HD D
Remarkable communities. In spectacular settings.
For more information on Larry Moore’s events at The Centerpiece see the page in this issue Dwell, Spotlight
Let Home for Entertaining be your partner in cultivating beautiful, joyful experiences. Our retail space in the heart of Downtown Cary offers some of the most unique entertaining pieces in the area. Home for Entertaining also offers curated events, classes and workshops that allow you to come in, gather with friends and learn the art of entertaining by experiencing it firsthand.
FEATURES
44
Chapter Two
Designer Charlotte Lucas transforms a Raleigh couple’s home into a capsule of color and pattern.
56
Best Intentions
Designer Debra Zinn lovingly infuses a traditional Colonial home with soft brush strokes of color.
64
Stately Affairs
A home in McLean, Virginia, is transformed into an intimate space courtesy of designer Michelle Murphy.
ANNA ROUTH BARZIN
The
These
Artist
Tennessee
here are people in this world who can hear color. Synesthesia may be a mix-up of brain signals, but can you imagine the joy of hearing purple? What a feast it is to enjoy color with our eyes, and describe it with our language, but to hear it, too—it almost feels like showing off.
When asked what color she’d be if she were a color, Celerie Kemble said, “I’ve always been green, a bright green and olive green. It has a lot of energy but can also sit neutrally.” She seems pretty confident in expressing herself as a color and possibly knowing how she’s seen by others. In this way, she feels color.
It all comes down to this, doesn’t it? The way color affects our lives is immeasurable. What one person feels in a room, another sees; what one person hears in a room, another speaks about. Color infuses our senses. It oozes from the surroundings, and it screams from our thoughts. It’s a necessary part of life, and one that HD&D simply must celebrate every year.
From books on your shelves to jewelry around your neck, and from the walls in your home to the food on your plate, in this issue, color abounds. We found as many ways as we could to bring color to you, and we hope you love what we’ve found.
We leave you with this excerpt from Frida Kahlo’s journal, where she describes her new set of colored pencils. It’s quirky and perfect, and everything that’s joyful about color.
“I’ll try out the pencils sharpened to the point of infinity, which always sees ahead: Green—good warm light. Magenta—Aztec. Old TLAPALI blood of prickly pear, the brightest and oldest. Brown—color of mole, of leaves becoming earth. Yellow—madness sickness fear part of the sun and of happiness. Blue—electricity and purity love. Black—nothing is black. Really nothing. Olive—leaves, sadness, science, the whole of Germany is this color. Yellow—more madness and mystery all the ghosts wear clothes of this color, or at least their underclothes. Dark blue—color of bad advertisements and of good business. Blue—distance. Tenderness can also be this blue. Red—blood? Well, who knows!”
Blake Miller and Anne Marie Ashley Co-Editors-in-Chief
on the cover Designer Charlotte Lucas masterfullly infuses her clients' Raleigh home with a mix of bold and subtle strokes of color. See more of this home on page 44.
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We are a home furnishings shop located in Wilmington, North Carolina curating unique and quality interior goods. We have a strong belief that beauty is a positive force and life is meant to be lively — which is why we create space for vivacious design. With a force in bold, bright, and refined, our selection celebrates the joy of living and the rarity of you.
Little Greene / Thibaut / Schumacher / Louise Gaskill Lighting / Hickory Chair / Wesley Hall / Made Goods / Worlds Away / Villa & House / Loloi / Rowe Furniture
HD D&
HOME DESIGN & DECOR
Publisher
Michael Kooiman
Associate Publisher
Oonagh Murray
S A L E S
Advertising and Marketing Consultant
Madison Bonnes
Sue Mooney
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 R O D U C T I O N
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Ad Support
Stacy Long
Writers
Maria Masters
Dana W. Todd
Brandy Woods Snow
Photography
Anna Routh Barzin
Michael Blevins
Chris Edwards
Heather Ison
Dustin and Susie Peck
Laura Sumrak
Catherine Wilborne
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LUXURY IS OUR SPECIALTY
A family owned luxury design-build firm, Old North State Landscape Development, Inc., crafts creative high-end outdoor living spaces that elevate everyday life in your own private resort.
Transform the exterior landscape of your home with our team of highly skilled designers, project managers, craftsmen, and builders. We are a custom general contractor in the Triangle area specializing in turn-key services from design to installation of pools, cabanas, hardscapes, and landscapes. You can expect exceptional service with a focus on quality, attention to detail, superior standards, and customer satisfaction.
A. HOKE LTD. EXPANDS TO A NEW LOCATION!
We are excited to announce the opening of our new interior design showroom, dedicated to showcasing finely crafted resources exclusively for the trade. Join us to explore a world of innovative design solutions and elevate your projects with our curated selection of materials and furnishings.
DISCOVER
ENDLESS DESIGN POSSIBILITIES
DWELL
Moody achieved her goal of beautiful, colorful spaces that seamlessly play off each other by weaving similar paints, complementary colorways, and fabrics throughout multiple rooms. The hallway paint down the ceiling and on the end walls of the hallway, for example, is the same paint she used on the cabinetry in the bar area. Runner: Textura. Paint: Sherwin-Williams Dard Hunter Green.
COLOR ME Irreverent
Designer Aston Moody spins her color wheel to create a bold, colorful home with unexpected twists.
Text by Blake Miller
Photography by Dustin and Susie Peck
The laundry room cabinets were a favorite of the homeowner.
“She already knew she wanted to use this Tiffany Blue color, so our goal was to find a wallpaper that would complement it,” explains Moody. “This paper by Raoul Textiles was the perfect fit for the room." Wallpaper: Raoul Textiles. Artwork on counter: Harmony Faith Art.
When Aston Moody got the call from her client to design her Pinehurst home, the designer knew it would be a perfect match. “It was very clear from the start that she likes bold color, maximalism, animal print, and anything funky and unexpected,” says Moody. “What she wanted aligned well with my personal aesthetic, even pushing my boundaries a little bit! It was a little bolder than my personal aesthetic. A lot of the choices in this home stemmed from my gut instinct and really being allowed to be very creative.”
Creative she was. With her client’s love of wallpaper as the springboard for the home’s design, Moody curated nearly fifty paper options for her client to choose from. From each wallpaper choice, each room’s design scheme was created, layering intricate patterns in striking
“We chose the Dara fabric by Manuel Canovas for the lumbar pillow in the guest room because it was a tie-in to the Dara wallpaper we used in the owner’s bathroom on the second floor,” says Moody. “We used fabrics or papers in more than one place to create cohesion and continuity.” Drapery fabric: Emdee. Lumbar pillow fabric: Manuel Canovas. Artwork: Kristen Groner.
“Juxtaposition and a touch of irreverence are my jam,” says Moody. “You see that play out in the powder room with the timeless Lotus Garden wallpaper by Schumacher paired with rapper Biggie Smalls in an antique frame for contrast and an unexpected touch.” Wallpaper: Schumacher. Sconce shades: Brunschwig & Fils. Mirror: Celerie Kemble. Photo in hall: Slim Aarons. Stool fabric: Schumacher.
Moody wanted the mudroom to pop next to the neutral kitchen. She swathed the ceiling and back of the lockers in Schumacher’s orange Faubourg wallpaper and lacquered the walls and trim in black. The showstopper, though, is the striking, irreverent painting on the wall. “This piece was found at a gallery in Charleston and the picture does not do the craftsmanship justice,” explains Moody. “The piece has a 3D effect with various found materials used to compose her jewelry and garments.”
Wallpaper: Schumacher. Paint: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black.
To infuse the bar with a masculine feel, Moody painted the cabinetry a rich evergreen with inset accent detail to complement the black-and-white mural on the walls, painted by North Carolina artist Kristen Groner. Chandelier: Visual Comfort. Bar stools: Worlds Away. Bar stools fabric: Scalamandré. Cabinetry paint: SherwinWilliams Dard Hunter Green.
