French Country
Our clients, a young couple, spent many hours Internet-researching house styles before deciding on their dream home. They purchased a French Country house plan from Oklahoma-based architect Jack Arnold. Our challenge was to design cabinets, refine details and select finishes in keeping with the French Country style; while creating a home that functions for a modern family.
The French Country style is a mix of rustic and refined elements. It typically comprises decorative range hoods, exposed wood beams, moldings and carvings, distressed finishes, natural materials, and warmer colors. We sourced custom cast-stone fireplace mantels and a range hood from a Canadian firm. The wood timbers on the vaulted ceilings were distressed to emulate hand-cut timber, then stained to match the hardwood floors. In keeping with traditional hardwood flooring, a narrow width and satin gloss level were selected, but we opted to use the harder-wearing prefinished over site-finished. Walls were treated with a subtle rag finish to create a weathered look. The color palette is distinctively warm: warm white walls and medium-brown hardwood flooring. The windows are cased in brown stained wood, and while the frames appear to be made of wood, they are in fact a PVC that looks like fir (selected for their ease of maintenance compared to wood windows).
The great room has a full wall of windows looking out to the patio and prairie beyond. An art TV was installed to conceal the technology. The wood burning fireplace is adorned by a decorative cast stone mantle and over-mantle. The space is completed with a 63” high x 56” diameter, 28-light grand chandelier in black wrought iron with gold leaf accents.
The kitchen island has ornately carved corbels and is stained a darker brown, while all other cabinets are off-white with glazing to highlight their moldings. The dishwasher and refrigerator are concealed by panels matching the cabinets. A natural stone was selected for the kitchen counters, and we specified an ogee edge detail and special shape for the island top. The ceramic backsplash tiles have a hand-made, ‘imperfect’ look and a crackle finish. They were installed in a herringbone pattern. The brick patio and the entry landing are finished in brick that was also arranged in a herringbone pattern. The pro-style range hood is concealed by a decorative cast stone surround. Additional storage is provided by a walk-in pantry to reduce the number of wall cabinets, and to allow windows with views of the property. The large crystal chandeliers, which are essential for this style, are supplemented with recessed downlighting and under-cabinet lighting. Our favorite aspect of the completed kitchen is how warm and welcoming it feels. It is quite a large space – 18’ x 32’ – with ceilings vaulting up to 14’; and it is rather elegant in its detailing, however, it manages to feel cozy and comfortable. Like a true country kitchen, it provides ample space to welcome family and friends. The kitchen was a winner in the Ciao! magazine 2021 kitchen design contest.
Photography by Ian McCausland
