Urban Home Magazine June/July 2012

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CHARLOTTE URBAN

Designs | Lifestyles | Fashions | Improvements

The New

Bold

SOUTH Urban Beach

Style

The TransitionAL

Kitchen and Bath

Jim Schmid Photography

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HOME CHARLOTTE URBAN

CONTENTS

june/july 2012 28

14

Designs | Lifestyles | Fashions | Improvements Reaching 180,000 homes annually

June/July 2012

VOL 12 NO 3

www.urbanhomemagazine.com Publisher Mark Herrmann Managing Editor Anne Marie Ashley

52

36

Editorial Director Tammy Wanchisn Writers Nancy Atkinson Dana Todd Anne Marie Ashley

68

Sales Kathleen Hands

74

Art Direction Harriet McDowall PageCreations Photography Jim Schmid Photography www.jimschmid.com Contributing Editors Trent Haston Beth Keim Laura Vinroot Poole Production Administrator Shelley Kemper Direct Mail Quad Graphics Phone 704-332-1504 Fax 704-973-5685 Email: comments@urbanhomemagazine.com Website: www.urbanhomemagazine.com

trends

departments

Showcase Home 14 The New Bold South

why hire a?

34 Why Hire A Certified

Kitchen & Bath Designer

Kitchen & Bath Trends 28 DIY Network’s Worst Kitchen in America 36 Daring Transition 52 Design Trends

Finders Keepers

features kitchens & baths

@urbanhomemags

facebook.com/Urban-Home-Magazine

All contents copyright 2012, Casey Communications Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent from publisher. Mention of any product or service does not constitute endorsement from Urban Home Magazine. The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Casey Communications Inc. does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement firm based on your own selection criteria.

Casey Communications Inc., d.b.a. Charlotte Urban Home Magazine, will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Casey Communications Inc., d.b.a.

Charlotte Urban Home Magazine, is subject to the Fair Housing Act which states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”

Casey Communications Inc., d.b.a. Charlotte Urban Home Magazine, does not act as an agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase.

8 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

24 Versatility at Work 30 Focal Point

improvements

essentials 42 New Products for Your Kitchen And Bath 70 New Products for Your Home

why the room works 68 Designer Spotlight: Traci Zeller

day tripping 74 Columbia, South Carolina

contributing editors

48 Home is Where the Heart Is

44

real estate

building a better home: trent haston

Modern Lake Living

56 The Castle in Cotswold

outdoor living 60 Pool Time

64 room service: beth

Dinner on the 14th Tee

keim

76 style guide: Laura Vinroot Poole

Urban Beach

laura’s picks 78 Must Have Basics

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14 Schmid Urban Photography Home Charlotte Jim

June/July 2012

South

the new bold

By Anne Marie Ashley

Photography by Jim Schmid

There is a certain charm to older homes that can only be truly appreciated by someone with an eye for seeing character in wood paneling, narrow doorways and pronounced rooms.

And further, for seeing the potential these characterladen elements can bring to a well designed home, making it equally stylish and relaxed.

harlotte is dripping with these homes and for those that can see the possibilities, it’s a paradise. The homeowners of this feature home have a soft spot for early 1900s architecture and when they discovered this home in one of the most historic parts of Charlotte, they knew they’d make it their own. The resulting home was bold – and completely comfortable.

We spoke about this project with interior designer Lindsey Coral Harper and the renovation team to find out how it all came together. Andrew Roby General Contractor and Sam Greeson of Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson Architecture were called in to oversee and execute the renovations.

“Most of the changes were stylistic,” explains Greeson, “to meet the new owner’s desire for a younger, more modern look.” That’s where New York-based interior designer Lindsey Coral Harper came in. “It just needed a little bit of freshening up,” says Harper. “We took out every bit of carpet and repainted every square inch!”

The kitchen was the largest of the renovations, making the originally tiny space much larger and marrying it nicely with the recent family room addition. An artist was flown in from New York to hand paint the interesting kitchen floor.

“The banquette was added at the pass thru to the family room, where the sink had previously been located, explains Greeson. We discussed opening the wall up, but it would have disturbed the flow and arrangement of both spaces. With the final solution, you feel that the kitchen is huge, but we actually didn’t add any square footage.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 15

16 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 17

The whole project, renovation and interior design included, took just four months to complete. “The process was faster than it normally would have been thanks to the homeowner knowing exactly what she wanted and Andrew Roby’s well organized schedule,” says Greeson.

“Communication is everything when it comes to construction schedule and overall quality,” says Chris Maynard of Andrew Roby. “Projects don’t go this well or turn out this beautifully if you don’t have the team of home owners, designer, architect and contractor all working for the same goal which is outstanding quality and a wonderful experience.”

Harper knew what her client was looking for from the get-go. “I knew my client was moving from a one-bedroom apartment in New York City to a four-bedroom house in Charlotte,” says Harper. “ I had a sense of her overall taste, so shopping for her and finding things she liked was the easy part. It helps when your client has great taste!”

Harper called on the help of local custom window treatment and sewing experts Elaine Mitchell and Pam Dawes of Interior Couture of the Carolinas. “Lindsey’s eye for design is unparalleled,” says Pam. “The fabrics she chooses, the textures and layering of design, really creates some unique elements in a home.” Elaine adds, “her designs are simple,

but with the bold fabrics and rich textures, the result is extraordinary.”

Harper says incorporating this client’s personality into the home was easy. “I am creating a ‘home’ and space for them, it’s not about me. I know they are a very friendly, young, stylish couple that loves to have friends and family over. So that is what I tried to translate.”

Harper suggests a fresh coat of paint in any room to liven it up and change the look or mood. Pam and Elaine suggest freshening up a room with window treatments, adding that great window treatments can truly make or break the look of a home. “In this case,” says Harper, “we stripped away everything and painted and/or papered every room. We changed everything about it and basically started from scratch.”

There are several ways to use bold design in any home, but according to Harper, it will always change depending on the client. “In this home, each room has at least one bold element. In the entry it’s the wallpaper; the dining room - the glass chandelier; in the kitchen it’s the bold use of color and pattern; the living room has those beautiful curtains and all the powder rooms have really great wallpapers.”

“I think there are a lot of bold elements throughout this house,” says Harper, “but they all blend together to make one cohesive story.”v To see all of the photos from this home, visit the Urban Home Magazine blog.

18 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

Resources

Andrew Roby General Contractor........704-334-5477...............................www.andrewroby.com Interior Couture of the Carolinas.........704-243-5919..................................www.iccarolinas.com Lindsey Coral Harper Interiors.............212-686-3610................................ www.lchinteriors.com Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson Architecture...........................704-375-1001.........................................www.mgpb.com June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 19

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Capturing The

beauty

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versatility

Kitchens & Baths

at work

by Dana W. Todd

Tile is versatile.

