Home & Design

Crafting Family Harmony and Nostalgia Through Thoughtful Design

C risp whites, striking blacks, and warming woods and wovens blend seamlessly to create organic perfection—an aesthetic the name ‘Lisa Sherry Interieurs’ is synonymous with on the East Coast and beyond. The inspiration behind the designer’s newest undertaking: The pristine landscape of Kiawah Island, South Carolina. “Summer, sunshine, wind, and surf are the inspiration for this home,” Principal Creative Director Lisa Sherry says, “Kiawah Island is a magical place. This home feels like part of the flora and fauna of the area.” Sherry’s ties to the location began years ago with her purchase of a house on a nearby barrier island, just off the coast of North Carolina. Even though she no longer owns the home, Sherry says the opportunity to work with Kiawah Island clients felt “like a bit of a homecoming” for her. “It faces a wide expanse of waving marshlands,” Sherry says. “As a designer and a creative person, I am drawn to water. I know and love the atmosphere. For me, it’s oxygen.” Unlike many of the interior designers of conventional Atlantic Coast beach homes, Sherry—true to her nature—opted for a more natural design path. Sunwashed woods fill the space, with pops of neutrals to create modern elegance. Soft patterns and textures are placed strategically to lead the eye through the main living, cooking, and dining spaces to the open air decks, screened-in porch, pool, and swaying marsh trees beyond. “My clients sought me out for this fresh approach, especially the embrace of a neutral palette, organic elements, and a certain free-flowing fluidity, the casual sophistication,” Sherry says. “I look to Nature for inspiration, and She never makes mistakes.” For the designer, functionality and aesthetics always coexist without the need for compromise. Sherry says the design style, while slightly unusual for the area, felt second-nature to both her and the picturesque landscape of Kiawah Island. “While this home is refreshing and happily uncommon for the area, everything works in harmony with the natural world,” Sherry says. “Every detail. In a very real sense, this home and my style feel more authentic and indigenous.” No matter her client, inspiring relaxation is an unwavering goal for Sherry. These specific homeowners, busy professionals with houses in the U.S. and Europe, called for an especially tranquil environment. “When they come to Kiawah, I want them to feel at home and agenda-less,” Sherry says. “Like a big exhale. Regardless of locale, being at home should feel natural, effortless, easy, and beautiful, regardless of the pin drop.” *Maybe lined along the bottom?* Tips From the Designer Backgrounds Don’t Fade to Background “All the backgrounds—flooring, wall color, and hardscapes (like stone, tile, and hardware) are all chosen with care as a single, although wonderfully diverse, foundational environment. This creates an essential harmony.” A Neutral Palette is Like a Peace Sign “Warm or cool tones of white, beige, gray and black, flesh tones, and hues borrowed from nature are calming and restorative. The absence of strong color is invigorating.” Texture is the New Color “The texture in this space is very intentional. In this home, texture is expressed in natural fibers, weaves, and layers; tactile surfaces, found objects, reclaimed wood, stones, and metals. Smooth is even a texture. I use texture rather than bold and divergent colors to add personality to a space. It’s dynamic. And subtle.” Embrace All the Senses “In my world, a successful design plan embraces all the senses, pleasing to the eye and the hand with sight, sound, and scent touchpoints. What we take in through our senses, we give back to family, friends, ourselves, and ultimately the world. I can feel the ebb and flow in this beach house. I know my clients do too.” Architect: Heather A. Wilson Architect. http://heatherawilsonarchitect.com Builder: Knight Residential Group. https://www.krgbuilds.com Photograph: Alexandra Cabral. http://alexandracabral.com

The creative duo and their spirited approach to life, home, and design.

Photography by Laura Sumrak Interior Designer Amy Lee owner of the design firm Artistic Interiors transforms an old world lake home into a current day stunner. We had the opportunity to speak with Amy on her approach and aesthetics. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THIS HOME? Seeing the transformation from the dated, old world lake home to a more functional, modern and vibrant lake home was truly exciting. I love every aspect of this home, but the study is one of my favorite rooms. The walls and custom cabinetry are painted black and accents of saddle brown and cream create a truly unique room that feels amazing to sit down in and have a drink or watch tv. The use of fun papers and patterns also brought a more fun, yet sophisticated aesthetic to the home. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT? WAS THERE A THEME? We were able to completely gut the majority of this home and give it a total transformation. At the beginning the goal or theme of the home was to create a modern, rustic aesthetic. With time and as the project unfolded, I started to bring in more specific design elements that really spoke to the personality of my clients. I was told “alcohol and fire” were best used to describe our fun loving, creative homeowners and with that bit of flare, the final design theme was created. HOW DO YOU BEGIN THE DESIGN PROCESS? All my projects begin by sitting down with the client and getting to know who they are and how they tick. I pride myself on being able to really get within my client’s psyche and not only see but feel what they’re hoping to achieve. The design layout, floor plan design and interior architec- ture details come next and from that a vision for the entire space begins to unfold. WHAT DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2023? A nod to more natural colors and materials with warmer colors and natural stones like marbles and limestones making a comeback. I’m also excited to see a strong trend in furnishings with a geometric spin, lots of new concepts that I’ve never seen hit the market before, or reinvented styles from the 60s and 70s that bring character and flair into a space.  HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR OWN DIVERSE STYLE WITH THAT OF THE CLIENTS? My client’s style lays the foundation for the design project. Rather than having one “look” I enjoy creating unique and diverse designs for each of my clients. While all my projects have a simple, yet sophisticated theme to them, they’re all custom tailored to the client. This keeps my job fun and exciting and I’m never bored creating the same look repeatedly.

Pops of unexpected color, unique shapes, and moody wallpaper add to the modern flair of this three-story home.

Ashley Stark-Kenner, the Creative Director for Stark, recently debuted her e-commerce brand Ashely Stark Home. Stark is the legendary carpet and fabric company founded by her grandparents, Arthur and Nadia Stark, in 1938. For some, they are just born with style and Ashley is one of them. We had the chance to speak with Ashley and learn a little bit about her personal and professional style. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO LAUNCH ASHLEY STARK HOME AND HAS IT EVOLVED FROM YOUR ORIGINAL CONCEPT? I have been the creative director of Stark for numerous years and have been constantly asked to design my own line. Once my Instagram took off I was continuously approached by a variety of great companies to do my own line. I finally felt like, “maybe I should, but I want to do it myself and do what I know best; everything home!” My original concept was rugs, but now it’s so much more and will continuously evolve. TELL US WHY NEW YORK IS A GREAT CITY TO LIVE IN? New York City is the best city. You can walk everywhere. You are surrounded by so much cultural diversity and amazing high energy. There is so much to explore and keep you interested. A fun fact that most people may not know is that Iris Apfel is your great aunt. It would be hard to imagine she did not have an impact in some way. WHAT WAS HER GREATEST INFLUENCE? Iris Apfel and her husband Carl actually trained me in the fabric industry. She would take me to all the buying meetings and tell me to follow my instincts. She always told me to be who I am and trust my own judgment. She was always a source of Inspiration for me. YOU ARE SCROLLING THROUGH INSTAGRAM, NAME YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ICONS OF TODAY. That’s such a hard one since there are so many amazing tal- ented people. I love Joseph Dirand, Kelly Wearstler, Vincent Van Duysen, Rose Uniacke and so many more!! WHO IS THE PERSON YOU ARE CREATING FOR? I create for myself and design lovers. Ashley Stark Home offers carefully curated pieces that come together for a truly individualistic point of view. WHAT DO WE NEED TO SEE MORE OF AND LESS OF? We need to see more individuality and less sterile interiors. I want to empower my cus- tomers to take chances and have fun! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE IN THE COLLECTION? That’s so hard to say!! I love it all, but there are a few rugs I especially love. The Danika has an Art Deco inspired design, the Fergie rug has creams and whites with soft, playful patterns and a low relief in the background weave, and the Dex rug is Scandinavian at heart and has this soft handspun boucle tex- ture I’m a big fan of. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 2 WORDS? Rebellious Traditionalist WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING ON NETFLIX? “Persuasion” WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? Pictures of my family and my Kindle. WITH BUSINESS AND A BUSY FAMILY LIFE, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME AWAY FROM WORK? I love to take long walks and do yoga. WHAT WILL WE BE SEEING ON ASHLEYSTARKHOME.COM FOR FALL/WINTER? AshleyStarkHome.com will offer more amazing rug options throughout the fall/winter season, and I’m excited to expand our offerings here. We’ll also have new throw blan- kets that are perfect for a cozy fall evening, more tableware options, a new peel and stick wallpaper collaboration with NuWallpaper, and more handmade faux florals as part of my ongoing collaboration with Diane James Home.

Photography by Michael Blevins With an abundance of home-inspired TikTok videos, dreamy magazines spreads and TV shows, beautiful spaces are a dime a dozen perhaps now more than ever. So what sets design work apart in a seemingly-saturated market? Enter: Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors and Myron Greer of Myron Greer Garden Design. It’s undeniable that both designers are incredibly versatile with their range and creativity, but it’s their unique dynamic—humor, passion and out-of-the-box thinking—that really brings something special to the scene. Their individual and combined business ethos: Surpassing expectations, an element that has established the duo as some of the most sought after designers on the East Coast. We met and became friends years ago,” Campbell says. “I had always admired Myron’s work and extensive knowledge in the realm of garden and landscape design. We both have such passion for our professions and I believe that is why we work so well together. Plus, he’s hysterically funny and we always have a good time.” Greer recalls meeting Campbell and immediately hitting it off. The pair talked about their crafts and the idea of being “somewhat young” and green entrepreneurs. “My husband and I started follow ing his work and I really admired his incredible talent of showcasing his own style in his design, instead of creating copies of others’ work,” Greer says. “He has a wonderful eye for color and texture, and thinks spa- ciously and outside the box.” With Greer’s work centering in the Charlotte area, and Campbell’s projects stretching from Charleston to Charlotte, Nantucket and New York, the pair has ample opportunity to work together. Perhaps the best perk of the pairing? Using their expertise to improve each others’ homes. “When we did our addition/renovation Myron designed a beautiful back yard that feels like we have our very own park right out the back door,” Campbell says. “The addition of the outdoor fireplace is not only a gorgeous focal point but also the place where we most love to be.” Campbell adds that after a tornado hit his home in February of 2020, Greer created a curb appeal moment that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. In return, Campbell organized and designed a beautiful space in Greer’s Dilworth home—an area that is now both com- fortable and practical. “We live in a small bungalow, and Layton’s use of space in his design was very important to us in terms of functionality and livability,” Greer says. “He introduced textiles that we would have never thought of, and the end result is just spectacular. For example, we turned an old coat closet into a wet bar that we promptly christened when the project was completed.” But not all projects come together like a puzzle. The designers’ most recent collaboration—a European, art-inspired home with a contemporary flair in Myer’s Park— took place during the pandemic, garnering a unique set of obstacles. “Delays and even things that were ultimately discontinued are becoming the new norm that designers are having to navigate,” Campbell says. “The clients have been incredibly patient, and the reward paid off.” Campbell adds that the family’s personal art collection served as a springboard to the main color palette, and the modern lighting and decor brought the contemporary element to the home’s authentic architectural bones. Every interior element, from the moulding to the smallest piece of hardware on a cabinet door, were thoughtfully selected. “From there, my job was to create exterior space that complemented Layton’s interior,” Greer says. Given the smaller land footprint of the residence, Greer’s challenge was optimizing the front and back landscape space with a courtyard concept. The designer adds that every selection was strategic. “In the front I created wider sets of steps and larger lawn pavers to connect my parking court to the front door for a more generous space,” Greer says. “By elevating the front lawn with retaining walls, and flanking the home with matching Kousa Dogwoods and mixed flowering borders, my courtyard feel for the front was complete.” Greer continued his work in the back with a centered swimming pool and spa, and an outdoor grilling island and patio flanked with four matching Eagleston Holly Trees. Because the lawn space was on the smaller size, the designer opted for artificial turf as a low maintenance option. Finally, the climbing rose and espaliered Clematis and Jasmine were chosen to accentuate the framed horizontal fencing and provide a wider sense of space. Throughout this project, and all of their collaborations, the designers spur each other on with a shared fascination and respect for the others’ craft. “I’m inspired by Myron’s incredible eye for detail and his demand for excellence,” Campbell says. “Not to mention the breadth and depth of his abilities to navigate both landscape and hard- scape design.” And in turn, Greer admires Campbell’s deeply honed-in business sense. “It’s his assertiveness and his confidence in himself, to create his own brand and business,” Greer says. “He knows just how to tap into his natural talents and craft. He has impeccable style.”

How an industry-renown marbler partied with Paul McCartney, completed commissions for the White House and balances art with intentionality and a healthy dose of humor.

A NNE BURESH - Anne Buresh Interior Design Charlotte, NC. Jackson Hole, WY. www.anneburesh.com How would someone be able to tell the design was yours? What makes your style significantly you?  My goal is to always design a space that celebrates the clients’ parts and pieces that make our lives. My designs tie those el ements together for a unified and authentic story. I want your spaces to cultivate emotions and feelings that resonate when one’s life experiences are expressed through design. Your home should be a space where people feel comfortable and relaxed – where you can kick your feet up, enjoy each other’s company, and share a toast to the beauty of life. I want to create serenity that is calming and fulfilling for our clients. I always complete a project with a gift of a bowl of nuts – a nod to Southern hospitality. Do you recommend the whole home to have similar colors or should each room be very individual? Your home should have cohesive unity and balance. While each room may have its distinct use, the entire space should work together. I start my process by seeing the outside environ- ment, the exterior landscape, and the home’s architecture. I like to come through the front door, whether in-person or virtually, to get a sense of the home’s aesthetics. My goal is to bring in the soft, serene colors from the environment that are naturally soothing. I like to introduce calming colors at the beginning in the foyer. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the entrance is the introduction for the feeling of the home and sets the tone and the connection that flows throughout the rest of the home.