New Orleans Homes

Autumn Serenade

If autumn wasn’t already everyone’s favorite season, my guess is this year it will reach peak popularity. Every year, I’m beyond glad when cooler temperatures prevail, but never more so than after the dog days we’ve just suffered. If you developed seasonal affective disorder from spending too much time in the A/C and not enough […]

Home + Design

NEW BUILD OF THE YEAR

Dr. Mohamed Elkersh, a double board-certified pain medicine physician at the Advanced Pain Institute in Covington, has always enjoyed traveling the world. In fact, it was his love of South Louisiana culture that convinced him to move from Los Angeles to Madisonville. When he found a site on the Tchefuncte River, he knew he wanted […]

Home + Design

Sophisticated Charm

When a local married couple, who previously lived in the Marigny, found a home more spacious home in a quiet Lakeshore neighborhood, they decided to make a move. The homeowners (he is a physician who also plays bass in a local rock trio, and she is a writer and research producer who works from home) […]

Best of Home Winners

Each year our readers vote by online ballot for their favorite home design industry professionals in New Orleans. The businesses cover the scope of everything homeowners need to make and maintain a beautiful house and home. Your votes have been tallied and we present The 2023 Best of Home winners. Best Architect Albert Architecture Best […]

Design Masters

Michelle Stanard Duhon

Owner and Preservationist, Southkick | Rolf Preservation Works If Michelle Stanard Duhon had her way, more people would listen to the needs of old buildings — and the advice of people trained to preserve them. As an owner and preservationist with Southkick | Rolf Preservation Works, Duhon helps clients navigate the complex world of historic […]

Home + Design

Fall Finds

With cooler weather comes cuddle season, whether that means curling up with a significant other, a pet or a good book. At the same time, it’s a great idea to add special touches to our homes that provide a sense of warmth. Examples could include candles, plush (or weighted) blankets and especially rugs and […]

Home + Design

Surface Heat

Such a hot summer Got us all talking about heat. When it comes to stone, tile and flooring, what’s “hot” continues to evolve. This season, we’re looking at the surfaces of the home and checking with local experts what’s trending and what’s slated for more sizzle. If you’re building a new home or thinking about […]

Blast From the Past

A 1970s design revival brings on the nostalgic feels Recent design design trends are gearing toward the 1970s, a period known for its warm color schemes, geometric shapes and patterns and natural elements (think velvet and rattan). This resurgence lends to a laid-back and comfortable environment, and we can’t get enough. The Kinnan Bed features […]

Shopping

Art Space

Deck your walls with one of Ansley Givhan’s stunning textile pieces (“Grasshopper” shown here using ink, watercolor and monotype on muslin), and top any surface with a Pearce Williams Squiggle Pot (a ceramic sculpture made from a combination of coiling, pinching and slabs) and you will be delighted each time you pass, available at Sunday […]

Ladies Who Lunch

Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan likely need no introduction if you live in New Orleans. The cousins have been co-proprietors of Commander’s Palace since 1997, as well as community leaders, innovators and champion protectors of New Orleans’ culture. Commander’s Palace sets the bar for service. The landmark restaurant opened in 1893, and has earned […]

Foxglove

Appearance Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) starts as a tight rosette of coarse leaves that remains low and close to the ground. In the second year, an upright flower stem with small leaves emerges from the center of the clump. The spikes grow 3 to 4 feet tall with 20 to 80 individual bell-shaped flowers ranging in […]

Members Only

Fan Favorite

Spoonbread Yields approx. 15 servings 9 eggs 1 ½ cups sour cream 1 tbsp baking powder 1 cup sugar 4 14-ounce cans cream corn 1 box Jiffy brand cornbread mix 1 pound butter 1. Melt butter. 2. Place melted butter in a mixing bowl, add eggs, sour cream, baking powder and sugar. Mix on medium […]

Home + Design

Mood Lighting

Gas lamps have been an important part of the Crescent City’s architectural landscape for centuries. They remain an attractive part of home décor in residences across the city, as well as a signature part of the French Quarter. Historically, gas lamps were an important development, not only in New Orleans, but also across the United […]

Artist Profile: Colleen Frampton

Several years ago, while assisting ceramic artist Lisa Alpaugh of LiBird Studio, Colleen Frampton found that clay was the perfect medium for her own art. Her first pieces were busts of her three young grandchildren, made by casting molds, then adorning each form with a decorative language drawn from each child’s personality. “It’s a frozen […]

