HOME CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN AND PERSONAL STYLE
April/May
2015
CHARLOTTE URBAN
Live in the wow. At Advanced Renovations, our design-build experts
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Come tour the finest model homes currently open in the Carolinas Visit our Bordeaux model in e Club at Longview and our Berkeley model in e Coves on River Oaks, where you will experience the elegance, craftsmanship and lasting value of an Arthur Rutenberg Home. Our model homes represent fine examples of our award–winning Plan Collection of home designs, each of which can be customized to fit your lifestyle.
Please visit our model homes: Bordeaux (photo at left) in e Club at Longview 8722 Southshore Drive, Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-814-0114
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HOME CHARLOTTE URBAN
april/may 2015
CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN AND PERSONAL STYLE
Reaching 198,000 homes annually
April/May 2015
CONTENTS
16
VOL 15 NO 2
www.urbanhomemagazine.com Publisher Mark Herrmann Managing Editor Anne Marie Ashley
28
Editorial Director Tammy Wanchisn Marketing Intern Frances Parrish
Writers Anne Marie Ashley Nancy Atkinson Brandy Snow Dana Todd Frances Parrish Laura Jackson Sales Kathleen Hands Art Direction Harriet McDowall PageCreations Photography Dustin Peck Photography www.dustinpeckphotography.com Livengood Photographs www.livengoodphotographs.com Contributing Editors Trent Haston Beth Keim Catherine Whitney Production Administrator Shelley Kemper
feature home 16 The Constant Curator feature home 28 Rambling Beauty spaces we love 34 Designer: Charlotte Lucas
Phone 704-332-1504
trending
Fax 704-973-5685
real estate trends 40 The Real Estate Renaissance
Email: comments@urbanhomemagazine.com Website: www.urbanhomemagazine.com
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All contents copyright 2015, Casey Communications Inc. 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 Urban Home Magazine. The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Casey Communications Inc. 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. Casey Communications Inc., d.b.a. Urban Home Magazine, will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Casey Communications Inc., d.b.a. Urban Home Magazine, is subject to the Fair Housing Act which states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.� Casey Communications Inc., d.b.a. Urban Home Magazine, does not act as an agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase.
10 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
kitchen & bath trends 44 Design Rewind: The Scullery outdoor trends 46 Spring Planting Guide decorating trends 52 In the Doghouse
departments
contributing editors 54
room service: beth keim The Dark Room
62
building a better home: trent haston Making A House Your Home
66
kitchen design: catherine whitney A New Composition
resources outdoor living 70 The Gathering Spot 74 Coming into Focus custom homes 78 Customize To Maximize
lifestyles 58 Explore Charlotte
real estate 82 For The Love of Luxury
essentials 60 Brew Master
home improvements 86 Fresh Perspective
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Home Design
The Constant Curator
Rambling Beauty
Spaces We Love
Page 16
Page 28
Page 34
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 15
Curator E The
constant By Nancy Atkinson Photography by Dustin Peck
Every home tells a story about its owners; how they like to live, where they’ve travelled and the things they enjoy collecting. The best homes layer well-loved items throughout the house giving personality, style and an authentic character to it. Walking through the Eastover home of Amy and John Hines, you immediately sense the couple’s understated, refined taste: her love of fashion, with preppy New England roots and his interest in maps and history. And even though the couple, their four children and one Frenchie have lived in the home for only 10 years, it has the warm, relaxed feeling of a place that has evolved over time. Interior Designer Holly Phillips of The English Room may have something to do with that too. She began working with Amy soon after the couple purchased the home.
She says the décor works because her client has a passion for decorating and a clear vision for what she likes. The home is also a perfect example of Holly’s design philosophy: “Buy the things you love and you will find a place for them.” “Holly and I began with a good foundation of wallpaper and paints,” says Amy. “I still love all of the wallpapers we chose to this day, especially the painted Paul Montgomery paper Holly found for our dining room.” The things Amy loves most about her home are the textures that make it warm and welcoming: grasscloth, seagrass, fur and suede. She also loves the plaids and stripes used as accents and the artwork the couple has collected from their travels and from local artists in Charlotte. “Some people curate and Amy is one of those,” explains Holly. “That is why
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 17
her home is ever-changing and always evolving. It is a product of constant layering and it absolutely speaks to Amy’s personality.” As Amy continues to curate, Holly helps her incorporate each new treasure into the home’s décor. Maps, nautical themes, equestrian items and original artwork are a few of Amy’s favorites that find their way into the design scheme. “We layer. Nothing is done in a hurry,” says Holly. “Amy finds a piece of art she loves and we move the décor around in the house to accommodate the new addition. She loves pieces she can move from room to room.” And while the home reflects Amy’s taste, Holly’s influence is seen throughout, as an eclectically modern twist on Amy’s classically understated style. “My style is more modern. I love mixing antiques with contemporary pieces and modern art,” says Holly. “I am also always attracted to color, while Amy prefers a more subtle palette of beiges, taupes and grays that remind her of the Nantucket coast where she loves to vacation.” Like the home itself, the working relationship between the two women has evolved. Amy appreciates Holly’s designer eye. “She is able to mix my more calm whites and grays with a pop of something modern like Kathryn Ireland’s Greek key window treatments, turtle lamps or Amanda Talley’s fun artwork.”
