 |
|
LIVING ROOM
The open living area provides views to
the kitchen and backyard, but the fireplace serves as a focal
point that maintains a sense of intimacy in this space. The
brick used on the exterior is continued in the design of the
fireplace, and the handmade appearance offers a rustic touch
to the simple and elegant lines of the painted millwork and
mantel. An area rug in muted earth tones defines this lounge
area and adds a softness to the room, while textural fabrics
combined with the rich wood tones of the end and coffee tables
complete this warm and comforting space.
|
Susan and Michael Stoehr fell in love
with a River Hills property with a vintage 1840s home in need of
tender loving care. While the couple wanted to breathe new life into
the home and maintain the appeal of its history, it was beyond repair.
"They came to us with a unique site and old home, but this rehab
project was just too difficult," Lakeside Development Co.
architect Todd Rabidoux says.
After the heartbreaking news of the
impossible rehab, they wanted to figure out a way to achieve the same
vintage look with new construction. The well-traveled couple has an
affinity for Southern-influenced architectural details. As a result,
the design team studied the French Country style to gain inspiration
for the design of this home. They also studied the site in order to
position this new "old" house within the property to appear
as if it had always been there. They salvaged materials from the
original home and explored ways to incorporate these historic gems
into the new design — anything to make the home look as aged as
possible. As they made material decisions, the design team and the
Stoehrs would question, "Which one looks the oldest?"
"On every component of the house,
the goal was to make it look as if it had been there for a long, long
time," Rabidoux says.
 |
|
KITCHEN
The couple decided to take a classic
approach to the kitchen with a black and white palette
accented by stainless appliances. The island provides ample
workspace with clear views to the beautiful landscape.
|
The floor plan was designed with many
defined spaces, such as a formal dining room, den and sunroom, in
keeping with traditional architectural styles. Susan Stoehr, however,
wanted to create a sense of arrival and welcoming. She wanted a
transparent quality to the home, so that when people entered the foyer
they would have a sight line to the back of the house and beyond to
the backyard, a way to entice them into the heart of the home. In
order to accommodate a modern lifestyle, an open kitchen and living
space were incorporated, but architectural details defined each area
to maintain a sense of intimacy.
Painted woodwork, heavy wood mouldings,
wide plank wooden floors, period light fixtures and custom doors with
transoms and signature period hardware were combined with remnants of
the original home to achieve the desired aged effect. A neutral,
earthy palette mixed with a classic contrast of dark, rich woods and
creamy white accents achieves a simple yet comfortable décor that
focuses the attention on the architecture. While some people want to
make something old look new again, the Stoehrs are happy to live in a
new home that looks aged and inviting.
"Susan and I are not country
people, but this property allowed us to feel like we are in the
country while we are still in the city," Michael Stoehr says. In
order to achieve this country appeal, and make a new home look old,
material selections and architectural details were important. The use
of brick that appears handmade, copper gutters and paned glass windows
are a few of these signature details. A veranda on the front and side
of the house, an herb garden and even a horse barn in the distance
complete this couple’s picturesque country experience.
|
