The Luxury and Style Issue





Nouvelle Furnishings is a one-stop destination for unique furniture, offering a variety of designer luxury European brands. With offerings such as in-house design consultation, and designer programs, their goal is to provide clients with an enjoyable experience selecting exceptional pieces, bringing your dream visions to completion.
Luxury can mean getting to know great people too. With the recent passing of Rolfe Neill, former Publisher of the Charlotte Observer, I realize that there is as much luxury in getting to know great people as there is in where you live and how well you live. He's pictured here with my dear friend Barbara McKay, an advisor to this magazine and long time local WBTV personality. They were photographed by our friend Paul Williams, III who contributed to the Charlotte Observer while Rolfe was with the newspaper. We were all at Providence Gallery when the magazine helped host a showing of artist and long time retailer Paul Simon's art collection last year. They are all great people and it was a luxury to spend time with all of them, including the Gallery's owner Debbie Bass and former Bank of America CEO, Hugh McColl. Rolfe is gone now but it meant so much to hear him tell me how much he loved our magazine. As one of the founders of South Park magazine, I valued his opinion. He applauded the efforts we make each month and he appreciated the value that our franchise hyper-local magazine brings to the South Charlotte community. He was impressed that we are one of 172 magazines in the City Lifestyle family of magazines across the country.
In addition to recognizing the luxury of getting to know special people in Charlotte, this month we include an article about luxury living at home with fabulous furniture and accessories from Nouvelle Furnishings. Tracy Poff and Stephen Paddison at Green Home Solutions educate us on the luxury of clean air and maintaining better air quality in our homes. We also take you on a visit with us to the Don CeSar luxury hotel in St. Pete, FL as well as give you a final taste of summer with Barbara McKay's no bake fresh peach pie. The highlight of our issue is our Cover with the model wearing black and the article about the psychology of wearing black. It's thought provoking as we begin to plan our wardrobes for a return to more business meetings and fall dress up events.
Appreciate Luxury in all things South Charlotte!
LYN COALDWELL, PUBLISHERPUBLISHER
Lyn Coaldwell | lyn.coaldwell@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Carol Long | carol.long@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Melissa Latin | melissa@charlottefashionplate.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Melinda Burris | mbwillms@gmail.com
SALES SUPPORT
Alexandra Rothman alexandrarothman10@gmail.com
Nelson Sweezy | nsweezym22@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melinda Burris, Ann Brewer, Tracy Poff, Stephen Paddison, NJ Nassar, Barbara McKay, Melissa Latin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Yellow Duck Marketing, Nouvelle Furnishings and Creative Charlotte, Barbara McKay and Mark Hanson, Green Home Solutions, Melissa Latin, Don CeSar Resort, Paul Williams, III
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
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In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, lies a haven for modern European design enthusiasts - Nouvelle Furnishings. Founded by the passionate duo, Ahmad and Hanan Nassar, this family-owned store has quickly become the city’s premier source for luxury furniture and lighting with an unmistakable touch of European sophistication.
Ahmad and Hanan Nassar’s love for elegant and contemporary furniture led them to Charlotte in the summer of 2021. Captivated by the city’s artistic and creative atmosphere, they recognized the perfect opportunity to introduce their luxury aesthetic to the region. With access to the most prestigious European brands, they embarked on a journey to curate a collection that epitomized precision, elegance, and functionality.
At Nouvelle Furnishings, the focus on customization sets them apart. The founders firmly believe that no detail is too small when it comes to creating furniture that resonates with individual tastes and lifestyle needs. Clients are treated to an array of personalized options, including various colors, fabrics, materials, and sizes. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or a subtle addition to complement existing decor, Nouvelle Furnishings ensures that every item reflects the distinct essence of its owner.
The team at Nouvelle Furnishings takes immense pride in their extensive knowledge of their products. Their passion for contemporary design is matched by a commitment to delivering an exceptional shopping experience for every customer. Understanding that furniture selection goes beyond mere aesthetics, the experts at Nouvelle focus on creating lifestyles through thoughtful recommendations and insightful advice.
Nouvelle Furnishings boasts a diverse selection of lines and brands that cater to a range of preferences. The store’s specialty lies in its modern and luxury offerings, showcasing pieces that effortlessly blend style and functionality. Additionally, the company collaborates seamlessly with clients, ensuring their visions are brought to life through intuitive design solutions.
Nouvelle Furnishings extends its expertise beyond residential spaces. The company’s interior design and styling services cater to both commercial and residential clients, reflecting its commitment to creating beautiful and functional spaces. From assisting local designers to partnering with vendors for commercial projects, Nouvelle Furnishings aims to enhance any environment with its timeless European allure.
Precision framing and meticulous construction lie at the core of Nouvelle Furnishings’ philosophy. With a strong emphasis on
quality materials and joinery techniques, the furniture withstands the test of time, ensuring years of comfort and enjoyment for customers. Each piece is an embodiment of the founders’ dedication to providing lasting and reliable furniture.
For those seeking European elegance and contemporary design, Nouvelle Furnishings offers a gateway to a world of customization and timeless beauty. Their showroom is a sanctuary where every client is a priority, and every furnishing is tailored to perfection. Whether you desire a single statement piece or a complete interior transformation, Nouvelle Furnishings awaits, ready to elevate your living spaces with their exceptional European collections. Visit their store today and experience the enchantment of Nouvelle Furnishings, where sophistication meets lifestyle.
Inquire today to explore their custom-made products, revel in color customization options, and discover how Nouvelle Furnishings can transform your home into a masterpiece of contemporary European elegance.
Beyond their commitment to design excellence, Ahmad and Hanan Nassar also place great importance on community engagement. Nouvelle Furnishings actively collaborates with local artists, designers, and businesses to foster creativity and support the growth of the artistic community in Charlotte. Through art exhibitions, design workshops, and partnerships with charitable organizations, Nouvelle Furnishings has become an integral part of the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Nouvelle Furnishings’ dedication to its customers is unrivaled. Every visit to the showroom is treated as a personalized experience, ensuring that each client receives the attention and care they deserve. Whether browsing for a single item or seeking complete interior design services, Nouvelle Furnishings’ team of experts is always ready to assist, offering valuable insights and suggestions to make the process effortless and enjoyable.
With a strong emphasis on quality materials and joinery techniques, the furniture withstands the test of time, ensuring years of comfort and enjoyment for customers.
Recognizing the significance of interior designers and the design industry as a whole, Nouvelle Furnishings offers a comprehensive trade program. By collaborating with local designers and offering free storage space for up to six months during construction or renovation delays, Nouvelle Furnishings demonstrates its dedication to supporting design professionals in their projects. Furthermore, the quick ship programs provide efficient solutions for time-sensitive endeavors, ensuring that projects meet their deadlines without compromising on quality.
As Nouvelle Furnishings continues to flourish, the company remains committed to staying at the forefront of design trends and innovation. Constantly seeking out new European brands and design concepts, Nouvelle Furnishings ensures that its collections remain fresh and relevant.
Nouvelle Furnishings is not just a furniture store; it is a destination for those seeking sophistication, elegance, and contemporary European design. Through unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, personalized service, and community engagement, Nouvelle Furnishings has become a cherished part of the Charlotte community, leaving a lasting impression on the lives and homes of its clients.
As you step into Nouvelle Furnishings’ showroom, you are greeted not just by exquisite furniture, but by a story of passion, creativity, and a profound love for design. Ahmad and Hanan Nassar’s vision has turned a dream into a reality. As Nouvelle Furnishings continues to evolve, one can only anticipate the remarkable chapters it will add to Charlotte’s design legacy.
So, if you seek to elevate your living spaces with modern European luxury, Nouvelle Furnishings stands ready to transform your aspirations into reality, one meticulously crafted piece at a time. Step inside and embark on a journey of design, artistry, and inspiration, where every detail speaks of elegance, and every space reflects your unique lifestyle.
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
Need to get away from the demands of daily life? As soon as you enter The Don CeSar, you are transported to another world of elegance and leisure. Each guestroom is decorated in a beach-inspired décor of blush tones complete with designer fabrics and custom millwork. The resort greets you and puts you in a beach state of mind the moment you enter your room and experience the whimsical design of tropical birds perched high above each bed’s whitewashed headboard, welcoming you to this destination hotel surrounded by panoramic, picturesque views of the magnificent Gulf of Mexico.
