The Neighborhood that Captured my Heart
This Houston home, redesigned by Jessica Bandstra and Bonnie Greene of Dogwood Proper, is a masterclass in thoughtful, continuous design.
On a recent trip to Florida, my family and I spent time in Jacksonville. While there, we explored a neighborhood a dear friend grew up in. I had heard my friend’s beloved stories of growing up in Jacksonville. An idyllic childhood lived under the Spanish moss, running from neighbor to neighbors home and swimming in a pool that overlooked one of the many waterways that runs through and around Jacksonville.
It’s a laidback yet refined life — living by the water in an established neighborhood marked by tradition and charm. Ortega neighborhood was like a dream.
I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into the types of homes you may expect to see. What’s missing is the soft breeze from the waterway and friendly faces out for a morning stroll. Even on a cloudy day like the day these photos were taken, it’s still picturesque and what I think is one of Florida’s best kept secrets.
If you're heading to Florida or somewhere warm for Spring Break, here are some finds that I love -- only from brands I own and purchase from regularly.
Summer Curb Appeal in Charlotte
Come walk the tree-lined streets of charming Charlotte with me - you'll find streets with sidewalks, original slate roofs and southern curb-appeal that's sure to inspire.
On a recent walk through some of Charlotte’s most beautiful neighborhoods, I couldn’t help but admire the lush, tree-lined streets and the timeless Southern curb appeal at every turn. From arched doorways and charming windows to slate roofs and rows of mature boxwoods, each home felt like a quiet classic.
I’m excited to share these with y'all and hope they provide a little design inspiration, whether you’re building, renovating, or simply dreaming.
All images were taken by Garden & Grace
10 Photos for Classic Christmas Curb Appeal Inspiration
Walking through town looking at beautiful homes is always one of my favorite things to do. This time of year makes it even more special with enchanting light displays, wreaths and ribbons galore! Here are a few of the stoops that stopped me.
Walking through town looking at beautiful homes is always one of my favorite things to do. This time of year makes it even more special with enchanting light displays, wreaths and ribbons galore! Here are a few of the stoops that stopped me.
A pair of topiaries will always be timeless to me. I love the understated elegance of dressing up decor you already have.
My faux topiaries, which are around $220 for the set on Amazon, have lasted me years! Just add ribbon, like this peacock blue velvet option from Fig & Dove, for that festive flare.
This home says joy to me! The warm glow from within evokes such a cozy feeling, and the lit magnolia garland creates an elegant entrance. The front door makes such an impression, you don't realize how simple the decor really is!
Garland and wreaths are hallmarks of classic Christmas decor. For a similar look, I like this cherry red velvet ribbon and this lit faux wreath from Ballard.
Net lights are genius, especially if you want to extend your Christmas decor beyond your front door. No room-climbing necessary here!
A simple wreath brings the simplest holiday cheer. You can't go wrong with this classic look in my book.
Wreaths on windows with red bows and a lit garland framing the front door make this home holiday ready. The symmetry is so pretty.
This all-green look works so well with the home's ivy-covered facade and shutters. If you like how this whimsical garland drips, look for Norfolk pine or cedar.
Lamps, giant baubles, lights, wreaths and a garland work together to create just the right amount of holiday cheer!
I thought the placement of these wreaths was really pretty. It's slightly different than the on-the-window approach, but I like how it creates a triangle with the wreath on the front door. Plus, I always stop for a Christmas tree sparkling in the window.
This arched entrance looks made for garland! Another understated look proves classic Christmas decor is all in the details.
If you're already thinking about home projects for 2026, be sure to check out the Garden & Grace directory! It features 60+ trusted home professionals around the U.S., from interior designers to landscapers.
November Home Edit: 5 Classic Home Listings We're Loving Right Now
It's the best day of the month, aka time to share November's Home Edit! If you're a new Garden & Grace reader, the Home Edit is our monthly series where we show off of on-the-market homes, hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
It's the best day of the month, aka time to share November's Home Edit! If you're a new Garden & Grace reader, the Home Edit is our monthly series where we show off on-the-market homes — hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
This month’s curated roundup features five traditional homes, sprinkled all throughout the south. It's no surprise, some of these beautiful homes have already accepted offers.
2824 Pump House Road - Mountain Brook, AL
4 beds | 3.5+ baths | 4,910 square feet | $2.25 million
This brick adobe is loaded with traditional character, from its charming curb appeal to its formal dining and living areas. I can picture many dinner parties and casual get togethers on the blue stone patio, overlooking the acres of mature gardens and landscaping.
This home is listed by Helen Drennen at RealtySouth.
2622 Dover Road Road -Raleigh, NC
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 4,720 square feet | $1.9 million
With its painted brick exterior, arched doorways, gracious outdoor living spaces and built-ins throughout, this home exudes Southern elegance.
