2026 Southern Living
Idea House
Come tour the 2026 Southern Living Idea House in Fredericksburg, Texas and experience beautiful Hill Country living! Volvo Cars will be partnering with Southern Living to demonstrate our latest Volvo SUV line up which will be on display and available for a test drive.
Step inside the 2026 Southern Living Idea House, a stunning showcase of design, craftsmanship, and Hill Country charm, located in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
This year’s Idea House highlights a fresh take on modern farmhouse architecture, thoughtfully designed to embrace indoor-outdoor living and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Expansive windows, welcoming porches, and curated outdoor spaces blur the lines between home and nature while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Southern hospitality.
The home was brought to life by a talented team of creatives from across Texas. The project includes builder Kurk Homes, architecture by Mustard Architects, interiors by Jean Liu Design, Mohon Interiors, and Paloma Contreras Design, and landscape design by Melissa Gerstle Design, all within Friedën, a Southern Living Inspired Community. Together, they crafted a home that blends timeless Southern style with innovative design and elevated livability.
The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20. During the Idea House Tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the thoughtfully designed interiors, experience the craftsmanship and architectural details firsthand, and gather inspiration from some of the region’s leading designers and builder. A portion of tour proceeds will benefit local charities, making this a meaningful celebration of design, community, and the enduring appeal of Southern living.
Garage + Vehicle Integration
Photos coming soon once the Idea House is officially revealed on Septebmer 16th, 2026
Southern Living will elevate the Idea House's garage space into a true extension of the home’s hospitality experience. Building on Volvo’s design and brand principles, designer Marcus Mohon will organically infuse features inspired by the Volvo EX60, throughout the space, using features like color, finishes, sound, and lighting to create a connection between the vehicle and its unique environment.
Volvo will also showcase its bi-directional charging. In the future, Volvo EX90 and EX60 owners in the United States will have the ability to harness the power of bi-directional charging through dcbel's Ara Home Energy Station, turning their vehicle into a versatile energy source whenever it's needed most.
The EX90 and EX60 will be equipped with the necessary hardware and software to leverage bi-directional charging.* It transforms from a fully electric SUV into a flexible energy hub, capable of sending power back to the home. Additionally, this allows for the opportunity to use the EX90 and EX60 to help power the home during blackout situations. This marks a key step in Volvo Cars' electrification journey.
With bi-directional charging, electric vehicles also have the potential to contribute to less strain on the power grid while plugged in during peak times and smartly managing how you power your home.
*Functionality may vary depending on vehicle model year and bi-directional charging hardware configuration.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN LIVING IDEA HOUSE
For over 35 years, Southern Living has been building iconic homes across the South. These homes bring the highest standards of the brand to life, showcasing new ideas in ways that are not only aspirational but actionable for consumers. Every year, we find a new location and new story, always incorporating the local culture. This year, Southern Living is working together with Volvo to showcase its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and style as the official automotive partner of the 2026 Southern Living Idea House.