N Home Magazine 2021 by Nandina Home & Design

REAL LIFE

REAL STYLE

JANUARY 2021

P U B L I C AT I O N

B Y

N A N D I N A

H O M E

D E S I G N

Home “It’s in our name, it’s what we believe in, it’s in our work, it defines who we are and how we live.”

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Table of Contents

The events of 2020 and the way in which we were all forced to navigate them have forever changed the way we work and live, not just at Nandina, but

Letter from the Editor 3

throughout our country and the world! In the process, we began to work from

OUR BRAND

home and change many of our communication methods from personal to virtual,

Our Story 4

no longer able to enjoy interpersonal contact as freely as we once did.

We Believe 6

Thus the importance of home, which is the concept our business was built upon,

OUR TEAM

became a universal theme. Our homes became the foundation of our

Aiken 8

day-to-day existence. The tectonic shifts of 2020 put our Nandina brand of

Atlanta 10

“Real Life, Real Style” to the test, and I am proud to say it proved to be solid.

Greenville 12

This past year was as real as life gets: working from home, eating at home,

R E D E F I N I N G H O M E 14

teaching our children from home, and even vacationing at home became the norm. All of us became much more focused on making our homes more functional,

HOME IS PERSONAL

more comfortable, more nurturing, and ultimately more beautiful. In other words,

Artfully Collected Classic 16

Letter

Polo Infused Bungalow 23 HOME IS PURPOSEFUL

from the

Modern Urban Highrise 31

Editor

Family Hunt Lodge 36 Light-Filled Transitional 43

we are all in the throes of “Redefining Home,” and this edition of N Home is dedicated to that process. When we began planning this edition, delayed because of the shutdown, we wanted to do something a little different. From start to finish, this newest N Home issue is unique. Rotated on its side, more pages, bigger photographs, less copy, these are the obvious changes. But as you flip through the magazine, we want you

HOME IS JOYFUL

SUSAN VICTOR

Atlanta Contemporary 49

svictor@nandinahome.com

Sophisticated Coastal Retreat 55

803.649.0616

Lakeside Living 61 HOME IS A SANCTUARY

Casually Elegant Lakehouse 66

S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T

Refined Master Suite 72

Content Contributor

Inspired by Nature 77

REBECCA FAULK

COMMERCIAL ADAPTIVE REUSE 2

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Art and Photography Director

to feel welcomed into our Nandina home. We want you to get to know us, who we are, what we believe, and how we use our love of design to help our clients define and demonstrate what their homes mean to them. As we begin a new year, all of us at Nandina thank you for allowing us into your home, whether in person or in the form of this N Home lifestyle publication. Nandina is here because of you, and all of us are grateful. Here’s to the discovery of your own Real Life, Real Style in 2021!

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Our Story When we opened the doors of our first Nandina location in Aiken, South Carolina, more than 15 years ago, we believed that every home should be full of real life and real style. Real life is hectic, over-scheduled, disheveled, fun, and fulfilling. Real life encompasses the beautiful chaos of family, pets, laundry, messy kitchens and even professions,

Aiken, South Carolina

all under the same roof. To us, a real home is full of real life without having to sacrifice real style.

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 0 4

We strive for beautiful rooms that welcome us, nourish us, inspire us, express who we are,

158 Laurens Street, Aiken, SC 29801

803.649.0616

and reflect what we believe is the driving force behind our work.

M E E T T H E A I K E N D E S I G N T E A M O N PA G E 8

Our professional interior design team brings years of experience and a wealth of talent to the job. Thanks to our hardworking team, Nandina’s success is reflected in our ability to grow our business and create in areas beyond Aiken. In 2010, we launched our second Nandina location in Atlanta, which has since relocated to Sandy Springs, Georgia. As this year turns toward 2021, we are proud to announce the opening of our third Nandina location in Greenville, South Carolina. It is our desire that every Nandina client experience interior design in a whole new way, and we are proud of our lifestyle-designed showrooms that are the vehicle for that experience.

While the three cities and Nandina stores appear different from each other, there is a common theme: our focus on reflecting our clients’ style and lives throughout their homes. Interior design with Nandina means experiencing design consulting that is personalized, collaborative, principled, and focused on creating real homes for those who live real lives.

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Atlanta, Georgia

Greenville, South Carolina

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 2 0

6170 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

10 Toy Street, Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29601

404.521.9303

864.565.8801

M E E T T H E AT L A N TA D E S I G N T E A M O N PA G E 1 0

M E E T T H E G R E E N V I L L E D E S I G N T E A M O N PA G E 1 3 N HOME

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At Nandina, we believe... ... in our team; that every individual

... that great design is

... that real life and

timeless and worth the

real style can co-exist

investment

in the same home

working together produces a greater result than working alone

… that attention to detail, craftsmanship and customization are key to expressing our clients’ individuality

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… in service that exceeds – from inception to completion of every project

... and that no matter what family means to you, family comes first, and with that commitment, everything else falls into place

