Crowley Home’s Timeless Transformation

The design team, which included the original builder, Ray Istre Construction, Sara Vincent Designs for the interiors and Chad Cormier as the lead carpenter, enclosed the once-underutilized patio creating a formal dining room. Vincent chose natural materials for finishes throughout the home, such as marble and stone, antique bricks, antique wood and antique beams.

Rice is a way of life for many in Crowley, the self-proclaimed Rice Capital of America, including the owners of a home designed in the style of the late, local architect A. Hays Town. The brick-, wood- and hardy plank-clad home was built in 2008. In 2021, the owners embarked upon a major remodel — working with the original builder, Ray Istre Construction, as well as Sara Vincent Designs for the interiors and Chad Cormier as the lead carpenter  —  culminating in early 2024 in a transformation of the home into a haven melding traditional and contemporary design with panache.

“They use every room in their home,” says Vincent. “They’re gracious homeowners who love to entertain and host guests.”

The home is central to holidays, showers and family celebrations for three generations, with the matriarch reigning over the kitchen, which is open to the living and dining areas, all overlooking the pool. The design team enclosed the once-underutilized patio, creating a formal dining room, in addition to adding a new pool and pool house, and Vincent refreshed the interiors.

“Before the remodel it was very early 2000s traditional,” says Vincent. “It had a lot of golds and olive greens, terracotta tile. She likes original antiques and appreciates that old-world feel of a mix of little pops of new, with a majority of traditional and antiques with sentimental value.”

Leaning into the matriarch’s preferences, Vincent chose natural materials for finishes throughout the home, such as marble and stone, antique bricks, antique wood and antique beams. “She loves rich colors and appreciates a variation of movement and jewel tones in a lot of the areas,” says Vincent. “We chose herringbone patterns for some flooring, basket weave marble patterns, brick and wood mixed flooring and diamond patterns.”

The interiors are designed with entertaining and family gatherings in mind and favor traditional furnishings infused with antiques that have special meaning to the owners, such as pieces the matriarch inherited from her mother.

The kitchen exudes French farmhouse style. In addition to the pale gray cabinets offsetting the brick floor, marble is used for the countertops, island and bar. The island provides a work surface, prep sink and additional cabinet space. A deep and spacious farmhouse sink completes the room.

Artwork and furnishings for the home were chosen with care, keeping a desire for originality and practicality in mind. “We chose art that meant things to the homeowners,” says Vincent. “Some were family heirlooms, some new from antique stores that grabbed her attention.” Furniture selections include precious family heirlooms passed down from the matriarch’s mother. “Other pieces were chosen on our numerous shopping sprees while out antiquing, but they had to really speak to her and have purpose and functionality,” says Vincent, who also facilitated the creation of several custom pieces.

While the couple makes use of every area of the home, Vincent says they particularly love the outdoor kitchen and pool area. “Lots of grilling and pizzas are made out there,” says Vincent. “Enjoyed with a nice glass of wine in the evening.”

This vibrant home with its collected aesthetic and attention to design that reflects the way the family lives is a testament to the warmth, understated glamour and timeless appeal of traditional decor.