Home & Design

Pops of unexpected color, unique shapes, and moody wallpaper add to the modern flair of this three-story home.

Ashley Stark-Kenner, the Creative Director for Stark, recently debuted her e-commerce brand Ashely Stark Home. Stark is the legendary carpet and fabric company founded by her grandparents, Arthur and Nadia Stark, in 1938. For some, they are just born with style and Ashley is one of them. We had the chance to speak with Ashley and learn a little bit about her personal and professional style. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO LAUNCH ASHLEY STARK HOME AND HAS IT EVOLVED FROM YOUR ORIGINAL CONCEPT? I have been the creative director of Stark for numerous years and have been constantly asked to design my own line. Once my Instagram took off I was continuously approached by a variety of great companies to do my own line. I finally felt like, “maybe I should, but I want to do it myself and do what I know best; everything home!” My original concept was rugs, but now it’s so much more and will continuously evolve. TELL US WHY NEW YORK IS A GREAT CITY TO LIVE IN? New York City is the best city. You can walk everywhere. You are surrounded by so much cultural diversity and amazing high energy. There is so much to explore and keep you interested. A fun fact that most people may not know is that Iris Apfel is your great aunt. It would be hard to imagine she did not have an impact in some way. WHAT WAS HER GREATEST INFLUENCE? Iris Apfel and her husband Carl actually trained me in the fabric industry. She would take me to all the buying meetings and tell me to follow my instincts. She always told me to be who I am and trust my own judgment. She was always a source of Inspiration for me. YOU ARE SCROLLING THROUGH INSTAGRAM, NAME YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ICONS OF TODAY. That’s such a hard one since there are so many amazing tal- ented people. I love Joseph Dirand, Kelly Wearstler, Vincent Van Duysen, Rose Uniacke and so many more!! WHO IS THE PERSON YOU ARE CREATING FOR? I create for myself and design lovers. Ashley Stark Home offers carefully curated pieces that come together for a truly individualistic point of view. WHAT DO WE NEED TO SEE MORE OF AND LESS OF? We need to see more individuality and less sterile interiors. I want to empower my cus- tomers to take chances and have fun! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE IN THE COLLECTION? That’s so hard to say!! I love it all, but there are a few rugs I especially love. The Danika has an Art Deco inspired design, the Fergie rug has creams and whites with soft, playful patterns and a low relief in the background weave, and the Dex rug is Scandinavian at heart and has this soft handspun boucle tex- ture I’m a big fan of. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 2 WORDS? Rebellious Traditionalist WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING ON NETFLIX? “Persuasion” WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? Pictures of my family and my Kindle. WITH BUSINESS AND A BUSY FAMILY LIFE, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME AWAY FROM WORK? I love to take long walks and do yoga. WHAT WILL WE BE SEEING ON ASHLEYSTARKHOME.COM FOR FALL/WINTER? AshleyStarkHome.com will offer more amazing rug options throughout the fall/winter season, and I’m excited to expand our offerings here. We’ll also have new throw blan- kets that are perfect for a cozy fall evening, more tableware options, a new peel and stick wallpaper collaboration with NuWallpaper, and more handmade faux florals as part of my ongoing collaboration with Diane James Home.

