Newlyweds Katie and Jack Contri are poised at the cusp of a new life phase. An engineer with General Electric in Illinois, Jack was finishing up the company’s leadership program. It would mean a move when completed. “We had several other options (other cities),” says Katie. But, she adds, it was Asheville’s reputation as an outdoor mecca, its temperate climate, top-notch culinary offerings, and dynamic character that lured them to the mountains. It was also important that they be within driving distance of their families.

Jack is now a quality engineer at GE’s Asheville plant where he works with jet engine components. Katie, a physical therapist with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a doctor of physical therapy, found a job in Maggie Valley. After a short search for a place to live, the couple fell in love with Reynolds Village apartments. Jack praised the management for being so helpful, even while he and Katie were still in Illinois.

“We really like the layout,” says Jack. “The detail and quality are great.” The engineer in him appreciates the efficient use of space, jokes Katie. The central living area is all connected. Neutral tones with punctuations of black, reds, oranges, greens, and blues refine the space. Still on a budget with student loans to repay, their families came through with furniture, and Katie’s mom, Theresa Duffin, came to help decorate.

the 1,043-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment features high-end architectural details, including the chair rail in the dining room, upgraded interior doors, upscale light fixtures, speckled granite counters in the kitchen and baths, polished chrome hardware, and energy efficient appliances. There is ample storage, including a walk-in pantry and laundry off the kitchen, and spacious closets. Katie and Jack also appreciate the pool, sauna, clubhouse, and community events.

The nexus of the home encompasses the kitchen, living, and dining rooms with bedrooms on opposite ends. Several pieces of the gifted furniture were painted black creating a visual flow from room to room. The sofas were the only pieces they had to purchase.

Katie found and framed historic postcards of Asheville which they hung in the living room in honor of their new home. a family hutch with a colorful grouping of art brightens up the dining room. Photos of friends, family, their wedding, their beloved pet Siena (currently away at doggie boot camp), a special cross, and “faith” word art offer great personal style to the apartment.

The guest room doubles as an office for Jack where he studies for his masters degree in supply chain management. Simple and clean, the black, sleek furniture is softened by bedding with hints of soft green. The master bedroom is technically the guest room (no en suite bath) but was preferred for its privacy and fantastic view. The mix of neutrals with color infusion from the celadon green spread and the graphic artwork provide a soothing, sophisticated oasis.

Since moving in, Jack and Katie have had a steady flow of friends and family visiting overnight. “We were worried that we had not looked around enough,” Jack says. “But we had some friends over; (and) after seeing our place, they wanted to move here. We are very happy with our decision.”

The central location to some of their new favorites including Well Bred Bakery, Curaté, local breweries, as well as access to fun activities such as hiking, Navitat zip-lining, and the LaZoom bus tours are an added bonus.