GATHER IN GLAMOUR

words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photos MICHAEL BLEVINS

As an interior designer, the ultimate gratification stems from achieving the sublime harmony between a client's desires and the project's final form. For Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors, the reward feels all the much sweeter when he has already worked with a client to bring their visions to life before. That’s why Campbell was excited to get his hands on this new Simonini build — the Myers Park house belongs to a client who leaned on Campbell to design for a prior home as well.

“I worked with Jonathan Howard in 2002 on his previous home when I was an associate designer after just moving from New York City,” recalls Campbell. “He later sold the property and moved north.”

Two decades later, Howard reached back out to Campbell to reconnect on this new Charlotte project. It was like two old friends meeting, and the rest is design history.

At the beginning of the project, there was an extensive interview process. After all, the best way to truly understand a client’s goals is to ask specific questions about their lifestyle, preferred colors, and style direction. Campbell also likes to see inspiration pictures for a more visual conceptualization. It is also important, he notes, to inquire about the client’s hobbies and passions. All of this information is needed to craft the type of unique and personalized design plan that JLayton Interiors is known for.

Campbell worked with the clients' passion for entertaining and their love for their art collection. These empty nesters sought Campbell out to transform their space into a glamorous and modern oasis without sacrificing comfort and warmth. The designer answered that call by creating a haven that strikes the perfect balance between opulence and hospitality.

Campbell deliberately and discerningly opted for a cohesive blend of understated hues that imbue the home with a sense of ease and elegance.

“I chose a light palette with accents of blues and amethyst but there are punches of color sprinkled throughout as well for impact. The buttery Holland & Sherry wool drapes in the office are one of those moments where we wanted a happy touch of color that lifts the mood while [one of the clients] works from home.”

By selecting this color combination, the ambiance of each room radiates brightness and a warm, inviting atmosphere, devoid of any sterility. The addition of dark wood accents and flooring serves as an anchor, giving the appearance of a livedin abode, rather than a showroom for visitors.

This is brought to life especially well in the kitchen, where the custom Calacatta countertops and mitered waterfall island take center stage. The same material, sourced from Walker Zanger, is used in a laser-cut pattern for the backsplash. A minimal stainless hood was chosen to showcase the splash from countertop to ceiling. In contrast, a darker stained island anchors the light, natural space. Functionally, the ample cooking area and island seating make this room an ideal gathering place for the clients and their guests; it's now a place to make both meals and memories. Custom stools in polished nickel and vegan leather by Powell & Bonnell soften the room.

These clients also wanted glamour, and Campbell made sure to deliver. The custom-made lighting fixtures from Vitosi add an air of artistry to the space — especially evident in the hand-blown glass chandelier above the main stairway. This piece, one of the main characters in the home, was quite the endeavor, requiring two craftsmen per link to create the 11’ high fixture.

Ascending the staircase leads guests to the private sanctuaries of the home. The main suite in particular exudes sophistication with a chic and inviting bedding collection from Bedside Manor. The bedding compliments the more modern aesthetic of the chrome and upholstered bed.

The primary bathroom’s design is a nod to high design. Campbell used ultra-modern black and white tile from Walker Zanger and sleek polished nickel fixtures from Majestic Bath to deliver an unforgettable and dramatic space.

Down the hall, the detailed, thoughtful children's suite features a timeless ballet pink and gray palette.

This home's design is taken to new heights with the inclusion of exquisite luxury fabrics from esteemed brands Great Plains, Schumacher, and Romo.

Custom furniture adds both authenticity and richness. Memorable pieces like the nightstands, the dining room sideboard, and the foyer console were made by local Charlotte craftsmen at Kauffman and Co. The Phillip Jeffries wallpaper adds a surreal texture to the space; the walls appear as if coated with fabric and plaster.

Campbell personally designed the custom marble integrated vanity in the powder room. It is a testimony to the attention to detail given to even the smallest spaces in this stunning home. info jlaytoninteriors.com / @jlaytoninteriors

Ultimately, the rapport between designer and client, combined with thorough planning and near-perfect execution — from the stunning tile in the primary bathroom to the handcrafted chandelier — led to a modern home that is both art-forward and welcoming.

There’s no doubt Campbell exceeded expectations in this Myers Park project. The finished home is a masterclass in truly custom design, blending modernity with glamour. These results are a rarity in the current market saturated with trends.

For more information about JLayton Interiors and his previous work, visit the firm’s website.