Lanny and Donna Julian whipped up a cozy kitchen for their custom home that seamlessly blends country charm with 21st-century amenities. They wanted the kitchen to flow right into the family room so Donna could interact with family and friends as she cooked. And they wanted it comfortable, with ample lighting and work space.

The result is a homey mix of old and new befitting the home’s singular distinction as the first—and at press time the only—lived-in abode at The Concession. Indeed, the Julians, both former Hallmark executives and avid golfers, and their builder were Concession pioneers: When Anchor Builders broke ground there were no roads, electricity, water or infrastructure.

“When we moved in [in May 2006] there were no services; even trash pickup and mail delivery had to be arranged,” Donna explains. The Julians’ pioneering spirit has paid off. Golf Digest named The Concession the best new private course in the nation, and rare wildlife, including two black panthers, graces their backyard wilderness, at least until future neighbors arrive.

Maple cabinets by Wood-Mode exude country charm with heirloom finish and charcoal glaze. Traditional cabinet facings artfully conceal state-of-the-art appliances.

Sherwin Williams’ garden-fresh jonquil yellow paint accents the white built-in bookcase with extra-deep shelves Donna admired in one of Anchor’s model homes.

The kitchen’s focal point is a standard plywood build-out range hood, masterfully faux finished by Mary Eidge, who also transformed ceiling niches throughout the home.

The recipe for this cheery backsplash started with a few great ingredients: Walker Zanger’s Pavia Antico Pintura plain tumbled tile with hand-painted “fruit” coordinates.

Donna’s dream equipment from Florida Builders’ Appliance includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Dacor ovens, and, because she’s always wanted to cook with gas, a Wolf range.

Granite countertop called Golden Persa from European Marble delivers a clean, shiny surface and strong accent of color along with the safety and comfort of the bull-nose edge.

Donna’s request for an oversized work island was answered with a hard-working, creative solution: an octagonal shape for easy access and porcelain cream Kohler vegetable sink.