QC Exclusive-No.119-2026-Issue 2-The Home & Design Issue

The finest homes, interiors, builders, designers, and home industry professionals in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Issue No. 119 | Spring 2026

1935 Queens Road W, Charlotte, NC

Exclusively offered by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Listing Advisors - Hanes Walker and Billy Caldwell

Guiding families from dream home to new home.

Anne Neilson Fine Art presents Her Story, a show celebrating women that will run this spring.

Obra! A Mission and a Method

In partnership with VAPA, this art collective is dedicated to Charlotte’s many Latinx artists.

Home & Design

PROFILES • SPACES • FEATURED HOME

53

Old-World Charm Meets Modern Living

Sarah Pfeffer, Founder and Director of Design at Castelletto Homes, brings two decades of architectural expertise.

58

A New Chapter On Queens Road West

A fresh condominium project from Copper Builders and Helen Adams Realty honors a family legacy while shaping the neighborhood’s future.

62

Fully Revealed Step inside designer Lisa Sherry’s own Charlotte home.

68

A Gracious Upgrade

Through intentional finishes and collected layers, this Myers Park townhouse became a refined yet welcoming home.

74

A Home With Heart Kingswood Custom Homes unveils a new chapter for a beloved Charlotte family.

79

Pinecone Pathways

North Carolina's largest scavenger hunt is back.

82

A Modernist Road Trip Through The Carolinas Exploring our region’s architectural prowess.

86

Into The Stillness Of The Forest Mark Ellison guides people back to nature and themselves.

WE DRIVE CHARLOT TE

KUBA TEXTILES FROM THE DR CONGO, THE WESLEY MANCINI COLLECTION

FEBRUARY 21–AUGUST 23, 2026

Designing Dynamism: Kuba Textiles from the DR Congo, The Wesley Mancini Collection is generously presented by Wells Fargo. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Hillary and Fairfax Cooper, and Lauren Harkey. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. IMAGE: Unidentified Kuba weaver and embroiderers. Man’s Prestige Cloth (detail), raffia. The Wesley Mancini Textile Collection. 2020.24.24

Mint Museum Randolph | 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Welcome to our annual Home Issue, where we celebrate inspired spaces, thoughtful design, and the creativity that shapes the way we live. From compelling art and cultural moments to unforgettable meals, beautiful homes, and destinationworthy experiences, this issue is filled with ideas to elevate everyday living.

We begin in Arts & Culture with striking work by Gregory Gibson, a new exhibit at ANFA, and a look at the creative energy behind Obra! These features highlight the artists and collectives bringing fresh perspective and depth to the Carolinas’ creative scene.

In Food & Drink , we explore a dynamic mix of flavors and experiences, from the warm hospitality of McHale’s Irish Pub and the thoughtful offerings at Neek Tea, to standout dishes at Emmy Lou’s and Panko. We also sip expertly crafted drinks at Room Service and Henrietta’s, each bringing its own style and personality to the table.

Our Home & Design section is the heart of this issue. We meet the founder of Castelletto, explore a collaborative project between Helen Adams Realty and Copper Builders, step inside a refined project by Lisa Sherry Interieurs, tour a stunning home by New South, and feature a Kingswood Custom Home that truly has to be seen to be believed.

In Travel, adventure meets inspiration. The beloved Pinecone Pathways scavenger hunt returns, we hike The Pinnacle Trail and explore the restorative power of forest therapy, and we take an architectural tour of some of the most compelling modern buildings across the Carolinas.

Finally, in The Exclusives, we present our comprehensive Home Guide, a curated resource designed to connect you with the best in building, design, and living well.

This issue is a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the spaces that shape our lives. We hope it inspires you to look at your home with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Until next time, peace.

Sincerely,

Jon-Paul Grice, Art Director Brett Barter, Publisher

PUBLISHER

Brett Barter

ART DIRECTOR

Jon-Paul Grice

EDITOR

Sunny Hubler

EXECUTIVE ADMIN

Kathryn Keller

EDITORIAL

Eleanor Merrell

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamey Price

Beautiful Results,

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We welcome your feedback and believe it is very valuable in our constant pursuit to be better as a publication. We encourage all of our readers to contact us with any critiques, compliments, or questions by email at info@qcexclusive.com.

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CULTURE

ARTISTS

GALLERIES

STYLE

WELLNESS

The Wilderness Within

Artist Gregory Gibson’s story begins in and ultimately circles back to Charlotte, the city where he was born but spent years restlessly orbiting. In his twenties, he hitchhiked across the country, drifting through southern California, up to Oregon and Washington, and back again. At one point, his wanderings even led him to a commune in Oregon.

T“They graciously fed me and gave me a place to sleep,” recalls Gibson. “I was on my way the next day.” During this time, Gibson lived almost entirely disconnected from the world he had grown up in. It was an experiment in freedom that would forever influence his portfolio and his personhood.

A gifted draftsman since childhood, Gibson immersed himself early in art and literature, his two creative pillars. To this day, he still carries a notebook with him wherever he goes, sketching, jotting down sentence fragments, recording the spark of an idea. So it came as no great surprise when, while living near Pasadena and driving past the ArtCenter College of Design almost daily, Gibson had an epiphany: “This is what I need to be doing.”

He returned to Charlotte to regroup before committing fully to art as a career, selecting the prestigious Atlanta College of Art for his studies. When he returned to Charlotte, it was with a degree from the same institution that had molded Radcliffe Bailey, Kara Walker, Roe Ethridge, and Maxwell Stevens. That return to the Queen City set the stage for one of the most meaningful chapters of his career: transforming a historic 1940s movie theater into his personal studio. The opportunity arrived almost like an omen, via an unexpected email from a building owner who had received Gib -

son’s name anonymously. Despite Gibson’s skepticism, the space was perfect. Or rather, he made it perfect after several months of cleaning and repurposing. Now, the former theatre, once home to films, cartoon shorts, and wartime propaganda, has become his sanctuary and his laboratory.

Within this space, Gibson creates pieces that he describes as both “highly spiritual” and “gritty and guttural,” always rooted in his belief that authentic art lives in the tension between light and darkness.

The artistic process, for Gibson, demands total immersion – possibly even an obsession. “You have to be borderline unbalanced,” he offers. He rejects the notion that great art can be made without sacrifice. “Suffering is directly commensurate with reward,” he says. Yet, for all his intensity, Gibson avoids being boxed into categories – stylistic, spiritual, or otherwise. He moves freely between representation and abstraction, letting each idea dictate its own form. What he seeks, echoing Philip Guston, is simple (and also anything but): “I want my paintings to suck the air out of the room.”

info gregoryagibson.com

Her Story

Anne Neilson Fine Art presents Her Story, a show celebrating women that will run this spring.

TThrough March 31, Anne Neilson Fine Art will showcase an exhibit titled “Her Story.” The exhibition celebrates women, femininity, and the power of creative expression. On display, visitors will take in works from artists Juniper Briggs, Caroline Boykin, and Rene Romero Schuler that honor the beauty, resilience, and unique stories of women. The collection invites viewers to reflect, connect, and be inspired. Conveniently located in the heart of SouthPark, the gallery

represents more than 60 artists worldwide. The gallery itself is an exquisite 5,200 square foot light-dappled space, with a concentration on vibrant and contemporary curatorial programming.

info

anneneilsonfineart.com @anneneilsonfineart

OBRA! A Mission and a Method

In partnership with VAPA, this art collective is dedicated to Charlotte’s many Latinx artists.

IIn 2012, as Charlotte prepared to host the Democratic National Convention, a bus made its way across the country from Phoenix to the Queen City. Painted electric mint and emblazoned with the words Sin Papeles, Sin Miedo (“Without Papers, Without Fear”), it briefly became home to around 30 undocumented workers, students, artists, activists, parents, sons, daughters, and spouses. Together, they embarked on a modernday Freedom Ride intended to raise awareness of the dehumanization of immigrants in the United States.

From their homes in Charlotte, several young members of the Latin American Coalition followed the journey closely. When the bus arrived, they invited the travelers to share a meal and participate in a creative workshop. Moved by their guests’ embodiment of both activism and art, Zuleyma Castrejon, Liz

Ojeda, Jessica Contreras, and Megan Gonzalez founded OBRA! in 2013—an artist collective dedicated to supporting Charlottebased Latinx artists.

Obra is a Spanish word meaning “piece” or “work of art,” but as the collective’s name, it also functions as an acronym: Observe, Bridge, Respond, Art. “As artists and creatives, we observe the world around us,” explains OBRA! Director Megan Gonzalez, “and we come together as artists to bridge the gap between the affected and those who do not know the issues that immigrants and the Latino community face.”

OBRA! advances its mission through three primary offerings: studio space, workshops and classes, and gallery exhibitions. Its studio spaces are provided in partnership with VAPA, located near Fourth Ward and the McColl Center. “Before VAPA, we did

Guiding You Home in Charlotte and Beyond.

HOME OF WINNING SMILES

not have a physical space,” recalls Gonzalez. “We would do pop-up exhibitions and have artist meetups in breweries, parks, or at someone’s house.” Today, OBRA! offers shared studios that are intentionally affordable, helping reduce economic barriers to creative practice and community connection.

That same commitment to accessibility shapes OBRA!’s educational programming. Classes are offered in both Spanish and English and are available at no or low cost. Past offerings have included drawing, printmaking, poetry, and dance, while workshops often center culturally rooted practices such as repujado (metal embossing), mini piñata making, kite making, and pesebres (nativity scene arranging). “For many, having a space where their culture is celebrated and understood can significantly improve mental health and wellbeing, particularly for marginalized groups,” Gonzalez notes.

The organization’s third pillar is its gallery program, which features Latinx artists or exhibitions curated by Latinx voices. When OBRA! was founded, Gonzalez says, local galleries and museums rarely showcased Latinx artists, despite the abundance of talent in the community. By creating space for representation and visibility, OBRA! continues to use art as a powerful tool for empathy, connection, and social change.

FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANTS • DISHES • LIBATIONS

The McHale Legacy

The revived Irish pub houses community-focused hospitality on North Davidson Street.

“Pub” is short for public house, a term that emerged in late 17th-century England to describe a place open to all for food, drink, and socializing. Culturally, pubs have long anchored European towns and cities — and American neighborhoods have benefited from the export. When NoDa welcomed its first Irish pub this summer, Charlotteans got a taste of what makes this kind of neighborhood institution so enduring.

McHale’s, originally operated in Fort Mill from 1997 to 2014 and in Rock Hill from 2004 to 2020, reopened in mid-2025 on N. Davidson St. Owner Brendan Kuhlkin, a NoDa resident, had his eye on the once-vacant building for years before deciding to revive the beloved concept.

Known for craft beers, Irish-inspired pub fare, and an easygoing atmosphere, the original McHale’s built a loyal following through live music, events, and an emphasis on connection. Several months in, that spirit has translated naturally to the new location.

M“The neighborhood needed a pub,” Kuhlkin said. “This is a place for everyone, from eight to 80. We’re about compassion, community, and belonging.”

Kuhlkin assembled a seasoned team to bring the vision to life. General manager Brandon Burton brings more than 20 years of industry experience, overseeing a space that feels intentionally warm rather than trend-driven. Minority partner and director of sales and marketing Kyle Kennedy, a Dublin native who frequented the original McHale’s while playing soccer at Winthrop, says authenticity was nonnegotiable from the start.

A Peek Inside

McHale’s red exterior opens into a cozy main bar where wood paneling, exposed brick, and vintage lighting create a transportive, old-world feel. Inside, the dining area leads to two traditional Irish “snugs” designed for smaller gatherings, while a covered porch and spacious outdoor area function as a casual beer-garden-style extension of the bar.

Since opening, McHale’s has settled comfortably into the neighborhood, drawing regulars for weeknight dinners, weekend sports broadcasts, and informal meetups. Local artwork lines the walls alongside Irish iconography — Guinness posters, nods to folk artists and authors, and photographs of Kuhlkin’s own family. His mother’s maiden name is McHale, a legacy now shared by the pub, his brother, grandson, and nephew.

The Menu at McHale’s

The menu keeps fan favorites like fish and chips and Irish egg rolls while introducing new dishes tailored to Charlotte. Chef Bess de Keyzer, formerly of Fern, Flavors From the Garden, blends Irish staples with Carolina influences, offering spice bags, fresh seafood, vegan options, and a rotating weekend brunch.

Behind the bar, eight beers are on tap alongside local brews, while bar manager Brian Hallihan leads a cocktail program centered on craft drinks with a strong emphasis on whiskey.

In NoDa, McHale’s isn’t trying to be the loudest new arrival — just a reliable one, built on hospitality, familiarity, and the simple belief that everyone belongs in a good pub.

info mchalespubnoda.com @mchalespub

DRIVEN BY SUCCESS. FOCUSED ON RELATIONSHIPS.

As a family-owned and locally operated firm, Helen Adams Realty combines deep-rooted market knowledge with the personalized service that only a local company can offer. Our firm has served the Greater Charlotte area as a trusted name in real estate for over 50 years.

With a proven track record and a commitment to relationships, Helen Adams Realty remains a leader in both volume and service, continually honoring the same principles that inspired our founding: excellence, ethics, and a dedication to service.

Steeping Stillness

Neek Tea Co. helps us find power in the pause.

