HOME R E A L L IF E / RE AL STYLE
2022
A P U B L I C AT I O N B Y N A N D I N A H O M E & D E S I G N
The Beauty of Design Nandina Locations
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Letter from the Editor
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The Beauty of Design
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The Beauty of Lifestyle Design Nestled in Nature
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Comfortably Modern
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The Fusion of Style and Function
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Classically Chic, Family Friendly
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The Beauty of Functional Design Planned to Perfection
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Efficient Urban Living
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Remotely Designed Condo
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The Beauty of Creative Design
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TO VIEW PREVIOUS ISSUES OF N HOME MAGAZINE
Historical Design with Colorful Personality
54
Youthful Remodel
62
Tile Inspired Kitchen Remodel
67
Design Worthy Downsizing
70
New to Nandina Christina Scharf
73
Sharifa Potter
74
N Home Magazine
2022
Nandina Locations
Aiken, South Carolina E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 0 4
158 Laurens Street, Aiken, SC 29801
803.649.0616
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Atlanta, Georgia
Greenville, South Carolina
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 2 0
6170 Rosewell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
10 Toy Street, Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29601
404.521.9303
864.565.8801
2022
Letter from the Editor
As I begin to write this letter, spring has awakened in the
chain of goods, and most recently, the horrific war in
South. Everywhere you look there are signs that another
Europe. Throughout it all, I have seen how we invest
season in our lives is beginning to blossom. Change, just
in our homes and work to provide a place of comfort,
like time, cannot be held back and I have experienced
love, and beauty for ourselves and our families. That is
a lot of change these past months. In January, my
the beauty of design. We have dedicated this issue of
husband and I sold our large historic home and moved
N Home to the “Beauty of Design,” discussing in-depth
to a 1,200 square foot second-floor apartment right in
how design influences our creativity, function, and our
the heart of our city’s center. We had raised our kids in
lives as a whole.
that home and cherished every square foot of its 100-
E D I TO R
SUSAN VICTOR svictor@nandinahome.com
803.649.0616
year history. The home’s timeless Southern heritage was
At Nandina, we are constantly reminded of how
defined by cracked plaster walls, hand-crafted millwork,
grateful we are to continue to work in a field we love
uneven hardwood plank floors, lush overgrown gardens,
and with so many gracious and understanding clients.
and a plethora of live oaks, magnolias, and deodar
The issues of the supply chain impact every aspect
cedar trees on the property. ‘Nandina,’ the name of our
of our jobs and have even impacted this publication.
company, was a tribute to the name of this lovely house.
From start to finish, a design project of the magnitude
What could be more fitting than a company dedicated
we showcase in this magazine now takes from six to
to home, named after a home that had provided shelter,
eighteen months instead of three to twelve months.
refuge, and indescribable beauty to the lives of all of her
We have reduced our publication from twice a year to
inhabitants for so many years?
once a year to accommodate these protracted time frames. We want to thank our clients that generously
Although our current living arrangements are
opened their homes and permitted us to share their
somewhat temporary, I threw myself into making our
stories with you. As always, thank you for allowing us
apartment a reflection of my husband and me. We
into your home, whether in person or in the form of
added gallery walls, brought in some of our furnishings
this N Home lifestyle publication.
A RT A N D P H OTO G R A P H Y D I R E C TO R
to create inviting vignettes, added rugs and drapes to
SHELLY MARSHALL SCHMIDT
warm the space and define areas of living, and began
CO N T E N T CO N T R I B U TO R
REBECCA FAULK
to adjust and enjoy our new urban lifestyle. In essence, we may not be able to control time or hold back
Here’s to the discovery of your own Real Life, Real Style in 2022.
change, but we can have a lot of influence on how we design our lives around those unexpected forces.
Susan Victor
We have all experienced so much change these past couple of years with the pandemic. Changes in the economy, the unprecedented impact on the supply
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INTRO
The Beauty of Design BY S U SA N V I C TO R
Can beautiful design be defined, or is it truly in the eyes of the beholder? Can beautiful design be defined or is it truly
has been misunderstood. Form and function
in the eyes of the beholder? At Nandina we
should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”
believe that beautiful design is a fine balance of the personal and the definable. Your
So, Merriam Webster, please forgive our
home is inherently an extension of you - your
mash-up of definitions. In essence, our goal
desires, your family's personality and values,
as designers is to create, fashion, execute or
your idea of style and beauty. Naturally the
construct according to plan (i.e. the definition
beauty of your home is through your eyes.
of design) an aggregate of qualities that gives
But, there is now evidence that design and
pleasure to the senses or exalts the mind and
how it is perceived is also related to the
spirit (i.e. the definition of beauty). Working
configuration of definable elements such
with our clients to create spaces that reflect
as space, light, color, and function. These
beautiful design is our passion - we welcome
elements can have both positive and negative
you to this edition of N Home “The Beauty
effects on how we live and experience life.
of Design”.
