bestoftri

Triangle URBAN

CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN AND PERSONAL STYLEHOME

T h e B e s T o f D e s i g n , s T y l e a n D i n s p i r aT i o n

BEST OFGUIDE

4 Urban Home triangle best of gUide 2014

Strawbridge Photography

C21TG_Urban Home Ad.indd 1 11/25/2014 9:17:16 AM


www.urbanhomemagazine.com

Triangle URBAN

HOMECELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN AND PERSONAL STYLE

PublisherMark Herrmann

Managing Editor Anne Marie Ashley

Editorial DirectorTammy Wanchisn

WritersAnne Marie AshleyTammy Wanchisn

SalesSue Mooney

Art DirectionStacy Long

Catsup GraphicsHarriet McDowall

PageCreationsPhotography

John Bessler Photographywww.besslerphoto.com

Mark Herboth Photographywww.markherboth.com

Lauren McKay Photographywww.designlinesltd.comJim Schmid Photography

www.jimschmid.comJames West Photography

www.jwestproductions.comContributing Editors

Patrick CaseyWill McKendry

Production AdministratorShelley Kemper

InternSara Workman

Phone 919-929-3335

Fax704-973-5685

All contents copyright 2014, 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 Com-munications 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 pro-gram 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.

BeST oF GUIDe VoL 2 No 6

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Reaching 198,000 homes annually

best of guideCONTENTS

trends feature home 12 Twisted Traditional

feature home20 Paring Down & Brightening Up

feature home28 Inspired By White

feature home36 Brought Back To Life

feature home44 A New Interpretation of Mid-Century Modern

feature home48 The Entertainer

feature home54 A Family Affair

departments essentials34 All That Glitters

contributing editors room service: patrick casey24 Roman Holiday

building a better home: will mckendry40 Bring Design To Life

12 20

28 36

44 48

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TwisTed TradiTional

By Anne Marie AshleyPhotography by John Bessler

LLynn and Logan Toms loved this quality about their home; it created a fantastic space for entertaining, which they love to do. However, their family is also very casual and the sometimes-formal feeling of the home didn’t fit their lifestyle. Lynn had visited designer Heather garrett’s store many times in downtown durham and was drawn to her fresh approach. “Heather worked with earthy materials that were casual,” explains Lynn, “but her designs were so sophisticated and finished too.” she commissioned Heather to work on their home and implement a design that worked for the way their family lived. as a child, Lynn vacationed near Rosemary Beach in Florida often and wanted to bring some of the freshness and light from the seaside into her home. “I joke with Heather that my color palette is ‘taupe and clear with pops of Lilly Pulitzer,’” laughs Lynn. over the next eight

months, Heather worked with colleague Todd addison and Walker Harris of Chase Building to create a space the Toms envisioned relaxing in. They opened up the space between the kitchen and keeping room, adding air and light to the overall floorplan and allowing the family to be in different rooms but still together. “It’s everything we need!” exclaims Lynn. “The kitchen has a large island where friends or family can gather and the sofa nearby is a perfect spot for my daughter to do homework. Even my husband is close by when he watches TV from his club chair.” Heather pulled the other rooms together with a cool palette of neutrals, creams and dark hardwood with pops of blue and green creating an easy flow throughout the home. “my secret to decorating is probably the power of layering,” offers Heather. “It’s important

the traditional architecture

and rich history of Hope Valley has a charm all

its own and draws homeowners in from the

moment they first cruise the area.


Heather pulled the other rooms

together with a cool palette of neutrals,

creams and dark hardwood with pops of blue and

green creating an easy flow throughout the home.


to incorporate my client’s personal things into the design, but also layer textures, shapes and lighting.” Heather combined all of Lynn’s accessories into a pile and added some finds of her own as well. she redistributed the items throughout the home, “camouflaging” the two groups to create a look that seems curated over time. When asked what her best tip is for homeowners looking to update their home, Heather suggests painting the molding the same color as the wall. “If you have a tall baseboard, chair rail and ornate crown, paint it all the same color as the wall,” she says. “you’ll be amazed at the increased perceived size of the space. The architectural details are still there, but the all-over color creates a soothing appeal for the eyes.”v

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W

When Jane and Bill decided

to downsize from their

larger home in Cary, the

couple naturally looked at

some of the older historic

homes near downtown

Raleigh for a gem that they

could make their own.

