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Isabelle
Chauffeton knew just what she wanted her dream kitchen to look
like. Armed with very specific photos, Isabelle called on PSG
Construction to convert her non-descript 70's kitchen into a
charming French-inspired gathering spot.
Isabelle was happy with the efficiency and configuration of the
existing L-shaped 12 foot x 24 foot space, so she focused on
creating a space that reminded her of home--her native France.
Isabelle chose the lavender-blue and yellow color scheme for
very specific reasons. "It was important to me to bring
a little of the atmosphere and tradition of the South of France
into my home here in the United States," Isabelle explains.
"The South of France--more specifically, the Provence area,
near the Riviera--has a reputation among the French of always
being sunny and warm. The homes there always look warm and happy
because of the colors that are traditionally used--yellow for
the sun and a purple-blue for the fields of lavender."
Using their in-house design/build services, PSG Construction
was able to create a design for the remodel as well as carry
it out to completion. PSG gutted the kitchen of the Altamonte
Springs ranch--leaving only the ceramic tile floor which was
in good shape--and had the remodel completed in two months.
Lending immediate personality to the kitchen are the painted
and faux-finished wood cabinets in the unique blue shade specified
by Isabelle. A checkerboard ceramic tile backsplash and faux
border over the cook top repeat the refreshing blue and yellow-accented
cabinetry.
Details like painted murals, niches above the refrigerator and
microwave, and a dish rack convey charm. To top off the French
look, the walls are plastered with a heavy textured finish. "Most
of the homes in the South of France are finished in stucco painted
a warm color," Isabelle points out. A storage cabinet and
wine cooler replace an existing storage closet. Isabelle chose
a laminate countertop in a natural finish but splurged on stainless
steel appliances.
To balance the bright colors and bring in a bit of the stained
wood often present in southern France homes, Isabelle chose a
Shaker style table with a mix of benches and chairs that were
custom made for the kitchen. "The table could easily pass
for a French farm table," says Isabelle.
Yearning for an update, the former kitchen possessed a layout
that definitely outshined its design. Authentic French inspiration,
however, introduced a makeover with a decidedly sunny disposition--sunny
France rather than sunny Florida. "It feels like the house
has a soul now," Isabelle says. "It feels like it's
my 'home away from home.' " PSG
SOURCES
Appliances - Southeast Steel
Interior Trim & Doors - Residential Building Supply
Drywall - R.K. Edwards, Inc.
Plumbing - Modern Plumbing
Electrical - J.D. Electrical Contractors, Inc. |