Balancing modern and traditional architectural details also came in the form of lacquered walls and trim paired with a playful wallpaper on the ceiling in the mudroom. It came in crown moldings, often painted in a complementary high-gloss finish. “In any room where there is wallpaper, the trim was painted a contrast or complementary color to give those traditional details a modern edge,” says the designer. “We were constantly trying to balance somewhat traditional and timeless elements with something unexpected and almost irreverent.” Finishing touches, like a small piece of art featuring Biggie Smalls in the hallway powder room, were just the right additions for a project such as this. With no room left untouched, the project became a lesson in how to design with color—without overdoing it. “We wanted to incorporate as much pattern and color as possible but in an elegant, sophisticated way,” says Moody—a target easily hit when the designer and homeowner are in funky sync.
colorways with rich fabrics and textures. “Some of the wallpaper selections are bold but also traditional,” says Moody. “We tried to blend the new and the old. I don’t like for everything in a room to feel brand new. We tried to bring in a few vintage, or seemingly vintage, pieces into each room to balance everything.”
/be-spōk/: a philosophy of beauty, by Beth
Benton Buckley
Released November 2024
Featuring Charlotte designer Beth Conant Keim and Raleigh designer Heather Garrett, this collective by Beth Benton Buckley pulls together thirty of the world’s most innovative, visionary interior designers. Design projects are showcased in twelve color-drenched pages each, with editorial speaking to each designer’s ethos. Buckley’s introduction calls on us to appreciate the profound impact wellcrafted spaces have on our emotional and physical experiences. amazon.com
Color Correction
Inspired by the release of /be-spōk/: a philosophy of beauty, these new and upcoming releases will not only school you on color mixing—they're also eye candy.
Produced by Anne Marie Ashley
Live with the Things You Love: And You'll Live Happily Ever After, by Mary
Randolph Carter
Released March 2025
Mary Randolph Carter, former creative director of Ralph Lauren, takes readers into the homes of some of the world’s most famous tastemakers in her new book, Live with the Things You Love. Explore how interior design acts as a form of self-expression as Carter hones in on the collections and prized possessions filling each home, giving decorating tips on how to stylishly live with our treasured items. amazon.com
Lauder
Living with Flowers, by Aerin
Released February 2025
Legendary hostess and style icon Aerin Lauder’s love of flowers runs deep, passed down from her celebrated grandmother, Estée Lauder. From fresh bouquets to floral patterns on wallpaper, fabric, and tabletop pieces, Lauder shares ideas for how to bring flowers into our home, inspiring both special occasions and the everyday moments. rizzoliusa.com
Drawn Together: Studio DB: Architecture and Interiors, by Britt Zunino and Damian Zunino
Released February 2025
Studio DB’s debut book makes the case that playfulness and traditional design can indeed coexist in one home. With vibrant, layered projects featured in every chapter, dive deep into the duo’s creative process while learning how to thoughtfully mix materials, forms, and patterns like an expert. rizzoliusa.com
Holly Hunt: Fearless in the World of Design, by Holly Hunt
Released October 2024
The designer who popularized modernism with American homeowners shares her nearly forty years of interior design wisdom in a new book. Through stunning imagery and thoughtful text, iconic designer Holly Hunt relays the philosophy behind her modern, elegant designs and chic furniture that made high-end design accessible beyond New York and Los Angeles. rizzoliusa.com
Design Reimagined, by Corey Damen Jenkins
Release September 9, 2025
In his second book, designer Corey Damen Jenkins celebrates his blend of vibrant maximalism and youthful traditionalism, taking readers inside ten glamorous projects. The saturated pages highlight his embracement of classic architectural bones, rich color combinations, and dynamic pattern play. rizzoliusa.com
The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood, by Peter Dunham
Release May 2025
With an eye-catching cover that begs to be displayed, renowned designer Peter Dunham’s debut book is a fascinating biography that takes a deep dive into his exuberant and optimistic designs. Showcasing his approach to colorful, patternfilled design, each chapter is dedicated to a different design ideology, with exclusive looks at never-before-seen projects from across the world. vendomepress.com
The Waterfront House: Living with Style on the Coast, by Phoebe Howard
Released April 2025
Coastal living is part of the fabric of North Carolina, and local designer Phoebe Howard takes readers on a tour of nine waterfront homes in her newest book. From a colorful, family-friendly Florida Victorian to a sophisticated neutral home in Antigua to her own new house in Jacksonville Beach, each one is showcased in satisfying detail, reinforcing the timeless design philosophy of the designer herself. abramsbooks.com
SHOW SOME HUEBRIS
No matter how small a space or how offbeat a room, these designers prove that with color comes purpose.
Text by Anne Marie Ashley
Warm Welcome
This room was designed to be both a stylish home office and a welcoming guest space, bathed in the client’s favorite color: pink. “The palette was carefully selected to balance femininity with sophistication,” explains designer Bridgett Mazer, “ensuring that the space feels both inspiring for work and cozy for relaxation.” Soft blush tones create a warm atmosphere, while deeper pink accents add energy. “I love working with pink because it’s an incredibly versatile color. It can be two things at once, just like in this dual space!”
Motivation Station
Designer Lauren McKay transformed a previously unused loft space in her client’s Five Points home into a homework and craft nook for their kids.
“The space lacks any natural light, and it was the bolder papers with vibrant colors that brought the space to life when we reviewed samples,” recalls McKay. “With the angled back wall, there wasn’t a way to easily hang art, but Schumacher’s Citrus Garden wallpaper fills the space so successfully, and the large-scale pattern works wonders to bring color and life to the loft!”
Morning Glory
Designer Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl created this colorful morning room off the kitchen of the Greensboro Junior League design showhouse. “We wanted a space that kickstarts the day, so we bathed the room in this fabulous yellow Sherwin-Williams hue, Kingdom Gold,” explains Luckett. “The mulberry-colored flocked floral wallpaper by A-Street Prints on the ceiling is the perfect complement to the bold yellow, and adds amazing texture to the ‘fifth wall.'” Luckett also wanted the room to inspire hospitality, so layering on the warm tones was key. “Guests want to linger in a warm and cozy vibe, and the lighting and colors here really do the heavy lifting.”
Good Vibrations
This office, designed by Martha Schneider of La Maison, was an ode to the client’s previous home in California. “The client wanted to bring a little of her West Coast style into the office to bring her joy while studying for the bar exam,” explains Schneider. “The floral wallpaper is bold and vibrant, calling to mind California palm trees—hopefully bringing some calm to the task at hand. The rest of the home is a bit muted, so this colorful space gives her a dose of energy and nostalgia.”
LAURA SUMRAK; CATHERINE WILBORNE; ANNA ROUTH BARZIN
Free Your Mind
This colorful bedroom, designed by Lauren Hood of Progeny Interiors for a “spunky young inhabitant,” features a bold mix of bright pinks and coral from artist Teil Duncan’s new wallpaper and fabric collection. “The combination makes the bedroom feel fun and full of personality,” says Hood.
“The patterns are super mod and energetic, while classic furniture and soft textures keep it feeling cozy and semi-traditional. I love using color to reflect the people who live in a space, and here, it captures her fun-loving, creative spirit perfectly.”
Connect Four
This butler's pantry was originally covered in dark wood paneling, but designer Kate Hutchison’s clients wanted a bright and cheerful space to serve as a cohesive connector to the other rooms. “She was open to color, so we paired this fun green paint with a Brunschwig & Fils chinoiserie grasscloth wallpaper,” says Hutchison. “Smaller spaces are great places to be more adventurous and truly see a transformation.”
ENCAPSULATED
Artist Katie Howson unites with Twine & Twig to create a capsule collection celebrating natural materials.
