HDD Charlotte Mar/Apr 2024 Issue

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances is the best resource for all your appliance, electronics, and outdoor kitchen needs with over 70 brands to choose from.

Our dedicated builder, customer service, and delivery teams have over a decade of experience with new builds and renovations. Feel confident that our experts can look at your blueprints and help you select the right appliances to fit your design and personal style.

At Charlotte In-Vironments, each project we take on is a new challenge to create a functional space while incorporating clients’ specific needs.

This client requested guidance on the overall kitchen design and selections. She owns a gorgeous horse farm, so we wanted to highlight the pasture view from the kitchen sink. Although she did not want an all-white kitchen, our goal was to brighten the space.

After establishing a new design layout, we selected Wolf and SubZero appliances from Queen City Audio Video & Appliances. When our client selected a wall oven, we recommended a 48” rangetop due to gracious counter space. We designed an oversized custom hood with ventilation above.

The timber was sourced from a local mill, and we added LED strip lights under the hood and floating shelves. Other small details included an appliance garage, roll-out shelves, a beverage refrigerator, tray dividers, a pull-out spice rack, and hidden storage under the island. The countertop perimeter is a quartz with a full-height backsplash behind the rangetop. We selected a leathered granite for the island with a uniquely shaped overhang.

Our client enjoys her morning coffee at her island, gazing out at the pastures and grazing horses.

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances and Charlotte In-Vironments are proud to announce their joint win at the NARI COTY awards in the Residential Design over 500 sq ft category.

YOUR PROJECT IS OUR PRIORITY

Our showrooms are designed to inspire, with bath, kitchen and lighting choices from top brands curated in beautiful, hands-on displays. From product selection to delivery coordination, an industry expert will be there to support your project every step of the way.

fergusonshowrooms.com YOUR

Cottingham Chalk sets the standard for real estate excellence in Charlotte.

When you hire a Cottingham Chalk broker, you have the entire company in your corner.

COTTINGHAMCHALK.COM

BECKY MCGRATH TEAM

LEIGH C. CORSO LUCY BUTLER GROUP

CAY CRAIG

CHRISTIE HANSEN

LAURIE HALT TEAM

JOE HUNEYCUTT

CHIP JETTON

HEATHER MONTGOMERY

KALIE KOIVISTO

MARY HOLLAND JOE HUNEYCUTT TEAM

JOHN OGBURN

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CINDI HASTINGS TEAM

TUCK TEAM

SARA ROCHE TEAM

LINDSAY REDFERN

TREY SULLIVAN

HEATHER WOLKING

LISA WARREN

LISA RUPP

MARCH/APRIL

FEATURES

44 A CASE FOR THE COAST

Designer Teri Thomas creates a coastal retreat on Kiawah Island for former Charlotte homeowners.

56 LESS IS MORE

A complete renovation by designer Patrick Lewis and architect Greg Perry results in a modern stunner on Grandfather Mountain.

66 WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

A second home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, embraces the open spaces of the Western landscape.

GGeorge Harrison wrote Here Comes the Sun while sitting in Eric Clapton’s garden in April of 1969. It’s easy to imagine a warm-ish day in a pretty English garden, taking a deep breath and feeling like everything is going to be alright. Harrison said at the time, “It seems as if winter in England goes on forever. By the time spring comes you really deserve it.”

We all deserve spring by the time it comes around, whenever that may be, because, as the song goes, it’s alright. It feels alright. The days inch toward 8 p.m. sunsets, and the air smells sweeter, newer. The simplicity of the changing weather can remove months of weight that we hadn’t realized collected on our minds.

The escape can be as simple as eating your first alfresco meal in months, it can be as elaborate as a trip to the coast, or it can be as comfortable as slipping away to your second home for the weekend. There’s lightness in all of it, and we’ve filled the pages of this issue with every scenario, hoping it will inspire you to find your escape, take a breath, and know that it’s alright.

Blake Miller and Anne Marie Ashley Co-Editors-in-Chief

This stunning second home in Jackson Hole, designed by Mary Miller, takes advantage of the wide open spaces, drawing a relaxing breath at every turn (page 66).

CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

ANNE MARIE ASHLEY

BLAKE MILLER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

KARIN SIMONEAU

ART DIRECTOR

LINDSAY RICHARDS

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL KOOIMAN

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

OONAGH MURRAY

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

SHELLEY KEMPER

CONTRIBUTORS

BETH CONANT KEIM

JIM NOBLE

WRITERS

BRANDY WOODS SNOW

CHRISTINA SPRATT SPENCER

PHOTOGRAPHY

MICHAEL BLEVINS

TUCK FAUNTLEROY

AUDREY HALL

BRIE WILLIAMS

PHONE

704-741-2774

DWELLMICHAEL BLEVINS

STYLE

A custom banquette from Lester Furniture and a custom dining table from Ernsberger Custom Carpentry give the dining room multipurpose appeal, offering a place to dine, complete puzzles, or utilize for extra seating.

Memory Maker

THIS WRIGHTSVILLE BEAUTY PROVES LOCATION IS EVERYTHING.

TEXT BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BLEVINS

Will and Emily Mullinix dreamed of having a summer spot on the North Carolina coast. Born and raised in Wilmington, both cherished their fond memories and strong connection to the area and wanted their three children to also have the opportunity to fall in love with the place they’d called home.

When they heard about a Wrightsville Beach property coming onto the market in spring 2021, they knew they had to see it.

“The location was the most important piece of this story, and this home checked all the boxes,” Emily says. “We met with the owners and had lovely conversations, discovering a

mutual love for the home, the community, and family. They’d created many memories there and were happy we had that same goal too. It was a sweet process that left us feeling like this home was meant to be.”

The 1980s-era three-bed, two-bath cottage on the southern end of Wrightsville Beach, however, needed TLC. Wanting to maintain the integrity of the home while merging the traditional architecture with modern touches and updates, the Mullinixes enlisted the help of a team of experts, including Greg Perry, architectural designer and owner of Greg Perry Design, Nancy Targgart and Kim Moore of Cashion Hill Design, and Tanner Konrady, owner of Konrady & Son Construction. The homeowners had worked with Perry on two previous projects and Cashion Hill Design on three, so there was an established trust.

“We delivered a renovation that kept with the neighborhood but was also forward thinking in both plan

Low-profile furnishings offer a comfortable means for gathering and enjoying the water views just beyond the wall of sliding glass doors in the family room.

A vintage Moroccan rug, antique shell stool, and conjoined coffee tables add pizzazz. Wall sconces from Arteriors give off moody accent lighting at night.

and aesthetics,” Perry says. “It was important to take advantage of the breathtaking Intercoastal Waterway views to honor the traditions of Wrightsville Beach, which, in part, also included keeping the vaulted ceilings while creating a modern, functional cottage.”

The biggest challenge was expanding the home to a four-bed, three-bath layout without changing rooflines. They gutted the entire inside, moved the kitchen to the front of the house, and extended the home’s footprint on the two back corners to create the children’s bedrooms.

Once architecture was tackled, Cashion Hill Design came in to create a stylish yet comfortable aesthetic that increased function and flow for the family. Custom storage, including a platform storage bed in the son’s room and floor-to-ceiling cupboards in the laundry, was implemented throughout, and pocket doors were installed to hide children’s bedrooms

Brilliant pops of color create magic in this guest bedroom. Bold artwork from A. Hoke Ltd., a custom blue floral lumbar pillow in China Seas fabric, and colorful throws from R. Runberg Curiosities pair well with neutral bedding from Isabella. Accent lighting is from Arteriors.

Rain Dance by Wool and Silk Rugs.

when entertaining. Stools, benches, drink tables, and pull-up chairs offer flexibility for guests, and the front porch was expanded, allowing room for a dining and living area. To make it all-season, a ceiling heater was installed as well.

