C H A R L O T T E
Real Estate News
home design
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“By buying an older home, you’re not only becoming part of the story of that home, but you’re also becoming a caretaker who ushers its meaningful design into future generations.” – Genevieve Williams, Genevieve Williams Real Estate
dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
‘Storied’ homes Discover the charm and character of yesteryear in Charlotte’s historic homes - story on page 4
real estate news
design instyle
design trends
straight talk
What’s new p2
Bathroom updates p10
Sustainable design p14
Mad About Modern goes virtual p18
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|real estate news
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
CENTRAL LIVING BY DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES COMING SOON TO VILLA HEIGHTS Central Living by David Weekley Homes has broken ground on Villa Heights – Townhome Collection in the established neighborhood of Villa Heights between Plaza Midwood and NoDa. Sales are expected to begin in late October 2020. Priced from the mid $300,000s, 54 two-story townhomes will be available. Five open-concept floor plans will be offered that will include approximately 1,700-1,800 square feet of living space with two or three bedrooms, two full baths and a two-car garage. Options will include a third-floor bonus room with third full bath. Villa Heights – Townhome Collection is convenient to Cordelia Park with a community garden, swimming pool and Cross Charlotte Trail. The location also offers convenient access to the LYNX Blue Line Extension light rail service, Optimist Park and is two miles from downtown Charlotte. For more information about Villa Heights – Townhome Collection from Central Living by David Weekley Homes, contact 980-701-0510 or visit davidweekleyhomes.com. Villa Heights – Townhome Collection
DICKENS MITCHENER PROUDLY WELCOMES FOUR NEW AGENTS Dickens Mitchener recently welcomed four new agents to their office. Realtors/ brokers Mark Guthrie, Beth Holland, Anne Stuart Mitchener and Michael Murphy II joined its team of knowledgeable, enthusiastic and diligent real estate agents. The Dickens Mitchener team is comprised of more than 100 experienced real estate professionals who are full-time experts with intimate knowledge of the region’s most outstanding properties. For more information, visit dickensmitchener.com.
Mark Guthrie
Beth Holland
Anne Stuart Mitchener
Michael Murphy II
Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com. C H A R L O T T E
home design Editor
Coordinator/Designer
Christina Darnell
Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising
New Home Builder Advertising
Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com
Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com
Sales Director Vic Bowers, vbowers@mcclatchy.com 336-402-4673 Section published by The Charlotte Observer • 550 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you. homedesign@charlotteobserver.com
facebook.com/TheCharlotteObserverHomeDesign *Copyright 2020 by The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
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|historic homes
DID YOU KNOW? The creaks in a home aren’t necessarily tied to its age. They’re more likely a result of temperature and humidity changes inside the home.
by Julie Cooper
“I EAT 300 East Grab a meal at this family-run spot that’s been serving up New American fare in a charming renovated house in Dilworth for more than 30 years. 300east.net
PLAY The Visulite Theatre Check out the performances at this popular spot in character-rich Elizabeth. Visulite.com
EXPLORE NoDa Wander around this arts and entertainment district just north of Uptown and discover its beloved eclectic restaurants, craft beer scene, local street art and more. Noda.org
f only these walls could talk” is a common sentiment shared among historic homeowners. They love the story each creaking floorboard and quirky milk door tells. They’re even more smitten with the fact that the longer they live in these homes, the more oddities they discover. While they could write an essay on all the weird and less-than-desirable aspects of their homes, their historic treasures are just that—treasured. “There is an allure to owning something that is one of a kind,” says Genevieve Williams with Genevieve Williams Real Estate. “Historic homes offer character and charm that are rarely seen in newer homes because of the craftsmanship. People are drawn to the detail found in ornate moldings, original