A FRENCH INSPIRED TRANSFORMATION
Layton Campbell’s Vision at St. Serrant
Photography by MB Productions Michael Blevins
When a client makes the leap from Boston to the elegant charm of Myers Park, the challenge for designer Layton Campbell of J Layton Interiors was not only to modernize a dated 4,000-square-foot condo but also to infuse it with the grace and sophistication of her French heritage. Nestled within the luxurious St. Serrant building, this expansive unit required a complete overhaul, from outdated bathrooms to an uninspiring kitchen. What emerged was a timelessly chic residence that effortlessly marries French elegance with Southern refinement.
The transformation begins in the foyer, where a once-tired travertine floor was replaced with luminous Calacatta gold marble framed by border tiles. The result is a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Walls clad in textured coverings provide a sophisticated backdrop for an antique buffet and a Lillian August bench, adorned with stunning Schumacher chinoiserie linen pillows. The space now exudes a subtle opulence that hints at the refined touches to come.
In the living room, Campbell removed the dated fireplace surround, replacing it with a custom cast stone that serves as a stunning focal point. Flanking the fireplace are elegant, French-inspired chests by Hickory White, adorned with tall mirrors by Made Goods and antique lamps circa the 1930s. The space is anchored by a luxurious animal print rug from Halls Flooring, which beautifully complements the elegant slipper chairs and Bergère chair by Ambella Home. The scene is completed by a Hickory Chair cocktail table from the Ray Booth collection, while a captivating piece by Canadian-French artist France Jodoin presides above the mantel.
Gone are the mirrored panels that once covered the dining room walls. In their place, a lush, floral linen wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries creates an inviting warmth. Suzanne Kasler side chairs through Hickory Chair and Ambella Home armchairs in Romo fabric offer both comfort and style. An antique mirror, brass wall brackets, and a charming plant stand provide finishing touches that transport guests to a Parisian-inspired retreat.
Campbell designed the keeping room as a multifunctional space where intimate dining meets leisurely pastimes. An antique plate rack displays the client’s beloved collection of bee plates and sterling silver cordials, providing a charming conversation piece. Two spool chairs with a shared ottoman frame a cozy fireplace adorned with an antique mirror and a settee by Wesley Hall. This inviting nook perfectly balances elegance with approachability.
The kitchen underwent a dramatic facelift, with a custom plaster-designed hood that becomes a centerpiece of the space. Cabinets painted in “Steam” by Benjamin Moore are complemented by Colonial Brass hardware, while new marble countertops and backsplashes from Art of Stone contribute to the room’s fresh, clean aesthetic. Above, custom pendants by Urban Electric add a touch of modern sophistication.
Taking a bolder approach in the primary suite, Campbell deepened the blush tones, enveloping the room in “Reticence” by Sherwin Williams across the walls, ceiling, and trim. A hand-knotted rug anchors the elegant poster bed, dressed in Kravet linen with Legacy bedding from Bedside Manor. A delicate lumbar pillow in Romo embroidered fabric adds a touch of refinement. The room’s outdoor terrace, surrounded by centuries-old oaks, offers a peaceful retreat.
The primary bath was gutted to the studs and reborn as a breathtakingly beautiful and functional space. The shower, redesigned in Walker Zanger marble, is enhanced by a white mountain quartzite custom tub deck that gracefully extends into the shower, creating a luxurious ledge. A cumbersome tower was removed to make way for a furniture-style double vanity, opening up the area for more practical use. Lighting sconces by Urban Electric and a floral wallcovering carry the blush and green palette from the primary suite, while a light fixture by Julie Neill for Visual Comfort offers a final note of elegance.
Guests are treated to their own serene suite featuring a private balcony, and a fully renovated bathroom that offers both brightness and elegance. Quadrille fabric on the pillow and the client’s antique carved wood French round-back occasional chair lend this space a refined and personal touch. Lighting by Visual Comfort ensures the room is bathed in a flattering, tranquil glow.
Layton Campbell’s masterful redesign of this St. Serrant condo is a testament to his ability to merge heritage, luxury, and modernity into a cohesive and inviting home. This residence is now a sophisticated tribute to his client’s French lineage, perfectly balanced by the timeless elegance of Southern charm.
