Fall Gardens for Every Style

fall gardens roses — Architectural Digest

As the summer heat gives way to the cooler air of fall, one of the greatest gifts is getting to see the new things blooming in our yards. It is one of our very favorite things about the change of seasons.

fall gardens — Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

It’s the perfect time for refined landscapes like trimmed hedges and neat, clean manicured boxwoods.

We love gravel pathways any time of year, but the crunch underfoot feels especially satisfying come fall. But be sure to have a few rakes on hand for keeping up with those beautifully hued fallen leaves. They’re perfect for making piles and leaf jumping!

Another of our favorite looks for fall is the naturally beautiful look of wildflowers, which are as simple to grow as spreading perennial wild flower seeds. They are as gorgeous inside in vases and simple jars as they are in the yard. And the more you cut them, the more they grow!

A pretty cobblestone path is the perfect complement to a lush and luxurious fall garden. The hues of fall are everywhere in this lovely landscape.

fall gardens dining — Architectural Digest

From big yards to patio containers, from the big to the small, there’s no wrong place to create a pretty fall garden with your favorite foliage.

It’s the perfect weather for dining al fresco–and a garden surrounding the table is the best accessory!

From a wild yet tame mix of flowers and foliage,

To a perfectly planned spread for eating and picking all season long,

fall gardens planters — Debra Phillips – Scentimental Gardens

To a welcoming planter done exquisitely well, when it comes to plants, there’s no wrong way to welcome fall.

What is your favorite fall plant?

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

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The Secret to Southern Charm

There is so much to love about the South. The moss covered Live Oaks…

Southern Charm-Front Porch — Architectural Digest

Porch sitting nine months a year…

Southern mint julep — Jean Allsopp Photography

Mint juleps…

And, of course, without exception, the staple of southern living: sweet tea!

Southern magnolia blossom — Jean Allsopp Photography

Maybe it’s all of those things, maybe it’s the magnolia blossoms, but 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 second book in the Peachtree Bluff Series, the sequel to Slightly South of Simple, releasing April 3, 2018, called The Secret to Southern Charm!

silver - Secret to Southern Charm — Beth Webb Interiors

Maybe it’s the family silver,

Maybe it’s the heirloom linens passed from generation to generation,

Maybe it’s the love, family and tradition… It was hard for me to say what the secret to southern charm was, but Grammy, the matriarch of the Murphy clan, knew right away.

Southern Charm Wedding Photography — Aesthetic Images

Speaking of grandmothers, my two have had a huge impact on my life. (If you want to know more, check out this article I wrote about my grandmother’s pearls for Parade.) And I think it is these family relationships, the respect and love among multiple generations of women, that are a huge part of what makes writing about the South so much fun. So, without further ado, I want to introduce to all of you to The Secret to Southern Charm, and its beautiful brand-new cover!

book- The Secret to Southern Charm — The Secret to Southern Charm

I have loved all my covers, but I think this might be my favorite yet. I can’t wait to share The Secret to Southern Charm with you on April 3, 2018! If you just can’t wait, it’s available for preorder now on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble!

To celebrate, we are giving away a $100 Amazon gift card! The winner will be announced September 18!

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Dogs and Design

They are some of the most cherished members of the family and have an important place in our homes–and in our hearts.

If you’re a dog lover then you know we have to think about our four-legged friends when designing our homes! Bare floors like these make for easy shedding clean up.

And, well, we all know Rover isn’t going to be content to sleep on the floor when he can snuggle all night! Easy-to-wash duvets and coverlets are a must in a dog-loving family.

In homes with pets, the furniture has to be a little tougher–at least tough enough to withstand your pooch’s toenails and daring jumps!

dogs and decor — Architectural Digest – Photo Scott Frances

And easy-to-clean-and-vacuum fabrics are a must so that your best friend doesn’t have to compromise his or her favorite lounging spot!

Let’s face it, our dogs make our homes look–and feel–better. From a cozy bed all his own to a cute doggie door to make his daily commute from indoors to out a breeze, we love the idea of making our homes work better for our dogs too!

A statement-making dog deserves a statement-making rug–with a matching collar, of course!

dogs in decor — Architectural Digest – Photo: Ken Hayden

Need a perfect complement to the fabulous sculpture? Look no further than the family pet.

Who wouldn’t want this adorable puppy curled up on the sofa waiting for them?

dogs and garden design — Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Thank You For Making Slightly South of Simple a National Bestseller

– kristy woodson harvey

Now available in Audiobook

Whether the dogs in your life spend more time indoors or out, we know they have a huge place in your heart. We hope these pooches in pictures put as big a smile on your face as they did on ours!