hardwood floors and vintage hardware. Homebuyers like the idea that they are keeping the rich history of the home alive.” When it comes to the Queen City’s historic homes, there’s a wealth to choose from. Some are in designated historic areas, like the highly soughtafter neighborhoods Fourth Ward, Dilworth, Hermitage Court in Myers Park, Plaza Midwood, Wesley Heights and Wilmore. “The homes within these historic districts are overseen by Charlotte’s Historic District Commission,” she says. “Its job is to assure that any development and renovation that occurs within the district is in keeping with the history and character of the neighborhood.” Outside of the historic districts, many homebuyers are drawn to the
old, personality-rich houses in the close-in neighborhoods of Elizabeth, NoDa, Commonwealth and Chantilly. “Our clients love these established neighborhoods, teeming with character,” says Williams. “There’s a wide range of architectural styles, home sizes and price points in these areas. Plus, residents can enjoy the amenities and conveniences of being close to Center City.” While an array of architectural styles can be found, the beloved bungalow reigns supreme in Charlotte. “Buyers are drawn to their deep front porches that oftentimes span the entire façade of the home,” she says. “Porches are revered here as they encourage connection with friends and neighbors. They can also extend living and entertaining spaces almost year-round.” Even though curb appeal is important for eager homebuyers, Ducie Stark with Dickens Mitchener and Associates says that with historic homes, it’s often what’s on the inside that matters most. “Buyers are drawn to the charm and appreciation for quality construction and handcrafted millwork,” she says. “I, for one, love the heavy wooden doors, the antique ‘wavy’ glass and heavy moldings. While the vibe seems to vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, the common theme they all share is character.” No matter how charming these homes are, Stark advises interested buyers to do their research before purchasing an old home. “Be sure to understand the restrictions and benefits involved with owning a historic
home,” she stresses. “Oftentimes, buyers tend to be uninformed, which can sometimes limit future plans for the home.” Williams agrees, saying, “Buying a home is a major purchase no matter its age, but there is a lot more to consider when buying an older or historic home. You will want to educate yourself on the property and learn about any guidelines or restrictions in place. It’s important to know what you can and can’t do to the property.” For help with the process, Williams recommends gaining the advice of the professionals. “During the homebuying process, hire a reliable home inspector who has experience with older homes to assess the current state of the home,” she says. “While work can be expected, you will want to make sure the home meets health and safety standards. Ultimately, you need to be prepared for the care and investment it takes to maintain and preserve an older home. For the right person, owning a historic home can be a true labor of love where the intrinsic rewards significantly outweigh the challenges.” As for the historic home market, both Stark and Williams agree it will remain strong. “There is always going to be a buyer who loves historic and older homes,” Williams says. “These homes have aesthetic beauty and architecture that have withstood the test of time. By buying an older home, you’re not only becoming part of the story of that home, but you’re also becoming a caretaker who ushers its meaningful design into future generations.”
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historic homes| ELIZABETH 631 Louise Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 Price: $599,000 MLS: 3632925 Listing Agent: Genevieve Williams, Genevieve Williams Real Estate, 704-323-9127, gw@gwclt.com Bungalow brimming with charm, starting with stunning landscaping in the front yard and rocking chair front porch. Inside, modern updates mesh with the home’s historic features, including hardwoods, high ceilings and four decorative fireplaces. The living room and first bedroom are located at the front of the home. The dining room flows into the renovated kitchen. The master has an ensuite with oversized shower and newer (2017) Rinnai tankless water heater. Additional bedroom and full bathroom. Backyard is an oasis with beautiful landscaping and a large deck. Walk with ease to Central Coffee, Intermezzo, Two Scoops Creamery and other Plaza Midwood favorites.