This home is listed by Elaine Wood at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
2021 Spottswood Road - Charlottesville, VA
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 4,436 square feet | $2.9 million
This storied home was designed by famed architect Milton Grigg and built by RE Lee & Sons. It was Lee’s personal residence. I love the architectural details throughout.
This home is listed by Charlotte Dammann at McLean Faulconer
375 Farmington Drive -Charlottesville, VA
7 beds |8 baths | 12,728 square feet | $8.45 million
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this impressive estate sits on 43 rolling acres. It features an indoor pool pavilion, tennis courts and endless other amenities, just three miles from UVA.
This home is listed by Sally Du Bose at Sally Du Bose Real Estate Partners
610 Ivy Lane -Charlottesville, VA
5 beds |5 baths | 6,636 square feet | $5.795 million
Blue Ridge Mountain views, professionally landscaped grounds, multiple fireplaces, an orangery and abundant traditional design details are just a few things we love about this stately home.
This home is listed by Tim Michel at McLean Faulconer
Want to share your real estate listing with the Garden & Grace community? Submit your home listing here.
Our monthly real estate email and Instagram post are shared the first Tuesday of each month. Homes are vetted prior to publication to ensure they're in line with Garden & Grace's signature style.
20 Photos of Inspiring Exteriors in Fall
My camera roll is filled with exteriors that stop me in my tracks all year round, but there's something extra special about this time of year. I love how the light and leaves change, so even the homes that aren't accessorized for the season still feel festive. Let's take an autumnal walk.
My camera roll is filled with exteriors that stop me in my tracks all year round, but there's something extra special about this time of year. I love how the light and leaves change, so even the homes that aren't accessorized for the season still feel festive.
It won't surprise you that I'm a big fan of minimal, classic fall decor. Think: A few aubergine mums and a pumpkin or two festooning the front porch. I love the simplicity — and that it's appropriate until Thanksgiving.
Take an autumnal walk with us.
Get inspired with our latest home tour, where interior designer Kate Figler shows off her masterful ability to layer color and patterns for one personality-packed Nashville home.
October Home Edit: 4 Connecticut Home Listings We're Loving Right Now
There’s nothing like the idyllic setting of Northeastern towns like New Canaan, CT — especially in the fall. This month’s Home Edit features four curated Connecticut listings we think you'll love.
Welcome to our latest edition of The Home Edit! We recently launched this monthly series to show off a curated selection of on-the-market homes, hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
There’s nothing like the idyllic setting of Northeastern towns like New Canaan, CT — especially in the fall. This month’s Home Edit features four curated Connecticut listings we think you'll love.
755 Northland Court
6 beds | 7.5 baths | 7,979 square feet | $6.5 million
The sprawling property won us over with its classic, clean interiors and ample al fresco entertaining spaces. We especially love the formal gardens and expansive bluestone terraces. Take a look around to see why this property is our featured home for October.
This home is listed by John Dunn at Compass Connecticut.
81 Canoe Hill Road
6 beds | 7.5+ baths | 9,452 square feet
This New England estate, which sits on 5.5 well-manicured acres, was reimagined by luxury home builder Hobbs Inc. and architect Mark Finlay. Listed at $7.4 million.
114 Ferris Hill Road
6 beds | 9 baths | 7,700 square feet
A Dutch door welcomes you int0 this impressive family home, which boasts a sauna, wine cellar and plenty of room for entertaining. The four-acre property also includes a tennis court and barn. Listed at $6 million.
This home is listed by Marsha Charles and Holly Slattery at Coldwell Banker Realty.
87 North Wilton Road
6 beds | 5.5+ baths | 8,497 square feet
Rows of apple trees dot the grounds of this elegant estate, once owned by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw and a number of other celebrities. Listed at $5 million.
This home is listed by Hannelore Kaplan at William Raveis Real Estate.
Want to share your real estate listing with the Garden & Grace community? Submit your home listing here.
Our monthly real estate email and Instagram post are shared the first Tuesday of each month. Homes are vetted prior to publication to ensure they're in line with Garden & Grace's signature style.
Curb Appeal: Discover the Architectural Beauty of Nashville
These striking homes are just a handful of the many charming homes that grace the winding streets of Nashville and its surrounding areas.
I was recently in Nashville for an opportunity to shoot a home tour that I can't wait to share with you. When I travel, I have a habit of strolling through the city's most established neighborhoods. The treasures I find often stop me in my tracks and I can't help but take a photo. Nashville was no exception to this tradition—I was totally charmed by its traditional Southern architecture, with homes old and new.
With their rolling estates, long gravel driveways and mature landscaping, these character-filled Nashville homes made the most gracious first impressions. Take a stroll with me.
The leaves starting to change color frame this traditional painted brick home perfectly.
I love how the double staircase entry mirrors the shape of the circular driveway.
Every time I look at this photo I appreciate something different, from the stone facade to the shingled roof to that enviable front door.
