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DESIGN SNAPSHOT
The Space Between
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PUTTING TOGETHER THE VARIOUS PIECES OF A PROJECT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY – but builders Matt and Rachel Neal of Neal Contracting in Kitty Hawk have a way of making it seem eff ortless. In their line of work, a room’s fi nal eff ect often comes down to the smallest details, blending factors such as light, space and texture to create a look that’s both perfectly modern and unmistakably timeless.
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4 Cyprus Slat Wall
Matt had a concept like this in mind for years, so when the owners of this oceanside home in Southern Shores gave him the green light to construct a slat wall room divider to set off the main living area, he went for it – and structured many of the room’s other design features around it. “The wall adds a vertical element,” Matt explains. “And I love how it makes you want to run your hands across it.”
Entertainment Center
Another one of the room’s main highlights from the start was a sizeable entertainment center positioned directly opposite the slatted dividing wall. Custom crafted by Cozy Kitchens in Kitty Hawk, the entertainment center was designed with enough space to house everything from audio/visual equipment to a selection of books – all with a wall mount to give it a fl oating, ethereal feel despite its large dimensions.
White Oak Flooring
Although juniper may be more traditionally used in local beach construction, the Neals tend to favor white oak, which is also indigenous to this area. With its distinctive grain, the lightly toned wood adds an organic texture to the room that’s long-lasting and versatile enough to complement a mix of other woods – while also providing a subtle match with the entertainment center’s bare white oak features.
Triple Window Set
Placing a set of windows as close together as possible allowed the Neals to open up the space and highlight its spectacular views – particularly since an identical set of windows mirrors them on the other side of the room. Paired with the 360-degree pattern of windows directly above, the room is bathed in natural light more often than not. “And you never have a gloomy day,” Rachel adds cheerfully.
