Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Relaxed Style in an Updated New Orleans Home
Lush houseplants, a porch lounge and a reclaimed rickshaw outdoor bar add personality to a couple’s 1880s Bywater house
Dybvig, left, is co-founder and chief executive of Calibrater Health, a health-care technology company, and Coniglio, right, is chief financial officer of MAPP, a commercial contractor company. Here they’re seen relaxing on their plant-filled porch off the kitchen.
The now-engaged couple dated long-distance for months while Dybvig was living in New York and Coniglio was in the French Quarter of New Orleans, in a 200-square-foot-apartment. They decided to put down roots in Coniglio’s hometown and knew they wanted a spacious home as they began their life together in New Orleans.
“A typical moment in the home finds us both in the hanging chairs of the ‘chill zone’ — either after a run or at the end of the night with friends,” Dybvig says. “That area really embodies the lush, relaxed and playful vibe we were going for with the home, and you can’t help but smile when you find yourself there.”
The now-engaged couple dated long-distance for months while Dybvig was living in New York and Coniglio was in the French Quarter of New Orleans, in a 200-square-foot-apartment. They decided to put down roots in Coniglio’s hometown and knew they wanted a spacious home as they began their life together in New Orleans.
“A typical moment in the home finds us both in the hanging chairs of the ‘chill zone’ — either after a run or at the end of the night with friends,” Dybvig says. “That area really embodies the lush, relaxed and playful vibe we were going for with the home, and you can’t help but smile when you find yourself there.”
All the structural work and most of the design work was completed before Coniglio and Dybvig moved in, although they made a few adjustments to the kitchen and back porch.
In the kitchen, they replaced the existing upper cabinets with floating shelves and painted them white. The shelves were made by local carpenter Andrew Goodrow of Guild Carpentry and were painted with a high-performance, high-gloss enamel Hollandlac paint by Fine Paints of Europe. The countertops are an engineered quartz from Vicostone. Above the refrigerator the couple had custom cabinets built, and the fronts were painted by local muralist Cindy Mathis. “We wanted the piece to look like furniture and an armoire versus an overhead cabinet,” Coniglio says.
The couple consulted with Lauren Ferrand of Ferrand Design for help with their general design questions, including a concept for the kitchen. “Lauren was an indispensable resource during our process,” Dybvig says. The couple tapped Jeanne and Stephen Luna of Luna Botanicals for help with selecting plants.
Makan black wood and cane bar stools: CB2
In the kitchen, they replaced the existing upper cabinets with floating shelves and painted them white. The shelves were made by local carpenter Andrew Goodrow of Guild Carpentry and were painted with a high-performance, high-gloss enamel Hollandlac paint by Fine Paints of Europe. The countertops are an engineered quartz from Vicostone. Above the refrigerator the couple had custom cabinets built, and the fronts were painted by local muralist Cindy Mathis. “We wanted the piece to look like furniture and an armoire versus an overhead cabinet,” Coniglio says.
The couple consulted with Lauren Ferrand of Ferrand Design for help with their general design questions, including a concept for the kitchen. “Lauren was an indispensable resource during our process,” Dybvig says. The couple tapped Jeanne and Stephen Luna of Luna Botanicals for help with selecting plants.
Makan black wood and cane bar stools: CB2
The open shelves display a collection of vintage glassware and lush houseplants that add texture and color to the space.
“We did the majority of the work in about six weeks, which I still can’t believe, but we were working around the clock anytime we weren’t at our ‘real’ jobs and had a never-ending list of projects. It was a lot, but it all came together,” Dybvig says.
He adds that Coniglio, who had decorated two other homes, was the driving force behind the decorating and personalizing of the space. “I was fairly involved in the process, but I’d say I was more of an editor than a creator — and Camille definitely had a better sense of how much work it was going to be!” Dybvig says.
“We did the majority of the work in about six weeks, which I still can’t believe, but we were working around the clock anytime we weren’t at our ‘real’ jobs and had a never-ending list of projects. It was a lot, but it all came together,” Dybvig says.
He adds that Coniglio, who had decorated two other homes, was the driving force behind the decorating and personalizing of the space. “I was fairly involved in the process, but I’d say I was more of an editor than a creator — and Camille definitely had a better sense of how much work it was going to be!” Dybvig says.
The living room is bright and airy thanks to windows that face Bywater Street. When the previous homeowners renovated in 2015, they restored many of the original architectural features, including the mantels, and added slate to the fireplace surround. For elements that were beyond repair, like the door hardware, they found period pieces from The Bank Architectural Antiques.
To add local flair and pay homage to the longtime owner of the home, who worked on float designs for Mardi Gras, Coniglio and Dybvig decorated the mantel with a feathered Mardi Gras headpiece placed in a vase. It sits next to a vintage beveled gold mirror purchased from one of the couple’s favorite consignment shops, Heirloom Furnishings.
The plaster ceiling medallion was made by a local artist and purchased at Ricca’s Architectural Sales.
Lounge chair and ottoman: Eames; chandelier: Random Light, designed by Bertjan Pot for Moooi
To add local flair and pay homage to the longtime owner of the home, who worked on float designs for Mardi Gras, Coniglio and Dybvig decorated the mantel with a feathered Mardi Gras headpiece placed in a vase. It sits next to a vintage beveled gold mirror purchased from one of the couple’s favorite consignment shops, Heirloom Furnishings.
The plaster ceiling medallion was made by a local artist and purchased at Ricca’s Architectural Sales.
Lounge chair and ottoman: Eames; chandelier: Random Light, designed by Bertjan Pot for Moooi
The couple bought their Italian-made Flexform goose down couch with mirrored side table at an estate sale in New Orleans.
The Lassens coffee table designed by Cisco Brothers was found at ABC Carpet & Home in New York. The upholstered part of the table can be maneuvered to provide additional seating that balances on the wooden part.
A tall bird of paradise plant adds height and foliage to a corner and a Zanzibar Gem is pictured in the foreground.
Vintage Persian Bijar area rug: New Orleans Auction Galleries; shop similar area rugs
The Lassens coffee table designed by Cisco Brothers was found at ABC Carpet & Home in New York. The upholstered part of the table can be maneuvered to provide additional seating that balances on the wooden part.
A tall bird of paradise plant adds height and foliage to a corner and a Zanzibar Gem is pictured in the foreground.
Vintage Persian Bijar area rug: New Orleans Auction Galleries; shop similar area rugs
A small dining area just off the kitchen includes a vintage burl wood table that features a pullout leaf to allow it to accommodate up to eight people.
Large Accordion vase: West Elm; round Souk rug: West Elm; Brandie Cream dining chairs: AllModern; dining table: Renaissance Interiors
Large Accordion vase: West Elm; round Souk rug: West Elm; Brandie Cream dining chairs: AllModern; dining table: Renaissance Interiors
The entry hall features a 1960s African beaded headdress. The couple bought the piece from Otis Williams, an African art dealer based in Trenton, New Jersey, at the Congo Square African Marketplace during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Wall paint: Seapearl, Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Seapearl, Benjamin Moore
Behind the entry and next to the kitchen is a small porch with swinging chairs handmade in Tulum, Mexico, which the couple bought from a street vendor. In between them is a modern concrete bench with cushion.
Luna Botanicals helped to make this space feel lush and lively. Inside the screened-in porch is a thriving split-leaf philodendron, hanging Kokedamas, orchids, ferns and draping pothos vines.
DIY Project: How to Make a ‘Kokedama’ String Garden
Fuze cement granite bench: CB2; Fuze bench cushion: CB2
Luna Botanicals helped to make this space feel lush and lively. Inside the screened-in porch is a thriving split-leaf philodendron, hanging Kokedamas, orchids, ferns and draping pothos vines.
DIY Project: How to Make a ‘Kokedama’ String Garden
Fuze cement granite bench: CB2; Fuze bench cushion: CB2
The master bedroom features a steel four-poster bed handcrafted by Alex Geriner of Doorman Designs. It’s painted in a semigloss black and the couple styled it with light drapery and bedding from ABC Carpet & Home.
This room is an example of how the couple enjoy blending new and old. The contemporary bed is paired with 100-year-old carved wood and marble nightstands with modern Lumio book lamps on top. Above the bed is a mounted staghorn fern by Luna Botanicals.
