Rachel Cannon Designs Baton Rouge Abode with Lasting Charm

Cannon has worked with these clients since their children were young and has shepherded them through early changes to this home, its current redesign, plus the design of a vacation home in Fairhope, Alabama. Their bond is a testament to the trust and appreciation that has grown over the years.

Cannon’s process is defined by a simple mantra: design, implement, maintain. This streamlined approach ensures that clients can continue to focus on their busy lives while the design team takes care of the intricate details. It’s a philosophy that speaks volumes about the firm’s commitment to delivering beautiful spaces and hassle-free experiences for their clients.

Initially, the project began with revamping the daughters’ bedrooms. The clients had grown tired of quick fixes and sought long-term solutions of excellent quality. Cannon’s design had to withstand the test of time, accompanying the girls through high school, college, and beyond. From there, the project expanded to the rest of the house, with a focus on fostering comfort and practicality, considering the active lifestyle of the family, which includes pets, kids, and frequent gatherings with friends.

One defining aspect of the home is its role as a hub for entertaining. The redesign, particularly the enlarged kitchen, was tailored to make hosting friends and family a seamless, joyful experience. The parlor invites casual cocktails and conversation, while the dining room serves as the backdrop for life’s special moments. The dining room, with its eye-catching Schumacher wall treatment, is one of Cannon’s top five rooms she has ever designed. She says, “Because the dining room has doors and can be closed off from the rest of the house, I had this thought that we needed to treat it as if we were unwrapping a gorgeous package only to find that what was inside was an even more stunning, jaw-dropping surprise.”

To preserve the home’s architectural charm, Cannon retained vintage features like fireplaces, wood moldings, and doors. Addressing the less desirable aspects of the home, Cannon explained that some ornate details, such as the gingerbread trim, were removed to better align with the client’s preferences. Areas like the kitchen and primary bathroom, which had seen limited updates in the past, were reimagined with an expanded footprint, timeless aesthetics, and improved functionality.

Incorporating the family’s personality into the design was a central theme. The family’s love for blue permeates the home. The color palette, combined with the textures and fixtures chosen, exudes sophistication without pretension, and each room reflects a sense of refinement. The girls had a say in choosing their own color palettes, showcasing individual styles while harmonizing with the overall design.

Challenges in the design process are inevitable, and one notable moment was the transformation of the powder room. Initially not part of the plan, it was added at the last minute. The custom vanity designed by Cannon shows the team’s problem-solving prowess. “Size restrictions and the way the room is positioned, made it difficult to get a typical 22-inch-deep vanity into the room without the swing of the door hitting it. One thing we excel at is finding the solution to the tough problem. So, we came up with a serpentine, fluted-front cabinet that saved us from having to add a pocket door to this space,” says Cannon.

The bold wallpaper became a standout feature, emphasizing the home’s unique character. Cannon said, “I know there is a lot of concern around going bold and a fear that it’ll be a misstep or that you’ll regret it in a few years. However, time and time again, we find that when clients are willing to step off the trend cycle and focus inward on what they really love, they’re less fearful about taking a risk. If your face lights up when you see it the first time, that’s a pretty good indication that you should say ‘yes.’”