Sonnier Residence

TEAM: SO Studio, Lue Svendson Landscape Architect
CLIENT: Russ Sonnier
LOCATION: Lafayette, Louisiana 
COMPLETION: 2018
PUBLICATIONS: Vie Magazine August 2021, Louisiana Life Magazine March 2021

Typical of 1950’s America, the picture window, large chimney, and overhanging low sloped roof were brought to the front in this restoration.

Windows were replaced to follow new wind and energy codes; however, the original aluminum windows were replaced with similar aluminum sliders.

The original teal color for the shutters was color matched from the original color. The soffit and fascia were painted bronze to better define the intersection of the horizontally planed roof with the vertical plane of the chimney.

Seated in this lounge area, overlooking the Vermilion River, one can enjoy watching boats go by while sipping a cocktail made behind the home’s original bar.

Wood paneling was cleaned and touched up along with the terrazzo floors. The furniture was mostly original; however, all pieces required refinishing to bring them back to their former glory.

As many wood panels as possible were saved and repaired for the kitchen walls. The ceiling in this space was sagging several inches and the roof required major structural redesigning. The sectional sofas were original to the home but were reupholstered to add a pop of color to this magnificent sunken den.

The “three sisters,” as our firm called the original-to-the-home chairs, were reupholstered in yellow with green pillows to match the owner’s art which hangs in this living room and entryway.

The blue wall paint and rug were pulled from the terrazzo floors in the neighboring spaces.

The hearth was repaired and repointed, carpeting replaced with wood, and the yellowed wallpaper replaced.

The furniture is mostly reupholstered original. The Heywood Wakefield tables were original to the home along with the clock and figurine lamp.

The new light fixture in the dining room is a Jonathan Adler design. The colors were inspired by a mixture of original colors on the home and art pieces that the new homeowner had collected for the home.

One of the favorite rooms in the home, this pink tiled bathroom was cleaned and the tub was refinished with its original pink color. To create contrast, a navy color was chosen for the trim and cabinets while damaged pink floral wallpaper was replaced with palm printed wallpaper.

Bathrooms were tiled with 4x4 inch porcelain, iconic for the period. The above guest bathroom was painted all black to bring out the tile and let the yellow flooring and shower shine.

The above room was originally used as the main bedroom. The blue color on the walls respects the original color of the room. New wood flooring replaces the carpeting.

The original retaining wall in the backyard was preserved, while a more contemporary design with oversized stepping stones cascades into the original lower level. The different areas for entertainment on the riverfront were important not only in the 1950’s but also to the new homeowner.