If you’re ever unsure about that fact, walk into the Tile Collection showroom in Pineville. Thousands of selections of tile greet you in any color, texture, depth and design you might imagine. Today, interior designers, architects and homeowners have discovered that tile is a striking interior wall application, especially as a focal point for a redesigned room.

24 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

In bathrooms and kitchens, tile is low maintenance, durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for rooms that experience frequently wet or humid conditions. “A great technique is using tile to ‘wallpaper’ a feature wall behind a sink or tub or on the back wall of a shower,” says Jennifer Creasser Bridges of Tile Collection.

Featuring a wall of mosaic tile behind a bathtub also creates the appearance of a larger room. Alternatively, focusing tile application on a sink wall makes a statement that is bold, yet less costly than tiling a tub wall because it typically contains less coverage area. A tiled sink wall makes such a statement that you can feel free to tile the remainder of the bathroom surfaces in a more affordable, basic tile pattern and still achieve the lux look you’re seeking.

Don’t be limited by using tile to “wallpaper” a bathroom or kitchen wall. Tile also pivots attention in the dining or living rooms, bringing a dining table into focus, for example, or setting the mood in a living room. “Tiling a wall in a main living area is a unique twist to painting an accent wall. Not only can you enjoy the jolt of color that paint usually provides, but the addition of texture through tile choice can set the room’s ambiance,” says Bridges.

Tiling urban concrete walls is becoming prevalent in downtown condos. “We’ve been wrapping concrete columns with tile, and it provides

a solid visual division in an open living space,” Bridges adds.

Arouse or calm emotions, portray a sophisticated style, or effectively handle high-traffic areas – all are possible through the thousands of color and texture combinations of tile. Tile’s versatility makes it possible to revitalize a tired or boring wall in any space – the tile is the artwork.v Need an accent wall in your home? Call Tile Collection at 704-541-8453, see a gallery of ideas at www.tilecollection.com, or visit the showroom at 11200 Carolina Place Parkway in Pineville, open seven days a week.

The Benefits of

Tiling an Entire Wall • A glossy finish enables light reflection to enlarge and enhance your space • Easy wipe-off maintenance makes cleanup quick • Classically traditional designs don’t change with the trends like wallpaper

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 25

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Kitchen & Bath n Trends

DIY Network’s

Worst Kitchen in America

Winner Alan Young with DIY Network home improvement expert Matt Blashaw.

Images courtesy of DIY Network.

28 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

When Alan Young of Charlotte, North Carolina saw that DIY Network was holding their second annual search for the worst kitchen in America, he just knew he had to submit his 12-by-12-foot wreck-of-a-kitchen for consideration.

After viewing over 15,000 photo and video submissions of kitchens across America, DIY Network agreed that Young, indeed, had one of the worst. With exposed drywall, cluttered counter tops, only two working burners and dangerous wiring, Young’s kitchen was in desperate need of a makeover.

Alan Young is a flight attendant for US Airways and with little time at home and a recent pay cut, a renovation was out of the question. Luckily, licensed contractor and host of the “Worst Kitchen in America,” Matt Blashaw, and his team of talented designers and architects came to the rescue. The one-hour special aired on the DIY Network at the end of January and the jaw-dropping makeover was nothing short of amazing.

In the end, Young had the perfect space for entertaining friends and cultivating his passion for cooking. Blashaw and his team performed a complete transformation of Young’s kitchen, resulting in a contemporary kitchen decked out with the hottest amenities, including granite and glass composite countertops, floating shelving and stainless steel appliances. He even received bonus living room furniture from the DIY Network. Now, Young regularly has friends over for dinner and easily whips up gourmet meals in his brand new kitchen.v

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kitchens & BathS

Focal point

by Dana W. Todd

Pick something you love and design your room around it. It’s advice Brian Macuga of Arbor Construction Group gives his clients.

When working on something like a kitchen or bathroom, Macuga says, “Choose a focal point – something you can’t live without – and redesign your dream bathroom or kitchen around that object.” Macuga says, “it will be different for every client.”

Launa and Allen Kendle loved the cantilevered space that Arbor Construction created to hold a bathtub and its marble surround in their renovated master bathroom. Since the marble was the most expensive part of the project, choosing that first and the coordinating tile second made the most sense. “I drove to the marble warehouse and found a

30 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

slab that I wanted as the focal point,” explains Launa. Macuga sent an interior designer with Launa when she shopped the tile store, which helped Launa quickly winnow the overwhelming tile choices down to four options. With just those four, she was able to make a final decision, matching the marble and completing her dream bathroom around what she felt was the highlight.

In their gutted and renovated kitchen, Christa and Ben Rogers decided color needed to play the star. “Creamy, off-white cabinetry with a light glaze overtop really popped out against details like crackle textured subway tile on the backsplash and a custom-built stove hood,” says Christa.

“What stuck out most to me about Arbor is that they assigned a project manager to be there every day. The attention to detail was unbelievable.”

The couple also used color as a priority on the newly designed hutch in the same room. A specialty painter applied seven layers of grayishblue glaze to emphasize this beautiful and functional piece of furniture.

Rogers says the details in color give her new kitchen a timeless feel. “It was exactly what I envisioned,” says Christa. “Arbor Construction was very efficient and stayed on schedule.”

Deborah and John Ritter, another Arbor Construction Group client, experienced similar results when working with Arbor to choose the accent in their redesigned bathrooms. “We chose Carrara marble as the spotlight for both bathroom renovations – our master bathroom and an adjacent kids’ bathroom,” says Deborah Ritter. “I grew up in England

and Carrara marble is very European. It’s cold to the touch and has a clean look.” With the attention centered on the countertops, the Ritters added coordinating marble subway tile, also Carrara, to the shower walls to tie it all together. “What stuck out most to me about Arbor is that they assigned a project manager to be there every day,” Ritter adds.

“The attention to detail was unbelievable.”v

If you’re thinking of renovating your kitchen or bathroom, contact Arbor Construction Group at 704-542-5833 or www.arborconstructiongroup.com.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 31

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why hire

A certified

Kitchen & bath Designer

by Anne Marie Ashley

When purchasing a home, two of the top ten amenities buyers inspect with detail are the kitchen and the bathrooms. The kitchen is the hub of the home these days. Not just for cooking meals anymore, it’s a gathering area for family and guests to relax, chat, enjoy food together and be comfortable. Bathrooms are the hardest rooms to renovate, with plumbing, tile and fixtures being permanent elements that can’t be changed along with your mind.

We spoke with Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) Maria Stapperfenne to find out why having a professional design these two very important rooms can make all the difference in your home.

