Dwell: Black & White: A Study in Contrast
Tom Chandler and Associates has a stellar reputation for timeless interior design … contemporary or classic, this team delivers. The following designs clearly illustrate the designers’ talents, taste and ability to meet any challenge presented.
photography by Janet Warlick
E dwina Crockett, a Chandler associate for 8.5 years, took the lead on the "black" project. “Soft lighting helps set a relaxed atmosphere. Graphite walls with metallic overlays and glazed porcelain tile from Italy create the color palate for this condominium, ”which serves as a second home for the owner, who “wanted a dark interior. He requested a cocoon-like feel.”
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Platform beds are a fixture in contemporary design. This leather bed has been outfitted with lighting underneath and is flanked by Swarovski crystal spheres. A painting by California artist Wayne Forte sits above. A pair of paintings, awash in primary colors, by the late Todd Crockett flank a carving and sit above a pair of Lucite chairs. Chandler and Associates are known as masters of disguise — here they actually hide the television. The flat screen is mounted to the ceiling and drops down for viewing.
Beverly Watkins, a Chandler associate for 12 years, took the lead on the "white" project. “This client wanted a light, refreshing and updated feel for her interior. The end result is very transitional … light and uncomplicated. It’s very inviting and refle
ctive of her personality — she has a beautiful sense of style and she’s an easy-going, well-liked individual.”
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The master bedroom is a study in luxury. The custom-made towers, crafted by Jeff Junkin, flank the bed and are perfectly aligned with the headboard (designed by Chandler and Associates) is covered in handpainted fabric. The Ann Gish bedding adds texture and continues the neutral palette. Silk blackout-lined drapes in an iridescent copper bring warmth to the room. This color along with touches of red, fuchsia and gold lend color to the otherwise “white” color scheme.
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A lighter tone charcoal sectional provides the majority of the seating opposite a graphic print swivel chair. The television is surrounded by a sextet of Patrick Cunningham masks. A red blown glass bowl by artist James Hayes, brings a splash of color to the area.
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Watkins was involved in the renovation of this condo and chose to relocate an existing fireplace. It’s flanked by a pair of wingback chairs and coordinating ottoman covered with a floral fabric. The painting above is one of several family-owned pieces that date 
back hundreds of years. Monorail serpentine track lighting highlights the owner’s artwork.
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Awash in light, this antique table from Cobblestone & Vine provides additional seating. The structural horn pieces draw the eye upward and faux artichokes bring a bit of color. Bamboo flooring is used throughout.
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This home faces west, thus it receives quite a bit of intense natural light; motorized blackout solar shades were installed on each of the windows. Monorail serpentine track lighting was introduced throughout ... after the artwork and furnishings were installed.
A metalwork table, crafted by Robert Best, conceals a wall vent — ingenious. Crockett created a conversation area with a nailhead-accented leather chair and a white leather chaise. This area also acts as an art gallery with pieces from several artists — including a pair of slender, thought-provoking imaginative panels, used as doors to the bath, by Fayetteville-based artist Matt Miller; a captivating Benini (above the chaise) and a painting from George Dombek’s classic “Rocks” series.
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Open living space is divided by sandblasted glass and mirrored sliding panels. A bar of polished chrome, metal, sandblasted and clear glass along with a pair of lime green bar stools — providing color and energy — create an inviting entertainment space. A stunning painting by Samuel Gray captivates its audience.
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Skirted host/hostess chairs and a set of armless chairs with intricate backs and animal print cushions surround the dining table. Artwork, consisting of two cleverly-framed cotton duvet covers and a valued painting by Gino Hollander, creates a backdrop. The bracket (top) was inspired by Greek mythology and adds interests; Watkins painted it the color of the trim so it doesn’t steal the show.
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The guest bath is truly impressive. Its walls are covered in hemp cloth. Gold is the accentuating color here and is used in the mirrors and in the traverse rod, ceiling-mounted shower curtain. A vessel sink was mounted on a chest with a quartz top.
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Soft grays and white accents are found throughout; the color is brought into the baths with linens, pebbles and this ultra modern, Australian-designed sink … definitely a conversation piece as the water simply disappears.
