Designer Cindy Bennett-McCune
Get to know more about Designer Cindy Bennett-McCune. The influence her upbringing had on her design career and, her love for all shades of blue.
Q&A with CINDY BENNETT-MCCUNE – Designer
The person
Welcoming, witty and reliable, Cindy is a sought-after design partner but for most of her clients at the end of a project she is a new friend. She’s helpful and just a like a good friend will go above and beyond for you. Design partner + new BFF, what could be better?
The professional
Raised by a decorator that specialized in draperies and wallpaper, Cindy experienced the excitement of transforming spaces early in life. Her natural instincts for design and a professional career spanning 30 years provides an effortless and stress-free experience for her clients . She’ll simplify the project process for you. She’ll bring creative solutions to the table for challenges and above all else give you comfort through communication that your project is in good hands.
The Brunswick County resident
With the warmth of the people and weather, planting roots in Brunswick County was easy for Cindy. And, when she’s not designing spaces, Cindy can be found shopping at Callahan’s in Calabash, grabbing a quick bite at Burg-Dog Grill or an evening dinner at Oyster Rock. She (like most of us!) also has to get her sweet tooth fix and there’s no other choice than Sugar Confections Bakery in Shallotte.
Personal Interior Style
“Coastal.”
Favorite Paint Color
“All shades of blue.”
Favorite Thing About your Career
“Happy customers and using my creativity.”
What Makes You Laugh?
“A good joke. Even though, I won’t remember it long enough to tell.”
If you weren't a designer, what would you be?
“Decorator… is that the same 😉 😊 “
Attention to…the details
Bring Your Wish List to Life
The details define Cindy. Driven to not disappoint, Cindy transforms spaces as a highly-organized designer.
To Cindy, a successful project is achieved when the wish list comes to life with a happy, satisfied customer. With Cindy, she’ll know your goals, what needs to be done, and communicate with you throughout the project…her clear plan. It’s, for this reason, she works with so many out-of-town clients. The trust she builds also keeps them coming back.
If you are seeking to reinvent your space, you’ll appreciate the fact that she’ll bring creativity to any challenge that might arise. You’ll also appreciate that her full-service approach will simplify the process for you. She’ll help you find your style, design your space, and manage the project so you can quickly start loving your new space.
Describe a Favorite Project
“Years ago, I did a fabulous kitchen with a rolling ladder and stacked cabinets to the ceiling. It was an open budget and we included everything.”
Favorite room of the home to design
“The kitchen because for most people it is the gathering place and it needs to function and be comfortable.”
Kitchen Design
3D Renderings by Cindy
Brunswick Cabinets and Countertops helps customers bring their kitchen dreams to life with 3D renderings.
To get an idea of the potential you have to transform your space, check out a sampling of these 3D kitchen design renderings Cindy has completed.
Kitchen Design Spotlight: The Cook Project
The Cook Project
Buying a second home in Brunswick County often means buying for location and staying open to the need for renovation in order to create a space that supports your lifestyle.
The Cook Project forced Cindy to explore new options to overcome renovation challenges in order to support the Cook’s lifestyle. The project required designer creativity and this is exactly what Cindy loves to do.
Cindy’s Takeaway on the Project
“The Cook project was a favorite for the color combo and innovative ideas needed to make everything work!“
Check out the before and after pictures of the Cook Project and learn more about Cindy’s approach to overcoming space challenges in the Supply, NC feature story “Multi-purpose and Multi-functional: Renovating a Space to Support a Lifestyle in Supply NC“.
Design Projects by Cindy
Cabinet and Countertop Pairings
Curated by Cindy
Brunswick Cabinets and Countertops offers curated collections and designer pairing picks to help locals begin their cabinet and countertop search.
To get an idea of the type of product available to you, check out Cindy’s cabinet and countertop selections in our Curated Collections and Designer Pairing Picks.
Curated Collections
Digital lookbooks of cabinet and countertop collections curated by Cindy are available by visiting our Products page.
Spotlight: The Brunswick Artists’ Collection
Check out The Brunswick Artists’ Collection a collaboration collection that spotlighted the artwork of local Brunswick Artists in the area to see one of Cindy’s collections.
