A Spruced-Up Kitchen

Nestled in the foothills of the Tennessee Smokies, this farmhouse kitchen blends timeless Southern style with a sophisticated French feel.

- written by ANNA LOGAN

Spruce Green

When homeowners Rhonda and Cliff Walker called upon designer Natalie Hager (nataliehagerinteriors.com) to help rethink their dated-looking early-2000s kitchen, she thought best to start from scratch. The full gut renovation resulted in a larger, more open space that honors the Tennessee farmhouse’s classically Southern architecture but with a layer of modern finishes. The new cabinetry's crisp colorway also lends freshness and, as a bonus, allows for easy holiday decorating with just a few touches of cranberry red.

Stove Cove

Anchoring one side of the kitchen, the arched brick nook is the only area that was left untouched. Home to the range, it's reminiscent of Colonial-era beehive ovens that were used both to trap heat for baking and to warm the house. A sign advertising a French sweet shop makes the perfect topper.

Dual Islands