How can a CKBD benefit homeowners?

There are numerous options available to a homeowner in kitchen and bath design and a designer can help you make the best choice for your home and your lifestyle. “The perception is out there that a professional kitchen and bath designer costs a lot of money,” explains Maria.

“But in fact, a professional SAVES you money at every turn by helping you create a beautiful and functional design with quality products.”

What does a CKBD do?

Kitchen and bath designers go through a rigorous education and training program to earn their certification. Maria says that in addition to helping clients navigate choices on cabinetry, countertops and hardware, they are also are trained to ensure that the National Kitchen and Bath Association design guidelines have been implemented, creating a beautiful and safe space for homeowners. “Certified designers have the vision to see the project completed and communicate that vision to contractors.”

34 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

What should homeowners know before hiring a CKBD? Clients should do their homework before meeting with a designer, suggests Maria. Look through magazines like Urban Home and websites like Houzz.com to see what style and functionality appeals to you.

Maria adds that most homeowners don’t have industry language to communicate their likes and desires, so having photos can really move the process along. “Be sure you know the scope of what the designer provides, it’s ok to meet with several in order to find the one that understands your needs the best.”

What should a homeowner expect from a CKBD and what cost is involved?

The scope of what is offered by designers varies. Some are turn-key, designing the project, providing the products and managing the installation, while others provide design only or design and products only. Fees, therefore, will vary as well. “For my company,” explains Maria, “We will take a design deposit and apply it to the purchase of their cabinetry, countertops, hardware and any fixtures we provide to them. In our case, clients have their own contractors and/or installers that have referred us for product design and selection.”

Find a local CKBD by visiting www.nkba.org and clicking on ProSearch.v

Maria Stapperfenne is a manager and certified designer with Tewksbury Kitchen and Bath and the Northern New Jersey NKBA representative.

For more information visit www.NKBA.org.

Images courtesy of NKBA

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Kitchen & Bath n Trends

Every year, the National Kitchen

Daring Transition

& Bath Association (NKBA) surveys the design industry to learn more about the materials, styles and products designers used most often in the past year. The fixtures, finishes, color palettes, technology and shapes are all part of the toolbox used by the nation’s most creative kitchen and bath designers – and their picks set the trends that inspire the rest of us.

By Nancy Atkinson

The NKBA recently held their Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago, where they released a list of the nation’s top ten kitchen and bath trends and treatments for 2012 and we’ve outlined them for an easy go-to guide.

Transitional Style. One broad trend is the increased popularity of transitional style in both kitchen and baths. For the first time since the NKBA began tracking annual design trends, traditional is no longer the most popular type of design. Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary design, with lines that are simpler than traditional, but more elaborate than contemporary to create a modern, classic look.

Cassie Abernethy, manager at the Charlotte showroom for Hughes Supply, says understated design is in demand. “Our customers are asking for simplicity. They want clean lines and less detail. The transitional style fits all of those requests. Clients can use this in their traditional and contemporary settings.”

Glossy Finishes and Fixtures. Current kitchens shine with a combination of shimmering surfaces, high-sheen finishes and perfectly placed lighting accents. Stainless steel, walnut wood veneer and lights along the base of a kitchen island’s recessed toe-kick and polished wood floors are perfect examples of this prominent trend.

Interior Concrete. Concrete used inside the home continues to grow in popularity and is seen in many different contexts. Think bathroom countertops with integrated sinks or concrete surfaces buffed to

Closet and Storage Concepts

a high shine and tinted with a variety of hues. When used with stone surfaces like recycled tile, exposed brick or lava rock, concrete unifies the space.

Color Infusion Behind Glass. Glass may be a niche material for kitchen countertops, but the survey shows more than half the NKBA designers are using it in several ways. One kitchen in the design competition inspired the judges with its simple painted wall and glass panels overlaid to create a sleek sheen of cool color that became a calm focal point in a family kitchen.

Jennifer Creasser of Tile Collection in Charlotte suggests incorporating colored tiles in a different way. “Say good bye to painting over the scuff marks on your stair raisers every year,” she says. “With color infused glass, you can add a whole new dimension to your stairway and dress up your high traffic areas with color.”

The White Kitchen, Reinvented. Classic, contemporary and clean, the white kitchen is consistent from year to year. This year it’s cleverly reinvented in a variety of hues including muted, milky tones.

Jennifer has also noticed this trend with designers, seeing their use of White Carrera marble countertops. “With a backsplash of flickering metals, color or glass, it really pops. Traditional material meets contemporary tile finishes in popular linear designs to create a transitional look,” she says.

Suspended Lighting. In kitchen design, suspended lighting provides an element of artistic sculpture that exudes light, glimmer and

The Container Store

Images courtesy of Images courtesy of NKBA. 36 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

glitz. These dangling focal points drop light onto defined areas, perfectly accenting the high-sheen finishes that are so wonderful in this year’s kitchen designs.

Symmetry in Design. Symmetry in room design creates stability and balance. For example, a wall with a large framed window behind the kitchen sink will be counterbalanced by open, glass door cabinetry that draws the eye up and around the room.

Repeating and Complementing Shapes. Designers know that repeating a particular shape in various sizes, colors and textures creates a continuum that adds a soothing element to any room design. In a bathroom for instance, a designer may use large squares of travertine on the floor, glass mosaics in the shower and a series of square windows to draw the eye up and repeat the theme.

Traditional Technology in Non-Traditional Spaces. Creative designers are using today’s technology to solve design challenges in the kitchen. Fridge drawers that are integrated into the sleek lines of cabinetry and a steam oven placed where sink plumbing once existed create solutions to kitchen space problems.

Tile in Totality. Designers are using tile for more than the wall, floor and bathroom space. One bathroom design presented at the 2012 NKBA Design Competition featured translucent recycled glass tiles surrounding a Japanese soaking tub. Muted pine green tiles were paired with small mosaic tiles in colors that evoked a tranquil sunset. Linentextured, sand colored porcelain tiles created the foundation for a restful space wrapped entirely in glass tile.

