This space speaks with a French accent. Exposed ceiling beams,
wrought iron, and hand-carved wood accentuate its old-world flair.
Residential designer Jenney A. Petrikin of Nashville included many
unique features and design ideas that personalize the space. The island
base resembles a grouping of individual pieces of Country French
furniture. It's large enough to function as the center of many family
activities. "The island serves various purposes from homework to
workspace, as well as serving and eating space," Jenney says.
Beautifully adorned with raised carvings, the island houses an
under-counter refrigerator, freezer, and warming drawers, as well as
abundant storage areas. (A full-scale refrigerator and freezer are
located in the nearby pantry.)
As a means of allowing in natural light while maintaining privacy along
the side of the house, Jenney extended the wall cabinets down to the
countertop and installed a row of windows above them. The adjoining wall
of casement windows opens to a screened porch at the rear. To achieve
the look of natural stone, she used reconstituted limestone for the
countertops and the bracketed corner hood. She chose this product
because it possesses the mellow color of quarried limestone and can be
cast into a variety of shapes.
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Cues for a Country French Look
• Vary the finishes. These side cabinets are painted and glazed for a vintage appearance, but the carved island base is stained and distressed.
• Add character with lighting. Made of iron, the circular chandelier is fitted with flame-tip bulbs that create a soft glow between the exposed ceiling beams.
• Use a natural palette. Wallspace above the creamy cabinets and tilework is faux finished to resemble taupe color-washed plaster.
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Sources:
Pages 64-65: Residential design by Jenney A. Petrikin, Residential Design Solutions, Nashville, [615] 498-7802.
"Seasoned With Style" is from the February 2008 issue of Southern Living.
