Southern Home January/February 2024

Fresh start as we put away the last vestiges of Christmas and usher in the New Year, we think of a clean slate or things we want to change, whether it be a resolution to exercise, eat better, or just planting the seed of possibilities. There is a lot of joy in making your home a refuge from the cold while also creating an environment that is welcoming to friends and family. I am always thinking of how I can move items around my house so they will have a new life and give me a fresh look. My ideas don’t always work out as planned, but the good news is that they don’t have to be permanent. 

In this issue, we focus on extraordinary before-and-after projects. The architects and designers showcase their talents to renovate, refresh, and update homes to perfectly suit their clients. In Dallas, designer Leslie Jenkins deftly mixed her love of color with her attention to detail in her own home for stunning results. A dark and dated Georgetown row home was transformed into a showstopper under the direction of designer Sara Swabb. Deborah Leamann infused a Vero Beach home with charm and character. Kara Childress delivered updated finishes throughout a home in Houston to suit a family’s active lifestyle. 

Lighting is one of the most effective ways to refresh a room, and On Trend features showstopping alabaster lamps, chandeliers, and sconces. Alabaster is a natural material that seamlessly transitions from traditional to modern. Denise McGaha is our featured designer, and this Texan dishes up her award-winning flair for style and luxury in a no-nonsense way. Mora clocks, known for their understated design and function, are the latest antiques obsession. The Gasparilla Inn & Club is the perfect destination for those looking for a sunny respite with an Old Florida feeling and updated and inviting interiors by noted designer Celerie Kemble. 

I hope your 2024 is off to a great start and that your resolutions and dreams take flight.