Open Concept Bathroom. The space-efficient and sleek open-plan bathroom was highlighted in this year’s designs. With few walls, these expansive bathrooms have an entirely open shower and a minimalist product selection approach. By eliminating the shower stall and extending the open floor, the room becomes a sweeping space. v

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 37

38 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

2012 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Trends

The Details

• Oak, birch and bamboo materials • Darker and distressed finishes

• Glass backsplashes • LED lighting • Pull-out kitchen faucets • Medicine cabinets

• Solid surfaces • Grayscale color palette • Polished chrome

Resources

Advanced Renovations.................... 704-799-3999.........www.advancedrenovations.com Andrew Roby Inc............................. 704-334-5477.......................www.andrewroby.com Arbor Construction Group................ 704-542-5833..... www.arborconstructiongroup.com B & E Construction........................... 704- 634-8033.............www.mybeconstruction.com Benham Builders............................. 704-363-2940................ www.benhambuilders.com Bistany Design................................ 704-375-8322.................... www.bistanydesign.com Cosentino....................................... 704- 504-1538.....www.cosentinonorthamerica.com Crossville Tile & Stone...................... 704-470-9037........ www.crossvilletileandstone.com e3 Cabinets..................................... 704-812-1201.........................www.e3cabinets.com Hughes Supply................................ 704-892-6466.................... www.hughessupply.com Impact Design Resources................. 704-755-0223.......www.impactdesignresources.com Lantern Builders............................. 704-333-3190..................www.lanternbuilders.com Schultz Custom Homes.................... 704- 281-8496..... www.myschultzcustomhome.com Shea Homes.................................... 704-812-1206....................... www.sheacustom.com Stone Systems of NC........................ 704-238-1659....................www.stone-systems.com The Tile Collection........................... 704-541-8453......................www.tilecollection.com The Westye Group........................... 704-375-6025....................www.wolfappliance.com Zar Custom Homes........................... 704- 843-8447...............www.zarcustomhomes.com June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 39

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Espressione Café Retro Espresso Machine 1950s design meets modern convenience in the ultra-sleek Café Retro Espresso Machine from Espressione. This vibrant essential pairs a shimmering steel body with glossy red detail, highlighting commercial-quality steaming and frothing capabilities, powerful 18-bar pump pressure and an innovative cup warmer. www.jossandmain.com.

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Pebble Dinnerware Glistening glass in antique turquoise beautifully merges with an organically dented surface and ridged edges to capture the natural and surreal qualities of river rocks. With this shimmering collection you can bring a unique luster to your tabletop. www.zgallerie.com.

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Contributing Editor | Building a Better Home

Modern Lake Living

trent haston

Unlike our land-locked neighborhoods, there is no set of building and architectural guidelines and codes, and

Charlotte has many neighborhoods, each of which has a distinctive style. Dilworth has an arts and crafts culture. Myers Park is more traditional. When you think Eastover, you think estates. There are many others of course, but imagine a neighborhood where channels are your roads, coves are your cul-de-sacs and docks are your driveways. Where is this, you may ask?

It is Charlotte living on Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie and Lake Norman. Despite a past of colorful diversity, a distinctive contemporary style is quickly emerging as the style of our water neighborhoods.

The homes dotting Charlotte’s most beautiful shorelines have always been particularly diverse, and contributing to this hodgepodge of styles is the array of homeowners - all with varying backgrounds and home functions. Lake homes may serve as weekend getaways for local families or true vacation homes for out-of-towners. They may be full-time dwellings for local Charlotteans or new homes for recent transplants from all over the country. Homeowners’ tastes are obviously very individual and this creates a wide range of home styles on our local lakeshores. Unlike our land-locked neighborhoods, there is no set of

homeowners are free to build the style of home they choose.

44 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

building and architectural guidelines and codes, and homeowners are free to build the style of home they choose.

Despite this ever-present diversity, two of the past years’ “Best In Show” winners from the Charlotte Home Builders Association Annual Remodeler Council Awards show that today’s lake living is quickly turning contemporary. Why contemporary? This simple, clean and minimalistic approach centers focus on the outside surroundings - in some ways bringing the outside, in.

These homes have many elements in common, but perhaps the most obvious being the focus on the landscape and outdoor spaces. These elements are highlighted with large windows and doors, offering unobstructed panoramic views.

Windows are linear, with no mutton bars or mullions, maximizing the scenery. Doors are frequently all-glass with heavy use of transoms to allow in as much light as possible.

On the interior, concise and sharp corners with minimal moldings define this style. Slab marble and granite stones with smooth finishes are dominant in countertops and back splashes, instead of tile with a lot of grout joints. Cabinets also reflect this sleek style with stained and exotic

wood grains like bamboo, Brazilian walnut, teak and African zebrawood. Sleek door and drawer fronts in full overlay style give them clean lines with minimal layers and joints. Stainless steel, with its sleek and reflective look, has become the common finish on hardware, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and appliances. Modern stair and railing systems are made of glass and metal cabling for minimal obstruction to the views.

These contemporary homes typically have expansive outdoor spaces. Large decks, outdoor kitchens and fire pits beg for family and guests to congregate outside. Other outdoor features such as pools, hot tubs, putting greens and docks provide endless forms of entertainment. The important thing is that these outdoor features bring people out of the house to enjoy all the lake has to offer. Why live on the water if you are going to stay inside? Though with beautiful interiors to match, staying inside isn’t always a bad thing.v Trent Haston is CEO of Andrew Roby and has spent many years in project management, focusing on style and craftsmanship for custom home projects.

For more information call 704-334-5477 or visit www.andrewroby.com.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 45

Taking Landscape Architecture to New Heights

704-494-8877 | www.DeSigniaLandscape.com

bistany design E xc e p t i o na l C abin e t r y & D e s i g n

601 S outh Cedar Street, Suite 205- C, Charlotte, NC w w w.bistanydesign.com 704-375-8322 By appointment

Caring since 1881, Serving Charlotte since 1994

Kitchens | Baths | Outdoor Living Custom Homes | Remodels Room & Floor Additions Finished Basements & Attics ...and anything you can dream “Our Master Bath was truly transformed by Shea Custom. They were able to take our ideas and add some of their own to create a spa-like retreat. The attention to detail with the installation of the Carrera marble was very impressive. The difference between our old bathroom and this one is astonishing; we love it!”

- Jay & Andi

Before & After photos at www.SheaCustom.com

Free No-Obligation Estimates 704.812.1206 info@sheacustom.com

improvements

When Dee and Christina O’Dell bought their traditional red brick Georgian home in Charlotte, they were planning to stay there a for few years, but found no other property as good a fit for their family’s needs. Then the back deck started falling off the house.

And that changed everything.

“The house has good bones but when the deck started falling off the house last summer, it pushed us to make the decision about what we were going to do,” says Christina O’Dell. The family decided to stay and invest in creating an outdoor entertainment area more ideal for year-round enjoyment.

The O’Dells hired Advanced Renovations to design and build a multi-level, 800900-square-foot space off the back of the house. “My husband and I are both ‘Type A’

Home hearT

is where

the

is

By Dana W. Todd

“The inside of the house fits our family’s lifestyle, so we decided to make the investment to turn this into our ‘next stage’ home.”

48 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

people who like to have all the details in front of us,” O’Dell says. “We chose Advanced Renovations because we liked their in-house design/build option. It was a good fit for us.”

