Farnham Residence
Metairie, Louisiana
The Farnham residence was originally built in the 1940s, with a warren of small dark rooms at its core. We reconfigured the plan to create more generous light-filled spaces, including a rejuvenated foyer, expanded dine-in kitchen, and updated master suite with a walk-in closet, spa-like bath, and vaulted ceiling. The large open spaces support the clients’ current lifestyle, but can be easily adapted to accommodate future changes and frequent family gatherings.
Location
Metairie, Louisiana
Size
7,070
Status
2021
Category
Residential
Project Team
Terri Dreyer, Kristine Kobila, Ivy Leleux
A sense of history, artistry, and craftsmanship carries through to every detail of the house. In the foyer, a custom wrought-iron stair rail features ornamental rosettes inspired by a decorative motif on the garden gate. A brilliant custom carpet, rich wood paneling, and a striking three-story chandelier complete the space’s transformation.
The kitchen is designed around a custom T-shaped marble island with a four-inch-thick waterfall edge and brass panels, while the former teak counter has been repurposed in the new mudroom. Signature lighting pieces and a thoughtful mix of heirloom, vintage, and custom furnishings give every space a unique charm.
New pocket doors and added bathrooms throughout the home unobtrusively provide comfort and privacy for overnight guests. And as the owners mature, we ensured their house will follow, adding space for a future elevator and other features designed to make this a true forever home.
To more authentically express the family home’s architectural history alongside the new owners’ eclectic tastes, we updated a previous addition with black-framed windows and a large glass bi-folding door that distinguishes it from the original structure. Restored and repainted shutters and a black lacquer front door artfully tie everything together.
A new outdoor living space further enriches the home’s character with a distinctly contemporary sensibility that carries through to the interior. Spanning myriad styles and influences, the home’s spaces are defined by unexpectedly bold colors, modern textiles, new works of art, and paintings from the family’s collection.