Historically the phrase “form (the beautiful) follows function (the definable),” left the impression that beauty should take a backseat to function. But as designers we would argue that form and function should be happily married. As Frank Lloyd Wright
Design makes things special, and who wants normal if things can be special - Jasper Morrison
pointed out, “Form follows function - that See more from this project on pages 26-28
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THE BEAUTY OF
Lifestyle Design “The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” - David Hicks
Lifestyle design is based on the theory of
At Nandina, we often base our design on the theory
intentionally crafting a way of life or a style of
that we don’t design rooms we help our clients
living. It garnered popularity around 2015 when it
create a lifestyle. If you want a communal space
was first presented by author Tim Ferris in his best-
that brings your family together, then designing
selling book, “The 4-Hour Workweek”. In reality,
open concept spaces aligns with your lifestyle. If
it is the concept of designing the life we want to
you love to entertain, then a beautifully designed
live. Do you want the freedom to work from home?
dining room or a whiskey-styled bar room best fits
Valuable time spent with family? A life that honors
your lifestyle. If you thrive in the great outdoors,
celebrations? Time for contemplation and spiritual
then an interior design that connects you to nature
growth? All of these can be a part of lifestyle
will naturally enhance your lifestyle. A home that
design. How does lifestyle design relate to interior
reflects and reinforces the life you live is a home
design based on lifestyle? When creating an interior
based on beautiful lifestyle design.
design for a space, the starting point is often, “how do you want to live in the space?” The design shouldn’t dictate life; life should dictate the design.
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Nestled in Nature DESIGN BY SUE SHANNON, NANDINA AIKEN P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
In our sometimes-chaotic lives, we yearn for a place where life can slow down. A place that evokes a sense of calm just by walking in the front door; a retreat from the harried lifestyle created by two busy professionals and two active tweens. When this couple set out to design their family home, they knew that they wanted to live in a neighborhood but have a space that connected them to the serenity of nature. When they found a secluded lot overlooking a tranquil lake, it was clear they had found the perfect location for their new home. From the minute you enter the foyer, the sweeping views to the outside capture the essence of their thoughtful planning. The home wraps around a large outdoor terrace with an infinity pool overlooking the lake. In the center is a captivating open living/dining space which seamlessly connects to the terrace. An ideal space for entertaining family and friends. Reclaimed beams, custom designed cabinetry and comfortably elegant furnishings characterize the space. A tucked away man-cave from captured space under the stairwell provides a perfect spot to hide away from a hectic day. On one side of the main space, the master bedroom wing wraps around the terrace, allowing for unmatched vistas and a private retreat for two very busy parents. The master suite features a glamorous spa style bathroom and a closet that would rival any Hollywood style icon. In more modern interiors, it is often difficult to meld furnishings from the past that evoke memories of childhood or important family members. Harmony is often what brings out the true personality of a home. Re-purposed favorite pieces that were inherited from her parents proved to be some of the most loved parts of this beautiful new home.
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A Waterford chandelier became the focal point in the master bath and a quiet library space got a big punch of color by reimagining some very traditional pieces with a lively mix of paint and fabrics. The upstairs houses two fun-loving girls with drastically different design styles. Each one had a vision to carry out for their private space and now can share it with friends or curl up with a good book.
In the end, there is a little something for everyone in this hillside beauty. It’s a place where a young family can connect to nature and to each other and hopefully keep the chaos of life at bay. Colorful fabrics and a new paint job transforms a beloved inherited Victorian sofa into a style statement.
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This master bedroom closet exudes glamor with a beautiful chandelier, window seat, and backlit shelving throughout.
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ANGLE-LEFT An inherited Waterford Chandelier is proudly showcased in the Master Bathroom. A creative blend of tile and wood defines the mudroom entrance and protects the wood floors in the more formal spaces.
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BEHIND the design
Working with clients that were open to the use of color and creative design took this new build home from average to outstanding. We were able to repurpose a Victorian settee with bright colorful paint and fabrics and create a new updated lounge area that works seamlessly with the more restful pallet of the main living areas. Creative use of wallpaper and tile made for pops of personality throughout the design. An inset tile rug at the mudroom entry functions to define the space and capture the dirt and sand before transitioning to the wood floors. Brightly colored patterned wallpaper makes for a jewel box of a powder room. Wallpaper was used throughout the home as featured areas in bedrooms and in the hidden bar area under the stairwell to add texture, color and personality to spaces that are critical to the lifestyle of this family. Successfully melding the personalities of a family and creating a functional home based on how they live is one of the most fulfilling Scan to view parts of my job as a designer. more of my work.
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Comfortably Modern DESIGN BY JOHN ISHMAEL AND JOHNA JAMISON, N A N D I N A AT L A N TA P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
Adapting your design aesthetic to a lifestyle change is a challenge that most of us have to confront at some time in our lives. When we first met this single male homeowner, he made it clear how much he loves modern interiors but still wants a warm inviting home that reflects his fun-loving style. His living arrangements were on the cusp of a big change because he and his girlfriend had just made the decision to start living together in his home. When he reached out to Nandina he was ready to make his contemporary home more reflective of his casual lifestyle. He had stayed true to a modern interior but felt that overall, his home lacked warmth and color. He and his girlfriend enjoy entertaining friends and family, but they repeatedly emphasized that they prefer informal fun gatherings to formal dinners or cocktail parties. As a personal trainer with a flourishing fitness business he had converted the basement to a gym and worked from home, therefore, his actual private living space needed to provide an escape where he could go to unwind and revive. Based on our client’s social lifestyle we immediately converted a formal living room into a casual “whiskey room” complete with a button-tufted custom-designed banquet. The multiple gold pendants hung at various heights in front of the blue velvet tufted banquet add a nightclub lounge vibe. The dining room showcases a modern glass-top table while the citron green dining chairs infuse a youthful element of fun into the design. An upstairs bedroom became an office when his girlfriend moved in, but adding a pullout sofa still allowed the room to flex and become a guestroom when needed. A rich green accent wall, tufted ottomans and drapery with a modern playful pattern added a feminine touch to the room without straying from the style of the home.
