Design inspiration can take many forms. The way the sun peeks through the trees, the palette seen on the side of an old building, a beloved fabric that’s been wishlisted for years. Then there are homes whose aesthetic origin stories are slightly more nuanced. For designer Amanda Lantz, this Chapel Hill, North Carolina home started with something far less tangible: a sense of belonging.
Located just minutes from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, the 8,635-square-foot new-build residence was created for a family whose connection to the university runs generations deep. The homeowner played football at UNC and remains closely involved with the school to this day, making the project an opportunity to weave nods to the institution into nearly every corner of the home. Rather than leaning into overt collegiate references, Lantz approached the project with a lighter hand, layering bespoke details into a sophisticated Southern cottage in a way that feels both timeless and personal.
“We were brought into the project early, during the interior architectural phase, which allowed us to help shape the home in a meaningful way from the beginning,” says Lantz. She reworked the kitchen layout, refined the flow of the main living spaces, and helped create a home that could handle the family's bustling social calendar. “Game days and university events are a big part of their life, so the home needed to accommodate large gatherings comfortably while still feeling warm and personal day to day.”
Throughout it all, Lantz balanced the home’s many priorities with aplomb. Hand-stitched needlepoint dining chairs feature beloved university iconography; carved motifs nod to campus landmarks; blue wallcoverings (in the classic Tar Heel shade, of course) meet floral draperies while playfully coexisting with paisleys and plaids. “My favorite thing about this home is the pattern mixing,” says Lantz. “Each selection feels distinct, but together they create a layered, collected feeling that gives the home so much personality.” It's a fitting description for a house rooted firmly in both place and memory.
FAST FACTS
Designer: Amanda Lantz
Builder: Will Johnson Building Company
Stylist: Ben Reynaert
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Space: A five-bedroom, 11-bathroom home across 8,635 square feet.
ENTRY
Colorful ceilings echo the classic “haint blue” Southern tradition.
“The entryway sets the tone for the home with a fresh mix of color, pattern, and classic detail,” says Lantz. A green Schumacher wallpaper by Mark D. Sikes brings charm and movement to the walls, echoing the verdant landscape surrounding the nearby campus.
GREAT ROOM
A series of large doors open onto the patio for indoor/outdoor living.
Layered with soft blues and greens, the great room acts as a comfortable gathering space for the family and their crowds, with several vignettes that cater to relaxing and socializing.
BAR
A wallpaper backdrop links the watering hole to the nearby entry.
Positioned just off the entryway, the bar was designed to accommodate large groups moving through the home for tailgates. “Its convenient location allows guests to easily grab a drink upon arrival, seamlessly connecting the home’s entertaining spaces from foyer to patio,” says Lantz.
KITCHEN
A unique peninsula island lets guests stay apart of the action.
Carolina blue reigned supreme in the kitchen too, where a unique countertop stone ties everything together. “One of my favorite materials in the kitchen is the countertop stone,” adds Lantz. “The mix of greens and blues felt unusual and special, and it brought a beautiful sense of character to the space. I also love the way we incorporated a deeper wood tone into the cabinetry. Mixing wood with painted cabinetry adds warmth and authenticity, almost as if the kitchen has evolved over time.”
“The breakfast nook is designed as a cozy extension of the kitchen, with built-in banquette seating that makes the space feel both comfortable and functional,” adds Lantz.
COFFEE BAR
Kravet wallpaper on the ceiling adds a touch of whimsy.
Tucked off the kitchen, the coffee bar toes the line between practicality and charm. “The glass-paneled door, brass hardware, and globe pendant bring a tailored architectural feel, making this everyday function feel special and thoughtfully integrated into the home,” adds Lantz.
CHEF’S KITCHEN
Designed specifically for entertaining, this space is packed with storage.
“The chef’s kitchen is a hardworking extension of the main kitchen, designed for prep, storage, and entertaining support,” explains Lantz. Tall cabinetry and integrated appliances maximize function, while a soft blue and white palette keeps the room feeling clean, refined, and connected to the rest of the home.
DINING ROOM
Custom needlepoint chairs nod to university life.
“A highlight of the dining room is the set of Kravet hand-stitched needlepoint dining chairs customized by London-based Hunt & Hope, featuring well-known university iconography,” says Lantz. A blue striped wallcovering adds to the rooms Southern charm, while exposed wood beams bring warmth and character.
UPSTAIRS LOUNGE
A central hub between bedrooms, this gathering space acts as a respite.
Since togetherness is a key pillar of the home, Lantz chose to add a lougne to the upstairs, which acts as a central hub between bedrooms and gives the family a moment to relax together before bed or in the morning. A small bar sink adds practicality.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Coffered ceilings add a refined sense of tradition.
Lantz paid special attention to the primary suite, which she designed as a private retreat within the home. Striped wallpaper adds contrast to floral draperies, while classic, like a tray ceiling, add architectural interest. “The suite also includes separate his-and-hers bathrooms and closets, along with an adjacent private sitting area that opens to a small balcony,” adds Lantz.
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Tilework adds struture to an oversized shower.
The primary bathroom puts pattern and bespoke details into overdrive, including a custom vanity niche and, tile-framed shower, and climbing Kravet florals on the wall. “A standout feature is the Wimberly pendant by The Urban Electric Co., which we finished with a custom lampshade made to match the wallpaper.”
DAUGHTER’S BEDROOM
Layers of pattern create a space that is youthful but timeless.
For the daughter’s bedroom, Lantz relied on a serene palette of creams, taupes, and pinks to craft a space that could grow alongside its occupant. “A scalloped upholstered bed, pink drapery, and lavender velvet chair bring in gentle color and texture, while the custom lampshade and layered bedding add a personal touch,” she adds.
GUEST BEDROOM
Striped wallpaper creates a tailored scene.
Since the family entertains frequently, having a comfortable suite available to weekend guests was a must. Thoughtful furnishings and a serene palette combine for a spot that they’ll never want to leave.
About the Designer
Amanda Lantz is a full-service interior designer with studios in Carmel, Indiana, and Naples, Florida. Specializing in bespoke residential interiors, the firm creates homes in the US and beyond that are deeply personal and effortlessly elegant, each a reflection of the client’s vision and style.
