“My style can be described as grandpa chic,” shared writer and photographer Erin Austen Abbott, who resides in Water Valley, Mississippi with her husband, son, two dogs, and a cat. In this article, Erin gives us a glimpse inside their art-filled home, offers family travel tips, and shares ideas for movie nights.
In the living room, the paint color is Sherwin Williams Pure White, the sofa is from West Elm, and the coffee table is a “kid’s table from Anthropologie many years ago.” The curtains are from Pottery Barn, and the cat pillow is from Areaware. Most of the decor in the living room is vintage, including the artwork on the gallery wall, which features pieces by various artists such as Hollie Chastain, Kate Donovan, and Laura Roebuck.
Erin shares her love for art and how it brings magic to their home, highlighting a portrait by friend Stephen Borasch that captivates her like a great song. She also talks about how social media has connected her to artists from all over the world, allowing her to purchase unique pieces for their home.
In the den, the paint color is Martha Stewart “Silhouette,” and the space is adorned with artwork by various artists, including Butch Anthony and Heather Sunquist Hall. Erin talks about the misconceptions people have about Mississippi and how the state’s natural beauty and affordability make it an inviting place for creatives.
Family movie nights are a cherished tradition in Erin’s home, with a running tally of movies watched since her son was five. She recommends historical movies and documentaries to spark discussions, like the film Selma, and The Summer of Soul.
In the kitchen, the paint color is Sherwin Williams Mint Condition, and Erin shares how the app Radiooooo helps them bring different cultures into their home through music from around the world. In the office, Erin discusses how she arranges her art to create groupings and how she started hosting art shows in a motel, showcasing the work of over 150 artists.
The primary bedroom features a paint color of Benjamin Moore Gray Timber Wolf, with decor pieces from Schoolhouse and vintage finds. Erin talks about their family travel rituals, such as finding new hikes and trying local food, and the joy of collecting travel mementos.
In their son’s bedroom, the paint color is Benjamin Moore Sweatshirt Grey, and vintage furniture pieces are mixed with modern touches from Ikea and Article. Erin shares the joy of raising their son in a small town and the challenges of having one child, addressing the common question of when he will have a sibling with honesty and grace.
