Southern Accents Magazine to Return?

This just in:

A little birdie told me yesterday that Southern Accents Magazine is being "courted" by another magazine publishing company.

I would be thrilled to see it back in print.

(Antoine Bootz)

I'll admit though, I would have high expectations for it's revival. I certainly understand that change is all part of growing and progress, but some things just need to stay the same. Do you agree?

(Pieter Estersohn, one of my favorites; Joe Minton design)

The "suitor" will remain nameless (I don't want to complicate anything) but,

could a corporation that is based in the north really understand The South?

Would a mixed marriage work?

One stipulation that I would have is that the editorial staff be based in The South.

(If you don't know the humidity, haven't smelled the magnolias and experienced the renowned hospitality, how can you write about it?)

Southerners know The South.

(How many times have we watched a movie and rolled our eyes at a horrible fake accent?)

Publishing company, prove me wrong. Show me that you "get it".

We want OUR Southern Accents back!

(Rob Brinson)

I'm excited by the possibility of Southern Accents returning, but also very concerned that it would not be produced to the same standard.

(Emily Minton Redfield)

*****Addition*****

I want to make sure that I have not stepped on our northern friend's toes by stating that they may not "get it". I relish in our differences. That is what makes our country so unique. I adore regionality--the accents, the food, the culture.

For anyone not familiar with Southern style, please read the following excerpt from a great article that was featured in our beloved Southern Accents magazine years ago:

"Gracious and eclectic with a strong architectural basis. -- John Chrestia

True "Southern style" has a subliminal sense of theater and joie de vivre, complimented by a definite bend toward elegance. -- Joseph Paul Davis

A sense of gracious invitation. Warm, personal colors. Respect and reverence of our past. Subtle intelligence. -- Barry Dixon

Decoration in the traditional or classical sense with an emphasis on comfort, hospitality, and liveableness, sometimes with a historical reference point, but not necessarily interpreting "period" interiors. Many Southern homes are renovations of once-grand architecture or even auxiliary buildings on the plantation grounds. -- Ann Dupuy

The attributes that define Southern style are a quiet assuredness...a confidence...a warmth that embodies the phenomenon of "Southern hospitality." -- Charles Gandy

Southern style, to me, is rather eccentric, embodying classic roots with a unique application. Comfort and relating to the outdoors is always a strong consideration for design in the South. Color is also very important, many times pulling in color schemes from nature. -- Cathy Kincaid

Southern style is unpretentious and extremely comfortable with an air of informality and relaxed elegance. --Josie McCarthy

Southern style means friendly, comfortable, approachable interiors. In the South, it's all about being welcome. -- Celerie Kemble

A sense of one's heritage and the importance of making a home welcome to family and friends. -- J.R. Miller

Southern style speaks of gracious living, hospitality, and restrained taste. -- Betty Lou Phillips

Our Southern roots compel us to make hospitality and good manners a priority in our daily living. There is an underlying quality of dignity in the way we decorate. -- Cindy Smith

Casual elegance. An inviting style. The mix of both formal and informal rooms that are integral parts of life in the Southern home. -- Jim Strickland

What elements do all great Southern houses have in common?

Houses of the Southern Tidewater, from Virginia to Louisiana, seem to epitomize Southern style. These unique structures were developed to cope with intense heat and humidity. While each geographic area has its own distinct architectural expression, all embody the same basic strategic elements; abundant porches for shade, high ceilings, exterior shutters, raised living levels, and careful geographic orientation to take advantage of prevailing breezes. -- Norman Askins

Our warm climate influenced our architects to build our historic mansions and modest bungalows with 12 and 14-foot ceilings and rooms with many tall windows and French doors for cross ventilation. -- Gerrie Bremermann

Easy charm; an enormous appreciation for the out of doors, which most often includes a wonderful garden; either formal or rambling. -- Dan Carithers

The environments, whether modern or steeped in history, have a thoughtfully acquired sensibility -- they are tactile and enveloping. -- Darryl Carter

Wonderful porches. -- John Chrestia

All great Southern homes have a traditional mindset of running a proper house, whether it is contemporary or traditional. -- Joseph Paul Davis

A chameleonic quality to live happily among various periods and personalities. Innate hospitality. Openness. --Barry Dixon

Traditional or contemporary--formal or informal--there is usually something inherited reflecting the Southern sense of family. -- Jimmy Graham

All great Southern houses have piazzas/porches, high ceilings, cross ventilation (a center hall) and wood floors. -- Amelia Handegan

An open door to hospitality and a sense of gracious living. -- Jackye Lanham

What piece of furniture or accessory should no Southern house be without?

