Ardrey
Charlotte, NC
REMODEL & INTERIORS – KITCHEN & CASUAL DINING
Though loving their mountain home in West Virginia, our clients were looking for a second residence to allow for longer visits with their family and the grandchildren in the Charlotte area. The community, with which they were enamored, had the definite flavor of Charleston and its eponymous Rainbow Row, including all of its beauty and charm. They also shared their love for a coastal influence, and we took that to heart as we put together the design for their kitchen remodel. The rest of the home had many traditional elements and molding; however, the previous owner had a preference for a contemporary kitchen without any crown detail. There was a disconnect between this area and the main living spaces, so we wanted to bring a sense of cohesion to the rest of their interiors.
The cabinets were replaced with recessed panel doors, adding more depth than the original flat or slab doors. We carried them to the ceiling in order to create illuminated uppers to hold an ironstone collection. We also paneled appliances for a seamless transition. Glass tiles, in shades of blue, inspired the island color. The island allowed for additional seating when the custom table became filled. Quartz countertops provided a bright surface with lower maintenance. New, professional appliances met the needs of a family who believes cooking together is a fun, indoor activity. The textured counter seats and dining chairs evoke the popular seagrass baskets, often found in the lowcountry of South Carolina.
The living room, as we've found in many homes, had been underused. It's now an elegant space for guests to continue after-dinner conversations. (Unearthing possibilities is right in my wheelhouse.) It's also a welcoming spot for this couple to end their day with a glass of wine and a good book, while catching up on each other's events. There's a hidden TV for sneaking in a favorite show and a desk for catching up on a few emails or correspondence.
Crisp, classic, inviting, and comfortable is an apt narrative for the finished results.