You’ve reached the right place if you love design and have watched Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. We’ve found the best places to buy outfits from the show and are now doing Nancy Drew-style research to find out how we can help you. While you may know that the majority of the series was shot in Covington, Georgia and Maddie and Dana Sue live there, many interiors are built on a stage. Aimee Holmberg, the Production Designer, and Nik Morgan, the Set Designer, both have backgrounds in horror. Country Living spoke with them about how they created their show’s look, what they did to create spaces around their characters, and where they got it all. Good news: Most of the decor is affordable, including HomeGoods and Rooms to Go as well as Etsy and Spoonflower.
Sweet Magnolias is a character-driven story. We approached [the design] with an intent to develop the characters’ spaces so that they would tell their stories to the viewer,” Aimee says. Sheryl Anderson was our show creator and we spent time discussing each character’s hobbies, favourite foods, and favorite artwork. Aimee points out that you can see hints about each character within the design details if you pay attention. Aimee says that you can find Clues to Dana Sue’s wild child past on the wall-mounted display shelf and mantel. This is the inside scoop on all that pretties.
Let’s get the toasting done so we can discuss paint colors.
MADDIE’S FEMALE FARMHOUSE
Maddie’s house was photographed from the outside. It is an 1890s farmhouse, which Aimee says is “one of the oldest in Covington.” The interior was brought to life by the team using a palette of soft neutrals and floral patterns with pops of bright teals, corals, and blues to keep it new.” Aimee also notes that the team used a “stylish, but easy mix of antique furniture, newer furniture, and family heirlooms. Nik Morgan, set designer, also noted that there is a lot to learn from these layers. “In Maddie’s case, the most important stories to tell were those of her family, particularly their past and how it has been up to where they are now.” All the photos, trinkets and furniture she gathered over the years to suit her tastes and needs, as well as the mess that comes with teenagers and children, were there to show her home and to remind her that it would never be the same.
Maddie’s Look
Palazzo 12″x12″, Antique Cotto Bloom, from Bedrosians. Green Kitchen Island/Cabinet Color: Sherwin Williams 6191 Contented Kitchen Stools: At Home, you can find it in a slightly different colorway at Lowe’s!
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We’ll have a cup of coffee with some floral wallpaper.
DANA SUE’S ECLECTIC AND BOLD FARMHOUSE (AND RESTAURANT!)
“We made Dana Sue’s turn of the century farmhouse darker and more moody, with earthy greens, purples, pops of cobalt, fuchsia, and rich yellows. Aimee says that her house is more cluttered with art and found items that reflect her personality, and has an open chef’s kit with all the necessary tools to create culinary creativity. (Since Dana Sue’s style is also reflected in her restaurant, we also included sources from Sullivans.
Dana Sue’s Look
Bird Motif Wallpaper by helenpdesigns at Spoonflower Butcher block: A combination two antique pieces, which was custom colored by us bypeacoquettedesigns@Sponflower Sullivans’ Bar Backer: Cle’s Zellige Tile fired opal. Find similar here Sullivans’ Entry Tile: Maharaja By New Ravenna
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HELEN’S MODERN RENOVATED CRAFTSMAN & POLISHED HELEN’S
Helen is all about the modern and the new, hence her contemporary renovation of an older bungalow in a craftsman-style style. Aimee says Helen’s world has the most well-constructed of all three. It features luxurious furnishings in a variety of rich, almost black, colors and bold patterns. Her contemporary style is kept from feeling cold by the use of warm colors like pink and yellow as well as natural blonde woods and woven textures.
Helen’s Look
Hanging bed: This item came with the location.
THE CALM & SOTHING CORNER SPA
Aimee says that the Corner Spa is filled with “silky, soothing” colors. The team had to recreate on stage the intricate historical details of a Greek Revival home. The property in Covington, Georgia is actually a law firm. John Hair, the head of our construction crew, did an amazing job installing the moldings layers and replicating the elegant curves. Modern wallpaper details were used to add subtle patterns and soften the colors. The spa-like feel was created by using tile, which also helped to keep the space light and airy. To keep an otherwise sterile architectural style alive, plants were important, both hanging and large-floor.
Take a look at the spa’s look
Paint Color: Sherwin Williams 6204 Sea Salt Paint Colour (Cafe), Benjamin Moore OC-20 Pale Oak with Jacobs Tree wallpaper detail. Paint Color: Sherwin Williams 7571 Casa Blanca Paint color (Trim Through): Sherwin Williams 8971 Shell White Paint Colour (French Doors). Wallpaper (Yoga Studio: Farrow and Ball Yukutori wallpaper Light Fixtures. Mostly Rejuvenation. Entry Tile: New Ravenna’s Giverny mosaic in Carrara marble Magnolia. We were so inspired we included 12 pieces of her work on Maddie’s set, and 3 on Dana Sue’s. Cansu also painted Paula’s abstract canvases in her studio. Caustic Works by Caterina Martinico Watercolors Elizabeth Becker Art Deco Printers: Georges Barbier Jade Sofa West Elm: Find similar here Cane Chairs, (Flanking The Entrance) Anthropologie: Find similar here and here
DESIGN RAPID FIRE
Aimee was asked this question (over an imaginary round margaritas). ): Which Sweet Magnolias character would you most like to… …Brake for Antiques? Maddie and Dana Sue would make antiquing a weekend trip. Dana Sue would never turn down outsider art with an owl theme and perfect vintage cast iron pans. Maddie loves vintage bird and botanical prints, as well as vintage furniture that needs to be reimagined or refinished.”…Shop at HomeGoods. Maddie has found some great deals at HomeGoods like the pinstriped linen armchair that she uses in her living room. She has a keen eye for design and bargains. She can take all kinds of dance classes, drama classes, and even baseball trips. …Decorate with Family Heirlooms “Maddie still has a strong sense of family in her children and her family. Classic pieces are found throughout her house, including the piano with a story. She cherishes her children and keeps them close to her heart with child-created heirlooms like the three hand print paintings, one from each child, hanging above the kitchen’s living room door. Renovate Every Three years? Helen is a woman who values fashion and femininity. Although she loves Serenity’s small-town vibe, she doesn’t want to be defined by that. Plant a garden! All three The southern aesthetic is all about the outdoors. Maddie would choose petunias and begonias over sunflowers because of their bright pops. Dana Sue would pick easy-to-care for but high impact in the kitchen (and cocktails), herbs like Genovese basil and marjoram. Helen would opt for something exotic yet classic like vibrantly colored dahlias. …Embrace Chintz? Dana Sue is a fan of flash, sparkle and fun in her eclectic decor. Take up needlepoint! Maddie may think about it with a touch of nostalgic nostalgia. We know that with three young children and a busy schedule, finishing a project would prove difficult. …Binge-Watch HGTV? Maddie loves DIY projects. Helen does sneak peeks every so often to ensure she’s on the right track. Read Country Living Maddie! Her effortless and vibrant style is a great match. (Maddie! Your subscription is in the mail.
Hannah JonesHannah Jones works as the Associate Commerce Editor at Country Living. She covers gift guides, product recommendations and more.