Magnolia Magic Breezes Into the Home

Real or not, the leaves and blossoms of this Southern tree infuse any room with gracious charm

Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications such as Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More »

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With the warm winter we've had in Alabama, all kinds of trees and flowers are putting buds out way earlier than normal — and I'm crossing my fingers that my very favorite, the iconic Southern magnolia, will be among them. Although the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of these towering trees is their heady, distinctive scent, they're as pleasing to the eye as to the nose: saucer-size white blossoms; glossy, evergreen foliage; and branches that spread like a welcoming hug.

Magnolia leaves are a Christmastime classic, but they're just as striking in the summer months, with or without their blooms. And if you don't happen to live in a region where magnolia trees grow, take heart: There are all kinds of ways to bring them into your décor. Take a look at these ideas for inspiration.

by Atypical Type A

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This simple, spare arrangement lets the sculptural quality of magnolias shine. Adding a few buds in addition to fully opened blooms is a beautiful touch to round out a display of almost any flower.

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by Amy Lau Design

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It would have been easier to paint magnolias on the wall and call it a day, but taking it one step further with a three-dimensional application adds a delightful layer of whimsy. This would turn a little girl's bedroom into a fantasyland.

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by The Sky is the Limit Design

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As minimal as it gets, a magnolia-leaf screen highlights the crisp, strong form of the tree's foliage. It reinvents a very traditional motif in a wholly modern way.

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by Capitol Lighting

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To me, one of the best parts of a magnolia leaf is its soft, velvety brown underside. This arrangement shows that aspect off nicely — and the color enriches the tans and beiges in the room.

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by knowles ps

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The color of this wall paint — Magnolia by Dunn Edwards — perfectly captures the creamy, soft essence of the petals. Deep green accents would intensify the feeling of being underneath those spreading branches.

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by Lucy McLintic

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Dainty magnolia-print wallpaper feels just right for this sweet bedroom. Using prints and patterns with a tie to a home's location is a wonderful method of creating a sense of place.

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by Cabinet Studio, Inc.

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Custom magnolia tile beneath the range hood in this kitchen creates a pretty focal point. It's easy to have tiles painted with any motif that suits you, be it floral, botanical or something entirely different.

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