Dwellings

Lake Spaces

How We Live at the Lake

A family’s home in Davidson includes a spacious mudroom that allows quick clean-up of the dogs after their morning walks at a nearby nature park.

p. 58 A custom home in Davidson features timeless design and energy-efficiency.

A Graceful Georgian

Home in daVidson bLends eFFiCienCy, ComFort, and a timeLess design

by Bek Mitchell-Kidd photography by Lisa Crates

Australian-based Milton & King wallpaper featuring Shibori adds whimsy and is a nod to Doug Asanos family heritage with its fresh interpretation of the ancient art-making technique.

“Steve added the step down to the living room, and once we saw it framed, I designed the waist-high cabinets on each side that narrow the opening to further define the space without blocking the natural light, view, or the sense of cohesion. Our WordWorx carpenters brought that vision to life perfectly,” says Alexi. The large swivel chairs were custom made by Society Social.

Located on the eastern side of Davidson near Fisher Farm, the Asano family (interior designer, Alexi, husband Doug, and two daughters) had been casually looking for land in the area for approximately 10 years when their friends bought and subdivided a large area into six lots.

Regardless of location, Doug knew from the start he wanted Boston-based architect Steve Baczek to design the house, due to his specialty in green/energy-efficient building, but Alexi had to be convinced that he could do pretty and functional on top of energy efficient. “I did not want to sacrifice aesthetics for performance. Steve proved he could do both in spades,” Alexi, a designer with Asano Design Collaborations, says. Lynne and Gene Keener with Fine Homes Inc. in Davidson served as the builder.

Alexi adds, “We asked Steve to create a ‘bare bones Georgian facade—I love the grace and symmetry of a Georgian-era facade but wanted to keep the details simple to make it harmonious with the wooded setting.” The home is close to 5,500 sq feet with five bedrooms, and 4 1/2 baths. The primary bedroom is on the second level along with three other bedrooms and ensuites, that radiate off the upper living area. There is a secondary main suite on the first floor designed for both visiting aging parents and aging-in-place for the Asanos in their forever home.

There are personal touches and tributes throughout the space: “It is an eclectic mix of pieces with stories and personal meaning behind them. Family antiques and heirlooms, books we’ve read or plan to read, art we’ve selected or commissioned for one another, garden plants divided and replanted from our family homes, are all mixed together with a dose of super comfortable modern upholstery and furniture made by amazing local N.C. craftspeople,” says Alexi.

While the value of good design is priceless it doesn’t have to come at any cost. What Alexi has managed to create is a home that is elegant and comfortable, welcoming yet you still feel the need to grab a coaster for your drink.

The mudroom is a huge space with flexible storage including a secondary closet for storing activity specific (skiing, skating, hunting, and lacrosse) and out-of-season gear. Connecting the exterior entries, tile craftsmen from Argentile hand laid the Pine Hall brick paver tiles. They are the same brick as the pavers used on the exterior entries but cut into a 1/2” or so they could be laid like tiles.

Alexi says, “The tiles cue the transition from outdoors to in. The brick first absorbs and then releases moisture without spotting, so it is great in a space that constantly sees wet and dirt. I adore herringbone as a flooring pattern, and I also love repeating elements within a house’s design to create coherency with connections between spaces.

“I also love that we have our quiet front sitting room as a place my mom or another guest might opt to retreat from the general hubbub,” Alexi says.

Bold blue and brass in the butler’s pantry: Alexi paired the deep blue of Sherwin Williams “Salty Dog” with the same brass hardware used in the kitchen. The result is a classic combination that is bold but not too heavy. The white subway tile continues from the kitchen which also contributes to the cohesive feel tying the kitchen and pantry together. “Our house drink is Summer’s Greyhound—fresh squeezed grapefruit juice with St. Germain and Tito’s vodka. Love this manual squeezer for producing a lot of juice quickly,” says Alexi.

Dine + Wine

Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

p. 66 Tannat vines p. 68 The B3 Mens’ Group p. 70 Herby Lemon Chicken Skewers p. 72 Tobo’s in Mooresville

Photo by Lisa Crates A hearty salad with filet tips.