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Margaret Handley, ASID

Partner & Senior Designer

Banner Elk, NC

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Margaret Handley, ASID

Partner & Senior Designer

Banner Elk, NC

About Margaret

Florida License #: 4985

Since joining Dianne Davant & Associates in 1996, Margaret’s design philosophy has blossomed into a legacy of exceptional residential and commercial designs. As a LEED GA-certified professional, Margaret’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is woven into every design decision. Her journey began at the University of Georgia, where she majored in Fine Art and Interior Design. She also spent time studying abroad in Cortona, Italy, where she studied the history of art and design. Margaret’s designs have been recognized and celebrated by industry leaders and peers alike. Her accolades include Best of Houzz Design and Best of Houzz Service awards for consecutive years – 2015 through 2023. In 2013, her outstanding design acumen was awarded First Place in the Vacation/Secondary Home Category at the ASID Carolinas Excellence in Design Awards. In 2006, her designs earned the Platinum Award at the Pinnacle Living Gorgeous Mountain Interiors, showcasing her ability to bring the beauty of nature indoors. The year 2002 marked her victory as the winner of the Palm Beach Illustrated Dream House Awards in the Family Room category, a testament to her versatile creativity.

When she is not making design masterpieces, Margaret loves adventuring with her husband Charlie, and two daughters. With over two decades of experience, Margaret brings a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and global inspiration to every project.

Margaret has completed projects in:

  • Blue Ridge Mountain Club, Blowing Rock, NC
  • Diamond Creek, Banner Elk NC
  • Elk River Club, Banner Elk NC
  • Frederica Club, St. Simons Island, GA
  • Grandfather Golf & Country Club, Linville NC
  • Hound Ears Club, Blowing Rock NC
  • Linville Ridge Country Club, Linville NC
  • Linville Ridge Country Club, Linville NC
  • Loxahatchee Club, Jupiter FL
  • Eagles Nest, Banner Elk, NC
  • Dallas, TX
  • Denver, CO
  • Louisville, KY
  • The Virginian, Bristoal, VA
  • Weston, FL
  • Palm Beach, FL

Margaret’s Featured Work

Chestnut

Blowing Rock, NC

Coming soon.

Swanson Lodge

Banner Elk, NC

The design approach for this mountain lodge was inspired by the client’s desire to create a comfortable and inviting family retreat. The natural elements of wood, bark, stone, and metalwork add textural interest and bring the outside in while cozy upholstery and interesting fabrics add contrast and color to create a restful environment perfect for gathering family and friends. Entertaining is made easy by the live edge dining table, custom-made to seat 14 guests, while locust logs combined with a burl slab create the wine bar. The living and kitchen areas both completely open onto an extensive patio with stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains. The comfortable and inviting rustic elegance of this lodge will contribute to family togetherness for many years to come.

Rouse Residence

Linville Ridge, NC

Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this magnificent Gothic castle is a treasure trove of period antique furniture and architectural elements. Collected from a former castle, interior components feature fabulous finds such as a stained glass door dating to 1514, intricately carved oak paneling and fireplace, as well as many unique handmade doors.

Luxury Mountain Getaway

Blowing Rock, NC

Comfort and elegance combine in this enchanting mountain home, inviting all who enter to grab a refreshing beverage, settle in, and enjoy the sweeping scenery.

Designed to take advantage of a unique valley view within the Blue Ridge Mountains, this home brings together the elements of classic mountain living by combining reclaimed timbers, reclaimed wood flooring, locally quarried stone, handcrafted doors, beadboard wainscoting, and a large collection of works by regional artists. The occasional modern fabric, wallpaper, light fixture, or rug adds an element of surprise to this otherwise traditional composition. The neutral palette of the main floor gives way to warmer tones on the upper and lower level creating the perfect space for relaxing away from the demands of a busy city lifestyle.

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