Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours The second-largest and most developed of Georgia's barrier islands, St. Simons is approximately twelve miles long and nearly three miles wide at its widest stretch (roughly the size of Manhattan Island in New York). The island is located in Glynn County on Georgia's coast and lies east of Brunswick (the seat of Glynn County), south of Little St. Simons Island and the Hampton River, and north of Jekyll Island. The resort community of Sea Island is separated from St. Simons on the east by the Black Banks River. Known for its oak tree canopies and historic landmarks, St. Simons is both a tourist destination and, according to the 2010 U.S. census, home to 12,743 residents. Early History The earliest St. Simons Island Village record of human habitation on the island dates to the Late Archaic Period, about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago. Remnants of shell rings left behind by Native Americans from this era survive on many of the barrier islands, including St. Simons. Centuries later, during the period known by historians as the chiefdom era, the Guale Indians established a chiefdom centered on St. Catherines Island and used St. Simons as their hunting and fishing grounds. By 1500 the Guale had established a permanent village of about 200 people on St. Simons, which they called Guadalquini. Beginning in 1568, the Spanish attempted to create missions along the Georgia coast. Catholic missions were the primary means by which Georgia's indigenous Native American chiefdoms were assimilated into the Spanish colonial system along the northern frontier of greater Spanish Florida. In the 1600s St. Simons became home to two Spanish missions: San Buenaventura de Guadalquini, on the southern tip of the island, and Santo Domingo de Asao (or Asajo), on the northern tip. Located on the inland side of the island were the pagan refugee villages of San Simón, the island's namesake, and Ocotonico. In 1684 pirate raids left the missions and villages largely abandoned. Colonial History As Fort Frederica early as 1670, with Great Britain's establishment of the colony of Carolina and its expansion into Georgia territory, Spanish rule was threatened by the English. The Georgia coast was considered "debatable land" by England and Spain, even though Spain had fully retreated from St. Simons by 1702. Thirty-one years later General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the English settlement of Savannah. In 1736 he established Fort Frederica, named after the heir to the British throne, Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, on the west side of St. Simons Island to protect Savannah and the Carolinas from the Spanish threat. Between 1736 and 1749 Fort Frederica was the hub of British military operations along the Georgia frontier. A town of the same name grew up around the fort and was of great importance to the new colony. By 1740 Frederica's population was 1,000. In 1736 the congregation of what would become Christ Church was organized within Fort Frederica as a mission of the Church of England. Charles Wesley led the first services. In 1742 Britain's decisive victory over Spain in the Battle of Bloody Marsh, during the War of Jenkins' Ear, ended the Spanish threat to the Georgia coast. When the British regimen disbanded in 1749, most of the townspeople relocated to the mainland. Fort Frederica went into decline and, except for a short time of prosperity during the 1760s and 1770s under the leadership of merchant James Spalding, never fully recovered. Today the historic citadel's tabby ruins are maintained by the National Park Service. Plantation Era By the start of the American Revolution (1775-83), Fort Frederica was obsolete, and St. Simons was left largely uninhabited as most of its residents joined the patriot army. Besides hosting a small Georgia naval victory on the Fort Frederica River, providing guns from its famous fort for use at Fort Morris in Sunbury, and serving as an arena for pillaging by privateers and British soldiers, the island played almost no role in the war. Following the war, many of the townspeople, their businesses destroyed, turned to agriculture. The island was transformed into fourteen cotton plantations after acres of live oak trees were cleared for farm land and used for building American warships, including the famous USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides." Although rice was the predominant crop along the neighboring Altamaha River, St. Simons was known for its production of long-staple cotton, which soon came to be known as Sea Island cotton. Between Ebos Landing the 1780s and the outbreak of the Civil War (1861-65), St. Simons's plantation culture flourished. The saline atmosphere and the availability of cheap slave labor proved an ideal combination for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton. In 1803 a group of Ebo slaves who survived the Middle Passage and arrived on the west side of St. Simons staged a rebellion and drowned themselves. The sacred site is known today as Ebos Landing. One of the largest owners of land and slaves on St. Simons was Pierce Butler, master of Hampton Point Plantation, located on the northern end of the island. By 1793 Butler owned more than 500 slaves, who cultivated 800 acres of cotton on St. Simons and 300 acres of rice on Butler's Island in the Altamaha River delta. Butler's grandson, Pierce Mease Butler, who at the age of sixteen inherited a share of his grandfather's estate in 1826, was responsible for the largest sale of human beings in the history of the United States: in 1859, to restore his squandered fortune, he sold 429 slaves in Savannah for more than $300,000. The British actress and writer Fanny Kemble, whose tumultuous marriage to Pierce ended in divorce in 1849, published an eyewitness account of the evils of slavery on St. Simons in her book Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838-1839 (1863). Another Retreat Plantation large owner of land and slaves on St. Simons was Major William Page, a friend and employee of Pierce Butler Sr. Before purchasing Retreat Plantation on the southwestern tip of the island in 1804, Page managed the Hampton plantation and Butler's Island. Upon Page's death in 1827, Thomas Butler King inherited the land together with his wife, Page's daughter, Anna Matilda Page King. King expanded his father-in-law's planting empire on St. Simons as well as on the mainland, and by 1835 Retreat Plantation alone was home to as many as 355 slaves. The center of life during the island's plantation era was Christ Church, Frederica. Organized in 1807 by a group of island planters, the Episcopal