WSJ | Inside a Bird Lover’s $130,500 Living Room, Where Gucci Herons Steal the Show
Lindsay Wright loves birds. Fortuitously, her home in Manalapan, Fla., is located on Audubon Causeway, a street named for the famed ornithologist John James Audubon. So when Wright and her husband, David La Rue, set about renovating their living room, they wanted the space to prominently feature birds. They even talked about “doing a large, taxidermied peacock in the room, but couldn’t find the right place for it,” said Alex Alonso, their interior designer.
The living room redo was part of a $2.3 million overhaul of the home’s interiors by Alonso’s firm, Mr. Alex Tate, which is known for its maximalist designs. “We love color—the bolder the better,” Alonso said.
Wright, a real-estate executive, is originally from Canada, while La Rue is CEO of the Minnesota industrial supplier Baldwin Supply Company. The two also have homes in Arizona and Canada, and they wanted the Manalapan house to reflect the “casual ‘Old Florida’ charm” of the circa-1960s home. To do that, Alonso blended Palm Beach motifs with a funky 1970s aesthetic. “Our aim was to bring a fun, tropical vibe,” he said.
When Wright and LaRue purchased the house, an all-white living room was “forgettable,” Alonso said. “I wanted the space to make an impression.”
Creating the bird-themed living room cost $130,500. Here is a closer look.
Wallpaper, $3,513
Alonso and the couple considered various bird-themed wallcoverings. The pink Gucci wallpaper, featuring larger-than-life herons, 'really spoke to us because of the scale and colors,' Alonso said. Plus, 'it just made us smile.'
Sofas, $20,097 for two
All of the seating in the room has rounded backs, which helped 'go a little funkier,' Alonso said. The kidney-shaped sofas are 1970s vintage Adrian Pearsall, reupholstered in a green Schumacher velvet.
Coffee table, $6,446
Wright found this circa-1970s Postmodern-style table during one of her endless online searches. Given the size of the room, the homeowners wanted a substantial table that would fill the space but not overpower it.
Drapes, $16,476 for two pairs
The graphic, silky jacquard drapes with a modern pattern are from Pierre Frey. Edgy and design-forward, Alonso said, they help the room feel eclectic.
Carpet, $18,114
The colorful carpet from British rug designer Wendy Morrison features flowers and birds. Wright had discovered Morrison’s designs and gushed over the bold patterns.
Fringe chairs, $9,800 for two
These pink chairs are from the Portuguese furniture maker Munna. When the doors are open, the fringe dances 'like kinetic art,' Alonso says.
Chandeliers, $15,000 for two
These vintage Josef Hoffmann chandeliers are about 100 years old. 'I had been walking the antique stores in Palm Beach one weekend when I spotted them,' said Alonso. 'I immediately called Lindsay.' The gilt and crystal fixtures feel delicate and romantic, he says, and add drama to the room.
Ceiling Fretwork, $26,861
The wooden trellis was custom designed for the space. “From the beginning, I wanted to do something exciting on the ceiling,” Alonso said. He felt a trellis added a timeless element.
Check out our feature in the WSJ to read more about this project!
Read more about our process for this project HERE.