4 Inspiring Home Tours from 2024 — Plus Perfect Paint Colors
As I’ve continued to get to know my wonderful audience, one thing is clear: y’all love pretty homes and specific paint colors! It’s one of my top requests. So today I thought I’d reshare some of our favorite homes and paint colors used in them.
This year we were so lucky to take a peek inside some of the most stunning homes across the South. Whether we were able to stop by in person or admire from afar, I’m feeling so inspired looking back on our year.
As I’ve continued to get to know my wonderful audience, one thing is clear: y’all love pretty homes and specific paint colors! It’s one of my top requests. So today I thought I’d reshare some of our favorite homes and paint colors used in them. (Hint: Next week we’ll focus on wallpaper!)
Let’s take a look.
This Isle of Hope estate was so inspiring we created one blog post for the exterior and one for the interior! The curb appeal is so idyllic and I love the pop of color the front door provides. It’s in a gorgeous blackened teal blue.
Photo: Emily Followill Photography / Design team: Webb Marsteller, Norman Davenport Askins Architects
Front door: Gentleman’s Grey by Benjamin Moore
Exterior: Glacier White by Benjamin Moore
Kate Morrison’s storied Concord home gives you a sense of ease and delight. I think that has a lot to do with the gentle blue and green color pallete and the emphasis on floral textiles and botanicals throughout.
Foyer: Woodlawn Blue by Benjamin Moore
Hallway: Chappell Green by Farrow and Ball
Kitchen cabinets: Downy by Sherwin Williams
Scullery cabinets: Mizzle by Farrow and Ball.
Photo by Dustin Peck Photography
We love a good before and after and Molly Basile’s Charleston home is no exception. The sanctuary of style — and comfort — is filled with Southern charm. She shows us neutrals are never boring!
Front porch ceiling: Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball
Exterior painted brick: 50/50 mix of Swiss Coffee and White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Shutters: Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore
Kitchen cabinets: White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Mudroom cabinets: Parma Gray by Farrow & Ball
I always like to show examples of well-preserved architecture, so touring this 1930s Charlotte home was really special to me. I love the rich, creamy beiges they used in this one.
Kitchen cabinets: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
Living room: Balanced Beige by Sherwin Williams
In case you missed it... I share some tips for refreshing your dining room and how I balance family-friendly living with elegant design.
3 Things to Know About Timeless Topiaries
Whether you have a pair flanking the front porch or small trio perched in a kitchen window we love a topiary at Garden & Grace. Its structured imperfections and verdant color instantly elevate a room with sophistication and whimsy.
Whether you have a pair flanking the front porch or small trio perched in a kitchen window we love a topiary at Garden & Grace. Its structured imperfections and verdant color instantly elevate a room with sophistication and whimsy.
For today's post we'll dive into a few topiary tips, and, of course, share inspiration of these bulbous beauties along the way.
1. Many Plants Can Be Topiaries
A number of plants can be twisted and sculpted into towering (or tiny) topiaries. The best choice depends on which zone you live in. Boxwoods, one of the most commonly used plants for topiaries, thrive in zones 4–9, while Dwarf Brush Cherries prefer 9–11, according to the pros at Better Homes & Gardens.
Juniper, Monterey Cypress, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Myrtle, Lilac Standard, Hydrangea Standard, Holly, Arborvitae and Waxleaf Privet also take home the topiary trophy. Most photos in this post include a variation of boxwood and myrtles.
2. They can grow indoors or outside
Topiaries thrive in the ground or in a container that can be displayed indoors or out. If you want to use a container, consider choosing one that's slightly smaller than twice the size of its nursery pot. Since topiaries tend to be quite vertical, choose a sturdy planter to ground it.
If you're planting the topiary outside, the pros suggest digging a hole two to three times wider than the root ball with the root flare peeking just above the soil. Surround the base with about two inches of mulch.
Get inspired: Tour a Storied North Carolina Garden
3. Upkeep is simple but constant
Topiaries require consistent, but restrained trimming about every four to six weeks, per The Cottage Journal. These plants often need sunlight and a healthy dose of hydration.
If you're not so keen on the upkeep, you can always order some of my favorite faux boxwoods from Amazon (pictured up top) or a small, preserved bunch.
Lately on the blog... interior designer Kate Figler shows off her masterful ability to layer color and patterns for one personality-packed Nashville home.
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.
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
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.
Favorite Finishes: Sarah Catherine Design Shares Inspiration For Fall
As summer starts to wind down, we wanted to provide the Garden & Grace community with fresh seasonal inspiration. We tapped Birmingham-based designer Sarah Moore, of Sarah Catherine Designs, to share a transitional interior scheme.
As summer starts to wind down, we wanted to provide the Garden & Grace community with fresh seasonal inspiration. We tapped Birmingham-based designer Sarah Moore, of Sarah Catherine Designs, to share a transitional interior scheme. The finishes she selected incorporate multiple textures, colors and patterns while still keeping some consistency in the tones in order to bring the space together.
Let's take a look at Sarah's pre-fall vision board.
The centerpiece for this flat lay is the Namay Samay floral fabric in the top left corner. "The colors and patterns remind me of leaves falling from a tree, while still having the bright and vibrant feel of summer," Sarah says. She imagines it for a pillow or drapery, paired with a blue linen solid fabric that can be used as welt on a pillow or on the leading edge of drapery panels.
These Alex Conroy and Namay Samay fabrics complement the palette in their colors and pattern scale. You could bring in a solid grey/green velvet rope-chain style trim to this combo as pillows to add some additional texture and interest, Sarah says. This blue ikat fabric from Cowtan & Tout is an iconic, classic print that helps root this design in timelessness. Add a simple ivory tassel trim to pillows or draperies for the final look. Here's the iconic fabric in pillow form! 
Farrow and Ball's Lotus wallpaper is a go-to for Sarah. The taupe and ivor colorway is both bold and elegant. "The Classic Cloth green leaf print fabric also provides that elegant transition from Summer to Fall in its muted, soft sage green color," Sarah says. Pair it with a rust linen fabric to bring more warmth to your space. For paint, Sarah recommends Farrow & Ball's Blue Gray and Pigeon. The subtly moody hues provide a peace backdrop, she says. 
To bring in as much warmth and texture as possible, Sarah chose a beautiful creamy Carrera marble tile, bamboo woven shades, and a natural woven sisal rug. Warm wood tones pair well with brass hardware, tying everything together, she says. Here are shades and a sisal rug we love!To polish off the look, you can use grasscloth wallpaper on the ceiling or back of bookcases to add depth and texture to your space. 
All photos are by Sara Catherine Design
Sarah Catherine Design is part of the Garden & Grace directory, our trusted list of home experts—curated for our discerning readers. Want to be apart of the community? Inquire here.
SHOP TRANSITIONAL HOME DECOR
