From Lot to Luxury: The Vanbenschoten Home

From Lot to Luxury

The Vanbenschoten Home

By: Poki Hampton

Photos By: Paige Henderson

My husband, Charlie, came home one day and said he found the perfect lot for us to build on, and I didn’t even know we were looking,” says vivacious Michelle Vanbenschoten.

So together, with Corrinn Fisher of Corrinn Fisher Interiors, they began the process of building a home that would check all the boxes for them. The couple loves to entertain, and they have children, pets, and grandchildren, so performance fabrics and rugs, and durable surfaces are essential.

The home’s exterior is white with black trim and is a mix of Country French with West Indies influence. Black iron accents and 10-foot louvered doors are the most striking features.

In the entrance sits a grass cloth-wrapped credenza topped with a rectangular starburst gilded mirror. Two Visual Comfort ceramic lamps with linen shades sit on top.

The dining room, open to the foyer, features a large natural wood table surrounded by Shaker-style ladder-back chairs, while crisp linen upholstered captain’s chairs head the table. The textured painting of a white crane is by Dan Matisse Fine Arts.

Over the years, Michelle and Charlie have collected pottery chargers by Craig McMillan of Folsom.

Two slight bow-front wooden reproduction chests in a French Country style hold contemporary gold leaf lamps with textured linen shades.

The rug is a family-friendly Oushak style, while a Gabby linear gilded chandelier is the crowning touch to the room.

The large living room is a study in tranquility with soft muted colors and an open flow. “One of the biggest deviations we made from the original plans was to move the fireplace from the back wall of the living room to the side wall and created a double-sided fireplace flowing into the wine and whiskey room,” says Corrinn. “This created more entertaining space as well.” Applied molding wainscoting was added to the back wall to create interest. The custom sofa is in a light grey performance linen blend, while the two swivel chairs are in a light steel blue. Two top-grain leather recliners make a comfortable place to relax. The side tables have unusual contemporary legs that give a whimsical touch to the room. The large custom white glazed ceramic lamps have white linen drum shades. The subtle colors in the rug pick up to the custom painting by Baton Rouge artist Jennifer Poe.

“We wanted to be able to live and entertain in this house,” says Michelle. The wine and whiskey room with four custom swivel gliders creates an intimate conversation area. The round cocktail tabletop is poured pearlized composite stone with a gold leaf metal base. The bar cart is also gold leaf metal and displays some of Charlie’s favorite whiskeys. The painting of the blue heron is a favorite of the owners.

Quartz and quartzite were used on the kitchen and island counters. Two Visual Comfort mercury glass pendant lights hang over the oversized island surrounded by canebacked counter stools with linen stain-guard cushions and brass accents. The cabinet style is traditional Shaker in white.

The primary bedroom is furnished with traditional classic lines. The nightstands are neoclassic in style with gold accents. The subtle blue/green colors make for a very tranquil sleeping space.

“We used oversized 30-inch porcelain tiles to give the look of seamless onyx. These tiles are used throughout to create a soft fluid movement. Over the free-standing tub hangs a crystal chandelier whose faceted light adds to the movement.

The travertine decking from the pool area leads into the outdoor entertaining area, complete with seating, dining, and cozy gas fireplace areas. Electronic privacy shades can be used to enclose the area at night. An outdoor television makes watching games fun while a breeze from the contemporary ceiling fan keeps everyone cool. Over the dining table is a shell-encrusted outdoor light fixture by Gabby made of iron, stone, and wood.

“The homeowners and I worked together 13 years ago on another house. This one, however, utilized all my skill sets from working with the architect to furnishing the entire house,” says Corrinn. “Corrinn helped us create a beautiful home where family and guests feel welcome and relaxed,” says Michelle. “We love what she did here.”