Greenhaven Home :: A Smarter Way of Living

Whether she's concentrating on a specific room or designing a whole house, Cherry is intrigued by the architecture of Atlanta. "I love Atlanta for its variety of architecture — from Spanish Colonial to Craftsman to contemporary," she says. "One day I'll be working on a ranch, the next a split-level and — maybe the week after that — a Neel Reid house."

Her design touch reaches beyond the city limits, too. When she and her husband were married in 2007 in Costa Rica (where the couple owns a 100-acre farm,) they designed and built a chapel for the ceremony. No project is beyond her scope, though she has the same goal for each one: "Making the client's dream come true," Cherry says, "makes my own dreams come true, too.

Award-winning designer Emmye Otto Cherry has been honored over and over for her innovative design and timeless style. She first became interested in interior design in the seventh grade. "All of the other girls were taking home economics while I was in shop class," says Cherry. "I took mechanical drafting and immediately loved it!" That intial interest in perspective drawing ultimately led to a successful career, one that specializes in kitchen and bath design.

The green products and materials used in this kitchen promote sustainability in residential design and construction.  They conserve natural resources and don't cause depletion of natural resources.  The Wellborn cabinetry is a green choice and is part of the environmental stewardship program, which supports no added formaldehyde, low VOC glues, binders and finishes.  The selected beaded inset cabinetry construction has an espresso finish on cherry for the island and an antique evergreen stain on maple wood, which adds a natural fee to the kitchen.  Cabinetry features include:  recycling centers, recycled glass and dish drawers.  The island is topped with Cambria's Cranbrook natural quartz and the surround is Whitehall natural quartz.  Added function comes from the Energy Star appliances, provided by SubZero and Wolf.

The open floor plan helped reduce material use and supported the concept of flexibility and multiple uses of most spaces.  The recycled glass tile are a beautiful touch and have thermal mass to help reduce energy.  The double work triangle of the kitchen allows for many chefs in the kitchen.

The EcoSmart fireplace is recessed into the kitchen island and is removable for flexibility to add a water feature on the island for the hot Atlanta months.  The EcoSmart fireplace is fueled by renewable energy and you can regulate the flame.  The EcoSmart fire products allow you to qualify for federal tax credits for energy efficiency.  Receive up to 30% or $1500 tax credit - now that's really green!

The fire, water, metal and wood elements create Fung Shui in the kitchen.  Maximizing an outdoor view, while maintaining a warm environment was key to this kitchen design.  Emmye says "Do good to energy efficiency on behalf of Mother Earth."