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Sue Shannon

Susan Victor

Michele Merritt

CO-OWNER PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

LEAD DESIGNER AIKEN

Lori Marvel D E S I G N E R A N D S H O W R O O M C O O R D I N AT O R

Sue’s ability to stay focused and produce beautiful designs

Susan’s role as designer inspires and permeates all other aspects

A native of South Carolina, Michele Merritt graduated

has taken on epic proportions at Nandina. She helps

of her job and fulfills her need for a sense of accomplishment.

with a degree in Interior Design cum laude from George Washington

her clients achieve the home they long for, as well as oversees

She loves every aspect of the design business and feels fortunate

University’s Mount Vernon Campus. When she joined the

the purchasing for vignette and design spaces for the

to have had the opportunity to be the lead designer on major

Nandina family, Michele brought with her a diverse portfolio

Nandina showrooms. This diversity provides her with inspiring

residential and commercial projects that involved full-scale

and strong passion for design. As a Lead Designer in Aiken,

challenges and strong creative fulfillment.

renovation or ground-up construction.

her designs range from yachts to retail spaces, as well as commercial

A lover of classic design and calculated space planning,

Being able to work with a team of talented and skilled interior

excellence from ASID (American Society of Interior Designers),

she always designs a well-organized home that is not only

designers reinforces her belief that great design often flows from

beautiful, but also provides a haven from the stresses of today’s

team effort. She finds that collaborating with the creative crew at

world. Sue’s own home is a place where she and her husband,

Nandina is one of the best parts of her work life.

Tim, enjoy the simple pleasures of her excellent design sensibility. As an empty nester who finds joy in watching her children’s lives unfold, Sue hopes to spend more time traveling to and with her family. 8

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Susan finds her muse in her love of travel and the history of places built by nature or by man. Her husband and their growing family of four children, their spouses and children are her foundation.

and residential projects. She has received several awards for a professional organization for accredited designers. Michele loves the challenge of introducing unexpected elements and pushing the creative process. Michele’s passion for design is equaled only by her love of family and all things outdoors. An avid traveler, equestrian, sailor, and recent fly-fishing convert, she finds inspiration and rejuvenation in all endeavors.

A I K E N D E S I G N A S S I S TA N T S

Cheyne Linkogle • Megan Aguilar Hannah Smith N HOME

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John Ishmael

Jessie LaFalce

C O - O W N E R – AT L A N TA / PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

DESIGN DIRECTOR & L E A D D E S I G N E R - AT L A N TA

Johna Jamison A S S O C I AT E D E S I G N E R

John Ishmael joined the Nandina-Atlanta team as co-owner

Jessie LaFalce joined the Nandina team in 2016 as a

and Lead Designer with more than 20 years of experience in the field

Lead Designer for the Atlanta location, bringing with her 25 years

of interior design. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree

of design industry experience. As an integral part of business

“We are not the

from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to Nandina,

development and growth strategy for the company, she has also

John owned and managed a successful custom workroom where he

taken on the role of Design Director.

writers of our clients’ stories,

specialized in draperies, slipcovers, and custom furniture. His love of fabrics and fascination with creating new spaces segued seamlessly into success as a designer, and he is often known for his creative use of textiles in his design work.

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Jessie leads her clients through the interior design process much as an educator does, explaining each element of the design in such

but the editors.” NICKEY KEHOE

a way that her clients fully understand the reasons behind each selection. She brings a complete understanding of the principles and

John is passionate about art and enjoys a successful second

nuances of design, allowing her to translate the client’s emotional and

career as an artist. A self-described serial renovator, John and his

energetic needs into tangible form. Jessie seeks a truly collaborative

husband, Troy, and their four dogs live in a historic 120-year-old

experience in which her clients’ homes reflect their wants, their needs

Victorian house in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta,

and ultimately their style, which allows her clients to develop full

Atlanta Design Studio Showroom

a home they are constantly updating.

confidence and ownership in the designs she creates.

located in Sandy Springs

JANUARY 2021

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

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Ashley Diggelmann, ALLIED ASID

BethAnn Connor, ALLIED ASID

LEAD DESIGNER GREENVILLE

A S S O C I AT E D E S I G N E R GREENVILLE

INTRODUCTION TO

Greenville As the New Year begins, we at Nandina Home and Design are proud and excited to open our newest showroom in the vibrant city of Greenville, South Carolina. The recently renovated, historic Hayne School building at 10 Toy Street is now home to our third design studio location. We invite you to drop in and browse through our room settings, each one carefully curated, intentional and personal, designed to reflect the unique Nandina brand of refinement, sophistication, functionality, and livable style. Come in to meet our

A native of the Upstate, Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts

BethAnn Connor, a native of Greenville, began working with Nandina

design team of Ashley Diggelmann and BethAnn Connor,

in Interior Design from Anderson University. She comes to

Home & Design in Aiken after graduating from the University of Alabama

both Upstate natives who have returned to

Nandina after eight years at GDC Home in Charleston, South

with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. In Aiken, BethAnn worked

Greenville to apply their ample, diverse experience

Carolina, with vast experience in residential, hospitality, and

closely with one of the principal designers on various residential and

commercial projects, approaching each project with the desire

commercial projects for nearly four years. She then moved to Dallas,

to marry beauty and function. Her extensive work with architects

Texas, to join a team supporting a nationally recognized designer at

to Greenville homes with excitement and renewed perspective.

