Every Beautiful Kitchen Tells a Story

Each stunning kitchen holds a narrative just waiting to be unveiled. Every choice of cabinets, thoughtfully designed layout, and final detail reflects the collaboration between a designer’s vision and a homeowner’s dream. We extend our gratitude to Kitchen Designer Kari Hellyer and Interior Designer Avis Twilley for revealing the inspiration, creativity, and craftsmanship behind their Wellborn Forest Cabinetry project.

Join us as we explore one of their latest creations the Dunn Residence, located on Emerald Isle in North Carolina.

Tell us about your clients. What was most important to them when planning their new kitchen?

The homeowners envisioned an elevated coastal retreat that felt timeless, welcoming, and effortlessly functional. As a multi-generational beach home, the kitchen needed to accommodate everything from quiet mornings with coffee to large family gatherings and holiday celebrations. They wanted a space that reflected the beauty of the coast while offering warmth, durability, and thoughtful everyday function.

What challenges did this project present? Fortunately, this project progressed remarkably smoothly. The homeowners had a clear vision, trusted our design recommendations, and the project remained on budget from start to finish.

The design itself presented exciting opportunities to improve both aesthetics and functionality. We reimagined the microwave location and created a dedicated coffee station, repositioned the range to achieve perfect symmetry, transformed a dated angled island into a spacious rectangular gathering place, relocated the pantry entrance, and enclosed the front porch to create an expansive butler’s pantry and laundry room. Every design decision focused on maximizing both beauty and usability.

We wanted the home to reflect the relaxed elegance of coastal living while avoiding cliches. The design was inspired by Emerald Isle itself, drawing from the natural beauty and relaxed elegance of North Carolina’s coast. Soft custom-painted cabinetry, warm natural finishes, and classic architectural details create a peaceful environment that feels bright, refined, and welcoming—a subtle nod to the ocean just outside.

What feeling did you want homeowners to experience when they walked into their new kitchen? Our goal was to create an immediate sense of calm, elegance, and welcoming. We wanted the kitchen to feel bright, airy, and sophisticated while maintaining the comfort of a family home. The overall design strikes a balance between elegant craftsmanship and relaxed coastal living, creating a space that feels luxurious without ever feeling formal.

Which Wellborn Forest door style was selected? Hamilton with a 5-piece drawer front was chosen for its clean, timeless profile perfectly complements both traditional coastal architecture and modern transitional design, making it a style that will remain beautiful for decades.

What finish or paint color was chosen, and why? The perimeter cabinetry features a custom painted finish in Sherwin-Williams Niebla Azul, while the island is finished in WF Beaufort Boardwalk- AKA- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige.

Together, these colors create a sophisticated coastal palette that feels fresh and inviting. The soft blue adds personality without overwhelming the space, while the warm neutral island grounds the design and introduces warmth and contrast.

What Countertop Material complements the Cabinetry Calacatta Alabaster Quartz was selected for both its elegance and durability. One of our favorite custom details is the arched backsplash beneath the hood, which was designed to mirror the hood’s architectural shape and create a beautiful focal point.

Tell us about the hardware selections Champagne bronze Top Knobs hardware was chosen for its timeless character and refined detailing. The subtle ferrules and rounded backplates introduce a hint of nautical influence while elevating the cabinetry with understated luxury.

Were there any special lighting features incorporated into the design? Interior designer Avis Twilley selected a stunning tiered brass chandelier over the island that immediately draws the eye. Its sculptural form perfectly complements the soft coastal palette while adding warmth and sophistication to the room.

What storage solutions make this kitchen especially functional? Function was just as important as beauty. The kitchen includes spice pull-outs, utensil storage, double trash pull-outs, broom storage, rollout trays, pan dividers, stacked upper cabinetry, and numerous organizational accessories designed to maximize each inch of available space.

How did you maximize storage or improve the layout? Every square inch was intentionally designed. Cabinetry extends to the ceiling to maximize storage while specialty inserts help keep everything organized. By redesigning the floor plan and relocating key work areas, we significantly improved traffic flow and everyday usability without sacrificing aesthetics.

