All images and product information provided by interior designer, Colleen Waguespack, to Garden & Grace. This is an editorial coverage of the home.
When Baton Rouge homeowner called Louisiana native Colleen Waguespack to decorate her large, new construction family home, I don’t think either of them knew it would blossom into a lasting friendship.
This home might look familiar! It’s on the cover of the latest winter 2023 Traditional Home Magazine all decked out for the holidays. Garden & Grace is featuring the home without the decorations and including some never before shared information on the decor and design elements.
First image (l) Colleen Waguespack, (r) Alayna Smith. Second image (l) home owner, Alayna, and (r) interior designer Colleen Waguespack holding the 2023 winter Traditional Home magazine cover with Alayna’s featured.
In fact, when I first sat down to write this piece, I couldn’t help but be wooed in by the products themselves. Each one was hand selected by Colleen and the homeowner over years of trips to market and antique shops. When you understand the history of the pieces, you understand the story of the home. With that, let me gladly share this home’s story with you.
With the holidays quickly approaching I thought starting with this soothing, elegant dining room was the perfect place to start. It has hints of romance and French decor with ornate table details that give a not so subtle nod to its Louisiana home. In fact, the dining room table is a one-of-a-kind French Louis XVI style piece by Fireside Antiques in Baton Rouge.
The table setting has a whimsical, romantic feel with delicate china from the most surprising place. This is the high / low element in the design but it’s completely beautiful and will actually get used! The antique silverware and salt and pepper shakers elevates the entire tablescape.
The use of Arto brick tile in the back foyer was a way to create an updated classic feel leading off the porte cochere. The Gustavian settee was upholstered in vinyl knowing kids would inevitably throw their backpacks here. Who can relate?
The kitchen, while leaning slightly modern, with an elongated hood over the range and tapered kitchen island legs, has a warmth about it with room to gather, large wood windows over the sink that crank open, and a soft neutral paint color.
Did you notice the built-in cabinets to the left of the sink? It’s a clever use of space. I can think of several household items that would be handy to have next to the sink and dishwasher that I’d like off the countertop. The pot filler is a luxury that’s quickly becoming a must-have especially when the main sink is not within close proximity to the range. Once you have one, you won’t want to go back. I share all the kitchen details below – keep reading!
The soft hues throughout the home are pronounced in the primary bedroom with a pair DeGournay panels over Victoria Hagan custom mahogany end tables with brushed brass accents.
The canopy bed is by David Iatesta Chaumont iron canopy bed upholstered with Fortuny fabric on the headboard with coordinating fabric on Allan Knight acrylic bench.
An understated luxurious design element in the room is the lush, thick Holland and Sherry wool drapes with embroidered Holland and Sherry trim.
The muted rug is an antique Oushak rug with a blend of wool and silk. The rug was purchased at NOLA Rugs in New Orleans.
A close up of the DeGournay panels show the intricate detail of the ever-loved DeGournay painted wallpaper. Not a bad view to wake up to every morning! The custom mahogany end tables are organized with a pair of Porta Romana glazed ceramic lamps with gilded bases and a Joe Cariatti hand blown glass vase.
The bedroom has a small table with two chairs for the home owners to enjoy coffee and start the morning. The table is a Knoll Saarinen table with calacatta gold top and the chairs are a pair of 19th century Italian Fauteuils from Tara Shaw antiques upholstered in Fortuny fabric. To be fair, I had to look some of these pieces up. The French and Italian pieces are less common in the Southeast so I did a lot of Googling and image searching to learn more!
Ah, the bathroom. A serene statement of the homeowners desire to create a spa like space from the busyness of teenager activities and everyday responsibilities. In the primary bathroom, Colleen went with a slightly modern take on a herringbone pattern white marble floor with a beautifully traditional White Rhino marble countertop. The inset cabinets with a traditional base compliment the marble countertops and polished nickel sink faucet.
Talk about a place to relax! The backyard space is an entertainers dream complete with a large grass area lined with a row of boxwoods and lush greenery. The bluestone pavers surrounding the inground pool set the stage for ample entertaining space and luxury lounge chairs to enjoy the hot, Baton Rouge summers by the pool. The lounge chairs are from Sutherland Furniture with custom bolted cushions and bolster pillows. The home sits on 2 acres in the middle of Baton Rouge but with the mature tree lining and privacy fence, the family is able to enjoy life at their own speed.
