Teri Seidman, The Living Room, Urban Family Lifestyle

Pure beauty times two:

A sumptuous living space by Teri Seidman,
and the gorgeous photograph of it taken by Dustin Peck

Sarah Catherine Murphy, Living Room, Young Professional Lifestyle

Behind every successful room lies an inspiration - an idea that was discovered and the layers peeled away to uncover details and create emotion. In designing my living room space, my challenge was behind what emotion I wanted my viewers to take home with them. I wanted my space to be more than just beautiful pieces of furniture and a cohesive composition. I wanted it to have depth - depth which hid beneath the surface, only to be uncovered and the pieces connected to tell an unexpected story.

Being a Charlotte native, I realized that the inspiration behind my room was quite simple. Charlotte’s steady growth continues to rise as young professionals from across the region embrace this city, allured by majestic tree-lined streets, innovative communities, and the kinetic energy of uptown. Under the surface Charlotte brims with a history rich in tradition and American rebellion, a spirit which perhaps inspires it’s new inhabitants from centuries past. This wave of newcomers are, in essence, becoming the face of the new Charlotte.

The modern living room not only creates an indescribable level of comfort in which the new resident calls home, but also tells a story ... a story that provides a backdrop and allows a young professional to shed light on Charlotte’s mystery by telling its history and reclaiming Charlotte’s identity.

Soaked in the warmth from its jewel tones, bronzes, and warm chocolates, the room’s palette pays heritage to the gold that was first discovered in Charlotte’s soil before gold was ever discovered in California. New York based artist, Paul Hunter, makes a statement with his vibrant gold, white gold, bronze, copper and oxidized metal canvas pieces through Shain Gallery.

Vintage and vintage-inspired seating are upholstered in rich textures signifying George Washington’s initial visit to this great city, claiming Charlotte’s soil was like no other - it was one of its own personality. A detailed custom sofa crafted by Design Services of Charlotte is upholstered in a Pollack wool with contrasting back cushions in a soft herringbone linen by Donghia. Vintage chairs by Kroehler, one of Charlotte’s leading furniture manufacturers of the past, are covered in a soft tweed accented with Bergamo’s graphic Zig Zag print. City Supply Co. provided the vintage inspired occassional chairs, in a milky Perennials cotton velvet, adding durability to the already unique chairs. The layers of textures add depth to each piece and serve as a background for the Osborne and Little metallic pillows through Jennifer Fadel at Bella Studios, adding an edgy, yet sophisticated style to the room.

The corner of Trade and Tryon Street once served as the central trading post for the Native Americans of this area. Designer’s Window carefully applied a vibrant feather trim to a neutral window treatment while the print in the plush Stark area rug carries the subtle Native American details throughout the space.

“During the American Revolutionary War, British commander General Cornwallis occupied the city but was driven out afterwards by hostile residents, prompting him to write that Charlotte was "a hornet’s nest of rebellion," leading to another city nickname: The Hornet's Nest”. The bronze and gold nest-shaped chandelier illuminates the room and compliments the texture of the entertainment unit as a unique reference to the form of a hornet’s nest.

Becoming one with the personality of its canvas, this living room allows history to meet style while evoking a feeling of warmth to create a modern-vintage “home.”

Sarah C. Murphy
sarah catherine
STUDIO OF DESIGN
style defined

704.488.4713
sarah.catherine@me.com

Pam Jones, Powder Room, Empty Nest Lifestyle

* photo by dustin peck at dustinpeckphotography.com *

Spring has not only sprung in Charlotte the last couple of weeks, but also at the Metropolitan, the location of the 2010 Symphony Guild Designer House Tour.

Just a few short weeks ago there was a cold chill in the air, and the landscape was barren. But gradually the chill began to lift, and with that the creative spirit at the Met began to emerge.

Don’t you just love this time of year? When everything is just on the cusp of new life? One of the many good things about spring is that without it, and without the absence imposed by fall and winter, we might fail to appreciate the beauty around us. So much of the wonder of spring is found in the return of what was absent.

The condos at the Met began as blank canvases, complete with concrete floors, bare walls, and basic lighting. And although the spaces were beautiful in their sparse form, something wonderful began to happen. Just as the beautiful trees and flowers began to bloom outdoors, colorful paint went up on the walls, sparkling lights were installed, and flowing drapery began to transform the enormous windows, and therefore the interiors of the condos.

Just as new splashes of colors were introduced to the earth’s canvas, spring was also emerging inside the Met.

Spring is my favorite time of the year, and I see spring as the gift of a new beginning, and new inspiration for life. Just as the barren trees and drab landscape have given way to vibrant color and lovely flowers, the interiors at the Met have been dressed in some of Charlotte’s finest art displays, and by talented local designers. Every day there are new and exciting discoveries happening at the Met, and they all represent new life, both indoors and out.

Fulfill your spring inspirations, and celebrate with us by attending the Symphony Guild Designer House beginning April 17, 2010.

Brushstrokes Design Studio and Pam Jones, the Powder Room of the Empty Nest Lifestyle

Watch Robin and Lana apply a stencil and handpainted pattern to the powder room walls, and hear about all their other creative projects!

Monika Nessbach, Designer of the Master Bedroom, Young Professional Lifestyle

DREAM BIG! And I mean real big…like 76” x 20” big! In keeping with the design concept of rejuvenation and inspiration, we wanted to incorporate the word “dream” into the master bedroom. Not only does it inspire, but it also most accurately designates the room’s primary function. We believe the word itself creates an impact and rightfully deserves to be painted in red, evoking passion and intensity while simultaneously harmonizing with the crisp white walls and offsetting the energetic lime green feature wall. The most remarkable feature of the “dream” stencil is its vertical placement, which was the product of a mix-up over coffee one morning.

Thanks to the Symphony Guild of Charlotte and thanks to the MET Terraces for letting us DREAM BIG! We cannot wait for the big grand opening.

Sarah Rees Hamilton, Designer of the Master Bath, Young Professional Lifestyle

What's up with these shoes? They look like ghost shoes, right? They are actually a work in progress with over 40 other pairs of shoes that will soon be bright shades of red and green. A few more coats of paint and voila! They will be adorning the shelves in the His and Hers closets of the master suite of unit 210 in this year's Designer House. I'm excited about their integration into the design - They will be bringing pop and flare to our closets while explifying the functionality of the custom cabinetry in the space. Stay tuned, we'll be providing pictures of the finished product in our next entry.

Monika Nessbach of designbar LLC and I are thrilled to be included in 2010's Designer House! Our Master bedroom/bath concept represents an oasis of urban contemporary luxe chic paired with timeless modernism. The space is intended to soothe, re-energize and inspire. A perfect retreat for the young professional. We can't wait for you to see it!

Anita Holland, Designer of the Kitchen, Young Professional Lifestyle

Distinctive Design Features with Contemporary Elements

We are delighted to be a part of the Symphony Guild Designer House at The Met. We are designing the kitchen in the Young Professional's unit and it has been a very inspiring space to work with. We could not have pulled this off without our vendors and the team from the Symphony Guild Designer House and are privileged to be part of this year’s event.

The design elements in the kitchen are a combination of Carrara marble, lacquered cabinets, abundant natural light, and a view of the skyline. An oversized painting entitled Columbus Avenue, by Geoffrey Johnson, is the primary focal point and sets the tone of the room. Additional art by Terry DeLapp and Nicora Gange transforms the space into a beautiful and sophisticated room for early morning coffee and entertaining friends.

A Shout-Out to our loyal contractors

Seventy-nine hundred square feet, twenty-three different designers/artists, and a cadre of earnest volunteers don't phase our crack team of contractors!

Words can not express our gratitude to Mike Glover and his paint crew, and Scott and Ben of Hilton Electric, who are the most patient, professional, expert & neat contractors EVER.

Judy McLean, Designer of the Den, Empty Nest Lifestyle

I am thrilled to be designing the den in Unit 303 at MetTerraces. Part of my designated space is a hall that has a niche 10 feet long and 15 inches deep. This niche is SCREAMING for custom-built shelving. As you all know, this is big-ticket item, and I thought I would just place a piece of furniture there. Ho-Hum.

BUT, I was rescued by Gero Sassenberg, President of Altrecosa – which, in my opinion, is the best cabinet company in Charlotte! Gero met me at The Met with a rendering and wood samples. He had a vision of what the space needed, and he was exactly right! Gero’s company is building and installing this cabinetry at no charge to me. I hope that everyone who tours the Designer House will take a minute to look at the beauty and quality of this company’s work.

THANK YOU, GERO!

Sue Gorman, Designer of the Living and Dining Room, Empty Nest Lifestyle

I once had an interior design student I was mentoring ask me, "Why do you have so much fun participating in Design Showhouses? Is it because you get do anything you want? That there is not a client to let sway what can be done and how it might look?"

And, although I have enjoyed doing Design Showhouses of all different types, the real reasons I love to participate is not the "imaginary client". (In many respects it is really harder to know the world is your oyster and the only thing limiting your design is yourself - and not a client with an opinion, or at least a budget!)

For me as a designer, a Design Showhouse is my opportunity to showcase the forward trends in home design in a way that I think my clients - and potential clients - will "get". I can spread my wings into what's ahead and spread the possibilities for those that tour about how these ideas could be comfortable for them.

Having started in the apparel and fashion world this was something we got to do for stores each year in every new season. And so to me, a Design Showhouse is the equivalent of a Bryant Park runway show during Fashion Week. What is shown should be good to look at but not too safe. The reaction should be one of "how do I like that" and "what do I think about that look/style/color/shape" - not one of "I already have that" or "that same old look/color/style again."

As an interior designer I have a wonderful network of craftspeople that I work with - painters, sewers, cabinet makers, upholsters, furniture makers, architects etc. The end product I deliver to a client is a result of our combination of creative talents, attention to detail and combined passion for what we do. In the everyday world I do not get to work with other interior designers.

The Design Showhouse is the chance for competing professional interior designers to come together in unity and love of design to collaborate to create a gorgeous home - while letting our individual styles shine though. How many businesses do you know that competitors get to join side by side to create a master work?

I look forward to a Design Showhouse as a professionally invigorating time. From the planning phase with both the other designers, the Showhouse committee, and my supplier/trade partners were we get to take a blank slate and all get to dream together to the actual Showhouse itself when I can speak with those touring to get reaction and share the inspiration for the space I have had the pleasure to create. With every bit of the proceeds going to support a great cause in our community!

Participation in a design Showhouse is great to me on so many levels! I am thrilled and honored to be a part of Charlotte Symphony Guild Design Showhouse at the Met this spring!
Sue Gorman, IDS Associate Member


SUE GORMAN INTERIOR DESIGN
design....driven by lifestyle and comfort
704.553.9443 voice 704.552.0419 fax

www.suegormaninteriors.com

Announcing the 2010 Symphony Guild Designer House

The Symphony Guild of Charotte is excited to bring back – after a 2 year hiatus due to the economy – our beloved major fundraising project this coming spring. The 2010 Symphony Guild Designer House will be presented at The MET Terraces, a property that truly speaks to the times and reflects the relevancy required today.

Being about one mile from The Square in Uptown Charlotte, NC, the MET Terraces are easy in to town, easy out of it! Located in the center of the revitalization of the old Midtown Square shopping center area, these condos are situated within a complex of shops, restaurants and office space adjacent to the emerging Sugar Creek Greenway project and quaint neighborhoods, and within easy access to interstates and destinations near and far.

Three luxury residences -- comprised of a total of 7900 square feet and 20 design spaces, and 2600 square feet of landscaped terraces -- will be transformed by style-forward designers into three distinct lifestyle-appropriate homes and outdoor spaces: The Family, the Empty-Nester, and the Young Professional. Designs range from traditiona to the decidely contemporary!

The 2010 Symphony Guild Designer House will be open to the public from April 16 – May 10. Let’s meet at The MET!

For almost four decades, the Symphony Guild of Charlotte has presented outstanding homes and estates, decorated by the region’s leading interior and landscape designers, to the Charlotte region. In that time, over $4.5 million dollars has been raised for The Guild’s enrichment projects, The Charlotte Symphony, and youth music education.