Classic styling and beachy vibes abound in this Concord home for a young family.

by Blake Miller  •  photographs by Laura Sumrak

Like many growing families, Erin and Jonathan Dry wanted a home with more space and with plenty of yard for their two young kids to run and play. 

“I grew up living on lots of land, and I have always loved that,” Erin says. “The boys love to be outside and be in the woods, and our old home just didn’t have that.”

So the Drys began searching for a property that afforded them the acreage they wanted but also the neighborhood feel they desired. They settled on a 4-acre wooded lot in Concord and soon began working with architect Dave O’Bryan of LaBella Associates, who drew the plans for the 6,500-square-foot home. 

For the interior design, the couple turned to a familiar face. Cornelius-based designer Dominique DeLaney had worked with them on their previous home in Huntersville’s Skybrook neighborhood. “She just knows exactly what I like, so I knew we wanted her on board for this home,” Erin says.

While the neighborhood’s aesthetic is rustic, Erin describes her style as a little more beachy. Enlisting DeLaney early in the process allowed her to assist with the finishes throughout the home, including the architectural details, that would match the homeowners’ aesthetic. 

“A lot of the homes here are darker with rafter tails and feel more like mountain homes,” DeLaney says. “We tried to incorporate those details in a very classic way where it didn’t become so heavy and mountain-lodge feeling. Erin and Jonathan wanted a classic but modern Southern home — something that wasn’t too fussy or too traditional. They wanted all white everywhere. That was their hashtag for the project, #allwhiteeverything,” laughs the designer.

“When you walk in it’s very open and airy,” Erin says. “You’d think you were at a beach house because there’s a lot of white and blue and just a calming feel.” To keep the home from feeling too sterile, DeLaney added doses of warmth via wood beams from Southend Reclaimed Wood & Brick in the foyer and kitchen; brass accents throughout; and natural elements such as the rattan counter stools by Serena & Lily in the kitchen. 

“We added subtle color throughout so it didn’t feel too modern but still feels warm and cozy,” the designer says.

A priority was creating a functional but pretty home with zero unused space, Erin says. This included a larger laundry room and mudroom to help keep things organized and out of sight on a daily basis. Both spaces were designed with a sophisticated aesthetic, from the herringbone brick floor and custom cabinetry to the white farmhouse sink and brass accents. 

DeLaney also seamlessly incorporated furniture and accessories from the Drys’ previous residence, which she had installed years ago. 

Despite the white color palette, everything in the house holds up to the messy hands of the couple’s two young boys. Scrubbable paint, durable velvets and indoor-outdoor fabrics help create a classic, timeless home where nothing is too precious. 

“Our goal is always to make beautiful spaces that can also be lived in,” DeLaney says. “So you don’t have to worry about your kids eating on the couch or your friends spilling red wine on the sofa.” SP