Designer Pairing Picks
Cindy’s designer pairing picks are handpicked with her designer’s eye. Check out her monthly picks to see if a pick matches the vision for your space.
If you’d like to know more about a Designer Pairing Pick, contact us. We’d be happy to set up a call with Cindy for you to discuss the pairing and any additional questions you may have.
Designer Pairing Pick: March 2023
“Go Green“ – Cindy stayed true to the month of March with her green-inspired March 2023 pairing.
For this month’s pairing, Cindy brought the layers. She opted to select two tones of cabinetry both from Schrock. She chose the Garrett door style in Maple Coastal Plain to be used along the kitchen’s perimeter with Bronzo from Vadara. The perimeter of the kitchen would also spotlight the backsplash selection, Anthology’s Symmetry Silver.
For the kitchen island, Cindy chose the Brantley door style in Buckskin to be paired with recycled glass countertops made out of glass, resin, and white quartz from Curava.
To compliment each of the design elements in this pairing, Cindy chose Solid Tech Select’s Discovery Ridge in Coffee House Tan for the floors.
If you’re looking for both warmth and sophistication, consider this one!
Designer Pairing Pick: February 2023
“Geometric Navy“ – Cindy has a bold pairing for her February 2023 pairing.
Cindy chose to make a statement with elements in this pairing. For cabinetry, Cindy chose Schrock’s Kittrel in Naval to perfectly pair with Cambria’s Inverness Cobalt. These two design selections alone would make for a beautiful coastal kitchen.
To add to the design’s dimension, however, Cindy chose a geometric selection of backsplash tile along with a matte porcelain floor tile, Bianco Venatino.
When each of the design elements are combined, this is a coastal kitchen showstopper. If you’d like to see this bold designer pairing, call and set up a design consultation with Cindy today!
Designer Pairing Pick: January 2023
“Moody Blues“ – Cindy has a beautiful coastal pairing for her January 2023 pairing.
This pairing brings a range of design elements to the forefront. For the perimeter of the kitchen, Cindy first selected a moody blue, Aqua Paint, from our Schrock cabinetry line in the Garrett door style. She opted to pair it with Schrock’s Lorrina door style in the Seal Stain for the island.
To compliment the cabinets, Cindy chose Summerhill from Cambria for the countertops. She also partnered with our sister company to select a baroque style tile for the backsplash and a matte porcelain tile for the floors.
This pairing is both serene and dramatic. We believe this is a great choice for the homeowner looking for something different yet sophisticated.
Designer Pairing Pick: December 2022
“Modern Gray“ – Cindy has chosen a modern blue-gray pairing for her December 2022 pairing.
Schrock‘s Rivali cabinetry in Serious Gray pairs extremely well with Swanbridge, a Cambria quartz countertop. Swanbridge offers the homeowner a sophisticated marble background with streaks of charcoal. To add to this look, Cindy selected two textured tiles for this pairing that offer beautiful blue grays.
If you are looking for a soft elegance in your space, this is one to consider.
Designer Pairing Pick: November 2022
“Cosmo Coastal“ – Cindy has chosen a foundational pairing for her November 2022 pairing.
This foundational pairing allows the homeowner to go in many different directions when creating the overall look and feel for the space.
Cindy chose cabinetry from our Schrock line and paired it with a quartz countertop, Calacatta Palermo, from Lucastone. The foundation these two selections set for a kitchen space allow the homeowner to be bold with a backsplash as shown or to keep it simple.
For this pairing, sparkles were added with a backsplash tile from Anthology’s Fantasy Collection.
If you’d like to bring sparkles of your own, into a kitchen, consider stopping by and letting us show you a range of selections in our showroom.
Designer Pairing Pick: October 2022
“Textured Composition“ – Cindy has chosen a textured pairing for her October 2022 pairing.
Schrock‘s Lainey cabinetry in Icy Avalanche pairs with the countertop selection from Cambria, Inverness Frost. Inverness Frost delivers an air of sophistication with a description from Cambria that reads “Sophisticated off-white veins fracture a cool white canvas with lively intensity. Debossing throughout the veining contrasts with the smoothness of the background, giving the design a gently textured composition and beautifully organic quality.”
