Inspiration in the Studio

Warmer temperatures, longer days, and the bright summer sunshine have us thinking about nights and long weekends spent outside.

Whether you’ll be spending summer nights in the backyard entertaining friends and family, or afternoons soaking up the sun with a good book in hand, we are here to share tricks of the trade for making the most of your outdoor space. 

Outdoor spaces sometimes get the least amount of attention, but if this past year has taught us anything, it is the importance of finding comfort in all areas of the home. We encourage you to take the time before the Summer season fully kicks off to turn your outdoor space into an extension of your home. 

It all starts with luxury selections that will withstand the test of time and anything that life throws its way. Investing in high-quality pieces is an upfront investment that is guaranteed to last for years to come.

Luxe Outdoor Kitchen:

This outdoor space utilizes the concept of indoor / outdoor living, especially in North Carolina where this is possible year-round. Outdoor kitchens are not “one size fits all,” rather they are completely customizable and are equipped to meet your personal needs. From grills and pizza ovens to beverage coolers and beer taps, they can be tailored to fit your specific lifestyle.

Making the Most of Every Space:

This smaller-scale outdoor patio was designed with one goal in mind – gathering. Swivel chairs centered around a cocktail table allow for enjoying conversations year long. A built-in fireplace is a smart solution for maximizing time spent outside – from chilly summer nights and on to the fall and winter.

Invest in High-Quality Indoor / Outdoor Fabrics:

Add bright, colorful (and durable!) pillows and throw blankets to your outdoor space. This small touch will elevate the outdoor space and tie in your decor from the inside, too!

Take a look at some of our must-haves for a successful Summer kick-off! Wishing you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

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It’s launch day and the latest issue of Style + Source is here! Inside the pages you’ll find our “Kickoff to Summer” including curated selections for long days spent on the beach, or the perfect addition to your city staycation. Whether you’re jet-setting, hightailing it down to the North Carolina coast, or enjoying your backyard oasis, this issue will have you ready to soak up the Summer sun and enjoy the best that a North Carolina Summer (City or Coastal) has to offer.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate not only moms but all of the ladies in our life that have special meaning. Over the past year, moms have taken on new roles as they have learned to balance personal, family, and work-life during this time. Our hope is that you’re able to spend Mother’s Day with your loved ones, but if you’re celebrating from afar this year, we’re here to suggest ways to make everyone feel a little closer through thoughtful gestures and gifts!

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How to celebrate with your mom?

1. Cook brunch for the family – Make sure mom doesn’t lift a finger!
2. Send a handwritten note thanking her for all that she does.
3. Compile a photo album or scrapbook with your favorite memories over the years – a special sentiment she may always look back on.
4. Treat her to a spa day or pamper her with a basket full of self-care goodies for an at-home spa day.

National Pet Day is a special day for Southern Studio. Our design team loves their furry friends and recognizes how they play an important role in our lives and our homes! Knowing this, we strive to incorporate unique solutions for clients with pets, from selecting performance textiles to withstand mud and dirt being tracked in and incorporating pet-friendly doors in mudrooms. We enjoy celebrating the animals that are much more than pets today and every day.

Today, we celebrate National Pet Day to help bring awareness to our best friends. We encourage all of our friends to check out local animal shelters if you’re looking to expand your family, volunteer, or consider donating or taking supplies to the shelter.

It’s time to do a little “spring cleaning” with your pet:

Squeaky Clean + Fresh Scents – Wash your pet with Kiehl’s Cuddly Coat Dog Shampoo and throw their blankets, bedding, collars, and plush toys into the wash.

Vacuum – The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Pet Vacuum is your home’s friend when it comes to keeping things tidy.

Healthy Mindset – Are all medical records up to date? Now is the time to double check and schedule!

Update Personal Information – Don’t forget to update your pet’s identification tags 1-2 times per year.

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Now that your home is in order, enjoy some time with your four legged friend! How are you celebrating? Tag us (@southernstudio) and use #NationalPetDay so we can see!

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As Spring quickly approaches, we’re thinking about brighter days and warmer temperatures on the horizon. The season of spring evokes feelings of renewal and new beginnings. With this in mind, our team is sharing tips on sprucing up your space for the Spring. We’re suggesting a few small tweaks and design additions in your home (beyond the obligatory vase of fresh florals!) that will make a big impact this season.

Use artwork to fill your blank walls: One of the most powerful ways to elevate your space is building your artwork collection by adding to a blank wall. Take your time with these selections and do your research. Visit local art galleries and discover artists you love. Spending money on art is an investment in your home!

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Bookshelf Styling: Styling your bookshelves can truly feel like an art form, but we’re providing a step-by-step guide for proudly displaying your memorabilia, decor pieces, framed photos, and more!

• Step 1) Remove everything from the bookshelf or built-in shelving 
• Step 2) Give the shelves a good dusting
• Step 3) Start organizing your items into categories
• Step 4) Donate or store what you are no longer using or does not fit and make room for your favorite pieces. Sometimes less is more!
• Step 5) Systematically begin to return items to the shelves in a balanced pattern. Repeating patterns or collections in a symmetrical way is the trick
• Step 6) Begin filling in the gaps, step back for a full view, and then continue to make adjustments until it’s just right

Pro Tip: Take your time with these selections. You will want the pieces to be special, reflect your style, and tell your story.

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Bedding: As something that you use every day, your bedding has to make you feel most comfortable season-to-season! After a cold winter, it is the perfect time to shed some layers and carefully select luxurious linens that can completely alter the look (and feel!) of any bedroom.

Here a few of our favorite techniques for a bedding refresh:

• Add a variety of textures and layers.
• Crisp, white linens are always a Southern Studio must! 
• Add a quilt or duvet folded at the end of the bed to be used as needed.
• Have fun with your throws and pillows. Feel free to play with colors, patterns and textures to build upon basic bedding.

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