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|historic homes DILWORTH 2429 Marshall Place, Charlotte, NC 28203 Price: $999,000 MLS: 3640552 Listing Agent: Karen Parsons, Allen Tate Realtors, 704-408-0401, karen.parsons@ allentate.com Charming remodeled Dilworth home with rocking chair front porch. Amazing backyard with outdoor kitchen area and pergola. Oversized patio surrounded by privacy fencing. Detached two-car garage. Updated kitchen with stainless appliances, island and pass-through to dining room with wall of windows overlooking backyard. Hardwood floors throughout, bedroom on main with full bath, office/playroom with niche off the large family room. Owner’s suite with cathedral ceiling, walk-in closet and large bath. Spacious secondary bedrooms with hardwoods. Extra room upstairs great for playroom/office or exercise area. Laundry room upstairs. Access basement from inside.
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historic homes| DILWORTH 812 Mcdonald Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203 Price: $925,000 MLS: 3636549 Listing Agent: Elizabeth Phares, Allen Tate Realtors, 704-651-8562, elizabeth.phares@ allentate.com Grab a piece of Dilworth, nestled in between the historic district and booming South End. Conveniently located near your neighborhood grocer, neighborhood schools and three city parks. Owner’s suite on main and two separate living areas. There’s storage aplenty here and a huge detached garage. Expansive windows allow for bursts of natural light throughout. Enjoy your fantastic front porch or more private back patio. If you are looking for an open concept floor plan but still want some fun, quirky charm—this is it and priced to sell.
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|historic homes FACTORY SOUTH 310 Arlington Avenue #201, Charlotte, NC 28203 Price: $570,000 MLS: 3572881 Listing Agent: Beverley Fasth, Savvy + Co. Real Estate, 704-877-2122, beverley@ savvyandcompany.com Rare chance for ground-floor condo in Charlotte’s landmark Lance building. This 1920s factory loft has almost 2,100 square feet in the heart of South End. This property is a historic location for a modern lifestyle. Two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows look out to South Boulevard. Wood ceilings, 18-inch steel beams and tons of exposed brick alongside warm hardwoods and crown molding. Renovated kitchen and bath. Freshly painted throughout. This unit also has access to a secured side door from Bland street for easy access. Includes one covered parking spot and separate large storage area. Light rail and “Rail Trail” are just steps away.
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MYERS PARK 2114 Norton Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 Price: $1,595,000 MLS: 3644664 Listing Agent: Tiernan Rose, HM Properties, 561-706-5450, tiernanrose@hmproperties.com Incredible two-story, white painted traditional home located on one of Myers Park’s most sought-after streets. This home has been renovated with all the modern amenities. First floor boasts a formal living room and dining room, chef’s kitchen that opens to a spacious great room, breakfast room and a cozy office. Upstairs includes three auxiliary bedrooms with two full baths, large master suite with walk-in closets, laundry room and lovely master bath. Covered porches on both the front and back of the home with additional terrace off the back. Private, flat backyard with detached garage and a phenomenal guest suite above.
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|design instyle
Bathroom updates In these oft-used rooms, small changes equal big impact by Vicki Donatelli
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othing can encourage you to finally address those home improvement projects like sheltering in place for months and months. Bathrooms and kitchens lead the list for areas that need major attention. They’re spaces we use every day and cause us the most dissatisfaction within our abode.
So why not do something? Anything is better than nothing. Homeowners seem to make decorating and remodeling decisions based on “when we get ready to sell.” Big mistake. You end up living in a house designed for its next owners, not yourself.
