Luxury Living Show Dream Kitchen 2010

We didn’t call it a dream kitchen for nothing. After all, it was constructed in the heart of Phipps Plaza—in just two nights!— while most of Atlanta was sleeping.

Written by Clinton Smith Produced by Clinton Smith & Rachel Cardina Lasserre Photographed by Erica George Dines

July 2010

The anchor—and star—of the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Luxury Living Show, held this past May at Phipps Plaza, was no doubt the Luxury Kitchen designed by Inspirations Kitchen & Bath. The expression “dream kitchen” took on additional meaning with this endeavor. Sure, it was ﬁlled with top-notch Viking appliances, amazing cabinetry and exquisite surfaces, but our event emcee Carolyn O’Neil put it best: it was the kitchen of our dreams not only because of its good looks and amazing features, but also because it was literally constructed over the course of two nights after the mall closed while most of Atlanta was sleeping!

The kitchen—located in the mall’s Monarch Plaza—was abuzz with activity all month. It started with coverage on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta and CBS Atlanta’s Better Mornings, followed by cooking demonstrations put on by some of the city’s top chefs, including Virginia Willis, Alisa Barry and Tom Catherall, as well as special guest Jennifer Bushman working in partnership with the Georgia Natural Gas TrueBlue Schools Program.

As the month progressed, mall guests had the opportunity to check out the kitchen on their own—opening drawers, discovering clever storage solutions and exploring all of the unique details and craftsmanship that went into its construction. And though the kitchen was up for almost 31 days, and has since been dismantled, it now seems like it was just a dream—except, of course, to the thousands who saw it.

WATER WORLD
Today’s kitchens are all about the mix. Here, a contemporary faucet by Hansgrohe is a nice juxtaposition to the kitchen’s traditional cabinetry.

NOW YOU SEE IT…
The appliance garage is not only a perfect spot for this KitchenAid mixer, but also any array of small appliances. The microwave below it is by Viking.

TRAY CHIC
An undermount single-bowl stainless steel sink by Julien features both a removable colander and a bottom grid (ideal for drying fine glasses).

SEAMLESS STYLE
Bell Custom Cabinetry’s detailing is both stylish and functional. Here, a hidden storage compartment doubles as an architectural element when closed.

HIDE AND SEEK
More hidden storage puts most-used ingredients and spices within arm’s reach. Le Creuset cookware from Williams-Sonoma. Range, Viking.

STACK IT UP
Deep drawers allow for optimal storage of plates and other dishware. Removable and interchangable pegs allow for personal customization.

STONE STORY
Calacatta Fantastico honed marble was specified for the counters and backsplashes that flank the range. Cappuccino machine, Williams-Sonoma.

GLASS ACT
Medici Mosaics’ Bellini Glass was chosen as a focal point for the area behind the range. Available through A & S Marble and Granite Imports.

IN PLAIN SIGHT
There’s no need for frequently used items to be hidden away. Here, beautifully finished sliding shelves allow for easy access to cooking essentials.

WARMING TREND
A custom panel warming drawer from Viking allows food to stay at temperature settings ranging from 90ºF to 250ºF.

FINAL TOUCHES
The polished nickel cabinet hardware from The Matthew Quinn Collection is known for its heft, durability and stylish proportions.

UNDER FOOT
Oversize Pewter Fossil honed limestone tiles—each one, 18 x 18 inches—add a subtle pattern to the kitchen’s design scheme without being overpowering.

Kitchen Designer
Michael Bell & Paul Castell
Inspirations Kitchen & Bath
1250 Alpha Drive, Alpharetta 30004
(770) 751-7861
InspirationsKB.com

Interior Designer
Gretchen Edwards
Gilstrap Edwards Interior Design
345 Peachtree Hills Avenue, NE,
Atlanta 30305
(404) 869-4401
GilstrapEdwards.com

Flooring, Countertops & Backsplash
A & S Marble and Granite Imports
1395 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta 30318
(404) 603-8182
ASMarble.com

Fabrication of Countertops
Premier Surfaces
845 McFarland Parkway, Alpharetta 30004
(770) 475-0004
PremierSurfaces.com

Viking Appliances
Hadco
325 Horizon Drive, Suwanee 30024
(770) 932-7282
Hadco.net

The Viking Store
1745 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30309
(404) 745-9065
VikingToGo.com

Plumbing & Sink
Plumbing Distributors, Inc.
1121 Huff Road, NW, Atlanta 30318
(404) 352-5003
PDIPlumbing.com

Undercounter & Accent Lighting
Jesco Lighting,
represented by The Spero Group Inc.
3681 High Green Drive, Marietta 30068
(770) 380-9170
JescoLighting.com

Cabinet Hardware
Matthew Quinn Collection
349 Peachtree Hills Avenue, Atlanta 30305
(404) 974-3560
MatthewQuinnCollection.com

Accessories
Williams-Sonoma, Phipps Plaza
(404) 237-0912
Williams-Sonoma.com