Sleek lines and high-contrast neutrals distinguish this full kitchen do-over in North Asheville. The homeowners’ work requires frequent international travel, “so we were tasked with making all selections and working with the builder and his subcontractors to refine each detail throughout the renovation process,” says Talli Roberts of Allard & Roberts Interior Design.
The group effort shines as bright as the all-new Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances: “Our firm enjoys collaborative work, and it took a team of professionals to transform this space,” she adds.
“The owners purchased this home as a vacation getaway,” says Talli. “Their tastes are for modern design … [but] this home was quite traditional … the existing kitchen was dark, drab, and dated. However, the [property] setting was too good to pass up.” Views extend across the neighborhood golf course, and, on a good day, clear to glimpses of Mount Pisgah.
Down to the studs it all went. Using a downdraft instead of an oven hood means an unobstructed mountain view, and the newly airy space was appointed with glass-front cabinetry, an understated white island, and drop pendant lighting as crisp as a trio of wineglasses.
The lady of the house, Jackie Del Cristo Berens, got a coffee station; her spouse, Fred Berens, a wine cooler to house his prized collection. A TV was installed next to the refrigerator, visible from the kitchen’s common area. “The family likes to watch football games together while sharing a meal,” says Talli. All the artful amenities notwithstanding, the space “still had to be functional for a family with grown children. It’s now suitable for entertaining, and suits the owners’ taste perfectly.”
“My husband is a skier, and we always liked the clean, contemporary look of many of the newer homes in Aspen [Colorado],” says Jackie. “By the same token, we wanted our home to keep some of Asheville’s unique personality and charm. Fortunately, I had seen Allard & Roberts’ work and immediately knew they were the perfect designers for the look we were going for.”
Jackie praises the “neutral, timeless backdrop” Allard & Roberts infused throughout the home. “This canvas gives us the ability to change the look of each room from time to time by simply adding accessories in a different color scheme. Now I can’t wait to explore Asheville’s art districts in search of work in bright colors to complement each room of the house.”
RESOURCES
Interior Designer Talli Roberts & Sharon Allard, Allard & Roberts
Builder Tom Vorys, Cornerstone Construction
Cabinetry Benbow & Associates
Countertops Solid Surface Specialists
Furniture Mobilia
Tile Horizon Tile & Stone Gallery
Lighting Lux Lighting
Appliances Ferguson