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Strasser’s Amiri wall-mount vanity floats above the floor, adding to the air of modernity while bringing a sense of spaciousness / strasserwood.com
Unless you have terrible style or never visit the internet home sites, the decisions you make will be okay for the next family. Enjoy your home now with your family. The key is to keep the same style running throughout your home’s interior. Let a house speak to you. It will accept changes but only if they are consistent with its bones. Unless you are undergoing a complete renovation, you need to let each project play off the prior one’s style,
color palette and overall value. Don’t put a $3,000 faucet in a bathroom that has a chipped sink and bad flooring. This doesn’t mean to cheap out— just spend your money wisely on what’s important to you. Don’t install a soaking tub if you always take showers. A wiser investment would be to remove your outdated tub and enlarge the size of your shower. Outfit the shower with today’s newest equipment that you will really
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Sans Hands automated faucet technology eliminates the need to touch the faucet handles / sonomaforge.com
Solid brass large format showerheads bring a big “wow” factor to the bath / calfaucets.com
Steampunk Bay captures the zeitgeist of today’s industrial chic design / calfaucets.com
Cascade Collection glass tiles from Island Stone / islandstone.com
enjoy using. California Faucets’ wider spray showerheads with plenty of personalization options is a better alternative than a “rain shower” head. It doesn’t require any new plumbing changes and delivers a more sumptuous and wider spray experience. Replacing an old fiberglass molded shower unit with fresh tiles and fixtures is money well spent. You will enjoy using it every day. Tile selection can be overwhelming. Stay away from dark-colored tiles. A shower is a small area, and you want it to be well-lit and hygienic. The Cascade Collection of glass tiles from Island Stone combines classic shapes with a textured fin-
ish to create subtle movement on the surface that mimics water. It’s a dynamic alternative to matte- or gloss-finish glass tiles. The aesthetic is ideal for creating a spa-like vibe even in a small bath. Give some serious thought to your options when replacing your vanity. For decades, the height of vanities ranged from 30 to 32 inches tall. Low counter heights date a bathroom— not to mention all that bending while brushing your teeth and washing your face. Consider a vanity ranging from 42 to 48 inches, depending on your height and if you’re installing an undermount sink. A raised basin or
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vessel sink calls for a lower vanity to bring its bowl’s edge to a comfortable height. While a floating or wall-mounted vanity unlocks valuable floor space and makes a small bath appear larger, it does require special plumbing. With all fixture changes, check with your contractor or plumber regarding installation cost. You may change your mind and decide you can be just as happy with a customary option rather than spending more than you can afford. Little changes can make a big difference. We are all doing more hand washing and cleaning than before. A great update is a touchless faucet. Technology removes the need to touch
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the faucet handles, eliminating the possible transfer of harmful pathogens. A variety of styles for both the kitchen and bathroom are available. Our home is our sanctuary more now than ever. If you have the time and budget to make even a few small improvements, you will find it very gratifying.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
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Photo courtesy of House of Nomad
|design trends
Sustainable design Repurposed and upcycled materials create unique looks for every room by Moment Palmer
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he homebuilding industry has seen a huge surge in using recycled materials and sustainable practices for both construction and design applications, and now it’s trending in interior design, too. Home decorating trends change constantly, and many pieces of furniture are inexpensive—since they’re only intended to last until the next season’s style debuts—and can easily be tossed and bought again. However, many designers are working to turn this industry into something that’s
not only budget- and eco-friendly, but also long-lasting and sentimentally valuable. “Recycling/repurposing is a great way to save money and the environment, but the true rewards come when materials are thoughtfully used to develop a space that is warm, welcoming and personal,” says MaryJo Camp, certified kitchen and bath designer and partner with DesignCamp. “Our homes reflect who we are, and the kinds of materials and furniture one chooses combine to define the space.”
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Photos courtesy of Carolina Spaces Furniture & Design
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TRENDS The key to working upcycled furniture and decor into a room so it’s both functional and decorative starts with first selecting one piece—usually a large item like a bed or sofa—and adding to the room one piece at a time. This avoids the outdated matching furniture suite look, instead building a recurring theme with the use of color, pattern or shapes. “Repurposed, eclectic design is definitely very trendy—it mixes time periods and styles into a cohesive look,” says Joan Inglis, owner of Carolina Spaces Furniture & Design. “The challenge in designing with recycled items, whether you use a few key pieces or a roomful, is to bring those eclectic materials together in harmony.” Inglis recommends using different woods in varying tones, assorted metals and a mix of contemporary and traditional styles with a central element that ties the room together. Personalization and well-being are
the two main global trends emerging in sustainable interior design. Combine purchased recycled materials with materials or pieces that have some personal importance to you, like antique hardware from your home or a bureau turned into a guest room vanity. “These choices satisfy the need for emotional well-being by connecting to the past,” says Inglis.
and repurposed materials for a personalized design that can be enjoyed by the entire family,” Inglis explains. Using antique drawer pulls and knobs from an original space and augmenting them with complimentary current hardware is a great way to honor the past while providing a new space that better suits the homeowner and family.
