For those of you that are lucky enough to call Wisconsin home sweet home, it seems we have been blessed with an early spring this year and this has many of us craving all things summer.  One of my favorite clients who’s English library you may have seen on the website last year  now seeks a peaceful sunroom extension off of the open kitchen.  The room is already filled with light from the oversized floor to ceiling windows and overlooks a serene backdrop of fresh green from spring to late fall.

The glory of having a sunroom with windows like this is that it allows the view to become the art and therefore requires very little by way  of interior drama.  I have started with my favorite wool crewel tone on tone on the upper cushions of the settee to bring elegance to the room. A  a cream and navy stripe for both the piping and backsides introduces our blue again from the kitchen and offers such a crisp look. And finally, the softest taupe velvet on all of the seat bottoms beckons bare legs curled up with a summer novel at the ready.

Don’t  think you have to use a wild combination of color to bring some visual enthusiasm to a room. Sometimes a blend of textures and pattern is enough… especially if the view is what you want to emphasize.

p.s. I will send you all an eblast of the finished room. Did you sign up yet?

Although each space I design diverges down a path reflective of each unique owner’s personal collections, my finishing touches distinquish my client’s designs from all others. I think this is what sets French Country Pine & Design apart from the big box kitchen stores.  We are a custom design boutique.  We might begin  with the design foundations of studs, plumbing, sink and stove but we also complete the sweep of the storyline with all the subtle essences suggestive of your own history.

Whether you are drawn to a fresh, white contemporary look or the warm playful palettes of a treasured oil painting, our northern climate begs for the fleecy finishes that beckon us to stove and table, thereby wrapping us in a charitable invitation join in.

Design / Build/ Turnkey Finish
Kitchen   Baths   Laundry Rooms   Libraries

Staircases need never be boring. We are installing custom iron railings in this interior using antique game table legs as the posts which we set into custom bases. I saw these table legs at an auction down south and bought them on the spot not even knowing the application yet. Even the patina on these are spectacular next to the antique English pine collection in the home.

The iron work is lighter in feel than wood and allows a feel of expanded space in a smaller area. Once the rest of the pieces are welded into place, we will pick a finish. In this case, either black or midnight blue will do two things. First, it will seal the metal so it doesn’t rust at the welded sites. Secondly, the dark finish will be striking against the cream of the tumbled marble walls, even picking up on the dark colors of the oil paintings. 

There are so many collars, balusters, brackets and handrail details to choose from. All you need is a plan, the supplier, your stair codes and a good metal worker – or French Country Pine & Design!