Picheloup Place Renovation

New Orleans, Louisiana

A neglected New Orleans bungalow was reimagined as a serene retirement retreat, complete with modern amenities and tailored for two couples’ individual tastes.

Photos: Laura Steffan

AFTER: Street-facing facade with reconstructed porches on both floors. Bungalows often used smaller exposure siding on the front with mitered corners at porch details.

BEFORE: Front porches had been enclosed by previous owner.

The families opted to maintain this split arrangement, with the paramount objective of creating a shared home where they could spend more time with their children and grandchildren while leaving the burden of a large house.

In early 2021, amidst the COVID pandemic, two couples approached our design team with a unique project. A brother and sister, along with their respective spouses, sought to embrace a new chapter in their lives by downsizing and relocating closer to their children and grandchildren. The dwelling they had acquired was a 1920s bungalow-style two-family residence, albeit burdened with dated finishes and an impractical layout.

Divided into upper and lower units, the families opted to maintain this split arrangement, with the paramount objective of creating a shared home where they could spend time with their children and grandchildren while leaving the burden of a large home. The design team incorporated an elevator and adaptable, accessible bathroom layouts. For convenience and safety, a rear addition included secured covered parking and a new connecting exterior stairway.

AFTER: New fiber-cement siding with spray foam insulation on exterior walls keeps the house cool in the summer

BEFORE: Exterior walls were uninsulated and water intrusion at window openings indicated a failing stucco system.

BEFORE: failing stucco system pulling away from the original lath

Design for Well-being

To optimize the living spaces and capitalize on the picturesque surroundings, particularly the sprawling side yard adorned with a majestic oak tree, the design team proposed a significant alteration. They flipped the existing public-private zones from north-east to south-west, allowing the public areas to bask in the warm, filtered light from the grand oak, promising to infuse the interior with an inviting ambiance.

However, capturing the transformation in 'after' photographs posed a challenge. In reversing the floor plan, maintaining consistency in perspective between the before and after images proved tricky, given the dramatic overhaul of the space.

AFTER: Our design connects both the first and second floors to the yard area.

BEFORE: The previous structure only had a set of stairs connecting the yard only to the lowest apartment.

First Floor Residence

The first floor aesthetic is inspired by the 1920s period, with a modern color palette incorporating craftsman style detailing. The interior features extensive wood paneling, ceilings adorned with wood finishes and trim, and custom wood cabinetry. Preserving the authenticity of the space, original pine floorings were retained, with necessary restoration in certain areas where tile was used as flooring.

AFTER: First floor butler’s pantry includes an additional refrigerator and beverage cooler. The pantry door was purchased at a local salvage store

BEFORE: The now kitchen area was once a bedroom with rotting trim work around the windows

AFTER: Open concept is conducive for large family gatherings

AFTER: The new kitchen has a large island in the center which provides an anchor for family gatherings

BEFORE: The old kitchen was narrow and closed off from the rest of the house

AFTER: Inset cabinets were designed with customizations

Thinking Smarter About Space

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence also boasts a compact office space. Notably, the grandkids' bedroom conceals a surprising Murphy bed, a delightful novelty for guests. A walk-through butler’s pantry leads to the laundry room, which then provides a rear entrance to the primary closet and en suite, allowing for flexible circulation.

A key feature of the renovated layout is the seamless integration of spaces for family gatherings. The kitchen and living room are now visually connected, fostering an open atmosphere conducive to entertaining. Conversely, the dining room is discretely partitioned off by a thickened wall and two cased openings, offering a balance between connectedness and privacy.

AFTER: We designed custom white oak cabinets and vanities for the new primary bathroom.

BEFORE: Previous bathrooms had not been updated in years.

Second Floor Residence

Situated 18’-0” above grade, the second floor residence takes a much more contemporary turn. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment embodies a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, distinguishing it from the residence below.

To comply with building codes requiring a one-hour floor separation between units, the original pine flooring was replaced with a fire-resistant homasote panel, and new elegant white oak was laid over a plywood subfloor. The removed pine flooring was utilized as filler material for the original floors to remain downstairs.

Maximizing Space

Innovative design choices define the kitchen, which eschews upper cabinets for a more open and spacious feel. Despite this minimalist approach, the kitchen offers abundant storage solutions, including clever inserts such as pegged drawers for dish storage, a flip-open sponge holder at the sink, pop-up outlets, and a full-height pantry cabinet along the refrigerator wall.

The primary bathroom epitomizes integration and functionality, featuring a mirrored TV seamlessly embedded within the mirrored vanity wall. Additionally, toe-kick heaters discreetly installed beneath the wall-hung wood vanity ensure comfort without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the space. This harmonious blend of design and practicality underscores the commitment to contemporary living.