A dilapidated 1927 carriage house in Baton Rouge's Garden District has been transformed into a charming 450-square-foot apartment that maximizes every inch of space while preserving its historic character. The renovation, completed by design studio Tiek Byday in just eight months, demonstrates how thoughtful design can turn even the smallest spaces into comfortable, livable homes.
Architect Hance Day Hughes and his partner Jason Broha, who works in construction marketing, discovered the property during daily walks with their two dogs. The main house and adjacent carriage house were originally built for Alfred S. John, the chairman of Standard Oil, but had fallen into disrepair over the decades. Despite its deteriorated condition, the couple saw potential in the stately structure beneath the decay.
The opportunity to purchase came when flooding damaged their nearby Tudor home and the city provided little assistance. "It was dilapidated, but you could see the old, stately structure underneath," Hughes explained. The couple decided to renovate the second floor of the small carriage house first, with plans to later restore the main house and use the carriage house as a guest residence.
Working with design studio Tiek Byday, which Hughes co-leads with mother-daughter interior design team Bridget and Cindy Tiek, the project faced an ambitious timeline. "We had decided we definitely wanted to move in by July," Broha recalled. The team developed a narrative to guide their design decisions, imagining the space as a summer house for the original owner's son, with references to the building's history with vehicles and horses.
The renovation revealed fascinating historical details and unexpected challenges. During cleanup, the team discovered several horseshoes, remnants from the building's original purpose as a stable that later housed Ford Model T cars. However, structural surprises awaited when demolition began. The interior walls weren't made of wood framing as expected, but of terracotta blocks hidden behind layers of plaster and paneling. "When the demolition team came, they tried it with a sledgehammer first, but nothing gave way," Hughes said. "We didn't know we were basically dealing with a fortress."
Additional challenges included an old oil separator once used for car maintenance buried beneath the ground floor, and plumbing issues from a previous pool installation. Even moving furniture proved difficult – the sofa had to be hoisted through the second-floor window. "If it ever has to come out again," Broha jokes, "it will be cut up first."
Despite the limited square footage, the designers were determined to make the apartment both functional and cozy. They began by converting the unused attic space and utilizing unsightly niches for a compact kitchen, pantry, desk area, and built-in bench seating with storage drawers. "Every square inch had to serve a double function," explained interior designer Cindy Tiek.
The team prioritized preserving and restoring original elements wherever possible. Original windows were removed, stripped, and reinstalled, while the floors and hardware were carefully restored. Three framed prints in the stairwell showcase the original 1927 blueprints for the carriage house, directly referencing the building's history.
To create a spacious and harmonious feeling, the design trio chose a restrained color palette featuring neutral tones. The walls are painted in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball, creating contrast with the original dark wood doors. Thick wool curtains from Ikea add a subtle plaid pattern while providing blackout capabilities and room division options, separating spaces like the small storage area in the main living space and the work corner next to the bed.
"They're lined with satin and look super luxurious," said Bridget Tiek. "We just hemmed them to fit and were very happy with the result." The curtains demonstrate the project's philosophy of achieving high-end looks through creative solutions and careful attention to detail.
The compact kitchen showcases this approach with polished nickel accents reminiscent of vintage car trim paired with dark soapstone countertops. A glossy black retro-style refrigerator provides a dramatic accent, while a Bosch dishwasher integrates seamlessly into custom cabinetry. Open shelving keeps everyday items within easy reach, and the soapstone backsplash references the building's industrial past.
A rolling kitchen island with wheels can be stored in a small adjacent room when not in use, while custom kitchen cabinets make optimal use of every available inch. The narrow adjacent room is packed with smart storage solutions, including the mobile island, a pull-out pantry, and wall-mounted pot storage. When needed for entertaining guests, the entire niche can be completely hidden behind floor-to-ceiling curtains.
The living area seamlessly flows into the kitchen, with both spaces opening directly to the second-floor landing. A cozy seating area features custom furniture including a soapstone pedestal table and antique dining chairs beneath a sloped ceiling covered in Akata wallpaper in Sepia by Mark Alexander. The Haverhill pendant light by Hudson Valley Lighting provides soft illumination, while two abstract 20th-century works from Fireside Antiques add artistic interest.
In the bedroom area, the Saltwater Bed Queen by Woodbridge Furniture is dressed with an Evelyn linen pillow by Annie Selke in Mushroom. At the foot of the bed, the Vivian Settee by Wesley Hall creates a comfortable seating area – an ideal spot for relaxation. Greenport ceiling lights by HVL in polished nickel provide subtle vintage appeal against the wood-paneled ceiling.
A compact workspace occupies a small window niche, featuring an antique desk with twisted spiral legs that creates an elegant work area. The sculptural Tizio Classic light by Artemide provides task lighting, while pens and pencils are stored in a marble toothbrush holder by Labrazel. The Soto nightstand by Four Hands is decorated with sculptural brass vases by Gentner and a glass carafe, while the Girard floor lamp by HVL in polished nickel adds a gleaming accent. An anthracite Cornwall rug by Loloi anchors the sleeping area.
The bathroom makes a bold statement with ceiling and walls painted in the moody London Clay color by Farrow & Ball, creating a harmonious ambiance. Porcelain handles by Zara give the custom marble-topped vanity a soft, classic look, while a woven mirror by Jamie Young contrasts with the otherwise clean lines of the design. Custom floor-to-ceiling wall cabinets provide ample storage for the couple.
The only bold color accent in the apartment appears in the shower, which is clad in square Zellige tiles in Rouge by Zia Tile. A fluted glass window allows soft daylight to filter into the space, while polished nickel fixtures from Brizo's Litze collection provide an elegant contrast to the textured tiles. "The shower is separate, so it could be designed a bit more boldly," explained Bridget Tiek.
The renovation successfully balances historical preservation with modern functionality. Nearly every element was either reused or restored, honoring the building's nearly century-long history while creating a comfortable home for contemporary living. The project demonstrates that with careful planning, creative storage solutions, and respect for architectural heritage, even the smallest spaces can provide both comfort and style.
"We probably spent too much time thinking about functionality," Broha reflected, "but it was worth it. The space is compact, but absolutely livable." The renovation has breathed new life into a forgotten piece of Louisiana history while creating a cozy sanctuary that proves great design isn't limited by square footage. The couple and their dogs now enjoy their charming retreat, with plans to eventually restore the main house and use their current home as a guest house for visitors to Baton Rouge's historic Garden District.
