possibilities and savor the Explore
Mixing modern and classic, Lisa Sherry Interieurs designs elevated yet understated spaces for the way we live today. The Lisa Sherry design ethos is actually a way of life: light-filled, soulful, sophisticated, and attuned to natural rhythms. A Lisa Sherry Interieurs home is an invitation to live beautiful.
and
The Statement ™ showering collection with Anthem ™ controls and valves feature unexpected designs, indulgent spray options, and a range of universal forms. The versatile portfolios are meticulously crafted to fit all global plumbing standards, opening the door to truly seamless specification and unfettered creativity. Visit our virtual portal to explore the possibilities and unleash your imagination.
t the end of the day, we’re all truly connected to each other. It’s easy to forget the humanness amid the illusion that Instagram and other social media platforms provide. But when we have the opportunity to take a deeper dive into someone through stories, personal spaces behind closed doors, and the sharing of treasured collections, it allows us to relate to one another in a way that can be authentic and satisfying. That relatability is what spreads more love and warmth into the world, and every time we feature someone’s personal home, this is our goal. It’s amplified when we get to showcase the private spaces that belong to the talented people behind so much of the content we share in HD&D—the designers who live and work nearby. Our annual Designers at Home issue reinforces the concept that we are all approachable. We all share different talents with the world. And we all have a unique story to tell.
So, from precious nurseries to quiet corners of the home, and from our favorite alma maters to latest products from our favorite local celebrities, we have filled these pages with connections, hoping you’ll take them and spread the love.
Blake Miller and Anne Marie Ashley Co-Editors-in-Chief
by
by
Publisher
Michael Kooiman
Associate Publisher
Oonagh Murray
EDITORIAL
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Anne Marie Ashley
Blake Miller
Associate Editor
Karin Simoneau
DESIGN
Art Director
Lindsay Richards
PRODUCTION
Production Coordinator
Shelley Kemper
Writers
Taylor Jones
Lee Rhodes
Brandy Woods Snow
Photography
Anna Routh Barzin
Emily Bolt
Chris Edwards
Dustin Peck
Laura Sumrak
LET'S ENGAGE
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Brie Williams All contents copyright 2023, Curated Media, LLC. 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 Home Design & Decor® Magazine. The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Curated Media, LLC 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.
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Carolina designers discuss creating one of the most special rooms in their home: the nursery.
Text by Anne Marie Ashley
When her little boy, Romer, was on the way, House of Nomad co-owner and designer Kelley Lentini knew she wanted a nursery to reflect the love of travel she and her husband had fostered between them. “I lived abroad in London for a time, my husband and I lived in Shanghai in our twenties, and we’ve traveled southeast Asia and Japan extensively,” explains Lentini. “I wanted to transfer that feeling of wanderlust and playfulness into the nursery while still creating a soothing space for both the baby and me.” The Spoonflower wallpaper by Sveta Aho gave Lentini “a Dr. Seussian feel” of waves alongside a Japanese style of art, and with her love of all things coastal, it was the first piece she chose for the nursery. “When I found this paper, it felt right to go in this direction,” she says.
Wanting something to ground the blue wallcovering, Lentini moved in the direction of warm earth tones and landed on a rug that “brought a retro and sunset vibe.”
From there, various finds on travels, as well as pieces from her husband’s online children’s store, Nurture &, wove themselves into the rest of the design.
“As much as this room is for your child, as a mom, you will spend so much time in here, so it’s just as much for you too,” says Lentini. “I cared less about trends and more about what brings calm and joy to both Romer and me.”
The well-traveled couple wanted a sense of wanderlust in the nursery, which Lentini layered with finds from her travels. The crib is from Nurture &.
Lentini grounded all the blue with earth tones and warm woods, like this dresser from Four Hands.
/ DOMINIQUE DELANEY INTERIOR DESIGN
“As an interior designer, I’ve worked on every space inside a home, but a child’s room holds a special place,” says Dominique DeLaney. “Charlotte is my third child, and I knew I wanted to create that special feeling for her—that space that sparks whimsy, playfulness, and joy.”
After sorting through “what felt like hundreds of wallpaper samples,” DeLaney instantly fell in love with a beautiful handwoven butterfly grasscloth from Caitlin McGauley. “Her designs evoke such a fun and whimsical feeling that I knew it was the one,” she adds. She reupholstered the glider she previously used in her son’s room in Peter Dunham’s Isfahan fabric, which pulled all the elements of the nursery together.
“The old saying ‘babies don’t keep’ rings true, so it was important to prioritize the nursery’s other elements to grow with Charlotte,” DeLaney says. The family crib easily made its way into Charlotte’s room and doubles as a toddler bed, and the Made Goods lacquered grasscloth changing table transitions into a dresser for older children.
“I want to nurture a love for reading in my kids, so I had to have a bookcase in the nursery,” explains DeLaney. “I love this étagère from Wildwood; I had it custom painted in Benjamin Moore’s Atmosphere to match the nursery’s trim for a fun pop of color.” A longtime fan of Monica Ajenjo, DeLaney commissioned one of her bow pieces and loves the iridescence and light it brings to the nursery. “It is a true work of artistry, and I love that Charlotte now has an original piece she can keep forever.”
Storage was key in this smaller nursery. Two of DeLaney's favorite options are baskets and the keepsake trunks from Petite Keep.