Prep Perfect

Minimize indoor/outdoor trekking by having everything you need outside at your fingertips. These organizing tools keep cooking implements and ingredients ready so you can focus on the fire. Retool If storage space is at a premium, a compact grill tool set, like this one from Laguiole, does the trick. Safety First Grill trays keep raw […]

Calm and Collected

Table Matters Setting a pretty table is a must — no matter the occasion. Inside every hutch or sideboard there should be a set of versatile, colored coupes. Baracco yellow coupes are festive for champagne or decadent dessert. Hilltop Shoppe, hilltopshoppe.com Singing the Blues I’m drawn to blue and white porcelain and have amassed […]

Interior Designers Profiles

Meet local designers who craft elegant spaces that seamlessly merge art and functionality in your home.

Design Exhibitions

Now through Nov. 26, explore a major new exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art dubbed Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour. Exploring the past and future of American fashion, the exhibition highlights more than 100 American designers — including under-recognized and under-represented designers — with garments from the 19th century to present day. Another […]

Design Masters

Design in New Orleans is a delicate dance between old and new. Skilled dancers preserve the tradition and romance of the city’s visual heritage while adding a distinctly modern perspective. That might mean contemporary lines and materials, sustainable building practices or diverse aesthetic points of view that represent the changing mix of people who call […]

Beat the Heat

It’s the time of year when the only acceptable outdoor activities are watering the garden in the morning or going for snoballs or ice cream. Otherwise, it’s time to cultivate a list of indoor activites until sometime in September or October. For me, this means deep cleaning (because no one wants to be indoors during […]

Arlyn Jimenez

Love of a woman brought artist Arlyn Jiminez (@buloyasanchez) to New Orleans in 2009. Since then, the “magic” of New Orleans and its kinship to Jiminez’s native Dominican Republic have kept the artist engaged in creating sculpture mining the rich culture around him. “The buildings and the architecture look like the city I’m from, […]

Home + Design

Enchanting Escape

When Hurricane Katrina flooded a home in Old Metairie with 6-to-8 feet of water, the property was bulldozed to create a clean slate. Once a new home was built, the then homeowner hired René Fransen and Greg Pierce of Fransen Mills Landscape Architects to create new architectural and landscape architectural designs. While a new owner […]

Food + Drink

Okra

Appearance Okra plants have small erect stems that can be bristled or hairless. The heart-shaped leaves have five to seven lobes, and the plant produces flowers with five white to yellow petals. The seed pods can grow up to 10 inches long, however, it is the young, immature pods that should be harvested. Okra can […]

Festive Moments

“Let’s hang up some glassware. Let’s get some signage. Let’s make texture and color. Festoons, for an outdoor party — well — those are just a given,” laughs Fresh Johnson, a New Orleans-based event and wedding planner, who loves throwing a shindig outside. Johnson got her early start in professional, full-time event planning in 2009, […]

Shopping

Pack Your Bags

It’s the season when many of us hit the road. Whether an overnight getaway or extended vacation, it always pays to pack smart. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite bags and packing strategies plus tips for storing travel gear between trips so it’s ready to go when you are. Petite pack For a carry-on […]

Clean and Clear

Bottled water has become increasingly popular in recent years as consumers become more aware of contaminants in public drinking water, with especially extreme cases in cities like Flint, Michigan. Many people in the New Orleans area and beyond are turning to whole-house water filtration systems to improve the quality of their drinking water. But safer […]

Rhythmic Design

While well-painted walls provide a pretty backdrop for art and other furnishings, wallpaper can be used as art and decor itself. Local artist and designer, Bradley L. Bowers— who uses contemporary digital-modeling tools in unison with traditional craft techniques — has a new line of wallpaper called the Moire Collection, which does just that. […]

Home + Design

Go Big and Go Home

Living in the Crescent City is like living in technicolor — everything seems bolder, brighter and bigger. Why not incorporate a maximalist attitude into our homes? Here, we showcase a few bold and beautiful looks. Armless curved sofa in lush spiced ochre velvet at eclectichome.net “Lets Be Friends” pillow at eclectichome.net Rhea coffee table […]