19 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SOUTHCHARLOTTE SEPTEMBER 2023
Although you will feel you have left the world behind, The Don CeSar offers its guests premium Wi-Fi and all the modern conveniences you could wish for. Have something special in mind? Just speak to a member of the hotel’s accommodating staff who pride themselves on providing personalized service second to none.
From premium Wi-Fi to sumptuous cotton sheets and luxe bath amenities, guests are treated to a full range of modern amenities and custom service.
If tranquil serenity is what you yearn for, The Don Cesar has you covered, offering a selection of King and Queen Beach House Suites that will have you feeling as if you have been invited to a personal paradise all your own. Each suite is open and airy with its own kitchenette equipped with everything you need from sunup to sunrise. Greet each morning with a fresh cup of java made from a coffee maker and enjoy making your favorite snacks as you relax and enjoy your favorite programs on the state-of-the-art LED TVs in the living room and each bedroom. Pets are allowed in the first-floor accommodations, which means there’s never any need for concern about leaving your furry family members behind!
Each suite comes with a fully furnished balcony where you can soak up the sun, leave the digital world behind for a bit, and take in the natural coastal beauty that surrounds you.
If you like to mix your relaxation with some fun in the sun, the Don CeSar is just the place! All accommodations feature direct beach access where there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Rid yourself of the tensions of daily life with a refreshing soak in the outdoor heated hot tub or a rejuvenating swim in one of the resort’s two outdoor heated pools.
Kayak and paddle board rentals offer the chance to get an invigorating daily workout your neighborhood gym simply can’t match. The resort also features a fitness and wellness center and free bicycle rentals.
If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, relax in your private rented cabana with your favorite beverage from the poolside bar or enjoy watching your children play in the surf.
Are you a hopeless shopaholic or a full-on foodie?
You’ll find your fill of fine dining and shopping galore a short half-mile walk from the Don CeSar. The Maritana, a high-end restaurant located within the main hotel is ranked one of St. Pete’s best triple A 4 Diamond Dining experiences for good reason, and enjoying its Spanish-inspired cuisine is a must for any serious foodie!
There are other restaurants along the beachfront, popular among visitors and locals alike.
The Pink Palace is home to the renowned Spa Oceana which has repeatedly been named the best spa in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Let your troubles melt away as you slip into a plush spa robe and slippers and enjoy your choice of services in one of the 16 treatment rooms in this award-winning spa. The 11,000-square-foot spa also includes a full-service salon. After the facial, massage, or salon service of your choice, relax in an aroma-scented steam room or take in opulent, not to be missed views of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico from the spa’s rooftop terrace. Reservations are recommended prior to your arrival so you don’t miss the distinct nurturing and healing experience offered at the Spa Oceana.
Looking for a romantic getaway? The Don CeSar is just the place to rekindle the spark with your special someone! Book a couples massage at the spa for a shared therapeutic experience.
With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and picturesque location, the Pink Palace is a popular choice for destination weddings, conferences, and other special events. Our Social Media Coordinator, Melissa Latin and her husband Steve, were married at the Don CeSar and revisited their romantic memories by celebrating their Wedding Anniversary there recently.
Visit DonCeSar.com or call 844.338.1501 to start planning your special getaway today!
“Opened at the height of the Great Gatsby Era in 1928, this gorgeous hotel has provided accommodations to movie stars and famous writers.”
To live in luxury, you have to be able to breathe healthy air.
These are a few examples of the types of calls Green Home Solutions receives on a daily basis:
“Hi, yes, I’m calling because my child wakes up every morning congested with itchy eyes, and I was wondering if you could check our home and see if anything is going on.”
“Hello,
“We have a musty smell throughout the house and are not sure where it’s coming from. Is this something you can help with?”
“I’m pregnant and want to make sure my home has no issues before the baby comes. Can you test our air quality?”
Indoor air quality issues can be caused by anything from mold to allergens, particles, chemicals, and more.
Luckily for Charlotte and the surrounding Metro region, Green Home Solutions opened their doors five years ago and the company quickly earned a reputation as one you can trust with your home, business, and most importantly, your health.