Dining room furniture. Of all forms of American furniture particularly associated with the South, the majority seem to have been created for entertainment, and most especially for the dining room; hunt board or slab, sugar chest, Jackson press, and pie safe. -- Norman Askins

Something wicker is a must. Originally, wicker furnishings were chosen as a response to Southern climate, now they serve an equally important role by keeping formal rooms a bit more casual, relaxed, and enjoyable. --José Solis Betancourt

I have a fetish for chairs -- lots and lots of chairs. I love chandeliers, banquettes, daybeds and large, useful coffee tables. -- Gerrie Bremermann

A comfortable chair. -- Dan Carithers

A sumptuous wing chair strategically placed in a conversation area. This tends to be a magnet where inevitably the first guest will be seated. -- Darryl Carter

A bar, a grand piano, and a well-used dining room table. -- John Chrestia

A huge dining table where the entire family and friends can congregate and talk all day long and into the night. -- Joseph Paul Davis

A silver service, a set of fine china, sterling flatware, and table linens because we do love to entertain at home. -- Jimmy Graham

No Southern house should be without a bowl for camellias. -- Amelia Handegan

Family pictures. -- Cathy Kincaid

Vintage family silver. English 18th-century sideboards and secretary. -- Cindy Smith

Are there elements in your own work that are uniquely Southern?

Like most traditional Southern houses, I want the houses we design to be closely related to exterior spaces, celebrate morning and midday sunlight, and, at the same time, shield themselves from the cruel afternoon sun. -- Norman Askins

Our work incorporates a honed quality into even our most contemporary of projects. This ever-so-slightly worn quality suggests history and timelessness. This appreciation for aged beauty is inherent to Southern style. Southerners have long frowned upon the nouveau while showing an appreciation for their rich and proud history. -- Jose Solis Betancourt

Yes, I love old portraits for their funny faces and outfits. I also love antiques that are a bit wacky mixed with very comfortable overstuffed upholstery, which is clearly more casual. The North, until recently, was always very stiff and uncompromising; it is that whole Puritan thing. -- Joseph Paul Davis

I would like to think that like most Southerners, my work exudes quality and consistency with style and grace. -- Charles Gandy

A not-too-perfect mix of new, antique, primitive, and found objects with some traditional values to create a very personal and timeless space. Never be a slave to perfection and rules. You need a little attitude! -- J.R. Miller

Painting the porch ceilings sky blue. Using fine things in a relaxed way, say silver julep cups for water every night at supper. -- Suzanne Rheinstein

Wood floors, especially old heart pine. A "generational" feel to new design; incorporating the look and feel of grandma's back porch that was enclosed to enlarge the kitchen once electricity became available in the area or to accommodate a growing family. High ceilings. Great detail on the front door. -- Jim Strickland

For whatever reason--heredity, the water, or just plain stubbornness--when I design something, while automatically keeping in mind universal laws and objective ideals, I'm afraid that "Southern thing" seems to always emerge. Call it quirky, eccentric, charming, witty, whatever it is, it seems to always be hiding in the camellia bushes. I'm not ashamed of this but rather think it gives character and depth to my work--but I will leave that final opinion to my critics. -- Ken Tate"

Here's our chance folks, let's tell the publisher what we want to see in our Southern Accents magazine. Leave your comment below:

Chime in Y'ALL--I want to hear all about it!

Edith Wharton: The Decoration of Her House

(EdithWharton.org)

Care to ohh and ahh over Edith Wharton's house and gardens?

In the PBS show, Moment of Luxury, designer Bill Stubbs takes a trip near Lenox, MA to the author and designer's legendary house. Unfortunately, my PBS station does not carry this program. Thankfully, there's the internet!

(EdithWharton.org)

Believe it or not, there is an Edith Wharton blog:

http://www.edithwharton.org/blog/

(bygonebooks blog)

The estate and gardens website is:

http://www.edithwharton.org/

This is my kind of reality television!

Brew a fresh pot of coffee or tea and sit back and enjoy:

(Mr. Stubbs, don't you want a Southern perspective on your show? I wouldn't mind tagging along. We'd have a glorious time, I promise!)

Classic Modern

Last year I toured this house and was amazed that so much style could be packed into such a small home. The house was built in the 1920's and does retain much of it's original character, despite it's cutting-edge styling.

