Saturday, June 19, 2010 is the date for the 10th Annual Lake Rabun Tour of Homes

. . . and features a home we designed for Warner & Ann Veal. It is a special home in a spectacular setting, perched steps from  the lake while also bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest and a stream. 

The Veals originally approached us for an expansion and renovation to make room for grandchildren and to make it more suitable for four season living. Given the close proximity to the lake and the national forest we had to keep the existing footprint which meant steering the addition away from the lake and away from the forest while going up. What started out as a renovation turned into a more extensive project when it was discovered that a majority of the house had severe water damage from the original home’s flat roof. At this point, the house was torn down to the foundation while saving the original round posts to reuse in the “new” house.

The main priority in the new design was to keep everything “fun” and “lakey”. . .

The exterior features large four foot overhangs with timbered bracket support to allow windows to be left open in the rain. A four windowed cupola sits atop the high point of the homes roof with a light to mark the way home at night. Two lakeside screened porches, one on the main living level and one on the top third level, help define this as a southern home designed for lake living. A mixture of wood siding styles, primitive Appalachian stacked stone, and metal roofs complete the Southern vernacular while almost 100 windows and doors blur the line between inside and out and give the home a light filled modern sensibility.

Second priority was to make room for a large extended family without excessive square footage or wasted space. What resulted is a  6 bedroom home with most of it on the existing footprint of the original 3 bedroom home.  All guest rooms have their own character ....and all with stunning lake views. Each Guest bathroom is unique and laid out for privacy so they can also be shared when the whole family is there.
Ann & Warner own Traditions in Tiles and they very cleverly designed the tile selections to be creative and unique.

The Master Bedroom and Bathroom wrap the end of the house with wall to wall windows facing the lake and the National Forest. A see-through fireplace and sliding barn door links the Bedroom with the Bath. On the bath side is a freestanding tub, centered on the fireplace, while surrounded by windows overlooking the forest and private Master porch. The shower is in a separate area with high awning windows which allow for a view and ventilation without compromising privacy.

A timber framed open stair  connects all 3 levels, while oversized corner windows at the top flood the interior of the house with natural day light. 

The living area is quite amazing as well. Original round wood posts were re-used and define the open living space of the Kitchen, Dining, Sitting area, and large Family room. Custom built oversized windows and doors keep an appropriate scale to the exceptionally tall 12’ high beamed ceilings. The freestanding Family room fireplace provides a divider to the wet bar and entrance to the kitchen. The kitchen being a blend of high tech German cabinetry mixed with local wood cabinets in a primitive style creatively assembled by Jeff Jones. Jeff had worked with the Veal’s before and worked closely with Anne (& Warner!) to furnish the home in a comfortable, yet stunning blend of modern and antique furniture. He also was an integral part in selecting finishes and adding special touches to the multitude of details.

Todd and Craig will be at the Veal's house Saturday, June 19th, so hope to see you there! 

For more information and tickets visit:
2010 Lake Rabun Tour of Homes

 

 

"A Twist on Tradition"

"Modern Updates for a Traditional Bathroom.
See how two architects maintained old-world style while adding fun twists"

By Nancy Ruhling
For Kitchens & Baths / Volume 19 No 4 / Dec 2009

When architects Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon redesigned the master bath, they created a space that was much more than simply a place to shave and shower. By removing walls to quadruple the bath’s size and coordinating its floor plan with the adjoining bedroom and sitting room/sunroom, the duo, partners of Atlanta-based Todd Pritchett Design Studio, built a private place that actually functions in tandem with the adjoining spaces as an all-around lounge/living room/dressing room.

The 300-square-foot bath area, which includes an air-jet tub, a pair of vanities, a double-size glass-enclosed shower, and a walk-in closet and storage closet, maintains the character of their 1916 European-style Atlanta home while at the same time keeping it up to date with contemporary touches. “It has simple, clean lines yet is rich and well detailed,” says Pritchett. “And we made it cozy by adding stained-wood beams and a painted-wood ceiling.”

