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Country French Interpretation for Today
Abundant maples and oaks line the private entrance to this stunning French Country home located at 9712 N. Range Line Rd. in Mequon. The quiet and visually pleasing setting is a perfect surrounding to accompany the lifestyle you will enjoy while living in this thoughtfully decorated, well designed home. Numerous appointments and attention to fine detail make it fit for a warm, comfortable lifestyle.
An arched entryway welcomes you into the foyer. You will find many archways in this home, indoors and outdoors, that match the one found in the grand entrance. Feast on the impeccable lines of the open concept living area and great room. The powder room is located just to the left of the entrance beside a small cove perfect for displaying select artwork. The walls of the powder room are vibrant rusty orange in color, with a glazed enamel surface that creates a cracked, antique effect reminiscent of classic French-style dŽcor. The front edge of a glass melting ice sink basin cascades toward the floor like falling water, clear yet with a hint of misty, opaque blue. Take in the sight of the large living space and airy feel of the towering cathedral ceiling.
Owners Alison Keenan and her husband wanted to design a house reflecting the dignity of a traditional French Country home but with a fresh, contemporary interpretation. We had seen other French Country style homes. We love the feeling and dignity casual and nonchalant, Keenan said. Considering the design of their home, Keenan added, We wanted to think outside of the box. We could use color to welcome and envelop you. We wanted the house to be interesting without being brash. The house should look like it has a right to be here.
The design creates a well-balanced, contemporary living space comfortable for both family life and entertaining guests. Angled toward a high point at the center of the room, the vaulted ceiling feels uplifting to homeowner and visitors alike. The space is warm and unique without being overdone. Complementing the open concept living room is a view of landscaping designed by Flagstone. Aspens, planted throughout the two-acre property and seen from the living room through large, leaded glass windows, were used to balance the interior design of the home. The repeating image of the gray aspens creates a pale gray verticality that offers stability and architectural interest outside that repeats inside, Keenan said.
The living space features deep stained extra-wide walnut hardwood floors that contrast nicely with the rooms cream colored walls and powder blue drapery. The dark wood provides a feeling of solidity beneath the lofty ceiling and upward movement of the homes design elements.
A large fireplace on the left wall supports a mantel that displays a blue modern glass vase and polished metal artwork. The cut stone mantel is set in front of a mirrored wall directly above and beside the fire surround. To the left and right of the fireplace are tall, sleek wooden cabinets set within recessed wall spaces that create a perfect fit.
Looking to the right, you glimpse the delightfully efficient kitchen. This smartly furnished kitchen features Sub-Zero refrigerator and two Sub-Zero cooling drawers built into Burmeister cabinetry. A Costa Esmerelda granite island countertop allows plenty of room for any culinary adventure. It sits conveniently beside a Le Cornue gas range. The classic, sturdy design of the polished metal CornuFE model range, with its combination of chrome and black fixtures, highlights a blend of traditional yet contemporary French styling showcased in the detailing found throughout the entire home. Ample lighting is provided by two square ceiling-high windows and hanging light fixtures.
Watery bluish-green cabinetry, oven hood, and other kitchen amenities create a pleasing balance with the granite countertop and cream colored walls. The large island counter can double as the perfect breakfast bar. Two warming ovens and a baking station round out the aesthetically pleasing kitchen.
Abundant natural light creates a luminescent aura in the dining room. White ceiling moldings are offset by light and dark gray ceiling accents. Just off the kitchen a screen porch offers a place to eat, relax and look onto the backyard gardens while spending time with family or friends.
The dining room looks onto a view of the backyard and gardens. It is a cozy spot to dine with family. Extend the table, and the dining room becomes a space to entertain large gatherings. The home suits family life yet is perfect for entertaining friends on the weekend. The owners have comfortably hosted over 100 people for a formal event.
Exiting the kitchen through the hallway decorated with bluish-green mosaic floor tiling and cabinetry brings you to a multipurpose utility room. Its a perfect space for gift wrapping, or home crafts, complete with sink and a large counter-top suitable for creating in-home floral arrangements. Ample storage shelves provide a space to store extra tableware, warming trays, and other necessities. Here, the pastoral nature of French Country living may blossom during the summer months as you create arrangements with flowers freshly cut from your own garden. Imagine entertaining friends in this homes richly decorated lower level recreation area. Its accessible from the foyer by a wooden staircase accented by polished stainless steel hand railings and glass dividing wall.
Unique dŽcor in the recreation room includes fun multi-colored cabinets and full-size billiards table. We wanted this room to have high energy. The pulls and handles match the colors of the room. The cabinets include a drink cooler accented with golden colored trim and a microwave oven accented with red. The center cabinet doors are done in gray and yellow a playful and creative color scheme duplicated in the footrest of a plush, comfortable sofa. Warm, red colored walls offset by yellow walls contrasting with the blue billiards table bring this exciting room to life.
The recreation area is completed with a workout room and home theater furnished with nine leather power seats and a ten-foot screen. The ceiling in the theater shimmers with brilliant points of light, appearing when the movie begins and the rooms lights are dimmed. Look up before the show and witness the constellations of a starry night sky.
The workout room is a great place to exercise and is large enough to accommodate the homes residents and a personal trainer. It is fully equipped with gym equipment and yoga studio. After your workout, relax in the Swedish sauna next to the gym in a room complete with sink and shower. Its the perfect spot to spend time leisure time after work or to enjoy a brisk Wisconsin winter night.
Three of the homes five bedrooms are also found on the lower level of the home. Windows in the upper wall of the downstairs bedrooms open onto circular wells with views into the yard. The windows provide ample lighting, while the wells add visual appeal with stone decor and garden flowers.
The main floor master bedroom opens onto its own sleeping porch, where you will be surrounded by Aspens and gardens while enjoying a luxurious afternoon nap. The master bedroom features its own fireplace set beneath a flat screen TV. A large walk-in closet provides plenty of space for his and her wardrobes. The master bathroom is roomy with a large walk-in shower, his and her sinks and vanities, and a dressing table. The dark wood of the cabinetry balances the cream colored walls and tub.
The second main floor bedroom features cream-colored walls and plush carpeting. When using this space as a guest room, visitors will enjoy their own bathroom and laundry room. Leaded windows look out onto the thickly forested yard and radiate pleasant natural light. On the second floor is a large, bonus room that serves as an art studio. The space is open to suit whatever need or fancy you may discover for it.
The home is completed by immense his and her offices finished in a unique color palette. His office is painted a gentle lilac and is furnished with ample dark wood floors and shelving, ceiling fan and flat screen TV. Her office is equally impressive with large leaded windows that offer a view into the front yard. Her office is also furnished with dark wood floors and abundant shelving. |
