Photograph by Marc Mauldin
THE DESIGNER | Jerel Lake
THE ASSIGNMENT | This kitchen renovation required a complete reconfiguration of most of the home’s main level. “The original galley-style space, which we converted into a new scullery/laundry room/powder room, dated back to the ’90s. We relocated the main kitchen to the great room to provide a larger footprint. The clients are seasoned home renovators and home builders. The husband runs Jigsaw Construction and was the contractor on the project,” says Jerel.
PRIORITIES | “I had a blank canvas to create a space that would be the nucleus of the home, opening to a covered porch overlooking a beautiful pool and pool house. It was important that the classic architecture and history of the Buckhead area was carefully considered throughout the design process. With that in mind, it was equally important to create a space with personality, softness, and elements that didn’t fall into the cookie-cutter white kitchen one could expect in that style of home.”
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
FOCAL POINTS | The range wall, featuring magnolia wallpaper and a Provence Blue CornuFé range. The color of the range is repeated on the band of the hood, which is accented with brass nailheads. Sconces have a scallop detail that speaks to the wallpaper. The hood was finished in the same color as the walls to tone down its scale.
KEY CHOICES | Many other selections were derived from the wallpaper. Once that was selected, countertops and overall cabinet color were kept neutral to allow the range wall to feel more prominent. “We added some warmth with the walnut top, and legs with brass feet make the island feel more like a furniture piece, consistent with the classic narrative of the overall project.”
FUNCTION | This kitchen functions as any other chef’s kitchen. On the wall right of the range, there are a 36-inch, built-in fridge, an 18-inch freezer column, and tall pantry storage. The island is equipped with a dishwasher and double bin trash pullout. Interior drawer organizers hold spices and utensils. The wall left of the range has a TV lift integrated into the countertop, which is controlled by remote. That countertop has plenty of storage and functions as a serving buffet for entertaining.
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
CHALLENGE | The biggest was getting mechanical parts and ducting into a space that was originally a living room. Providing wiring, a gas line, and plumbing also took a lot of work and creativity from the contractor.
GOALS | “What I really love in the kitchen is how it feels. All the elements in the space create a delicateness that make the room cozy and inviting.” Repeating details fill the space with little surprises: the arches into the keeping room, the radius on the marble art ledge, the bullnose on the edge of the hood, the pendant lights, the cup pulls. “All of these speak to the delicateness we wanted to create.”
Jerel Lake has been featured in many national and regional publications. Recently named one of House Beautiful’s 2024 Next Wave designers, as well as the winner of the 2024 NKBA Design Competition for the small kitchen category, he is steadily emerging as a prominent designer in the kitchen and bath space. jerellake.com
Photograph by Mali Azima
THE DESIGNERS | Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning, GordonDunning
THE ASSIGNMENT | A gut renovation and design of the kitchen in a circa 1910 bungalow in Candler Park. The family has three teenage boys, so function—especially plenty of accessible food storage—was key. However, the look needed to be consistent with the home’s lattice windows and historic character. “It is always a welcome challenge to rearrange a kitchen or a bathroom in a historic home because it’s always more complicated,” says Cate. “It’s something we love to do. Just give us the parameters. We’ll figure it out.”
THE CHALLENGE | Though GordonDunning wanted to make the wife’s “color dreams come true,” her “spirit colors” were turquoise and purple. Everyone eventually settled on “Teal Stencil” by Sherwin Williams, a color that feels consistent with the Arts and Crafts aesthetic that was prominent when the house was built. Brick walls make the space look more like a vintage addition and help ground the vibrant cabinetry. Streamlined hardware and plumbing fixtures make the space feel current.
FUNCTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS | A large island with no seating provides lots of storage and discourages family members from dumping book bags and other stuff on the island. Three storage garages also help contain clutter. A “food wall” with a pantry and fridge keeps snackers out of the primary prep area, and two sinks help keep dirty dishes under control.
NICE SURPRISE | The designers removed columns between the kitchen and the living room, discovering that they were merely decorative and not load-bearing.
FOCAL POINT | Color turned out to be the star, even outshining the dramatic brass-trimmed range hood.
GordonDunning is an Atlanta-based boutique interior design firm founded by Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning. They have been recognized as House Beautiful Next Wave Designers, members of the prestigious Design Leadership Network, and one of the Southeast’s Firms to Watch by ADAC. Their work has been featured in House Beautiful, the Washington Post, ArchitecturalDigest.com, and others.They support the Atlanta History Center and the Georgia Trust and are passionate about renovating historic homes. gordondunning.com
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
THE DESIGNER | Gabriela Eisenhart, Silo Studios
THE ASSIGNMENT | A family with two toddlers wanted to update the kitchen in their 1970s Sandy Springs ranch and open it up to the main living spaces. The existing kitchen had imposing walls of white cabinetry and appliances and black countertops, indicating that the last renovation was probably done in the ’90s. Gabriela added a large island and removed walls to make the kitchen, family room, and dining room flow together.
INSPIRATION | Gabriela wanted the kitchen to feel fresh and fun; however, she advised her young clients to keep the look classic so that their investment would hold up over time. A dark forest green island reflects their wooded yard and contrasts with warm neutrals used elsewhere. Clever touches like cement pendants and brass barstools add youthful edge.
