Queen City Audio Video & Appliances is now
Queen City Homestore—the best resource for all of your appliance, electronics, furniture, and outdoor kitchen needs. Our dedicated builder, customer service, and delivery teams have over a decade of experience with new builds and renovations. Feel confident that our experts can look at your blueprints and help you select the right appliances to fit your design and personal style.
Designing a kitchen is a deeply personal journey, especially in an older home with history built into its walls. This home, standing for over sixty-seven years, needed a kitchen that honored its past while embracing modern functionality. J Peach Interiors set out to create a timeless space that harmonized with the home‘s architecture while drawing inspiration from eighteenth- and nineteenthcentury kitchens.
J Peach Interiors had a vision to infuse historical charm with contemporary use of space, ensuring the design felt both nostalgic and practical. A key priority for the client was the placement of the island, which needed to accommodate seating for six while maximizing functionality. The final design brought this vision to life, seamlessly blending form and purpose.
These clients worked with Queen City Homestore to select new SubZero and Wolf appliances, which balance the kitchen perfectly. The panel-ready Sub-Zero French door refrigerator allows for an integrated look within the cabinetry. The clients also selected a Wolf range, and J Peach Interiors customized the hood above it to serve as the focal point of the kitchen. The wet bar includes a Sub-Zero wine storage unit that serves as the guardian against high temperatures, humidity, light exposure, and vibration.
Now, thanks to the teamwork between J Peach Interiors and Queen City Homestore, these homeowners are enjoying cooking and eating every meal in their dream kitchen!
J Peach Interiors is a residential and commercial full-service interior design firm. Their services include new construction, renovations, furnishings, and window treatments. Every project is a collaboration of a shared vision between the client and designer. They take a collaborative approach and take the time to understand your needs and lifestyle, whether they are designing one room or an entire house.
FURNISHINGS • HOME ACCESSORIES • LIGHTING • ART
2900B SELWYN, CHARLOTTE, NC | MON–FRI 10AM–5PM, SAT 11AM–4PM
44 Desert Flower
A vacation home in iconic Palm Desert, California, unites a mother-daughter design team.
54 Home Away from Home
A couple finds escape in their guest cottage on their Roaring Gap mountain estate.
62 Vintage Summer
A two-year renovation on the South Carolina coast reveals a modern beach escape oozing retro resort vibes.
From city to sea, three unique vacation homes show what it means to get away anywhere.
The latest releases—both local and beyond—in the design world this spring.
Escape to the low country coast in style at Auberge’s newest boutique hotel on the Kiawah River.
e think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone may be looking for an escape right now. Whether it’s the cold weather, the twenty-fourhour news cycle, or the everspinning hamster wheel that has you worn down, a chance to disconnect and relax is always welcome, and sorely needed. But getting away looks different to everyone, and some escapes may never have crossed your mind to explore. Have you ever considered staying the weekend in your backyard guest house? Or what about traipsing up to New York to get lost in the crowded streets? Maybe you need the warm California sun and a little desert wildlife to feel a world away. We’ve included homes like these alongside the perennial favorite mountain home and marsh-side boutique retreats in our annual Great Escapes issue.
No matter where you end up, make sure you take off your shoes and let your bare feet touch the grass or sink in the sand. Let the sun kiss your nose and the breeze quiet your mind. Let the heartbeat of the city be the only thing you can hear. Because in all those moments, we’re certain you’ll discover that every little thing will be alright.
Blake Miller and Anne Marie Ashley Co-Editors-in-Chief
on the cover
Publisher
Michael Kooiman
Associate Publisher
Oonagh Murray
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Anne Marie Ashley
Blake Miller
Associate Editor Karin Simoneau
Art
Lindsay Richards
Production
Shelley Kemper
Writer
Brandy Woods Snow
Photography
Anna Routh Barzin
Michael Blevins
Dan Chavkin
Heather Ison
Brie Williams
“Curiosity is the most essential tool I have in creating my paintings. It is a continuous wonder of "how" and "why," without the need for immediate explanation.”
Three very different homes showcase what it means to get away anywhere.
Text by Blake Miller
by Brie Williams
As Jennifer and Jon strolled along the beach of Isle of Palms, they could see homes perched up on the dunes. They talked about what it would be like to own a home on the beach of nearby Kiawah; to wake up every morning, walk out onto your patio, and watch the sunrise over the ocean. “We’d always wanted a home at the beach, somewhere our family could stay together,” says Jennifer.
On one of their many visits to Kiawah, the couple learned about a new residential project about to break ground on the island. Located on fourteen oceanfront acres, The Cape on Kiawah would feature luxury condos and penthouses, meaning there would be no upkeep. The couple was smitten. They purchased a threebedroom residence with plenty of room to host their friends and family, and, most importantly, it boasted a stunning ocean view.
