By: Carolyn Kemmett
The magic of contrast coalesces in a Champion Hills kitchen
Photo by David Dietrich
An ingenious interplay of light and dark — chiaroscuro, if you will — announces the elegant kitchen of Lori and Frank Beauchamp.
The welcoming expanse features warm-white cohesive cabinetry that hugs the appliances and range hood for a clean look, as well as light countertops, while the space is grounded by a richly hued island base, flooring, a recessed tray ceiling, and columnar entry trim. The wood detailing imparts a luxurious but never heavy feeling; its natural essence conveys a comforting mountain aesthetic.
The process of designing the Beauchamps’ kitchen — newly built in Champion Hills — coalesced as naturally as its light/dark look, according to kitchen designer Stephanie Walden of Kitchens of the South in Hendersonville. Walden credits Lori’s eye for aesthetics but also notes that it’s just as crucial to learn how homeowners want to use their kitchen — not just how they want it to look. “[The couple] were great communicators,” she says.
“We dreamed of a cook’s kitchen — one that would accommodate baking with our three-year-old granddaughter while also allowing up to prepare meals at the gas cooktop,” says Lori.
Small but important functional details come into play: the heights of the owners, for instance, and whether they’re right- or left-handed.
“These facts inform how we’ll design the cabinets, decide on countertop height, and our approach to storage in the kitchen,” Walden shares. In the Beauchamps’ case, Walden prioritized installing a utensil pullout next to the range for ease and clutter reduction. “We also added 18-inch-wide pantries to the left and the right of the fridge that are 24 inches deep, so they’re quite roomy,” she says.
Photo by David Dietrich
Since the Beauchamps have a big family and enjoy entertaining, Walden made sure to include lots of seating both inside the kitchen and right outside it, in a nearby bar area. That banquette, says Lori, “creates a welcoming space for conversation.”
“They wanted to keep the space comfortable and homey, with a relaxed vibe for gathering,” says Walden. Features like tall ceilings and an expansive opening to the kitchen keep things airy.
Luxe, understated materials and finishes lend a striking sophistication. The dramatic island base is cherry wood treated with a slate stain and topped with a cherry glaze, while the sturdy Fieldstone cabinets are constructed with maple. “We ultimately painted the cabinets a light mushroom color,” notes Walden, “but I ended up bringing lots of samples to the kitchen because you can’t get a true idea of color in a showroom. Lori, Frank, and I needed to see how the color changed with the light during the day and evening.”
That “rich color,” says Lori, “offers depth — but without being too dark for cozy winter evenings.”
The couple and Walden introduced some contrast with the island top, choosing a dramatic “Cambria Brittanica” gold quartz slab as a focal point. For continuity, they also used it in the bar area. Directly above the island is the rich wood tray ceiling, from which two minimalistic angular globe pendants float with seeming weightlessness. “I tend to do lots of under-cabinet lighting as well,” says Walden, who offers an insider’s tip: “I always recommend that bright-white lightbulbs be used in kitchens. Daylight bulbs are blue [toned] and soft white is yellow — bright white is more natural and provides the truest ability to see a kitchen space.”
The trio chose polished nickel for finishes such as cabinet pulls and faucet hardware. “It has more of that attention-grabbing sparkle,” says Walden, “whereas chrome is too gray and flat — there’s no warmth or luxury to it.” Lori describes the polished-nickel hardware as “our kitchen’s jewelry.”
The Beauchamp kitchen is designed to stand the test of time in its durability, but also delight with its beauty. The space is a testament to the importance of careful color selection, thoughtful lighting design, an understanding of how design elements and materials play off of each other.
Walden reflects warmly on working with the Beauchamps, declaring it a dream project. “Lori and I worked closely together to coordinate colors and style concepts. She has such good taste and an intelligent mind, it was a breeze and a joy to work with her and Frank.
“This is one of my all time favorite projects, not just because of its beauty, but because of the collaboration and intention that went into curating the design details and flow.”
Kitchens of the South, 2570 Asheville Hwy. Suite 10, Hendersonville, kitchensofthesouth.net.