A Truly Southern Design
If you’re one of those interior design enthusiasts who has a fondness for Antebellum homes, this article is perfect for you! If you’re living in one, I envy you! For some others who want to know more about Antebellum homes, these are houses built thirty or forty years before the start of the Civil War in the Southern United States. If you’re into classic movies, you would have seen this kind of southern home. An Antebellum home is huge, elegant and to relate to contemporary style, a grand mansion.
When I speak of Southern design, Gone With The Wind immediately comes to mind. I see the homes that are Greek-inspired with the winding driveway, sweeping porch, huge pillars, spacious balcony and dramatic staircase. The large windows that give the room the impression of an even bigger space are just grand.
The home interior includes features like grand entryways, long and sweeping staircases and spacious rooms. The display of art is ostentatious with ornate chandeliers, antiques, European decorations, marble mantelpieces and intricately-designed woodwork. Amazing, isn’t it?
For anyone interested in living in an Antebellum, it’s important to know that renovation can’t be done in a snap. These homes are protected by historical societies and they aim to preserve the historical value of these residences. You need to ask permission before doing any major redecorating work.
In your refurbishing efforts do not forget that these homes had hardwood floors and the use of rugs was almost mandatory to save the floor from damage. For this type of home use traditional patterned rugs of either a European or Oriental design to keep the flow of your space consistent. This is one type of home that the larger the rug the better it will fit into the design, because of the wide expanses and overly large areas that the rugs will need to cover.
If you’re interested to purchase, lease or move to this kind of home, it’s best to get in touch with the local historical societies before deciding on any major renovation work. As mentioned, these homes are protected and the history of the region is a priceless part of the people’s lives.
Moving into this kind of home is challenging. I mean, the size alone and the expanse of most properties are enough to drain a fair amount of oxygen from you. But, it’s a nice kind of challenge. You’ll be living in a historically rich place. You will be in some ways be carrying on the tradition and blending with history. If that can’t be called a full life, then I don’t know what else to call it.