It’s summertime on the North Carolina coast and the livin’ is easy. Unless, that is, you’ve just lost your mother to cancer, your sister to her extremist husband, and your husband to his executive assistant. Meet Gray Howard. Right when Gray could use a serious infusion of good karma in her life, she inadvertently gets a stranger, Diana Harrington, fired from her job at the local pharmacy. Diana Harrington’s summer isn’t off to the greatest start either: Hours before losing her job, she broke up with her boyfriend and moved out of their shared house with only a worn-out Impala for a bed. Lucky for her, Gray has an empty guest house and a very guilty conscience. With Gray’s kindness, Diana’s tide begins to turn. But when her first love returns, every secret from her past seems to resurface all at once. And, as Gray begins to blaze a new trail, she discovers, with Diana’s help, that what she envisioned as her perfect life may not be what she wants at all. In her warmest, wisest novel yet, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers a discerning portrait of modern womanhood through two vastly different lenses. Feels Like Falling is a beach bag essential for Harvey fans—and for a new generation of readers.
This is the time of year when we really start to think about tradition.
What’s special about it, what’s memorable.
The way that it bonds us together as family, as friends, as people traveling the same path at the same time.
But tradition isn’t just about what happens around the Thanksgiving table, about the afternoon football games, the tree-lightings, the turkey and the stuffing.
It’s also about home, or, in this case, a house in all its iterations,
The way it grows and changes over time, morphs into the place where trends are embraced and families are formed,
Lives are lived and memories are made.
In the case of this beautiful Buckhead home, which has been imagined and reimagined for more than 100 years,
It has changed into a place where a couple and their two children could live comfortably and entertain in style.
Designer Clary Bosbyshell of Margaux Interiors brought the vision to life, indoors and out, and, it’s safe to say, breathed new energy into this project.
Preorder my new novel THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE, Book 3 in the Peachtree Bluff Series and be Automatically Entered in the Peachtree Bluff Takeover Giveaway!
THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE is available for pre-order now from your local bookstore, Indiebound, Amazon and Barnes & Noble (Only in hardback and paperback so far. E-books to come!).
June 1, 2019 Peachtree Bluff will be “taking over” Beaufort, NC, the town on which it was based. Every single person who preorders between now now and will be registered to win:
*Two tickets to the Peachtree Bluff Town Takeover and Tour–on Beaufort’s signature double decker red buses!
*Two tickets to the farm-to-table dinner and launch party under the stars at the Beaufort Historic Site
*Two nights lodging in Beaufort, NC
Just send an email with proof of purchase to kristywoodsonharvey@gmail.com to enter!
Here’s What’s Next from the Murphy Women:
From internationally bestselling author and “rising star of Southern fiction” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author) Kristy Woodson Harvey comes the third novel in her Peachtree Bluff series, in which a secret threatens the tight-knit bond between a trio of sisters and their mother.
With the man of her dreams back in her life and all three of her daughters happy, Ansley Murphy should be content. But she can’t help but feel like it’s all a little too good to be true.
Meanwhile, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, seemingly has the world by the tail. Only, something she can’t quite put her finger on is worrying her—and it has nothing to do with her recent health scare.
When two new women arrive in Peachtree Bluff—one who has the potential to wreck Ansley’s happiness and one who could tear Emerson’s world apart—everything is put in perspective. And after secrets that were never meant to be told come to light, the powerful bond between the Murphy sisters and their mother comes crumbling down, testing their devotion to each other and forcing them to evaluate the meaning of family.
With Kristy Woodson Harvey’s signature charm, wit, and heart, The Southern Side of Paradise is another masterful Peachtree Bluff novel that proves she is a “Southern writer with staying power” (Booklist).
When Thanksgiving rolls around, we always think of Atlanta. Growing up, we used to head to Atlanta every Thanksgiving, spend the blessed turkey day itself with my aunt (Mom’s sister), uncle and cousins and then brave the crowds at Lenox and Phipps on Black Friday to get all our Christmas shopping done in one, fell swoop.