Custom cabinetry containing lots of drawers reduces clutter, as do the wall-mounted faucets. “Everything looks clean—until you open things and see the mess,” Dixon says.The floor plan of the bath is open, but Pritchett and Dixon carved out separate, yet equal, spaces for themselves. Pritchett’s vanity overlooks the sunroom and bedroom, while Dixon’s is tucked neatly next to the shower. “This way, we are together, but we aren’t intruding on each other,” Dixon says.

The bath is the perfect complement to the bedroom, which is defined by a vaulted ceiling and fireplace, and the sunroom, which is well-stocked with travel books and maps. “We can hang out, have a bath, look at the trees and plan our next trip,” says Pritchett. “The mirror over my vanity twists, so I get a full view of the trees.” Adds Dixon, “It’s also great to sit in the tub and read the paper.”

Convenience, too, was given priority. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet with open shelves was placed next to the shower so they can grab towels for drying off, and Pritchett’s swivel vanity mirror has storage compartments for toiletries on its back. Although the bathroom was planned around existing double-hung windows to retain architectural integrity, the shower’s window, which is on the back of the house, was replaced by a smaller awning-style one that can be kept open even in the rain.

The two-story, two-family house has 3,000 feet on each level, but Pritchett and Dixon say they would be content to call their master suite home sweet home.

Photography by Emily Followill

 

 

Todd Pritchett selected as judge of inaugural “Best of K/BIS” awards

K/BIS is the premiere industry event to showcase the products that change the kitchen and bathroom. This year, Atlanta was home to this trade-only event where the spotlight focused on products vying for the title “Best of K/BIS 2009” by leading kitchen and bath companies from around the world.

The judging took place over the course of two days and the jurors where comprised of a distinguished panel of 12 industry-leading designers:

Judges:
- Troy Adams, West Hollywood, CA
- Jonas Carnemark, Bethesda, MD
- Kimball Derrick, Cincinnati, OH
- Joan DesCombes, Winter Park, FL
- Patricia Gaylor, Little Falls, NJ
- Jamie Gibbs, New York, NY
- Kristin Okeley, Indianapolis, IN
- Jillian Pritchard Cooke, Atlanta, GA
- Todd Pritchett, Atlanta, GA
- Gioi Tran, San Francisco, CA
- Gary White, Newport Beach, CA

 

Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon speak at the National Kitchen and Bath Assoc (NKBA)

Every January, NKBA asks an architect to be the guest speaker for "Architect Month." This year, Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon, the two Parners of Todd Pritchett Design Studio presented selected works to an audience of about 120 members of the Kitchen and Bath industry.

Accompanied by a slideshow of over 300 photos, Todd and Craig presented 12 newly finished high-end custom residential projects. These homes were selected because their Kitchens and Baths are integrated in to the architecture through the design of custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, thoughtfully connected trim, and colors and finishes that are harmonious with the home's overall design.

For more info about NKBA visit:
NKBA.org

 

Todd Pritchett (left) and Craig Dixon (right) present to members of the Kitchen and Bath industry at the Dacor Showroom in Buckhead.

 

 

12 Cutting Edge Kitchen Designs

PointClickHome, the web portal for Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home, and Home Magazines has selected 12 kitchens from the 2008 Sub Zero / Wolf Kitchen Design Contest to feature on their website as the best of the competition.

"Get a taste of trends to come from 12 award-winning designers around the country. . ."

Read more at:
Point Click Home.com

 

Travel to old time Lakemont
at Moose Mansion
- a favorite “real cabin” on Lake Rabun.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 14th for the 9th Lake Rabun Tour of Homes. Again the tour is by boat, with vessels departing from Hall’s Boathouse. On this years tour, you will enter a quiet tucked-away cove where Moose Mansion, a renovated old time cabin designed by Todd Pritchett way back in 1989, will greet you. Over the years this cabin, owned by the charismatic Margie Stockton, has become a very well loved retreat for anyone who appreciates the rustic charm and southern hospitality of old Lake Rabun.

By Lake Rabun Association
Spring 2008

Margie Stockton discovered this 1940's two bedroom, one bath "plywood" cabin in 1986. It had been abandoned by the original owners and vacant for several years. The two and a half acres nestled in the private cove made up for all shortcomings and all was left as-is until enough money was saved and ideas were accumulated.