Text by Karin Simoneau
“FROM THE JEWELRY to the artwork, the spirit of this collection is art as a celebration of nature—the ultimate creator,” says Katie Howson, the mixed-media artist behind the newest collaboration with North Carolina jewelry design house Twine & Twig. When Biancca Rivera, operations director at the handcrafted jewelry boutique, first saw Howson’s work at Isabella, “it instantly brought me joy,” she says. “Every piece was crafted with so much love and effort.” So, the collaboration was born. At the Twine & Twig studio, Howson pored over baskets of natural materials, from shells to delicate wood rings, to create each piece. The artist took them back to her Raleigh studio and began to play with different combinations, and she knew there was something special there. “The longer I stared at them, the more I saw colors coming to life in them,” says Howson. “I wanted to honor the natural materials and turn up the volume on what was already there.” That sentiment envelops each piece in this collection, and Howson’s love of color and passion for life shines through.
ELIZABETH WHITE AND BIANCCA RIVERA
COME AWAY WITH ME
Unravel yourself from the grind of day-to-day and retreat to the Tennessee mountains for restoration, pampering, and connection.
Text by Anne Marie Ashley
THERE IS SOMETHING inherently romantic about nature, which is to say, perhaps, that nature makes us feel intimate and vulnerable. Likely because we’re connected to it, tethered millennia ago. So, when you return to it in a way that’s comfortable yet unfettered, it feels like pampering—which is exactly the way Southall Farm & Inn intended their guests to feel. Anciently at home.
Driving through rural landscape in Franklin, Tennessee, the farm greets you suddenly with its greenhouses along the road. Fifteen-thousand squarefeet of hydroponic and traditional conservatory
greenhouses, including an orangerie and plenty of room for rare and wonderful cultivars of fruits, greens, vegetables, and food-producing shrubs, these greenhouses are the lifeblood of Southall and sustain the property and its signature fine-dining restaurant, January.
As you wind around the driveway, passing open fields, lazy hammocks, and a small peaceful lake, the true working farm vibes give way to something more special when the modern inn comes into view. Sleek black-wood siding, black ironclad windows, and washed brick accents are the telltale sign that you’re about to enter a different side of farm life—one that begs your reverence in exchange
Lake Mishkin, a seven-acre lake created by Southall Farm & Inn's owners, is beautiful to overlook in its own right, but adventurers can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing gear to take full advantage of the outdoors.
The Sojourner at Southall serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a side of hand-crafted cocktails and style. Behind it sits January, the fine-dining restaurant dedicated to daily farm-to-table dinners worthy of worship.
Interiors at Southall were designed by IndiDesign and are inspired by the beauty of rural nature. Guests are invited to embrace the luxury that comes with simplicity. Local artwork and tailored musical experiences highlight the cottages and suites.
for some ultra-comforts. With sixty-two guest rooms and suites, along with sixteen cottages that dot the farm, Southall keeps their friends close and their family even closer. The 425 sprawling acres seem to shrink down to cozy corners the moment you enter the doors. Stunning views, luxe linens, oversized soaking tubs, roaring fireplaces, and evocative local artwork—not to mention the grounding spa—open a world of relaxation opportunities, each one minutely better than the last.
From handwritten notes in the guest rooms and jam homemade onsite in The Jammery, to thoughtfully crafted cocktails, s’mores by the firepit, and locally made clothing
and goods in their gift shop, Southall has curated every facet of their guest’s experience to bring them back to themselves. Southall aims to evoke a sense of connection, a sense of yearning for simple, a sense of appreciation for craftsmanship and the luxury of using your hands to create something. The onsite orchard and apiaries speak directly to this philosophy; with over eight million bees in seven apiaries and more than thirteen-hundred apple trees with over forty cultivars, the farm practices what it preaches. The onsite restaurant, January, is literally farm-totable and is a study in simplicity amplified. The decor is minimal but impactful, letting the food speak first, and the surrounding farm and trails speak second. The open kitchen offers a peek into the farm’s passion for food, taken very seriously, from the sous chef to the line to the pass. The fire-roasted oysters are some of the best you’ll find in the South—and that’s saying something.
Whether you’re searching for yourself, or nature, or rest, or romance, Southall is your girl—she will be whatever you want her to be, and nothing short of memorable.
Embracing luxury through simplicity the Southall way includes oversized soaking tubs, natural textures, and soothing palettes.
Lumina
THE CENTERPIECE GALLERY | JUNE 6–JULY 3
Featuring emerging Ukrainian artist Yaroslav Leonets and internationally renowned Italian artist Fabio Modica, Lumina shines light on the artists’ unique statement-making and defined style. From Leonets's colorful works that teeter on dreamy and Old Master, to Modica's large mod portraits that vibrate with intensity, this show is sure to please. Supported by new collections from three other artists, Lumina will also highlight textured abstracts from Lynn Alker, flowing landscapes by Natalie George, and bold, edgy assemblages from Jenny Wu. Opening reception on Friday, June 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. thecenterpiece.com
Cannupa Hanska Luger: Speechless
NASHER MUSEUM | THROUGH JULY 6
Cannupa Hanska Luger: Speechless asks important questions relating to human agency, language, and means of control. Who gets to speak? Who must bite their tongue? Whose messages are muted? What meanings remain to be discovered? The exhibition features several monumental works by Luger, including a largescale radio tower made from pine trees titled The Keep, three of the artist’s Transportable Intergenerational Protection Infrastructure (TIPI) works, an immersive video, a series of speaker towers, and a group of Native American bustles, a traditional part of Native American powwow regalia. Inspired by the concept of cargo cults in which supplies were dropped into occupied Indigenous lands during World War II, and the way in which material is constantly inserted into our lives today, the artist “flips the Western gaze back on itself to reflect that in present-day North American culture, we are all living in a cargo cult.” nasher.duke.edu
Art2Wear: Through the Archives
THE GREGG MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN | THROUGH JULY 5
Art2Wear: Through the Archives is an annual wearable art production that combines students’ talents across the College of Design, NC State, and beyond. Each year, students are challenged to design, collaborate, and produce around a specific theme, inspiring the imaginations of young designers. The production itself combines technology, art, and fashion for a night of performance and celebration. The exhibition’s mission is to empower students through collaboration, innovation, and education. It explores the history of Art2Wear from its inception to today, engaging countless students and faculty who push the boundaries of traditional art each year. gregg.arts.ncsu.edu
Meet the Designer Ashley Davenport of Sweet Southern Home & Design
Favorite Design Style Classic and colorful
Why This Palette Calming, complementary, and versatile
Favorite Pick Worlds Away chest
The Carolina Blues
Designer Ashley Davenport is going to Carolina in her mind as the warm season blooms.
THE VIBRANT blue of a Carolina sky serves as the perfect muse for my color palette, with Carolina Blue taking center stage. This versatile hue proves remarkably adaptable, effortlessly complementing a spectrum of colors, from earthy greens and browns to soft lavenders. Its ability to harmonize with gold tones and rich woods lends a classic traditional elegance, while pairing it with natural textures like wicker and rattan evokes a breezy coastal charm. Carolina Blue’s inherent transitional nature allows it to seamlessly integrate into any design aesthetic, making it a timeless and adaptable choice.
1. Alden Chair ($2,295) shopsocietysocial.com 2. Upper East Rug in Chartreuse ($2,350) theloomandcompany.com 3. Boxes (to the trade) wildwoodhome.com 4. Maypan Chandelier ($2,190) curreyandcompany.com 5. Fermoie Lamp Shade ($455) theshadeshop.com 6. TV Digital Art, Daydreams ($65) hhoworthart.com 7. Drink Table ($660) curreyandcompany.com 8. Mirror (to the trade) chelseahouseinc.com 9. Throw Pillow in Sweet Gum (call for pricing) truettdesigns.com 10. Madame De Pompadour Panel Set (to the trade) schumacher.com 11. Beckett Chest (to the trade) worlds-away.com
INTERIORS
CHAPTER TWO
A subtle iridescence of the wallcovering adds sparkle to a sunny and ultra-feminine pink paradise in the daughter's sunroom. Wallcovering: Dedar. Drapery fabric: Schumacher. Settee: Vintage in a Pierre Frey fabric. OPPOSITE: What once was a pass-through area became an invitation to pause awhile with a stunning wallcovering that doubles as artwork. Wallpaper: de Gournay. Wallpaper on ceiling: Kravet. Sofa: 1stDibs in a de Le Cuona fabric.
