There was a time when households across the country eagerly awaited the arrival of the annual Sears Wish Book — packed with all the latest fashions, housewares and gadgets. The entire family would eagerly pore over the pages and dream of how they would update their lifestyles and home decor.
Things are a bit different now. The Internet makes even the most exotic materials and products available overnight. But dreaming? That hasn’t changed.
The advent of a new year is the perfect time to assess and plan, so we’ve gathered an eclectic sampling of inspiring local kitchens and baths to get you started — a “wish book” if you will.
The rooms you’ll see in the following pages range from new constructions to remodels and span the style spectrum from traditional to cutting-edge, but they all have one thing in common — they began with a vision…and a “can-do” attitude. Whether you’re getting ready to renovate, planning a new home project or constructing your fantasy kitchen in your mind, there are plenty of ideas and resources here to be discovered.
Sweet dreams. Enjoy.
City Slick
Lofts and art are symbiotic; large open spaces lend themselves to the display of beautiful objects. But full exposure can offer a unique challenge when it comes to the kitchen, where clutter is often a given. Not so with this sleek and graphic configuration designed for the Asheville loft of an art collector by Christy Bradham of Keystone Kitchen & Bath.
The high-gloss white laminate cabinetry from Crystal Cabinet Works, topped with matching Corian, is designed to conceal all the accoutrements of cookery, providing a seamless backdrop that is uninterrupted by exterior hardware; Bradham has even hidden the microwave behind faux drawers. To add texture, the backsplash and corner alcoves have been dressed in frosted glass tiles from Horizon Tile, set in a diamond pattern, accented with stainless steel strips — a mosaic effect that shimmers with reflected light.
Graphic black, red and stainless steel elements create a bold contrast against this monochromatic canvas. Appliances were chosen for form and function. The contemporary Zephyr range hood blends an elegant, sculptural appeal with technical savvy — its recirculating system requires no ductwork — and the classic Wolfe range features signature red knobs.
Absolute Black honed granite tops the island, which features an inset stainless Mirabella sink fitted with a minimalist Dorn and Bracht faucet. Along the side, a frameless glass cabinet boasts a bright red interior — a counterpoint to the boldly colored I-beam that flanks the stainless Sub-Zero refrigerator on the opposing wall. Upper cabinets disguise the supporting beams for the floor above.
Clean, crisp and impeccably composed, there is nothing to distract from the pure enjoyment of life’s finer things — in a setting like this, the art of cooking takes center stage.
Designer: Keystone Kitchen & Bath
Countertops: Solid Surface Specialists
Tile: Horizon Tile & Stone Gallery
Flooring: Whole Log Lumber
Playful Nature
Wood and stone have such a solid reputation as kitchen materials — serious, sturdy and practical. That’s a good thing, but what about throwing in a little bit of excitement? For Linda Mitchell, joy was a key ingredient in the kitchen she envisioned for her home in Zirconia.
Mitchell engaged the professional skills of Stephanie Chapman of Brand Vaughan to bring her ideas to life. “Linda has a very traditional side,” says Chapman, “but she’s also has a bit of spice to her. She’s not afraid to step outside the box — to do things that are a bit unusual if it’s what’s going to make her happy.”
That traditional side is evident in the modified Shaker styling of the Shiloh cabinetry. Fashioned of sierra stained knotty alder, they are given black glaze and customized with subtle, Mission elements that impart a furniture-like effect. Frosted glass panels above the Viking refrigerator and in the cupboard above the appliance garage lighten the composition and make reference to the stenciled glass pantry door.
On the island, a solid black walnut countertop is given a deep, Jacobean finish and illuminated by a trio of discrete Hubbardton Forge pendants. The woven rush seats of the low, espresso stained bar stools pivot 360 degrees for easy access.
It’s all very tidy and sensible…then the playfulness emerges. Walls of tiny 1-by-1-inch stone tile surround the space, punctuated by a confetti pattern of grayish green glass tile. The freestanding Viking hood has a sculptural, modern appeal that complements the stainless steel range. The Arts & Crafts oak dining set is modernized with a drum-shaped, Hubbardton Forge hanging fixture.
But what’s truly unexpected — and absolutely delightful — are the neon green Caesarstone countertops on the wet bar and the baking station on the opposing wall. “Those countertops really pull the space together and balance the kitchen,” notes Chapman. It’s that absolutely individual touch that puts the “fun” in “functional.”
Designer: Brand Vaughan Lumber Company
Countertops/Cabinets: Brand Vaughan Lumber Company
Tile: WNC Tile
Appliances: Haywood Appliance
Window Treatments: Carolina Blinds
Tasty Traditional
Classic styling need not be staid or stodgy. This Waynesville kitchen, designed by Joan Hurson of Cachet Interiors and executed by Grove Park Fine Homes, is a delicious mix of formal and casual elements, creating a space that is both refined and relaxed.
Fine finishes abound on the custom cabinetry crafted by Rick Baynard. The French Traditional style cabinetry at the perimeter was painted to match the wall color, given a butter glaze and accented with café brown, while the island — trimmed with decorative brackets and medallions from Decorator’s Supply — received a highly-customized, multi-layer glaze and a coat of rich lacquer. Oil rubbed bronze hardware adds the crowning touch.
