Home Design & Decor Magazine- Charlotte Edition -Kitchen & Bath Issue
HD D& KITCHEN
Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective is a nationally traveling exhibition organized by The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum (The Cheech) and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. Support for the national tour has been generously provided by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. The exhibition was curated by Selene Preciado. IMAGE: Einar and Jamex de la Torre (Mexican-American, 1963– and 1960– respectively). Oxymodern (Aztec Calendar) (detail), 2002, blown-glass, mixed-media wall installation. Courtesy of the Cheech Marin Collection and Riverside Art Museum. 500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC | 704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum
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A
Designer Teri Thomas gives her client’s Myers Park condo a modern, masculine makeover.
68 Steeped in Tradition
This Foxcroft home pays homage to timeless French architecture and modern traditional design.
MICHAEL BLEVINS
Design
Designer Ashley Johnson infuses one couple’s Myers Park home with a West Coast sensibility.
Trend
Charlotte designers pick their favorite kitchen and bath trends of 2025.
Highlight Reel
The transformation of a family’s kitchen and bath takes center stage in this High Point project.
Style
Seven local designers show you how to take a vanity from basic to bold.
Design
Traditional meets modern in this English Tudor by designer Kim Mauney and architectural designer Frank Smith.
38 Market
Exciting releases in the design world this summer.
40 Field Trip
Move over politics and history. Washington D.C.’s design scene is one of the best on the East Coast. 42 Spotlight
An insider’s guide to this summer’s gallery openings and exhibitions.
very year in the kitchen and bath issue, we reference the kitchen being the heart of the home, the gathering space where families and friends can come together and break bread.
It’s a truth that never changes, and it’s an easy way to explain why we devote a whole issue to highlighting this room, juxtaposing it to the privacy of bathrooms, which are also center stage. But in this time of increasing tension, we ask that as you flip through these pages of stunning spaces, you move the design to the side and really envision your family gathered around that dining table. Sitting at that bar while you cook. Grabbing a snack out of that cabinet and eating breakfast on that bench. Picture your daughter getting her hair just right for a date in front of that mirror in her bathroom, or your husband relaxing in the steam shower after working all day. And yourself, gathering your thoughts before you hop on that Zoom call, or make dinner for your family. Because it’s these moments—hidden or loud—that need underlining. We need to celebrate the richness of having loving families and friends to share these spaces with, and moments to ourselves where we can take care of our minds and hearts. At the end of the day, the stunning thing isn’t the room, but who is in it with you.
Blake Miller and Anne Marie Ashley Co-Editors-in-Chief
on the cover
Designer Anna Brantley of Carolina Design Associates brought to fruition her clients' dream of an elegant and timeless home in Foxcroft (page 68).
HD D&
HOME DESIGN & DECOR
P
Michael Kooiman
Associate Publisher
Oonagh Murray
E D I T O R I A L
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Anne Marie Ashley
Blake Miller
Associate Editor Karin Simoneau
D E S I G N
Art Director
Lindsay Richards
P
Production Coordinator
Shelley Kemper
Writers
Maria Masters
Brandy Woods Snow
Photography
Michael Blevins
Heather Ison
Dustin and Susie Peck
Laura Sumrak
Brie Williams
AT GRAND ENTRY DOORS,
we believe your front door is more than just an entrance.
It’s the warm embrace for your family, the friendly hello to friends, and the heartfelt welcome to your guests.
It’s the gateway to your world— where you nurture loved ones, share laughter, and create lasting memories. It’s where you open your heart and home to those you cherish, offering your unique hospitality. Your entry door connects your home to the world, and we’re here to help you make that connection warm, inviting, and uniquely your own.
DWELL
California Edit
Designer Ashley Johnson brings one couple’s West Coast sensibility back to the easy South in their Myers Park home.
The Scalamandré Raphael wallpaper served as the inspiration and focal point for the dining room. “I wanted this striking wallcovering to set the tone, creating a dramatic and layered play of pattern and mood throughout the room,” says Johnson. Chairs: Nest, upholstered in Romo velvet. Buffet: 1stDibs. Buffet accessories: Circa Interiors & Antiques.
Text by Anne Marie Ashley | Photography by Heather Ison Styled by Ashley Hotham Cox
When Anna and Wilson Jones purchased a home over a Facetime call with their agent at the height of the competitive real estate market of 2022, they knew it needed significant updating. But they fell in love with the generous layout synonymous with 1990s builds, and their growing family needed the space. The open floor plan, high ceilings, and traditional moldings were the bones that designer Ashley Johnson was to work within, honoring the architectural elements that made the home perfect for the family while simultaneously bringing it into the twentyfirst century.
Moving from California to North Carolina, the Joneses needed a local designer to take the reins on a renovation that required some balance. “Striking that balance— honoring what was there while pushing it forward— required thoughtful planning and a clear design vision,” says Johnson, who met the couple through their close friends, homebuilders Cassidy and Cam Montgomery of Montgomery Homes. “From our earliest Zoom calls, it was clear that the Joneses had incredible taste; they had already collected a beautiful mix of furniture and art.”
And luckily, Anna came to the table with a strong vision and several textiles and inspiration images that she wanted
The kitchen and breakfast room were a pivotal point in the renovation process, cementing the light-filled, airy aesthetic. “We removed the bulky corner closet pantry and wrapped the perimeter in custom cabinetry—maximizing storage while creating a clean, sophisticated look,” explains Johnson. Pendants: Anthropologie. Barstools: Pottery Barn. Island top and backsplash: Walker Zanger.
House of Harris wallcoverings lead the way to the owner’s bath, where Johnson extended the marble tile halfway up the wall for a clean and timeless look. Runner: Antique Oushak from Etsy. Towels: Weezie. Marble: Walker Zanger.
“A
to incorporate. “Anna pushed me slightly outside of my typical palette, but in a way that ultimately made the design richer and more dynamic,” says Johnson.
The goal was clear: infuse the North Carolina home with the airy, layered, and elevated aesthetic they loved from California. One of the most transformative decisions the team made was replacing the window wall in the kitchen’s breakfast area. “We also fully gutted and reworked the kitchen layout to support entertaining and improve overall flow with the rest of the home. Seeing how beautifully the kitchen and breakfast room came together—both visually and functionally—was incredibly rewarding. It felt like a defining moment in the renovation, where we truly elevated the home and brought the vision to life,” says Johnson.
But the true starting point was the dining room. Anna had fallen in love with a Scalamandré wallpaper, which became the perfect way to bring
to the space.
depth and character
“The palette and mood of the dining room informed much of the rest of the home,” explains Johnson.
beautiful antique rug owned by the client became the hero of the foyer,” says Johnson. With whispery walls painted in Farrow & Ball Shadow White at half strength, the pop of color adds the perfect welcome drama.
Table: Lulu and Georgia. Lighting: Visual Comfort.
Designed as a personal retreat, the owner’s bedroom was curated for calm and relaxation. Anchored by Farrow & Ball Light Blue, vaulted ceilings are balanced with a canopy bed from Pottery Barn. Lumbar pillow: Cowtan & Tout fabric. Nightstands: Bernhardt.
