Natural Talent
Outdoor elements inspire this kitchen renovation by Lorraine Enwright in this 2023 Kitchen of the Year winner
When a pair of homeowners fell in love with this Buckhead home’s sprawling, wooded landscape—and the way the house was situated perfectly to enjoy the property’s jaw-dropping sunset views—they decided to renovate rather than rebuild.
Among these renovations was a complete overhaul of the kitchen, which architectural designer Lorraine Enwright of Intuitive Dwellings by Enwright Design Collaborative Inc. moved from the front of the home to the west-facing rear. This adjustment allowed the space to become open to the family room and afforded views of the property’s pool, wooded backyard and stunning sunsets.
For an entertaining-friendly element that also took advantage of the scenic setting, Enwright implemented an L-shape island (a request from the homeowners) that offered bar seating facing the pool and “would double as an hors d’oeuvre buffet for the dining room,” says the designer. On the opposite side, a custom breakfast table and built-in bench provide plenty of space for gathering while offering visibility of the pool and family room.
To play off the home’s surroundings, Enwright anchored the kitchen with nature-inspired elements, including horn hardware and a trough planter on the island—a nod to the wife’s love of flowers and a “zone differentiation” between the island and the table.
Enwright and the client also selected a Blue Roma marble for the backsplash and counters, which “had the cooling tones of water—like the pool—and organic branch-like veining that spoke to the natural character of their wooded lot,” she says.
Adding a sense of timelessness is a mix of painted and French oak cabinetry, fabricated by Bell Cabinetry & Design. Beveled plaster surrounds built by Chris Donnelly of Brookside Custom Homes “give both timeless and modern character to the design.”
Says Enwright on her process: “Our approach with every client—whether working architecturally or with the interior design—is to find the elements and experiences that speak to their hearts and create a home that feels right to them on multiple levels.”
ARCHITECTURAL AND KITCHEN DESIGN Lorraine Enwright, Intuitive Dwellings by Enwright Design Collaborative Inc. BUILDER Chris Donnelly, Brookside Custom Homes CABINETRY Bell Cabinetry & Design ISLAND COUNTERTOP Concrete quartz through Caesarstone BACKSPLASH and COUNTERTOPS Blue Roma marble through Construction Resources, fabricated by Top Shop Stone HARDWARE Matthew Quinn Collection PENDANT LIGHTS Tech Lighting through Circa Lighting CUSTOM BREAKFAST TABLE Pegleg Studio BARSTOOLS Pasha Furniture, Inc. CHEVRON VENEER ACCENTS Maya Romanoff through Paul+
See the other 2023 Kitchen of the Year winners:
