10 Examples Of Southern Style Used In Washington Living Areas
Southern style has made its way into Washington homes, bringing warmth and charm to the Pacific Northwest.
This design approach blends traditional elegance with comfortable, lived-in appeal that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
From furniture choices to color palettes, these southern-inspired elements help create spaces that invite you to relax and stay awhile, no matter the rainy weather outside.
1. White Slipcovered Sofas
Nothing says southern comfort like a plush white slipcovered sofa anchoring your living room. I’ve noticed these casual yet elegant pieces popping up in Washington homes as a nod to laid-back southern hospitality.
The beauty lies in their practicalit removable covers can be washed when Seattle’s infamous rain follows you indoors on muddy shoes. Plus, they instantly brighten spaces during those long, gray Northwest winters. Many Washington homeowners pair these sofas with colorful throw pillows or locally-made wool blankets, creating that perfect blend of southern tradition and Pacific Northwest flair.
The neutral base allows seasonal decorating changes without investing in new furniture smart for both southern sensibility and Washington practicality.
2. Wicker Accent Chairs
Wicker accent chairs bring that southern porch feeling indoors, especially welcome during Washington’s rainy seasons. These textural pieces add warmth and casual elegance to living spaces while creating visual interest against the region’s popular gray walls.
I’ve seen many Seattle homeowners incorporating natural wicker or rattan chairs as reading nooks near windows that face lush evergreen landscapes. The contrast between the organic, southern-inspired furniture and the dramatic Northwest scenery creates a uniquely harmonious aesthetic.
Modern versions often feature washable cushions in performance fabrics that stand up to damp climates. This practical adaptation makes these traditionally southern pieces perfectly suited for Washington living, where furniture needs to withstand humidity while still looking effortlessly stylish.
3. Layered Area Rugs
Layered rugs create instant warmth underfoot something Washingtonians crave during those damp, chilly months. This southern styling trick has found a perfect home in Pacific Northwest living spaces, where comfort is paramount.
When I visit friends in Bellevue or Tacoma, I’m seeing vintage Persian rugs layered over larger jute or sisal bases. The combination delivers that collected-over-time southern aesthetic while providing practical insulation against cold floors.
The natural fibers of the base rugs complement Washington’s environmental consciousness, while the patterned top layers add those pops of color and history that southern decorating celebrates. This approach also allows homeowners to incorporate smaller heirloom pieces that might otherwise be too petite for Washington’s typically more spacious living areas.
4. Mix of Antiques and New
If you’ve stepped into stylish Washington homes lately, you might notice the southern-inspired blend of cherished antiques alongside contemporary pieces. This mix creates spaces with soul and history values shared by both southern traditionalists and history-conscious Washingtonians.
Antique sideboards often stand proudly alongside modern sofas, while vintage oil portraits hang near abstract local art. The juxtaposition feels intentional rather than random, reflecting the southern knack for storytelling through decor.
Many homeowners here hunt for pieces at Seattle’s antique markets or during travels to Charleston or Savannah. This approach resonates with Washington’s sustainability mindset too repurposing beautiful old pieces means fewer new resources consumed. The result is living spaces that feel curated and personal rather than catalog-ordered.
5. Botanical Prints
Botanical prints have made a charming leap from southern mansions to Washington bungalows, bringing natural elegance to walls across the state. I’ve noticed framed fern illustrations and magnolia drawings appearing in dining rooms and hallways, often arranged in thoughtful gallery collections.
The botanical theme bridges southern garden traditions with Washington’s appreciation for nature and outdoor living. These prints work beautifully in the soft, diffused light that filters through evergreens outside many Washington windows.
Many homeowners source vintage prints from estate sales or commission local artists to create botanical works featuring native Northwest plants a clever fusion of southern decorating sensibility with regional identity. The natural subjects also complement the organic materials and earthy palettes that define both southern and Pacific Northwest aesthetics.
6. Warm Wood Coffee Tables
Honey-toned wood coffee tables have become centerpieces in Washington living rooms, echoing the welcoming warmth of southern hospitality. These substantial pieces often feature turned legs or farmhouse-inspired details that feel both timeless and comfortable.
Did you know many Washington homeowners are seeking out locally-crafted tables made from reclaimed timber? This approach honors both southern traditions of heirloom furniture and Pacific Northwest environmental values. The rich patina of these wooden surfaces improves with age and use, much like the southern philosophy of creating homes meant to be truly lived in.
I especially love seeing these tables styled with a mix of design books, handmade pottery, and natural elements like driftwood or pinecones blending southern styling with distinctly Washington touches for a look that’s uniquely regional yet universally inviting.
7. Porch-Inspired Ceilings
The southern tradition of blue porch ceilings has made its way indoors in Washington homes, creating unexpected moments of color and history. These painted ceilings traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits or extend daylight bring a touch of southern superstition and style to the Northwest.
Around Olympia and Bellingham, I’ve spotted soft blue-green ceilings in sunrooms and covered patios that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. The color works beautifully with Washington’s gray skies, reflecting a similar palette but with an optimistic twist.
Homeowners often complement these colored ceilings with beadboard or shiplap details another southern architectural element that’s found new life in Washington. During rainy months, these porch-inspired spaces create the feeling of being outdoors while staying comfortably sheltered perfect for the Washington lifestyle.
8. Gingham or Plaid Pillows
Gingham and plaid patterns have jumped from southern porches to Washington window seats, bringing cheerful pattern and traditional charm. These classic textiles add instant character without overwhelming a space a design principle valued in both southern and Pacific
Northwest aesthetics. Around Seattle and Spokane, I’m seeing blue gingham paired with striped pillows for a collected, casual look that feels both fresh and familiar. The pattern mixes well with solids and florals, creating that layered, lived-in southern vibe that counterbalances the sleek modernism often found in Washington architecture.
What makes these patterns particularly successful here is their versatility they can lean country when paired with wicker, nautical alongside navy blues, or preppy next to leather. This adaptability makes gingham and plaid perfect transitional elements for Washington homes that blend multiple influences into a cohesive personal style.
9. Built-In Bookcases
Built-in bookcases with detailed molding have traveled from southern libraries to Washington living spaces, becoming architectural features that showcase both style and substance. These handsome installations speak to the southern tradition of displaying family collections and the Washington love of creating cozy reading nooks for rainy days.
Throughout Tacoma and Vancouver, WA, I’ve admired bookcases painted in heritage colors like deep green or navy, creating dramatic backdrops for books and treasures. The contrast between colored shelving and white trim is particularly striking against the soft natural light typical in Washington homes.
Many homeowners here arrange their shelves with a southern-inspired mix of books, pottery, and framed photos, but with distinctly Northwest additions like glass fishing floats or carved wooden bears. This personalized styling makes the traditional form feel relevant to its Pacific location.
10. Soft Neutral Palettes
Soft, creamy neutral palettes have migrated from southern mansions to Washington craftsman homes, creating serene backgrounds that showcase architecture and light. These warm whites and gentle beiges feel especially welcoming during Washington’s long gray winters, reflecting what little natural light filters through the clouds.
Around Mercer Island and Bainbridge, living rooms feature walls in colors like ‘Alabaster’ or ‘Swiss Coffee’ shades with just enough warmth to feel inviting rather than stark. The southern approach of using subtle variations of neutrals rather than stark whites works beautifully with the filtered light quality unique to the Northwest.
Homeowners here often layer these soft backgrounds with natural textures like wool, linen, and local woods combining southern elegance with Pacific Northwest organic style. The result feels both sophisticated and approachable, formal enough for entertaining yet comfortable for everyday Pacific Northwest living.
