In Good Taste: James Duncan Interiors

James Duncan Interiors

Good morning, chic readers! First of all, WOW. I seriously can’t thank y’all enough for your overwhelming response to my announcement that my new book, Feels Like Falling, is releasing April 28! I can’t get over it! (If you haven’t entered the 5 days of giveaways, more info below.)

Today, we’re back to our regularly scheduled gorgeousness with the good taste of James Duncan Interiors. Now all we can think about it wanting that surfboard. How amazing is that?

This designer’s decidedly coastal vibe is right up our alley, which is especially great right now while we’re trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer!

Sleek, modern and chicly layered, this open floor plan living is full of inspiration,

And we’re especially loving the touches of raw wood.

Bold art creates impact against a sleek neutral backdrop,

And statement lighting–and touches of glamour–complete the look.

A simple color palette creates a serene, calming environment.

Talk about statement, 3-d art! This piece proves that, when it comes to art, colors aren’t necessarily the most show-stopping element!

A bunk room is one of our most favorite elements in any home away from home. We love the idea of kids–and adults!–being able to stay up late swapping secrets!

Gorgeous living spaces aren’t James Duncan’s only signature spaces. Enviable bathrooms are another hallmark. In fact, we couldn’t possibly pick a favorite space!

Thanks so much for making Design Chic a part of your day. We love it when you stop by!

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We’re celebrating Feels Like Falling‘s April 28, 2020 Release with 5 Days of Giveaways!

Five Days of Giveaways!

We’re celebrating Feels Like Falling with five days of giveaways! To enter ALL FIVE giveaways, simply:

1. Preorder Feels Like Fallingfrom you favorite independent bookstore or online retailer.
2. Email me at [email protected]

You will be entered in ALL FIVE giveaways–and will receive upcoming freebies when they’re available such as deleted scenes from Feels Like Falling, exclusive interviews, fun printables, great recipes and more!

We’re Giving Away:

Tuesday, August 20: 1 Signed Copy of Happy Hand Lettering, the fabulous new book by one of my favorite NC gals, Maghon Taylor of All She Wrote Notes!
Wednesday, August 21: A pair of Sassie Rocks Beach Babiesbracelets for you and your BRF! (That’s your best reader friend.)
Thursday, August 22: One dozen gorgeously decorated, undeniably delicious cookies from Southern Sugar Bakery!
Friday, August 23: THE VERY FIRST advance copy of Feels Like Falling! (To be shipped on Sept. 20.)
Saturday, August 24: A signed pillow from Craig Conover of Southern Charm’s Sewing Down SouthCollection–from Beaufort Linen Co.‘s August 24th in-store event! (I’ll be there. Hope to see you!)

Sunbrella Performance Fabrics Indoors and Out

sunbrella fabric — Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

We had the best, best time at High Point Market last week. One of the highlights, for sure, was taking over Sunbrella’s Instagram page.

sunbrella fabrics — Coastal Living Show House by Mark Sikes

They’re a company that needs no introduction, really, a brand that has become synonymous with top quality outdoor fabrics.

sunbrella performance fabric — Coastal Living Show House

But the best part of our takeover was learning that Sunbrella is so, so much more than just outdoor fabric.

sunbrella performance fabric in living room — Architectural Digest

We were so impressed with the array of textures, patterns and styles that we’re convinced there’s nowhere we can’t use Sunbrella! From our living room couches…

sunbrella performance fabrics — Kate Jackson Interior Design

To our playrooms, of course.

Anywhere that could use a stain-resistant, fade-resistant fabric is absolutely perfect for Sunbrella.

And their drapery line? We’re redoing all of ours! A drapery fabric that won’t fade is almost too good to be true.

sunbrella awning — Coastal Living Show House

New, fun, exciting Sunbrella patterns and colors abounded in High Point.

This beautiful blue and white was certainly a favorite.

But nothing can top those big, bold stripes that Sunbrella does so well.

From a little dash,

To a whole entire truckload, a home really can’t have too much Sunbrella! What’s your favorite way to use this versatile fabric?

Giveaway on Design Chic!

We’re celebrating THREE WEEKS until the launch of The Southern Side of Paradise. I know! We can’t believe it either!

Today, you have a chance to win not only copies of all three books in the series–Slightly South of Simple, The Secret to Southern Charm and The Southern Side of Paradise–but also this gorgeous 8×10 marsh scene from the incredibly talented Amy Moffatt Art. We are crazy for Amy’s art, and this marsh scene reminds us so much of Peachtree Bluff that we knew the two needed to be together! Enter below!

