Written by: Tiffany Carboni

A collaboration between Shoreline Architecture Design, Glenwood Custom Builders, and Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home, this house in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, NC offers a modern interpretation of a mountain retreat.

And the kitchen is no exception. Project lead designer Moe Draz and firm principal Linda McDougald created a clean-lined space that took full advantage of the architectural details. They set the stage by facing the vaulted ceiling with thin Ironworks bricks from General Shale. Similarly, by using 100-year-old reclaimed oak floors planks, the new construction is equipped with an instant patina.

The inset cabinetry is painted Downing Earth from Sherwin Williams and features antique pewter hardware from Colonial Bronze. Jose Florez of Florez Fine Woodworking in Greenville, SC built the cabinets to be both masculine and utilitarian. McDougald says, “Jose came from a family of furniture makers and the quality of his work reflects that. We’re very lucky to work with him because he can build us anything we draw.”

The simple, square-lined island includes a prep sink and generous overhang with room for two counter-height stools. From the dining room, the island looks like a table, but on the reverse side numerous doors and drawers provide tremendous storage. “Instead of upper cabinets, we opted for open shelving to let the windows breathe and natural views prevail,” explains Draz. “That means all the lower cabinets need to be efficient.”

The counters are Amazon Canopy granite imported from Brazil polished to expose their subtle wood grain texture. Over the range, Vetro Neutra tiles from Casa Dolce Casa contrast against the walls painted in Sherwin Williams’ Windsor Greige, and tie in with the window mullions painted in Benjamin Moore’s Bronzetone. The backsplash along the perimeter is bordered with a river-colored liner from Sonoma Tilemakers’ Tantrum Collection.

Appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and icemaker, Miele coffeemaker and Bosch (http://www.bosch.us) dishwasher. The stainless steel finishes reflect light and offer an industrial feel. Above the Lacanche range, the custom-made hood by Vent-a-Hood, with its rivets and strapping, punctuates the room’s mountainous look. The farmhouse sink from Kohler features a stainless apron that offers an updated twist to the style.

Antique hammered nickel pendants from Circa Lighting cast a warm glow over the island. When more lighting is needed, recessed cans brighten the space while rope lighting hidden in the ceiling’s barrels offer a more romantic setting.

This might be a new home in the suburbs, but this kitchen offers a mountainous retreat feel with all the modern conveniences one could wish for.