This Waterside Home Pairs A Crisp Colour Palette With Vintage Finds

Interior design studio Room Service punctuated an all-white colour palette with dark floors, vintage pieces and eye-catching finds to create both a fresh and dramatic look.

THE PROPERTY

This 7,000 square foot modern home on the bayou in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was created with entertaining in mind. Designed byLance Thomas of Room Service, the property features a mostly white palette that's punctuated with pops of black and navy.

The owner, a young and single Anaesthesiologist, wanted a clean, sterile, and white home that felt exciting rather than bland. He also wanted space to entertain friends and enjoy his bayou view. They decided on an Alys Beach sort of vibe and wanted to design a contemporary and curated look. Lance, the lead designer, added antiques and southern traditional elements to contrast the stark nature of the home. The result is 'unbuttoned sophistication'.

DINING ROOM

The owner wanted an all-white home with soft calming tones throughout. The main vision for this space was 'White Done Right' to create a collected, all-white home that still had character and an element of a cool factor.

KITCHEN

Room Service selected a dark walnut stained natural hardwood floor to contrast the white walls. They also incorporated brass details to add a bit of a modern nod to New Orleans to finish the work.

LIVING ROOM

The challenge was creating a homely environment when the brief was to create an all-white, extremely sterile and clean look. The design team at Room Service achieved 'white done right' by doing the exact opposite in focal areas, thus creating a contrast and making white spaces pop and feel more dramatic. For example the oversized black and white art in the dining room, the horse hoof lacquered demilunes and black leather stitched occasional chairs in the living room all punctuate the crisp colour palette.

The design team then then layered antiques and personal heirlooms to add warmth and personality.

CLOAKROOM

They incorporated a blue, geometric, wood veneer wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries as a nod to the coastal waterfront backdrop. The rich royal blue helps break up the all-white monotony.

STUDY

Down the hallway is a cocooning home office space.

Walnut wood antiques add traditional elegance, as does the wood panelling effect on the walls. Wall mounted antlers and a taxidermy bird of prey help give this space a distinctly masculine look.

MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom is full of interesting surprises, from the black lacquered horse-inspired bench and turtle shell inspired lamps to the modern chandelier.

The pin-striped bed, dark furnishings and dark floors add drama to this white space.

GUEST BEDROOM

The guest bedroom features a much lighter look, inspired by the home's waterside setting.

POOL AREA

Peacock pavers adorn the outdoor entertaining area, creating a contemporary Alys beach flair.

Photography: Haylei Smith

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.