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and contractors brings vision to her work, and her distinct style is

IBB Fine Furnishings, a large residential design firm. In Dallas, BethAnn

a blend of whimsy and sophistication. She enjoys assisting clients

gained experience working on large-scale, luxury projects in a fast-paced,

with a wide range of challenges, including selecting architectural

urban environment, increasing her interior design expertise and exploring

details and finishes, decorating a functional, beautiful space, and

new techniques with color, design, space, and textures. BethAnn strives

creating custom pieces tailor-made to reflect expertly the personal

to make designs beautiful, yet functional, and loves to incorporate color,

taste and style of her clients.

antiques, and bold accents into designed spaces.

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Redefining Home At Nandina, we are immersed in the meaning of “home.” We think about the design of homes, their beauty and their functionality. We think about our own homes and our clients’ homes. But this year the definition of “home” took on new meaning for all of us. Home became less about the structure and more about the emotion. For many of us, home became the center of our existence – our work place, our school, restaurant, and vacation spot. Prior to 2020, if you had been asked to define what home meant to you, there would

Personal HOME IS

probably have been a multitude of answers: the address and the memories of the house you grew up in; the places you have lived before, and the place you inhabit now with your family; the place where you entertain, or where you feel most secure – in other words, a true mix of structure and emotion.

The home you inhabit should be a reflection of you ... Your passions

Because home and what it means to you became so much more individually crystallized in 2020, we at Nandina felt that we needed to redefine what home means. We want our work to reflect not only the structural meaning of home, but also the emotional meaning of home. What makes a beautiful structure – a house – can also reflect the hopes, beliefs, and dreams

Your heritage Your beliefs Your style!

of the real lives within, thus creating a beautiful home, and a more meaningful one. To that end, we distilled all of these ideas and feelings into a statement that has become our Nandina mission: “A beautiful home is personal, purposeful, joyful, and always a sanctuary.”

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Artfully Collected Classic DESIGN BY

JESSIE LAFALCE Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

The most interesting projects to me are the ones that incorporate the client’s personal collections. Heirloom pieces, memorabilia, photographs, furniture and prized possessions allow a professionally designed home to come to life. I was lucky to be selected by the Kelley family to design their newly purchased home in Sandy Springs. At our first meeting, the homeowner mentioned being an amateur art collector, and hoped to use several of their pieces as inspiration for the design. The client’s modest description of being an “amateur art collector” was definitely an understatement. As we continued to work together and evaluate their art, I came to learn that this client is quickly becoming known as one of the country’s foremost collectors of art by young African-American artists.

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The color and energy emitted by each piece of art became the foundation for the design plan. In order to be the best possible stewards of the art, we treated the foyer, hallways and formal living room like a gallery. All of the walls and trim were painted white to give more life and focus to the art itself, and recessed focal lighting was carefully installed to emphasize each piece of art. It was ultimately important to my clients that the residence feel like a home for the family of four, including two teens and two adorable schnauzers, and not like a stark art museum. The overall vision was achieved by layering in soft, comfortable seating, textures, subtle patterns and colors that didn’t compete with the art, but enhanced it. The resulting design achieved an elegant, yet livable home that invites and allows the occupants to curl up in any room to work, read, play, or stream something binge-worthy.

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“My inspiration for any design is the environment that surrounds it and the people who will be living in it. I experience design as an energetic flow and allow each room to tell me what it needs before discussing my clients’ functional and emotional ideas for their space; then I marry the two.”

Jessie LaFalce

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Polo Infused Bungalow DESIGN BY

SUSAN VICTOR Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

When he took up the sport of polo as a college student in Southern California, Deep Singh had no idea how it would infuse every aspect of his life. As he is quick to note, “Polo is not a sport, it is a lifestyle,” and his open floor plan bungalow located within the gates of the New Bridge Polo Club in Aiken, South Carolina, is a perfect reflection of his love for the sport. At our first design consultation, it was apparent this would be a truly collaborative design project. Deep showed up with files of photos he had been compiling, and easily articulated how he wanted the final project to look, feel, and function.

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Reflecting the wide interests of this well-traveled young bachelor, the house is an intriguing style-meld of South American Polo and Venice Beach, California, with hints of Indian heritage and world travels thrown in for good measure. The great room, with its open wooden beams and stone-faced fireplace, is the perfect backdrop for modern furnishings and traditional equestrian elements, such as leather ottomans and a hand-knotted rug in a rich palette of blues and cinnamon. The light walls and sunshine-filled rooms are a nod to a relaxed Southern California aesthetic. The seating is accessorized with Argentine “pampas” pillows. The artwork is a blend of Venice Beach-based artists and Indian artists. Polo mallets and trophies are strategically displayed in lighted shelves above the kitchen cabinetry, and a gallery wall in the dining area even features a pair of white jeans that had to be cut off Deep’s body after the polo accident that rendered him unable to walk for seven months.