DeLaney and her newborn, Charlotte, sit in her favorite glider, reupholstered in a Peter Dunham fabric.
Woman Founded. Family Owned. Locally Operated. Since 1975.
Baby made six for interior designer MA Allen and her family when Fielding, her youngest of four, was born. Those who follow the renovation and design of her family home, Lakestone, may have seen that she converted her downstairs guest room into the nursery for her son. As a guest room, Allen had swathed the walls in Pierre Frey’s Pommes de Pin wallpaper and painted the trim and doors in Benjamin Moore’s Buxton Blue. “As fate would have it, this combo would become a perfect pairing for a baby boy nursery,” Allen says.
As with each of her children, Allen used the same crib in her youngest son’s room and designed around it. For comfort of mom (and baby, too), Allen added a duc duc indi platform bed, which she says is “easy to assemble and a modern solution that can seamlessly blend into any design style.” To balance the modern pieces, she added some vintage wood and rattan items along with a geometric rug by Kit Kemp for Annie Selke. And, finally, a swivel glider was a must, covered in Cowtan & Tout’s Indian Summer fabric. Commissioned art and layers of accessories complete the nursery, including a piece by local Raleigh artist Ellen Hathaway above the changing table and a collage by Clarence Deaton above the crib.
MA'S MUST-HAVES
Meet the Contributor
Michelle Troha, Troha Interiors
Favorite Style Collected, handmade, UK-Inspired
Why This Color Sophisticated yet playful
Favorite Pick Urban Electric chandelier
Paint
Tanlines by Backdrop
Designer Michelle Troha ushers out summer with a bright and joyful palette that transitions easily into autumn.
I WAS FIRST drawn to this color a few years ago when I visited an antique store in Charleston. The wood floors were painted a deep ochre yellow. It was so unexpected, but it felt luxurious and joyful. It is such a versatile color, pairing well with rich colors like plum and orange, or deep wood tones and light blues, as seen here. I have noticed this color pop up in interiors more and more, and it makes me happy every time I see it!
1. Chiltern Round Chandelier / $8,599 / urbanelectric.com 2. Shibori Ribbon Bracelet in Sun / $195 / lizziefortunato.com 3. Hydrangea Lace Sunflower Ivory Linen / to the trade / soane.co.uk 4. Brulee Modern Table Lamp / $150 / mantarlamps.com 5. 1960s Swedish Wall Light / $850 / 1stdibs.com 6. French Faux Bamboo Armoire / $2,425 / chairish.com 7. Sister by Studio Ashby Pillow / $635 / abask.com 8. Arcade Midi Dress / $465 / us.alemais.com 9. Hand-Carved Turquoise Lollipop Ring / inquire for price / retrouvai.com 10. Hand-Painted Helenita Dinnerware Plate / $26 / fetehome.com
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Sophisticated,
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Sophisticated, fashionable yet comfortable interiors with YOU in mind:
Thank you for 27 years in business!
Adler is always looking to add more textures and color. “I couldn’t have a rug in this room as it would cut off the walking space, so I added ceiling wallpaper for more color,” she says. Dining chairs: Vangaurd.
Over nine years, designer Brooke Adler turned her full-renovation home from mess to magic.
When Brooke Adler first saw her soonto-be home, she knew she had a total renovation on her hands. But even with a tiny kitchen, a wraparound screen porch, and a disconnected, disjointed layout, the designer “saw the potential, and it really sparked inspiration for me,” Adler says.
Beginning with the living room and then moving on to the owner’s bathroom, Adler embarked on a nine-year project to actualize her dream home. “We planned for a while,” she admits. “Living here, having a family, and learning what we were missing. I took my time.” Instead of changing everything about the home, Adler leaned into the unconventional aspects of it. “It’s fun to work around problems instead of starting from scratch. That’s why it was really cool to do a renovation. Every house is quirky, and you can do all these different things to fix issues or expand.”
Adler found herself choosing traditional lighting, distinctive patterned wallpapers, tailored lines, and bright
“Living here, having a family, and learning what we were missing. I took my time.”
—Brooke Adler
In her son’s room, Adler showcases her affinity for mixing patterned fabrics and wall art. “I had an artist hand-paint the back accent wall, which is my favorite feature, and the custom Schumacher shade adds the perfect pop of bright color,” she says. Nightstand: Universal. Lampshade: Schumacher.
With an emphasis on functionality, Adler chose a dark wood coffee table that has storage for her ottomans. Leaning into a blue-gray palette but not sacrificing bold fabrics and patterns, she seamlessly mixes and matches. Floor and table lamps: Visual Comfort. Coffee table: Hickory White. Drapery fabric: Erika M. Powell.
“I love the transformation story of this room,” says Adler. “It used to be a laundry room closet, but I knew this tiny space had to be functional and beautiful. We removed the double doors and created a wide arch, custom cabinetry, and wallpaper. Table lamp: Visual Comfort. Wallpaper: Romo.
pillows, all in a blue palette. “I love to go all-out with trim and wallpaper,” the designer says. “Those are the things that really add value to a home. I have Schumacher drapes in the dining room that have a floral dragon pattern with every color in the rainbow. You’ll notice more wallpaper, fabric, and art piece risks in my personal home.” Adler prioritizes functionality along with her fun design elements, adding that a family home requires space and adaptability. “I wanted things to be functional and timeless.”
Alas, Adler feels that she has come to a stopping point. As a designer, she wants the home to be ever-evolving. “I like to have things that I keep changing, but it’s nice to feel like the house is done.”
In the breakfast nook, Adler chose a fixture that had shape but wouldn’t block natural light. “The breakfast nook is one of the most special spots in my home because it’s where so much family conversation takes place,” she adds. Chairs: Dovetail. Shades: Romo. Light fixture: Currey & Company.
“I designed my kids’ bathroom around the wallpaper, but wanted the details in the room to be able to stand alone if it were to change,” says Adler. Sconces: Visual Comfort. Mirror: Gabby Home. Hardware: Myoh.
Sometimes the smallest details in a home speak the loudest owners. And these new releases are worth a thousand words.
Produced by Anne Marie Ashley
Charlotte’s own Natalie Papier releases her new interior design book this fall. A gorgeous challenge to conventional wisdom, Start with the Art urges readers to begin their design journey with the most emotive piece of the puzzle—the art. Alongside beautiful images of inspiration, Papier fills her pages with useful nuggets on where to shop for affordable art, favorite galleries and museums, and favorite local artists, easing your journey into becoming an art-lover. homeecop.com
John Derian is known for his attention to detail in decoupage pieces that add luxury and interest to homes across the world. His new collection of Ginger Jar lamps is no exception, each piece handmade in his studio in New York. Five designs of collaged paper under handblown glass create a line of truly unique and intricate lamps that light the way for a statement-making moment. johnderian.com
Belgian design label Serax has invited artistic expression through tableware in their latest collaborations with designers like Marni and chef Yotam Ottolenghi. One-of-akind tableware in a myriad of patterns brings a world of combinations to your fingertips. Hand-illustrated porcelain pieces from Marni mark the Italian fashion label’s arrival to the world of interiors, heralding a zing of quirky elegance, while Ottolenghi’s Feast Collection, designed in tandem by Ottolenghi and Italian artist Ivo Bisignano, brings colorful, joyful vibes to breaking bread. serax.com
party piece, the cocktail napkin has an epic following. From clandestine notes to lipstick stains, this little piece of paper has run the gamut of functionality, but a new collection from luxury tableware brand Âme Atendre takes the storied napkin to keepsake territory. Removing clichés in favor of sentiment and tacky colors in favor of muted tones, each set proffers something to think about alongside a personal touch. ameatendre.com
The queen of lighting, Regina Andrew, releases a new line of fixtures this summer, with some pieces debuting in stores later this fall. Pulling inspiration from historic homes and sixties nostalgia, the new designs combine the best of midcentury modern with contemporary trends and materials. reginaandrew.com
Proudly sporting pops of University of Wisconsin–Madison red, this bunk room in the capital city is perfect for families or friends traveling together.
Nestled on the banks of the River Cam in Cambridge, U.K., and featuring unmatched views, this Graduate is inspired by centuries of rich traditions and academic life.
Graduate's newest location in Palo Alto, California, just steps away from Stanford, has a popular rooftop bar and creative interiors full of nostalgia.
This
college football season, grab the fam and support your alma mater in ultra-luxe style.
Text by Anne Marie Ashley
THE GRADUATE HOTELS have an almost cult-like following, which makes so much sense given that its fan base also loyally supports the schools in all of the chain’s various locations: college towns across the United States and England, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, all the way to Oxford, United Kingdom, and a bevy of sites in between. The difference may lie in the alums’ and fans’ dedication to excellent design as well.
In towns like Ann Arbor, Michigan, Eugene, Oregon, and Charlottesville, Virginia, Graduate Hotels has acquired dedicated guests through its uniquely beautiful and quirky-themed trappings of a boutique hotel wrapped in the ultra-convenience of a modern chain. And with Hilton’s acquisition of the brand earlier this year, the collection will not only expand globally, but will also enjoy Hilton Honors programs, expanded branding, and a wider audience. Auburn, Alabama, and Dallas, Texas, are the latest locations set to open later this fall and early next year.
Each Graduate hotel is steeped in local history, charm, and nostalgia, thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of its local university while elevating the concept of school spirit to an adult-level appreciation— things like sophisticated patterns, hand-stitched throw pillows, interesting local books, luxury toiletries, and even connecting bunk-bedrooms for families with children. And while it’s perfect for game days, reunions, graduations, and campus visits, with nearly a quarter of global travelers expected to get away for concerts, sporting events, and other one-of-a-kind, local experiences this year, many of which are happening in secondary markets anchored by universities, Hilton is eager to take the brand to a whole new level.
The 135-year-old heritage design house Schumacher is proud to have opened its doors to a brand-new luxury shopping boutique for design lovers and a to-the-trade showroom for interior designers in the heart of Dilworth. Be sure to stop in and visit Charlotte’s go-to source for home accessories, furniture, and a whole lot more!
