SOUTHERN EMERALD

A North Carolina farmhouse plays matchmaker to function and refinement.

A North Carolina farmhouse plays matchmaker to function and refinement.

" We felt it was important to add interest with a multitude of textures, including black cowhide barstools, leather ottomans and vibrant, velvet sofas.”

From open floor plans to functional elegance, community is at the center of farmhouse style. That’s what Southern Studio kept in mind when they designed the interior of this home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Southern Studio designers Vicky Serany, Principal Designer, and Elizabeth O’Neal, Senior Designer, shed light on how they got this Southern jewel to sparkle.

HOUSE OF MANY TEXTURES

The project was a collaboration of talents. Southern Studio worked with builder and developer Mary Ludemann from New Old Custom Homes to craft a modern farmhouse with traditional flair.“We used natural elements of wood, stone and metals to add warmth to the design and incorporated unique features with technology for modern convenience,”the Southern Studio team says.

The neutral color palette makes the green accents fresher and more vivid, but color is only the beginning. “The design began with a color palette of bold emerald green, black and neutrals added to the natural materials throughout the home,” the team says. “We felt it was important to add interest with a multitude of textures, including black cowhide barstools, leather ottomans and vibrant, velvet sofas.”

LET EVERY FACET SHINE

Like every good party, the design process started in the kitchen. “The drama of the large, custom metal range hood, marble waterfall edge on the countertop, state-of-the-art appliances and custom cabinetry was carefully crafted for function and beauty,”the team says. Sometimes it’s not about what you have so much as where it’s placed. “We strategically placed glass cabinets and accent lighting.”Take the natural light streaming through your windows into consideration when placing your accent colors and reflective surfaces.

" We used natural elements

of wood, stone and metals to add warmth to the design and incorporated unique features with technology for modern convenience.”

BY HANNAH STRANDBERG PHOTOGRAPHY B Y B R I E W I L L I AMS A N D MICHAEL BLEVINS STYLING BY SOUTHERN STUDIO

The emerald accent choice has easy upkeep throughout the year. Every season will produce its own unique greenery to freshen up your home.

(bottom, right) “Don’t be afraid of trying new ideas,” the team says. “We hesitated to add the putty-colored cabinets in the kitchen, but they combine beautifully with the other natural elements.”

(bottom, left) “Combine the old with the new for interesting detail,” the team says. Behind the kitchen, they added a cozy scullery with an old apron front sink and modern geometric floor tiles to mix traditional and modern farmhouse eras.

(right) The exterior stone walls and lush grass lawn give guests a taste of the casual elegance waiting beyond the front door.

(above, right) Sometimes life gets messy, and Southern Studio gets that. This adorable mudroom provides extra storage and a comfy spot for guests to sit down while slipping out of their shoes. “Enjoy the process and embrace the messiness,” they say.

(right) Getting ready for the day or bedtime should be a relaxing exercise. Soft neutral tones coupled with natural lighting transform the bathroom’s ambience into a tranquil landscape.

(opposite and above, left) The modern farmhouse kitchen is all about functional beauty. “The oversized pendants and backsplash tile balance the large range hood,” the team says. “And did we mention that it took eight men to install the range hood?”