Natural Wonder
Contemporary sleekness mingles with a serene sense of cool in a kitchen by Harrison Design
A young couple living in a tucked-away, wooded neighborhood in the Buckhead-Sandy Springs area wanted their midcentury modern home’s kitchen to be big on scenic views and natural light. Architectural designer Derek Hopkins and interior designer Karen Ferguson of Harrison Design worked together to create a tranquil, yet impactful kitchen reflective of its nature-rich surroundings. “Architecturally, we maximized the amount of natural light entering the kitchen by incorporating more windows and skylights,” says Hopkins. “The kitchen also became an indoor-outdoor space thanks to a wall of motorized sliding glass doors that lead to a large exterior deck, built specifically for entertaining.”
With an open floor plan to the dining and living rooms, Ferguson used reverse psychology when reimagining the kitchen. “We wanted it to feel more like a living space, not just a kitchen, so the spaces are uniform,” she says. Pale oak cabinetry purposely mimics wood paneling, and everything is touch latch—including the refrigerator and freezer—with upper steel cabinetry concealing the range hood. Contrasting walnut floors complement the cabinetry’s bleached oak, presenting beautifully with the ivory walls. Ferguson also brought nature indoors with a wide-edge organic wood bar countertop. “It’s almost like a piece of art in the room—it’s very sculptural,” adds Hopkins.
Dashes of rich color and organic texture add interest to the quiet space, from a statement-making rug with feathers to contemporary counter stools in navy leather with copper metal bases. “We purchased items that made a big impact in the space,” says Ferguson. A glass-enclosed wine room plays off the kitchen, reinforcing the same materials again, while the dining room features an ethereal chandelier that iridescently reflects the natural light. “It’s a serene place but it’s also a workhorse of a kitchen,” she says. “You can have something that works really well, yet be gorgeous at the same time.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER Karen Ferguson, Harrison Design ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Derek Hopkins, Harrison Design CONTRACTOR All Square Contracting CABINETRY, HOOD, BAR COUNTER Block + Chisel COUNTERTOP AND BACKSPLASH Sky Gold Quartzite REFRIGERATOR Dacor FLOORING Crafted Supply COUNTER STOOLS Carlyle Collective covered in Spinneybeck leather RUG Maarten de Ceulaer DINING CHAIRS Agrippa covered in Keleen Leathers leather DINING TABLE Skram CHANDELIER John Pomp