Having worked with Meredith Beregovski of Georgia Street Design on their primary residence in Charlotte, Jennifer and Jon enlisted the designer to work on their new beach home. “They wanted it to feel as open and
Beregovski aimed to make the living room a cheerful space with a few pops of color, but the main focus was to allow the backdrop of the ocean to steal the show. Rug: Stanton from A. Hoke Ltd. Sectional: Lillian August from A. Hoke Ltd. Fluted side table: Jamie Young Co. Chandelier: Oly. Coffee table: Society Social.
Beregovski opted for a bold color in the dining room, with the breakfast chairs featuring a bright pink wool, which complements a sunset painting that shares the space. Mirror: Made Goods. Dining bench: Serena & Lily. Table: Custom by Kauffman & Co.
from
The owner’s bathroom was designed using serene colors and natural materials such as marble countertops and abaca-wrapped light fixtures. Sconce: Visual Comfort.
With accents of light blue and white, the owner’s bedroom was designed as a calm and peaceful retreat. Drapery fabric: Karen Saks. Bed: Cox Manufacturing Furniture. Bedding: Thibaut. Chandelier: Arteriors.
airy as possible,” says Beregovski. “We used light paint colors, lighter upholstery, general pops of color, and use of texture, but kept it soft, approachable, and coastal overall. We wanted it to feel like a breath of fresh air.” A color palette of sky blues and blush pinks complement organic textures like natural twine—a subtle coastal nod—allowing for the ocean view to be the centerpiece of it all. Nothing could be too precious amongst the sand and salt air, so Beregovski opted for durable yet elegant fabrics that withstand the elements.
The finished project is nothing short of perfection for Jennifer and Jon, who schedule weeklong visits every month. “We could not have dreamed up what Meredith came up with,” says Jennifer. “The home just feels like us. It feels like our dream come true.”
Text by Anne Marie Ashley
Photography by Heather Ison
Creativity fuels us all, and it can look different for every person. Where fashion inspires one, architecture inspires another.
For Charlotte-based fine artist Lauren Bolshakov, it was her art that inspired her love for interior design. For years, Bolshakov has layered paint and linework, each responding intuitively to the other, and after designing her long-sought-after New York City apartment, she knew interior design would come just as naturally to her.
“I am from the Northeast and have always dreamed of having my own place in Manhattan,” says Bolshakov. “After my husband and I found ourselves frequently traveling back and forth from Charlotte to New York for work and social visits, the timing felt right to finally pursue it.” After years of searching for a space that checked off all the boxes on her admittedly “impossible must-haves” list, their agent showed them this Upper East Side apartment and they knew it was worth the
"Styling the shelf to look unstyled was so much fun. It gave the space a personal and relaxed feel that I love," says Bolshakov of her living room.
Sofa: One Kings Lane. Accent chair: Safavieh. Side tables: Four Hands.
“Not only was it freshly painted in great neutral colors, but it also had refinished French parquet floors and Waterworks plumbing fixtures,” she says. “It was everything I would have implemented had I overseen the remodel myself!” That it was close to her daughter and her daughter’s fiancé was icing on the cake.
The classic Parisian style of the building was an obvious jumping-off point for Bolshakov, who planned to use the freshly painted neutrals to showcase an art-forward energy with a cozy aesthetic. Like the other three homes Bolshakov had designed for her family, she knew she wanted an entertaining space, a great kitchen, and a place for her family to truly relax together. “It was so exciting to see the space transform from an empty apartment into a home that met all our needs. I envisioned textured fabrics and throw blankets, lots of candles and bookshelves filled with books, and a backdrop for my growing art collection.”
Though the main level was a bit of a challenge, Bolshakov creatively adjusted the floor plan to accommodate her vision, placing a dining and living room alongside the kitchen. A bedroom upstairs transformed into a home office, which left plenty of room in the downstairs family room— her favorite space—for game and movie nights.
This creativity was her inspiration, Bolshakov says. “This apartment reminded me how much I love design for its ability to breathe life into a bare space, and it encouraged me to share that love with others professionally.”
Text by Karin Simoneau
Photography by Anna Routh Barzin
Imagine creating a space just steps from the back door of your main house that feels like a destination every time you enter. That’s exactly what designer Katharine Harris of Sixth and Steel accomplished after converting a shed in the backyard of her historic home into a multipurpose escape.
Located in the Fisher Park Historic District in Greensboro, the home Harris shares with her fiancé Mitch Kamphuis had limited secondary space, so the designer set her sights on the shed. “One day, while sitting in our favorite sandwich shop, I sketched my idea for the floor plan and it evolved from there,” Harris says. Her vision included a historic yet elevated exterior and a modern take on the interior. With Kamphuis at the helm as the general contractor, the two collaborated throughout the entire process, working through specific design requests and elements Harris wanted in the space.
In the kitchen, custom cabinets were painted dark olive and embellished with chartreuse hardware. An indoor-outdoor bi-fold window and an exotic quartz
countertop extending to the deck allow for conversation inside and out, where durable white barstools stand tall and a modern sconce shines light on a patinaed brass plaque that says Fort Knox—the building christened after Harris’s soon-to-be stepson Knox.