“Design/build projects tend to flow smoother,” says Duane Johns of Advanced Renovations. “There’s no need to worry about meshing different ideas and personalities and the communication process is easier from the beginning. The design/build process eliminates finger pointing. ” The O’Dell’s new backyard retreat includes an L-shaped covered porch that connects to the house off the kitchen and living room. The space includes a fireplace with a wallmounted TV above, vaulted ceiling complete with ceiling fan, honey-stained tongue and groove boards and cove lighting around the perimeter. The defining element is a built-in brick planter with fragrant gardenias, which separates it from the stepped-down, uncovered patio created with large pieces of bluestone edged with a rowlock brick border.

The project took three months to complete and the O’Dell family is enjoying the area for the first time this spring.

“The look is classic, clean and timeless,” says O’Dell, who adds that the only challenge was matching the original red brick from 1987. Luckily, Advanced Renovations was able to do it.

“The rest of the house really fits our family’s lifestyle, so we made the investment to turn this into our ‘next stage’ home,” explains O’Dell. “While we contemplated a move before the deck fell off, we discovered how much the house worked for us.”

O’Dell says that the collaborative working relationship they had was very unique and successful. “From the beginning, Advanced Renovations provided us with a project plan, complete with a three-month calendar,” O’Dell says. “No other contractor provided that and they were as committed to following the timeline as we were.” Advanced Renovations made the process easy and the results beautiful. v To discuss your next home renovation project, contact Advanced Renovations at 704-799-3999 or www.advancedrenovations.com.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 49

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design n Trends

Finders Keepers

By Nancy Atkinson

Interior designers know that decorating with a mix of old and new, casual and formal makes rooms more interesting. They repurpose things, using an old ladder as a blanket holder or a metal workbench for a kitchen island, to lift rooms from ordinary to extraordinary. The search for these items could become a time-consuming treasure hunt - combing boutiques, antique malls and flea markets looking for the perfect item.

Sleepy Poet

Reinvent your rooms with the inspiration that is all around you. Plan a day or a weekend at Charlotte’s unique markets to find unexpected treasures that add an element of surprise to your home’s décor.

52 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

What To Look For When heading out to these creative venues, the experts advise you to be open to finding items you love, even if you’re not sure where you will use it in your home.

“Charlotte residents are fortunate to have an abundance of wonderful markets at our feet,” says Ede Graves, owner of Classic Attic in Charlotte. “It makes it easy and enjoyable to satisfy our inner ‘hunter-gatherer’ and find treasure in just one afternoon.”

“Listen to your gut,” says David Newcombe, owner of Alexander Scott in Charlotte. “If you think you have found a great, unique item at the right price, buy it. Don’t waste precious time pondering or it will be someone else’s great find.”

Of course many homeowners and designers are on the hunt for that something special, with a specific need in mind. Janna Baker, General Manager of The Depot, explains that many interior designers celebrate Charlotte’s rich manufacturing history by seeking industrial pieces they can repurpose in unique ways.

“Designers come in looking for metal objects from old mills and machine shops,” she says. “Metal pulleys,

Resources

farm hooks; we recently sold an old gurney that someone was going to make into a bathroom countertop!”

Janna explains that these old items make a newly decorated space more exciting. One of her favorite re-purposing tricks is using old metal fryer baskets as a towel holder in the bathroom or creating an old light fixture from a metal trashcan. “Old canvas mill carts that were used to tote cotton from room to room in old mills make a perfect laundry basket for modern laundry rooms.”

David loves to see homeowners reinvent treasures from the past.

“Breathe life into stale silhouettes,” says David. “Take a Louise XVI arm chair and cover it with a wild animal print.

A minimal investment in paint will always revive great pieces of furniture.

Consider Chippendale dining chairs painted orange with faux embossed leather seats. Or incorporate contemporary lighting into a vintage inspired room and watch the room’s personality evolve.”

Reinvent your rooms with the inspiration that is all around you. Plan a day or a weekend at Charlotte’s unique markets to find unexpected treasures that add an element of surprise to your home’s décor.v

Alexander Scott Interiors...................................................908-819-7372......................................www.alexanderscottinteriors.com Classic Attic........................................................................704-521-3750............................................................www.classicattic.biz Depot at Gibson Mill..........................................................704-787-9351.................................................www.depotgibsonmill.com Post & Gray........................................................................704-332-2252..........................................www.interiorsmarketplace.com Slate Interiors....................................................................704-930-7890.............................................. www.shopslateinteriors.com Sleepy Poet........................................................................704-529-6369..................................................www.sleepypoetstuff.com Southend Exchange..........................................................704-353-4600............................................ www.southendexchange.com

Alexander Scott , housed in the former McColl Center for the Fine Arts, features more than 70 hand-selected vendors offering a wide array of home furnishings, gifts and accessories, each with their own unique style. The brainchild of native Charlotteans David Newcombe and Rusty Griffith, Alexander Scott is the fulfillment of their lifelong dream to have their own retail interiors store.

With more than 7,500-square feet of furniture, art, linens, gifts and accessories, you’re sure to find the piece that adds inspiration to your home.

“Time and convenience are essential for today’s customers and designers,” says David Newcombe. “Multi-merchant venues offer one-stop shopping. In our venue you will find a mix of the old and new, allowing you to choose and create a unique environment with layers of styles, textures and colors representing your personal taste. These layers create a warm environment that appears to have evolved over time.”

Slate Interiors on Central Avenue in

historic Plaza Midwood in Charlotte, is a collection of more than 50 artists, merchants and designers offering everything from ultra-modern to traditional. Original art, custom pillows, Mid-Century modern, quality vintage and repurposed items can be found, designed to take your home from boring and predictable to chic and interesting. The eclectic mix found at Slate is best described as “Paris flea market meets SoHo.”

Where To Find It

The Depot at Gibson Mill in nearby Concord, NC is the largest antique and designer mall in the area with 88,000-square feet and 600-plus booths. Once a part of the old Cannon Mills, the charming building houses an exciting mix of quality collectibles including antiques, reproductions, imports and new furniture all under one roof. The Depot is as popular with homeowners and designers seeking that special vintage or one-of-a-kind collectible as it is with antiques dealers who want to showcase their products.

Classic Attic houses treasures from more than 8,000 consignors with hundreds of styles and colors, all in one huge showroom so you never get the feeling that everything looks the same. Another thing that won’t look the same? The price! Consignment is THE way to get high-end quality at belowwholesale prices.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been in Park Road Shopping Center for more than ten years,” says Ede Graves, Classic Attic Owner.

Featuring quality American-made vintage and antique furniture, Classic Attic also has antique prints from England, Italian pottery and French furniture and porcelains.

