A south Charlotte home by House of Nomad has modern, cozy quarters for family and a soft, moody vibe.
by Cathy Martin | photographs by Brie Williams
Inspired by strengthened family bonds while sheltering during the pandemic, this Charlotte family of three envisioned a home with cozy, private living quarters separate from the spaces where they entertained.
“They were motivated to create a home that could comfortably support both the intimacy of family life and the ability to gather with others when needed,” says House of Nomad’s Kelley Lentini.
In the kitchen, a lilac marble backsplash and countertops from The Art of Stone add drama, and a custom light fixture from Curiousa provides a soft glow. The limestone floors are from Renaissance Tile.
After settling on a wooded lot in an established community in south Charlotte, the homeowners tapped Artistic Contractors to build their forever home. They immediately brought in HON, founded by Lentini and her business partner Berkeley Minkhorst, to oversee the design from start to finish.
Setting the mood
The designers chose rich, earthy materials such as limestone for the kitchen floors and dark hardwoods for a moody aesthetic. The electrical plan was designed to include soft, diffused light for a candlelit feel in certain parts of the home. Slatted wood dividers create visual interest, along with a sense of privacy.
Right: In the sunken living room, a custom media cabinet by Maple Hill Woodworks keeps the TV hidden from view. The sectional sofas from Younger + Co. surround a coffee table from Portugal. The smoked mirror is from Made Goods.
The homeowners had one caveat that created a tricky design challenge: They requested no white in the home.
“We wanted to pick a neutral that was dark enough for the client’s preference but that also helped to blend and soothe all the dramatic saturated tones in the house,” Lentini says. They landed on Mojave Gathering, a gray-beige tone from Backdrop.
Right: Local artist Randall Kane designed the mural in the hallway, which connects the family’s private living quarters to the rest of the house.
A space for family
Doubling down on the cozy aesthetic, the builder and designers devised a plan for a sunken living room that’s open to a casual dining area. Plush sofas invite relaxation, and a custom media cabinet allows the TV to be concealed when the family wants to read or rest.
The living room is defined by a House of Hackney wallpaper with a botanical motif and a striking custom lighting installation. HON worked with Lighting and Bulbs Unlimited on the assemblage of Noguchi lanterns — a modern interpretation of the iconic midcentury design element. A hidden door connects the main living space to a secondary living room and kitchenette.
Left: A concrete Kast sink, antique mirror and arch detail create a chic, moody moment in the powder room. Right: A patterned wallpaper by Elena Carozzi provides a bold backdrop in the primary bedroom.
A calming passage
Pulling inspiration from the indigo-hued wallpaper, Charlotte artist Randall Kane designed a 20-foot-long mural in the hallway that connects the main living room with the private living quarters.
“Randall pulled key motifs to ensure a seamless visual flow between the two areas,” Lentini says. Elements such as bison, birds and stars carry significant meaning for the homeowner. “The hallway is designed to feel like a moment of pause — a calming passage that gently prepares you for the more intimate parts of the home.”
An arched doorway leads to the hallway, a design element that’s repeated in the powder room and above the range in the kitchen.
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The finished design blends a moody, soulful aesthetic with practical solutions for designating distinct zones for family time.
“The result is a thoughtfully designed space that perfectly balances private living with functional, shared areas — a true reflection of their lifestyle and values,” Lentini says. SP
