Photography by: Alison Gootee
Styling: Page Mullins
In New Orleans, Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors embarked on a mission as inspiring as the city itself. Transform a model unit in the Four Seasons Hotel into an exquisite, bespoke haven for its discerning inhabitants.
A client had acquired one of the hotel’s coveted three-bedroom private residences during its embryonic phase. Yet, despite its opulent facade and structural prowess, the modern high-rise yearned for a more personal touch. Recognizing the need to infuse soul into these pristine walls, the client wasted no time in summoning Sparks to breathe life into their vision.
Hattie’s creative mission was succinct – unite the quintessential charm of the South with a modern, sophisticated ambiance that seamlessly melded with the hotel’s architectural splendor. The unit was blessed with panoramic vistas that spanned from the bustling downtown on one horizon to the meandering river on the other. Yet, a superfluous third bedroom divided this scenic grandeur.
Understanding that this space was destined to be the client’s pied-à-terre rather than their primary abode, Hattie proposed a daring notion – the removal of the redundant bedroom, clearing the path for an expansive great room where the mesmerizing views could be savored without obstructions. The client agreed, and with resolute purpose, the partitioning walls were brought down, uniting the two worlds.
Two distinct living areas and a splendid dining room coexisted with perfect harmony, bound together by thoughtfully appointed contrasts and artful cohesion in every detail – from the light fixtures to the vibrant color palette and the tactile luxury of sumptuous fabrics. The tableau wove together clean, contemporary millwork with the timeless allure of antique case goods. Traditional and transitional pieces, bathed in warm hues of bronze and gold, grace the space, imbuing it with an unmistakable aura of opulence.
But Hattie’s vision extended beyond the obvious. Every corner of this enchanting abode was imbued with a unique character – be it the evocative wallpaper, the art, or the subtle transformation of lighting and hardware. The bar was reimagined, reborn, and the ceiling, resplendent in lacquer, whispered tales of grandeur. Patterns add a touch of warmth without ever clashing with the architectural eloquence.
In true homage to the vibrant city she calls home, Hattie sourced most of the pieces and all the art locally, rendering this elegant residence unmistakably New Orleans in character. The result is a bespoke sanctuary, a testament to the city’s timeless allure and Hattie’s unique ability to infuse every space she touches with an indelible sense of place and personality. In the heart of the Four Seasons Hotel, a masterpiece was born, one that now embodies the soul of New Orleans itself.