We’re not sure we have that kind of shopping stamina these days–although there was that fateful Thanksgiving night/Black Friday morning at midnight that Dad and I braved the line out the door at midnight at Walmart to get that one Christmas gift that little Will was wanting most, since it was coming in on the Black Friday truck and would surely be gone by the morning.
It was probably my most selfless parenting moment. And it hasn’t happened since.
This year, Florence has us out of our house and in a rental for Thanksgiving and the foreseeable future beyond.
While we are going to miss the holiday at home so much, it will be fun to be at my childhood home, surrounded by our large extended family, to celebrate one of my very favorite holidays.
There is, as always, so much to be thankful for!
This stunning Atlanta townhouse, designed by Melanie Turner, is another perfect spot for hosting one of the best celebrations of the year.
With soothing and beautiful bedrooms perfect for gifts,
A stunning bathroom for relaxing when it’s all over,
Good morning, chic friends, and happy Wednesday! Are you in the mood to tour a fabulous home today? We know we are! This gorgeous home designed by Terry Pylant of Historical Concepts with interiors by Barbara Westbrookis the perfect combination of chic and traditional and hits all the high notes when it comes to style. So take a look around. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like!
Thank you for stopping by today! We always love it when you do!
Sue Monk Kidd, author of The Secret Life of Beesand The Invention of Wings
Lloyd Kramer, Director of Carolina Public Humanities, will moderate
September 21: Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Rd., Cashiers, NC, Q&A and Signing. Presented by Friends of the Library. For more information call the Library at 828-743-0215, 3:00pm, free and open to the public
September 21: Chattooga Club Speakers Bureau Event, Cashiers, NC, 6 pm, open to Chattooga Club members and guests
September 26: New Bern, NCPrivate Book Club Event, 6 pm
October 3: Houston, TX Women’s Club Breakfast, 7 am
October 4: Pink Ribbon Project Luncheon and Purse Auction, 11 am-1 pm, Wilmington Convention Center, Wilmington, NC
October 11-14: Poppy Con 2018, Tall Poppy Writers Retreat, Chicago, IL, private event
November 6: Private Book Club Event, Beaufort, NC, 6 pm
We talk a lot on Design Chic about combining the old with the new. Grandmother’s silver on your Saarinen table, fun buffet lamps on an antique buffet, a new, shiny bar cart filled with Grandfather’s decanters. There are so many fantastic ways to incorporate the old with the new on the inside. But, on the outside? It’s harder to pull off. Perhaps that’s why we’re so enchanted with Kevin and Lee Kleinhelter’s gorgeous Atlanta home. (We’ve talked about Lee’s Good Taste before.) It’s streamlined and modern but still feels familiar.
And, inside, it gets even better.
We literally love every inch. Take a peek for yourself!
And these barstools? What a find! We can sort of picture how excited Lee must have been when she found these!
That chandelier? Do we even have to say it? Delicate, whimsical… It’s perfect!
One of our favorite things about this house is that it doesn’t “have to” anything. It doesn’t have to feel Hollywood Regency in the kitchen and then carry that through the rest of the house. It exudes the feeling that it was filled with pieces out of true love, not obligation.
We bet every kid in town wants to sleep over in these bunks.
The orange is so good. And not too matchy or contrived.
All that glitters… You know the rest.
We want to have the guts to paint a room black. We really do. But when it’s presented as painting a room black and gold… Well, now we’re thinking we could do it!
The floor is utter brilliance. No one needs to talk us into that!
Coolest ping pong table ever. We want this. And one of those lucite foosball tables. And maybe that sheep. And the painting. We could go on like this for awhile…
Awwww! Why stop now? We want that dog too! What a gorgeous color! So simple. So chic. We mean the room. But the dog too.
Swooning.
On the verge of needing to call the paramedics.
