An avid collector with a passion for design, Vermont-based Mika Frechette balances farm life with faraway travels to inspire her creative practice. The result is a timeless aesthetic rooted in authenticity: warm neutral backdrops layered with texture and pattern, accented by found objects and timeworn patina.
Can you tell us about your background and the origins of Stoneledge Studio?
Designing and styling have always been my passion. A false start in finance and consulting set me up as a businesswoman – no regrets there. I raised my four children with my college sweetheart, and we lived in Manhattan, London, and Greenwich, Connecticut, before settling in North Ferrisburgh, Vermont. As a born Vermonter, the "Green Mountain State" is my chosen and final destination. Our farm on Lake Champlain is home to sheep, chickens, llamas, cows, bees, and one of my recent projects – boutique farm stays in our guest cottage. When I am not farming, I am designing.
Those who know me well also know that my heart is in the colourful and fragrant markets and bazaars of the globe. I am a collector and a student of design, and I have a network of creators and tour guides in a dozen languages. Google Translate is my best friend.
Stoneledge Studio is on Pine Street in Burlington, Vermont. This is where my design world is anchored; it is here that our team draws upon my travels and collections to style and design for our amazing clients. It is where we receive clients, vendors, and friends. As proud as I am of the design business I have created, I am also proud of the type of client we attract and keep. We have fun with kind and upbeat people who are excited to be a part of the creative process.
How would you describe the Stoneledge Studio aesthetic?
Our design language is rooted in authenticity: warm neutral backdrops layered with texture and pattern, accented by curated found objects and timeworn patina. Stoneledge Studio has evolved as clients from afar have discovered us. We've learned to develop a ‘coastal’ and ‘mountain’ version of ourselves while retaining our core aesthetic. Thus, the reason we have recently transitioned our name from Stoneledge Farm + Home to Stoneledge Studio.
What drew you to Hale Mercantile linen for your Pleasant Valley Home project?
Hale Mercantile linen reflects our design language descriptors seamlessly. Soft, earthy hues and a naturally relaxed look make this refined bedding beautiful and match our client's aesthetic – without the fuss of ironing.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
Our favourite Hale Mercantile piece, the Flocca Linen Duvet Cover, is our top recommendation in almost all our client projects. What I love most about the Flocca range is its distressed fringe – subtle, relaxed, and effortless. Every hue in the collection is stunning. We make our selections based on the project's colour palette.
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