When Ethan Allen designers joined forces with a local builder of distinguished custom homes, it was, well, the headline says it all.
Nestled right in the heart of Cary near upscale shopping and fine dining is the highly desirable MacGregor Downs neighborhood. It’s the perfect setting for The Arlington, a custom home with stunning style inside and out, which made it one of the stars of The Parade of Homes in October.
Tripp Loyd, of Loyd Builders LLC, who has completed several projects in the neighborhood, designed the Arlington. He especially appreciates the ambience of the nearby golf course and lake, and he created a spectacular home that suits its environment in every way. A home this spectacular called for furnishings that let its stylish details shine, so a collaboration with the Ethan Allen design team in Cary, led by Design Center manager Catherine Green, was the perfect fit.
Divine Dining
The Cary design team visited The Arlington to determine the best design solutions. They were captivated by its elegant custom millwork, built-in cabinetry, and marble fireplace. Its architectural features along with the room’s sweeping hardwood floors were the perfect backdrop for a luxurious dining look.
“The rich navy paneling of the dining room immediately spoke to us,” Green says. “We knew we wanted to create a modern and glamorous aesthetic. One of the ways we did this was by juxtaposing our sleek Barrymore dining table with an impressive grouping of oversized classic blue-and-white hexagon and ginger jars.”
The furnishings are rooted in mid-century modern style, with the saber legs of the Barrymore table and Drew side chairs providing an elegant and simple foundation. Touches like the Jayden wingback host chairs and the Glamour starburst mirror inject instant charisma into the space.
Sophisticated Symmetry
The Cary design team loved the bones of the home’s beautiful great room with its extensive crown molding, built-in storage cabinets, and surprisingly modern tiled fireplace nestled beneath a traditional mantel. Although they chose to play off the drama of the dining room’s saturated navy walls, a softer mix of neutrals for the great room won out: shades of gray and white with pops of lime green to bring the space to life.
To add seating, the designers started with two dramatic Grayson chairs. The fretwork of the chair backs picked up the pattern on the dining room’s cabinet doors, creating a nice visual connection between the two spaces. Two Mansfield sofas upholstered in charcoal completed the look anchored both by the Tulu trellis area rug and the fireplace as a focal point. Working with the Cary design team, Loyd says, took his Parade of Homes experience to a whole new level. “The way they accented everything with the furniture really played well for the home. People could really get a feel for how it would live.”
Stop in and meet the ethan Allen design team. it’s their job to help you design the home of your dreams—doing as little or as much as you like. And remember: Their services are always free. visit the two local Design centers: 5717 Dillard Drive in Cary, 919-233-9190; and 4380 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue in Raleigh, 919-781-9431. You can also find more inspiration at www.ethanallen.com.