Yellow=love. We are OBSESSED with yellow right now.
Dear Lee Kleinfelter, we know we don’t really know each other, but we’d like to move into this yellow room, please. Or any of the rest of the rooms in this house.
This bathroom feels modern and fresh. But somehow familiar too, right? We think that’s what creating a home is all about!
Click on each image Below to Learn More About the Product:
Speaking of fabulous celebrations, there are so many fun dates coming up on the The Secret to Southern Charm tour! We are heading to Palmetto Bluff on Tuesday for a talk on Wednesday and, August 2, if you’re in Sea Island, come celebrate with us! This is a free event.
Prime Day Deals start at 3PM. You don’t want to miss this sale!
Hi, friends! Exciting news! My first novel, Dear Carolina, is only $1.99 today on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, iTunes and wherever you get your ebooks! Dear Carolina released May 5, 2015 and was one of:
*PopSugar’s Best Books for Women* *Huffington Post’s Summer Reading: Women’s Fiction Style* *Glitter Guide’s Must-Read List for June* *Deep South Magazine’s Best Beach Reads* *The Herald Sun’s Summer Reads*
Right now it’s ranked #1 in TWO categories on Amazon and #8 overall at Barnes & Noble! So exciting. Thanks so much to those of you who have read and helped spread the word! It’s the perfect addition to your beach bag!
If you’re planning your Summer vacation, make sure to grab a copy of THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM , one of Southern Living‘s best beach reads, to slip in your tote.
Good morning, chic friends! I leaving Atlanta today heading to beautiful Charleston for The Secret to Southern Charm signings… but I have had the most amazing time in Atlanta!
No matter where your heart lies, this fabulous home from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles won’t disappoint!
Traditional elements with the right mix of modern…
Hints of glamour in all the right places…
And architectural details that accentuate at every turn…
This beautiful space is just the right kind of chic.
Steel doors and windows always make a stunning statement. And we just adore toning down a more formal room with a natural fiber rug.
Upholstered dining chairs feel so cozy and welcoming. They’re a family-friendly touch in a formal dining room.
The right shade of paint makes a paneled library still feel traditional but also freshened and bright.
A beautiful banquette is one of our favorite parts of a breakfast room — and such a good use of space!
Whimsical elements tie this space together perfectly.
A canopy bed creates instant impact. A settee on the end of a bed is comfy but can look stuffy. This casual alternative is the ideal touch.
We love a chaise, but it’s not always the right look. This chair and ottoman give the style — and the comfort — in a way that’s right for the space.
And, of course, every gorgeous home needs an amazing soaking tub. We think this one looks heavenly!
Thank you so much for visiting with us today. We always love getting to see you!
If you want to know a little more about my new novel, THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM (Simon & Schuster, April 3, 2018) take a peek at the video below! (It’s only like 60 seconds. No major commitments here!)
May 1: Reynolds Plantation Linger Longer Cultural Series, Lake Club, 1000 Vista Dr., Greensboro, GA 30624, contact Marie Garrison, Cultural Arts Director, mgarrison@reynoldslakeoconee.com, 5:00 pm
May 2: Charleston, SC UNC Alumni Event
May 5: Run for the Roses: Kentucky Derby Party, Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, ticketed event; The classic event of the genteel south comes to The Elizabethan Gardens. Dress in style and enjoy the revels and embellishments of the race at this fundraising extravaganza that benefits three Outer Bank non-profits: The Elizabethan Gardens, Beach Food Pantry and Dare Education Foundation. Sponsored by Outer Banks Blue Realty. Expect a traditional southern affair with mint juleps, live and silent auctions, sumptuous derby pie, a hat contest and an assortment of live music, games and entertainment as you enjoy the beautiful gardens and anticipate the big race to be broadcast live.; Contact Jamie Anderson at Downtown Books, 252-473-1056, jamie@duckscottage.com; 4:00 pm, open to the public
May 10: Children’s Cancer Partners Fundraiser, Cornelius Yacht Club
May 21: Sassee Reads Books Club Chat
June 13: Raleigh, NC Read & Go program, Tour of Salisbury, NC based on Lies and Other Acts of Love, Raleigh Parks & Rec,(919)996-4723
June 20: Luncheon with Mary Alice Monroe benefiting Beaufort Historical Society in Beaufort, NC; luncheon at Coral Bay Club; ticketed event, Contact is Patricia Suggs, patricia@beauforthistoricsite.org; 252-728-5225; open to the public
July 11: Coral Bay Club Book Club, Atlantic Beach, NC, 12 pm
July 17: Ladies Day Luncheon at Dunes Club, Atlantic Beach, NC, 12 pm, private
July 25: Country Club of the Crystal Coast Author Dinner, Pine Knoll Shores, NC, 5 pm
DON’T FORGET, THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE, ANY OF THE FABULOUS BOOKSTORES ABOVE OR AT INDIEBOUND, AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE OR WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD!