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Masculine modern and classic comfort find the perfect mix in the master bedroom and bathroom. The five-foot upholstered headboard of the master bedroom is showcased on a fully paneled, dark gray wall. A sleek modern black leather chaise lounge imparts a cool Mid-Century vibe to the overall design of the master bedroom. If home is personal, then this fusion of eclectic passions is a perfect reflection of its owner.

“Great interiors are defined as much by emotion as they are by beauty. They make us feel safe, comfortable, inspired, loved, and alive. In my opinion, a successful design is one in which my clients and I collaborate to produce a space that reflects their personal style and delivers both emotion and beauty.”

Susan Victor

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“Walk with me and discover the magic of Home in Aiken.” DEIRDRE STOKER VA I L L A N C O U RT Let Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt work for you to identify the ideal home for you and your family. Her real estate experience combined with her vast knowledge of Aiken and its many unique lifestyle

Purposeful HOME IS

“ We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.” WINSTON CHURCHILL

From the beginning, we built or possessed structures

attractions is the perfect combination for you!

for a purpose. They offered shelter from the elements,

She will walk with you long after closing and ensure

safety from outside threats, and a place to gather and build

that her beloved Aiken becomes your home too.

community. As we evolved, the purpose of our structures became as nuanced and varied as the people who built them. Architecture and interiors became tools to convey status, to evoke awe, or to meet utilitarian needs creatively. Purposeful design remains a critical element of how we define our homes today. Consider the height of ceilings, the craftsmanship and attention to design details, the flow of rooms, the amount of light that fills the space, as well as the color and textures we use. These not only

DEIR DR E STOK ER VA I L L A NC OU R T

influence how we occupy the space in our homes, but also the space that home occupies within us.

803.640.4591 deirdre@AikenSCproperties.com

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Modern Urban Highrise DESIGN BY

JESSIE LAFALCE Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

In the interior design business, I find that digging deeper and working hard to understand my clients’ design preferences ultimately results in a finished product that reflects their style and speaks to them personally. My new client was an extremely busy executive transplanting from Chicago to Atlanta in the middle of the global pandemic. Forced to leave Chicago quickly to avoid the inevitable shutdown, she took up residence in Atlanta sans furnishings and began a new position working from her apartment with only a card table, chair, and mattress on the floor for a bed.

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As her designer, I juggled with her desire to achieve a home with drama and sophistication, perfect for future entertaining, while keeping it functional and comfortable, all driven by an urgency to complete the project as efficiently as possible with unprecedented delays due to the pandemic. Despite a few minor hiccups, the entire project was completed within twelve weeks. The result evokes a sophisticated compilation of soft, modern, lush upholstery, glimmers of crystal and shimmer, touches of metal against sumptuous faux fur, and a surprising twist of organic textures, like bamboo and coconut shells woven in. It was these unexpected textures – seemingly incongruent – that made this design uniquely hers. In truth, my client needed a few of these primitive details juxtaposed with the otherwise glamorous aesthetic for it to feel like home to her.

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In the end, my client now enjoys a sanctuary designed purposefully as clean-lined and modern, airy but moody, reflective and glimmering, but soft and textured. Those contradictions created a beautiful space that is as complicated and interesting as it is serene and soulful, a mirror of her personality and identity.

Pulling a room together just got easier. From the floor to the ceiling and ever ything in between, Sur ya offers a variety of rugs and accessories to fit your unique style.

accent furniture 34

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bedding

lighting

pillows

rugs

throws

wall decor

surya.com

@suryasocial

Family Hunt Lodge DESIGN BY

MICHELE MERRITT Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

When I was first approached by David and Denise Strube to work with them to create a multigenerational hunt camp, I knew it was the ideal project for me. The Strubes are authentic and down-to-earth and we bonded immediately around the desire to create a purposeful design that would emphasize family, nature, and true craftsmanship. The Strubes’ love of the North Carolina mountains led to a clear design vision, one that drew on the idea of bringing the outdoors in and highlighting the open-beam ceilings with relaxed, comfortable living spaces. First and foremost, they wanted the lodge to be functional and not fussy; easy for their extended family to be able to relax and bond over their mutual love of the outdoors. This didn’t preclude them from incorporating beautiful design details and hand-crafted elements that made this home a design award winner.

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It is apparent that hunting and fishing are the focus when you enter the cedar-lined mud room, where the bench seat with boot storage and handy hooks and the custom-built, granite-faced clean sink with open metal racks where knives and gloves drip dry are in constant use during hunting season. The massive great room opening onto the kitchen is the perfect gathering place for this growing family. Custom craftsmanship is present in every room, as evidenced by the custom-built, walnut live edge island bar top, cantilevered over the counter height work surface in the kitchen, and the metal-strapped, hand-hewn solid beam mantel in the great room.