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 19
20 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 21
Some of the most interesting design elements in the home speak to the women’s shared love of animals. Golden turtle shells and intertwined coy lamps, crystal snakes on the coffee table, antlers in the kitchen; paintings of birds, thoroughbreds and whale’s tales, animal-hide rugs and antelope patterned carpet (a personal favorite of Holly’s) connect the home with nature. The living room, with its mix of modern and traditional, is Holly’s favorite. She loves the contrast of the horn mirror, modern artwork by Amanda Talley (of Hidell Brooks Gallery) and the David Hicks rugs. But she also thinks the kitchen is amazing. “It is modern and classic all at the same time, which is hard to achieve.” Recently renovated, the Hines’ kitchen was designed by Sam Greason at Meyer Greason Paullin Benson and builder, Andrew Roby. The large island is just big enough to allow people to gather without taking up too much space – perfect for the family that loves to cook together. “We added pretty lamps and curved sides to accent the area and make the oven hood a focal point,” Amy says. “The forged metal work on the cabinets brings in a preppy barn-like feel. We loved the Manhattan Calcutta marble with its dramatic veins.” Even though she loves her new kitchen, Amy says her favorite room is the great room. “It is layered with art and a pretty rug. There is a constant fire in the fireplace and on nice days we can open the French doors onto the terrace,” she says. “You can see the kitchen from the great room so it feels like you are in one big room. It’s like getting two beautiful spaces in one.”v
The best homes layer well-loved items throughout the house giving personality, style and an authentic character to it.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 25
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Capturing The Design & Build swimming pools Pool Houses / Cabanas
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28 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Rambling Beauty By Anne Marie Ashley Photography by Livengood Photographs
For some, finding their dream home just takes patience; the kind of patience that can wait for the perfect house to go on the market and then jump on the chance to make an offer.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 29
30 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
T
That’s the story behind this Lake Norman home, designed by Melodie Durham. Her clients already owned a home on the lake when they would frequently pass by, thinking this one was their favorite home of all the ones lining the water. When it came on the market, they weren’t able to make an offer, but filed it away and looked at it often. Two years later, it was available again and this time, they snatched it up. After working with Melodie on several other projects in their primary Salisbury home, they knew they needed her keen eye for their new weekend home. “My clients had owned other homes on the lake and in the mountains, and wanted to use their collected items in this home as well,” explains Melodie. “They wanted each floor to have its own ambience. The home rambles and has so many nooks and crannies, it was the perfect summer/weekend home for their childrend and grandchildren.” With lake views on three sides, Melodie knew they could dial up the scenery. Over the next 14 months, Melodie worked closely with the homeowners placing their collection into spaces that made their possessions shine. “I always say that it’s easy to decorate with a magazine shoot in mind,” offers Melodie. “But it’s much more fun and challenging to mix heirloom pieces with new treasures that aren’t intended to ‘match.’” As
her clients traveled around, they would find pieces they loved and call or text Melodie to ask if it would work in their design. “Most of the time, they were dead on the mark,” she says. Melodie accessorized according to each floor. The main floor is more rustic, and many items were used from a previous mountain home, pulled from their attic with consignment pieces added alongside. The second floor, by contrast, is a study in lake living and many of the furnishings were purchased from a friend’s beach home as well as custom-made and found pieces from places all over North Carolina. “Despite the many design aesthetics, the house flows effortlessly because the home is large,” explains Melodie. “Its easy to allow each floor to have it’s own personality.” When asked what her favorite room in the home is, Melodie quickly decides on the master bedroom. “You can lay in the blue Habersham bed watch the lake shimmering in the morning or dancing in the moonlight at night,” she says. “The sun porch is my second favorite. We re-covered a Duncan Phyfe sofa that belonged to the lady of the home’s grandmother, and the homeowners and I mutually adored the French coffee table in an antique shop separately before I even knew they purchased it. That’s how intune we were.”v
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 31
HOME D E C OR
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Let Us Introduce Your Home To The World
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Charlotte
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Designer: Charlotte Lucas
SPACES WE LOVE Layered rugs create an intimate feel and subtle drapes add softness alongside the grasscloth and dark trim. “My client found this great vintage sofa at an estate sale, which we re-covered in a warm velvet with a contrast trim around the base of the skirt,” explains Charlotte. Pink artwork from Gregg Irby Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta, added a pop of color, bringing high contrast to the dark blues of the room.
This special living room designed by Charlotte Lucas is colorful, sophisticated and oh-so-pretty. Plain and simple, we love this space.
“The room felt large with its tall ceilings, so we used the dark navy trim and grasscloth to make it cozy while adding texture.” – Charlotte Lucas –
Key Design Elements: Grasscloth wall covering, Schumacher. www.fschumacher.com.
Accent table, Darnell & Company. www.darnellandcompany.com.
Trim color, Navy Masterpiece by Benjamin Moore. www.benjaminmoore.com.
Drapery fabric, James Dunlop fabric with Mokum trim. www.jamesdunloptextiles.com.
34 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Vintage sofa, re-upholstered in Romo Velvet. Romo, www.romo.com.
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“A HOME IS not a mere transient shelter : its essence lies in its permanence, in its capacity of accretion and solidification, in its quality of representing , in all its details, the personalities of THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN IT.” H. L. Mencken
What does your home say?
SALINS GROUP GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Custom Homes
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Trending
The Real Estate Renaissance
Design Rewind: The Scullery
Spring Planting Guide
In the Doghouse
Page 40
Page 44
Page 46
Page 52
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 39
Real Estate
n Trends
The Real Estate
Renaissance By Nancy Atkinson
Ivester Jackson
In the housing market, timing is everything. Charlotte’s market is buzzing back to life, just in time for spring weather and perfect for staging. Whether you’ve been waiting to buy, sell or invest, this might be the time to make your move. Real estate experts say this is the greatest demand they’ve seen in the market since the prerecession peak of 2006, when the market was still booming. This time, they believe the demands are sustainable. What’s creating this surge? Home prices are rising but haven’t yet returned to pre-recession rates. Reasonable home prices combined with job growth and low interest rates have led to a boost in consumer confidence. But a word of caution with that optimism: experts advise keeping an eye on the interest rate. Low rates will be the leading indicator of just how long this active home market will last. Some industry economists expect mortgage rates to begin drifting up this summer and possibly reach 5 percent by year’s end, which is still historically low, but could be enough to scare off buyers. For now, depending on where you’re looking to buy, know that the market is very competitive. With fewer listings than a year ago, homes are selling faster due to increased demand. 40 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Cottingham Chalk Hayes
According to the January 2015 monthly report from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, home sales were up 8.8 percent from this time last year. Average sales prices in the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) rose 5.5 percent from last year, and sellers are getting about 95 percent of their list price. This picture changes as we get closer to the city, though still maintaining the upward trend, real estate is moving more quickly and prices are 10 percent higher than last year. Listings are reduced by 25 percent and sold more quickly, staying on the market 30 percent fewer days. Buying or selling, you’ll need a smart strategy to gain the competitive edge in this active market. We’ve got advice from the home professionals to get you started.
Selling In A Competitive Market
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell, this is your opportunity to jump in and list your house. Real estate experts say homes that are priced correctly and available for showing should sell. Make the right moves now to position your home for a successful spring sale. Begin by putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Enter your home at
the front door and walk through as if you were a buyer, being critical of every aspect. Timing A seller’s market can be short-lived. If you’re thinking about selling, begin the process as soon as possible. Have your home inspected, realizing some things may take longer to fix than anticipated. Next, search for a great agent. Interview several and choose the one who has a passion for negotiation and will walk you through the financial aspects of every deal. De-clutter Clutter is one of the biggest reasons homes don’t sell for higher prices, because it keeps buyers from envisioning themselves in your home. All homes show better with less furniture. And it pays to remember that buyers look in closets, cupboards and storage areas. Rent a storage unit if you need to. One local real estate agent suggested putting any clothes you don’t need into storage to free up space in your closet, advising that an over-filled closet gives buyers the impression that your home is cramped and lacking storage.
Staging According to the National Association of Realtors, staging can help a property sell 50 percent faster and for as much as 6.9 percent higher. Your home will be competing with new construction homes with a clean slate look that buyers can fill with their own vision. Consider hiring a professional stager, who knows exactly how to show off your space. Curb Appeal Buyers decide whether they’re interested within the first eight seconds of seeing your home. Eight seconds! Edge your lawn, mulch your flowerbeds, trim your bushes, pressure wash the driveway and paint your door and trim. Their first impression is created the moment they pull up to the curb. Stand Out Don’t just sell the home; sell the community. Provide information on nearby schools and their rankings, awards and other relevant information. Sell the amenities of your community and its culture. Buyers are not just buying a roof and side walls, they’re buying a lifestyle. April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 41
Charlotte Real Estate Charlotte MSA Real Estate:
A Snapshot*
Average sales price: $223,505 Cumulative days on the market: 93 Percent of original list price received: 93.6 % Average home value: $483,775 Average household income: $126,172 Per capita income: $69,830 Average net worth: $1.4 million Average disposable income: $110,590
Source: Charlotte Regional Realtor Association
Charlotte’s Wealthiest Zip Code:
28207
Source: Charlotte Business Journal, figures are from 2014
Pricing Buyers will be comparing your home to other properties to determine the best value. Consider getting price estimates from three good brokers and go with the lowest. A good agent will watch the competition daily and let you know of any changes that affect you. Access If you can’t show it, you can’t sell it. It’s that simple. So, make sure your home is ready at all times for potential buyers to view. Get up 30 minutes earlier each morning to make beds, do dishes, take the trash out and open the blinds. Have a pet plan in place so the animals aren’t barking, jumping or creating unpleasant odors.
