Owners Mike and Clare Haislip envisioned a “Mountain Zen” air for their retirement home in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, and it wasn’t just a whimsical description: the couple, who came to North Carolina from Texas, have a large collection of Asian art and furnishings, and their interior needed to serve as a complementary tableau. Talli Roberts of Allard + Roberts, the project’s manager and interior designer, praises the work of Trish Klein (Advance Cabinetry), who, she enthuses, “did a beautiful job.” Talli says that although Allard + Roberts collaborated on the overall kitchen style and finishes, “Trish did the actual cabinetry design and drawings.”
Distinguished by modified Shaker doors with beveled-edge detailing, the cupboards are a dark-stained alder that contrasts with the lighter hickory flooring. A gleaming glass-tile backsplash, its shade summoning the palest jade, is stylistically simpatico with the bright quartzite island top.
“The custom island was actually a new design from our team,” Talli reveals. The original double-height island wasn’t as easy for entertaining, she explains. Brought down to counter height, though, “it has plenty of work surface … Clare can cook and still be part of the party.” Pendant lights dip down from cable rails — the minimalist look is ideal for the overall aesthetic, and the choice was also practical, since the heavily skylighted kitchen required fixtures with a dainty footprint.
“I’ve always been drawn to Asian design,” notes Clare. “We wanted clean lines but with warmth. There’s a hallway that runs through the length of the house, and this area is incorporated into the kitchen area and flows out to the porch … the bonus is a beautiful view.”
Resources
Architect Con Dameron, The Architectural Practice (Asheville)
Kitchen Designer Trish Klein, Advance Cabinetry (Fletcher)
Interior Designer Talli Roberts and Sharon Allard, Allard + Roberts Interior Design (Asheville)
Builder Dan Collins, Glennwood Custom Builders (Hendersonville)
Cabinetry Advance Cabinetry (Fletcher)
Countertops Mountain Marble (Asheville)
Lighting Fixtures and Appliances Ferguson (Asheville)
Tile Horizon Tile & Stone Gallery (Fletcher)