<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Beginning in 2003, Carey Breaux began the work that would breathe new life into the tired-looking, run-of-the-mill house at 1010 Sixth Street.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The house had been in the family for some time. Breaux’s mother lived across the street. She hadn’t really pictured herself ever living there. She wanted to be closer to her job in Sulphur. But as life events would have it, that’s where she wound up.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The cottage’s makeover includes traffic-slowing landscaping and a new porch that spans the entire front of the house. Four large square paneled and slightly tapered Lake Charles-style columns support the porch. The hefty columns and the three working double doors with triple lites and single panels help give the exterior an Acadian/Bungalow look. These doors and plenty of windows allow for ample natural light inside.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The house was taken down to the studs for its rebirth. Walls were knocked out to create an open living plan. The total living space is now 2,200 square feet.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“But you know, there’s never enough space,” Breaux said, shaking her head and putting it down on her hand. When she looks up, she says, “You know the cartoon that shows the guy opening the garage door and everything comes tumbling out? That’s my garage,” she said, admitting that she has trouble getting rid of objects because of sentimental attachment.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">As evidence, she points out a dress she’s had framed that once belonged to her mother.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“I remember the first time my mother put that dress on,” Breaux said. “I was in elementary school. It was like she instantly morphed into Marilyn Monroe right before my eyes. She had on her pointy toe heels. I’ve kept a suit and hat of my father’s and just haven’t gotten around to framing it yet.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Though Breaux is sentimental and has displayed some mementos – two framed dresses from the early 60s, a silver tea service and vintage photos — the overall look of the house is springtime fresh with just the right mix of vintage, modern and country.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Breaux called on local interior designer Cynthia Eagle for help. Eagle describes the style as transitional.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“I could have never gotten it right without Cynthia’s help,” Breaux confesses. “I thought I knew what I wanted, but a lot of people think they can make these kinds of decisions until it comes time to do it.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Eagle said she works to blend the elements her clients like.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“What most important to me is to help them design a house that they will love living in,” she said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Décor and wall color is perfect for the house that’s getting a second chance. For instance, pink silk tulips look life-like draping over an antique blue Fitz and Floyd Toulouse pitcher vase festooned with butterflies and small white flowers.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The walls are painted a soft green. Use of natural texture and an assortment of patterns keep things interesting.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">An abundance of cabinets were constructed in the new kitchen, including a pantry with space saving features. The large center island is where guests congregate and where the family eats most of the time. The island is painted using chalk paint.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The powder room’s walls are a work of art. It looks like luxurious wallpaper, but it’s not. Walls are faux painted with a repeating cross-hatched bamboo pattern and floral and design flourish motif. Birds are stenciled into the design.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Artist is Mary Chambers Austin Geldert of Wonderfaux.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The house was totally rewired. It was re-plumbed – twice.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“Everything that could go wrong probably did,” Breaux admitted.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Not all the expense was expected. Once Breaux saw how great the wide-slat Plantation shutters looked, she was sold, but the price tag was — to her — a shock at over $8,000.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Breaux, like most people, has had her share of the unexpected. For instance, grown children have returned home.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">But she’s dealing with it. After all, her definition of what makes a house a home includes not only having all your own things around you – whether there’s room for them or not – but also creating an environment where even children who aren’t so young can return and feel like they’ve come home.</span><p>The makeover to the Breaux home at 1010 Sixth St. included traffic-slowing landscaping and a new porch that spans the front of the house. (Rita LeBleu / American Press)</p>