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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

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Top 5 Antique Stores in the South East

Mixing old and new is core to my personal home design philosophy. I just love how antiques ground a space and help tell a richer story. For that reason, when I created the Garden & Grace directory, I knew I had to have trusted antique shops in the mix.Here are five antique stores all throughout the South that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.

Photo via Elizabeth Stuart

Mixing old and new is core to my personal home design philosophy. I just love how antiques ground a space and help tell a richer story. For that reason, when I created the Garden & Grace directory, I knew I had to have trusted antique shops in the mix. 

Here are five antique stores all throughout the South that I know you’ll love just as much as I do.

Character House in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Character House boasts a layered blend of fine antiques, artisan made accessories, vintage treasures, luxury lampshades from England, and even hand trimmed live topiaries.

Photo via Character House

Elizabeth Stuart Design in Charleston, South Carolina

I always stop by Elizabeth Stuart when I’m in CHS for special home and garden finds. The store is known for its point of view that's both timeless and modern, familiar yet fresh, and always distinct with detail.

Photo via Elizabeth Stuart

Heritage in Charlotte, North Carolina

I have several Heritage pieces in my own home that I love dearly. It’s Charlotte’s premier destination for thoughtfully curated decor, custom upholstery and fine European antiques. In addition to the shop, Heritage is a complete interior design firm with over 20 years experience in the design industry.

Photo via Heritage

McIntosh Cottage Antiques in Columbia, South Carolina

This family-owned and operated antique shop specializes in high-end English and French antiques. They travel straight to the source to bring clients exquisite, unique and timeless pieces. Bonus: They ship all around the U.S.!

Photo via McIntosh Cottage

The Plantation Shop in Amelia Island, Florida

Open since 1978, this trusted shop offers a hands-on approach and they source some of the finest English and French Country antiques around. They travel to England 6-8 times a year to work with English dealers and attend International antique fairs.

Photo via The Plantation Shop

Looking for more trusted sources? Please check out the Garden & Grace directory, which features dozens of home design professionals all across the country. All of the resources shared there are personally approved by me in hopes to connect you with the best professionals possible!

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Home tours Home tours

This Magazine-Worthy Atlanta Family Home Stuns with its Flawless Transformation

It’s hard to believe this large family home — with good bones and the perfect location — was once a dated 1970s single story ranch. Come inside!

It’s hard to believe this large family home — with good bones and the perfect location — was once a dated 1970s single-story ranch. New! Scroll to see before interior and exterior images provided by the builder, New River Building Co.

The Atlanta-area homeowners hired a formidable design team, including C. Brandon Ingram, Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design and New River Building Co., to rise to the occasion. They completed a truly stunning transformation — so good it was featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles in 2020.

Today’s mini tour starts with the curb appeal! I appreciate how the homeowners went with a traditional brick exterior. You’d never know the second story is a recent addition, thanks to careful craftsmanship and the owner's discerning style.

The ceilings on the first floor were raised from eight to 10 feet as part of the remodel. I love how open the foyer feels, especially with all the character crafted by thick moldings and arched doorways.

The peach tones, neutrals and soothing blue-greens are carried throughout, which makes the house feel cohesive, comfortable and elegant.

I think having antiques is important for any home, but especially if you want a remodel or new build to feel more storied. This home is a picture-picture example of that. Even the brass pulls and knobs seem to have a little patina, adding to that lived-in but graceful look!

The kitchen and dining room are some of my favorite rooms in the house! All of the details in the dining room are perfection to me, including the Chaddock Furniture dining chairs, Zoe Design wallpaper mural and Iatesta Studio chandelier.

Last but never least, you can’t forget your four-legged friends when redesigning a home! The crate built into the laundry room is so clever — and the sweet pup looks so happy with their new “room.”

