Project Overview: This room measures 18 feet wide by 42 feet long, ample space for separate dining and living areas. Each sits on a large-scaled parquet wood floor and is anchored by a fine Oriental rug. We defined the separate spaces by introducing a pair of columns along with a box beam in the ceiling.

In the dining room, we added nine-foot-high French doors and an expanse of arched glass windows overlooking the patio. At auction, we found stylish Venetian reproduction chairs (which we had refinished in a black crackle and reupholstered) and an Italian glass and wrought iron chandelier. In addition, we designed richly ornamented, built-in cabinets that use internal lighting to beautifully showcase the cabinet’s shell and the homeowner’s fine crystal and china.

The living room features new plaster crown molding, a wood chair rail and panel moldings surrounding the gilded wall sconces from Paris — touches that create a most formal and elegant space. Unique accent pieces, antiqued gilded fauteuils, sofas and bergeres will be ordered soon.

The centerpiece of this room is the open wood-burning fireplace, which would fit right in at a French chateau. This reproduction of a full-height stone fireplace required a new brick fire box and hearth to operate properly. After designing a solution, we called on two masons to realign the chimney and assemble the surround and mantel. Two of the antiqued fauteuils will handsomely frame this fabulous focal point.