Innholdsfortegnelse for Gracious Homes 2012 i Southern Lady

Home. It’s where the heart is. It’s where you hang your hat. It’s the place where you eat and entertain, rest and rejuvenate, dream and dwell. In this special issue, we explore the elements of a house and the special touches that can turn it into a gracious home. From the welcome mat at the front door to the azaleas in the garden, every aspect of an abode plays an important part in creating an inviting atmosphere, and we’ll show you easy ways to incorporate charm into each and every room. You’ll also discover clever projects for quick updates, helpful decorating tips from top designers, and even personal tours through private homes. And whether this publication serves as a resource for your next room makeover or simply a way to…

suite dreams The homeowners’ request for a quiet and restful master suite was answered with this light-filled space tucked away from the heart of the home. The neutral-hued haven also boasts sumptuous his-andher bathrooms, glimpsed just beyond a pedestal table that brims with cherished family photos and favorite books. natural gallery Combining the dining and living rooms into one large space offers an easy flow for entertaining, but still allows for the creation of smaller, more intimate areas for conversation. The architect designed the home to take advantage of lakeside surroundings. Well-placed windows allow brilliant streams of sunlight into each room and turn the breathtaking views into works of art. tranquil sanctuary French-inspired amenities— an elegant chandelier, whitewashed cabinetry, marble counters, and sconces—lend a lavish European-spa feel to the master…

Well-designed interiors start with visions of delicious fabrics, exquisite antiques, original art, fine furniture, and—if you’re Anita Rankin—homeowners kicking off their shoes and fully enjoying every inch of their redesigned home. “It’s my responsibility to help clients create the house or the room that they want to live in,” says Anita. And by “live,” she truly means live. The idea is no more evident than in Anita’s own home in Fairhope, Alabama, where she thinks nothing of walking over the antique rugs on her bathroom floor, stacking dishes in a grand armoire, and serving meals in her “formal” dining room for ordinary occasions. “I live all over it,” says the 30-year veteran designer, who simply doesn’t believe in rooms or furnishings that aren’t enjoyed everyday and by everyone. “My grandchildren,…

continental appeal European style lends its distinct charms to an airy living space. A mantel with della Robia– style carving, antique French candlesticks, and herringbonepatterned tile in the firebox—all are reminiscent of the great manor houses of Europe. clean design Since the homeowners have a large family that tends to congregate in the kitchen, the spacious floor plan offers plenty of room for cooking and conversing. An expansive island serves as the centerpiece, with a sleek and uncluttered design that provides storage as well as seating. “ACCESSIBLE DESIGN IS GOOD DESIGN”. —STEVE BALLMER refined dining A wrought-iron chandelier offers old-world elegance in this dining space. The weathered farmhouse table easily seats a crowd, while upholstered chairs provide a sophisticated juxtaposition that brings the look together. cozy retreat This home serves…

dining outdoors A furnished veranda acts as a year-round entertaining space in milder climates. Enclosed by exterior walls on three sides and drawn curtains on the fourth, it’s the perfect place for taking in sunset garden views. timeless charm Both a sense of grandeur and a feeling of familial warmth pervade this home featuring distinctive architecture and elegant, personal furnishings. To infuse the new home with the character of time, the homeowners opted for elements like exposed brick floors and walls as well as wood beams for the downstairs ceilings. alfresco impressions Floral motifs against a backdrop of pleasing sky blue compose a picture of absolute serenity. A visual contrast to the primarily bold palettes of the neighboring rooms, the guest suite’s design is just right for welcoming overnight visitors.…

Raising a family in a small town, Margaret Anne Smith taught more than manners and mending. The ever-stylish mother instilled the art of detail and design, of flowers and fashion, of color and collecting. Of course at that time, Margaret Anne had no way of knowing that she was mentoring a daughter who would one day become a top designer. “I have always had a natural instinct toward design,” says the award-winning Jan Showers, “but truly my formal training was at my mother’s knee.” And for that, Margaret Anne has reason to be proud. Today, Jan’s clientele list reads like the who’s who of exquisite taste, as she balances three businesses from her home base of Dallas. In addition to her highly regarded interior design firm, Jan runs an antiques…

sun spots Outdoor living is the best part of being a resident of Florida’s Alys Beach. Here, the homeowners take full advantage of the sun-splashed patio located in the central courtyard. Couches, pillows, outdoor lighting, and a surroundsound system make it the family’s favorite spot. serene dreams Seaside hues and laid-back luxury weave a common thread throughout this Mediterraneaninspired guest suite, where striking architectural details abound. All the essentials make it feel like home, but features like a faux fireplace filled with pillar candles and a grand Gothic-arch headboard create a true getaway experience. In the bath, sea green tile echoes the exquisite hue of the Gulf Coast waters just a short stroll away. relax & unwind This retreat features a comfortable gathering place for this family and their friends…

The inaugural season of HGTV’s Design Star featured a fresh-faced designer with an unmistakable Southern drawl and a knack for creating lovely and livable rooms. Alice Fakier captured viewers’ hearts with her imaginative style and enviable composure in an incredibly competitive arena. She took her delightful charm and design talents all the way to the finals, gathering a loyal following in the process. Alice grew up in Shreveport and earned a degree in psychology before returning to school at Louisiana Tech for her interior design degree. “I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was young,” says Alice. “My mom would put fabric scraps, scissors, and thread in my Christmas stocking so I could make all of my Barbie clothes.” Between classes, she worked at fabric stores, indulging her…

COVER Photography by Mac Jamieson Resources: Pillows; B. Viz Design. FROM THE EDITOR Page 8 Resources: Hair and Makeup Styling; Celine C. Russell. Floral Design; Tana Avery of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. HEART OF THE HOME Page 10 Opener Wallpaper (#19557); Graham & Brown. Resources: (Pages 18-19) China; Indian Basket by Herend. Bergamote Tablecloth and Napkins in Mandarin; Yves Delorme. (Pages 22-23) Fabric Crown, Upholstered Headboard, Custom Duvet, Pillows; Pate- Meadows Designs. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Page 26 Opener Wallpaper (#17869); Graham & Brown. FRESH LOOKS Page 44 Opener Wallpaper (#60050); Graham & Brown. Resources: (Pages 46-47) Interiors and Styling by Doug Davis of Tracery Interiors. Morris Stevens Wall Stencils; Whitewall & Co. China White Paint Color (#I-74) and Copley Gray Stencil Color (#HC- 104); Benjamin Moore & Co. (Page 48)…