The bathroom is an homage to wildlife, starring bold and whimsical Flying West wallcovering by Schumacher. “As soon as I saw this paper launch on Instagram, I was able to pull the bathroom together,” says Harris. A Calacatta viola marble fluted sink and patterned bathroom floor tiles pick up plums, reds, and a mix of neutral colors and yellows, creating a fanciful wonderland.
Harris maximized space in the bedroom with a custom-built Murphy bed and painted the walls a relaxing blue hue. “We were able to fit a king-size mattress with storage on either side for guests, including hanging space for clothes, multiple drawers, and outlets for charging phones at night,” she says.
Now, when Harris walks through the door of the completed space, she feels a sense of relief. Of all her projects, Fort Knox will always be the designer’s favorite. “It’s for my family, and it’s the first project Mitch and I worked on together. When Knox says to his daddy, ‘I want to sleep in my building,’ you know it’s a job well done.”
and
Lightweight furniture pieces can easily be repositioned for lounging or movie nights, or moved off to the side for a game of charades or Twister.
These latest releases from designers known and new, near and far, offer daring new ways to express yourself.
Anne Marie Ashley
The new Color Me Happy collection from North Carolina–based designer Laura Park sings spring into existence with bold patterns and bright colors. The line debuts tableware, bedding, pillows, and everyday accessories and gifts like totes, tumblers, jewelry, and jammies—all certain to add a dose of delight to you and your home. lauraparkdesigns.com
New female-founded tableware and entertaining brand Ro’Table debuts one of its first collections this spring, Cedric and Luca. Hosting has always been central to founder Roshan Adam's life, from her vibrant Indo-Persian upbringing in Britain to organizing high-profile events for influential figures. Inspired by these experiences, she created Ro'Table to make tableware "that fosters meaningful connections," she says. The Cedric and Luca collection, she adds, is inspired by the "joie de vivre of the South of France and the dolce vita of Italy." Find corresponding menus and playlists for this collection on the Ro’Table website. rotablenyc.com
English artist and designer Luke Edward Hall teamed up with The Lacquer Company to create his latest collection of furniture and accessories. Featuring beautiful trompe l'oeil painted decoration influenced by the Regencyera, the collection features colorful and vibrant yet substantial pieces inspired by his love of history and filtered through a lens of irreverent romanticism. thelacquercompany.com
North Carolina–based wallcoverings designer and artist Liane Ricci of Ricci Studio has released a new collection of papers two years in the making, inspired by the elegant shapes of nature and the influential works of modern-age artists. At the heart of this line is Poppy, with flowing lines and playful forms from which Ricci has created three complementary designs: Petalcrest, Cloverfield (pictured), and Axle. Each design reflects the essence of Poppy, building on its spirit while adding new depth and personality. riccistudio.com
Contemporary lifestyle brand Vaisselle, created by fashionturned-tableware designer Léa Zana, has released the Tale of Summer collection— a vibrant mix of tableware and vases infused with the designer’s French heritage, love of global antiques, and the coastal feel of the Mediterranean islands. During the trunk show on the Moda Operandi website, choose from designs that can be mixed and matched, and may be one of a kind, which is Zana’s favorite way to collect. modaoperandi.com
Located on the banks of the Kiawah River, this boutique property is the perfect retreat from the bustle of everyday life.
Text by Blake Miller
The road to peace and quiet begins with a scenic drive through moss-draped oak trees and coastal marshlands dotted with white cranes so well camouflaged that you’d miss them if you didn’t already know they were there. As the palm tree–lined road narrows, the world feels far away from the stresses of modern life. The Dunlin Auberge Resorts Collection creates the space for this feeling as you round the circle drive of the boutique property and step out of your car; in fact, it’s their goal. As if the gentle saltwater breeze and warm sun weren’t enough to lower your cortisol, the coastal view beyond, which constantly morphs with the ebb and flow of the tide, will do the trick.
The inspiration for The Dunlin's interiors "came from older houses of the low country," says Lindroth. "Our goal was for guests to experience the feeling of a barefoot 1920s low country summer house."
Set on the banks of the Kiawah River just twenty miles from Charleston, The Dunlin is one of the newest properties in Auberge’s impressive collection. A perfect blend of luxury and nature, this charming retreat offers guests a front-row seat to the sweeping beauty of the marshlands and ocean. The public spaces and seventytwo guest rooms and suites were designed by renowned Bahamas-based designer Amanda Lindroth, known for her timeless island aesthetic; in turn, each room boasts elegant low country cottage-inspired touches of gingham patterns, honey-oak floors, and wicker accents, all in a charming island palette that signals relaxation the moment you walk through the door.