“WE WanTEd To BE CLosER To aLL the restaurants, museums and culture we enjoy,” explains Jane. They found the perfect cottage-style home in the glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood of Raleigh and got to work adding style to their corner lot home. originally a duplex, the home was built in 1913 to house teachers from the nearby methodist Children’s home. The glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood was added to the national Register of Historic Places in 2002 and is just a short distance to the downtown area. Before the couple purchased the home, the two rental units had undergone an extensive renovation by contractor duncan Ray, adding a master bedroom, bath and a front porch. Both fireplaces were saved, creating a warm, inviting spaces for a three bedroom, three bath home. Coming from their mostly neutral home in Cary, Jane was certain she wanted a home with lots of color and was drawn to a more modern

brightening upParing Down anD

By Anne Marie AshleyPhotography by Lauren McKay


aesthetic. she walked into the design Lines office and was greeted by her new designer, Lauren mcKay. “The challenge was to create an upbeat functional environment within a small space of only 1,780-square feet,” says Jane. a former art gallery owner and museum director, Jane had collected quite a few pieces of art for their home and the couple drew inspiration for color and design from their favorite pieces, including “Frida and me” by miriam schapiro. Working with a palette of blues, greens and purples, Lauren took cues from the space to pull a cohesive look together. “The style that you create in a home doesn’t have to match the architecture,” suggests Lauren. “I think it’s fun to mix more modern pieces with older homes – the style is easily transitional and typically timeless.” she called in a trim carpenter to construct an over-mantle so that the homeowners could put a TV over the fireplace and used local resources to furnish almost the entire home, while Jane snuck in some pieces from their favorite store, West Elm. “We like unusual or one-of-a-kind objects, so we try to buy original artwork and local pottery,” Jane adds. When asked what their favorite rooms are, both Jane and Lauren chime in. “I really like the serene quality of our master bedroom,” says Jane. “I thought I was more of a warm color person, but I feel very comfortable within the calming blues and greens of that space.” Lauren adds that her favorite is actually the guest bathroom. “I just love that wallpaper and it really is a retreat for guests.”v



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It’s About theDETAILS


Contributing Editor | Room Service

After

paTrick casey

Taking the lead i’ve fallen into, i flesh

out the details of this new path. i see

a crossroads and all roads seem to lead to…rome?

Roman Holiday

It’s the first Tuesday of November. It’s Election day, which means I’m past my deadline for the holiday issue! I cannot fret, however, as more important things are at stake. Control of the U.s. senate is hanging in the balance! so tonight I sit pensively watching the election results, struggling with a way to segue my newest design into a story. Then, out of left field, I begin to think about how interior design and political campaigns are actually pretty similar. Both involve spending an inordinate amount of time conjuring up concepts and plotting out details that intimately affect people’s lives, all the while hoping that on that pivotal day, the message resonates with the majority of decision makers. Epiphany had, my mind is being pulled in various directions contemplating the comparison…election, voting, design, impending

holiday season…and then all of a sudden, as they make the call, I’m headed in the right direction! Taking the lead I’ve fallen into, I flesh out the details of this new path. I see a crossroads and all roads seem to lead to…Rome? Home of Julius Caesar’s downfall driven by a caucus of (whom else?) disgruntled senators! I dreamt up what the setting might look like, so read on. Peering through portico columns, I notice a brilliant rich shade of vermillion blanketing the chamber. Canvassing the walls are hand-knotted rugs weaved with jagged geometric and Byzantine designs quiet similar to those used in antiquity, but still prevalent today. anchoring the setting in all its stately glory rests an arca, or more commonly referred to as a “strong box”. Every well-heeled Roman household would have one. Locked at all times, it stored their valuables, soft money, bills and other important


documents. In a more modern era, it could serve long term as a sideboard, bar or even an entertainment center. Upholstery was not common at the time, but notice the Portia chair with a sturdy and decorative carved wood frame adorned with a rosette medallion at its base. Up-fitted in practical, yet regal wool, it is reminiscent of a throne fit for any incoming chairman. When all is said and done, I could go on forever with details but alas, the votes have been tallied and we must move on to the next campaign. In the meantime, let’s take a much-needed recess – perhaps even, a Roman holiday!v

Patrick Casey is the manager of Green Front Interiors and Rugs in Raleigh, a store offering luxury furnishings, rugs and designs. Visit the Green Front store at 2004 Yonkers Road in Raleigh, or call them at 919-754-9754. For more information, visit www.greenfront.com


