Meet Ross Piper

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Known for: Designing inviting porches

Southern style is: Charming—an ideal balance between sophisticated and relaxed

What gives a new house patina? Mossy stone, reclaimed-wood floors, and iron hardware

A house isn't finished until: The shutter hardware is installed and working

The most often overlooked detail? Interior trim. For starters, don't simply put up just any old crown molding and call it a day!

One change that makes a big difference: Stain old brick—don't paint it—to allow the texture to show through.

Tudor or Georgian? I love both when they're done well.

Favorite go-to building product: Right now, it's custom iron windows. They are classic and modern at the same time.