Pow Wow Central

Scale and honest use of materials make a new kitchen in the Smoky Mountains feel like a retreat within a retreat whether it's dinner for two—or dozens.

In Tennessee's rugged Blackberry Resort area, David Law employed his design and millworking skills to assist his close friends, a developer and his wife, outfit the kitchen of their new weekend home next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The couple desired rustic, low-maintenance style that could accommodate frequent entertaining of large groups of family and many friends who live in the area.

Weekends are spent trout and fly fishing, and cooking together in the kitchen whether it's just the two of them, or many people sharing the experience together. Wide aisles accommodate everyone comfortably, as well as wheelchairs potentially needed by family in the future. "Capacity is a big factor," says Law. "A large stove and enough refrigeration are important. You want to handle a crowd easily, yet be comfortable for a couple, so it doesn't feel like it's swallowing them up." Law's brother, who designed the home's interiors, discovered the charming English hutch in Europe and its overall scale and detailing inspired the entire room, including reclaimed wormy chestnut cabinetry cladding the Sub-Zero Integrated refrigerator, Sub-Zero ice maker and Wolf warming drawer. The wooden gridwork on the sink and upper cabinets were also fashioned after details on the antique cupboard.

Eastern White Pine walls, tongue and groove detail on the 10-foot ceiling, reclaimed oak flooring, and new beams finished to a weathered patina layer on more character. Dry-stacked Tennessee mountain stone used for the exposed foundation was also pulled inside to build three fireplaces and the generous 18-inch deep kitchen hearth. Large red rugs and pottery add cheer and amplify the toasty glow of the lustrous woods. "The red knobs of the Wolf worked in very well," says Law. "It's very casual, for a gathering atmosphere. The clients are really tickled with the warmth of it all!"