Natural light seeps into this sumptuous home office, further illuminated by the Carthage Mini Lamp and the Radford Small Sconce, both by Ralph Lauren. Photo by Durston Saylor.
DESIGN SPOTLIGHT
Light with Layers: Purple Cherry's Perspective
Known for view–oriented architecture and interiors that feel genuinely lived in, Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors creates spaces where layered lighting plays a powerful role in how you feel in your home.
It’s hard not to experience an immediate sense of ease inside a Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors home. Active throughout the country, the Annapolis, Maryland-based firm has a knack for creating spaces that feel polished yet personal, refined yet deeply comfortable. That sensibility reflects founder and principal Cathy Purple Cherry’s lifelong grounding in art and architecture, as well as her belief that thoughtful design should serve both beauty and daily life.
A Turenne Medium Globe Pendant by AERIN creates clean, bright light in this butler's kitchen.
The Darlana 24" Pendant by Chapman & Myers extends the airy feel into the main kitchen. Photos by Durston Saylor.
Much of the firm’s work begins with the landscape itself. “Most of our projects are what we call ‘view-oriented’ properties,” she says. “Whether it’s a water view, mountain view or beautiful pasture view, our designs are always focused on maximizing the surrounding vistas through large interior windows and sun orientation.” The Purple Cherry team treats natural light as a primary material, complementing it with a layered lighting approach that continues to radiate warmth and dimension long after the sun sets.
Layered light creates a stately yet comfortable look and feel in this dining room, featuring Launceton Small Ring Chandeliers by Chapman & Myers as well as Hargett Buffet Lamps by J. Randall Powers.
Photo by Durston Saylor.
All Purple Cherry homes use a highly considered, five-part layered lighting strategy, Cathy says. General room lighting establishes a warm, balanced glow that allows architecture and views to remain the focus, while task lighting is seamlessly integrated to support real life, from kitchens designed for low-key gatherings to quiet reading nooks for a moment of respite. “We strongly feel that our homes should not only be beautiful but also should function seamlessly for our clients and their families,” she says, a philosophy informed as much by lived experience as design and architectural discipline.
The Lorford Large Smoke Bell Lanterns by Chapman & Myers echo the warmth and texture of this hallway’s wood ceiling. Photo by David Burroughs.
A pair of Grenol Bamboo Sconces by Visual Comfort complement bamboo accents and texture in a powder room. Photo by David Burroughs.
Accent lighting adds nuance, highlighting artwork, personal collections and material transitions, while uplighting creates softness and dimensionality. Finally, fixtures themselves are treated as sculptural moments. Lighting can often serve "as an art object," Cathy says, whether a tailored chandelier or a contemporary statement piece that anchors the room.
A pair of Halifax Large Table Lamps by Ralph Lauren add texture and antique-inspired warmth to this relaxed, coastal bedroom. Photo by Steve Buchanan.
“It is incredibly important that our houses truly feel like homes,” she says. “We carefully layer millwork, textures, artwork and accessories.” Lighting from Visual Comfort & Co., equally layered and intentional, completes that vision, resulting in homes that are sophisticated yet completely functional.
Founder and Principal Cathy Purple Cherry.
About the Designer
Cathy Purple Cherry is the founder of Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, a comprehensive firm with more than 30 years of expertise creating luxurious residences across the United States. After studying at the Corcoran School of Art, University of Colorado, Boulder, and The University of Maryland, Cathy graduated with her architecture degree and began her career in interior design and architecture. With Cathy at the helm — herself a mother of three — the Purple Cherry team understands the deep connections clients have to their homes and how they serve as a backdrop for cherished family memories, in turn creating designs replete with emotional intelligence and sensitivity. Cathy is equally passionate about philanthropic efforts. Through her firm's Purposeful Architecture Studio, Cathy offers design solutions for the special needs community, including recently designing the Virginia Institute of Autism Facility for adolescents and adults.
