This Entertainer’s Dream Space Reminds Why the Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

Stainless steel appliances—including a full-size wine fridge—reflect restaurant-grade kitchens and elevate the entertaining experience.

Wow guests with a personal chef’s table! In lieu of a separate dining room, an extra-large island that can accommodate 10 people offers a front-row seat to the kitchen action while hosting.

Mixing metals, colors, and materials lends a dynamic layer to any space. No need for artwork here—lush scenes thanks to wall-to-wall windows serve as a natural gallery wall.

An inviting and functional kitchen was necessary for an Atlanta couple who love to cook and entertain. “They wanted their kitchen to be a sanctuary of flavor and joy,” says interior designer Liz Shults of Le Chateau Interiors, who teamed up with Square Feet Studio’s Blake Burton, Ryan DeCesaro of Morgan Creek, and Rick Fierer of Bildon Construction to deliver just that.

“I envisioned a kitchen where unique materials and textures intertwine to create a space that is both sophisticated and inviting,” says Shults, who pulled her clients outside of their comfort zone with blue marble countertops and blue backsplash tile. A specialty wood ceiling nods to nature, as do custom windows that run the length of the kitchen and living area and bathe the interiors in natural light. “I believe in mixing metals, wood, and stone to craft an interesting and dynamic space that reflects the beauty of the natural world,” adds Shults.

In place of a traditional separate dining room, the design team opted for an extra-large island that doubles as a dining table for 10, allowing guests to feel part of the cooking experience. “This further reinforces the kitchen’s role as the social core of the home,” says Burton.

Meanwhile, custom cabinetry by Morgan Creek offers ample storage, including built-ins for both dry and cold storage. Says Burton, “Our clients wanted a visible kitchen that could accommodate intimate dinner parties and social gatherings, so it was important that the kitchen become a high-functioning space with high-quality finishes.”