From Farm Life to Beachside Chic
Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - Albert Einstein once proclaimed, "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." This sentiment rings true for Freda Butler, whose innate talent for visualizing style emerged early in her life. Today, she is the proud owner of Southern Palms Furniture and Decor in Orange Beach, Alabama, where her distinctive flair transforms condominiums and beach homes with stunning interior design.
Raised on a farm in North Alabama, Freda always perceived things differently from those around her. From a tender age, she developed a deep admiration for art and a passion for style in decor, clothing, and cuisine. Driven to make even the simplest dishes visually appealing, Freda understood that presentation mattered. Although she was uncertain about the origin of her keen eye for style, her mother nurtured her budding interests. At the age of eleven, Freda met her paternal grandmother, Joan Townsend, for the first time. Joan, a retired and successful interior designer from Washington state, would soon help Freda realize the source of her gift. As their relationship blossomed, it became evident that Freda's talent for design was a family inheritance.
During her teenage years, Freda was fortunate to have a travel agent grandmother, which enabled her and her family to experience diverse cultures worldwide. Each adventure ignited her imagination and deepened her appreciation for various styles.
Freda pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, where she earned a degree in interior design and public relations. Following stints as a consignment store owner, the CEO of an educational company, and a mortgage originator, destiny guided Freda and her family to the Gulf Coast in 2019. Upon arriving, she recognized a higher calling in her life. She began collaborating with a local designer, quickly mastering the rental market of condominiums and beach homes. "It was as if all the stars aligned. The pieces of my life's purpose fell into place," she said.
In December of the previous year, Freda founded Southern Palms Furniture and Decor, driven by a singular ambition: "I want to decorate condos and beach homes for people to come here and create amazing memories with their families."
Written By: R. Ken Cooper • May 02, 2023