Building the South’s Best Homes: Inside the 2025 Southern Living Home Summit

A Gathering of the Best in Southern Home Design

Great homes start with great inspiration. As a proud member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program, Riverside Homes Custom owners Chris Wood and Matt Roberts were honored to attend the 2025 Southern Living Home Summit in the charming town of Fairhope, Alabama. Hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, the event was a celebration of innovation, tradition, and the deep-rooted connections that make this program so special.

The Southern Living Home Summit brings together the country’s top custom builders, designers, and industry experts, providing an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, gain insight, and refine our craft. From hearing Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV’s Home Town share their passion for preserving Southern charm to engaging with like-minded professionals, the event reinforced why we love what we do. Being surrounded by some of the most talented builders in the industry was both inspiring and energizing. We were reminded that building homes isn’t just about construction—it’s about storytelling, legacy, and creating spaces that feel like home for generations to come.

What’s Trending in Southern Home Design?

At the event, discussions centered around classic architecture, sustainable materials, and the growing demand for functional outdoor spaces.

Some key takeaways included:

• Timeless Exteriors – Brick, board and batten, and welcoming front porches remain must-haves.
• Indoor-Outdoor Living – Homeowners are looking for seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces.
• Warm, Inviting Interiors – Layered textures, soft neutrals, and statement lighting are defining today’s Southern homes.

The Southern Living Custom Builder Program Advantage

As the Southern Living Custom Builder for Amelia Island/Atlantic Beach/Jacksonville, Riverside Homes Custom is part of an exclusive group of builders hand-selected for our dedication to quality, integrity, and design excellence. This partnership allows us to bring thoughtfully designed Southern Living house plans to life while maintaining the craftsmanship and personal touch that define our homes.

Through this program, we gain access to cutting-edge design trends, exclusive resources, and a network of industry leaders who share our commitment to excellence. More importantly, it allows us to deliver homes that embrace the charm, functionality, and elegance that Southern Living is known for. Being part of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program is more than just a title—it’s a commitment to upholding the standards of true Southern craftsmanship.

As the builder of the Southern Living Idea House on Crane Island, we understand the importance of honoring tradition while incorporating modern comforts.

“Being part of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program is more than just a title—it’s a commitment to upholding the standards of true Southern craftsmanship. Events like these inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what a custom home can be,” shared Roberts.

Expert Custom Home Builders in Northeast Florida

Attending the Southern Living Home Summit reaffirmed our passion for building homes that are more than just structures—they are places where families gather, traditions are made, and Southern hospitality shines. We’re excited to take the inspiration and insights from this event and continue delivering homes that reflect the beauty and warmth of the South.

Thank you to Southern Living for hosting such an incredible event and to our fellow builders for sharing in this journey. We’re honored to be part of this exceptional program and look forward to many more years of building, learning, and growing together.

Interested in building a Southern Living-inspired home? Contact Riverside Homes Custom today to get started on your custom home in Northeast Florida.