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The sophisticated master bedroom showcases a beautiful blend of a sleek dark modern bedframe and bedside tables that are softened by boldly pattern drapes and richly textured upholstery, rugs, and bedding. A soothing oasis of tone-on-tone greys, white and charcoal. This home is perfectly modern, yet comfortably inviting.
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BEHIND the design
This project is a great example of how color and texture can soften and bring to life the sometimes hard lines of modern interiors. The use of brightly colored accent walls, bold art, creative lighting, and richly textured textiles added warmth and character to this client’s home. By designing a full wall tufted banquet in blue velvet and using it as a backdrop for a display of pendants, we were able to create a club style “whiskey room” that reflected this client’s love of casual entertaining. In the master bedroom the moody modernism was softened with the use of pattern and textiles that were warm and inviting – such as richly textured grey boucle chairs, and floor to ceiling drapery with a bold geometric pattern. Scan to view
more of my work.
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Throughout the design, textiles were used to add warmth and color to add character, providing a modern aesthetic that is richly layered and reflective of our client's personality.
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The Fusion of Style and Function DESIGN BY BETHANN CONNOR AND ASHLEY DIGGELMANN, NANDINA GREENVILLE P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
When designing a home for a young, active family of four – lifestyle is front and center. This mother of two very active and involved pre-teens began the design process with a Nandina designer from the Aiken location and is now working with the Greenville design team where her property is located. She wanted a home that is open, inviting, and forgiving for young children and pets, but most of all, casually stylish in order to reflect this family's lifestyle. An open concept living area of kitchen, dining, and living space offered a place for the family to gather, but was stylish enough to have guests for formal dining. A spacious downstairs recreation area fit the bill for rambunctious children and pets, as well as informal gatherings around sporting events like golf and football. All was ideal until the pandemic turned life a little upside down. The open concept living, which had perfectly fit their lifestyle, needed a bit of tweaking to allow for the flexibility required to accommodate the full-time classroom, office and entertainment that their home had to provide most of last year and continuing into 2022. The dining table needed to act as an additional study space, the great room required a more casual attitude and finding quiet spaces to have work conference calls suddenly became a priority.
The end result – their home adapted to the change in their lifestyle, which is an excellent testament to the beauty of lifestyle design.
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We live in every inch of our home and wanted furnishings where friends, kids and dogs all feel welcome. Nandina was our dream team for our dream home and we look forward to continuing to work together for many years to come. - Emily, Homeowner
BEHIND the design
This project initiated in our Aiken studio and transitioned to our design team when the Greenville Studio opened. Working with a homeowner like Emily is what most interior designers would classify as one of the positives of our jobs. She is collaborative, knows what she wants and open to creative suggestions. Her priority is always how her family will live within a space.
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The design of the home was grounded in a neutral pallet so each layer of texture or color has added depth and richness to the overall look of the home. Although the great room, kitchen and dining area are the epitome of sophisticated style, it is the heart of this family's home. Performance fabrics, acrylic counter stools, stain resistance carpets, and furniture that can handle daily use allow for comfort and the wear and tear of an active family with pets. Adding tone on tone patterned wallpaper, neutral rugs with texture, and the mix of metal, glass, wood and acrylic in the furnishings and accessories kept the neutral pallet from falling flat. Brightly colored art, trims on drapery, luxurious pillows and throws, and a mix of crystal and Scan to view more of my work. metal chandeliers and pendants throughout every room introduced a sophisticated style into a family friendly home! Even the kid and dog friendly downstairs den exudes style while allowing for full on fun.
Classically Chic, Family Friendly D E S I G N B Y J E S S I E L A FA L C E , N A N D I N A AT L A N TA P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
When two young busy professionals with two boys under the age of 6 acquired their home in historic Brookhaven, they were certain this would be their “forever home”. They wanted to design the interiors for real family life but with classic elegance. The home is a traditional brick colonial complete with Palladian windows, dormers, a central foyer and large-scale symmetrically placed rooms. They had no interest in opening walls as so many young couples do today. Instead, they wanted to maintain the classic traditional layout, knowing the architectural design is timeless and would sustain their family for many years to come. Their first order of business was to redecorate the home’s three “formal” rooms, all positioned around a large central foyer. All fabrics needed to be durable enough to stand up to their playful boys and their friends but elegant enough for more formal entertaining. Because their preference is for traditional design, the approach from the beginning was to work with simple classic lines for the furniture and layout. That said, they certainly didn’t want anything in their home to look stuffy, boring or “cookie-cutter.” They were open to playing with pattern, texture, color and scale in order to insert a “wow” factor. Immediately a sense of trust and collaboration developed with this couple. They saw us as design consultants and were open to uniquely creative elements inserted into the design. Not many clients embrace covering an entire room in a deep plum wood veneer wallpaper, but it proved to be one of their favorite design elements in the entire project. From the beginning the intent for this room was to make it more of an “adults only” space. Located right off the entry, it was probably originally used as a library or formal office. This family has no use for
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either and instead, wanted to create an intimate lounge for two to four grownups to sit with a cocktail and converse before proceeding to dinner or out for a night on the town. The primary living room, although formal enough for entertaining has furnishings, fabrics, and rugs that accommodate very young active boys. A large weathered coffee table allows for a mix of performance and sophisticated style, anchoring a room in which fun fabric applications on furniture and pillows catch the eye. The dining room is another area where we used a table that can embrace a bit of wear and tear - when mixed with a glamorous chandelier, the room achieves the perfect blend of function and elegance.
The melding of traditional spaces with classically chic yet durable interiors is the perfect backdrop for this young family’s lifestyle.
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BEHIND the design
The most surprising element of design in this project is the lounge room. Typically, if we want a room to feel moody and sophisticated, our safe design choice is dark paint and/or wood paneled walls. This time the choice of a unique plum colored wood veneer wallcovering from Innovations nods to a historic wood paneled lounge, but is fun with a modern twist. Caramel-colored leather tufted club chairs are the typical choice for a moody library/lounge room, but selecting chairs with angular metal frames in an antique brass finish give a younger more modern spin to the design. The bold, black lacquered linen credenza serves as a bar and is hand crafted by Currey & Company. The Made Goods mirror is shagreened but is reminiscent of a traditional starburst. Classic, shaded gold leaf wall sconces are by Regina Andrew. Adding a modern bookcase in the room does allow for grabbing a book and enjoying a quiet read with a glass of wine after a long day. The cream-colored cowhide used on the floor, adds a touch of organic contrast to the otherwise formal elements in the room. This couple may love classic design, but they definitely don’t take themselves too seriously, and they want their home to be an expression of their personalities… Scan to view welcoming, stylish, and fun! more of my work.
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THE BEAUTY OF
Functional Design “The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what’s in or what’s out. This is not an easy job.” - Albert Hadley
A home is so much more than a beautiful
a room and comfortably watch a football game.
showroom of perfectly placed furniture, rugs, art,
Often the Instagram photo that gets the most likes
and accessories. If well designed, every space
(or heart eyes emoji) is a picture of some incredible
within the home will serve the needs of those that
example of beautiful functional design – a decked
dwell within it. A functional design addresses all
out master bedroom closet, a multipurpose
areas of you and your family's daily activities. Great
bunk bed system for young children, or the most
functional design is based on how you specifically
amazing working pantry you have ever seen.
want to live in a space. Do you want to be able to serve a dinner party for ten, or have a quick
We all desire to live in spaces that are organized,
family meal around an island? Do you want large
comfortable, easy to navigate, safe, and support
gathering spaces or quiet little hide away nooks
our daily living. Should we expect to have that
for reading or both? Do you have young children,
level of function in our homes, without sacrificing
or are you aging in place in your last home?
beautiful interiors that bring us joy? We say yes!
Functional design addresses all of the above and
– That is the purpose and the goal of beautiful,
much, much more. It can range from how your
functional design.
closet is laid out to how many people can sit in
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Planned to Perfection D E S I G N BY S U SA N V I C TO R , N A N D I N A A I K E N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
When you have two married surgeons, three young children and a cat your life has to function like a well oiled machine, and your home needs to support that perfectly coordinated crew. When I was approached by Jennifer (mother, half of the surgeon couple, and the chief logistics officer of this active family) to collaborate on the design of their new home, I realized that how the space would function would be paramount to the overall success of this project. Jennifer and her husband love all aspects of family life and wanted to create a home that nurtured the beautiful chaos of a large family. Plenty of communal spaces, quiet study areas, organized play areas, a kitchen and pantry that supports real cooks (they actually bake their own bread!), and a home in which they can entertain their extended family and friends. The large, open great room needed to be sophisticated enough for entertaining, and casual enough for the kids to lounge in after dinner. A pair of sectionals that face the fireplace allow for plenty of seating but their sleek mid-century styling makes the overall design sophisticated enough for entertaining. Custom built modern bookcases flank the backs of the sofa and provide ample storage for games and books for this bibliophile loving family. Flanking the fireplace with a pair of modern buffets versus the typical built ins adds an unusual design element and plays to the updated appeal of this home. Capturing unused space or better organizing existing space to fit the growing needs of this family was an ongoing goal of the project. A custom built bunkbed that provided easy access to the top bunk with hidden book, toy, and game storage for the bottom bed was one of many ways that we designed to encourage actual daily activities. An unused attic area become a study – music – bunk room for the kids.
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Hidden roll out beds from under the eaves were custom designed and built to provide additional sleep over space for slumber parties or extended family guests. The master bedroom and bath was designed as a retreat for busy parents that also had demanding professional careers. Every space was made to be flexible and to adapt to the needs of the family: a laundry room that had a table to act as a desk or for a special school project, a long hall or stairwell that became an art gallery, a mudroom entry that would organize all of the paraphernalia that would be needed for the next day's activities.
This work horse of a home is the perfect example of the beauty of functional design.
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Custom designed bunkbeds are painted a deep blue and provide the perfect escape for two lively brothers to read and play.
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Capturing unused space under the eaves of the roof line is a perfect example of functional design. These custom designed roll out beds work great for slumber parties or additional house guests.