PERSONALIZED REPURPOSING Incorporating personal and sentimental items into one’s decorating scheme is a huge trend in upcycling décor, such as including reclaimed heritage pieces and family heirlooms. For example, old luggage can be stacked to become side tables with hidden storage, or a large, bulky TV armoire cabinet from a few decades ago can be inexpensively repurposed into a baby wardrobe, utility cabinet or computer nook. “Designers who understand their client’s needs will encourage their clients to combine new
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Recycling and upcycling items into residential applications in furnishings, designs and home renovations not only benefit the homeowner’s budget but also local businesses—and is also good for the planet. “Purchasing locally from shops that carry American-made furnishings rather than buying imports online helps the local economy and has far-reaching environmental benefits,” says Camp. “Think about the fuel used in shipping
from foreign countries, then trucking from ports to distribution centers, and finally trucking to your door versus home delivery from a local business. The same is true for wood products that go into the construction and remodeling of homes. Always ask your contractor if they source materials locally or in the Carolinas.” Reusing materials from the existing space saves homeowners the cost of hauling to a disposal site and saves the environment the use of a landfill. It’s also important to balance the cost of refurbishing a piece to make it appropriate for reuse. Consider reupholstering rather than buying a new sofa or chair. You can get the custom look you’re after while making far less impact on the environment. Using unique items repurposed in creative ways can elevate a project from merely nice to exceptional, making it difficult to put a price tag on the improvement.
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Photos courtesy of Carolina Spaces Furniture & Design
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“Sustainability applies to decor as well,” says Kelley Lentini, co-owner and designer at House of Nomad. “Instead of always buying new decor, look for vintage pieces that can be mixed in with your newer items to give personality and layer story into your space.” WOOD AND BUILDING MATERIALS Some of the best and most popular materials to repurpose include recycled materials like barn siding, shiplap and wood flooring/cabinets. People also use wooden pallets to create indoor or outdoor furniture, shoe racks, pet beds or shelving. Other trends that incorporate recycling wood (and other) materials include: • Live edge tabletops — A live edge is a slab cut from the tree without trimming the sides straight. Most of these slabs would be discarded because of
cracks, holes and bark, but this natural beauty is very unique for use in dining rooms, consoles, cocktail and side tables. They can be found at lumber distributors that carry specialty woods. • Stained glass panels — Add to cabinetry or walls to enhance color and definition to spaces. • Unique table legs — Made of metal, wood, or other interesting materials, these can be used to support islands or other large pieces of furniture. “Many folks enjoy visiting antique, thrift and consignment shops, flea markets and garage sales. There are plenty of furniture items, textiles, artwork and accessories from different time periods to be found. With some basic knowledge of carpentry and painting, the average person can morph an item into something totally different,” Camp says.
TEXTILES In addition to wood, textiles are also a popular interior design element homeowners and designers enjoy incorporating into a space. “Many of the rugs we hand-select in Morocco are vintage—meaning that instead of selecting new products, we are repurposing handmade items that have both beauty and age,” Berkeley Minkhorst, co-owner at House of Nomad, explains. “Our goal is not just creating one-of-a-kind, traveled spaces but that our designs consider the places these designs come from.” Two favorite items House of Nomad designers like to use to add vibrant color to a sofa or bedroom are kanthas (hand-crafted from recycled saris) and overdyed rugs (crafted by taking vintage rugs, shaving them down and completely dying them in one color). “These pieces are sustainable because they are repurposing a vintage piece,” says Minkhorst. Whatever your next interior design project entails, consider using recycled materials and pieces to create a stunning one-of-a-kind look that is kind to your budget and your planet.