“Layout and scale were important in maximizing the cozy 1,600-square-foot cottage,” Moore says. “We were thoughtful about where to add, edit, or create custom built-ins to provide the most storage options.”

The designers showcased panoramic water views while drawing inspiration from the large vintage oil painting in the family room and the hues of the coastal landscape. A harmonious mixture of new fixtures and furnishings,

custom-built pieces, and antique items were hand-picked for each space. “Our goal was to make the beach cottage bright and open with interesting layers of color and texture,” Targgart says. “We kept the base of the decor neutral and organized, and added pops of color with art, wallpaper, and some fabulous finds.”

The Mullinixes’ home has already become the memory maker they wanted. “Every part of this home is curated. Everything has meaning,” Emily says. “We’re thrilled to be part of the close-knit community of Wrightsville Beach with a home that honors the traditions of this place. We’ve already made many memories and look forward to making more.” u

ABOVE: Textured tiles from Harkey Tile & Stone, a mirrored wall, and a large glass waterfall shower with fixtures from Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath offer subtle modern touches to a simple but classic bathroom vignette.

LEFT: Elevated design is kept comfortable and uncomplicated in the owner’s bedroom. Kit Kemp for Christopher Farr grass paper richens the space with texture, movement, and color.

Into the Wild

QUALITY DESIGN MEETS CREATIVE ESCAPES FOR CHILDREN WITH INFINITE ENERGY.

TEXT BY KARIN SIMONEAU | PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Often overlooked and underutilized, filled with forgotten toys and unloved furniture, playrooms have been given new life and meaning thanks to interior designer Cassie Albergotti and brand strategist Susan McBarnet, founders of Wild Child.

Originally from New England, the two met on a playdate in Charlotte when they were young moms. Eight years and five kids later while on lockdown during the pandemic, their kids quite literally climbing the walls, Wild Child was born “out of our need to engage our children in a meaningful way,” says Albergotti. With complementary backgrounds, they became a dream team on a mission to re-envision the classic playroom. The duo turned one playroom into a creative space for kids to construct their masterpieces, one into an indoor turfed

soccer field, and another was converted into an escape featuring Ninja warrior elements, giving little ones an outlet for their boundless energy. They have transformed playrooms into sleepover rooms and fine-motor spaces for art, Legos, and homework, and morphed quirky rooms with odd angles or low ceilings into cool play opportunities like forts and reading nooks. One hit feature that never grows old? Foam pits. “They are unique, irresistible to kids, and offer endless possibilities and fun,” says Albergotti.

Always at the forefront of their minds and incorporated into every design is safety, ensuring that “kids can play freely and parents can have peace of mind,” says McBarnet. All the products they recommend are tested to ensure longevity, and

Designed for a Charlotte family with three kids, this playroom fosters physical and creative play while also serving as a hangout spot. "It was important to the family that the space be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and well designed," says McBarnet.

their open-ended philosophy allows these spaces to adapt and grow with children, spanning infancy to teenage years.

Currently working on a multiroom therapy center in Lake Norman that incorporates rock walls, foam pits, tunnels, a slide, and lots of sensory support, Wild Child continues to flourish and expand. McBarnet recently relocated to Connecticut, allowing them to tap into the New York City metro area. Along with launching e-Design services and extending their global reach, they’ve unveiled a new website that includes a curated store of their favorite products.

Having realized their dream of merging their talents and backgrounds to create something meaningful for families, as Wild Child continues to grow, Albergotti and McBarnet remain steadfast in their mission. “Well-designed playrooms create happier, well-regulated kids—and, subsequently, happier parents and happy families,” says Albergotti. playwildchild.com u

LEFT: Nodding to the family's interests, a retro bubble swing hangs in the corner alongside soft, modular seating, ideal for reading and unwinding. Basketballs on display dot the wall.

BELOW: Founders Susan McBarnet, left, and Cassie Albergotti, right, "wanted to create something meaningful for families that we wish we had when our kids were younger," says Albergotti.

Round Trip

WAYFARING INSPIRATIONS THAT PROVE ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME.

TEXT BY CHRISTINA SPRATT SPENCER | PRODUCED

BY

ANNE MARIE ASHLEY

EN PLEIN AIR

Miami-based maven Tuuci enhances the elegance of both residential and commercial outdoor environments with exceptional shade engineering that is both durable and distinctive. Inspired by their seaside roots, the stylish and sweeping elegance of their parasol silhouettes offer maximum sun protection, transforming any alfresco space into its own desirable destination. summerclassics.com

BUDDY SYSTEM

Wearable, weatherproof, and worryfree, this down alternative and recycled nylon blanket is a perfectly packable companion offering lightweight and easyto-clean moments of comfort, whether at helm or at home. infinitypillow.co

I DREAM OF TRAVEL

Travel + Leisure magazine and Sobel Westex, purveyor of fine hotel linens, introduce their first-ever textile line, bringing the discovery of the siren splendor of four exotic destinations to a deluxe hotel experience designed for the everyday. Meticulously crafted, this line evokes the intoxicating allure of resorts around the globe, transporting you back to the joyful experiences of your travel portfolio in the comfort of home. shop.travelandleisure.com

NATURALLY OCCURRING

Debuting during January’s Paris Deco week and covered on Home Design & Decor’s Instagram takeover by designer Zandy Gammons this past January, British designer Alexander Lamont’s newest collection, Cicada, is a selection of iconic pieces from the brand’s Couture collections of furniture and lighting. Fresh new colors and toneon-tone finishes dot the selections while sumptuous and contemporary textures for vertical surfaces launch a bold exploration into the striking fusion of the natural world with decorative arts. alexanderlamont.com

PAPER ROUTE

Inspired by his picturesque surroundings in Bellport, New York, Chris Benz’s second collection for Wallshoppe blends nostalgia and contemporary design in a preppy but classic reinterpretation of designs that capture coziness and comfort. Evoking the warmth of upholstered walls through unexpected textures reminiscent of quilts, coverlets, and patchwork fabrics, the convivial warmth and vintage charm is felt through unexpectedly dynamic combinations marked with a lighthearted translation. wallshoppe.com

TOTES PREPARED

Strikingly streamlined in style, accessible in versatility, and exuding a discerning European aesthetic, these signature handbags emanate timeless refinement and luxury. Finely hand-finished and delicately detailed vachetta leather evokes an of-themoment modernity. deseri.com

GLOBAL FOOTING

London-based designer Jennifer Manners has teamed up with design house Sanderson for the Icon Collection—a careful adaptation of five of Sanderson’s iconic London-inspired designs reinterpreted for this luxurious legacy capsule. The collection includes Richmond Hill Weaves and Chiswick Grove fabrics, and is crafted from Manners’s award-winning sustainable material, re/PURPOSE Performance, which features 100 percent recycled water bottles that feel like natural wool and result in sumptuously sustainable rugs. jennifermanners.co.uk

LAMONT; DESERI; SANDERSON; WALLSHOPPE

OASIS

TWO VASTLY DIFFERENT DESTINATIONS, ONE COMMON GOAL: RELAXATION. EXPLORE THE HEALING DESERT OF SEDONA, ARIZONA, OR THE CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS OF THE FLORIDA KEYS.

TEXT BY ANNE MARIE ASHLEY AND BLAKE MILLER

Desert: L’Auberge de Sedona

Nestled amid red rock buttes and pine forests is the mystical town of Sedona, Arizona. Known for its mild climate, vibrant arts community, and healing natural surroundings, Sedona is a mecca for those seeking healing, relaxation, and perhaps a spiritual tuning fork. Tucked along Oak Creek, which runs through the town, luxury resort L’Auberge de Sedona invites you into their creekside sanctuary, where the surrounding eleven acres not only inform the design but also drive the experience.

