CIty house, rustic style

This Kentucky couple enjoys country living in their urban Louisville home.

Laura and Eli George understand the perfect blend of city and country. Situated within Louisville's city limits, their home evokes a comfortable ambience, particularly in the kitchen and adjacent sitting room. When planning this oasis, Laura, an interior designer, along with Eli, an attorney, strove for a casual environment that would be refreshing after a hard day's work.

Homage to Nature

The relaxed mood is established by one of Henry David Thoreau's well-- known quotations, which was painted by graphic artist Sherri Dunn along the upper cased-opening trim. The inscription praises nature and the simple pleasures of country life. "Eli and I love all animals and birds," says Laura, "and this quote perfectly sums un our sentiments."

Down-home Cooking

The Georges' kitchen also reflects that love of nature. Positioned by architect Tim Winters on the east side of the house, the cooking area basks in morning sunlight, which pours through a series of casement windows. These windows allow for ventilation and add to the bygone charm. "It was important that the kitchen look old," Laura says, "so we used wide plank pine floors (10 to 18 inches) fastened with hand-forged iron nails, along with a wood-plank ceiling." The homeowners also stressed to their builder, Ben Tyler, that their cabinetry should have a distressed, antiqued finish. The central island, with its butcher block countertop and beaded-board sides, completes the room and serves as a great place for informal meals.

One of the kitchen's interesting features, the colorful tile backsplash, depicts various barnyard animals grazing beside their young. "The tile was handcrafted by a family in England in a barn on their property" Laura explains. This band of rural scenes comes to life with a procession of hens, cows, sheep, and the like.

Side-by-Side Comforts

Adjacent to the kitchen, the Georges' central sitting room and dining nook have the same down-home appeal. A cozy fireplace serves as the focal point of the combined spaces and also creates a great gathering spot for family and friends.

This homestead proves that even if the city's your preference, you can still enjoy the simple pleasures of the country. ROBERT MARTIN

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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