Turkish rug: ABC Carpet & Home; Josephine canopy bed, Doorman Designs
This room is an example of how the couple enjoy blending new and old. The contemporary bed is paired with 100-year-old carved wood and marble nightstands with modern Lumio book lamps on top. Above the bed is a mounted staghorn fern by Luna Botanicals.
Turkish rug: ABC Carpet & Home; Josephine canopy bed, Doorman Designs
Three different paint finishes were used to create texture and variety in the space: Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore in a high-gloss finish for the walls, Knoxville Gray in a flat finish for the ceiling, and a lacquer Hollandlac paint by Fine Paints of Europe for the molding and doors.
The sculpture on the left wall, titled Melt Surface Light, is by British designer Tom Dixon. The light bouncing and reflecting around the uneven coppery surfaces creates a dramatic “melting hot blown glass” effect. It adds warmth and light to the space.
The sculpture on the left wall, titled Melt Surface Light, is by British designer Tom Dixon. The light bouncing and reflecting around the uneven coppery surfaces creates a dramatic “melting hot blown glass” effect. It adds warmth and light to the space.
A bay window seat overlooks the colorful tropics-inspired backyard.
Custom Roman shades: West Elm; pillows: West Elm
Custom Roman shades: West Elm; pillows: West Elm
The rug in the master bathroom matches the runner in the kitchen, the second in a pair of vintage silk prayer carpets purchased at New Orleans Auction Galleries. The mirrors above the double vanity are antique; Coniglio uses the blue velvet stool to get ready in the mornings.
Reflected in one of the mirrors are mounted staghorn ferns.
Will This Be the New ‘It’ Air Plant?
Reflected in one of the mirrors are mounted staghorn ferns.
Will This Be the New ‘It’ Air Plant?
“It’s one of the most luxurious-feeling bathrooms I’ve ever been in, let alone owned. It’s a pretty good place to start your day,” Dybvig says.
The light-filled room includes an antique claw-foot bathtub.
Bath towel: Restoration Hardware
The light-filled room includes an antique claw-foot bathtub.
Bath towel: Restoration Hardware
An extra room off the main living area is used as an office, music and guest bedroom. The white oak desk was custom made by a woodworker at the Smorgasburg outdoor market in Brooklyn. On both sides of the window are matching modern shelves from Design Within Reach, holding books, houseplants and mementos.
On the left wall is a murphy bed system by Italian Clei, handy for overnight guests.
Drapery: Pottery Barn; Rouka office chair: CB2
On the left wall is a murphy bed system by Italian Clei, handy for overnight guests.
Drapery: Pottery Barn; Rouka office chair: CB2
Dybvig has played cello since he was 5 and now plays primarily in classical orchestral and small chamber ensembles. He’s currently working on some of the Bach solo suites.
The large woodblock print is by Walter Inglis Anderson.
The large woodblock print is by Walter Inglis Anderson.
The piece above the mantel was created by artist Page Goss. The couple chose to leave the brick chimney exposed to contrast with the artwork.
The guest bathroom is between the office and guest bedroom. Rose-shaped shower curtain hooks complement the floral wallpaper. The floors are a white hexagon tile with contrasting gray grout.
Shower curtain: Restoration Hardware; browse white shower curtains
Shower curtain: Restoration Hardware; browse white shower curtains
One of the most interesting features of the guest bathroom is the London Rose wallpaper from House of Hackney. The couple again commissioned muralist Cindy Mathis, this time to hand-paint the pink bouquets into the paper’s design.
The mirror in this room is one of a pair of French giltwood and mirrored brackets from the early 1900s. The other is in the foyer of the home.
The mirror in this room is one of a pair of French giltwood and mirrored brackets from the early 1900s. The other is in the foyer of the home.
Steps painted a vibrant blue lead from the dining area into the backyard. A hibiscus plant decorates the stoop.
Door and porch paint: Gentleman’s Gray, Benjamin Moore
Door and porch paint: Gentleman’s Gray, Benjamin Moore
The backyard includes a brick patio and a covered area with seating ideal for entertaining. The patio area has doubled as a dance floor. The couple installed encaustic cement tile in Rotunda Blue for the floor of the covered area.
