A French Country Curation

When Rozanne and Chip Muller began looking for a new place to call home, they had a few priorities, but above all else, they were looking for the perfect home for the next stage of their life. With children who were now out of the house and starting families of their own, the duo wanted to downsize and find a community that was better suited for their current lifestyle.

“When we found this community, we knew it was a great spot for us,” says Rozanne. “The neighborhood is quiet, and most of the community residents are empty nesters. We also really liked the layout of the neighborhood. No two houses are alike, and the curvy roads meander around neatly maintained yards, which is nice for going on walks.”

In addition to the quality of life the community offered, the Mullers also appreciated the element of convenience the property boasted. Not only were they closer to town compared to their previous residence, but the neighborhood was also maintenance-free, meaning they could now spend more time connecting with loved ones and less time on landscaping. 

After picking the lot, the Mullers got to work building a bright and airy French country home where style and sophistication reign.

Perhaps nowhere is this sophistication more apparent than in the home’s kitchen. A palette of creamy whites is built upon with brushed brass accents that emerge through a pair of pendant lights, a traditional and pot filler faucet, and various knobs and pulls. 

The shaker-style, overlay cabinetry sports both solid wood and glass-front cabinet doors, and the design found on the glass-front cabinets repeats that of the mirrored, furniture-style refrigerator. A La Cornue range sets the stage for an entire suite of state-of-the-art appliances while simultaneously doubling down on the home’s luxury French motif. 

Danby marble countertops cloak the kitchen in its entirety, and the island features a touch of character with its sculpted edges. Four upholstered, barrel-back barstools are nestled under the overhang, and the room is rounded out with plenty of storage space.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the Mullers’ breakfast area and a keeping room. “We knew we also wanted an open-concept space, and these rooms provide that,” says Chip. “We use the breakfast nook regularly and the living space as well because they are both a bit more intimate and cozy.”

More soft neutrals cloak this room as well and contribute to the home’s overall feeling of calm. A sofa and windowsill bench offer up sightlines to a nearby television, and Rozanne notes that this space is the perfect alternative to utilizing the great room at times.

“This area has been especially great for my grandkids and was really designed with them in mind,” she explains. “The adults can be in the main living room, while the kids can be over here and are free to play and have their toys out. The layout of our home also means that we’re still close, and the two spaces feel connected.” 

Accessible from both the foyer and the great room is the Mullers’ formal dining room. Here, a gray wooden table is surrounded by six plush chairs with the option to add even more. Wainscoting transitions to an eye-catching Japanese cornflower wallpaper along the far wall, and the entire space imbues a sense of opulence with its detailed millwork and the presence of an elegant chandelier. Natural light streams in from several nearby plantation shutters, and a set of table lamps is paired with recessed lighting to make sure the room retains its cheery aesthetic.

Traveling across the main living spaces takes guests to the master suite. A king-size bed rests on an upholstered bed frame in the center of the room, and the blue embellishments of the bedding are carried throughout the room with the use of a transitional area rug and a trio of framed botanical prints. A singular hydrangea sits on a nightstand, and a nearby peace lily works together to add another layer of floral elements. Steps away, a desk is placed in front of a bay window for a minimal albeit effective workspace, and the room’s refined tray ceiling once again reinforces the sense of grandeur that is paramount throughout the Muller home.

Just off the great room is an outdoor oasis that the Mullers can be found using nearly year-round. While having a place all their own to cool off during the sweltering summer months is an obvious plus, Chip and Rozanne can also be found watching TV or having dinner on their patio when the weather is nice.

“While we don’t have a lot of traditions in this home, one thing we do look forward to every year is a small Memorial Day party,” says Rozanne. “We have a handful of neighbors come over, and I can’t think of a better way to kick off the summer and usher in a new season.”