I had the pleasure of speaking with Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage for a recent article on Better Homes & Gardens about hosting mom. I just loved what she had to say and became intrigued by what else she’s doing (restoring old homes with care).
So, of course, I wanted to know if she had any heirlooms she wanted to share, and get some insight into how she approaches rehabilitating old houses. Here’s how she proves that even if an heirloom is nearly destroyed, all hope is not lost.
Heirloom Stories Q&A
Do you have a favorite heirloom? What’s its story?
My favorite heirloom item in my home is my great-grandmother’s pie safe. Growing up, my granny had this in her outdoor kitchen (the one she used for canning and frying fish), and I distinctly remember playing with it; putting away dishes, exploring the cupboards, and setting out pretend tea parties.
When my papaw and granny passed away in 2004 and 2006, respectively, we had to clean out their home, and by this time, the pie safe was in shambles and had been reduced to a pile of wood. I saved it because I knew I wanted to restore it one day.
That day came when I renovated my cottage in Minden, Louisiana. I had the perfect nook for it and a skilled carpenter to put it back together. And today, it proudly sits in my home, even housing some of my granny’s dishes.
Your restoration projects blend Southern charm with historic preservation. How do you decide which original elements to keep and which ones to modernize?
In all my renovations, I strive to preserve as many of the original details as possible. In my personal cottage, I kept all the original light fixtures, doors, and door hardware, as well as a fold-out ironing board and shiplap, and repurposed the original kitchen cabinets for use in other areas of the home.
I always modernize things to make the home more energy efficient, such as the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. I strongly believe it is OK to update those features while preserving much of the architectural integrity. Even when I add newer features, I try to choose period-appropriate pieces (like the tile) that will blend seamlessly into the home and not “stand out” as a new feature.
What makes your designs feel soulful and lived-in?
This is a great question! I blend a LOT of thrifted decor pieces in with new, retail selections to truly create that heritage, cozy feel. Someone once told me that when they look at my home, they just want to grab a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket and sit for a spell.
I also incorporate as many of the original details of a home as I can to truly tie together the history of the home with its modern residents.
Whether it’s my home or a space I’m designing, my greatest desire is for the home to feel cozy and warm while also bringing joy to your heart. My designs initially started more neutral but have evolved over the years into more pattern play and color. It truly depends on whether I’m designing a space that will be lived in, such as a home, or a space that will be experienced, like one of my short-term rentals. But either way, the space is cozy, warm, and full of joy.
Credit: Simply Southern Cottage
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