“I have wanted a house outside town for years,” explains New Orleans designer Shaun Smith.
“Then this home came on the market.
“I set a mental goal to make as few structural changes as possible.”
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
His aesthetic mixes modern and classic pieces.
“I pride myself on bringing together all periods and styles in a space,” he says.
First and foremost, he approached each room with an eye toward its function.
Credit: Shaun Smith
“That jot down of layout is better for entertaining.”
He then added the molding detail above the glass and installed a seagrass carpet.
“I pull out all of the good china and glassware,” he says.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
The only wall he moved in the house was in the dining room.
A lacquer paint on the 9-foot ceiling reflects more light, making the room feel taller.
He whitewashed the floors with a combination of bleach and satin-finish stain.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“A satin finish prevents shine, making the floors feel more original,” Smith explains.
Finally, he filled the room with library lights.
“I love their warm glow reflecting off the room’s lacquered walls at night,” he says.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“It completely disappears, and people are always shocked when I open it,” he says.
He then hung an antique copper lantern as an extra accent.
The Pantry
Smith’s favorite part of the kitchen is the pantry.
Credit: Shaun Smith
The Boy’s Guest Bedroom
“I had almostevery Ralph Lauren equestrian thingpossible growing up.
This room is my tribute to that,” he says.
The wallpaper (Gallop Clubtwigswallpaperandfabric.com) makes the horse connection.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
They’re by Ralph Lauren (Anette Swing Arm Sconce in Natural Brass;circalighting.com).
“So I did get him in there,” Smith adds with a laugh.
“My mom had pillows in it growing up.”
Credit: Shaun Smith
Smith kept the pattern uniform by repeating it in the draperies.
The Guest Bath: Before
Dated yet ready for a refresh.
The Guest Bath: After
What aspect of the renovation was Smith most proud of?
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“Keeping the original tile in the baths,” he says.
“Everyone thought I would have to gut them.”
The Primary Bedroom
A Bunny Williams’Bamboo Bedground this bedroom.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Symmetrical design gives this bedroom a masculine feel without being overwhelming.
“It added a lot to the space without much expense.
I often tell people to look for discounted rolls of wallpaper on eBay,” he says.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Then he turned the space into his office.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