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Denise loved the idea of bringing touches of “rustic glamour” into the home, and the powder room is the perfect representation of that. She was immediately drawn to my original hand sketch of the vanity that would have to be custom made. This elegant room features an iron base fabricated in North Carolina and a live edge slab of granite sitting against a wall of antique mirror. The area of the home that reflects one of the true purposes of this special retreat is the bottom level, designed specifically for family games, movies, and the grandchildren that bring David and Denise so much joy. Right off this noisy, fun-filled area is their master bedroom, a decision that shows their commitment to building an amazing family retreat!

“Life is crazy and filled with so many wonderful, unexpected surprises if you are open to them. Processing the unexpected, while taking excitement and newness and molding it into my client’s dream, is all a part of my job – if you call doing what you love a job!”

Michele Merritt

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Light Filled Transitional DESIGN BY

SUE SHANNON Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

The process of designing a second home is often full of joy for the homeowner and designer alike. For the homeowner, it’s a chance to start fresh, leaving behind what remains in the permanent residence, and choosing new furnishings with a completely new style and function. The Bryants, hailing from Maine, longed for a home where they could escape long winters and play golf year-round. The home plan they chose was a very different floor plan from the typical old New England home they’d grown accustomed to. Their home in Maine has smaller rooms, perfect for getting cozy and enduring the harsh long winter. Their new Aiken home is the complete opposite, with open rooms divided only by columns that allow one space to flow gracefully into the next.

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As we began the design for the furnishings, it was evident that the Bryants wanted a crisp, comfortable space suited for entertaining both local and outof-town friends. They chose not to rush and furnish the house immediately, but to live in it first and experience how it would flow and how they would use the various spaces. They requested a light, neutral palette, classic in style, but leaning more toward transitional rather than the traditional New England décor of their Maine home. The result is a curated, comfortable, and enduring space, as well suited to a 19th hole gathering of golf friends as it is to providing a respite for the two of them and their sweet schnauzer Sasha, to escape the pressure of real life and fast-paced careers.

“I have been influenced throughout my life by ordinary people of great style and exceptional places that exhibit beauty and serenity. Sometimes, inspiration for great design comes from a special piece beloved by a client, a beautiful antique rug or a statement piece of art. Other times it is from something simply unexpected, like the array of color in the woods on a crisp fall day.”

Sue Shannon 44

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Family owned and operated for 36 years; our design team is dedicated to building custom cabinets to fit each unique space. All components of the cabinetry are built in our manufacturing complex. Visit our Design Center to experience

Joyful

HOME IS

the craftmanship and attention

“We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.”

to detail that sets us apart.

JOSEPH CAMPBELL

CRAWFORD CABINETS CUSTOM DESIGN & PLANNING CENTER

A joyful home is difficult to define and often not recognized until it’s in our rear-view mirror. But choosing joy is well worth the effort and integral to the process of design. What is your delight? Is it to accommodate the uproar and mess of children? Is it the wondrous recognition of your pets’ unconditional love and their necessity in your life? Is it the pleasure you feel when you open your home to friends and family? Is it the cheer that color amplifies when used

3831 Oak Drive • Augusta, Georgia

info@crawfordcabinets.com

706.868.6329

www.crawfordcabinets.com

in unexpected ways? Or is it the happiness of a hobby or collection you have worked hard to achieve? We can’t hold back the sorrow and disappointments that are part of living a real life, but we can choose to design our homes intentionally to foster and accommodate those things and feelings that bring us joy.

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Atlanta Contemporary DESIGN BY

JOHN ISHMAEL Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

When I think of a joyful home, I automatically think of the Greenes. Steve, Abby, their two children and one dog love color, light, open architecture and the ability to live outside as much as they do inside. When we first met, they had just moved stateside from a four-year stay in England. Initially I was brought in to assist with the finish selections (surfaces, floors, tile, and palette) and the melding of Abby’s love of classic design with Steve’s desire for a modern Mid-Century style. Their house is a classic modern farmhouse design, and the Greenes wanted the interiors to feel fresh, bright, and colorful without sacrificing function, comfort, and durability. With its 25-foot ceiling, the kitchen opens to the dining and living area that have fabulous sliding metal doors leading to an expansive outdoor entertaining area featuring a pool, covered seating, and dining space. I did not want to interfere with the majestic height of the kitchen ceiling and chose open shelving for both sides of the custom-made, black-and-gold accented hood, along with simple large glass pendants over the island, to allow the architecture to be the focal point.

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The bright blue, yellow, and gray palette reflects the fun that this family is all about. The dining room is a perfect example of how we were able to mix Steve and Abby’s two styles. The classic lines of the black and gold sideboard marry perfectly with the Mid-Century spider style dining table and traditional head chairs upholstered in a modern, updated fabric. Throughout the main floor of the home, unique and strikingly original light fixtures punctuate every space and work well with the bright, colorful, original abstract art. The one element of the home that speaks the most directly to the way the Greenes like to live is the outdoor living space. The pool, covered dining and living area, and the large wood-burning fireplace offered the perfect gathering space for this family during a time when vacation travel was severely curtailed. Soon we hope this home full of joy will open its doors to masses of friends and family alike.

