Date: May 19, 2017 | Story: Katie Cooper | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Angela Alexander |
A Fayetteville couple gets their dream retreat thanks to the guidance of Harper Howey Interiors
“Simple. Timeless. Clean. And a lot of light,” are the words Kimberly Harper of Harper Howey Interiors uses to describe this Fayetteville family’s home. As a friend and former neighbor of the homeowners, Harper led the design plans from the ground up. “I’ve been involved from the very beginning stages,” Harper says. A tranquil escape in the form of a master suite was a necessity on the couple’s list. “For two years, I had been going through pictures and gathering inspiration,” the homeowner says. Harper worked closely with the owners to see this vision come to life. The result of their labor is a fresh take on traditional style that features a light, airy color palette infused with modern art, finishes, and accessories.
Worth the Wait
Knowing that their “forever home” was on the horizon, the homeowners looked forward to making their new house what they always wanted. “We lived in our previous house for over eight years. I knew ultimately we wanted to build, so we never changed anything there. It was outdated and we needed a fresh start,” the homeowner says. This disciplined process prompted the couple to create a hefty wish list for Harper and her team on their new build. “That’s been a lot of fun—staying patient in our other home even with stuff driving me crazy,” the homeowner laughs. “We didn’t want to invest in anything there knowing what was coming. We built this to be our forever home.”
A Couple’s Retreat
Designed with the same attention to detail found throughout the entire home, the master bedroom and bathroom beckon with luxury and sophistication. “I wanted something calming and, although it sounds cliché, I wanted the spa-like experience for our master suite,” the homeowner says.
In the bedroom, the soft paint color and plush bedding create a relaxing palette of cool blues and neutrals, while stronger finishes, like a set of swinging wooden doors that lead to the bath, add a masculine touch to ground the space. Bold, abstract art above the dresser brings an unexpected pop of color. “Our previous home was very dark with not a lot of natural light,” the homeowner says. In contrast, large windows without panes bring light into their new master bedroom and also showcase the backyard’s expansive green space.
The same effect is echoed in the adjoining bath where a picture window was placed over a freestanding soaking tub to provide light and a view. Sitting center stage, the tub is nestled into a built-in, arched nook set against a tiled wall. Mirroring vanities create a symmetrical design to draw the eye in to the focal point. Wooden doors leading to a water closet and dressing area tie in to the double doors that separate the space from the bedroom. “This home has very traditional bones. The pieces in the bathroom are traditional, but the hardware and finishes add some personality,” Harper says. These touches—like square brushed silver drawer pulls, gold faucets, a geode chandelier, and a geometric tile floor design—bridge the gap between traditional and modern. “I love traditional design,” says the homeowner. “You can see the English style throughout the home and the touches of Gothic architecture,” she continues. “But I wanted some fun, too.”
Kimberly’s Tips to take your space from traditional to transitional:
Mix Metals
A variety of metals, from silver to gold to bronze, creates an eclectic layering of tones and textures.
Remember Less is More
Use a minimalist approach when choosing accessories.
Bring in Modern Art
A bold, abstract piece can instantly make a room feel more contemporary and creates a collected look.
Stay Neutral
Use soft colors to evoke a serene, calming atmosphere.
Use Clean Lines
Forget the frills and go for sophisticated pieces with straight lines or simple curves.
Design Resources
Interior design Kimberly Harper, Harper Howey Interiors
Contractor Roger Griffin, Legend Builders
Architect J Bolton & Associates
Accessories, bedding, furniture, hardware, lighting, mirrors, and window coverings Harper Howey Interiors
Carpet Encore Flooring & Building Products
Countertops National Marble & Granite
Fixtures Anderson Electrical & Plumbing
Millwork and painting Roger Griffin, Legend Builders
Paint Sherwin-Williams
