Southern Charm

Sun spills through the branches of the mighty oaks casting dappled patterns on the path ahead. The great canopies have entwined and like outstretched arms they embrace each other offering protection to any soul that might pass this way. This way is southern, and the south is known for its Live Oak lined roads from the Carolinas to the tip of the northern Keys. Southerners enjoy a home that embraces those who live within its walls with rooms that provide comfort and invite people to linger. “Why don’t you stay, have a glass of something cool and tell me about your day”, is what a room should say. In the world of decorating, comfort comes with abundance and beautiful things. Let’s take a peek into the living room of a Gardenia model that invites those that pass through to stay a while, somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Furniture Placement
Furniture placement is the foundation of any well-designed room, and the Gardenia offers a living space that can comfortably seat eight when arranged thoughtfully. One of the first changes I suggest is moving the TV off the wall between the windows and placing it on one of the adjacent walls. In this case visibility from the kitchen was a priority, so we placed the TV on the smaller wall near the sliding glass door. Relocating the TV brightens the space. The natural light from the two windows can cause anything dark placed between them to appear darker, so a black television will look super dark. Instead, placing an 84 to 89inch sofa between the windows in a light-colored fabric softens the look and enhances the room’s brightness. We created a faux sectional by placing a reclining loveseat across from the TV, which the homeowners favor for daily use. In addition, a reclining chair angled inward toward the TV offers another comfortable option. Two swivel rocking club chairs complete the arrangement, grouped to encourage conversation and interaction. This layout keeps the room open and easy to navigate, eliminating the need to walk around bulky furniture. It’s versatile, practical, and ideal for both entertaining and relaxed evenings in front of the TV. What’s more, this setup isn’t limited to the Gardenia model, it translates beautifully to many similar floor plans.

  •  Art above the sofa
The artwork above the sofa served as the starting point for the room’s overall design. The piece, titled “Southern Oaks” by Charleston artist Rick Reinert, captures light in a way that evokes the quiet majesty of a tree-lined road. The print is presented on canvas, mounted in a floating wood frame with gold trim, adding a touch of refinement. To complement “Southern Oaks,” we chose two James Audubon bird studies for the wall above the loveseat. Though different in subject, they harmonize beautifully with the oak canopy and contribute to the classic Southern feel of the space. Together, these pieces create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that reflects both nature and tradition.

  •  Stationary side panels
Layering textiles is a hallmark of Southern interiors, and in this space, that effect was achieved through the addition of stationary side panels. White was the color of choice, and in this setting, it proved to be the ideal option. The curtain rods were installed roughly ten inches beyond the edges of each window, allowing the fabric to frame the window without obstructing it. This placement subtly widens the visual field, creating the impression of broader windows. White is used frequently in such applications because it complements natural light rather than competing with it. When dark fabrics are used as window treatments they will often appear darker due to backlighting, but white maintains its brightness. When in doubt choose white curtains, you cannot go wrong. To complete the look, the curtain rods were selected in a gold finish, subtly echoing the frame around the “Southern Oaks” artwork.

  •  Rug
The rug is a standout feature, with bold floral blooms set against a deep navy background. Its palette echoes the hues in the “Southern Oaks” painting, visually tying the room together with shades of blue and green, subtle tans, and even soft mauve accents. Measuring 8 by 11 feet, the rug is crafted from looped wool, offering both durability and timeless style. It brings texture and color to the space while anchoring the room’s Southern-inspired design with warmth and elegance.

  •  Lamps
In this room, I chose to match the lamps on either side of the sofa and introduce a coordinating third lamp between the recliner and the loveseat. The paired lamps flanking the sofa feature an iridescent finish that subtly shifts with the light. As you move through the space, they reveal hints of teal, pink, and copper. The third lamp offers a complementary contrast with a crème crackle finish and soft green undertones. Its surface is adorned with delicate bird shapes that are cut directly into the body of the lamp rather than added on, giving it a refined and distinctive appearance. Together, the three lamps bring harmony and character to the room while enhancing its layered, traditional charm.

  •  Skirted table
A skirted table is a distinctly Southern design element, though not to be confused with the simple versions once found at discount stores. These tables are dressed in full, generously gathered skirts that are lined for structure and elegance, allowing the fabric to fall with a graceful drape. For this space, burlap was selected as the fabric, offering a textured, neutral backdrop that blends seamlessly into the room without calling attention to itself. Beyond its decorative charm, the skirted table is also highly functional, it discreetly conceals unsightly cords and cables, helping the space maintain a tidy and polished appearance. It’s a perfect example of form meeting function, and a nod to timeless Southern style.

  •  Pillows
The pillows unify the room, drawing the color palette together with a beautiful palm print that is both fresh and familiar. They feature a design element that may be less common today but remains a staple in Southern interiors: tassels. Despite their upscale appearance, these pillows were found at a local retailer, proving that style and sophistication can still be found off the rack.
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Before and After Pics Below