High Impact
Striking design elements and high-tech appliances make a bold impression in this chastain park kitchen, creating an inviting but elegant space.
Bold shots of color aren’t necessary in the kitchen of a new French-style abode by Atlanta architecture firm Harrison Design. Instead, a black matte CornuFé range and gracefully curved vent hood from François & Co. are the unexpected pieces that make a dynamic statement.
Homeowner Margaret Sallee says that a photo in The Welcoming House: The Art of Living Graciously by Jane Schwab and Cindy Smith inspired the design and finish choices, particularly the stove. The stone vent hood, with its fluid shape and bands of brushed metal, is a subtle nod to French Country design.
“Everything about this kitchen is just soothing and calm,” says Laurie Lehrich, the Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio designer who created the kitchen for the Sallees. Honed finishes and a subtle palette give the kitchen an
approachable, inviting feel, says Lehrich, while the stone hood is a fresh contrast to the herringbone tile backsplash. The gold-veined quartzite countertops blend with subtle gray cabinets, brass accents and warm metals that balance each other.
A handmade iron chandelier complements the vent hood and is substantial enough for the long island, where the family’s teenagers spend time with friends. A drop-down with a walnut countertop extends the work surface.
Beside a fully integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator, Lehrich created a nook with a built-in Miele coffee maker and easy-to-reach built-in microwave. Mirrored upper cabinets reflect light and add brightness to the space. “The cabinets became a backdrop,” Lehrich says. “They were supporting actors for the architecture.”
ARCHITECTURE Bill Harrison, Harrison Design KITCHEN DESIGN Laurie Lehrich, Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio VENT HOOD The Cinto by François & Co. RANGE CornuFé Series by La Cornue COUNTERTOPS Taj Mahal quartzite through Marmi Natural Stone BACKSPLASH Specialty Tile Products, Traditions in Tile and Stone FAUCETS Renaissance Tile & Bath SINKS European Kitchen & BathWorks REFRIGERATOR Sub-Zero BUILT-IN COFFEE MAKER AND MICROWAVE Miele REFRIGERATOR DRAWERS KitchenAid HARDWARE Matthew Quinn Collection ISLAND AND TABLE LIGHTING Solária Lighting PANTRY OVERHEAD LIGHT RH SCONCES Barbara Barry for Visual Comfort & Co. BARSTOOLS Barbara Barry for McGuire DRAPERIES Sudi Rafi through Home Accent Inc.