Southern Lady Spring In The South 2014

From early bloomers like daffodils and forsythia to Southern favorites like azaleas and irises, signs of the season are all around, and in this issue, you’ll find a collection of some of our best ideas for celebrating glorious Easter and this most magical of times. Join us as we decorate our abodes with frills and finery and invite friends and family to happy gatherings and alfresco afternoons. Experience the awakening landscape with outdoor activities and weekend escapes at some of the region’s most picturesque bed-and-breakfasts and inns. With stops from Texas to the Carolinas, we’ve canvassed the South for inspiration to help you enjoy this colorful and vibrant time of year.…

Bright Bouquet Greet the season with a tiered display of spring flowers, arranged in a large, shabby-chic container. Starting with seeded eucalyptus on the bottom, layer hydrangeas, maidenhair ferns, and your favorite white flowers, finishing with pink tulips at the top. Case in Point Here’s a lovely way to repurpose those embroidered pillow cases like Grandmother had in her linen closet: Turn them into hand towels for the guest bath. Simply cut to the desired size, hem the edges, and add a pretty trim to the bottom edge. Stitch a monogram to personalize. Fly Away Home Build a centerpiece “nest” for this adorable stone bird with excelsior or straw, and fluff with white flowers— anemones, Gerbera daisies, tulips, lilies, and such. Fill in with greenery, like variegated pittosporum, to finish. Sweetness and Light Elevate the loveliness level…

Alfresco Dining Turn a brick patio into a Tuscan garden by surrounding a wrought-iron dining set with a collection of large urns, filled with a variety of plants—hardy Boston ferns, begonias, and caladiums are good choices. Add an umbrella for a bit of shade and a water feature for soothing background music. Porch Sitting Extend your living space by decorating a covered porch just as you would any room in the house. Bring out a table and chairs for outdoor dining, and comb flea markets and antiques stores for pre-loved pieces—an old wooden birdhouse or a weathered chair that doubles as a plant stand—to turn the porch into your favorite place to retreat and unwind.…

A grand staircase typifies the attention to detail illustrated throughout the home. Refined by Design This home dispels any notion that a waterside home must be rustic. Its gracious interiors are comfortable but also polished. A formal dining room features traditionally styled furniture in a gleaming cherry finish and a more contemporary shaded chandelier. While the back of the house offers water views, the front looks out to a stone patio anchored by a Tuscan-style fountain. Stylish Décor Sleek black industrial pendant lights hang above a granite-topped dining area in the open and airy kitchen. The home offers numerous areas to sit and enjoy the views. The family room features a fireplace surround of custom built-ins, along with seating upholstered in a chic black-andwhite harlequin-patterned fabric. Elsewhere, cheerful floral club chairs look oh-so pretty…

Casually Chic Woven seagrass chairs and contemporary lighting lend a less-formal note to the dining room. Taking its color cues from the muted painting that hangs above the sofa, the living room shines with sophistication in subtle shades of blue, brown, and white. Artistic accents throughout add layers of interest. Restful Retreats Both the master and guest bedrooms are designed to foster tranquility. A pair of beds ensure the ultimate in comfort for guests lucky enough to snuggle under the cozy covers. Simple accessories streamline the décor and keep clutter in check while maintaining the sought-after serenity. The sunlit master bath features custom built-in cabinetry and a luxurious spa tub. Outdoor Living Climbing roses spill over the white picket fence and brick pillars that offer the first welcome to this lovely home. The screened-in back…

Violet Reverie The fluttering fields of lavender that grace the French countryside inspire a setting in subtle shades of purple, gray, and green. Channel the relaxed Provençal lifestyle with a casual gathering set on a screened-in porch. Place a purple-striped cloth across the table at an angle, and set with eyecatching dinnerware in the Laces, Butterfly, and Oyster patterns by Mateus. Bright spring-green tumblers pop against the other elements, and a cheery centerpiece of lavender and waxflowers echoes the feminine theme. Tie napkins trimmed in crocheted lace with simple striped ribbon, then tuck in a sprig of lavender. Continue the lacy accents with flatware bearing an intricate trellis-and-flowers pattern.…