What makes a house seem like it belongs in the South? Is it the lovely atmosphere, the lasting pieces of furniture or the rich traditions of welcome? I’ll take you through some of the traditional and treasured elements typical of southern home decor in this article. Whether you’re decorating a countryside estate or a suburban home with a southern twist, these ideas will help you blend tradition, warmth, and sophistication effortlessly.
We can see how some elements—rocking chairs, shuttered windows and floral wallpaper—can make your home celebrate Southern charm.
Welcoming Front Porches With Rocking Chairs
The front porch is usually at the center of what makes a Southern house unique. In my experience, nothing gives off a homier or more welcoming feeling than seeing classic rockers facing the outside world. This type of outdoor area is useful during the day such as for coffee and also in the evening, when you might chat with your neighbors. The entrance is beautiful thanks to the white railings, greenery in pots on each side and the soft light which sends a welcome message to guests.
I like to set my wooden rocking chairs out in the open, often choosing white or black to nicely highlight the soft pastels and creams in my exterior paint palette. I add some side tables, hanging planters and ceiling fans to ensure comfort in my pet’s space. Adding them makes the porch work better and still keep its southern vibe.
I have found over time that clients prefer their front porches to be their own yet fall within standard traditions. Garden & Gun Magazine recommends using family heirlooms or vintage-looking signage to bring warmth to your porch. I agree. You want your place to seem lived-in, rather than just being something you put on view.
I would add that, for this section, it would help if cushions and rugs were made with fabric resistant to weather and sun. So, the area remains warm and attractive all throughout the year with just slight maintenance.
Charming Shuttered Windows And White Trim
Having your windows shuttered in the South is useful and adds beauty to your home. In my opinion, the shutters I like best are wood, in soft green, dark charcoal or colonial blue, because they suit the architecture and help keep light away. When set off by white trim, they turn the facade into something easily noticeable and well-kept.
Of course, I advise using full-height louvered shutters on two-story houses and cafe-style shutters for homes styled like cottages. To make the home look better from the outside, the white trim should also be worn on rooflines, around doorframes and along porch columns. When planned well, these parts of a house complement each other and give it a beloved southern charm that can be seen from the street.
In my opinion, making things symmetrical is very important to good web design. Southern Living’s advice is to place shutters in line with your window size and placement to avoid them being seen as an afterthought. My work with exterior designs has shown that this advice always produces great outcomes.
A suggestion I usually make is to put in operable shutters that look like the hardware found during that period. You get a lovely result that lasts longer than standard quick fixes.
Elegant Entryways With Antique Consoles
How a Southern home’s entryway looks influences the rest of the décor inside. Usually, I choose an antique console table made from shiny dark wood with a small amount of ageing. It right away creates an atmosphere of history and sophistication. A vintage rug and a gilded mirror make the area stand out and clearly reflect personal style.
Most of the time, I set the console beside a ceramic table lamp, a bowl for my key essntials and a small vase filled with hydrangeas or magnolias. They aren’t only there for show—they represent Southern kindness. A wall filled with paintings of your family or Oil Landscapes makes guests sense that your home is full of memories.
In both places, I’ve noticed that people find this kind of workflow to be appreciated. I have always agreed with Bunny Williams that antique furniture in entryways helps to give a home a sense of elegant familiarity.
My thoughts are to set up a bench or a side chair a few steps from the door. The door openings let you remove your shoes and adds a little more Southern charm.
Classic Four-Poster Beds In Guest Rooms
A four-poster bed is an important aspect of Southern guest rooms. It strongly represents the union of history and comfort. To me, mahogany or cherry with crisp white bedding, plus a floral quilt, makes the room feel right. A room with a four-poster bed feels luxurious and elegantly aged and doesn’t go out of fashion.
My bedside table has a brass lamp and I place a wooden chest or bench at the foot of the bed, along with botanical-theme wall prints. The combination of formal and friendly details is what brings success to the interior. Curtains with lace at the border are a lovely extra touch.