“Because I am an artist, color, texture, light, and emotion have always fascinated me. My inspiration and love for design have grown naturally from my love of art. Therefore, when I work with my clients, I see myself as a conduit for their creations to ensure the finished product always reflects their personality.”

John Ishmael 50

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Tracy leans on her background in luxury home, kitchen, and bath design to offer a multidisciplinary approach to real estate investing. After years of working in the realms of home design and customer service, Tracy took her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for homes to the world of real estate. Tracy specializes in all facets of Real Estate, whether it be navigating first timers, trying to score that perfect distressed fixer-upper, or providing help in the luxury home market, she has experienced it all. Her clients benefit from her connections within the design community and understanding of home furnishings and finishes. Her passion is seeing a house transformed into a home.

CONTACT TRACY TODAY 678.644.2585 tracy.lawrence@bhhsgeorgia.com tracy.lawrence215@gmail.com

Georgia Properties 52

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Sophisticated Coastal Retreat DESIGN BY

SUE SHANNON Photography by Kim Smith Photo

What could be more joyful than a vacation retreat, steps from the beach, that allows time for escape from our hectic lives and time to congregate with those we love, and also hosts large gathering spots that accommodate communal meals and quiet spots designed specifically for relaxation? This project began with a simple renovation that grew exponentially as it progressed. I had worked with clients Allison and Bobby Hilton on earlier projects and didn’t hesitate to dive in, despite the coastal location being hours away. Allison, who owns her own advertising and marketing company, is incredibly creative, knows what she likes, and already had a clear vision for this home. She desired to create a clean-lined modern beach house that could be a haven for their family and friends, but also have furnishings suitable for luxury rentals.

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The design process for the hard surfaces and renovation selections were well underway when I came on board, and Allison had done an amazing job coordinating with the architect and contractor to begin the renovation. Tasked with an interior lighting and furnishings plan, I set off to create a getaway that would allow ultimate relaxation, comfort, and beauty, with every modern-day amenity easily within reach. The Hiltons added many sumptuous details not usually associated with a beach house rental. We incorporated incredible performance fabrics that rival the touch and feel of fine cashmere on everything. In selecting fabrics for a particular set of chairs, I suggested using a cream hide on the backside, knowing it was one of Allison’s favorites. She was thrilled with the idea, but insisted that the front seat as well as the back be covered in hide. When I questioned whether that was practical, she responded that “wet, sandy little kids’ butts” would be in these chairs, and hide was the best thing to withstand the abuse.

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BE OUR GUEST A world class equestrian mecca with exceptional accommodations ranging from fully furnished cottages and studio suites, to single rooms. A perfect setting for weddings, Throughout the large house, serenity and whimsy

corporate retreats and weekend horse show getaways.

reside in equal measure. A sea anemone pendant and seven-foot-long turquoise leather tufted bench greets you as you enter from the main exterior staircase. Oversized lighting adds drama to the kitchen and master bathroom. Crisp whites, sandy tans and grays, and hues of blue reign supreme throughout the house. Areas for the teens and children are well laid out, with playful fabrics chosen for comfy areas to relax and unwind. Additionally, we incorporated the homeowners’ own coastal collection of hand-painted schools of fish and large photographic art pieces with bright pops of color that complete the eclectic, but serene aesthetic. The end result is a home filled with joyous touches, a fresh coastal vibe and an appreciation for the entire experience. Cocktails, anyone?

FEATURES Gold Certiﬁed Pavilion Flora and Fauna Ecological Preserve Exceptional Barns and Arenas 58

LEED Gold Certiﬁed |

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Lakeside Living DESIGN BY

MICHELE MERRITT Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

When a family is made up of two busy, professional parents, three active, energetic, and involved girls, and a menagerie of dogs, cats, and chickens, the term “joyful” takes on new meaning. It has been my good fortune to work with the Powers family, who live full-time on a lake, over several years to methodically create a home that reflects both their interests and personalities. The main criteria of the design revolved around the lake, which brings such joy to this family, and all of the main rooms open to a beautiful lake view. Upon entering the living room, although it is more formal than the remaining home, it still reflects the pops of fresh color that this family enjoys so much. For this room we chose a timeless sofa and coffee table, along with a hand-knotted rug, then added fun, durable fabrics and color. The living room opens to a covered porch where we added outdoor drapery and classic wicker furniture, allowing the space to be used year-round.