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BEHIND the design
Custom-built bookcases in walnut veneer add a beautiful design element to the back of a pair of sectional sofas, making the back of the sofas one of the best views of the home. Unique lighting added to otherwise minimally occupied spaces, such as stairwells or the entry foyer, set the look of this home from the moment you enter the space. Custom-built bunk beds became the focal point of their young son’s room and made sharing space as brothers an adventure. Finding space for additional beds required a little ingenuity and a great custom carpenter.
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Scan to view more of my work.
Tracy leans on her background in luxury home, kitchen, and bath design to offer a multidisciplinary approach to real estate investing. After years of working in the realms of home design and customer service, Tracy took her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for homes to the world of real estate. Tracy specializes in all facets of the Real Estate business, whether it be navigating first timers, trying to score that perfect distressed fixer-upper, or providing help in the luxury home market, she has experienced it all. Her clients benefit from her connections within the design community and understanding of home furnishings and finishes. Her passion is seeing a house transformed into a home.
CONTACT TRACY TODAY 678.644.2585 • tracy.lawrence@bhhsgeorgia.com www.TracyLawrenceRealty.com
Georgia Properties
Efficient Urban Living DESIGNED BY JOHN ISHMAEL AND JOHNA JAMISON, NANDINA ATLANTA P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
Often when a client chooses to downsize, they will select a planned community that centers around golf or tennis, where the residents tend to be retired or moving towards retirement. Not so much for our client Emily. Instead, she chose to embrace a more urban lifestyle by purchasing a townhouse in the middle of downtown Roswell. Roswell has made a name by developing its city district into the perfect combination of shopping, dining, and community gatherings. Roswell was founded in 1839 as a sleepy southern town outside of Atlanta. It has grown to the 8th largest city in Georgia and has earned the reputation as one of the best places to live in the Metro Atlanta area. Emily approached us soon after she purchased her townhouse with the goal of creating an efficient and comfortable living space that would not be short on style. She loves to entertain, and she did not want to sacrifice her ability to have formal and informal gatherings in beautifully appointed and spacious rooms. In order to achieve that goal, the main space of the condo has an open concept kitchen, dining, and living space. The living area furniture is arranged in a more formal symmetrical pattern with a sofa and two sets of club chairs. To introduce a more urban vibe, we chose to accessorize the space asymmetrically. We replaced the original large mirrors with a Currey & Company buffet, which provided the extra storage needed, and art that completed the beautiful look. Choosing to downsize while still working meant that Emily had to find space in her townhouse for an office. What has proven ideal about her new urban lifestyle is that even though her work/life space is smaller, she can now take a quick walk to the local coffee shop in the middle of her workday. With so many amenities within walking distance, she feels as if she is never trapped at home. 44 N Home
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BEHIND the design
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A neutral pallet with pops of color was our choice to anchor the design of this townhouse. The neutral pallet expanded the visual space and the hits of color in art, feature walls, and pillows added the interest in the design. Texture also was a key player in this design. The Currey & Company Morombe Consoles paired on either side of the fireplace feature patterns of natural wood that form embedded squares adding depth and texture. The dark blue walls behind the consoles emphasize the unique features of the cabinets. Although the cabinets and art are very symmetrical, the accessories were intentionally asymmetrical to mix it up a bit. A hair on hide coffee table and a pair of Bernhardt swivel chairs with cast metal backs crafted in a vertical organic pattern work together to layer in a rich textured design without Scan to view more of my work. a lot of patterned fabrics. Modern furnishings and lighting made this space feel fresh and inviting. As our client would say - a wonderful place to live, work and entertain!
Currey and Co Ad
Remotely Designed Condo DESIGN BY LORI MARVEL, NANDINA AIKEN P H OTO G R A P H Y BY G L E N N L I V E R M O R E P H OTO G R A P H Y
This project started in the midst of the global pandemic, and for me, introduced an entirely new perspective to the way I design. When my clients, Richard and Suzanne, approached me about their new condo in Newburyport, MA, they had just moved from a beautiful home in Charleston’s Lowcountry that I had originally helped them design. They wanted this new home in New England to reflect warmth and comfort with a nod to the design elements from the Charleston home they had grown to love. The challenge of putting the entire plan together remotely allowed me to explore additional technological resources and taught me the many capabilities a smartphone affords. Always drawn to light, airy interiors, Suzanne wanted to introduce a bit of Charleston to their New England condo. In addition, they wanted to integrate beautiful art and accessories that had been collected over their history of travel and the many places they had lived around the world. Modern Charleston interiors are known for the subtle mix of light fabrics, textured elements that are reflective of the beach, and a rich layering of antiques and accessories. The open kitchen, dining and living area are tied together with a cream, brown and white pallet throughout, with color added through art and blue Asian pottery. Natural Fiber rugs are used in both the living and dining areas and are a perfect backdrop for rich leather chairs, dark wood side tables and a natural wood pedestal dining table. Wishbone style dining chairs with a natural sheepskin hide and a hand knotted Turkish rug are a reflection of my client’s eclectic taste and openness to mixing design styles. Both grateful and reliant on technology, we were able to work closely together to come up with what has turned out to be the most fitting design for this well-traveled couple. The condo speaks to the many places they have lived around the world and highlights their unique and personal art collection. Most of all, this stylish inviting home has provided a comfortable respite from the ever-changing global environment. 48 N Home
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Richard and I have traveled and moved many times, and we were hoping to have a home that reflected our travels, but that felt warm and welcoming to those visiting. Our home isn’t any one type of design, it’s unique to us, and we couldn’t be happier! - Suzanne, Homeowner
BEHIND the design
When my clients purchased their new home in a historic New England building that had recently been gutted and renovated into modern multifamily townhouses, they loved the space. Still, they felt like the finishes were a bit cold. Craving warmth, comfort, and the texture and layering she loved from her previous home in Charleston, we worked together to achieve that feel in this new, wonderful environment. Charleston is known for bamboo, rattan, antiques, hand-knotted rugs, and blue and white pottery. We artfully mixed these elements throughout the open-concept space while maintaining a light pallet throughout. Large, woven pendants over the island in the kitchen added texture and warmth to the allwhite cabinetry and solid surfaces. The beaded chandelier over the dining table within the same area is uniquely different but blends perfectly with the mix of modern and traditional elements throughout the room. An antique French chest with white alabaster lamps and Blue Asian pottery are a nod to the Charleston style of layering that my client loves. Textured natural fiber rugs, shearling sheepskins, and a bamboo desk with a cane back chair added character and additional texture to the light toneon-tone interiors. The pallet and texture of this design is the perfect backdrop for the homeowner's photography and accessories that represent their well-traveled life. Scan to view
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THE BEAUTY OF
Creative Design “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.” - Bill Moyers
When you experience a beautiful room, you
durability of canvas, rugs that are luxurious in
intuitively see and feel the creativity of the design.