“When I saw the wallpaper, I knew we could incorporate some really fun deep blues and greens, and the wallpaper became a springboard for weaving more saturated tones into the design.”
Johnson used color strategically to create contrast and mood. Darker, more richly hued spaces—like the dining room and cocktail room—are offset by lighter, neutral-toned areas like the entry, family room, and kitchen. The results create a home for the Joneses that highlights openness while offering pockets of personality and layered comfort.
“It was a beautiful balance of honoring their vision while weaving in the thoughtful, curated aesthetic that defines my style,” says Johnson.
Along with the kitchen, the breakfast area was a key change in the renovation, with the added picture window flooding the rooms with natural light. Table: Bernhardt, purchased through Circa. Lighting: Circa Interiors & Antiques. Chairs: Chairish.
Originally a mudroom off the side entry, Johnson reimagined this space as a "friend’s entrance" and wet bar. “To retain the functionality the family needed, I designed a concealed door disguised within the millwork, which opens to reveal beautifully built-out lockers and shelving for shoes, backpacks, coats, and other daily essentials.” Countertop: AGM Imports.
“I wanted to give purpose and presence to this highly visible room, located just off the main family space and within view of the home’s entry,” says Johnson of the lounge. Filled with natural light, the room offered a perfect opportunity to embrace bold contrast. Wallcovering: Schumacher. Sofa and swivel chairs: Lee Industries. Artwork: Darnell & Company.
SEATING
Jess Ebert / Four Story Interiors
“With its perfect blend of classic and cool, the Dorothy Dining Chair is a chic alternative to a standard wood dining chair in the kitchen. Its red or black leather-wrapped legs add just the right touch of warmth and personality around the kitchen table.”
Dorothy Dining Chair / to the trade / julianchichester.com
LIGHTING
Beth Keim / Lucy and Company
“This Bistro Double Wall Sconce is the perfect piece when walls are tall and you want a bit of drama. I love to mix metals, and this brassand-black combination works perfectly with stainless appliances and chrome fixtures.”
“My favorite plumbing fixture is a bridge kitchen faucet. I love this Perrin & Rowe faucet in unlacquered brass with the matching sidespray. It’s like jewelry for your kitchen!”
House of Rohl Georgian Era Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray / $2,574 / perigold.com
The LIST
Seven local designers share their favorite kitchen and bath selections of the season.
Amy Vermillion / Amy Vermillion Interiors
“This Thibaut fabric is a great new option in the performance fabric space. I am excited that we can combine function and aesthetic—especially for families and pet lovers!”
Landon / to the trade / thibautdesign.com
TILE
Cathy Diel / Diel Design and Interiors
WALLPAPER
Natalie Fey / Celadon Interiors
“I’m always looking for a unique, dramatic statement in bathrooms and kitchens. The Belcaro Nubo Verde is a marble tile with unique color variations and rounded edges. I love running this tile vertically for maximum impact.”
Belcaro 12” X 24” Fluted Field Tile / $199 / annsacks.kohler.com
“One of my favorite wallpapers is Brunschwig & Fils Talavera because it has a modern yet sophisticated pattern that mixes well in all styles of homes. The scale of the pattern creates a larger-feeling space, and the color options are subtle, allowing multiple accent colors to be used.”
Brunschwig & Fils Talavera / to the trade / kravet.com
HARDWARE
Brooke Cole / Brooke Cole Interiors
“My favorite hardware piece will always be a cremone bolt. It’s a luxurious and timeless piece of hardware that can elevate the look of cabinets, doors, and windows in any space.”
Baldwin Cremone Bolt / $961 / baldwinhardware.com
AUGUSTA WILSON
Sorrento Siesta Mixed Media on Canvas 36x36
All Together Now Mixed Media on Canvas 30x30
“We opened up walls and introduced a double island layout that encourages conversation and connection,” says Morton. Looking for materials that offered beauty and longevity, she chose bold Calacatta Viola marble as a statement piece balanced by rich walnut, soft taupe cabinetry, and handmade touches like a custom limewash hood and aged brass fixtures. Marble: Harkey Tile & Stone. Faucets: Handmade, purchased at Ferguson.
Wrapped in limestone and honed marble that bring warmth and texture, the owner’s bath channels the feel of a European retreat. Brass fixtures from Ferguson provide a layer of old-world sophistication with a modern edge. Countertops: Harkey Tile & Stone.
Marbleized
We highlight this stunning kitchen and bath from a project by Val Collective.
Text by Anne Marie Ashley
by Laura Sumrak
THESE SPACES, designed by Dani Morton of Val Collective, were driven by functionality and personality, with each one needing a distinct feel. Inside this historic 1918 estate, which boasts early twentieth-century character, a new iteration blends old-world elements with contemporary refinement. “The balance of aesthetics and utility comes into sharpest focus in the kitchen and bathroom spaces,” says Morton.
Photography
The bathrooms were treated as their own experiences, starting with the powder room, which is intentionally dramatic and anchored by a hand-carved Viola marble sink and moody finishes that create a moment of sculpture within the home. Handmade unlacquered brass faucets from Ferguson underline the historic feel. Vanity: Harkey Tile & Stone.
A sculptural concrete leg adds an element of whimsy to a bunkroom bath designed by Craig Dixon of Pursley Dixon. Tile walls envelop the space, providing elegant protection against splashing hands and mischievous guests.
While the ogee-edge detail on the vanity top flows beautifully with the floating serpentine cabinet, Kelley Vieregg’s addition of the oversized Modern Matter hardware elevates this stunning custom piece.
Stone Forest allowed Liz Goldberg of CAROLYNLEONA Designs to customize this vanity with a Carrara marble top and integrated sink, gray-stained wood, and aged-brass legs. The result is a perfect highlight for the terra-cotta and bright blue accents to pop.
VANITY FAIR
Custom vanities may be the quickest way to transform a space, and these designs show you how to go from basic to beautiful.
Produced by Blake Miller
the look and feel of the
by
elegantly
and
Marycobb Reeves mimicked
silhouette of a Louis XVI–inspired chest
designing
tapered legs
reeded drawer fronts. Constructed from solid walnut, the base is bench-made and hand-planed by artisans in Georgia.
Brooke Cole opted for a floating quartzite vanity with a custom fluted front to maximize space in this tiny powder room. The interior drawer is U-shaped to accommodate the plumbing fixtures while also capitalizing on storage.
This fluted cylindrical plaster bowl designed by Julia Wood of Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors doubles as a piece of art in this moody bathroom. The sculptural quality of plaster in a waxed topcoat by Eric Cockerell of Mudwerk enables the vanity to be perfectly tailored wall to wall.
The bespoke fluting on this custom vanity by Mary Miller of Abode is the ultimate modern design flex in a wholly traditional powder room. Complemented by the clean lines of the concrete raised sink by Majestic Bath, the vanity comes alive against the backdrop of a traditional wallcovering.
FASHIONING the FUTURE
Traditional meets modern in this reimagined English Tudor.
Text by Maria Masters | Photography by Brie Williams Styling by Eleanor Roper
Designer Kim Mauney created a keeping room off the kitchen so the homeowners could cook while spending time with each other. “We wanted the two rooms to be connected,” she says. Table: Custom by Steve Morgan. Light fixture: Visual Comfort. Sofa: Verellen. Ottomans: Custom Design Services of Charlotte.
Designer Kim Mauney had been friends with her clients for years, but it wasn’t until they moved that she finally got a chance to work with them. The project was close to the couple’s heart: as recent empty nesters, they were moving out of their larger family home and into a smaller house that they wanted to make entirely their own. “Their goal was to create a home that worked for them as a couple, and that was primarily designed for their use,” says Mauney, who worked in tandem with architectural designer Frank Smith and Goodwin Classic Homes on the project.
Mauney drew inspiration from the home itself— an English Tudor–style dwelling—and created a keeping room off the kitchen where one person could sit and read while the other cooked dinner. “In their other house, they had more formal spaces, where they were more removed from each other,” she says. “In this home, the goal was to marry the spaces so that they could be together while doing different things.”
To keep the rooms cozy and intimate, Mauney stuck to a palette of warm neutrals, like sage greens and linen whites. She also accented the spaces with artwork from her client’s existing collection, which includes pieces by local artists from Hidell Brooks Gallery. “We kept the interior quiet so they could feature their art,” she says.
The result is a home that’s tailor-made for the homeowners—one that suits their new life in the present while still highlighting their past.
Statement artwork from the homeowners’ existing collection anchors the hallway. “That was hands down my favorite piece in the whole house,” says Mauney. “We just let the artwork carry the space.” Lighting: Visual Comfort. Carpet: Stark. Paint: Farrow & Ball Wimborne
In the bar, Mauney painted the cabinets and walls a bold, moody blue. “It was a small space, and it didn’t have to match anything, so we could choose something more bold,” she says. Lighting: Visual Comfort. Cabinet hardware: Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath. Faucet: Waterworks.
White.
Original wooden beams take center stage in the kitchen, which had been recently updated before the homeowners moved in. Mauney gave the room a fresh look by painting the cabinets a warm beige. Light fixtures: Hector Finch. Barstools: Hickory Chair. Cabinet paint color: Farrow & Ball Joa’s White.
An antique cabinet from the homeowners’ previous home was the jumping-off point for the dining room. “We built around that and accented the walls in a soft, moody shade color,” says Mauney. Dining table: Rose Tarlow. Chairs: Jerry Pair. Drapery fabric: Great Plains Fabric.
Mauney repainted the vanity and added grasscloth to the powder room on the first floor. She accented the space with a vintage-style chair. “I like to put chairs in the bathrooms so people can put their purse or coat down,” she says. Wallpaper: Holly Hunt. Sconce: Visual Comfort.
MARKET DWELL
bold summer releases offer a chance to make a statement in your home or on the town.
1 Stonewalled
Renowned designer Nina Campbell has teamed up with tile design house Fired Earth to release a thoughtful collection of tiles featuring her favorite designs. The collection includes ten patterned tiles inspired by her designs and seven plain tiles that perfectly complement the Nina Campbell palette. “I see customers using them to create backsplashes for kitchens and for floors in certain places, like bathrooms and laundry rooms,” says Campbell of her collection. “I think laundry rooms need to be cheerful.” tileshop.com
2 Bejeweled
In their first foray into bathroom hardware, design house Modern Matter, led by local CCO Katherine Mulford, has gracefully entered the chat with bejeweled wall-mounted hooks, knobs, and bars. “Whether making a statement with a unique towel ring in a powder room or adding gemstones to your robe hooks, little luxuries make a difference in everyday items,” says Mulford. birddecorativehardware.com
3 Plated
Los Angeles–based designer Peter Dunham, who’s known for his fearless use of pattern and color, has teamed up with timeless homeware design house Hudson Grace for a bold new collection, perfect for summer. Dunham’s iconic prints have been reimagined into a curated selection of Hudson Grace favorites, intended to be mixed, matched, and layered, including Italian hand-painted plates and block-printed linens. hudsongracesf.com
4 Carved
In a striking blend of natural materials and refined design, this sculptural sink by Stone Forest offers versatility as either a wall-mounted sink or full vanity. A hand-carved stone basin introduces organic texture, while sleek Elemental FACET legs add a contemporary edge. Available in two exquisite stone options—Verde Indio (a deep green marble) and Viola Bianco (a white marble with intricate veining)—the fusion of raw and refined elements balances organic warmth and structured elegance. themajesticbath.com
5 Imprinted
Created by Pamela Munson in partnership with heritage design house Schumacher, this limited-edition capsule collection reimagines iconic Schumacher prints through the artful lens of embroidery. The select prints are brought to life on handwoven straw handbags and decorative photo frames, the frames marking Munson’s introduction to the home design space. The meticulously handcrafted pieces blend classic charm with worldly elegance. pamelamunson.com
Charlotte’s trusted design resource for creating beautiful interiors.
BEYOND PARTY LINES
Forget politics and monuments. Washington, D.C., boasts one of the best design scenes on the East Coast.
Text by Blake Miller
The Georgetown Suite at the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is one of a few accommodations that were recently renovated by New York City–based designer Pierre Josselin. Each space boasts modern yet comfortable interiors.
WASHINGTON, D.C., has a reputation of being all politics, all the time, which is a shame for a city whose arts, culinary, architecture, and retail scene is as vibrant and as rich as its history. Many D.C. neighborhoods exemplify the city’s booming culinary, design, and shopping scenes, but none showcase it better than Georgetown. This hip pocket in the city has long been the mecca of the wealthy. Colonial-era row homes and pied-à-terres elegantly appointed by some of the nation’s top interior designers are also home to some of the world’s most powerful people. With its cobblestone sidewalks, tree-lined streets, colorful window boxes, and proximity to the Potomac River, Georgetown is a destination in itself.
There is no shortage of hotel options in D.C. For something within a few blocks of Georgetown, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is a must.
French steakhouse La Grand Boucherie is set in a historic downtown building designed by French architect Jules Gabriel Henri de Sibour. The interior architecture is as impressive as its Frenchinspired menu.
The lobby of the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown features an oversized art installation by Lusive that seemingly floats in space. At night, the geometric metallic shapes of historic monuments illuminate the space.
Designed by renowned Modernist architect Vlastimil Koubek, the Fairmont recently underwent a $21 million lobby renovation led by Dallas-based designer Amanda Jackson. The lobby features multiple artists, including a jaw-dropping art installation by Lusive that seemingly floats in space. Glittering at night, the geometric metallic shapes of historic monuments and federal buildings come alive, illuminating the space with sparkling lights.
The Fairmont’s guest suites are just as magical. New York City–based designer Pierre Josselin redesigned three of the spacious suites (the Magnolia Suite is perfect for families), transforming each space into a sleek, modern yet wholly comfortable place to find respite from the city below.
