The People and Home that developed my design style

My mother was an antique dealer, she had exquisite taste.  She and my father were both born and raised in the deep south, and though my mom didn't have much when she was growing up, her classic style was innate.  She had expensive taste, she didn't like something because it was expensive, of course, but her eye could easily go to the best of the best.  Especially when it came to interiors.  She and my dad bought his family's old Turn of the Century (1900s) home when it came on the market in the 1980s. It had gotten out of the family and as soon as it hit the market they bought it, sight unseen. They waited to do a large, thoughtful renovation until early 1990s, and when they did, they hired Architect & Interior Designer, Don Bowden to do the project. He got my mom's vision completely and understood her refined casual southern style.  I took in everything Don did and said like Gospel, and since I was studying Interior Design at the time of the project, feel I got a great deal of my style from this renovation project. Don was kind enough to really mentor me & he ended up overseeing and designing my wedding.   
My true design style comes from the style of most of Alabama's "eastern shore " summer homes along Point Clear and Fairhope areas.  Old, grand houses, that stood strong during hurricanes. They were closed up during the cooler months, as the owners were over in Mobile, and opened up for the warmer months. Things I loved about these homes: the windows stretched all the way to the floor, and you could walk right out them onto the sleeping porches. They often had weathered pine interiors, with tall ceilings, beautiful moldings, and inlay hardwood floors. Those floors were usually dressed in century old hand knotted heriz rugs, and the schumacher and lee jofa covered upholstery pieces were all fitted in perfectly pleated white cotton duck slipcovers in the warmer months. Inherited family oil portraits and impressionistic paintings hung on the walls, often among mounted prize fish, plates and taxidermy.  Beautiful old English antiques were throughout the homes along with old books and maps. The silver and fine china was used on a daily basis and the linens were often seen hanging out on the line before being pressed.  It all was elegant, amazing quality, but not perfect, or too fine to be really used. Don brought that look perfectly into the home.  As if it had been that way for 100 years.  He encouraged mom and dad to go out and hunt through antique stores and add in the interest. I joined them in this process. To this day, the house in Magnolia Springs, and what Don taught me through that renovation process stands strong as the foundation for my true favorite design style to recreate.  I love it because it's timeless and it ages well. 
Here are some pictures of the house.  I've had the pleasure of recreating this "southern refined casual" style in a few client's homes, and it's so rewarding.  It's truly where I feel I thrive as a designer. I usually add in a touch more floral though ;). 

(this images shows without the slipcovers on the upholstery)