A Place to Call Home

Interior designer Anne Buresh blends mountain charm with casual elegance

By JESSICA MCLAUGHLIN and KATHRYN SMITH, Photos by KATHRYN PERRY

Anne Buresh’s design firm, based in Charlotte, NC, is known for creating beautiful, welcoming homes throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau area and beyond. Her award-winning, full-service firm specializes in new construction, remodels, custom furnishings, and complete home designs. With projects from Charlotte to Jackson Hole, WY – Anne has a reputation for crafting sophisticated, inviting spaces that reflect each client’s unique style.

“My process always starts with meeting a new client in their home and exploring the existing space together. I want to understand what they love and what they don’t, as well as any frustrations they may have with how the space functions. How do they like to entertain? Which rooms will see the most activity, and how do they envision using them? Learning my clients’ style preferences is all about asking questions, really listening, and understanding the feeling they want in their home,” Anne explains. “How a space looks is essential, but how it makes the person feel—now that’s the secret to creating a place clients truly love.”

When it comes to staging, her process may look different, but the end goal is the same: crafting a space that potential buyers can see themselves living in. “Often, it’s about carefully selecting and arranging pieces to create a luxurious, inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers,” Anne explains. Her approach goes beyond simple rearrangement—it’s a bespoke service that elevates a property, highlighting its most desired features while creating a sense of warmth and sophistication. From selecting high-end furnishings to thoughtfully curating accessories, Anne ensures every detail is perfectly tailored to leave a lasting impression.

This thoughtful approach carries over into Anne’s full service interior design projects. Her recent whole house design, nestled in the heart of the Highlands, embodies mountain luxury with a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. Using natural materials, layered textures, and refined furnishings, each room invites a sense of timeless beauty and warmth. Designed to reflect the stunning landscape, it’s a space that offers a fresh, sophisticated take on mountain living—perfectly balanced and effortlessly inviting.

The heart of this design lies in the thoughtful details that bring it all together. The vaulted ceilings, with their exposed wood beams, draw the eye upward and enhance the airy feel of the open-concept living area. This architectural element, combined with the warm shiplap walls, creates a balance of mountain charm and elegant design. The floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace serves as both a focal point and a gathering spot, lending a cozy yet dramatic feel to the living room.

A hand-looped Oushak rug grounds a collection of carefully chosen furnishings, including an elegantly textured ivory sofa and wingback chairs upholstered in a Southwestern-inspired fabric contrasted by buck leather armchairs. The crown jewel, though, is the antique sideboard; Anne saw an opportunity to bring an otherwise unused piece to life. Adorning the walls with unique artwork, like the silver pieces sourced directly from France, added warmth and character while a custom bar setup quickly became a highlight for entertaining.

The dining area, positioned to take advantage of the natural light, includes host chairs with subtle detailing that echo the tones of the surrounding rooms. This attention to continuity is one of the hallmarks of Anne’s work—each space feels distinct yet connected, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the home that is perfect for a couple that loves to entertain.

Moving into the bedrooms, Anne’s talent for creating calm, restorative spaces is evident. The owner’s bedroom is a serene retreat, with warm white Berber carpeting underfoot and carefully chosen furnishings that balance elegance with comfort. Legacy footstools, reupholstered in weathered leather, offer a lived-in charm, while mid-century modern bedside chests are paired with hand-glazed green lamps for a pop of color. Pleated drapes with delicate woven trims frame the windows, adding a soft texture that complements the space. A legacy secretary desk, paired with a refreshed chair and floor lamp, demonstrates Anne's skill in blending existing pieces with new design elements to create harmony.

The guest bedroom carries a similar ethos of thoughtful simplicity. A platform bed is dressed in a palette of soft blues and grays, welcoming guests with an air of relaxation. Natural woven shades mirror the understated tones, tying the room together with a sense of quiet sophistication.

Outside, the porch serves as an extension of the interior living spaces. Here, a mix of wicker furniture and classic Appalachian rocking chairs offers a cozy and inviting space to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Accessories in soft, natural tones add layers of comfort and charm, making this outdoor area a favorite spot for both slow Sunday mornings and sweet summer evenings with friends and family.

Every feature feels intentional and contributes to the seamless flow of the home. A unique blend of vintage and contemporary pieces adds a sense of timelessness – from the silver accents sourced from France that elevate the dining and bar areas to the carefully chosen artwork, like the antique framed botanicals in the living area – the accessories throughout the home tie in the clients’ love for travel and collecting meaningful items. Anne’s ability to incorporate these personal touches ensures the design not only feels luxurious but also deeply personal.

Anne’s clients adore their newly designed home, the thoughtfully curated design captures their style and enhances their daily living experience, making every space feel inviting and beautifully personal. By blending mountain charm with refined sophistication, Anne has created a home that feels timeless and connected to its natural surroundings. It’s a place where family and friends can gather, relax, and create lasting memories—a space they are proud to call home. anneburesh.com