Just east of Charlottesville, the 2025 Southern Living Idea House in Keswick offers plenty of design inspiration—but its charming arts and crafts room truly stands out. Created by renowned designer Charlotte Moss, this family-friendly space celebrates creativity, connection, and screen-free fun for all ages.
The Southern Living Idea House has long been a showcase of inspired living, blending timeless tradition with modern comfort. This year’s home in Keswick, just outside Charlottesville, is no exception. It was brought to life by a talented local team: designer Charlotte Moss; architects Julie Kline Dixon and Keith Scott of Rosney Co. Architects; landscape architect Eugene Ryang of Waterstreet Studio; builder Allan Pettit of Alexander Nicholson; and developer Molly Hardie.
While I loved every inch of the home, there was one space that especially spoke to me—the arts and crafts room. It captures the essence of creativity, connection, and family life. More than just a bonus room, it’s a sanctuary for imagination, where design meets play and where children and adults alike are encouraged to unplug, slow down, and make something with their hands.
Where Design Meets Play
At the heart of the room, designed by the iconic Charlotte Moss, is a long center table surrounded by transparent ghost chairs that keep the space open and airy. This table serves as the hub for every kind of activity imaginable—from finger painting to puzzle-building, from watercolor projects to weekend board game marathons. Overhead, a mobile-style chandelier displays children’s artwork in constant rotation, a joyful touch that doubles as ever-changing décor.
The thoughtful details continue: a chalkboard wall invites kids to doodle or practice spelling words, while a pegboard wall keeps supplies neatly organized. A daybed tucked by the window is perfect for curling up with a book after a project, encouraging rest and reflection alongside play. Even the daybed fabric—patterned like a paint swatch—whispers of whimsy. Nearby, a snack station and powder room keep the fun flowing with minimal interruptions. Everything in its place and a place for everything makes home life less chaotic.
Nature as Muse
A large window frames a stunning view of the herb garden leading down to the lake, reminding visitors of the natural beauty just outside. Moss has long championed bringing the outdoors in, and this room reflects that philosophy. A striking branch wrapped in fabric—a nod to French artist Louise Bourgeois—adds a whimsical, organic touch. The color palette echoes the birds who frequent the garden and lake, with soft blues, warm taupes, and gentle greens creating a serene backdrop. Find even more inspiration by visiting local museums and art galleries like New City Arts and enjoy our interview with local mom and internationally acclaimed botanical artist, Lara Call Gastinger..
Designed for All Ages
One of the most powerful aspects of the room is its invitation to children to be part of the design story. Too often, home design is reserved for adults, but Moss wanted this space to feel accessible to all ages. “Including children in design teaches them that beauty and order are part of daily life,” she explains. “It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing them that their personality and ideas have a place in the home.”
This philosophy shines in the smallest details, from easy-clean seating to the “No Devices, S’il Vous Plaît” needlepoint on the door, stitched by local boutique Poppy Pointe. The message is playful yet firm: this is a space to connect with each other and with yourself—not with screens.
Inspiration to Bring Home
The arts and crafts room at the Southern Living Idea House invites creativity and a slower pace. In a world saturated with technology, it reminds us that joy can be found in hands-on projects, peacefulness, and time spent connecting without distractions.
Whether you have a dedicated room, a cozy corner, or simply an hour at the kitchen table, I encourage you to create your own space for quiet creativity. Add a self-contained storage box of art supplies, along with a string and clothespins to display masterpieces—and watch the magic unfold. Find tips on creating a beautiful family art gallery.
KORI PRICE is a multidisciplinary artist and photographer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Originally from Culpeper, Kori has been proud to call Central Virginia home for most of her life and is passionate about telling the stories of her community. Kori holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and seeks to maintain a balance between her technical and creative interests with her work. She is a founding member of the Charlottesville Black Arts Collective and currently serves as their president. Kori has been a resident artist at New City Arts Initiative as well as a writer-in-residence at McGuffey Arts Center. Her work has been exhibited throughout Charlottesville most notably at New City Arts Initiative, Second Street Gallery, The Paramount Theater, and The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.
JENNIFER BRYERTON, M.A.ED., is the co-founder and publisher of CharlottesvilleFamily. A mother of four, she delights in sharing seasonal traditions and community happenings with local families. When she’s not editing the magazine, you’ll find her hiking area trails, tending her garden, or reading a good book by the fire.