Entertaining Home

by Poki Hampton

WHAT IS A HOME but an extension of your style? Your home reflects how you live, your personality and how you entertain. The home of Mimi and Bill Dossett features rich warm wood, brick floors and expansive windows giving off massive amounts of natural light. These are all hallmarks of the mid-century-modern architectural design created by Pat Camel, a native of Baton Rouge, in 1977. Classic lines with functionality and minimal fussiness were the name of the game. Colors from neutral to bold pops of bright hues with daring graphic designs bring authenticity to the space.

The Dossett home was the stage for a girls’ night out with a 1960s-style cocktail party, complete with ’60s-inspired hors d’oeurves like cheese balls and shrimp cocktails and drinks served in mid-century barware. The guests, dressed in colorful classic frocks, lounged poolside and in the large great room where a Charles Eames chair mixes with traditional pieces. The soaring cathedral ceilings in oak planks and two walls of windows blend seamlessly with nature. Midcentury built-in bookcases flanking a large brick fireplace make a cozy spot to relax. Adding earthy elements are a natural sisal rug and the brick floor. The adjacent wet bar is the perfect place to mix up a Mad Men-style Tom Collins or Singapore Sling.

The sunken living room with large windows and built-in bookcases, painted with a bright teal blue background, along with the elegant modern furnishings surrounding the fireplace, evoke the glamorous Hollywood era. Soft hues of light blue make the master bedroom a serene retreat. The oversized master bathroom, with chevron wooden walls and freestanding soaker tub is a glamorous place to dress for a party. Two guest rooms have sleek built-in bookcases and twin beds designed by Camel to complement the environment. The brick floors carry through to the spacious kitchen, which, with wooden walls and stainless appliances, is in keeping with the mid-century style and perfect for cooking for large crowds or small. Feeling just a bit sophisticated and like feminine members of the Rat Pack, the women had a wonderful time enjoying the evening hosted by Mimi.

The brick floors carry through to the spacious kitchen, which, with wooden walls and stainless appliances, is in keeping with the mid-century style and perfect for cooking for large crowds or small.

Feeling just a bit sophisticated and like feminine members of the Rat Pack, the women had a wonderful time enjoying the evening hosted by Mimi.