Many guests tell me that the space seems both impressive and welcoming. According to House Beautiful, your guest room should be designed to feel as welcoming as a friend’s home and as comfortable as a hotel. That is my goal for every single aspect of the wedding.
One way to upgrade this area is to include a bookshelf or reading nook, so there’s more to do in the room without making it feel cramped.
Wrought Iron Accents And Vintage Railings
In much Southern architecture, you can see small wrought iron railings along balconies, stairs and gates. The presence of iron gives the home an elegant, strong and memorable look. To express these themes in design, I often use iron light fittings, metal grids and iron-trimmed mirrors.
I’ve used black and oil-rubbed bronze finishes, sometimes with wood to make the room more balanced. A stunning vintage railing makes a staircase extra impressive. Traditionally Southern Gothic homes benefit from wall-mounted iron candle holders or decorative panels.
Many people worry wrought iron may look or feel outdated or heavy. I keep telling them that there must be balance. Architect Bobby McAlpine pointed out that iron functions as the jewelry of a house. When used properly, it gives the script a beautiful bit of suspense.
If this area seems incomplete to you, try painting the iron with various colors such as soft gray or green, to give the area a new look.
Warm Hardwood Floors With Oriental Rugs
No home in the south is finished without having hardwood floors. For good durability and wider color range, I use oak, pine and heartwood. I always include Oriental or Persian rugs in my living room, hallway and bedroom decor, because they add both warmth and another texture to the space.
I generally prefer to suggest unfussy stains such as walnut or golden honey and attractive rug patterns in shades of red, blue and cream. When worn together, the pieces immediately show class and history. A rug shapes the room and keeps the floors clean.
This combination has worked well for me whether I’m wearing a suit or something more casual. As Veranda Magazine describes, adding an Oriental rug to a Southern home enhances the decor wonderfully. I agree completely and it’s so amazing to see them age gracefully.
If I want my space to feel updated, I will place two rugs side-by-side: a large jute under an oriental rug.
Porcelain And China Collections On Display
Giving pride of place to porcelain and fine china dates back for generations in the South. I often place these collections in the dining room or hallway using glass-front cabinets, display racks or hanged displays. They represent fine work and link the home back to its foundation.
I most often use blue-and-white chinoiserie, pieces from vintage Wedgwood and transferware. You can create different looks by placing your pottery in a straight row or in a corner unit; it adds style and interest to any room without being too heavy.
Such collections help give a house a sense of personal history. Southern Lady Magazine shares that showing china isn’t about coordinating—it’s about sharing stories from the pieces you have received or found gradually. I believe in that approach and try to use it during every design.
One thing that’s often left out in this area is good lighting. If you hang picture lights or LED strips in your cabinets, it will add a bit of drama to your display without turning your space into a museum.
Traditional Brick Fireplaces With Mantel Decor
A Southern house is often recognized by its traditional brick fireplace. At many houses I have worked on, the fireplace takes center stage in the living room, usually flanked by bookcases or wood panels. The visible brick warms up the space and the detailed mantel is just right for ornaments or simple decor. Brick stands firmly in the room, keeping a permanent and traditional feel, no matter if it is red or painted white.
Whenever I decorate the mantel, I include gold frames, tall candlesticks and beautiful flowers. An interesting object over your mantel draws the eye up, whereas art pieces and layers add a stylish feel to the space. Stacking wood fire in a brass basket or fire screen often makes my home warmer and cozier.
Based on my personal involvement in design, I have found that a working fireplace is the heart of family gatherings. Veranda Magazine regularly designs mantels with treasures passed down and fresh pieces and I reflect this in my work. It’s more than looks; it includes how we feel about what we see.
In my opinion, many home buyers should have hidden storage implemented within the built-ins near their fireplace. You can blend charm and practical functions in a way that doesn’t interfere with how the kitchen looks.
