Objective: Restore this beautiful 100-year-old historic home into a masterpiece of history.
Designed by Nationally Recognized NKBA 30 Under 30 Designer, Taylor Walker
For nearly a century, the Tudor Revial brick house with the seven gables has perched high atop a hill on Marion Street welcoming generations of friends and families through its arched doorways.
Taylor Walker had the prestigious honor of designing the kitchen and other areas for Seven Gables, a National Historic Preservation Home. This project is a remarkable fusion of history and innovation, showcasing Taylor’s ability to seamlessly blend timeless character with modern functionality.
With a deep appreciation for the home’s storied past, Taylor thoughtfully preserved its architectural integrity while enhancing the space for contemporary living. Every detail was carefully considered to create a home that respects the heritage while meeting the needs of today’s homeowners.
Through this dedication to excellence, Taylor at Greenbrook Design consistently creates extraordinary spaces that transform the way her clients live and interact with their homes.
The inside of the house is airy and bright with high ceilings, brass and crystal chandeliers, crown molding, gorgeous tile fireplaces with mantels, and the original handcrafted hardware on the doors. It’s only fitting that Walker Woodworking custom cabinets were carefully crafted in all areas of this home, with the design expertise of Taylor Walker.
Explore more design details below and experience the art of historic preservation reimagined.
The Seven Gables historic home renovation is a testament to expert craftsmanship, where custom cabinetry seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Every detail was designed to preserve the home’s architectural integrity while enhancing its functionality for contemporary living.
Perimeter Cabinetry – Seven Gables Restored Kitchen
During the renovation, an original blueprint of this room was discovered, providing a rare glimpse into its initial design. This historical find inspired the beautiful recreation of the historic Seven Gables. Perfectly blending classic elegance and modern functionality, thoughtful design with two-tone cabinetry enhances the space, creating a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
Refined Cabinetry Details
Finishes:
BM Pure White—A crisp, clean foundation that brightens the space. (perimeter)
BM Steel Wool—A sophisticated contrast that adds depth and character. (paneled refrigerator with mullions & glass *photo shown; unique features below)
Build Method: Inset cabinetry, ensuring a refined, furniture-like appearance.
Hardware: Honey bronze pulls and knobs, offering a warm, luxurious touch.
Custom Corbels: Beautifully crafted architectural details that enhance the historic charm.
Ladder Rail: A functional and elegant addition, providing easy access to upper storage while maintaining vintage appeal.
Custom Hood with Satin Gold Banding
Designed in collaboration with Stoll Industries, this statement piece ties together classic craftsmanship with modern luxury.
This pantry embodies craftsmanship, attention to detail, and respect for historical integrity while meeting contemporary storage needs. Before photo below –
Stylish Storage
The inset construction ensures a harmonious integration into the home’s historical architecture. Custom features like the ladder rail system and walnut drawers elevate the design while maintaining usability.
The cabinetry is finished in Sherwin-Williams Pure White Satin for a timeless and clean aesthetic, ideal for blending modern functionality with historical charm.
The “Seven Gables” custom door style features intricate detailing, providing a sophisticated yet understated design suitable for the preserved home.
Part of the design in this pantry was to enhance storage and visibility of heirloom pieces. A spice rack, with room for olive oil, is a practical addition for easy access to frequently used items. The brass ladder rail system is a functional yet decorative element that allows access to higher shelving. The open shelving provides an airy feel and showcases curated items like glassware or vintage containers. Deep drawers were incorporated to house serving pieces and larger items to ensure organization without clutter. Interior drawers are crafted of a premium walnut for the warmth and richness this pantry deserves, finished with dovetail joints for durability and elegance.
Every element in this luxury bar was carefully designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring the space remains true to its historic roots while accommodating modern entertaining needs. From the before to the after is a stunning transformation.
Highlighting the luxury design elements
Backlit Pink Quartz—A Stunning Focal Point
The showstopping backlit pink quartz serves as the centerpiece of the bar, adding a warm, inviting glow that enhances the space’s ambiance. This striking feature:
Creates a dramatic focal point, elevating the overall design.
Adds a luxurious, modern touch that complements the rich walnut cabinetry.
Provides soft, ambient lighting, perfect for evening cocktails or an upscale coffee experience.
Coffee Area with Bi-Fold Doors
The coffee station, discreetly tucked behind elegant bifold doors, offers a hidden yet highly functional space. The doors allow the area to be neatly concealed when not in use, maintaining the room’s refined aesthetic while ensuring convenience for daily use. This feature provides:
A clutter-free design that preserves the room’s timeless elegance.
