Photo: Chris Edwards for AOL
While some people say, "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen," Charlene Felts and Eryc Atwood are more apt to say, "If you can't take the heat, get out of town and build a kitchen somewhere else." In the prime of life, Charlene, an antiques dealer, and Eryc, a home remodeling specialist with a penchant for vintage cars, beat the heat, filled a 30-foot truck and moved from Sarasota, FL up to Waynesville, NC, a small town with affordable property and priceless views nestled in the Smoky Mountains.
The itch to venture northwards started thirteen years ago. After a friend tipped them off to the area, they sojourned north to explore. For Eryc, a New England native, the area reminded him of back home, only the climate was nicer. For Charlene, Florida born and raised, it was completely different. They saw possibility, invested in several properties and started building on one in the spring of 1998.
They picked the house plan out of a catalog and tweaked it to make the most of their surroundings. It took almost two years to build. Eryc, expert in trim work, tiling and painting, did all the subcontractor work. He traveled back and forth between Florida and North Carolina often. Charlene made a few trips, but mainly stayed in Sarasota, where she had a shop.
Design decisions were made long distance. The overall kitchen scheme was inspired by a set of vintage plaid "Annie Laurie" dishes that Charlene had picked up for a song. Eryc picked out the cabinetry, tile, appliances and flooring locally, then phoned his choices in to Charlene for confirmation. Once the big elements were chosen and installed, the collections – the tea pots, mixing bowls, salt and pepper shakers -- followed and followed and followed some more.
The plan was to use it as a summer house and to rent it out when possible. They figured that upon eventual retirement years down the road, they could sell it, move up to the mountains full time and then build their arts and crafts dream bungalow on another property already designated for that project. The pull of the mountains was great, however, and they modified their exit strategy. On July 1, 2003 Charlene and Eryc made the move, and started living their idyllic future at 4,000 ft in the Smokies.
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Pottery, Plastics and Potatoes at 4,000 ft.
Smile-producing knick knacks are scattered all around the kitchen. Charlene's penchant for collecting started early. Not only does she collect, she also owns
Antique Antics, an antiques shop jam-packed with costume jewelry, vintage clothing, barware, toys, sock monkeys, buttons and assorted bits of nostalgia on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.
Chris Edwards for AOL
Charlene Felts and Eryc Atwood have known each other since they were five. He vacationed in Florida with his family; she lived in Florida with hers. They were both previously married, always remained friends and are now celebrating 23 years together. Charlene says, "I got the good guy last!" Eryc adds, "We are both a little nuts, so it works."
Chris Edwards for AOL
Smile-producing knick knacks are scattered all around the kitchen. Charlene's penchant for collecting started early. Not only does she collect, she also owns Antique Antics, an antiques shop jam-packed with costume jewelry, vintage clothing, barware, toys, sock monkeys, buttons and assorted bits of nostalgia on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.
Chris Edwards for AOL
The house faces east, and the scenery, especially as dawn breaks, makes early rising more of a glorious event than a daily responsibility.
Chris Edwards for AOL
The hallway off the kitchen is decked out with guy stuff -- a fishing pole, a kangaroo pelt, snowshoes, Eryc's work shirts and a bear wall hanging. This textile was originally marked $45 at a Sarasota consignment shop, but Charlene waited for a markdown figuring that most Floridians would not be attracted to the wilderness theme. Her patience paid off and she soon scooped it up for $20. Not only is the weave of high quality, but the piece is signed as well. Charlene believes it's probably from the 40's.
Chris Edwards for AOL
They brought the cutting board collection with them from Florida. What began as strictly pigs, grew to embrace other animal forms. These wooden boards were usually school shop projects. Charlene recalls making one herself. She and Eryc hung them on the wall, but stopped at a certain point. The debate is still on about whether to add wainscoting below.
Chris Edwards for AOL
Charlene is constantly picking up the pieces from other people's lives and then either incorporating them into her home decor or reselling them. The tea kettle was a keeper. Though they don't use it, its wonderful patina functions as inspiration. Eryc welded a few hooks onto a tractor wheel to make the pot rack. "It's fun to repurpose," he says.
Chris Edwards for AOL
On Sunday mornings, Charlene and Eryc are technically off from work. When one has the junking gene, however, the weekends afford hunting and gathering time so they're typically on the go. Before they head out, however, they make time to enjoy a fine country style breakfast which includes eggs, cheesy grits and Eryc's famous hashed browns. Buddy, the resident terrier mix rescue pup, wants in on the action.
Chris Edwards for AOL
Every once in a while Eryc vows to kick the coffee habit and this was "one of those milk mornings."
Chris Edwards for AOL
The kitchen is a happy place filled with all sorts of objects that bring back all sorts of memories. Both Eryc and Charlene collected independently before joining forces. Among some of their stash: chalkware wall plaques, mixing bowls and commercial malted milk containers. As for their own personal accessory choices, check out Eryc's very cool belt and Charlene's cherry Bakelite pin.
Chris Edwards for AOL
Commercial malted milk tins, found in old-fashioned soda fountain shoppes, caught Charlene's eye. These graphic containers are not only costly, but are also a challenge to find. Of course for a serious scavenger like Charlene, this makes the thrill of the hunt all the more exciting.
Chris Edwards for AOL
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Pattie 11-03-2009 @ 10:32AM
What a Fabulous article! The photography is beautiful! I know Charlene and Eryc and they are both extremely talented.
I hope you will do other articles featuring her shop, sock monkeys and bakelite. A feature with Eryc's cars and hand crafted furniture
would be nice!
The world needs to discover these two talented people!
I look forward to discovering more interesting people on your website!
Thank You for sharing! Pattie
Reply