An Uptown Pool House

This Uptown New Orleans pool house was completely renovated to create a relaxed retreat centered around one of the homeowner's passions: a collection of vintage shutters gathered over time. Working closely with the homeowner, Reed & Acanthus incorporated these architectural finds throughout the design, transforming them into functional elements that give the newly renovated space a sense of history and character.

Light blue stained shiplap wraps the interior, creating an airy backdrop for the weathered shutters and lending the pool house a casual, indoor-outdoor quality. The soft palette also provides a natural transition to the surrounding pool and courtyard.

Photos: Laura Steffan, Styling: Chanceley Wilson

Just beyond the pool house, tropical landscaping surrounds a pebble courtyard designed for outdoor dining and entertaining. The connection between the courtyard, pool and interior creates an easy flow and allows the entire area to function as an extension of the house.

Rather than simply displaying the homeowner's collection of vintage shutters, we gave them a new purpose. Individual shutters were incorporated into custom cabinetry surrounding a new outdoor kitchen, creating a functional space for poolside cooking and entertaining. The vintage shutters conceal storage and appliances while adding texture, age and personality to the newly renovated space. Their timeworn finishes bring warmth and authenticity and help the new outdoor kitchen feel as though it has always belonged.

Some of the most unusual shutters in the collection became one of the project's defining features. A pair of large, curved vintage shutters was repurposed to create a dramatic entrance to the bath, setting the stage for a Moroccan-inspired interior beyond.

The unexpected combination of architectural salvage, pattern and color gives the small space its own identity while continuing the collected character found throughout the pool house.

Before Photos: What began as a relatively simple pool house was transformed into a highly personal extension of the main residence. By combining new construction details with architectural pieces collected by the homeowner, the finished space feels as though it has evolved over time—comfortable, distinctive and entirely at home in New Orleans.

Before: Pool House

Before: Courtyard

Before: Bath