THE MINT MUSEUM | OCTOBER 26–FEBRUARY 2, 2025
The first exhibition to provide a comprehensive survey of progressive art created in the American South during the first half of the twentieth century, Southern / Modern includes more than one hundred paintings and works on paper. Artists working in states below the Mason-Dixon Line and as far west as those bordering the Mississippi River are included, as well as some artists living outside of the region who made significant bodies of work during visits. This exhibition takes a broad view of the South and is structured around key themes that traverse geographic regions, including time and place, race, family ties, and social struggles. mintmuseum.org
JERALD MELBERG GALLERY | SEPTEMBER 14—OCTOBER 26
Philip Mullen’s paintings explore the unique qualities of light and how it touches everything around it. He has been described as creating works with both thoughtful technique and carefree fluidity. Mullen’s work has been exhibited in such prestigious institutions as the Whitney Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center, the Greenville Museum of Art, the Columbia Museum of Art, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Johnson Collection. jeraldmelberg.com
ANNE NEILSON FINE ART | SEPTEMBER 19–OCTOBER 19
Organic Geometry features the work of three remarkable artists: Michael Barringer, Stephanie Henderson, and Robert Langford. Each artist offers a unique perspective and interpretation of the world around them, yet they collectively explore the interplay between structured and unstructured forms found within nature. The convergence of the artists underscores the multifaceted nature of Organic Geometry. Their works collectively lead viewers through a journey of exploration, inviting reflection on the organic geometry present in our everyday lives and celebrating the harmony and complexity of the natural world while revealing the connections that lie between the natural and constructed worlds, chaos and unity, and fluidity and rigidity. Opening reception September 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. anneneilsonfineart.com
A century-old historic home receives a modern facelift.
"Being
the
I really felt I
the
the
Mary Margaret Underwood’s earliest memory of her home goes back to when she was just ten years old. The greatgranddaughter of textile tycoon Charles Cannon of textile manufacturing company Cannon Mills, Underwood vaguely remembers moving into the house shortly after her parents bought it in 1975. “After my great-grandparents passed away, they didn’t leave the home to anyone, so it was put up for auction,” the designer explains. Luckily, Underwood’s parents—her mother is the granddaughter of Charles and Ruth Cannon—were able to purchase the home and keep it in the family.
Lucky indeed. Located in Concord’s historic district, the home is an architectural diamond. Prolific American architect Charles Barton Keen designed the home for the Cannon family back in 1928. A favorite residential designer for wealthy tobacco and textile families, Keen is most known for designing Reynolda, located in Winston-Salem, for Katharine and R.J. Reynolds in the early twentieth century.
The Cannon home is equally as special. The 9,000-square-foot residence is a centerpiece to Concord’s historic Union Street. With its symmetrical features and hipped roof, the Colonial Revival home (with Arts and Crafts elements) had been renovated once since it was built. When Underwood and her husband, Bob, were presented with the option of purchasing the home from her parents, they knew there would be some lengthy updates. But for the designer, it didn’t matter—the family’s legacy was in the home, and she would stop at nothing to preserve it.
In 2021, the Underwoods commenced renovations with the help of architects Virginia Moore and Don Duffy of Duffy-Magas + Associates, the latter of whom spearheaded the home’s new design. The updates
included expanding the kitchen to twice its original size, enclosing the front porch, as well as adding a pool, a folly, and a veranda off the back of the house. A threecar garage was also incorporated. “Being in the historic district, I really felt I needed to honor the history of the home,” says Underwood. Inside, original details such as the hand-carved marble mantle in the living room; the 14K gold trim on the foyer’s plaster carvings, molding, and railings; and etched brass valances in the living room were preserved in an effort to remain consistent with the home’s rich history.
The interiors, however, were an enigma to the seasoned designer. “When I started this project, I was initially stumped,” says Underwood. “My mom and I are very traditional in our aesthetics. I’m a mix of that. I like antiques but I also like some modern twists.”
The balancing act between maintaining the traditional elements of her childhood home and modernizing it came to fruition with contemporary lighting swaps, lacquered ceilings, upholstered walls, marble tile detail, and more. “They’re subtle but impactful changes that instantly updated the home.”
Since 1928, the home has been a prominent fixture in the Cannon family, bringing together generations for the last century. The renovation and design process has brought joy to Underwood, who loves to host her children and grandchildren often. “I’m all about my home being fun for the grandchildren and comfortable for my family. Nothing is too precious here,” she explains. For now, the one-hundred-year-old historic property continues to be a place of happiness and history for the family, and Underwood hopes that will continue for years to come. “I really do hope it stays in the family. That would be my dream.”
To add a modern twist to the
ABOVE: Travel not only inspires Underwood but also allows her to find unique pieces to add to her home. The plates hanging above the custom banquette were purchased on a visit to England while the oil painting was bought in Paris. Chairback fabric: Clarence House. Sconces: Visual Comfort. Table: Englishman’s Fine Furnishings.
BELOW: Architect Don Duffy worked with Underwood on the kitchen's renovation and expansion. It was Duffy's suggestion to design the barrel ceiling detail. Architecture: Duffy-Magas + Associates. Range: Lacanche. Chandelier: Visual Comfort.
The statement-making panoramic wallcovering in Zuber’s Eldorado is still printed today à la planche with the 1554 antique woodblocks, carved in 1848 by the manufacturer’s workers. In 1992, after a house fire destroyed most of the stunning wallcovering in the home, Underwood’s mother rehung the same design. Grand piano: Bösendorfer. Love-seat fabric: David Hicks by Ashley Hicks.