Stephen Paddison and Tracy Poff, the co-owners of Green Home Solutions, never pictured themselves owning a business together when they met 20 years ago when their sons were schoolmates. Stephen had moved to Charlotte from Australia
Being a ‘GREEN’ company, Green Home Solutions does not use any harsh chemicals but rather plant-based enzymes, eco-friendly EPA-registered products, and environmental probiotics that really work. “We use nature against nature," as Stephen likes to point out.
we had a leak in the kitchen, and I see some black stuff on the wall. I think it might be mold.”
BY TRACY POFF, STEPHEN PADDISON, AND ANN BREWER | PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
with his wife and young son after serving in the Royal Australian Navy for 25 years as an engineer. Tracy had a long career in sports, working for Nike and sports talk radio.
The combination of Stephen’s vast knowledge of the science behind indoor air quality and Tracy’s sales and communication skills proved to be a perfect match! Together they opened Green Home Solutions Charlotte, and the venture has been more successful and rewarding than either could have ever imagined.
A recent client of Stephen and Tracy’s describes her experience with Green Home Solutions:
“We have lived in our house now for 40 years. We were newlyweds when we purchased it in 1983—a home that we still love and consider beautiful. As time rolled by, we added on, remodeled the kitchen, installed a brick courtyard, and added some storage areas.
Over the years, my husband developed allergies. We thought it was simply due to a natural allergic reaction to our dog, everything outside, and possibly age. We never considered the idea that the inside of our house could be causing the constant coughing, sneezing, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms until we decided to have our indoor air quality examined.
We were so fortunate to reach out to Green Home Solutions. I enjoyed talking with Tracy, who answered my questions professionally, knowledgeably, and with expertise about possible allergens in our older home. We agreed to schedule an appointment to determine our needs. Air samples were taken by the company owners, Stephen and Tracy, and we received the test results within 24 hours.
Alarmingly, it was determined that we had a very high volume of allergens inside! Green Home Solutions solved our problem by thoroughly eradicating the allergens throughout our entire home. They were timely and left everything cleaner and neater than they found it! My husband is no longer coughing or sneezing, and he is getting quality sleep! We are SO grateful for their expertise! We only wish we had discovered Green Home Solutions earlier.”
In the beginning, their business mostly dealt with mold remediation and some odor removal work. Being a ‘GREEN’ company, Green Home Solutions does not use any harsh chemicals but rather plant-based enzymes, eco-friendly EPA-registered products, and environmental probiotics that really work. “We use nature against nature,” as Stephen likes to point out.
When COVID hit, Green Home Solutions was one of the few local companies that had experience treating viruses with safe and effective methods—the same ones used by most hospitals. Tracy adds, “People were calling really worried and afraid, and it felt good to say we can help you and here’s how.” With people working from home and spending much more time inside, they started noticing things in their homes they hadn’t before—a musty odor, heightened allergy symptoms, spots on walls or ceilings, and so on. In one instance, a church had turned off its AC while they were closed down. As a result, mold grew everywhere due to the high heat and humidity.
An indoor quality assessment begins with an inspection of the entire building by Stephen, with everything observed from the attic down to the crawl space and every room in between. Air samples are usually taken along with an air monitor that checks for particles, chemicals, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and more.
Many people think a mold issue is making them unwell, but often it’s something else. Even doctors’ offices are referring patients to Green Home Solutions to help determine if an issue at their home or office is the source of their illness.
One local property manager we spoke with added:
“As a Property Manager of a condominium complex in Charlotte, the owners and I have used the services of Green Home Solutions. Tracy and Stephen have been very professional, upfront, and honest in explaining the process of their service. They deliver on their services and don’t oversell. I highly recommend Green Home Solutions for indoor air quality testing, mold removal and remediation, odor removal, HVAC cleaning, and the additional services they provide.”
Breathe better today with Green Home Solutions. Call 704.312.8557, or visit online at GreenHomeSolutions.com/Charlotte-NC
As the weather cools (hopefully soon), during early fall we begin to rethink our wardrobes. During this time, we think more about wearing items devoid of color, primarily more black. As summer ends, we’re moving forward with more work days, more business meetings, and more events with dress up opportunities.
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Psychologically, many see the color black as a way to capture or maintain their power, be seen, be acknowledged, make an impression, be noticed, and be received well by everyone.