Buying In A Competitive Market
Since it’s a matter of supply and demand, with more buyers than sellers driving prices up, industry experts advise keeping an eye on the month’s supply of homes for sale. A normal market supply is six months. When the inventory drops below that (as it is now with only a 3.4 month supply in the Charlotte MSA) home prices will increase. Look for the balance to return some this spring as inventories increase. To survive in a competitive market, you must be flexible with your schedule and be ready and able to move when the right home comes your way. Make sure you are pre-approved for a loan and have a strong pre-approval letter to attach to your offer. Have your inspector and attorney sitting on standby and make sure all your finances are in order so you can move quickly.
42 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Bidding wars When multiple offers are on the table, you must first decide if this is the right home for you, without letting the market conditions create a halo effect on the home. Know how much you are willing and able to pay. Remember that it’s not always about the money; find out what matters to the sellers. Can you close quickly to save them money, or later to give them more time to find a new home? Consider having your agent tell the sellers a little about you and why you love the property. Making an offer In a hot sellers’ market, it is good to put in your best offer as quickly as possible. A good, fast and clean offer means paying what the property is worth to you, uncluttered by lots of contingencies. Have your agent compile a detailed comparative market analysis to determine the fair market value of the property. It’s okay to pay a bit more if you really love the place, as long as the property appraises for the price you’re financing. It’s also okay to bid less if you have other strong options. How to counter Some experts suggest looking in a price range below your maximum in case you have to bid up. Make sure your agent has experience in bidding wars and is prepared to help you win. Consider attaching a cover letter with your offer about your personal history and a family photo along with a genuine appeal about how much you’d love to raise your family in the seller’s home. It may sound a little over-the-top, but personal stories make an impact, particularly if you’re in a bidding war with other offers on the table. Finally, increase your good faith deposit to 5 or 10 percent of the price to let the sellers know you’re serious and they’ve got a buyer with skin in the game.v
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The Scullery
Kitchen and Bath
n Trends
D es i g n Re w i nd :
Kathryn Long
Kim Mauney
Everything old is new again and design, like style, can be cyclical. The concept of a scullery dates back to the 15th century and refers to a room, separate from the kitchen, used to prepare food, clean and store dishes and utensils and generally house all the “dirty work� required to cook meals; sometimes, it even served as the laundry room. As time progressed, sculleries became utility rooms, mudrooms and stop and drops. Today, however, the desire for kitchens to be another beautiful show piece in the livable home has given way to a rise in scullery additions, bringing back this outdated concept in an updated way. Check out these beautiful ways to update the ultimate utilitarian room of the home.v
44 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
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Outdoor Living
n Trends
Spring Planting Guide
April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. Spring is a great time to clear away those dead winter leaves and make room for fresh, vibrant flowers and plants, and bring your yard back to life. Prep Work
Clear Drainage Ditches Leaves and debris can gather in drainage areas during winter. Spring rains will need adequate runoff and spring seedlings do best in soil that drains well. Weeding and Mulching Beds Weeds that appear in garden beds will be easiest to pull now, as the roots are shallow. Covering bare spots with mulch or ground cover will minimize the emergence of new weeds. Add mulch to a depth of 3 to 4 inches and use black plastic sheeting to cover the beds before planting to suppress emerging weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and the crowns and stems of plants. This helps reduce rot on stems of young plants and protects the bark of young fruit trees. Top Dress Beds Top dress garden beds with compost or manure in preparation for planting. Resist the urge to dig the bed; established beds have a complex soil ecosystem that’s best left undisturbed.
If you want to see more butterflies and birds in your yard, plant their favorite flowers! Amaryllis Begonias Caladium Bulbs Calla Lily Canna Lily Dahlia Elephant Ears Gladiolus Lilies Butterfly Bush Helen’s Flower Golden Rod
46 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Lay Lime Soils with a pH below 6.2 will benefit from the addition of lime. Dolomite is the finest grind; hydrate lime, or “quick lime”, is not recommended, as it can change the soil pH so rapidly that plants may be damaged. Ideally, lime should be added several weeks before planting for best results. Prepare Your Lawn Rake the lawn to remove dead growth, which helps bring light and air to the top, encouraging grass to grow. Reseed bare patches of lawn and rake bare spots firmly with a metal rake before seeding. Sprinkle grass seed into a bucket of soil and spread evenly over the bare spot. Keep it well watered until seeds germinate and the new grass establishes. Pruning Prune trees and shrubs after new growth has begun. Prune roses just before they start to bud out. Spring blooming trees and shrubs, however, should not be pruned
in late winter; their flower buds are ready to open as temperatures warm. Azaleas, forsythia, weigela, dogwood and other spring shrubs can be pruned during early spring preparation.
Start Digging!
When to Plant It’s best to plant new bulbs in late February or early March to achieve the best looking flower. Once it’s free of ice crystals and crumbles easily, the soil is ready for gardening. After the bulbs are planted, spread topsoil and mulch around the plant to give the flowers extra nutrients. Divide and Conquer Divide perennials and clear and mulch perennial beds. For easier handling, try to time the division so emerging shoots are only 2 to 4 inches tall. Prepare new beds for perennial flowers by spreading a 6-inch deep layer of organic matter (i.e. peat moss, compost, rotted manure) and work in deeply. Plant out daffodils, lilies, crocus, hyacinth and any other bulbs that were forced into pots or bowls inside. Attracting Pollenators The first flowers to appear each spring are especially valued since they help to establish a resident bee population, which is needed throughout the growing season. Plant flowers in clumps; flowers of the same species clumped together will attract more bees than individual flowers dispersed throughout the garden. Plant flowers with different shapes. Different species of bees have different tongue lengths and favor flowers specific to their anatomy. A variety of sizes and shapes of flower will attract a corresponding variety of bees and pollinating insects. Try heather, rockcress or English lavender. Deadheading You can greatly extend the blooming time of your spring annuals by removing the faded blooms. Using clippers, cut longstemmed flowers back to the main stem or base. If you want your plants to self-sow, let the last of the flowers go to seed and drop where they may.v
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2015 May Urban Home half _Layout 1 3/16/15 2:31 PM Page 1
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Decorating
n Trends
In the Dog House Spaces for the other family member
Artistic Renovations
Betsy Bassett Interiors
There is increasing demand for special spaces for our furry family members. These pet-centric spaces, as they’re called, include everything from “dog spas” and grooming centers to lounge areas and rooms with pet-size furniture. Kitchens are being redesigned with pullout shelves for dog food bowls or entertainment centers transformed into a doggy-hide-away. Whatever your style, here are some ideas to make your furry friend feel right at home. Food prep and storage - Food can be stored in a separate hutch or built into your drawers in the kitchen. Transform the bottom drawer in the lower kitchen cabinet into doggy food bowls and use a vertical sliding drawer to store dog food containers. Doggy hide-away - Convert any extra space into your pet’s perfect hideaway. Under the stairs or underneath window seats can be redesigned with your pet in mind. Place down bedding inside and add a stylish grate to the front wall of the space for proper ventilation for your pet.
