After acquiring the cherished family home, Mary Margaret Underwood of Underwood Design embarked on a heartfelt renovation—infusing her own design sensibilities without erasing the property’s legacy. The result? A perfect fusion of historic charm and fresh personality—an entertainer’s haven thoughtfully refashioned into an even more welcoming, dynamic space.
I had the opportunity to tour the home with Concord and Charlotte-based interior designer, Mary Margaret Underwood, and can’t wait to show you around.
You may have seen the Instagram feature I shared on this home earlier this year. It’s here if you want to take a look but I’ll share more details, paint colors and sources below.
The exterior siding paint color isn’t available but the shutters are SW Charleston Green. The front door is Fine Paints of Europe matched to the Charleston Green on the shutters. The planters flanking the front door are a beautiful non-rot planter from Eastover Collection. I love the stately boxwood anchor with mature but groomed ivy flowing off the edges. The landscape design is by Jeff Allan Landscape Architecture based out of Winston Salem. I’ve toured several homes he’s done, including this one, and am always impressed.
The foyer is covered in a French wallpaper from Zuber called Eldorado which is a Block-Printed panoramic scenic wallpaper. It was originally in the home but after the home caught fire in the 1980’s, Mary Margaret’s mother had it all replaced due to damage. It was a design element Mary Margaret dare not touch when she acquired the home. The chandelier was moved from the formal living room into the entryway and anchored by her old dining room table that can expand and be additional seating for large family gatherings and parties.
The kitchen was completely redesigned and opened up to allow for more island and counter space as well as storage. The new appliances which include, a 36” SubZero Panel Ready Refrigerator and Freezer, SubZero 30” Under-counter Panel Ready Refrigerator Drawers, Cove 24” Panel Ready dishwasher, Wolf 24” Built in Coffee System, Zephyr Lux 63” White ceiling with internal blower and the jewel piece Lacanche Range, modernize the space while keeping the cabinetry seamless. The Lacanche French Stove and Oven Range is the Classique Changny 1800 style in French Blue with Brass Trim and definitely makes a statement.
The countertops are Olympian White Danby in a honed finish with a unique twist on the kitchen island. The island had a mitered edge with a drop edge relief and custom carved profile making it just different enough to add some interest.
The gilded iron linear pendant light over the kitchen island is from Visual Comfort and linked here. The bar stools are from Hickory Chair and upholstered in Lewis and Wood fabric.
When I shared the home tour on Instagram, I had lots of questions about the breakfast table. It’s the perfect balance of old in this new kitchen! It’s a custom yew banded oval racetrack trestle table from Englishman’s Fine Furnishings.
THE FORMAL LIVING SPACE
The large formal living room is filled with a mix of antiques and more contemporary pieces. The walls included! The artwork throughout the home was extensive and an incredible mix of antique and contemporary collected through travel, local galleries and passed down from family members. The oversized brown and blue rug anchored the room and helped to warm the traditional space. This one was sourced through Charlotte Rug Gallery. The room is painted in Farrow and Ball Pointing on the walls and Farrow and Ball Skylight on ceiling.
THE CASUAL LIVING SPACES
Possibly my favorite room in the home was this blue drenched sitting room with warm brown tones and layers of inviting reds. The cozy space was a welcomed change from the large, more formal spaces that led to it. With bookshelves covered in family memoriabilia and meaningful artwork, this room is one of the most used by the family. It’s painted in Farrow & Ball Light Blue.
The additional casual living space is off the family bar and is perfectly furnished with four oversized leather chairs anchored by a custom ottoman game table. The natural light pouring into the room and sightline to the hydrangea filled landscape, make it a perfect morning coffee spot.
THE DINING ROOM
The dining room is home to many of the family portraits and the original chandelier. It hosts a large antique claw foot dining table and has been recently updated with upholstered walls and a lacquered ceiling to add interest without taking away from its traditional design.
THE BAR
The family bar is one of the most unique rooms I have seen in a home! It’s a recent addition to allow for an indoor gathering space right off the pool and veranda. While it’s all new, it looks and feels like it’s always been a part of the house. Behind the smoky antique mirror is the television beautifully disguised and serves as a reflection of the rooms colorful and unique artwork. The tile floors allow for wet feet to enter the home to grab a snack or drink before heading back outside to the pool and veranda. It also allows Mary Margaret to entertain without everyone congregating in the kitchen. The bar is complete with beer on tap, a cooling fridge, dishwasher and wine cooler.
THE POOLSIDE BATHROOM
The full bathroom off the bar is intended to give guests a place to shower off, change and use the restroom without having to come through the house. The fun bathroom floor tile is called Modulo Quadro Nero/ Sky and purchased at Renaissance Tile & Bath.
BONUS CONTENT!
The back hall stairs are filled with more family photos and portraits as well as a more modern gold geometric wallpaper. The antelope stair running and stairwell lighting added a rich design element to the space. The entire home was filled with framed newspaper clippings and old store receipts from the family business dating back to Mary Margaret’s great grandfather. It was truly an honor to walk the halls and explore the charm of this stately Concord, NC home that has been in the family for generations.
All images in this blog are taken by Garden & Grace. For a full home tour including more of the veranda and exquisite backyard, visit the Garden & Grace YouTube channel. Be sure to like and subscribe to help make more of these home tours possible.
SHOP THE HOME
