My Houzz: Southern Warmth Meets Dutch Minimalism in a Live-Work Cottage
New Orleans artists transform a 19th-century double shotgun cottage into a contemporary, eclectic home and art studio
In 2012, after living in the small coastal town of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, for nearly 14 years, New Orleans native Sandra Russell Clark and her husband, Evert Witte, missed the perks of city life and their friends in the Big Easy. They packed up their home and studios, and moved into a rental while looking for a house to buy. At the top of their wish list was a place with enough space to both live and produce their art. They found a solution in a raised 1800s double shotgun, a traditional style of residential architecture in New Orleans. Although their home was in need of an update, it had great potential, and it was within walking distance of cafes, shops, a lively music venue, parks and the Mississippi River.
BEFORE: After buying the home, the couple contemplated reconfiguring the floor plan by removing walls to make the flow feel more fluid between rooms. After hours of consideration, they decided to keep the original layout.
Although both of the front rooms are used for entertaining, Clark and Witte like that each room still has its own function as a space, with the living room used for socializing and the dining room for enjoying meals. Another advantage of keeping the layout is the additional wall space for displaying artwork.
Although both of the front rooms are used for entertaining, Clark and Witte like that each room still has its own function as a space, with the living room used for socializing and the dining room for enjoying meals. Another advantage of keeping the layout is the additional wall space for displaying artwork.
AFTER: “The living room is the most eclectic room in the house because we decorated it with things found, given, inherited and purchased,” Clark says. The black sofa and ottoman from Ikea were the first pieces chosen for this room; then the assortment of furniture grew from there.
Next to the sofa is a 1930s-style marble table with a metal base that they found at Renaissance Interiors, a local consignment store. On top of the table are two white bone china vases from Calypso St. Barth in New York and a bird’s nest from their old home in Bay St. Louis.
A small oil painting depicting a saxophone that Witte discovered at a thrift store sits on the table. Witte painted the existing dark frame of the small painting in a high-gloss white, adding to the kitschiness of the piece.
Next to the sofa is a 1930s-style marble table with a metal base that they found at Renaissance Interiors, a local consignment store. On top of the table are two white bone china vases from Calypso St. Barth in New York and a bird’s nest from their old home in Bay St. Louis.
A small oil painting depicting a saxophone that Witte discovered at a thrift store sits on the table. Witte painted the existing dark frame of the small painting in a high-gloss white, adding to the kitschiness of the piece.
To give the plain white front door more dimension, Witte painted decorative faux panels. To accent the high ceilings and lead the eye upward, the couple hung artwork vertically to the left of the door, including Witte’s drawings and an Amy Weiskopf still-life painting. The small photograph to the right is by Wallace Merritt.
The white midcentury credenza and TV console is a curbside find. Clark and Witte had just finished lunch at a favorite restaurant when they saw a couple putting this piece and two others in the set out for trash pickup around the corner. “Against Evert’s wishes, I dragged everything into the van, and, once home, this piece fit perfectly,” Clark says. The other two pieces were moved into the bedroom.
On top of the credenza are brightly colored vases from a neighborhood Salvation Army, along with one of Witte’s original black-and-white art pieces.
The living room originally had an outdated gas heater in the center that was used in the colder months. The couple replaced it with a quirky birch log ceramic gas heater that their friends Kathy and Ken White were discarding. That the heater didn’t really work with the decor of a Garden District home ultimately didn’t matter, Clark says. “The more we looked at it over cocktails, the more we liked it,” she says.
The heater sits below Clark’s Chihuahua, a piece from her Juju series, which is a collection of photographs of objects found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The accent wall behind Clark’s piece is painted gray.
Ike end table: Room & Board; green rug: West Elm
On top of the credenza are brightly colored vases from a neighborhood Salvation Army, along with one of Witte’s original black-and-white art pieces.
The living room originally had an outdated gas heater in the center that was used in the colder months. The couple replaced it with a quirky birch log ceramic gas heater that their friends Kathy and Ken White were discarding. That the heater didn’t really work with the decor of a Garden District home ultimately didn’t matter, Clark says. “The more we looked at it over cocktails, the more we liked it,” she says.
The heater sits below Clark’s Chihuahua, a piece from her Juju series, which is a collection of photographs of objects found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The accent wall behind Clark’s piece is painted gray.
Ike end table: Room & Board; green rug: West Elm
This antique oak chest on the opposite wall came from Witte’s childhood home. Next to it is a tall pedestal with a brightly colored vintage Murano vase on top. The red drawing above is from artist Willie White, and the etching next to it is from Jim Richard.
The living room leads into the dining room. A natural sisal rug and oak table bring warmth to an otherwise monochromatic palette. To the right of the mantel is a small library of art books.
The dining table was salvaged from the couple’s previous home in Bay St. Louis, which was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. Witte’s brother Bernard came from the Netherlands to help the couple rebuild, including restoring the table. Although the table has some water damage, such as discoloration and black marks, those imperfections serve as a reminder of its history in their previous home.