STAY

The resort features sixty-two luxury cottages, twenty-one traditional lodge-style guest rooms, and a beautiful standalone five-bedroom Creekhouse. Cottages are strewn along the creek, offering expansive and relaxing water or gorgeous red rock vista views. Each stand-alone wood cabin is equally cozy and sumptuous, with whitewashed wood-paneled walls, crisp white sheets, and luxury linens and towels, paired perfectly

with comfy dark-wood king beds, fireplaces, hardwood floors, ample decks, and romantic outdoor showers.

DO

Between the onsite art gallery, traditional and new-age spa treatments, and a bevy of spiritual, wellness, and health activities, L’Auberge is one of the few resorts in Sedona to genuinely embrace the culture of the area. Upon check-in, guests receive a unique crystal and an intention to set for their stay. In-room snacks and services keep spirit and body top of mind, and activities and classes that aim to restore and captivate are included in your stay. Take in a tarot card reading with a mystic, or revel in a sound-healing class that tunes out the world and tunes in your mind. The Goldenstein Gallery artist-in-residence program invites guests to interact with local artists working on their masterpieces right on property, bringing a variety of mediums to the resort, ranging from pointillism and jewelrymaking to clay and wax sculpting for bronze casting.

Creekside Cottage

EAT

The property’s restaurant, Cress on Oak Creek, steers the creekside dining concept in Sedona, offering a distinctive experience in an idyllic setting. Trees dotted with twinkle lights glow during dinner hours, which, when combined with the canopy of trees, give the illusion of a fairy forest. Daytime hours are just as enchanting, giving major glamping vibes to breakfast and lunch. And this is only ambiance—the menu, earning a space on the Food

& Wine Global Tastemakers list of The 15 Best Hotels for Food in the U.S.—is another treat entirely. The food at L’Auberge Sedona is infused with locally foraged, handselected ingredients with a full respect of seasonality. Any of the beef or fish selections in each season prove to be standouts. Wine pairings, highly encouraged by the chef, can be easily suggested by the knowledgeable wait staff. lauberge.com

Cottage Guest Room

Cress on Oak Creek Restaurant

Cress on Oak Creek Restaurant

Island: The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys may be positioned as a laid-back flip flops and tank tops Jimmy Buffett paradise, but those who really know the destination also know that some of America’s most luxurious resorts lie in the Keys north of tourist haven Key West. Follow along US1 to these quiet and secluded properties for a Caribbean-like getaway sans passports and customs.

STAY

In the fall of 2017, Hurricane Irma decimated the middle Florida Keys, leaving in its wake a destruction that has taken years to rebuild. A small, private island off Little Torch Key was in the eye of the storm, which nearly leveled the entire resort that stood on the four-acre land. But with rebuilding often comes even better things. And with Little Palm Island, the just under three years it took to rebuild the luxury resort, which is only accessible by boat, was well worth the wait. While the thirty luxury thatched-roof

bungalows and suites (as well as the dining, pool, bars, and more) were a sight to behold prior to 2017, today, the updated and rebuilt Balinese-inspired accommodations and public spaces feature a casual but wholly sophisticated aesthetic that encourages relaxation and disconnection. Each of the cottages and suites offers private ocean views complete with an oversized outdoor soaking tub and shower, plush chaise lounges, and gas fire pits prime for pre- and post-dinner cocktails.

Little Palm Island

Escape Suite at Little Palm Island

Just a short two-hour drive Miami International Airport in Key Largo is luxury property, The Bungalows Key Largo. Here, it feels as if you’re stepping into an exclusive oceanfront oasis. As the large gates creek open, a winding sandy pathway lined with towering palm trees swaying in the breeze emerges and signals you to exhale. White bungalows with a pair of turquoise Adirondack

chairs are flanked by pink bougainvillea and dot the meandering paths of the property. While there are 135 freestanding coastalinspired cottages, it feels more like thirty as architectural designers and planners perfectly mapped out the resort to make it feel quiet and serene. (The property is so luxurious that even NFL player Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie vacationed here this past November on a bye weekend.)

The Bungalows Key Largo

The Bungalows Key Largo

DO

With a no cell phone in public spaces policy (and not a TV to be found anywhere on the island), the goal is clear at Little Palm: ultimate relaxation. And for those who want to experience the Keys, it’s a must to get out on the water. Visit nearby secluded Keys and sandbars via the free Boston Whalers at Little Palm and anchor up for a morning. Better yet, book a day trip to Key West on the resort’s luxury Hinckley yacht. Little Palm’s concierge will coordinate the entire trip, including water activities along the way, snacks and alcohol, and dining reservations in Key West.

While at the Bungalows, onsite concierges can book daily boat excursions to the nearby Everglades or a sunset sail on the Gulf. Free access to paddle boards and kayaks gives you intimate entry to the many manatees that float and eat the seagrass along the 1,000-foot resort shoreline.

EAT

Little Palm’s onsite restaurant was recognized as the Best Hotel Dining in Florida and #3 Restaurant in the U.S. by Zagat. Accolades aside, the beachside dining on the point of the island is easily one of the most romantic and magical settings in the Keys. At dusk, torches line the shoreline, illuminating dish after dish of freshly caught seafood such as mahi mahi or Key West shrimp. Local Key deer roam free here and often visit your table in hopes of nabbing a crumb from the sand underfoot. littlepalmisland.com

As a luxury all-inclusive, adults-only resort, Bungalows offers an expansive menu. Choose from authentic Mexican cuisine to American-inspired seafood fare to a classic steakhouse experience in the resort’s premier dining experience at Bogie & Bacall’s. The elegant steakhouse-style menu boasts locally caught seafood dishes and prime steaks, all of which can be paired with a carefully curated wine selection chosen by the onsite sommelier. Enjoy a post-dinner artisan cocktail at the Hemingway Bar, where mixologists handcraft drinks using locally sourced ingredients. bungalowskeylargo.com u

Shore Club at Little Palm Island

Bogie & Bacall's at The Bungalows Key Largo

Gia Robinson

Designer Gia Robinson

Interiors believes her clients’ homes should showcase their style and embody their uniqueness. It’s a “backdrop for their most special moments, after all.” Blending old with new, Robinson focuses on creating curated interiors that give spaces depth and intentionality.

This basement renovation was no exception. “It was crucial to the client that we create a space that reflected their love of sports and vintage finds,” she explains. “It was just as important to them that it had a global yet relaxed feel for family gatherings and entertaining.” Robinson had a custom bookcase built to display collectibles and added library lights to highlight the homeowner’s collection of authentic signed NFL helmets. The adjacent bar and kitchenette blended the relaxed global feel with warm brass pendants from Arteriors.

“It’s a perfect spot for family and friends to gather, relax, and have a glass of wine,” she says.

1. Dior Counter Stool / to the trade / noirfurnitureia.com

2. Dubois Cocktail Table / to the trade / bernhardt.com

3. Troy Horn Vase, Small or Large / $62–$75 / reginaandrew.com

4. Rigby Leather Swivel Chair / to the trade / bernhardt.com

5. Rose Quartz Beads / to the trade / asianloft.com

6. Picture Light / $399 / visualcomfort.com

7. Arteriors Tapio Pendant Light / $1,015 / perigold.com

of Tori Grace

A SOOTHING BLEND OF NEUTRALS WITH JUST ENOUGH ETHEREAL COLOR TO KEEP IT INTERESTING.

PRODUCED BY ANNE MARIE ASHLEY

There is a lot to be said for a neutral palette, the least of which is how soothing it can be to the senses. Beige doesn’t have to be boring, and tan isn’t always tough. Spanning the range of cocoa cream, canyon peach, and blush beige, an earthy palette brings a sense of calm and envelopment that can be a balm to a chaotic soul. Punches of the palest blue hint at the possibility of interest, depending on the saturation or the inclination. Earth and air crash together in an ultimate battle of serenity and strength.

Designer Josh Maniaci created this soothing and earthy bedroom for a client, calling on a range of earthy tones with a pop of airy blue.

Serving Charlotte’s Luxury Home Market Since 1975

Woman Founded. Family Owned. Locally Operated.