For added visual interest, Cindy partnered with Brunswick TIle and Flooring to select an additional texture in the form of a backsplash tile.
If this pairing has the hues you are looking for, we highly recommend stopping in to see this one in person!
Designer Pairing Pick: September 2022
“Neutral Glam“ – Cindy has chosen a neutral glam pairing for her September 2022 pairing.
The cabinetry selection is Fabuwood ‘s Allure Fusion in Oyster. The Oyster finish is described by Fabuwood as a “classic beige and adds grey undertones for a refreshingly modern twist”. The countertop selection was Cambria’s Brittanicaa Warm.
To elevate this pairing with a little “glam”, Cindy handpicked backsplash tile from Anthology’s Dazzle Collection, Jolie Silver.
Homeowners looking for a glamorous kitchen should consider this one.
Designer Pairing Pick: August 2022
“Cloudy Gray“ – Cindy has chosen neutrals for her August 2022 pairing.
Her cabinetry selections Translucent Monument Grey and Dove White from Kraftmaid are paired with Swansbridge, a quartz countertop from Cambria that offers a marbled background with grays and pinpoints of charcoal.
Cindy partnered with Brunswick Tile and Flooring to add visual interest to the backsplash, selecting two contemporary options Casablanca Fortress and Muse Cloud Villa from Anthology. Cindy also selected a durable LVP flooring for the kitchen from Happy Feet International.
Homeowners looking for a sophisticated kitchen should consider this one.
Designer Pairing Pick: July 2022
“Mirrored Gray“ – Cindy has chosen a neutral gray theme for her July 2022 pairing.
Her cabinetry selections from Kraftmaid, Cannon Grey and Moonshine, were specifically chosen to pair with Ironsbridge, a quartz countertop from Cambria. Cambria describes Ironsbridge as “this intriguing design blends liquid honey accents with patchworks of grays, whites, and cream to beautifully merge warm and cool tones in delightful harmony“.
The cabinet and countertop pairing needed a statement so Cindy asked Brunswick Tile and Flooring to bring a little “wow” to the floor and backsplash. A mirrored backsplash tile “Astoria” from Sonoma Tilemakers and a large format square floor tile were handpicked to do the trick!
Homeowners looking for a neutral canvas with pops of character should consider this one.
Designer Pairing Pick: June 2022
“Monochromatic Magnifique“ – Cindy has chosen monochromatic selections for her June 2022 pairing.
For this month, Cindy has selected options for the homeowner. For cabinetry, she has selected Kraftmaid’s cozy Dove White as well as the pearly grey color of Moonshine. Both colors were selected to be paired with the granite countertop Platinum Blue.
The pairing continues in its monochromatic theme with two backsplash selections from Brunswick Tile and Flooring along with a 12×24 floor tile Plata Grigio that offers marble tones and silvery grey veining.
If this pairing feels like it might fit in your space, contact Cindy today!
Designer Pairing Pick: May 2022
“Ocean Waves“ – Cindy has chosen to spotlight the beauty of movement and the color blue for her May 2022 pairing.
Her cabinetry selections (410F Painted Navy from Waypoint Cabinetry and River Rock from Kraftmaid) were specifically chosen to pair with Portrush, a quartz countertop from Cambria. This countertop described by Cambria as “an elegant porcelain base crisscrossed with bold navy, gray, and black veins accompanied by finespun filaments and gleaming gold flakes” is sure to create waves in any space.
And, it was the cabinet and countertop pairing that inspired the backsplash and flooring choices from Brunswick Tile and Flooring. Glazzio’s Island Wharf Collection in the color Lagoona was chosen for the backsplash for its wave-like movement. B&F Ceramics Maya porcelain tile was chosen as a complement to the color palette and as a deco floor tile, Cindy knew it would add another layer of visual interest. The pairing was complete with the choice of Plata Grigio with its simple beauty and ability to easily pair with a wide range of styles.
Homeowners looking for a layered pairing with traditional coastal flair should consider this one.
Designer Pairing Pick: April 2022
“Naturally Neutral “ – Cindy has chosen a combination of neutral selections for her April 2022 pairing.
