The Nuances of Design

Katelyn Rutt • October 26, 2022

HOW A CHARLOTTE-BASED DESIGNER BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO INTERIORS, AND BLENDS “OLD AND NEW” TO CREATE A SENSE OF TIMELESSNESS WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS.

A living room with a blue couch , yellow chairs , a coffee table and a painting on the wall.

Dimension is a language Aida Saul owner and principal designer of Aida Interiors— speaks fluently. Infusing bespoke elements into everything she does, Saul seamlessly blends her clients’ style with atypical, three-di- mensional twists to add newness to tired spac- es. Creating rarity is Saul’s specialty.

“To me,” Saul says. “The testament to a well designed home is when you are continuously surprised by a room you’ve seen many times. I gauge the success of my work by whether it’s timeless, beautiful, interesting and surprising.”

Inside her own abode, Saul is surrounded with interesting objects that she’s collected over the years—whether they be flea market finds, or antique shopping discoveries. As a re- sult, the designer’s home is 80 percent vintage.

“My inspiration comes from so many sources,” Saul says. “Outside of all the local art galleries, museums and artistic and creative talent that Charlotte offers, I try to travel to inspiring cities stateside and abroad.” After she’s ticked those boxes, Saul notes that she’s always up for a trip to the flea market.

“It’s so interesting to see what people in oth- er cultures collect and sell,” Saul says. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of the hunt. I think this desire to explore, see and collect informs my interiors.”

And that diverse portfolio of interiors has made the designer so sought after. A finished product for Saul is never cookie cutter, but rather a merge of aesthetics that result in something entirely of her own creation.

“I don’t aspire to any one particular style,” Saul says. “But rather, I find myself drawn to quality objects, whether artisanal, hand crafted or just plain well made. I love using antique or vintage pieces in all my projects, as it’s a way to add patina and the unexpected, and be a little more sustainable.”


A proclivity towards art is at the core of her design method- ology, so Saul adds that she’ll always guide her clients towards pieces that will serve them twofold—enhance their homes and personal art collections.. However, final purchasing decisions are always left to the clients.

“The relationships I forge with my clients is probably the most endearing and rewarding part of my job,” Saul says. “En-

trusting us to create an environment in which they feel most at home and comfortable and one that reflects their style and personality is why we give blood, sweat and tears to our proj- ects. When we get the call to design their second and then their third property, it’s the ultimate compliment. We never take for granted how personal relationships and good design can impact our clients’ lives.”

As for Saul’s favorite project? It’s always her most recent undertaking.

“When my team and I immerse ourselves in a project,” Saul says. “It takes months to years to complete, and we have worked countless hours on the project thinking about the nuances of each decision. It’s hard not to love the most recent project when it has engulfed your life.”

A DESIGNING DREAM
“My favorite item in interiors is lighting. It is as important as anything. Besides

adding interest and personality, it adds low light, overhead light, mood light—ba- sically all the layers the room needs to highlight the furniture, art and the subject.”

A VISIONARY CHALLENGE
“My most challenging item to place in interiors is high-end, custom rugs. It is

usually very expensive, has a long lead time and requires the clients’ trust and imagination. Even with an actual 2’x3’ rug sample in hand, it’s hard to confirm that your vision is what is in the clients’ “mind's eye.” To fall in love with a sample is a much different experience than seeing a rug in person that you can fall in love with.”

A kitchen with a large island and stools
April 18, 2025
Nantucket, with its misty harbors, salt-kissed breezes, and centuries-old charm, has always been a place where history whispers through every weathered shingle and cobblestone street. This spring, one of the island’s most beloved landmarks, the Veranda House, will once again welcome guests, rising from the ashes of a devastating 2022 fire that necessitated a complete rebuild. Set to reopen in spring 2025, the new Veranda House is a masterpiece of restoration and reinvention. Owned by Procaccianti Companies and managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts as part of the Nantucket Resort Collection, the rebuild was meticulously overseen in collaboration with the town and historic district commission to ensure that the property retained its original federal-style elegance while incorporating modern luxuries and state-of-the-art amenities. First built in 1684, the Veranda House has stood as a symbol of Nantucket’s rich maritime legacy, its wraparound porches offering a front-row seat to the island’s ever-changing seascape. The new design remains true to its original size, scale, and architectural character, seamlessly blending historic integrity with contemporary comforts. Guests will find spa-like ensuite baths in every room, featuring Carrara marble, custom fixtures, and sleek walk-in showers—a nod to modern indulgence without sacrificing classic charm. The 19 redesigned rooms, including the Grand Harborview King with its private balcony and fireplace, exude an intimate, serene luxury. Expanded outdoor gathering spaces now offer even more opportunities for guests to soak in the island’s ambiance, whether sipping coffee at sunrise or toasting the golden hour over Nantucket Harbor. “This reopening marks a significant mile- stone, not just for Veranda House, but for the entire Nantucket community. We are deeply thankful for the community’s unwavering support in bringing this iconic property back to life,” says Paul Hitselberger, EVP of Operations for TPG Hotels & Resorts. The Veranda House is not just a recon- struction—it’s a resurrection, a tribute to Nantucket’s ability to endure, evolve, and enchant. Its doors reopen as a beacon of timeless hospitality, welcoming travelers to a place where history is honored, and every detail—from the breezy verandas to the handcrafted interiors—tells a story. For those who love Nantucket, the Veranda House is a homecoming. Images courtesy of The Veranda House.
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