The South is its own place, with its own distinct notions of beauty and gracious living.
Certain magazines speak to this. Oxford American. Garden & Gun. But most famous and long-lasting is Southern Living.
Mary Ludemann and her husband Troy, copilots of a development company called New Old, had the interest for a long time to create a small community of new-build homes showcasing old-world elegance. The name of their company says it all: a combination of contemporary and classic, carrying on those traditions of gracious domestic harmony.
They matched up with an interior design firm, Southern Studio, who complemented this vision; Vicky Serany and Elizabeth O'Neal were thrilled to co-create this space with New Old. They were hoping to create a believable and inspiring space that embodies the beautiful style of interiors featured in Southern Living magazine, while creating a liveable home people could imagine themselves in, an attainable farmhouse luxe. As a showhouse, it had a duty to impress...and it delivered.
But unlike showhouses meant to raise money for a good cause and provide a blank canvas for maximalist fantasies no one has to live in, this one was meant to be a mission statement for certain vision of what "Southern Living" looks like heading into the next decade—think Rustic Modern taking in some European highlights and emerging color trends—they succeeded in spades.
Check out pictures of this gorgeous home, The Burnham, and read below for their answers to a few questions we asked them about this project.