Designers Recount the Wise Counsel They Got from Their Grandmothers
Seriously, Listen Up: Tips from the Old Birds That'll Rock Your Design World!
It's no secret that good ol' grandma's got the design chops! Let's take a gander at some timeless advice these Southern interior designers picked up from their grandmamas on crafting a lived-in, cozy dwelling that leaves your guests green with envy!
Prepare Your Home for a Party
Got friends coming over? Grandma's always on top of it! "My granny ingrained in me the importance of keeping your crib ready for guests," says Elle Cantrell, the boss lady of Elle Du Monde in Atlanta. "So, don't be a slob—tuck your room away, prep your guest bedroom, and keep those fridge goodies at hand!"
Antiques Areda Bomb, Dudette
These vintage beauties never go out of style, and there's a golden treasure trove just waiting to be found. "Word from my Nana, who hails from the East Coast, was to inject some nostalgia into your temporary pad with antiques and found relics," says Pamela O'Brien, the queenpin of Pamela Hope Designs. "She'd scour large cities and small towns alike for eye-catching pieces to hook up her grandkids' first homes."
Jet Setters, Shop the Globe!
Traveling's not just for sightseeing—score some one-of-a-kind pieces for your crib while you're at it! Sara Hillery, the head honcho at Sara Hillery Interior Design, remembers her grandma saying, "When you're on the move, grab something nice for your den!" From European tours to exotic flea markets, the world's your oyster!
Feel the Collection's Vibe
Grandmas have a knack for building enviable collections that hold sentimental value. "My Nana had a cabinet case jammed with antique handbags that always caught my eye," says Maggie Clarke, the founding mama of Maggie Clarke Interiors. Her passion for creating collections began with her grandmother's love for antiques and curiosities.
Treat Your Stuff with Care
It's not just about buying things—it's about cherishing them. Ariane Bethea, the founder of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio, learned the hard way to buy smart and give care from her grandma, who passed down pieces that stood the test of time.
Use Your Finer Stuff, Gurls
Save your fancy doodads for important dinners, huh? Think again—according to Mary Buford Guthridge, founder of James Interiors, her grandma was ahead of the game when it came to using nicer accessories daily. So flaunt those ginger jars and have that royal blue velvet sofa out all the live-long day!
Nature Rules, Baby
From faded blues to earthy greens and creamy whites, a color scheme inspired by Mother Nature reigns supreme in Southern design. Designer Kelley Proxmire swears by pulling colors from the outdoors to achieve that tranquil, laid-back vibe[4].
Monogram Your Isht
For those seasons of humble beginnings and daydreams of aristocracy, grandmothers took to monogramming their linens, serviettes, and even pillows to mark their territory. Grandmas' kinships were a core part of their identities, and personalized decor was their way of keeping the tradition alive.
Quit Lurking in the Shadows
Designing a hideaway? Think again! Mary Buford Guthridge's grandma made her living room home to friends, family, and even random passersby, and now M.B.G. believes that your home should raise its windows and welcome in a world full of love and connection.
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When it comes to Southern design, it's all about warmth, personality, and a little bit of old-timey charm. Looking for inspiration from the grandmas? Check out these old-school tips:
1. Embrace the Powder Room
Small, overlooked bathrooms deserve some love, too! Step it up with bright wallpaper, striking pendant lights, or a swanky vanity to make a big impact without emptying your wallet[2].
2. Go Fancy with a Powder Room
Yeah, yeah, we know what you're thinking—a powder room's just a bathroom for your guests! Well, think again! Why not add a little luxury to their royal flush with some sparkle—marble countertops, antique mirrors, or gold accents[4]?
3. Light It Up
Natural light is a Design Goddess' best friend (or so they say), but when the sun goes down, that's when the real mood-setting happens. Up your lighting game with dimmers, table lamps, and grand chandeliers to enhance your space's character[3].
