The angled fireplace in the kitchen/breakfast area (1) is a central gathering spot in the Sheehans’ two-

story home. Every cold weekend the fire is lit as soon as the family wakes, and it burns all day long. “It

really adds atmosphere to the whole house,” says Gunda. “The kids will often draw chairs right up to

the fireplace and warm their feet after being out in the snow” Gracing the hearth are trees made from

red-dyed wood curls, which match the wreaths above the breakfast table

(p a g e s 1 5 4 -1 5 5 ) .

The dining

room (2) is outfitted with chairs handed down from Chris’ mother, who hand-stitched the seat covers;

Gunda painted the mahogany wood white. Red straw snowflakes are scattered about the dining table

runner and make another appearance at the kitchen window (3). The couple’s blue-and-white china (4)

is pulled out for Christmas dinner. ffl

For buying information seepage 2#6.

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DECEMBER 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS