Inspiration in the Studio

This week on our Artisan Spotlight we are featuring native-North Carolinian artist + designer, Windy O’Connor. Windy’s work is always fun and makes us smile! Her fabric and wall coverings are filled with color + pattern and infuse an artistic touch to any room. Not only does Windy design fabulous textiles, her original art is spectacular, too!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in Eastern NC near Fort Bragg. I never realized how much growing up in such a diverse community had affected my life until I became an adult. I had friends from all over the globe and many military brats as well. I so appreciate the exposure to so many cultures as a young girl. It truly broadened my view of the world.

I have one sister who is very creative and also an artist. My mother is an artist as well. However, I grew up singing and performing in plays at the Fayetteville Little Theatre. I loved musical theatre and all of the lessons I learned about putting yourself out there and being willing to fail. I was the kid who signed up for everything! I wanted to do it all and I am so grateful to my parents for supporting all of my extra curricular activities!

Fast forward, I am a happy wife, proud mother of two very creative and independent young adults and I feel like the luckiest girl I know. I try my best to live one day at a time while cherishing each moment juggling a home, family, friends and a business.

Who are your biggest influences?

The world inspires me daily. My faith inspires and guides my work. I also love studying art and art history. There is so much to learn!

I have always been obsessed with the work of Cy Twombley, Picasso, Joan Mitchel, Basquiet and Willem De Kooning. Seeing and studying their works in person is a soul moving experience. I am also obsessed with Kim Simonsson’s Moss Children and everything about Damien Hirst.

We recently featured a Southern Studio designed chair for the Green Chair Project seen here upholstered in Windy’s Mossy Blues fabric.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue your artistic dream?

I realized that I wanted to paint for the rest of my life when I started taking painting classes and workshops. My brain was doing full on gymnastics! It is an amazing feeling and I love the fact that there is no end to learning and creating.

Describe your creative process.

It is difficult to describe my process because I don’t really think about it. It is more of an action than thought. I am an intuitive painter and I wake up with my brain full of ideas and never enough hours to create everything that I want make. So, part of my process is scheduling what I want to create along with commissions for clients. Then, I get to work.

This guest bath in our Southern Living Inspired Home featured the Metal Stars wall covering and is adjacent to the bedroom below with Metal Stars window treatments and a bolster to complete the neutral bed.

What’s your favorite medium/material to work with and why?

My favorite medium and material to work with currently is paper. It takes more time to sculpt paper into objects and create dimension but, I love the journey.

What current trend are you following?

I follow design trends but, not necessarily art trends. I love unusual art as a collector.  I tend to like things that I have never seen before or a new way of investigating a subject matter or idea. I love that traditional homes are becoming vogue again. I am also swooning over the quiet contemporary rooms that seem to be on trend.

What is your proudest accomplishment as an artisan?

I have had some amazing moments as an artist. Owning my own company has been an amazing accomplishment and one that I never dreamed accomplishing. One of the highlights of my career is certainly being chosen as the Mint Museum artist for the Visionary Women’s luncheon last year. I cried tears of joy when I received that call. The entire event was so stunning! I had the privilege of creating art for the invitations, the table coverings and art for the front of the Mint  Museum. That was one of the most special days of my life and certainly the highlight of my career so far. I feel so blessed each and every day to have opportunities like that one and to create for a living.

Thanks for infusing color and happiness into the world Windy!

In the most 2020 fashion, our design team completed an install for a fun family just in the nick of time before the impending COVID-19 stay-at-home orders took effect this spring.  We can’t think of a better way to quarantine than in a newly renovated home with a playful color palette!

Our design team had so much fun working on this project with patterned window treatments, textured wallcovering, and a gorgeous collection of original art. The dining room is casual, yet sophisticated and just perfect for almost any occasion.

The Windy O’Connor wallpaper in this powder bath carried the home’s artistic theme into their daily hand washing routine.

The brushed gold architectural light fixture makes a statement above the breakfast table and adds drama to the ceiling height and stained beams.

A flood of natural light is the best accessory to spotlight the textures and patterns in this inviting family room! Gold raffia wallpaper backs the bookcases flanking the remodeled fireplace.