Driven by Decor 52 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
New York Times
by Frances Parrish
Decor Advisor
Play time - Space underneath benches or end tables can be converted into storage space for your pet’s toys. Wicker or fabric boxes and baskets are the best way to store toys for cats and dogs – if they knock them over, they won’t break. Keeping toys low to the ground is a good way for your pet to choose his own toy whenever he wants. Bath Time – Small showers can be added to any mudroom or bathroom, making washing your pet a cinch. Stainless steel sinks or tubs on stilts can be added to the corner of the mudroom to wash your dog or a small shower, raised to waist-height, can be added into the wall of your bathroom for easy pet bathing. Containment - Dog and cat kennels can be stylish and practical. Beth Keim with Lucy and Company designed a pet crate that doubles as a footstool when not in use. The stylish exterior can be pulled away to reveal the mesh sides of the crate allowing for ventilation.v
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Contributing Editor | Room Service
The Dark Room
BETH KEIM Don’t dismiss the idea of dark walls even in the smallest of spaces; it adds a ton of drama!
My clients, Spencer and Sara Skelton Yorke, recently purchased their first home. The Cotswold home is a one-story ranch with a ton of potential. Both in the real estate business, they can easily spot a diamond in the rough, especially in the right location, and they reached out for design help to transform their new digs into something they adore. The ceiling height – a little low, and the windows – not dramatically large, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to create a cozy master retreat with…gasp…dark walls. I am asked more times than I can count if dark paint colors will close in the room. My response to that is, “not if it’s styled right.” Sarah paused a moment when she learned my choice of dark chocolate paint, which I pulled from her existing headboard, but I urged her not to worry. The key in pulling off dark walls in a small room is, in my opinion, pairing it with light colored accessories, bedding, rugs, windows and (primarily) art. Using large pieces, light in color and content,
54 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
as well as framing will not only pop from those dark walls, but also add so much depth. In this space, I kept the new side table, lamp and overhead light all in shades of white and chose a large rug in a nubby white pattern. Sara fell in love with the window treatments I had in my office, and I was happy to give her space the same feel with these gorgeous gold and white Rose Cumming classic banana leaf drapes. A mix of styles and a heavy dose of eclectic artwork gave the space interest; it was a collected look. This space was all about layering. I shopped local for interesting pieces and, keeping it in the neighborhood, I hit Cotswold Marketplace for just the right accessories to finish off my cozy, updated look. Don’t dismiss the idea of dark walls even in the smallest of spaces; it adds a ton of drama!v Beth Keim is the owner of Lucy and Company, a full-service interior design firm located at 1009 East Boulevard. For more information visit www.lucyandcompany.com or call 704-342-6655.
Images courtesy of Mekenzie France.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 55
One of Charlotte’s newest galleries devoted exclusively to Latin American contemporary art
New Hours!
Latin American Contemporary Art Projects proudly presents
Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturdays: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
f
Collective f
E-mail info@lacaprojects.com for private appointments Fuga, Ricardo “Chino” Morales, Oil on canvas
Your Soul Has Become an Invisible Bee, Cristina Toro, Acrylic on canvas
March 19 - June 5 Featuring a dynamic compilation of works featured at LaCa Projects since its opening in March 2012. New works will also be on view!
56 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Ventana IV, Jeannine Marchand, Ceramic, steel, wood
Winter Walker, Roberto Marquez, Oil on canvas
Visit LaCa Projects the first Friday of every month between 4 and 6 p.m. for complimentary wine and tours of the gallery and artist studios.
1429 Bryant Street Charlotte, NC 28208 704.837.1688 www.lacaprojects.com info@lacaprojects.com Artist studios now open! With more than 5,000 square feet, LaCa Projects is ideal for corporate and private rentals.
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OTTE L AR CH Our latest finds in home, events and shopping in Charlotte
Dilworth Antique Lighting A family owned and operated business; open for over 15 years, Dilworth Antique Lighting is the perfect place to find a truly unique fixture. With a full inventory of chandeliers, lamps, sconces, accessories and more, you could get lost in the showroom. One-of-akind pieces from Italy and France are offered right alongside favorites from Currey & Co. and Bevolo. Located off Tremont Avenue; for more information, visit www.dilworthantiquelighting.com.
Fu Man Chu Cupcakes Andy Jackson recently turned his hobby into a business when he opened Fu Man Chu Cupcakes in Plaza Midwood. As you might have guessed, Fu Man Chu is not your average cupcake shop; the cupcakes are anything but average in fact – they’re delicious and completely original. Though you can find some classic favorites, we recommend trying some of Andy’s special cupcakes like the French Toast Cupcake, the Sriracha Lemongrass Cupcake and the Andy’s Mint. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a cupcake made with beer or liquor! We recommend the Irish Car Bomb; Guinness chocolate cake filled with Jameson Irish whiskey ganache and topped with Bailey’s Irish Cream icing. For more information, visit www.fumanchucupcakes.com.
Ruby’s Gift Named after her Aunt Ruby and her daughter of the same name, owner Patricia quit corporate America in 2009 for a shot at nurturing her artistic passions. She opened Ruby’s Gift in NoDa and has been giving local crafters an outlet to sell their handmade items. Located right in the heart of the arts district, Ruby’s features one-of-a-kind gifts, all created by local artisans. From art, jewelry and clothing to pottery, home goods and accessories, it’s the perfect way to shop local and give unique. For more information on the shop, as well as their participation in the weekly art crawls, visit www.rubysgift.com.
58 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
essentials new products
BREW MASTER 1.
Belle Meade Bourbon Originally produced by Charles Nelson in conjunction with Sperry, Wade & Co., Belle Meade Bourbon is a brand that dates back to the American pre-Prohibition era. Hand-crafted in small collections of just four barrels each, Belle Meade is distinguished by a high rye content, clocking in at 90.4 proof, the ideal ‘sweet spot’ for depth of character. Available by special order at your local ABC Store. www.greenbrierdistillery.com
2.
Enderly Coffee Established in Charlotte in 2012, Enderly Coffee is owned by two teachers who fell in love over a cup of coffee. Their mission is to bring more justice to the world and the community, and a portion of every purchase goes to support community development in Enderly Park. Available online only. www.enderlycoffee.com.
3.
2
4
Frieling Insulated Coffee Maker French Press Make way, French presses! The Frieling Insulated French Press is a step up from your average French press with its double wall insulation, keeping contents hot four times longer than basic French presses. Available at Le Cookery of Charlotte. www.lecookery.com.