Whether it’s lounging beside either of two pools, enjoying a massage at the spa, kayaking alongside dolphins and sea turtles, or biking the pea-gravel trails along the marsh, respite beckons couples and families alike. While culinary king Charleston is just a short drive away, the Dunlin’s upscale dining option, Linnette’s, satisfies the pickiest foodies. Local Steamboat Creek oysters are a mainstay on the menu and are best eaten raw to truly taste the briny finish. As expected, seafood is the star at Linnette’s, and the coastal-inspired menu features the freshest creations caught locally, such as cornmeal-crusted flounder, seared golden tilefish, and Hamachi crudo, among other delicious options like duck leg confit. We submit that a Lazy Man’s Old-Fashioned nightcap really completes the culinary experience.
A walk down to the dock provides a 180-degree view of the expansive marsh. The dock juts out just far enough to feel like you’re on a secluded peninsula. It’s our suggestion that a morning coffee or evening glass of wine in this spot, watching the sun rise or set, is often the most peaceful. But truthfully, at The Dunlin, relaxation tends to be omnipresent. aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin
MCCOLL CENTER | MARCH 6–APRIL 12
This Women’s History Month, McColl Center presents a full-building art takeover with exhibitions curated by two dynamic women, Meredith Connelly and Dasia Hood. Featuring works from over sixty Charlotte-based artists, the exhibitions explore themes of bodily autonomy, identity, and empowerment. Sovereign challenges societal norms around consent, self-determination, and personal agency, elevating underrepresented voices. Dark & Divine celebrates the sacred power and beauty of Black bodies, reclaiming nudity as a cultural, spiritual, and empowering expression of self and freedom. Together, these exhibitions highlight the body as a vessel of freedom, resilience, and beauty. Opening reception on March 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. mccollcenter.org
ANNE NEILSON FINE ART | MARCH 4–APRIL 14
Echoes is a deeply emotive solo exhibition by watercolor artist Veronica Davila, who embarks on an intimate journey through time, capturing a year in the life of her family’s brief time in Lewiston, Idaho. Drawing inspiration from her family's cherished photographs, Davila breathes new life into these snapshots of everyday moments, transforming them into evocative works of art. Through her signature watercolor-on-paper technique, paired with innovative three-dimensional pieces, Echoes invites viewers to experience a meditative exploration of memory, nostalgia, and the quiet beauty of the mundane. In this captivating body of work, Davila reveals the profound stories hidden within the most ordinary moments, offering a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life’s small, yet significant, experiences. Opening celebration on March 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. anneneilsonfineart.com
HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER | THROUGH MAY 11 Artist YoYo Lander's work explores the complexity of the human body, where she captures details of posture and expression. YoYo Lander: Between the Quiet, Selected Works from 2019 to 2024 invites viewers to dive into the artist's intricately crafted collages and search for the subtle expressions and images that tell a powerful story. ganttcenter.org
A vacation home in iconic Palm Desert, California, unites a mother-daughter design team.
Designer Heather Furniss swathed the walls of the foyer in a mural “that looks like a scene from Marrakesh, Morocco,” she says. “I want you to walk into the home and feel transported somewhere else in the world.”
Wallcovering: The Mural
OPPOSITE: All homes in Marrakesh Country Club are gated from the street, so homeowners give their homes personality by designing their own white iron gates leading into their private courtyards.
Landscape design:
AFurniss wanted a simple no-fuss galley-style kitchen, so she designed it with white Carrara marble on the counters and open shelving for a clean look. Appliances: KitchenAid.
Ashley Shaw can remember the scene vividly, almost as if she had time-warped back to her eight-yearold self. The car pulled up the long drive, lined by crisp green lawns dotted with towering slender palm trees and rigid mountains as the backdrop. The path meandered around to a building situated on a dramatic rise with a ribbon water feature inspired by Islamic gardens punctuating the view. “I always felt like Lucy from I Love Lucy would jump out at any time when we pulled up to the clubhouse,” laughs Shaw.
The historic Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert, California, epitomizes Hollywood Regency style: 364 homes all wearing the same signature Marrakesh-pink stuccoed facade with white mansard roofs, each boasting entryway courtyards with lush green foliage amidst pops of hot pink. Spearheaded by famed architect John Elgin Woolf, the 155-acre community built in 1968 was Woolf’s only multi-home development. And for Shaw, who visited the area twice a year growing up, staying in her grandparents’ home was one of her fondest childhood memories. So when her mother, designer Heather Furniss, purchased one of the iconic homes in 2020—“I wanted to be closer to my dad, who still lived in the community,” explains Furniss, whose brother, stepmom, and two step-aunts also lived in Marrakesh—Shaw was transported back in time. “When I think of California in its golden era, I think of Marrakesh,” says the Charlotte-based designer. While the home
boasted the signature Marrakesh exterior, the interior was rife with outdated finishes. But Furniss could see the home’s wealth of potential and took the interior down to the studs while adding height to the archways between rooms and updating the finishes throughout. Together, mother and daughter worked to create an aesthetic that felt modern and fresh but also respected the home’s Hollywood Regency history. “We both really wanted it to embody the spirit of Marrakesh,” says Shaw. While their design tendencies are slightly different—Shaw skews more modern traditional while Furniss has a penchant for bold and daring—the duo easily locked arms, working virtually
to pull together a look that seamlessly married both aesthetics. “My mom is a total maximalist,” says Shaw. “It’s really colorful and there’s a lot of texture, color, and pattern, and that’s how she loves to live.”
