A few years ago, the Bentsen family decided to renovate and decorate their home in European influenced decorative elements and style. “French country was a wonderful choice, because I was able to incorporate old world colors, furnishings and accessories. Antiques and handcrafted objects with some history has always been my passion, when we are visiting places around the world, said Allison Bentsen”.

As you walk into the kitchen, handcrafted cabinets painted in light-dark tones and glazed in perfect detail with chocolate accents make a notable presence. A distinctive characteristic that defines and accentuates the cabinets are the oversized, heavy, wrought iron knobs. Terracotta walls and distressed wooden floors with a large colorful rug in the breakfast area take you from the heavy cooking area to a serene and warm place. The one hundred year old bench is the favorite seating spot of Blaine and Spencer, when they are eating, doing homework, or playing table games. A practical architectural choice was to have a conveniently located desk and hatch with built in sink to allow for drink preparations, while entertaining. An oversized farmhouse sink, granite countertops, and an independent stove with detailed stone work define the meal preparation area. A walk in pantry with a curved arch is located next to the stove, adding a traditional element in the turn of the 20th century looking kitchen. French flair design would not be complete without hanging copper pots above the sink, a wine rack, and our beloved friend “Rooster.” The French country inspired theme continues in the formal dining room, adjacent to the kitchen. As you walk in, it feels as refreshing as an escape in nature, with vibrant paintings of beautiful forests, birds, and flowers decorating the walls. A faux wall finish in bronze-creme accents, light tone furniture with detailed wood carving, and a flower patterned rug add another dimension of the French Country style.

The passage from the kitchen to family room is impressive and inviting, with timeless decorative elements. Grandfather’s clock; dark wood beams; a ceiling tall fireplace, built with raw stones; and an oversized, antique, handcrafted, iron chandelier make strong visual impact. The coherent continuation of distressed wooden floors from the kitchen to the family room, chocolate leather furnishings, and an oriental rug in similar accents preserve the old world theme. The light walls are a perfect backdrop to the dark wooden floor and furnishings with splashes of color surrounding the space from colorful accessories, throw pillows, and wall art. Another French element is the armoire, an oversized black hatch with an array of favorite nick nacs and a rustic, substantially large star above the fireplace. Some Halloween decorative themed objects complete the European flair design in fall colors. You can not help but have another serving of French coffee with chocolate croissant!

Goneis Magazine would like to thank the Bentsen family for their warm hospitality and for sharing their beautiful home with our reading family.

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Breakfast Area

The Breakfast Area is elegantly decorated with accessories, an antique chandelier, and a colorful oriental rug, yet is practical and inviting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Courtesy of Pascal Nelson                               

Stove

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of Pascal Nelson