church is the second oldest in the Diocese of Georgia. Embargoes imposed by the War of 1812 (1812-15) prevented the parishioners from building a church structure, so they worshiped in the home of John Beck, which stood on the site of Oglethorpe's only St. Simons residence, Orange Hall. The first Christ Church building, finished on the present site in 1820, was ruined by occupying Union troops during the Civil War. In 1884 the Reverend Anson Dodge Jr. rebuilt the church as a memorial to his first wife, Ellen. The cruciform building with a trussed gothic roof and stained-glass windows remains active today as Christ Church. Civil War and Beyond The St. Simons Island Lighthouse outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 put a sudden end to St. Simons's lucrative plantation era. In January of that year, Confederate troops were stationed at the south end of the island to guard the entrance to Brunswick Harbor. Slaves from Retreat Plantation, owned by Thomas Butler King, built earthworks and batteries. Plantation residents were scattered—the men joined the Confederate army and their families moved to the mainland. Cannon fire was heard on the island in December 1861, and Confederate troops retreated in February 1862, after dynamiting the lighthouse to keep its beacon from aiding Union troops. Soon thereafter, Union troops occupied the island, which was used as a camp for freed slaves. By August 1862 more than 500 former slaves lived on St. Simons, including Susie King Taylor, who organized a school for freed slave children. But in November the ex-slaves were taken to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Fernandina, Florida, leaving the island abandoned. After the Civil War the island never returned to its status as an agricultural community. The plantations lay dormant because there were no slaves to work the fields. After Union general William T. Sherman's January 1865 Special Field Order No. 15 —a demand that former plantations be divided and distributed to former slaves—was overturned by U.S. president Andrew Johnson less than a year later, freedmen and women were forced to work as sharecroppers on the small farms that dotted the land previously occupied by the sprawling plantations. By St. Simons Lumber Mills 1870 real economic recovery began with the reestablishment of the timber industry. Norman Dodge and Titus G. Meigs of New York set up lumber mill operations at Gascoigne Bluff, formerly Hamilton Plantation. The lumber mills provided welcome employment for both blacks and whites and also provided mail and passenger boats to the mainland. Such water traffic, together with the construction of a new lighthouse in 1872, designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey, marked the beginning of St. Simons's tourism industry. The keeper of the lighthouse created a small amusement park, which drew many visitors, as did the seemingly miraculous light that traveled from the top of the lighthouse tower to the bottom. The island became a summer retreat for families from the mainland, particularly from Baxley, Brunswick, and Waycross. The island's resort industry was thriving by the 1880s. Beachfront structures, such as a new pier and grand hotel, were built on the southeastern end of the island and could be accessed by ferry. Around this time wealthy northerners began vacationing on the island. Twentieth Century The St. Simons Island Pier and Village opening in 1924 of the Brunswick–St. Simons Highway, today known as the Torras Causeway, was a milestone in the development of resorts in the area. St. Simons's beaches were now easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. More than 5,000 automobiles took the short drive from Brunswick to St. Simons via the causeway on its opening day, paving the way for convenient residential and resort development. In 1926 automotive pioneer Howard Coffin of Detroit, Michigan, bought large tracts of land on St. Simons, including the former Retreat Plantation, and constructed a golf course, yacht club, paved roads, and a residential subdivision. Although the causeway had brought large numbers of summer people to the island, St. Simons remained a small community with only a few hundred permanent residents until the 1940s. The St. Simons Island outbreak of World War II (1941-45) brought more visitors and residents to St. Simons. Troops stationed at Jacksonville, Florida; Savannah; and nearby Camp Stewart took weekend vacations on the island, and a new naval air base and radar school became home to even more officers and soldiers. The increased wartime population brought the island its first public school. With a major shipyard for the production of Liberty ships in nearby Brunswick, the waters of St. Simons became active with German U-boats. In April 1942, just off the coast, the Texas Company oil tanker S. S. Oklahoma and the S. S. Esso Baton Rouge were torpedoed by the Germans, bringing the war very close to home for island residents. Due in large part to the military's improvement of the island's infrastructure during the war, development on the island boomed in the 1950s and 1960s. More permanent homes and subdivisions were built, and the island was no longer just a summer resort but also a thriving community. In 1950 the Methodist conference and retreat center Epworth by the Sea opened on Gascoigne Bluff. In 1961 novelist Eugenia Price visited St. Simons and began work on her first works of fiction, known as the St. Simons Trilogy. Inspired by real events on the island, Price's trilogy renewed interest in the history of Georgia's coast, and the novelist herself relocated to the island in 1965 and lived there for thirty-one years. St. Simons is also home to contemporary Georgia writer Tina McElroy Ansa. Since Epworth by the Sea 1980 St. Simons's population has doubled. The island's continued status as a vacation destination and its ongoing development boom have put historic landmarks and natural areas at risk. While such landmarks as the Fort Frederica ruins and the Battle of Bloody Marsh site are preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, and while the historic lighthouse is maintained by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, historic Ebos Landing has been taken over by a sewage treatment plant. Several coastal organizations have formed in recent years to save natural areas on the island. The St. Simons Land Trust, for example, has received donations of large tracts of land and plans to protect property in the island's three traditional African American neighborhoods. Despite its rapid growth and development, St. Simons remains one of the most beautiful and important islands on the Georgia coast.