ONCE THEIR BABIES FLEW THE NEST, THIS RALEIGH COUPLE WAS READY TO GET THEIR PINK BACK.
Text by Brandy Woods Snow | Photography by Chris Edwards
LEFT: Lucas loves embracing old techniques and making them relevant, evidenced in the custom stenciled floor, crafted by a local artisan. Swan table: 1stDibs. Wallpaper: Soane. Lantern: Charles Edwards. Stair runner: Mark Inc.
RIGHT: Bold curves and soft corners converge in this open living space, where punchy patterns and sculptural art strike a perfect balance with plush textures.
Chairs: Kelly Wearstler, in a Kravet fabric.
Kitchen chandelier: Urban Electric Co. Counter stools: Dooq in a McLaurin & Piercy fabric with Samuel & Sons trim.
FOR DESIGNER CHARLOTTE LUCAS’S CLIENTS, EMBARKING ON THEIR NEXT CHAPTER AS EMPTY-NESTERS MEANT MORE THAN FINDING A HOUSE—IT WAS ABOUT CREATING A FOREVER HOME.
Relocating to Raleigh from Boston in 2019, they rented an apartment and began a nearly two-year search for the right fit: ideally, an older home with character that they could make their own. They found it in a 1970s Georgian in one of Raleigh’s most established neighborhoods.
“We were looking for something different in this new phase of life,” the homeowner says. “When we walked in, we loved the house immediately and put it under contract within hours of viewing in February 2020.”
Having connected with Lucas before their home search, the family tapped her to lead the interior design. Though the home had great bones, they soon discovered that a cosmetic refresh wasn’t enough, and a down-to-the-studs
renovation and addition would better suit the couple. Builder John C. Sanders & Company joined the team, working seamlessly through the challenges of Covid.
“They wanted larger, open spaces without compromising the home’s original character,” Sanders says. “Working alongside Carter Skinner Residential Design and Liggett Design Group, we seamlessly integrated the new addition, raised ceilings for a cohesive flow, and collaborated with Charlotte Lucas Design to ensure each space felt distinct yet inviting.”
“We touched every surface in this whole-home renovation, adding functionality and interest,” Lucas says. “Brainstorming with the client showed her leaning into colorful, elevated details and one-of-a-kind pieces, so I connected these threads into a design that best fit their lifestyle and joyful outlook on life.”
While preserving the original flow of formal living and dining rooms in front and casual spaces in the rear, they added a family room and expanded the kitchen. Throughout, bold color, layered textures, and curated details infuse the home with vibrant personality.
A standout moment comes in the “Jewel Box,” a central room with six cased openings transformed into an intimate retreat with an elegant de Gournay wallpaper, pink trim, and gold accents. Pink appears confidently throughout—from high-gloss blush walls, trim, and ceilings in the living room to wallpaper-clad cabinetry in the homeowner’s closet. Yellow trellis wallpaper and matching high-gloss trim brighten the powder room, while the daughter’s bedroom pairs a blue House of Harris wallcovering with a rosy-hued adjoining sunroom. Downstairs, a sitting room wrapped in highgloss black walls and yellow barstools adds an edgy counterpoint.
Balancing these vibrant moments, Lucas introduced quiet sophistication with bleached white oak–paneled walls in the family room and a serene, layered kitchen. Still, her signature boldness weaves throughout: animal prints offset femininity, warm brass accents from crown molding brighten the kitchen island’s toe kick, and a plum-hued Lacanche range anchors the kitchen. Antiques and custom-built displays highlight the family’s treasures, while their extensive art collection, including three gallery walls—one affectionately dubbed “The Wall of Woman”— adds a personal layer.
“The final design truly resonates with them,” says Lucas. “It’s an inviting place to entertain and a cozy sanctuary for retreat.”
The family is still in awe of their finished home. “It is intimate, interesting, and full of life, color, and layers. I told Charlotte to come back in a decade—it’ll be just as she left it. Well, with maybe a few more pieces of art!”
The homeowners wanted to create a special place for family games, movies, and entertaining for their grown kids to enjoy. Paint: Benjamin Moore Bermuda Turquoise. Artwork: Erik Madigan Heck. Stools: Adrienne Davis Design. Floor lamp: Mr. Brown London.
ABOVE: “The homeowner loves one-of-a-kind pieces, so I designed this custom bed and had it crafted by Porte Italia,” Lucas says. Wallpaper: Lewis & Wood. Bench fabric: Zimmer + Rohde. Rug: Lee Jofa RIGHT: The House of Harris wallpaper feels like a breath of spring in the daughter’s bedroom, which also doubles as a guest suite. Wallpaper: House of Harris. Headboard fabric: Schumacher. Bedside tables: 1stDibs. Bedside lamps: Chairish. BELOW: Thoughtfully curated and ultra-feminine, the homeowner’s closet and dressing area is a seamless extension of her personal sanctuary. Wallpaper on cabinet fronts: Schumacher. Wallpaper on ceiling: Kneedler. Window shade fabric: Holland & Sherry. Bench: 1stDibs.
A change of dynamic and feel, this softer palette imparts a breath of fresh air into the design. Chairs: Kelly Wearstler. Chair fabric: Kravet. Sofa: Kelly Wearstler. Sofa fabric: Nobilis. Chaise fabric: Pierre Frey.
BELOW: The design objective in the couple’s en suite was to create the ambiance of a toptier hotel suite.
LEFT: No walls left untouched; it’s all in the details. Four windows and loads of natural light made embracing moodier blues possible in this bedroom. Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries. Bed fabric: Johnstons of Elgin. Roman shade fabric: Mulberry Home.
Sconces: Allied Maker. Chandelier: 1stDibs. Vanity chair: 1stDibs. Vanity chair fabric: Romo.
The homeowner’s collection of female portraits is displayed in this incredible Wall of Women in the lower level hallway of the home. Stair runner: The Rug Company. Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries.
ABOVE: An ivory-and-gold Lee Jofa pattern on the walls coupled with a lighter grasscloth on the ceiling impart texture and an airy quality to maximize available natural light in this guest room. Bed:1stDibs. Nightstand: Julian Chichester. Chaise: Baker. Chaise fabric: Schumacher.
BELOW: Designed during Covid, the office’s elevated design provided a stunning backdrop for ample online meetings in the era of Zoom calls. Wallcovering: Schumacher. Desk: Chairish. Carpet: Studio Four NYC.
ABOVE: As a cozy place to read or put together jigsaw puzzles, the upstairs landing doubles as a cherished sitting room with bold style. Coffee table: 1stDibs. Sofa: Mr. Brown London. Sofa fabric: Jim Thompson. Rug: Temple Studio.
LEFT: Every other row, the tiles on the wall were turned horizontally to create a unique pattern for this all-tile bathroom. Chair fabric: Pierre Frey. Vanity: Custom by CLD. Lighting: Schoolhouse. Mirror: Made Goods.
intentions best
A CLASSIC COLONIAL IS REIMAGINED FOR A FAMILY’S MODERNLIFE.
TEXT BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA ROUTH BARZIN
The color-drenched library is a departure from the home’s alabaster walls and feels like a cozy hug. Love seat: Lee Industries. Love seat fabric: Schumacher. Pillows: Schuyler Samperton Textiles. Chairs: Highland House. Chair fabric: Kravet. Coffee table: Worlds Away. Lumbar pillow: Soane.