A stroke of good fortune brought Todd Pritchett, an Atlanta architect who had just finished a jewel in the Big Basin, into the equation. The restoration was a challenge; expanding the living space while staying in the grandfathered footprint, close to the lake, meant growing up a second level and up again for a small tower with a sleeping/reading loft.

The years to date have been a work in progress, engaging the local talent and resources and all the contributions from friends and family..It's a joy to share "Moose Mansion", a slice of "Lakemont Living".

Proceeds from this years tour will benefit the Lake Rabun Association Scholorship Fund as well as the Lakemont / Wiley Fire Department.

 

 

Having it All - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

By Heather Paper
Produced by Elizabeth Reh
For Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

"A Virginia Highland home gets a makeover, fitting into the traditional neighborhood while accommodating the owner's modern lifestyle"

Architects Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon have a knack for seeing the potential in places more worn than well-tended. Give them a home that’s all but falling down and they quickly envision its possibilities.

Case in point is their own Virginia-Highland residence. When the design duo bought it in 2000, the building—long past its prime—had been divided into six apartments. “I’ve known this house forever; I loved the outside of it because it was so unusual,” says Pritchett. “When it became available, Craig and I talked to my cousin and her partner. I said, ‘Why don’t we buy the whole building—gut it, add onto it and create a two-unit condominium?’ We have the top level, they have the main level, and behind the courtyard, we co-own a small rental unit. We put a pool in, too, so it’s a hybrid between a house and a condo.”

In fact, each unit has the feeling of a European-style flat. “I love the way [Europeans] live,” says Pritchett. “They don’t get caught up in when something was built; in a 1618 building, for instance, everything doesn’t have to be a faux 1618 element. They update everything; the lighting’s new and they have modern furniture. We wanted to incorporate that approach into our house. Although there are new spaces, you still have the feeling that it’s a really old house.”

“We like to take historic shapes and proportions and materials, then strip them down and update them,” adds Dixon. “Anything that’s mechanical, like a faucet, we just let it be modern, we let it be new. Likewise, there’s not an extra piece of trim anywhere. We prefer one-piece trims to three-piece crown moldings. One simple, heavy-duty, chunky trim works fine.”

The balance of their inspiration, however, can be found closer to home. “We do a lot of work at Lake Rabun and Lake Burton, so you’ll see—especially in the master bedroom and the sunroom—wood walls and beams come into play,” explains Pritchett. “I think that, too, relates to the European look, but it’s also a bit of a nod to our work up there.”
Once the last apartment dweller had moved out, the renovation officially began. “We started gutting the place, and after we got into it, we saw what the structure was really like,” recalls Pritchett. “We discovered that when [the building] had been turned into apartments, entire support walls had been taken out! There was a lot more work involved than what we had anticipated; it turned into the proverbial ‘money pit.’”

And, of course, the new addition had to be taken into consideration. Plans for the second floor called not only for a new entrance but also a new sunroom, two new guest rooms and two new guest baths. So, says Dixon, “we pretty much had to rebuild the house to support it all.”

That rebuilding process included replacing windows in the original structure. “The master suite, with all the French casements, is probably the most original room in the house,” notes Pritchett. “The windows had rotted out, so we went back and had windows made to match the originals. We even used some of the old wood, then reglazed the windows, so from the front and partial side, the look is completely historic. Then we made sure the addition tied in with the existing architecture.”

When it came time to address the interior, though, the owners loosened their hold on the historic and took a more modern approach instead. One central space encompasses all of the public living areas, while small vestibules mark the entrances to the more private master suite and guest quarters.

“One of the things I like best is the way everything is so open,” says Pritchett. “The way we live, we’re not compartmentalized people. And it’s perfect for entertaining; you can have people hanging out in the kitchen while we’re cooking something at the island and serving people. You can have a group at the dining room table, another sitting around the fireplace in the living room and more people sitting out in the sunroom. Yet everyone can still see—and relate to—each other.”

How difficult was it for two design pros to draft their own perfect plan? “We had a million versions of this house,” admits Dixon, “and we were drawing it until well after construction started.”

“That’s the bad thing about doing your own house. You can have a million ideas and you can really just keep building on them every month. In the final version [of the plan], the living room was where the kitchen is now. But in the end we flipped them. Now I find myself thinking, ‘I wish we’d left that the way it was. I think I’d have liked the kitchen better right here next to the sunroom.’ If we stay here, that’s what we’re going to do,” adds Pritchett facetiously.

Then again, why mess with perfection?

Photo captions:
Sunporch | At first, we were going to leave this as a screen porch," says Todd Pritchett (standing). "Then we decided to make it more convertible; the screens pop in so you can make it into a screen porch. And with the wide overhangs, even in a storm you can leave the windows open." Partner Craig Dixon, also of Todd Pritchett Design Studio, is sitting. Eames Eiffel Armchairs by Herman Miller, CWC, (770) 493-8200.

Living Room | The fireplace in the living room, one of three on this level, was a coal-burning model; all have been re-stuccoed to look old but also built out 6 inches to accommodate new gas logs. That same old-meets-new mantra carries through to the furnishings. A modern sofa and a pair of Eames chairs pull up to a table topped with an old wooden pallet, originally used in Belgium centuries ago to float bricks down the river. Sofas, Linge Roset, (404) 881-0500. Eames Lounge chairs by Herman Miller from CWC. Artwork above fireplace, Joan Miro.

Facade | A deep lot allowed the homeowners to set back this home's new addition, leaving the profile of the original home intact. "The setup is perfect because it's kind of a European housing style where you have a big, old grand house but it's shared -- it's set up as flats," says Dixon. He and partner Pritchett live on the 3,000-square-foot second floor. Post-renovation, new steps lead directly from the driveway to Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon's front door. Once inside the entry, it's just another quick flight up to the second floor, where a well-edited modern interior is a somewhat surprising-but refreshing-contrast to the more traditional exterior.

Kitchen and Dining | In the main living space, rooms are defined by the beams overhead, demarcating the bounds of the hallway between the kitchen and dining areas, left. Even within the kitchen, a deft use of materials designates different zones. The dark-stained island is the food prep area, while limestone-topped cabinetry along the back wall is delegated to clean up. Hood and cooktops, Gaggenau. Refrigerator, Sub-Zero. Sinks, Franke. Island countertops and backsplash, Walker Zanger, (404) 365-9991. Cabinetry, Phil Plunket Custom Cabinetry, (770) 945-4566.

Powder | The powder room features wainscoting made of Portuguese limestone, a handsome backdrop for the custom bird's-eye maple cabinet. Cabinetry, stained bird's-eye maple, by Phil Plunket Custom Cabinetry. Wall faucet, Falling Water by Kohler. Sink, Crucible by Kohler. Lights, Marina from DWR. Wainscoting and floor, Walker Zanger.

Master Suite | In its original state, this room had a flat ceiling. But once Pritchett and Dixon climbed into the attic and saw the shape of the fireplace, they knew it had to be a part of the new master suite. They ripped out the ceiling and vaulted the room, then added beams and wood walls. To put more focus on the newly built-out fireplace and chimney, they painted it a dark neutral hue, then flanked it with high-function/low-profile storage. Artwork above fireplace, Joan Miro. Antique birds, South of Market. Cabinetry, Phil Plunket Custom Cabinetry. Windows, custom made by Kolbe, kolbe-kolbe.com.

Photography by Mali Azima

 

 

2008 Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour Historic Neel Reid home features new kitchen and Butler's Pantry by Todd Pritchett Design Studio.

As the oldest house on this year’s tour, Evan Lindsay and Nancy Cox’s 1916 home has had many small renovations over the years. But in the latest major renovation, a new Kitchen, Butler’s Pantry and Keeping Room added modern functionality but with a design sensitive to the home’s historic designation.

By C.W. CAMERON
For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/17/08

The solid feel of a Tudor half-timber, plaster and brick façade seems to represent early 1900s Atlanta in a way that no other style does.

Many of the city's influential families had homes in Druid Hills, including the Candlers of Coca-Cola fame and fortune. Frederick Law Olmstead Sr. laid out plans for the new suburb, which included broad curving streets and public parks. The best architects of the day, including Philip Trammel Shutze, Ernest Ivey and Lewis Crook Jr., designed homes in the neighborhood.

