Photos courtesy of Melissa Oivanki
City meets country
A bit of the city on a hilltop … that’s what Carolyn and Mike Culotta were looking for with their 5,000-square-foot Acadian-style farmhouse. They ended up with an airy and open design, with enough space to enjoy company and entertain confidently.
Kathy Simoneaux and Adele Merchant of Acadian House Kitchen and Bath Studio were the designers for the Magnolia, Mississippi, vacation home. Simoneaux had worked with the Culottas before and had an idea of what was important to the couple: sufficient appliances, including two dishwashers and a built-in microwave, pantry space and lots of white cabinets. The dramatic white kitchen reflects Carolyn’s interest in staying classic. Her Baton Rouge home, by contrast, has dark cherry kitchen cabinets.
Even though the kitchen contains plentiful storage and cooking space, it’s also welcoming—a large, angular island offers seating but still leaves enough room for foot traffic around it. In the family room, an unusual bi-level bar features comfortable leather seating, as well.