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W TwisTed TradiTional

WHEn ERIKa BUCHHoLTz saW THE aRCHITECTURaL plans and shaded lots for the proposed homes in the glenhaven section of southern Village in Chapel Hill, she quickly secured her spot to build a home. “I was the sales leader for the southern Village developer at the time and I saw the homes that dixon/Kirby & Company planned to build,” recalls Erika. “They were going to have classic exteriors with divided light windows, glass lanterns and private gardens with garages tucked in the back of the home.” The “new-old” neighborhood was planned with a small-town feel and modern appeal. The site was modeled after the small towns that dotted the U.s. in the 1890s-1920s, with wide sidewalks on picturesque streets that led walkers to the market, local school and restaurants and shops. Erika adds, “We pick up dinner at the neighborhood market or dine at one of the restaurants, go to the pediatrician, meet friends at the coffee shop, sample fresh

goodies at the farmer’s market, check out the latest movies, enjoy concerts on the village green, take a yoga class and more – right within our neighborhood.” Erika and her husband selected the finishes and materials, and tweaked the floor plan for building. guided by her own eye, trained by her mother’s interior design influence, Erika designed the inside of their home herself. “my mother was an interior designer and I grew up under her eye for detail, cohesiveness and creative, beautiful spaces,” explains Erika. Having grown up in Beverly Hills, she admits that her style has an intrinsically California vibe and her love of white “and its many shades” can be seen in the stylish and peaceful spaces she’s created. “I love the airiness and crispness of white,” she says, “and having spent a lot of time at the ocean, I am particularly captivated by blues and greens. neutrals mixed with splashes of breezy hues is my thing.” she quickly adds that

ensure your various elements,

furnishings, accessories and architectural details

all work together in the space.


her dream is to have a cottage by the sea, but for the time being, while she is landlocked, she’s inspired by the colors of the coast and the marsh. Though she styled her home before she and her husband expanded their family, Erika wanted to be sure it would survive the wear and tear of everyday life with children. “I have learned to be more practical,” she admits. “I try to create sophisticated but comfortable spaces that are not stuffy – every sofa, chair, barstool and mattress has to pass the comfy-for-lounging test.” The kitchen, one of Erika’s favorite rooms, is filled with natural light and is complemented by the calming surroundings – white cabinets, Carrera marble and stainless steel countertops, bead board ceiling and all white barstools provide a serene background to the hub of the home. French doors open directly onto the veranda with a shaded spot for al fresco dining. Erika says it feels like an extension of the house – an outdoor room.

French doors also open up to the rear garden just off the living room, which is simply styled and filled with accessories that carry meaning. “I love finding treasures during travel that serve as a reminder of that time and place,” offers Erika. “With small children, I don’t get to shop often, but have found lots of my accessories on the occasional afternoon browsing of antique shops and boutiques with my mom or girlfriends. Plus, my parents have a tiny apartment in manhattan, and my mom and I have stumbled across wonderful accessories in shops around soho and the Upper East side.” When asked where her favorite local spots are to shop, Erika chooses downtown mebane, Fearrington, glenwood avenue and north Hills, adding downtown greensboro as a great spot too. “my rule of thumb is to avoid buying anything unless I can envision a specific spot for it,” she suggests. “I go for larger pieces, as I prefer a cleaner space with a less-is-more philosophy. I find pillows are a great way to freshen a space you’ve grown tired of.”


Erika’s favorite design detail can be found in the serene (and white, of course) master bedroom. The paneled wall of squares also doubles as a headboard for the big, fluffy white bed. “I love starting and ending my days in this room,” she explains. “settling in after a chaotic day always feels like an indulgence.” When asked to offer advice on great design, Erika suggests keeping the big picture in mind to create cohesiveness. Ensure your various elements – furnishings, accessories and architectural details – all work together in the space.v

“i try to create

sophisticated but

comfortable spaces

that are not stuffy –

every sofa, chair,

barstool and mattress

has to pass the

comfy-for-lounging test.”



nEw proDUctS

essenTials

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Small Apothecary Chest. Created from solid reclaimed elm, this handy small cabinet works well as a hall cabinet or anywhere you need some stylish storage. Available at Whitley Furniture Galleries. www.whitleygalleries.com.

Adagio Buffet. Made of solid Gmelina wood with inlaid Capiz shell door fronts. Available through Riverview Galleries. www.bernhardt.com.

Foosball Table. Handcrafted from reclaimed hardwood and solid cast iron for a handsome blend of elements.www.abchome.com.