A CASE FOR THE COAST

DESIGNER TERI THOMAS HELPS ONE COUPLE DESIGN THEIR RETIREMENT DREAM HOME ON KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA.

TEXT BY BLAKE MILLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIE WILLIAMS

The outdoor living space was designed with gathering in mind. An infinity plunge pool designed by Aqua-Blue Pools Inc. overlooks the nearby golf course while a pool deck provides ample seating for lounging and entertaining.

TTERI THOMAS has known her clients for more than two decades. Nearly twenty-five years ago, the designer was tasked with designing the interiors of their Myers Park home. The relationship and working experience was so wonderful that when it came time to downsize and retire to a home on Kiawah Island, the first and only designer they called was Thomas. “I would never use anyone else because we had such a fantastic experience with Teri,” says the homeowner. The Kiawah property, which was built by BennettMcLuen Home builders, was a different challenge for the designer. While the homeowners had worked with an architect on the initial design, the architectural details were “far too formal for a beach home,” says Thomas. “The interior architecture included coffered ceilings and ornate crown molding, so we stripped a lot of it away in order to achieve a more casual yet sophisticated feel.”

In lieu of all-white cabinetry, Thomas injected the kitchen with subtle color via the custom perimeter cabinetry in a soft gray and island in a “fun island blue,” she says. The pendant lights from Urban Electric and the stainless hood are focal points of the space. OPPOSITE: A buying trip to Atlanta resulted in the score of this piece of art by Shannon Nyimicz. “It’s perfect for this small bar niche in the living room because it works so well with the colors in the countertop and in the room,” says the homeowner.

The living room was designed to accommodate small family gatherings and impromptu cocktail parties with friends. To that end, Thomas created multiple seating areas as well as a game table in the corner, where the homeowners’ daughter loves to sit and do puzzles with her mom when visiting.

“Casual at the beach” often toes the line between kitschy and elegant, and Thomas certainly wanted to err on the side of the latter. “We wanted a casual island living aesthetic, but we also knew that this would be their primary home, not a vacation home. We were walking that fine line between the location and lifestyle, but also not wanting it to feel like it’s flip flops and sand all the time.” In lieu of shiplap everywhere, Thomas wove the architectural element into the design in small but impactful ways, like an accent wall in the kitchen and the inset of

To draw the eye down the hallway to the owner’s suite, Thomas added white shiplap. The end of the hallway features two pieces the homeowners took from their Myers Park home: a replica of a ship that her father built and an antique chest. “I love that Teri found a place for both of these pieces in our new home,” says the homeowner. “Every time I walk down the hallway it makes me happy seeing them there.”

custom built-ins. When used in larger spaces, she often painted the shiplap, which toned it down but provided a touch of detail where needed.

For Thomas, the interior design relied heavily on textures in the furnishings, which were mostly brand new. “We needed more texture in this home than we needed pattern,” she says, wanting the home’s setting to play a role in the design. “There were a few pieces we kept or updated from their Myers Park home, but for the most part, much of it was too formal or traditional for this space.” A sisal rug in the foyer coupled with cane chairs create eye-catching but subtle interest, imbuing an overall elegant aesthetic in a very casual way. In the adjacent living room, comfort and easy living were a priority. “The couple lives in this room and wanted a softness of color and pattern that doesn’t detract from the view of the outdoors,” explains Thomas. “Texture is the key to making all of these elements come together with interest.”

Not to be overshadowed, the couple’s art collection provided the dose of color the home needed. “Light, bright, and neutral, with a little bit of color, is what I love,” says the homeowner. “I never liked that all-white phase. I have this notebook of all the items we own in storage, including some artwork. Teri and I looked through all of it and planned out exactly where each piece would go in the new home.” In the foyer, a vintage framed piece above the antique walnut- and fruitwood-inlayed French chest draws out the blues and greens from the outdoors. Above the bed in the owner’s suite are two pieces of art by Emma Childs from Hidell Brooks Gallery, adding a contemporary edge and a pop of color.

The dining room was designed to accommodate casual dinners or larger groups. The open floor plan allows for casual dining at the kitchen island while the adjacent dining room provides ample space for more formal dinners. The dining chairs are by Charles Stewart while the host and hostess chairs are vintage from Baker Furniture.

ABOVE: The homeowners wanted their older adult daughter’s bedroom to be youthful and fun, but, most importantly, inviting. “We want our kids to stay a while,” laughs the homeowner. Thomas swathed the custom headboard in a Clay McLaurin fabric complemented by an Orchids Lux coverlet, both of which are soft and inviting. Giving the room a more mature vibe is artwork by Lauren Bolshakov from Isabella.

BELOW: “Everyone loves to visit when you live at the beach,” laughs the homeowner. To accommodate guests—and future grandkids—Thomas designed the bunk room so it’s fun for kids but also comfortable and relaxing for adults. Playing off the coastal color palette, the custom bunks are painted in Farrow & Ball Dix Blue.

Almost every piece of furniture is new to the home, with the exception of a few pieces that were important to the homeowners, like the antique walnut- and fruitwood-inlayed French chest in the foyer. Vintage framed art balances the traditional aesthetic of the chest while a sisal rug by Patterson Flynn adds texture and interest.

The home has become a sanctuary for the homeowners, whose two daughters are grown and often come back to visit their parents. A puzzle table, a large kitchen island, comfortable sofas to relax on, a screened-in porch off the back, and a pool and patio are all family gathering places. The home’s casual but elegant coastal-inspired aesthetic allows for comfort all around. “Nothing is too precious in this home,” says Thomas. “It’s the perfect combination of relaxing and sophisticated.” u

Thomas layered the home with subtle color in varying patterns and textures, as seen in the guest bathroom. Here, the designer opted for a blush-patterned wallpaper by Lindsay Cowles coupled with a blue vanity. The sconces are by Visual Comfort and the mirrors are from CB2.

“Warm tones with pops of color are perfect for year-round living in a coastal area,” explains Thomas. “I didn’t want it to seem like they were in a beach house in terms of color, as it feels very different on Kiawah in the winter months.” In light of this, she custom designed the bed with a Rosemary Hallgarten for Holland & Sherry fabric in a neutral gray to complement the accent shiplap wall in a similar hue. The art above the bed is by Emma Childs from Hidell Brooks Gallery.

LESS IS MORE

TEXT BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BLEVINS STYLING BY ELEANOR ROPER

A GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HOME HARMONIOUSLY BALANCES ORGANIC MODERNISM WITH LUSH NATURAL VISTAS.

Quartz countertops and Visual Comfort pendant lights in polished nickel give the kitchen a modern, fresh appeal.

OPPOSITE: Expansive windows and an organic color palette is both comfortable and unified with the surrounding landscape. A Robert James Collection buffet serves as a statement piece, complemented by a Case Baumgarten painting that gives the space a splash of monochromatic drama.

BWHEN PENNY AND TIM Rush began looking for another vacation home, they knew Grandfather Golf & Country Club was where they wanted to be. They already had a home in the community, but as life changed and grandchildren were born, they required more space to fit the needs of their growing family. The Rushes, who have renovated seventeen homes together over the last seven years, wanted to pursue their shared passion once again and began looking for a fixer-upper in the gated neighborhood.

“We’d seen twelve other properties on the day we found out about this one, but none had been exactly what we were looking for,” Penny says. “When this house with good bones was mentioned, we knew we’d found the perfect match, especially when we saw the rolling natural landscape surrounding the place. But it needed extensive renovations.”

Extensive renovations indeed. The original structure was uninhabitable, having sat vacant for nearly five years, exposed to the elements. The internal space was smaller than desired, the rooms were in a traditional floor plan, and there was no garage or outdoor living area.

For the novice, “daunting” was an understatement, but for the Rushes, it was full of possibilities, and they knew exactly who to call for support. Having previously worked with or consulted with architect Greg Perry and interior designer Patrick Lewis on renovations for all of their other projects, they already had an established rapport.

