First Place: Dark Knight

1st PLACE

DARK KNIGHT

Designer Nicole Roby refashioned a kitchen for a client’s childhood home on Lake Guntersville to bring it up to date for the next generation.

Photography by JEAN ALLSOPP

YYou really can go home again. is client returned to her childhood home, a 1992 Georgian, with the caveat that she would keep the memories but update the interiors for her family. “She wanted rich enhancements that coincided Nicole Roby. “And she asked for saturated colors but still wanted the kitchen to feel light and airy. We took inspirations from the handsome tones in the original mahogany oors and cherry nishes throughout.” with the original structure of the home,” says designer Cabinets are painted Black Fox (Sherwin-Williams) to

TIP:

Two islands allow room for everyone to enjoy the space. Devote one to the chef and use the second as a serving bar or casual dining spot.

add drama and depth. For contrast, Nicole introduced Cristallo quartzite countertops on perimeter surfaces, as well as on the two islands. And to bring in some shine, she incorporated brass hardware from Brandino Brass and a pair of matching lanterns from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery above the center island. Color palette aside, perhaps the most dramatic introduction is the La Cornue range and hood. “ e custom range with the brass nish looks like a piece of armor,” says Nicole. “It actually inspired the name of the kitchen, ‘Dark Knight.’”

“The goal for this project was to optimize the kitchen area for entertaining and, most importantly, make it a place where the family could congregate and spend special moments.” DEFINING style It takes two. To create distinction between the two islands yet maintain a consistent use of materials, Nicole created a waterfall e ect with Cristallo quartzite on the inner island. Twist on tradition. Subway tile is a perennial favorite for a timeless look. Nicole broke up the traditional, horizontal installation with a chevronpatterned inset behind the range. Color cues: The caramel veining on the countertops cues the warm wood hues on the home’s floors and trim, helping bridge the new design with existing architectural features.

—designer Nicole Roby RESOURCES: Interior designer: Nicole Roby Designs Builder: Venable Custom Home Construction Hardware: Brandino Brass Countertops: Cottage Supply Downtown Fixtures: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery Cabinets: Covenant Cabinets