Homeowner Heather Stepp calls herself “a decorator by hobby,” before praising all the trusted vendors who helped her renovate this mountain-rustic dream space. A combination kitchen and “hearth room” (a corner fireplace replaces the former breakfast nook) segueing into a dining area, the room heartily broadcasts the work of local artisans in an inspired blend of natural materials. Stepp reveals that she and her husband Christopher have “bought, built, or flipped six homes in 18 years.” She has also worked on commercial properties, which suggests a definite expertise.
With the couple’s latest home, in the heart of Flat Rock, “I decided to see how far I could go,” she says. “There were some tough decisions along the way, like whether to lightly pickle the cedar ceiling” — a method of weathering wood to make it appear antique. She went for it, and reports: “We are very pleased with the way it turned out.”
The combination of rustic-cherry and distressed-black cabinetry provides a striking contrast against the light hickory and pecan flooring. An ultra-long island, together with the counters, are topped with leathered granite by Stone Connection Granite Interiors in the jubilant “Golden Ray” scheme. The bold, chunky rock backsplash and hearth-room fireplace surround feature a meticulously chosen blend of Tennessee Fieldstone.
The stone theme is carried throughout the house, including a pebbled sink backsplash in the powder room. This delightful space also features a sculptural Walt Cottingham mirror framed by branches.
Stepp enthuses about Cottingham’s work, along with that of her stonemasons — the Motes family of Stone Connection and Frankie Ledbetter of Frankie Ledbetter Stone Work — and her cabinetmaker, Greg Cheadle of Woodform Cabinetry in Flat Rock. “Greg is amazing, and just a nice guy, too,” she says. “His work and commitment to the project are truly top-notch.”
She’s a homeowner with a lot of great ideas, but she doesn’t pretend she did it alone.
RESOURCES
Architect: Wayland Shamburger, Shamburger Architecture
Builder: Grasperge Construction
Countertops: Stone Connection Granite Interiors
Flooring: Gennett Lumber and Hardwood Flooring
Cabinetry: Woodform Cabinetry *
Backsplash: Frankie Ledbetter Stone Work
Furniture: Yesterday’s Tree; Heartland Amish Furniture