While no one fabric or piece spurred the design of the home, the iconic Billy Baldwin for Quadrille’s Arbre de Matisse fabric used throughout the living room is easily one of the most important selections Furniss made. “I’ve always loved this pattern, and I love Billy Baldwin, so when I had the opportunity to use it, I knew I had to,” she says.
From there, the design selections took off as Shaw and Furniss brainstormed virtually, sourcing many
vintage and midcentury pieces from 1stdibs and online auction sites. For further inspiration, Furniss looked to her design friends, including Michelle Nussbaumer, whose fabric and wallcovering line for Design Legacy makes a statement in a pair of custom beds and draperies.
The vacation home for Furniss and her husband became yet another place for Shaw and her family to stay while in Palm Desert visiting. And while many decades have passed, the same magical feel remains every time the gates open to the country club and the car slowly drives through. “It’s such an amazing place,” says Shaw. “It’s such a treasure for not only California but also the design world. I’m lucky I get to share it with my family.”
Furniss looked to design friends like Michelle Nussbaumer for inspiration when pulling fabrics and wallcoverings for the home. The pair of custom beds and draperies are from Nussbaumer’s fabric line for Design Legacy. Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries.
The designers used the Scalamandré wallpaper as a focal point in one of the guest bedrooms. A complementary bench and bolster are upholstered in the same pattern. Bench: Arteriors.
ONE COUPLE BUILDS A QUIET COTTAGE ON THEIR MOUNTAIN ESTATE AS A GETAWAY NEXT DOOR.
JJust forty yards or so from a sprawling mountain home on a wooded four-acre lot in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, stands a similar but smaller quaint cottage. One might call it a guest house, but for the homeowners of the main property, they call it home. “We have a large family—four grown kids and five grandchildren, and when we all get together, we’re bursting at the seams,” says the owner. “We wanted a bit of respite away from the chaos.”
Sixteen years after the main residence was completed, the Greensboro couple commenced design on the guest cottage in 2022. With the help of Charlottesville, Virginia-based architect Madison Spencer, Augusta, Georgia-based designer Lauren Robbins, and the homeowners’ daughter
The okra yellow on the kitchen cabinets became a subconscious theme in every fabric and wallpaper choice the design team pulled. Robbins leaned in, layering subtle accents of the hue throughout the home. Cooktop backsplash: Winchester by Original Style. Chair fabric (front): Material Works. Café curtain fabric: Sister Parish Design.
Mary Frances Manning, a designer who works for Robbins, the blueprint laid out a cozy 2,300-squarefoot three-bedroom home that encouraged intimate gatherings and a quiet retreat for two.
With minimal directives on the interior design, Robbins set to work pulling together an aesthetic that felt equal parts intimate and cheerful. “We really wanted to play off of this cozy cottage feel,” explains Robbins. “We wanted it to be inviting and welcoming, which is why we chose warm golden undertones, greens that have this richness to them, and blues that really pop. We wanted it to be like an inviting storybook house.”
As Robbins and Manning began pulling fabrics and wallcoverings, one thing continually bubbled to the surface, creating a unifying theme. “We kept seeing this rich gold and okra yellow in everything we’d pull for this project,” says Robbins. “That golden color became a consistent theme, and we made a point to incorporate it into every room, especially downstairs.” Custom shakerstyle cabinetry in a bespoke goldenrod finish set the tone in the kitchen while whimsical-patterned café curtains by Sister Parish Design and a playful Material Works vinyl fabric on the chairs bring down the volume of the bold hue. “My client wanted this home to feel warmer and cozier than their vacation home in Florida. The best way to embrace the warmth is to bring color in, especially in the cabinetry and built-ins, so that’s exactly what we did.”
In the adjacent living room, against the backdrop of wide tongue-and-groove walls, custom built-ins are color-drenched in sage green, the color also popping up in other subtle details throughout, like tape on the throw pillows, gingham print on the artwork matting, the downstairs powder room floral vine wallpaper by Erika M. Powell Textiles, and even upstairs in the guest bedroom’s bedding. Every detail builds upon the next, resulting in a warm, carefully curated aesthetic that feels natural and inviting.
“This home is the epitome of a cottage,” says Robbins. “It feels very collected where every piece tells a story. It feels as though it’s been built over time.” For the homeowners, the design hit all the marks. “I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I implicitly trusted Lauren and Mary Frances. We’re just overjoyed with it. It’s such a happy place.”
After considering wallpaper for the mudroom, Robbins opted to let bold navy custom cabinetry color the room instead. “It still needed something else, though,” says the designer, who added the Scalamandré wallpaper to the ceiling for a finishing touch.
ABOVE: The oversized blue-and-white gingham wallpaper in the guest bedroom’s en suite bathroom was the perfect scale and detail to the adjoining blush pink room. Wallpaper: Schumacher.
LEFT: Inspiration for the owner’s bedroom came from a Lee Jofa floral drapery fabric. “The client has a home in Florida that is light and airy, and she wanted to have the feel of her Florida home in her bedroom,” says Robbins. “The warm yellow undertones pulled in the colors from the rest of the home.” Coverlet: John Robshaw.
ABOVE: One of two guest en suites with matching layouts, this lavender bedroom boasts a window niche complete with a double bed for extra sleeping accommodations. “My grandchildren love sleeping in these little nooks,” says the homeowner. Headboard and bed fabrics: Ferrick Mason. Rug: Stark. Bench fabric: Ferrick Mason.
OPPOSITE: “We wanted the downstairs powder room to be bold and interesting, but it had to make sense with the rest of the home’s design,” says Robbins. “The green in the leaves of the wallpaper calls to the cabinetry in the living room.” Wallpaper: Erika M. Powell Textiles. Vanity: Custom.
A two-year renovation of a traditional beach house on Sullivan’s Island reveals a modern stunner with retro resort vibes.
of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, is a hidden gem with small-town charm and pristine beaches. When Charlotte-based designer Tracey Chagnon was enlisted to renovate and redesign her longtime client’s beach home, the directive to bring a dose of Miami modernity to the house was a lesson in restraint for her. “This modern approach to the design required editing and restraint in the decor and accessories,” she explains. The result, though, is nothing short of stunning. Just one block from the beach, with an island lighthouse view, the home oozes small-town modernity, if there is such a thing.
“We wanted to incorporate sleek statement pieces, being careful to maintain a sense of warmth,” explains Chagnon. With that in mind, the designer still reveled in adding soft, colorful touches with fun fabrics and rugs in the client’s daughters’ rooms, and introducing the homeowner to new art such as unique textile pieces by Kenny Nguyen, commissioned especially for the home.
Over the course of two years, Chagnon worked with architect Alicia Reed, who drafted a home with a midcentury aesthetic and Art Deco echoes that pull the Miami feel in from the outside. “The idea from the start was a complete overhaul and reimagining of the home, with the goal of creating a true resort-style space perfect for entertaining,” says Chagnon. “The existing pool was relocated entirely, and a new pool house was added to the property, as well as extensive hardscaping, landscaping, and outdoor areas, creating the unique midcentury-mod Miami Art Deco coastal style.”
Inside, Chagnon looked to furnishings that reiterated the modern style with clean lines and statement pieces. Shopping with her client in Miami, they picked out a “wildly original modular sofa by Italian company Edra,” says Chagnon. “It’s now the conversation piece that anchors the living room. It’s like a piece of functional sculpture; guests can sit on both sides of it, depending on how it’s configured. We also added custom walnut storage cabinets that frame one corner, housing the client’s vast record collection.”
Alongside European pieces, the home features custom items made in the Carolinas, such as the coffee table by Casey Johnson Studio in Asheville and side tables by Kauffman & Co. in Charlotte. The extensive iron work throughout the interior and exterior of the property, including a spiral staircase outside that runs the height of the home, top floor to bottom floor, is also local, created by renowned Charleston artisan Robert Thomas Iron Design.
The additions, with the well-executed aesthetic from architecture to grounds, create an overall poolside vibe that echoes a 1950s vintage California summer. Resort-style accomplished. For Chagnon, the challenge was met with joy and confidence that if you abide by Bunny Williams’s rule of, “If you love something, it will work,” then you can never go wrong. “I think it’s important for people to have items in their homes that hold sentimental value and evoke a smile,” she adds. Of course, all the intricate details and thoughtful design may be eclipsed at first by the lighthouse view across the street and the sleepy beach town vibes emanating from Sullivan’s Island, but once that enchantment breaks, thanks to Chagnon, a whole new one begins.
The “wildly imaginative” pool house patio, as Chagnon puts it, is referred to as “the shrimp” because of its open-ended curved roofline. It took time to construct, but the space cements vintage summer entertaining into place, with a custom bar and stand-alone pizza oven. Custom bar table: Base by
is affectionately
“We created a banquette that nestled into the curve of the bow window to maximize the space for dining and to preserve the view,” says Chagnon of the breakfast area, with the lighthouse view just beyond. Chandelier: Blueprint Lighting. Dining table: Design Within Reach. Banquette fabric: Holly Hunt and Jerry Pair.
ABOVE: Vintage summer vibes emanate from the pool deck with poolside pizzas served out of “the shrimp.” Pool chairs and poufs: Janus et Cie.
