Photograph by Cati Teague
Blue Streak
By LIA PICARD
A family kitchen that’s stylish and functional doesn’t have to be unattainable. That’s what designer Gina Sims set out to prove when physician Teresa Lo and her husband, writer Grant Weber, tapped her to renovate their Morningside kitchen. Using clever tricks, Gina was able to give the space a huge transformation while maintaining the existing layout, cabinets, and appliances.
The Goal
To spiff up the cosmetic appeal on a budget, while maintaining the cabinetry, appliances, and layout. The main tools were paint, tile, and fixtures.
Color pop
For maximum impact, Gina went bold with color. The lower cabinets were painted “Seaworthy” by Sherwin-Williams, while the coral-hued “Rejuvenate” on the door provides a funky contrast. Trimming the windows in black added a crisp, clean edge.
Fine finishes
Reworking the cabinets made them look like new. More modern molding was added, the microwave was hidden behind doors, and a built-in desk was converted into usable counter space with a wine rack below. New Caesarstone countertops and a backsplash in Merola rhombus tile rounded out the look without much demolition.
Simple swaps
With plenty of pizzazz from the teal cabinets, Gina selected clean-lined pendants from Shades of Light to illuminate the counter.
Run with it
“We wanted to bring in plenty of color with rugs and textiles,” Gina says. She found the inexpensive antique runner on Etsy.
Seat warmer
West Elm’s leather Slope stools give an element of warmth, and their earthy tone plays off the brass accents and coral door.
Resources
Interior design: Gina Sims Designs, ginasimsdesigns.com
Contractor: Atlanta Home Concepts
Photograph by Rustic White
French Flavor
Every Sunday, artist and decorator Nancy Race and her husband, Kevin, host their three grown children and grandchildren for a homemade feast at their Parisian-style home in Buckhead. A kitchen renovation by architect Linda MacArthur, kitchen designer Jane Hollman of Studio Entourage, and builder Michael Ladisic created a beautiful space that can handle serious cooking.
The Goal
To invite natural light into a major overhaul in the same footprint. In addition to creating windows and a clerestory, all new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances were installed.
Make light work
Linda added windows on either side of the range and punched out a dramatic clerestory above, cloaking the workspace in sunlight.
Drink up
A bar area, painted Benjamin Moore “Evening Dove” to match the island, is out of the way of the cooking action. Cabinetry is by Bell Cabinetry.
Cooking with gas
Nancy loves to braise dishes like coq au vin and swears by her La Cornue range. “I didn’t think something so pretty could be so functional,” she jokes. The hardworking, deep stainless-steel sink makes for quick clean-up.
Statement pieces
Old French doors from Inner Pieces hide the pantry. The metal range hood jibes with the Lisa Jarvis hardware from Matthew Quinn Collection.
Final touches
Nancy’s paintings and a photograph by local artist Parish Kohanim personalize the much-used space. A rug adds a cozy pop. “I love a rug in the kitchen—whether it’s a good idea or not.”
Resources
Architect: Linda MacArthur Architect, lindamacarthurarchitect.com
Kitchen designer: Studio Entourage, thestudioentourage.com
Builder: Ladisic Fine Homes, ladisicfinehomes.com
Photograph by Marc Mauldin
Good Drama
By LIA PICARD
For Michael Habachy of ADAC’s Habachy Design + Atelier, his most difficult client is himself. When renovating the kitchen in the Midtown condo he shares with his wife, Jane, he gave it a complete overhaul—proof that a raw, industrial loft can support high-style drama. The result is a kitchen that’s small and efficient but stunning.
The Goal
To create a dramatic, luxe kitchen within the confines of an industrial loft space. Symmetry was created around plumbing and vents, and the rest was gutted.
Find balance
Redesigning a condo’s kitchen comes with some limitations—you can’t move the plumbing, for example. Michael centered his design over the oven and sink’s existing locations. The integrated Fisher & Paykel refrigerator was placed on the left to balance out the cabinetry on the right.
Black magic
A dark backsplash is a striking touch. “I wanted to work with the loft feel, so I found Grove Brickworks tiles in an anthracite finish from Waterworks,” Michael says. “They had the perfect texture.” The faucet is Purist Bridge in matte black by Kohler, and the black hood is Miele.
Sleek storage
Custom cabinetry is a specialty of Habachy Designs + Atelier. These hide the microwave and coffee maker and feature drawers that bump open.
High contrast
The Neolith sintered stone countertops and whitewashed ash cabinetry shine next to the dark finishes.
Top brass
To keep with the industrial vibe, Michael chose Buster + Punch brass pendants with a knurled finish and Edison bulbs.
Resources
Interior design: Habachy Designs + Atelier, habachydesigns.com
This article appears in our Fall 2019 issue of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.
