In designing its flagship jewelry store within an historic building in Greensboro, NC, Carlyle & Co. called upon retail architecture specialist Moda4 Design of Dayton, OH. In the end result, the high-end jeweler - which represents Rolex and other upscale brands - was outfitted with a facility that not only befits its upscale product line, but is also functional for hosting community events, including a full-service custom granite kitchen/bar area.

Moda4 Design, which has designed spaces for Carlyle & Co. and other high-end retailers throughout the country, states that it seeks to create “projects that stimulate and enrich the surrounding communities.” This was the case of Carlyle & Co.’s location in Greensboro, which will serve as more than a traditional retail store.

“The new concept for their jewelry store is to have a lot of fundraising events, so they put in a full working kitchen,” explained Len Malavé of Granite & Marble by Malavé of Greensboro, which supplied, fabricated and installed the stone used on the project.

The parties involved in the design worked with Jody Esque of Granite and Marble by Malavé to select a stone material that would be appropriate for the project, and they specified Emerald Pearl granite, which is quarried in Norway. “Jode Esque was very instrumental in the selection of the stone, and she worked with their interior designer [Schulz Associates of Greensboro],” Malavé said.

For visitors to Carlyle & Co.’s Greensboro location, the use of Emerald Pearl begins at the main entrance, where the company name has been sandblasted onto the granite. It was also used for custom inlays atop the display cabinets and to clad the columns surrounding the main display case.

“The front entrance was done with a single slab measuring 111 x 65 inches, and the logo was sandblasted directly onto the stone,” Malavé said.

Apart from the retail area, large slabs of Emerald Pearl granite were used to create the full-scale kitchen and bar area, which will be used for a range of community functions. This kitchen area includes a full stove and cooktop as well as a full bartop with seating area and a stone countertop - all of which was done in Emerald Pearl and is complemented by custom woodwork.

“The kitchen also features a ‘farmhouse sink’ made using the same granite, which is something that we have become specialized in,” Malavé explained. “There are two vanity tops as well.”

The general contractor for the project was David A. Nice Builders, Inc. of Williamsburg, VA, while the fixture manufacturer was Designer Showcases, Inc. of Brunswick, OH. According to Malavé, the installation of the stone was completed in two days. “The slab for the entrance was very challenging, but it really came out beautifully,” Malavé said. “The whole store is beautiful. The owners have said that this is their best store.”