Lastly, I wanted to include the sunporch for a few reasons. The first is because of the way it feels tucked into the home and like a true additional living space. The second is because of the outdoor furniture. This is a similar look to what was used in the outdoor space of the Chapel Hill home I toured a few months ago. While the Chapel Hill homeowner left hers black, Colleen had these spray painted a French Gray to soften the space between the cool bluestone pavers and warmth of the beadboard ceiling and brick color. The reeded teak coffee table is by Sutherland.
The homeowners wanted a house that felt like an updated classic. The double columns on the front porch and sprawling footprint of the home give it a stately, Southern curb-appeal. The landscaping is lined with manicured boxwoods, cherished original oak trees and an overall timeless green and white palette. It’s a home that’s doors are always open and will be filled with special memories, both big and small, for years to come.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoyed this Louisiana home that is as much about friendship as it is design. Head on over to Colleen Waguespack’s Instagram for more coverage on this home and other design ideas.
Dining room (images 2 and 3)
- Wallpaper: Holland & Sherry printed grasscloth
- Chandelier: Dennis and Leen Chambord chandelier with lead crystal beading
- 4 paintings: birds with headdress paintings by Mitchell Lonas/ Callan Contemporary gallery in New Orleans
- Buffet: French walnut buffet from The Uptowner antiques New Orleans
- Dining Table: custom French Louis XVI style by Fireside Antiques in Baton Rouge
- Pair of antique French painted end chairs upholstered in a Dedar ticking stripe
- Side chairs: Baker furniture shield back side chairs upholstered in silver sage mohair
- Pair of antique gilded acanthus leaf sconces from Petricia Thompson Antiques in New Orleans
- Plaster urn on acrylic pedestal: Demiurge in New York
- Antique wall mounted bracket from Karla Katz antiques in New Orleans with Joe Cariatti vessels
- China: Goop for CB2
- Custom linen placemats: Jacquelyn Reese Linens
Kitchen (images 1 and 5)
- Rose Uniacke hand blown glass lanterns over island (from London)
- Mark Albrecht woven leather barstools through Holly Hunt
- Custom vent hood by Iocal fabricator, Iron Designs
- Antiques de Provence whitewashed lanterns over sink and breakfast table
- French walnut table with iron base from Gerrie Bremermann in New Orleans
- Hickory Chair banquette and side chairs upholstered in Place textiles performance fabric
- Hartman Forbes hand woven grass cloth shades
- White Oak floors
Primary Bedroom (images 8-10)
- Bed: David Iatesta Chaumont iron canopy bed upholstered with Fortuny fabric on headboard and coordinating fabric on Allan Knight acrylic bench
- Bedding linens are by Matouk
- Wool and silk antique oushak rug from NOLA Rugs in New Orleans
- Pair of framed DeGournay hand painted panels over Victoria Hagan custom mahogany end tables with brushed brass accents
- Pair of Porta Romana glazed ceramic lamps with gilded bases
- Knoll Saarinen table with calacatta gold top
- Pair of 19th century Italian Fauteuils from Tara Shaw antiques upholstered in Fortuny fabric
- Holland and Sherry wool drapes with embroidered Holland and Sherry trim
- Joe Cariatti hand blown glass vase
Primary Bathroom (images 11)
- Floors: herringbone pattern white marble
- Countertops: White Rhino marble
- Vaughan Zurich lantern over freestanding tub
- Wall sconces: Urban Electric
- Window treatments: Hartman Forbes handwoven light filtering privacy shade
- Primitive stool (sold in a pair so Colleen has one in her house and the other is in this homeowners bathroom). They are from Uptowner Antiques in New Orleans.
Interior Designer: Colleen Waguespack of Colleen Waguespack Interiors
Colleen Waguespack brings over twenty years of experience to her Interior Design Practice based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her signature style is a well-edited home that reflects each client’s personal taste, lifestyle, and background. Each project is a true collaboration with her client that delivers a sophisticated and livable environment.
Architect: Hoffpauir Studio Architecture
Established in Baton Rouge in 2006, Hoffpauir Studio, LLC stands as a dedicated assembly of professionals driven by the mission of delivering exceptional design projects that hold profound meaning for the people they serve. Our foundation is built upon a collaborative, open studio environment that harnesses the diverse experiences of each team member. This collaborative spirit empowers us to engage in a wide spectrum of architectural services, encompassing urban design, institutional, commercial, healthcare, and residential architecture.
Photography by Max Kim-Bee