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Photos courtesy of Carolina Spaces Furniture & Design
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Photos by Dustin Peck Photography
|straight talk
Mad About Modern goes virtual This year’s tour will be online and span a whole week by Allen Norwood
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harlotte’s popular “Mad About Modern” tour of midcentury-modern homes is going virtual this year. It won’t be the same, of course, but there are pluses: It will last a week, not just a single day, offering you more opportunity to work the tour into your busy schedule. You’re assured of getting a ticket. That can be important. In years past, ticket sales were capped at 1,500 and sold out. Also, parking won’t be a problem. “That’s right,” Adria Focht, president of the Charlotte Museum of History, said with a laugh. “Parking and traffic can be a very real problem in Charlotte.” The tour, hosted by the museum, will run Sept. 26 through Oct. 4. It will feature three houses from three decades: the 1950s, 60s and 70s. One, the CohenFumero house, was on the tour last year as an empty shell. It has been restored and furnished in period style, so return tour visitors can appreciate the before and after. Tour organizers wrestled with whether to offer a virtual tour, Focht said. There are limitations, even with top-notch 360-degree video. “An important part of
the experience is being in the houses,” she said, “so we really struggled.” Then organizers learned of a similar midcentury home tour hosted by Restore Oregon. It was forced to go virtual and ended up being a big hit. Folks in Charlotte reached out to those in Portland for advice, and the local tour came together. On opening day, George Smart of Raleigh, who Dwell magazine called “the Lorax of Modernist houses,” will discuss modernism in Charlotte. While the home tours are recorded, his presentation won’t be, so you’ll have only one opportunity to hear him. He’s terrific. He knows Charlotte midcentury modern homes and architects as well as he knows those in the Triangle. He has brought busloads of hardcore midcentury fans from Raleigh to Charlotte to tour homes here. (And to visit Ikea, where they jam the bus luggage compartment with those signature flat boxes. Folks who love midcentury modern, including young homeowners, really are passionate about the look.) Tour organizers have added a special twist to Smart’s presentation to help
capture a bit of the midcentury house party vibe of a live tour. Focht described it as a sort of “cocktail minute” before his lecture. The cocktail bar Dot Dot Dot has agreed to come up with a “Mad About Modern” drink for the occasion. A bartender will mix the cocktail at the beginning of the presentation—and you can do the same at home with a recipe from Dot Dot Dot. Here’s a quick look at the featured houses from the museum’s tour release: The Cohen-Fumero house is at 1154 Cedarwood Lane in Coventry Woods. Built in 1961, it was vacant and in disrepair when local realtor and midcentury enthusiast Charlie Miller bought it in 2019. Architect Murray Whisnant designed the house for artists Herb Cohen and Jose Fumero, and their house became a center of artistic social life in 1960s Charlotte. It features three bedrooms in 1,728 square feet. Design elements include avocado and harvest gold tile, a Smeg atomic range top and an orange wall phone in the kitchen.
Tour organizers call the house at 6818 Markway Drive in Grove Park the “time capsule.” Built in 1954, it contains original finishes and design elements. There’s a sunken living room and indoor brick planter box in the 2,134-square-foot, three-bedroom house. The house at 410 Lockley Drive in Eastover dates to 1973. It’s the largest of the three homes at 3,363 square feet. It features a floating staircase in front of a white oak slat partition wall, with floor-toceiling windows just beyond. A renovation incorporated original elements, including a two-sided brick fireplace. The front door is bright coral. An addition includes a new kitchen, dining room, family room and master suite. Tickets for the virtual “Mad About Modern” tour are $20 and are available at madaboutmodern.com. Tickets for the tour package, which includes George Smart’s one-time-only lecture at 6 p.m. on Sept. 26, are $30.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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