I’ve written about my design crush, James T Farmer, before when I reviewed his book, Celebrating Home (affiliate link).
Maybe it’s because even though I’m a New Englander through and through, I was born in the south, and somehow, that southern gentility and the importance of home is a part of who I am.
But I would happily move into pretty much any space James Farmer has designed.
Of course, most of those spaces started with great architecture and are surrounded by lovely landscapes, which is a bonus, but all of them are imbued with unmistakable layers and thoughtfulness in their interior {and exterior} design.
They all mix family heirlooms, personal treasures and vintage finds with new fresh classics that blend in seamlessly and stand the test of time.
I picked up one of his earlier books, Arriving Home (affiliate link), the other day and noticed so many things in it that I have incorporated into designs for my clients.
The hallmarks of Southern Style are graciousness, refinement, and a celebration of family life.
Attention to creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws in guests while simultaneously providing comfort, elegance, and beauty for everyday activities is a guiding principle.
Nothing exaggerated or wildly modern in this style, it is more likely to be grounded in historically classic era references that are appropriate to the architecture, but it is not a preciously preserved museum to the past either. It is, above all, eminently livable.
Here are just a few of those details in action:
Classic light fixtures, exactly like these two from the book, have appeared in my own projects.
JRL Interiors dining room with a pair of Paris flea market style chandeliers
JRL Interiors garden inspired library with a classic brass chandelier hung fro a coferred ceiling
Sisal rugs as a textural base layer grounding seating groups, like the ones he uses here, are a staple. I have used both wool sisal and natural grass versions for clients and in my own home.
James T Farmer room with sisal rug and tape trimmed chair skirt
JRL Interiors kitchen with sisal rug
JRL Interiors cathedral condo conversion with wool sisal rugs topped with antique rugs defining seating areas
JRL Interiors guest room with diamond pattern sisal rug
Gorgeous textiles making up custom finger pleat curtain panels hung from understated hardware and Roman shade valances - the classic types of window treatments he seems to use exclusively - are the same ones that I almost invariably specify. These are often paired with woven wood shades for texture, or wooden blinds or shutters for light control and privacy.
JRL Interiors family room window seat with finger pleat panels
JRL Interiors breakfast room with Roman shade valances with trim
JRL Interiors sunroom with embroidered linen panels
And plump custom pillows everywhere, often repeating patterns from draperies or occasional upholstered pieces, are another layer of comfort and sophistication that I wholeheartedly advocate. Pillows are one of the easiest ways to pull disparate elements together in a space.
JRL Interiors family room with custom pillows
JRL Interiors living room sectional with custom pillows
JRL Interior great room with custom pillows
Beautiful bed linens are an undeniable luxury and one I am ALL for! And monogramming and scallops, those quintessentially southern elements, makes it all the better in my opinion.
Interesting painted pieces, ceramic garden stools, an abundant use of wallpaper, gallery walls, and tailored dressmaker details on upholstery are all elements sprinkled throughout his designs that I too have drawn on time and time again.
JRL Interiors chic ladies office with garden stool side table, contrast painted bookcase backs, embroidered drapery panels, and custom tweed chairs with dressmaker skirts
These are the layers that contribute personality to the pretty and help make a house a home.
Thank you for the inspiration, James, and here’s to timeless Southern Style!
Other posts you might enjoy:
4 ways the right window treatments make a difference