A Blue and White Beach House by Phoebe and Jim Howard

During our last move, I got rid of most of my issues of Southern Accents… a decision I regret. Now defunct, Southern Accents is still my favorite interiors magazine. A friend lent me her July/August 2008 issue, and I loved revisiting this stunning blue and white beach house by Phoebe and Jim Howard. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the beach house was designed to reflect their clients’ nautical interests and Charleston roots. Jim Howard oversaw the interior details from the moldings and the mantels to the floors and fixtures, while Phoebe was responsible for the furnishings. Using understated details, the Howards created a classic and comfortable home that is fitting of its surroundings without resorting to clichés.

“You can capture the feeling of the beach without direct reference to it,” Phoebe said. “You can do it with casual rugs, comfortable overstuffed furniture, less formal curtains, and mirrors, which keep things light and bright.” She saturated the house in a variety of blues reminiscent of the sea while Jim’s use of paneling and elaborate moldings pays homage to the antebellum homes of Charleston, creating a classic setting to complement the antiques.

For the daughter’s bedroom, Phoebe selected shades of turquoise “to make it younger, fresher, and a bit more whimsical,” she said. Reproduction sailors’ Valentines serve as a reminder of the beach just beyond the veranda. Fabrics by Quadrille.

The bath adjacent to the daughter’s bedroom features a custom mosaic floor and hand-painted mural. “We’re all about creating details that are different and unique,” said Jim.

French mahogany chairs and a black lacquer table add weight to the color palette.

The dining room walls were painted robin’s egg blue and incorporate darker blue and white murals. A subtle blue diamond pattern by Brunschwig & Fils covers the chairs, and a Venetian glass chandelier hangs above.

China is displayed in arched niches, each topped with a rococo shell. The murals are by Bob Christian Decorative Art.

Phoebe saturated this “frothy” bedroom in shades of pale blue. “The chandelier is beautiful, like a piece of ice hanging in the air,” she said.

The bedrooms received wall treatments, such as specially milled tongue-and-groove wall paneling and stick molding, to establish them as cozy, private respites.

So beautiful, I could move right in! Photography by Roger Davies via Phoebe Howard. Captions and quotes via Southern Accents. You can see more of this beautiful beach house here.

And if anyone has any extra issues of Southern Accents they would like to part with, please message me. I would be happy to take them off your hands! 🙂

Comments

Cynthia Lambert says

February 17, 2017 at 2:06 pm

That dining room is amazing, and love the cozy library. Good find!

Jane Kilpatrick Schott says

February 17, 2017 at 2:55 pm

I also miss Southern Accents. Great magazine.

Regine Karpel says

February 17, 2017 at 3:18 pm

Great.

Dean Farris says

February 17, 2017 at 3:21 pm

Oh what a gorgeous house! Love the architectural detailing combined with all of the finer decorative pieces. Love the blue and white palette with turquoise! The sofas in the Living Room are so beautiful.

I've heard from my friend Louise how nice Ponte Vedra Beach is- her mother had a place there for many years.

My mentor the late, George Clarkson had his country house in Orange, VA published in Southern Accents, and it was on the cover as well! I was invited to spend the weekend there, but unfortunately that weekend coincided with my brothers wedding! Hated to miss it! LOL!

Dean Farris

Anonymous says

February 18, 2017 at 3:49 am

I also regret throwing away my Southern Accents. There were some wonderful features in those treasured magazines. I love the blue in these photos