Jamey and Susan Davies’ 1920s Mountain Brook home is full of charm, but the kitchen’s cramped corners, awkward flow, and lack of hosting space were no match for their family-centered lifestyle. With a love of entertaining and a need for a space that could keep up—yet a desire to preserve the soul of the historic home—the couple turned to architect Paul Bates and designer Sumner Starling to strike the right balance.
Paul began by tweaking the kitchen’s layout, crafting a new floor plan that brought better function and flow to the existing footprint without requiring an expansion. He created a niche in the wall for the Wolf range, making it appear recessed and seamlessly integrated. The refrigerator was relocated to the butler’s pantry, freeing up wall space for windows that breathe new light into the room and connect the kitchen to the outdoor patio.
LEFT A walnut table by MDM Designs anchors a custom banquette upholstered in wipeable faux leather by Mark Jordan. RIGHT To connect the interior with the backyard, the original window above the sink was replaced with a trio of larger ones, more than doubling the natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor feel.
To preserve the integrity of the century-old home, Sumner chose every design detail with intention. She opted for Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White on both the walls and cabinetry to create a cohesive backdrop. Against that soft, neutral canvas, antique oak brings warmth and character to both the custom cabinet and island. A beam of reclaimed wood subtly defines the custom banquette’s dining nook, offering a sense of place without interrupting the kitchen’s natural flow. Olympian Danby marble countertops and backsplash add a layer of elegance, while unlacquered brass fixtures lend a timeless, lived-in feel.
“The result is a beautiful kitchen that flows effortlessly and functions seamlessly for everyday living,” says Sumner.
Resources
Architect: Paul Bates Architects Builder: Nikolaus Mimikakis, Mimikakis Construction Designer: Starling Interiors: Sumner Starling & Anne Hurley Cabinets: Jeff Clemons, Alabama Woodworks Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes Hardware: Brandino Brass
