STY LE+S O UR CE S o u t h e r n S t u d i o I n te r i o r D e s i g n
STEP INSIDE SOUTHERN CHARLOTTE CHARM
MARY LUDEMANN OF NEW OLD CUSTOM HOMES LIONEL VATINET OF LA FARM BAKERY SHARES HIS FAVORITE FALL RECIPE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 SOUTHERNSTUDIO.COM
a note from Vicky SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
2020
is definitely the year of adapting and innovating! It’s the year we will remember being home with family. There’s been less travel and more home-cooked meals. In so many ways our world has been turned upside-down, but it’s also given us an opportunity to think and grow in new ways. For seven weeks this spring, half of our business came to a halt when manufacturers shut down, while construction projects continued as essential work. It was a time of uncertainty for all of us. Our team is not a sit-back-and-wait kind of group, so we pulled together to brainstorm new ideas. We were given the gift of time and we did not want to waste it. It was our opportunity to bring a few dreams to life! We were proud to welcome Southern Studio Simplified to friends near and far. We are constantly asked about our favorite sources and products that make life just a little more luxurious. Through our Simplified features, we are able to provide a simplified version of our full-service design by sharing unique pieces that bring beauty and function to everyday life….and available for purchase to anyone who follows along on our blog! Today, we are proud to welcome Southern Studio STYLE + SOURCE to the world (thinking big here) with our first issue. We wanted to broaden our reach to the community and share even more tips and features that focus on a luxury lifestyle. We will introduce you to some of our favorite friends in the industry and community. We’ll share tips, unusual finds, and even a few amazing recipes. It’s just another way for us to share the exceptional people and places that we encounter every day at the studio. In this first issue, we are thrilled to feature our Charlotte Charm project. It was an amazing collaboration between an exceptional builder team, Troy and Mary Ludemann of New Old Custom Homes, and a wonderful and witty client who trusted us and kept us laughing. We were beyond honored to be named a finalist for HGTV Designer of the Year for our work on the project (and, we would be honored to have your vote…see the link on Page 6). We’re also sharing some personal favorites of our team. If you are looking for some thought-provoking reading, I highly recommend the new book authored by a dear friend of Southern Studio, Chuck Swoboda. The Innovator’s Spirit is for anyone looking to challenge themselves to think big. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett was my favorite summer read and left me filled with hope and understanding. We had to feature another Southern Studio favorite, LaFarm Bakery, too. Lionel and Missy Vatinet have brought so much goodness to our community and we’re happy to call them friends. Although it has been a challenging year, we will continue on our mission to bring beauty into our world. We will forever be grateful for the clients who continue to trust us with their homes. Now we have the opportunity to expand our reach to so many more new friends and we cannot wait to meet you!
Vicky Serany Principal + Founder
1 STYLE + SOURCE, September/October
contents
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
9
In Every Issue 1 4 7
Vicky’s Letter Designer Tips Studio Selections
Special Features 5 9
7
This New Old House La Farm Fall Recipe
4
a beautiful mess...
Tips from Southern Studio Designers
COMFORT A comfy cushion and throw pillow elevates the space with pattern and color. It’s an inviting perch that makes for the ideal spot to put on your shoes and text a friend.
STORAGE Include baskets that are both functional and beautiful. Our favorites are a neutral woven that add texture and interest, along with much needed storage.
TILE When it comes to flooring for mudrooms and high-traffic areas of the home, select materials that are easy to clean, durable, and able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Triangle Tile has a variety of selections that are beautiful, functional, and guaranteed to last a long time.
LIGHTING Lighting is one of the most important design elements of any space. For mud rooms, consider lighting that is functional, but also makes a beautiful statement as you enter the home each day!
S T Y L I N G + O R G A N I Z AT I O N Our Southern Studio Design team shares their tips for designing and creating your dream mudroom. Mudrooms are equal parts functional and set the tone for entry to the house. These styling and organizational tips are essential to hiding the mess, yet allowing your family to live freely.
3 STYLE + SOURCE, September/October
WALLS High traffic areas like mud rooms oftentimes take a lot of wear and tear from active families. Adding a durable wallcovering or wood paneling can be an excellent solution for these spaces. WELCOME MATS Small details like a playful area rug can give any mud room — no matter how big or small — that extra special welcome.
1. Thibaut Cork Wallpaper, to the trade, thibaut.com 2. Basil Basket, Brooke & Lou, brookeandlou.com 3. Blair Rug, Company C, companyc. com 4. Middlebury Semi-Flush in Aged Brass, Hudson Valley Lighting, hudsonvalleylighting.com 5. BM233 Cream Fleece, Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com 6. Solid Cashmere Throw, Ivory, Williams-Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com 7. Century Fabric 30368L82, Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com 8. Vine Umbrella Stand, Navy, Ballard Designs ballarddesigns.com
meet Mary LudemanFriend of Southern Studio and the talented leader of New Old Custom Homes (@newoldcustomhomes), Mary Ludemann shares her favorite things and answers a Q + A! New Old was the builder of the featured Charlotte Charm home.
Q: Can you share a few words about the Charlotte Charm project? A: This project is a beautiful combination of traditional and modern design with a bit of rustic charm thrown in. The very livable floorplan includes a dramatic foyer with herringbone oak floors and floor to ceiling wall paneling, open concept great room / dining room with volume ceilings and dormers accentuated with rustic oak paneling around the limestone fireplace. A chef’s kitchen features moody inky blue cabinets set aside a rustic oak hood and island, topped with honed marble countertops. Q: Go-to Paint Color? A: Creamy white – love the warmer whites like Simply White, China White – what color I use depends on the lighting at each home – it varies considerably and I always put up at least 3 samples and many times alter the paint formula to either add or take out some warmth. Q: Where is your favorite place to visit? A: I am a gypsy at heart and given the opportunity am ready to travel anywhere, anytime. I definitely have the wanderlust bug but not enough time to go! travel accessories:markandgraham.com Q: What is your all-time favorite book? A: I have so many favorite books! One that I keep coming back to and reading over and over (probably because of my kids) is “The Education Of Little Tree,” a depression-era coming of age novel in the similar spirit of To Kill a Mockingbird. I cry a couple of times over every time I read it while my kids roll their eyes. amazon.com Q: Favorite lip color? A: Clinique Chubby Stick in any sheer color. clinique.com Q: Can’t live without my __________! A: Kemo Sabe Cowboy (girl!) boots for work and Nespresso Coffee Maker! crateandbarrel.com
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Southern Studio is a finalist for the Color + Pattern category! We would be honored to have your vote: CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
Studio Selections
S o u t h e r n S t u d i o S e n i o r D e s i g n e r, E l i z a b e t h O ’ N e a l selects her favorite wall coverings that are sure to add a punch to any space!
I’m really loving bold
patterns in soft colors right now: metallics and textures that add interest or patterns and geometrics that make a statement. Wallpaper is my favorite art.
SCHUMACHER
Elizabeth O’Neal
Featherfest in
Senior Designer
Slate
PHILIP JEFFERIES Max’s Metallic Raffia in Silver
THIBAUT Ben
SCHUMACHER Iconic ANNA FRENCH Mallorca in Navy
Leopard in Lin en
Aqua THIBAUT Honshu Floral i n
Robins Egg
THIBAUT Cairo in
Green & White
GALBRAITH & PAUL Pomegranate in
Whisper
BROOKE & LOU Audrey
nedetto in
in Light Blue SCHUMACHER Modern
SCHUMACHER Octavia
Trellis Sisal
Shimmer in Quartz
La Farm Bakery La Farm Bakery has become an important part of life at Southern Studio. Whether it’s a quick meeting with a vendor to grab a cup of coffee or lunch served during a client presentation, we value the consistent quality and care we receive with each delicious experience. Missy and Lionel Vatinet have been long-time friends of Southern Studio. Their work extends far beyond a loaf of bread. Missy says it best, “We sell energy, we just do that through bread.” She continues by sharing, “We have the honor of representing so many farmers and millers to produce each loaf of bread. It requires the work ethic, the technique, and the passion of many hands.” La Farm also understands the importance of home and family. Missy explains, “Throughout history, the sharing of recipes from one generation to the next has been an important part of family. The connection comes through food and it comes through being together.” As you add this special recipe to your family’s autumn menu, remember to savor each moment of the experience and share with those you love!
L i o n e l Va t i n e t Southern Studio’s La Farm Favorites Iced Vanilla Latte Blueberry Raspberry Scone Chocolate Chip Cookie Homemade Granola White Chocolate Mini Baguette Asiago Parmesan Bread
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Southern Studio Design, Kitchen of Charlotte Charm
PUMPKIN SPICE FRENCH TOAST INGREDIANTS 1 loaf La Farm Pumpkin Spice Challah* 4 Large Eggs 1 cup Half & Half 1 cup Pumpkin Puree 1/2 vanilla bean, scraped or 1 1/2 tsp Madgascar Vanilla Extract 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (Or Caramel Sauce for a dessert adaptation) 2 tbsp cup Sugar 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice Pinch of Ground Cloves 4 tbsp Butter INSTRUCTIONS 1. Slice Pumpkin Spice Challah 1/2 inch thick 2. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, half & half, pumpkin, vanilla, maple syrup, sugar, pumpkin pie spice to make custard. 3. Soak Pumpkin Spice Challah slices in custard for 5 minutes 4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. 5. Fry slices until golden. Flip and cook other side. 6. Serve with syrup or caramel sauce. *As an alternative, you may also use plain challah or a traditional Pullman loaf