Case Study 2: 60'S MODERN MEETS REGENCY
60'S MODERN MEETS REGENCY
The Details: A style savvy, antique loving client meets 60’s modern manse on the bayou. The property was purchased by my client from the original owners. It had lot’s of potential, but it also came with dated finishes and design. The original owners had imposed traditional details upon a very modern template. Please note: to combine two disparate styles takes a great eye and lots of finesse to be done successfully. However, within the existing elements were a house full of multi-paneled doors. These were to become the take off point for the gut renovation of the home.
Our approach began with streamlining the existing interior envelope. All existing interior trim, cabinetry and fixtures were removed. Windows were left trim-less, and window frames painted black throughout. We replaced the existing dinky, fussy base with a straight base with simple, decorative moulding top cap. Door trim was replaced with a transitional style that allowed the proportions to be adjusted at tricky spots to eliminate awkward situations and preserve continuity.
Primary Finishes: The original paneling in the lounge area, existing parquet, and brick flooring running through the main floor were dark and dated. Not only did we want to highlight the great views from the floor to ceiling windows, we also wanted to create a light, welcoming background for the client’s furnishings. We chose Sherwin Williams Alabaster in a flat finish for the primary wall choice. All new trim and existing paneling were painted Alabaster, Satin Finish. Primary interior doors, ie. the entrance to the master suite and other key areas were painted satin black. Secondary doors such as the closet doors were painted in a satin finish to match the trim. The concept being to establish not only a hierarchy but also a focal point. The existing wood parquet was refinished to a white wash pale oak. Brick flooring was replaced with a 12”x24” porcelain tile to mimic Paloma Limestone flowing from the kitchen through to all corridors and bathrooms. Not only is the space now airy and light but also feels expansive.
Primary Bathroom: The existing Primary Bath (shown below) came with a terrazzo tub, shower, and front to back peninsula vanities. One concept we explored involved re-using the existing locations with a rework of the vanity. As shown in the photo below the vanity and closet door layout is mirrored on the opposite side of the partition. Unfortunately, the tub was damaged beyond repair. This created the opportunity to rethink the layout of the room. We also looked at expanding the depth of the shower and WC into the generous Primary Bedroom. Unfortunately, the base construction did not allow for us to do so.
FINAL PLAN VIEW -MASTER BATH & POWDER ROOM
The alternate concept involved moving the vanity to the former tub location, allowing it to take full advantage of the natural light provided by the full height window to the right side. Moving the tub allowed it to float against a paneled feature wall across from the existing shower. Fortunately, we were able to make use of existing plumbing locations eliminating the need for and expense of substantial adjustments. The small foot print of the WC was addressed by splitting the existing panel door into two panels that open into the larger space rather than a larger door opening into the small space.
In creating the accent wall behind the tub, we moved the left closet door next to the adjacent wall, eliminated the secondary pair, and brought part to the wall forward to meet the existing plumbing connection. This resulted in two things. One it created a niched area in the closet for shoes and shelving that did not impact existing floor space. The other allowed for a wall mount tub filler.
ENTRANCE TO THE BAR FROM THE LOUNGE AREA
For the Primary Bath, the existing paneling in the Bar/Lounge area became the inspiration for the backdrop to the vanity and tub. I loved the opportunity to bring warmth and patina to the bathroom. Using paneling in this location also supports the inclusion of the existing paneling. One of the odes to the Regency period was the inclusion of two moroccan light fixtures, alluding to the exotic travel references of the period. The shower was finished out in the Faux Paloma with an artisan glass mosaic tile on the shower floor and frameless glass door.
DRAWING LEFT: VIEW OF SHOWER AND ENTRY. IMAGE RIGHT: VIEW OF VANITY
The Reveal
The client now has a bathroom that is spacious, inviting and efficient that takes full advantage of the natural light. The mirrored single vanity includes a makeup area that provides hidden storage for her makeup. The home sets perfect backdrop for the client’s blend of traditional patina mixed with modern art and accent pieces.
Powder Room: The original Powder Room decor boasted a wall to wall built-in vanity and crown moulding clad in a cloying shade of powder blue combined with a striking floral patterned wall paper. Standard Depth cabinetry along with the narrow footprint made the room feel tight and uncomfortable. The primary asset to the original space was the picture window lying directly across from the entry door. A primary objective became creating the experience of spaciousness.
Our answer included carrying the faux Paloma tile into the room and a narrow depth vanity with open frame cantilevered above the floor. These elements created continuity, greater visual flow, and lightness. Borrowing from regency architecture, we also ran the faux Paloma on the wall behind the vanity. Presiding over it all is a Baroque mirror. The vanity was inspired by the design from Nendo for Bisazza Bagno. While extending wall to wall, the new vanity is 18” in depth. Our version pairs a gilded frame with polished absolute black granite secured by jewelry inspired clasps. An undermount faceted glass sink completes the assembley. In a nod to present day, the open space where the countertop stops short of the end of the frame is punctuated by a pendant by Michael Anastassiades.
The Reveal
A new life is created for a formerly dated and conflicted property. One that honors not only the architectural intention of the original design but also nods to the client’s love of patina and antiques in a fresh way.