4.
Black Powder Roasting Co. Responsibly harvested, divinely roasted coffee. Small batch coffee roaster of prime super hard beans from many origins. Based in Mooresville, NC, BPR focuses on the right roast of the right bean with proper storage before and after roasting. Available at EarthFare. www.blackpowderroasting.com.
5.
The Homebrewer’s Companion Second Edition, by Charlie Papazian. The godfather of homebrewing takes readers beyond the basics of beer. This second edition of the classic volume includes detailed charts and tables, the latest techniques and equipment information, new recipes and more. Available at Park Road Books. www.parkroadbooks.com.
6.
1
Muddy River Distillery Established in 2012, Muddy River Distillery in Belmont is the first legal rum distillery in North Carolina. Their first batch of Carolina Rum was smooth enough to bottle without barrel aging and just three simple ingredients are used in their recipe. The Queen Charlotte’s Reserve is aged in virgin American white oak barrels. Available at your local ABC Store. www.muddyriverdistillery.com.
60 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
3
5 6
What’s Next In Countertops? “Texture is the New Color”
Cadenza Granite & Marble Complete Kitchen & Bath Remodel Services Available Granite & Marble Repair, Restoration & Maintenance
Visit our Showroom only minutes from Uptown Charlotte.
841 Biscayne Drive | Concord, NC 28027
www.cadenzagranite.com | 704-788-2744
Contributing Editor | Building a Better Home
Making A House Your Home
trent haston Our job is to couple true budgets and reality with a purchaser’s dreams.
As the real estate market heats up while we pull out of the recession, my project managers and I have been looking at homes for sale with our clients prior to making purchase offers. They find a house they like, but they want to know how much it will cost to add their wish list items to it. These wish list items can be cosmetic improvements like fresh paint, floors and curb appeal or more major enhancements like master bathrooms, kitchens and added square footage. Our job is to couple true budgets and reality with a purchaser’s dreams. I will give a rundown of the “usual suspects” that people want in their new homes. Not only do these items add improved livability, they bring maximum return when trying to sell a home in the future. Curb Appeal. It is common for a client to find a home with nice bones and an ideal floor plan, but they hate the dated exterior. Customers improve curb appeal with cosmetic details such a new front door, additional windows and exterior window treatments. Some bigger enhancements range from a new front stoop, various roof aspects and changing the exterior veneer to a more durable or
62 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
attractive material. Existing wood may be replaced with brick, or dated brick may be painted. Other exterior improvements include new driveways, walkways, hardscapes and landscapes. Interior Cosmetics. The most common items on customers’ wish lists involve cosmetic changes to the interior of the home. They want the home to feel snazzy and new, but with an ageless approach. This could include a combination of fresh and durable floor finishes like hardwoods, tile, stone and carpet. Nice moldings such as crown, casings and wall panels do a great job of breaking up paint colors and adding detail lines. So much can be done with paint colors too. You can create endless possibilities with durable and standout finishes like oil on moldings and texture on the walls. Nice modern lighting is often underrated. This can include recess cans, under-cabinet lights, accent and directional lights, as well as decorative fixtures in the right locations. The right light can enhance any room immediately. Kitchens. Customers always want a nice spacious kitchen; as everyone knows this is where
Photos Courtesy of David Ramsey Photography.
family and guests congregate. We do a lot of custom cabinets that are durable, with a mix of wood and stain products. Functional storage that reaches the ceiling is on trend, and cool rolling ladders are commonly used for accessibility. Ageless stone or synthetic countertops are typically requested, and customers are going big with their counter space. Appliances that work great and have a lot of space are a must as well, as people are falling back in love with cooking and hosting friends for dinner parties. Bathrooms and Closets. Like kitchens, we spend a lot of time in our bathrooms and closets, so customers want them to be just as roomy as the rest of the home. We are seeing requests for more his-and-hers vanities, make-up tables and water closets. Spa-like elements are also popular, such as warm flooring in the closets (cork) and bathrooms (heated), large Jacuzzi tubs, warm glass accents and all the shower bells and whistles you can think of. If you are in the market for a new home, consider looking for one a little under your budget with room to add your own wish list items. Look past a dated exterior or interior, an unsuitable kitchen or a small bathroom/closet, and consider what it could be with just a few improvements. This will make it YOUR home, and will also add value for any future sell. v Trent Haston is CEO of Andrew Roby and has spent many years in project management, focusing on style and craftsmanship for custom home projects. For more information call 704-334-5477 or visit www.andrewroby.com.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 63
Village at South Park
The Bra Fitting Experts
quality built
Next to Crate and Barrel 4310 Sharon Road Charlotte 704-377-7955 www.ICLondon.com Facebook: ICLondonCharlotte
Staircases
with unmatched service Before
New Construction • Handrail Parts • Curved Stairs • Straight Stairs • Handrail Parts Installation
After
Remodels • Baluster Replacement • Whole Stair Remodel • Tread Replacement
www.piedmontstairworks.com
704.697.0259
64 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
FAMOUS LUXURY BRANDS
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DESIGN SEMINARS IN HOME DELIVERY
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Melodie Durham, IDS Associate • 704.517.2918 • Designsbydurham.com April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 65
Contributing Editor | Kitchen Design
A New Composition
Catherine Whitney The desire for simple and elegant design is growing every day, and it’s very exciting!
