A soft quilt laid at the end of a guest bed, a kitchen always ready for a neighborly visit, a living room with elegant and comfortable seating—from the decorative details to the architectural design, elements of hospitality can be found in the many facets of a Southern home. Yet, exactly what makes a home “Southern” can be difficult to define.
Our recent Southern Home special issue captured the inspired décor of 11 different homes from throughout the region. Each presented a different take on the meaning of Southern style. We asked the talented designers of those interiors how they defined a Southern home. Here, we share some of their responses and offer a taste of the spaces they created. Find the rest of these inspired interiors and the stories behind them in the print edition, available on newsstands now or through our online store.
Loretta Willis
“Southern décor is inviting and casual yet elegant design that is considerate of function. Beauty is in the details that bring personalization and personality to the home.”
Atlanta-based designer Loretta Willis helped this couple update their spacious home and make room for a growing number of grandchildren. Known for her crafting of classic designs that make traditional elements comfortable and approachable, she mixed some of the owners’ existing pieces with updated elements. “I introduced a color play that warmed up the interior while complementing the items we kept and the new items we purchased,” she says.
