Inspiration in the Studio

ASID 2020 Excellence in Design Awards

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Carolinas Chapter held the Excellence in Design Awards Ceremony virtually this past week and we were excited to be in attendance (from afar!).

These awards highlight exceptional projects completed by ASID members and we are so grateful to have a few of our own selected!

Our Country Retreat project was awarded Honorable Mention in the Kitchen category.

We also won an Honorable Mention for our kitchen in the Designer House category for our Southern Living Inspired Home at The Bramble.

And….drumroll please….the main living space in our Charlotte Charm project won 1st Place for best Singular Space!

You may recognize this space from the HGTV Designer of the Year awards as well! We are still currently in the running to win the Color + Pattern category so don’t forget to cast your vote (we would be honored)! Voting ends September 29th.

We so appreciate being members of such a talented design community!

Latest ASID Awards Found a Home in the Studio

At the ASID Carolinas Spring Gala in Charlotte, we were honored to be in the company of some of the best designers in North and South Carolina. Taking home three awards was the icing on the cake of a fabulous weekend spent amidst fellow designers and friends. We wanted to take a moment to share the three homes that were recognized at the gala – we are thankful for the beautiful homes and the beautiful clients who allowed us to create these livably sophisticated spaces.

First Place, Singular Space

A large-scale renovation, this open kitchen / keeping room combination dramatically changed to create a space that feels welcoming and intimate, reflecting the homeowners’ entertaining and personal style. The outdoors-in aesthetic offers a peaceful place to rest and enjoy for the homeowners and guests. Featuring an eye-catching dining table in the center of the space, dinner party guests feel welcomed by the soft color palette of blues and hints of cool gray, warm wood finishes, elegant lighting, and comfortable upholstered seating. The homeowners’ original art also provides a stunning backdrop to bring the room together.

First Place, Vacation/Secondary Home

With a soothing color palette mirroring the home’s coastal surroundings, this calming retreat is idyllic for overlooking the ocean. The goal was to restore and showcase the home’s original history and integrity, yet create a retreat where serenity and relaxation was at the center. We incorporated furnishings that would remain durable to withstand beach vacations for many years to come, while bringing in details that told a subtle coastal story, altogether impactful. The main living space offers ample seating, exquisite views of the surrounding beach, and plenty of natural light pouring in to highlight the room’s sea-inspired color palette. The dining area is informal in feel, reflecting the personality of the rest of the home – carefree, airy, and laid back: the homeowners’ perfect idea of a vacation home.

Honorable Mention for Single Family Home 3500+ sq. ft.

Layered in soft neutrals and detailed textures, this home is a peaceful retreat grounded by a classic and clean design aesthetic. Seeking a relaxing space, yet one sophisticated and refined to match their taste, the homeowners wanted to incorporate beautiful architectural and design details alongside a neutral color palette. Incorporating the homeowners’ existing pieces along with new created an opportunity to transform the old when paired with new furnishings, giving each room a fresh story to tell. The homeowners were also open to paneling and wainscoting, showcasing the home’s arches and adding visual interest to walls that could be further uplifted. On the second floor, there was also an opportunity to incorporate hints of color in these more playful, personal spaces.

Factory Tour at Hickory Chair

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of traveling to Hickory, North Carolina to attend an ASID meeting and tour the Hickory Chair factory. What an incredible day!

The continuing education class was an overview of furniture building techniques for high-end furniture. The construction and materials used in both case goods and upholstered furniture can vary greatly by manufacturer. Before specifying furniture for any project, it’s important to know how to recognize quality furniture. Well, we definitely saw some beautiful furniture being crafted.

The organization, the customization, the craftsmanship….the factory tour was more than impressive! Check out this inventory of tables…

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Upholstered furniture frames being hand-built….

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This gentleman was carefully carving a table leg.  Amazing talent.

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8-way hand tied dining chairs! Now that would make a comfortable dinner party!

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Inventory of fabrics…and Hickory Chair promotes the use of COM fabrics (Customer’s Own Material) so the end result is truly custom for each individual space.

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And, of course, the end product in the showroom.  The look of this beautiful display cabinet can change dramatically with customization options and finish choices.

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Thank you Hickory Chair (and our tour guide Laura Holland) for an inspiring day. Even in the cold, dark, dreary rain, it was definitely worth the trip!

NAVIGATION