Photo by Ted Miles
What Makes This Kitchen Great
The open floor plan in this Fairhope home, designed by architect Lea Verneuille from Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects, maximizes space while leaving room for the design to shine. Outdoor beauty and interior appeal are both visible from every vantage point in the kitchen, so every spot is a perfect one.
“The kitchen design is open to both the family living area and more formal dining area. A pass-through to the dining area allows for multi-side dual storage with glass storage cabinets flanking the pass-through, ” says Verneuille. “This also allows a visual link from the kitchen to the view of Mobile Bay and beyond.”
Some elements, like the all-white countertops and clean-cut cabinetry, scream old school. Others, though, create a counter-style that provides contrast and interest. The flush frame cabinets that extend to the ceiling of painted wood, the dark-hued window frames and the island lights carry the eye throughout the room. Other practical features were installed for user convenience, including two dishwashers, two sinks and a corner drawer unit to conserve space.
5 things to covet
1. The beachy driftwood reminiscent of a vacation cottage
2. Well lit spaces under the cabinets create highlighted work-space
3. Easy access to two separate sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup
4. Paneled ceilings and subway tiles for texture
5. The reimagined clean-cut style
Photos by Patrick Michael Chin
What Makes This Kitchen Great
The chopped-up design of this Mobile home called for a massive renovation, creating more openness and flow. Robert McCown of McCown Designs and Panama City Beach interior designer Tricia Willis customized the space into a vast galley kitchen with double islands and functional flair.
“The homeowners are social and like to entertain, so the kitchen is the hub of their house, ” says McCown. “We incorporated two islands of the same bar height to have one for kitchen function and one to serve as a breakfast table.” The custom steel breakfast island even has a pull-out children’s table flush with the bottom cabinet to create a cozy space for every eater!
The glass backsplash around the range allows for transparency from the inside out. Built-in storage and desk spaces make essentials readily available without obtruding.
5 Things to Covet
1. Dark cabinets to create contrast — and hide dirt!
2. Plenty of counter space and a long bank of windows surrounding the airy stove area
3. A refrigerator matching the cabinetry, creating a seamless look throughout the room
4. Custom steel bar designed by McCown and cafted locally
5. The warm modern style
Photo by Stephen Savage
What Makes This Kitchen Great
These Fairhope residents’ minimalist sensibilities give them reason to want to contain the clutter when doing their favorite thing: cooking. Designer Coleman Mills of William Coleman Mills Design Studio did just that by incorporating colorful drawers and cabinets to mask vital storage spaces.
“One of the homeowners is a vegan baker, so we created a custom pull-down top that opens into a working butcher block with a hidden pullout drawer for all of her vegan baking needs, ” says Mills. “The other roasts his own coffee, so we designed a space complete with all of the necessary coffee roasting equipment. It’s completely hidden, but it makes the house smell great.”
The family-favorite space in the home is doused in modern art and contemporary pieces. The flashy seating furniture was designed with family in mind, creating ample space for everyone to spend time together without crowding the cooking space when someone is in the kitchen.
5 things to covet
1. The eye-catching mid-century modern ball clock and other art
2. The built-up appliances, incorporated to allow the homeowners, who both underwent major back surgeries, to avoid the need to reach down
3. The other-worldly light fixtures that add some serene white flair to the otherwise vibrant space
4. Windows on three sides of the room bring in light at all times of day
5. The retro minimalist style
What Makes This Kitchen Great
This Point Clear kitchen’s neutral white palette and antique wood floors are classic and traditional. The spot serves as a welcoming and comfortable space where the homeowner cooks for family and entertains friends.
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“The kitchen and bar combine classic architectural character and functional layouts that work and flow seamlessly together, ” says the home’s architect and designer Lea Verneuille, “so appliances and cooking elements are skillfully integrated into the built cabinetry with great attention to detail.”
The surprising pop of color from the butler’s pantry serves as a playful staging area nestled near the white kitchen.
“The Chinese red color, influenced by the owner’s memories of a grandmother’s cherished bright red family heirloom, gives this space a welcoming party vibe.”
5 Things to Covet
1. Antique baubles and fixtures for an old-world feel
2. Cushion and rug patterns that carry the eye throughout
3. The pops of red mimicking the bold butler’s pantry
4. Glass-paneled cabinets with an element of surprise
5. The vintage style
Photo by Justin Cordova
What Makes This Kitchen Great
With a new fresh look in mind, these Mobile homeowners worked with Robert McCown and interior designer Cindy Meador to merge traditional antiques with modern flair. The kitchen was designed with functionality in mind, but with its own personality to match.
“The door styles in the kitchen have some custom dimensional pyramid faces and others with diamond-shaped mouldings, ” says Meador. “The homeowners entertain quite a bit, therefore the layout and design of the cabinetry and countertop space serves them well for appetizers and buffets.”
The mix of warm and cool colors throughout the kitchen is present in the countertops, the backsplash and even the mix of metals. The brass and bronze hardware provides a subtle but eye-catching edge of sleek sophistication within the welcoming environment.
5 Things To Covet
1. Contrasting neutral colors and textures to create interest
2. Ornate shapes and curves that offer a fresh sophistication
3. The natural light exaggerated by the soft color palette
4. The intermingling mix of old and new accents
5. The elegant style