Hop on an e-bike or walk the few short blocks to Georgetown’s bustling M Street, where the interior design scene is booming. This busy main drag is home to a plethora of showrooms, including family-owned Poliform. Founded in Lake Como, Italy, in 1970, the chic 9,400-square-foot showroom features contemporary handcrafted furniture, kitchen cabinetry, and outdoor furniture. Just a few storefronts away, you’ll also find Molteni&C, which is “Made in Italy” but with Danish influence, as well as Italian designer furniture group B&B Italia. The 13,000-square-foot showroom spans three stories and offers a range of full-home design services,
including kitchens, closets, and lighting. On the same side of the street, sneak away to secluded yet distinctive Cady’s Alley, a narrow, pedestrian-friendly brick lane featuring restored row houses that now boast high-end design stores, suppliers, and showrooms that are themselves a work of art.
Even dinner showcases the city’s impressive architecture and design scene. Waterfront dining and entertainment abounds at The Wharf, where dining options such as The Grill not only boast elevated New American cuisine but also elevated interior design that couples modern and traditional. Most impressive architecturally, though, is the 14,000-square-foot French steakhouse La Grande Boucherie, which is housed in a historic downtown D.C. office building designed by French architect Jules Gabriel Henri de Sibour. Occupying the first two floors of the Federal-American National Bank building, the structure is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Home to the nation’s longest continually operating open-air fish market, The Wharf has transformed into one of D.C.’s most exciting waterfront destinations. Featuring upscale waterfront dining, comedy clubs, theaters, and more, the area is now one of the city's top attractions.
The interiors of The Grill provide a moody, elegant vibe to complement its New American cuisine.
A must-have artisan cocktail at
The Grill: the Sour Puss. A modern take on the lemon drop, this version features lemon verbena syrup and burnt lemon.
Chop Shop: We Are Here
HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER | THROUGH OCTOBER 26
A collective exploration of racial consciousness and identity through drawing, painting, and sculpture, Chop Shop: We Are Here highlights the transformative role of the arts in confronting the challenges faced by Black and Brown men. The Chop Shop Artists Collective was founded in 2020 during the global pandemic as a space for virtual conversations and fellowship. Curated by Steven M. Cozart and Roymieco Carter. ganttcenter.org
Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective
THE MINT MUSEUM | THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21
Vibrant and thought-provoking, Collidoscope features forty mixedmedia works by internationally celebrated artists and brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre. As much an intellectual and poetic journey as it is visual, the exhibition includes a wide range of blownglass sculptures, immersive installation art, and dynamic lenticular pieces highlighting the brothers' distinctive style. Celebrating their thirty-year creative journey, the exhibition title and curatorial design reflect the brothers’ creative process, combining conceptual play with technical mastery and a deep engagement with cultural identity. Their creations combine glass, found objects, resin, lasercut metal, and lenticular prints. Collidoscope is organized into five thematic sections and further enhanced by a soundtrack inspired by the artists’ creative process. mintmuseum.org
Reverberate
SE CLT GALLERY | THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6
Reverberate is the inaugural event for SE CLT x McColl Center’s commemoration of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death, and the movements, developments, and reactivity resulting from May 25, 2020. In the wake of Floyd’s death, institutions from every facet of American life made pledges to address racism and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their walls. America in 2025 is in the throes of a retraction and charting a different course. Where does the art world fall in this contemporary reality? With its universal language that transcends words, the artwork in Reverberate reflects on May 25, 2020, remembers the events that followed, and interrogates how the developments in addressing societal realities around race will weather this moment in time. seclt.com
SIDE),
INTERIORS
THIS THOUGHTFULLY
LAYERED EASTOVER
HOME SPARKS A BALANCE WITH BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY.
TEXT BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
DUSTIN AND SUSIE PECK
The credenza plays double duty, offering a buffet and serving center for the dining room on one side, and expansive, hidden storage closets for the foyer down the stairs on the other side. Chairs: Hickory Chair. Chandelier: 1stDibs. Carpet: Stark.
Life moves fast for a busy family of four, so they wanted a home that didn’t just keep up but slowed things down with simplicity, purpose, and room to breathe.
Tucked into an established Eastover neighborhood, the home is the perfect mix of timeless architecture and livable warmth. Designed by Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors and built by J Barwick Construction, the home’s classic exterior opens into an interior that’s anything but cookie-cutter. The home is comfortably scaled and intentionally designed for raising two children without losing sight of elegance and ease.
The homeowners knew from the start that they wanted a seasoned eye to help translate their vision into a livable, layered reality, so they enlisted the help of Collins Cherry of Cherry Bates Interior Design, who once lived just down the street from the couple. “It was fun to reconnect and be a part of the forever-home journey for their family,” says Cherry. “We wanted to remain true to the architecture while infusing the interiors with their personalities, bringing life to the design.”
From the beginning, the goal was clear: create a space that’s functional, family-friendly, and reflective of the homeowners’ lifestyle without sacrificing the home’s architectural integrity. The lot itself was unusually deep and larger than most in the neighborhood, which gave room to breathe both inside and out. The house wasn’t meant to be big—it was meant to be just right—but it needed to be a beautiful and comfortable space for the family.
ABOVE: The artwork in the office is indeed a happy accident—the pieces were originally slated to be hung in the stairwell, but their aesthetic and color palette made them perfect candidates for the square displays constructed by the architect. Carpet: Kravet. Desk chair: Design Within Reach.
LEFT: The unusual sink is constructed from one continuous piece of plaster and designed by the home’s architect as an original piece to the home. Sink: Mudwerk. Wallpaper: Designers Guild. Mirror: 1stDibs.
Inside, the home tells a story of thoughtful layering, with a mix of collected antiques and new, custom pieces that feel both fresh and storied, family heirlooms, and eclectic artwork procured through the couple’s travels. There’s an effortless balance between sophistication and comfort with a minimalistic flair; nothing feels overdone, and everything feels intentional.
The kitchen, fittingly, is the heart of the home, and Cherry designed it as a place for conversation amidst a simple white, clean aesthetic and room to gather around an expansive island. With natural light pouring in from oversized front and back windows in the open concept floor plan, the space is as happy as it is hardworking and allows the family to stay connected across the main living spaces, while a semi-hidden scullery keeps the prep and mess quietly out of view.
Design decisions were rooted in real life—soft textiles underfoot, performance fabrics where it counts, and rich but neutral paint colors that ground each room without weighing it down. A thread of blue—the homeowner’s favorite color—appears throughout the design. And the home’s baths are serene sanctuaries, each with its own personality, from a playful powder room with bold wallpaper to an owner’s suite bath that feels like an at-home spa.
Cherry still visits often, helping to tweak the home as life happens. “It feels like them,” she says simply. “And that’s always the goal—to help clients create a home that reflects who they are.”
A sleek chaise, loads of natural light, and an awe-inspiring view of the garden create the perfect ambiance for the homeowners, who are both passionate readers. Chaise: Kravet. Carpet: Charlotte Rug Gallery. Windows: Holland & Sherry.
