Southern Style
As I wander around Savannah, I’m struck by several things. First of all, the Spanish moss is inescapable. It drapes itself over every tree and bush in sight. I’m sure that it is considered a nuisance to some people but it adds such a softness and charm. I also love how this whole area has such a style. Gorgeous neoclassical architecture combines with European streets and a distinct laid-back southern style. I got to thinking about how to translate what I was seeing into a room, and here’s what I came up with.
1. This wallpaper is modern without being too edgy. I love the pattern and the color – it’s a nice representation of all of the tropical-looking plants growing around here.
2. The color and lightness of these curtains are a reference to the Spanish moss draped everywhere. They let in lots of light without letting in the glances of passers-by.
3. I love the look of historical paintings paired with modern design. This painting by Marc Dennis is actually a modern piece but it has all of the color and texture and depth of something much older.
4. Though many of the houses here are from the Victorian era, you still see lots of design that has survived from the early 20th century. I love the look of Tiffany Lamps and this one seems right at home in these historic parlours.
5. As an aspiring gardener, I’m amazed by how much stuff grows down here. It doesn’t ever get too cold so the growing season is practically year-round. I imagine that you would have to work hard to have a black thumb in Savannah. One of my favorite flowers is the hydrangea. I also like the way that many antiques are placed almost at random here – it’s like stumbling into a forgotten secret garden.
6. I’ve been lusting after this couch for months now. I think that it would work in a number of design scenarios, and this is one of them. It’s historic-looking, it’s masculine, and it reminds me of tobacco, which practically ruled the south for decades. I also think it would balance out the botanical wallpaper and the soft curtains nicely.
That’s all for this mini design challenge. Real estate is amazingly cheap down here (at least compared to CO) so I’m fighting temptation to create a lovely Southern parlor of my own.
