Outfit a Southern Plantation-Style Home — Paint to Porch Furnishings
Go for the charm with these curated picks that create a Southern look in all its gracious glory
Laura Gaskill
May 15, 2013
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
With their gracious porches, well-proportioned rooms and rambling grounds, Southern plantation-style homes in the U.S. have a lot to offer. Whether you are renovating a historic Lowcountry home or simply feel inspired by classic Southern style, this guide is here to help. Curated picks including paint colors, lighting, cabinetry and more make decision making a breeze — so you can spend more time relaxing with that tall glass of sweet tea on your front porch.
A unique blend of elegance and down-home practicality, Southern plantation-style homes exude charm and grace. Key features might include columns, wide porches (single or double), shutters and — if you are lucky — mature trees dotting a vast lawn.
Nothing conjures up relaxation quite as well as the Southern porch. Make the most of yours with classic shutters in a dark hue, lantern-style fixtures and easygoing porch furniture.
Blue-green is the traditional color for porch ceilings in the South. Originally thought to ward off evil spirits, this hue likely has remained popular more for its effortless charm and relaxing, tropical vibe. Keep the mood mellow and stay comfy in hot weather with an outdoor ceiling fan or two.
This white paint has an antique quality. Like all the Farrow & Ball colors, it changes with the light, sometimes appearing pale gray, other times off-white. It's not too creamy or yellow, and very sophisticated.
If you can get your hands on it, Historic Charleston Green is the classic color for shutters. It's available only from Duron, but you could also try having it matched by another paint company to get a similar look.
Another great green-black, Studio Green from Farrow & Ball would be gorgeous on shutters, doors or ironwork.
Benjamin Moore
Palladian Blue from Benjamin Moore is the perfect shade of Haint Blue, traditionally used on porch ceilings throughout the South.
circalighting.com
Stunning and extra large, these lantern sconces would make a big statement on a plantation-style porch.
If you need your renovation dollars to stretch, you will appreciate the small price tag on this classic lantern-style pendant.
Inside a plantation home, you may find gorgeous details like coffered ceilings. But no worries if your home is missing original details — you can still have them installed.
Luxurious floors are a must. If at all possible, salvage your home's original floors. If that is not an option, reclaimed heart pine, a favorite flooring in old Southern homes, would be a lovely choice.
A plantation home begs for classic plantation shutters — they can easily go in any room.
"Traditional," "classic" and "quietly luxurious" would be good descriptors to keep in mind when designing your plantation kitchen. A great big range and plenty of cupboard space provide room for party prep. Marble counters are a worthy splurge, especially if you bake a lot, as they are ideal for rolling out dough.
Another combo to try: simple cupboards kicked up a notch with elegant handles, inky black granite counters and a porcelain apron sink.
Rohl makes wonderful classic apron-front farmhouse sinks. Pair one with a gleaming bridge faucet for a timeless look.
A plantation home would not be complete without plenty of storage space for an entertaining arsenal — beautiful glass-front cabinets like these would fit the bill.
The ultrashiny finish on these classic cup pulls would provide a major style upgrade to old existing cabinets if you are looking to rehab rather than replace.
In the bath you can't go wrong with classic touches like white shutters, mosaic tile, tongue and groove paneling, and a capacious tub.
This train rack is as practical as it is luxurious. Stow stacks of fluffy towels on top and hang bathrobes or additional towels below.
This faucet has a very high-end look for a reasonable price. It would be right at home on a wide pedestal sink.
If you are lucky enough to have a grand old tree on your property, take a cue from this Dallas home and install an old-fashioned rope swing.
Tell us: Are you renovating a plantation home or working some of its elements into your home's style?
Tell us: Are you renovating a plantation home or working some of its elements into your home's style?
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