historic architecture of southwest Louisiana, I wanted this
house to capture the ambiance of those vintage structures while
possessing a romantic presence all its own,” says Hopkins.
To continue this balanced demeanor inside, the Nelkins
turned to Covington interior designers Connie Seitz and
Christine Diggs of Connie Seitz Antiques & Interiors. Since the
designers had worked with Hopkins on several projects before,
they instantly held a mutual understanding concerning the
project’s refined level of details. “For instance, much of the
reclaimed cypress we used throughout the house was found
submerged in the bayou,” says Seitz. The design team also
called for custom built-ins made from rare blue cypress for
Kenny’s study, as well as blue and pecky cypress used in the
homeowners’ wine cellar and indoor/outdoor grilling room.
Other elements of the house that reflect the region’s heritage
Above: The bookshelves and desk in Kenny Nelkin’s study are custom-
made from rare blue cypress. Top right: The indoor/outdoor grill room
is designed to be wide open in the cool season and comfortably
air-conditioned during hot summer months. Right: A barrel-vaulted
ceiling lined with antique bricks, along with rustic wine cubbies,
makes this wine cellar a cherished go-to spot for the homeowners.