Curve appeal
February 29, 2024
House of Nomad blends rounded silhouettes, bold colors and fun patterns in an Oakhurst home.
by Cathy Martin | photographs by Laura Sumrak
As a designer, landing a job furnishing a new-construction home from top to bottom is a dream — a clean slate to make your mark. House of Nomad’s Kelley Lentini and Berkeley Minkhorst had just that opportunity in a new contemporary house in Oakhurst, home to an energetic young entrepreneur with a passion for travel and design.
“The client was willing to really go for it, have some fun and trust us,” Minkhorst says. They landed on a design concept that “doesn’t take things too seriously,” with curvy silhouettes, bold colors, sophisticated-yet-playful patterns and nods to midcentury style.
With an open-concept layout and airy, all-white spaces, creating depth and a welcoming vibe were top priorities. “We were there to make it feel less of a new build, to try to really give it some personality,” Lentini says.
Adding saturated color in a few key areas brought warmth; mixing in vintage finds and furniture, art and accessories from the duo’s global travels — including Moroccan rugs throughout the home — convey a cozy, lived-in feel.
The result: a bold-yet-inviting design with a playful spin and distinct zones for working, relaxing and entertaining. SP
Featured image: With the kitchen cabinets and island already in place, the designers added pendant lighting and barstools to complete the space. Next, they turned their attention to the large dining area. “I really wanted to create the sense of a separate space in that little nook,” Lentini says. She chose the upholstered banquette for its curved design and relaxed silhouette. A gallery of iconic Slim Aarons slides depicts jetsetters enjoying the good life in far-flung destinations, with the photographer’s handwritten notes scrawled in the margins.
Left: In the living room, a painting by Bogota-born Charlotte artist Nico Amortegui was the jumping off point for the modern, lounge-inspired space. The designers incorporated rounded elements with a pair of swivel chairs and ottomans. The low-profile sofa in a golden velvet exudes cool and invites relaxation.
Middle: Opposite the fireplace, a fiber-art piece was custom made from recycled cotton by women artisans outside Mexico City.
Right: “As an entrepreneur, [the homeowner] wanted a really special place to feel creative,” Lentini says of the home office. “We wanted it to feel masculine and cool but still very inviting.” The deep teal paint was chosen to match the saturated tones in the graphic wallpaper by Elitis. The walnut curved desk from Noir adds warmth to the sleek, modern space.
Left: Upstairs, a large airy loft provides an ideal spot for entertaining. At one end, an oversized woven pendant over the angular black metal bar defines a gathering space amid soaring ceilings. Playful teak barstools add a whimsical flair.
Middle: Adjacent to the loft is a cozy media room with a moody vibe. Dark green walls set the space apart from the all-white loft area. A velvet sectional creates an inviting space for movie nights; Turkish silk pillows from House of Nomad’s retail shop add a touch of luxe.
Right: In the mudroom, a simple bench provides storage, and a 1970s vintage Moroccan rug adds a pop of color and texture. The accent wall features House of Nomad’s own Checked Out wallpaper.
Right: Cozy elements, earth tones and unexpected silhouettes prevail in the primary bedroom. “We knew we wanted it to be moody and cool but also serene,” Lentini says. The Bernhardt bed with an oversized boucle headboard is flanked by funky bedside tables from Noir and alabaster sconces in a rounded retro shape. The Peruvian franza on the bed and the custom Moroccan rug lend an earthiness to the space.
Left: The acrylic chair and plaster side table, both sourced from the Round Top antiques fair, were pulled from House of Nomad’s growing vintage collection. Over the console, a plaster art diptych was commissioned to complement the vintage side table. An Italian green marble lamp with a curved design completes the look.