The light-blue hue of the built-in cabinetry is a custom mix that Zinn created to perfectly accent the airiness of the windowed mudroom. Lighting: Visual Comfort. Cabinetry: Cabinet Creations.
When designer Debra Zinn was hired by Sally Wood and her husband Niko Schutte in 2021,
she was tasked with a moderate refurbishment of the owner’s suite and home office. It didn’t take long for it to expand into a full down-to-the-studs renovation.
“We purchased the home in 2017 for our growing family and loved the quiet neighborhood,” Wood says. “Once initial renovations began, we realized we really wanted to do much more.”
The Colonial Revival home in The Oaks at Chapel Hill Country Club sat on a generous lot with mature landscaping, but its 1982 layout felt closed off, with low ceilings and a darker interior. As two busy professionals with four children and a dog, the couple needed a space that worked better for their daily lives.
“We focus on thoughtful design that mixes modern comforts with meaningful pieces from the past, and the homeowners wanted to include antiques into the mix,” Zinn says. “My goal was to ensure every space in the 3,900-squarefoot home was equally beautiful and comfortable.”
Zinn collaborated with architect Reid Highley, builder Greg Niemiroski, and Cabinet Creations to bring the vision to life. Construction began in spring 2023 and wrapped in summer 2024, with major changes like a private guest suite, a larger, more efficient mudroom, a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, and an overall fresh aesthetic.
Zinn masterfully balances soothing and cheerful elements, blending blues and greens with pops of pink and yellow against an airy, neutral backdrop. Color comes through textiles, wallpaper, and accessories rather than painted walls. The family room—the home’s main gathering spot—pairs
bright hues with durable performance fabrics, all anchored by a striking Donna Walker painting. Bold window treatments add personality, from emerald-trimmed curtains in the living room to navy-edged neutrals in the owner’s bedroom and green café curtains in the guest bath. The navydrenched library offers a moody retreat with pocket doors and a custom walnut bar, while raspberry velvet bolsters with green piping in the guest suite and layered hues in the breakfast nook bookcases create a lively, curated aesthetic.
Highley included many classic architectural details that add layers of interest. Reclaimed elements like a leaded window sash in the upstairs hallway and antique beams in the mudroom bring warmth and texture, while custom cabinetry lends stylish functionality. His thoughtful touches include elegant fireplaces anchoring the family room and library, a stunning wall of windows in the owner’s bedroom framing the private patio, and casement windows in the kitchen offering glimpses of the walled secret garden. Chippendale railings on the back deck are a nod to the homeowners’ University of Virginia roots.
The result is a home where every detail feels intentional, personal, and enduring. “The entire team was overjoyed with the final project. All the rooms have a purpose, and there are ample spaces for the family to gather, relax, do homework, and read,” Zinn says.
Wood struggles to pick a favorite space—the natural light, thoughtful color, and attention to detail make each one special. “Our dream team helped us create an amazing home that we truly love,” she says. “I walk through my home every day, amazed at how stunning everything is.”
Foregoing a backsplash and opting to continue the countertop up the wall creates continuity. Countertops: Mogastone. Faucet: Newport Brass. Lighting: Visual Comfort. Hardware: Water Street Brass.
LEFT: While the rest of the home includes whispers of pink, the raspberry bolsters give a dramatic pop in the guest bedroom. Lamp: Visual Comfort. Chair: Mainly Baskets. Pillows: Titley and Marr. Headboard and bed skirt fabric: Lisa Fine Textiles. ABOVE: A monogrammed Weezie towel gives the daughter’s bathroom a personal touch. Wallpaper: Schumacher. Fixtures: Delta. BELOW: The homeowners gave Zinn creative license to select high-end and interesting cabinet pulls and handles throughout the home, seen here on the custom beadboard bookshelves. Hardware: Modern Matter. Sofas: Highland House. Sofa fabric: Thibaut. Coffee table: Worlds Away.
Caption TK
A rattan chandelier pulls warm wood tones into the design, and expansive windows reveal peeks of the secret walled garden on the side of the home. Chandelier: Visual Comfort. Hardware: Modern Matter. Cabinetry: Cabinet Creations.
“ We focus on thoughtful design that mixes modern comforts with meaningful pieces from the past.”
LEFT: From tortoise bamboo to luxe velvet, Zinn wasn’t afraid to layer textures and colors in the home, as seen in the home office. Sofa: Lee Industries. Sofa fabric: Schumacher. Ottoman: Highland House. Ottoman fabric: Heather Chadduck. Desk: Hickory Chair. Chair: Mainly Baskets. Cushion: Ferrick Mason.
TOP: Custom structured window treatments give the look of a fabric background to complement the owner’s antique bed. Coverlet: John Robshaw. Pillows: Sister Parish. Bolster: GP&J Baker. Lamp: Visual Comfort.
BOTTOM: Custom cabinetry with chinoiserie gives the appeal of refined furniture in this powder room. Wallpaper: Schumacher. Faucet: Delta. Custom vanity: Cabinet Creations.
In the foyer, designer Michelle Murphy used a variety of patterns in a palette of coastal blues and whites. A custom abstract wall and sculptural accents add a modern touch to the traditional space. Rug: Mastour. Lighting: Chandi. Table and stool: Arteriors. OPPOSITE: In the homeowners' second office, Murphy painted one wall black to stand out from the room's wooden feature wall. The artwork provides a stark but dramatic contrast. Artwork: Trowbridge London.
Stately AFFAIRS
A HOME IN MCLEAN, VIRGINIA, IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN INTIMATE SPACE FOR A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY.
TEXT BY MARIA MASTERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA ROUTH BARZIN
STYLING BY HEIDI DONOHUE
A twelve-foot island takes center stage in the kitchen. “The homeowners like to eat dinner at the island,” says Murphy, who adds that the family requested extra seating for guests. Stools: Villa & House. Counter stool fabric: Kravet. Pendants: Arteriors. Sconces: Currey & Company.
THEY SAY THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME—
and that was certainly true for these Northern Virginia homeowners who had grown up in the area. Their careers took them as far away as San Diego, but eventually, they returned home to the East Coast, this time as a family of four.
“The opportunity arose to purchase a home in McLean, Virginia, which is a really great little city with great schools,” says the homeowner. The property was located in a quiet cul-de-sac on nearly one acre of land, and offered them a sense of privacy that their previous home lacked. At nearly ten-thousand square feet, it also afforded the family plenty of space, but the owners knew it would be a challenge to make the home feel intimate and cozy.
For help, they turned to Chapel Hill–based interior designer Michelle Murphy of Demi Ryan. The homeowners previously worked with Murphy on a beach home in South Carolina, so they were confident she could make their dream a reality.
Murphy began by reconfiguring the layout. “We took the whole house down to the studs,” she says. “We moved walls, changed staircases, and rearranged everything. It was a complete gut.” The goal, she says, was to “balance the home’s grand scale with a sense of warmth and intimacy. It was essential to create spaces that felt inviting rather than overwhelming.”
On the first floor, Murphy created a lounge off the kitchen for the homeowners to enjoy a glass of wine after dinner. Instead of a sofa, she opted for four swivel chairs set around a table, encouraging conversation. Upstairs, Murphy added a lounge between the two children’s bedrooms with a sectional sofa, a television, and a popcorn bar. “We wanted a space for the kids—one where they can watch movies together if they have friends over,” says Murphy. The lower level of the home is also dedicated to entertaining: a guest bedroom with an en suite hosts friends and family members who come to visit, while the game room features a billiard table, a shuffleboard table, and a ping pong table.
