The French Gate brings taste of Europe to Newport

Peggy Mikonis has brought a bit of European cottage style to Newport.

The French Gate, at 947 Washington Avenue, carries a “shabby chic” inventory of European painted furniture, chandeliers, sconces, her beloved antique birdcages and one-of-a-kind architectural pieces.

The boutique also carries Pre de Provence soaps and locally produced jewelry pieces, and Mikonis says she plans to add some unique garden items.

She adds that, while some of the pieces come directly from Paris, others come from antiques dealers, yard sales, or wherever else she can find them.

Mikonis developed her keen eye through years of experience as an interior decorator and as an antiques dealer.

She moved to Northern Kentucky from Clearwater, Florida in 1991 to be closer to family and has firmly established her roots, having already restored three houses in Newport and in Bellevue.

When she saw the building at the corner of Washington Avenue and 10th Street, she saw pure potential.

“I saw the potential in this beautiful Art Deco tin ceiling,” she says.  “And all of the other cute little shops nearby.”

By late spring or early summer, work will begin on new paint, awnings and signage to make the exterior of the building pop.

The French Gate is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 PM.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Peggy Mikonis, The French Gate