“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
Romans 11:33
Here in the South, Southern Living isn’t just a magazine, it’s a way of life. And even if you’re not from the South like me, chances are, you still probably know what I am talking about! Through my years as a decorator, I have toured many Southern Living Idea Homes and always enjoy seeing the Southern architecture, an array of talented designers, and the latest innovative products on the market. The way the elements orchestrate together truly create a house full of ideas!
In celebration of the magazine’s 50th anniversary, it’s editors chose The Town of Mt Laurel, on the edge of Birmingham, for the 2016 Southern Living Idea House…and you guessed it…I had to check it out! On Friday, Katy and I had a fun girls day, complete with good food, shopping, and of course…we made the tour! I hope your eyes are ready to take in all of the colors, textures, and ideas! Let’s take a walk through “Celebration Cottage”!
The house was designed by Birmingham architect Bill Ingram. It is a fresh take on traditional Southern style without sacrificing any of the charm. The wide porch just gives you a big welcome and invites you to “sit a spell”!
“Southerners typically have done a lot of their living and entertaining at home. We’re all about our house and all the things in it that we like and bringing in the things we’ve gotten from other places or things that we’ve had, reusing them”
Bill Ingram, Architect
The siding is HardiePlank in Iron Gray. I particularly like the color of the louvered shutters. Notice the ceiling is painted in a sky blue color. A pair of teak benches are by Ballard Designs.
As we step inside, we will begin our tour in the dining room which is to the right of the foyer. This beautifully appointed space was designed by Margaret Kirkland from Atlanta, Georgia. She is known for giving fresh style to traditional design.
