KBB

KBB

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November 13, 2017

With a relaxed and personal feel, the modern farmhouse style is a trend for which many clients are asking. The homeowners of one new build in Georgia also wanted this look, but they had a twist in mind.

“Even though this home was a new construction, the homeowners didn’t want it to feel new,” said principal designer Cathy Winslow, who worked with a team of designers from LaGrange, Ga.-based Splash Kitchens. “They wanted a farmhouse that was full of personality and history.”

Eclectic Look
This home had an advantage to emulating an authentically historic farmhouse: it is situated on top of a hill on a working farm. Winslow and her team reinforced that idea by having each element – from the cabinetry to the lighting – look as if they had been passed down through several generations of farmers.

“It was a challenge making new cabinetry, appliances and fixtures feel antique,” she added.

Using AutoCAD for space planning, elevations, electrical and plumbing plans, Winslow specified a mix of new products and reclaimed materials for the kitchen.

“We started by using contrasting yet complementary cabinetry, making each section stand alone from each other,” said Winslow. “This created the feel that the pieces were acquired at different times and each had a different style.”

These vignettes or sections of cabinetry have individual colors and finishes but all tie into the same neutral palette. The section with the hood and range is a knotty alder wood with a brown finish and traditional detailing, while the cabinetry directly across the room is painted a light gray with a simpler, more modern design. One smaller vignette holding the sink echoes the alder wood cabinetry, while yet another separate set of storage references the gray, contemporary piece.

“Using different wood species, finishes – painted and stained – and contrasting countertops, we gave the look of individual pieces that may have been acquired over several time periods,” said Winslow, adding that the truly old pieces in the kitchen are reclaimed wood ceiling beams and antique shelving over the sink.

The Centerpiece
One element that seems to stand out from the others is the large island. With a black base, the only white countertop in the kitchen and traditional detailing, this piece ties into the palette and style of the other cabinets while still looking individual.

“This island was designed to be mostly for prep space, as the perimeter has very little room for prep.” said Winslow. “It is also an eat-in island with seating, which allows for gatherings and conversations while cooking.”

Two pendants that resemble lanterns hang above the island. A seven-layer paint process makes the pendants appear as if they have seen several time periods. Their seeded glass, which features tiny bubbles, contributes to the weathered heirloom look of the fixtures.

The Contemporary Secret
While the homeowners wanted an antique look, they still wanted modern luxuries. The most important were the state-of-the-art Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, many of which were built in so they blend better with the design. One of the sets of modern blue cabinets hides a separate refrigerator and freezer. Other modern touches concealed in the kitchen include spice pullouts.

“As a designer, your main goal is to take the vision of the client and create more than what they imagined,” said Winslow. “We loved mixing the materials to portray a timeline of old blended with new.”

Source List

Designer: Cathy Winslow, Splash Kitchens
Photographer: Tom Harper Photography

Cabinetry: Dura Supreme
Dishwasher: ASKO
Freezer: Sub-Zero
Hardware: Hafele
Iron Tables: Custom by Mike Curtis
Lighting: Currey & Co. Bellamy
Microwave: Wolf
Oven: Wolf
Pot Filler: Rohl
Range: Wolf
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero
Sink: NBI Drainboard Sinks

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