4. Pick Jewel Tones with Love
Add some excitement to your interior with deep, romantic colors like dark emerald green, midnight blue, and rich burgundy red[5]—just remember to use them in small doses or combine with neutrals to prevent overwhelming the senses[2]!
5. Stay Corny if it Makes You Happy
If you fancy yourself a total dork (and nothing wrong with that), don't shy away from adding personal touches that pay homage to your love for corny stuff[6]. From framed comics to custom artworks, let your geek flag fly high!
6. Blend Old and New
Mixed materials and eras can often bring unexpected charm to a room. Don't be afraid to pair modern light fixtures with antique furnishings or mix vintage patterns with modern shapes to create a harmonious design[2].
7. Hang It Up
Show off what you've got! Hang artworks at the right height to maximize their impact. Typically, the center of the piece should be around 57 to 60 inches from the floor for the perfect viewing height[1][2].
8. Make Space for Whatever
Find added storage wherever you can! Get creative with solutions for sneaky secret spaces, like custom built-ins, hidden drawers, and vertical shelving[2][3][4].
9. Stick with Your Style
Embrace your unique taste and lifestyle when designing your space. Invest in pieces that speak to your heart, even if that means choosing something unconventional[1][3].
10. Say Yes to Art
Artisanal collectibles can help bring a sense of continuity and heart to your space. Don't be afraid to invest in handmade, locally-sourced items to showcase your love for the arts[2].
11. Repurpose Old items
Got a piece of furniture that's seen better days? Give it a facelift and give it new life! Try repainting, sanding, or reupholstering to breathe new life into your old favorites[2].
12. Accessorize or Die
Accessories are like the icing on the cake! Be daring and add quirky textures, colors, or patterns to tie your room together[6]. Embrace your inner decorator, darling!
13. Be Fearless with Fabrics
Don't be afraid to mix patterns and textures when selecting fabrics! Grab those bold florals, leafy geometrics, and furry fringe and see how they come together to create interest and layered sophistication[2][4].
14. Work with Your Space
Your home is unique, so why try to force a design that doesn't fit? Work with your room's quirks instead of against them! For example, if your room is wider than it is long, create a layered focal point by clustering furniture or artwork in the center of the room[2].
15. Break the Rules
Ultimately, remember that designers often use broad strokes. With a touch of daring, you can bend—or even break—the rules to create a space that truly speaks to YOU[2]. Don't be afraid to take risks and make your place a living masterpiece!
- Gracious hosts like Elle Cantrell of Elle Du Monde in Atlanta always keep their homes prepared for guests, tucking their rooms away, prepping guest bedrooms, and having fridge goodies at hand.
- Antiques, as advice from Pamela O'Brien's grandmother echoes, can be used to inject nostalgia and personality into your living space, with treasures found in large cities and small towns alike.
- Sara Hillery, founder of Sara Hillery Interior Design, encourages jet setters to shop the globe for one-of-a-kind decor pieces, whether on European tours or exotic flea markets.
- Maggie Clarke, founder of Maggie Clarke Interiors, was inspired by her grandmother's passion for building collections, with an emphasis on antiques and curiosities.
- Ariane Bethea, founder of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio, learned the importance of buying smart and giving care to long-lasting furniture and decor from her grandma, who passed down precious pieces.
- For those who love finer things, Mary Buford Guthridge's grandma advocated for using more elaborate accessories, such as fancy serving dishes and ginger jars, in everyday settings.
- Nature-inspired color schemes, such as faded blues, earthy greens, and creamy whites, are popular choices in Southern design, providing a tranquil, laid-back look.
- Grandmothers often opted for monogrammed linens, serviettes, and even pillows to mark their territory and continue family traditions through personalized decor.
- Instead of creating private hideaways, Mary Buford Guthridge's grandma believed in opening her home to friends, family, and even strangers, welcoming people into a world full of love and connection.
These tips offer a glimpse into the timeless wisdom shared by grandmothers in Southern interior design, imbuing homes with warmth, personality, and old-time charm.