texture and color but can be stain-resistant and last
The way the designer has used imagination or
a lifetime.
original ideas to solve problems or produce artistry in the design.
Creative design is ingenious and innovative, original and visionary. As designers, we work to create
Creativity is the elusive element of great design.
functional spaces that fit our client’s lifestyles but
We know it when we see it, even if we can’t clearly
ultimately judging the success of the design will
define it. Why is the use of creativity so important
hinge on the creativity of how it was executed. It
in the creation of the interiors of our homes?
may be the use of color or surface selections in
Creativity is the true intersection of art and science.
an unusual way, or bringing traditionally outdoor
It is creativity that helps us solve problems and
products inside, or using furniture in new and
come up with alternatives to how our spaces will
innovative ways. As you explore our interpretation
work for us and give us joy. In the design world, we
of creative design, we hope you will appreciate how
are constantly inspired by the creative evolution of
we, as designers, work with you to design spaces
products all around us. Fabrics that have evolved
that are an expression of your creative style.
to look and feel like silk or velvet but have the
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Historical Design with Colorful Personality DESIGNED BY ASHLEY DIGGELMANN, NANDINA GREENVILLE P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
From the moment you stand at the doorstep of this imposing four-story row home in Historic Charleston, SC, you feel as if you have stepped into a different era. Coined by the local indigenous people as “Oyster Pointe,” this part of Charleston was originally enclosed by the walled and bastioned city that was established and colonized by English Settlers in 1680. Just steps away from the original bustling wharves of the city, this lovely little enclave of Charleston has been in use for nearly 350 years. The house at first glance looks to be a Grande dame among the historic array of colorful row houses (some dating back to the 1750’s) tucked tightly together, lining both sides of the narrow city streets. In reality, the structure was built in 2007 under the strict guidelines of the local Board of Architectural Review and is a true testament to the board’s commitment to preserving the historic design of Charleston. The imposing brick façade boasts a large, mahogany, double door entrance and wrought iron porches with double doors mark the upper floors on three sides to catch the breeze and flood the interior with natural light. Towering palms, camellia, ferns, and loquats dress the house with lush landscape and pay homage to Charleston’s historic love of walled gardens and profuse greenery. When our client purchased the home from its previous owners, he loved that present in every room is historic architecture designed around the Charleston colonial style. The rich walnut floors, along with soaring windows that wash the rooms with natural light, and a towering curved stairwell that serves all five floors of the home provide a perfect foundation for the modern art and interiors that creatively infuse this home with beauty and personality. 54 N Home
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There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history and a piece of the future." - Charlotte Moss
The main floor has a traditional parlor furnished with contemporary 3D art, Barcelona chairs, and a Lucite waterfall desk with a traditional chair upholstered in cow hide. Wainscot panels that are exact replicas of those found in Drayton Hall, a historic plantation house on the Ashley River, line the dining room and are juxtaposed with a modern glass dining table, a modern bubble chandelier, and bright, quirky art that exudes personality. The next floor up is home to the master suite and the library, featuring floor to ceiling, paneled pine walls complete with a custom library ladder. Soft velvet seating, eclectic accents, and deep hues create a dramatic effect and frame the homes beautiful fireplace. Once again, the detailed layering of design is what adds so much character. From a collection of antique mallets that line the front of the fireplace like a modern-day fire screen, to the eclectic collection of antique cameras sprinkled around the room, every room throughout this spacious home represents the traveled and storied life of its owner.
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BEHIND the design
We loved this project so much because of the rich, historical feel of the architecture juxtaposed with the creatively layered modern interiors. The owner has a unique sense of style, and each room, while cohesive, incorporated something personal, cultivated, and striking. Art played a significant role in defining the home's personality – quirky, collected, colorful – each piece used throughout was purposely chosen and intentionally placed. Vignettes were carefully curated throughout the home to capture interest and provide focal points, like the Annie Leibovitz artbook displayed in the parlor carefully set beside the modern glass desk that hosts an odd little collection of lizard sculptures. Although richly layered, the overall interior design feels modern and airy, allowing for each piece of art or furniture to have room to be admired. To keep this cleaner approach to design from feeling too sterile, we used sumptuous fabrics and rich hues of color to add complexity and character. Even the library (with its traditional wood-paneled walls) Scan to view more of my work. does not portend to be too formal; instead, the modern mix of leather, velvet, and plush seating warmly invites you to enjoy a good book and a bourbon by the fire.
