SHELBY, NC — Many designers are tasked with updating older houses and melding a home’s original character with modern amenities. This particular kitchen remodel, designed by Taylor Walker of Greenbrook Design in Shelby, NC, took that concept up a notch. The home – Seven Gables – has since been listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for architecture as an intact and locally significant Tudor Revival-style residence in Shelby.
The project involved updating the home, which was built in 1929, while maintaining its historic charm, combining practicality, classic style and a sense of history. “Creating a modern Tudor Revival style was challenging,” notes Walker, “as it required careful work to keep the home’s original feel while adding stylish and useful updates for today’s living. Creative design and custom cabinetry brought everything together, staying true to the home’s timeless style while making it more functional for today’s lifestyle.”
“The kitchen at Seven Gables is more than just a cooking space – it’s a transformative journey.”
Highlights of the project included designing a custom kitchen and transforming the former butler’s pantry into a chic bar area. A pantry was also created to store dishes, serving pieces and other amenities.
“With tailored designs and exquisite finishes, the custom cabinetry from Walker Woodworking stands as a centerpiece, honoring past while embracing modern elegance,” stresses Walker. The maple inset cabinetry features Sherwin-Williams Pure White paint on the perimeter, with refrigerator panels and coffee bar distinguished in Benjamin Moore’s Steel Wool.
Also featured in the main kitchen is a La Cornue 43″ black range with gold trim, a custom hood with satin gold banding from Stoll Industries, Cristallo Lumix Quartzite countertops, interior cabinet fittings from Rev-A-Shelf, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, Cove dishwasher and Wolf ovens.
A new bar area was also created as part of the kitchen, providing a spacious area to entertain guests. Besides hosting events, the bar is a cozy spot for family gatherings and a nice area for displaying food, serving as either a dessert station or a full bar, notes Walker.
“The bar was designed to be a flexible space that blends functionality, elegance and everyday use,” she adds.
Custom cabinets that maximize storage coordinate with the main kitchen’s cabinets, and provide a convenient area to house crystal glasses, liquor and other necessities for events. Paneled Sub-Zero appliances were incorporated into the space, keeping the area clean and streamlined. The LED-backlit Pink Quartz and floating shelves are key features of the design and provide a blend of elegance and modern style, offers Walker, as does the Monsita gold bar 15″ sink and brass foot rail.
Finished to match the perimeter cabinetry, a custom range hood with satin gold banding is supported by custom corbels.
A La Cornue black range with gold trim is the star of the kitchen, combining old world charm and modern cooking elements.
Gold tones that complement Cristallo Lumix Quartzite countertops and backsplash are evident in the hardware and faucetry.
Walnut cabinet interiors and drawers are in keeping with the kitchen’s elevated design.
The DeLonghi La Specialista espresso machine anchors the coffee bar that is hidden behind closed doors.
Backlit LED Pink Quartz provides a dramatic and elegant backdrop for crystal glass used in the bar area.
Paneled Sub-Zero undercounter appliances and glass-front upper cabinets deliver beauty and added functionality to the space.
Gold hardware is used throughout the kitchen to complement the room’s touches of gold.
Antique mirror behind mullions adds a dramatic, sophisticated old world element.
A ladder rail from Wine Cellar Specialties, also seen in the kitchen, supports a moveable ladder that provides access to high spaces.
The pantry provides storage for extra dishes, crystal and serving pieces and includes finishes used in the main
kitchen.