Her cabinetry pairing selection was the 650F door style from Waypoint in the finish Cherry Slate (shown in the photo as chip samples) with a beautiful Cambria countertop shown in Sandgate. The countertops as well as our sister company’s choice of creamy backsplash tile will bring a timeless quality to the kitchen space.
Cindy’s choices for this pairing feel naturally neutral and we can envision the space welcoming any homeowner that opts for this pairing into the space.
Designer Pairing Pick: March 2022
“A Three-Toned Kitchen“ – Cindy has chosen a three-toned kitchen with her March 2022 pairing.
Her cabinetry pairing selections are Warm White and Onyx from Kraftmaid Cabinetry with a Waypoint Cabinetry selection shown in Painted Sage. Cindy has paired the cabinetry with two selections of white quartz, Eternal Calcatta Gold and Blanco Maple. The countertops as well as our sister company’s choice of mosaic backsplash tile and hardwood flooring will ensure the kitchen stays bright and light.
Cindy’s choices for this pairing are an artistic mix, both earthy and classic. Homeowners looking for a modern pairing with a higher level of design should consider this one.
Designer Pairing Pick: February 2022
“Caramel Coastal“ – Cindy has chosen a soft and muted pairing for her February 2022 pairing.
Her cabinet selection from Kraftmaid is Breslin Maple shown in Camel and is paired with the neutral quartz countertop, Lusso from Silestone.
This pairing oozes caramel tones, with the addition of the Danya flooring selection from our sister company and the Calacatta Gold Teardrops and Subway tiles.
What a perfect selection for a sandy coastal pairing? If you are looking for a warm coastal pairing, this is one to consider!
Designer Pairing Pick: January 2022
“A Modern Statement“ – Cindy has chosen to make a modern statement to ring in the new year with her January 2022 pairing.
Her pairing selections are Dove White High Glass Foil cabinets from Kraftmaid Cabinetry with a natural stone countertop from Silestone shown in a Mirage polished finish. The countertop selection gives this pairing a striking look perfect for a “wow” moment in a modern kitchen.
To further complement this pairing, Cindy collaborated with Tile and Flooring Design Specialist Lauren Suggs from Brunswick Tile and Flooring to select a stone backsplash and a large format, matte porcelain tile.
This pairing offers a bright, clean modern look for the homeowner seeking a more modern pairing.
Designer Pairing Pick: December 2021
“Warm Neutrals“ – Cindy has chosen a warm pairing for her December 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection from Fieldstone is Maple Vance shown in a popular finish Villa Marshmallow and is paired with the neutral quartz countertop, Taj Royal.
The combination of these warm hues feels soft and delicate perfect for a coastal kitchen especially when paired with a shell backsplash tile from MIR mosaic.
Another addition to this cabinet and countertop pairing includes flooring from Happy Feet International shown in Sundance from the Blockbuster series.
If you are looking for a warm coastal pairing, this is one to consider!
Designer Pairing Pick: November 2021
“On Trend Green-Gray“ – Cindy has chosen an on-trend green-gray pairing for her November 2021 pairing.
Her pairing selections were Painted Sage cabinets from Kraftmaid Cabinetry and a quartz countertop from Silestone in Stellar Snow.
The countertop selection blends well with the sage color of the cabinetry with its mirror-like speckles of green and gray. This pairing is further complemented by a mirror-like glass backsplash tile and a floor tile selection that offers a homeowner rich visual appeal.
The hues in this pairing are a departure from popular coastal styles but reflect a color palette that is growing in popularity with our coastal clients.
If your color palette preference is green and gray for a kitchen renovation, this on-trend green-gray pairing is one to consider!
Designer Pairing Pick: October 2021
“Waves of Blue” – Cindy has chosen Fieldstone for her October 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection is Fieldstone’s Maple Tavares in Capri Tinted Varnish, a beautiful ocean blue. It’s beautifully complimented with Calacatta Capri, a quartz countertop with lovely movement in its delicate gray veining.
Our sister company’s designer partner Lauren Suggs collaborated with Cindy to make both tile and flooring selections. Ultimately, they chose Hollywood from Happy Feet for the flooring.
To add visual interest to the kitchen, a mosaic tile selection from Artistic Tile’s Symphony Glass Collection was chosen for the backsplash with waves of blue to complete this look.
For a timeless, coastal pairing, the October 2021 pairing should be considered.
Designer Pairing Pick: September 2021
“Espresso and Cream“ – Cindy has chosen Waypoint and Kraftmaid cabinetry for her September 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection from Waypoint is deep and dark shown in Cherry Java while the Kraftmaid selection is the light choice of Linen. The deep contrast of the two-tone cabinetry pairing will provide warmth and richness to a kitchen.
Additions to this pairing include the quartz countertop from Silestone shown in Blanco City. This light beige countertop has speckles of light gray, beige, and brown mineral deposits that will blend well with the backsplash and flooring selections from our sister company Brunswick Tile and Flooring.
If you are looking for a pairing that feels rich and warm like this, contact Cindy today!
Designer Pairing Pick: August 2021
“Greens & Grays” – Cindy has chosen Kraftmaid and Waypoint for her August 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection for the kitchen perimeter is Kraftmaid’s Serenity and for the island, Waypoint’s Painted Sage 644S. This two-tone cabinetry pairing is beautifully complimented with Arabescato a marble countertop.
To add visual interest to the kitchen, a mosaic tile selection from Glazzio’s Divine Windows Series was chosen for the backsplash with a grey hex floor tile to complete the look.
If you are looking to hop on the trend towards green and gray, this pairing should be considered.
Designer Pairing Pick: July 2021
“Coastal Seafoam Dreams” – Cindy has chosen the Kraftmaid cabinetry for her July 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection from Kraftmaid is shown in Serenity and has been paired with Miami White, a quartz countertop for a pairing the feels nothing but serene.
Additions to this pairing include two collaboration picks from our sister company Brunswick Tile and Flooring. A pale jade green floor tile from Artistic Tile and a bubble mosaic from Glazzio in Moonstone.
If you are looking for a pairing that feels fresh and coastal, contact Cindy today!
Designer Pairing Pick: June 2021
“Starfish” – Cindy has chosen the Waypoint 410F for her June 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection from Waypoint is shown in Painted Navy and has been paired with Vetrostone’s Atlantis with a hardware selection from Berenson.
If you are looking for a coastal blue that feels timeless, this pairing could be a contender.
Note: This pairing is a part of a Designer Collection. For full product details from this pairing, check out Beaches The Collection.
Designer Pairing Pick: May 2021
“The Bennett” – Cindy has chosen the Waypoint 650F for her May 2021 pairing.
Her cabinet selection from Waypoint is shown in Painted Harbor and has been paired with Everest, a quartz countertop with a hardware selection from Berenson.
If you are looking for a neutral palette with a whimsical tile selection, this pairing is worth an up-close look.
Note: This pairing debuted at the Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase in Oak Island and is now a part of the Showcase Collection. For full product details, check out the collection.
Designer Pairing Pick: April 2021
“Neutral Sophistication” – Cindy has chosen the Kraftmaid cabinetry line for her April 2021 pairing.
Her neutral cabinet selection from Kraftmaid Vantage in Pebble Grey has been paired with Moorland Fog, a quartz countertop. This countertop’s dreamy and creamy swirls of taupe, browns, and greys create a soft movement perfectly complimenting the light hue of cabinetry. To complete the pairing, Richelieu hardware was selected in Antique Nickel. This hardware is a traditional square-shaped metal knob but with a touch of visual interest incorporated from the dotted details on this hardware.
If you are looking for a neutral option that is not white, consider this pairing.
Designer Pairing Pick: March 2021
“Mint and Chocolate Creme” – Cindy brings an on-trend pairing to us in March. The cabinet and countertop pairing has a natural softness with a cream countertop that balances the light and dark contrasting cabinetry so smoothly.
This pairing combination of Kraftmaid cabinetry in Midnight and Serenity reminds us of the Andes mint combination with Silestone’s White Diamond for the countertop coordinating effortlessly.
Designer Pairing Pick: February 2021
“Watery Coastal” – Cindy has chosen the Kraftmaid cabinetry line for her February 2021 pairing.