Ywords ELEANOR MERRELL / photos ARIEL PERRY

You light a fire in the hearth, pluck a dog-eared book from the shelf, and burrow into the couch beneath your softest blanket. Or, you welcome a friend over and settle in for a long chat. The only thing missing to make these the absolute coziest experiences possible is a hot mug of tea.

Enter: Neek Tea Co. Founded in 2022 by Monique Hibma, Neek Tea Co. was born from Monique Hibma’s belief that tea is a cultural anchor. It’s a treat, a mid-afternoon ritual, a medium to connect and to relate, and even an invitation to be present.

“At Neek, we believe there’s power in the pause,” said Hibma. “Tea is more than a beverage—it’s a bridge. It connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to the world.” That philosophy is woven throughout the brand, from sourcing practices to community initiatives, positioning Neek as both a luxury tea experience and an accessible daily practice.

The roots of Neek Tea Co. trace back to Hibma’s childhood,

where moments spent sipping peppermint tea from a simple cup and saucer in her grandmother’s apartment sparked a lifelong affection for the elegance and comfort of teatime. Years later, after a career immersed in wine culture and then a personal decision to abstain from alcohol in preparation for pregnancy, Hibma found herself longing for the sense of sophistication and connection that communal drinks once provided. The same thing that sparked her interest in wine became her avenue to sobriety: tea.

In 2013, Hibma and her husband began ending their evenings with tea, a ritual that grew more meaningful during the upheaval of 2020 as motherhood, teaching, holistic wellness, and international bedlam intersected. Today, Neek Tea Co. honors teatime as a daily anchor for joy, peace, and intentional living, and accepts teatime’s invitation to create moments of calm in the midst of modern life and more upheaval.

Consignment Furniture & Antiques, Rowe Upholstery, Turkish & Persian Rugs, Home Accessories & Gifts

Community impact is central to Neek’s mission, most notably through its annual “Tea for Teachers” initiative. Each May, during Teacher Appreciation Week, Charlotte-area elementary school PTAs can apply for the chance to receive a curated tea selection and gift bags designed to offer educators a moment of rest and recognition. Beyond the giveaway, Neek continues to support teachers year-round with discounts, gifts, and mindfulness experiences.

Although community impact is a motivating force, quality remains the brand’s foundation. Hibma’s sommelierlevel training guides every selection, with teas sourced through fair-trade partnerships and chosen for both flavor and the experience they create. In fact, in the fall of 2025, Neek relaunched after a brief hiatus while the brand sought USDA Certified Organic status. The recent rebrand reflects a deepened commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability. Neek now offers customers third-party assurance that every loose-leaf tea and tisane meets the highest standards for purity and environmental responsibility.

With every carefully sourced blend and thoughtfully designed ritual, Neek reframes tea not as a luxury reserved for special occasions, but as a grounding practice available to anyone willing to stop long enough to steep a cup. In a city known for its rapid growth and ever-accelerating pace, Neek Tea Co. is asking Charlotte to do something quietly radical: slow down.

info

neekteaco.com / @neekteaco

PANKO'S

Traditional Peruvian Causa

Panko, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion (also known as “nikkei”) restaurant, opened its doors in NoDa late last fall. It’s a welcoming, lounge-like setting with a bold menu. Expect a variety of fresh ceviches, sushi, nigiri and other seafood offerings. If you want a taste of authentic Peruvian fare, order the causa, made with squid ink, avocado carpaccio, and topped with shrimp, cream cheese, and tobiko, finished at the table with yellow leche de tigre. It fea-

tures everything this restaurant does well, and delivers a delightfully rich, complex flavor profile. Traditional causa is a dish built around a base of seasoned, mashed yellow potatoes, before being topped or filled with anything from chicken to seafood salad. The dish’s name is tied to Peruvian patriotism, with origins in the 19th-century independence wars when women sold the dish to support soldiers, saying "por la causa" or for the cause.

info — pankoperuvian.com / @pankoperuvian

EMMY LOU'S

Hamachi Tiradito

Charlotte’s wine scene continues to evolve with the arrival of Emmy Lou’s, a newly opened wine bar bringing an ingredient-driven approach to small plates. Designed as a relaxed but refined neighborhood spot, Emmy Lou’s pairs its carefully curated wine list with dishes that lean bright, seasonal and globally influenced. The hamachi tiradito is perfectly exemplary of that ethos. Delicate

slices of hamachi (a Japanese term for young yellowtail fish) are dressed in a citrusy white ponzu that heightens the fish’s natural richness, while a base of sweet potato causa adds subtle sweetness and body. Thin slices of jalapeño cut through the dish with just enough heat to create a balanced plate. At Emmy’s, it’s exactly the kind of bite that keeps you lingering for another glass.

— info — emmylouswinebar.com / @emmylousclt

Run Rabbit Run

Tucked into the heart of LoSo, Henrietta’s is bringing the city an entirely different kind of gathering space: one that feels equal parts elegant dinner experience, buzzing cocktail bar, and neighborhood hangout.

Both the kitchen and bar menus are high seasonally-driven, and the bar program centers around fresh-squeezed juices, house infusions, and bold

flavor combinations. The Run Rabbit Run, a mocktail, is no exception: Made with Abstinence Cape Citrus (non-alcoholic liqueur), carrot, orange, and ginger, it's a refreshing, bright, and — dare we even say healthy — sipper. Of course, if you do want a little buzz, swap the non-alcoholic liqueur for a spirit of your choice.

info — henriettasclt.com / @henriettasclt

ROOM SERVICE'S

Jeff Goldblum Drinks For Free

Room Service, a Camp North End cocktail lounge focused on seasonal, handcrafted drinks alongside small plates and sharable bites, is an intentionally cozy and casual hangout. The space also doubles as a community hub with trivia nights and themed dance parties.

It’s a great place to start your night out, and the “Jeff Goldblum Drinks for Free” makes for an easy sipper. A playful riff on one of my personal favorite classic

cocktails — the paloma — this cocktail blends tequila and mezcal (both!) with blood orange, hibiscus syrup and a splash of lime. The result is fruit-forward but tart, with the blood orange offering depth, the hibiscus adding subtle floral brightness, and the lime zest pulling everything together for a refreshing, wellbalanced finish. A little snack for the table is optional, but always pairs well.

HOME & DESIGN

PROFILES • SPACES • FEATURED HOMES

Old-World Charm Meets Modern Living

Sarah Pfeffer, Founder and Director of Design at Castelletto Homes, brings two decades of architectural expertise.

words QCEXCLUSIVE / portraits JAMEY PRICE or courtesy CASTELLETTO

Sarah Pfeffer has been preparing for Castelletto Homes for over 20 years. As the founder and director of design, she leads this firm with a distinct vision: creating homes that are not only timeless, but are “romantic”—a stylistic freedom that blends details from different eras to evoke wonder, warmth, and nostalgia.

