When I look at an empty space my mind fills it. In this case it’s the living room of a magnificent new home in rural Long Valley. I’ve been working on this project since the architect’s drawings, and it’s now in the final stages of construction. In my mind I see the polished wood floor, the paneled walls and tray ceiling painted and then stried (a decorative painting style).  I see the window treatments in silk, and a limestone fireplace ringed by elegant sconces. Two dramatic chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, accompanied by recessed lighting. The finished room will combine warmth with sophisticated charm in the French style. I can’t wait to see it done, and neither can the homeowner!

When I worked with this client on their kitchen twenty years ago, we used cherry wood. They adored the look so much that when they were designing the kitchen for their new home last year, they insisted on cherry. It is a timeless choice.  The stainless steel farm sink with raised bunch of grapes detail fits perfectly. The tailored window shade in a floral pattern adds a soft counterpoint to the dark wood, as does the wool stripe runner. The fresh yellow/red roses in the photo look especially decorative in this palette, anchored by the rich tones of the cherry wood.

I’ve posted before on an idyllic Adirondack retreat we’ve been working on for several years. This view of the living room in the main house emphasizes the stepped back ceiling, birch bark veneer custom cabinets, stone fireplace and oversized metal chandeliers. I don’t usually look for color in antique books, but in this case the complete set of red–spined Dickens in the cabinets brings out the warm wood tones, as do the bright colors of the antique plates.  The reflection in the TV gives a hint to the views of Lake George that make this property so spectacular.

The lower level suite in this home near the shore is geared for casual entertaining. There’s a card table, billiard room and bar, but this part of the space is for TV watching; the large flat screen is on the wall behind the camera. Whether on the couch potato friendly sectional sofa (custom made to fit the room), the relaxing cane chairs or the child friendly cushions, the goal is comfort and convenience. Hard-wearing and easy to clean sunbrella and sunsuede fabrics take the worry out of maintenance, and the color and texture combinations lift your spirits and warm your heart.

The focal point in this young woman’s bedroom is the green upholstered headboard with sheer wall drapery in back, creating a soft romantic atmosphere. The coverlet is an ecru color matelasse topped by a cotton print duvet, and the rug is wool sisal. The green accent color is repeated on the pillow and the contrasting welt on the chaise at the foot of the bed. Painted off white furniture imparts a clean, calming feel, and the decorative suitcase is taken from an old Louis Vuitton design. The chaise is covered with an Ikat pattern fabric in an amber color. The result is a cool, soothing space in keeping with this comfortable house near the shore.

This detail photo of a clients’ living room in South Orange shows how a series of integrated choices create a harmonious scheme. The crystal chandelier is centered on the antique Rent Table (used in the 18th century to hold receipts). The window treatments are done in silk plaid with elaborate tassel fringe at the edge of the swags and jabots. The subtle silk plaid is well balanced with chairs that were recovered in Coraggio woven fabrics. The half-columns on the built-in bookcases are glazed to accent the cabinetry and soft tones of the room. The lovely antique chess set is the piece de resistance, a family heirloom whose textures and colors add a grace and elegance to the whole scheme.

The custom cabinetry with birch bark veneer and wood twig detail is classic Adirondack (it also hides a laundry chute), as is the beaded board inside the bookcase and on the ceiling. The card/library table provides a focal point leading to the living area, and a display surface for oversize coffee table books. It can also be used for dining when entertaining large gatherings. The rug is oriental and the chairs are leather with wool plaid backs. The chandelier picks up the wood branch theme in metal. I like the rustic atmosphere engendered by Adirondack style, especially when fused with a sophisticated counterpoint, typified by the ceiling and table and chairs.

A Jane Shelton print was the inspiration for this warm, restful bedroom in a recently finished home in the Adirondacks. The patterned fabric is used for the shirred skirt on the bed and the window panels. The print complements the stepped back beaded board ceiling with mahogany crown and doors and the Adirondack style bookcase. Above the wrought iron bronze-finished bed are embroidered samplers, accentuating the homespun, classic look.

This photo was taken during a recent trip to the stone company I’m working with on a kitchen project. We were there to inspect the stone and select the perfect granite slabs. We brought along samples of the ceramics and stone being used for the backsplash, and the cherry wood with mahogany finish being used on the cabinets. There are six different elements in the backsplash, including glass mosaic, bead border, hand painted tile and limestone. The result will use these multiple colors and materials to create a typically French, relaxed yet sophisticated country kitchen ambience. I’ll post photos of the completed project this fall.

As we explored one of the many charming villages in the Drome I noticed this perfect doorway, with old stone framing a new door in a fresh aqua color. The color, stone and door design with single side panel struck me as an appealing way to combine old and new elements into a cohesive design. Even the galvanized steel pot lower left works with it, in addition to the old ironstone detail above the door.