Lisa Sherry reimagines a home for an active family of five with clean lines, muted tones and a relaxed-but-refined aesthetic.
by Andrea Nordstrom Caughey | photographs by Kenton Robertson
Just like a nourishing exhale, quiet, organic, simple are mantras driving the designs of Charlotte’s Lisa Sherry of Lisa Sherry Interieurs. In fact, she describes Mother Nature as her favorite “design muse.”
This same subtle vibe pervades her latest project in Providence Park for a blended family of five, including three preteen girls who are constantly on the go. “The homeowners’ extended family is local, too, so the home, and its new ‘hangout’ space, was designed as a hub for special gatherings, everyday life and all the beautiful chaos that comes with it,” Sherry says.
Sherry’s work is known for a modern sensibility: “clean lines with classic roots, casual yet refined, a discerning eye for color, and a love of fabrics and layers,” as the designer explains it.
“There’s not a hard edge in this home. The geometry is all circles, curves and the occasional oval. This ‘design language,’ if you will, is an invitation to slow down, relax and settle in,” she says.
The design also seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. “This project is all about inside and out,” Sherry says. “The blue sky, shimmering water and natural light bring their own layers of color and texture, elevating the entire design. I always follow nature.”
Her redesign encompasses the home’s main living areas — the foyer, dining room, family room and primary bedroom — along with a completely reimagined outdoor living space with pool and cabana. (Sherry’s firm is also in the process of designing a bonus room for the family, to function as a larger family room and office.)
Texture and periodic pattern add contrast to the subtle tones.
SHINING A LIGHT: Sherry considers a layered and nuanced lighting plan essential for each project. Along with installed lighting, the plan might embrace pendants and chandeliers, task lamps, floor and table lamps, and sconces. “I love varied pools of light. Our specific selections in this home are all about mixed media and elemental variety — ceramic, stone, marble, gesso, metals and, of course, breezy rattan for the cabana,” Sherry says. “And best of all … Mother Nature! This home is bathed in natural light, my favorite light source. I specified draperies to frame windows and for privacy, of course, but I love to let light shine in.”
“The color palette is mostly muted and neutral, with soft blue-gray accents woven throughout,” Sherry says “I’m a careful editor — I love layering textures and, when the moment is right, even introducing a bit of pattern. Also, I always say texture is the new color!“ Sherry says, which is underscored by her earthy wicker Artesia pendant lights and swing chair in the outdoor nook.
She flags the bold dining-room wallpaper as another example of contrast — its abstract, blue-hued pattern elevates the space, Sherry says. A graceful, round Mr. Brown London dining table and arched Bernhardt chairs complete the look.
Sherry’s love of layering continues in the foyer. “It’s a medley of grays, each with a distinct texture: faux shagreen, stone, concrete and linen. The mix keeps things subtle yet rich with contrast.” These muted tones lead to a comforting living room cloaked in a custom mix of Benjamin Moore Gray Owl paint, repeated in a rounded gray Parsons table from Interlude and dusty-gray abstract from Wendover Art.
“Flow was key to his space, as the living room sits just between the home’s more formal entry and dining room and the relaxed outdoor living area,” the designer says. “The sectional was a very intentional design choice from the Verellen brand. It’s perfect for a group convo or relaxed one-on-ones. I love the energy of this room.”
Left: The open-air pool house is a shady place for the family to lounge, cook or watch TV. Right: The pool house bath.
Outdoors, carving out a playful-yet-practical space for relaxing was essential for this family. While the existing backyard was fairly vanilla, “the homeowners wanted to change that in a big way,” Sherry says.
With the pool and multiple seating areas anchoring the backyard, the new pool house completes the scene as a multipurpose retreat. “It provides balance — a shady haven, a place to lounge, cook or stream something on TV.” The addition of a stone fireplace creates a three-season space for relaxing and entertaining. “The space is just as inviting on a crisp fall evening as it is on a hot summer day,” the designer says.
Sherry credits Bravo Construction as the mastermind behind the exterior transformation. Sherry’s design team selected all the outdoor furniture (including stunning Harbour Outdoor woven chaises), accessories and the finishes in the pool bathroom.
While much of the renovation focused on family-friendly living spaces, private spaces matter, too. “The [primary] suite also has a restorative spa feel, cloaked in hues of gray and blue with contrasting shapes and colors,” the designer says.
“I love to blur the line between indoors and out, and my clients were all in. Thoughtful design choices, natural materials and a cohesive palette create a home that naturally ebbs and flows — as life moves between inside and out,” Sherry says. SP
“The blue sky, shimmering water and natural light bring their own layers of color and texture, elevating the entire design. I always follow nature.“
