Retro-Modern Harahan Bungalow
Written by Amy Bouton Photography by Tim Dunford
When you step foot inside the 1960s bungalow of local business owners Jana and Billy Katz, you immediately feel the lightness and serenity within their home. While many architectural details remain in this Harahan home, the 1960s décor is long gone.
The Katz family decided to remake their home to fit the lifestyle they have grown to love which includes entertaining crowds of sports enthusiasts, entertaining their college aged kids and their friends, and outdoor living. The couple also wanted more room to spread out and to let in more natural light. To accomplish this goal, they consulted registered interior designer and professional ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) member Curtis Herring.
Because the family had essentially outgrown their home, they added a sitting room and a master suite off the sprawling living room. They actually removed walls to create a modern, open concept floor plan. They remodeled the kitchen, painted walls and ceilings, added new consistent tile flooring throughout the home, and selected furniture pieces either ready-made or custom to reflect their unpretentious retro-modern taste.
The large, open living room is essentially one ample room with “zones” if you will. In one corner you will find a baby grand piano, while the main living area has custom furniture with clean lines to achieve a modern, comfortable feel. The fireplace is flanked by a contemporary painting set atop an antique sitting bench and two classic chairs. Herring chose a tranquil monochromatic color scheme for the tongue-in-groove wooden walls and ceiling to achieve several design goals. “I used this approach to meld the existing 1960s architectural details with the current renovation details. Also, by painting all the surfaces the same color, the ceiling plane disappears and the space appears greater. The eye cannot tell where one plane ends and another begins. It all blends together to create a unified, clean open space.”
Off of the main living area is a smaller, cozier spot next to the kitchen with seating, storage, a large television and a narrow dining table ideal for a small group to gather and chat. This flows into the sitting area off the master suite. This room beckons with four custom chairs (one reclines), a substantial ottoman and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the backyard and all its charms—a sleek, soothing swimming pool, an outdoor dining area, outdoor kitchen and a batting cage. Also in view is the restful meditation area.
Everything about the indoor kitchen is innovative, fresh and functional. From the dark espresso finish on the cabinets and drawers, the sleek, vertically lain glass tile backsplash, the frosted glass cabinetry and pantry door to the stainless steel linear drawer handles and glossy, silky-smooth granite countertops, it is truly a feast for the eyes and a playground for the cook.
The outdoor kitchen finishes a strong second, though, with full amenities including a refrigerator, flat screen television and a built-in grill with a colossal cook top burner to boil crawfish or fry a turkey in style. Comfy furniture completes this outdoor room where the family spends much of their time. “They really do use this outdoor kitchen almost as much as the one inside,” says Curtis. “This is one of the things we did to make their home fit their lifestyle.”
The dining room is sparse and practical, with a few indulgent features. Take the unique light fixture that is narrow and thin but dripping with crystals. In contrast, the antique hutch that once belonged to a beloved family member is nestled in one corner, while modern chairs surround the table where the family is said to eat most of their meals. “This house is a mixed style with mostly modern features, but some older pieces give it that eclectic feel.”
The homeowners were in search of more openness and light and every room in this home delivers a view of the outdoors. Though there are antiques peppered throughout the home, their furniture choices tend to vary from high-end custom pieces to the everyday practical. The designer says you need not travel around the globe to find wonderful pieces to fit your lifestyle. “We found just about every piece in this home right here in the area. Most of the artwork is locally created. Some pieces are custom made, but that was also done locally. You can really achieve the look you want and stay in this area to support our local designers and craftsmen.” ◗