The Dalton-Bell-Cameron house, built in 1914, was one of the most unique homes in High Point, North Carolina. Built in the Craftsman style, the house was quite different from its more traditional Victorian and Colonial neighbors. But the pioneering structure was stricken by two major fires—one in 1997 and the other in 2012—and by 2017 it was in such a forlorn state that the city ordered it be to be either repaired or demolished.
At that point, the High Point Preservation Society stepped in to save it, just prior to it being sold to Rick Lewis and his wife Margaret Bell Lewis, who had once lived there as a child. Following the purchase, the Society and the Junior League of High Point moved quickly to help with the goal of restoring the home. To assist the new owners with some of the restoration costs, they decided to raise funds by creating a showhouse in the historic home, enlisting a diverse group of 21 extraordinary designers to bring the interiors back to life.
Liz Goldberg brings Mother Nature into the laundry with a lush Designer’s Guild floral wallpaper and bespoke wood-grain cabinetry, evoking a forest glade. Drawing inspiration from age-old Japanese raku pottery and traditional herringbone walking paths, Temple Brick tiles in three shades of grey modernize the space, which is designed as Lylah’s escape, making her daily responsibilities feel less bothersome.
aspire design and home: How much time did you have to complete this room, start to finish?
Liz Goldberg: 4 months.
aspire: What was your biggest challenge? Did you have a Eureka moment during the process?
Liz: Our biggest challenge was the square footage of the 4’ x 7’ extremely small space. Tasked with transforming a commonly overlooked utilitarian room into something luxe and one-of-a-kind, CAROLYNLEONA makes a splash by blurring the transition of the outdoor garden landscape into the heart of the High Point Show House.
aspire: What did you and your team accomplish that you thought would not happen in time?
Liz: We designed custom cabinetry which shipped from Iowa and we were on pins and needles until the product arrived in perfect condition.
aspire: What was your inspiration for this room?
Liz: Organic materials can be found throughout the launderette, with dark textures and luscious florals, reminiscent of a secret garden. Just a few steps from the backyard,
Lylah’s Petite Launderette is a quaint and unexpected oasis full of natural elements, drama, beauty and function. There’s no better way to bring in the natural world than with florals. Designer’s Guild “Delft Flower” wallpaper immediately draws the eye with its masterfully painted brush strokes, depicting lush autumnal blooms in a mix of chalky and metallic textures. Our bespoke interpretation of the tree trunk is brought to life through Aronson Woodworks’ handcrafted and artfully finished cabinetry and countertops, which enhance the grain of the wood and yield a memorable and unmatched texture.
aspire: Did you step out of your comfort zone for this project, and if so, why?
Liz: Built on fresh spirit and relentless attention to detail, CAROLYNLEONA delivers sophisticated and seamlessly executed designs highlighting each client’s personality and lifestyle. Utilizing unique textiles, heirloom pieces, while mixing old with new, we create spaces that make you feel welcome and inspired. Our fundamental style of delivering sophistication by mixing old with new is highlighted with how the launderette is well dressed in lavish fabrics surrounding the window that looks out onto the garden. We stepped a bit out of our comfort zone in hopes to stay true to the heart of this historic High Point home and infused a Southern traditional vibe into our launderette.
aspire: Despite the fact that there were so many designers involved, there is an inherent cohesiveness to the home. Did you all converse/collaborate? Or was this a completely individual process?
Liz: It was a completely individual process, however, we did help out a fellow designer measure window treatments as she was located out of state.
aspire: Is your preference for a showhouse a small space or a large space? Does one or the other provide a better opportunity to stretch your creativity?
Liz: We would be happy with either, both are a fun challenge to stretch our creative minds.
aspire: Describe the town of High Point in one sentence.
Liz: The quaint town of High Point is the furniture capital of America while maintaining a true Southern small-town feel.
This or That?
aspire: Paint or wallpaper?
Liz: Wallpaper
aspire: Hardwood or rug?
Liz: Hardwood with a rug
aspire: Beach or Mountains?
Liz: Beach
aspire: Saturated Color or Black and White?
Liz: White
aspire: Brunch or Dinner?
Liz: Brunch
aspire: Midcentury or 18th Century?
Liz: Midcentury
aspire: Draperies, shades, or nothing?
Liz: Draperies layered with shades
aspire: 2001: A Space Odyssey or The English Patient?
Liz: The English Patient
aspire: Week at the spa or Week of Broadway shows?
Liz: Week at the spa
Photography by Dustin Peck.
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