Nestled in the heart of New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, this elegant Double Gallery home embodies the rich architectural history of the city. Our team was tasked with an interior renovation that would enhance the home’s livability while preserving its historic charm. The 3,500-square-foot residence, full of intricate details, required thoughtful planning to modernize the space while maintaining its original character.
Before the Renovation
This home was a stunning example of classic New Orleans architecture, with original features such as intricate plasterwork, ceiling medallions, transoms, wood doors, windows, and vintage hardware, along with beautifully crafted fireplaces and mantels. Our goal was to preserve and highlight these original details that make this home so unique.
Client Goals & Vision
The homeowners sought to reconfigure and enhance key spaces within their home, ensuring that the interior renovation reflected the home’s exquisitely elegant character. Their key objectives included:
- Expanding and refining the primary suite, including the addition of a laundry space for convenience.
- Creating an additional secondary bathroom on the second floor to better serve the family’s needs.
- Enhancing the interior selections to achieve a sophisticated yet historically sensitive aesthetic.
Design & Planning
To achieve these goals, our team took a meticulous approach to the redesign, ensuring that each intervention respected the home’s architectural heritage:
- Primary Suite Transformation: The layout was modified to accommodate a luxurious bathroom and shower, creating a spa-like retreat.
- Showstopping Secondary Bathroom: A previously underutilized storage closet at the front of the house was converted into a beautifully designed bathroom servicing the adjacent upstairs bedrooms.
- Grand Staircase Bathroom: The existing bathroom behind the home’s striking winding staircase was remodeled with carefully selected materials and finishes to complement the home’s historic grandeur.
- Exterior Enhancements: Our scope of work also included the design of a new exterior porch and balcony, seamlessly integrating with the home’s historic architecture.
Navigating HDLC & Preservation Considerations
Given the home’s location in a Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) jurisdiction, we worked closely within HDLC guidelines for the exterior modifications. Our expertise in historic renovations ensured that every design decision met preservation standards while delivering the functionality the homeowners desired.
The Final Result
The result is a home that feels both timeless and refreshed. The owners now enjoy a space that seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern comfort, proving that thoughtful design can enhance a home’s function without compromising its character. Every detail, from the restored historic plaster to the carefully curated finishes and fixtures, speaks to the beauty of New Orleans’ architectural heritage.
This interior renovation beautifully aligns with our ongoing ‘Your Historic Home’ series, where we highlight the details that make New Orleans architecture so special. From plaster moldings and exposed brick to antique woodwork and transoms, this renovation showcases how preserving these elements can create a home that’s both historic and highly functional.
Before and After
Looking to renovate your historic home? Our team specializes in thoughtful renovations that respect the past while embracing modern living. Contact us today to discuss your project!