Murphy also infused the space with a modern yet traditional coastal aesthetic, the only main request from the homeowners. In the entryway, she used a palette of blues, both bold and serene, in the wallpaper and the rug; in the office, she lacquered the walls in a bright-blue hue; and in the dining room, she clad the walls with a blue ink-blot wallpaper. Natural wooden accents on the stairways and ceiling beams, breezy linen fabrics, and organic light fixtures add to the ambiance.
After an eighteen-month renovation, every space in the home exudes not just style, but also practicality. “It’s hard to pick a favorite room because it changes all the time,” says the homeowner. “I get settled into one area and then I rediscover another spot.” It’s a fitting sentiment, since the homeowners expect the home to be their “forever home”—one that their children, after they graduate, will continue to visit for years to come.
In the powder room, Murphy went with a bold wallpaper. To break up the dark blues and black, she chose a white-oak floating vanity and accented the space with a gold mirror and sconce. Wallpaper: Robert Crowder. Vanity: Greenfield Cabinetry. Sconce: Arteriors.
OPPOSITE: Murphy used a mountain-themed grasscloth wallpaper in the guest bedroom, a nod to the time the homeowners traveled to India, Indonesia, and Thailand. A nightstand in bright lacquered green adds a playful, modern touch to the space. Wallpaper: Lee Jofa. Bed: Four Hands. Bedding: Peacock Alley.
Murphy designed the wood ceiling to be the focal point of the owner’s suite. A Lucite bench and upholstered bed lend a modern elegance to the room, while a beaded chandelier adds a touch of vintage charm. Bed fabric: Kravet. Bedding: Peacock Alley. Lighting: Ro Sham Beaux. Drapery fabric: Kravet. Bench: Made Goods.
OPPOSITE: In the dining room, the hand-painted ink-blot wallpaper by Porter Teleo is a perfect conversation starter for guests. Murphy accessorized the space with neutral woven dining chairs and a wooden table to allow the wallpaper to take center stage. Lighting: Arteriors. Chair fabric: Kravet and Villa & House.
In the living room, Murphy paired the homeowners’ oversized vintage vase, sourced from their travels, with a gold painting of an emperor. “The vase was so large, but the emperor art over the fireplace balanced it beautifully.” Sofas: RH. Chairs: Arteriors. Side tables: Made Goods. Rug: Mastour. Artwork: Trowbridge London. Lighting: Arteriors.
OPPOSITE: Murphy lacquered the walls and bookshelves of the office in a high-gloss blue, the same shade as the graphic wallpaper in the dining room. “It’s really important for me that things balance out,” says Murphy. The woven chairs and light fixture add texture and depth to the space. Desk: Kravet. Chairs: Palecek. Lighting: Oly Studios. Sconces: Visual Comfort.
RESOURCES
Thin Is In
General Shale expands thin brick offerings to include a range of colors and finishes.
Rendering of Ghostown thin brick, part of the Old Town Traditions collection that features a vintage gray patina that nods to historical reclaimed brick.
Text by Dana W. Todd
BELOVED BY homeowners for their versatility in interior and exterior design, thin brick products are perfect for homeowners who want the appeal of a brick look without the structural weight associated with traditional brick. Thin brick products are genuine fired clay bricks that are sliced thin for tile-like application. The bricks stand out as an accent wall, add character as a backsplash, provide rustic and durable flooring, create a cozy bricked wine cellar, clad a home’s exterior, and much more.
General Shale, North America’s largest clay brick manufacturer, recently announced the launch of two new thin brick product lines: Old Town Traditions and Summitglaze. The new lines expand the existing thin brick family of products, which provide looks that span from old-world rustic charm to modern urban appeal.
Old Town Traditions, produced by General Shale’s Watsontown Brick, is manufactured in the company’s Columbia, South Carolina, plant. Inspired by brick found in historic towns, its tumbled appearance adds textural interest and a vintage vibe to projects. “Old Town Traditions is a low country–inspired thin brick product line that evokes history,” says Luke Guinn, director of marketing at General Shale. It encapsulates eight different colorways, from the traditional red of Downtown to the neutral gray Ghostown, all with an aged patina.
The Summitglaze product line is made by adding glaze to thin brick. It features eighteen high-gloss colors,
“Glazed thin brick combines contemporary sophistication and timeless craftsmanship with unparalleled durability in both interior and exterior settings.”
—Luke Guinn
including orange, yellow, olive green, deep blue, and red, and five earth-tone matte finishes. Manufactured by General Shale’s Ohio-based Summitville Tile, this line is a sleek, modern choice with vibrant colors. “Glazed thin brick combines contemporary sophistication and timeless craftsmanship with unparalleled durability in both interior and exterior settings,” explains Guinn.
Like all of General Shale’s thin brick products, Old Town Traditions and Summitglaze are eco-friendly choices. Brick products are inherently sustainable with a decades-long lifespan. General Shale’s advanced manufacturing processes also reduce environmental impact.
The lighter weight of thin brick ensures its versatility for any indoor or outdoor application without additional structural support. It adheres to almost any construction surface—concrete, drywall, and cement board. Its ease of installation makes it an ideal do-it-yourself project, with YouTube installation videos and in-stock inventory available at General Shale showrooms.
Sleek and modern, Summitglaze bricks come in five earth-tone matte finishes and eighteen high-gloss colors.
Summitglaze bricks are made by applying glaze atop genuine clay thin brick.
The Spark
The Centerpiece curates art that ignites conversation.
One of Raleigh’s best-kept secrets, The Centerpiece is a comprehensive source for fine art, including art sales, custom framing, installation, and workshops.
JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Text by Dana W. Todd
THERE ARE MANY reasons to love and collect art. No matter the draw, art has a way of opening up discussions effortlessly. A single brushstroke, a burst of color, or the texture of a piece can stir emotions and spark dialogue. “Art naturally invites dialogue, whether it’s about technique, emotion, or personal interpretation,” says Wendy Kesterson, owner of The Centerpiece. “One piece can whisper something different to everyone, creating connections and shared experiences in the most unexpected ways.”
Art may spark recognition, nostalgia, or a memory; the reaction may be different for each viewer. “Regardless of personal taste or style, art is a universal language that brings people together and transcends backgrounds, personal tastes, and design styles. Shared appreciation— or even debate—about a piece of art creates bonds among individuals. Subject matter and style are irrelevant; art has an uncanny ability to foster a sense of belonging, understanding, and discussion,” Kesterson adds.
There is usually a story behind every piece of art. It’s interesting to see how divergent or similar experiences emerge from others who “read” the storyline. “Art invites curiosity and interpretation, making it a natural conversation starter,” explains Kesterson. “A single painting can evoke different emotions, perspectives, and personal stories, drawing people in and creating shared experiences.”
At The Centerpiece, art isn’t just displayed—it sparks lively conversations. With a keen eye for curation,
the gallery’s team brings patrons and artists together, turning every exhibit into an engaging dialogue. “Our exhibitions are designed to encourage engagement through artist talks, interactive installations, or community discussions,” Kesterson says. “Whether in a home, office, or public space, art has the power to transform and define an environment. It is a visual anchor, drawing in people, setting the mood, telling a story, or even challenging perspectives—all of which lead to meaningful interactions.”
Be a part of the discussion by stopping in for a gallery visit or participating in one of The Centerpiece’s ongoing events or workshops.
“One piece can whisper something different to everyone.”
—Wendy Kesterson
Sharing and Caring
The Green Chair Project celebrates fifteen years of helping Wake County families.
Text by Dana W. Todd
Designer Martha Midgette, co-chair of Share the Chair, The Green Chair Project’s annual fundraiser. CATHERINE
THE GREEN CHAIR PROJECT is marking fifteen years of providing furnishings and other household essentials to Wake County families coming out of homelessness, crisis, or financial difficulty. To celebrate and continue its successful reach into the community, the nonprofit organization is holding its annual fundraising event, Share the Chair, on May 21. The Green Chair is partnering with designers across North Carolina to reimagine twenty donated chairs to be sold to bidders at the event being held at The Angus Barn Pavilion in Raleigh.
