“We believe in designing a home from the inside out”

by Michelle

Firefly Cove has retained interior designer Leo Dowell to contribute to the core homes and community buildings at Firefly Cove. Dowell’s firm, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in the European Romantic style of the 18th and 19th centuries, especially French chateaus and Italian villas reminiscent of dramatic country estates in Europe. Dowell’s unusual approach is to travel abroad with his clients to ensure they appreciate and understand the history and culture behind the style of their homes. “Usually a trip to Paris is essential to the furnishings for a truly complete European look,” said Dowell. “Many of my clients enjoy the experience.” Known to dismantle entire rooms from Europe’s finest estates, including limestone fireplaces, gas lanterns, vintage floors and carved doors, Dowell warehouses one-of-a-kind antiques, chandeliers, wine cellars, custom cabinets and luxurious fabrics. The trademark Leo Dowell style gives everything an aged look using a variety of finishes, stains, and painting techniques to achieve a “dusting of the centuries.” Dowell designed the Winston-Salem headquarters and Del Monte offices in San Francisco for R.J. Reynolds, the second-largest tobacco company in the U.S. His work has been featured in national publications such as Architectural Digest, Bon Appetit, Carolina Architecture, Design Resources, Elite Homes, and Town & Country. “We believe in designing a home from the inside out,” said Dowell. “We find out how people live, then design the home around their lifestyle and their furnishings.”

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