Floor Lamp. The Serena lamp by Oly Studio has an antique gold base and a Capiz shell shade, packing the perfect punch in an unassuming way. Available through Heather Garrett Design. www.olystudio.com.

Wood Chart. Carefully crafted from laser-cut layers of Baltic birch, which are hand-colored and glued together to create a 3-D chart of your favorite seafaring locale. www.belowtheboat.com.

Palais Brass Bowls. Handcrafted, hammered brass bowls. www.jaysonhome.com.

Mini Jambox. Make your tunes mobile. Light, portable and wireless. Available at local retailers. www.jawbone.com.

Table Lamp. Cypress table lamp in antique brass and a stunning geometric design. Available through Beyond Blue Interiors. www.beyondblueinteriors.com.

Lewis Collection Sofa. Finely tailored, with welted seams and subtly pleated cushions. Available at Area Modern Home. www.areamod.com.

Antique Overdye Rug. A true original design, in pale pinks and blues. Available at Nomadic Trading Company. www.nomadictrading.com.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

5 6

7

8

9

10

2

4

1

3


AaBandonEd In THE 1960s, THIs oLd sTEEL-FRamEd and wood-paneled home on a hilltop overlooking Crabtree Creek seemed unredeemable to everyone but the Chiles’. Through the kudzu covered walls and rotted, ivy-ridden wood they could see a pristine, modern home that would pay proper homage to the mid-Century modern structure it once was. It reminded them of Pierre Koenig’s homes in the California hills, they would say. The bones of the home were strong and their vision clear, and the couple began a year-long journey to build a living gallery full of art, light and open spaces. The Chiles’ called on Tonic design in Raleigh to help them reconstruct the home, knowing their design/build model would be ideal for this type of project. “The clients came to us wanting the most loft-like home and home-like loft,” says Vincent Petrarca, lead designer at Tonic. “They felt we could help them realize their dream of a modern home.” Having visited other significant architectural projects like Falling Water done by Frank Lloyd Wright and Villa savoye outside of Paris designed by Le Corbusier, the Chiles’ recognized the details that they were drawn to and could use these as a reference point when designing the new home. over the years, the couple had created a remarkable art and furniture collection that needed to be displayed in a home that complemented their love and interest in art and design. The team used rusted steel panels and white painted steel beams, along with wood, aluminum and glass to maintain the mid-Century modern appeal of the original structure as well offer

unobstructed views of both their art and the surrounding landscape. Low walls, area rugs and mid-Century modern furnishings loosely define boundaries between the living room, dining room, office, kitchen and breakfast area, which encourages movement through the various spaces and levels of the house. Tonic worked with structural engineer Kaydos-daniels to create the striking spiral staircase that connects the main living level to the roof deck. Clipped onto the side of the house, the outdoor stair’s helical form stands in contrast to the grid-like steel structure and a steel and pipe wood bridge spans a private walled garden that connects the drive to the front door. The resulting 3,500-square-foot home is a combination of quiet retreats and open perches, providing several spaces to sit and enjoy the views inside and out. Because the home is situated on a hillside nestled

By Anne Marie AshleyPhotography by James West

Brought Back toLife


in a stand of old-growth beech trees, the couple envisioned the roof deck as a large-scale “table on top of the house” where friends could gather for social occasions in a space with views across the treetops to the distant horizon. “The Chiles’ were a very informed client,” offers Vincent. “Very passionate about good design and that makes our job easy and enjoyable.” When asked what makes for great design in a home, Vincent thinks specifically about the Chiles’ home. “I think indoor/outdoor connections and how we dissolve the corners of the rooms to make spaces feel larger and more connected to nature.” He adds that the roof terrace is one of his favorite parts of the home saying, “The wing shaped roof provides shade in the summer and allows sun onto the terrace during the winter months.”v


retai l interior design


Contributing Editor | Building a Better Home

Bring Design to Life

a good architect

or designer knows

when and where

to add that

special detail.

