Decor

Smart New Ideas for Styling a Southern Home

Craving a fresh look? These resources offer a range from mail-order draperies to removable wallpaper

I’ve been a market and style editor for nearly two decades, and I still get butterflies when I discover new and beautiful things, especially items for the home. Both because I think of the clever entrepreneurs and artisans behind them—how excited they must be to get their work out into the world—and of how just the right thing can help our homes truly become sanctuaries. To me, adding little comforts or delights here and there is a very Southern (and just plain positive) way to take good care of yourself, your family, and your friends who visit. Below are a few of my favorites of late.


Mail-Order Draperies

If you’re looking for simple, straightforward drapery panels and Roman shades, Wovn is a magical resource for custom treatments. Simply key in your window measurements on their site and choose the fabric, hardware, and lining you love (the choices are gorgeous). A few short weeks later, everything arrives at your doorstep ready to hang. Bonus: If you’re working with an interior designer, they also have a to-the-trade program. wovnhome.com


Removable Wallpaper 

I will be the first to tell you that removable wallpaper never appealed to me when the concept first debuted. I pictured it coming off the wall banana-peel style at the slightest hint of humidity. But I changed my tune thanks to one particular motif and one particular company: a fun, chic removable striped vinyl take on grass cloth by Nuwallpaper. I installed it recently in our kitchen by myself with a toddler in tow. And if I can do it, anyone can. If you still don’t trust yourself, there is zero shame in forwarding this link to your designer or favorite installer. It makes me so happy to know that if I ever get tired of it or we move, I can just yank it down in twenty minutes. wallpops.com


Rugs by the Square

The Rush House concept was brought to life by the talented interiors stylist Liz Strong, who wanted to offer seagrass rugs by the square, rendering them fully customizable to any space, no matter how large, no matter how small. And for those who love the look but eschew seagrass because one minor stain ruins the whole thing, all you have to do is trade out a square. It’s as easy as sewing a button on a shirt to do. How cool is that? shoprushhouse.com


Seagrass Lampshades

I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky lampshades, and I have a new crush on the shapes and styles available through Maison Maison in Texas. Like the rugs above they bring a dressed-down, easy-going look to a room, and I’m always up for the seagrass aesthetic. maisonmaison.com


Woven Goods

I grew up in a textile town and not far down the road from an incredible community of weavers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. That’s exactly why I love the look and the mission of KD Weave in Texas. The founder works with Karenni refugee women from Burma who create the softest, most durable hand towels, placemats, and other goods in happy colors and soothing neutrals. kdweave.com

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