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
FOCAL POINT | The inspiration for the custom range hood was a tiled oven that Gabriela spotted in a pizza restaurant. She had installed a rounded hood in her own kitchen in 2021. The clients loved it and convinced her to create one for them. “Now, I’m not doing it anymore,” she says. “I’m done, and my contractors are done, done, because they’re really hard to do. But I loved adding it in this rectangular home and rectangular kitchen.”
CHALLENGES | The family room is an A-frame space, and the kitchen has nine-foot ceilings. Combining the two presented major structural challenges. However, opening up the living spaces was a top priority for the young family, as was adding a large island. Also, like many ranch houses, the home had dark, red oak floors with narrow planks, which can be difficult to update, says Gabriela. Fortunately, she was able to stain them a lighter, blonde color.
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
FORM & FUNCTION | An appliance cabinet and pantry help contain clutter. Storage built into the island has hidden hardware to keep the look streamlined. Open shelving with brass rails gives “breathing room” along the lengthy range wall.
FAVORITE PRODUCTS | Gabriela loves the glazed ceramic wall tile, which has a glossy finish with variations in hues and tones. The quartzite countertops provide a timeless, natural stone element but are more durable than marble.
Gabriela Eisenhart came to design after a career in the film industry. In 2023, she opened her third studio, Silo Studios, which she named for her two sons (Silas and Oscar). Since then, with the support of her all-woman team, Gabriela has transformed homes in Atlanta and beyond, infusing them with coveted Mediterranean style, which reflects her family’s Italian roots. silostudiodesign.com
Photograph by Lacey Land
THE DESIGNERS | Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters, Forbes Masters
THE ASSIGNMENT | This kitchen renovation was part of a whole-house renovation for a young professional couple with a toddler. “We aimed to provide an elegant upgrade for a builder-basic, suburban kitchen with white cabinetry and a shiplap range hood,” say the designers.
THE INSPIRATION | “The homeowners wanted to make bold design choices and incorporate their impressive art collection into the whole home. All spaces needed to reflect the well-traveled, art-collector vibe of this young family.”
FAVORITE TOUCH | “The cabinet color! Although one of the darkest we’ve ever used for kitchen cabinets, the room offers so much natural light that we felt high contrast was the way to go.”
UNIQUE FEATURE | Typically, the longer side of an island is parallel to the range, whereas here it was perpendicular. “We were concerned that this arrangement would feel disjointed, but two oversized black artistic fixtures pulled things together nicely.”
FOCAL POINT | The combination of finishes
KEY DESIGN CHOICES | “The bold paint choice for the cabinetry, of course. We also went from three pendants to two to provide the illusion of a larger island. And replacing shiplap on the range hood (and on the living room fireplace) with more streamlined profiles.” Challenge | The kitchen was large, so making impactful enhancements while staying within budget was key.
Forbes Masters is a nationally acclaimed luxury interior design studio that helps owners and project managers conceptualize, plan, and design luxurious interior spaces. Their work has been featured by Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Essence, and other publications. They have been named AD Rising Stars and worked on the 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House. forbesmasters.com
RESOURCES | Jerel Lake | Contractor: Jigsaw Construction. Range: La Cornue CornuFé, Provence Blue, Howard Payne Company. Appliances: Thermador, Howard Payne Company. Cabinet hardware: Matthew Quinn Collection. Wallpaper: GP&J Baker. Pendant light: Visual Comfort. Art light: CB2. Island wood top: Against the Grain Wood Tops. Countertops: Ciot. Sconces: Etsy. | GordonDunning | Kitchen Pendants (Goodman Hanging Light) and sconces (Clemente Double Sconce), Visual Comfort. Faucet and pot filler, Brizo. Cabinet paint color: “Teal Stencil,” Sherwin-Williams. Pulls: Menlo Collection, Schaub. Hood: Hoodsly. Rugs: Parviz Rug. Butler’s pantry Pendant: Arteriors. Hardware: West Slope Collection, Rejuvenation. Paint Color: “Creamy,” Sherwin-Williams. | Forbes Masters | Contractor: Josso Carpentry LLC. Barstools: Sedes Counter Stool, Noir; upholstered in Shagreen Leather in “Dew Drops,” Holly Hunt. Paint: “Andiron,” Sherwin-Williams. Roman shade fabric: Pindler. Pendant lights: Visual Comfort. Hood: Through contractor. Hardware: Rejuvenation. | Gabriela Eisenhart | Cabinets: Custom. Cabinet color: “Drop Cloth,” Farrow & Ball. Island color: “Hidden Falls,” Benjamin Moore. Island lighting: Elliot Grande Pendant, Visual Comfort. Kitchen wall sconces: Whare Sconce, Visual Comfort. Shelf Sconce: Cabinet Maker’s Picture Light, Visual Comfort. Hardware: Emtek, Build with Ferguson. Backsplash: Chloé Tile, Bedrosians Tile & Stone. Countertop: Taj Mahal Quartzite. Pitcher: Bloomingville Stoneware. Brass accents and art: Vintage. Glass Canisters: Williams Sonoma. Bowl on Island: Serena & Lily.
This article appears in our Fall 2024 issue of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.