Photography by Michael Blevins With an abundance of home-inspired TikTok videos, dreamy magazines spreads and TV shows, beautiful spaces are a dime a dozen perhaps now more than ever. So what sets design work apart in a seemingly-saturated market? Enter: Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors and Myron Greer of Myron Greer Garden Design. It’s undeniable that both designers are incredibly versatile with their range and creativity, but it’s their unique dynamic—humor, passion and out-of-the-box thinking—that really brings something special to the scene. Their individual and combined business ethos: Surpassing expectations, an element that has established the duo as some of the most sought after designers on the East Coast. We met and became friends years ago,” Campbell says. “I had always admired Myron’s work and extensive knowledge in the realm of garden and landscape design. We both have such passion for our professions and I believe that is why we work so well together. Plus, he’s hysterically funny and we always have a good time.” Greer recalls meeting Campbell and immediately hitting it off. The pair talked about their crafts and the idea of being “somewhat young” and green entrepreneurs. “My husband and I started follow ing his work and I really admired his incredible talent of showcasing his own style in his design, instead of creating copies of others’ work,” Greer says. “He has a wonderful eye for color and texture, and thinks spa- ciously and outside the box.” With Greer’s work centering in the Charlotte area, and Campbell’s projects stretching from Charleston to Charlotte, Nantucket and New York, the pair has ample opportunity to work together. Perhaps the best perk of the pairing? Using their expertise to improve each others’ homes. “When we did our addition/renovation Myron designed a beautiful back yard that feels like we have our very own park right out the back door,” Campbell says. “The addition of the outdoor fireplace is not only a gorgeous focal point but also the place where we most love to be.” Campbell adds that after a tornado hit his home in February of 2020, Greer created a curb appeal moment that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. In return, Campbell organized and designed a beautiful space in Greer’s Dilworth home—an area that is now both com- fortable and practical. “We live in a small bungalow, and Layton’s use of space in his design was very important to us in terms of functionality and livability,” Greer says. “He introduced textiles that we would have never thought of, and the end result is just spectacular. For example, we turned an old coat closet into a wet bar that we promptly christened when the project was completed.” But not all projects come together like a puzzle. The designers’ most recent collaboration—a European, art-inspired home with a contemporary flair in Myer’s Park— took place during the pandemic, garnering a unique set of obstacles. “Delays and even things that were ultimately discontinued are becoming the new norm that designers are having to navigate,” Campbell says. “The clients have been incredibly patient, and the reward paid off.” Campbell adds that the family’s personal art collection served as a springboard to the main color palette, and the modern lighting and decor brought the contemporary element to the home’s authentic architectural bones. Every interior element, from the moulding to the smallest piece of hardware on a cabinet door, were thoughtfully selected. “From there, my job was to create exterior space that complemented Layton’s interior,” Greer says. Given the smaller land footprint of the residence, Greer’s challenge was optimizing the front and back landscape space with a courtyard concept. The designer adds that every selection was strategic. “In the front I created wider sets of steps and larger lawn pavers to connect my parking court to the front door for a more generous space,” Greer says. “By elevating the front lawn with retaining walls, and flanking the home with matching Kousa Dogwoods and mixed flowering borders, my courtyard feel for the front was complete.” Greer continued his work in the back with a centered swimming pool and spa, and an outdoor grilling island and patio flanked with four matching Eagleston Holly Trees. Because the lawn space was on the smaller size, the designer opted for artificial turf as a low maintenance option. Finally, the climbing rose and espaliered Clematis and Jasmine were chosen to accentuate the framed horizontal fencing and provide a wider sense of space. Throughout this project, and all of their collaborations, the designers spur each other on with a shared fascination and respect for the others’ craft. “I’m inspired by Myron’s incredible eye for detail and his demand for excellence,” Campbell says. “Not to mention the breadth and depth of his abilities to navigate both landscape and hard- scape design.” And in turn, Greer admires Campbell’s deeply honed-in business sense. “It’s his assertiveness and his confidence in himself, to create his own brand and business,” Greer says. “He knows just how to tap into his natural talents and craft. He has impeccable style.”

How an industry-renown marbler partied with Paul McCartney, completed commissions for the White House and balances art with intentionality and a healthy dose of humor.

A NNE BURESH - Anne Buresh Interior Design Charlotte, NC. Jackson Hole, WY. www.anneburesh.com How would someone be able to tell the design was yours? What makes your style significantly you?  My goal is to always design a space that celebrates the clients’ parts and pieces that make our lives. My designs tie those el ements together for a unified and authentic story. I want your spaces to cultivate emotions and feelings that resonate when one’s life experiences are expressed through design. Your home should be a space where people feel comfortable and relaxed – where you can kick your feet up, enjoy each other’s company, and share a toast to the beauty of life. I want to create serenity that is calming and fulfilling for our clients. I always complete a project with a gift of a bowl of nuts – a nod to Southern hospitality. Do you recommend the whole home to have similar colors or should each room be very individual? Your home should have cohesive unity and balance. While each room may have its distinct use, the entire space should work together. I start my process by seeing the outside environ- ment, the exterior landscape, and the home’s architecture. I like to come through the front door, whether in-person or virtually, to get a sense of the home’s aesthetics. My goal is to bring in the soft, serene colors from the environment that are naturally soothing. I like to introduce calming colors at the beginning in the foyer. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the entrance is the introduction for the feeling of the home and sets the tone and the connection that flows throughout the rest of the home.