If you want to know a little more about my new novel, THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM (Simon & Schuster, April 3, 2018) take a peek at the video below! (It’s only like 60 seconds. No major commitments here!)
April 30: The Secret to Southern Charm: Kristy’s tips for living a beautiful life, inspired by Southern interior design and entertaining; Huff Harrington Home Store, 3872 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, refreshments provided; Contacts are Meg Harrington and Ann Huff: home@huffharrington.com, 404-467-0311 , 1:00-3:00 pm, free and open to the public
May 1: Reynolds Plantation Linger Longer Cultural Series, Lake Club, 1000 Vista Dr., Greensboro, GA 30624, contact Marie Garrison, Cultural Arts Director, mgarrison@reynoldslakeoconee.com, 5:00 pm
May 2: Charleston, SC UNC Alumni Event
May 5: Run for the Roses: Kentucky Derby Party, Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, ticketed event; The classic event of the genteel south comes to The Elizabethan Gardens. Dress in style and enjoy the revels and embellishments of the race at this fundraising extravaganza that benefits three Outer Bank non-profits: The Elizabethan Gardens, Beach Food Pantry and Dare Education Foundation. Sponsored by Outer Banks Blue Realty. Expect a traditional southern affair with mint juleps, live and silent auctions, sumptuous derby pie, a hat contest and an assortment of live music, games and entertainment as you enjoy the beautiful gardens and anticipate the big race to be broadcast live.; Contact Jamie Anderson at Downtown Books, 252-473-1056, jamie@duckscottage.com; 4:00 pm, open to the public
May 10: Children’s Cancer Partners Fundraiser, Cornelius Yacht Club
May 21: Sassee Reads Books Club Chat
June 13: Raleigh, NC Read & Go program, Tour of Salisbury, NC based on Lies and Other Acts of Love, Raleigh Parks & Rec,(919)996-4723
June 20: Luncheon with Mary Alice Monroe benefiting Beaufort Historical Society in Beaufort, NC; luncheon at Coral Bay Club; ticketed event, Contact is Patricia Suggs, patricia@beauforthistoricsite.org; 252-728-5225; open to the public
July 11: Coral Bay Club Book Club, Atlantic Beach, NC, 12 pm
July 17: Ladies Day Luncheon at Dunes Club, Atlantic Beach, NC, 12 pm, private
July 25: Country Club of the Crystal Coast Author Dinner, Pine Knoll Shores, NC, 5 pm
To bedrooms that are cozy, warm and filled with a sense of history, yet updated and refreshed,
Every piece of this fabulous renovation was perfectly planned.
From the tiny details,
To the big picture stuff,
Indoors and out,
This Buckhead home is beautifully, wonderfully reimagined to take this family into the next phases of their lives today, tomorrow and forever. What are your requirements for your forever home?
Thanks so much for making Design Chic a part of your day. We always love it when you stop by!