The Rushes’ vision for the home deviated from their traditional Georgian primary residence in Charlotte and their coastal home at Wild Dunes in South Carolina. They met with Perry and Lewis to discuss their new

Fritz Rope side chairs from Palecek offer natural texture that is softened by host chairs, custom crafted in a Perennials fabric. A Nuevo Dining Table from the Robert James Collection and a two-tiered polished nickel chandelier from Visual Comfort create a dining space evocative of nature with a soft, modern spin.

concept: a warm, modern space with open sight lines that embraced the surrounding wooded landscape. They wanted something beautiful but also livable and comfortable, offering flexibility when gathering with family and friends or simply seeking relaxation.

The 3,800-square-foot renovated home expanded the smaller footprint and features a host of family-oriented amenities, including four individual bedroom suites with king-sized beds and private baths. The owner’s suite is secluded from the rest of the home and connected via a bridgeway. While much of the original space was gutted, a few original features were salvaged,

like the large stone fireplace. The main living areas exist in a large, shared space that is arranged into smaller, more intimate areas, allowing the entire family to gather in one place, even if engaged in different activities.

Glass walls were installed to act as dividers offering uninterrupted sight lines to the stunning view. The clean and modern interiors pair perfectly with the expansive windows and the property’s mountain vistas and lush foliage. A large dormer on the covered porch and an expansive wall of windows in the owner’s suite give panoramic views of the mountainside by day and breathtaking planetarium-like starry skies by night.

With soothing fabrics and furniture that bonds with the natural landscape just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the owner’s bedroom is a therapeutic retreat. A custom-designed bed upholstered in Perennials fabric is accented by Windy O’Connor pillows. Bernhardt stools and Noir side tables complete the look.

The

owner’s bath pulls in the refreshing power of nature through a wall of windows, creating an unobstructed commune with nature. A neutral marble mosaic shower with glass enclosure shares the view. The curved lines of a modern-shaped soaker tub are echoed with a Visual Comfort chandelier.

The fireplace was preserved from the original structure as a nod to the past. Upholstery from Lee Industries was purchased through A. Hoke Ltd.

OPPOSITE: Dark chair slips tie-in seamlessly with the outdoor living’s timbers, keeping a tonal look that avoids distraction from the views. The large dormer, constructed by architect Greg Perry, creates optimal, planetarium-like views of the evening sky.

Lewis kept a finger on the pulse of their ultimate goal for the home: pure relaxation in nature. “My main goal was to not overdecorate,” Lewis says. “The interiors needed to be natural and minimalistic so as to visually connect with and not detract from the outdoors.”

Soothing fabrics, clean furniture lines, and a neutral color palette create a showcase that directs the eye to the expansive windows. Layered textures like Palecek rope dining chairs, the upholstered bed, and the woven accessories mingle with harder elements like stone, tile, and wood to add interest and warmth. Undertones of polished nickel in the kitchen island pendants, the dining room chandelier, and bathroom fixtures impart modern sophistication that soften more

rustic elements. Because the homeowners have grandkids, dogs, and often entertain guests, Lewis focused on durability, using performance fabrics and carpets that provide easy maintenance to maintain their beauty despite traffic.

“The home embraces an understated ambiance that imparts a sense of calm,” Lewis says. “When you step inside, your blood pressure drops.” Lewis’s design proves the concept that less is more in this oasis of pure mountain tranquility.

“This home means so much to us—a haven for relaxation, more opportunities to gather, and a lot more memories made,” Penny says. “Up here, away from the lights and the noise, in our warm and comfortable home, we find true serenity.” u

Glass walls and doors in the foyer give the illusion of standing outside while being inside, and simultaneously create unobstructed sight lines to the main living area.

The clean lines of modern architecture, natural stones, and bark siding on the home’s exterior blend harmoniously with the lush mountain foliage. The landscaping, installed by Blair Farris Design, features native trees and a white flower garden that echo the serenity of the grounds.

Nestled inside a neighborhood with sweeping vistas and land to spare just outside Jackson, Wyoming, sits a rustic modern farmhouse designed by architect John Carney and interior designer Mary Miller.

WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

TEXT BY ANNE MARIE ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TUCK FAUNTLEROY AND AUDREY HALL

A SECOND HOME IN JACKSON HOLE EMBRACES THE OPEN SPACES OF THE WESTERN LANDSCAPE.

CCHARLOTTE HOMEOWNERS

Kathy and Tom both grew up spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with their respective families. Going back to visit as married adults, the pair never tired of the sweeping views and open spaces, so when Tom brought up the idea of building a home there, it wasn’t difficult for Kathy to jump on board.

“Actually, Tom was fishing with his brother-in-law in the Snake River in Wilson when he fell in love with the area,” remembers Kathy. “My brother had a home in a nearby neighborhood, and we decided to look for land there also.” This is where they found four-and-a-half acres of untouched land with views of the mountains, perfect for a new build.

They enlisted the help of architect John Carney, who at the time was a partner at CLB Architects in Jackson Hole and who had also completed Kathy’s brother’s home in the same neighborhood. With more than thirty years of experience designing homes in the West, Carney was well-versed in maximizing the surrounding views in tandem with residential spaces, not to mention working within the guidelines of the neighborhood HOA. “We prided ourselves on being style agnostic,” proclaims Carney. “So even though her brother’s home was incredibly modern, we were confident we could just as easily nail Kathy’s vision for a slightly more traditional and rustic home too.”

A simple Riviera rug graces the dining room floor, mirroring an Ironware International light fixture hanging from high ceilings. A table from Bennett Discoveries is surrounded by upholstered chairs from Lee Industries, and artwork by Sarah Helser from Hidell Brooks Gallery hangs above the sideboard.

A Bernhardt bed covered in Abode Home Mohair anchors the bedroom, which overlooks the stunning vistas that surround the Jackson Hole home. PK Element draperies in Alpaca from Abode send the room soaring while packing a neutral punch. A high pile rug adds cozy alongside Lee Industries chairs.

Knowing what they wanted in a home made the journey for the couple, the architect, and the subsequent interior designer, Mary Miller of Abode, smooth sailing. Of Kathy, both Carney and Miller agree that she was wonderful to work with, in part because of her focused vision and solid decisionmaking skills. In fact, though Miller is based in Charlotte, she never once had to make the trek to Jackson Hole to design the home for her client.

“Kathy was very collaborative with me and my team,” says Miller, “and having a client who is so decisive really makes for an efficient project. While she had her vision, Kathy deferred to us for the choices.”

For Carney, this made his iterative process even easier. “We are at the pleasure of our clients, as architects,” he says. “For Kathy, that meant big windows with wall space between to accommodate custom curtains, outdoor

In the main living room, Miller focused on a neutral backdrop of Farrow & Ball’s Old White for the walls so that colors and fabrics could speak up. A light fixture from Ironware International hangs overhead, and PK Element fabric in Zen from Abode was used for statement draperies. A Lee Industries sofa anchors the room around a custom cocktail table, also from Abode. The painting is by David Grossmann.

Reclaimed gray barnwood harvested from the surrounding area is used for paneling in the rustic, chic powder room. Sconces from Visual Comfort add ambient light.

living that flourished year-round, and a wing for their children— and one for them—with common areas between. We settled on gable forms with connecting pieces, the central of which were the main living areas. We loved the approach of pulling a home apart and creating spaces that allow it to reach the landscape and have multiple exposures.” In addition, Carney worked with HDLA, a landscape architecture firm, to marry the sweeping vistas seamlessly with the immediate lot surroundings.

A longtime admirer of designer Kit Kemp’s work, Kathy was partial to eclectic patterns and bold colors. “I like to mix and match—fun stripes and fabrics, patterns and colors with antiques,” she explains. And Miller was happy to run with

that, albeit tempering her choices with fabrics and styles that move with the changing seasons.

“It’s a delicate balance,” says Miller. “We used soft Farrow & Ball paint colors that shift from warm in the winter to cool in the summer; fabric selections for drapery and furnishings followed suit. For example, the gray-blue wool drapery in the family room is a great material for a cozy feel, but the color carries it through summer effortlessly.”

While the overall feel of the home is neutral and timeless, interest abounds at every corner with unique art, bold fabrics, and detailed architecture—a masterful blend that is greater than the sum of its parts. u

In the entry, art by Theodore Waddell greets guests above a striped console from Bennett Discoveries. A vintage Oushak runner lines the floor.

Taj Mahal granite graces the kitchen island underneath pendants from Cisco. Black granite lines the rest of the kitchen for high contrast, and green leather Campaign bar stools from Lee Industries invite guests to linger.

The

back of the home is just as stunning as the front, showcasing the sectioned and gabled architecture that Carney so enjoyed creating in tandem with the open spaces of Jackson.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Beyond mere aesthetics, interior designers bridge art and performance to create spaces that cater to individual style, needs, and preferences, shaping environments that evoke emotion and enhance functionality. The following pages highlight several distinguished designers in our region, each playing a pivotal role in our local design community by fashioning exquisite homes that elevate the well-being and quality of life for their clients. We salute these designers for their creative vision and expertise.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

VLV Designs

vlvdesigns.net | @vlvdesigns | 630.768.1388

Are you ready to live a stress-free, beautiful life? We take ordinary spaces and make them specialty places! We take ideas to the next level, creating functional beauty in the most unique form. We believe in bringing your personal vision to life by gathering your favorite things while adding new pieces to create a beautiful, harmonious design.

VLV Designs is a full-service interior design and custom art company, specializing in specialty room design packages, custom bedding and window treatments, architectural paint treatments, and custom art, whether it be on canvas or on walls. Above all, VLV Designs is passionate about providing their clients with the best quality and service. To do so, they pride themselves on partnering with other local small businesses in North Carolina and recommending products that are of the best value, made in the USA.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Anne Buresh Interiors

anneburesh.com | @annebureshinteriordesign

Anne Buresh Interior Design is an award-winning, full-service interior design firm that is celebrated for their commitment to excellence in design and service. Anne’s signature style blends Southern charm with traces of a well-traveled lifestyle. For over a decade, Anne has focused on collaborations that involve a wide variety of projects ranging from new builds to large-scale renovations.

Above all, Anne believes your home journey should inspire you. The ABID team loves to pamper their clients with southern hospitality and those small personal touches that say “welcome home.”

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Grey Joyner Interiors

www.greyjoyner.com | @greyjoyner 252-985-8666

Making her mark all around North Carolina since launching her firm in 2019, Grey Joyner is an interior designer who embraces maximalism—complete with patterns, colors, textures, and objects—as her signature look in client projects. She loves nothing more than to use color in unexpected ways.

Joyner is passionate about incorporating the old with the new, especially when it comes to family heirlooms and treasures. She lovingly finds ways to honor clients’ family histories and cherished collections to honor the past and to

create interest in recent acquisitions.

Joyner believes that personality and style should shine through in every home and tell the stories of the spaces. Whether it's a classic home for a family or a beach house along the coast, Joyner loves to create rooms that have multiple layers, meaningful details, and stories to tell.

Joyner resides with her husband, two sons, and multiple dogs in a one-hundred-plus year-old home on five acres in Wilson, North Carolina.

ASHLEY ROBERTS

DHANRAJ EMANUEL PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

JSF Designs

jsfdesigns.net | @jsf.designs.raleigh

5328 Collingswood Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609 | 919.741.3204

Exceptional interior design should motivate and inspire you. It’s not just a physical arrangement of elements balanced aesthetically with the structural elements, but also a psychological experience—a feeling you draw confidence from and one you hope to communicate to those passing through. Life is just a little easier, and perhaps a little more luxurious, when you begin your day in a bespoke, conscious space. Jenn Frost with JSF Designs helps to discover what inspires and motivates you, and transmutes that into a tailored physical manifestation of your identity and vision, a distinctive design, “Designed for Life.”

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Brooke Cole Interiors

brookecoleinteriors.com | @brookecoleinteriors

Brooke Cole Interiors is known for its personal approach to designing sophisticated interiors with standout style and unexpected elements. Whether building a new home, renovating a mature one, or updating furnishings and decor, we look beyond the beauty of an elegant interior and focus on creating personalized spaces where your family’s story beautifully unfolds. When working with us, not only do you walk away with a house turned home, but we also create a sense of belonging, a personal reflection of your story, and a sacred place to share with those you love most, creating memories that last a lifetime.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Lauren Burns Interiors

laurenburnsinteriors.com | @laurenburnsinteriors 510 Glenwood Avenue, #602 Raleigh, NC 27603 | 919. 699.8009

At Lauren Burns Interiors, we specialize in creating beautiful environments that transcend the ordinary, with meticulous attention to detail in every client project. With a passion for aesthetics, we curate bespoke spaces that embody sophistication, comfort, and functionality to meet the needs of our clients.

We believe in making the design process not just seamless, but also enjoyable. From our initial brainstorming sessions to the day of installation, we are committed to making the journey as fun and stress-free as possible. After all, designing your dream space should be as enjoyable as living in it!

Our approach begins with a deep understanding of a client’s vision and lifestyle. Whether it’s designing rooms in a home, making finish selections for a new home build, remodeling spaces, or designing commercial spaces, we customize our services to meet the individual needs and desires of our clients.

As an interior designer, I strive to create a collaborative atmosphere and bring your vision to life. My goal is to elevate spaces to reflect the people who live there and bring a smile to your face. Whether we’re working with first-time clients or with repeat clients, I strive to leave an indelible mark of sophistication and refinement in every environment I touch.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Great design isn't a luxury. It's a necessity.

Bardi Designs

bardidesigns.com | @bardidesigns 525 S. West Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919.803.5251

Thoughtfully Curated Design

At Bardi, we seamlessly curate luxury design, partnering with you to transform your space into a high-end interior from start to finish. Let us help you create an elevated interior environment that will foster joy and deliver big on comfort, quality, detail, and sophistication while being authentically you.

From planning and overseeing design construction to furniture selection and implementation, our turnkey process turns your vision into a reality.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

In this two-story foyer, the chandelier and stool are by Arteriors, the rug is by Mastour, and the wallpaper is by Porter Teleo.

DEMI RYAN

Demi Ryan Interiors

demiryan.com | @demiryanhome

919.593.3369

Welcome to Demi Ryan Interiors, where we redefine luxury interior design that captivates the senses and leaves an indelible impression. In our world, opulence is not just a design choice, it's an experience, a vibrant journey into the extraordinary. At Demi Ryan Interiors, we don't just create interiors, we curate stories, blending edgy aesthetics with unparalleled sophistication to make your space truly one-of-a-kind.

Step into a world where boldness meets brilliance, where every design is a statement and every room tells a story of creativity. Our team of designers is led by Michelle Palmer Murphy, who has a passion for pushing boundaries and transforming conventional spaces into vibrant, immersive environments that spark conversation and evoke emotion.

What sets us apart is our commitment to our clients and infusing fun and excitement into every project. We believe that luxury doesnʼt have to be stuffy—it can be lively, dynamic, and full of character. From unconventional color schemes to daring furniture choices, we revel in creating spaces that reflect the spirit and uniqueness of our clients.

Collaboration is at the core of our approach. We're not just creating a design, weʼre crafting an experience tailored to you. Our designers work closely with clients, infusing their dreams and desires into the very fabric of the design, ensuring that the result not only reflects our signature edge but resonates with your unique taste and style.

At Demi Ryan Interiors, we invite you to break free from the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Let us be the architects of your dreams, transforming your space into a visual symphony of excitement and allure. Elevate your lifestyle, captivate your guests, and make a statement that echoes from the hearts of everyone who enters.