Decorative Molding And Trim For Graceful Rooms
The special look of a Southern house is often due to its molding and trim. They enclose the space and fill out rather empty-looking surfaces. No matter the house, I have always added crown molding, baseboards, chair rails and ceiling medallions to make it feel more formal.
I enjoy using white or off-white painted wood trim against pastel colors or floral paper in the room. The right details such as dentil molding or picture-frame wainscoting, can turn areas such as hallways or powder rooms into eye-catching areas. These features lead the attention up, making the room seem taller and better completed.
When I first began design, I didn’t understand how important trim is—until now, I see it as a necessary part. Southern Living described molding as the home’s jewelry in a past issue and I find that highly accurate. It may not stand out, but it makes a major difference.
Introducing arched doorways or casings with pediments will really complete the Southern revival style in this area.
Southern Floral Wallpaper Patterns That Pop
Many traditional Southern homes have boldly beautiful floral wallpaper. It introduces interest, liveliness and original style to otherwise plain rooms. I find gold wallpaper works well for me in dining rooms, guest bedrooms or bathrooms.
I love colors in my home to be soft or vibrant, with my favorite being oversized flowers or vintage botanicals. Walls covered in these papers suit single accent walls well or rooms with wainscoting beneath, so the effect isn’t too much. I use patterns from floral wallpaper with pieces of upholstery, wood furniture and plain drapes to avoid things looking too busy.
Clients think flowers in prints will appear old, but companies like Schumacher and Thibaut have updated the style with new shades and varied patterns. A busy floral print looks best when paired with clean, minimal pieces of furniture and I’ve tried this myself with great success.
My last point is to use wallpaper on the ceiling or inside cabinet glass to introduce excitement without being overpowering.
White Kitchen Cabinets With Brass Hardware
A lot of Southern kitchens have white cabinets that are neat and have accent finishes. Because I enjoy the way they look, I usually pick white shaker-style cabinets. The room seems bigger thanks to the brightness and the brass accents increase the room’s sophistication.
My preferred design is to use polished or brushed brass handles which contrast nicely and add warmth to marble or granite on the counters. White kitchen fixtures look fantastic on backsplashes made from subway tile, open shelves and wood floors. For me, it’s the perfect mix of workable and stylish, exactly what a Southern kitchen needs.
What I’ve found in my kitchen projects is that hardware goes beyond finishing and becomes a central part of the overall look. If you mix brass and nickel, you can make old-fashioned features in a kitchen trendier, as Better Homes & Gardens explains.
One way to improve this style is by including glass-front uppers, allowing you to put favorite dishes or antique dishes on display.
Farmhouse Sinks And Butcher Block Counters
Almost every Southern kitchen has a farmhouse sink. If you want a kitchen that feels cozy and comfortable, I usually advise combining a white porcelain apron-front sink with butcher block countertops. It’s a great blend that results in something useful and comfy.
A sink with floral curtains or a garden look out the window can make it the center of attention. I prefer using maple or oak as my counter material, sealed with food-safe oil. Ceramic canisters, a cast iron skillet rack and a vintage looking faucet will make your space reflect tradition perfectly.
People love how comfortable and easy to use this display is. It is said in Southern Kitchen that a farmhouse sink adds the feel and history of the South to your home. I think making this choice actually keeps the look stylish while still sticking to a budget.
If you want to improve this section, adding a rolling island that shares the same butcher block top brings more space and flexibility but keeps everything visually connected.
Vintage Chandeliers Over Dining Tables
The highlight of any Southern dining room is a classic chandelier. All my dining room designs include a statement piece such as a pendant lamp made of crystal, brass or antique bronze with long arms and bulbs. It brings style and excitement, making people look higher.
I tend to set the chandelier right above an oversized wooden dining table which is often an oval or a rectangle that can seat eight or ten people. A good rule is to have the chandelier centered above the table, between 30 and 36 inches above it for the best results. Accompanying a centerpiece of flowers, linen napkins and china will make the whole setting truly stunning.
I love the fact that vintage chandeliers have personality you won’t find in new ones. Elle Decor suggests that a good chandelier can even make a simple table look impressive. It is true in every house I have looked at and worked in.
