20 minute read
COMING INTO THEIR OWN
To ensure that the six Romare Bearden paintings from the artist’s iconic Jazz Series were the focal point in the dining room, Ford chose a custom linear chandelier by Evan Wood. The low-lying backs of the Knoll Brno chairs keep the view open to the impressive art display.
DESIGNER BRONWYN FORD HELPS ONE COUPLE TRANSITION FROM EMPTY NESTERS TO URBAN DWELLERS WITH AN UPDATE TO A MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN.
TEXT BY BLAKE MILLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FOLLOWILL | STYLNG BY ELEANOR ROPER
Ford placed some of the homeowners’ artwork in the foyer, like the Tower Horses photograph by Ken Van Sickle, purchased from SOCO Gallery, which hangs above an antique secretary and an antique drop-leaf table. Adjacent, a painting by artist Herb Jackson greets guests. OPPOSITE: Architectural designer Emily Bourgeois designed the powder room vanity, which was handmade by Eric Cockrell of Mudwerk. The dramatic walls are upholstered in a Knoll ultrasuede and serve as a neutral backdrop for the artwork by Donald Sultan. The lighting is by Arteriors.
AFTER TWENTY YEARS OF LIVING IN THEIR FOXCROFT home, the homeowners were ready for a change. “We loved our home but wanted to update it a bit,” the homeowner says. “We’d done a complete renovation of the home years before, but it needed another round, and we were deciding whether or not that was the route we wanted to go.”
Around the same time in 2015, the couple read about a new development planned on Queens Road by developer Brian Speas. Nolen Place, designed by architect Ken Pursley, would be nine luxury condo units on a beautiful two-acre site in the heart of Myers Park. The couple wanted in. “Our girls were getting older, and we were about to become empty nesters,” the homeowner says. “We loved our home,
Abut it was just too big for us and, truthfully, we wanted a change. The idea of living in a more urban environment really appealed to us, too.” So instead of a whole home renovation, the couple sold their Foxcroft home and purchased the first residence in Nolen Place before construction even began. The couple knew they needed help with the interior design, as they both wanted something modern and clean—a complete departure from the traditional aesthetic of their Foxcroft home. “They were so excited about reinventing their look,” interior designer Bronwyn Ford says. “They wanted to embrace living in this more urban space and let the interiors reflect that.” Part of Ford’s approach was
ABOVE: In the kitchen, Ford added the Ann Sacks mirror-tile backsplash on which she hung the custom metal shelf that she designed, which was fabricated by Hubbard Iron Works. She accented with sconces by Holly Hunt and Knoll Four Seasons Barstools in Atlas Lemongrass vinyl with a polished chrome base. TOP: The kitchen was designed by architectural designer Emily Bourgeois and features a view of the outdoor patio. Richard Schultz 1966 Collection dining chairs for Knoll and an iconic Eero Saarinen Tulip Table are standouts in this space. Landscape designer Laurie Durden designed the patio landscaping.
BOTTOM: Ford designed the casual breakfast dining area with several iconic Knoll pieces, such as the Eero Saarinen Tulip Table with a Calacatta marble satin finish and the Saarinen Executive Chair swathed in a Knoll ultrasuede. She complemented the midcentury-modern items with the more traditional lines of the custom banquette by Morgan Chair. The lamp is by Barbara Cosgrove.
to utilize the couple’s collection of modern art as the springboard for the home’s interior design. “I love the challenge of taking a client’s artwork and finding a new home for it,” she says. “Interior design is a puzzle to me, and you work it out to fit pieces together perfectly. I love when I have some parameters to work with but some freedom, too. You give me these ideas; I put it all in my mixing bowl and give it back to you.” Adds the homeowner, “Bronwyn has such a gift and an eye for design. We trusted her implicitly.”