The expansive bank of windows was designed to be dramatic and eyecatching, but since the family room is in the front of the house, privacy was a concern. These motorized shades offer function without fuss.
Sofa: Jan Showers. Coffee table: 1stDibs. Drapery fabric: Holland & Sherry.
“ WE WANTED TO REMAIN TRUE TO THE ARCHITECTURE WHILE INFUSING THE INTERIORS WITH THEIR PERSONALITIES, BRINGING LIFE TO THE DESIGN.”
—COLLINS CHERRY
The framed photo on the backsplash is the last shot of the homeowner’s family’s business before the building was demolished. Counter stools: Hickory Chair. Pottery: Darnell & Company.
ABOVE: Grandmom’s antique chairs were recovered to give them a more contemporary look for the home’s entryway. Cherry began working on the project under her previous firm, Maggie Evans Design. Lighting: Urban Electric. Mirror: Granville.
LEFT: The scullery is the workhorse of the house. The homeowner loves to cook but also likes her home to be tidy, so the room is a great way to keep the hustle and bustle of food prep well contained. Lighting: Soane Brittain. Hardware: Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath.
The custom built-ins of rift-sawn quarter white oak at the home's entry double as storage and a credenza in the dining room on the other side.
The Indiana limestone floors complement the wood stain on the builts-ins applied by Tony Montognese. Wood finish: Tony Montognese.
Both airy and functional, the owner’s bath’s clean, white aesthetic is a perfect match to the homeowner’s love of simplistic, streamlined, and uncluttered
The serving space and display niches were thoughtful inclusions from the architect,
mindful of
making the space beautiful,
functional. Table and chairs: Highland House. Sculptures: Hidell Brooks Gallery.
TALL, DARK & STYLED
Designer Teri Thomas creates quiet comfort with masculine style in this Myers Park condo.
TEXT BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIE WILLIAMS
For the homeowner, the marble backsplash was love at first sight. While he gave designer Teri Thomas free rein in the design, this expressive stone quickly became his must-have and set a color palette for the open-concept living areas. Stools:
Bradley USA in a Romo fabric. Chandelier: Allied Maker. Backsplash: Carolinas Stone Marble & Granite. Appliances: Ferguson Home. Artwork: Sarah Helser.
According to Thomas, there was no one anchor component in the dining room design—everything pulled together simultaneously and seamlessly to create the curated space with ease.
Dining chairs: Hickory Chair in a Great Plains fabric.
Artwork: Laura Duerwald from TEW Galleries. Rug: Stark. Table: Custom by Skylar Morgan. Chandelier: Visual Comfort.
When John Granzow purchased his new construction, three-bedroom condo in Myers Park, he knew he needed more than just furniture—he needed finesse in a well-edited, lockand-leave design. A busy investment banker with two grown children and an active lifestyle, Granzow wanted his new home to reflect his rhythm—refined yet relaxed, masculine without being moody, modern but warm. On a trusted recommendation, he turned to designer Teri Thomas for the sophisticated, layered approach he desired for his new home.
“I wasn’t actively looking for a new home when I stumbled upon the condo, but I was drawn to the location’s charm,” Granzow says. “The moment I saw it, I was struck by the natural light, character, and setting.”
For Thomas, the project was a dream job because Granzow gave her full creative freedom. “It was a true blank canvas,” Thomas says. “We were able to come in at the start, select colors and finishes, and shape architectural details to fit our aesthetic and suit John’s lifestyle.”
The result is what she calls a “handsome” home— streamlined and nuanced, welcoming and comfortable. It’s a place to entertain as well as relax without any fuss.
Thomas first added arches to define the dining space from the rest of the open-concept main living area. Walnut cabinetry was selected in the kitchen, injecting warmth and giving the luxurious appeal of a paneled room. A nine-foot hallway leading into the owner’s suite features floor-to-ceiling cupboards that maximize discrete storage while softening the aesthetic with custom-designed leather upholstered doors accented by a unique nailhead trim.
The design leans heavily into texture to create dynamic interest and comfortable appeal with leather, chenille, wood, stone, and metal used throughout. The powder room delivers high impact in a small space, pairing a woven bark wallcovering with a sleek concrete sink and
marble countertop. In the dining room, a textured bronze chandelier and metallic paper on the ceiling add elegance and subtle drama. An iron bed in the guest room and shelving above the bar echo strength and structure.
Color, too, plays a pivotal role. The open concept main living areas are anchored by the kitchen, which Thomas calls “the star of the show,” where an earthy palette sets a grounded tone, accented with rich hints of blue, green, orange, and taupe, drawn from the expressive quartzite backsplash. The owner’s suite and guest space utilize a restrained palette of earth tones in browns and grays to create calm and compose spaces of repose.
“The result was a refined yet inviting home with a tailored blend of rich textures, bold artwork, and sculptural finishing,” Thomas says. “We were able to give John a serene and structured space grounded in comfort, clarity, and quiet luxury.”
For Granzow, his home is a personal retreat, balancing elegance and livability. “Every room tells a story,” he says. “Teri and her team translated that vision into every detail to create a home that feels truly me.”
The vintage goatskin cabinet, which Thomas discovered in a shop in Chicago, was procured with Granzow’s foyer in mind.
Dresser: Vintage from South Loop Loft. Artwork: Geoffrey Johnson from Shain Gallery. Rug: Vintage from Darnell & Company. Lighting: Urban Electric Company.
ABOVE: Thomas balanced the highly textured woven bark wallcovering with the ultra-sleek lines of the marble vanity so well that she decided to throw an asymmetrical curveball into the aesthetic by opting to hang both hand-blown glass sconces on one side. Lighting: Hammerton Studio. Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries. Artwork: Geoffrey Johnson. Countertops: OHM International Inc.
OPPOSITE: Six vintage painted wood panels, framed in two sets of three and estimated to be at least fifty years old, were exciting finds that capture the rich color palette of the living room. Coffee table: Alfonso Marina. Sectional: Verellen in a James Dunlop fabric. Rug: Marc Phillips. Artwork: Kiki Slaughter from Hidell Brooks Gallery. Wood panels: Darnell & Company.
THE RESULT IS WHAT SHE CALLS A “HANDSOME” HOME—STREAMLINED AND NUANCED, WELCOMING AND COMFORTABLE. IT’S A PLACE TO ENTERTAIN AS WELL AS RELAX WITHOUT ANY FUSS.
Though it came from the homeowner’s existing collection, the artwork above the bed couldn’t suit the space better if it had been commissioned, proving that the right piece always finds its place. Rug: Couture Knots. Chair and ottoman: Bernhardt in a Jacques Bouvet fabric. Credenza: Arteriors. Bolster: Zimmer + Rohde. Bed: Custom in a Holland & Sherry leather and Jim Thompson fabric. Tables: Darnell & Company.