It was this sense of history and place that attracted Nancy Cox and Evan Lindsay to their classic 1916 Tudor home. "We were living in Virginia-Highland and had always admired the Druid Hills neighborhood and its architecture," says Lindsay. "We wanted to live in a historic Atlanta neighborhood in a historic gem of a house. We looked at a number of houses and bought this one because it felt comfortable and right for us."
The design was classic English Tudor and the architect was Neel Reid.

The Cox/Lindsay home is the oldest of the six properties featured on this year's Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour. The tour celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 1908 purchase of 1,492 acres by the Druid Hills Corp. from prominent Atlanta businessman Joel Hurt, who had assembled the property.

For more information visit:
Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour

 

Kitchen photography by Emily Followill

 

 

2007 Sub-Zero / Wolf Awards Celebration

The winners of the Kitchen Design Contest celebrated at the Gainey Ranch Spa and Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona March 27th - 30th, 2008.

Todd Pritchett (left), Jim Bakke, President & CEO of Sub-Zero, Inc. and Wolf Appliance, Inc. (center), and Craig Dixon (right) at the awards dinner in Scottsdale, Arizona.

 

 

Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon selected as 1st Place regional finalist in Sub-Zero / Wolf Kitchen Design Contest

Todd Pritchett & Craig Dixon have been selected as 1st Place Regional winners for a kitchen they designed in Buckhead.

“The contest generated almost 1,650 entries,” says James J. Bakke, President and CEO of Sub-Zero / Wolf. “This selection, as one of the best of the best, is recognition of excellent design work.”

Since its inception in 1993, the Sub-Zero / Wolf Kitchen Design Contest has become the most coveted and respected prize in the kitchen design industry. Held every two years, the contest recognizes designers for advancing outstanding kitchen design.

As regional winners, Pritchett & Dixon will celebrate with Sub-Zero / Wolf at the Gainey Ranch Spa and Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona March 27th - 30th, 2008.

Sub-Zero and Wolf enlisted the following professionals to choose the winners based on superior and unique use of space, beautiful kitchen design and integration of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

Judges:
Jamie Drake, ASID, New York, NY
Mick De Giulio, Chicago, IL
Barbara Houston, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Matthew Quinn, Atlanta, GA
John C. Senhauser, FAIA, Cincinnati, OH
Kristen Totah, ASID, Aptos, CA
Patti Weaver, Niwot, CO

Judges Identify New Kitchen Design Trends Among Nationwide Entries

Smaller, High-Quality Kitchens -- Experts are designing a smaller kitchen footprint, but are including higher-quality appliances, finishes, flooring and other elements to make it a long-lasting space. Consumers are investing in kitchens they will be in for years, so they are demanding luxury solutions.

Mixture of Materials and Textures -- This year, more than ever, there is combining of materials for countertops, floors, cabinets, backsplashes and appliance cabinetry. "We are seeing soapstone, concrete, wood, limestone and glass. This year we saw an increase of appliances in carbon stainless finishes, which is refreshing given it blends style and design and can be used in traditional or contemporary kitchens," said Kitchen Design Contest judge Patti Weaver of Creative Design Solutions.

Sustainable, Second Life Integration -- There is a budding trend towards integrating second-life pieces, whether antique, vintage or classic, to provide personal elements of designs. "Designers have an appreciation for timeless art pieces as a focal point. Repurposing historical furniture is a stylish form of recycling," said judge Kristen Totah of Studio K Kitchens and Design. "Designers are rebelling against look-alikes and opting for original pieces to create eclectic spaces."

Light and Dark Duality -- Kitchens are seeking sophistication and balance by contrasting light and dark materials -- bright cabinets and bold, black flooring, or deep, espresso cabinets and glowing, marble flooring. "It's the idea that black and white go with everything and accessories should pop against the background," said judge Jamie Drake of Drake Design Associates.

Simple, Clean Lines -- There is considerable focus on clean lines, simple design and attention to detail, versus embellishments and heavy adornments. The "zen" kitchen is apparent. KDC judge John C. Senhauser notes "many of these kitchens are taking on the minimalist approach versus the old world, traditional styles. Homeowners want to simplify their lives, especially in the kitchen, which is often the center of the home."