The artwork in this space also reflects the couple’s personal history and connection with Italy. Witte’s abstract black-and-white painting Eating and Drinking from The World of Promises series was inspired by his trip to Italy in 2010.
The dining table was salvaged from the couple’s previous home in Bay St. Louis, which was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. Witte’s brother Bernard came from the Netherlands to help the couple rebuild, including restoring the table. Although the table has some water damage, such as discoloration and black marks, those imperfections serve as a reminder of its history in their previous home.
The artwork in this space also reflects the couple’s personal history and connection with Italy. Witte’s abstract black-and-white painting Eating and Drinking from The World of Promises series was inspired by his trip to Italy in 2010.
World of Promises led to Witte winning a fellowship from the Mississippi Museum of Art that gave him the opportunity to be a visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome. The couple returned to Italy in 2012, where Clark began her Traces series, seen on the left wall. It is a series of portraits that were collected from original photographs found in cemeteries across Italy. Eighteen portraits from that series are in the dining room.
The display of the couple’s works on opposing walls in the room shows their similar colors and themes, and how each was inspired by travel.
The same friends who gave the couple their birch log ceramic heater also gave the propped-up mantel. The couple painted it a soft gray that fits with the monochromatic color palette of the dining room. Above the leaning and decorative mantel is Witte’s 1990 painting of Tin Tin, a Belgian comic book hero whom he loves.
The display of the couple’s works on opposing walls in the room shows their similar colors and themes, and how each was inspired by travel.
The same friends who gave the couple their birch log ceramic heater also gave the propped-up mantel. The couple painted it a soft gray that fits with the monochromatic color palette of the dining room. Above the leaning and decorative mantel is Witte’s 1990 painting of Tin Tin, a Belgian comic book hero whom he loves.
The dining room also includes a sitting area with two comfortable armchairs. On the wall hangs another part of Clark’s Traces series. Witte traded a drawing for an original Knoll Butterfly chair, pictured on the left, which he notes is quite comfortable and great for reading the morning paper. It’s paired with a black wool Kanto Debaunaire chair.
The home originally had a side door here leading outside. The wall was closed up, but Clark says she hopes to reopen this wall to let in more natural light and create an outdoor eating space in the side yard behind it.
The home originally had a side door here leading outside. The wall was closed up, but Clark says she hopes to reopen this wall to let in more natural light and create an outdoor eating space in the side yard behind it.
The dining room flows into the kitchen, which comes in handy when hosting dinner parties or holiday meals. Two bright red pendant lights hang above the left counter and can be seen from the front door. In shotgun homes, all the doorways line up, so you can see through the whole home when entering. The kitchen is decorated with energizing yellow and red accents.
Painting: Evert Witte; pendant lights: Lowe’s; antique blocks next to blender: Magnolia Antiques
Painting: Evert Witte; pendant lights: Lowe’s; antique blocks next to blender: Magnolia Antiques
AFTER: The couple installed budget-friendly white Ikea cabinets and a farmhouse-style sink, also from Ikea. They decided against installing upper cabinets because they wanted the space to feel light and airy. The couple renovated three previous houses in a small coastal town, but they were surprised by the price difference in hiring professionals in New Orleans, which was nearly double for plumbers and electricians.
The plumbing was the biggest cost because they installed new water and sewer lines, a new water heater, and new drain valves. The electrical work included replacing and updating the existing knob-and-tube system, and installing entirely new wiring in the kitchen and bathroom.
The plumbing was the biggest cost because they installed new water and sewer lines, a new water heater, and new drain valves. The electrical work included replacing and updating the existing knob-and-tube system, and installing entirely new wiring in the kitchen and bathroom.
Clark and Witte closed off the door to the pantry, which was on this wall, to create more space in the bathroom behind. The bonus is continuous counter space along this wall.
In this mostly white kitchen, Witte’s Red painting over the table introduces the accent colors that are repeated throughout the space. French metal bistro chairs found at Renaissance Interiors are paired with a rustic whitewashed table given to the couple by a close friend, creating a cozy breakfast nook. The tabletop decorations include an Erector set model of a railroad bridge from an antiques shop in Daphne, Alabama, and a reading lamp.
To compensate for the lack of upper cabinets and the loss of a pantry, Witte bought this antique Dutch pine cupboard from a Dutchman at Dop Antiques & Architecturals in New Orleans. The large piece provides a warm contrast to the mostly white contemporary space.
The small blue painting above the cupboard is from a flea market in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans.
The small blue painting above the cupboard is from a flea market in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans.
AFTER: The couple chose simple fixtures and a single-sink vanity for the updated space. A linen closet and laundry room now take the place of the pantry that was in the kitchen. A simple whitewashed floor replaced the old tile.
A single 20-by-24-inch photograph on plexiglass called Cupi from Clark’s Juju series was added for colorful humor.
Fixtures: Lowe’s
A single 20-by-24-inch photograph on plexiglass called Cupi from Clark’s Juju series was added for colorful humor.
