LISA SHERRY'S LATEST HOME TOUR: FROM NEAR FIASCO TO MAGAZINE FEATURE.
THIS LISA SHERRY INTERIEURS DESIGN PROJECT WAS FULL OF SURPRISES, FROM AN UNEXPECTED DEMOLITION TO A MAGAZINE FEATURE!
NOVEMBER 6, 2024 | CHARLOTTE, NC
Love it or leave it? Renovate or build anew? Quite often, a design project begins with this fundamental question. And so it was for longtime Lisa Sherry Interieurs clients in Raleigh, North Carolina.
After some soul-searching and house hunting, my clients ultimately decided to renovate a Raleigh home in their own real estate portfolio, rather than starting from scratch with a new build. The couple is deeply rooted in Raleigh. They wanted their next home to be in an established walkable neighborhood, close to restaurants and entertainment, and in step with the vibe of the city they love.
Thus, with confidence, architectural plans under their arm, and a contractor onboard for the renovation, the couple sailed off on a vacation cruise. Imagine their surprise when the pair learned that, after a few swings of the demolition ball, the contractor determined it all needed to go and essentially leveled the existing structure.
Not to worry. The no-turning-back demolition actually gave my clients the freedom to create and build anew in a favorite neighborhood, and call in their favorite designer! It was smooth sailing from then on. In fact, you can see this Raleigh design gem featured in the latest Home Design & Decor magazine. What a journey – this project ran the gambit from near fiasco to magazine feature!
Here’s how Lisa Sherry Interieurs got the project (beautifully) back on track…
ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN DIRECTION
My clients and I share a long design history. I had the pleasure of designing her condo when she was a single professional. Her husband said "I do" to the Lisa Sherry Interieurs design team too! An established shorthand and deep level of designer-client trust were in place as we began work on the new post-demo home plan.
While the home is nestled in an older neighborhood, my clients craved a new, modern and sophisticated space, one open to sunlight, but also private and intimate. Likewise, my clients love to entertain. They embraced an open flowing floor plan, but were also very particular about private spaces for themselves and frequent overnight guests.
Having lived (beautifully) with a Lisa Sherry Interieurs aesthetic in their condo, my clients came to me for a nuanced light, bright, white palette throughout the space. To begin, we established an essential palette with Benjamin Moore Simply White, grounded with wide-plank white oak flooring. A monochromatic color scheme may look straightforward, yet to succeed every detail must be cultivated with care. Texture is an essential component in the Lisa Sherry Interieurs design tool box. For contrast and drama, black iron and unfinished brass details are leitmotifs throughout, from the mullioned windows, drapery rods, hardware, fixture selections, and even original art.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Unencumbered by the footprint and limitations of the origin structure, I conceived the first floor of the home as a sinuous whole. From the front entrance, the space flows almost seamlessly through the living and dining room, kitchen, and keeping room into the great outdoors. Throughout, floor-to-ceiling windows are framed in white linen draperies for ready privacy. The first floor also includes a secluded primary suite with a pair of double vanities, a spacious dual-head shower, and a fabulous soaking tub.
CURATED DESIGN MOMENTS
The lovely wholeness of the first floor is actually punctuated with exquisitely curated moments, a hallmark of a Lisa Sherry Interieurs design. The portieres at the front entrance, for example, gently enfold the space after all guests have arrived. In lieu of a formal foyer, we opted for a long narrow waterfall bench adjacent to the front door. It’s paired with original art from the amazing Sabine Maes. At first, my clients were a bit wary of the modern candelabra-inspired chandelier over the pedestal dining table. Today, they tell me it’s a signature moment (and conversation piece) in the home.
ONWARD & UPWARD
The staircase is a significant architectural feature in the middle of the floor plan. Interestingly, it’s one of the few vestiges of the original home. It enjoyed a LSI-makeover with new treads and railing design. Today the staircase serves the form and function of the design.
DEDICATED SPACES
As we ascend the stairs, the story of this home hones in on secluded space for visitors and the homeowners too. It’s cast largely in the light bright palette of the lower level. While the primary bedroom is a getaway with adjoining ensuite bath nestled on the first floor, upstairs, two complete en-suite guest rooms await for the couple’s frequent visitors.
A wonderful surprise awaits down a short hallway – the media room. Dark and swarthy, the viewing room (and full bar) is bathed in charcoal, otherwise known as Bejamin Moore Iron Mountain. It's sports central, especially when the Tar Heels are on the roster.
Interior design is about light, color, texture, form, function and a myriad of glorious details. It’s also all about problem solving. Every day, the Lisa Sherry Interieurs team unknots design conundrums, schedule disruptions, and the inevitable surprises that are part of every interior design project – no exceptions! It’s all in a day’s work. Even so, getting news that the home you intended to remodel had been demolished probably is the pinnacle of all “problems” I’ve encountered. It also proves that with the right design team, every problem has a silver lining. In this case, the Lisa Sherry Interieurs design assignment traversed from near fiasco to feature-story dream home. I could not be happier for my clients! Time to Live Beautiful!
INTERIOR DESIGN: Lisa Sherry Interieurs
PHOTOGRAPHY: Stacey Van Berkel