From Basic to Beautiful

A Kitchen Transformation Featuring an ActivWall Gas Strut Window

Home in Linville, North Carolina with an ActivWall Gas Strut Window

What was once a closed-off and dated kitchen in this North Carolina mountain home has been transformed into a stunning open-concept space centered around indoor-outdoor living, and at the heart of it all is a custom ActivWall Gas Strut Window. According to the homeowner, Mike Atkins, he “built the kitchen around the window knowing it would be the focal point of the house.”

Expanding the Footprint

The original kitchen measured just 14 feet wide by 8 feet long, with a dividing wall that made the space feel even smaller. On the other side of that wall was a tall piece of furniture and a dining table, essentially wasted space in terms of functionality.

To create a more open and usable layout, Mike worked with MT Home Improvements to remove the wall and incorporate the dining area into the kitchen footprint. The result? A spacious 14′ x 17′ kitchen that feels modern, connected, and incredibly inviting. A 10-foot island now anchors the room, making it ideal for cooking, gathering, and entertaining.

Before Image of Kitchen
Before Image of Kitchen
Before Image of Kitchen

Designing with Intention

This wasn’t just a renovation — it was a reimagination. Mike envisioned a “mountain modern” design that incorporated natural materials and layered textures, without relying on the rustic motifs often seen in mountain homes.

“We wanted clean lines with a few statement items,” he explained. “Not just ‘bear and deer’ decor.”

Key design details include:

  • Cabinets in Jasper by Sherwin-Williams — a rich, dark green shade chosen to complement modern brass hardware.

  • Color-washed walls in the same green tone around the window area to define and unify the kitchen space.

  • A poplar bark backsplash that brings the outdoors in, pairing beautifully with the indoor/outdoor function of the gas strut window.

  • Quartz countertops with subtle veining, adding character while keeping the palette light and refined.

  • A glass “bubble” light fixture over the island, with a smaller matching piece above the stove to carry the look throughout the space.

  • Layers of wood, leather, and stone that create a tactile, inviting environment tied together with thoughtful detail, including a poplar log accent wall in the nearby living area.

Home in Linville, North Carolina with an ActivWall Gas Strut Window
Home in Linville, North Carolina with an ActivWall Gas Strut Window
ActivWall Gas Strut Window
ActivWall Gas Strut Window overlooking a deck
ActivWall Gas Strut Window overlooking a deck

Centered Around the Window

At the core of the design is the ActivWall Gas Strut Window. Measuring 72″ x 42″, the black outswing window is installed over the countertop and opening out to the home’s deck. With it’s no-sill design, it creates a seamless pass-through bar, perfect for entertaining and connecting with nature.

“The ActivWall IS the kitchen. Without the window we would not have been able to incorporate our indoor/outdoor concept for the house,” said Mike. “The window is the wow factor for us and anyone who comes to the house.”

Whether the window is open to pass drinks and conversation outside or closed to let in natural light while maintaining a sleek aesthetic, it plays a central role in the function and feel of the space.

Get the Look

If you love the style of this home, if could be yours! This North Carolina home is currently for sale and you can view the listing here on Zillow.

If you are interested in getting an ActivWall Gas Strut Window to enhance your own indoor-outdoor living space, click the button for a free quote and to connect with one of our Customer Experience Managers. 

Mountain Home in North Carolina
Mountain Home in North Carolina
Mountain Home in North Carolina

Acknowledgements:
Story by ActivWall. Photos contributed by Mike Atkins. Renovation by MT Home Improvements. Special thank you to Mike Atkins. 

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