Eco-savvy Kitchens -- From bamboo countertops to earth-friendly flooring, designers are integrating environmentally sustainable materials and energy-saving appliances into their kitchens. "Consumers increasingly want to embrace a green home and this trend translates easily into fresh kitchen design," said KDC judge Barbara Houston of Houston & Associates.

In addition, contest judges noted timeless trends that continue to demonstrate exceptional design influence and consistency, such as traditional style and white materials. Appliance integration was also a prevalent component as designers focused on meticulous planning with each product.

Photography by Emily Followill

 

2007 Bathroom of the Year winners honored at Walker Zanger

Walker Zanger hosted Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles' annual party to honor the Bath of the Year contest winners of 2007. Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon were in attendance and accepted a trophy for their winning Bathroom.

 

Todd Pritchett (right) receives a trophy from Brad Hanner (left) of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine

 

 

 

"What's In" - Design experts sound off on what's cooking in Atlanta Kitchens

By Kelly Kunkel
For Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
January 2008

 

THE TREND: FULLY INTEGRATED APPLIANCES

In a house with an open floorplan, you want to blend with adjoining living spaces. Homeowner and designer Todd Pritchett says, "We tried to use appliances that can be fully integrated into the cabinetry with matching panels so that they disappear into the cabinetry for a more harmonious design." Pritchett also is seeing a shift in countertops from high-gloss granite to honed Italian marble, Lavastone, and Cesarstone.

Photography by Mali Azima

 

Bath Bliss - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

2007 Bath of the Year

By Heather Paper
Produced by Clinton Ross Smith & Elizabeth Reh
For Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles / July 2007

"Custom Crafted"

DESIGN OBJECTIVE -- The 1918 home of Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon, located in Virginia-Highland, had been chopped up into six apartments back in the 1970s. To right the resulting wrongs, these partners planned a major renovation and addition, including the master bath. "We restored the historic exterior but gutted the interior and reorganized it with a modern floor plan," says Pritchett. "To bridge the gap between historic and modern, we wanted to design the bathroom- and the entire home- with clean lines but using painted wood walls, stained beams, warm stones and muted colors.

THE CHALLENGE -- Because Pritchett and Dixon were designing the master bath within the framework of an historic shell, there were existing windows to consider- large multiples- as well as an adjacent sunroom with three full walls of French casement windows. Creating the desired spa-like space meant using a lot of creativity and custom cabinetry to make the space flow continuously.

DEFINING DETAIL -- Wall-mounted faucets and under-mounted sinks allow the French lomestone countertops to remain uncluttered.

WHAT WORKS -- Working around the existing windows, the architects separated bath functions as well as the two sink areas. One vanity "floats" in front of the sunroom. A marble mosaic backsplash frames the bathroom side; on the other side are bookshelves accessible from the sunroom. "From the same sink, you can turn to the right and look through custom French doors to the vaulted Master Bedroom and fireplace," says Dixon. "And the adjacent tub is placed under an existing window location, sharing the same view right through to the fireplace." For continuity's sake, the same lomestone used on the countertops and tub surround was used in the shower. Here, though, it was cut into oversized tiles- right on site- adding variety in terms of texture.

"Pulling it all Together"

BACKSPLASH TILE -- The architects created a "waterwall" with a ledge, a place to set bathroom necessities and still keep the countertops clear. The waterwall also incorporates cabinetry, walls and mirrors into one cohesive design element.

CABINETRY -- Custom crafted in varying heights and depths, the cabinetry maximizes available space. Because it's painted the same color as the room's trim, the cabinetry blends seamlessly into the architecture, opening up the space in the process.

WALL MIRROR -- Swivel-mounted to a vertical storage cabinet, a wall mirror adds practicality to the "floating" vanity.

FLOORING -- To contrast the limestone used throughout the space, the master bath floor is made from large planks of Spanish marble, which compliments the American walnut used in the adjacent bedroom.