RIGHT: The pool house is a space all its own with less midcentury vibes and more Miami heat. Textures and outdoor fabrics make the statements in here. Dining chandelier: Currey & Company. Sofa: Vanguard. Pillow fabric: Lee Jofa & Pindler.
Helen Adams Realty celebrates half a century.
FOR FIFTY YEARS, Helen Adams Realty has been a pillar of trust, dedication, and excellence in Charlotte’s real estate industry. This milestone anniversary honors the vision of its trailblazing founder, Helen Adams, while embracing the future with the same commitment to service and community.
A sixth-generation Charlottean, Helen Adams carried entrepreneurship and real estate in her DNA. Her grandfather led Charlotte’s Mutual Building and Loan Association, and her father’s business acumen as a drugstore owner with extensive land holdings inspired her pioneering spirit. In 1973, as a single mother of three, Helen Adams joined the HY Dunaway Company, making the courageous transition from homemaker to businesswoman. Just two years later, she founded Helen Adams Realty with four female colleagues.
Affectionately called “Grandmama” by her grandchildren—who now carry her legacy forward— Helen Adams remains a beloved figure in Charlotte.
We have a deep understanding and belief that we are better together.
Her presence still resonates in advertisements, and locals frequently share heartfelt memories of her kindness and tenacity.
Under the leadership of Helen’s son, Jeff Adams, who purchased the business in 1991, the company expanded significantly, opening offices in Ballantyne, Lake Norman, and Fort Mill. Now, the third generation will infuse fresh energy and innovation with Frank Adams and Rebecca Adams Starrs leading the company as co-presidents, and Laurens Adams Threlkeld and Eliza Adams as topproducing agents.
From its inception, Helen Adams Realty has been built on core principles—a strong foundation in family and community, dedication to personal service, and an unwavering reputation of integrity.
“Grandmama had an abundance mindset, and our culture is what it is today because of her,” Adams Starrs says. “One of our core values is ‘We Share’—knowledge, time, and expertise. We have a deep understanding and belief that we are better together.”
The company’s commitment to community shines through initiatives like the Helen Adams Realty UNCC Scholarship, supporting local students in Helen’s honor, and LoLo, a platform connecting agents and clients to local businesses. Helen Adams Realty has also played a pivotal role in new construction and development, representing more than ninety communities and over $1 billion in volume.
Helen Adams Realty has weathered market downturns, always emerging stronger, and has earned numerous accolades, the most recent being the Excellence Award in Relocation Services at the Aires Broker Network Summit in 2024. But its greatest achievement remains its dedication to clients, agents, and the broader community.
The 50th anniversary will be celebrated in true Helen Adams Realty fashion—with gratitude, reflection, and joy.
A special event at The Ruth in April will bring together agents, employees, and their families, featuring live music, great food, and a toast to Helen herself. A dedicated space at the venue will showcase company memorabilia, honoring the history and heartfelt stories that have shaped its journey.
Helen’s family believes she would smile warmly at the notion of a 50th anniversary, humbled by how far her vision has come, and beam with pride at all that has been accomplished.
—Rebecca Adams Starrs
As Helen Adams Realty steps into the future, its mission remains clear: to uphold the timeless values of a relationship-first agency while embracing cuttingedge technology, a highly skilled team, and unparalleled support for agents and clients. Says Frank Adams, “We have the opportunity to make people’s lives better, enrich relationships, and answer a calling to serve that we’ll never take for granted.”
Enjoy the beauty of the season at Wing Haven!
Spring Plant Sale - Members Day Wednesday, April 9.
Open to the Public Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12
Sip & See - Friday, April 25 (Ticket price includes a ticket to the Gardeners’ Garden Tour)
Gardeners’ Garden Tour - Saturday, April 26 10 am-4 pm and Sunday, April 27 12-4 pm
For visits, events and program information explore our website.
Sophisticated,
Sophisticated,
Beth Conant Keim Contributor
Text by Beth Conant Keim, Owner of Lucy and Company
LAST ISSUE I wrote about making an entrance with an amazing foyer, and this project provides another one of those special moments. I’m not sure what inspired me, but once I saw it installed, I was thrilled with my vision.
This home, while not traditional, has a traditional layout at the entrance—one room on either side of the foyer. In most cases, these rooms are designated for a dining space on one side and a formal living space (if there is such a thing anymore) on the other.
“I thought to myself, 'Wouldn’t it be nice if the paper could bounce over the doors?' ”
I am often asked to turn one of these rooms into a pretty home office, but for this project, I was asked to transform both rooms into offices—one for the husband and one for the wife. To cut down on noise, they wanted doors on both sides, but I was determined not to do typical black metal doors or wooden French doors. I wanted something a little different.