This home was beautifully captured by Emily Followill

Find more Garden & Grace home tours on YouTube

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Home tours Home tours

See Inside a Classic Charleston Home Transformed with Neutrals

This Charleston home stuns with its never-boring neutral color palette. I’m struck by the balance of formal and laidback Southern style that the home embodies. It’s a true representation of the city that built it, thanks to the brilliance of interior designer Melissa Ervin and architect Beau Clowney.

This Charleston home stuns with its never-boring neutral color palette. I’m struck by the balance of formal and laidback Southern style that the home embodies. It’s a true representation of the city that built it, thanks to the brilliance of interior designer Melissa Ervin and architect Beau Clowney.

It all starts with the double porch ceilings painted haint blue—it doesn’t get more Charleston than this!

As soon as you step inside, the magic continues. I can’t stop looking at photos of this foyer, wrapped in Gracie Studio wallpaper. I love how the chinoiserie design makes the space feel traditional, while the neutral tone keeps the space grounded.

The kitchen and formal dining room are just off the foyer, where the theme of elegant neutrals continues! You can imagine intimate dinner parties and family gatherings around that round dining table. Plus, who wouldn’t want to cook in a kitchen like this! The millwork on the ceiling brings in a coastal feel.

The primary suite looks like a calming oasis, punctuated with a pretty antique-looking chandelier. The other bedrooms shown also take a monochromatic approach. Dressing a room in one color palette creates an understated elegance.

Last but certainly not least is one of my favorite rooms in the house: the office! It’s such a clever use of space, filled with natural light and style. I really like how the glass partition walls allow the space to feel like a continuation of the landing and hallways. Plus, being able to close the door is essential for privacy while working.

This home was beautifully captured by Julia Lynn Photography

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Design notes Design notes

5 Ways to Create a Timeless Nursery

So many memories are made in those first few months, and having a special space to soak it all in really is a dream. Here's what I've learned from studying the pros, and after designing nurseries for my own little ones. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Alisa Bovino

Today we're talking all about nurseries! I have saved so much inspiration over the years, as these sweet little spaces always make me smile. So many memories are made in those first few months, and having a special space to soak it all in really is a dream. Here's what I've learned from studying the pros, and after designing nurseries for my own little ones. 

Try A Tonal Look

One designer trick I've learned over the years is to choose one color when you're dressing up a space, from crib skirts to wallpaper. In a nursery, blues, pinks, green or neutrals work really well—and these photos are proof. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Anna-Louise Wolfe
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh

Play with Wallpaper

A nursery is a great place to incorporate whimsical wallpaper. Florals and stripes are classic choices, but you can always go with something a little more bold and keep the rest of the space simple. Pair your wallpaper with well-constructed window treatments and your little one's space will strike the right balance between polished and playful. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Betsy Anderson Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Betsy Anderson Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heather Thames Rowland | Design by Sarah Brannon Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Bailey Ward Interiors

Frame Murals and Panels

If want the look of wallpaper without the commitment, consider framing a pair of panels or a mural. Paint the walls a complementary color so make it feel cohesive. I like how this option allows the room to easily grow with your child. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Katie Gibson Interiors
Photo by Molly Culver Photography | Design by Jennifer Barron Interiors

Mix in Natural Materials

Whether its a stack of wicker baskets, an antique dresser or bamboo blinds, I like mixing natural materials into a space to help ground it. These materials help add warmth and dimension, especially if you're drenching a room in color otherwise. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Emily Followill Photographer | Design by Lauren Elaine Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Analicia Herrmann Photo | Design by Francesca Herro Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Carolyn Kelly Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Clary Bosbyshell Welsh

Make A Cozy Seating Area

You'll probably spend quite a bit of time in this room, so make sure there's a space designed for those late-night snuggles. I've found the winning combination is a glider, ottoman, side table and light. If you have space, a daybed is a great option, too. 

classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Rachel McGinn | Design by Smith & Ryan Design
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo by Heidi Harris Photography | Design by Bailey Ward Interiors
classic baby nursery design inspiration
Photo via & Design by Becky Nielsen Filipski

SHOP MY NURSERY PICKS

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