Stephanie Calderon blends natural elements with a modern design ethos in a Charlotte kitchen.
by Cathy Martin | photographs by Heather Ison
Lots of room for cooking and entertaining were key for this young couple from New York City when planning the kitchen renovation of their new south Charlotte home. They also sought an organic, modern design, blending earthy, natural elements with clean lines and a minimalist feel.
Stephanie Calderon, whose designs often channel a sophisticated, West Coast aesthetic, was a natural fit for the job.
Designer Stephanie Calderon selected a green quartzite from Italy for the countertops, and a lighter quartzite from Brazil for the kitchen island. A custom plaster range hood and porcelain brick-like tile backsplash add texture.
“The couple prioritized ample storage and a space for entertaining guests,” says Calderon, principal designer at Stephanie Calderon Interiors. “Cooking is a significant part of their lifestyle, so a large countertop space was also essential.”
To give the couple the additional space they desired, the kitchen was moved from the rear center of the home to a back corner bathed in natural light. “This relocation and expansion allowed for a larger, more functional kitchen to cater to the couple’s daily needs and their love for cooking,” Calderon says.
Shaker-style cabinets crafted from quarter-sawn oak add warmth, while panel-ready appliances and modern pulls create a sleek, cohesive aesthetic.
A dry bar, left, provides a nook for coffee by day and wine or cocktails at night.
“Our clients admired the natural beauty of marble but required the durability of quartzite, leading us to select a beautiful green quartzite perimeter slab from Italy and a quartzite island slab from Brazil.” The porcelain tile backsplash adds texture, while brass and black metals complement and coordinate with new black-framed windows.
A new pantry wall provides additional storage, along with a multifunctional dry bar for coffee and cocktails.
“We also included an appliance cabinet to the right of the range to maintain symmetry and provide additional storage,” Calderon says. “We always try and focus on function first, and the overall beauty second.” SP
THE DETAILS
DESIGNER: Stephanie Calderon Interiors
BUILDER: Trigg Builders
ARCHITECT: Pfahl Architects
COUNTERTOPS: Harkey Tile & Stone
TILE: Queen City Stone & Tile