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Click on each image Below to Learn More About the Product:

The Southern Side of Paradise

Architectural Digest

There is so much to love about the South. Porch sitting nine months a year…

The Secret to Southern Charm - canopy of live oaks — Dreamtime

The moss covered Live Oaks…

Southern magnolia blossom — Jean Allsopp Photography

The magnolia blossoms… There are so many reasons that I love living in the South and so many reasons that I love writing about the South.

southern silver service — Southern Accents

And I can’t think of anything more exciting than having a brand new book, the third book in the Peachtree Bluff Series, the sequel to Slightly South of Simple and The Secret to Southern Charm releasing May 7, 2019, called The Southern Side of Paradise!

Maybe it’s the love, family and tradition… But, to us, the South really is paradise!

And the particular paradise in my Peachtree Bluff series, my town of Beaufort, NC, is something I recently got to write about for Southbound and Atlanta magazines. And I hope you’ll come visit me in paradise on June 1, 2019, when Peachtree Bluff takes over Beaufort, NC! There will be double decker bus tours, a schmancy, gorgeous dinner, lunch with one of the best views in town… And you have a chance to win a trip! Simply send your preorder receipt to [email protected] (More details here!)

And now, the final installment of the series, THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE, is releasing into the world May 7, and I couldn’t be more excited! One of my favorite magazines, Southern Living, did me the incredible honor of exclusively revealing the cover and a special excerpt yesterday, so make sure to go check that out! Now, without further ado, here it is, my brand new cover, maybe my favorite one yet!

What do you think?? I hope you love it as much as I do!

Thanks so much for making Design Chic a part of you day! We always love seeing you here!

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House Tour: Southern Farmhouse Style

Good morning, chic readers! We don’t know about you, but the cold, dark days of winter always have us wanting to bundle up and get outside.

And have us dreaming of escaping to a retreat outside of town, a cabin or farmhouse that feels nothing short of a getaway, like this incredible farmhouse by Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design. and photographed by Holland Williams

We imagine ourselves baking things from scratch…

Warming up by the fire after a day savoring the festive chill of the outdoors…

And, finally, curling up in a cozy, warm, bed, loaded with down comforters, to savor a night of peaceful, quiet sleep.

This Southern farmhouse is the absolute pinnacle of an escape from reality, with a touch of shabby chic decor

A place where every member of the family can feel relaxed,

And where the details make it worth coming home to.

As much as we love every charming element of the interior, including these amazing bunk beds,

It’s what’s outside that is truly special.

This is a farm after all!

And what could be more beautiful than these sweet faces? Would you want to get away to this charming farmhouse retreat? We know we would!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. We always love it when you do!

Last week we had the pleasure of spending a fun-filled long weekend in the place that we think gets as close to Christmas magic as you can without going to the North Pole: NYC! I had the most amazing day of meetings with the team at Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster) about all that is THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM, the sequel to SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE and the second book in Peachtree Bluff series–and filmed fun videos that I can’t wait to share with you! To celebrate the upcoming launch (April 3, 2018!) and get you in the holiday spirit, we’re giving away a $100 Amazon gift card for your holiday essentials. Enter below!

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GIFTS FOR HER

GIFTS FOR HIM

HOSTESS GIFTS

GIFTS FOR THE TRAVELER

GIFTS FOR KIDS

And for more of our favorites for the home visit our shop here!

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The Classic Combination: Blue and White

classic blue and white living room — Meg Braff Design

Fabric, wallpaper, porcelain, Slightly South of Simple’s book cover…

We love the completely classic combination of blue and white wherever it is!

classic blue and white in living room — Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design

One of the best things about blues is that the shades mix oh so well.

classic blue and white kitchen — Sarah Bartholomew

From soft baby blues to deeper cobalts…

blue and white kitchen — Sarah Bartholomew

Checks to stripes to florals…

blue and white bedroom — Liz Caan Interior Design

From a totally charming child’s bedroom…

blue and white bathroom — Palmer Weiss interior Design

To a uniquely chic bathroom…

blue and white living room decor — Lynn Morgan Design

Blue and white is a favorite combination–especially by the water!

blue and white porch decor — Meg Braff Interior Design

A bold blue on a patio feels bright, fun and entertaining ready.