Most items are lightly used but you’ll see new draperies, pillows, lighting, furniture and accessories consigned by designers and decorator shops. Classic Attic is sure to have something you love and there’s a WISH LIST to register your “desires”.

Post & Gray, located in Charlotte’s historic South End, houses over 35 merchants in 7,000-square feet of warehouse space. Owners John and Kelley Vieregg saw a need for a retail outlet where individuals could sell their personal collections or collected inventories. “We have customers that became merchants and then opened their own stores,” explains Kelley Vieregg.

“Some of these merchants were so successful they launched product lines and sell nationwide. We saw a void in the market to develop a more relaxed, welcoming environment for the DIY generation and created Post & Gray, where we offer a mix of private label products, designer fabrics, rugs, and pillows all at outlet prices.”

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 53

“still the Best Brunch in Charlotte”

Come try our seasonal menu

— Charlotte Magazine

Lunch | Dinner | Brunch Come in Mon. through Wed. 5pm-7pm and receive a

O p en 7 d ay s a w ee k

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when you buy one at regular price.

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More offers online at www.urbanhomemagazine.com

704-376-2242 | 1911 Central Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina | www.luludinewine.com

Wood & Iron Entryways | Leaded Glass | Design & Installation

the Looking Glass INC.

www.thelookingglass.ws 407 Chatham Ave. Rock Hill, SC 29730 | 803-329-2270 | Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

30

y e a r s

o f

q u a l i t y

f a m i ly

o w n e d

a n d

o p e r at e d

Real Estate

Castle

The in Cotswold

56 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

When Simon Burgess mentioned to his cab driver that he was planning a move to Charlotte from his native England, the cabbie said, “Then let me drive you by the most beautiful place to live in this city.” A few minutes later they pulled up to the entrance of Rosewood. Even before going inside, Mr. Burgess asked the driver to pick up his wife, Carol, who was shopping at nearby SouthPark Mall.

“You have to see this!” Simon remembers telling Carol on the phone. And that was the beginning and end of their search for a home in the Queen City.

“It looked like a castle from the road and the roses were in full bloom,” says Carol. “We fell in love at first sight and love it even more the longer we’ve been here.”

Rosewood seems to have cast a similar spell on all of its residents, whether they’ve moved to the luxury condominiums from across town or across the country. There are families, couples and and single residents. Some have chosen to downsize their responsibilities and live here because of the lowmaintenance lifestyle that makes it easy to pick up and travel for work or pleasure. Citing the open floorplans, wide terraces and gourmet kitchens, others enjoy the ease of entertaining family and friends. All revel in the sheer beauty of it. This is a close-knit community of friends connected by a sense of place.

Situated at the corner of Providence and Sharon Amity roads in the Cotswold neighborhood, Rosewood is convenient to every imaginable convenience, to fine shopping and dining, and to the office towers and cultural and sporting venues of Uptown Charlotte. The setting is expansive and estate-like, with formal gardens and, of course, lovingly tended roses.

The exterior has a timeless, European-style appeal that wraps around homes of great elegance.

The fitness center is a favorite amenity, along with the pool, tennis courts, walking trails, round-the-clock security and a business center. But the social heartbeat of Rosewood is the gourmet coffee bar just off the reception area where a full-time concierge helps tend to daily details.

Matt and Cindy Ritola moved to Rosewood from south Florida three years ago, choosing to imbue their home with warm, sun-drenched colors. The atmosphere is bright and airy, radiating happiness with modern art gracing the walls.

They spend as much time as possible with the balcony doors open and light streaming in, which is most of the time thanks to Charlotte’s year-round mild weather. Matt was drawn to the level of craftsmanship that went into building the homes of Rosewood: the wide moldings, rich hardwoods, exquisite details. Cindy is just minutes from work at SouthPark.

As intriguingly castle-like as it is from the curb, it’s only upon venturing inside that the true worth of Rosewood can be appreciated. Homes and penthouses are available. A model is open with tours by appointment. It’s the ideal time to stop and smell the roses.v Model home now open! To find out more about Rosewood Condos, visit www.rosewoodcondos.com or contact Kathy Landgraff, onsite sales consultant, at 704-366-7862. Homes priced from the low $500s.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 57

Simply the best

hardscapes • landscapes • arbors • night lighting • pools • outdoor spaces • decks • fireplaces & barbecues • irrigation • fences

704-201-0917 | www.customlanddesign.com

59 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

outdoor living

Pool Time “Everything worked out beautifully and we get a lot of compliments from visitors. The planning [by Pool by Design] was excellent.”

Wade and Penny Brown are a busy couple. They own Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, which manufactures parts for the auto racing industry and they know something about daily multitasking with their thriving company and busy family life. When they decided to upgrade their backyard by adding a pool and surrounding landscaping and hardscaping, they realized their already packed schedules would not allow much project oversight. Luckily, Pool by Design provided a solution when they stepped in to create the outdoor relaxation station the Browns desired.

“The Browns have a backyard paradise,” says Simon Spiers of Pool by Design about the installation.

The Pool by Design team coordinated the design and construction process that included an outdoor fireplace, pool, hot tub, intimate seating area and two decks.

“Like many construction projects, the Browns did face a couple of challenges,” explains Spiers. “The yard banked steeply down a big hill and which meant our design team had some significant structural considerations to install a pool that wouldn’t wash out over time.” Pool by Design created a retaining wall as a solution, which serves dual purposes as both functional and beautiful.

A second challenge to consider was a safety concern for the Browns. “I saw a temptation for the kids to

60 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

jump off the stonework into the shallow end of the pool,” says Penny. “This seemed really dangerous to Wade and I, so Simon and his team helped us relocate the spa to the deeper end of the pool.”

The Browns agree that it was this kind of flexibility that made working with Pool by Design a real pleasure. Penny and Wade also benefitted from Pool

By Design’s network of craftsmen, creating a entire hardscape and landscape design that was overseen by Spiers and his team as well. “This made converting their backyard into an oasis a truly painless process,” explains Spiers.

“Everything worked out beautifully and we get a lot of compliments from visitors,” Brown says. “The planning [by Pool by Design] was excellent.” Penny says she and Wade recently received a visit from a member of the Pool by Design team to teach them how to take care of the pool and landscaping now that it is mature.

“All of the contractors we used are still in business, still call and are still involved.”v

To design the pool and surrounding backyard features you’ve been dreaming about, contact Pool

by Design at 704-333-7446 or see inspiration online at www.poolbydesign.com.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 61

Cut the Clutter this Summer with a New Closet!

20% OFF PLUS

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Call Now for a FREE In-Home Estimate!