The organization positively impacts families’ lives with the essentials that make their homes comfortable and nurturing. Green Chair achieves its mission through a partnership with more than one hundred government and nonprofit agencies. The Share the Chair event further contributes to the mission that was first envisioned by Green Chair co-founders Jackie Craig and Beth Smoot in 2010.
Designers Martha Midgette of Martha Midgette Designs and Beth Sink of Claude & Coy Interiors are co-chairing the fifteenth-anniversary event. “We are going back to Green Chair’s fundraising roots and designing chairs for what has been a successful fundraiser for them in the past,” Midgette says. “We want to engage as many designers as possible across the state; twenty of them are reimagining chairs using their fabric and artisan resources to breathe new life into reclaimed chairs that will look beautiful in someone’s home. This event allows designers to share their expertise while helping The Green Chair Project’s families.”
Midgette is one of those designers; she is refinishing and reupholstering a gooseneck accent chair that would be perfect in someone’s home office or living room. Other designers are reimagining all types of chairs. In the past, popular items included benches, gliders with ottomans, and a set of six dining chairs.
While the event is focused on raising money, it also is observing the impact of fifteen years of serving the community. “Last year, we achieved three major milestones,” says Mary Brooks Rice, chief advancement officer of The Green Chair Project. “We provided the 10,000th child with a new bed or crib; we celebrated helping the 10,000th family with an essentials homefurnishings package; and we reached the landmark of saving 10,000 tons of waste out of our area’s landfills by upcycling and reusing furniture donated to us by community members.
“The Green Chair Project is proud to be a part of a family’s journey to a new beginning,” she continues. “We hope the community will join us in the celebration. Together, we can continue to turn empty spaces into welcoming homes.”
“This event allows designers to share their expertise while helping
The Green Chair Project’s families.”
—Martha Midgette
Expert Design
Co-create your new townhome with celebrity designer Bobby Berk.
by Dana W. Todd
Tri Pointe Homes builds innovative, designforward homes across the U.S., including eleven communities in the Raleigh Durham area.
Text
CHAPEL HILL is getting a dose of design expert and Emmy-winning TV host Bobby Berk thanks to Tri Pointe Homes, whose Raleigh division is bringing Berk’s design sensibilities to its new townhome development, Twinleaf Townes.
Located in the heart of Chapel Hill, with easy access to all the Triangle’s amenities, Twinleaf Townes is the first community in the region to feature interior designs from Berk’s ten-collection design library created exclusively for Tri Pointe Homes. Three townhome models—Ryder, Holden, and Piper—feature distinctive designs from Berk. Berk’s first collection, Textural Neutral, is available in the Ryder model. The interiors are clean, simple, and to the point. “Highly textured weaves and hard surface materials add depth to a room without being tied to one bright color,” Berk says. “Soft fabrics, warm wood, and ambient lighting are like cocooning you in your space with a nice, warm, cozy embrace.”
Berk’s classic midcentury-design collection is available in the Holden model, where playful geometrics mingle with marble and warm brass. “Lighting in the classic midcentury style is a statement in and of itself,” Berk says.
The Serene Scandinavian package will style the Piper model. This design line is for the minimalist; light oak and blonde woods pair with gentle pastels and cool grays for a calm vibe. “This collection encapsulates tranquility and minimalism,” Berk explains. Learn more at
“When you’re happy at home, it spills out into every other area of your life.”
—Bobby Berk
Tri Pointe is going the extra mile to ensure the 102-townhome community is comfortable for new homeowners. The collaboration with Berk integrates seamlessly with the award-winning Tri Pointe Homes’ curated design studio, where homebuyers can select or change out individual materials in the design collection to suit their particular taste. “Coming home to a tidy, pulled-together space will help everything in your life feel the same way,” Berk says.
With six floor plans ranging from about 2,000 to 2,300 square feet, including two-bay garages, the three-story townhomes are the ultimate in urban premium living, with sophisticated style designed by professional—and, in this case, celebrity—designers.
“While a handful of townhomes have already sold, homebuyers who take advantage of the early availability of the other units have the opportunity to work within Berk’s collections and Tri Pointe Homes’ design studio to semi-customize their finishes,” says James Flanagan, vice president of community experience at Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh. “We encourage homebuyers to take advantage of our online Style Quiz to help them determine their design style. Our team of designers can take that input and provide them with a range of finishes to choose from to customize their townhome.”
Berk adds, “When you’re happy at home, it spills out into every other area of your life.”
Contributor
Rule Breaker
AS WE SAY GOODBYE to the all-neutral color palette, we welcome home design that expresses personal style. At Furnish, our designers like to capture each client’s individuality in a mood board. Mood boards remove the guesswork of how a room will come together. They give designers a way to communicate what they perceive to be the client’s style, based on the input and inspiration provided at the beginning of the design process.
Text by Alessandra Schembari, Interior Designer at Furnish
INNER SANCTUARY
Alessandra Schembari
While a timeless mix of neutrals never goes out of style, a colorful, eclectic mix tells the story of a homeowner’s personality. By welcoming personal expression, the room in this mood board feels warm, full of life, and speaks to what the homeowner loves.
By starting with an essential sofa, such as the Big Easy from Younger Furniture, we can build on the design with furnishings from traditional, modern, and other style families to create a unique room experience. Midcentury, chinoiserie, Greco-Roman, and Arts and Crafts styles can be effortlessly mixed to bring a sense of inspiration.
Homeowners should be encouraged to embrace color. This mood board showcases a masterful coordination of vibrant hues across the material palette, including paint, accessories, fabrics, and rugs. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Playing off the artwork you already own is a great starting point to make the entire room feel cohesive and planned.
“We welcome home design that expresses personal style.”
An interplay of patterns ensures the room is stimulating and appealing. Large-scale prints on the floral pillows and rug partner with micro-prints on the round pillow for variety. As a general rule, marrying unexpected prints—large with small prints or medium-scale patterns with micro-prints—provides a sense of completeness and allows multiple designs and colors to live in harmony in one space.
A maximalist style shines throughout the space, with a focus on self-expression and color at the forefront. Take the opportunity to mix in what speaks directly to you, whether that’s a modern print or an antique piece of furniture. Mixing traditional and clean-lined furniture with textures like marble and wood creates a look that is unique and unexpected.
Remember, the rules are out the door! The quilt and antique table inherited from your grandmother finally have a place in your modern design.
Contributor
Step by Step
Text by Evan Bost, Director of Sales and Marketing, Bost Custom Homes
WHEN DESIGNING and building a custom home, staircase structure and specifications are often a larger design decision than clients realize. Designs range from fully supported site-built stairs with wall-mounted handrails to modern floating steel structures with open risers and complex rail systems. Each option impacts aesthetics, complexity, and cost.
The most traditional and cost-effective option is sitebuilt stairs with closed risers, which are often adjacent to or
enclosed by walls and framed by the framing carpenter. The norm for most homes of the past, site-built stairs are structured with standard lumber during framing and trimmed-out with millwork (and possibly welded iron railing) during the trim-out phase. These stairs are affordable and easy to build, requiring basic framing and finishing, yet can look very elegant in a traditional or transitional home. Thoughtful millwork and baluster design can make a striking impact without ballooning the budget.
Evan Bost
LUXURY LIVING
“The staircase should be a thoughtful part of the home design.”
For a more modern and airier look, semi-floating staircases like the one on the right offer a balance of economies and visual impact. They may have floating stringers with open risers to allow more light through the room while being supported by wall-mounted or floorframed landings. This design allows sections of stairs to “float” in front of a bank of windows but still requires solid wall at the landings for structural attachment.
