Old Fort kitchen combines accessible design with mountain views
In this aging-in-place kitchen, thoughtful features meet timeless materials. Custom cabinetry by International Cabinetry, earth-toned tile from WNC Tile, and hand-blown pendants by Bicycle Glass Co. create a space designed to serve — and shine — for years to come.
Photo by Colby Rabon
Trendy kitchens check all the boxes — until you try to age into one. High-mounted microwaves strain the shoulders, narrow walkways limit maneuverability, and shelves sometimes require climbing a step stool just to reach the cereal bowls. What looks chic on paper can feel downright inhospitable in practice.
That’s what makes this custom kitchen in Old Fort such a well-executed blend of form and function.
Designed and built by Scroggs Construction Services for Elizabeth and Harlan Smith, a couple retiring to the mountains, the home was positioned to capture sweeping views of Mount Mitchell and the surrounding ridges. Inside, the kitchen reflects that same intentionality, pairing high-end finishes with thoughtful aging-in-place features to support the next chapter of life.
“Since this would be their forever home, incorporating aging-in-place features was essential,” says Kevin Griffin, vice president of operations at Scroggs. “Our certified design team worked closely with the homeowners to integrate Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist principles that would support both comfort and mobility over time.”
Those principles show up in nearly every square foot of the kitchen. The microwave and double ovens are mounted at just the right height to prevent back strain. Meanwhile, wide clearances around the island allow for easy maneuvering — whether it’s with a walker, a wheelchair, or simply an armload of groceries.
“Features such as lever-style handles, pull-out storage drawers, and touch-control fixtures contribute to an intuitive and user-friendly experience,” says Alicia Presnell, lead interior designer at Scroggs and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. “Together, these elements create a kitchen environment that is practical and well-suited to aging in place.”
And while accessibility was the priority, the kitchen’s finishes prove that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.
For the cabinetry, the team partnered with International Cabinetry in Hendersonville to create custom units with full-access storage and soft-close drawers. Finished in Sherwin-Williams’ “Pearl Gray,” the cabinets bring a soft, timeless look, while oil-rubbed bronze hardware offers subtle contrast.
The quartz countertops, sourced through RockStar Marble & Granite, keep the space feeling bright and airy, while “Cottage Jade” backsplash tile from WNC Tile adds a soft green hue that echoes the surrounding landscape.
“Earth-toned tile was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the textures and tones of the natural environment, providing both visual warmth and a tactile connection to place,” says Presnell. “These tiles pair seamlessly with organic elements like wood cabinetry and neutral-toned surfaces.”
The flooring is finished engineered white oak from Sanctuary Flooring — wire-brushed and treated with a custom antiquing color and sealer for depth and durability. Overhead, fir rafter ties bring warmth to the space while discreetly housing integrated track lighting, and three hand-blown pendant fixtures from Bicycle Glass Co. in Minnesota cast a gentle glow above the island.
“The result,” says Presnell, “is a cohesive, grounded design that honors the home’s setting while supporting the practical needs of daily living.”
It’s everything the Smiths were looking for — and then some.
“We are delighted with the craftsmanship in our new home,” Elizabeth says. “There were no shortcuts taken to get the job done quicker or cheaper at the expense of quality.”
Scroggs Construction Services, 144 Tunnel Road, Asheville. For more information, call 828-552-3222 or visit scroggsconstruction.com.
Resources
Builder/Architect: Scroggs Construction Services (Asheville)
Interior Design: Scroggs Construction Services (Asheville)
Cabinetry: International Cabinetry (Hendersonville)
Countertops: RockStar Marble & Granite (Fletcher)
Backsplash Tile: WNC Tile (Asheville)
Flooring: Sanctuary Flooring (Asheville)
Lighting: Bicycle Glass Co. (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Appliances: Haywood Appliance (Asheville)
Plumbing Fixtures: ProSource Plumbing Supply (Asheville)