A French Country Classic

A Detailed Transformation

The formal living room was transformed and brightened during the renovation. A focal wall with a new fireplace and built-ins was constructed to enhance the conversational quality of the space. Curved sofas also contribute to the welcoming, more intimate feel in the room. A beautiful shade of “repose gray” was used throughout the home, lending its warm undertone to the ambiance. Also consistent throughout the home, the trim work was pared down and simplified. Traditional shapes were retained, while simultaneously freshened up. Details on the fireplace, like the touch of shiplap mixed with pale brick, bring forward French country themes, while the room also exemplifies traditional stylings. “I think some of the things we did that were most impactful were the three fireplaces we added to this home. It immediately elevated the look of every room we added one to. The one in the formal living room turned out beautifully,” Ambrosetti shares.

To see more from Ambrosetti Construction, LLC, visit ambrosetticonstruction.com.

Cabinetry: Classic Cabinetry | Cabinetry design: Becky Worley and Sally Bell, Classic Cabinetry

Countertops and tile: Stone Source, Inc. | Living room art: Huck & Peck Home Furnishings | Sink and select appliances: Ferguson

Becky Worley of Classic Cabinetry helped design a completely new kitchen layout. She explains, “The goal was to open it up and tie it into the breakfast and family rooms beside it for easier access.” With new islands, this kitchen’s flow and multifunctional workspaces are astounding. The center island is custom-stained maple cabinetry, while the adjacent breakfast bar and main island feature a beautiful gray painted finish on maple. Both islands have prep sinks and invite traffic from the nearby breakfast room and family room. The perimeter cabinets are a nice, clean white with space for high-end stainless appliances. Intermittent glass doors on upper cabinetry help to break up the solid facing and lighten the feel, while the range hood stands out as a focal point. As Worley says, “That hood is six feet tall. It was a huge piece, and I think the homeowners might’ve been a bit hesitant at first, but it really fits the scale of the room perfectly.”

“We implemented clean lines and updated finishes to create a more open, transitional space.” – Becky Worley, Classic Cabinetry

Nearby, the family room is a cheerful retreat. “This room really is one of the most impressive final results,” says Ambrosetti. “The addition of the mortar-washed fireplace and windows on either side of it opened up this room tremendously and made it feel much larger and lighter.” The focal wall in this room was a major part of the renovation project. The fireplace was added in solid brick reaching to the ceiling and then custom mortar washed. The wash, rustic timber mantle, and arched firebox all evoke a French country aesthetic. Flanking the fireplace, new windows with transoms were added, opening up the room’s view to a sweeping lush horse pasture. Charming window seats carry accents of blue like the rest of the room. A cozy sectional and plush leather seating create an inviting atmosphere. As Kathie Penland of K. P. Interiors notes, “The fireplace is a very French country feature. I love the way the shiplapped wall behind it ties into the details of shiplap on the formal living room’s fireplace!”

Brick: General Shale

Windows: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.

“The soft creams and grays with touches of blue are classic French country.”

– Kathie Penland, K. P. Interiors

Walking back through the kitchen is the formal dining room. An arched doorway continues the French country feel, as do the colors of this room. “I think the furniture and colors in here are beautiful reinforcements of the French country feel. The soft creams and grays with touches of blue are classic French country. Also, the wainscoting in this room, with the monochromatic effect of continuing the wall color all the way down, is a freshened approach to this home’s more traditional features,” Penland explains. A long, dark-stained dining table can comfortably seat eight, more if needed. The slip-covered parsons chairs beside the wall are an elegant addition to the dining suite. A distressed hutch is large to match the scale of the room with its tall ceilings.

Pillows: Nell’s Home, Gifts, & Interior Design

Trim and front door: Interior Trim & Supply, Inc. 

Situated on beautiful acreage, naturally the home has to have a large outdoor living area. The back porch is spacious enough to host two separate seating areas and a long dining table in between them. The same French country blues are continued out here and blend well with the natural setting’s vibrant green backdrop. An expansive pond and rustic barn are visible across the views, creating a beautifully quaint setting.

“This home was wonderful to work on because the homeowner was very involved and knew what she wanted, and the team works together very well. That’s why I like working with a team, because everyone has their specialties,” Ambrosetti shares. Ultimately, the home’s renovation freshened every feature to create an updated yet classic French country home.

Other Suppliers: Flooring: Millwood Specialty Flooring and Happy Feet International
Living room furniture: Factory Direct Furniture  |  Select artwork, furniture, and lighting: Stamper’s Furniture