That trust helped the designer take the reins on the interior design and begin pulling together a cohesive, contemporary space that allowed her client's artwork to shine. Having worked as a consultant for American design firm Knoll, the husband was drawn to the company’s midcentury-modern furniture, which Ford knew would complement their artwork. “They
ABOVE: The simple but elegant owner’s suite bathroom features White Carrera honedmarble flooring as the base. Ford then added Visual Comfort sconces and an RH metal floating mirror to complement the custom vanities by Bill Truitt WoodWorks and the Knoll Eero Saarinen Tulip Stool.
LEFT: Ford created an ethereal, relaxing owner’s suite with the custom bed by Morgan Chair. The bedding is from Bedside Manor, and the draperies are by Opuzen Gent. The floor lamp is by Robert Abbey.
had some really beautiful and iconic midcentury-modern pieces,” Ford says of items such as the Eero Saarinen Tulip Table and Womb Chair and the Richard Schultz 1966 Collection dining chairs. To create a more collected and warm space while simultaneously avoiding oversaturation of midcentury modern and contemporary furnishings, Ford seamlessly pulled in some of her client's existing antiques and more traditional pieces. “When you start mixing things like a bed from RH with a cool modern sofa from Design Within Reach with a vintage chest you found at a flea market, that’s when things get interesting.” Then, using Pursley’s stunning architectural detailing as the blank canvas, Ford began layering and mixing old with new, neutrals with subtle pops of color. “Ken’s architecture is definitely more traditional, so we couldn’t go all modern in this space; it wouldn’t look right,” Ford says.
Architect Ken Pursley designed Nolen Place. Units such as this one feature stunning architectural details like the cathedral ceiling in this guest bedroom. Ford designed the custom headboard and wall, which seamlessly tie in with the custom bed frame by Morgan Chair and the upholstery by Bernhardt. The nightstands are by Made Goods, and the lamps are by Jamie Young. OPPOSITE: Pursley designed this small nook in one of the guest bedrooms as a cozy seating area. Ford added a simple but luxurious daybed with a trundle by Lee Industries swathed in Farrow Midnight Blue fabric to highlight the dramatic architectural lines.
The neutral backdrop was ideal for highlighting the homeowners’ art collection, as well. “They have this beautiful collection by Romare Bearden, the Jazz Series, which was split up in their previous home,” Ford says. “But I felt it would have more impact if we kept them together.” So the designer grouped the six paintings, creating a dramatic focal point in the dining room. “When we first started talking about where those pieces would go, the thought of putting all six together was almost like, ‘Oh my gosh, is that too much goodness in one place?’ But it works so nicely together.” So as not to detract from the artwork, Ford added the low-lying Knoll Brno chairs and the custom
Ford wanted to infuse her client’s personalities into the decor. In the husband’s office, Ford hung the homeowners’ framed guitar signed by all members of the Eagles. A Julian Chichester Danish credenza serves as the bar, while a pair of club chairs by Verellen is ideal for cocktails. The lighting is by Visual Comfort through Circa Lighting. OPPOSITE: The upstairs landing works well as a game table for drinks and entertaining. Mitt chairs by Bernhardt surround the custom “ticket table” Ford designed using the homeowners’ collection of ticket stubs. The table was fabricated by Steve Morgan. The Arco Floor Lamp is by Flos.
linear chandelier by Evan Wood, which provides ample lighting but nearly fades away amongst the colorful art.
Ford designed the rest of the home similarly, allowing the artwork to shine while the midcentury-modern furnishings play a supporting role. The vanity, custom-designed by architectural designer Emily Bourgeois and handmade by Eric Cockrell of Mudwerk, coupled with the upholstered walls in Knoll’s ultrasuede in the powder room, allow the spectacular artwork by Donald Sultan to pop. In the foyer, Tower Horses, a dramatic photo by Ken Van Sickle, purchased from SOCO Gallery, hangs prominently above an antique secretary and an antique drop-leaf table. On the adjacent wall
hangs a bold, modern piece by Herb Jackson that the homeowner purchased through a private collector. “As the design process went on, they started to get a bit edgier in their artwork collections,” Ford says. “That drove a lot of the design, too.”
