Editor’s Note A Room of One’s Own

As a literature major in college, I distinctly remember being struck by Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own.”

In the essay, penned in 1928, the grand dame of Modernism shared that, for a woman to be a successful writer, she had to have “… a room of her own.”

That is, she had to have the space, independence, and a modicum of security (financially and otherwise) to create. That always stuck with me.

But as with most young couples, when Josh and I first moved into our home, it was really about making do. We had to cobble together rooms with whatever furniture survived our college years. As time passed, we were able to buy new pieces, make improvements, and generally evolve. One room that wasn’t high on the priority list was our office. When we first started out, the office took on a very collegiate — and dare I say, masculine — feel. We displayed our newly-framed diplomas, along with shakers and framed pictures of key campus buildings. Truthfully, neither Josh nor I spent much time in it. After taking this role though, I found myself more in need of … a room. Sure, I have my newsroom desk, where I still do the bulk of my work, but I needed a place where I could go during all the other times — the before and after hours reading, writing, and editing that this position demands.

So, after years and years, I decided to give myself a room. The football shakers and scholastic wall art were pulled (along with *gasp* the cream carpet). I brought in a grey wood (actually a laminate because — dogs) and painted the walls white. I hooked up with Gina at the Home Fabric Studio, who helped me find truly fabulous wallpaper for an accent wall (in green, my favorite). Interior designer Heather Jowers helped me find a perfect, feminine desk. I added a seafoam green velvet sofa and an emerald green chair. I laid down a fuzzy white rug (a risky move but the dogs approve). Most recently, I selected a glitzy golden light fixture that will be the crowning achievement (especially if I can get my husband to install it). Mind you, it’s not all top-ofthe-line stuff, but I purchased or was gifted every piece.

I finally have it — a room of my own. I must be a writer now. And I can report that this aesthetic is certainly a catalyst to creativity.

Just look at this issue — much of which was read, edited, and re-read — in that very room. We have a stunning St. Simons home and garden, the owners, the Pace family, were kind enough to share. My favorite fella, Wick Nalley, is also back to share some terrific tablescapes. Writer Michael Hall spends time with his buddy Will Pittenger to learn about his iconic downtown home and how he revitalized his garden after the harsh winter. Taylor Cooper has a conversation with another downtown resident — the folks at Xyno Furniture, who share their story.

We round it out with a chat with Matt and Miller Dart, owners of Pierce and Parker, who open the doors of their fabulous home and share how they renovated their own space.

As always, we hope you find some ideas and inspiration in our pages … and I hope you have a room of your own.

With love — Lindsey