While Castelletto Homes opened its doors in 2024, Pfeffer is far from new to the industry. Her career spans two decades, and she has also spent significant time in commercial architecture, executing project designs across 17 states and three countries. This served as a foundational period that now informs her high-end residential work. Pfeffer views kitchens and entertaining spaces through a hospitality lens—akin to a fine restaurant—and treats primary baths with the detailed luxury of a spa.

TThis depth of experience allows Castelletto Homes to offer something unique in the Charlotte market: called the "Design Beyond" method. A standout feature of the firm’s process, this involves creating elaborate 3D rendering packages of the client's entire home and its surroundings. Beyond the floor plans and elevations, it includes interiors to outdoor living and amenities. A comprehensive approach to home design, that ensures clients feel guided and confident, seeing all facets of their future home before construction begins.

Castelletto collaborates closely not only with homeowners but also with top builders and developers who share a passion for striking design and character-rich projects. "We feel so fortunate to be in this community designing for clients and builders that are equally excited to bring these unique and romantic homes to reality," says Pfeffer.

The results are homes filled with magic moments, whether that be a hidden passageway to a secret kid’s fort or a statement speakeasy that transports you to another time.

Of course, this passion in design is deeply rooted. Pfeffer’s father and grandfather operated a design-build company in South Florida, and there is indeed VHS footage of her at age four, walking construction sites with a notepad in hand. Today, that childhood spark has matured into a sophisticated design philosophy. For Pfeffer, it is about balancing her deep love of family, and creating magic moments for her own children, with her passion for design and creating dream homes for her clients.

Castelletto's clients are not only drawn to a timeless aesthetic but also a home that feels authentic and meaningful. When a truly collaborative relationship forms between client and firm, the result is something special and deeply personal, offering designs that enrich daily life and transform homes into true sanctuaries.

info castellettohomes.com @castelletto_homes

A New Chapter on Queens Road West

A fresh condominium project from Copper Builders and Helen Adams Realty honors a family legacy while shaping the neighborhood’s future.

Rwords SUNNY HUBLER / photos JAMEY PRICE or courtesy HELEN ADAMS REALTY

Rising along Queens Road West in the heart of Myers Park, a new 13-residence luxury condominium project is stitching Charlotte’s past to its present. The development, built by Copper Builders with representation and marketing from Helen Adams Realty, stands on a site layered with both personal and citywide history. Most notably, it was the longtime home of Helen Adams herself, a sixth-generation

Charlottean and founder of the family-named real estate firm. "My grandmother lived in this house for over 30 years,” says Rebecca Adams Starrs, Co-President of Helen Adams Realty. "It’s a beautiful and sought-after location, and Copper Builders is intent on maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood while offering more opportunity for people to enjoy everything it has to offer.”

“It’s a beautiful and sought-after location, and Copper Builders is intent on maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood while offering more opportunity for people to enjoy everything it has to offer.”

Helen Adams purchased the home at 2129 Queens Road West in 1983, downsizing later in life and converting the property into two residences—a configuration it has maintained for more than 40 years. For the Adams family, the address was a gathering place marked by pop-ins, holidays, pool parties, and a beloved garden tended by Adams herself. Many of those roses and plants were relocated after the home was sold following her passing in 2015 and continue to thrive at her children’s homes today.

When development discussions resurfaced nearly a decade later, the Adams family found a natural partner in Copper Builders, with whom they had previously collaborated. The resulting design reflects a shared commitment to stewardship. Architecturally described as refined traditional with modern restraint, the building draws from Myers Park’s established proportions and materials while introducing cleaner lines and contemporary detailing. Copper partnered with BB+M Architecture and engaged longtime neighborhood residents throughout the design process, ensuring the scale, setbacks, and massing remained intentionally residential. Helen Adams' seasoned agent Becca Waybright is representing the residences, helping guide and support prospective buyers.

“We drew inspiration from the beautiful home that occupied the site for many years,” says Dennale DeFilippo, president of Copper Builders, noting subtle references such as a green terracotta roof and stone detailing that ground the building in its history. The final plan includes just 13 residences, ranging from approximately 3,000- 4,100 square feet, designed for buyers seeking space, privacy, and a low-maintenance lifestyle in a coveted location.

For Adams Starrs, the project carries a deeper resonance. Her grandmother believed strongly in thoughtful growth and played an instrumental role in shaping Charlotte’s early condominium developments. Today, as two women-led Charlotte companies come together on this project, the site enters its next chapter— honoring the past while making room for new stories to unfold.

info

2129queensrdwest.com rwaybright@helenadamsrealty.com

“

“My space is play space. It’s where I test ideas, take risks and see what feels true.”

Fully Revealed

Step inside designer Lisa Sherry’s own Charlotte home.

LHUBLER

Lisa Sherry, one of Charlotte’s leading interior designers, is known for her restraint, rhythm and a finely tuned sense of balance. Designing her own home offers a natural opportunity to distill and experiment with new ideas and materials before she weaves them into all sorts of different client projects. Lisa Sherry’s residence is beautifully conceived and fully realized, yet it also reflects an ongoing conversation between intuition and discipline, how a home feels and how it functions.

Sherry describes her personal homes as creative laboratories. “My space is play space,” she says. “It’s where I test ideas, take risks and see what feels true.”

That freedom is immediately felt. The rooms are layered and personal, but never overworked. There is ease, and a sense that everything has earned its place. Those familiar with Sherry’s work will recognize the throughline: light-filled spaces, neutral palettes and a classicmodern sensibility.

Dwell Style Interiors creates timeless, transitional homes by blending heirloom pieces with elevated new design. Warm whites, layered textures, and thoughtful details define our signature style.

As a full-service interior design firm in Charlotte, NC, we make the process seamless for the busy professionals we serve – whether it’s a full home renovation or designing a one room makeover.

Distinctive. Simple. Elegant.

Virginia Youngblood, CEO & Principal Designer Dwell Style Interiors LLC

www.dwellstyleinteriors.com | 704-575-1007

Instagram: virginia.dwellstyleinteriors

““Materials matter. They’re what make a space feel grounded and real.”

In this home, however, the palette carries greater depth and nuance. Walnut-stained hardwood floors ground pale walls, while taupes and umbers add warmth throughout. “Juxtapositions are where the magic happens,” Sherry notes. “Pairing opposites – light and dark, old and new – creates energy without noise.”

One space in particular invites pause, for Sherry and visitors. A long French farm table — what she calls her Table of Curiosities — is lightly layered with personal artifacts gathered over time. Travel finds, meaningful gifts and found objects all mix and meld, a joyful gathering. “Everything is choiceful,” she says. “This table is everevolving, just like life.”

Materials quietly anchor any Lisa Sherry Interieurs home. The designer layers natural fibers, organic woods and tactile finishes with intention, creating depth through contrast rather than color. Smooth meets rough. Matte meets luster. “Materials matter,” Sherry says. “They’re what make a space feel grounded and real.”

Function and flow are also essential for all of Sherry’s work. Here, a dining room table set for six “expands” courtesy of a custom twelve-foot bench along the adjacent window. “Beauty has to serve life,” Sherry explains. “If it doesn’t work beautifully, it doesn’t work.” Private spaces in the home offer a quieter counterpoint. In the primary bedroom, Sherry steps away from her signature whites, embracing a moody grey-blue palette – cocooning and calm. “Private rooms are an inner sanctum,” she says. “This one sets the tone for rest and reflection.”

Whether it’s one of her own or a client project, you can expect each home to be less a designer showplace than a study in how thoughtful design supports real daily living. “Live Beautiful is my mantra,” Sherry reflects. “Home is where that philosophy shows up every day — quietly, intentionally and always with room to evolve.”

info lisasherryinterieurs.com @lisasherryinterieurs

“

“Juxtapositions

noise.”

A Gracious Upgrade

Through intentional finishes and collected layers, this Myers Park townhouse became a refined yet welcoming home.

IInterior designer and owner of New South Home, Melissa Lee, operates under the ethos that each home should feel deeply personal. She brings that to life in each of her projects, and this Myers Park home by Hopper Communities was no different.

Her clients, a professional couple, purchased the approximately 3,000-square-foot residence at Nolen Townes, and brought New South in shortly after. Melissa and her team consulted on foundational selections before leading the home through full furnishings, custom treatments, wallpaper, and styling.

“It all starts with a conversation and a lot of listening,” Melissa explains. Understanding how the clients live, entertain, travel, and unwind helps her establish an aesthetic direction that feels tailored rather than trendy.

From the outset, the goal for this project was clear: transform standard builder finishes into a refined, gracious environment that could support full-time work-from-home life by day and effortless entertaining by night. Since the couple frequently hosts friends and colleagues, functionality was just as important as beauty.

The result is a home that blends tailored transitional design with moments of moody contrast and soft modern layering. Rich paint tones like deep navy and earthy greens anchor the palette, offset by natural wood finishes, textured wallpapers, and timeless upholstery silhouettes. Collected artwork, both inherited and new, is thoughtfully integrated throughout.

New South used performance fabrics throughout the home to support daily living without sacrificing sophistication. Velvet barstools, wool-blend rugs, tailored leather seating, and custom drapery create an atmosphere that feels elevated yet welcoming. The open first-floor living, dining, and kitchen area

encourages gathering, while a basement-level living space— with access to a small outdoor patio—offers a more relaxed retreat. Upstairs, a fourth-floor living area provides additional flexibility for entertaining or quiet downtime.

The primary suite was envisioned as a boutique hotel–worthy escape, with an upholstered headboard wall, a rust velvet bench, and layered neutral bedding. Wallpaper adds softness and dimension in spaces like the entry and primary bath, while custom paneling and a floating desk crafted by a local artisan bring bespoke detail to the home office.

Art by Charlottean Marcy Gregg, a personal connection of the clients, is showcased throughout. Graves Refinishing refreshed an inherited console with a new finish and updated hardware. Ultimately, the home reflects exactly what the clients hoped for: a curated space that supports work, entertaining, and everyday life— it’s gracious, inviting, and unmistakably their own.

info newsouthhome.com @newsouthhome

AGING boldly

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Founder & CEO, SPARK Publications and Radiant Chapters Collective, Author “Is ere a Book in Me”

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: APRIL 22, 2026 • LIZ HILLIARD “BE POWERFUL AND FIND YOUR STRENGTH AT ANY AGE”

A Home With Heart

Kingswood Custom Homes unveils a new chapter for a beloved Charlotte family.

Fwords SUNNY HUBLER / photos EMILY FOLLOWILL / portraits PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANDA Architecture: SCHRADER DESIGN / Interiors: LOUISE LEEKE and SHANNON BOWMAN INTERIORS

For the Olsen family of five, building a forever home was never just about square footage or style. It was about creating a place that reflects who they are — as parents, as partners, and as a family committed to making a difference. Having worked with Kingswood Custom Homes on four homes over the years, the Olsens’ latest build represents not only a new chapter in their personal lives, but also a continuation of a trusted partnership that has grown alongside them.

Since 2013, when they founded the Heartest Yard Foundation, the Olsens have dedicated themselves to supporting families facing congenital heart disease. That same heartforward philosophy carries into the way they design and live

in their own spaces. As their family grew and their three teenagers’ lives became busier, their vision for this home was clear: it needed to be a place of comfort, gathering, generosity and longevity — a true hub for both everyday life and meaningful connection.

Designed in collaboration with architect Schrader Design and featuring interiors by Louise Leeke of Kingswood alongside Shannon Bowman Interiors, the 6,700-square-foot residence balances modern lines with timeless warmth. The transitional aesthetic blends clean architectural simplicity with traditional craftsmanship, resulting in a home that feels elevated yet entirely livable.

A palette of muted neutrals sets a calm, cohesive tone throughout. Organic textures soften contemporary lines, while thoughtful contrasts add depth. Charcoal and graphite hues envelop the study and powder room in cozy sophistication. In the kitchen and dining areas, lighter stone finishes and layered neutrals create an inviting backdrop for family dinners and celebrations. Warm metals — aged bronze, brushed brass and soft gold — appear intentionally, offering subtle moments of glow.

Every space was designed with purpose, rooted in how the Olsens truly live. The multi-zone kitchen anchors the main level, seamlessly supporting everything from quick breakfasts before school to larger gatherings with friends, foundation supporters and extended family. Tailored furnishings and richly layered textiles — woven patterns, velvets, performance fabrics and textured wallcoverings — lend a sense of relaxed luxury without sacrificing durability.

Functionality was just as important as beauty. A spacious basement lounge gives the teens a retreat of their own, perfect for movies and downtime. An indoor batting cage reflects the family’s shared love of sports, while multiple gathering areas encourage connection across generations. With five bedrooms, nine baths and expansive indoor-outdoor living areas, the home is designed to flex effortlessly between intimate family moments and larger-scale entertaining.

Throughout the process, Kingswood remained more than just the builder — they were collaborators who understood the Olsens’ evolving needs and values. Having walked alongside the family through four other home projects, the team brought a deep familiarity that made the design process feel intuitive and personal.

Ultimately, this residence is not just another thoughtfully executed custom build. It is a reflection of a family that leads with heart — in their philanthropy, in their parenting and in the way they open their doors to others. The home stands as a testament to growth over time: a place shaped by experience, strengthened by partnership and designed to hold the most meaningful moments for years to come.

info kingswoodhomes.com / @kingswoodhomes

ACCOMMODATIONS • PLACES • ADVENTURES

Pinecone Pathways

North Carolina's largest scavenger hunt is back.

NNorth Carolina’s largest county-wide scavenger hunt is back for the fourth year, but this time with a patriotic twist. The popular Pinecone Pathways program is returning to Moore County and will run from March 20-April 22.

The program was created by Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area in partnership with glassmakers from Starworks in Star, N.C. Starting on the first day of spring, 100 colorful glass pinecones will be hidden along trails throughout Moore County for a five-week period concluding on Earth Day (April 22). However, 25 of the 100 glass pinecones will be speckled red, white and blue to commemorate the national America 250 celebration.

“Each year, we are always looking for ways to make this viral glass pinecone hunt unique and special, so tying it to the national America 250 celebration fit perfectly,” said Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen President and CEO Phil Werz. “Each year, we see more and more people visiting from a number of states to spend a couple days searching for these unique glass treasures. While it’s all about the thrill of the hunt for the rabid ‘coneheads,’ it’s also a great way to get outside, enjoy some exercise on our great Moore County trails and hopefully realize the excitement of finding a rare glass pinecone.”

Glass pinecones will be hidden in weekly increments of 20 for five weeks along selected trail systems throughout Moore County. Each week, a new series of trails will be announced via social media alerting pinecone hunters as to what trails they should explore to find a pinecone. The pinecones will be tagged with a special number and QR code, so those finding them can register them and be eligible to win the grand prizes.

This year, there will be drawings for two grand prizes. The bigger grand prize will be based on a drawing from those finding the special red, white and blue pinecones. The larger grand prize will consist of a two-night stay in the Pinehurst area, gift cards from an area retailer and restaurant, and a special limited-edition America 250 flag. All found pinecones

must be registered online to be eligible for the grand prize drawings. Finders can be any age, but the person claiming the grand prize must be 21 years of age or older.

Because there will only be a limited number of pinecones to be found in the program, organizers ask that finders only keep one of them, and any additional ones found must remain hidden on the trail. Only one contest registration per household will be permitted. Those registering more than one pinecone will be deemed ineligible for winning either grand prize.

info

homeofgolf.com

@homeofamericangolf

A home is not a mere transient shelter: its essence lies in its permanence, in its capacity of accretion and solidification, in its quality of representing, in all its details, the personalities of THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN IT” –

H. L. Mencken

What does your home say?

A Modernist Road Trip Through the Carolinas

Exploring our region’s architectural prowess.

IIn North Carolina, the second half of the 20th century witnessed a surge of modernist architecture that reshaped the region’s educational, residential, civic, and cultural landscapes. Much of this momentum can be traced to the founding of the NC State School of Design in 1948 and the leadership of its first dean, Henry Kamphoefner. Under his guidance, the program became a national hub for modernist thought, attracting faculty whose influence extended well beyond the classroom to landmark buildings like Dorton Arena and the Catalano House. By the 1960s, the Triangle region had developed one of the highest concentrations of mid-century modern homes in the country.

In the decades that followed, architectural expression across the Carolinas expanded beyond strict modernism. The 1970s and 1980s ushered in more regional and contextual approaches, with firms shaping campuses such as Research Triangle Park through low-profile buildings integrated into natural landscapes. Modernist principles also found their way into the mountains of western North Carolina, where contemporary forms were adapted to rugged terrain. By the end of the century, cities began attracting internationally recognized architects, resulting in major cultural projects like Charlotte’s Harvey B. Gantt Center and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

For a snapshot of the Carolinas’ architectural legacy, add these standout structures to your travel bucket list.

Raleigh, NC

At NC State University, the James B. Hunt Jr. Library (Snøhetta) is a model of sustainable, tech-forward design, featuring fritted glass, aluminum shading, a green roof, and an automated bookretrieval system. Nearby, J.S. Dorton Arena (Matthew Nowicki) remains one of the state’s most innovative structures, its saddleshaped roof suspended by steel cables and concrete arches. The North Carolina Legislative Building (Edward Durell Stone) offers a contrasting approach: a “classicized modernism” defined by marble colonnades, pyramidal roofs, and rooftop terraces.

Wilmington, NC

Adaptive reuse takes center stage in Wilmington. The Eagle’s Dare, a former 1970s service station redesigned by Romero Architecture, stands as one of downtown’s few remaining postwar modern structures. Nearby, the Cargo District transforms shipping containers into a lively mixed-use neighborhood of shops, food vendors, and creative businesses.

Charlotte, NC

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (Mario Botta) is as sculptural as the art it houses, defined by its terracotta cladding and dramatic cantilevered form. Just steps away, the Harvey B. Gantt Center (Freelon Group Architects) weaves architecture

and history together, referencing the demolished Myers Street School through its stairways and atrium while incorporating façade elements inspired by African textiles.

Charleston, SC

Charleston’s modern architecture tells a quieter but powerful story. The Dewberry hotel reimagines a vacant 1960s government building, preserving its mid-century bones while introducing refined materials. The International African American Museum (Pei Cobb Freed & Partners with Moody Nolan), completed in 2023, rises above the historic wharf on cylindrical columns, allowing the site’s layered history to remain visible beneath it.

Greenville, SC

In Greenville, the Landmark (Daniel) Building, once South Carolina’s tallest skyscraper, remains a striking example of mid-century New Formalism. Nearby, the Camperdown development brings contemporary architecture, public space, and mixed-use design together into a walkable urban district overlooking Falls Park. Together, these sites trace how modernism took root in the Carolinas and continues to evolve. Each offers a compelling reminder that architecture here has long balanced innovation with a strong sense of regional identity.

/ @discoverthecarolinas

CAN YOU SEE WILD HORSES AND DOLPHINS IN THE SAME PLACE?

WHERE IN THE OBX

Only in The Northern Outer Banks Only in The Northern Outer Banks will memories be filled with Corolla Wild Horses roaming free on pristine beaches, historic maritime attractions, luxurious accommodations and abundant laidback family fun. Plan your perfect vacation!

Into the Stillness of the Forest

TMark Ellison guides people back to nature and themselves.

words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos courtesy VISIT WINSTON SALEM

The damp, earthy scent of moss growing on a fallen log. Light shifting across a pine needle strewn patch of ground. The quiet rustle of leaves spun on their stems by a passing breeze. The snap of a twig under a heavy boot. Forests are a cornucopia of sensory delights.

Mark Ellison, founder of Pinnacle Forest Therapy, has made a career out of helping clients immerse themselves in the sensory bounty of nature, guiding them toward recognizing the restorative power of presence. “It is so important to connect people with nature and help them understand we are not separate from it, we are part of it,” he says, when reflecting on his mission.

Ellison is a North Carolina native who has been instrumental in bringing the practice of forest bathing from Japan to the United States. So much so, in fact, that Oprah Magazine featured Ellison and his work in a 2014 article on forest bathing and the practice’s myriad health benefits, such as lowering stress, strengthening the immune system, improving mental health, and increasing the ability to focus.

Here, Ellison tells us more about his practice, the benefits of forest therapy, and what, exactly, forest therapy actually is.

What exactly is forest therapy?

Shinrin-yoku, forest therapy, forest bathing...these all describe the Japanese practice of slowing down and experiencing nature through all your senses. Forest bathing is not hiking. When going on a hike we have a destination in mind. When forest bathing, we are at the destination, we are just going to get to know it in a deeper, more meaningful way.

What types of people have you worked with and who is this right for?

The beauty of forest bathing is that anyone can do it, anywhere. I have guided walks for secondary schools, college classes, retirement communities, land trusts, resorts, and private groups. I have guided people wanting to reduce stress and families wanting to remember a loved one who passed. I have guided a walk to celebrate a new marriage and a walk around a wooded retire-

ment and assisted living facility with participants using wheelchairs and walkers. I have guided hundreds and hundreds of people. There are so many stories.

Tell us about the different offerings.

My walks are 2.5 hours and include a variety of opportunities to experience nature through all senses. There is an opportunity to find a place, perhaps a tree, where you can sit and just be. And I sprinkle quotes throughout that serve as inspiration for slowing down, connecting to nature, and living a purposeful life. I end with tea, usually a small branch of North Carolina Frazier fir or white pine steeped in warm water. Throughout, there is a focus on expressing gratitude for all that nature provides.

Why Pinnacle Park? What makes this area special to you? I started hiking at Pinnacle Park, which is part of the iconic Plott Balsam Mountain Range, in the late 1990s, before it became a park or had marked trails. I know it well, and it knows me well. It is such a restorative, beautiful, and peaceful place. I partnered with the town of Sylva to create North Carolina's first certified forest therapy trail here in 2022. The lower loop trail is wide, has a gentle grade, is cradled by two creeks, has open views of the sky, and feels miles from everything but is only 10 minutes from downtown. It is the perfect place for forest bathing and has become one of the best known forest therapy trails in the world.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?

It is incredibly rewarding to help people connect with the peace, tranquility, and renewal that nature offers. Many people don't know how to slow down, disconnect, and just enjoy being still; to let their mind rest. My walks are an extension of how I live my life. When people see there are healthier, more healing ways to live – to experience the deep peace that connecting with nature offers – that is what it is all about.

info pinnacleforesttherapy.com / @pinnacle_forest_therapy

THE EXCLUSIVES

The New Standard

A celebration of the builders and designers elevating living in Charlotte.

words SUNNY HUBLER

Curating this year’s Home & Design issue is always a reminder of just how much creativity lives in our region. From visionary designers to masterful builders, Charlotte continues to redefine what beautiful, functional living looks like. The following selections spotlight a single standout space from each team. We hope you like them as much as we do!

Tri-Square Builders

Photo: Alexander South NC

A dramatic black-and-white checkered floor sets a bold, graphic foundation for this airy foyer, where warm wood stair treads and sculptural iron balusters introduce balance and refinement. Framed by soft gray walls and an open view into a light-filled dining room beyond, the space feels both architectural and inviting.

ReVision Design

Photo: Dustin and Susie Peck

For ReVision Design’s team, the primary goal of the project was to create a larger, more open kitchen anchored by a dramatic design statement, while also introducing a laundry room with expanded storage. Jeremy Lanier served as Lead Designer, Dara Barber as Senior Project Developer, Seth Alexander was the Project Manager, and Mike Cuzzo was the Site Superintendent.

KBN Interiors

KBN Interiors specializes in transforming homes through thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and personalized service. From kitchen and bathroom renovations to full interior remodels, their team brings creativity, precision, and attention to detail to every project. KBN Interiors works closely with homeowners to create functional, beautiful spaces that reflect each client’s lifestyle. With quality materials, innovative solutions, and a commitment to excellence, KBN Interiors turns ideas into inspiring interiors across the Charlotte region.

This kitchen does everything right: It’s timeless, inviting, and thoughtfully tailored for the family’s everyday life and for their effortless entertaining. The kitchen also features smart storage and clearly defined zones for both cooking and prep work.

This modern kitchen features clean lines and a minimalist palette that creates a sense of calm and harmony. The uncluttered aesthetic allows light to flow freely, transforming the space into an airy and sophisticated centerpiece of the home. Kris Franz served as the interior designer.

Arch11’s striking modern home is both an art vessel and a light-filled sculpture, playfully demonstrating the intimate connection between art and modern architecture. A few of the team’s primary goals were to design a home that was mindfully integrated into the surrounding historic neighborhood, and at the same time, to maximize the tight urban lot to create light-filled, highly livable spaces. Seamless indoor–outdoor living allows the owners’ plentiful room for entertaining and alfresco dining.

In collaboration with Amy Lee, owner of Artistic Interior Design, Augusta Homes' vision was to completely reimagine this kitchen as the heart of the owners’ home—an elevated, family-centered space that allows lake views and was designed for gathering and cooking. A large double island and overlaid waterfall seating peninsula anchors the room, offering expansive seating for casual dining while creating various natural workspaces where the entire family can cook together.

Artistic Interior Design

Photo: Laura Sumrak

This modern-rustic home was designed from the ground up with the client’s lifestyle at the forefront. The richly textured living room is no exception: Artistic Interior Design ensured the space maximized natural light, views, and a balance of function and comfort. This space, just like the rest of the home, feels intentional, warm, and highly personalized. Kendra Surface served as the stylist and the drapery fabricator was Interior Couture of the Carolinas.

The Carolina Dream House

For those who love wine, there may be no better sight than opening the door to a dedicated, custom area made to preserve all of the homeowners’ best bottles. Whether you’re an oenophile too or not, Boon and Company know how to create unique homes that match each client’s personal tastes.

Castelletto Homes

Rendering: Castelletto Homes

This custom home, set to break ground in 2026 with combined efforts from Dapper Development and Castelletto owner Sarah Pfeffer, is a gentle balance of modern and timeless. Designed as an oasis for a growing young family, the 5400 foot house will also feature a backyard and poolscape perfect for entertaining.

This home is a masterclass in detail, hand-selected finishes and intentional luxury. Architecture, craftsmanship, and elite vendors converge for an elevated living experience. The kitchen pairs Charlotte-based Moravian Cabinets with professionalgrade Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances. Mann Finishing Carpentry brought museum-level trim work and detailing and the custom front door by Palm City Iron Works sets a powerful first impression.

Gerrard Builders

Photo: 5 and 2 Project

The Gerrard Builders home is a refined collaboration with Frank Smith Residential Design and Carolina Design Associates, blending timeless architecture with thoughtful design. Clean lines, balanced proportions, and carefully chosen materials create a home that feels both enduring and welcoming. The residence highlights craftsmanship, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living resulting in a home that feels elegant yet grounded while celebrating the work of the many talented artisans behind it.

Lakemist Homes

Photo: Dustin Simms

This four bedroom, four and a half bathroom house is a spacious summer palace. There’s ample space for anything that a warm weather retreat or all-the-time lake home might need. This great room is the perfect example of that: After spending all day playing outside, cozy up by this statement piece of a fireplace.

Grande Custom Builders

Michael Blevins

This 4541-square-foot home masterfully merges sophistication and functionality, making it perfectly suited for modern families. A cool neutral paint scheme brings forth a soothing and elegant atmosphere, and subtle pops of gold details add sophistication. Walking into a home, and up its sweeping staircase, has never looked better.

Layton Campbell elevated this living area with a beautiful blend of European style meets contemporary lifestyle with a focus on clean and functional design. One of his guiding efforts was to give this home the atmosphere of light contrasting with warm, dark accents to punctuate its architectural details all the while preserving a welcoming modern aesthetic. Kori Bolles was the stylist and the home was built by Arcadia Custom Homes.

Johnston Brothers Homes

Photo: Matthew Benham Photography

This exterior features a mix of painted brick, board and batten and rich wood tones to create contrast and depth. Johnston Brothers, a new construction home builder, carefully constructed the home to ensure long term durability and a clean, cohesive look. The project was completed with Crystal Nagel Design, Linden Creek Charlotte and CMC Construction.

Lisa Sherry Interieurs

Photo: Stacey Van Berkel

From designer Lisa Sherry comes this ethereal primary bedroom, an intimate retreat right at home. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows make the room feel even more spacious and welcoming. Part of a fresh, new construction project in a historic neighborhood, the clients came to Lisa Sherry for a beautiful balance of classic and modern.

Homestyles Interior Design

Photo: Serena Apostal

This brand-new custom home in Lake Norman was part of a full-service design project. Homestyles Interior Design was responsible for all the builder selections inside and out, with the goal for the exterior being timeless elegance. This is evidenced in everything from the front door to the exterior lighting, pool, and the choice of shingles. The house was built by Simonini.

Dwell Style Interiors

Photo: Tiffany Ringwald

Dwell Style Interiors crafts timeless, transitional homes that thoughtfully combine heirloom pieces with elevated new design. Their signature aesthetic features warm whites, layered textures, and refined, intentional details. Serving Charlotte, NC, as a full-service interior design firm, they create a seamless experience for busy professionals, whether overseeing an entire home renovation or designing a one-room transformation.

Kingswood Custom Homes

Photo: Emily Followill

From Kingswood, this beautiful home manages to strike a refined balance between rustic warmth and modern precision. Both the exterior and interior are defined by rich earth tones, rugged natural stone, and the soft, warm character of white oak.

Aaron Cote served as the architect and McCann Custom Interiors led the design.

Jones & Hedges Custom Builders

Photo: Mekenzie Loli

In combination with interior designer Lucy and Company and architect Miller Nicholson, this stunning entryway showcases all that builder Jones & Hedges does best. There’s nothing like a good first impression, and walking into this home leaves you with one you won’t soon forget.

Lucy and Company

Mekenzie Loli

Designer Beth Keim’s client came to her wanting two opposing offices where there had once been a formal dining room and sitting room. For the entry foyer, Beth chose a wallpaper that was light and airy. Working with Tuan Lee of 2Dash, she came up with a way to sandwich the paper between glass, flipping the pattern on the back side for a unique touch. A gloss ceiling and eye-catching sconces finish the look.

New Life Building Supplies

Photo: SkyCam Digital

With this organic, modern kitchen, New Life’s gorgeous cabinetry is on full display. Clean lines and functional design come together with the warmth and texture of natural materials, including stone and natural oak. The builder was The Cloninger Group and the designer for the project was Kris Leake.

New South Home

Photo: Laura Sumrak

Dressed in a custom mural by Paul Montgomery of The Mural Source, this open living and dining space was designed by New South owner Melissa Lee as the heart of the home. It’s an inviting setting for gathering and entertaining with an intentional mix of textures and materials. The property operates as an Airbnb, so every room was carefully designed for entertaining and also for leaving a lasting impression on each new guest.

MBI Builders

Photo: Paul Sherar of Real Boone Studios

This stunning Reynolds Parkway home near Blowing Rock showcases what MBI does best. Built into and around this sprawling home are ample outdoor spaces to take maximum advantage of the views and beautiful western North Carolina weather. Both the exterior and interior of the house incorporate stone, walnut colored wood, black accents, and glass.

New Old

Michael Blevins

The Briar Farm Cottage kitchen, designed and built by New Old, reflects their approach to creating homes that feel timeless and rooted in tradition. Conceived as the heart of the home, the kitchen evokes the feeling of stepping back in time, centered around an antique farm table reminiscent of gatherings in a grandmother’s eat-in kitchen. Inspired by classic English country kitchens, the space balances nostalgic warmth with modern function. Custom inset cabinetry, honed marble countertops, unlacquered brass hardware, and paneled walls create a layered character that feels both refined and enduring. True to New Old’s philosophy, the kitchen was designed to feel collected over time — a space that is both highly functional and welcoming.

Allen Tate .....................................99

Andrew Roby ................................37

Arcadia Homes ...........................29

Art Of Stone ...............................49

Atlantic Bay Mortgage .............8

Augusta Homes ..........................43

Blue Ridge Mountain Club ......17

Brandon Lawn Real Estate ......27

Cottingham Chalk ....................30

Couture Knots ..........................59

Destination McDowell ...........83

Discover The Carolinas ...........84

Dwell Style Interiors .............63

DwellNova .....................................6

Ferguson ......................................55

Gerrard Builders .....................24

Grand Living Homes .................88

Grande Custom Builders ........33

Graper Harper .............................22

Helen Adams .................................39

Hendrick Auto .............................15

Home Of Golf ................................78

Homestyles .................................45 J Landon .......................................56

JLayton Interiors .......................13

KBN Interiors .............................69 Ken Riel .........................................20

Kingswood Homes .......................19

Larry Diehl US Bank ..............38

Lucy and Company .....................23

Ludowici .......................................66

Majestic Bath ..............................52

Marilyn Wright ...........................47

McDevitt Agency ........................10

Northern Outer Banks ............85

Oasis Outdoors ..........................61

Omni Hotels & Resorts ............98

Premier Sotheby’s .......................4

Ramble Rovers ...........................21