How A Crumbling Carriage House Became A Chic 450-Square-Foot Home
Tucked away in Baton Rouge’s historic Garden District, a forgotten 1927 carriage house has found new life (and serious style) thanks to architect Hance Day Hughes and his partner Jason Broha.
What once looked like a crumbling outbuilding has been transformed into a polished, personality-filled apartment that proves small spaces can still shine. With just 450 square feet to work with, the couple leaned into clever design, historic charm, and cozy sophistication.
The result is a warm and welcoming home that feels both timeless and modern.
1. Discovering An Unexpected Gem In Baton Rouge
Architect Hance Day Hughes and his partner Jason Broha often passed a crumbling 1927 carriage house in Baton Rouge’s Garden District. They always felt it had hidden promise.
Despite peeling paint and mismatched shutters, the duo saw the elegance beneath. When their Tudor-style home nearby began flooding and the city offered no fix, they seized the opportunity to invest in the carriage house instead.
Within eight months, Hughes’s firm, Tiek ByDay, transformed the roughly 450-square-foot space into a stylish and livable apartment.
2. Preserving History While Adding Modern Comforts
The renovation beautifully balances historic preservation with modern living. Original windows, floors, and hardware were meticulously sanded, restored, and reinstalled.
Soapstone countertops, a sleek backsplash, and a retro black fridge evoke the carriage house’s industrial past. They chose a soft neutral palette and thoughtful lighting to open up the compact layout.
Clever storage nooks for a pantry, desk, and built-in banquette were carved into attic alcoves. This attention to detail makes the apartment feel roomy and refined, not cramped.
3. Honoring The Building’s Industrial Beginnings
The carriage house was originally built for horses. Later ithoused a Model T, and one surprising find during renovation was a horseshoe—or two.
That led the design team to imagine the space as a whimsical “summer house” for the owner’s son, with nods to both horses and automobiles. Nearly every architectural element was salvaged or repurposed.
This thoughtful reuse adds personality and a rich sense of history to the small home. The designers leaned into the quirks, making them part of the story. It truly feels lived-in and layered with meaning.
4. Smart Design Solutions For A Small Space
Even in just 450 square feet, functionality drove every decision. The team carved out spaces for a kitchen, pantry, office nook, and banquette seating—all optimized for form and function.
A pull‑out pantry, built‑in drawers under benches, and a rolling island make kitchen prep easy in a galley-style layout. Custom cabinetry, open shelving, and a concealed dishwasher keep the design clean and uncluttered.
When guests arrive, sliding curtains can tuck away the workspace or hide kitchen appliances for a tidy look. The space is practical without sacrificing its boutique-style polish.
5. A Cozy, Stylish Retreat Full Of Personality
The finished apartment radiates charm, warmth, and thoughtful design. A banquette nook with a custom soapstone pedestal table and vintage chairs creates a cozy dining corner under a sloped ceiling adorned with sepia wallpaper.
Polished nickel light fixtures, soft greige walls, and luxe wool drapes bring refinement and color contrast. Featuring a Wesley Hall settee at the foot of the bed, plush textiles, and carefully curated accents, the space feels upscale but approachable.
Framed original architectural plans on the wall add a creative personal touch. This carriage house proves that even the tiniest home can feel polished, cozy, and full of personality.
