Carolina Home + Garden / Spring 2011 / Kitchens: Sweet Spot

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Kitchens: Sweet Spot

If one is fortunate, there is a place in the home and, indeed, in one’s life, where all the disparate elements seem to converge into a pleasing balance. Some call it the “golden mean” but for most of us, it’s simply “the sweet spot.” In Laura and David Bourne’s Asheville home, that’s the kitchen.

Which is not to say that the rest of the house isn’t quite lovely. A 1950s ranch in a charming, family neighborhood, its solid bones and hillside location (with exquisite Doan Ogden landscaping) drew the Bournes from the start.

But after living in the house for four years they realized that there were some modifications necessary to make it truly functional for themselves and their two young daughters.

They “bit the bullet” and undertook a major renovation with architect Maury Hurt of Black Mountain and Carolina Cornerstone Construction.
High on the list of priorities was integrating the walled-in, sequestered kitchen into the main living area by knocking out the wall that separated it. “From the minute we got into the house, I knew I wanted to push out the kitchen because we have such a great view,” Laura recalls. “I wanted the kitchen to be in the middle of things.”

As Hurt worked out the grand plan, the Bournes enlisted the assistance of Interior Designer Charlton Bradsher — “Brad” to his friends — to create a unified aesthetic. In making his recommendations for their kitchen, Bradsher considered the couple’s lifestyle — their love for entertaining, their extensive collection of local art pottery, the need for a combined work and family space and Laura’s passion for baking (she’s a trained pastry chef and her creations have contributed to many catered affairs).

“The big thing that Brad did for us was to look at our plans and, seeing that we had a bay window in the kitchen’s breakfast nook, suggest, ‘Why don’t you get rid of that and put in a long bank of windows,’” notes David. “I didn’t know we could do that. It made a big difference.”
“The windows really contribute to the openness of the space,” Laura agrees. “Plus, my daughters love to run loops around the yard, so now I can keep an eye on them.” To create a workspace that would lure the girls indoors to do projects and help Mom bake cookies, Bradsher and the Bournes enlisted the design and installation skills of April Hand and the team from Benbow and Associates.

To establish a fresh, uncluttered feeling, a plan evolved to feature an oversized, granite-topped island — and no hanging cupboards. “Brad is very into contemporary design,” notes Laura. “I’m more into shabby chic, cottage style. So he had to talk me into the low cabinetry. I thought, being a tall woman, I would need upper cabinets, but now I love it.”  The lengthy, unencumbered wall is now dressed in a backsplash of Evergreen subway-style ceramic tile from Seneca Tile, further elongating the visual space, reflecting light and adding an upbeat, outdoorsy element to the room.

The inset cabinetry is bright, clean and unfussy —  but exquisitely functional. The island base, built-in sideboard and under-window woodwork is from Medallion Cabinetry, coated in a White Chocolate finish and accented with Shaub hardware from the Artiflex collection. “I do sometimes think …white? With a six-year-old, an eight-year-old and a big golden retriever?” Laura says with a laugh. “But it does maintain nicely.”

It’s all part of the plan, explains April Hand. “These cabinets have a baked-on enamel finish that’s really durable.” To maximize usable space, the low drawers extend fully for organizing cookware and dishware and feature soft-touch closing. With such easy access, the Bourne girls can easily assist with kitchen projects and cleanup. A walk in pantry, just off the main area, offers ample storage for larger items.

With plenty of seating at the generous island, the family can entertain, whip up fabulous dinners (and desserts!) or gather a gaggle of girls for arts and crafts projects — all in a light filled, uplifting environment with lots of room to breathe.
And what could be sweeter than that?