Russell G. Trahan
Example of a transitional kitchen design in New Orleans

A one acre backyard was converted from wild grasses and weeds to a family oasis with a dining patio, fire bowl patio, and a walking circuit for exercise and meditation with benches placed for respite to enjoy the view of the valley.

This house was designed for a couple and their son. One of the design program requirements was to have two master suites on the main level. They enjoy cooking and entertaining so the public and food prep. areas are functional, attractive and conducive to people gathering around. Consequently, the square footage of the main level is large. The house is also on a very steep slope which didn't help with the required footprint. In order to minimize the related costs of building with this site condition, the footprint of the house is long and not deep as it reaches down the slope. The scale of the existing homes in the neighborhood are unimposing. In order to play down the size as viewed from the street, the facade is broken up into several different masses with low sloping roofs. Once you're inside, the house opens up with 14 foot ceilings in the entry and living areas. The ceiling height of other spaces on the main level are 10 feet. Universal design was implemented on the main level to provide inherent accessibility for everyone. The lower level accommodates several guest rooms and baths, an exercise room, a guest den with wet bar and a man cave. Another design program requirement was to make the house as maintenance-free as possible. Exterior materials include stucco, Pennsylvania Blue Stone and a new aluminum siding product called Longboard. The siding comes in many wood grain finishes and to everyone that has seen it, they think it's real wood. It's also made from heavy gauge aluminum so it doesn't ding like traditional aluminum siding. The roofs are metal standing seam. The house is energy efficient. It's fully insulated with spray foam insulation-lots of it. The exterior walls were designed with 2x6 studs and roof rafters are 2x12 to provide plenty of space for the insulation, exceeding the required R-values. Windows and doors of course are energy efficient as well. All lighting is LED. The decking around the exterior is locust, a very hard native wood which is naturally insect and rot resistant. The best part of the whole project are the owners who love their new home. They initially had plans to live in this house during the summer months and Florida during the winter. They are now seriously considering living here full-time.

Russell G. Trahan
Transitional home design photo in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Transitional porch idea in New Orleans

The Gathering Home is a reverse 1.5-story floor plan with a spacious layout and high-end finishes. Inside the front doors, the foyer opens to a grand and vaulted hearth room that overlooks the property through huge windows. The sizeable kitchen has an attached scullery perfect for meal prep, baking, and entertaining. The formal dining view is out the front of the home through large windows that decorate the façade. The main eating areas also have an adjoining beverage bar that connects to the covered and screened lanai. A wood-burning fireplace on the lanai creates a cozy atmosphere on cool nights. Down a private hallway off the great room, a sitting room leads to the primary bedroom. Both rooms are fitted with windows that overlook vast acres of the property. The primary suite includes a bathroom with a freestanding tub, a beautifully tiled shower, and large double vanities. The finished lower level has three additional bedrooms with private baths and walk-in closets. The finished lower level also includes a media room, lounge area, and spacious bar. The exercise room looks out to the backyard with a custom pool, swim-up bar, and hot tub. You won’t want to miss this stunning modern farmhouse!

Russell G. Trahan
Example of a transitional exterior home design in New Orleans

The Gathering Home is a reverse 1.5-story floor plan with a spacious layout and high-end finishes. Inside the front doors, the foyer opens to a grand and vaulted hearth room that overlooks the property through huge windows. The sizeable kitchen has an attached scullery perfect for meal prep, baking, and entertaining. The formal dining view is out the front of the home through large windows that decorate the façade. The main eating areas also have an adjoining beverage bar that connects to the covered and screened lanai. A wood-burning fireplace on the lanai creates a cozy atmosphere on cool nights. Down a private hallway off the great room, a sitting room leads to the primary bedroom. Both rooms are fitted with windows that overlook vast acres of the property. The primary suite includes a bathroom with a freestanding tub, a beautifully tiled shower, and large double vanities. The finished lower level has three additional bedrooms with private baths and walk-in closets. The finished lower level also includes a media room, lounge area, and spacious bar. The exercise room looks out to the backyard with a custom pool, swim-up bar, and hot tub. You won’t want to miss this stunning modern farmhouse!

Russell G. Trahan
Example of a transitional kids' room design in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Example of a transitional kitchen design in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Example of a transitional kitchen design in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Inspiration for a transitional porch remodel in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Inspiration for a transitional kids' room remodel in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New Orleans

Russell G. Trahan
Transitional exterior home idea in New Orleans

The best of the past and present meet in this distinguished design. Custom craftsmanship and distinctive detailing give this lakefront residence its vintage flavor while an open and light-filled floor plan clearly mark it as contemporary. With its interesting shingled roof lines, abundant windows with decorative brackets and welcoming porch, the exterior takes in surrounding views while the interior meets and exceeds contemporary expectations of ease and comfort. The main level features almost 3,000 square feet of open living, from the charming entry with multiple window seats and built-in benches to the central 15 by 22-foot kitchen, 22 by 18-foot living room with fireplace and adjacent dining and a relaxing, almost 300-square-foot screened-in porch. Nearby is a private sitting room and a 14 by 15-foot master bedroom with built-ins and a spa-style double-sink bath with a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling. The main level also includes a work room and first floor laundry, while the 2,165-square-foot second level includes three bedroom suites, a loft and a separate 966-square-foot guest quarters with private living area, kitchen and bedroom. Rounding out the offerings is the 1,960-square-foot lower level, where you can rest and recuperate in the sauna after a workout in your nearby exercise room. Also featured is a 21 by 18-family room, a 14 by 17-square-foot home theater, and an 11 by 12-foot guest bedroom suite. Photography: Ashley Avila Photography & Fulview Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen