A Charlotte Home

At the beginning of every month I RACE out to the closest newsagent to get my monthly fix of magazines. One magazine I simply cannot live without is Veranda, which I have been reading for as long as I can remember. My favorite designers frequently fill the pages of the beautiful magazine, making it somewhat of an addiction for a design junkie such as myself. This month's issue was no exception. Not only did they feature their top 25 rooms ever published {in honor of their 25th anniversary}, of which one happened to be work from Bobby McAlpine {see it here}, they featured his home, too. Now, I will go into that on another day... 

April 2012 Veranda Magazine cover

I am a HUGE Bobby McAlpine/McAlpine Tankersley Architecture/McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier Interiors fan, but what really 'hit home' for me {excuse the pun!} this time was a feature from my hometown, Charlotte, North Carolina. Even more so because I seemed to be so connected with this house, although I am on the other side of the world. 

I grew up in Charlotte, NC, born and raised not too far from where this house sits in Meyers Park, a 'suburb' of Charlotte. I have interned twice with the architectural and design firm behind the home, Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson, where I learned invaluable lessons from one of their interior designers, and long time mentor, Missy Luczak. I also did a summer internship with Circa Antiques & Interiors, where Jane Schwab, the interior designer behind the house, works. Jane did our houses when I was little too {maybe that's how I caught the bug!} Lastly, I used to ride horses with the three gorgeous daughters of this family, all of whom have grown up right in front of me {and now make me feel terribly old!}. So, it's clear to see why this month's issue of Veranda has been, by far, a favorite in the HOH household. 

down to the very last details, like this tea box on the table,
or the way the books are placed around the centrepiece,
I ADORE this house.

how grand is this grand staircase?
Wouldn't you want to sit on that settee all day?
I would. 

One of my favourite elements of this house is the infusion of
 more modern 'accents', such as the POC's (pops of color!)
from the gorgeous suzani fabric by Donghia.
Just this little touch adds so much dimension to an
otherwise subtle and neutral room.
BRILLIANT!

I'm always a sucker for these antique chandeliers, they are such a statement without weighing the room down.
Another element of this room that is killer is the layering that Jane has done so effortlessly.
 It feels comfortable, liveable, and real,
while still exuding luxury, glamour, and elegance.
She is truly a master!

Because I know this family, I can spot some of the personal touches
throughout the house. One is that gorgeous little horse
sitting on that {FABULOUS} skirted table.
Because all three daughters ride horses, it's the perfect personal touch. 

One thing Jane mentioned in the article was how she loved the juxtaposition of a
large, unframed canvas over an antique console. Well, I love it too.
And that stool, which seems to, again, be a nod to the love for all things
equestrian in this house hold. 

The bedding on the master bedroom is just fabulous. Again, the personal touches,
like the monogrammed 'G' pillows make the family feel at home.
And from the beautiful furniture down to the stunning accessories
{HELLO LAMPS!},
I'd LOVE to feel at home here. 

Even their bathroom cabinetry feels like a piece of furniture rather than a
heavy, clunky piece of cabinetry. And I love how they've chosen to put a settee
in the bathroom. How very elegant. 

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I did. I love seeing great design from my hometown of Charlotte. There are some incredibly talented people working from that city, and I love when they are recognized for all their hard work. 

Hope you all have a lovely day... 

xx A