citrusy orange, lime green, and coral, a color he affectionately refers to as "carl," as his mother did. The tour begins with the exterior, emphasizing the use of greenery gathered from the landscape. Farmer suggests using an extra-thick garland of magnolia, cypress, and pinecones, highlighting that scale is crucial and decorations should reflect the home's size. Glass votives line the walk, enhancing the facade's symmetry. The entry features voluminous twin magnolia and cypress garlands on either side of the staircase, creating a dramatic effect. A natural palette of rich greens and browns is preferred, complemented by an arrangement of coral amaryllis and fresh agarista blooms. In the kitchen, Farmer advises creating holiday vignettes in windows to keep counters clear for party preparation. Antique silver Champagne buckets filled with farm-fresh greenery, amaryllis, and bright nandina berries are used for a festive touch. An evergreen wreath adds depth, and a bowl of citrus serves as both a snack for guests and a nod to Southern winter crops. The dining room features two cedars cut from Farmer's land, placed in front of large picture windows to allow light to shimmer off glass ornaments. This approach spreads the Christmas spirit throughout the house rather than concentrating it on a single tree. The dining table is set with monogrammed linens and an impactful centerpiece of citrus and nandina. For the living room mantel, Farmer recommends going "big" but not necessarily heavy. He layers bright colors, traditional accents, and tall clippings to draw attention to the fireplace. Orange tulips and roses in red pottery are used to complement the terra-cotta hues of the reclaimed-brick fireplace. Mexican pottery urns filled with nandina boughs add height and break the symmetry of the room's board-and-batten doors, sofas, and light fixtures. Even private quarters like the bedroom are not overlooked. Excess greenery and flower trimmings are repurposed as accents on bedside tables. A small bunch of magnolia, tied with a burlap ribbon, is wired to the footboard of his custom-made faux-bamboo bed frame, ensuring that the holiday cheer extends to every corner of the cottage. #HolidayDecor #ChristmasDecorations #SouthernLiving #CottageDecor #JamesFarmer #InteriorDesign #SeasonalDecor #GeorgiaHome

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