• Closets • Pantries • Garages

• Home Office • Murphy Beds • Media Centers • Laundry Rooms

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*Offer cannot be combined with other specials or discounts. Prior purchases excluded. Offer expires 7/31/12.

see yourin ahome new light

Introducing Forever Bright Call Now For A Free Estimate and a Free Night Time Demonstration

Green LED Technology 704-970-9274

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“Keeping Charlotte Green”

Landscape and lighting installed by the Morgan Landscape Group.

Design | Installation | Outdoor Living | Maintenance

www.morganlandscapegroup.com • 704.588.2292

Contributing Editor | Room Service

Dinner on the 14th Tee

BETH KEIM

I have always said that “anything goes” when it comes to design and breaking the rules is something I can do comfortably. However, in the case of the Grams’ Quail Hollow home, tradition was the rule and I stuck to it like glue. A true dining room is traditionally formal and most often it’s opposite the living room as you enter the home. The Grams’ wanted a formal dining room, and truly, it was in keeping with the look of the house.

I was asked to help transform this once dated room to a lighter and brighter space with updated beautiful furniture, a new look for the walls and new accessories. There were two goals set at the start: to design a cohesive look that ties to the ex-

Mixing styles, textures, patterns, metals and colors are all part of giving any room interest and personality.

64 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

isting rooms and home style and to complete the project before the Wells Fargo Championship – being on the 14th tee, the Grams’ would have some guests.

Shari Grams is one of my favorite clients, her excitement and enthusiasm is contagious. I put together several design boards to give she and her husband, David, a visual on how to create a traditional look. I gave it a bit of an edge with the accessories to keep it fresh and new, avoiding the often stuffy feel a traditional dining room can bring.

It’s my opinion that when creating a traditional look, the finishes on the dining table and breakfront, or sideboard, should jive. I chose a new oval table and china cabinet - though this cabinet is multi-functional - with the same finish, blending it beautifully with her existing console. The “edge” I wanted to incorporate was created with the geometric pattern overlay on the cabinet, where I used a cream color to accentuate the detail and add a modern touch. Shari loved the graphic pattern against the more organic wallpaper so much that we continued the pattern in a new foyer runner.

The palette of cream, tan and gold created a soothing, sophisticated look that highlighted the rich, dark furniture and really made it stand out. The robin’s egg blue provided a subtle pop of color, which beautifully complimented the formal living room across the hall. These few touches of blue in the artwork (a piece

by Carol Boniford, showing at Abode on Tremont Avenue) and the side chairs broke up the monochromatic look and added a bit of whimsy.

When I incorporated all of the accessories – the table linens, accent bowls, centerpiece, lamps, mirror, vases and my favorite rubber flowers - the room really came together and looked “finished”. I

Bring your formal room down a notch by adding personality.

Make it a room everyone is comfortable spending time in and not a room you are afraid to touch!

have often mentioned in Urban Home that “it’s all in the details,� and it still rings true. Final touches can be hard to gather, but can be the most satisfying process. Mixing styles, textures, patterns, metals and colors are all part of giving any room interest and personality. While beautiful furniture pieces are an invest-

ment that can stand alone, how you accessorize them is equally important. Take the time to hunt for pieces or repurpose things you have. Bring your formal room down a notch by adding personality. Make it a room everyone is comfortable spending time in and not a room you are afraid to touch!v

Beth Keim is the owner of Lucy and Company, a full-service interior design firm located at 1009 East Boulevard. For more information visit www.lucyandcompany.com or call 704-342-6655.

June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 65

We make your vision a reality (704) 542-5833 | info@arborcg.com | www.arborconstructiongroup.com

renovations | kitchens | baths | additions | outdoor living | design

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Designer Spotlight: Traci Zeller

by Anne Marie Ashley

WHY THE ROOM WORKS

We asked Traci Zeller of Traci Zeller Designs in Charlotte, to give us the rundown on one of her most recently designed client spaces. Here, she explains why this space works so well and outlines some of the key design elements she used to create it.

“I began work on this existing home in Foxcroft approximately two years ago, when it was purchased by the current homeowners. A young professional couple with a five-year-old son and energetic puppy, the homeowners needed a living room that would function for entertaining friends and relaxing with family.

The goal was to create a classic, elegant space that was also energetic

Wall color in Whole Wheat, Sherwin-Williams, www.sherwin-williams.com.

Sofa in walnut Tucker Resist fabric from Front Door Fabrics, via Brock Moran Home, www.brockmoran.com.

68 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

and fun. To accomplish this, we created a neutral base and layered it thoughtfully with color and pattern. The wife found the sofa first, which served as the starting point for the room. Horizontally striped curtains move the eye along the wall of windows, while leopard pillows, abstract art and a natural basket bring texture and interest.

Off-white spool chairs and swivel rockers add plenty of seating and a large coffee table anchors the space. Existing built-in bookshelves house a television, books for the avid readers and family photos.” v For more information on Traci Zeller Designs, visit www.tracizeller.com.

Leopard pillows, Cotswold Marketplace, www.cotswoldmarketplace.com.

Swivel rocker by Jessica Charles, Traditions, www.jessicacharles.com.

Drapery fabric in Mambo 01, Karen Saks, www.karensaks.com.

Spool chairs in Hickory White, Traditions, www.hickorywhite.com.

DO MORE WITH YOUR FLOOR

A hand-knotted Oriental Rug is perhaps the most functional piece of art that you will ever own.

A Stickley Designer Rug will last many generations and beautifully complement any of Stickley’s handcrafted furniture collections. One of our knowledgeable designers on staff will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect rug for your home or office.

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essentials

new products

decorating 1.

Mutabilis Rug Lush, wool-crewelwork hibiscuses shift hues across the floor, from saturated fuchsia, brown and burgundy to spectral grey. www.anthropologie.com.

2.

Silver Camel Tapered Glass Brass Lamp This sleek table lamp by Arteriors looks chic with a silver and camel tapered glass base. Brown leopard print lines the lamp’s shade, bringing a spot of glamour to the neutral accent piece. www.bedsidemanor.com.

3.

Belle Meade Bijou Bar Cabinet Fashion meets function in the Bijou bar cabinet, making a luxurious statement with modern glamour. Belle Meade Signature defines this simple silhouette with rich borders around its sterlingfinished drawer and door fronts. The cabinet opens to a fully lit bar.

High Cotton Home, 704-335-1220.

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Klismos Chair A classic form that remains timeless and iconic, this chair is generous in proportion and as comfortable as a dining chair. www.phoebehoward.net.

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Prisma Speaker System Prisma is a treat for your eyes and ears, designed to compliment modern PC and notebooks. Available in 9 colors, the uniquely shaped subwoofer and glossy finish enhances any environment. Connect to a source or simply link to your iPod, iPhone or MP3 players for flexible, instant plug and play music. www.edifier.com.

