If you’re trying to achieve a Southern look for your home, there are a few key elements that can help make your space feel like it’s straight out of the South. Here are some tips to get you started:
By incorporating these design elements into your home, you can create a Southern-inspired space that feels elegant, welcoming, and timeless.
Southern homes exude charm, warmth, and hospitality with their grandiose aesthetics and inviting interiors. To make your house look Southern, there are several design elements you can incorporate. Lisa Palmer, of SummerHouse Interior Design in Mississippi, suggests utilizing large and beautiful mouldings, tall ceilings and staircases, detailed paneled walls, and wood floors, which all add to the beauty of Southern homes. Read on to learn how you can incorporate these elements into your own home.
Incorporating large and ornate mouldings
One of the hallmark features of Southern homes is the use of large and ornate mouldings. These trimmings can frame windows and doorways, accent wall corners, and crown ceilings. When selecting mouldings, opt for ones that are thick, detailed, and suited to your home’s architecture. You can also paint mouldings white or a light color to make them stand out even more. Adding crown moulding to the ceiling is also an excellent way to create a more grandiose atmosphere.
Highlighting tall ceilings and staircases
Tall ceilings and grand staircases are other quintessential features of Southern homes. To highlight these elements, consider painting the walls in light and airy colors to enhance the sense of height and openness. You can also add a chandelier or pendant light fixture to the entryway or above the staircase to draw the eyes upward.
Adding detailed paneling to your walls
Paneling on the walls is another hallmark feature of Southern homes, adding elegance, depth, and character. There are various ways to incorporate paneling, such as wainscoting, beadboard, shiplap, or even classic wall paneling. Be sure to select wood panels that are suited to your home’s architectural style and color scheme. Painting the paneling in white or a light color can help create a more cohesive look.
Choosing warm and natural color palettes
For a truly Southern feel, it’s best to go with warm and natural color palettes. This entails hues such as soft greens, warm browns, blues inspired by the sea, and blush tones. Avoid bright or bold colors that don’t typically appear in Southern homes. Another tip is to use muted tones to balance out any bold patterns or contrasting colors.
Including plantation shutters or window treatments
Plantation shutters and window treatments are popular choices in Southern homes. These not only add to the aesthetics of the room but also offer privacy and light control. You can opt for shutters in white or a natural wood finish to complement the walls, floor, and other décor elements. Drapes can also add warmth and softness to the space.
Using traditional southern decor pieces
Traditional Southern décor elements, such as antique furniture, ornate mirrors, elegant vases, and classic artwork, add a touch of heritage and history to the home. Incorporating these elements can help bring a sense of timelessness and charm to any room.
Installing hardwood or reclaimed wood flooring
Finally, hardwood or reclaimed wood flooring is the cherry on top of a Southern-inspired home. Natural wood floors add warmth, texture, and depth to any space and are also durable and low maintenance. Be sure to select wood that complements the color palette and architectural style of your home.
In conclusion, embracing traditional Southern design elements will help create a warm, inviting, and timeless atmosphere in your home. Incorporating large and ornate mouldings, tall ceilings and staircases, detailed paneled walls, natural color palettes, plantation shutters or window treatments, traditional Southern décor pieces, and hardwood or reclaimed wood flooring will help transform any space into a charming Southern oasis.
