Having purchased the beautiful land right next door to their friends’ home in Boone, the couple couldn’t wait to wake up inspired by the expansive mountain views on a daily basis. Local architect Bradley Dowdy drew up a floor plan that happily combined their contemporary style with the rugged environment, and the couple called on Andrew Roby to construct their dreamy mountain escape and David Smith of Custom Interiors to make their reality beautiful and livable.
“Our clients like a contemporary style, as the Mrs. is a fantastic artist,” explains Trent Haston, CEO of Andrew Roby. “They wanted this landscape to be the backdrop for their greatest masterpiece – a beautiful family compound.”
Having worked with the family on their primary Lake Norman residence for over ten years, Trent and the team at Andrew Roby had an intimate knowledge of their clients’ style. From purchase to completion over two years later, the team worked together to create an extraordinary retreat that satisfied the modern appeal of the homeowners and the cozy feel of a mountain home. “I’ve discovered a fondness for contemporary architecture that I didn’t use to have. Wood finishes, natural coverings and clean architectural lines with sleek moldings not only look great, but force the highest quality of craftsmanship,” explains Trent, adding that his father introduced him to contemporary style and the beauty in details that can make a statement. “The designer’s choice of ‘matchbook stone’ on the grand fireplace wall and on the kitchen countertops really nailed both the contemporary style and the statement-making details.”
Harkey Tile and Stone worked extensively with the designer to get the perfect look for the stonework on the home – something designer David Smith says is integral to the success of a pulled together home. “Working with a great team, including a contractor and especially an interior designer, who have access to a plethora of resources, is key to really pulling together a home and making it feel complete,” he explains.
Drawing inspiration from the homeowners’ love of modern art and natural earthy tones, David Smith got to work on the interiors. “The lady of the house is an amazing artist and nearly all the artwork came from her,” explains David. She also added pieces from friends and artists Rick Beck and Tom Spleith, as well as a sculpture in the kitchen by Phillip Baldwin and Mary Guggisberg. “When you start with beautiful art like that, it’s easier to build accessories from there.”
Though many types of design inspire David including antiques mixed with modern European design, he felt equally at ease designing a modern home. “Modern country or mixing Mid-Century with anything antique is what really excites me, but in the end it just has to be great design. ”
He adds that unexpected details are the secret to decorating. “No matter what overall style you’re decorating in, it doesn’t have to be predictable.” Owning his own retail store allowed David to pull many of the furnishings and custom pieces from his own collection in to round out the design of the couple’s home.
Trent and his clients agree that the gathering room is their favorite space, noting that the kitchen, dining and sitting rooms are all open to one another, but sufficiently defined as their own space. The sliding glass doors that open up to the deck with panoramic views of the rolling mountains add drama and natural beauty, while the dining room table, custom made from a fallen 300-year old tree by local silversmith gaines Kiker, adds warm character. David, however, is drawn to the downstairs sitting room, which has become a great place for games and cocktails with warm colors and a goatskin rug that you “don’t want to step off of.”
Either way, a marriage of modern aesthetic and warm livability make this home a success on all levels.