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill

An elegant living room design with blue tufted sofa, soft green chairs, and jewel tone accents. A chaise lounge creates a cozy corner for reading.

This fabulous Spicewood, Texas home was built by Seven Custom Homes with interior design done by Jeannie Balsam, LLC and lighting design done by Cathy Shockey with Legend Lighting. Photography by Twist Tours

Sunken living room with a wall of walnut cabinetry which conceals the entertainment center. Built-in wine cubbies, storage, and a cantilevered concrete bench are integrated into the fireplace area.

Harbord LOFT Bi-sectional by Gus Modern From $2,999 The Harbord series is designed for small living spaces and is perfect for urban living. The line consists of a LOFT Bi-sectional and a Sofa which have Mid-Century inspired details like blind tufted upholstery, flanged arms and tapered wood legs with stringers. The frame and legs are made with FSC Certified wood in support of responsible forest management. Features: -Bi-Sectional ottoman can be used as stand-alone seating when separated from Sofa -Sectional connectors included -Seat cushion is blind tufted and constructed from medium density polyurethane foam covered in a Dacron wrap Legs have a walnut finish -Water based clear coat finish on legs -Plastic bumpers on all legs to prevent floor damage -All joints have been stress tested -9 gauge No-Sag, sinuous spring system -Springs are held in place with injection molded spring clip system -All fabric is Cal 117 certified and double rub tested

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Our client is a busy Company Director, keen tennis player and avid collector of original artwork and artefacts. Our brief was to help with the modernisation and redecoration of her beautiful period property with a particular requirement to create space to store and display her extensive collection and possessions. Full project - https://decorbuddi.com/holland-park-apartment-redecoration/

Our Austin design studio gave this living room a bright and modern refresh. Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/living-room-refresh/

