Are you one of the lucky few that have purchased an Antebellum home? For the rest of us an Antebellum home is a house that was built around thirty and forty years before the Civil War in the Southern United States. These homes are the epitome of fine living and are the best connection that Southerns have today to the Old South. While almost every individual would disagree with many of the old traditions there is one that is universally accepted and that is the appreciation of this era's craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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.
Double doors, formal receiving areas, a huge dining room and royalty-worthy bedrooms are enough to make anyone swoon...definitely me anyway. The showcase of wealth is a semblance of the proliferation of plantations during the early times in the South. And that's not all. Add the chandeliers, mantelpieces and woodwork...it's just an amazing home interior.
Residing in this kind of house in the South is pretty much a bonus for you because you don't have to make a lot of changes. In fact, sticking to the original design is valued as these homes are protected by a historical society, so preservation is vital. Bringing in and installing any modern decor is not that easy, particularly to the external part of the house where history is strived to be maintained.
The easiest way to redecorate or upgrade a classic Southern home is to use area rugs. The flooring is usually hardwood hence, the area rugs are great floor guards against damage. Because of the large space, the bigger the rug the better. It will cover more areas, as well as be at par with the elegance of the house.
Antebellum homes do pose their own challenges when trying to refurbish them, but the challenges can be easily met. Because there are so few good examples of Old South homes nearly all of them are protected by local historical societies, so it is a good idea to contact them before you start your restoration process. No matter what the condition the home was in when you purchased it, the historical society will expect you to have it in pristine condition within a matter of years. They will also insist that at the very least the outside of the residence is historically accurate.
When you purchase this type of home, you are truly purchasing a piece of history. While the challenges can be great when the project is completed you will have a one of a kind example of an exceptionally romantic period in history. This is an experience that is suppose to be enjoyed and when completed the whole community will appreciate the fruits of your labor.
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.
Double doors, formal receiving areas, a huge dining room and royalty-worthy bedrooms are enough to make anyone swoon...definitely me anyway. The showcase of wealth is a semblance of the proliferation of plantations during the early times in the South. And that's not all. Add the chandeliers, mantelpieces and woodwork...it's just an amazing home interior.
Residing in this kind of house in the South is pretty much a bonus for you because you don't have to make a lot of changes. In fact, sticking to the original design is valued as these homes are protected by a historical society, so preservation is vital. Bringing in and installing any modern decor is not that easy, particularly to the external part of the house where history is strived to be maintained.
The easiest way to redecorate or upgrade a classic Southern home is to use area rugs. The flooring is usually hardwood hence, the area rugs are great floor guards against damage. Because of the large space, the bigger the rug the better. It will cover more areas, as well as be at par with the elegance of the house.
Antebellum homes do pose their own challenges when trying to refurbish them, but the challenges can be easily met. Because there are so few good examples of Old South homes nearly all of them are protected by local historical societies, so it is a good idea to contact them before you start your restoration process. No matter what the condition the home was in when you purchased it, the historical society will expect you to have it in pristine condition within a matter of years. They will also insist that at the very least the outside of the residence is historically accurate.
When you purchase this type of home, you are truly purchasing a piece of history. While the challenges can be great when the project is completed you will have a one of a kind example of an exceptionally romantic period in history. This is an experience that is suppose to be enjoyed and when completed the whole community will appreciate the fruits of your labor.
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Don't let the current economic situation bring you down bright your home the economical way and use outdoor colored rugs.
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