We combined existing furniture elements with new luxury textiles to take the owner’s retreat to the next level.  This space proves that layering the old with the new can bring new life to any home.

Original artwork, a hide rug and whimsical window treatment fabric make the piano room one of our favorites!

The best part of our job is when we receive thoughtful notes from clients who appreciate their homes.  This one was extra-special since it was installed the very day our state shut down for the pandemic and instantly received lots of love and breaking in!

Photography: Stacey Van Berkel

We have exciting news to share! Remember our Charlotte Charm project recently completed with New Old Custom Homes?  Well, the project was nominated as a finalist for the Color + Pattern category in HGTV’s 2020 Designer of the Year Awards! We love the use of color and pattern throughout this home and we hope you do too!

The voting for the awards is open to the public from now until September 29th and can be found here: hgtv.com/designeroftheyear!  There are some beautiful homes entered, so be sure to check them out (and, we would welcome your supporting vote, too)!

Here are some of our favorite photos from Charlotte Charm. The open living room combines the warmth of rustic wood with bright, lush velvet.

The dining room window treatments become a beautiful backdrop of luxurious pattern for the casual table setting.

The bold wallcovering pattern makes a big impact in the small powder room.

We especially love the great drama and display of feathers found in the guest bath wallcovering.

To see the entire home, visit HGTV.com and be sure to vote (yes, you can vote every day)!  We are incredibly grateful for clients who trust our vision and allow us the creative freedom to bring their homes to life!

All photos:  Dustin Peck Photography

Today we’re revealing Part II of our Charlotte Charm Project!  This project was another collaboration with New Old Custom Homes in The Bramble, a Southern Living Inspired Home community.

Upon walking through the arched front door, the foyer makes a grand first impression.  The trim detail on the walls and herringbone hardwood flooring are architectural elements that incorporate visual interest into the space.

The open floor plan allows for a flow between the kitchen, dining, and family rooms.  Creating a cohesive look between the three while giving each room it’s individual personality is an opportunity for our creativity to soar.  We love the mixture of fabrics and patterns in the combination of the area rug, custom window panels, blue velvet chairs, and textured weave sofas.

Natural wood in the flooring, sofa console table (notice the live-edge detail), and mantle wall bring warmth to this family room.  These tones, along with brass and gold lighting and accessories, contrast the cool blues and grays of the color scheme.  And check out those windows – bright sunlight is the best accessory!

A powder room with personality!  The patterned wallpaper with a bamboo-framed mirror give this powder room a natural, organic vibe.  The mirrored bamboo sconces round out the look, and the vanity drawers provide a lot of necessary storage.

This round dining table is the perfect place to gather and have great conversation over a family meal.  The dining chairs have a remarkable level of detail thanks to the brass nailhead trim, patterned fabric, and cutout back.

In the kitchen, both the island and the ventilation hood are covered with an unrefined wood paneling (amazing craftsmanship from the New Old team).  Visual interest is achieved through the contrast between the rustic element of wood and the polished look of cabinetry, lighting, and hardware.

An apron-front sink under an oversized window is the ideal place to do the dishes.  There is even a built-in espresso machine for coffee in the morning.  Stay tuned for Part II of the Charlotte Charm Project Reveal!

Builder : New Old

Photography : Dustin Peck Photography

It’s the first day of spring and we’re celebrating with the latest issue of Haven Magazine, the annual publication featuring everything we love about Bald Head Island. One of our latest favorite projects (so many favorites) is featured with a full home tour in the magazine.

We’ll share a sneak peek of some of the beautiful interiors!  This kitchen with cabinets the color of seaglass, quartz countertops, and incredible pendant lights is the central gathering space of the home.

The dining table is perfect for large gatherings of family and friends.  There’s no need to worry about wet bathing suits with the performance fabrics on the upholstered furniture!

The large sectional in the family room provides casual comfort for the entire family!  A seaside vibe carries throughout the home with layers of blue and turquoise color.

This is one happy beach home that is ready for summer guests! Enjoy.

Contractor:  Whitney Blair Custom Homes

Photography:  Harry Taylor Photography