Inside Out

A direct connection to the outdoors inspired a fresh and organic vibe in this 2022 Kitchen of the Year winner by LAUREN DELOACH INTERIORS and SOUTH HAVEN BUILDERS

Building a house from scratch afforded the homeowners of this Atlanta dwelling carte blanche in creating spaces tailored specifically for their family of four. At the helm of bringing their ideas to life was designer Lauren DeLoach and design and build firm South Haven Builders. 

“Two of the things that were really important to them were the proportions of the kitchen as well as its placement within the home’s layout,” says DeLoach. “They love to entertain and both of these things played into that.” 

The kitchen’s generous dimensions allowed for two islands, which ticked many boxes for the homeowners. During large gatherings they facilitate a flow in traffic pattern and offer additional seating for guests. On a daily basis, the dual islands offer the husband plenty of space to cook and test out new recipes. 

Having the kitchen adjacent to the home’s outdoor spaces was also high on the wish list. Pocket doors from the kitchen now lead onto a fully equipped covered porch (and pool just beyond) to provide a seamless transition from indoors to out. 

The home’s leafy surroundings inspired its clean and natural aesthetic that DeLoach accomplished through a careful balance of contemporary lines with soft, warm finishes. Rift sawn white oak cabinetry, marble surfaces and a plaster hood establish a restrained color palette that’s dappled with sunlight streaming in through large steel windows, which effectively provided another connection to the outdoors. 

However, to break up the monotony of the clean lines and harder surfaces, DeLoach selected an antique draper’s table that was sealed and put on casters for the second island. “I love adding in pieces that have history and patina. It’s always very successful in creating personality,” she says. “Antiques all have a story to tell, and now this table is primed for many more over the years as the family and guests gather round.” 

Design Details Kitchen Designers Lauren DeLoach Interiors and South Haven Builders Contractor Keystone Millworks and South Haven Builders CABINETRY Keystone Millworks HOOD Custom by South Haven Builders COUNTERTOPS and BACKSPLASH Levantina ISLAND STOOLS Lee Industries ISLAND PENDANTS and SCONCES Circa Lighting BREAKFAST TABLE RH BREAKFAST CHAIRS Mathews Furniture + Design

See our other 2022 Kitchen of the Year winners: