Designing Beautiful Guest House Interiors
I love my job. And some days, I really love my job.
When I design guest house interiors, not only do I get to meet a variety of interesting people — getting a window into their lives by creating unique surroundings that reflect their personal experiences and tastes — but I also get to visit some really beautiful places, all as part of the job!
My work at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery definitely fits the bill.
Starting around 2007, this lovely winery out in St. Genevieve, Mo., began offering a creative, scenic lodging option for visitors and wedding guests. And lucky me, I’ve been able to help with the interior design work!
Now, if you’ve ever been on a weekend getaway in this area you know how difficult it is to find decent lodging. Well, look no further than this gorgeous spot. I can promise it will live up to your expectations.
Sure, I’m a little biased. I’ve been working hard for about eight years there trying to add that extra dose of charm. But I think after viewing these pictures, you’ll agree!
Villas in Missouri Wine Country
In the heart of Missouri wine country, “The Villages at Chaumette” consists of 12 villas and seven “villa suites,” all fully furnished with shaded porches and panoramic views.
The villas are essentially guest houses but unlike any you’ve never seen. They have nine-foot ceilings, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens — the works.
The villa suites are more like luxury hotel rooms, with smaller seating areas and kitchenettes. Guests can also choose the Hanley Hill House, a private, five bedroom option in a wooded area of the winery grounds.
All of the villas are privately owned, but the Chaumette Management Company rents them out (To learn more, contact Owner Hank Johnson at their business offices at 573-747-1000).
Owners Get Creative
One of the things I enjoy most about Chaumette is that individual owners take an active role in designing their villa or guest house.
My clients communicated their wishes in regard to the floor plan, general decor, etc. Then I worked with them to make the space uniquely their own. It is great for them AND offers a personal touch for would-be guests.
“It’s completely tailored to the villa owners. It’s theirs. They make it how they want it to be,” Chaumette’s director of marketing, Taylor Bartley, explains.
Pretty neat, right?
I’ve included pictures here of one of the villas I worked on more recently.
A retired couple who loves New Orleans owns the unit, so we hung a number of pictures of the city on the first floor. I chose all of the furniture and bedding, and we used a traditional, soft palate, as was the owner’s preference.
Chaumette’s management company rented the guest house out for the first time on Memorial Weekend and it already has been booked out through October!
Positive Feedback
Bartley says they’ve been getting really good feedback so far.
“Everyone who has seen it — including our employees and what not — absolutely love it,” she says. “They love when Ellen comes in and designs things because it is always so well put together and she does a good job of matching different patterns but all in the same color or design scheme.”
This villa, along with one other recent addition, completes phase one of the winery’s construction plan for The Villages.
Now begins phase two, which will consist of 10 more units, a combination of villas and villa suites.
I can’t wait to be involved with phase two as well! And as always, please call me if you have a similar design project in mind!