I find it fascinating that with only 12 musical notes to work with, composers and musicians have been writing music for thousands of years and have never run out of original compositions. There are countless musical genres, each appealing to a different group of people. Whether you’re a musician or not, it’s an amazing thing to realize. Music has evolved so much that “contemporary music” can’t even be likened to the music from as recently as 100 years ago. I see kitchen design much like creating music; we have the same basic materials to work with – wood, metal and stone. Technology has contributed with amazing
66 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
plastics and resins as well. Much like composers, the real game changer is how we use these materials. As designers, our style is based on how we paint, stain, shape, polish, hone or bend it. In 30 years of designing kitchens and baths, I have seen a revolution in the use of these materials. So, like music, we use similar materials over and over, each time creating a new look or feeling. And like music, styles come and go and eventually become dated; it’s inevitable. Over the last few years, Charlotte has taken a leap forward when it comes to modern design. We’re now home to a diverse group of people bringing more fresh
design ideas and styles than ever before, and the transition away from heavy “Tuscan” or “French” country home design becomes natural because everything evolves. Currently, clients are looking for clean and simple lines that are created with high gloss lacquers, wood veneers and metallic finishes, among others. The desire for simple and elegant design is growing every day, and it’s very exciting! Using flat edge countertops that are mitered and have a “waterfall” edge to the floor can create other elements of classic modern design. Modify the counter thickness from the standard three centimeters to the two-centimeter material. Streamline your sink with square corners and single lever faucets. You can also use large individual tiles set in a simple pattern on a backsplash or floor, whiter LED lighting and simple and sleek hardware (or no hardware at all) to create an updated feel. Select cooler paint colors and use the same color and/or sheen on walls, moldings and trims. Hit the refresh button, modern is here again!v Catherine Whitney is the showroom manager and designer at South End Kitchens. She has 30 years experience in the kitchen and bath industry and works diligently with clients every step of the way. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 704-379-1770 or email Catherine at catherine@southendkitchens.com. The design studio is located in the historic Meeting Hall building at 1500 South Blvd, Suite 101-A. You can also visit South End Kitchens at www.southendkitchens.com.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 67
1920 Cleveland Ave (B1) Charlotte, NC 28203 704.819.6972 coutureknots@icloud.com www.coutureknots.com
resources
The Gathering Spot
Coming into Focus
Customize to Maximize
For the Love of Luxury
Fresh Perspective
Page 70
Page 74
Page 78
Page 82
Page 86
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 69
the Gathering Spot
Outdoor Living
By Brandy Snow
“I knew creating a comfortable and beautiful outdoor living area would provide the perfect place for us to gather and spend quality time…” 70 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
When Larry Schwartz purchased his Myer’s Park house in 2007, he knew that it’d take some fine-tuning to fashion it into his dream home. A social person by nature and a lover of family at heart, Schwartz wanted his home renovation to create an atmosphere that nurtured both passions. In the first phases of the massive renovation, the home interior was completely gutted and redesigned to incorporate elements of comfort and sophistication as well as influences of his European travel. Next, Schwartz embarked on the final phase of the three-year renovation, envisioning an outdoor design that would mirror the comfortable sophistication of the interior. “I wanted a pool,” says Schwartz. “I love to entertain and so does my family. I knew creating a comfortable and beautiful outdoor living area would provide the perfect place for us to gather and spend quality time as well as host parties and social events. It was all about my family and our collective desires for the space.” Upon trusted recommendation, Schwartz contacted Simon Spiers with Pool by Design, a Charlotte-based company that provides full-service hardscape design and installation for outdoor living spaces, to oversee the project. Spiers met with Schwartz on-site to determine the vision and establish plans for the ideal hardscape design. “Simon and his team at Pool by Design made the entire process so easy,” says Schwartz. “From initial consultation to the final product, he was extremely responsive throughout, mitigating any issues and helping the project to flow seamlessly. The final product was stunning.” The rectangular-shaped pool has a clean, contemporary design featuring a uniform 5-foot depth. Fountains alongside the perimeter spray into the pool, and an inset spa offers family and friends the choice to partake in a refreshing dip or enjoy steamy relaxation. A large paved “beach” area features multiple loungers and base-less built-in umbrellas that tilt and swivel to provide sunshade at all times of the day. For ease of maintenance, the pool is equipped with an electronic cover that can be activated with a simple flip of the switch. Stepping-stones allow guests to easily traverse between the pool and a custom designed fire pit area. The fire pit is surrounded by large, comfortable chairs that create an environment conducive to discussion or simply to take a moment and relax with good company. Schwartz hosted his first charity event with more than 150 attendees in his outdoor living space just weeks after its completion. If he has his way, there will be many more social events and family gatherings to come. “Having an incredible gathering spot like this really keeps family close. The pool and outdoor living space has been a great place to have family and friends over, just hang out and enjoy life,” says Schwartz. “This addition to our home has allowed us to significantly increase our entertaining space, seamlessly integrating the indoor and outdoor living areas.”v
To create your own gathering spot, contact Pool by Design at 704-3DESIGN (704-333-7446) or visit www.poolbydesign.com. April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 71
Imagine your home, totally organized!
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Landscape Design
focus
Coming into
74 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
By Dana W. Todd
Spotlight. Attention grabber. Show stopper. How do you develop sections of landscape that take center stage? Without at least one focal point, your landscape can lack interest and pizzazz, but how do you decide what area of the yard would be the best to spotlight? “Designing a strong focal point into the landscape plan will create cohesion in the yard,” says Mark Morgan of Morgan Landscape Group. “The focal point can relate to indoor living spaces, such as a garden view from a window, or it can relate to an outdoor living area.” Some architectural and sculptural items make logical areas of focus, including a small bench, an iron urn on a stone ledge, a bistro table and chairs, a triple-tiered fountain, a plaque on a privacy wall, a gazebo, pergola, arbor or an outdoor fireplace. Other common polestars are achieved through plantings, such as an ornamental tree that is naturally intriguing. Regardless of the element that serves as a focal point, a professional landscaper can enhance the feature by developing walkways or turf pathways that lead the eye along to the target. A long view vista directs a gaze or provides a physical path for an up-close look. Short views also lead the eye to a focal point, which may be in a nearby courtyard or on an adjacent patio. Why is having a focal point necessary? When plants of different sizes and colors are spread about a landscape, the eye becomes weary and doesn’t know where to stop and rest. There is so much to see. A focus provides a resting spot so the viewer has time to pause and enjoy the scene. That rest is a necessary part of a successful landscape design, according to Morgan.
A focus provides a resting spot so the viewer has time to pause and enjoy the scene. Morgan says homeowners shouldn’t limit themselves to only one focus area. “There may be a main focus, but there can be small focal points, too,” Morgan says. “If an outdoor fireplace is of major interest, a small container in a turn of the walkway can be a minor focal point.” The center of attention can change from day to night, adds Morgan, a fact that can work to a homeowner’s benefit. “Some focal points take on more importance with lighting,” says Morgan. “A fountain may be just a fountain during the day but takes on extra significance when lit at night.” Carefully planned focal points can achieve what natural focal points already do; that is, force a viewer’s perspective onto what the homeowner deems important and noteworthy.v Contact Morgan Landscape Group for advice on where to add focal points in your landscape. The professional landscape design firm can be reached at 704-588-2292 or www.morganlandscapegroup.com. April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 75
Two great names have joined forces under one family.
We Bring Your Dreams to Life.
