Home Tour – La Maison in Chagrin Falls

Have you ever experienced an unforgettable vacation and came away feeling refreshed, refueled, and brimming with inspiration? That is where our clients found themselves after walking the breathtaking cobblestone streets of France. Overtaken by the beautiful architecture and unique character of quaint countryside homes, they were eager to find a way to incorporate this style into their brand new custom home in Chagrin Falls.
From the creamy, provençal fabrics to the delicate, decorative touches, this romantic home resembles the feeling of being swept away to the charming and peaceful French countryside. And after a peek into their custom wine cellar, well…. I think you’ll understand what I mean.
But, before we get started on our tour, let’s meet the lovely couple behind this Alsace retreat…

Meet Our Joyful, Family-Loving Clients
This delightful couple (let’s call them Michael and Jill) are empty nesters who wanted to downsize and build a custom home in Chagrin Falls. Their primary goal was to create a relaxing space with enough room to host their friends, adult children, and grandchildren.
Although I joined their team after they had finalized plans with their architect and builder, I was able to remove the overwhelm during some of the most crucial parts of the process.
Together, my team and I:
- Guided them through the building process
- Selected and sourced all materials and furnishings
- Decorated, furnished, and styled the entire home
Together, we created a completely custom and personalized space that they can enjoy every day…all while hosting their favorite people. Ready to peek inside?
Custom Kitchen with a Touch of Rustic Elegance


Can you imagine whipping up a quiche Lorraine for lunch in this stunning kitchen? Kids and grandkids banter and laugh at the island, setting the table in the bright and sunny dining area nearby. That’s living well.
The beautiful, ivory custom cabinetry immediately sets the tone for a bright, warm and welcoming kitchen. Timeless design details, like the custom trim and turned legs on the island, infuse the space with a perfect balance of rustic elegance and luxury, creating a lived-in, well-loved, yet beautifully refined atmosphere.
Our clients especially love the mosaic backsplash and ornately rustic pendant chandeliers, bringing French charm to every inch of this luxurious cuisine.
Custom Coffee Bar in French Blue


On our way to the next space, let’s stop at the custom coffee bar and pour ourselves a cup, shall we?
This beautiful custom cabinet was painted in French blue. You’ll notice this color in various places throughout the home (including the kitchen’s backsplash). Not only does it serve as a focal point in the space, but it also provides Michael and Jill with plenty of functional storage to hide appliances. Convenient accessibility sans clutter…yes, please.
Comfortable Open-Concept Living Area

Oh, la la! Look at the beautiful detail in the arched beams. Not only are they a stunning focal point making the room appear larger, but they provide a sense of unity, tying the open concept kitchen and living areas together with ease. With natural light flooding in, this space was designed to make you feel at home, providing practical and comfortable seating while still incorporating plenty of elegance.
For example, you’ll notice we continued the neutral color palette and incorporated pops of blue to add interest while bringing balance and warmth to the space. With an open-concept living area, it’s essential to create an effortless flow to adjacent rooms. In this case, the curves of the chandelier complement those of the ornate pendants and the custom vent hood.
The end result? A cohesive and gorgeous living area that serves as the backdrop for some of life’s best moments.
Traditional and Timeless Formal Dining Room


This sophisticated space truly brings formal fine dining to the next level. And that French toile wallpaper — so chic. From the wall sconces to the chairs, we purposefully incorporated gentle curves to add softness to the traditional design of the space.
Can you imagine holiday dinners with the whole family in this room? After enjoying a delicious meal, coffee is poured, dessert is passed around, and you scoop one of the little ones onto your lap for a squeeze. I can envision Jill and Michael enjoying years of lively conversation and happy memory-making in this room.
Calming and Luxurious Primary Bathroom


Created with the sole intent of enjoying some relaxing “me time,” this primary salle de bain is the ultimate retreat within the home. The neutral color scheme brings a sense of calm to the space, but the design is in the details. Custom cabinetry, decorative sconces, and mirrors emphasize luxury and create a rejuvenating spa-like atmosphere.
After early morning stretches, hot water can relax the muscles and mind, and this luxurious shower is the perfect place of peace to prepare fully for the day. With natural light streaming through the windows, a seating area, and beautiful floor-to-ceiling tile, this shower adds a level of luxury to function and necessity.
An Undeniably French Wine Cellar


This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Don’t get me wrong, the entire home is absolutely amazing, but no French Country-inspired home is complete without wine.
Jill and Michael desired a space to unwind, entertain friends, and enjoy their expansive and delicious wine collection…many of which hail from France. The wine room itself incorporates everything you’d expect to find in a French wine cellar:
- Rustic stone walls
- An expansive wine selection
- Dark wood throughout for a warm and indulgent feeling
After deciding on their selections (I’ll take the Chardonnay!), Michael and Jill can make their way to either the bar or the comfortable seating area to enjoy a relaxing evening with their guests. What a perfectly sophisticated way to enjoy a hobby and share it with friends in style.


Beginning a New Chapter in their Dream Home
It’s safe to say that through thoughtful and intentional design decisions, Jill and Michael are enjoying a French-inspired haven in the comfort of their brand new home. They are thrilled with the results and finally feel comfortable opening the doors for friends and family, knowing their home is a true reflection of them at this beautiful stage in their lives.
Are you considering building a custom home for you and your family? I’d love to support you in bringing your design dreams to life. Reach out to me here, and together we’ll create a plan to successfully showcase our unique style and personality throughout your home.
Yours,
Ingrid

I’m Ingrid Porter. As a designer with 30+ years of experience serving Northeastern Ohio, I specialize in personal and detail-driven design for families building or transforming the home of their dreams. If you’re ready to take “home” to the next level, we can’t wait to work with you.