At the high end of stair options, fully floating staircases create a dramatic, weightless visual effect. When stairs float from floor level to floor level with no wall attachment, they must be self-supported, which often involves welded steel or engineered beams in the stringers. Mono-stringer stairs with open risers are often the choice when the stairwell is encased in windows.
Another gravity-defying option, cantilevered treads are a space-saving staircase choice in contemporary homes. Because there is no outside stringer, each tread must be welded to a hidden steel plate in the wall. This cantilevered tread example on the left features a glass railing and integrated tread lighting—a top-shelf staircase!
The choice of staircase design and specification depends on budget, aesthetics, and architectural vision. Whether opting for a classic site-built staircase or a floating contemporary marvel, the staircase should be a thoughtful part of the home design. If budget is a concern, remember: attaching stairs to a wall simplifies construction and lowers costs by providing an anchor point that eliminates engineered spans and reducing the number of balusters needed.
Prime Time
Text by Christina Valkanoff, Broker and Owner of Christina Valkanoff Realty Group
BLOOMING FLOWERS and sprouting shrubbery are not the only things springing to life this time of year. The residential real estate market is notoriously active in the spring, with families relocating before another school year starts and inventory increasing as more homeowners list their homes for sale. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, nearly 40 percent of all home sales take place between March and June, making it the most active—and often the most rewarding—season to buy or sell.
In the Triangle’s competitive residential housing market, homebuyers and sellers need a clear strategy to
find a home that fits their lifestyle and goals. Across the region, we’re seeing steady demand fueled by continued population growth—Wake County alone saw nearly 20,000 new residents last year—and as of November 2024, Raleigh’s median home price reached $465,000, marking a 14.7 percent increase from the previous year. Homes are moving faster, with Raleigh listings spending an average of just thirty-seven days on the market.
For many clients, spring is the ideal time to consider building their dream home. We’re proud to be leading the sales and marketing for some of the Triangle’s most exciting new residential communities, including Revere,
CHRISTINA
Christina Valkanoff Contributor
a thoughtfully designed development inside the beltline, along with other upcoming neighborhoods built in partnership with Loyd Builders.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to make your home more inviting, small updates can have a big impact. Refreshing the landscaping increases curb appeal, and simple tasks such as cleaning and repainting the front door or pressure-washing the driveway make a huge difference. For the interiors, decluttering spaces and removing personal items, such as family photos, ensures a home appears clean and welcoming for potential buyers. A well-staged and properly priced home doesn’t sit long in the spring market.
On the other side of the equation, certain preparatory activities help buyers get the best results in a competitive market. We share our network of lenders with our clients to help them quickly secure favorable loan terms so they can act decisively when it comes time to make an offer. We guide buyers on how to stay flexible and focused, setting realistic expectations while positioning them to move quickly on the right home.
Choosing the right agent is crucial to success. In today’s market, buyers and sellers need an experienced advocate who understands how to navigate the pace, negotiate confidently, and deliver results. At Christina Valkanoff Realty Group, we provide our clients with personalized strategies tailored to their unique needs—whether they’re first-time buyers, seasoned investors, building new construction, or selling a home they’ve loved for years.
“Nearly 40 percent of all home sales take place between March and June.”
For Sale: 266 Perfect Moment Drive, Durham
Privy to Privacy
THE AVERAGE lot size in new-home communities has been shrinking over the last decade. With median lot size at about one-fifth of an acre, creating privacy is a concern for families, but constructing a haven for outdoor living is easily attainable through a thoughtful mix of perennials and small trees.
A strategic placement of shrubbery diffuses sight lines beside the house, creating a break from the front to the back of a home. This break blocks views of pets and children at play in the backyard and is a natural deterrent for pedestrian traffic beside the residence. As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.”
A mix of shrubbery beside a home also blocks unwanted views of utilitarian equipment often located
there, such as AC units, electrical boxes, and trash cans. Low to mid-height plants, including Japanese yew, boxwood, and ornamental grasses, are ideal for this type of screening.
The right plants buffer views between neighbors. Screening your deck from a neighbor’s deck by planting a privacy hedge at the property line benefits both owners and provides privacy for entertaining. A layered approach, such as combining small trees like redbuds and Japanese maples with dwarf evergreen shrubs, ensures adequate coverage without resorting to a wall of green. A similar design can block window-to-window views between adjacent houses. In addition, a staggered planting of low- and medium-height shrubs softens the
JOE HENDRICKSON
David Payne Contributor
OUTDOOR OASIS
Text by David Payne, Owner of Home & Garden Landscapes
“With median lot size at about one-fifth of an acre, creating privacy is a concern for families.”
corners of a house and blocks views of your comings and goings from the neighbors.
A professional landscaper knows which plants will optimize privacy screening and can advise you about the appropriate scale for your home’s size. The professional will help you find plants that match your home’s architectural style while presenting a range of budget options, help you understand how plants will perform as they grow to maturity, and help you think through where to place and how to choose the correct specimens. For example, if you only need a screening solution during the summer months when everyone is enjoying the backyard pool, then consider deciduous shrubs that are beautiful in warm weather and drop their leaves in the winter.
A landscaping consultant can recommend the rightsized native plantings that thrive in the Triangle’s climate and fit into the available space, ensuring optimum effectiveness and long-lasting beauty.
we specialize in luxury, modern interiors & renovation projects
STYLE BY CAMARA, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND JACKSON’S CONTRACTING, BUILDING CONTRACTOR.
We are your premier destination for luxury home renovations, seamlessly blending elegance and functionality. Specializing in high-end kitchens and bathrooms, we incorporate upscale features into every project, ensuring a refined and sophisticated finish.
1. K. Taylor Creative's Paper Flower Sculptures
“Raleigh artist and dear friend Katelyn Taylor creates architectural yet delicate floral sculptures. Her approach is so methodical, deconstructing fallen flowers and reimagining them by hand with colorful papers.”
2. Lioconcha Hieroglyphica
“I’m so inspired by the naturally occurring patterns in these odd saltwater clams. They’re such a reminder that nature is the penultimate artist.”
3. My collaboration with Twine & Twig
“In March 2025, Twine & Twig and I released a capsule collection of one-of-a-kind hand-painted jewelry, wearable art, and small works. The color-blocked cowries and shell-symbol art pieces are my favorites.”
Meet Katie Howson
KATIE HOWSON is a bit of a unicorn. As a fifth-generation Charlottean, Howson’s roots in the Tar Heel state run deep. The mixed-media painter recently moved back to Charlotte after living in Raleigh the last several years with her husband, Art, and daughter, Lee Lee. And since coming back, Howson has teamed up with Twine & Twig to design a limited edition jewelry collection that released this spring (read more on page 34). A self-described “Raleigh regular,” the creative has a penchant for all forms of design, including interiors. “I love interior design as a sort of language,” says Howson. “The choices we make in our homes communicate our histories, our emotional patterns, and our priorities. Stepping into someone’s home is like spending a moment in their mind.” Here, the artist shares her favorite things for spring.
4. A turquoise and olive color combo
“This jacket from Brooks Avenue feels like a mod, elevated version of a traditional blue-andgreen pairing. I find myself wanting to use this combo everywhere!”
5.
Vessels
“Charleston artist Beatrice Bernier creates these otherworldly vessels from raw clay and found driftwood. They feel like a discovery from another time.”
6. Inner Child Seashell Serving Set
“Who knew serveware could be such a mood boost. I love that all of Inner Child’s products are handmade, sustainable, and supportive of global artisans.”
7. HOME by Areeayl Jewelry
“Designer Areeayl Goodwin’s imaginative jewelry items are pure works of art. Each piece is inspired by her dreams, a world I’d love to live in even if just for a moment!”
Beatrice Bernier’s
PORTRAIT: EMLYN HENRY; COURTESY OF RETAILERS
Photography: Cat
Wilborne