An Exquisite French Manor in Utah

Earlier in the week I promised you a tour of a wonderful newly constructed house in Utah. Built by a reader of WD and her husband (who previously worked for Christopher Peacock Kitchens). The house is an wonderful example of true craftsmanship.
We were able to get a private sneak peak into this home which they refer to as the "French House". The home is currently for sale, and unfurnished.
More often than not designers spend large amounts of time bringing interest and depth to plain rooms. I think it's important to show how wonderful and warm a home can look, even unfurnished, for you to have a true appreciation what good architecture and craftsmanship can bring to a space. Even empty this home is stunning.
The main entry, though not grand in size is really beautiful. Notice the key details here: herringbone floors, hand forged iron railings, exquisite moulding details and a beamed ceiling. Beyond we see an interesting curved hallway.
Here is a close up of the reclaimed hand hewn barn beams
Of course when the builder is also a world class cabinet maker you know the kitchen will be the jewel of the home and this one is gorgeous! It has a very Christopher Peacock feel, but I think this particular kitchen has even more personality. I love the front X detailing on the center island. Also notice the coffered ceiling. I also like the choice of light fixtures!
Notice the the first center island has a soft curve to it, which was harder to see in the picture above. Having a conversation at a curved island versus a straight one is much more enjoyable. You should always try to incorporate even a soft curve in a kitchen island if possible.
I love the subtle diamond shaped marble tile backsplash. As expected the kitchen is outfitted with top of the line appliances.
The first island has been thoughtfully designed with a step down so guests can't view a messy sink. The second island is topped walnut for food prep.
Here is a close up of the corner detailing on the island! Wonderful!
A close up of the walnut top - notice its tongue in groove and bread board sides.
Coffered ceilings continue in the Living room, which also has a stunning fireplace and surround. Can you imagine how wonderful this home would look furnished?
The dining room with French doors and interesting moulding details
The family room continues the coffered ceilings. I love the fireplace! My imagination is going wild furnishing it in my head!
The curved staircase is just stunning - hand forged iron railings are beautiful.
A quick peek into the master bath which reveals a coveted zinc soaking tub.
This porch off the Master bedroom is one of several porches to take in the spectacular mountain views.
Notice that the outdoor detailing and stonework are as elaborate and thoughtful as the indoor detailing. This shows just part of the back of the home. See the mountains on the right.
Here is a side view - a lovely landscaped path - notice the copper gutters and cedar shake roof. More spectacular mountain views.
I adore the charm of these shutters!

No detail was left out. Look at the close up of these iron fleur de lys.

Even the garage was not overlooked. I love the heft and depth of the stone outside the garage. Look closely to see the herringbone brick detail in the driveway.

This gorgeous house is a spectacular example of craftsmanship. It was recently on the local "Parade of Homes". For more information on this home and to see
the real estate listing click here.

For more information on the iron work and railings click here.

Beach House Renovation with a Twist

It's always exciting to hear from my readers! Last week one of my readers contacted me and let me know about Michael Greenberg Associates in Connecticut. He owns a wonderful architectural firm which also has a beautiful cabinetry arm. My reader's husband used to work for them and she knew I would love their work. She was so right!

This is a stunning old beach house renovation in Connecticut done by Greenberg.

I love the openness of this home, but I also like how they kept the old feeling by making sure they used similar, substantial mouldings. A lovely mix of slipcovers, sisal, rattan and glass! All give it a beach house vibe, with class.

The dining room is rather sparse, but it really goes with the New England Beach look. I like striped fabric on the upholstered end chairs and the solid fabric on the side chairs. Traditional with a twist.

The sunroom really captures the spectacular outdoor views. I like how the furniture echos the grid lines on the windows. The subtle furnishings blend, as they should, and do not compete with the view.

Here is another view of the kitchen. Traditional New England Beach House style with white marble counters. Very Christopher Peacock! I like the center island - not sure what the top material is - Corian? The big whisk is fun! I actually have one that I picked up yeas ago at a flea market, but mine is in a box in my basement waiting for the right photo shoot!

I love the color of the Master bedroom! Notice the cowhide rug on the floor - we are seeing these everywhere now! To read an previous post about cowhide rugs click here

Lovely master bath - The window placement and the mirror is interesting. I have a similar set up in my own master bath. I also love the textural element of the beadboard.

Finally the wonderful outdoor screened porch. It really is a room of its own with the fieldstone fireplace.

What a spectacular view!

My reader and her husband relocated to Utah and he just completed another gorgeous home. The workmanship and detail are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of part of the exterior. I will be posting the rest the home later this week! See you then!

(all photos m.greenberg assoiciates)

Eddie Ross & Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge

I have been a fan of Eddie Ross' for several years and was thrilled to learn that he was one of the contestants in the Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge - Three designers were asked to go head to head and create a window for Bloomingdale's flagship store in NY. Viewers vote for their favorite window. To see all three rooms – go here.
It was no surprise that my favorite is Eddie Ross' window. As usual Eddie has a fresh and fun approach to decorating! Elegant but not stuffy, formal with a twist!

To learn more about Eddie and the contest click here. For more information on how to vote, go here. Be sure to vote TWICE a day – through this Thursday.

If his window is your favorite, please help show Eddie your love of his work and your support!!!

Belgian Factory Restored

Some of my favorite magazines are from France and Belgium. I recently saw this wonderful Brussels home that was originally a mirror factory and wanted to share it with you.

The owner, an artist, has lovingly restored and refurbished the factory over the course of several years. The dining room above features a naturally worn farm table and a collection of antique cream chairs with a wonderful patina. The cupboard is made from several old pieces of wood and houses only part of the owners extensive glass collection. The large entry is painted a beautiful buttery cream while the ceilings and upper mouldings are painted a contrasting white. The doors and built in mirrors add to the already light filled space. An antique woodworker's table is a beautiful place to display the owners collection of vintage hats. The light fixture is from IKEA. The kitchen is so wonderfully rustic. Old library shelving is painted white and used to display the huge collection of dishes and serving pieces. An antique library ladder is used to retrieve those items too high to reach. Notice the thickness of the shelves; thicker shelves were created to handle the weight of the different types of crockery. I love the interesting contrast of the industrial style faucet. The owners extensive glass collection is housed in an antique museum case that was painted a soft white to match the walls and highlight the glass. A collection of old unmatched chairs were also painted in soft pastels which unify them. The soft colors and leaning antique mirror add to airiness of the room. Interestingly the light fixture, which matches the entry fixture is also from IKEA.

The library, which doubles as the owners studio is washed in gray paint. The library shelving was also painted and holds the owners extensive collection of books. A vintage stepladder makes the high shelves accessible. I love the wide pine floors, softened from years of use left natural and waxed. The light in this room is just fabulous.

One of several bedrooms -I included this room because I adore the wall moulding.

Here is the adjacent bath. I like the mix of pieces in this space. The antique painted table looks so interesting with the reproduction tub.
This is the trompe-l'oeil bedroom. A closer look reveals a wall of canvas painted by the owner to look like pillows and headboard. A vintage industrial metal stool serves as night stand.
Finally another bath - I just adore the way the owner painted/washed the wall in a soft green. An antique cupboard holds extra towels and sundries for guests.

For more information about this wonderful factory turned home in Brussels click here.

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(all photos marieclairemaison)

Please Help Haiti

On January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. Each day the we hear more horrors of the tragedy and suffering there. Disaster response efforts are underway, and the total effects of the quake are as-yet unknown.

Please consider supporting any of the following relief organizations:
American Red Cross
NetHope
Save the Children
World Vision International
Care
MercyCorps
Unicef

You can also text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your wireless bill.

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I will return next week with my regular posts, but for now let's all send help and prayers to the people of Haiti.

xx-Gina

Spectacular Greenwich Home Tour

This lovely home in Greenwich, Connecticut was recently featured in CT Cottage and Gardens.

Located in the exclusive Sherwood Farms area of Greenwich this home was just listed for sale. Advertised as owned and decorated by an interior designer I was immediately intrigued. Let have a quick tour...

The beautiful front to back entry has 11 foot ceilings. I adore entrys that allow you to view straight out to the back of the house. I also love the light the comes in with this type of window/door placement. Notice the lovely bridal staircase and incredible moulding detail. Banister is ebony stained with white painted accents, a popular trend.

Off to the left of the entry you can see the Library. Advertised as an antique English pine library with adjacent game room with wet bar; the detail is amazing. I am a stickler for symmetry so I really like the two doors on either side of the fireplace. The brown painted ceiling adds a coziness to the 11 foot ceilings. I also love the jazzy zebra chairs to lighten things up bit. Flat screen TV above the fireplace makes me think this is a real recreation area for the family. You can see an air hockey table through the french doors.

The kitchen has a definite Christopher Peacock feel. No real surprise as we are in Greenwich where a large number of his kitchens have been installed. The listing does not call it out as a Peacock kitchen but surely it has the look with the Carrera marble, white cabinets and bin pulls. I do like the contemporary stools which give this kitchen a bit of edginess. I also like the wide floor boards, the rattan chairs and the worn farm table. They add a nice, earthy texture and feeling to what could be a cold space.

Ice box latches and bin pulls make me think if its not Peacock, its a good copy. I also like the heft of the two inch marble counters.

The Family Room must be off the kitchen, but its hard to tell. It is a lovely area filled with light from at least two sides. The all white decor makes me think the children may be relegated to the library area. Bobo Intriguing Objects chandelier hangs above, which now can bought via Restoration Hardware.
The Dining Room is beautiful. I love the off white/gray wall tones. Mirrored table and huge fireplace surely make for sparking, magical dinner parties. The Chandelier looks a bit small for the space. I would also like to see more artwork. Perhaps the owners have replaced the light fixtures, prior to listing the home. The Living room continues the soothing gray palette. Notice the Mora clock on the right. I also like the garden urns on the acrylic tables. Its very unexpected.

The Master Bedroom also has a wonderful gray/taupe palette. I find it interesting that in such a large room they would locate the bed in front of the window alcove- but it does look lovely. We find some more acrylic chairs against the far right wall. The two chairs on the far left side of the photo confuse me though. From this angle the taupe one looks out of place. It is also interesting to note that is the first room we have seen drapes.

Finally the Sunroom which opens to the fabulously long veranda/covered porch. The "SIN" sign speaks to me - and I like the furry pillows. Both add some more of the edginess we have seen in some of the other rooms. Again we see drapes, perhaps these are to shield the sun.

Here is the a photo of the back of the house and the spectacular veranda.

A close up of the porch. The orange couch is an interesting choice.

The listing mentions:

the French doors lead to verandas from most public rooms with private views of conservation land. The second floor features a wonderful master suite with a Waterworks bathroom and walk-in closets. Five additional family bedrooms are on the second floor, and the partially finished lower level offers play space and an au pair suite.

It is really a lovely home and a fun tour for all of us!!

For more information on this house click here.

(all photos Sothebys)