The awkward, off-center niche in the owner’s suite bedroom posed a challenge when it came to nightstands. Duffy designed inset bookshelves instead while Underwood added extended arm sconces for easy lighting.
Originally a sunroom, Underwood wanted an entertaining space off the veranda and living room that doubles as a casual and formal area to gather. To achieve the moody yet comfortable aesthetic, the designer kept the original floors, lacquered the walls in a dark peacock blue, and added a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering to the ceiling. Paint:
The current scullery was the home’s original breakfast room and features the original black-and-white floors and upper cabinets, which were moved from the butler’s
The island is on casters, making it easy to move for catering purposes.
FUNCTIONALITY AND SENTIMENTALITY CONVERGE IN THIS CLASSIC COTTAGE IN EASTOVER.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIE
STYLING BY
hen Bryan and Hadley Quisenberry began their search for a new home, they were looking specifically for a prime location and a place for Hadley to stretch her creative muscle and design a home from top to bottom for their family of four. It was Bryan who first saw the potential in the 5,000-square-foot classic cottage in Eastover. Hadley, however, did not. “I wasn’t even interested in touring because it had no backyard,” says the designer. “I was talked into taking a look, and, shockingly, I had a settled feeling about this being our future home the minute I walked in.”
Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac only seven minutes from both Bryan’s work and the kids’ school in Uptown, the location was ideal. And, architecturally, the home designed by MGPB Architecture was thoughtful, wasting no square footage, and featured ten-foot ceilings, an easy flow, and ample natural light.
The Quisenberrys purchased the home just before Christmas 2022, and shortly after closing, the designer, who is also owner and lead designer of West Trade Interiors, assembled her dream team to undertake the project. Architect Peter Anthony Brooks would finalize the plans, builder Cameron Cooke of Ethic would oversee the renovation, and Jordan Bailey of Cabinets Trim & More would install custom cabinetry, a main component of the design for the phase-one spaces. Cabinetry was a focus in the kitchen, the family room’s fireplace wall, and in additional storage in the dining room, where existing china cabinets with ornate moldings and glass shelves were redesigned with cleaner lines. The fireplace wall was rustic and specific to the original owners’ needs, so they started from scratch in that area as well as in the kitchen.
"My goal was to transform the home into a true expression of our personalities with spaces that support and elevate our everyday life," says designer Hadley Quisenberry, left.
“We quickly realized that a lot of the drawbacks for us as a young family were not actual limitations but lifestyle choices made by the original empty-nester owners when they built the home in 2002,” says Quisenberry. “The prior design was a bit heavy, with jewel-toned colors and bulky materials.”
The first order of business was a redesign of the home’s common living spaces, as well as the first-floor West Trade Interiors studio and powder bath. The kitchen was taken down to the studs. Several smaller, closed-off spaces on the main floor limited connectivity and sightlines, so they doubled the size of the cased opening between the kitchen and family room and then combined the kitchen and breakfast room into one larger space to accommodate the entire family.
Hadley’s personal style is traditional with a twist, always layering color and texture alongside a touch of the unexpected. A predominantly blue-and-white color palette is warmed by gold-toned fixtures and original hardwood floors refinished in walnut. Canary yellow hues are infused in the dining room for a dressier vibe, and a luxurious Stark Missoni multicolored staircase runner adds interest in the foyer. The expanded kitchen is a study in functionality and flair, featuring custom cabinetry with a pantry wall, upgraded appliances, polished Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, and white square zellige tile.
The design also invested heavily in sentimentality, pulling in elements throughout that speak to the Quisenberrys’s fondest memories: the foyer’s treetopmotif wallpaper meant to mimic Central Park, where the couple met; the family room’s fireplace artwork commissioned to represent the couple’s favorite view at Blackberry Farm; and an antique gaming table, passed down from Hadley’s parents, where the family is learning to play Mahjong.
Though hesitant at first, Quisenberry believes taking a chance on the charming cottage paid off in spades. Her favorite space is the living room with its expansive bay window and cozy feel, where she enjoys watching a quiet sunrise before the rest of the house wakes up. She also touts the home’s unique exposed firewood display, a feature she once considered a concession to her husband that turned out to be one of her—and many of her guests’—favorite elements.
“My goal was to transform the home into a true expression of our personalities with spaces that support and elevate our everyday life,” says Quisenberry. “While the process was tense at times, I’ve experienced immense joy in seeing our collective vision realized and by watching everyone settle into daily life within these walls.”
High-end appliance upgrades garner a chef’s kiss for this kitchen. Range: La Cornue. Backsplash: Palmetto Tile of North Carolina.
Countertops: Cabinets Trim & More.
RIGHT: The bar’s color-drenched blue cabinets echo the same hue used in accents around the home.
Stools: Made Goods. Hardware: Modern Matter. Paint: SherwinWilliams Meditative. Backsplash: Accent Glass. BOTTOM RIGHT: A blue-and-white palette warmed with satin brass creates a serene, spa-like feel in the powder room.
and welcoming, the tone of the home is set the moment you walk in the door.
DESIGNER CAROLINE BRACKETT POURED HER HEART AND HER EXPERTISE INTO A NINETEENTH-CENTURY FARM.
