When a house features its own regulation-size indoor basketball court, as does this one in the Cliffs at Walnut Cove, the rest of the interior better bring its “A” game, too. In the kitchen and surround, designer Trish Klein of Advance Cabinetry answered the challenge by appointing a comprehensive, multi-use space that connects the cooking/prep area to the dining area and the great room, with a built-in island pass-through for beverage and glass storage.
“This family is the definition of fun,” says Trish, who notes that owners David and Rebecca Schoenfeld have “two active teenagers.” (The vacation retreat will one day segue into a retirement home for the Atlanta couple.)
Off the court, the home has a stately vibe. Glass mullioned windows in select cupboard fronts reflect an heirloom aura; in the kitchen proper, the beaded-inset cabinetry, painted a warm white — in addition to skylights peeking through the pickled pine ceiling — keeps things airy and light. Meanwhile, the island, coffee bar, and hutch are done in a rich-stained rustic alder with a la carte distressing. This handsome choice of wood offers detailed contrast to the off-white cabinets and complements the walnut-stained hickory wood floors. Despite all the dark wood, a contiguous open plan that includes easy access to the screened porch keeps the overall vibe young and fresh.
“The grand scale of the cabinetry and fireplace, with those impressive arched timber beams, is a focal point,” says Trish. The arch theme is also seen in the hutch and in a curved lintel design in the wine cabinet.
What impresses the Schoenfelds is how Trish draws all her cabinet sketches meticulously by hand, instead of using computer models. “She is an incredibly talented artist,” David says. His wife and daughter wield their own talents in the kitchen. Though she’s only 14, Claire is already an accomplished “foodie” who likes to create internationally inspired dishes (son Max, 18, shows more interest in the basketball court). Making the project a bonafide family affair, Claire and mom Rebecca helped select the kitchen’s appliances, finishes, and various creative conveniences.
“We were going for a relaxed mountain-lodge theme overall, but we wanted the kitchen to be a much brighter space,” notes David. “Trish was awesome in the way she brought all our visions to life.”
RESOURCES
Kitchen/Bath Designer Trish Klein, Advance Cabinetry
Architect Platt Architecture
Builder Glennwood Custom Builders
Cabinetry Advance Cabinetry
Carpentry (Custom Built-Ins & Trim) Mark Zimmer and Chad Corey
Countertops Mountain Marble
Appliances Ferguson