A French Family Home

This grand French countryside residence is located just outside Paris, and was very recently transformed from a neglected and unloved property into a vibrant, character-filled family home. Over the course of 18 months, this young family has worked with Sean Symington to create a space that not only reflects their lifestyle, but elevates it with charm and individuality. Their ambition was to create a timeless, character-filled kitchen that seamlessly integrated with the family's needs and reflects their passion for art and unique pieces. The design revolved around creating a space that feels lived-in and full of soul, balancing French traditions and character with a more personal contemporary approach.

The family, who relocated to the area from London, are passionate art collectors, and wanted to fill their home with all of the incredible pieces they'd gathered over the years. In terms of the wider renovations, they really wanted to reimagine the property from the ground up to create a more intuitive and considered flow. On the ground floor, for example, the kitchen was relocated to better connect with the dining room, and a new boot room was added to suit their daily routines and storage needs. Every decision was made to reflect the way the family lives, with the end result of a home that feels beautifully personal and effortlessly functional.

The family wanted a kitchen that felt timeless but appropriate for the traditional French property, so they naturally opted for classic Shaker-style cabinetry. The idea was to create a kitchen that felt lived-in and full of soul, rather than overly polished. By using a soft palette of blue-greys and injecting cheerful pops of yellow throughout the space, they have managed to strike a distinct balance of tradition and individuality. The kitchen island, painted in a grounded yellow, became a real focal point, playful yet still practical. The playful theme continued with the addition of a very distinctive Shaws sink.

The Shaws sink was strategically positioned within the kitchen island. This central placement creates a more connected workspace and offers uninterrupted views of both the dining area, and the surrounding landscape. Working at the sink becomes an immersive experience, allowing the user to feel fully part of the space. Locating the sink in the island also allowed for dedicated counter areas for the oven and stove, optimising the kitchen's flow and making it more intuitive. As the island is the most frequently used area, placing the sink here enhanced both practicality and navigation, resulting in a space designed to work hard while maintaining a calm and considered atmosphere.

Open shelving displays everyday crockery alongside antique brass copper pots and confit bowls, adding a regional rustic charm. The French-style pendant lighting adds a Parisien touch overhead, while handmade splashback tiles, sourced in Paris, add another layer of craftsmanship. The client was particularly drawn to their texture and eclectic artisanal quality, which brings so much warmth and character to the space. These well curated details create a very authentic French country kitchen aesthetic, and a perfect backdrop for the brightly coloured and wonderfully curated art hanging on the walls. The new kitchen is truly unique to the family and has been designed to be used, loved, and enjoyed every day.

The home transformation was completed by the addition of the family’s existing furniture. The personal pieces made bold statements, so they made sure to incorporate each piece in a way that felt natural and intentional. It was all about layering in their personality and creating a home that felt collected, curated, and completely theirs.