Project Reveal: The New French Country

Y'all!  I can't tell you how excited I am to FINALLY reveal this project to you!  Let's start at the beginning, shall we?  Our clients Bill & Christin were newly retired and wanted to build their dream home and have the ability to age in place.  Being empty nesters they didn't need a massive home which allowed them to finish out a comfortable amount of square footage very luxuriously. We had the privilege of working with incredible industry professionals to help bring this amazing home to fruition.  It's always a pleasure when we get to work with Wyrick Residential Design on the plan design and William David Homes as the builder.  This was our first time working with Smelek Design for landscape architecture.  We've coined this house the "new French country" as it's our modern adaptation of French country style.  Let me take you on a tour...

You're first greeted by the courtyard upon entering this French country estate.  The antique brick, massive gas lanterns, and citrus trees contribute to the European ambience. 

While the homeowners sit at their cafe tables for their morning coffee and croissant a beautiful sound and view can be enjoyed from the fountain which was brought in from Paris.

Directly off of the courtyard is a casita.  Affectionately referred to as her Marie Antoinette room, the homeowner uses it as her study.  The ceiling, walls and molding were all painted a French blue and accented with a gold chandelier, a gold mirror, and gold framed prints of Paris and Versailles. 

A desk passed down for generations was incorporated with lucite visitors chairs in front so that the view of the desk was not obstructed and the room still feel spacious.  Exquisite fabric, which incorporates adapted works from Francois Boucher, were use to create the balloon shades.  A baby pink end table, a rose velvet desk chair, and a leopard tufted settee with gold bullion fringe give the room Parisian charm.

When you walk through the front door you have the formal living and dining rooms in front of you and beyond that the view of the pool through the windows.  A series of lanterns and a pair of benches on top of the hickory floors lead you down the foyer.

For the formal areas we've taken classic patterns and furniture pieces and paired them with unexpected colors and textures all while making this home current and timeless.

We took a big risk here when we pulled the bright purple and yellow out of the drapery fabric and I think it paid off!

A stone fireplace with antique mirror above makes for some interesting art and reflects the treasures displayed on the mantle.  

The niche in the dining room became known as "the Kate wall".  I'm not really sure why other than the fact that I begged to shiplap it.  I think it adds some great texture.

A specialty finish on the island, hand made tiles on the backsplash and awesome lanterns really make this a cozy kitchen.

Many people have said that the breakfast room is their favorite room in this house.  I think it's because of the fireplace.  You really can't beat a fireplace in a dining area.

The family room is off of the breakfast room and is where Bill & Christin relax the most.  The custom leather sectional is super comfortable and plush and while we love the continuous lake views throughout the house we needed automated drapes to allow for tv watching.

This elegant and glamorous master bedroom is the crowning jewel of this "new French country" estate.  An all neutral color palette with metallic accents, make this space conducive to rest and relaxation.   

Silver nightstands and bench, a gold vinyl sofa, shimmery gold drapery panels, and a bronze accent table all add some luxurious sparkle.  

The wallpaper and roman shades were selected in the same pattern and an art installation of metal three dimensional flowers above the fireplace compliments the floral motif.

A grand four poster bed, crystal light fixtures and a plush rug complete the space.

Can I get an "Amen!" over these hexagon tiles??? They really bring me so much joy.  We chose to mirror the cabinet doors and drawers to help make the bathroom feel as glamorous as the master bedroom.  

 We can head to the back yard out of the master bedroom to this show-stopping view.  The gorgeous pool and spillover spa are accented with travertine and antique brick. Loungers under an umbrella provide poolside sunning and a fire pit near the lake provide an area for fireside conversations. 

A dining area, under a vaulted, tongue and groove painted ceiling, sits beside an outdoor kitchen. I mean, really?  This view!

A large covered lounge area with automated privacy screen provides ample seating.

I hope you enjoyed the tour!  We've got several other projects we're putting the finishing touches on and we're excited to show those to you soon as well.  Before you go, drop us a note and let us know your favorite room!

Client Spotlight: Roxanne Camden

We really have some amazing clients and I'd like to introduce you to them.  Let's start with one of my faves, Roxanne Camden.  When I first met Roxanne, I liked her immediately.  She's genuine, down to earth, has a heart of gold and is always so much fun.  It was my pleasure to work with her and her precious family on their home and make a good friend in the process!

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Roxanne and her husband Chris owned an older home in the Memorial area and after much consideration they decided it made more sense to tear it down and start all over rather than tackling the huge renovation.  This, of course, is where our beautiful collaboration began.  We asked Roxanne a few questions about her experience with building her dream home and specifically about our favorite room in the house: The Kitchen.  Here's what she had to say...

DI: What was the most challenging aspect of building a custom home?

Rox: The selections process... I truly had no idea of the daunting task ahead when we chose to build. Even though I know what I like and had solid ideas on style and materials, I was overwhelmed by all the minute details that go into choosing selections, which is exactly why I hired Kate!

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DI: What was the most helpful aspect of working with Duckworth Interiors?

