The southern style of decorating if often called “country” because it reflects the same comfy, warm, and “homey” sensibilities. Southern style without a doubt makes you feel at home, using only a few key elements.
Southern décor uses a lot of fabrics with floral motifs, plaid, and stripes extensively. We mean A LOT of fabrics. For instance, a truly Southern home will have a quilt proudly on display, particularly patchwork quilts that tie many colors and textures together. Combining patterns is a liberty given in decorating in the Southern style.
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Since the surroundings make use of color, walls are best left neutral with various off-whites and beiges. However, these “plain” walls are often decorated by borders featuring stamped patterns like flowers and vines. Roosters and fruit are also popular choices. In fact, fruit is a well-used motif with southern kitchens centered around brilliant crystal bowls filled with artificial fruit.
Charming antique furnishings are also dominant. These heirloom pieces are displayed with family pride since they are often passed through many generations and shown love and care by each one. Of course, if you don’t have access to such treasures, southern antique shops and flea markets will allow you to make your own treasures to pass down to future generations. However, old photographs, lovingly framed and collectibles, including old coins and stamps, can be displayed on wooden shelves as if they’ve been there for generations as well!
Finally, since comfort is vital to southern design, area rugs play a vital role in daily southern life. You will find them in nearly every room, including outdoors. Soft cotton or wool blend rugs are especially preferred. In areas with heavy traffic, durable duty Jute rugs are put to good use. However, rugs are just accents to the hardwood floors that are hallmarks of southern homes.
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Affordable pieces that can last generations are easily found at one of Hickory Furniture Mart’s manufacturers. What other elements make your southern home homey and cozy?