To the left of the main living room you'll find the dining room.

How I wish I could be this "edited".

O.K., no, not really. I like all of my stuff.

How do you like the chandelier? I know most of you have seen light fixtures similar to this one, but as I recall, this is real wax that has been electrified.

Now, look at the kitchen below, who would have thought of using that sconce in the kitchen?

I think it's the touches like that which truly set this interior apart.

Also, notice the metal windows with the great muttons and mullions in the "x" pattern.

Here's another thing: this house is DECORATED for Christmas!

Imagine the restraint one must have!

I adore the wreaths and paperwhites being forced.

The master bedroom above.

Quiet and simple--words I would use to describe the entire house.

I don't think there is one of us who wouldn't love to soak in this tub.

Isn't the marble wonderful?

By the way, the home is for sale. Any takers?

Understated & Fabulous

Subtle muted tones and classic timeless furnishings--this is my kind of house.

I wish I had the time to blog and dissect a photo like Joni,

but alas, time does not allow.

Just admire the quite details in this house.

The stairs are absolutely beautiful.

The mirror, the chandelier...

A peek of the kitchen.

Functional and simple, and quite elegant. I think it is truly the lack of "fluff" that makes this kitchen so relaxing. What do you think? Any other kitchen minimalist out there?

Just the right amount of pattern and texture to keep our interest.

This room would be the fall and winter retreat. I wonder if I would be as drawn to it in the spring? Do you search for the sunlight and brighter interiors?

Clean and not fussy. The mirrors give us all that we need.

A little goes a long way.

The marble countertops are an added lovely.

The ogee edge detail makes it for me.

My one hang-up here is the finish on the cabinetry. I think I would have preferred something more simple--like the kitchen cabinets.

Does anyone "faux" anything anymore?

A beautiful sunset to end the day.

(As a side note, this picture is from the front of the house, looking away from the main entry.)

Since all of our favorite interior design magazines are leaving us,

we may now be searching the real estate listings like never before.

The images above are from just that.

I welcome your comments.

No, no, Southern Accents!

I'm just sick over this!

Southern Accents is no longer going to be published.

The announcement was made yesterday that the September/October issue would be the last.

Scarry to think that I have copies that are almost this old. The magazine began in 1977.

Honestly, where will we turn now for great Southern interiors?

Really, I want to know.

Ideas, anyone?

Ugh. This just makes me sick.

____________________________________________________________________

On a brighter note, the Consummate Hostess has given me a kind award:

She thinks I'm a "Great Read" and I'm flattered.

Thank you, Consummate Hostess, you a great read too!

Hugs

You all really are the best. I can't thank you enough for all of your kind words regarding our dear sweet dog. If I could, I'd give each and every one of you a big hug!

In the near future, I'll be back to my usual blogging about this and that. I do have kitchen details to share with you. I've made a decision about countertops. Any body want to guess what I'm going to do?

Thank you again for your kindness and sympathy. It truly means so much to me.

Take Out the Tub?

Here's another swoon-worthy bathroom. Isn't it just lovely?

Notice something missing? Yes, the tub.

Is this a design trend, or do people just not take a tub bath the way they used to?

I wish I had documentation about the source of the above photo. Anyone out there know?

I'd love to see more of this room. Could the tub be located elsewhere?

What I really admire is the "jewel box" idea behind it. The designer has taken a relatively average sized bathroom and turned it into something luxurious.

I certainly don't think I'd miss the soaking in this bathroom.

I think the steam shower would be just fine.

Now, another bathroom, could be a powder room/half bath.

What great decorative storage the baskets provide.

Unfortunately, I don't know the source of this photo either.

I'm wondering if this is a bathroom that once had a tub.

It could have been removed and these shelves put in it's place.

I've seen a bathroom recently that did almost the exact same thing. Imagine the above bath with only the top shelf. It was used as an office, of all things.

The top shelf served as a great desktop.

Just think, if the bathroom had a separate shower, the "desk" area could serve as a vanity/make-up area.

Do any of you remember the Christopher Lowell project that converted a tub into a sofa? It was quite creative. He took a standard built-in tub and had plywood upholstered to fit over the top. The apron of the tub as skirted. Quite interesting.

Here's another use for the bathtub. How about converting a claw foot tub into a settee. I don't think so. It if works for you, contact www.reestore.com.

It's better than have it rest in a landfill.

Time to speak up.

Do you take a tub bath everyday?

Are you a fan of the shower?

Would you buy a house without a tub?