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The master bedroom provides a private oasis where Mom and Dad can escape from the cacophony of life everywhere else in their home. Once again, they paid homage to the natural palette right outside their windows. An apple green chaise adds just enough excitement to the sophisticated taupe, creams and soft blues. A wide embroidered band on the drapery was achieved by utilizing a custom fabric in a creative way without breaking the bank! A large keeping room (shown on page 64) off the kitchen was the perfect gathering place for the family, but needed a sectional sized for all of them to watch movies or do homework. This had to be a workhorse piece of furniture, but not a massive sofa that consumed the room. We brought in a sectional upholstered in a light performance fabric that lives large but still looks stylish. Because the family wanted to be able to put their feet up, and the sectional is so large, I had our workroom create a grand, custom leather ottoman with hidden wheels that allow for easy movement. Pops of bright color in fabrics, lamps, and accessories mirror the palette of the lake view.

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Sanctuary HOME IS A

This past year forced us all into isolation, a retreat from the world that we knew. Instead of being the structure we left each morning to enter a busy world, and then returned to at the close of day, our homes suddenly became our entire world, the be-all and the end-all of our daily routine. For some, home represented isolation, but for many of us, it became our sanctuary, a safe harbor in a world that suddenly felt unsafe, a place where we retreated and revived, and thankfully found peace and comfort. We can find refuge and seclusion, safety and peace by how our spaces interplay with nature, as in the majesty and stillness of mountains or the calm of a lake’s still waters. There is the quiet comfort of a well-lighted reading chaise or a sumptuous, perfectly designed bedroom oasis. Home should be our sacred place, and this past year has made us realize that for most of us, home is both a structure and an emotion.

“If there is magic on this earth it is contained in the still waters of a lake” 64

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Casually Elegant Lakehouse DESIGN BY

SUSAN VICTOR Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

Retiring to the lake had always been a shared dream for Mike and Charlotte Tallent. When I first met with them, they were facing the reality of transitioning from the formal, traditional style home they had built in Atlanta to a relaxed, more comfortable style home they both desired at the lake. Their Atlanta home was a showcase of gorgeous antiques and sumptuous interiors, the perfect backdrop for entertaining their extended group of friends, associates and family. Mike wanted the lake retreat to be much more casual and comfortable; a house on the water where he could work in the yard, have a cocktail by the pool and watch a football game with a few good friends. While Charlotte was in agreement with this concept, she wasn’t ready to give up on the idea of a home that reflected her love of collected antiques and fine furnishings. The biggest challenge was to design a home that would meld together their new surroundings with their previous belongings in order to make a comfortable, beautiful, warm and welcoming lakeside sanctuary.

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Instead of brocades, embroidered silk upholstery and a rich palette of golds and jewel tones from their previous house, we landed on the use of natural cottons, linens, and performance fabrics paired with a palette of muted blues, creams, and corals that reflect the natural elements in full view from every window. The peaked ceiling of the living room has an open view to a solarium style music room that houses a baby grand player piano. Juxtaposed next to the piano is an intimate seating area of velvet wing chairs that feels as if it sits among the trees, but is grounded by a natural cowhide rug. The open, light-filled kitchen with marble countertops and soft white shaker style cabinetry features a massive blue island with a custom walnut top that is the gathering spot for the Tallent’s frequent informal gatherings. The adjoining keeping room boasts a traditional stone fireplace with bright coral and cream fabric framing the windows and the view of the trees and lake beyond. The kitchen opens to a formal dining room where a large breakfront displays the porcelain china Charlotte has collected for years. The master bedroom is a calm oasis with a nod to Charlotte’s love of all things French, such as the cane bed and vintage French Bergere chairs updated in new fabric.

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Every room gracefully mixes French and English antiques with casual rugs, comfortable neutral sofas and chairs and a color palette that speaks to life on the lake.

“A house is much more than a mere shelter, it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.” JOHN SALADINO 70

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Refined Master Suite DESIGN BY

MICHELE MERRITT Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

If there is one room in a home that embodies the meaning of sanctuary, it’s the master bedroom. Too often the entertaining areas take center stage, with the master bedroom further down the priority list. I believe a beautiful and functioning master should be a priority: a place to close the door on the hectic outside world, a space to savor the rest, relaxation, and romance you deserve. A well-designed master suite should be based on the client’s specific end use – specifically, how they live there. Do they work, read, watch TV, or just sleep in the room? And are pets invited? These answers guide furniture needs and placement, as well as lighting requirements. All of this must be taken into account before addressing the aesthetic elements of the room.

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I first met Andrew and Nancy Singer on one of their many trips during the building phase and helped guide them through the seemingly never-ending construction process. After years of putting family and career first, the Singers were ready for a change. As an avid equestrian, Nancy made her love of horses the foundation for what would become their dream home, Finalee Farm, a slower paced, soothing, and sophisticated oasis designed just for her and Andrew … and now a number of dogs, cats, and even chickens. A wallpaper that captured Nancy’s heart served as the inspiration for the master bedroom. While we were unable to use it, we did translate its essence. The layering of texture, pattern, and tone resulted in a room with much more depth than the inspirational wallpaper could ever have achieved. Striking black and white portraiture creates a personal statement that helps to define the room. A large en suite master bath continues the feel of a luxury hotel suite. Although the room oozes style and sophistication, every selection was made to handle the rigors of farm life, a true testament to client-focused design.

