Design Chic’s Best of 2016: Relive Our Most Loved Homes and Inspiration

Happy 2017, wonderful readers! As we step into a brand new year, we hope you had a truly terrific holiday season, feeling refreshed, rested, and ready to embrace all the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. The start of a new year often brings with it a desire for fresh starts and renewed energy. For many, that means tackling long-awaited projects, setting new goals, or simply making space for more joy in their lives. Here at Design Chic, our New Year’s Day activity often involves a good dose of organizing – perhaps not our absolute favorite activity while it’s happening, but certainly rewarding when everything is beautifully in its place and the sense of order prevails!

It’s in this spirit of looking back to move forward that we’re thrilled to share something truly special: a comprehensive recap of your favorite Design Chic posts from 2016. These are the articles that captured your attention, sparked your imagination, and resonated most deeply with our incredible community. We consider these not just our most-viewed or most-popular posts, but a testament to the shared passion for beautiful homes, thoughtful design, and inspiring stories that bind us together. Your discerning taste has helped us curate an incredible collection of content, and we’re excited to revisit these cherished moments together. Let’s dive into the best of what 2016 had to offer, celebrating the exquisite style and insights of our valued readers.

Your Top Picks: Unveiling Design Chic’s Most Popular Posts of 2016

House Tour: Watersound – Coastal Elegance Redefined

The Watersound House Tour captivated hearts and minds with its exquisite blend of coastal charm and sophisticated elegance. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this home exemplified serene living, showcasing how to create spaces that are both luxurious and incredibly inviting. Readers particularly loved the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living areas, the thoughtful use of natural light that bathed every room, and a serene color palette that perfectly evoked the tranquility of the seaside. From the architectural details that paid homage to traditional coastal styles to the carefully curated furnishings that exuded comfort without sacrificing style, this tour provided a wealth of inspiration for anyone dreaming of a peaceful, stylish retreat. It truly set a benchmark for refined beach house aesthetics, proving that a home can be both grand and genuinely welcoming.

Lies and Other Acts of Love – A Story that Resonated

While Design Chic is renowned for its stunning home tours and insightful design advice, our readers also appreciate content that touches the soul and offers a moment of escape. The post featuring “Lies and Other Acts of Love” proved to be incredibly popular, reminding us that a beautifully designed life extends beyond just aesthetics. This particular feature likely highlighted a captivating book or a thought-provoking narrative, inviting readers to delve into a compelling story and find relaxation in the comfort of their own well-appointed spaces. It underscored the idea that a truly chic life encompasses not only beautiful surroundings but also enriching experiences, like getting lost in a good book. It’s a wonderful reminder that our homes are sanctuaries for both visual beauty and intellectual delight, perfect for unwinding with a compelling read after a long day.

Annabelle’s Guest House – Perfecting Hospitality with Style

Creating an inviting space for guests is an art form, and Annabelle’s Guest House was a masterclass in elegant hospitality. This inspiring tour showcased how even a smaller, auxiliary space can be transformed into a luxurious and comfortable haven for visitors. Readers admired the clever design solutions for maximizing space, the thoughtful amenities that anticipated every guest’s need, and the overall cohesive aesthetic that made the guest house feel like a private boutique hotel. From cozy sleeping quarters designed for ultimate relaxation to charming living areas perfect for quiet contemplation, this feature provided invaluable inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their guest accommodations. It emphasized that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to making guests feel cherished and right at home, demonstrating that exceptional design extends to every corner of a property.

And, we must say, we think you have fabulous taste. But that’s obvious, right?

1889 Historic Cottage – A Timeless Treasure

Among our personal favorites, the 1889 Historic Cottage tour truly stole our hearts and, evidently, yours too. This post highlighted the enduring charm and unique character of historic properties, demonstrating how they can be lovingly restored and updated for modern living while preserving their original soul. Readers were captivated by the architectural integrity, the rich stories embedded within the walls, and the designers’ remarkable ability to blend vintage finds with contemporary comforts. It was a beautiful exploration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the art of creating spaces that feel both fresh and steeped in history. This charming cottage served as a poignant reminder that classic elegance never goes out of style and that some of the most captivating designs draw deeply from the past, creating homes that are truly one-of-a-kind treasures.

