The instant Whitley Esteban laid eyes on the aging white cottage, nestled behind a delicate picket fence and a cluster of weeds in Pensacola’s Seville Historic District, she knew it was the perfect choice. Describing it as akin to a shelter dog with big, beautiful eyes that simply needed a bit more care, the architect and designer felt a strong pull to return to her native Florida from her residence in New York City. The pandemic had intensified her longing for home, transforming years of casual browsing on Zillow into a serious house-hunting endeavor.
In 2020, Esteban held the position of managing director at a renowned global architecture and design firm. This firm was responsible for iconic properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Orleans, as well as the notable renovations at the British Galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Enlisting the help of her family, Esteban explored numerous potential properties in downtown Pensacola, with the cottage capturing her heart despite not being their top choice. She recognized that the neglected house, with its outdated interiors and layers of dust, had the potential to shine with the right care and attention.
Initially planning an extensive renovation that involved raising the house, revamping the layout, and relocating the kitchen, Esteban’s perspective shifted after a colleague suggested living in the house before making drastic changes. Embracing the charm of the home and the coastal lifestyle, she opted for a more subtle approach to honor the essence of the historic cottage. Influenced by her time working with architect Gil Schafer, Esteban learned the significance of truly understanding and respecting the essence of a place.
Rather than focusing solely on the architecture and interiors, Esteban’s transformation journey began with the neglected garden and the natural flow of the surroundings. Observing how light interacted with the cottage throughout the day guided her decisions on where to spend her time. Maintaining the original layout, she concentrated on enhancing the outdoor spaces to extend the living area of the modest 970-square-foot cottage.
Collaborating with her family, Esteban introduced an outdoor shower, laid new hardscaping using reclaimed bricks, and incorporated various outdoor zones such as a dining area, grill pad, and firepit. She even commissioned custom trellises from a local welder to add a unique touch. The outdoor spaces were carefully designed to maximize every inch of the property, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.
Inside the cottage, Esteban focused on making subtle yet impactful changes. Embracing the concept of living minimally, she ensured that every item served a purpose, resulting in a space that felt intentional and uncluttered. From repurposing furniture to building new cabinetry, every detail was carefully considered to maximize functionality without sacrificing style.
The decor in the cottage reflects Esteban’s personal touch, featuring a blend of family heirlooms, souvenirs from her travels, and artwork from various artists. The intimate nature of the small space allowed Esteban to develop a deep connection with her home, evident in the thoughtful curation of each room. By combining design elements from different sources and eras, Esteban created a relaxed yet curated aesthetic that perfectly complements the cottage’s beachside location.