“The house is new, but already it carries so much family history.”
5933 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Peachtree Corners Georgia 30092 www.myinsidesign.com
A lifelong love of the outdoors led Mar ylanders Karla and Kevin Dolan to ponder
several beach locales for their new home-away-from-home. “We looked at spots
in different states, but we kept returning to the place we spent so many summers
with our children,” says Karla. “Over the past 20 years, ever y generation of our
family, from ages one to 85, has spent time here.” Here is Wrightsville Beach,
a sleepy town comprising pristine beach- and interior-islands along North Carolina’s
scenic coast. During their search, the couple could find nowhere as beautiful—
or as meaningful. As Kevin puts it, “The house is new, but already it carries so
much family histor y. We think of it as our ‘glue home,’ a place where ever yone
in the family can continue to return, a place that can be passed down to future
generations.” Af ter choosing their architect and builder, the Dolans sought
a par tner to help them realize their vision for the new home’s interiors.
“We think of it as
a place that can be
passed down to
future generations.”
Right: The kitchen pairs rusted metal
and burlap with more refined surfaces,
including quartzite and artisan-made
glass doors. Below: The ground-floor
entry foyer sets the stage for the home’s
homage to beach colors and textures.
See the rest of the photos
of this case study at
www.myinsidesign.com
Left: Bathed in abundant light, the
welcoming living room was designed
for easy reconfiguration: chairs
swivel for a change of scenery, and
casters allow for simple moving.
Below: The bar, with a sand-washed
wood finish, gives guests a cozy
perch for enjoying drinks without
hampering the kitchen workflow.
Soothing Comfor t of Light, Color, and Space
At the urging of friends who had previously worked with Insidesign, the
Dolans planned a visit. “We loved the wood in our friends’ house, so
we wanted to see everything Insidesign had to offer,” Karla says. “While
selecting our floors, we met Rick, who had pulled together some textile
samples for us. After just one phone call, he had been able to zero in on
exactly what we had envisioned.”
“And nearly all of those initial selections made it into the final plan!”
adds Insidesign’s Rick Anthony Bonner. “Sometimes, things just click,
and this was one of those times. Karla told me she hoped to bring all
the colors of the outside to the interiors, so I helped to build a palette
around the sandy color of the floors that Karla and Kevin had chosen.”
While the serene palette mirrors nature, space planning and furniture
selection accommodate the home’s expansive views. As Rick explains,
“I set out to maintain the generous sightlines in the main living areas,
while giving guests enough room to enjoy them.” Karla adds, “Rick
knows how to analyze space, and he helped us avoid a ‘furniture-store’
look!” she laughs. “We don’t feel crowded anywhere.” As Kevin notes,
“Ever yone, in ever y seat, has a beautiful view, no matter where they sit.”
“It’s not so perfect that you can’t relax!”
Considering the sometimes conflicting notions
of architects, builders, designers, and clients,
new-home construction has the potential for
chaos—especially when under taking it as a
long-distance homeowner. “We wanted to be
active participants ever y step of the way,”
Kevin recalls. “Sometimes, that can cause
friction, but Rick embraced it. He stood by
our vision as much as we did.”
“I loved his confidence,” Karla adds. “Even
when our kitchen designer lef t mid-project,
Insidesign didn’t miss a beat. Through the
trials and the challenges, Rick and his team
showed such integrity and positive energy.”
After two and a half years, the Dolans agree
their legacy house was wor th ever y minute
of it. “The end product is perfect in my mind,”
Karla says. “But it’s not so perfect that you
can’t relax and have fun there!” Kevin agrees,
“It’s a place that not only brings back a lot
of memories, but also will create memories
for the next generations.”
Kevin and Karla on the wraparound porch overlooking
the lagoon on which the home is situated
Insidesign is a full-ser vice design practice that specializes in residential interiors. Insidesign’s team of specialists in interiors,
kitchens, baths, flooring, and architectural finishes creates highly personalized environments that fit the ways people live
today. A resource for homeowners and builders alike, the Insidesign studio showcases inspiring vignettes that blend original
design and skillfully craf ted wood floors, doors, mouldings, and cabinetr y. Whether consulting with the homeowner directly
or collaborating with the builder, Insidesign brings lifestyles to life.
©2016 Insidesign, Inc. All rights reser ved. Photography Anthony-Masterson. Design and writing Michael Matascik.