Have you ever seen a garage with so much character? The arched garage doors, climbing ivy and cupola perched right on top? Swoon.
Even the street signs in Nashville are charming. I love the horse detail here.
I love the scale, light blue front door and porte-cochère here.
A true storybook cottage, I just love the green peeping through.
What other cities do you want to stroll through with us? We've done Charlotte, North Carolina and Birmingham, Alabama so far. Tell us in an email.
SHOP CURB APPEAL FINDS
September Home Edit: 6 Southern Home Listings We're Loving Right Now
Welcome to our new series called The Home Edit! This month we were totally enchanted by well-designed kitchens and dreamy space for entertaining.
Welcome to our latest edition of The Home Edit! We recently launched this monthly series to show off a curated selection of on-the-market homes, hand-picked for the Garden & Grace community.
Large, well-designed kitchens and dreamy entertaining spaces captured us this month, from Mountain Brook, Alabama to Nashville, Tennessee. Take a peek—we think you'll feel the exact same way.
Atlanta, Georgia
755 Northland Ct—$1.295 million
5 beds | 3.5 baths | 0.53 acres
Classic Southern curb appeal waves you in, and the beautifully maintained and decorated interiors invite you to stay a while. The cream and green exterior grounds the home in timelessness, while the living spaces—including the kitchen with a large island—have been updated to meet modern needs.
This home is listed by Morgan Rogers with Dorsey Alston Realtors.
Atlanta, Georgia
89 Brighton Road NE—$2.49 million
5 beds | 3.5+ baths | 0.30 acres
We love a traditional Tudor, and this handsome home is no exception. The Brookwood Hills gem was built in 1928 and renovated by well-known architect Stan Dixon. It has an expansive kitchen, built-in wet bar and formal and informal informal dining spaces—making it an entertainer's dream.
This home is listed by Bonneau Ansley with Ansley Real Estate & Christie’s International RE
Beaufort, South Carolina
5 Waterside Drive—$2.45 million
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 5,525 sq ft
The idyllic coastal Beaufort, South Carolina setting paired with the brilliant design work by Historical Concepts is a rare, enviable combination. There are so many large, liveable spaces—inside and out—where you can lounge and take in the views.
This home is listed by Karen Glisson and Anna Johnson with The HomesFinder Realty Group
Atlanta, Georgia
3378 Valley Circle—$1.725 million
4 beds | 3.5 baths | 0.65 acres
There's so much to love about this classic Buckhead home, including the main-floor primary suite, screened in-porch and mature landscaping.
This home is listed by Robin Collins with Ansley Real Estate and Christie’s International RE
Nashville, Tennessee
2008 Tyne Blvd. —$4.25 million
5 beds | 3.5+ baths | 6,509 sq ft
This private three-acre estate minutes from Belle Meade has good bones—ready for someone to add their personal touch—and plenty of space for entertaining.
This home is listed Julie Dretler and Dixie Maggart with Fridrich and Clark Realty
Mountain Brook, Alabama
4 beds | 2.5 baths | 2,620 sq ft
We just love a sprawling ranch and especially one with original detail and a large lot! The opportunities are endless, and location is amazing.
This home is listed by Dale McIntyre with ARC Realty Co.
Want to share your real estate listing with the Garden & Grace community? Submit your home listing here.
Our monthly real estate email and Instagram post are shared the first Tuesday of each month. Homes are vetted prior to publication to ensure they're in line with Garden & Grace's signature style.
Walk With Us Through Beautiful Charlotte North Carolina
These new builds and renovated homes are just a handful of the many charming homes that grace the winding streets of Birmingham and its surrounding areas.
I was lucky enough to grow up in Charlotte, and while plenty has changed, the tree-lined streets, lush lawns and beautiful examples of classic, Southern architecture continue to make this place feel like home.
Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods are now filled with a mix of original and new builds. I always appreciate when homeowners find ways to maintain their home's original architectural charm.
The patina on this stately brick home makes it feel grounded and elegant all at once.
The facade of this home has been recently refreshed, and we love how timeless the finishes are.
You may have seen this classic Charlotte adobe on the Garden & Grace Instagram a time or two. It always stops me in my tracks. I love the winding sidewalk up the front door.
This painted brick beauty was featured in our August Home Edit—and for good reason. The gentle arch of greenery over one window and slight asymmetry is so charming.
You'll find quite a bit of painted brick in Charlotte—which we love—so there's something refreshing about seeing it exposed here. The Juliet balcony and deep navy front door dress it up just right.
No surprise—I'm totally charmed by the use of green here.
Have you ever seen a sweeter storybook home? The twin clay chimney pots are delightful.
I love a lime wash, especially paired with such classic shutter paint colors.
I love how the glass front door brings a slightly modern touch to this classic brick home. The limestone surround and gas lantern give it a traditional frame.
Looking for more Southern architecture? Stroll through Birmingham, Alabama with us.