However, some choose black for comfort. With uncertainty about acceptance in certain situations, some retreat into a safe place surrounded by black clothing. They feel they will be better received, more easily accepted, and will be treated with more respect in black attire. Choosing black can help ease anxiety and can give a sense of security. We can look prepared for anything in black. We think wearing black will help us be taken more seriously. While wearing black, we can exude more confidence yet slip into the background until we’re ready to make power moves. The color black can also help lend to the perception of attractiveness.
In terms of women’s wardrobes, many of us choose black to show control and power by minimizing our size. It helps us give a message that we control how our bodies look. We love how black can make us appear thinner, more sleek, and more in control of our appearance. Whether it’s to a business meeting, running errands or to a social event, we can always count on looking our best in black. We are serious, and we want to be taken seriously.
Men can also feel somewhat the same about wearing black. For them, black is an indicator of strength, power and control. Most feel they can command leadership and authority dressed in black. Black can enhance the male physique as well.
Wear your Black proudly wherever you go!
Her thoughtful no bake fresh peach pie doesn’t even require us to turn on the oven and further add to the heat in our kitchen. It’s light and very refreshing to enjoy after a meal or just as a snack.
Barbara, an advisor to the magazine, continues to impress with her high energy level and always gives us the best recipes for entertaining or for just dining alone. That’s why her lifestyle book is still flying off the shelves and tables at book signings and why WBTV still asks her to come back and guest host their midday show occasionally. If you haven’t already picked up a copy of her book, you’ll want to purchase a copy of Coming Home: Recipes and Reflections from a Life in the Spotlight from Amazon or from her website barbaramckay.com . It’s also perfect for sharing as a gift for any occasion.
In addition to preparing dishes from her book that you can share with your family and friends, you’ll be inspired while reading about Barbara’s wonderful life of travel and her 29 year career at WBTV while raising her children.
Again,
• 1 Prepared Graham Cracker Crust
• 6-8 Fresh peaches peeled and sliced
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1 cup Water
• 1 Tablespoon Corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla
• 1/2 small package Peach Jello
• Sweetened whipped cream
• Prepare a deep-dish graham cracker crust according to the directions on the box of graham crumbs.
• Cover the crust in peeled sliced peaches and layer. The number of peaches will depend on their size.
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, corn syrup and vanilla. Bring to a boil and lower heat to a simmer, stirring constantly, simmer until thickened. This takes only a few minutes so watch carefully. Stir in the half package of Jello until dissolved. Pour the mixture over the peaches and refrigerate until firm.
• Arrange peaches on top and with sweetened whipped cream.
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2023
3RD SEPTEMBER 12TH - SEPTEMBER 17TH SEPTEMBER 22ND
SEPTEMBER 24TH SEPTEMBER 26THSEPTEMBER 30TH
Around the Crown 10K
TRUIST FIELD, SOUTH MINT ST, CHARLOTTE | 7:30 AM
Head back to the highway to run along side thousands of your closest friends! In the first mile, you’ll head through Uptown just past the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC stadium. Just after mile one, you’ll enter I-277, Charlotte’s inner beltway, for three miles where you’ll see the Queen City from a new speed while circling the breathtaking skyline. aroundthecrown10k.com
CHICAGO the Musical
BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CTR, CHARLOTTE
CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz with one show-stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Celebrate the award-winning musical’s 25th anniversary! blumenthalarts.org
59th Annual Festival in the Park
FREEDOM PARK, 1409 EAST BLVD, CHARLOTTE
Since 1964, Festival in the Park has been bringing good music, good art and good times to Charlotteans and visitors from around the world. The scents of a variety of food fill the air, as small children with painted faces happily produce their first artwork. Come out to marvel at the freshness of this year’s offerings! festivalinthepark.org
Charlotte Fashion Week - 2023
VARIOUS VENUES IN CHARLOTTE
Fashion / Designer / Boutique Runway Shows! These Charlotte Fashion Shows are a week-long extravaganza that will demonstrate the value of fashion, elite lifestyles, recycling and energy, while featuring an international flair. This year’s event will combine the experience of fashion, art, cuisine, shopping and all the creativity that goes along with high-stepping fashion. The venues will vary, so check the website for more information. charlotteseen.com
BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CTR, CHARLOTTE
Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. blumentalarts.org
Charlotte Wine and Food Festival 2023
30TH
SYMPHONY PARK, 4400 SHARON RD, CHARLOTTE | 12:00 PM