In Good Taste: Collins Interiors – A Masterclass in Design

The feature on Collins Interiors was a true highlight for those seeking sophisticated and expertly crafted interior design. This popular post showcased the distinctive aesthetic of Collins Interiors, known for their exceptional ability to create refined yet remarkably livable spaces. Readers were inspired by their meticulous attention to detail, their harmonious use of color and texture, and their unparalleled talent for layering exquisite pieces to achieve a cohesive and luxurious look. From classic elements reinvented with a modern twist to bold statements that truly defined a room, this tour was a masterclass in creating interiors that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also deeply personal and functional. It offered a captivating glimpse into the world of high-end design, providing countless ideas for elevating everyday living into an art form.

House Tour: Beach Chic – The Epitome of Coastal Luxury

Design Chic offers a diverse range of inspiration, from the playful charm of puppies that almost leap off the screen to the serene elegance of a beautifully designed retreat. The “Beach Chic” House Tour was a particular standout, embodying the perfect blend of casual comfort and sophisticated coastal living. This feature showcased a home that felt like a permanent vacation, regardless of the season. It highlighted innovative ways to incorporate natural materials, maximize breathtaking ocean views, and create airy, light-filled interiors that promote relaxation and effortless entertaining. Readers were particularly drawn to the curated mix of textures and finishes that effortlessly bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, making it an ideal source of inspiration for anyone looking to infuse their home with a touch of seaside serenity and understated luxury.

Slightly South of Simple – Embracing Southern Charm

Another beloved post, “Slightly South of Simple,” resonated deeply with our audience, likely featuring another compelling book or a lifestyle philosophy that celebrates the inherent charm and understated elegance of Southern living. This type of content goes beyond mere decor, delving into the essence of a beautifully curated life – one that values simplicity, genuine hospitality, and a touch of classic refinement. Readers who gravitated towards this post likely appreciate the unique nuances of Southern design, which often combines historical grandeur with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s about creating spaces that tell a story, fostering a strong sense of community, and enjoying the finer, yet often simpler, things in life. This feature proved that inspiration comes in many forms, seamlessly blending engaging narratives with aspirational living spaces.

We absolutely love knowing what you loved, because your engagement and feedback are invaluable. It helps us to tailor our content, explore fresh ideas, and ultimately do more of what truly inspires you. Your voice shapes the future of Design Chic!

Sarah Bartholomew’s Nashville Home – Classic Design with a Modern Twist

Rounding out our list of top posts, Sarah Bartholomew’s Nashville Home was an absolute showstopper. Known for her impeccable taste and extraordinary ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary flair, Bartholomew’s design philosophy shone brightly in this feature. Readers were mesmerized by her masterful use of color, pattern, and texture, creating interiors that are both sophisticated and incredibly livable. Her Nashville home served as a perfect example of how to achieve timeless elegance without sacrificing comfort or personality. It inspired countless readers to rethink their approach to classic design, encouraging them to inject their own unique style while honoring foundational principles. This post was a testament to the power of a well-designed home to inspire, uplift, and perfectly reflect its inhabitants.

Looking Ahead: Exciting Times for Design Chic in 2017!

If there’s ever something specific you’d like us to post about, please don’t hesitate to let us know! We thrive on writing about what you want to read, and your suggestions are always welcome. As we embark on 2017, there’s so much to look forward to at Design Chic. We’re thrilled to unveil a fresh new look for the blog, promising an even more inspiring and user-friendly experience for our cherished readers. Beyond the blog, we’re excited to announce that a new book is set to launch in April, offering even more insights, beautiful imagery, and heartfelt stories to spark your design imagination and guide you toward creating the home of your dreams.

And, of course, with a really, really organized pantry and a refreshed perspective, we genuinely believe 2017 is looking incredibly bright. We’re excited to continue sharing the best in home design, lifestyle, and inspiration with you. This year is all about intentional living and creating spaces that truly reflect who you are and how you want to live. What are you most looking forward to accomplishing or experiencing this coming year? Share your aspirations with us – we’d love to hear them and perhaps even feature your ideas in future posts!

Create a “Life by Design” This Year!

For even more 2017 inspiration and actionable tips, I recently had the pleasure of chatting with my friends at Your Carolina. We discussed how to truly create a “Life by Design” this year, focusing on intentional choices that enhance your surroundings and overall well-being. This philosophy is at the core of everything we do at Design Chic, and we encourage you to think about how you can consciously shape your environment and daily routines to foster a life you truly love. From small organizational tweaks to grand design projects, every step you take contributes to building a life that feels authentic and inspiring.

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