Designed in 1915 by architect Grosvenor Atterbury with gardens created by Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect of New York City’s Central Park, Linden Estate is a legendary private home in the heart of Southampton. LUX takes you on an exclusive tour inside the recently completed renovation at Linden with world-renowned designer Steven Gambrel. “Linden Estate is a place to experience in person. The gardens meander and have exterior ‘rooms’ that excite and inspire,” shares coveted interior designer Steven Gambrel, founder and president of S.R. Gambrel, Inc. “Outdoor lunches can be served in several areas, and each element of the house is carefully fitted out for usability. No considerations were left on the table; it’s a house for living.” Gambrel draws inspiration from architectural vernacular of the particular region for each commission, and his hallmark is properly proportioned structures and details, partnered with a carefully curated collection of vintage, antique, and custom furniture he designs himself.

A rtistic Interiors began from the idea of a young designer while working in a small kitchen and bath shop in Anderson, SC in the late 90’s. Amy Lee was completing her BFA in Interior Design from Anderson University. She knew she would one day venture beyond her southern roots. For two years, Amy Lee worked side-by-side with the owner of the Kitchen and bath shop, a retired NYC firefighter and cabinet designer who mentored her while she honed in on her knowledge of kitchen and bath design. This collaboration ultimately inspired Amy to move to New York City to further and refine her design skills. Upon completing her education, Amy relocated to Atlanta, GA. It is there that she joined a large architectural firm focused on commercial and hospitality projects, broadening her knowledge for architecture and construction. After the events of that fateful day of 9/11, Atlanta, along with the much of the country, took a hit economically, oddly enough, Amy was able to seek out numerous job opportunities in her destined New York City. She moved and joined a small, boutique, architectural firm in Manhattan, where she worked on many high-profile exciting projects for Clients including Christian Dior and Fendi, as well as high-end residential kitchen and bath remodels for New York’s elite. It wasn’t until 2003, that Amy took the initiative to form her own interior design firm. Initially operating out of a 750 sq. ft. studio in Hell’s Kitchen. At the onset, Amy built her business around high-end residential design and hospitality projects. Amy made the difficult decision to walk away from the city and business that she had poured her blood, sweat and tears into for the opportunity to create a better home life for her family. Thus, the decision to leave New York City was not an easy one. The ultimate decision was to relocate back to the South where Amy and her family settled in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Here, Amy believed she had found the perfect place to begin her new life and move forward with her interior design practice. It did not take long before Amy was recognized as one of the only local designers who had ‘Big City’ experience, affording her Clients a cleaner, sophisticated, and simple approach to their projects. Her portfolio illustrated her inclination to embrace a cleaner aesthetic. Amy has developed a full-service practice that does not cater to a certain style. Artistic Interiors focuses on involving the Client’s personal taste while complimenting the overall landscape and location of their home. A follower could say there is a common design element that runs throughout that says, “this is Amy’s work,” however, no two projects look alike – each with their own personal flair. Artistic Interiors genre ranges from coastal/casual chic to modern glam, mountain side retreat and mid-century modern to name a few. Further, the firms Client base is throughout the East Coast embracing Amy’s roots in New York City to Florida, which allows for diversity to create a look that is new and ‘never seen before’. Artistic Interiors essentially operates as three businesses in one: an architecture firm, general contracting business, and furniture showroom. Services offered are as diverse as architectural planning of a new home to new home construction, to a full gut interior remodels and custom interior design and styling. Their breadth of services expands beyond simply choosing a faucet or a paint color, by providing a full interior design concept for each project, complete with architectural drawings and specifications for construction. Overall, the firm prides itself on being a fun, relaxed, family style design environment where each designer is given the opportunity to thrive and grow in their respective career. Amy had created an atmosphere where each staff member feels valued, respected, and taken care of, and where they are able to benefit from the growth of the company. Their customer service and project management services set them apart. In fact, Amy’s best friend, Mark Coffino, is the firm’s Operations Manager, providing superior a white glove service to all their clientele while keeping their projects organized and on-track. If there is a problem to solve, Mark usually finds a way and enjoys every moment of it. Amy is continuously developing her business while juggling the demands of being a single mom to now 16- and 12-year-old children. Every square inch of the design intent for Wells Residence featured here was custom designed by Artistic Interiors, ranging from each interior detail to the soap pumps on the counters. While the project is located on Lake Norman, this is not a typical lake front home. The large, modern windows created the perfect backdrop to develop a classic yet modern and edgy interior. The ability to use diverse materials like Romo Wallpapers Flocked Wallpaper in the primary bedroom to the gorgeous custom range hood and Arteriors stools in the kitchen sets this project apart from the rest highlighted in the Artistic Design portfolio. Amy Lee, ASID | Owner/Interior Designer Artistic Interior Design 704-274-3606 (office)

