As we close our November issue and ramp up for High Point Market this week, there's so much to do, and we're running a little crazy. We're so excited for what's coming next week that we really don't mind. And sometimes we get to head out and see a designer's work in person, and that's one of the perks of being the Editor-in-Chief of Furniture, Lighting & Decor.
Two weeks ago, when it was still summer here in Greensboro — the weather pulled a whiplash as October crept in — I had an amazing opportunity to see how one affluent family lives, and more importantly, what they look for in their home's design.
The house I got to tour was right in the heart of High Point, backed up onto the golf course, and custom-built and -designed from the ground up. The family had just moved in, but graciously let me tour their new abode with their designer, Stephanie James of Allen and James, also located right in the heart of High Point.
To say this home was spectacular would be an understatement. The back of the home incorporated walls of windows and glass back doors that receded into the walls onto a deck and covered patio below that overlooked the golf course. Inside, there was custom lighting, furnishings and cabinetry designed for a one-of-a-kind experience. This was a showplace that had me finding my own townhome and furnishings somewhat lacking to say the least. Did I really have to go home? Would they have even noticed if I moved in on the lower level?
Every bedroom had an en suite and walk-in closet; the kitchen appliances were hidden away in a galley (that was bigger than my kitchen), and the walkout lower level featured a wet bar complete with beer tap embedded in the soapstone counter and a wine cellar. The house also combined indoor/outdoor living in a way that practically doubled the living space and made you long for summer all year long.
As finishing touches were being put in place, I had the chance to meet the lighting designer — as all fixtures were custom designed just for this exquisite home — and learned of some of the details that made the home super special from the designer herself — exclusive one-of-a-kind art pieces, cork and gold leaf or velvet walls in powder rooms, a custom marble range hood that weighed 800 pounds and lined up perfectly with the marble pattern on the backsplash, to name just a few.
At High Point next week, if you get a chance, stop in to see Allen and James retail showroom right on N. Main Street, and for a sneak peek of some of their other work, pick up the November issue of Furniture, Lighting & Decor in a couple of weeks and flip to Last Look, for an equally beautiful dining room custom crafted by these designers.
We can only give you a sneak peek of this stunning home in High Point right now because we'll be heading back there for a bigger feature in the spring where we'll take you on a tour of the entire home. We'll keep you posted and trust me, it's something to look forward to!
Have a design project or retail experience you'd like to share with Furniture, Lighting & Decor? Reach out to me at dfalvey@sgcmail.com. We love learning about your businesses!
