Walnut & Pine

This young couple loved the mid-century character of their Durham home, but its compartmentalized first floor did not support the way they wanted to entertain. The kitchen was separated from the living room, leaving the person cooking disconnected from everyone else. We opened the two spaces to one another while making sure the new design still felt true to the home’s architecture. Custom walnut cabinetry and a fluted island bring warmth and reinforce the clean lines associated with mid-century design. At the center of the home, the split-level staircase connects the upper and lower floors. We used a graphic pine-patterned wallpaper to create a visual thread between the levels, inspired by the North Carolina landscape. The kitchen is now part of the gathering, and the home feels more open without losing the character that made it special.