While playing around with the gorgeous wallpaper we chose for the foyer, I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be nice if the paper could bounce over the doors?” Although I loved the idea, I didn’t want to lose any side light in the foyer. After working with 2Dash1 to create these pivot doors—and after a little trial and error—we managed to incorporate the paper between the glass on both sides. We continued the paper down the walls and added a beautiful pair of sconces as well as a chandelier, finishing off this stunning foyer.
Now the homeowners relish their separate home offices—both vibrant and dramatic in their own way yet quiet and private enough for those long conference calls.
At our family-owned business, discover the ultimate fabric haven for premium designer quality upholstery fabrics, one-stop-shop window treatments, custom bedding and more. Our experts will guide you through the latest styles and choices of colors, patterns and textures whether you are shopping for customized window treatments, breathing new life into a beloved furniture piece or creating the perfect bedding ensemble. With the belief that creating a beautiful and comfortable home should be affordable, we offer competitive prices without compromising on quality. Interior Alternative is here to make your interior dreams a reality.
Jim Noble Contributor
Text by Jim Noble, Executive Chef and Owner of Noble Food & Pursuits
ONE OF THE GREATEST parts of living in North Carolina is the bounty of places for recreation and relaxation. Having the mountains and the ocean within easy driving distance of Charlotte is one reason so many are moving here.
Outside of a fly-fishing trip, a barbecue trip is my favorite (and occasionally, I get to do both at once). I remember taking trips across the state with my dad. He was a furniture salesman, so he traveled frequently. Sometimes I
would go with him. The drives always included a stop for barbecue. Small roadside restaurants served smoked pork from pitmasters who were legends in my mind. These trips were my inspiration for Noble Smoke.
The food is comforting and simple. Their craft is anything but. Most of these restaurants serve their barbecue on platters with slaw ( red or white, depending on what part of the state you’re in ) and a side. Again, simple.
“The food is comforting and simple.”
At Noble Smoke, we went the Texas-style route of serving everything à la carte, with proteins sold by the pound. I believe this encourages sharing around the table—my favorite way to eat. But more and more often, when I was eating at Noble Smoke, I found myself going back to those North Carolina barbecue plates with chopped pork and slaw. New this year, you too can enjoy the nostalgia. The Wayne Monk platter comes with chopped pork and red slaw, and the Pete Jones platter has chopped pork and white slaw. Monk was the pioneer of Lexington Barbecue in western North Carolina (hence the red vinegar-based slaw), and Pete Jones founded Skylight Inn in eastern North Carolina (known for white mayobased slaw).
It wasn’t that you couldn’t get these items at Noble Smoke to make your own plate, but, to many—especially those of us from North Carolina—this is what a barbecue restaurant is. It just might conjure up some special memories for you too.
1. Trudon 1643 Candles
“I love Trudon Candles, especially their El Kader scent. Their candle busts are quite special. I personally own the Louis XIV. The details and significance are a treat.”
2. Handblown Glassware by Helle Mardahl
“I love anything from Helle Mardahl [available at R. Runberg]. Her pieces feel modern and chic yet timeless and artisanal—a great mixture of old tradition and modern aesthetic. In my home, I have them as candy dishes and serving plates.”
3. Heather Taylor Home
Katherine Plaid Linens
“Locally, R. Runberg sources gorgeous and unique limited-quantity linens and tableware like Heather Taylor Home linens. I love items that are beautiful, well-made, and have meaningful intent that transcends.”
FASHION DESIGNER Daniel Gonzalez leans into change when it comes to designing his eponymous lifestyle brand The Daniel Gonzalez. “I believe people are complex. We are constantly changing,” says the Colombian native, who has lived in Charlotte for the last twenty-four years. “My design aesthetic celebrates this complexity.” His passion for fashion segues seamlessly into his love for interior design, and he’s especially fond of what he’s seeing here in the Queen City. “Charlotte has a dichotomy of old and new that I find really attractive,” he says. “My favorite local aesthetic comes from great local designers who source beautiful antiques and pieces of interest, and mix them with refined architecture in bold color choices.” Here, the fashion designer shares what he’s loving in the design world this spring.
4. Circa-1900 Spanish Bronze and LeatherChair
“I cherish pieces that have stood the test of time, like these chairs from Circa Antiques. Exquisitely crafted pieces with an organic patina remind us of our humanity and give us perspective on our short time on this planet.”
5. Michael Luzzi Glass
“Out of Venice comes my favorite glass company. They have incredible glassware and vases. I find their vases particularly stunning. They look great on their own and are perfect for fresh-cut flowers.”
6. The Urban Electric Lighting Co.
“I’m currently obsessed with Urban Electric’s flush-mount fixtures. They have a vintage feel to them that makes them elegant and refined, and a playful and quirky shape that brings lightness and modernity to a space.”
7. Handknit Alpaca Sweater by The Daniel Gonzalez
“I designed these sweaters that are made in Peru. Made from baby alpacas’ fur, they are the perfect mix of craftsmanship, quality, and laid-back chic attitude. These chunky sweaters are a visual representation of my style and vibe.”