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Youthful Remodel D E S I G N BY S U SA N V I C TO R , N A N D I N A A I K E N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
As a young couple just starting out, our clients, Becca and Shad, found the perfect home in the perfect location. The only thing not perfect was the dark and dated interiors. Everything from the prefinished cherry hardwood floors to the dark, traditional kitchen cabinetry to a massive cherry built-in TV cabinet that took over one entire wall of the great room screamed 1990’s. The architecture of the home was a beautiful canvas on which we all agreed that a new, bright, open concept renovation would be the creative answer to making this home perfectly designed for this stylish young couple. Open ceilings in the great room with windows and doors that look out to beautiful vistas, flood the rooms with light. The first order of business was to replace the dark engineered flooring with pet-friendly luxury vinyl planking that has a light, French Oak finish. Durable enough for two large dogs that are fully welcome in this couple's lives, yet beautiful enough to pass for expensive, imported, wide plank wood floors. The awkward stone fireplace and massive built-in wall unit were refaced with a horizontal tongue and groove that was painted a crisp white. Customdesigned metal doors were fabricated to flank each side of the fireplace and open to bookcases that are creatively curated with a Southwestern pottery collection Becca inherited from her grandparents. Creative design intervention lead to painting stained moldings throughout, which immediately updated the entire house and proved relatively inexpensive. Space under the steps in the great room became the perfect nook for a brass and glass wet bar that displays Shad’s bourbon collection and is ideal for casual entertaining. Removing a large peninsula bar area that separated the kitchen from the great room, and adding a gracious countertop island opened the space and made the kitchen more functional and inviting. The navy and white cabinetry provided an immediate style update and new lighting 62 N Home
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throughout the kitchen and eat-in dining space is a perfect accent to the midcentury modern interiors that this young couple gravitates toward. A modern redesign of the staircase railing transformed the entry and overhang of the great room. As the budget was stretched thinner, Becca’s hope of a master bathroom renovation hung in the balance. We were able to pull it off by using a creative application of inexpensive tile in the shower, purchasing a prefabricated navy vanity with modern gold hardware, and running the LVP as flooring versus using tile. The one extravagance in the room was the replacement of a massive whirlpool decked tub, with a sleek, free standing style that proved to be the showstopper in the space. New modern light fixtures (like the bubble style chandelier) over the freestanding bathtub added sophisticated drama and amplified the midcentury tone of the fresh new interiors. The cream, caramel and navy pallet is updated, but also classic, and will be something that these homeowners can enjoy for years to come.
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Space under the stairs in the great room became the perfect nook for a brass and glass wet bar that displays Shad's bourbon collection
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BEHIND the design
Many people will pass on a diamond in the rough because they can’t get beyond the initial interiors of a house. Becca and Shad are a unique young couple because they could see through the dark, dated interiors to the potential of a house that fit them in every way except style. They wanted to lighten the rooms and update the kitchen and master bathroom. They had a healthy budget, but when you start talking about a kitchen and bath remodel, it can quickly take a big bite out of the available funds. Investing in your foundation pieces like good upholstery, a wonderful rug, or amazing light fixtures is a great first step for someone making their first big purchases. Those purchases will move from house to house and room to room. With this project, we were able to replace dated floors with new luxury vinyl planking that is beautiful and durable. Inexpensive tile was used in unique ways to get a more custom look, and creative design elements (like the metal doors for the bookcases on each side of the fireplace and the glass and brass bar in the great room) elevated the entire design of the home. Replacing heavy wooden blinds with white linen drapery added a light, airy feel to the interiors. Choosing navy and white kitchen cabinetry transformed the kitchen from dark and dated to fresh and modern.
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Tile Inspired Kitchen Remodel D E S I G N E D B Y M I C H E L E M E R R I T T, N A N D I N A A I K E N P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
Avid entertainers of both friends and family, my client's desire for a truly functional kitchen was their top priority. With an extensive extended family and many grandchildren close by, the ability to maintain a wellstocked, functional kitchen with plenty of counter space for snack making and project creation and ample storage for appliances was key. The focus of the structural portion of the renovation was to incorporate the adjacent family and living rooms to create a seamless transition while ensuring no one would be left out of any activities. I was given a detailed list of “his and hers” specifics, which attributed to a successful relationship from the start. Our first priority was to really give the entire space not only a functional face lift, but an aesthetic one as well. They also had collected many treasures over the years that they wanted to make sure were prominently displayed. Equally important was to create enough storage for the less visually desirable items to be hidden, yet easily accessible for frequent use. We chose materials and styles that were classic, but with modern appeal, to marry the feel of the adjacent rooms with the new design. The backsplash tile, a beautiful marble mosaic with gold inlay, drove the selections and it in itself gives an elegant nod, serving as both a “show stopper” and a seamless palette. The addition of natural wood in select areas created a kitchen that is the best of both worlds; dressy and casual, perfect for this vibrant and active family.