For Ruth Runberg—founder of R. Runberg Curiosities, a Charlotte-based source for unusu- ally beautiful furniture, gifts and accents for the home—a love of the handcrafte d is simply part of her DNA. “I grew up watching both of my parents create,” Runberg says. “Additionally, we were surrounded by quilts, pillows, jewelry and furniture created by extended family and owned across generations. So I developed an appreciation for living with fine craft, and particularly for the humanity that a handmade object carries,” Runberg says. As a result, it’s no surprise that Runberg’s home office—where she meets by appointment with local clients and designers—is thoughtfully filled with a rotating inventory of unique treasures. The self-ti- tled “sourcer” hunts with her clients in mind for RETREAT rare, one-of-a-kind items that will “make a room sing,” or comprise the perfect tablescape or gift. Runberg’s inventory ranges from hand painted glasses made by a sixth generation family-owned business in Vienna to intricate shellwork pieces from the coast of England, and wax busts of Queen Charlotte in rainbow colors. “I am not interested in selling huge volumes of mass-produced products to anonymous cus- tomers,” Runberg says. “At R. Runberg, we have searched through what’s out there to offer the best of it, along with things you can only find from us. No one needs access to more ‘stuff.’ I sell beauti- fully unusual pieces that require skill to produce, are a unique expression of my customer, and are meant to be lived with and enjoyed throughout a lifetime.” This desire for personal connection and meaning re flects throughout every element of Runberg’s business. In the early days, most of her main events were held in residential areas, including her own home, to provide the feeling of walking into a shoppable residence. As at- tendance grew, Runberg started centering her gather- ings around holidays and creating other opportunities to bring Charlotteans together.  “When things began to open from quarantine late last spring, I tented my backyard and set up an outdoor cut flower market with spring flowers ... along with vas es, gardening books for inspiration and the best floral shears,” Runberg says. “I potted up plants in antique jardinieres and terra-cotta pots and sold vintage wicker plant stands repainted in soft spring colors. It was about bringing beauty and life back into our lives and homes.” The sourcer, who has a knack for both finding and creating beauty, notes that different cultures, traditions and styles serve as major inspiration for what she does. She adds that each new discovery reminds her of the talented people she’s met and the extraordinary trav- els she’s experienced. Just as much as Runberg looks forward to building out her team and hosting events in different cities in the coming years, she also plans to maintain the special relationships she has with her clients and a niche, meaningful inventory. “Throughout my life and career, the awe I have for something beautifully made by human hands has never diminished,” Runberg says. “It’s like magic to me!”

P rudence Bailey thrives on the joy her clients feel and share after revealing an exquisitely transformed room. “I seek to truly understand my clients’ style. I work hard to use interior design as a means to bring to life their vision and personality. I also want to make the process enjoyable the whole way through for my clients by being financially transparent, positive, easy to work with and results oriented.” Baily says. Prudence and her Connecticut client who had recently purchased and renovated their grandparents home to create the perfect sanctuary for their young family set out to transform a multi- purpose living room space. The rooms needed to be fashionable as well as functional. This was the first room in the home they worked on together and it needed to be a fresh look that incorporated some of their existing furniture. It had to be a multi-purpose space used by the couple as well as their children. As the couple entertains it needed to have multiple seating areas and spaces for conversation and gathering. For the overall design concept she created a place to come and sit by the fire and watch TV in what her clients call their Winter Living Room. It needed to feel soothing and calm without being cold. The white backdrop of their existing chair and sectional needed to have color and some patterns layered in to add depth, texture and warmth. A piece of modern art in blues, greens, and blacks became the inspiration for the color story. The blue/green color palette was selected for its freshness and was utilized in fabrics, ceiling color and furniture. To anchor one end of the room a game table was put in which could double for homework, drinks, etc. She upholstered the curved banquet in the same fabric as the chairs. Subtle details like the chair upholstery legs and window treatments really finish this room and make the space pop. By keeping the fireplace mantle and surround in the same white as the rest of the room, it allowed for great sculpture to anchor yet not overpower the mantle. A favorite feature is the game table chairs. “I love fashion and dressmaker details are the little touches that can make something be subtle yet standout. The fully upholstered chairs including the legs are so beautiful with the Martyn Lawrence Bullard fabric! “ The room is long and narrow and proposed a bit of a challenge. “Since we already had plenty of seating, we needed to think what went at the other end of the room that would fit the space and be functional for them. We chose adding a game table to the room where they could utilize it as a game table or eat while watching TV.” The high gloss ceiling above the chairs. is beautiful and unique. It's so stunning and a real showstopper with the HVL chandelier.