Easy access for a morning coffee ritual or evening cocktail preparation.
A seamless blend with the surrounding cabinetry when closed.
Adjustable Shelves
The custom adjustable shelving provides flexibility in display and storage, accommodating everything from fine glassware and mixology essentials to decorative pieces. This allows homeowners to:
Personalize the space to reflect evolving design preferences.
Easily reconfigure shelf heights for different-sized bottles, glassware, or décor.
Maintain an organized and polished look.
Wine Rack
A custom wine rack introduces both style and functionality, allowing for a curated selection of wines to be stored elegantly within the bar. This thoughtful addition:
Adds a sophisticated, upscale touch to the space.
Provides convenient access to wine for entertaining.
Seamlessly integrates with the room’s overall design, enhancing the luxurious feel.
Together with the brass foot rail, glass shelves, and walnut drawer interiors, these design features elevate the luxury bar, blending historic charm with modern convenience and craftsmanship, creating the ultimate space for coffee and cocktails.
A Masterfully Restored Space
The goal was to seamlessly blend the home’s historic charm with bespoke craftsmanship, honoring the past while enhancing the space for modern living.
Fireplace crafted by Walker Woodworking
Build Method: Inset
Wood Species & Finish: Select Walnut with a Satin Finish
Flanking the fireplace, the custom walnut bookcases provide both functional storage and a sophisticated aesthetic. Finished in a natural walnut stain, the cabinetry enhances the warmth and richness of the room, showcasing the wood’s exquisite grain and character.
This restoration highlights a dedication to craftsmanship and design, ensuring that every detail reflects the timeless beauty of the home.
Laundry rooms—upper and lower levels
Laundry may be a chore, but in these beautifully designed laundry rooms, even the messiest tasks become enjoyable. Thoughtfully crafted with functionality and style in mind, each space offers:
✔ Custom cabinetry for craftsmanship and seamless integration of blending old with new
✔ Durable Workspaces that stand up to everyday use
✔ High-End Finishes & Hardware for a polished look
✔ Smart Storage Solutions, like hanging rods and drying racks
From classic charm to modern luxury, these laundry rooms prove that even the most practical spaces can be both stylish and functional.
Let’s create a laundry room that makes every wash cycle a little more enjoyable! 🚿✨
Lower level –
Upper level –
Designed with an inset construction, the space-saving stacked units are incorporated with a pullout drying rack for delicate items, offering efficient and hidden drying solutions.
This custom cabinetry design honors the past while embracing modern convenience, ensuring that the kitchen remains both visually stunning and highly functional within the Seven Gables historic home. Below are various features that were incorporated into the design.
This kitchen remodel thoughtfully preserves the home’s heritage while introducing refined details that enhance both beauty and function. The result is a space that feels both timeless and tailored for modern living.
Paneled SubZero Freezer (24”) & Paneled SubZero Refrigerator (30”) – Fully integrated into custom cabinetry for a cohesive and refined look. The paneled appliances are painted BM Steel Wool and are completed with mullions and antique mirrored glass.
Pullout Ledge Between Appliances—A thoughtfully designed feature, offering a convenient surface for unloading the refrigerator while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic.
Statement Cooking Area
La Cornue 43” CornuFé 44 Dual Fuel Range – A true centerpiece, offering timeless European craftsmanship with exceptional performance.
Custom Hood with Satin Gold Banding—Designed by Stoll Industries, this striking feature includes the Zephyr AK9446BS Hood Liner, marrying functionality with bespoke luxury.
Custom Corbels—Intricately crafted to enhance the kitchen’s historical integrity.
Ladder Rail from Wine Cellar Specialists— A sophisticated addition, providing easy access to upper cabinets while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.
Inset End Panels—A refined detail that adds depth and a furniture-like appearance to the cabinetry.
Aventos Lift on Door—A modern touch that allows seamless access to overhead storage.
Silverware Drawer & Rev-A-Shelf Pullouts—
Base pullout for spices or pantry essentials.
Utensil pullout for organized cooking tools.
Tray dividers for streamlined storage.
Design Firm: Greenbrook Design
Designer: Taylor Walker
Cabinets by: Walker Woodworking
Photography: Darin Holiday, Electric Films
Project Location: Shelby, NC
See below for more photos of this one-of-a-kind historic preservation of Seven Gables.
Walker Woodworking
A modern light twist to Scandinavian kitchen