Fixtures: Lowe’s
Clark and Witte’s bedroom is one of the smaller rooms, away from the street on the east side of the house in the second half of the double shotgun. This room has nice natural light in the morning, and it overlooks their back garden. Clark wanted the space to feel like a peaceful and cozy place to read, so they installed a light taupe wool carpet and went with a color palette of soft sea blue. Clark’s friend who is a colorist gave her the tip to paint the ceiling and walls in the same color to make the room look bigger.
The room is decorated with photographs from Clark’s travels to Italy, her favorite place to be when not in New Orleans. Also in the room is a collection of ceramics that Clark has collected from flea markets and secondhand stores, along with the two other midcentury pieces that match the living room credenza.
The room is decorated with photographs from Clark’s travels to Italy, her favorite place to be when not in New Orleans. Also in the room is a collection of ceramics that Clark has collected from flea markets and secondhand stores, along with the two other midcentury pieces that match the living room credenza.
Next to the bedroom, also on the east side of the home, is the first of three studios that Witte and Clark use to create artwork. You can enter the studios either through a small hallway at the back of the home or through the second front door on the opposite side of the home. In terms of renovation, Clark and Witte simply painted the rooms white to give them a gallery feel. They also installed track lighting throughout.
Witte uses the high ceilings in the studio to hang paintings, and he added floating shelves for additional storage. Some of his paintings are works-in-progress, while others are ready to be brought to New Orleans’ Cole Pratt Gallery, which represents him.
Witte uses the high ceilings in the studio to hang paintings, and he added floating shelves for additional storage. Some of his paintings are works-in-progress, while others are ready to be brought to New Orleans’ Cole Pratt Gallery, which represents him.
In Witte’s studio, there is a drafting desk for making notes, sketches and drawings. Materials like small paintbrushes, colored pencils, scissors and rulers are organized in glass jars. Witte uses two industrial lamps for additional lighting.
The small painting hung above the floating shelves is a Dutch work depicting Michiel De Ruyter, a famous Dutch admiral and sea hero from the 1600s. One of Witte’s family heirlooms, it unfortunately was damaged in Hurricane Katrina.
Witte’s processes for his work can be quite messy, so to protect the floors, he covers them with white canvas dropcloths, which are durable and easy to change.
Industrial worktables on wheels can be moved around as needed and hold necessary materials within arm’s reach.
Industrial worktables on wheels can be moved around as needed and hold necessary materials within arm’s reach.
Witte also restores works of other artists. In his studio is a piece that he’s currently restoring, a blue relief sculpture by Dutch artist Bram Bogart.
The second studio is used by Clark to prepare her pieces for shipping to shows and galleries, and to store already-framed works.
Some of Clark’s equipment and a few works that aren’t yet completed are on top of the table.
Some of Clark’s equipment and a few works that aren’t yet completed are on top of the table.
Clark’s large piece Metairie, Angel With Tree is an image from a series of photographs of New Orleans cemeteries. Leaning against the table is a framed print of her photograph Ligustrum, from her Eden series.
Clark’s office and studio, at the front of the home, has a door to the front porch. It was chosen so that clients could enter without having to traverse the personal living spaces. It’s a hub for computer work, printing, inventory and bookkeeping. This room gets beautiful natural light in the morning and is a welcoming place to start the day.
A wonderfully worn black leather recliner sits under the window, giving Clark a place to rest her eyes from computer work or read a book. The midcentury chair was another great find for just $50 from the resale shop ReStore.
Clark also has a small table for working and bookkeeping. Above it is Lonely Ranger, another piece from her Juju series.
Magnetic boards hold information on upcoming projects and shows, and pictures of friends and places that are always an inspiration for her. Images from Clark’s different series and works-in-progress hang on the walls.
As you exit the back of the home, there is a quaint sitting area where Clark and Witte enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. They plan to paint a fun pattern on the concrete slab to liven up this space.
The front porch has the wrought iron railing typical of New Orleans architecture. It is covered by confederate jasmine, which blooms with lovely white flowers in spring and through most of summer. It not only has an intoxicating scent, but it also can grow quickly over any area.
“Another thing that sold us on the house was the front porch, which overlooks a large Drake elm, which shades the front of the house. There always seems to be a gentle breeze coming from the river.… At dusk, birds, ducks and egrets fly overhead in beautiful formation against the pink-and-blue sky,” Clark says. She and Witte are seen here enjoying a warm night on their porch.
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See more photos of this home
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Sandra Russell Clark, a New Orleans-based fine art photographer, and Evert Witte, a Dutch abstract painter
Location: Riverbend neighborhood of New Orleans
Size: 2,000 square feet (186 square meters); two bedrooms, two bathrooms and three studio spaces
Year built: Late 1800s
Clark and Witte cite their art collection — which consists of their own pieces and the works of others — as the main inspiration for their interior design. Witte’s Ra, the acrylic on canvas above the sofa, acts as the centerpiece for the living room, while Clark’s Chihuahua adds vibrant color and charisma on the right wall.
The couple like thinking of their home as a small private gallery, with artwork that is lived with and enjoyed every day to improve the atmosphere and quality of the space.