The bespoke tile backsplashes are tumbled travertine, accented with Canyon Red and delineated by mini–pencil borders. Appliances are low-key, but high-end: the Dacor cooktop and convection ovens are tucked neatly into the island, while a Liebherr double refrigerator is concealed behind integrated panel doors. Countertops of Sahara Gold granite are perfectly complemented by the rich tones of a Blanco Café Brown Silgranit double sink and Grohe Bridgeford Oil Rubbed Bronze faucet.
In the sitting area, faux finisher Laura Ferrell’s artful distressing imparts a vintage, rustic flair to the pair of built-in cabinets, designed by Hurson, that flanks the window seat.
A quartet of Lorts barstools and the window seat has been dressed in a mélange of fabrics: a mossy green pin-dot pattern by F. Schumacher for the seats and a sophisticated, spicy red plaid by Brunschwig & Fils. This same cheerful check was utilized for the custom valances, which are adorned with a floral center and finished with trim from Linas Interiors.
It all blends together into a gathering place that is elegant, livable and not in the least bit stodgy.
Builder: Grove Park Fine Homes
Architect: The Architectural Studio
Designer: Cachet Interiors
Countertops: Star Granite Interiors
Fixtures/Hardware/Refrigerator/Freezer: Salon Blue Ridge
Appliances: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Americana, the Beautiful
There’s nothing pretentious about this kitchen in Champion Hills. It’s down-home country — as relaxed and comfortable as your favorite flannel shirt. You can imagine sitting down to a Sunday pancake breakfast here and feeling that all is right with the world.
Homeowners Charlie and Linda Thompson conceived the space and worked closely with Phil Clark and his team at Clark Interiors as they made it a reality. “Charlie is a woodworker himself,” says Clark, “so we really got into some detail in the design.”
The fine workmanship of Clark’s team is evident in every aspect of the woodwork, from the bespoke cabinetry to the coffered ceilings to the flooring and window trim. The cabinetry style is an amalgam: a bit of the traditional, a bit of country Shaker and a touch of Arts & Crafts.
Bead-board sides impart a rustic sensibility. The perimeter cabinets have been painted creamy white and glazed with a soft, café color, while the center island — in a hue appropriately named “Showstopper Red” — is glazed and accented in black. Faux bois draw pulls and handles from Rocky Mountain Hardware add a touch of whimsy.
The kitchen is as practical as it is pretty, with full sized refrigerator and matching full sized freezer tucked into the corner and paneled to blend in. The tumbled stone backsplash coordinates beautifully with the “Magma Brown” granite counter and island tops. A Jenn-Air ceramic cooktop, inset in the island, maintains the open feel.
The inviting dining area features a cozy round table with a carved branch and acorn motif base by local craftsman Don Blackwell and a wormy chestnut top by created by Charlie. The Haversham Windsor chairs and the low bar stools are from High Country Furniture. A hanging fixture by
Meyda Tiffany, also adorned with acorns, casts a gentle light.
Personal touches abound, from the frosted glass pantry door by Sun Mountain Door to the antique, tin door Arkansas sideboard that Charlie and Phil Clark refinished, to the charming vintage “apple” sign. It’s all there to let you know that you’re welcome to come on in, kick back and sit a spell.
Cabinetry: Clark Interiors
Countertops: Star Granite Interiors
Tile: WNC Tile
Pantry Door: Sun Mountain Door
Bête Noire
Black is anything but basic in this sleek, sophisticated space designed by Nathan Bryant and the team at Samsel Architects. Edgy, but not outré, this Asheville kitchen is a contemporary composition that embraces industrial chic without feeling sterile.
Set atop warm wood floors and surrounded by walls painted in Sherwin Williams “Mannered Gold,” the center island has a monolithic presence, topped with a slab of Brazilian black slate and fitted with a steel Julien double sink. Suspended from the inset tray ceiling, the sinuous, curved track light with butterfly shades by Brunk seems to take flight.
Clean-lined cabinets by Creative Woodcrafters are painted a matte Graphite to mimic the hue of the steel pizza oven, which adds the aura of a fireplace to the room. Benheim glass door panels are inset into the cabinetry to lighten the visual density and elegantly simple Hafele hardware emphasizes the strong horizontal orientation.
In brilliant contrast to the severity of the woodwork, the backsplash wall is covered in staggered 1-by-2-inch stainless steel tiles by Ann Sacks, a celebration of reflected light. Stainless steel kick plates and countertops add a no-nonsense, professional air that is reinforced in the cook top and freestanding range hood — both by Gaggenau — and the Sub-Zero refrigerator.
The gentle curves of the Sibau contemporary wood and leather bar stools and dining suite provide a touch of softness while retaining the uncluttered sensibility, clearly defining those areas intended for relaxation. And whether one is whipping up a culinary delight or sipping a glass of pinot noir, this kitchen lets you do it with superlative style.