As the dirt crunched beneath the tires on the long, winding road, a home seemingly emerged from the horizon lined with mountains beyond. There, amongst the unplowed, unkempt fields of the 106-acre property, stood an 1870s homestead in complete disrepair. There was no electricity. No insulation. And what plumbing existed needed to be completely replaced.
And Caroline Brackett loved it.
The designer and her then-fiancé, Jodah Mullinax, a builder, had been searching for land—lots of it—“to raise animals and farm and just get away,” says Brackett. Located in Pickens, South Carolina, just forty-five minutes from downtown Greenville, the home checked all the boxes for the couple. “When I was living in Greenville and driving to the lake I’d see these houses on
beautiful hills on all of this land with no one else around,” says Brackett. “And I just loved that. There’s always been this feeling in my gut that that’s what I needed at some point in my life. And for my kids. I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to experience this. The land. The animals. The exploring.”
The couple closed on the home in 2020 and soon began restoring the nineteenth-century structure, which they named Midway Farm, starting with the upstairs. With Mullinax’s builder and construction background coupled with Brackett’s talent with architectural details and interior design, the duo began transforming the home piece by piece, adding the basic necessities of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. They tore out laminate paneling, which uncovered a treasure trove of original wood: refinishing the floors revealed stunning hand-planed heart pine boards likely hewn from trees on the land.
Brackett and Mullinax had just begun working on the downstairs of the home when tragedy struck. On Thanksgiving Day 2021, Mullinax was in a traffic accident that took his life. Now alone with her three kids, dozens of animals, a farm, and an unfinished home with a vision for the latter so intertwined with her lost partner, Brackett was unsure about what to do. “I knew, more than anything, that Jodah would want me to finish this home and bring all of our dreams to life. So that’s what I focused on while I mourned the loss of what we dreamed of building together.”
The interior design was clear for Brackett the moment she and Mullinax saw the home. “For me, there was no other way to decorate it,” she says. From Brevard, North Carolina, to a plantation in Virginia and everywhere in between, the designer scoured the Southeast and sites like 1st Dibs for antiques and pieces that somehow struck the right note. “I did not want it to feel like a modern farmhouse. I wanted it to have a lot of charm and character and stay true to the age of the house.”
That proved challenging for the designer, whose work toes the line between traditional and modern. “I wanted it to feel like an English farmhouse—comfortable and layered and old and curated,” she says. Mixing old with new, Brackett paired buffalo check with florals, updated lighting from Currey & Company and Visual Comfort coupled with original fixtures rewired to feel new, and incorporated swivel chairs from Hickory Chair juxtaposed with an antique sideboard. The home was updated from top to bottom, and with Brackett’s impressive eye for design, she created a home that feels elevated and comfortable. The result was exactly what she and Mullinax envisioned.
Midway Farm has become a place of solace for the designer and her three kids, who have loved and lost in the home. It’s the former, though, that Brackett leans into. “I love the comfort of this home,” she explains. “There are holes and knots in it. It’s not perfect by any means, but that’s why I love it.”
The grand-central hall features the original walls and heart pine floors, which Brackett accented with antique runners. The
and
“It’s warm, a bit moody and dark, and full of taxidermy and antiques,” says Brackett of Mullinax’s study. “I love the deep, earthy green color of the trim and mantle.” The room features the home’s original wood paneling on the walls. Antique apothecary: Dodson Dig Co. on Etsy.
designed the most-used entry to the home to be not only utilitarian but also interesting. She added a playful wallpaper and a brick veneer floor in a herringbone pattern to achieve this. Wallpaper: Dorothy Shain. Floor: Circles & Squares.
so she kept it light and airy. Dining table: Mantiques. Rug: Nashville Rug Gallery.
so she opted for a black-and-white theme with a buffalo check. Floor:
original house, thus the designer had to close doorways and outfit the room with plumbing, a
created the shelves on either side for storage from reclaimed beams of the house.” Art: Glen
The antique doors leading into Mullinax's study were from a tobacco barn and retrofitted for the space.
Brackett’s bedroom, bathroom, and closet are isolated to one wing of the house, and it’s “truly an escape,” she says of the feminine, airy space. Outside the window is a fountain, which helps the designer to relax. Bed: 1st Dibs. Bed linens: Peacock Alley. Drapery fabric: Osborne & Little. Chandelier: Visual Comfort.
Join us for one of our special events this fall!
Food Truck & Music in the Garden - September 13
Fall Dinner Celebrating 75 Years of the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden - October 5
Fall Plant Sale - October 10-12
Writers Workshop Celebrating the Legacy of Elizabeth Lawrence - October 26
Limited registration available. Explore event and visitation details on our website.
With exceptional real estate expertise, unwavering ethical standards, and the highest level of personal service, Helen Adams Realty's reputation is unmatched.
Helen Adams Realty passes torch to new generation of leadership.
with six agents to a thriving enterprise with four offices and 240 agents. This is the same level of grit, determination, and love that her grandchildren, Frank Adams and Rebecca Adams Starrs, plan to deliver to the Charlotte community as they assume leadership in the company as copresidents.
“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to lead our family’s business into its next chapter. Our mom and dad have been integral parts of the firm, and our two sisters are also involved as agents,” says Starrs. “Our dad raised us to be good stewards of the firm’s legacy. We work every day to uphold our mission to be the best possible business partners we can be to our agents so that they can provide the highest level of service to our clients.”
