Sugar Mill Showcase
Greenville, South Carolina
A Personal Expression of Joy
There is something very special about this project that sets it apart from the rest. This is my personal kitchen. It reflects my personality and eclectic appreciation for a fascinating blend of architectural styles, details, and materials. It is my happy place. I seriously draw joy just from looking at, cooking in, and entertaining throughout this space.
This custom kitchen renovation is also a showcase of everything I believe in as a Greenville residential designer: creativity balanced with livability, form balanced with function. Equipped with top-of-the-line luxury appliances — including gas, induction, and sous-vide cooking methods — it allows me to prepare large family meals and simple light bites in a space that feels intentionally designed for both.
An Island that Invites and Impresses
Front and center, an oversized kitchen island with natural white oak veneer, unexpected chevron detailing, integrated LED lighting, and an authentic Carrara marble counter with dramatic waterfall ends sets the stage for inviting and memorable gatherings and celebrations. The expansive 9½-foot island is uninterrupted by a sink or other obstruction, making it versatile and exceptionally functional — a defining feature in award-winning kitchen design.
Hidden Function, Unseen Magic
Hidden gems like built-in refrigeration with cabinet panels disguise these necessary appliances in what appears to be lovely furniture-like cabinetry. Convertible refrigerator/freezer drawers expand the functionality of the island and bar areas, providing a cocktail, sandwich, and salad station located in the areas where they are most needed.
The pantry is designed like none other. It is a unique and marvelous space — a “wrap-around pantry” discreetly tucked behind a beautiful, eye-catching dish and beverage bar. The wall oven and speed oven reside at the end cap of the bar where they can be easily accessed but not easily seen. Then, just beyond the wall ovens, a meticulously organized and expertly styled pantry reveals itself in almost magical fashion.
Beyond its surprising beauty, the pantry is also a mecca of storage with open shelving that allows for easy-to-find accessibility and endless customization. Thoughtful design details — like custom corbels, an ombré glass globe pendant light, and a specially designed backsplash that lifts into the wall above to provide a hidden pass-through to the main kitchen — make this so much more than a utilitarian space.
Design Harmony and Accessible Beauty
The cleanup station is strategically located at the pantry end of the large entertaining kitchen, keeping dirty dishes out of sight and out of mind during family gatherings and nightly dinners. A workstation sink with numerous useful accessories and a whisper-quiet dishwasher make cleanup quick and easy.
Intentional combinations of stain and paint, inset and overlay, mixed metals, marble, and quartz work in unison to create a harmonious blend of finishes and fixtures. Bold color blended with warm wood and soft whites makes for an energetic yet peaceful space.
A prep sink, hidden waste containers, full marble backsplash with custom ledge, tiered spice drawers, fluted glass doors, pull-outs for utensils and knives, deep pot and pan drawers, and a pet feeding station for our dog make this kitchen a dream come true.
This kitchen started out as too small, too cramped, and too closed off — half the size it is now. I was able to expand the design within the home’s existing footprint by capturing an underutilized formal dining room. Removing the wall between the two spaces allowed me to enlarge the kitchen and create the pantry.
I maintained an eat-in area at the end of the kitchen which provides comfort-height seating along with counter-height seating at the island. This is very important and often overlooked. Kitchens need to have surfaces at multiple heights to serve people with various levels of ability. I design with a universal design approach to accessibility — creating spaces that work for people of all ages and abilities.
Maximizing the potential of the home’s existing footprint allowed me more room in the budget to incorporate many of the special appliances and details I treasure in this kitchen. Responsible design and sustainable practices are not just something I employ on personal projects; they are a core part of my process for every client.
This project was awarded the NKBA Specialty Kitchen Design Award in 2024, celebrating custom kitchen design excellence in Upstate South Carolina.
