A residential renovation of a small, quirky 900 sf property in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans transforms an original 1-bedroom, 1-bath home into an elegant, modern home with two bedrooms and a detached office structure.

A new-construction rear addition contains the master bedroom and kitchen overlooking a brick courtyard and pool, with the new office structure beyond. French doors and transoms on the addition were custom fabricated by a local millshop and incorporate historic shutters for sun control. A vibrant Caribbean-inspired color palette replaces the original color scheme of the house. At the office, a dark espresso stain is applied to cypress siding and set off by vibrant red trim on the doors and windows. Privacy screening around an exterior shower and pool equipment area are stained to match the cypress. A bright trellis completes the courtyard enclosure, providing shade and an armature for growing native climbing plants.

The subdued color palette of the home’s interior is marked by a variety of natural materials including schist stone countertops, limestone floors, Brazilian cherry flooring and an espresso-stained custom cypress bathroom vanity. A skylight floods the narrow galley kitchen with natural light.