Frank and Rebecca have worked side-by-side with their father to ensure a smooth transition. “In a family business, everyone wears all hats and no one is above any job. Rebecca and I have complementary strengths, and there has been a very natural progression into our roles as co-presidents,” says Frank.
HELEN ADAMS, a sixth-generation Charlottean, had real estate in her blood. With a great-grandfather who led Charlotte’s Mutual Building and Loan Association and a father who owned multiple drugstores and managed extensive land holdings, her transition into a real estate career in 1973 seemed predestined. And in 1975, when she founded Helen Adams Realty with four female colleagues, she solidified a foundation, built on family values, for a successful real estate company that has flourished for nearly half a century. Now, as Helen’s son Jeff transitions from president to CEO and readies himself to pass the torch to the newest generation, the future of Helen Adams Realty is shining bright as ever.
Still remembered fondly by those in the community who knew and worked with her, Helen was more than a businesswoman—she was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a self-described optimist who believed in finding the goodness in life. Likewise, Jeff Adams built upon his mother’s legacy, growing the company from a single office
We are fortunate to have the opportunity to lead our family’s business into its next chapter
—Rebecca Adams Starrs
The duo also pledges to honor their family’s ongoing commitment to the community through their steadfast dedication to the UNCC scholarship that the firm established in Helen’s honor. The meritbased scholarship supports incoming freshmen with a preference for local students. Frank, Rebecca, and Jeff are also proud to have a phenomenal staff who drive the firm’s core services. In addition to their exceptional in-house marketing firm, they offer a robust technology platform, outstanding administrative functions, and affiliated services for mortgage, title, and insurance.
Next year, Helen Adams Realty will celebrate a halfcentury in business. “We want to be the steady ship. We’ve been here for fifty years and we expect to be here for fifty more, always keeping our grandmother’s and father’s legacy and our mission to be the best business partner possible at the center of everything we do,” says Starrs. “We offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last fifty years, and we’re thrilled and humbled to be able to reflect on this journey.”
Designers come together to amplify their expertise.
by two friends, The Designers Marketplace gives interior designers an edge—surrounding them with all the tools required to create beautiful spaces.
PART OF EXECUTING seamless design plans means interior designers often collaborate with architects, suppliers, and contractors. But collaborating with other interior designers? That’s less common.
Yet at The Designers Marketplace in Fort Mill, designers can share not only a mutual passion for their calling but also design concepts and resources.
The brainchild of friends Tracy Holman and Karol Ann Kreshon, this 12,000-square-foot full-service trade showroom and receiving warehouse is their shared dream come true. It fills a gap the two interior designers, who met and later began going to market together, saw in the industry.
“There seemed to be a need for a showroom in our area, where designers had access to tools to create beautiful spaces, and they could share ideas,” explains Holman. “Most designers work independently, and it can get lonely.
“
” There is enough business for everyone, so why not help each other?
—Tracy Holman
We have always had the mindset that there is enough business for everyone, so why not help each other?”
The showroom carries everything from highly curated upholstery, window coverings, and rugs to one-of-a-kind case goods and lines of kitchen cabinetry. Designers can come together to peruse, bounce ideas off of each other over an afternoon glass of wine, and take advantage of the tools needed to create stunning spaces.
Having access to superior quality inventory helps alleviate the headache that often comes with sourcing for projects. And the inventory is always fresh, as they constantly receive new products, most of which are ordered at the High Point and Atlanta markets. Holman and Kreshon also meet with reps and vendors on a regular basis to review up-and-coming products and pre-order them.
Focusing on high design, local interior designers call The Designers Marketplace home, using the space to create well-coordinated and welcoming designs for their clients—and to honor the beauty of collaboration.
For more information, call 803-681-5100 or visit thedesignersmarketplace.com.
Text by Jim Noble, Executive Chef and Owner of Noble Food & Pursuits
AT 3:00 P.M., our most important guests fill the dining room. They take their seats as our kitchen finishes the lunch rush and assembles fifty to-go plates. Pastor Jamie Workman sets out bibles and prepares for an hour of worship, right there in the middle of the restaurant. Over the course of the hour, more trickle in. A father and his young son park their stroller at the side and find their way to two of the last seats. A woman carries a plastic bag and stands at the wall near the restrooms.
For an hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, they get a break from the elements and Jamie’s voice fills the room with messages of hope and God’s love for us. The study finishes with a warm meal. Today, it’s shrimp and grits, a favorite in the restaurant.
This hour is everything The King’s Kitchen stands for. At the corner of Church Street and Trade Street, our “Southern Kitchen on a Local Mission” hosts business lunches, pre-game dinners, date nights, and
“We take care of our neighbors who need us.”
birthdays. But, most importantly, we take care of our neighbors who need us. This is mostly the homeless, the people sleeping on the streets whom many turn their backs on out of fear or misunderstanding.
We opened The King’s Kitchen in 2010 as a way to nourish those around us who were low on money or had run out of hope. A big part of the menu consists of my family recipes. It’s the first place we served Aunt Beaut’s chicken, fried in a cast-iron skillet just like she would do for us kids on Sundays after church.
We use all of our profits made during our normal business hours to prepare meals for the hungry. We feed them in our restaurant or send meals to other organizations with similar missions, like the Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center, our other nonprofit.