Would you miss your tub if it were gone?

Bathing Beauties

Here are two different bathrooms done by designer Phoebe Howard of Atlanta, Georgia.

Clean, bright, simple and timeless: absolute requirements in a bath.

Did you notice the construction of the sinks in the first photo?

They are entirely constructed of marble. How luxurious!

What about the toilet seat in the second photo?

It looks like the mahogany seat that Waterworks carries.

This is my way to start a Monday.

How would you chose to start your week?

Merci!

I am overdue in thanking a most gracious blogger, 

Lisa Porter, for giving the Granny Smith Green Blog 

the Lemonade Gratitude Award.  

Let's pretend that this is my hand-written thank you note! 

 

I was first introduced to Lisa's site by a fellow blogger.  This darling blogger frantically wrote to me saying, "You two have been separated at birth!  You've got to go visit The Lisa Porter Collection blog!"  Well, with words like that, how could I not check it out.

When the blog page opened, I was thrilled with the beauty of it.  What a compliment I had received--to be compared with that!  Wow!  Her blog is a true collection of beautiful images--and a kind soul behind in all.

Just to whet your appetite, here's a tid bit from her profile, 

"(the blog is) a place for those who have an appreciation of family, friends

 and a meaningful life. 

It is my devotion to the casual, elegant manners of my southern heritage 

that have led me to create this collection."  

Sounds good, doesn't it?    

*************************************************************************************

A few more words of thanks are due to several creative bloggers.  The dear people behind these blogs have sent me kind words of encouragement and delight me with their inspiration.  

I do hope that if you aren't familiar with the following blogs, you will pour yourself another cup of coffee and stop by for a visit.  Each one different from the next and all delightful!

In no particular order, my I present:

Cote de Texas:  

style, sass and humor--deep in the heart of Texas

Katiedid:  

and she does.  I've got to meet this gal.  

(Katiedid & Tartanscot--blog world's are colliding Jerry!)

Tartanscot:  

my dear brother in design--we were separated at birth!  

Blue-Eyed Bride:  

or should be say, blue-eyed about to pop mama-to-be any day now

Monograms & Manicures:  

a.k.a. Hospy or Kappa Prep.  One of the very first blogs I read.  Precious.

Be sure to visit all of these great blogs--and tell them Granny Smith Green sent you!

I'd like to discover other great blogs too.  

Do you have a great blog to recommend--yours or another you find fabulous?

Leave me a comment here and I'll be sure to visit.  Thanks!

  

Gone to the Animals

Anyone care to join me for a leisurely chat in this room?  This sofa is so inviting. 

Doesn't this sitting area look so comfortable and inviting?  Wouldn't you know it--it is in the home of Oprah's hair stylist--and now designer/decorator.

The entire grouping is put together quite well, in my opinion.  Although, I like things to be a bit calmer--no wallpaper or fringed sofa apron.  I do think that overall, for a new installation, the room appears "collected" as if it had been assembled over time.  

Is this a room for you?  Do you want or have a "gallery" wall--or is that too busy for your taste?

Tell me you thoughts. 

(home of  Andre Walker and David Simmons)  

Where's the Kitchen?

photo: Lisa Adams/design: Ken Pursley

I really like this--a disappearing kitchen! 

 

Have you located all of the appliances?

Could you live with a kitchen like this?  

Ahhh, Memories!

I can't get this out of my mind today.  I'm ready to go back to Blackberry Farm!

Who's going with me to Walland, Tennessee?  I'm serious.

Kitchens: Heart of the Home

note:  the granite sink, warmth of the wood and the chicken wire.  

What do you think of the exposed shelves and the baskets?  

Dear readers, for the past few weeks I have found myself overwhelmed with a kitchen renovation project.  I do believe that the end is in sight.  The cabinetry is under construction as we speak.  

I hope you enjoy some of these kitchen images.  I have had them in an inspiration file for some time now.  I'm sorry that I did not make a note of who did the design work or the photography.  If you know, please leave me a message.  I'd like to give them credit.  

note:  the contrasting cabinet finishes and the beamed ceiling  

note:  beamed ceiling and chandelier, also note the fountain in the background.

This is one of my all time favorites.  It was designed by Bunny Williams.  

note:  wide planked floors

note:  the hood and the sunlight

note:  the very light flooring, high contrast, firewood and brick

What does your dream kitchen contain--

other than Paula Deen, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson or Anthony Bourdain?

  

and for LegallyBlondeMel...