You can enhance this design by using a dimmer switch to light the space just right for parties, holidays or enjoyable family meals.
Gilded Mirrors And Wall Sconces For Soft Glow
In the South, gilded mirrors and lighting sconces do more than enhance the room; they add warmth and light. It is common for me to add gold-framed mirrors above mantels, buffets or entry consoles to light up the room and add some richness. With classic sconces included, the effect becomes colorful and softens the space.
My favorite mirrors are old-style French or federal, with either decorative crests or rope designs. I pick brass or bronze fixtures and put fabric shades or candelabra bulbs in them. Having them on the left and right of a mirror or up above bedside tables, will result in a beautifully balanced and attractive look.
I have observed that this setup always manages to impress me. Architectural Digest has recognized that choosing the right locations for lighting can have the same effect for your space as picking the best type of light. They are useful and gorgeous at the same time.
If you dream of some flair in your room, put up a huge mirror or try a galleried look with several smaller mirrors.
Classic Toile And Gingham Textiles
Adding classic toile and gingham to your Southern home is super easy to give it a unique style. I’ve always noticed that using textiles softens a room and adds emotional comfort. Traditional patterns you find on upholstery, curtains or bedding remind us of our past. While Toile prints one-color pastoral images on white, gingham comes alive with a checkerboard design found in kitchens and restaurants.
I usually place toile fabrics on accent chairs or drapery and combine them with either neutral or pastel background colors so the pattern gets noticed. A gingham fabric meal cover looks great on a kitchen table or even inside open cabinets. Cotton or linen of better quality helps your towels last longer and remain as soft as you like. You can mix or not mix these prints and they will still instantly show their Southern origins.
For me, bringing a touch of gingham to any home helps—try it in your bathroom curtains or on your breakfast nook bench. Often, designers like Bunny Williams advise people to pair one or two strong traditional patterns with subtle colors, to beautifully clothe the home without giving it a themed look.
You should mention that bringing in small-scale and large-scale gingham prints into a room adds dimension, but will not overpower the place. Be sure to show how complementary colors can help tame the strong patterns sometimes found in Mediterranean rugs.
Layered Window Treatments With Drapes And Valances
Most traditional Southern homes rely on layered window treatments for their usefulness and a luxurious feeling. Because warm weather can be very hot, it is crucial to be able to control both light and temperature and layered curtains achieve just that. I start by using sheer panels during the day and for evening, I add heavy curtains of cotton, silk or velvet for both privacy and a more elegant look. An upholstered valance is the perfect finish to make your window look elegant.
Rich neutrals or simple flowers in the drapes showcase the South’s taste and pleated, scalloped or boxed valances create a look that catches the eye. A basic curtain can be enhanced with tassels or fringe trim and rods with beautiful finials help achieve a traditional finish. To make a room feel bigger and more formal, I usually place the drapery high and wide above the window.
To me, excellent window treatments set the tone for the room and repay your investment. According to interior expert Charlotte Lucas in Veranda, including several treatments is vital to having rooms that are cozy and full of personal style.
You can extend this section by including specific hardware options such as wrought iron rods or old brass brackets, that match the look of a Southern home.
Antique Armoires And Hand-Painted Dressers
Storing things is only one function of antique wardrobes and decorative dressers in the South—they are also prized heirlooms. I often choose these pieces to center a room because they add height, make a statement and tell a story. You can either get a family heirloom or find it in an old shop, but they are always special. The presence of patina, woodgrain and expert craftsmanship makes antique furniture more trustworthy than anything mass-produced.
If you need storage space in your bedroom, an armoire gives you a suitable place for clothes, sheets or your television. Because their unique design stands out, painted dressers work great as furniture in guest bedrooms or entryways. I find myself attracted to soft greens, dusty blues and creams as distressing is minimal. Typical for Southern pieces are floral, vine and gold leaf designs and adding curved feet or brass knobs completes the appearance.
