Charlotte estate redefines suburban luxury: a bold blend of colonial charm and modern design
A newly completed estate in Charlotte, North Carolina, is challenging the notion of traditional suburban homes, seamlessly blending a nod to the area’s historic Colonial roots with strikingly modern Architecture and a vibrant artistic flair.
Architects strike a delicate balance between past and future
Local architects Matt and Barrie Benson of Arcade Architecture tackled the project with a deliberate strategy: to create a residence that respects its surroundings yet boldly proclaims a unique identity. The couple, known for their work on numerous Charlotte homes, sought to capture the essence of the neighborhood’s 1940s Colonial style – modest in scale – while injecting a contemporary sensibility. “The neighborhood itself is very Colonial, sort of 1940s era, where the houses are relatively modest in size,” says Benson. “But the owner was looking for an interesting, modern, unique house that still fit in with the area.”
The result is a roughly 8,400-square-foot main residence, anchored by a distinctive H-shaped footprint achieved through strategic use of the site’s steep slope. The lower level, hidden from the street, opens directly onto a lush rear garden featuring a shimmering pool, a stylish pavilion, and ample garage space.
Artistic details elevate the residence
Inside, the Benson’s interior design studio infused the house with warmth and color. Deep green tamboured walls in the entry foyer, accented by a vintage Khotan rug from Doris Leslie Blau and an antique Dedar-upholstered bench, immediately set a sophisticated tone. Touches of bold color – a vibrant Lauren Luloff silk painting and a Jackie Gendel artwork – punctuate the spaces, creating a layered and engaging aesthetic.
The living room boasts Brazilian mahogany paneling, a collectible bronze cocktail table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, and a stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design. The team deliberately balanced the modern elements with classic touches, referencing Wright’s Oak Park Studio and employing a strategic use of light and shadow.
The kitchen is a masterclass in contemporary design, featuring zellige tiles in a deep blue hue and a Jim Thompson fabric Roman shade. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and meticulous attention to detail. Notably, the team worked closely with the homeowners to curate a collection of art, leaning towards vibrant pieces by contemporary artists.
Even the powder room is a statement piece, showcasing a stunning mosaic sink front by artist Summer Wheat and an antiqued gold wallpaper by Aqualille. The final touch? A celestial ceiling mural by DeGournay that weaves together the children’s astrological signs in paint, silk, and embroidery – a truly bespoke and unforgettable feature.
A harmonious blend of styles
“It’s been fun to be able to bring in a Venetian sofa and some of these older pieces inside this modern house,” says Barrie. “I was very careful not to make it feel like a hotel, where the same materials were going everywhere,” she adds, “But I also wanted a delicate thread running through the entire house, since it did have sort of a midcentury-modern, Case Study feel to it.”
This project exemplifies the Benson’s ability to create spaces that are both visually stunning and deeply personal, demonstrating that luxury doesn't have to mean conformity.