Looking back, the homeowners would gladly allow Ford the freedom to design their home over and over again. “Bronwyn took out all the clutter for me, literally and figuratively,” the homeowner says. “She really understood and respected that we wanted to maintain the integrity of some of our past but couple it with something new and fresh in this home. She truly just gets it, and we love everything about this home.” u
RESOURCESPHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BLEVINS.
LAYERS of LUXURY
TEXTURES AND COLORS CREATE CONTEMPORARY CHIC.
WRITTEN BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW
When Eric Ennis and Jennie Harper, designers at High Cotton Home Company, work hand-in-hand with a client, “We seek to create a casual yet refined aesthetic with designs built around complementary textures and layers,” Ennis says. So when a couple from South Carolina wandered into the store while shopping for furniture in Charlotte, they immediately connected with Ennis and Harper. Embarking on the beginning phase of building a custom home and wanting to create their dream space, they were looking for assistance in every aspect of the design.
When the clients approached High Cotton Home Company about the job, their primary request was for a design that was both welcoming for guests and efficient for family. After gaining a general feeling of how the clients wanted the home to function and their needs for each space, Ennis and Harper took the wish list and worked collaboratively with the family to pull together a design perfectly suited to their needs.
“We met at the showroom as the home plans were being drawn up and helped make changes to the flow and layout,” Ennis says. “In March 2020, they broke ground, and we were
—ERIC ENNIS
able to walk through the structure. It was fun to see everything come to life as we presented a full-furnishing design plan at that meeting. And then the rest fell into place, including finishing touches and a beautiful custom-sized rug.”
Because High Cotton Home Company came in early on the new build, they were able to walk the client through all of the finish selections along with the furnishings, wallpaper, and window treatments. The clients wanted a clean and simple space, free of overcomplicated design elements, that felt like a resort experience when walking through the front doors, from the foyer to the covered patio and stunning pool. The aesthetic was built around layers of textures, prints, and fabrics in a neutral palette, accented with bold pops of various blues and yellows. Contemporary, sleek lighting fixtures and warm gold finishes give the home a streamlined yet cozy ambiance. They perfectly complement the clean architectural details of the ceilings, cabinetry, and the mirrored wall in the custom bathroom.
“We worked closely with them on the timing of the project and managing the calendar, so we were able to make all the choices thoughtfully and consciously without rushing,” Ennis says. “We also maintained a close eye on production times for furniture and made sure we were ordering well ahead. And given how the pandemic affected the furniture industry, it was a good thing we did! We were able to get every last piece ordered and delivered in time for move-in.” u
For more information, contact HIGH COTTON HOME COMPANY at 704-335-1220 or visit HIGHCOTTONCOMPANY.COM.
EXPERIENCE THE KITCHEN SUITE OF APPLIANCES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE NATURE’S FLAVORS AND INSPIRE CULINARY CREATIVITY.
ELECTROLUX IS PASSIONATE ABOUT BETTER LIVING
BETTER LIVING MEANS AMPLIFYING NATURE‘S UNIQUE FLAVORS: Enhance juiciness, texture and flavor with our in-oven air sous vide. This technology uses air instead of water to deliver perfectly cooked salmon filets and other delectable proteins.
TASTE AS NATURE INTENDED: Electrolux refrigerators ensure leafy greens remain crisp with less wilting and berries stay plump and juicy longer with our TasteLockTM Plus Crispers. THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED WITH CULINARY CREATIVITY IN MIND: The new induction cooktops and rangers feature precise temperature control and power slide, giving you more freedom to craft the perfect meal.
Electrolux appliances help preserve what nature provides, enhance natural flavors and prevent less waste for a more sustainable future.
AVAILABLE AT
VISIT QUEENCITYONLINE.COM TO LEARN MORE.
FRESH PERSPECTIVES
REMODELING FINDS ITS WINGS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD.