Kitchen & Bath Collection HUNTERSVILLE 16235 Northcross Dr Huntersville, NC 28078 704.892.6466 www.hugheshuntersville.com
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Southpark 621 South Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211 704.366.9099 www.themajesticbath.com
Two convenient Kohler/ Kallista Showrooms
Let Us Help You Get Ready for Your Summer Celebrations! live life outdoors comfortably
North lake 7325 Smith Corners Blvd., Charlotte • 704-909-2420 | South 4332 Monroe Rd., Charlotte • 704-332-4139
T h e He a rt h a n d Pat io . c om 76 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
L aDonna antiques and Interiors
An eclectic mix of found treasure from period to mid-century for your home and garden. 2216 Hawkins street • Charlotte, NC • 28203 (704) 375-0082 M-F 10AM-4PM
LADONNAINTERIORS.COM • in historic south end • find us on 1STDIBS.COM
Custom Homes
Customize to Maximize By Dana W. Todd
When Mark and Shelley McLean decided it was time to build their family home in south Charlotte at Carmel Country Club, the couple turned to Shea Custom Homes so they could take advantage of the inventory of customizable floor plans. “We are both visual people,” Shelley McLean explains, “so we needed to see a house we could use as a foundation and then make the necessary changes to fit our family’s needs. We are not good at looking at paper blueprints and getting a feel for what the house looks like. Shea Custom did a good job of finding the right house plan for us, and we were able to walk through a model home in Greensboro. We knew we had found our starting point.” The McLeans chose The Cypress, one of Shea Custom’s many floor plans, and customized 75 percent of it to meet their specific needs. By adding a basement game room, stacked patio and covered porch with double outdoor fireplaces, the McLeans exponentially increased the original plan’s family living and outdoor entertaining spaces. The Shea Custom team’s flexibility enabled the family to have a new custom home adhering to their precise requirements in an established, prestigious neighborhood in town. The McLeans were even able to reconfigure spaces so the house could serve as their forever home. By placing all central family rooms, master suite and the office on the main floor, the family can close off unused portions in the future. Using their own professional interior designer alongside Shea Custom’s in-house design center, the McLeans doubled their options in lighting, countertops, fixtures, cabinetry and hardware for the finished three-level home. Cooperation between the design teams resulted in a comfortable family home with high-end upgrades such as marble and granite countertops, durable random-width red oak hardwood floors, rustic cedar mantels and retractable cedar barn doors that hide a flat screen TV above one of the house’s four fireplaces. “In order to make the new home feel like it has been in the neighborhood all along, we helped the McLeans choose a traditional Colonial-style 78 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
house,” says Charlie O’Melveny, Shea Custom’s operations manager. “The back of the house, facing the golf course, is all about modern outdoor living...it’s just awesome.” With their many years of experience in the industry, the team also helped the family make some construction decisions that differed from their initial impulses. Wanting originally to paint the brick -- in a traditional Southern manner— the Shea team instead helped the McLeans choose a tumbled brick that was beautiful enough to stand on its own, sans-paint.
What is the takeaway message of this completed project? If you have the right team in place, you can achieve any design goal, even a highly customized one like this. Being able to make changes to an existing blueprint to make it fit their needs, the McLeans took a smart route to building a unique home with more functional family and outdoor living.v Discover how Shea Custom Homes can customize a home to suit your specific needs. Call 704-602-3333 or visit www.sheacustom.com.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 79
“simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” –Leonardo Di Vinci Give Life to your dream home Today! Contact us to schedule A complimentary Consultation.
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Hubert Whitlo
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8101 Tower Point Drive, Suite 704-364-9577 phone • www 8101 Point Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28227 • 704-364-9577 www.whitlockbuilders.com 8101Tower Tower Point Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28227 (p) • •704-364-9577 • Point www.whitloc 8101(p) Tower Drive, Suite 10 80 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
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luxury Real Estate
For the Love of
By Laura Jackson
82 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
The lucky guests arrived ready to be dazzled by the exquisitely appointed manor house located in one of Charlotte’s most prestigious privately gated enclaves, Morrocroft Estates. There were no disappointments as the lowpitched sounds of delighted guests’ oohs and ahhs reverberated throughout its grand rooms. And that was only the beginning of a truly magical evening at Fox Brook Lane. As part of the exclusive Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate Home Tour, this home represents a beautiful example of Charlotte’s most premier luxury properties. Its stunning setting in Morrocroft Estates, nestled among a majestic community filled with stately architecture and lush landscaping, only heightens the experience. The home begins with a polished marble entry leading to a feast for the senses as the handcrafted suspended spiral staircase rises toward majestic two-story, handpainted ceilings. It’s a visual struggle to decide which impressive artistic detail to settle on next. The stunning master suite includes a sitting room with a custom limestone fireplace and a beveled palladium window over the Jacuzzi tub. On the lower level, there’s an acoustically upholstered media room, a billiards room complete with its own sports bar, wine cellar and a mammoth indoor gymnasium. Outdoor highlights include the breathtaking pool, spa and tennis court. The showcase also included hors d’oeuvres served in the home’s sensational gourmet kitchen with tumbled Italian travertine tile and dual prep and serving islands. Guests were even serenaded by The Bechtler Ensemble, featuring music from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. Big rewards and big demands have always been the standard for the luxury real estate market. As the luxury sector grows, many of today’s buyers and sellers are looking to find the right combination of local expertise as well as international presence. “The luxury market in the Charlotte region is evolving,” explains Reed Jackson, managing partner of Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. “More and more out-of-state and international buyers are looking at the area as a destination of choice due to the climate, the vibrant nature of Charlotte’s emerging cultural scene, and of course, the resort-like draw of Lake Norman.“ Statistics show that over 40 percent of North Carolina’s fine homebuyers are relocating from other states and international points of origin. “It’s an ideal location for both active empty-nesters as well as families looking for a great place to raise their children,” says Jackson. “The financial industry, relocating corporate staffs and the NASCAR industry are resurgent and attracting luxury homebuyers.” He adds that in the ultra-luxury market, buyers above $2 million are typically finance executives, affluent families who have children working or attending university in Charlotte, empty-nesters with multiple homes, local entrepreneurs and professional athletes. To better reach luxury consumers in other regions and internationally, brokers are changing the way luxury homes are marketed. Advanced social media promotion, technologies like drone video, and international marketing platforms attract and reach affluent buyers around the world. Increased luxury buyer referrals and online page views for Ivester Jackson Christie’s International listings helped the firm achieve a record year in luxury transactions in the prestigious Lake Norman/Davidson area. In 2014, luxury buyer
representations for their agents were up 40 percent over 2013, and they closed an impressive 11 of the top 20 highest priced closings in Lake Norman. According to Jackson, the return of the banking industry has also propelled areas like Myers Park, Eastover and Southpark back to the forefront of the million-dollar market, while the Jetton Corridor and The Point remain top choices at the Lake. “The expansion of Highway 16 has led an emerging market of buyers in the million-plus category on the west side of the Lake as well.” As one of the Southeast’s leading boutique brokerages, Ivester Jackson manages over 250 million dollars in luxury and investment property annually. Their successful track record translates to closing over a billion dollars in real estate transactions and earning the trust of the area’s most discriminating clientele.v Interesting in buying or selling a home in Charlotte’s luxury market? Ivester Jackson can help. Call 704-655-0586 for more information or visit www.ivesterjackson.com. April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 83
Custom Homes on Your Homesite
We can guide you through the process of finding & selecting a homesite, obtaining financing, designing and drawing your dream home & more.
Custom Homes from $200K to over $2 million. Contact us for an Estimate or Help in Getting Started
View our portfolio or find inspiration at SheaCustom.com 704.602.3333
After Market Sale Starts May 1
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Located on Highway 321 between Hickory and Blowing Rock.
