Charlotte: Carmel Country Club Project

This luxe, French transitional kitchen is the work of architectural designer Frank Smith, designer Kimberly Mauney, and builder Phil Goodwin. The kitchen set the tone for the entire home, so it was important for Smith and team to get the look and feel just right. Carefully considering the frequent entertaining needs of the clients, their passion for cooking, and their desire for high-end appliances, Smith created a space that is functionally effortless, with an air of elegance. 

Abutting the living room, the kitchen had to be just as sophisticated and luxurious, despite its very utilitarian purpose. The architectural ventilation hood is an impressive focal point and befits the scale of the space. Smith and team infused the kitchen with luxe finishes, including a waxed, reclaimed oak-beam ceiling, antique French terracotta tile, and rich and inviting plaster walls. The traditional, textured materials contrast the contemporary, stainless-steel appliances for the refined design tension Smith desired. 

Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances were selected not only for their ability to elevate the design but for their performance. It was of utmost importance to the client that two Sub-Zero PRO 48 refrigerators ground the space—the client wanted the best in food preservation technology and wanted to showcase the sophisticated clean lines of the appliance. Additional refrigeration—in the form of Sub-Zero undercounter refrigerator drawers, refrigerator, refrigerator/freezer, and ice maker—is mindfully scattered throughout the kitchen and scullery for convenience. 

Equal thought was given to the placement of the Wolf cooking appliances. The gas range is centered in the kitchen for elegant and easy flow. Completing the cooking artillery are a drawer microwave oven, M series oven, and warming drawer, with the Wolf Gourmet toaster and blender subtly concealed in an appliance garage in the scullery.

Stepping into Smith’s design, the scale and effortless style take your breath away. It is the realization of a passionate chef’s dream. A little culinary creativity is all that is necessary for the kitchen to truly come to life.