LEFT: Thomas chose a leather upholstery for the closet doors to break up the harder wood tones used throughout the rest of the home. The circular nailhead pattern was a custom design by Thomas, created to echo the hardware. Upholstered doors: Custom by 2dash1.
BELOW: The 1970s-era vintage leather chair and ottoman were eclectic finds by Thomas, chosen specifically to anchor the guest room. Bed: Made Goods. Nightstands: Made Goods. Rug: Stark. Lamps: Arteriors. Shams: Pierre Frey. Chair and ottoman: Vintage from Foxglove Antiques Collective.
STEEPED IN TRADITION
Text by BLAKE MILLER
Photography by MICHAEL BLEVINS
Designer Anna Brantley of Carolina Design Associates and architectural designer Frank Smith put a spin on traditional French design in the grand hall with gray-and-white marble checkered floors that complement the rest of the home. Antique chests: Modern History. Rug: The Loom and Company. Chinoiserie painting: Lillian August. Steel door: Sightline Steel Doors. Drapery fabric: Romo. Chandelier: RH.
One family’s Foxcroft home pays homage to timeless French architecture with a modern touch.
Traditional and classic French influences abound
in the dining room, where Brantley layered extensive detailed millwork with luxurious textures such as silk and soft wool. Dining table: Hickory Chair. Dining chairs: Highland House. Rug: The Loom and Company. Chandelier: Visual Comfort.
KELLY AND COLIN WEBB COULD FEEL THE STRAIN. WITH
TWO YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER THREE AND ONE ON THE WAY, THE COUPLE’S HOME FELT LIKE IT WAS CLOSING IN ON THEM—FAST. “WE KNEW WE NEEDED MORE HOUSE, BUT OUR HOME TOOK UP ALMOST THE WHOLE LOT,”
SAYS KELLY. “THERE WAS NO OPTION TO ADD ON.”
Having grown up in Foxcroft until he was eight years old, Colin had an affinity for the quiet neighborhood. So when a home on an almost one-acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac became available, the Webbs jumped at the opportunity. Wanting to build their dream home, the couple opted to raze the existing structure and enlisted architectural designer Frank Smith to draw the plans and Bryan Gerrard of Gerrard Builders to build it. The Webbs’ penchant for French architecture spurred Smith’s designs. “We often say that the French and the Italians got a lot of things right—food, wine, style, and architecture,” says Colin. “We favor the elegance of French architecture, and appreciate the timeless beauty and tendency towards symmetry and order.”
Steeped in tradition and function, Smith’s architecture would be a nod to timeless French Provincial design with a contemporary twist. “I’d been working on making our designs remain traditional but began moving in more of a modern, international style,” explains Smith. “These designs, and particularly the Webbs’ home, are architecture that can fit seamlessly into any luxurious city like London, Hong Kong, or Los Angeles. It’s a modern take on traditional architecture.”
The layout is a maze of axis lines, all hidden to the eye but allowing comfortable, easeful movement from one room to the next. The classic tenets of French architecture—symmetry, balance, and grandeur— mingle with modern touches such as steel front doors and oversized windows and tailored trim detail work to create a timeless foundation.
That foundation is where designer Anna Brantley of Carolina Design Associates set to work, implementing an interior design that complements Smith’s classic architecture. “The Webbs did not want everything neutral,” explains Brantley. “They really wanted to see some color and add in wallpaper and go outside the box.” Floral wallpapers and soft blues and greens create a cohesive palette throughout.
Ultimately, though, the home was designed to be flexible enough to host formal gatherings while also living comfortably as a young family of five. Marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers in the more formal areas like the lounge, dining room, and grand stair hall evoke the feel of European luxury while everyday family gathering spaces are a touch less formal and more comfortable for everyday living. “The entire team spent so much time with Colin and I planning on the front end, that every room and outdoor space was so thoughtfully crafted to fit our lifestyle,” says Kelly, who points to a few spaces that are their favorites. A hidden speakeasy bar adds to the lounge’s moody vibe, a barrel ceiling sets the tone in the wine cellar, and a four-panel sliding door creates seamless indoor-outdoor living by the pool.
After two years of construction, the home featured everything the Webbs had envisioned: a traditional, timeless design with notes of French Provincial architecture and interiors that suit both formal and casual living. “We set out to build our dream-foreverhome, and we did it,” says Kelly. “People ask all the time if we would change anything about it, and three years later, we haven’t come up with anything.”
The powder room vanity was custom designed with elegant metal legs and an intricately carved marble sink and counter, which features a subtle lip to prevent water spillage. Located off the lounge, the powder room needed to match the moody vibe, so Brantley installed the dark teal wallpaper by The Pattern Collective. Faucet: Newport Brass. Sconces: Visual Comfort. Mirror: Uttermost.
In keeping with a timeless, traditional design, Brantley designed the kitchen with soft gray cabinetry, white walls, and light natural floors. Bold veining in the marble countertops adds luxury while the pendant lights over the island add sophistication. Counter stools: Serena & Lily. Pendants: Visual Comfort. Cabinetry: Hardwood Creations.
ABOVE: A pool space with an adjacent basement bar was high priority for the entertaining-loving homeowners. The resort-inspired layout with seamless indoor-outdoor spaces resulted in a quiet place for the family to hang out or host friends. Chaise lounges: RH. Chairs: RH. Umbrellas: Serena & Lily. OPPOSITE: The owner’s bathroom is a blend of classic elegance and modern luxury. The clawfoot vintage-style tub is positioned elegantly in front of the marble slab shower walls, balancing old-world romance with sleek modernism. Chandelier: Visual Comfort. Bathtub: Ferguson Home. Cabinetry: Hardwood Creations.
The Webbs love Kiawah Island’s beach club and restaurant aesthetic so much that they tapped Brantley to draw inspiration from its design for their basement kitchen.
Brantley elevated the design with a textured grasscloth backsplash, fluted paneling on the island, and a brass kick bar. Countertops: Art of Stone. Pendants: Visual Comfort. Barstools: Gabby. Faucet: Newport Brass.
A dark and moody color palette in the lounge emphasizes drama while a coffered ceiling gives an elevated architectural interest. A hidden bar designed by Smith and Brantley with Gerrard Builders adds an element of surprise to the cozy space. Chairs: Hickory Chair. Rug: Hall’s Flooring. Cocktail table: Worlds Away.
Inspired by the Lewis & Wood wallpaper, the butler’s pantry needed to complement the adjacent color-drenched blue dining room. Brantley opted for a subtle but stunning green on the custom cabinetry paired with “dainty pulls to keep the look simple,” she says. Wallpaper: Lewis & Wood. Faucet: Newport Brass. Cabinet paint: Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue. Chandelier: Visual Comfort. Countertops: Art of Stone.
RESOURCES
Manhattan, Lakeside
A family’s basement renovation raises the bar on lakeside living.
Text by Brandy Woods Snow
VICTORIA
WHEN LIZ STEGER of DCI Home Resource first stepped into Stan and Terry Pauzer’s 2,500-squarefoot basement in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, she saw more than untapped potential. She saw a canvas. With nearly a decade of design experience, particularly in cabinetry, Steger was excited to lean into her background for a project that would bring Manhattan sophistication to lakeside living.
“At DCI Home Resource, we’re all about transforming spaces with thoughtful, high-quality products and design support,” Steger explains. “We supply cabinetry, countertops, tile, hardware, plumbing fixtures, appliances—and coordinate with contractors to bring the whole vision to life.”
And the Pauzers had a very specific vision. Originally looking to create an entertainment space for pool and lake days, the project quickly evolved. Steger says, “As Stan put it, ‘I think what would really make us happy is giving us a Manhattan bar with a lake feel.’”
That challenge became the creative spark, so the DCI Team, along with ReliaBuilt Construction, got to work, designing and implementing a commercial-style bar space infused with warmth and character. Steger immediately knew lighting would play a crucial role in creating the commercial bar vibe, so she placed lights under the countertops, on the backsplash, and in the glass cabinets, to start. DCI also provided cabinetry, metal
“We’re all about transforming spaces with thoughtful, high-quality products and design support.”
—Liz Steger
shelving, countertops, tile, hardware, and sleek, panelready Sub-Zero appliances. A custom bar sink, faucet, and chandelier completed the look.
The space balances sharp modern lines with subtle, elegant finishes. Walls are painted Benjamin Moore Nimbus with White Dove trim to frame the rich textures of a Cambria Skara Brae full-height backsplash. Matte black shelving gives the bar and wine cellar a grounded, architectural feel, while polished chrome fixtures add contrast in the bathroom.
As for the wine cellar—it almost didn’t happen. “During demo, we uncovered this huge area under the stairs,” Steger laughs. “I said, ‘Well, looks like you guys are getting a wine cellar!’ It was one of those happy accidents that turned into a standout feature.”
Another favorite: The vaulted ceiling tiled for texture, complete with a chandelier and soft uplighting that transforms the entire space. In the bathroom, 3D tile and side-mounted sconces elevate a simple vanity into a showpiece.
Incorporating inspiration photos from Manhattan bars the Pauzers loved, Steger created a space that feels both metropolitan and rooted in home. The couple couldn’t be happier. “They love how the indoor space now flows so naturally from the pool and lake,” Steger says. “And the bar and wine cellar? Hands down, their favorite rooms.”
Make a Statement
Designer-owned Statement Home is Charlotte’s hidden gem.
MICHAEL BLEVINS
Text by Brandy Woods Snow
“Our goal was to create a place where people could come in, feel at home, and find meaningful help.”
—Cathy Diel
BEFORE YOU INVITE them into your home, the team at Diel Design & Interiors would be honored to welcome you into theirs.
With more than twenty years of experience designing homes that reflect how people live and aspire to live, owner Cathy Diel has built a brand centered on connection, creativity, and care. What began as a trusted interior design firm serving clients across the country has grown into something even more special: Statement Home—a beautiful, thoughtfully curated showroom and retail space in the heart of Myers Park.
“Our goal was to create a place where people could come in, feel at home, and find meaningful help—whether they’re starting a full renovation or just looking for the perfect piece to finish a room,” Diel says. “We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with a diverse range of homeowners, architects, and builders across the country, and develop relationships with some of the most respected vendors in the industry.”
Open to both designers and the public, Statement Home offers a highly curated selection of furniture, textiles, lighting, and decor—many exclusive to the local market and hand-selected by the design team. The space showcases the firm’s signature aesthetic: layered, elevated, and
approachable. Everything in the store is chosen for quality, beauty, and function—often customized with unique trims, finishes, or fabrics not found elsewhere in Charlotte.
Diel and Showroom Director Katelyn Lopez work closely to ensure the shopping experience is as welcoming as the space itself. Designers can access vendor accounts without meeting wholesale minimums. Homeowners can browse or collaborate one-on-one with in-store designers for everything from quick styling tips to full-service design help.
“For clients who want us to take every aspect of the design process off their plates, we not only develop a design plan but also purchase, store, deliver, and style— managing every last detail for a turnkey space that’s perfectly ready for hosting and everyday enjoyment,” Diel says. “It’s our responsibility and privilege to listen to and understand our clients, usher them to the right design strategies, and bring our shared vision to life.”
Statement Home has quickly become a go-to resource in the community—not just for beautiful pieces, but for warm service and genuine guidance. Monthly Coffee with Cathy events invite local designers to gather, connect, and grow together in a spirit of collaboration over competition.
The mission moving forward is simple: offer something truly unique, deeply personal, and always evolving. “By opening doors to fresh possibilities for our clients, we’ve helped them arrive at spaces that show off their personalities and effortlessly deliver everyday functionality.”
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.
BECKY MCGRATH TEAM
LEIGH C. CORSO
CAY CRAIG
LUCY BUTLER GROUP
CHRISTIE HANSEN
THE HUNEYCUTT TEAM
CHIP JETTON
HEATHER MONTGOMERY
KALIE KOIVISTO
LINDA HENLEY
MARY BETH SNYDER
SARA ROCHE TEAM
LINDSAY REDFERN
CINDI HASTINGS TEAM
TREY SULLIVAN
LISA WARREN
HEATHER WOLKING
TUCK TEAM
LISA RUPP
Currey
Jaunty
Leveraging the Legacy
Queen City Homestore expands expertise to include full-home solutions.
Text by Brandy Woods Snow
Café Appliances: Matte Black Collection
A NEW NAME, expanded offerings, and an updated look—Charlotte’s trusted source for appliances, mattresses, and electronics is truly stepping into a new era. Formerly Queen City Audio Video & Appliances, the newly rebranded Queen City Homestore reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to best serve its customers and embraces a more diverse range of products, now including a full range of furniture to meet the needs of modern homes.
“The rebranding is about clarity and connection,” Roddey Player, second generation owner, president, and CEO, says. “We wanted something modern, approachable, and reflective of everything we now offer while honoring the roots of our Queen City name that our customers have known and trusted for nearly seventy-five years.”
The updated brand identity removes the “audio and video” moniker in favor of a name that encompasses the full-home solutions now available under one roof. It also comes with nine (and counting) new locations across the Carolinas.
With nearly twenty-five years in the home furnishings industry, David Horvath, furniture category manager at Queen City, brings an expert eye and a fresh perspective to the brand’s furniture expansion. “We wanted to create something different and unexpected in the marketplace with a curated selection of products that speaks to all guests,” he says. “We have assorted many of our collections with multiple style categories in one vignette, blending soft contemporary pieces with coastal, traditional, and transitional accents. The result is a beautiful and deeply livable look for your home.”
Several furniture collections feature locally crafted pieces, including a line manufactured in Randleman, North Carolina. Sustainability and attention to construction
details are top priorities in curating high-quality products and collections built to last.
Though Horvath says it’s hard to select a favorite piece, he does point to one standout in the new selection— something he dubs “the everything”—a power motion sectional featuring adjustable headrests, hidden storage, pop-up sleeper, and more.
