Haute Home Style
Artwork from travels creates a unique, personal environment in this home.
Photography by Nathan Harmon
When asked to help decorate the new home of existing clients, Judy Claudette Williams drew on her knowledge of the clients’ taste and their extensive, eclectic art collection.
Williams, owner of Tulsa-based J claudette Interiors and J claudette Gallery, has created interiors for several homes in Tulsa and Chicago.
“They were ready for a change from their previous, historical 1920s home,” says Williams.
The couple purchased a 10-year-old home in Tulsa’s midtown area. With the help of Jeff La Rue, owner of La Rue Homes Inc., they remodeled the spacious three-bedroom home and guesthouse.
“The design challenge was utilizing many of the custom pieces done for the other home and using them in their new home,” says Williams.
There was also the blend of antiques and contemporary furnishings to consider. Plus, the homeowners – avid art collectors – often brought pieces home from their worldwide travels.
“When they find something they like, she will take a picture and send it to me,” says Williams of the homeowners. “Then, we’ll discuss where the piece can be used.”
The living room, dining room and kitchen flow in one large, open area. The gold sectional sofa was designed for the clients’ previous home and is flanked by a pair of antique tables in the new. Williams designed the round acrylic cocktail table that was fabricated in California. The pair of leather chairs can swivel toward the television on the opposite wall or turn to face the conversation area. The fireplace wall was bare, so Williams designed the mirrored surround.
The dining table is black lacquer with antiqued gold trim. The four side chairs were relocated from the former home, but the two host chairs were custom designed for the new place by Williams using amethyst silk velvet. She also custom designed the chandelier that was made in Italy using amethyst Murano glass.
The master bedroom furnishings that had been designed for the previous home were relocated to the new, and a custom bedspread was added, as was hand-painted drapery fabric.
The most dramatic transformation is the previously plain upstairs guest suite. Because the homeowner is a collector of high-style designer handbags, shoes and boots, Williams did a thorough inventory of each item (measuring the height of boots and shoe sizes) and then worked with La Rue to create a custom lighted, built-in display unit.
“It’s jokingly referred to as her ‘boutique,’” says Williams.
The two chaise lounges are the size of twin beds and provide additional sleeping areas. Two large chairs were custom painted across the backs with Italian fashion illustrator René Gruau as inspiration. The hand-painted rug and glass table were purchased locally.
The furnishings in the detached guesthouse are a blend of new and existing.
While the new home is complete, Williams knows her clients will continue to add significant art pieces, and she’ll make sure they fit in to the new surroundings.