Large planters: West Elm
Large planters: West Elm
“We stayed mostly within our budget, but there were a few must-have items we splurged on but felt great about it!” Dybvig says. “One example is the vintage tuk-tuk bar. I can’t say we had a line item for ‘reclaimed Thai rickshaw bar,’ but when we saw it, we knew we had to have it.”
Tuk-tuk bar: Renaissance Interiors
Tuk-tuk bar: Renaissance Interiors
The wind chimes were a gift from Tim’s brother James after a trip to Thailand.
On the left side of this image is a latched metal door. It opens onto a neighborhood park, Clouet Gardens, which the couple call the Secret Garden.
Outdoor sectional: Elba, CB2; woven Malawi chair: CB2
On the left side of this image is a latched metal door. It opens onto a neighborhood park, Clouet Gardens, which the couple call the Secret Garden.
Outdoor sectional: Elba, CB2; woven Malawi chair: CB2
The pillow collection on the sectional consists of a Guatemalan bolster, two side pillows from El Merchante and red and yellow pillows bought on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The dreamcatcher on the far wall is also a souvenir from that trip.
The traditional double shotgun-style house has been converted into a single-family home with two front doors. In the center of the symmetrical facade is a modern potted garden with ficus trees and sweet potato vines in West Elm planters. Similarly styled window boxes sit on the railings of each of the wrought iron entrances.
Plants: Luna Botanicals
Plants: Luna Botanicals
The section of Clouet Gardens just behind the couple’s property is lined with tropical elephant ears. Graffiti artist Paul Santoleri painted the mural depicting a large white bird on the corrugated sheet metal wall. It was commissioned by the Foundation Gallery in 2014 and is said to be inspired by a cockatoo the artist saw while visiting New Orleans.
“Tim and I eat and have drinks outside on our park bench that we purchased to add to the gardens,” Coniglio says. “We added string lights so that that we can use the park at any time of day, since there are no lights.”
“Tim and I eat and have drinks outside on our park bench that we purchased to add to the gardens,” Coniglio says. “We added string lights so that that we can use the park at any time of day, since there are no lights.”
The volunteer- and donation-run park in the middle of the neighborhood sits behind dozens of homes. It was an empty lot for more than 15 years, but residents were able to have the property transferred over from the housing association on a 10-year lease in 2011.
The couple consider the park part of their backyard. “It is the only green space we use since there is no grass anywhere else,” Coniglio says. “We just used it for a celebration with kids and families, and the association hosted a movie night for Halloween that was for the community.”
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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.
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The couple consider the park part of their backyard. “It is the only green space we use since there is no grass anywhere else,” Coniglio says. “We just used it for a celebration with kids and families, and the association hosted a movie night for Halloween that was for the community.”
See more 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: Camille Coniglio and Tim Dybvig
Location: Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans
Size: 1,900 square feet (177 square meters); three bedrooms, two bathrooms
Year built: Late 1880s, with an addition in 1916 and a renovation in 2015
Updating Camille Coniglio and Tim Dybvig’s home has been an exercise in blending old with new. “I think the main style we were going for was a harmonious contrast,” Dybvig says. “The house has such beautiful old bones and original elements, so we wanted to complement that with modern designs and clean lines.”
Coniglio’s good friends George Jeansonne and Ashley Zatarain were preparing to sell their recently renovated home in the Bywater neighborhood when Coniglio and Dybvig, who were looking to buy a home, visited for cocktails. During their real estate search, the couple realized they weren’t going to find anything that could compete with their friends’ home. “In our hearts we knew that’s where we were going to end up,” Dybvig says.
Jeansonne and Zatarain had purchased the home in 2015 and done a 10-month gut renovation with the help of architect Tom Holloman. Zatarain, a historical preservation major in college and an interior decorator, made it a priority to preserve the original architectural features. In the process, they uncovered an original tongue-in-groove ceiling in the kitchen. It was found under three layers of sheetrock, and thousands of nails had to be removed from the wood.
A sliding salvaged barn door opens to the pantry.
Vintage silk prayer carpet: New Orleans Auction Galleries