The Gautier Home
By Tory Irmeger / Photography by Bekah Berry/Creative Revolver
After 18 years living on campus at Baylor School while serving as dorm parents, Bill and Jan Gautier knew it was time to move to their forever home. They had a few things in mind when working with their architect on the new house: a manageable main floor, extra rooms for their grown daughters to visit with their families, a retro aesthetic, and – last but not least – great views.
“With views of downtown from the back porch and Lookout Mountain from the front porch, this house was designed to enjoy the scenery,” Jan explains.
In addition to an ideal vantage point, this lot offered a convenient proximity to work and a space to build the mid-century home of their dreams. “I’m a ‘60s kid,” shares Bill, “so we wanted something modern that was also a throwback.”
Upon entering the home, guests are greeted with an airy and bright interior. Eight-foot picture windows line the upper floor, ensuring that natural light fills the entire main level.
In their forever home, Bill and Jan wanted enough space to host family for holidays and gatherings, but not so much space that it would be difficult to maintain. They strike a balance with this open main-level floor plan complete with a kitchen, dining area, master suite, and living room, while a furnished basement provides guest accommodations.
Jan shares that the palette of the house is a major contributor to its character. “The colors are a mixture of mid-century shades and colors that are warm and inviting. We wanted to add warmth with the wood tones and the choice of the ceramic tiles in the kitchen backsplash.” The result is a welcoming space tinged with earth tones and soft neutrals, which complement the sleek modern furnishings.
The living room is distinguished from the rest of the main floor with an Avocado green accent wall. Matching wingback chairs in army green provide a stylish repose, and wood tones manifest in austere side tables with a wicker accent. Steps away, a glass-topped dining table seats six, with additional wingback swivel chairs in beige. These innovative textures and materials help create that ‘70s retro feeling.
Rounding out the main floor, the kitchen features bird’s-eye views and minimalistic design. The area feels spacious due to the tall ceilings, from which two caged pendant lights hang over the island. The combination of modern, clean lines with warm colors and organic shapes creates an effective overall look.
“The kitchen isn’t huge, but it suits our needs perfectly,” says Jan. “For a small space, I wanted there to be a strong focal point.” The focal point in question is the backsplash, which features a striking medallion motif in ceramic tiling. Foxhall Green cabinetry creates a warm contrast against glossy black countertops, and stainless-steel hardware and appliances sharpen the space.
The final area of the main level is just inside the front porch, where the entryway doubles as a sunroom. Here, ochre yellow armchairs pop against aqua walls, while the geometric décor completes the clean, organic lines in the house. Through the windows, birds flutter back and forth through the canopy. This bright nook is the perfect reading spot for the Gautiers.
“I still smile at the sun coming up in the morning, while I get my coffee with the view of downtown,” Jan reflects. “The sun follows the windows throughout the day and warms the house.”
Bill and Jan imbued their house with intention and love, even in hidden details. Jan shares, “My daughter gave me the idea to write Bible verses behind the drywalls that fit each room. It gives me peace to know that they are there.”
Curated to retro perfection and catered to the natural beauty of the city, this bungalow is a perfect forever home for the Gautiers.
