In honor of New England Home’s Land Meets Water issue, which had me swooning over all the lovely waterfront locales up north,  I thought I’d share a little Southern-style waterfront living and tempt you with how we relax during the summer months down south.

(photo by Nancy Nolan, courtesy of At Home in Arkansas)

Yes, our summers are sweltering, and so we seek out the water any time we can. From simply chic little getaways, like this lakeside condo in Arkansas, designed by Risinger Interiors.

(photo by Nancy Nolan, courtesy of At Home in Arkansas)

To retreats full of rooms with views, like this family vacation home in Arkansas, designed by Bear-Hill Interiors. Watery blues are a favorite cool palette…

(photo courtesy of House Beautiful)

as are nature-inspired tone on tone, shown here in a waterfront retreat in South Carolina, designed by Suzanne Kasler.

(photo by Christopher Baker, courtesy of House Beautiful)

and here in a lakehouse in Alabama, designed by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors.

(photo by Erica George Dines, courtesy of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles)

Beautiful big windows keep the emphasis on the lake views, as here in an Alabama lakehouse, designed by Tracery Interiors.

(Photo by Mali Azima, courtesy of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles)

And pops of green bring the outdoors in even more, as in this Georgia getaway, designed by Kay Douglass.

(photo by Rett Peek, courtesy of At Home in Arkansas)

To truly relax on the waterfront in classic Southern style, a glass of lemonade or a cool mint julep is de rigeur. You can find the classic Ole’ South recipes here and here. Cheers!

My thanks to Kyle and the crew at New England Home for inviting me over. I’ll be back in two weeks with a look at another waterfront option in the South–heading to the beach on the Florida panhandle, where chic and casual collide with wonderful results. I’ll be vacationing there and sharing a trip report on the design treats.

Hope to hear from you! And hope you hop on over to our blog for a visit as well.