Ashley Gilbreath finding balance
FOCUS ON FUNCTION
Make a list of what your kitchen has to do. Do you need a double oven? A separate fridge and freezer? Your definitive list lets you know what tools must go into the space.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
“There are so many cool appliance options out there, so don’t just go with something because you’ve heard of it,” Ashley says. “Do your research and be nit-picky.”
VISUAL VALUE
Appliances are typically dark, and their visual weight can distract from an otherwise light kitchen. Consider using cabinet-front panels to conceal them as Ashley did in this kitchen.
STAY BALANCED
“When you’re positioning things, make sure you’re keeping your center line,” Ashley says. The statement range hood in this kitchen is balanced by a fireplace situated directly across the room.
What Makes It Traditional
STATEMENT RANGE HOOD
“The range hood is really your artwork in a kitchen,” Ashley says. Because it takes up a lot of real estate, it is typically what first draws attention. This wooden range hood with applied brass strips definitely take center stage.
LARGE COMPLEMENTARY RANGE
This 48-inch Ilve range from Ferguson reinforces the traditional style of the kitchen. The brass finishes echo the hood outline, cabinet hardware, and sink faucet for a cohesive look.
BLEND OF NEUTRALS
“Sometimes a mix of neutrals is the most difficult thing to execute correctly,” says Ashley. She used Farrow & Ball “Skimming Stone” for the cabinetry, Benjamin Moore “Thunder” for the hood, and “Mystery White” marble from Cottage Supply Company for the countertops and backsplash. When the undertones of the various hues align as desired, the kitchen appears timeless.
DETAILED CABINETS
The inset cabinet details and furniture-like feet add an extra traditional touch to the kitchen. The upper-most cabinets, intended for storing occasional items, have brass mesh on their door fronts to draw the eye up with a bit of metallic shimmer. Grace Fabrications brought these thoughtful cabinet designs to life.
MARBLE EVERYWHERE
After the design was finalized, Ashley’s first step was finding a slab that would perfectly work with the space. The marble was fabricated into cabinet countertops, the island countertop, and a backsplash.
DON’T FORGET THE BAR
This bar/butler’s pantry is the pass-through between the kitchen and dining room. Grasscloth wallcovering and a soapstone countertop differentiate the space from the kitchen. Using lighting and accessories from Parish Shoppe and art from Catie Radney, Ashley created a space that she says feels Southern and classic but also young and fun.
RESOURCES
Interior designer: Ashley Gilbreath, Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design Builder: Bob Hastings, Hastings Construction, Inc. Cabinets: Cole Reese, Grace Fabrications Countertops: Cottage Supply Company Appliances: Ferguson Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes
