In 2013 Sandra Kirschenmann was looking to move from California to Georgia to be closer to family. A self-proclaimed Francophile, Kirschenmann fell in love with her French Country style home when she saw photos of it online.
“It was the courtyard that just said ‘oh that’s your house.’ I felt that when I walked in and I still feel that way,” said Kirschenmann.
The previous owners of the home built it with heavy French oak doors, blue window shutters, a traditional French door knocker and a private courtyard.
“If you spend any time in France you recognize that courtyard instantly, it’s wonderfully French,” she said. “They aren’t things that the average tourist even sees, but once you’ve seen them and you realize how lovely it would be to have such a courtyard, you fall in love with them.”
The interior of Kirschenmann’s home is full of French flair as well, with art from the Paris flea market, wall colors inspired by the Louvre Museum and ornate mirrors that emanate a Versailles style.
“The other places I’ve lived were just places I’ve lived, but this is a home,” said Kirschenmann.
Snapshot
Residents: Sandra Kirschenmann, a retired university administrator and designer through Kirschenmann Design, and her dogs, Sophie and Phoebe.
Location: Marietta
Size: 5,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Year built: 1998
Year bought: 2013
Renovations: Full kitchen renovation in 2015 by Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio and an owner’s suite bathroom renovation in 2021 by Schuon Kitchens & Baths.
Architectural style: French Country
Favorite architectural elements: The courtyard at the center of the home, operable window shutters and oak doors from the south of France.
Interior design style: Classic European with transitional elements
Favorite interior design elements: French design elements, like the light fixtures and antique portraits of a 19th-century woman and man purchased in Paris.
Favorite outdoor elements: Central courtyard, around which the home is built.
Resources: Furniture and decor from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Huff Harrington Fine Art, Foxglove Antiques, 1stdibs, Jean-Louis Deniot for Baker Furniture, Wallpaper & Stuff, Architectural Accents, Gryphon Antiques, Ethan Allen, Interiors Market, Ansley Interiors Furniture & Design, Flourish Antiques & Design, Baker, A. Tyner Antiques, Natuzzi, Stock & Trade Design Co., Ainsworth-Noah, Pottery Barn, and HomeGoods.
Lighting by Circa Lighting, The Lamp Shoppe Atlanta, Maurice Chandelier, Myran Allan Luxury Lighting, Hudson Valley Lighting and Flourish Antiques & Design.
Paint colors are Farrow & Ball Dimity in the kitchen, Farrow & Ball Dove Tail in the library, Farrow & Ball Hague Blue on the accent wall in the newsroom, Farrow & Ball Tallow in the foyer and Farrow & Ball Pelt on the accent wall below the stairway.
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