Welcome to the world of Demi Ryan Interiors, where luxury meets a bold, exhilarating adventure right at home.

The following spaces represent a blend of styles layered together to create a sense of individuality among each room in a way that complements the rest. From powder rooms that pack a visual punch to a relaxing bedroom retreat that radiates the warmth of its custom ceiling panels, Demi Ryan Interiors captivates homeowners in their own space in ways that inspire them to live their life the way they have always imagined. These carefully curated spaces speak to the definition of Demi Ryan Interiors’ design aesthetic—one that transcends what is considered to be currently “trending” and triumphs with uniquely daring designs that speak to the personality of its homeowners.

PHOTOS BY ANNA ROUTH BARZIN

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

The custom lacquer paint is by Fine Paints of Europe, the light fixture is by Oly Studio, the chairs are by Palecek, and the desk is by Kravet.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Michelle Palmer Murphy of Demi Ryan Interiors chose lighting by Arteriors and Made Goods, furnishings by Kravet, and a rug by Mastour.

The wallpaper is by Porter Teleo, the light and mirror are by Arteriors, and the leather sconces are by Ngala Trading. Chairs are by Kravet and Villa & House.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

The wood ceiling is custom, the chandelier is by Ro Sham Beaux, and the bed and swivels are by Kravet. The bench is by Made Goods and the side tables are by Villa & House.

Michelle Palmer Murphy of Demi Ryan Interiors included gray-and-white marble chevron tile leading into a zero-entry shower. White marble dimensional tile adorns the shower walls.

In this powder room, designer Michelle Palmer Murphy added sconces by Arteriors, a custom marble vanity, and wallpaper by Windy O'Connor.

The sconce is by Arteriors and the floating white-oak vanity is custom.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

New South Home newsouthhome.com

| @newsouthhome

New South Home is a premier full-service interior design firm known for creating spaces filled with quiet luxury and casual elegance. Established in 2011 by Principal Designer and CEO Melissa Lee, NSH is based in Charlotte and serves homeowners, builders, and architects across the Southeast and beyond.

With over sixty years of combined experience, Lee and her award-winning team of seven women bring inspiration to life, designing spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Their work has been featured in publications like Elle Décor, Cottages & Bungalows, Washington Post, SouthPark magazine, and Charlotte magazine.

CAITLIN PAREDES

CHRISTINA HUSSEY

LAURA SUMRAK

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

LAURA SUMRAK

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

La Maison Atelier

lamaisonraleigh.com | @lamaisonraleigh | 919.324.2310 | 4421-101 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27609

La Maison Atelier, the in-house interior design studio of La Maison Home Boutique, has gained a reputation for creating elegant and timeless interiors. From new construction to renovation, their team of designers offers turnkey design services that reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle. The design team draws inspiration from European architecture and fashion while working with the best fabric houses and furnishings in the industry. “When designing a project for our clients, it’s important that their inspirations shine through in all areas, whether it be in the details of art, furnishings, or functionality,” says owner and lead designer Martha Schneider.

CATHERINE NGUYEN PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Shannon Cassell

shannoncassellinteriors.com | @shannoncassellinteriors

Love where you live. Shannon Cassell Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in renovations. From one room to an entire home, we determine the best use and layout of a space, then take that idea from concept through full décor. Uncompromising in quality, we collaborate closely with contractors and clients to design spaces that reflect the spirit of the clients that live there while appreciating the integrity of the home. Applying a modern take on classic design principles, our aesthetic marries the needs of today’s families with their desire for style. The result is a home that is beautiful, functional, and full of livable spaces for your family.

TYLER CUNNINGHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Southern Studio Interior Design

southernstudio.com | @southernstudio

119 West Park Street, Cary, NC 27511 | 919.362.5143

Southern Studio Interior Design was founded in 2001 and has earned a reputation as an award-winning interior design firm specializing in luxury interior spaces with casual sophistication. Located in the heart of Downtown Cary, the design studio—along with our newly launched sister company, Home for Entertaining— is a place of inspiration. The design team brings unparalleled expertise, carefully crafted designs, and exceptional service to every space—in a way that feels authentic to your own unique style. From furnishing new and custom homes to assisting with large-scale renovations, a tried-and-true approach to design helps create a home you’ll love for a lifetime. This collaborative method to design has each member of the team touching every project in a special way.

Named Designer of the Year by Southern Living Magazine, you’ll find the work of Southern Studio in many local and national publications. All the accolades received are humbling for the team, but the top priority of Southern Studio is to establish meaningful relationships and create beautiful spaces for families to enjoy.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

INTERIOR DESIGNERS of the Carolinas

Design by Tula

designbytula.com | @designbytula

252.312.9583

Design by Tula is known for her ability to design a varied mix of styles, combining classic and contemporary furnishings with family heirlooms, curated pieces, and layers of textures and patterns that result in spaces that cordially defy categorization.

At Design by Tula, we are passionate about color . . . but we love to create serene neutral spaces as well. It’s all about finding the balance and letting the space speak to the personality of the family. We strive to defy expectations and reinvent traditions.

AURA MARZOUK

Charlotte

See our work on the Heart of the Home Tour at 2227 Greenway Avenue

Simply the Best

Sophisticated, fashionable yet comfortable interiors with YOU in mind

•Modern and Transitional designs for your home or office

•Fabrics, custom upholstered furniture, custom drapery and window shades, lighting, rugs, bed linens, case goods, original artwork, reupholstery, pillows and accessories

•No design fees with purchase

• Free local delivery •

Day and evening appointments available

Thank you for 27 years in business!

Pfahl Architects, Pfahl Construction Group

HEART OF THE HOME

THE SYMPHONY GUILD’S SEVENTH ANNUAL TOUR SHOWCASES FIVE OF CHARLOTTE’S MOST EXQUISITE HOMES.

TEXT BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW

This spring, music and exceptional home design merge for the common goal of supporting the Charlotte community’s passion for orchestral music and youth music education.

The Symphony Guild of Charlotte’s Heart of the Home Tour, an annual two-day event, features five of Charlotte’s most beautiful homes along with live music from members of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras. Tour-goers have the unique opportunity to explore these expertly curated interiors and mingle with the featured home’s designers, builders, and architects.

The home tour began in 1972 and originally took form as a Designer Show House, which continued for thirty-eight years before evolving into a tour of private homes. After a pandemicinduced three-year hiatus, the Heart of the Home Tour was reborn in 2023 and celebrates its seventh year in 2024.

“EACH HOME FEATURES

A UNIQUE STYLE THAT WILL INSPIRE TOUR GUESTS.”

— BRIENNE TINDER

Proceeds from the tour will further The Symphony Guild of Charlotte’s overall purpose to provide financial and volunteer support to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and to promote music appreciation and education. The organization was founded in 1950 by women throughout the Charlotte area who had an interest in music. Seventy-four years later, the 120-member organization is continuing this mission.

This year’s tour features five private homes designed by Charlotte’s leading architects, builders, and interior designers, including Tom Holley, Pfahl Architects, Alexis Warren, Crystal Nagel, Westwood Custom Homes, Jeanna Holmes of Charlotte In-Vironments and collaborator Karsen Hood of Mannings Design, and Magnolia Network personality Natalie Papier.

Design by Alexis Warren

“Several of the designers have featured their work on prior tours and are bringing new and unique properties to our guests this year,” says Brienne Tinder, Charlotte Symphony Guild presidentelect and chair of the 2024 Heart of the Home Tour. “The properties range from contemporary new builds to older property renovations. Each home features a unique style—from sleek and colorful to traditional and serene—that will inspire tour guests.”