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Inspired by Nature DESIGN BY

JOHN ISHMAEL Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

My clients first approached me to work with them on the interior selections and furnishings for a new-build home on Lake Allatoona in Georgia, where they would eventually live year-round. The aspect of how the water met the horizon gave them the greatest sense of peace and inspiration. To achieve the perfect view of the lake, they spent a great amount of time and effort with their architect working on the placement of the house on the lot and its orientation to the water. They wanted the exterior of the house to look like a stone lodge that had been nestled in the hills for decades, overlooking the shores of the lake. When they discussed how they wanted the interiors to function and feel, their clear goal was to achieve a family home that would feel like a sanctuary and a retreat, a safe harbor of love for their extended family. We worked together to give the two-story living room windows companion wood beam and stone structures by sourcing salvaged hand-hewn beams that provided character, age, and warmth. Arches to the dining area, kitchen and foyer were also accented with the same salvaged beams and stone. We added more salvaged beams to the front entrance of the home along with a custom carved 10-foot door inspired by a trip we all took to an antique salvage warehouse. The palette of soft teals, blues, greens and gold were chosen strategically to discourage competition with the amazing year-round colors the scenery provides. 76

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The dining room also shares the soothing lake view, making it the perfect location for a large family style dining table that encourages lingering after meals to enjoy a quiet sunset. A unique element I designed in this room was tile flooring designed to mimic a rug, a choice driven by the family’s aversion to having an actual rug in the dining room because of the anticipated messes of little grandchildren and pets. The three outdoor spaces were strategically designed to ensure both family and friends could fully enjoy the spaces. A screened gazebo with a fireplace, a kitchen, and lounge and dining areas is situated perfectly for a spectacular view of the sunset on the lake. We finished this two-and-a-half-year project just in time for the family to accelerate the move to their lakeside retreat permanently.

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Commercial Adaptive Reuse DESIGN BY

SUSAN VICTOR Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

From the moment I first toured the shell of the Historic Hayne Building with Paul Foster, we were both smitten with the idea of how this beautiful old building could be transformed into a modern new work home for the team from Foster Victor Wealth Advisors. Built in 1919 the simple two-story brick schoolhouse featured high ceilings, ample natural light and endless charm with original narrow tongue-and-groove flooring and huge exposed structural wooden beams.

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Paul and his partners had quickly outgrown their original office complex and the Toy Street building would check numerous boxes of the team’s musthave list; plenty of space to grow, preservation of a historic building in a great location, and amazing architecture as a foundation for the final space. Working with a talented team of architects and commercial builders from Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture and Mavin Construction we began the process of the renovation centered on the concept of “adaptive reuse,” defined as a sustainable renovation of a historic building for a new purpose.

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The multi-story 24,000-square-foot-office reflects the Foster Victor brand’s fresh approach to collaborative, transparent, and high energy financial planning services. Every aspect of the building is designed to provide a unique experience for both the firm’s clients and their team. The main lobby features a barista bar reception area where espresso is offered up for clients while they wait to meet with their financial coaches. To preserve the abundance of natural light provided by 14-foot ceilings and huge banks of windows on the exterior walls of the building, many of the interior spaces are punctuated with retractable glass Nano walls and fixed glass offices with etched privacy screens.

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Inviting lounge areas, collaborative work zones, and formal conference rooms flow smoothly from one to the other, and the ability to retract the Nano walls allows the space to transform to accommodate large client events and conferences. Every aspect of the building reflects the firm’s commitment to transparency and collaborative relationships even down to the individual wealth advisor offices that have rejected the traditional desk and two guest chair layout for round tables and comfortable seating that encourages open communication. The neutral pallet of grey, caramel, black and gold is reflected in a sophisticated combination of comfortable furnishings, dramatic lighting, and effective use of rugs and wall coverings.

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The addition of a double decked outdoor space that interfaces with all work areas reflects this dynamic organizations commitment to a healthy work environment. On any given day the space is used for a staff meeting, a group lunch, a quiet change of work space, or client events such as private cooking classes or an after-hours cocktail party. The design of the Foster Victor Wealth Advisors’ firm is a genuine mirror of the attitudes, expectations and commitments of the diverse group that makes this building their work home each day.

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“When we began planning the renovation of our new building, the entire team was committed to creating a place that appealed to our clients, but more importantly prioritized our commitment to our team. We wanted a work environment that fostered their health and well-being, with spaces for them to gather as a group to eat or socialize and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Our focus was to provide a building that would allow for personal and professional growth, as well as inspire collaboration with both clients and coworkers.” K Y L I E F E L K E R , P R I N C I PA L F O S T E R V I C T O R W E A LT H A D V I S O R S

We offer our clients concierge quality advisory and planning services customized for their individual needs and goals. Our approach is to centralize our clients’ diverse financial strategies and life-plans to provide a coordinated, efficient and 10 Toy Street, Suite 200, Greenville, South Carolina

864.720.2000 90

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fostervictorwa.com

effective roadmap for financial security. Contact us today and discover how we can help you achieve your goals for the future.

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