Will MckenDry

I’ll be the first to admit, I like a good one-stop-shop. That works pretty well when shopping for clothes and groceries, but not when building or renovating your home. over the years, we’ve had several clients come to us with a vision and ask if we can just build what they have in mind. as third-generation builders, we are fully capable of producing a well-built house from a plan sketched on a napkin, but we know the client would not be satisfied with the end result. I can’t express enough the value of working with a well-qualified architect or designer. While our expertise lies in lumber, schedules, and budgets, they bring the art, creativity and vision to life. When designing our own logo, we envisioned the triangle to represent equal parts contractor, architect/designer and homeowner. The best projects consist of all three. one of the best values an architect or designer offers is their expertise in making the best use of space and layout within the architectural boundaries they’re given. They are able to discern a particu-lar family’s needs and come up with a layout that best suits them. For instance, is the space needed for kids? For entertaining? For a home office? To enjoy a sensational view? Having your space customized to your needs is critical to a successful project. a good architect or designer knows when and where to add that special detail. Using more of the fine or expensive products doesn’t necessarily make the home “pop,” but saving that special detail for a specific place certainly can make all the difference. The key is recognizing that line, which is what a qualified architect or designer can do. They can also help marry different design styles. Let’s say you love a more traditional feel and your husband is a fan of contemporary. How do you happily combine these styles? a designer or architect can blend designs to provide a cohesive look to your home that everyone can enjoy. an architect or designer can also facilitate the numerous selections that come with all new builds and remodels. Homeowners can get overwhelmed with selections—even if they think they are pre-pared before entering a project. With a typical kitchen or bath remodel, there are likely over 500 decisions to make. These range from the layout of framing, ceiling heights, doors and floors to cabi-nets, fixtures, walls, hardware, mouldings and more. an architect or designer can aid in all of these important decisions to make the process as comforting and stress-free as possible. open communication and our “triangle approach” are so valuable in getting the most out of your new home or remodel. It’s not always the lowest cost, but it will always ensure the plan you sketched on the napkin will truly be the home of your dreams.v

Will McKendry, vice president of Andrew Roby Triangle, has extensive experience in custom home project management focusing on style and craftsmanship. For more information, visit our website at www.andrewroby.com or call 919-210-2928.

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NBy Tammy WanchisnPhotography by Mark Herboth

a new interpretation of

mid-centurymodernnEW JoBs BRoUgHT angELa HodgE and adnan nasir from Chapel Hill to Raleigh in a quest for a new home that was convenient for their 30-minute commutes in opposite directions. after an exhausting search, the home they bought was liter-ally about to be taken off the market. The home itself was nothing spectacular, but they loved the wooded neighborhood. They knew they had to significantly remodel or rebuild. “The house on the lot was an early 90s builder-spec home, which failed to address the site’s steep lot and solar orientation,” says architect and contractor Erik mehlman of Buildsense. “It was also falling apart and riddled with rotted windows, siding and trim.” They envisioned a new, light-filled, open, yet cozy, home. Inspired by the “atomic ranch” (magazine), they also wanted to incorporate green certification features and energy efficiency into the design. Envi-ronmental responsibility is a tenet of Buildsense. They chose to build a new home on the site and the existing home was deconstructed. Parts and pieces

were reused in the new home construction or donated for tax credits. approximately 90% was diverted from the landfill. The new home made use of ICF (Insu-lating Concrete Form) construction. They chose to install a geothermal heating and cooling system and a roof-mounted photovoltaic array for clean energy generation. The design/build process took more time than usual due to existing wetland complications. “The final product was worth it. The clients were wonder-fully thoughtful, articulate and exacting in their wants and needs,” says mehlman. The 14-month build pe-riod included deconstruction of the existing home and installation of extensive landscaping. The result is a home filled with wonderful spaces for the couple’s toddlers. The openness of the main floor living and dining area is awash with natural light. “We are still discovering the spaces,” says Hodge. “This is the amazing part.” From the quiet solitude of the “away space” to the third story “telescope deck” to the sitting wall in the front yard landscape, there are


numerous places to get away and enjoy. “If I had to choose one space that was my favorite, it would have to be the main floor liv-ing/dining area and its opening connectivity to the large screened porch,” says mehlman. For decorating, the homeowner advises that if you see some-thing that really grabs you, get it; it will work. “I love flea markets, consignment stores, TJ maxx, artist co-ops and vacation finds,” says Hodge. “I have no decorating secrets. decorating needs to speak to the needs of those living there. and it should change over time instead of being static.” mehlman’s design secret —“natural light. It makes everyone feel better, everything look better, enhances the connection of the interior and exterior space and assists with energy efficiency.”v




