Imagine walking into a 1960s Arkansas bungalow, and feeling as if you’ve entered an enchanting dreamscape. Anna E. Cottrell made her vision a reality with the help from designer Whitney Romanoff.
Anna fell in love ten years ago with the California vibe of the home, its black cement floors, clean lines and floor-to ceiling windows. Anna knew that it was time for the home to be restored when the National Register of Historic Places added the house to its list.
The restoration was not without its challenges. The large-format window limited the layout options and the single ceiling plane prevented the use of deep colors in the living room. The original concrete floors were difficult to refinish, but Whitney came up with a solution using a matte finish which mimics large-format limestone.
Anna’s vision for the house was clear: bring it back to life with materials that the original architect would have appreciated. Whitney was inspired by the past and incorporated details such as rose tile in the bathroom and Anna’s grandmother’s Turkish rug. She also added modern luxury items like a panel-ready fridge and a soaking bathtub in the main bathroom.
The dining room was transformed into a romance novel with vintage Aldo Jacober oak dining chairs, a Maris pendant by Soho Home. The built-in sideboard displays Anna’s fashion and art books.
Anna’s favorite bathroom is the main one. Once a shallow cast iron tub, it has been transformed into a luxurious space, complete with a deep bath and Helena Tynell bubble-glass fixtures from the 1960s. “It’s so dreamy,” says Anna.
This is not just a renovation, it’s a celebration and reimagining of the past for today’s lifestyle.