If it’s the backsplash for a completely unique outdoor kitchen, all the better!

But, of course, no one does blue and white quite like Mother Nature. Wherever you are today, wishing you blue and white skies–and, if you’re really, really lucky, blue water too!

I’m in beautiful Litchfield Beach, SC today speaking at the Litchfield Books Moveable Feast Literary Luncheon–one of my favorite events–and then speaking to the Federation of South Carolina Women’s Clubs tonight. Tomorrow I’ll be in the Holy City, Charleston, SC, for a fabulous luncheon at High Cotton to help raise funds for the South Carolina Reading Partners, which promotes one of my favorite causes: literacy. If you’re in the area, join us! Happy weekend!

And don’t forget to enter to win $250 to spend any way you want at Amazon. 25 copies of Slightly South of Simple, anyone?

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Styling Your Bookcase

living room with bookcases — Andrew J. Howard

We were sad to leave an incredible few launch days for Slightly South of Simple in NYC but so excited to be heading back to the Carolina coast today for several really fun events! (If you’re in NC or SC take a peek at my next few days of events below. I’d love to see you!)

bookcases with matching colored books — Michael Wells Interiors

Are you one of those people who has all of your books compactly stored on your e-reader?

Or, like us, do you still prefer to hold the real thing?

Book hoarding has always been a bit of an issue for me, but it has gotten a million times worse since becoming an author because, not only do I get hordes of free books, but most of them are signed. Who could possibly get rid of those?

Hubby and I have these giant, probably twelve-foot tall bookshelves on either side of the fireplace. The other day I was up on a stool restyling things when he came in and said, “Do you think you could start getting rid of some of your books after you’re finished reading them?”

bookcase surrounding fireplace — Architectural Digest

I looked at him, puzzled, and said, “You know I’ve gotten really good about donating books to the library.”

books in a nook — Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

His turn to look, puzzled, at the probably 500 books I was currently organizing. Reading the look on his face, I laughed and said, “Oh, honey. These are the ones I haven’t read yet.”

So, yes, I may have a problem. I can’t help myself. I buy books incessantly. Fiction, non-fiction, every design and coffee table book on planet earth. Yoga. Meditation. Cookbooks that I will never, ever use but for some reason love to read. Fishing books for hubby. Children’s books for my little guy, a genre that has not widely expanded since he can read himself… Being on tour is quite the problem since I’m in bookstores constantly.

bookcase in dining room — Architectural Digest

The good news for my husband is that I’m mostly flying on this tour, so I’m a little more limited as to what I can bring home.

book lights over bookcase — Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

But maybe this is why I love bookshelves that look a little lived in, that look like the books have been read and cherished, or at least will be read and cherished.

books in bookcase — Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

And mixing in well-placed accessories, of course, adds to the overall style. But we pretty much love bookshelves however they come!

bookcase in bedroom with canopy bed — Architectural Digest

No matter how you style your bookshelves, we hope you’ll consider adding a copy of Slightly South of Simple to them! Or that stack beside your bedside table… Or your beach bag… Or your Mother’s Day gift or wishlist! Thank you to each and every one of you for all of your support during this first week of Slightly South of Simple being out in the world. I am so grateful for friends like you!

Upcoming Events!

Thursday, April 27: Read between the Wines at Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Rd., Ocean Isle Beach, NC, 5-7 pm, 910-287-2800, Contact: Pat Wilson, [email protected]

Friday, April 28: Litchfield Books’ Moveable Feast, Luncheon, Talk and Signing, Grand Dunes Ocean Club, 101 Grande Dunes Bvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, 11 am, open to the public, tickets required, Contact: Vicky Crafton, 843-237-8138, for tickets

Friday, April 28: Signing, Litchfield Books, 2 pm, free and open to the public

Friday, April 28: Keynote at General Federation of Womens’Clubs of SC, Pawley’s Island, SC; Subject: Decorating tips for Mary Alice Monroe’s novel Beach House for Rent

Saturday, April 29: Charleston, SC luncheon and talk, High Cotton, 199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, Contact: [email protected]

Sunday, April 30: Champagne brunch at Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, ticketed event, $35 includes copy of novel, 2 pm, Contact: Contact Jamie Layton, Downtown Books, [email protected], (252) 473-1056

Help us spread the word about Slightly South of Simple and be entered to win a $250 Amazon gift card. Details in the Rafflecopter!

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