The tile acted as the inspiration, and functioned as the jewelry of this perfectly coordinated ensemble of a kitchen. N Home
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BEHIND the design
A successful kitchen remodel depends on the melding of form and function. Having clients create a specific list of must-haves in the space is a great starting point. Kitchens are the heart of the home, so they have to be well-stocked with spacious prep areas and plenty of room for entertaining; they must also be inviting and beautiful. This couple has a large extended family with grandchildren, so a large island with plenty of seating and counter space for after-school snacks and projects was a must-have element. Our first priority was to really give the whole space not only a functional facelift but an aesthetic one as well. To this end, we went with classic materials and styles but with modern appeal. The backsplash tile, a beautiful marble mosaic with gold inlay, drove the design. The combination of a warm marblestyle countertop and the addition of natural wood in select areas created a kitchen that is the best of both Scan to view worlds, dressy and casual. more of my work.
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Design Worthy Downsizing D E S I G N E D BY S U SA N V I C TO R , N A N D I N A A I K E N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY
S H E L LY M A R S H A L L S C H M I D T
When Jim and Margaret decided to plan and build a home that would hopefully be their last, they wanted to start fresh. Margaret, a retired executive, loved the creative process but was also cognizant of designing a home that would work to support the active lifestyle that she and her husband enjoy while also accommodating her elderly mother, who lives with them. Most of all, she wanted this new home to reflect her love of design and project a sense of on-trend style. The creative avenue used to achieve her goal was color! She was completely on board when we proposed a vivid, colorful, handknotted rug to anchor the great room. An open concept floor plan worked well for the couple’s casual lifestyle and supported the use of the teal, gold, navy, and grey pallet throughout the main living space. New transitional furniture pieces mixed with the strong color pallet paired perfectly with her existing furniture and immediately updated the design. Their new home is functional, fits their lifestyle, but more importantly, reflects the style and modern attitude of its owners.
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BEHIND the design
It is always exciting when clients are willing to embrace creativity over the comfort of the known and acceptable. Our client, Margaret, was never intimidated by the challenge of something new. She was fully on board with choosing a rich, saturated color pallet for her new home which immediately took this design from a standard grey and white to something much more fun and creative. Grounding the great room with a rich turquoise blue and green hand-knotted rug provides an immediate punch of color and sets the standard for the rest of the design elements. A mix of clean transitional pieces of furniture, like a modern wood framed chair with traditional hand-knotted rugs, updated the overall look of the great room. By choosing to leave windows either undressed or minimally dressed with valances allows the natural light and view outside to become an integral part of the design. The couple’s love art and the introduction of richly saturated pieces is a great way to bring a lot of color into the design while still keeping a neutral pallet on the walls and in the major furniture pieces.
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New to Nandina Christina Scharf LEAD DESIGNER
Christina Scharf has recently joined the Nandina Aiken team as a full time, lead designer. Christina attended The Art Institute of Atlanta, Georgia, for Graphic Design - followed by a Bachelors of Fine Art in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design. She has worked throughout the country on residential, commercial, and multi-family hospitality projects. With Christina's twenty-five-year extensive background in building construction and curated interiors, she has worked alongside many talented architects & builders to help create the "Dream Home" for her clients. When asked what sparks her design passion, she responds, "Creating seamless interiors for my clients is thrilling, but the real key to great design is our partnership throughout the design process. I am passionate about Interiors and believe this should be a fun, exciting process!" Christina brings a wealth of experience in architectural interior design to Nandina. Working the past ten years with an architectural firm in Savannah, she has been intricately involved in the renovation and new build process. From commercial projects to multimillion-dollar residential homes throughout the southeast, she has honed her ability to take her client's vision of their projects and make them become a reality.
I am not simply passionate about interior design, but rather continually inspired by arranging elegant shapes, beautiful textures, and luxurious colors into timeless spaces that inspire my client's daily lives. A tone or simple shape can be the start to an amazing concept. Each home has a story ~ my job is to capture it! - Christina
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Sharifa Potter NANDINA WORKROOM MANAGER
Sharifa Potter joined the Nandina team last fall as the Nandina Home & Design Workroom Manager. With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kennesaw State University and over twelve years in a career as a seamstress, Sharifa also brought a unique and sought-after skillset of previous workroom management. Prior to joining Nandina, Sharifa had been managing a busy workroom for a custom window treatment company in the Atlanta area. In that role, Sharifa managed a full staff and sought to streamline its internal processes for quality and organization. She was responsible for managing the entire sewing team, as well as the flow of orders from inside and outside designers. She handled everything from checking fabric for orders to the quality control of the finished product. Sharifa’s role with Nandina is similar in structure as she also is responsible for managing our workroom staff, as well as the flow of product coming in and out. Her unique ability to understand how these custom goods are created has already proven invaluable to the Nandina designers. Her prior experience has brought a fresh perspective to Nandina and given us the ability to see future growth for our workroom. She brings a positive nature, easy-going attitude, excitement for the task at hand, and is a joy to work with.
My approach to my job begins and ends with bringing joy to the client’s space. Everything down to getting the smallest details, like stitching or pleat spacing, matters. My responsibility is to reflect a standard that will only bring joy. - Sharifa
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HOME REAL LIFE / REAL STYLE
2022
A I K E N • AT L A N TA • G R E E N V I L L E W W W. N A N D I N A H O M E . C O M
