With the help of talented designer Tracey McKee of McKee & Company, this exquisite estate went from "Country French" to a lighter, brighter European escape. "She got rid of the red and green florals; the plaids; the oak finishes and revitalized the space with classic shades of ivory and blue. Our home now feels like a breath of fresh air! It's comfortable, stylish and meets our every need," says the homeowner.


What We Love
MONOCHROMATIC DESIGN
A creamy off-white palette imparts a sense of timelessness in the formal living room, where metallic accents softly suggest an undertone of luxurious refinement. The more-modern cocktail table's exposed wood veins and mildly-destressed finishes on other furniture ensure that the space feels comfortable, not fussy.

A STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
One of the home's most distinctive features is the custom-scrolled grand staircase, illuminated by an over-size chandelier that sparkles under organically-finished exposed-wood beams. This home takes great advantage of natural lighting, which gifts every room with gentle filtered sunlight.


What We Love
REFINED BENCH SEATING
The homeowners enjoy hosting family and friends, but no guest is met with more enthusiasm than their grandchildren. Little bodies were in mind when bench seating was selected for the dining room, making it easy for the grands to gather together for a meal. The more-casual seating style is balanced by a stunning Italian landscape painting, glowing chandelier and dramatic distressed buffet.


What We Love
CLASSIC FRENCH DESIGN WITH A TWIST
A boldly-designed classic French table is updated with a painted finish while luxurious window coverings incorporate French blues and ivories. The classic muted floral fabrics coordinate gorgeously with the textured cream sofa.

A REFINISHED SECRETARY
Original to the homeowners, this secretary's oak-wood finish didn't coordinate with the new design. Fresh paint and a chair covered in a soft floral made the old piece a welcome new addition that coordinates perfectly with the pantry door, a vintage piece from France that was built into the wall.


What We Love
SLABS THAT LOOK LIKE MARBLE, BUT AREN'T
The homeowners love to entertain and do a lot of cooking; worrying about marble maintenance wasn't on the list of "to do's," but they loved the look of the natural stone. What to choose instead? A Neolith slab, a brand-new material that is incredibly durable and hard, looks just like marble but is tough enough that it's used on the nose con of space shuttles. Authentic touches, like an antique cheese board display and blue barstools, make the all-white kitchen still undeniably French.

FRENCH LIMESTONE FLOORING
Large-plank French limestone flooring is all at once rustic and refined, the ideal base for a home that so beautifully balances old and new. In the kitchen's seating area, an original-to-the-home dramatic chandelier and table are balanced by organic window coverings that fuse burlap and ivory.


What We Love
ARCHITECTURAL BUILT INS
The distressed fireplace finish draws more drama to the room's focal point while an arched doorway makes every entrance special. A soft piling of pillows beckons after a long day.

PERFECTLY-MATCHED ROMAN PANELS
Attention to detail abounds in this home, where even the roman panels in the master sitting room were measured and designed so that the damask pattern in each would be perfectly centered and aligned with the others. The coverings effectively block the sun on sleepy mornings, when only the most gentle of filtered light is necessary when settled into the soft velvet furniture.


What We Love
SOAKING TUB WITH A VIEW
The only thing more striking than the view from the master bath is the chandelier directly above it. The tub's detachable faucet makes it easy to rinse shampoo from grandchildren's hair; the home's luxurious look does not detract from the functionality of every space.

MATCHING VANITIES
His and hers vanities are mirror images, with simple lines and statement mirrors flanked by glimmering candlelights.


What We Love
RECLAIMED WOOD
The cool cocktail table's reclaimed-wood top and modernized metal base, topped with greens and candles, adds a natural, organic feel to the gathering space, making the entire room feel more casual and relaxed.

A PLACE TO PLAY
The homeowners' daughters are musicians, so the piano atop a seagrass rug is a must - as is a front-row seat to the entertainment. The table adds an architectural element to the listening area where hand-scripted "Amazing Grace" lyrics set the tone. Immediately below are vintage frame blocks with the words "Faith," "Hope" and "Love," all of which are endlessly present in this home.