Cottage Journal

French Country Charm Down South

French Country Charm Down South

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

When home builder Scott Thomson asked homeowners Tom and Kay Worley what they wanted in their new home Kay was ready with answers. “I want light and lots of windows. I want nooks and crannies, places for my books, and a garden I can see from my kitchen window,” Kay says. “And that’s where we started.” Scott sketched three plans, and Kay and decorator Pandy Agnew kept tweaking them until a plan was in motion.

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson
Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

Kay had always loved French Country design for what she calls its “softness.” This decorating style is identified by its curving lines, chandeliers, and antiques and is known for being comfortable. Achieving this feeling in a brand-new home with an open floor plan isn’t easy, but Pandy’s talent and Scott’s vision proved a successful collaboration.

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

Neutrals usually override color in French Country style, and Pandy followed suit . A favorite painting by artist Emily Ozier that hung in the kitchen of the Worleys’ previous home provided the perfect color palette for the new interiors. Soft French blues with lots of neutrals were picked for furnishings and fabrics, and the walls in the home were veiled in a warm cream.

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

As a member of two book clubs, book storage has become an issue for Kay. So built-in bookcases were created on the stair landing and also surrounding the French doors in the kitchen’s dining area. The garden beyond the French doors includes romantic European elements like a fountain and a woven-willow fence. And the most perfect thing about the space is that Kay can see it from her kitchen window.

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

White oak was selected for the flooring in most rooms. “I’ve learned from my own house that light floors are easier to keep,” Pandy explained. “They don’t fade as easily.” However, in the dining room they opted for travertine tile and kept the color light for a subtle transition between rooms.

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

Each room is cloaked in French Country charm, but every room has its own identity. The master bedroom is home to a stately wrought iron bed and muted pink tones while this guest suite features a French blue palette and soft linens. The master bathroom is mostly white, but the warm tones of the wood and stone keep the room inviting.

Photography by Marcy Black Simpson

With all the wants checked off the list, the homeowners can now revel in the delight of an inviting home sure to charm family and friends.

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