Forest Kitchen Design Studio seamlessly creates a modern kitchen in a mid-century masterpiece.
When they bought their mid-century modern house in 2021, Brian and Lisa Conner immediately knew it needed a new kitchen. But they took their time—two years—to start the extensive renovation.“The kitchen was very dated; it didn’t look and feel like the rest of the house,” Brian says. “We gave this the most thought out of any project. It took that long to know where to take this to pull the house together.”
When they were ready, the empty nesters called on Joel Linn and Todd Mercer, principal designers with Forest Kitchen Design Studio, and contractor Tekton Builds to execute their vision. “We wanted a clean, modern, sleek look and feel,” Lisa says. “And we wanted it to be this space where we could entertain.”
Linn and Mercer took what was a galley space and, without changing the layout, increased its size. Down came a peninsula and the wall dividing the kitchen and den. There was a complete overhaul of the appliances, cabinetry, counters, and flooring—combining the kitchen’s new rift-and-quartered oak planks with the den’s original ones was one of the biggest project challenges.
“Our alliance in this is we wanted to make the kitchen feel like it was truly integrated into the architecture of the home,” Linn says. “The Conners have a great sense of style and taste, so that made the project more fun.”
As an avid cook, Lisa didn’t want to sacrifice convenience. Intentional choices were made to maintain “the fidelity of the design,” Linn says, while increasing the storage space and adding organization.
There’s a pull-out cabinet beside the six-burner gas range for multiple bottles of oils, various vinegars, and other condiments. The island’s two refrigerator drawers hold mustards, sauces, and pickles. A freestanding set of cabinets with counter space and a beverage fridge became a coffee bar.
The designers bucked the current level-surface island trend, instead creating a two-tier island. It floats in the middle of the kitchen, placed parallel between the window-filled exterior wall and the opposite wall between the kitchen and dining room. The island’s higher walnut section—sourced from Sycamore Slabs in Easley—allows guests to gather for drinks and appetizers. The lower section contains plenty of counter space and a hammered-brass prep sink.
Focusing on details and blending materials was key to creating a cohesive design. The substantially sized brass cabinet hardware reflects the brass faucets. The oak base cabinets’ inky black stain complements the wall of black acrylic floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Chosen for their reflective quality, they conceal the refrigerator and freezer, and the upper sections hold large serveware. A central glass-front cabinet with walnut shelves displays special pieces.
The texture of the leathered black granite countertops plays off the other sleek elements. “I love that I can put a pan on it and not worry about it, or spill wine on it,” Lisa says of the counters’ durability. They also were a budget conscious selection that made way for the kitchen’s showpiece: a Calacatta Borghini marble slab that spans the far wall. Its dramatic gray-and-honey veining unites the cabinet colors, original cypress moldings, and fluted marble backsplash. “That piece is everything,” Lisa says.
About the Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
Designed by noted Greenville architect Kirk Craig, Craig Gaulden Davis’ co-founder, the 1969 mid-century modern house was one of the architecture firm’s early residential projects.
The nonprofit Greenville Mod will celebrate similar mid-century modern and contemporary architecture during its tour on April 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. (this house will not be part of the 2024 collection). Tickets are $40 per person and will be available via www.gvlmod.com in late March. Follow @gvlmod for more tour info.
The greatest change came from removing an original cypress-paneled wall—it stood about where the island ends—between the kitchen and den. The new open layout gives the couple more room for hosting family and friends.
A slab of Calacatta Borghini marble, installed behind the six burner Fulgor Milano gas range, became the kitchen’s focal point. Its dramatic grey and honey accented veining ties in the colors of the original cypress, as well as the walnut bar top and leathered black granite countertops. Two marble shelves above it allow space for art and seasonal decor.
Forest Kitchen Design Studio designed a two-tier island, a departure from the level surface trend. The lower side—with a waterfall edge of leathered black granite—is great for food prep while the bar height section—crafted using locally sourced walnut—is a perfect spot to enjoy coffee. The Restoration Hardware Ėclatant Rectangular Chandelier hanging above provides plenty of light without blocking views through the nearby windows.
A glass-front cabinet—featuring walnut shelves that complement the island—gives the Conners space to store special entertaining pieces. The adjoining black acrylic cabinets hide the refrigerator, freezer, and pull-out pantry.
Getting the details right became an important part of the kitchen’s design. The custom oak cabinet’s inky black stain correlates with the leathered black granite counters, while the generously sized brass pulls connect to the Brizo faucet. A fluted marble tile backsplash behind the sink and the beverage station complements the Calacatta Borghini marble and mimics the den’s original wood-paneled wall.
