A few years ago I took a trip through Charleston, South Carolina, and Natchez, Mississippi, and found some of the most charming homes in America. Charleston Bay House and Natchez House are inspired by the old, elegant Southern homes that have housed generations of families.

Most homes featured multiple verandas as well as front porch ceiling fans essential for catching the breeze on warm, humid nights. The worn brick courtyard with pool fits at either the back or the side of the back porch.

When touring the older homes I found the lovingly-preserved wallpapers and pressed tin ceiling tiles gave the rooms a graceful, finished look throughout.

Most impressive are the lush flower beds and climbing, flowered vines, which have been cultivated through the years, and many extras such as different chandeliers, sconces, curtains, and windowseats.

Lovely homes for raising families.

Natchez House

Charleston Bay House

Interiors

Maureen sent me these pics of how she decorated her Martha’s Vineyard for Christmas — so cheery and cozy!

As you can see, Alexxis has turned her Mountain Creek Cottage into a Christmas dream house! Recently I asked her how she got involved in decorating, and how she decides what to use:

I‘ve always loved the challenge of interior design in RL and when I came to SL I was immediately in hot pursuit of my first home to decorate.

Being so new, I really didn’t know where to find a good house or what the difference was between a good or bad house. Needless to say, my first house needed some major changes. After redoing that house, eventually I got my first Pamela Gali house.

I’m on my third Galli house and recently downsized from Gran Villa di Galli to the Mountain Creek Cottage. I’ve loved all three of my Galli homes and have used them as my showcase houses. Pam does such a great job with her interiors, that decorating is made easy.

I find that in interior design the use of color, textures and accessories is extremely important. Many times I go by instinct and feeling, as decorating is a true form of art. However, with much experience in rl and sl I also know the art of design, placement of furniture, the use of accessories and the importance of carrying a theme and color throughout a home.

Nabreena Magic submitted these pictures of her beautifully deocrated Rose Mansion — I was very impressed at the attention to detail and customization. Nabreena does landscape design, which is evident in the gorgeous outdoor living areas. She and her husband have made one large room into a game room, and turned the loft into a second living area. Such a comfortable home!

SITTING ROOM

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM/KITCHEN

GAME ROOM

LIVING ROOM

STUDY

OUTSIDE FRONT

OUTSIDE BACK

OUTSIDE

COURTYARD

Here are some pictures of living rooms submitted by La Galleria clients. They did a lovely job of decorating, and I thought it might give our readers some ideas.

RICARDO AVALIRA

POTLACH FOGGARTY

FRANGIPAMI IMAKO

HEART BRIMMER

SUBTLETY DALGLISH

CATT MEREDITH

Heart Brimmer is a La Galleria customer with impeccable taste who created a beautiful home using many La Galleria furnishings. Her style is classic — with flair. Notice that although she has used many La Galleria pieces, she has combined them in a unique way. I was impressed that she is able to look at different items form a mental picture of how they will look together in a room — she says, “I always assess a room before I place furniture.” The result, as you can see below, is lovely!

Charlayne is a longtime La Galleria customer who fell in love with my Villa and made it into a beautiful, comfortable home — and had too much fun doing it! I asked her how she went about it:

I am happiest in an environment that feels cozy and warm; I love to make a house feel like a home. It’s more about color, and the way a room makes me feel, than any certain style. I suppose that an eclectic style describes what i like best — sometimes it’s trial-and-error, and sometimes things just fall into place as if they were meant to go together.

I have always been interested in decorating, but in Second Life I can change my wall color almost as often as my hair color! The possibilities are endless. When I realized the interesting, and realistic, textures and furnishings which are available, I wanted to work with those to create a space which is enjoyable to be in. One big factor has been my partner, Tad Carlucci. His patience, guidance, and knowledge, were big factors helping me to jump in and overcome any hesitation or fears of making a mistake … and there have been plenty of those! All part of the process of learning…grin.