Southern Lady September - October Autumn in the South

There are countless things I love about every season, but autumn is the one that truly steals my heart. I’ve always thought this time of year showcases our region at its most beautiful, when the summer heat mellows and the sunlight turns soft and clear. Simple joys abound at every turn: pumpkins stacked high on porch steps, robust casseroles bubbling in the oven, fires snapping as dusk descends. From the brilliant foliage in the foothills to the first cool breezes on the coast, fall in the South is pure magic—and in this issue, we share a touch of that magic with you. Come along with us as we visit a charming Victorian town in Arkansas and travel to big-city Texas, with a sojourn in the mountains along the way. Peek inside…

When the owners of this tucked-away cottage moved in decades ago, there was no honeymoon phase between the family and their new home. Increasingly disenchanted with its dark feel and lack of space, they began to regret their decision. “I was sorry that we’d ever sold our other house,” says the homeowner. “I thought we’d made a mistake. I really thought we’d move.” Ultimately, though, they decided to give the home a second chance, breathing new life into it with extensive additions that provided the extra space they desired for their family of six. The revamped floor plan incorporated windows aplenty, bringing in an abundance of sunlight that the family had craved since leaving their old house. These renovations came about slowly and steadily over time, as the dynamics of the family evolved.…

Designer Eric Ross struck a balance between beauty and utility when he started work on this Morrison, Tennessee, farmhouse. Owners Debbie and Joey Jacobs wanted a home that would live up to minding a farm and raising cattle. The inspiration started with durable slate floors to camouflage the dirt tracked in with a typical day’s work of gardening and tending the herd. The final look was a fresh blend of American and French country. With a kitchen done in a palette of chocolate browns, creams, and verdant hues, collections of Spode Woodland china and transferware appear right at home. “Debbie is an avid collector,” Eric says. “Having the open shelves offered her an opportunity to display a lot of collections.” The shelves also made the small space feel more expansive. To…