For 15 years, Atlantans have been traipsing through each other’s remodeled kitchens, comparing, taking notes and picturing themselves surrounded by the latest gadgets and finishes. They’ll be doing it again on March 24 and 25 when the Junior League of Atlanta presents its annual Tour of Kitchens.
Making it to 15 years is a milestone for a tour that was almost written off at least twice.
“At one point, we thought the tour was getting to be an old event, so we looked into other things, which is how our road race got started,” explained Junior League President Lise Dwyer. “But it has kept going. About eight years ago, we took it from one to two days, which was very scary, but it gave us the chance to show off twice as many kitchens.”
Not only has the kitchen tour proved to be one of the League’s most enduring events, it is also a major fundraiser, second only to the organization’s Nearly New thrift shop. The roughly $100,000 it earns goes back into the League’s training programs and is spread among its various community partners.
Part of what keeps the momentum going is that the focus is just on kitchens. The sluggish housing market has kept buyers from rushing out to build new houses, but many who are staying put are reworking what they have -- and every house has a kitchen. In Vicki Canakaris’ case, there are two, and both will be showcased during the tour.
The Sandy Springs homeowner recently turned a 1980s house into what she’s dubbed “the Lodge,” a place where she and her husband, Ron, can entertain, accommodate guests, enjoy the pool and take in the views of the Chattahoochee River. The couple bought the house in 1996, a year after moving into the property next door. They wanted the adjacent house so Canakaris' elderly parents could move in next door. Two years ago, both parents died within a few months of each other.
“We thought about selling, but decided to renovate it instead,” Canakaris said. “We do entertain a lot, so the kitchen is designed so we can see all the guests. It’s very open, so everyone can be part of the action.”
The rustic, post-and-beam space is outfitted with refrigerated and freezer drawers so guests can pop in from the pool and grab a cold drink or snack. The granite island that wraps around the kitchen is designed with plenty of storage, and the breakfast nook opens to the dining room so tables can be linked together between the two spaces.
Adjacent to the main cooking space is a caterers’ kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a roomy nook for flower arranging, an iPod and computer center, a washer and dryer, a dish pantry, a 2-burner stove and an oven.
“I’m so tired of making kitchens look beautiful, then going to a party where all the counters are completely covered by caterers’ bags,” said Judy Mozen, president of Roswell-based Handcrafted Homes who designed the renovation. “Having two kitchen areas solves the problem!”
The tour highlights a total of 14 kitchens in an array of designs, from ultra-sleek contemporary to classic marble, from expansive to galley. On March 24, seven kitchens in and around Ansley Park, Morningside and Decatur will be opened, followed by another seven on March 25 in Sandy Springs, Vinings and Buckhead. On both days, the kitchens will host cookbook sales, coffee tastings and cooking demonstrations by some of Atlanta’s top chefs, including Robert Gerstenecker of Park 75, Scott Serpas of Serpas True Food, Linda Harrell of Cibo E Beve and Cyrille Holota of BLT Steak.
Tour times are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 25. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased online at www.tourofkitchens.org. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door for $35. Information: 404-261-7799.
Kitchens...and more
Some Atlanta homeowners are getting their spring cleaning done early in anticipation of having the general public come through their doors. Spring sees a new crop of home tours, where the curious can poke around more than just a private kitchen. Here's a sampling of some upcoming events.
March 8 -- April 1: High Style High Rise Home Tour; W Atlanta Downtown
This inaugural event, a fundraiser for the High Museum, features six residential units on the 19th floor of the 27-story W Atlanta downtown. Six area designers took on the challenge of creating their ideal living spaces in units that are currently on the market, priced from $300,000 to $700,000. Designers have also paired with local interior showrooms and will draw at least 85 percent of the furnishings and accessories from their partner retailer.
“The tour units are one- and two-bedrooms, but no two floor plans are alike,” said Betty Harbourt of the Marketing Directors, the property’s agents. “There are 74 residential units in the building, and they’re all very high-end, with Gaggenau appliances, floor-to-ceiling glass, hardwood floors, marble baths and upscale, contemporary finishes.”
Among the more interesting features are a living room wall mural of Scarlett O’Hara; a retro black-and-white color scheme; a kitchen beverage center; and stunning views.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or online.
High Style High Rise Home Tour
W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.
March 8-April 1; noon-5 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays
Info: www.highstyletour.com; 404-252-6670.
April 20-22: Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour & Artists Market
The theme of this year's tour, "The Second Century," was inspired by the age of the Druid Hills neighborhood, which dates back to the late 1890s. The community boasts an eclectic mix of housing styles, many of which are a century or more old. The tour reflects that mix with a 1917 Italian Renaissance, a 1912 French Manor, and 1908 and 1910 Craftsmans. One of the homes retains the original 1918 Tudor facade designed by noted local architect Neel Reid, while the inside reflects a 25-month reconstruction project that followed a massive fire in 2009. Contemporary updates to the interior include a home theater and walk-in closets.
The weekend’s festivities include a free artists market at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave., with more than 45 artists from across the Southeast. Tour tickets are $20 in advance; $25 on tour days. Discounts are available for groups of six or more.
Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour & Artists Market
10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 20-21; 1-5 p.m. April 22
Info: www.druidhillstour.org; 404-524-8687
41st Inman Park Spring Festival and Tour of Homes
When this long-running home tour kicked off 40 years ago, "Everyone's house was in the middle of being renovated," said tour volunteer Pat Westrick. This year's tour feature 11 homes that have been lovingly restored. The mix includes what Westrick dubs "lacey Victorians" as well as cottages and lofts.
Along with the houses, the tour takes visitors inside the event space at newly restored Wrecking Bar Pub on Moreland Avenue and the 115-year-old Inman Park Methodist Church -- a structure that has been celebrated on every tour since the event began.
The festival closes many of the neighborhood’s residential streets that are lined with food, art and crafts vendors and musical entertainment. The annual community parade, always a display of offbeat and colorful marchers, takes off at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tour tickets are $15 in advance; $20 on tour days.
41st Inman Park Spring Festival and Tour of Homes
Noon-4 p.m. April 27; noon-6 p.m. April 28-29
Info: www.inmanparkfestival.org
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