By Adam Bailey

A Perfectly Preserved Midcentury Modern Home in South Highland.  

A stunning midcentury masterpiece that will captivate those who appreciate homes of this architectural significance—this modernized, three-bedroom home respects the past while modifying for the present and future.

For Robert May, owner of Watertight Roofing and Construction, the midcentury style seems to be a product of specific design elements. “I think it’s really the materials, the open flowing spaces, and the real sunny feel to them that draws people to the architectural style to this day.” Upon learning that the Bronner home was for sale, his curiosity peaked. Initially, May just wanted a tour of the home before it sold. And, since he wasn’t officially in the market for a new home, he figured there wouldn’t be any harm in looking, right? May simply walked up to the front door, rang the doorbell, and introduced himself to Ms. Bronner.

Upon passing through the front door, May was amazed that most of the original elements of the home were still intact. He was immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows, the open floor plan, the built-in storage, the functionality, and the intentional connection to its natural surroundings. “Oh, yeah,” added May, referring to the manicured landscaping. “Seeing the backyard was a huge plus. Combine that with all the interior features; this was the house for me.” So, he bought it.

May handpicked many of the items that make up the home which gives it an awesome retro vibe. To say he is an avid George Rodrigue fan is an understatement. His works are seen in abundance throughout the home. “I must have more Rodrigue’s than anyone in Shreveport,” admits May. Appliances, countertops, and flooring were all carefully added to help “modernize” the home which, luckily, do not diminish the midcentury appeal. One of the things that hasn’t been updated is the original lighting that illuminates the home when natural light isn’t available.

Ranging in size, the three bedrooms all have ample closet space and generously sized windows. The master bedroom has a private patio right off the sitting area, with a unique master bath with his and her spaces. It’s like having two bathrooms in one! Likewise, there are closets everywhere. In the foyer, living room, and hallways. Walk-in closets are abundant. “I bet the whole house has over 600-squre-feet of closet space,” May admits.

The landscaping in the backyard is architecturally appealing and practical. According to May, he sees the exterior patio and yard as an extension of the living room, which looks out onto the patio. And just like the interior, the design has a good flow. The main design elements for the backyard are the saltwater pool, patio with fireplace, and multiple seating areas connecting through lavish, well-kept landscaping. “The pool is 10-feet-deep,” says May. “And, because of the depth, the water stays cool all summer long.” 

For May, this midcentury architectural home remains timeless. And even though it has been decades since the home was originally built, he believes it is now a perfect blend of past and present, with room to grow in the future. “Surprisingly, the house had been really well maintained for the past sixty-four years,” May says. “It is certainly my forever home—with both old memories and new ones.”

Shopping for your significant others Christmas gift shouldn’t be treated like a chore to check off your to-do list. With just a bit of planning and consideration, you can impress the special woman in your life with a meaningful, memorable gift. So, this year when shopping for that special someone, get her something she’ll love. With that said, please avoid these Christmas gift-giving mistakes at all costs:

5. Small Kitchen Appliances.

Like it or not, a mixer or a toaster oven often carries the implication that you’d like her to spend more time in the kitchen. Gifts like these send an unintended message that simply isn’t heartwarming. Even if it is the hottest, most amazing new appliance on the planet, a woman is likely not going to appreciate it as a gift.

6. Cleaning Products or Supplies.

Believe it or not, my father once gave my mother a vacuum for Christmas. What may be even more surprising is that they’re still married. Just as is the case with kitchen appliances, anything that purportedly makes cleaning the house or doing laundry easier is not a proper gift-giving item. It’s the kind of thing that you bring home from the hardware store on a random day just because. Even then, you should tread lightly.

7. Weight Loss Programs or Gym Memberships.

Like it or not, one of the worst gifts to give women is membership in a gym or weight loss program. This is the opposite of the message she wants to hear—that she is beautiful no matter her size or shape. She may drop hints all the time that she wants to lose weight or tone up, but, like many of the gifts on this list, this is something she will have to invest in herself, on her own time, when she is ready. The same can be said about home exercise equipment. Unless she has specifically asked for weights or a treadmill, don’t risk insulting her with these gifts.

8. Gift Cards.

A gift card specifically shows exactly how much money you spent on the recipient. The potential for insulting a woman is high, as it sends the message that you simply could not come up with anything to purchase. It also shows a lack of interest or laziness on your part. If you want to give a gift that cannot be wrapped or must be purchased in the future though, why not create your own gift certificate? For example, a night at her favorite restaurant or a weekend getaway (just make sure that the gift is about her taste, and not yours). A gift certificate to a football game or a weekend fishing trip would likely be additional gifts not to give a woman.