When I work on my own places, I find that these things blend both the proper style of the South and warmth. Following Southern Living’s advice, giving your old furniture a paint job or refurbishing it lets you make it your own while keeping its character.
I would suggest using old picture frames, your best silver or some recently cut flowers at the top of each piece to let the area seem warm and appreciated.
Soft Pastel Paint Palettes With Southern Charm
There’s a calmness about soft pastel colors that perfectly matches the natural sunlight found in many Southern homes. Sunlight is nicely caught by pale blues, buttery yellows, soft greens and blush pinks which help rooms appear open. I usually bring the same colors into bedrooms, bathrooms and sunrooms to make them feel peaceful and warm.
The calm colors are a great foundation for fancy crown molding, floral seating and old-style furniture. Many times, I rely on Benjamin Moore’s “Palladian Blue” or Sherwin Williams’ “Creamy” to create a traditional Southern design. Working pastels with either dark or light-stained woods adds a beautiful and even look to your wall.
My advice? Always try the paint in both regular and artificial light before choosing it. A mild sage color on the patch can transform into lime green later on. According to Phoebe Howard, discussing interior design, similar shades in alloys such as wall covering, various types of fabrics and rugs can give a room a soft look with plenty to notice.
A little advice about choosing paint colors for the walls and ceilings would make this section more helpful. Having a white or ivory ceiling and a pastel wall of a deeper shade is a great way to make a room feel centered.
Heirloom Dining Sets With Monogrammed Linens
All Southern homes should have an heirloom dining set, where stories and traditions are celebrated. Dark wood tables with Queen Anne or Chippendale chairs make any room look classy to me. These days, what sets Southern homes apart are the well-used and treasured monogrammed linens passed on or stitched just for the house.
Monogrammed items on the table such as runners and napkins, can make your dinner more pleasant. I find myself putting ivory or white linens beside pale, embroidered fabric, choosing sometimes to mix in gold or navy. Do not let the look be loud or over the top. Place a few crystal goblets, bring out the silver flatware and put a tiered centerpiece in the center and your dining room is ready for a Sunday meal.
For me, these traditions help keep the day uniform and meaningful. For Southern decor, the meaning behind objects is just as important as having them. According to Danielle Rollins, your dining room should help create the atmosphere for your best memories.
It could help to explain how to look after antique dining sets in areas with high humidity such as those in the South.
Sweet Tea Bars And Kitchen Nooks
If you have a sweet tea bar in your kitchen, you’ll always have a cozy space for friends and family to visit. I usually put a sideboard or console table in a sunny spot, filled with a glass beverage dispenser, some mason jars, some antique trays and embroidered tea towels. It gets the job done, invites visitors and has a bit of a whimsical edge.
European-style, an indoor kitchen nook provides a cozy place to eat your morning meal or relax during chats in the afternoon. Beadboard paneling and pretty floral or gingham cloth, as well as some fresh hydrangeas, will give a traditional touch to your afternoon tea. What’s best about this? It’s possible to have an easy look that’s still pulled together.
When I suggest this setup, I usually do so for clients who often have lots of family members visiting. It organizes everyday celebrations and emphasizes the Southern tradition of being hospitable. As cited in Garden & Gun, “The sweet tea station is the new coffee bar—iconically Southern, endlessly useful.”
Having open shelves above the tea bar allows you to show off recipe books, pretty ceramic pitchers or fun vintage signs that don’t look cluttered.
Gallery Walls With Black-And-White Family Photos
Photos on a gallery wall in black and white often share more stories than anything else. They’ve been personal, unchanging and connected to the South for ages. A good place for this is a hallway, staircase or study wall. Pick either antique gold or matte black frames to ensure the look does not vary between pictures.
I like to set the plants out on the floor first to decide how much space they should have and at what height. Having calligraphy quotes and pressed flowers in my portrait frames creates a nice flow in the design. When a home is big, using architectural drawings or handwritten recipe books helps set a nostalgic mood.