For more ways to create a pet-friendly home, check out our interview with the fabulous Bunny Williams on how to make your house more dog friendly!

10 Favorite Covered Porches

With the beginning of school right around the corner and summer promising to transform into fall at any moment, one thing is for sure: It’s porch sitting season!

You know we love outdoor spaces that are an extension of our indoor ones, and while summer entertaining outdoors can be so much fun, it’s really the fall when those perfect crips evenings beckon us outdoors.

Whether dining with a group of treasured friends…

covered porch with summer classics furniture — Summer Classics

Or gathering for cocktails after the kids’ soccer game,

Or simply treating yourself to a quiet morning cup of coffee with a magazine that has been waiting to be read,

covered porch with wicker furniture — Historical Concepts

These ten stunning porches fit the bill for whatever outdoor activities you might have in mind!

We adore bamboo for its beachy feel that works well in any setting,

And iron, aluminum and wrought iron are classic looks that are always in style–especially in black and white.

But the thing we covet most of all, the thing on our porch wishlist, is an amazing hanging bed.

For sitting, swinging or even that elusive front porch nap, these hanging beds are as comfortable as they are chic. What’s on your porch wishlist?

If you need a good read while you’re relaxing on your porch, why not check out my national bestselling Slightly South of Simple? But don’t take our work for it! Check out what After Orange County is saying about Slightly South of Simple:

“[J]ust as I had anticipated, it was a delight to read. The good news is that this book is the first of a series that Kristy is writing called the Peachtree Bluff Series, so we now have much more to look forward to! As the mother of 3 boys, I could relate to the mother character in this story, Ansley, who is the strong matriarch of 3, not-so-simple adult daughters. Each one of Ansley’s daughters come home to their roots, the seemingly idyllic southern seaside town called Peachtree Bluff. The story weaves its way through the characters’ lives, each with their own unique & individual challenges.” — Celia, After Orange County

And we are thrilled to have been nominated by Amara as a Best Luxury Blog and would so appreciate you for voting for us here!

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House Tour: Euclid Traditional Beauty

Hi, chic readers! We spent the day doing a hygge photo shoot for a magazine, surrounded by furry throws, hide rugs, lit candles, and of course, a roaring fire–with the air conditioner cranked down the 65. While we love the hygge trend, it felt funny to be decorating for winter in the dog days of August! But it’s always fun to look toward the season ahead.

This fabulous Euclid Traditional by the uber-talented Amy Berry Design hits all the high notes of summer. You’ll see what we mean, especially when you get to the porch!

While it was fun to get a glimpse of winter, we were glad to come back to our summer digs, with the light, fun patterns, the natural fibers, the fresh flowers…

And, we have to say, looking at these gorgeous rooms, this stunning space would look amazing in any season.

Barry is so wonderful at mixing the old and the new, at combining an antique rug with new upholstery, an antique piece of furniture with fresh accessories, making the entire thing come off as updated but with a sense of history.

If we had to choose one word to describe her interiors, we think it would be inviting.

This is the kind of home where, after you walk through the door, you want to stay awhile.

Speaking of seasonal decor, this sunny space makes it feel like summer even what lies beyond the door is less than toasty!

We adore the incredibly tailored look of this bedroom. It’s crisp, neat and finished–with just the right amount of monogram!

Library lamps are one of our favorite trendy items that we think everyone should have at least a couple of. Cozy reading nooks are always welcome–especially as we prepare to transition to cooler weather.

You think the inside is good? Just wait until you see the outside!

Now this is a patio.

You know we love outdoor spaces that are an extension of the indoors, and this porch fits that bill perfectly. Every detail is gorgeous!

Chic chaises top our outdoor wishlist. This Carolina blue with white piping is so summery and equally as elegant. We’d love lounging here!

Thanks so much for touring this gorgeous home with us. We love it when you stop by!

What People are Saying About Slightly South of Simple:

“My prediction is that writers come and writers go, but Kristy Woodson Harvey is here to stay. The warmth, wit, and wisdom of this novel pave her way into the exclusive sisterhood of southern writers.” (—The Huffington Post)

And we are thrilled to have been nominated by Amara as a Best Luxury Blog and would so appreciate you for voting for us here!

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Master Bedroom Designs and More!

Beautiful Master Bedroom Designs

– one kings lane

Porch Decorating for Summer

– dering hall

Add a Touch of Coastal to Your Entrance

– one kings lane

Tour Mindy Kalings New Home

– architectural digest

Nordstrom’s Big Anniversary Sale

– nordstrom

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What People are Saying about Slightly South of Simple

I feel so proud of Kristy every time I open one of her books! Her writing is intriguing and warm and I can’t go by a summer without having one of her novels in hand.

– Luciane, Home Bunch