With the Dream Center, we recently expanded our services and opened The King’s Closet, which is filled with clothing and a barber’s chair to help people look and feel their best. It’s in a space behind the restaurant along Church Street, where we once had a bakery.
It’s been almost fifteen years since we opened, and we’ve only seen the needs grow. We’re also recognizing that we have to pour some money back into ourselves to continue attracting people to dine with us. It’s simple math: the more people who patron our restaurant, the more profits we have to give back to the community.
So I invite you to give The King’s Kitchen a try next time you’re in Uptown. Or use it as a reason to go there. You’re also invited to Bible Study. Your soul will be filled as much, if not more, than your stomach. I promise.
For more information, visit noblefoodandpursuits.com.
Beth Conant Keim
Contributor
Text by Beth Conant Keim, Owner of Lucy and Company
WHEN MY KIDS outgrew the bonus room, I decided to steal it back for myself. With an abundance of natural light and tall ceilings, I have always loved this space at the top of my stairs. To create the perfect retreat, I wanted to add collected pieces against a clean, white backdrop. I was aiming for soothing and sentimental.
The first thing on my list was a four-poster canopy bed. It’s something I have always wanted, and the ceiling height
allowed for that to happen. The merging of styles in this space is what I appreciate the most. I chose white linen bedding (of course) and integrated an old pine dining table to stack all my favorite books, an Eames chair I have always loved (it’s the most comfortable piece of furniture I own), a vintage dresser, and art—which is everything I love to mix different art styles, selecting photography and mixed media in different sizes
“After a long day, I get to curl up in that big bed and shut everything out.”
and frames, then staggering and layering. Another “art” piece in this room is the entry door. It’s hidden, with a hand-painted panel framed out in antique brass. When this door is closed from the hallway side, it simply appears to be a brilliant piece of art.
Large televisions over fireplaces and in bedrooms are my pet peeve, but they are often a necessity. This Samsung Frame TV, however, is something I can completely live with. It blends in seamlessly with all the other art. Frame TVs are the only ones I own, and they are a must-have.
In this room, my favorite room, I was able to incorporate all my treasured things. After a long day, I get to curl up in that big bed and shut everything out.
For more information, visit lucyandcompany.com or call 704-342-6655.
Celedore is a unique retail destination specializing in fine wallpaper and designer fabric.
It is also the only Farrow & Ball paint stockist in the Charlotte region. Our wallpaper and fabric brands are a curated selection chosen by our designers and feature the most popular names in the industry, as well as many smaller specialty lines. We carry an extensive selection and offer a broad range of price points, so your project remains within your budget.
Celedore is open to the public, by appointment. When you schedule an appointment with our designers, you not only gain exclusive access to our premium library of wallpaper books and fabric swatches, but also benefit from personalized, oneon-one design expertise.
The Farrow & Ball paint and wallpaper corner in our shop is available to the public, no appointment necessary. We are pleased to offer sample pots and mix paint orders onsite.
One frequently asked question is whether you can color-match Farrow & Ball paint. The short answer is no. Not only are color matches never a perfect match, but even in our color rich paints, less than 8 percent of the tin is the color. The other 92 percent is what creates the quality, depth, and extraordinary response to light that transforms your home. Here are five reasons why Farrow & Ball paint is unmatchable:
1. Unique pigments
2. Expert color creation
3. Farrow & Ball’s Unique finishes
4. Unrivalled commitment to quality
5. Made by Farrow & Ball in Dorset, Englandcustom mixed for you by Celedore
The Celedore team is excited to collaborate with you ensuring every wallpaper, textile and paint choice complements and enhances your unique space. Come visit our showroom to see wallpaper and fabric brands in person. We carry Thibaut, Schumacher, Sanderson, Morris & Co., Harlequin, Zoffany, Nina Campbell, Osborne & Little, Designers Guild, Colefax & Fowler, Romo, Lee Jofa and GP&J Baker. Celedore also carries a large selection of more exclusive wallpaper and textile lines like House of Harris, Ferrick Mason and Ottoline. Visit our website to see a complete list of our vendors.
Celedore is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be booked on our website, celedore.com, where customers also can see and shop a curated sampling of our brands, or by calling 704-817-8679.
Paint is available for purchase on our website and can be picked up at our shop or shipped directly to you.
1. D. Porthault Paris Boudoir Pillow
“I sleep with a little boudoir pillow. I travel with them, too. It is the perfect neck support, and I have amassed a collection of chic shams that I adore.”
“I
and was hooked. They have blown up this year. I will see them twice this fall. Once will be
3. The Evil Eye Boot
“Cowboy boots are my go-to, year-round. I have a large collection that is always growing. These evil-eye boots are the best.”
“I
HOLLY HOLLINGSWORTH PHILLIPS knows a thing or two about toeing the line between old and new. The interior designer and owner of The English Room loves “mixing the tradition of the past with the modern style of the future,” she says. And that’s not only apparent in the elegant, eclectic, and colorful designs she’s created for her clients but also can be seen on her wildly popular blog on her website. Chock-full of lifestyle content, the blog has garnered quite the following of avid design lovers and has been featured in ELLE DECOR and Domino. Here, Phillips shares some of her favorite things for fall.
“This