SPAR Modern Italian Wall Unit Exential T07. This ultra modern modular wall unit composition, consisting of individual pieces, is a great design solution for those, who are full of creativity and desire to reveal their individuality and arrange the living room by themselves. The individual units allow to organize only those areas you want in the way you need it and prefer, which is impossible to do with the joint wall unit compositions. The entertainment center provides an abundance of storage space, both hidden and exposed, to aid with organization of all your belongings. Large TV area allows to place a huge TV, turning the living room into a functional movie theater. The Wall Unit Composition Exential T07 is shown in the next colors/finishes: Structure - Ash lacquered finish (with wooden structure), Oak finish Front - Ash lacquered finish (with wooden structure), Concrete finish PLEASE NOTE: The Exential is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss / matt lacquered Glass: 4 mm glass Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall The starting price is for the Exential Wall Unit Composition T07 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Shown Wall Unit Composition: W130" x D15"/17.7"/19.7"/22.8" x H74.4"

www.truenorthvision.co.uk

Esther Beke

If you're working with 1 or 2 colors, mix the tones for a layered look. Laura Moss Photography

This is stunning Dura Supreme Cabinetry home was carefully designed by designer Aaron Mauk and his team at Mauk Cabinets by Design in Tipp City, Ohio and was featured in the Dayton Homearama Touring Edition. You’ll find Dura Supreme Cabinetry throughout the home including the bathrooms, the kitchen, a laundry room, and an entertainment room/wet bar area. Each room was designed to be beautiful and unique, yet coordinate fabulously with each other. The kitchen is in the heart of this stunning new home and has an open concept that flows with the family room. A one-of-a-kind kitchen island was designed with a built-in banquet seating (breakfast nook seating) and breakfast bar to create a space to dine and entertain while also providing a large work surface and kitchen sink space. Coordinating built-ins and mantle frame the fireplace and create a seamless look with the white kitchen cabinetry. A combination of glass and mirrored mullion doors are used throughout the space to create a spacious, airy feel. The mirrored mullions also worked as a way to accent and conceal the large paneled refrigerator. The vaulted ceilings with darkly stained trusses and unique circular ceiling molding applications set this design apart as a true one-of-a-kind home. Featured Product Details: Kitchen and Living Room: Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s Lauren door style and Mullion Pattern #15. Fireplace Mantle: Dura Supreme Cabinetry is shown in a Personal Paint Match finish, Outerspace SW 6251. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

A traditional living room with a casual boathouse appeal. Soft blues and greys accent the furnishings. An antique Chinese area rug adorns the floor. Custom made cocktail table and bench with luxurious fabric sits across from the newly designed fireplace. The client’s collection of Lladro is displayed in the background in built-in cabinets lit with an LED tape lighting system. A Fiddle Back Fig tree on a Chinese stand in the corner is reflected in an antique mirror framed with gold accents on the wall. Woven grass shades in soft gray top the windows and doors and in the adjacent room, the dining room and beyond, a glimpse of the resort like pool and patio. Photography By: Grey Crawford

We had a rectangular with the requirement of sofa seating for at least 6 , a swing ,a dining table and tv unit with storage. Our design process started with fulfilling whose requirements , we took length of the room to our advantage and created a linear ceiling which acts as a visual passageway.Living room is designed using beige and grey undertones with subtle use of teak wood on swing by design ni dukaan and custom tv unit to add that warmth.Hints of plum color in the on swing and sofa throw gives it earthy yet dynamic nobility. Mirror and console unit adds depth to the room. White and black polka dot rug ties the whole seating area together.The idea of dining table with sofa seating and one side and chairs on another side was used to save space .We used back painted glass on wall behind to add depth by its reflective nature and adorned the area by dainty fabric pendant light. Dining table with marble legs and glass top was made on site The large semi-open, semi-closed unit at the entrance provides ample storage but does not look bulky. It was made on site using armani veneer and marble with small curios that dot the shelves. Vertical Slim Metal Rods were added to create a delicate partition between living and kitchen . 3 huge floating marble cuboids were created for book shelves and a small mandir resting on slim metal rods to create a right juxtaposition ,hints on plum on the rods added to it .Tv paneling was finished in Armani veneer and piatra grey marble . Pattern with teak wood was added on tv unit. #BestOfHouzz

Modern Living Room with floor to ceiling grey slab fireplace face. Dark wood built in bookcase with led lighting nestled next to modern linear electric fireplace. Contemporary white sofas face each other with dark black accent furniture nearby, all sitting on a modern grey rug. Modern interior architecture with large picture windows, white walls and light wood wall panels that line the walls and ceiling entry.

Who doesn't love a warm, cozy living room? This tan Bassett leather sofa is the perfect statement piece for any living room and simply adding accent pillow makes for beautiful finishing touches.