EEaCH onE Is so UnIqUE and dIFFEREnT, tailored to the homeowners that have so lovingly created the space to fit their lifestyle. searching for one that matches yours (or at least, closely enough that you can make it your own) is what’s challenging. some people want cozy spaces for reading and spending time with family. others want rooms just for working out, and still others want open spaces where you’re never out of sight from children or parents. When Larry schwartz discovered his little slice of heaven, a 1956 ranch home in a cul de sac, he knew it would be a perfect space catered to his penchant for entertaining and his love for family. “a ranch was the way to go for me,” says schwartz. “I cook a lot, I entertain a lot. so, I needed something that was conducive to that.” despite the age of the home, updates had been made, but Larry called on designer Emily Bourgeois to fine tune plans for the home. The team gutted the home, removed the roof and added 2,800-square feet, transforming a once closed-off ranch into an open home perfect for entertaining. guest rooms were added along with a bathroom and a media room. The kitchen was widened and a banquette was added for a cozy aesthetic that Larry says has become one of his favorite spaces in the home. “When Emily suggested a booth in the kitchen, I was kind of skeptical because I thought it could be an enclosed

everyone uses his

or her home differently.

Which is what makes

house hunting so fun.


TheenTerTainer


wine cellar for when I host parties,” explains schwartz. “But now, I find I spend most of my time in the kitchen, eating breakfast, watching TV or just reading the paper.” The only thing that remains of the original house is the brick wall in the garage. “I liked the look of the brick, it added some character,” says schwartz. The process took around three years, and if you ask Larry, it’s still in progress. He says that the aesthetics grew as he worked more closely with Emily and they got to know each other. “once we learned about each other, the style evolved,” explains schwartz. a frequent international traveler, Larry incorporated European influences in the home and even discovered his inspiration for the living room ceiling while he was touring the Cave of moët in Champagne, France. “I took a picture of the ceiling and texted it to Emily,” he recalls. “I think she thought I was crazy at first, but she made it happen and it really adds some drama.” Emily and Larry brought in Chris Kudra of The Beauty of Iron to create all the ironwork, handcrafted and created especially for the home. Chris custom made the chandelier, dining table base, sconces, curtain rods and art hangers, and the metal doors – to name a few things. The ironwork throughout the home, coupled with the European vibe adds a feeling of unity and provides a flow to the home that wasn’t there in the old floorplan. For the powder room in the hallway, Emily created a space that’s both

The kitchen was widened and a banquette was added for a cozy

aesthetic that Larrysays has become one of his favorite

spaces in the home.


functional and fashionable. The mirror-tiled, curved wall leads into a private water closet, while the lounge-like “waiting room” offers guests a chance to have a seat on the bench and take a minute before washing up to return to the party. Hard wood, leather, brass and mirrored tile give the room a swanky look and the paneled door in the wall means you might walk right past it if you’re not paying attention.

When asked what his advice to homeowners would be when renovating a home, Larry offers an audible wry smile and suggests they hire Emily. He quickly adds, “Have a lot of patience and don’t rush. If a house flows properly, almost any design can work, so create rooms that give thought to other rooms.”v



affairA FAmily

By Anne Marie Ashley

WWHEn THE sPIVaK FamILy CamE To dEsIgnER donna davis of design Works, they were ready for an overhaul of their long-lived-in Cary residence. Looking for a fresh update and a more open feel, they worked closely with donna to create a space they could love for more years to come. Teaming up with desi mcalister of Kitchen and Bath galleries in Raleigh, donna came up with a plan that coordinated well with the construction process down to the new furnishings. “I was able to pull the spaces together through finish selections, colors and furnishings,” adds donna. The goal of the home update was to use some of their current items, while adding new furnishings that worked together to bring style and individuality to the overall look. “The rule of thumb was to keep it unique as well as personal,” explains donna. “The grey and gold color scheme was

the goal of the home

update was to use some of their

current items, while adding new

furnishings that worked together

to bring style and individuality

to the overall look.


part of the freshen up and really completes the look.” donna was able to happily combine the traditional and contemporary styles that split the spivak family down the middle into an overall transitional appeal that spoke to everyone. Her favorite example is the piano room. “We created an entirely new look by re-covering an existing sofa, adding art and a great rug, new window treatments and extra seating.” after about five months of design and renovation, the spivaks were ready to move back into their functional and sophisticated space, which made it feel like a whole new home. “Listening carefully to the client is what helps me create a home that they love and that reflects their style,” says donna. she adds that function, good scale and great color are key tools to the best design projects. “start with something you love and be open to adding some unexpected pieces.”v

Photos courtesy of Design Works. To See All the Photos of This Feature Home, visit www.urbanhomemagazine.com.


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