This year marks the 50th anniversary of Southern Living magazine! Southern Living puts on an Idea House each year, and this year’s house just might be my favorite yet. The Idea House is in Mt. Laurel, Alabama…about half an hour outside Birmingham. It’s roughly 4,000 square feet and has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a 2 car garage.

The house is stunning, but the designers that brought it together are the real story. Southern Living rounded up the South’s top young designers this year and they really brought it. As the magazine says, “the space is a fresh take on traditional Southern style without sacrificing any of the charm.” So, big surprise…I’m obsessed!

The Idea House will be open until December 18, 2016 for $15 per person. You can learn more about visiting here. And now for the good stuff…check out these designers!

Mark Sikes has been one of my favorite designers for a long time. He took on the living room in the Idea House this year and, in my humble opinion, slayed. Neutrals never looked so good! He split the extra large room into two sides, and said he “wanted one space where everyone could hang out, and another smaller, more intimate area by the fireplace.” Mark’s goal was to “maintain the room’s timelessness and maximize on the space to seat as many people as possible.” Done and done.

I have to admit that Margaret Kirkland was new to me, but I became a follower very quickly. Margaret was responsible for the dining room, which she hit with fun pops of color and bold, classic drapes. Margaret said she “wanted the dining room to be a comfortable, everyday experience and not for occasions only.” And did you catch the lattice work fabric below the chair rail? Yes, that’s fabric. Gorgeous!

Ashley Gilbreath is an incredibly talented designer, and owner of Parish…the shop where I want one of each! Ashley took care of the center halls in the 2016 Idea House and continued the sophisticated yet livable theme that was already circulating through the house. “I tried to pull off some overstated, catch-your-attention pieces. Too many tchotchkes become disorienting in a foyer.” Wise words!

Lauren Liess is another designer I’ve followed for a long time. She’s another designer that can make neutrals look ultra chic. Lauren designed the master bedroom and bathroom, and did not disappoint…especially with that canopy bed. She said, “When most people think of a canopy bed, they think of frills and ruffles. Instead, we took a clean-lined bed and created a box-pleat canopy with block-print linens.” Genius!

Amy Berry was also a new one to me, but her designs are right up my alley! Amy took on the “Pajama Lounge,” which serves as an office, reading room, and lounge. She said she “always envisioned this space as a place to read, but it would be such fun to hang out with girlfriends and drink martinis in here!” And with subtle leopard print fabric lining the wall, what girl wouldn’t want to sip a martini?!

But wait! I said 6 reasons, and that’s only 5. That’s because I can’t forget the genius behind it all…the architect!

Bill Ingram is hands down one of my very favorite architects, so it’s no surprise I love this house so much. Not only did Bill dream up the whole house, he also designed a few rooms, including the family room and the kitchen. And I seriously can’t get enough of that green kitchen! Bill says, “I love everything, traditional or modern, that’s classic in spirit.” Well done!

Did you enjoy this issue? What did you think of the Idea House? Do you subscribe to Southern Living? If not, click here!