The Story of Sticks & Stones | The Kitchen
Ok friends, so do you agree with us...this charming kitchen is already gorgeous just like it is? But we’ve been so excited to share with you...we’re growing!
Today, I’d like you to see the present kitchen so you will appreciate where we’re going in the next few months with the new addition. We’ll be keeping some of our favorite elements in the original kitchen, as we add new ones.
Our goal for the new addition is to create a seamless transition between the two structures. This includes two fabulous working kitchens opening to a sun drenched great room, a luxurious master suite with a stunning master bath, three fun teenage bedrooms, a family-friendly game room and a multi-tasking mudroom/entry...more on those later!
Who wouldn’t just love a charcoal grey Lacanche range with shiny brass knobs? (Gray and gold are a killer combination anywhere!) And she’s crowned with a gorgeous, studded custom hood that we designed for this space.
If you adore this style of range as much as we do...we’ve rounded up a couple good options for you to see! (See Option 1 | See Option 2)
Casting light on the island
Remember the entry light? We’re using the same glass orb here.
We love repeating similar elements throughout the house to create harmony.
Functionality rules and beauty reigns in this kitchen. The rough and weathered reclaimed ceiling pairs so perfectly with the shimmer of little glass orbs over the honed granite island. We love unexpected elements and a mix of materials.
Stunning eastern views from the wall of windows
Because the views at the kitchen sink are to die for (and overlook rolling green hills and a peaceful pond!) we chose to do a sweeping wall of windows instead of upper cabinets. But that presented the problem of where to put the necessary electrical outlets. But no worries! We sourced handy pop-up outlets that recessed into the granite countertops...pretty cool, right? Functional and seamless.
Although this space is stunning just as she is, the team of Norris Architecture and Post 31 Interiors is doubling its size to create a beautiful new entertaining kitchen including the coolest butler’s pantry. The home’s new addition will allow our fun-loving clients even more opportunities to welcome family and friends!
Think...two enormous, hard-working quartzite-topped islands, handsome secondary appliances, plenty of beautifully detailed cabinets for storage and a big surprise we’ll show you on the next blog. Can you guess?? Here’s a clue…this family loves the beach!
Galactic white Quartzite stone from Tate Ornamental
What do you think about all this excitement?? What are your favorite elements in the existing kitchen? Please do tell in the comments below!
Next week, a sneak peek on how we’re combining the distinguished old with the modern new in this addition, and a look at some of the gorgeous selections and finishes we’ve designed for our new addition.
Architecture credit: Norris Architecture
Professional photography: Emily Minton Redfield
The Story of Sticks & Stones | The Great Room Part I
Happy Friday Friends! As promised...welcome to the great room of this beautiful barn, where it is not unusual for people to enter, stop in their tracks to exclaim...”OH MY GOSH, HOW OLD IS THIS BARN”?
Beautiful, authentic materials for this majestic structure (meaning “the real thing”) were sourced from several different areas. Reclaimed hand-hewn timber beams and flooring alongside Tennessee fieldstone create a new, modern structure, while holding an unspoken sense of history.
Lighting on a grand scale
Floating above this grand space are two enormous, double tier chandeliers that illuminate the room from above. When I presented our design of these two large pieces to my clients and our architect, I was met with “OH MY! Really? That large? BUT, ARE YOU SURE?” (This was spoken at least ten times with extreme concern.) Which OF COURSE created more than just a tinge of anxiety (truly my inner designer was freaking out). But, I stuck to my guns, trusted my instincts, and they went to production.
With a space this large, it was imperative to GO BIG OR GO HOME! Correct scale and proportion were critical in this space, and I knew they would hang beautifully among the upper clerestory windows. (Design tip...don’t forget that visually filling the upper space in a room is as important as the lower!)
Let the Sun shine in
One of my hands down favorite elements in this home are the fabulous windows. I get giddy over natural light...it is such a luxury, and I am smitten with every single one of these beauties. (The large one on the stone wall is 14 feet tall!)
I also adore the drapery and the juxtaposition of the Belgian linen skipping over the fieldstone walls...almost like understated, couture ball gowns softening the rough and tumble stone.
Again, IT’S THE MIX NOT THE MATCH, and I love the interesting narrative and subtle dialogue contrasting elements provide.
