Skycliff Renovation
This custom home was renovated in 2022 and 2023 for the new owners who relocated from California to the mountains of Asheville, NC. They are retired and were looking for a different pace of life, and to be surrounded by the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. After living in a dry and arid area, they fell in love with the moss covered stone outcroppings on the property as well as the long distance mountain views from their new home. While their tastes run more contemporary, the home had a distinctly Craftsman feel to it, featuring an abundance of stained wood and pale yellow walls. They sought out Allard + Roberts and the original builders of the home, Morgan Keefe Builders, to update the home to meet their tastes and lifestyle needs.
The homeowners had an existing collection of artwork, which was integral to the new design. Their favorite accent color is blue, so blue tones were threaded throughout multiple rooms on the main level, from the foyer and living room artwork, the blue velvet swivel chairs by the fireplace, accent pillows, and touches in the rugs and other decor elements. We began by refinishing the oak floors to a lighter and more natural tone, to better pair with the existing woodwork stain. The wall paint was refreshed throughout, eliminating the yellow cast, and lighting was changed for the same reason. More transitional lighting fixtures were selected to pair with the new furnishings throughout. A western walnut console was designed by A+R, and custom made, at the perfect size to ground the Frame TV in the main living room.
In the kitchen, the countertops and backsplashes were changed to natural quartzite stone slabs and the cabinetry was painted a deep gray tone to coordinate. Floating shelves were added by the window wall for open storage of daily used glasses and dishes. While in the adjacent dining room, black textured wallcovering was added to create a cozier atmosphere in a room with a soaring curved ceiling.
The master bedroom included a unique bed nook, with a view of a mossy rock face above the bed. A+R designed a custom mahogany bed wall detail with integrated floating nightstands in a black stain. These nightstands contain power strips for powering phones and ipads, while keeping the nightstand surface clutter free. Mounting the sconces to the wall also keeps surfaces clear, while the adjustable lighting is perfect for reading in bed. Motorized shades lower at the push of a bedside button, for privacy and light control.
In the Lower Level, the existing Library woodwork had been painted white. However, the new homeowners preferred a moodier space for enjoying cocktails and conversation with friends. The existing woodwork and library shelves were painted out in a dark gray, and the walls were covered in a textured material for added interest. Arm chairs radiate around a circular cocktail table and a brass pendant light, serving as the perfect spot for cocktails and conversation. Artwork and objects from the owner’s collection were featured throughout this space.
The existing “bones” of the house were incredible, as are the location and the views. With all of these transformations, the homeowners and their two fur babies are now enjoying daily life in WNC, and making meals and memories with family and friends in their perfectly personalized new home.