Her coastal selection pairs cabinets from Kraftmaid Vantage in Lagoon with Calacatta Capri, a quartz countertop. This countertop has wonderful veining and movement perfectly complimenting the watery coastal cabinetry.
If you are looking for coastal vibes, consider this pairing. If you need more inspiration, take a peek at the area’s top interior designers’ predictions for what they are seeing in 2021 for Brunswick County.
Designer Pairing Pick: January 2021
“Opposites Attract “ – Cindy has chosen the Kraftmaid cabinetry line for her January 2021 pairing.
She has paired Kraftmaid Vantage’s Translucent Monument Grey for the kitchen cabinets with Kraftmaid Vantage’s Onyx for the island. Both of the cabinet choices perfectly compliment the kitchen superstar, Vetrostone’s Oyster Bay quartz countertops.
When a countertop has the potential to steal the show, a designer knows it’s wise to let opposites attract. This pairing is striking, elegant and refined.
Designer Pairing Pick: December 2020
“A Clean Contrasting Combo” – Cindy has chosen the Waypoint cabinetry line for her December 2020 pairing.
She has paired a maple door in Waypoint’s 410F door style and color Slate with Sequoia Leathered, a granite countertop.
The granite’s blue, gray and turquoise lines give it a light contrast to the deep, smoky gray cabinetry. This pairing would be perfect for someone seeking a modern kitchen with clean and simple lines.
Designer Pairing Pick: November 2020
“Creamy and White” – Cindy has chosen the Waypoint cabinetry line for her November 2020 pairing.
With the Waypoint 410F Painted Silk cabinet, Cindy has paired Granite White Ice, a white stone countertop with shades of grey swirled throughout to create a pairing that feels modern, fresh, creamy and white.
Designer Pairing Pick: October 2020
“Coastal Contemporary” – Cindy has chosen the Fieldstone cabinetry line for her October 2020 pairing.
She has paired Fieldstone’s Hickory Wayburg Door Style shown in Slate with Ebony Glaze (also shown back in June) and opted to pair with a quartz countertop from Caesarstone in Statuario Maximus 5031.
This contemporary pairing feels warm and inviting while reflecting a modern spin on today’s rustic beach cottage style.
Designer Pairing Pick: September 2020
“Clean and Traditional” – Cindy has chosen the Fieldstone cabinetry line for her September 2020 pairing.
With the Fieldstone’s Bainbridge cabinetry in Marshmallow Cream Tinted Varnish, she opted to pair with a Quartz Atlantic Salt. The white, taupe, grey, and black colors in the countertop pair well for a clean traditional look.
Designer Pairing Pick: August 2020
“Rustic Coastal” – Cindy has chosen her cabinetry from the Fieldstone cabinetry line for her August 2020 pairing. The door style chosen from Fieldstone is the Hickory Wayburg Door Style (shown above in Slate with Ebony Glaze) but for this pairing, Cindy went with the color Crystal Fog Tinted Varnish with Chocolate Glaze (shown in the lower left of the image). Her stone selection shown is Silestone Quartz in White Diamond Polished with hardware from Berenson (from the Classic Comfort Design Group Ten collection).
Designer Pairing Pick: July 2020
“Serene and simplified for a cook’s perfect escape” – Cindy has chosen the Waypoint cabinetry line for her July 2020 pairing.
With the Waypoint’s 760F cabinetry in Painted Harbor, she opted to pair with a Quartz Rococo countertop and selected Berenson’s Traditional Advantage 3 for hardware.
Designer Pairing Pick: June 2020
“Refreshing and classic with a pop of blueberry blue” – Cindy has chosen both Waypoint and Fieldstone cabinetry for her June 2020 pairing. The cabinet chosen from Waypoint is 410F in Painted Linen and would be recommended for the majority of the kitchen. The Fieldstone cabinetry is Shaker Roseburg in Blueberry and perfect for an island or pantry cabinet. Stone selection shown is Granite Thunder White and hardware is Berenson Contemporary.
Are you ready to bring your wish list to life?
Designer Cindy Bennett-McCune Is Ready to Help You Kickstart Your Project.