Rox: Kate made every step of building, from material selection to designing built-ins smooth and easy. Kate listens to her clients wants and needs and then provides honest feedback which helps make smart decisions.

DI: Why is your kitchen the most important room in your home?

Rox: My kitchen is truly the most important room in my home because its where we come together. As a family, we cook together, dine together and laugh together all in the kitchen. When entertaining, my kitchen is always jam packed with friends and family...it is the heart of my home.

DI: What aspects of your kitchen do you enjoy the most?

Rox: My kitchen is both beautiful and functional. A concept I told Kate was extremely important to me since I love to cook and bake for the people I love. While I adore a pretty space, I also need a space that can stand up to the abuse of daily cooking and baking. I love my commercial appliances, ample storage and tons of natural light, but I think my island is my favorite. It is oversized and able to handle kids doing homework, friends enjoying cocktails, Thanksgiving dinner buffets and so much more. 

DI: What is your favorite thing to cook?

Rox: My favorite thing to cook right now is balsamic braised short ribs with roasted sweet potatoes, mixed field greens with sweet & spicy pecans and onion vinaigrette and my kiddos favorite brownies.

What's YOUR favorite part of Roxanne's kitchen?

Designing Spaces for Conversations: Featured on Houzz!

Designing interiors is about more than aesthetic charm.  A well designed space can create an atmosphere for meaningful conversations, serious work or lighthearted play.  We were recently honored to be featured in this Houzz Article about spaces for conversations.  Follow the link below to see the full article and get some great inspiration!

Travel: Tips to Make Your Travel Memories Last

The Louvre, Paris, France

The Louvre, Paris, France

Travel. It’s one of my great loves and passions.  It’s something that my husband and I have made a priority in our lives.  How can you truly understand another culture until you’ve experienced it?  There are a few things that I love to do when traveling abroad, that I’ve found really help keep the memories alive.  Are you ready???

1. Keep a travel journal

My travel journal. Purchased at Anthropologie.

My travel journal. Purchased at Anthropologie.

Sometimes a vacation can feel like a whirlwind, especially when trying to fit in lots of sites and activities.  Taking a few minutes in the morning at breakfast or in the evening before bed to jot down the events of the day can be really helpful.  Your memory of the trip will fade but a journal will last forever.  Whenever you read it you’ll be reminded of the sequence of events, exactly how you were feeling at the time, and all the museums, cafe names and statues you may otherwise loose forever.  Plus, a bonus is that your children will hopefully read about your travel experiences one day.  Maybe they’ll go to those places, after your gone, and they’ll feel like you’re there with them.  Ok, I know that was extremely sappy.  I’ll try to tone it down!! 

2. Start a collection

Adding to our art collection. Place du Tertre, Montmartre, Paris, France

Adding to our art collection. Place du Tertre, Montmartre, Paris, France

I think it’s a great idea to pick an item you can find just about anywhere and always make a point to buy one.  My personal fave is a coffee mug.  This is an item I use everyday and most mornings I think about the place where I bought the mug.  Sometimes I choose my coffee mug based off of my mood, i.e. “It’s a NYC kind of day!”  But maybe you’re not into coffee mugs so instead you collect rocks or shells or maybe jewelry or art or small plates.

 3. Go to a concert

It’s always a good idea to check before you leave for a trip to see if any good concerts or shows will be happening while you’re there.  Once I saw The Cure in Rome, not because I’m particularly fond of The Cure but it was a free concert open to the public so it was something to do.  Now, anytime The Cure comes on the radio I’m suddenly transported back to Rome.  Music can conjure feelings and emotions within us in a way that’s so special.  I remember exactly where I was standing, who was around me, and I can almost taste the wine we were all passing around and drinking out of the bottle.

4. Take GOOD photos

This one sounds pretty obvious but I just have to say that in this day of smartphones many of us travel abroad and don’t even bring a camera.  We purely snap photos from our phones.  Please take a good camera with you and please use it.  Find a good bag to carry it in so that you won’t have an excuse to leave it in your room. When you get back home actually do something with the photos.  Order prints and start a travel wall that you can continually add to.  I always love the look of gallery walls.  Or order a simple photo book to leave out on your coffee table.  I love this one that I put together at Artifact Uprising.

5. Everyday items

Cute napkins purchased at Monoprix

Cute napkins purchased at Monoprix

I love to purchase ordinary, “non-special” items abroad and then they are suddenly special back at home.  On a recent trip to Paris I made several trips to Monoprix,  France’s equivalent to Target.  I bought lots of things, clothes for myself, clothes for my kids, napkins, bath soap, purse tissues, a baby gift, you name it.  I didn’t spend a lot of money but I LOVE having those things.  When I grab a tissue out of my purse and the packaging is in French, it makes me smile.  Every day clothes are so fun to buy especially because you wear them weekly.  And it’s a lot of fun when someone compliments you on an item and asks you where you bought it?  Oh, in Paris on the Champs-Elysees.  No big deal…

I hope you enjoyed these tips and I hope you use them on your next vacation!