"Moving here has been wonderful," explains Billy Reid (Homeowner) of the decision to leave New York City and Dallas and to relocate his family and his business to Florence, Ala. "I've never been so inspired in my life."

Christmas Dinner Table

Reid designs both men's and women's clothing sold under the Billy Reid label at his own stores in Alabama, Texas, and North Carolina. Those familiar with the Louisiana native's fashion designs will see a similarity between them and the way the Reids decorate their home. It's a mix of vintage and new, to create their version of laid-back Southern style.



Cozy Living Room

A friend gave the Reids the mahogany base that, with the addition of an antique mirror as its top, became a table in the sitting room.



Family Tree

During the holidays, the Reids keep it simple and personal: Their home is decorated with branches cut from trees in the yard, garlands, minimal lights, and one really big tree. Here, the kids decorate the holiday tree with ornaments they've made and some from Jeanne's collection.



Antique-Filled Dining Room

The Reid home has great versatility, something Billy notes. "We can have a formal party, or just throw a bunch of crawfish on the table."

Here, a 19th-century English sideboard holds antique plates the couple has collected. Says Billy, "Once you get that antiques bug, it's hard to stop."



Kitchen Table

The kitchen cabinets and island were made from wood saved from the renovation of the house. Garlands are draped all through the house.



Shaving Bowl

An old shaving bowl from Homer Laughlin was set into a barley table to form a sink in the downstairs bathroom; the plumbing is hidden by a table skirt made from heirloom linens.



Fine China

Flea market finds and antiques comprise the non-Southern mix of dishes on the Reids' table. "I can guarantee you my mother makes fun of our china," says Billy of the setting here. The gold-rimmed piece is from the couple's wedding china.



Family Photo Display

Family photos in old frames from Jeanne's collection cover an entire wall in the den. "This wall always becomes a topic of conversation when we have visitors," says Billy.



Downstairs Bathroom

Every morning, Billy takes his coffee in his "sanctuary" - the downstairs bathroom. The extra-long bathtub is original to the house; the plates mounted above it are from Billy's grandmother. The stained glass window came from the couple's previous home in Dallas. It provides both privacy and a dash of color.



Salvaged Kitchen

The kitchen is a lesson in creative reuse: Almost every piece of furniture was made from wood salvaged from the renovation of the house. The backsplash is made of bricks from the basement; the sink is set into an old gardening table.



Teacup Cabinet

Where others might see an eyesore, the Reids see storage. Case in point: A non-functioning bun warmer in the dining room finds new life as a display case for a collection of teacups.



Bedroom

In the bedroom, a wall is simply adorned with a thoughtfully chosen painting by local artist Lisa Wallace. The curtains, silk taffeta from Reid's womenswear collection, filter the light.



Child's Bedroom

The children picked their room colours. Mattie's is light blue; a painting she made hangs above the fireplace.



Traditional Decorating

Walton's room features a shelf made by Billy and a picture that hung in Billy's room when he was a child.



Pink Girl's Bedroom

Abigail's room is hot pink; it has twin beds from Billy's great-grandmother's house and seersucker curtains.




photo credit: Justin Bernhaut