Art by Lynn Sanders
Adding the art
We were THRILLED to find this stunning piece of art by Lynn Sanders (vintage Lynn Sanders, 5 years old) to fill the shiplapped wall by the sectional...and when sweet Lynn offered to come sign her art, it was the icing on the cake! We adore original art, and the soul it brings to our work. (I’ll give you THE LOW DOWN on hanging fixtures and art...scale and proportion, how high, etc. in an upcoming blog.)
Layers of Luxury
One of my favorite sayings is...“LET PEOPLE BE THE COLOR IN A SPACE” and that is the case here! Our family exudes a gracious joy that fills this space with it’s own vibrant color. Textured neutrals show up in smokey leather, golden linen, sumptuous velvet, soft wools, organic hide, and fluffy boucle and fur…and are peppered with metallic finishes and colored glass throughout for a little sparkle and shine.
And as for the other side of this grand space...STAY TUNED. We’re headed that way in a future post! Until then...here’s a peek at the excitement happening outside!
Addition coming soon!
Professional photography: Emily Minton Redfield
The Story of Sticks & Stones | The Entry
Sticks & Stones | The Entry
Welcome friends…
…to the beautiful story of “Sticks and Stones”. This meticulously crafted modern farmhouse is located on 22 acres of Southern paradise. ..where the most wonderful and delightful family of five (with three active, school-aged children) lives, frequently entertains, and gathers precious memories with all they welcome. It is not unusual for them to have anywhere from 5 to 100 guests of all ages, on any given day or night, enjoying life together.
A Grand Entrance
If the arched, hand crafted, antique front doors (filled with vintage seeded glass from Germany) partnered with lush, potted zinc planters don’t make your heart flutter...what will?
Planters by Millstone Nursery / Custom doors by Kerns-Wilchek
During construction
In all its finished splendor
Somehow it all seems SO grand and assuming...yet, upon entering, we immediately exhale absorbing the casual elegance that spills throughout, and quickly realize we are meant to feel completely at home here. A home overflowing with love, joy and laughter...a home you can fall into.
Custom, tufted bench / Rug by Heavenly Rugs / Sconces by Visual Comfort
A hard-working space
I’m sure you have a favorite outfit or two that can multi-task…elegantly dress up or casually dress down? Well this entry has a surprise for you...it was designed to do just that! It serves people casually arriving and departing with a soft spot to fall…but is perfect for overflow seating for special events.
Whether an impromptu family piano recital, or a fancy dinner event for 100, small tables stand ready to be pulled into action for drinks, dinner or intimate conversations. And of course, who isn’t ready to lounge on one of the soft linen benches under the sparkling, dimmed chandelier while listening to a little Frank Sinatra on the gorgeous baby grand piano... so rather than a mere pass-through...this entry was born to live large!
Chandelier by Currey and Company.
Our Signature “pièce de résistance”
Our juicy little secret for unpretentious luxury and comfort…layers. Layers that soften, layers that hug—layers alive with color. Tufted, Belgian-linen benches paired with full-length, pleated drapery panels, (yes...In the entry!) crushed velvet pillows, casually draped pom pom throws, a vintage wool Oushak rug, all ramp this authentic, organic space up a notch so it becomes its own cozy room. It begs you to sit, begs you to stay awhile.
Layers of luxury
The final touch
Always a must in all our “collected” spaces…involving the five senses. Interesting original art and one of a kind pieces are sprinkled throughout...wild gathered bouquets come in from outside...and a fresh drink station with a pretty little bowl of fruit or nuts stands ready for duty, creating a narrative that whispers comfort.
Original art from L Ross Gallery
Behind the Scenes
And did we mention…when our gorgeous Visual Comfort sconces arrived and we felt they needed a little “tweak”, our painter tamed them just a bit with a charcoal glaze? Easy peasy...and yes, you can do that! Tweaking is one of our favorite things too. (Check it out with this favorite product.)
Sconce before
Sconce darkened
inquiring minds want to know
And you’ve asked us...what happens on the other side of this heavenly entry? So follow me as I show you more of this exquisite farmhouse soon...and I can’t wait to share the excitement of a new addition with this talented team—Isaac Wantland (landscape architect), Johnny Williams (construction) and our fearless leader, Norris Architecture at the helm.
