In Volume II of “It is all about the DESIGN,” we travel to one of the Triangle’s newest communities-Wendell Falls. It was not hard for designer Debby Gist to find inspiration for either of our Parade Homes here as the area is brimming with naturally wooded landscaping, hills, streams and of course The Falls themselves.  Gist managed to incorporate these elements into both of her interior and exterior designs while still giving each home its distinct feel.

The Franklin

There is an evident theme throughout the Franklin model of complementing contrasts which speaks to the charm and character of Wendell Falls. Gist recognized the beauty of this neighborhood with its quiet, woodsy appeal and yet that it is still convenient to the trendy scene of Downtown Raleigh as well as other parts of the Triangle. This wonderful clash of “country meets city” is the first of many inspirational contrasts within this ranch-style floor plan.
While the exterior resembles our Franklin model home in Briar Chapel (a 2014 Parade Gold Winner!), Gist definitely utilized the natural setting of this Newland Community in her exterior color palette which focuses on earth tones. This same color palette is used throughout the entire home from the main wall color of Urban Putty to the Tony Taupe accent color and the Natural Choice trim selection.  The inspiration behind these color choices were organic facets such as seashells, sand, and driftwood. When mixed with different textures like burlap and gauze, a rustically-elegant ambiance emerged, supporting Gist’s aforementioned theme. Small details such as the chosen line of lighting fixtures contribute to the entire package in that this brushed steel lighting is made of clean lines and modern shapes while still possessing an old world feel. The kitchen cabinets are yet another example of a contrasting victory with the outer selections in a glazed eggshell and the elegant island in a coffee-stained maple. The vision was then carried to the bathrooms where the glitz of glass juxtaposed perfectly with the wonderfully coarse tile. One of the last things you may notice, but will absolutely love, is the hint of gray found in both the intricately-veined bathroom tiles as well as in the gray wash-over on the dark walnut flooring. This inclusion completes the overall theme as it marries the browns of yesterday with the grays of today.

Wendell Falls:: The Franklin
1816 Iron Mill Drive, Wendell, NC
For the full virtual tour, please click here.
3 bedrooms, 3.0 baths
2530 square feet
Homesite 135-MLS #2022434
$424,120

The Oberlin

The look and feel to our Oberlin Parade Home in Wendell Falls incorporates a more light and airy atmosphere than its across-the-street counterpart. The exterior elevation mixes a variety of colors and materials which complement one another perfectly including shake, stone, hardy siding and custom plank shutters. Even the roofing materials owns the color palette by providing flecks of browns, tans and blue-greens. The quaint porch is hand-stained in a chestnut hue to enhance the natural colors used for the exterior.
Once again, Gist successfully pulls these shades into the home to create the feeling of open spaciousness, heightened by the natural light streaming through the abundance of elongated windows. While her color palette is cooler than that of the one chosen for The Franklin, the effect is not impersonal. Rather her combination of creams and khaki, highlighted by grays and charcoals, result in a very homey and welcomed feel. These touches of creams and grays are also found in the kitchen where the outer cabinets, done in sandstone with a slate glaze, and the island, a sable charcoal, mixes the light grays and browns. However, one of the most unique design features of this home can be found in the glamorous tantrum glass used in the master bathroom. The creams, browns and grays are represented well in these 1940’s inspired accent tiles but it is the introduction of the persimmon pieces which really make them stand out.   While some of the fixtures, such as the industrial pendant lighting over the efficient bar, do lend themselves to a post-World War II romanticism-we chose to dress the stage with a classic summer feel which effectively shows off the 5” espresso hickory floors.   Another feature to this home that you will not want to miss is the charming back porch, stained in the same chestnut hue as the front, perfectly shown for those end of summer dinner parties that last well after the fireflies have come out to dance.

Wendell Falls:: The Oberlin
1821 Iron Mill Drive, Wendell, NC
For the full virtual tour, please click here.
3 bedrooms, 2.0 baths
2002 square feet
Homesite 124-MLS #2022468
$335,900

While we hope that you will visit The Franklin and The Oberlin during one of the three Parade weekends this year: October 3-4, 10-12 and 18-20 (each day from 12noon to 5pm), why wait?  Both of these homes are open and ready to be viewed during our normal business hours!

For more information on scheduling a private tour of these or any of our homes in Wendell Falls, please contact us at 919-917-3132 or info@homesbydickerson.com

About the Designer

Debby Gist is responsible for all of the interior design and material elements that give a Homes By Dickerson home its signature warmth, livability and luxury feel.  She loves helping customers plan their dream home in the design center where all of the finishing detail elements are represented under one roof. As a former middle school teacher, Debby has cultivated the skill of listening closely to her clients to gain a deep understanding of their needs and wants and shepherds them through innumerable design decisions with sensitivity and a sense of style. In her free time, Debby loves beach combing, working in her garden and spending time with her family. She also volunteers for the Wake County Interior Design Career Advisory Board.