Tour highlights include:

• A contemporary new build in Elizabeth featuring bold colors, sleek windows, and striking black-and-yellow kitchen cabinetry

• A designer-owned 1946 cottage renovation in Myers Park with incredible wallcoverings and playful charm

• A Montibello renovation reminiscent of a coastal retreat with a soothing sand and vibrant blue color palette

• A custom new build in Myers Park with a striking arched entry and a design layered with textures, mixed metals, and natural finishes

• An early 2000s Myers Park home renovation that blends the charm and character of an older home with a unique layout and color story

• VIP access to a colorful and art-forward pool house renovation, home of Natalie Papier

For more information, call 704-380-0215 or visit SYMPHONYGUILDCHARLOTTE.ORG

The 2024 tour will run March 22–23. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online. A VIP event, Bubbles and Bites, is also offered at the home of Natalie Papier, a prominent Charlotte interior designer and the Symphony’s Honorary Chair. VIP tickets are available for an additional $25.

Says Tinder, “We are grateful for the tour guests’ continued support and the homeowners who give back in this unique way to keep the music alive in Charlotte.” u

EASTERDAY CREATIVE; MICHAEL BLEVINS; PFAHL ARCHITECTS, PFAHL CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Design by Natalie Papier

Design by Karsen Hood of Mannings Design

Design by Crazy Jane's

GREEN WITH ENVY

BY BETH CONANT KEIM

WHEN I BEGAN DESIGNING THE NEW HOME OF MINAL AND ANKUR MANVAR, THEY REQUESTED A KELLY GREEN SCULLERY. I LOVED THE IDEA (AND I EVEN WORKED IN A LITTLE HIDDEN DOOR AS A SURPRISE).

The color, in turn, drove the design and influenced my selections throughout the rest of the home.

Thinking of the main floor of your home as a whole creates cohesiveness. I am a big believer in the importance of color tone and hue. Complementary colors and consistent depth of those colors through adjoining spaces creates the most beautiful flow and will allow you to move things easily from room to room if you want to mix it up at some point.

The new green scullery is located just off the charcoal dining space and across from a merlot lounge. All these spaces have pops of repeating colors with the same tones, hues, and depth.

“THE COLOR DROVE THE DESIGN AND INFLUENCED MY SELECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE HOME.”

Similar-colored metals are blended in to add to that cohesiveness. I wanted touches of brass in all three rooms, and I especially love the custom metalwork we hand-applied to the lounge walls. Strips of brass were individually tacked in a random pattern and complemented with a charcoal glass chandelier.

As always, the selection of artwork is important to me. I love to collect and mix different genres, and when deciding on art for this home, I chose very carefully. All the pieces are custom, and all are unique: A mixed media in shades of gray brings the brightness down a notch in the scullery; a beautiful piece by Karen Hollingsworth through Shain

Gallery adorns the dining room wall; and a sentimental black-and-white photograph of an elephant by Ron Royals enlivens the dining room.

The Manvars could not be happier with their striking kelly green scullery and the complementary adjoining spaces. u

BETH CONANT KEIM is the owner of LUCY AND COMPANY, a full-service interior design firm located at 3004 SELWYN AVENUE in Charlotte. For more information, visit LUCYANDCOMPANY.COM or call 704-342-6655

BEAUT CONQUERS BALLANTYNE

BY JIM NOBLE

SPRING BRINGS A SENSE OF RENEWAL AND REJUVENATION WITH WARMER TEMPERATURES, FLOWERS IN BLOOM, AND VACATION ON THE HORIZON.

This seems fitting for what will be a season of marked growth for us. The new season will bring installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment at Bossy Beulah’s in Ballantyne, which will give way to grand opening planning and preparation, set to take place early summer.

Each new location presents new opportunities to share the recipes and comfort my Great-Aunt Beulah (whom we called Beaut—Bossy Beaut when she would discipline us) passed down to me from a young age. Those were, of course, mainly in the form of fried chicken on Sundays after church.

Unlike Noble Smoke, Bossy Beulah’s was a concept that came to me quickly, and it was based on opportunity rather than a dream. I always knew I wanted to open a barbecue restaurant that paid homage to the legends of barbecue across the South. I dreamed up Bossy Beulah’s when our landlord at Noble Smoke said he had a small building next door that he was looking to lease. The little white building, an old filling station on Freedom Drive, was just too perfect for a chicken sandwich shop.

At the time, we’d been testing our chicken sandwich at The King’s Kitchen for a few years. The Uptown lunch crowd was loving it. It was the follow-up to Aunt Beaut’s Pan-Fried Chicken, a more direct representation of what my Aunt Beaut cooked for us growing up, hand breaded, fried in a cast-iron

“EACH NEW LOCATION PRESENTS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE THE RECIPES AND COMFORT MY GREAT-AUNT BEULAH PASSED DOWN TO ME FROM A YOUNG AGE.”

skillet, and served piping hot with classic southern sides like collards, mac & cheese, creamed potatoes, and fresh seasonal vegetables.

We wanted this place to be great food, fast. To increase speed at Bossy Beulah’s, we had to make some changes. The cast-iron skillet, while true to tradition, wouldn’t cut it for a quick-service restaurant, so we moved to a pressure cooker, which had little impact on the taste. There are a lot of chicken sandwiches out there. You might be able to find a cheaper one, but you won’t find a better one. To this day, when I bite into a “Beaut” sandwich, I am truly amazed at how good it is.

Our first location served a simple menu of chicken sandwiches, “bites,” and wings. With each new location, we’ve expanded our offerings. First came biscuits (served weekend mornings), then chicken salad, roasted chicken, and more salads and sides to appeal to anyone looking to eat a little “lighter,” and then a full catering menu. But with each addition, we remain true to our commitment of serving the highest-quality chicken we can source, free of growth hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives, in a bright, welcoming environment that honors Aunt Beaut and all

JIM NOBLE is the executive chef and owner of NOBLE FOOD & PURSUITS For more information, visit NOBLEFOODANDPURSUITS.COM

my relatives who helped me discover my love for food (fried chicken, specifically) and gathering around the table.

I look forward to making new friends over fried chicken at our new locations this year. Until then, see you at our “shacks” in South End, Winston-Salem, Fort Mill, and where it all started— on Freedom Drive. u

Pictured left to right: my Aunt Ruth and my Aunt Beaut.

SPOTLIGHT

DAY TRIPPER

SOCO GALLERY

Through April 18 socogallery.com

In this solo exhibition, artist Paul Wackers showcases new paintings and works on paper. The paintings in Day Tripper both capture and invite a sense of the traveler’s refreshed attention. In Wackers’s vision, familiar objects are wildly reimagined through heightened color, varying textures, and a mélange of forms. The resulting compositions vibrate with organic energy, even when their subjects are static. By depicting settings whose human counterparts have left the building, Wackers continues the project of still-life painting, in which the accouterments of daily living become symbols and ciphers for a range of ideas, emotions, and perceptive states.

SARA PITTMAN: THE TEMPERAMENT OF TIME

ANNE NEILSON FINE ART

Through April 4 anneneilsonfineart.com

In her first solo exhibition at Anne Neilson Fine Art, artist Sara Pittman aims to express her feelings and experiences and their inevitable connection to both the natural world and time as we understand it. Pittman’s paintings are symbols of time, mirroring her personal life experiences in a poetic way through shape and movement. Flora-like shapes can be found bursting off the canvas in some instances, while other moments hold within them a fog-like quality that feels calm and still. Time is slow, time is fleeting, time is now, time is tomorrow. Time’s temperament changes as quickly as the weather depending on our perspective and current state of being. This work embodies so many of these notions.

POST-TRAUMATISM: IN SEARCH OF FREEDOM

HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER

Through May 12 ganttcenter.org

Post Traumatism: In Search of Freedom features the powerful abstract works of Patrick Alston. Curated by Dexter Wimberly, Alston’s works illuminate the interconnectedness of human existence and the universality of our struggle for emancipation. Through abstraction, Alston’s works reflect upon spirituality, socio-politics, identity, language, and the psychology of color. He had various solo and group exhibitions throughout the USA and internationally, including Bode Projects in Berlin, and shows in Accra and London.