Family Jewel

MEET THE HOMEOWNERS  Dianna Hellman, a homemaker, and her husband, Rick, a researcher for Nioxin Hair Care, had appreciated the work of Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio for years. In fact, the firm had previously created a marvelous kitchen for Dianna’s mother, so the couple had no doubt that Design Galleria would be the best choice to renovate the kitchen of their Alpharetta home.

THEIR STYLE The Hellmans wanted a space that would accommodate family life with their two teenage children as much as holiday entertaining. Their former kitchen was small and impractical, with inadequate room for appliances. But Design Galleria’s Laurie Lehrich was able to expand the space in a way that melded with the grand family room beyond. “Dianna’s very feminine, so she wanted the room to be a little dressy, but the Hellmans are also very informal and comfortable to be with. The kitchen needed to reflect both styles.”

FAVORITE FEATURE Dianna favors the custom Scagliola hood from Francois & Co., which features a pewter stack as well as decorative corbels that contrast with its clean lines. The dark gray cabinetry is Rick’s favorite element. It’s very en vogue, Lehrich notes, and adds drama.

THEIR BEST ADVICE Thoroughly research kitchen styles, as well as the design professionals you might want to work with, so you’ll know that you’re picking the best one for you. Selecting a firm with a history and staying power will engender complete confidence in their work.

	Solid brass domed knobs with a coined edge and polished nickel finish complement the cool tones of the room and add sparkle. Available through the Matthew Quinn Collection, ADAC West, 349 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite B5A, Atlanta 30305. (404) 974-3560; matthewquinncollection.com
	Waterworks’ classic Julia wall-mounted pot filler with cross handles adds equal parts functionality and glamour to the primary cooking space. Available through Waterworks, 1 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta 30305. (404) 266-1080; waterworks.com

ABOUT OUR JUDGES

CABINETRY AND KITCHEN DESIGN Design Galleria, Downsview Cabinets 600 Series with custom paint and glaze GENERAL CONTRACATOR Wade Garmon, Legend Basements Inc., (770) 772-9004 DESIGN ENGINEER Mai Miyata, Design Galleria CABINET INSTALLATION Bent Anderson, Scan Technique, (770) 380-9812 COUNTERTOP FABRICATION Rob and Ronnie Holloway, Holloway Tile & Marble, (770) 926-9013 CABINET HARDWARE Matthew Quinn Collection RANGE Cornu Fe by La Cornue, through Design Galleria PENDANT LIGHTING South of Market, 345 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite 100, Atlanta 30305. (404) 995-9399; southofmarket.biz BUTLER’S PANTRY Custom pewter countertop by Design Galleria ANTIQUE MIRROR AND ANTIQUE GLASS INSERTS Roger and James Wall, Advanced Glass Designs, (770) 475-8433; advancedglassdesigns.com  NICKEL DOTS IN MIRRORED BACKSPLASH Renaissance Tile & Bath, 349 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite C1B, Atlanta 30305. (404) 231-9203; renaissancetileandbath.com POLISHED NICKEL SINKS AND FAUCETS Waterworks, 1 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta 30305. (404) 266-1080; waterworks.com TILE INSET BELOW HOOD Waterworks polished Aqualinea French Vanilla Herringbone Tile (custom) STONE HOOD WITH PEWTER STACK AND ROCOCO CORBELS Francois & Co., 425 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Building 1, Suites 4 & 5, Atlanta 30305. (404) 842-9946; francoisandco.com ALL APPLIANCES Through Rick Alexander, Distinctive Appliances, 2000 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE, Suite A, Atlanta, 30324. (404) 876-6181; distinctivevacuums.com MARBLE Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio ISLAND FAUCET Waterworks Julia Deck-Mount Faucet with Lever Handles in Nickel POT FILLER Waterworks Julia Wall-Mounted Pot Filler with Cross Handles in Nickel PERIMETER FAUCET Waterworks Julia Bridge 4-Hole Mixer Faucet with Lever Handles in Nickel REFRIGERATOR Miele WALL OVEN Wolf MICROWAVE GE Profile DISPOSALS Franke BUTLER’S PANTRY REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER DRAWERS Sub-Zero DISHWASHERS Miele WINE STORAGE Sub-Zero ICE MAKER Sub-Zero