The thing I like best is how this display connects people. People stop, ask for information and right away the house feels more welcoming. As Architectural Digest says, an impressive gallery wall tells the story of a family’s personality.
You could boost this space by adding simple wall-mounted sconces or a picture light which will also give it a museum appearance.
Southern-Inspired Centerpieces And Floral Arrangements
In classic Southern home decor, flowers in vases and specially made centerpieces are very important. They make the room beautiful, as well as show guests you are welcome. Whenever I’m styling a dining or coffee table, I always incorporate florals, preferring blooms varied from magnolias to garden roses. Because they are native to the South, they fit perfectly in arrangements that represent the region’s flair.
I think antique pitchers and porcelain vases work best as centerpiece holders. I often add a few stems of eucalyptus or boxwood and when I want something extra, I bring in citrus or ribbon. Keep the furniture arranged, but don’t make the room too formal—Southern style should be comfortable. I add a bit of history by adding monogrammed vases or crystal bowls that were passed on in my family.
Tara Guérard, a florist and designer, has said, “In the South, flowers belong in every home as much as do front porches or tasty fried chicken.” I completely agree with what you saying. Having fresh flowers in the house adds life, delicious smells and character. In my opinion, making fresh changes to floral arrangements helps a home avoid a stale atmosphere.
Include advice on styling your arrangements seasonally to take this section to the next step. For example, use cotton stems in autumn or fill your centerpieces with magnolia leaves and berries for the holidays, keeping size and color in your mind.
Crown Molding And Coffered Ceilings For Drama
Crown molding and coffered ceilings are the reasons classic Southern homes have such architectural depth. Anyone looking to add elegance to their home should include these details. What really stands out is how heavy they look, while still feeling light on their own, if you paint them soft white or cream.
I nearly always use crown molding in all my rooms to set boundaries and give them structure. Coffered ceilings are popular in formal areas because they create interest and divide up high ceilings. Most of these insets are simply painted pieces of wood or plaster, making them practical as well as appealing. Properly made, they highlight different points of light and dark.
The magazine Southern Home highlights that ceiling treatments do more to finish a room than rugs or paint. From personal experience, putting on a little trim makes a simple room fit right in with a Southern setting.
This could be better explained by pointing out that using crown molding with either wainscoting or tall baseboards together helps make the room more vertically appealing.
Cozy Reading Corners With Wingback Chairs
Making cozy places to read is something I’ve always valued in the South. At these small reserves, visitors can stop, think and even share tales with others. The star of a French Rococo living space is often a wingback chair upholstered in linen or floral cloth. There’s always a nice small table, antique reading light and a pile of favorite books close by.
How you stand is very important. Many times, I move the chair by a sunlit window or to a peaceful nook at the other end of the living room. Drop a small rug or a footstool there and you will find the room becomes more friendly all at once. Putting a lightweight blanket or throw over a chair’s back can make it look lived in.
The play areas in our home are the ones my children visit the most and enjoy the most. Julia Reed has written in Garden & Gun that life slows and we gain Southern wisdom in the company of books. I completely agree with you.
You could recommend setting up shelves as part of the wall or decorate the eating table with flowers or a beautiful clock to bring the let.
Porch Swings Draped In Classic Cushions
You can’t have an authentic Southern porch without a swing. Porch swings of any type—whether hanging or set on a frame—are a well-known symbol of Southern relaxing. Generally, I use a wood or wicker frame, putting cushions with a thick layer of foam, mostly in toile, gingham or floral styles.
I usually place three or five similar pillows on the sofa, with a lightweight throw added for when it’s cold. Swings are most comfortable when placed in a wind and surrounded by shade from fans or trees. For an even look, I add potted ferns or lanterns to each side of the swing.
Guests and people in my neighborhood tend to choose the swing first, since it’s a great place for gathering and taking it easy. According to designer James Farmer, porches are built to draw people in and the swing is what helps achieve that.
Why not add a ceiling light or sconces and a nearby table so you can enjoy your outdoors even when it’s dark?
Layered Bedding With Quilts And Throws
Any Southern bedroom needs layers of bedding. I like to begin with clean white sheets, place a thin cotton quilt on top and finish with the comforter folded over at the foot. A final touch of throws and pillows in toile, stripes or florals looks great in a room. The method creates a unique and upscale feeling.
I bring together old and new linens to give living spaces character and memories. Family quilts bring in added warmth and eye-catching modern pillows finish the bed with a match to the room’s current colors. Having square, bolster and lumbar pillows together creates a stylish effect instead of an untidy look.
Putting several types of bedding on the bed really supports a good night’s sleep. Investing in fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen is recommended by Southern Living for keeping your environment pleasant all year.
You could make the bed area look neater by using either a tailored bed skirt or a tufted headboard to outline the space.
Wall Paneling And Beadboard Details
Wall paneling, especially when it’s beadboard, is often what gives a Southern interior its signature look. It gives everything a touch of depth, attractiveness and a subtle amount of interesting texture. I paint my hallways, bathrooms and kitchens using it, typically in bright whites or soft colors such as sail green or sky blue.
A great way to use beadboard is to help control the look of a long or plain wall. Usually, I install molding up to chair-rail height, but if the room allows, I go the full height. If you pair shelves with crown molding or a picture ledge, your look will look certain and skillfully done.
Many designers from the South like beadboard for its adaptability and rich background. From my own experience, it’s one of the most affordable routes to achieve an everlasting look. Since it is strong and can be repainted simple, it’s a good option in places with a lot of foot traffic.
You might enhance beadboard spaces by providing hooks to store hats or baskets or by painting the ceiling to match for a more interesting touch.
Lantern Lighting And Vintage Ceiling Fans
In the South, the difference between a lovely room and an unpleasant one is often made by lantern lighting and old-fashioned ceiling fans. For my foyer or porch, I like to use wrought iron lanterns which make people feel welcomed. For my home, I usually look for aged brass or matte black ceiling fans because they fit both looks and function well.
A beautiful lantern-style chandelier over the table, along with soft white-shaded sconces, is my favorite in Southern dining rooms. In a matter of practicality, bedrooms and living rooms are the best places for fans to be, especially if they complement the woodwork or trim. You can fill your room with fans that have wide wooden blades and classic pulls to make it interesting.
To control the atmosphere in your home, lighting designers suggest adding dimmers to your lantern fixtures. I take advantage of them often, mainly when people are over in the evenings. It’s the choice of modern and classic elements that gives Southern homes their charm.
You could also use dimmable LED filament bulbs or add matching ceiling medallions to make your lighting even more attractive.
Covered Patios With Wicker Furniture
A patio is one of the best-loved aspects of Southern living and it’s usually set up with plenty of welcoming wicker furniture. Such spaces exist to make people feel comfortable and welcomed, not only because they look nice. Creating a separate spot to relax outdoors provides true value to a home and is especially appreciated in warmer areas. Southern charm makes wicker a natural match, as it’s tough, provides ventilation and captures the relaxed feel we want. When you hang a few ferns and fit in some ceiling fans, this will feel like another world in your yard.
Usually, a wicker sofa, cozy armchairs with seats, a coffee table and even a porch swing form the main set of furniture in this space. If the wicker frames are painted white, using neutral cushions with floral or striped accent pillows is a great idea. If the wicker is dark-stained, you might prefer pale blue or green accent pillows. Cheerful hanging lanterns, old rocking chairs and pretty light curtains around the patio can beautifully enhance the classic look of any Southern home.
In my view, there’s no way to finish a Southern patio without adding plants and the right lights. I placed some white globe string lights on a covered veranda and they softly enhanced the image, activating the space in an enjoyable way. I found out from Southern Living that you can put citronella candles in classic-looking lanterns and keep the bugs from coming while your home benefits from a touch of vintage charm.
