Polished kitchen was designed for prime efficiency
By: Carolyn Kemmett
In this serene custom kitchen, the island is crafted to unite host and guest. Chef-level amenities exist on the working side and stay-a-while seating trims the perimeter. Cabinetry by Gregory Paolini Design.
Photo by Ryan Theede
The kitchen at Cove Creek Chalet glows with intentional understatement. It owes all its drama to a superior partnership of elegance and efficiency.
This is no “just for show” space. “Functionality topped the needs list,” says Interior Designer and Selections Coordinator Jennifer Scott with Tyner Construction, who worked with owners Carol and Larry Adelman from beginning to end. “They were great,” she says. “As you get to know clients, the project evolves, and so does your relationship. They were receptive to ideas and also good at saying ‘No’ when something didn’t feel right, which is important.”
These projects, Scott emphasizes, require much deliberation about balancing beauty and order. For example, while one side of the island provides abundant seating — the owners are frequent hosts — “the functional side features the microwave and warming drawers, and we incorporated a prep sink.”
Mountain Modern has always leaned away from rustic, and Scott defines this latest iteration of the style as “focus[ing] on linear scale and clean-looking elements.” The walls and island cabinets are painted pale gray to contrast with the white cabinetry array, all custom made by Gregory Paolini Designs. “Complexity and depth,” says Scott, are imparted by “the island veining, textural and reflective tiles, and stainless-steel appliances.” The island’s waterfall edge, modern feet, and weighty countertop are strategic — but not strident — bold touches. Context is also key: The kitchen island opens to both the dining and living areas and must support the entire space’s fluidity.
Scott describes the residence, located in the Cliffs at Walnut Cove as transitional, containing elements that are both modern and classic. “It stays true to the clients’ tastes and preferences,” Scott says, “and it sits firmly within the 21st century.”
However, properly orienting the kitchen around a centrally placed, white-oak arched ceiling section from which pendant lights now hang, was likely the project’s biggest challenge. “The difficulty,” shares Scott, “was that the ceiling section had to be centered over the island and lined up precisely with the kitchen window in front of the sink.
“This might sound simple, but it was a feat to get it right. It was absolutely the right decision, though, as it adds warmth and homeyness.” She credits Project Manager Daniel Gilham for his key role. “He did a phenomenal job working out the kinks.”
Delight is in the details, and Scott and the owners both express excitement over a small but mighty corner that holds a concealable coffee bar (also designed by Gregory Paolini). “It has everything you need in one place,” declares Scott, “including cups, supplies, and an appliance garage. It’s illuminated so you can see what you’re doing, and you can simply close the doors to hide any mess.” She then takes a moment to compliment Kayla Burris, Design Services Manager at Asheville’s Atelier Maison & Co., for her staging skills throughout the home.
The Adelmans couldn’t love it more, with Carol echoing Scott’s opinion about the kitchen’s functionality and the much-loved coffee bar. “One example of our kitchen’s efficiency is that on either side of our Thermador range, we’ve got a pullout, one for spices and the other for utensils,” notes Carol. “This makes cooking a breeze.”
As for the coffee bar, both she and Larry love performing their morning coffee ritual there. “We shared many home-and-garden magazine images with Jennifer for inspiration,” she declares. “She was fabulous in making this feature a reality for us, and working closely with our cabinet maker.”
Carol adds that they also love their walk-in pantry. “It has a window, nice lighting, and there’s a countertop where I keep my mixer, toaster, and bread machine,” she says. “They’re close, but don’t take up space on the kitchen counters, which is nice.”
Carol says their kitchen turned out better than they could ever have dreamed. “The room has a real ‘wow factor’ that delivers every day for us,” she says. “Having a wonderful designer like Jennifer was incredible. She never overwhelmed us with choices, she learned our taste — and she was spot-on with colors.”
Resources:
Architect: Wilson Architects (Asheville)
Builder: Tyner Construction (Arden and Burnsville)
Interior Designer: Jennifer Scott (Tyner)
Cabinetry: Gregory Paolini Design (Canton)
Tile: Crossville Studios (Fletcher)
Flooring: Hardwoods by Design (Granite Falls, NC)
Countertops: Mountain Marble
Staging: Atelier Maison & Co. (Asheville)
Appliances: Haywood Appliance (Asheville)