You may have seen several photos floating around of this year’s Southern Living Idea House, but I always think it’s fun to study them and share a few details to notice. We may not all live in a gorgeous white house by the sea, but there are often small things that we can replicate or draw inspiration from for our own homes.
The 2019 idea house was designed by Heather Chadduck–one of my favorites–and is located in Amelia Island, Florida. More details here if you’re lucky enough to visit. All photo credit: Laurey W. Glenn/Southern Living.
- No skimping on style in these halls and stairways. This is an area I often overlook, but I love how she repeated statement lighting in the entry/hallway. My first thought would’ve been to choose one statement light and fill in with can lights but this makes such an impact leading from one space to another.
- Long hall? Use multiple consoles.
- That long brown and white runner has been getting lots of attention online. She had several smaller rugs sewn together. Such a smart idea!
- Tassels dress up any door.
- I like the idea of using an iron handrail like they did in the back stairwell. Simple, pretty and functional.
- She created a (beautiful) gallery wall to balance out the door on the other side of the fireplace. (Love that picture hanging system. Here’s a similar one.)
- Not every end table has to go on the “end”. I like how she floated an antique pedestal table in front of the settee.
- Fill your fireplace with natural elements during the Summer–or year round, if you use yours as little as we do. . . ;)
- I’ll never tire of layered rugs. (Also helps to keep the thinner one in place.)
- Well, this backsplash is really something but if you’re looking for a less permanent way to replicate it, a peel and stick mural like this one could be fun.
- Everybody needs a dish pantry like this. I do, of course, love the idea of using pretty baskets and jars to hold everyday items. But, truthfully, the best idea I can probably replicate here is to stick my bamboo flatware in a glass jar and call it a day. :)
- Do you see a theme here? I’m a fan of the wallpaper on top with painted trim/cabinetry/walls on the bottom.
- When wallpaper is the star, you can keep your mirrors simple and small.
- Monogrammed hand towels elevate the whole look.
- Did you catch that the wallpaper is repeated on the back of the roller shade in the last picture?
- Simple beds dressed up in lots of fabric in these bedrooms. This could be a good solution if you have a more traditional bed but want a change. Even if a custom canopy isn’t in the cards, you can soften up a headboard by draping a pretty blanket or piece of fabric over the back.
- That bunk room! Love a wallpapered ceiling–and a fun light–in a small space.
- A small runner between the bunks adds a nice layer of texture.
- I like how a pair of smaller sconces were mounted lower on the brick fireplace as a way to add lighting without worrying about lamps/cords.
- A big mirror above a pretty bar cart always makes for a nice porch vignette and opens up the space.
- No outdoor rug necessary! Great idea to stain every couple of boards to create a stripe effect on the porch floor.
- A swing bed is officially on my “someday/eventually list”. Zzzzzzz.
- Painted garage doors are also on my radar.
And, a few more “extra” spaces to envy. . .
See my visit to a past SL Idea House here.
Oh my gosh, all the details are amazing! This home is incredible!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Incredible post! You zoom in on the beautiful details that I love ❤️
THanks so much for this Emily! I love that gallery wall with the hanging chains. It would be perfect for a big wall I’ve been wondering what to do with. Thanks :)
I love Heather Chadduck so this has been a favorite for sure. Your breakdown was so good. Love her use of lanterns and pendants instead of can lights. Also really liked the white walls with painted trim.
This one IS stunning!! Everything useable and oozes cool chic!! franki. Kips Bay no slouch…that kitchen a d thst hallway to heaven…GAME ON!!
Many beautifully done details.
Wishing designers would stop putting towels on top of/above toilets. So unsanitary!
Also, the end tables are beautifully staged but don’t allow room for practical purposes: adding a glass of water, a book, and a pair of reading glasses. Thanks for listening.
So much loveliness but the custom canopy is very limiting and, frankly, hard on the eyes. I wish she had went with something wise.
Gorgeous! Is there a materials list anywhere? I’d love to know details on the floors.
Oh my goodness, this house is next level! I love coastal American homes and I think the designs would work equally well here in Australia, which is probably why the Aussie version of “Hamptons'” is so popular here. Love everything!
There are so many impractical elements and design in this house. Does the cabinet by the stacked washer/dryers even have room to open? Huge pots of spiky plants on the kitchen island. Bunk beds that are impossible to make up in the mornings. Fabrics on the porch that will be fully mildewed after one season. Bathroom sinks pushed up against the wall so there is no room. Function was lost among the beauty.