For this area, it’s a good idea to lay a small, patterned outdoor rug and place a wooden console table there to keep tea supplies and gardening items handy. A couple of antique planters can introduce more vintage charm to any room.
Mixing Old And New With Southern Balance
The main aspect of Southern design comes from the way it mixes old and new together smoothly and tastefully. Adding classic vintage pieces such as an antique writing desk, to my layout and mixing in modern light fixtures and new curtains is one thing I love. Keep the things I mentioned and your house will be genuinely warm and authentic. There aren’t any parts that seem overdone, but every single detail seems to belong.
When I am designing this kind of room, I could choose a traditional four-poster bed and use streamlined nightstands or hang an abstract painting above an accent wall of shiplap. The difference in finishes is the main focus—grand trim with simple furniture, shiny knobs contrasted with color on the cabinets. Make sure the wood elements and traditional heirlooms are complemented by a few up-to-date things such as cotton slipcovers or jute rugs, to keep it fresh and useful.
I really enjoyed one project where we revamped a vintage dresser from a Georgia sale and updated its appearance by using lovely creamy paint and gold knobs. It was placed below a tall magic mirror, so everyone wanted to talk about it. Better Homes & Gardens advises that you display your antiques as historical elements, while using colors and lights to tell your story in a modern way.
If you want to improve this room, put some personalized monogrammed throw pillows on the sofa. They help bring a touch of Southern traditions into the room without making everything too busy.
Vintage Signs And Southern Sayings As Decor
Having vintage signs or well-loved Southern expressions on the wall boosts the Southern character of any home. Often, these decorations add comfort and memories to a room, thanks to inspiring or playful written quotes. I tend to set them out in places like entryways, kitchens and laundry rooms, where they best match the conversational way I designed them. Whether new or old such signs are typically packed with charm.
There could be wooden signs displayed with letters each one saying “Bless Your Heart,” “Gather,” or “Get Some Sweet Tea.” Besides, metal farmhouse-style signs, you could display framed typography and even use road signs that have meaning in your area. Lots of the time, I display paintings right above doorways, next to windows or add them to gallery walls. Let them become part of the home’s history, not just something extra you put up.
I make sure that my design choices are not too big or too small. Large wall art is perfect for a dining room, but you may prefer something small for the powder room or mudroom. A reclaimed church sign that read “Peace Be With You” caught my eye, so I added it above our fireplace so friends could notice it. Fixer Upper on HGTV suggests that including your own or local expressions can help your home achieve style and personal connection.
Layering the wall with baskets, mirrors or rustic shelves can balance out and add character to the signs you’ve hung up.
Bringing In Nature With Potted Ferns And Greenery
You can express the strong outdoor connection of a southern house by putting potted ferns throughout your home. Many Southerners prefer ferns since they look full, do well in shade and can handle the moisture in hot weather. It’s a joy to set them on our front porch, in sunrooms or hang them from the ceiling to fill the house with softness and life.
The first step in my design is to group pedestal urns, ceramic planters and hanging baskets together. My main choice is a Boston fern, but I also love having asparagus fern, ivy and maidenhair for texture. Placing these plants near neutral walls and wood decor can help brighten and lift any room. I commonly place them by rocking chairs, next to console tables or in corners where furniture stops and there’s an open space.
I’ve noticed that having plants at home makes the air healthier and also really boosts my mood. I use moss underneath the plant to fill out the arrangement and I mist the ferns every day for a nice, full look. Seeing ferns sway in a hanging basket gives a special Southern touch that other decorations don’t have.
Often, what’s absent are matching garden-inspired items such as botanical pictures, stacked terra cotta plates and antique watering cans. They improve the link between a home’s interior and the beauty found in a Southern garden.
Classic Southern decor isn’t just about how things are styled, it’s about living with comfort, heritage and good design. If you like wicker outdoors, fascinating old signs or fresh potted plants, you’ll add charm and warmth to your space. I’d love to hear how you’ve incorporated Southern charm into your own home or which idea inspired you most—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