Were there any custom or specialty features included? Absolutely. The custom-built arched hood serves as the kitchen’s centerpiece and is echoed by the matching arched quartz backsplash below.

Which feature do the homeowners use most? The island has naturally become the heart of the home. Whether preparing meals, entertaining guests, or gathering with children and grandchildren, it serves as the central gathering place for everyday life.

Favorite Design Moments – What is your favorite detail in this kitchen? The range wall is undoubtedly my favorite feature. Its symmetry, architectural hood, custom backsplash, and illuminated display cabinetry create a stunning focal point that anchors the entire room.

Which design decision are you most proud of? I’m most proud of how timeless the overall design feels. Rather than chasing trends, we focused on classic proportions, thoughtful space planning, layered textures, and carefully selected finishes that feel as though they’ve always belonged in the home.

What feature receives the most compliments? Without question, it’s the blue cabinetry. Many homeowners hesitate to commit to painted cabinetry throughout an entire kitchen, but the custom Niebla Azul creates an unforgettable statement while remaining soft, elegant, and timeless.

Is there a hidden detail homeowners may overlook? The decorative metal mesh in the upper cabinetry. While it photographs beautifully, it’s even more impressive in person, especially when illuminated in the evening. “Decorative champagne gold metal mesh replaces traditional glass in the stacked display cabinets, creating a custom furniture-inspired look with integrated lighting behind.”

What was the biggest transformation from the original space? The original kitchen featured a dated angled island that disrupted both function and flow. By replacing it with a large rectangular island and enclosing the front porch to create a generous butler’s pantry and laundry area, we completely transformed how the family uses the home.

What problem did this renovation solve? The renovation dramatically improved both storage and entertaining space for a busy multi-generational beach home. The new layout supports everyday living while comfortably accommodating family and guests throughout the year.

How has this new kitchen changed the homeowners’ daily lives? The homeowners absolutely love the transformation. The kitchen is now more organized, more functional, and much more enjoyable to spend time in. It has become a peaceful place to begin each morning and the gathering space where countless family memories will be made.

Designer Insights – What advice would you give someone planning a kitchen remodel? Never sacrifice function for aesthetics. Beautiful finishes will always catch your eye, but thoughtful planning is what you’ll appreciate every single day. Working closely with both a designer and contractor ensures the best balance of beauty, functionality, and long-term value.

What kitchen trends are you currently loving? I’m loving the continued evolution of transitional coastal design. Painted cabinetry paired with natural wood accents, layered textures, integrated storage, and warmer finishes create spaces that feel inviting, personalized, and timeless rather than trend-driven.

What timeless design elements do you always recommend? I always encourage clients to invest in quality cabinetry, thoughtful space planning, layered textures and classic architectural details.

Why did you choose Wellborn Forest Cabinetry for this project?

Wellborn Forest is my preferred cabinetry line for the vast majority of my remodeling projects because it consistently delivers exceptional quality, beautiful finishes, extensive customization options, and outstanding value.

Their ability to offer custom paint colors, specialty storage, furniture-quality construction, and flexible design solutions allows me to create kitchens that are both beautiful and highly functional.

Three Words That Describe This Kitchen – Timeless. Coastal. Functional.

If this kitchen could tell a story, what would it say about the family who lives here?

“This is where memories are made.” From grandparents to grandchildren, family and friends will gather around this island for generations—sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and creating traditions that will last a lifetime.

What makes this kitchen uniquely theirs? The homeowners fully embraced collaboration throughout the design process, trusting both myself and interior designer Avis Twilley to guide every decision. That partnership allowed us to create a kitchen that feels deeply personal while delivering exceptional function, timeless beauty, and custom details that truly reflect the way this family lives.

Thank you for sharing the story behind your project. Your insights not only highlight your expertise but also inspire homeowners who are beginning their own design journey. We appreciate your partnership with Wellborn Forest Cabinetry and look forward to celebrating your beautiful work through future Designer Spotlights.

Together, we’re creating more than beautiful kitchens—we’re creating spaces where life happens and memories are made.