WRITTEN BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW
As the light begins to shine on a post-pandemic world, the value of home is more apparent now than ever. Fresh off a year of hunkering down in quarantine, many are casting a critical eye over their living spaces and reconsidering what does and doesn’t work. And skyrocketing lumber costs coupled with a seller-friendly real estate market are making renovations on current properties a more appealing option over new construction.
Kathryn Lilly Interiors recently completed a total kitchen renovation for a client in Davidson’s River Run neighborhood. “The house had a gorgeous view of the golf course, but the kitchen was small, dark, and dated. We were challenged with some odd angles and the inability to expand spatially, so we used a few tricks to make the space feel larger and more streamlined,” owner Jody Kurtz says.
Though Kurtz often pushes clients to consider colored cabinetry, the client had chosen white, so they compromised with the installation of a pale-blue arched pantry door for a pop of interest, as well as the addition of porcelain countertops
—JODY KURTZ
with mitered edges to create the illusion of thickness. Turning up the countertops as a backsplash made a statement in the space, adding class through clean, sleek lines. Installing hidden storage created a seamless aesthetic while still maintaining easy access to everyday essentials, and oversized woven lighting created a fun statement piece to tie the area together. Kurtz replaced upper cabinetry in the bar area with brass bistro shelving and stunning marble mosaic tile to transform the space from drab to fab. She touts the addition of a customized Italian or French range, such as La Cornue or Ilve, to any kitchen remodel to set off the comprehensive design and ensure optimum functionality.
Kurtz notes that while kitchens and primary bathrooms have continued to generate the highest demand for remodels, there is currently a surge in requests for full-home facelifts. “Living through the pandemic has the entire world viewing their lifestyle in a different light. After spending so much time at home over the past year, more people are choosing to remodel to make their main living quarters feel like a retreat or a personalized escape. Though kitchen and bath remodels have outpaced other areas for years, we now have many full-house projects currently in progress.”
Any remodeling project’s first and most important step is starting the process with a solid team that consists of a designer, builder, and, in some cases, an architect. The experts at Kathryn Lilly Interiors specialize in renovations and new construction projects. The team has developed a seamless approach to guide clients through the construction process, allowing them the peace of mind to relax while watching their vision come to life. Initially, Kathryn Lilly Interiors will meet with the client in their space to get a feel for the project scope and assess the client’s best operating practices.
“Our team is constantly fine-tuning our process,” Kurtz says. “Some clients prefer to hand over the vision while others want to walk beside us throughout the project, and we welcome both approaches.” u
For more information, contact KATHRYN LILLY INTERIORS at 980-494-3319 or visit KATHRYNLILLYINTERIORS.COM.
SURF'S UP
BY BETH CONANT-KEIM
WHEN DESIGNING A KID’S ROOM, I AIM TO INCORPORATE FURNITURE THAT WILL LAST.
That’s my number one goal. Goal number two is to have a little fun with the design. Getting a little insight into the child’s personality always drives the look. When working on Hudson’s room, we went for a beach vibe mixed with a slight urban edge.
Choosing a good bed was my first priority. This one has a metal detail that gives the room the urban vibe that Hudson desired. Two drop pendants add character, and a fun piece of art immediately creates a focal point in the space. I wanted to mix in more texture and beachy colors, and the ombre bedding in shades of blue was the perfect choice.
We worked with Detroit Wallpaper and artist Keith Keim to create a custom wave mural that we strategically placed in a corner, so it flows from one side of the room to the other. A painting technique over the top gave it an additional custom feel and the whimsy I was striving for.
When I think of the beach, for some reason, my mind goes to the ’70s, so I was thrilled when we included a vintage-style dresser with a unique pattern on the wood. The dresser pulls together the wood tones throughout the room.
A simple old-school “smiley” pillow resting on the wooden hand chair adds the perfect finishing touch.