Photography by Lance Davies

 

"Traditional with a Twist"-Together Apart

For Kitchen TRENDS
Volume 23 No 8

"This kitchen by Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon blurs the architectural line between existing rooms and contemporary additions. Eclectic furniture-like pieces and cabinet panels that are outlined, but not inset, soften a traditional look"

Transitional design elements in a kitchen may do more than temper a solid, classic look. The kitchen's blurred line between old and new might also signal a transition across the entire house interior – with traditional, existing rooms on one side and modern, remodeled spaces on the other.
This kitchen reflects just such a double agenda. Designed by architects Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon, the kitchen's flat-panel cabinetry and tapered island legs contribute a more modern influence to the at-a-glance traditional kitchen.
Pritchett says this is the beginning of a series of rooms remodeled by the architects and provides an intimation of the contemporary rooms beyond it.
"The kitchen has an open-plan nature, with an informal dining area, billiard room and wet bar pinwheeling off it," he says. "In fact, all surrounding rooms are open to this space, with the exception of the formal dining room, which retains a degree of separation with two-way swinging doors."

Photography by John Umberger

 

"Heart and Soul"

Positioned in the center of the house, this kitchen is the center of daily life for a busy family.

From a book by TRENDS Very Best / Time Inc.
2006

For many people, the most appealing aspect of a second home is the casual, relaxed lifestyle that goes with it. The comfortable decor, the easy flow between rooms and the seamless transition to the outdoors all contribute to the enjoyment.

It's a way of living that the owners of this new house wanted to hold on to, say designers Todd Pritchett and Craig Dixon.

"The family has a mountain lake house, which we also designed," says Pritchett. "It provides a very casual living environment, and the owners wanted their new Atlanta house to incorporate some of the elements that make for such an easy lifestyle - but with a little more sophistication."

A central kitchen was crucial to the design, Dixon says. As the owners like to entertain and have several children, the kitchen is the center of activity.

"Everything flows to the kitchen. It was always going to be a very social space, so we fully integrated it into the architecture of the house. The floorplan is a modern layout with light-filled spaces, but detailed with the understated elegance of a historic home."

Painted and glazed cabinetry that complements the wood detailing elsewhere in the house, helps to visually link the kitchen with the adjacent rooms. These include a breakfast room and a family room, which leads out to a courtyard and swimming pool. In addition, the kitchen opens to a walk-in butler's pantry, formal dining room, home office and laundry.

With so many openings, designing the work space wasn't straightforward, says Pritchett.

"Trying to get the traffic to flow through the space and still provide for plenty of storage was challenging," he says. "The large size of the kitchen also posed problems in respect to scale."

A gabled, beamed ceiling - a refined version of the rustic mountain house architecture - helps to define and enclose the space. Positioning a large island in the center of the room also serves to separate the work area from the high traffic routes.

A 12ft-long oak countertop wraps around a granite work surface on the island. When viewed from the family room the island resembles a country table, - another link with the vacation home.

"Using a combination of materials and levels for the countertop helps to break up the mass, so the island is not so overwhelming," says Dixon.

Despite the size of the kitchen, the work triangle is compact, due to the close proximity of the main sink, the cooktop and refrigerator. Twin ovens are also close by in an appliance pantry. Lifting pocket doors above the ovens slide away to expose a microwave oven and coffee machine.

Dixon says the kitchen is designed so more than one person at a time can work at the countertops. There are two additional sinks - one beside the cooktop and one on a counter that also serves as a beverage center.

At left, An oak countertop wraps around a granite work surface on the large island in the kitchen.

While standing at the cooktop, the owners can talk with family and guests. There is also a view through the living areas to the outdoor terraces.

The cabinetry features a simple panel design in keeping with the casual lifestyle favored by the owners.

The countertop closest to the breakfast room functions as a beverage center. It incorporates a sink, and has an undercounter refrigerator.

This new kitchen is open to the main family living areas, including the breakfast room

Architecture and kitchen design: Todd Pritchett and
Craig Dixon, Todd Pritchett Design Studio
Interior designer: Anne Lippincott Interiors
Flooring: Wide plank oak
Countertops: Bianco Romero granite and French oak
Backsplash: French limestone by Walker-Zanger


Photography by John Umberger