Charlotte-based Crystal Moore might consider herself the least creative person in her family (her father’s a home builder and her sister’s an artist), but her popular Instagram account Garden & Grace is most certainly a beautiful, artistic presentation. From front porch columns to powder room sconces, the account, website, and online shop is Crystal’s curated collection of traditional Southern home design. While not an interior designer by trade, her fastidious eye for polished details and her Wednesday walking tours featuring timeless homes have attracted tens of thousands, and even grabbed the attention of Southern design celebs like James Farmer. But for the mother of two, Garden & Grace is truly about inspiring others.
How did Garden & Grace get started?
When I was postpartum with my daughter, I felt like I had no creative outlet. I was in a rut, and I needed something to brighten my days. We had just bought a house, and I thought ‘I’m just going to compile all my inspiration on an Instagram account.’ So I just started posting things and tagging the designers and stylists, and it just evolved. It’s truly nothing that I’ve done. I’ve attached myself to a couple of designers and they’ve shared my work back and so that’s helped grow my following.
Who are a few of your go-to designers and architects?
I’ll start with architects because they set the tone for the home. South Georgia native Brandon Ingram and Nashville-based Catherine Sloan are two of my favorites. Betsy Anderson, Caroline Willis, and James Farmer are among the most influential designers that I look to for inspiration. Their designs are grounded, timeless, and spark a sense of home for me.
What comes to mind when you think of traditional Southern style in the home?
I was reading something from architects Jeremy Corkern and Paul Bates, and someone asked them, ‘What are the two things that every Southern home should never be without?’ And their response was, ‘A magnolia tree and an ice maker.’ I just love that. You can have expression in what your home looks like, but both of those things paint this picture of shade, growth, maturity. The magnolia tree—those blooms—and then the ice maker, you can just imagine hot days sitting on the porch fanning yourself, and you better have ice around!
How do you decide what makes the Garden & Grace page?
When I look at a house or room, it needs something that’s grounding it. A lot of that comes from antiques or a timeless fabric pattern. The home is such an expression of who you are, and it’s so interesting how a home—the space planning, the patterns and colors, the details of what’s on the coffee table—really brings a feel to you. You have a reaction to it. For me, I look for things that are welcoming and complete. There’s a lot of images I pass up on because of certain pieces that throw me off.
Where are your go-to spots for your Walking Wednesday tours?
There’s a few neighborhoods in Charlotte that I pretty much stay in. Between Dilworth, Eastover, and Myers Park, there are a plethora of homes that are true to their original build with no shortage of character. In those neighborhoods, the canopy trees are everywhere and most of those areas have sidewalks on both sides, so it really gives you a sense of a community feel. I venture out if there’s an architect I like that’s building somewhere else. And I had a lot of fun in Greenville the other week. I’ve always loved Greenville, and it was fun to be on a mission for these timeless, unique homes. I didn’t have enough time, there were so many good ones!
What specific things inspire you?
That’s easy. On the exterior of the home, it’s the small things like an American flag waving in the wind, gas lanterns flickering to passersby, and the oh-so-subtle statement of a slate roof that creates a sense of character and familiarity. On the inside, it’s the blend of natural textures with upholstery and timeless patterns. It’s the millwork details along the walls and cabinetry, the placement of the kitchen sink under a set of windows that crank open, and that welcoming feeling you get the instant you lay eyes on a room.
Do you have any specific color tips for us?
I get a lot of questions about exterior colors! If someone is looking for a classic white home, I recommend trying Benjamin Moore Simply White on the exterior and Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth on shutters and doors.
What are some design trends you are highlighting this summer?
I’m all about outdoor furniture and it’s back to the basics with classic cast-iron seating just like my grandmother’s. Impossible to pick up, stands the test of time, and ignites a feeling of simpler times. Just add a large glass of sweet iced tea for a true Southern backyard summer.
For more design inspiration from Garden & Grace, follow @garden_and_grace on Instagram, or visit gardenandgracedesign.com
Photography provided by Garden & Grace.
