9 Southern Decorating Touches That Might Not Fit Maryland Living Spaces
When it comes to home decorating, regional styles often reflect local climate, history, and lifestyle. Southern decor, with its distinct charm and character, has many admirers nationwide.
However, not all Southern decorating elements translate well to Maryland homes, where different architectural styles, climate considerations, and cultural influences prevail.
1. Sprawling Front Porches
Those iconic wraparound porches that define Southern homes often clash with Maryland’s architectural landscape. Many Maryland homes simply lack the square footage needed for these grand outdoor living spaces.
Our state’s older neighborhoods feature homes built closer together with smaller lot sizes that can’t accommodate expansive porch additions. Plus, our longer, harsher winters mean you’d get less use out of such a significant investment compared to your friends down in Georgia or the Carolinas.
2. Plantation Shutters Throughout
Full-length plantation shutters look stunning in sprawling Southern mansions but can feel overwhelming in Maryland’s more compact living spaces. The wide slats and substantial frames often consume precious window real estate.
During our cold winters, these shutters might not provide enough insulation compared to more practical window treatments. I’ve found that while they might work beautifully in a sunroom, using them throughout an entire Maryland colonial or craftsman can feel architecturally disconnected.
3. Ceiling Fans in Every Room
Southern homes often feature ceiling fans in virtually every room – a practical choice for their hot, humid climate. Here in Maryland, we experience distinct seasons that require different cooling and heating approaches.
Many of our older homes have lower ceilings that don’t accommodate large fans well. Installing them in every room can create a visually cluttered look overhead. For our climate, a strategic placement in main living areas makes more sense than the all-room approach common below the Mason-Dixon line.
4. Bold Floral Patterns Everywhere
The Southern love for abundant floral patterns – on wallpaper, upholstery, and drapery – can overwhelm Maryland’s typically smaller rooms. Our homes often feature more subdued color palettes that reflect our mid-Atlantic sensibilities.
Heavy floral prints can make already compact spaces feel even smaller. Maryland’s architectural styles frequently incorporate more subtle textures and patterns. Consider incorporating florals as accent pieces instead – perhaps through throw pillows or a single statement chair rather than covering entire walls or furniture sets.
5. Wicker Furniture Collections
Full sets of wicker furniture work beautifully on Southern sunporches but rarely transition well to Maryland living. Our climate’s humidity fluctuations and longer winter season can damage natural wicker when used as primary furniture.
Maryland homes typically embrace more versatile, year-round furnishings. A better approach? I recommend incorporating just one or two wicker accent pieces that can be easily moved indoors during harsh weather. This gives you that Southern touch without committing to furniture that may only shine for half the year.
6. Magnolia-Themed Everything
Magnolias symbolize Southern charm, appearing on everything from wallpaper to dinnerware. While beautiful, this specific botanical focus feels disconnected in Maryland, where these trees aren’t native landscape features.
Our state celebrates different regional flora like the black-eyed Susan (our state flower). Embracing local botanical elements creates a more authentic connection to our surroundings. If you love magnolias, consider incorporating them subtly through a single artwork piece rather than making them your home’s defining motif.
7. Pastel Color Schemes
Charleston-inspired pastel exteriors look charming in historic Southern districts but often clash with Maryland’s neighborhood aesthetics. Our communities typically feature more traditional colonial color schemes – brick reds, slate blues, and warm neutrals.
Maryland’s variable weather conditions also mean those delicate mint greens and soft pinks require more frequent maintenance. Before painting your Annapolis rowhouse a sweet tea yellow, check local historical guidelines and HOA regulations. Many Maryland neighborhoods have specific color restrictions to maintain architectural cohesiveness.
8. Formal Dining Rooms
Grand formal dining rooms are Southern entertaining staples but frequently go unused in contemporary Maryland living. Many families here prefer open-concept layouts that maximize our typically smaller square footage.
Converting that rarely-used formal space into a more practical home office or family area often makes better sense. If you’re house hunting in Maryland, don’t let the absence of a dedicated dining room be a dealbreaker. Modern Maryland living embraces multipurpose spaces that adapt to our busy, Northeastern-influenced lifestyles.
9. Excessive Monogramming
The Southern tradition of monogramming everything from pillows to hand towels can feel overly formal in Maryland’s more relaxed mid-Atlantic culture. Our state’s proximity to DC and Northern urban centers influences our decorating sensibilities toward understated elegance.
Too many personalized items throughout your home can create visual clutter in smaller Maryland spaces. Instead of monogramming every possible surface, I suggest choosing one special piece – perhaps a family heirloom or entryway decor – that carries your initials without overwhelming your home’s aesthetic.