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4916 Hickory Blvd | Granite Falls, NC 28630 | 828-313-0795
Located in the Manufacturer’s Factory Outlets near Hickory, North Carolina
Fresh Home Improvements
Perspective
By Brandy Snow When Bob and Lucy STONE decided to renovate their master bathroom, they wanted to create a space that was contemporary and fresh with distinctive appeal. Through the use of expertly crafted, exotic materials and innovative design elements, their dream space was realized. While browsing product selections at a local granite supplier, The couple fell in love with a green-hued, semi-translucent recycled glass material for the vanity countertop they felt would set the tone for their bathroom renovation. Their choice – environmentally friendly glass – is an innovative solid surface product made from 99 percent recycled glass, contains no resin and boasts a non-porous nature that makes it virtually maintenance-free, stain-resistant and bacteria-free. The product’s flexibility and its sustainable yet luxurious quality perfectly suited their tastes for the new design. The glass product requires specialized fabrication, and the Stone’s, without hesitation, called on Ron Hannah and his team at Cadenza Granite & Marble. Having worked with Cadenza previously on a kitchen makeover, they knew their bathroom renovation would be in excellent hands. Hannah’s team not only measured and fabricated the countertop but also added LED backlighting to define and accentuate the unique character of the glass piece. The renovation didn’t stop at the vanity. The oversized walk-in shower features two walls of polished white silestone accented with a built-in wall niche for toiletries. A horizontal band, in a matted suede finish, giving both visual and textural interest, accents the high gloss white walls. The Cadenza team also custom-designed an infinity-edge shower floor. Similar to the appearance of a negative-edge pool, the shower pan includes a draining base and supports an upper seamless floor panel that allows water to drain off its edges into the hidden drain below. The look and feel integrates flawlessly into the clean lines and contemporary appeal of the overall design. “Ron and the Cadenza team are talented designers – more than salesmen or fabricators, they are true craftsmen who intimately know the nuances of working with such unique materials,” says Bob Stone. “I trust Ron and his team to always deliver the highest quality products and service. Their infallible work in designing and completing our vanity and shower has truly made our bathroom the contemporary retreat we desired.”v Interested in bringing some fresh perspective to your space? Call Cadenza Granite & Marble at 704-788-2744 or submit an e-mail through the online form at www.cadenzagranite.com. 86 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
Experience You Can Trust
,
Cadenza’s stellar reputation reaches far beyond the Charlotte market. Hannah and Cadenza have membership in various industry associations and organizations worldwide, and Hannah is a Director of the Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA). Many industry equipment and tool manufacturers have depended on the feedback from Cadenza’s team on their prototype products before going to market. The international stone industry has recognized Cadenza’s contributions, awarding the company the Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award in 2007, as well as the “Mastro della Pietra” (Master of Stone) award at the Marmomacc Trade Fair in Verona, Italy in 2012. “Our strict policies, protocols and procedures, coupled with our passion for quality, enable us to provide a Lifetime Warranty on everything we install, and that’s a rarity in our industry,” says Hannah.
April / May 2015 Urban Home Charlotte 87
Advertiser Directory Antiques & Consignment
Jewelry
Consignment 1st............................(704) 847-2620
Finks...............................................(704) 366-3120
Hamilton Stuart Antiques.............(980) 237-0009
Kitchen and Bath
Art Galleries
Botegga Stone...............................(980) 237-3700
Laca Projects..................................(704) 837-1688
Cadenza.........................................(704) 788-2744
Copper Innovations.......................(704) 663-3497
Closet & Organization Systems
Cosentino.......................................(704) 504-1538
Closets by Design...........................(800) 293-3744
Crossville Tile & Stone....................(704) 927-8453
Hughes Supply...............................(704) 892-6466
Custom Home Builders
Plaza Appliance.............................(704) 568-7600
Arthur Rutenberg Homes..............(704) 889-0218
South End Kitchens........................(704) 379-1770
Shea Homes...................................(704) 602-3333
Stabella..........................................(704) 238-1659
Zar Custom Homes........................(704) 843-8447
Walker Zanger Tile & Stone...........(704) 583-7000
Decorative Doors & Entries
Lifestyle / Womens Lingere
www.urbanhomemagazine.com
Clark Hall Doors by Design.............(704) 987-0777
IC London.......................................(704) 377-7955
Flooring
Outdoor Living Contractors
Pinterest.com/UrbanHomeMag twitter: @urbanhomemags facebook.com/Urban-Home-Magazine
Couture Knots................................(704) 819-6972
Coogan’s Landscape Design..........(704) 889-1500
Stark Carpet...................................(704) 588-8842
Morgan Landscape Group.............(704) 588-2292
Pool By Design...............................(704) 333-7446
Furniture & Furniture Accessories
Shade Tree Cool Living..................(800) 894-3801
BedSide Manor..............................(704) 442-4006
Sunmar Construction.....................(704) 930-1250
Bernhardt Factory Outlet...............(828) 313-0795
The Stone Man...............................(704) 616-7948
Caracole Factory Outlet..................(828) 313-1290
Cotswold Marketplace...................(704) 365-3331
Outdoor Living Furniture & Accessories
Good’s Home Furnishings..............(704) 910-4045
The Hearth & Patio........................(704) 332-4139
High Cotton Home.........................(704) 335-1220 La Donna Antiques & Interiors......(704) 375-0082
Oasis Pools Plus Outdoor Living Showplace.........(704) 542-5300
The Brass Exchange.......................(704) 377-2152
The Comfortable Couch Company.(704) 892-6680
Real Estate
The Furniture Connector................(704) 523-3163
Cottingham Chalk..........................(704) 364-1700
Dickens Mitchener.........................(704) 342-1000
General Contractors
Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties..................(704) 499-3054
Advanced Renovations..................(704) 799-3999 Andrew Roby Inc...........................(704) 334-5477 Hubert Whitlock Builders..............(704) 364-9577 Salins Group...................................(704) 372-1942 Interior Designers Durham Designs and Consulting...(704) 517-2918 Jaclyn Ehrlich Interior Design........(704) 705-4530 Lucy & Company............................(704) 342-6655
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Hamilton-Stuart 4Fine Antiques & Consignments3 4Estate Sales3
Residential House Designers Christopher Phelps & Associates...(704) 377-5569 Frank Smith Design.......................(704) 332-4075 Structural Piedmont Stair Works....................(704) 697-0259 Window & Window Coverings The Blind and Shutter Pros............(704) 392-8888 Carolina Shutter and Blinds...........(704) 899-5717
88 Urban Home Charlotte April / May 2015
3916 Park Road Tues-Sat 10am-5pm 980-237-0009
10100 Park Cedar Drive Tues-Sat 11am-4pm 704-526-5054
furniture
market samples
It’s the most fun you’ll ever have furniture shopping! consignment
accessories
We Specialize in More Than Just Furniture. 30,000 square foot showroom located at: 11416 “D” Independence Blvd. | Charlotte, NC 28105 | 704-847-2620 | www.consignment1st.com
I t ’s You r
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I t ’s You r
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The 2010 NC STARS Awards Best new custom home over $1 million 5000-10000 SF
Visit our website to see a virtual tour and video on our company and homes.
The 2009 Lake Norman Home Builders “Best in Show” for new custom home over $2 million The 2012 NC STARS Awards Best of Lake Winner
PO Box 77413 • Charlotte, NC 28271 • 704-843-8447 • www.zarcustomhomes.com • info@zarcustomhomes.com
POOL BY DESIGN Making parents, kids and dogs happy since 1976
217 Fairwood Avenue Charlotte, NC 28203
Call about our current swimming pool specials!
(704) 3DESIGN 333-7446 poolbydesign.com
style&value
We craft the places where life converges.
And, when the time is right, we’re ready to bring style & value together in your home – the kitchen, bedroom, bath – wherever. Converging style & value since 195O. 7O4.334.5477
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Award winning home renovators and builders with a talent for details.
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