“We’re excited to offer a fresh, modern shopping experience that mirrors the evolving needs of our customers.”
—Roddey Player
While the rebranding brings an expanded product portfolio and new store signage, it will not affect the unwavering commitment to customer service and satisfaction synonymous with Queen City. The highest quality with the most competitive prices, compelling financing options for all levels of the market, express delivery options with ample products in stock in their 100,000-square-foot warehouse, and manufacturercertified product specialists on staff are all still available as a value-added offering to customers.
Moving forward, Horvath plans to honor clients’ number one request: adding more reclining furniture options and increasing accent furniture offerings, expanding into cabinets, tables, and seating.
“With our nine new locations now open, transitioning to Queen City Homestore allows us to present a unified brand across our entire network,” Player says. “We’re excited to offer a fresh, modern shopping experience that mirrors the evolving needs of our customers.”
Liberty Furniture: Olivia Dining Room Collection
Hughes Furniture: Gabriel Cloud Sectional
Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary
Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden Gardens that inspire
SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden
Island
Text by Beth Conant Keim, Owner of Lucy and Company
Contributor IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE enough to have two kitchen islands, take full advantage. Not only will you have increased prep space, enhanced workflow, and additional storage, but also designated zones for cooking and entertaining, improved seating options, and a stylish focal point that boosts functionality. Now, consider all the design opportunities.
Your larger island, possibly housing a sink or an oven and located closer to the perimeter cabinets, can be
similar to the color of the wall-wrapped cabinets. A second island can be treated as a piece of furniture, with a wood stain—which people are loving right now—or a completely different countertop and base color.
Play with colors and materials. Try paint on one island and stain on the other. Stains come in a myriad of colors, so don’t limit yourself to a wood tone. A black stain will last for years, and, unlike paint, will not chip with excessive use.
Beth Conant Keim
ROOM SERVICE
Echo
An island that has legs on the bottom creates the feel of a piece of furniture. If you are short on space and want your second island to serve as a dining table, select unique materials to achieve the look; for example, choose brass legs and doors that resemble drawers but with knobs attached.
Do your research and ask questions to be sure you are making the best decisions for your needs. Think about how you will use your island. Are you a baker? Consider open shelves to easily store and access large bowls and other baking accessories. Do you love the look of butcher block or concrete? Do you prefer marble or quartzite? (Both are natural, but one is harder than the other and they have different properties that make them suitable for different situations.)
Double islands mean endless possibilities to mix colors, materials, and patterns for that visual interest that will make your kitchen the heart of every gathering.
“If you are fortunate enough to have two kitchen islands, take full advantage.”
Jim Noble Contributor
Appetite to Do Good
Text by Jim Noble, Executive Chef and Owner of Noble Food & Pursuits
NEARLY 145,000 PEOPLE in Mecklenburg County—nearly 12 percent of the population—are food insecure, meaning they have limited access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods.
These numbers are one of the reasons our decision to close The King’s Kitchen late last year was so difficult. For almost fifteen years, we poured our hearts into that restaurant and its mission—to give chef-prepared meals to our hungry neighbors in Uptown, to provide fellowship through Bible study, and to train those in need of a second chance to get back into the workforce.
The good news is that the mission of The King’s Kitchen can live on outside of that restaurant. With the growth of Noble Food & Pursuits, we now have plenty of restaurants to train and employ people, and we hold Bible study and multiple mealtimes each week at our Dream Center campus on Freedom Drive, across from Noble Smoke. All of this means we don’t have to use financial contributions to operate The King’s Kitchen, so more of the contributions can go directly to feeding people.
Our newest effort, 10 Million Meals to Go, gets even more fresh food and warm meals to people who are
SOUL FOOD
“If you can contribute $5 any time you visit one of our restaurants, rest assured, we will do good with it.”
hungry and food insecure. All we ask is for you to add $5 to your check any time you dine at any of our restaurants, and that will allow us to prepare one meal for someone in need.
The money goes to the outreach efforts of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center. In partnership with our restaurants, our team members and volunteers distribute approximately 1,000 meals to our neighbors each week. During the pandemic, Noble Food & Pursuits served over 170,000 meals to those in need. After Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, we provided over 30,000 meals to those impacted by the storm. We take food into neighborhoods considered food deserts, where there are no grocery stores or supermarkets carrying fresh produce and other foods that provide a balanced and nutritious diet. Every Thursday afternoon, you can find us giving out fresh produce and nutritional foods in one of these neighborhoods: J. T. Williams, Reid Park, and Thomasboro. We’ve also begun meal drops at area hotels where many homeless find short-term shelter. With all of this, we are on our way to serving 10 million meals to our local community and beyond with a chef-prepared solution to hunger.
If you can contribute $5 any time, or, ideally, every time, you visit one of our restaurants, rest assured, we will do good with it. A little bit goes a long way, and I hope we can count on you to continue making a difference in the lives of those who need us most.
END NOTE
1. Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Beach Umbrella
“I have followed this brand for a while and love their classic outdoor look. This white umbrella would look beautiful next to any pool, and it has been on my wish list for some time.”
2. The Banks Counter Stool by Coley Home
“I am obsessed with our new Banks Counter Stool. The fluted base and low back really set it apart and make it a showstopper for any kitchen.”
3. ARTĚL Frutti di Mare Hand-Engraved Crystal Jug
“Although a splurge, these glasses and vases by ARTEL are incredible. Each one is hand-etched.”
4. Iconic 1969 Raffia Weave Bag by Rabanne
“I have been a fan of Rabanne bags for some time! I love the size of this one.”
Coley Hull
WHEN COLEY HULL first started her furniture line Coley Home in 2020, she had a “mission of making high-end furniture more accessible,” the native Charlottean says. What began as a direct-to-consumer brand aimed at young buyers furnishing their first apartment has evolved into a “designer-focused company with limitless potential.” The company now proudly manufactures their collections in the U.S. in their Claremont, North Carolina, facility. Hull’s love for interior design sparked early. “I’ve always had a deep love for interiors—and an even deeper love for textiles,” the mother of two says. “There’s something magical about watching a space come to life and truly serve its purpose. One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is seeing how designers bring our products into their projects.” Here, Hull shows us what’s on her must-have list for summer.
5. Chloé Jelly Sandal
“Flip flops are in this summer, and these are a very elevated play on a classic casual flip flop.”
6. Teressa Foglia x BGSW Tourney Sun Hat Patchwork
“Who doesn’t love a good hat? One of my favorite brands, Byrdie Golf, designed this cutie in collaboration with Teressa Foglia.”
7. Tiny Gods Diamond Daisy Hope Earrings by Christina Alexiou
“These earrings caught my eye the other day. They are simple but elegant. They would be a staple in my closet, for sure.”
8. Potted Topiary from Gardens on Green
“I am obsessed with my friend Hugh's new Charlotte store Gardens on Green. They have an incredible topiaries. I could go crazy!”
9. Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle by Flamingo Estate
“This is my favorite candle to burn in my kitchen. Flamingo Estate uses the best organic ingredients, and they all smell incredible.”