This revamped bedroom was a big surprise for Hudson, and, as you can imagine, it was very well received. u
BETH CONANT-KEIM is the owner of LUCY AND COMPANY, a full-service interior design firm located at 2108 South Boulevard, Suite 213. For more information, visit LUCYANDCOMPANY.COM, or call 704-342-6655.
Simply the Best...
Sophisticated, fashionable yet comfortable interiors with YOU in mind • Modern and Transitional designs for your home or office • Fabrics, custom upholstered furniture, custom drapery and window shades, lighting,rugs, bed linens, case goods, original artwork, reupholstery, pillows and accessories • No design fees with purchase • Free local delivery • Day and evening appointments available Thank you for 24 years in business!
A BLANK CANVAS
BY SANDI BARNES
A BLANK CANVAS CAN SCARE ANYONE, BUT TO ME, IT SIGNIFIES INNOVATIVE POSSIBILITIES, A MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING.
This is how I like to visualize a new project, be it a new construction or a renovation. Asking homeowners about their lives and how they envision utilizing the space allows us to be creative and think about the result. Our lifestyles have changed over the past year, and at IMPACT Design Resources, our creative juices are flowing to meet shifting design trends.
When planning a kitchen layout, the focus is usually on optimizing space, but the layout must also meet your individual needs; everyone is unique. My goal is to take an existing space and bring it to the next level in terms of function and design.
When it comes to checking boxes for homeowners, cabinets with built-in specialty organizers and pullouts have become a “want” item. Organizing spices and cookie trays tops the list, and we take satisfaction in coming up with creative solutions you may not have thought of. On the rise are easy-to-clean, low-maintenance finishes and ways to combat germs. Clients are adding doors to cabinets and floating shelves, making it easy to maintain a germ-free environment.
It is no surprise that homeowners like to mix things up when it comes to the finish, color, and style of the cabinets in their homes. Clients are bringing the outdoors in, integrating different wood tones and species to create a calming effect throughout the home, and incorporating this aesthetic into kitchen extensions to fashion a more defined space that can function as a work or entertainment area.
Start your project off right by discussing your thoughts and hopes with an expert. Let us help you turn your blank canvas into the masterpiece you have always dreamed of.u
SANDI BARNES is a senior designer at IMPACT DESIGN RESOURCES. Contact Sandi at 704-677-5338, visit IMPACTDESIGNRESOURCES.COM, or tour their SouthEnd showroom.
ARTS & CULTURE SPOTLIGHT
INTRODUCTIONS
HIDELL BROOKS GALLERY Through August 20 hidellbrooks.com
A group exhibition curated by Hidell Brooks Gallery, Introductions introduces nine artists who have rarely (or never) been exhibited in Charlotte, including North Carolina artists Donald Martiny, Celia Johnson, Barbara Campbell Thomas, and native Charlottean Millie Sims. Each artist will show a collection of new works created specifically for this exhibition.
BEVERLY FISHMAN
SOCO GALLERY September 1–November 3 soco-gallery.com
Beverly Fishman’s unique use of materials and form create powerful abstract pieces. In this exhibition, Fishman’s highly aesthetic, bright, bold paintings are reminiscent of classic midcentury hard-edge abstraction and influenced by the California light and space movement. Fishman’s multidisciplinary work explores the technological, scientific, and biological systems of perception and representation. Her works seek to provoke conversations about the ways people see their bodies and minds and how they create their identities.
SUMMERTIME
JERALD MELBERG GALLERY Through August 21 jeraldmelberg.com
A group exhibition, Summertime features paintings, sculptures, and works on paper inspired by the season of summer. Artists include J. Bardin, Charles Basham, Romare Bearden, Katherine Boxall, Dale Chihuly, Christopher Clamp, Raul Diaz, Susan Grossman, Lee Hall, Wolf Kahn, Kim Keever, Robert Kushner, Thomas McNickle, Robert Motherwell, Roland Poska, Manuel Reyna, Brian Rutenberg, and Esteban Vicente.
PALMETTO TILE, NC