Cameron Vase Z Gallerie makes use of the natural attributes of spectacular abalone shells to create this vase. The small shells are artfully applied to a composite base so that the beauty of the opalescent shells is visible. www.zgallerie.com.

Quentin Dining Table From the fine home furnishings brand Bernhardt, this dining table has a hand hammered stainless steel top with a solid Mindi wood base. The trestle-style stretcher in a sandblasted Driftwood finish gives it an edgy, unconventional style to match contemporary décor. www.thefurnitureconnector.com.

design find

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70 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

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DAY TRIPPING columbia, south Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina “Famously hot” for having 300 days of sunshine each year and a refreshing mix of family fun and sophistication.

This capital city

What To See

Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden Riverbanks Zoo has more than 2,000 animals and 350 species from around the world including elephants, tigers, bears, gorillas and more. The Botanical Garden showcases more than 4,200 species of native and exotic plants.

Lake Murray It’s a 48,000-acre lake in the heart of South Carolina with 78 square miles of pristine water and 640 miles of shoreline. Rent a pontoon to enjoy the lake, hire a fishing guide or camp at Dreher Island State Park.

is just a hop, skip and a jump from Charlotte and worth exploring from end to end.

Where To Shop

Devine Street Shopping Free street parking, wide sidewalks, 100 businesses and boutiques (mostly locally-owned) and tons of pretty landscaping make this region of Columbia a shoppers’ paradise.

74 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

Main Street Marketplace Every Friday in May and June, the Center City Partnership holds a free admission, open-air marketplace in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. The marketplace features vendors selling art, crafts, photography, books, jewelry, and other handmade gifts. Live music and door prizes liven up the atmosphere.

Five Points With plenty of shopping and a lively night-life, the historic Five Points district of Columbia creates a visitor’s dream with plenty to keep you busy from dawn till dusk. From Papa’s Jazz Record Shoppe to the Blue Sky Gallery, the range is expansive.

Saluda’s The seasonal menu at Saluda’s marries classically prepared dishes with cutting-edge ingredients.

Built around mixing locally grown products with tastes from around the world, the menu features southern cuisine with French and Italian inspiration.

Conagree Vista, Motor Supply Located in the heart of the Conagree Vista, Motor Supply serves up fresh and innovative food from a menu that changes twice daily. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the old c.1800 engine supply building is a perfect setting for this unique restaurant.

Where To Eat

Hunter Gatherer Brewery and Ale House The first brew pub in Columbia, SC, with specialty brews and upscale pub food like mussels, blackened shrimp po’ boys and gyros, draws a crowd every weekend.

Images and information courtesy of Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information visit www.columbiacvb.com.

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Style GUIDE

I like to bring the beach back to Charlotte with me and luckily, every spring and summer the Poole Shop transforms into an urban surf shop.

I’m always attracted to bright, handmade, inexpensive accessories that keep things light - especially when the dog days of summer bear down on the city and 100 percent humidity is in the forecast.

Urban

BEACH Laura Vinroot Poole 1. Frank & Eileen Shirt These airy, voile shirts are light enough to wear as a summer cardigan and come in every popsicle color of summer. www.frankandeileen.com.

6. Dezso by Sara Beltran Bracelets My friend Sara Beltran produces these in Mexico and India, and they are the perfect accessories to bring out my inner “junior high”. www.dezsosara.com.

2. Melvin Jewelry I can’t get enough of this jewelry by hometown duo Martha Clifford and Morgan Walker. These are light, colorful, handmade and look best when layered. www.shopmelvin.com.

7. Mochila Bags I love this light alternative to a leather bag for the summer.

These bright mochila bags, made by the Wayuu tribe in Columbia, hold everything and are easy to wear cross-body so your hands are free. www.wayuumochilabags.com.

3. WM. J. Mills & Co. Tote These guys have been making gorgeous, durable bags out of Greenport, NY since1880. Great for toting sunscreen and towels to the beach, but also a super summer laptop tote for work. www.millscanvas.com.

8. Coqui-Coqui Mosquito Repellent This totally organic mosquito repellent, from the coolest hippies in Tulum, serves dual purpose as repellent and perfume. www.coquicoqui.com.

4. Garrett Leight Sunglasses I’m obsessed with these sunglasses designed by Garrett Leight, son of Oliver Peoples founder, Larry Leight. www.garrettleight.com.

9. Ancient Greek Sandals Perfect for walking from the beach to the street, this new collection designed by an LVMH alum is cheap, chic and ultra comfy. www.ancientgreeksandals.com.

5. Soludos The perfect shoe for an endless summer - and at under $40 —very little guilt. www.soludos.com.

10. Lem Lem Shawl These florescent gauze shawls out of Kenya are like summer candy. It’s hard to pick just one. www.lemlem.com.

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Laura Vinroot Poole is a style expert and the owner of boutiques Capitol and Poole Shop, located at 4010 Sharon Road in South Park. Visit them online at www.capitolcharlotte.com/blog and follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/capitolclt.

76 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

All images courtesy of retailers.

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June/July 2012 Urban Home Charlotte 77

Must Have

BASICS

1

LAURa’S PICKS

1.

Azzedine Alaia Dress This designer is pure genius! It’s one of the bigger investments a woman can make for her wardrobe and it will last a lifetime, taking you a million different places and back. There is a reason Alaia has been making dresses for over 30 years - they are life changing. www.alaia.fr.

2.

Olympia Le-Tan Clutch These hand-embroidered clutches mimic classic book covers and are signed and numbered by French artist, Olympia Le-Tan. They are all just as beautiful inside as they are out and remind me of my favorite reads. www.olympialetan.com.

3.

Diptyque These beautiful French candles are made from all-natural essences and oils. If you keep the wick trimmed, these candles can last up to 60 hours and are well worth the investment. www.diptyqueparis.com.

4.

Golden Goose Sneakers My trusty Golden Goose side-”kicks” are my go-to footwear for a trip to the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. I don’t know what I’d do without these old pals. www.goldengoosedeluxebrand.com.

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Natura Bissé The Cure Sheer Cream This cream magically transforms to match your sun-kissed skin in the summer or gives you the lightest glow in the winter with a dewy finish. www.naturabisse.com.

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78 Urban Home Charlotte June/July 2012

All images courtesy of retailers.

FURNITURE • LIGHTING • ART • ACCESSORIES • GIFTS

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©2012 WSLD MillBridge VI, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. The amenities and features described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. Actual development may not be as currently proposed. Builders are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with the developer. Approval of builders under the builder program shall not be construed as an endorsement, warranty or certification of the builder or builder’s performance.

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