Architect: Samsel Architects
Cabinetry: Creative Woodcrafters
Countertops: Mountain Marble & Granite
Mission Statement
Arts and Crafts styling is a Western North Carolina mainstay — with good reason. The clean lines and easy elegance of the aesthetic speak to the unpretentious, no-nonsense sensibility of the mountain lifestyle, while the focus on exquisite workmanship resonates with the local tradition of fine handcrafts.
All of the key elements are evident in this Woodfin kitchen, designed by April Hand of Benbow & Associates in cooperation with the homeowners: Bob Kantor, a chef and restaurateur, and Gail Wilson. In planning this renovation, the couple wanted to remain sympathetic with the home’s Mission appeal while creating a workspace that would meet Bob’s high professional standards.
Cherry wood cabinets by Medallion were given custom details by Benbow’s skilled woodworkers and finished with a pecan stain. The custom cherry counters and island top are complemented by work surfaces of Caesarstone, in Jerusalem Sand.
The cool, minimalism of the Kraus sink and professional style faucet, Samsung refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Vent-A-Hood range hood contrast perfectly with the warmth of the cabinetry. The Capital range top and Thermador microwave and oven are set within easy reach of the work island, making the space ultra-functional.
Earth-toned ceramic tiles from Crossville are arranged in a playfully random, geometric pattern and accented with a grey-blue hue that harmonizes with (and visually integrates) the stainless steel appliances. Four slender, wrought iron bar stools with woven leather seats from Yesterday’s Tree afford an unimpeded view of the island’s tile façade while inviting guests to socialize with the chef.
Designer: Benbow & Associates
Architect: Retro+Fit Design
Cabinetry: Benbow & Associates
Countertops: Benbow & Associates
Tile: Crossville Tile & Stone
Lighting: Christie’s Lighting Gallery
Retro Renaissance
What’s old is new again in this Asheville kitchen where interior designers Greeson & Fast have interpreted Mid-Century style with a modern edge. The homeowner is an avid cook — and a collector of period kitchenware. “We got the inspiration for the cabinet color from one of her vintage Pyrex bowls,” notes designer Richard Fast.
To remain sympathetic with the 1950s home, the original footprint of the kitchen was maintained. White ceramic 2-inch tile, punctuated by aluminum inserts, covers the lower two thirds of the walls and, in combination with the high-gloss white on the original tongue-in-groove ceiling, visually expands the compact space. The cork tile floor — a nod to the linoleum tile of yesteryear — integrates beautifully with the wood floors throughout the home while offering a cushioned surface that’s easy on the feet.
High-gloss cabinets from Italian manufacturer, Bellini, in the Cobalt Blue Gloss Foil finish, are accented with brushed chrome pulls and knobs and topped with Corian counters in a matching shade of vivid blue. Metallic laminate on the floating china cabinet above the pass-through and dining room side of the L-shaped counter add a techno touch.
But the real bling is in the high-tech appliances and fixtures, all in gleaming stainless steel. A professional grade Fisher & Paykel range is crowned by a Cache Zephyr range hood. Around the bottoms of the cabinets, a stainless kick plate reflects the soft glow of baseboard lighting.
The result is a kitchen with all the style and panache of a perfectly refurbished classic car — nostalgic, but definitely not old fashioned…and smokin’ hot.
Designer: Greeson & Fast Design
Cabinetry and countertops: Nova Kitchen
Tile: Horizon Tile & Stone Gallery
Fixtures/Hardware: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
La Maison Rustique
Biltmore Forest is known for it’s charming French Normandy inspired architecture and this gracious kitchen designed by architect Robert Griffin is quintessential in its detail and sublimely functional in its layout.
White oak flooring sets a relaxed tone in a space that is geared towards gathering a large family — and friends — together.
Adjacent to the work areas, a pair of French country chairs and English tripod, tilt-top table provide a cozy rendezvous beside the Tennessee fieldstone fireplace, while a set of high stools with floral motif carvings at the island invite conversation and interaction with the chef.
Sheltered beneath a coffered ceiling, the dining area is ensconced within an octagonal bay and surrounded by windows. An ornate, rusted iron chandelier crowns the large round table, which can easily accommodate ten. The edge of the glass tabletop — set upon a carved tree-trunk base —has been given a roughly chiseled treatment. The spindled, ladder-back chairs are cushioned with a traditional petite print fabric in a subtle black and white plaid.
Griffin has positioned the wet bar/beverage station — equipped with plenty of storage and dressed with a mirrored backsplash — and the paneled refrigerator conveniently close to the dining area. The mottled, black and white granite countertops of the wet bar and island are an elegant counterpoint to the rustic oak appointments.
Exquisite workmanship is evident in the custom cabinetry crafted by Mountain Showcase. The finish — a proprietary blend — was based on the patina of fine European antiques: stained, glazed, and airbrushed to give the illusion of age and then artfully distressed.
The main work area has been given a paneled backsplash, which conceals appliance garages, and a breakfront configuration that, along with the curved skirts and slender legs, imparts a furniture feel. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware and copper lattice door inserts add the finishing touches.
Blending Old World styling with New World sensibility it is, in a word, magnifique!
Architect/Designer: Griffin Architecture, P.A.
Cabinetry: Mountain Showcase Group, Inc.