Story by Mollie Pfeifer | Photography by Matt Kocourek
When designer Genevieve Hamel of Kitchens by Kleweno first stepped into the unfinished storage room that would become this stunning wine cellar, she saw potential far beyond its blank walls. Her client, a wine connoisseur with an eye for detail, envisioned a space that would serve dual purposes: hosting business events and sharing fine vintages with friends. The result is an elegant design that feels personal and professional, yet timeless.
“The shape of a wine barrel inspired the curved panels on either side of the entrance,” Hamel explains. “Not only the entry, but the wine racks are curved as well, so it feels like you’re walking into a wine barrel.” The large glass opening draws guests directly to the tasting room, offering a sense of drama rarely found in traditional wine cellars.
The seamless integration of form and function continues throughout the space, starting with the discrete look of the ceiling lights, the built-in speakers camouflaged within the entrance wood panels, and the cleverly concealed cooling system in the racks.
Because the home’s wood floors and dark brown stained doors were already established, Hamel used them as a foundation for the cellar’s moody palette. “We wanted to carry that color scheme in since it’s open to the rest of the house,” she says, noting that the choice of natural materials throughout reflects both the client’s taste and the home’s existing architecture.
While Hamel resists the idea of having a “signature look,” her approach is unmistakably client centered. “Every design is for the client’s taste,” she says. “You won’t see a signature color scheme in my work. You’ll see something different for people who want to do something special.”
That philosophy is embodied in one of her favorite elements, the feature wall that divides the tasting area from the storage zone. “It started when I was sketching ideas and wrote a cursive ‘N’ on the paper,” Hamel says. “The client’s name starts with N, so aesthetically layered the letter, so it becomes a personal touch, but it’s not obvious to everyone.” The subtle inlay serves as both art and identity, an intimate nod to the homeowner woven directly into the design.
The materials play a vital role in creating the old-world-meets-modern feel. Small-aperture lights create ambiance without glare. The noire limestone tile floor features a chiseled edge for character and an antique finish for durability, ideal for a space that might occasionally encounter a spilled drop of merlot. The stone walls visually tie the cellar back to the main structure, while a tongue-and-groove alder ceiling adds warmth and intimacy.
Custom details abound, from the Saratoga quartzite island countertop to the handcrafted rain glass panels backed with bronze mirror. “I asked an artist to create that pattern for me,” Hamel says. “It’s made of low-iron glass, so it’s completely transparent, without the green tint you get with standard clear glass. It softens the reflections and adds a beautiful glow.” A standout feature in the tasting area is the polished nickel hammered sink, paired with a minimalist faucet that lets the craftsmanship shine.
Even the storage solutions reflect the client’s priorities of beauty and practicality. The space can hold 1,919 bottles, including magnums, with case storage customized to fit the client’s collection. Roll-out drawers beneath the counter accommodate full cases, and the feature wall can be filled from both sides.
The built-in cabinetry crafted from alder includes curved drawers lined with orange leather, a nod to the client’s company logo. Inside, custom walnut dividers keep each type of glassware organized, from bulbous burgundy bowls to delicate white wine stems.
While the aesthetics are showstopping, the details ensure true cellar functionality. Temperature and humidity controls are integrated discreetly into the cabinetry, with air returns hidden in the toe kicks and cooling vents positioned above the racks.
From its barrel-inspired curves to its artful layering of materials, this distinctive cellar blends classic craftsmanship with modern sophistication, balancing tradition, personal expression and professional precision. For Hamel, that harmony is what gives the space its enduring allure. “It’s absolutely unique for the client and to the client,” she says. “You’ll never see another like it.”
Resources
- Designer: Kitchens by Kleweno – Genevieve Hamel
- Contractor: McQuaid Brothers
- Counters: Carthage Stonework
