Inspiration in the Studio

This Labor Day weekend we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite American-made manufacturers that we love to support! One of the most important elements we incorporate into our designs is quality craftsmanship ensuring our clients can enjoy their homes for many years to come.

LEE Industries creates high-quality home furnishings that are fully customizable to our designs in our home state of North Carolina.

We love using Dunes and Duchess lighting and furniture in brightly colored finishes as pops of color! These hand-turned, hand-finished pieces are always a fun addition to any home.

This Dunes And Duchess dining table and Kari Fisher  roman shades play well together in our Southern Living Inspired Home on Bald Head Island.

Lucy Smith‘s handcrafted metal furnishings are produced in Alabama, in collaboration with her family’s long time steel business.

Tracy Glover uses traditional Italian techniques to craft her artisan glass lighting. Each piece is handblown to order in her Rhode Island studio.

Hickory Chair is another go-to source of quality, American-made furniture for our client’s homes. These customizable pieces will become your family’s heirlooms for generations.

We hope you gather as much inspiration from these American-made manufacturers and designers as we do!

It’s just a sampling of the beautiful work happening right here in the good, ole USA!  Happy Labor Day!

It’s time to reveal Part I of our Charlotte Charm project!  Take a look as we unveil more spaces in this warm, cheerful home we designed with New Old Custom Homes. Collaboration with talented architects, builders, trades, and clients is what makes our job rewarding!

This mudroom is the perfect landing pad as you walk in the door.  Custom cabinetry design by the talented New Old boasts lots of storage space to minimize clutter, and charcoal tile flooring will hide dirt that may get tracked inside.

This office space is formal without feeling too stiff.  Large windows let in lots of light, and the standout driftwood chandelier is a main focal point.

Another bathroom, another statement wallpaper!  This feather pattern is a charismatic addition to this guest bathroom.

A clean, modern master bedroom is an excellent place to rest and recharge. Sometimes less really is more!

Last but certainly not least – the master bathroom!  Luxurious brushed gold hardware, plumbing, mirrors, and sconce are a glamorous accent to the white shiplap walls.

And that perfect freestanding tub to soak away the stress of a long day.

Although this home is simple and fresh, it’s character still shines through in all the details.  This is what we do best – creating a haven for special families.

The 2015 Fall Furniture Market in High Point did not disappoint.  Every showroom was filled with the excitement of new product introductions and every moment was filled with new design inspiration to bring back to the studio.

We can’t wait to incorporate the new Kate Spade lighting by Visual Comfort into our designs next year!

The color in the Lillian August for Hickory White showroom was fresh and oh so happy!

And, the incredible craftsmanship in the Hickory Chair furnishings was impressive. Check out the mix of wood frames with upholstery…the possibilities are endless.

The Vanguard Furniture showroom managed to capture all of the beautiful options possible!

Cheers to an industry that creates luxury and comfort for our homes and a city that welcomes thousands of visitors for just a short week of design inspiration!

Furniture market can be overwhelming and sore feet come with the territory, but the market truly highlights the best of the best in the design industry…and we’re proud to be part of it!

We’ve had a few months of long days and exciting projects! It also means a very random collection of highlights to share.

We installed some beautiful spaces, including this amazing dining room from Hickory Chair. Before the beautiful furnishings, we spent many, many months working on the construction of this home which resulted in a Diamond Award in the Brunswick County Parade of Homes (another amazing project by Whitney Blair Custom Homes). All of the hard work certainly paid off!

There were a few nervous moments trying to figure out wine barrels on a wall, but it was worth the end result (so glad Martha decided to push the creative limits)!  A tongue-and-groove wall made of reclaimed wine barrels….reds and whites and even the strap marks from the barrels. Unique and fabulous!

We had some special little visitors too. Our Company C rugs are the perfect size for mini-movie viewers (and provided a few quiet moments for project review with mom)!

We won’t mention that there was absolutely no room for a child in the stroller!

We never really know where our projects and travels will take us! On one chilly day recently, Martha and I ended up on Cow Pasture Lane. Seriously. We took a wrong turn but eventually found our way to another potentially fun lake house project.

It’s been busy in our little corner of the world. During this season of Thanksgiving, we’re thankful each and every day for the surprises and challenges….and the clients who allow us to explore the possibilities!

Photo credits to one bad photographer (me) and an iPhone!

It’s that time of year again…spring furniture market in High Point!  The excitement is contagious and the eye candy doesn’t stop!  Check out some of our favorite finds!

Beautiful fabric combinations at Lee Industries.

Color. Color. Color.

Fun linens at Eastern Accents.

Colorful tables at Lucy Smith.

Outdoor pillows in bold color at Elaine Smith.

Great corkscrew island fixture at Currey & Co.

Crystal birds sparkle on chandelier by Arteriors.

Soft, beautiful vinyl that looks better than leather at Hickory Chair. And a great tufting detail too.

Functional and fabulous cocktail ottman and upholstery detailing at Century Furniture.

A very special thanks to all of our reps who support us in our designs every day. We couldn’t do what we do without you!