Home Accessories

Flora and Fauna

Heron sculpture, plates and paper flowers: Understated white heron metal sculpture by local artist Ronnie Cardwell; Camellia serving bowls handmade from a low-fire white clay slab, depicting a classic southern floral, with raised texture design; handcrafted paper flowers in vibrant, assorted designs, by Marais Paper available at Home Malone, homemalonenola.com. Foxglove serving tray: stunning Caspari […]

Design Diary

Haute Design Sunday Shop released a new collection of furniture, dubbed Sunday (work)Shop, locally designed by co-founders Katie Logan Leblanc and Jensen Killen. Each of the 13 pieces in the collection are customizable in both size and finish. Inspired pieces include the Euclid Coffee Table, featuring angular legs and natural wood grain, and the Themis […]

Builder Profiles

Builder’s Profiles

Natural Balance

Neil and Helene Johnson first met while attending Ole Miss, but it wasn’t until they bumped into each other in New Orleans eight years later that they started dating. At the time, Neil was in his final year of law school at Tulane University, and Helene was living in Austin (where Neil had accepted a […]

Family Affair

Local Color The abundance of local artistic talent is impressive given that we are a relatively small city. Works by Gretchen Howard, Amanda Talley and Kevin Gillentine are among our favorites thanks to their rich colors, forms and textures. Kevin Gillentine, kevingillentine.com. Marvelous Materials When installed on unexpected surfaces, grass cloth, tile, copper, and parquet […]

Flow Tribe

For a city surrounded by water, residents often feel they have limited access to this resource that offers a respite from the summer heat and a relaxing environment for reflection and relaxation. Many homeowners are turning to outdoor water features as a way to be closer to the sights and sounds of clean running […]

Food + Drink

Garden Variety

Napa Cabbage Salad with Mint and Herb Vinaigrette Serves 4 to 6 1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves ¾ cup lightly packed fresh basil, tarragon and parsley or a combination ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 egg ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or sunflower seed ¾ cup olive […]

Planting Seeds

This time last year, I finally achieved a long-held goal of creating a beds in our backyard to grow herbs and vegetables. My paternal side of the family has been farming for at least seven generations and I grew up on my grandparent’s cattle farm, so I felt poised for at least modest success. It […]

Keeping It Fresh

“I lived in Japan as a kid, and my mom was a teacher,” says Shannon Mitch, founder of Blooms Botanica — a full-service, floral design company, in New Orleans. “These Ikebana masters would come in and do presentations. I remember thinking, ‘I want to do that.’ It was my earliest interest in floral design.” Decades […]

Bon Vivant

Petal Pushers

If you are anything like me, you are a sucker for beautifully photographed recipes and they often inspire you to experiment in the kitchen. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with any food or beverage employing dried rose petals. Ice cubes with petals frozen inside are a particular favorite, as well as rose petal garnishes and rose […]

Home Accessories

Fresh Approach

Funny Face Sud’s ceramic Sicilian urns are packed with personality. Fill them with greens or branches for a fanciful look or simply set them out on their own to evoke playful sophistication. sudneworleans.com Wild Thing Leopard, cheetah, antelope textiles have me seeing spots. If you’re gun-shy, start small with a pillow or chair cushion but […]

Home + Design

Kitchens

Contractor: Patrick Scariano Designer: Penny Francis Eclectic Home Cabinets: Eclipse cabinets through Mattix Cabinet Works. Maple wood veneer and painted island and shelving Flooring: Large format porcelain through Eclectic Home Installed by Prestige Flooring Countertops: Quartz from Triton Stone Backsplash: Ceramic tile from Eclectic Home, installed by Prestige Flooring Fixtures: Plumbing fixtures by Brizo Lighting: […]

Home + Design

Written in the Stars

Every time Stacey and Robert Sexton visited New Orleans from Washington D.C., they felt pulled to the relaxing pace and the warmth of the community. Then, in 2018, Stacey, an astrologer and student pursuing a Masters in Religious Education at Loyola, found that astrocartography — or the astrology of place — supported the synergy that […]

Home + Design

Renovation of the Year: Perfect Patina

High school sweethearts Matt and Christina Meisner lived in Austin when they visited New Orleans for their second wedding anniversary in 2013. “[We] basically couldn’t stay away after that,” Christina says. The couple, who also lived in Melbourne previously, found a lot of similarities. “Our time in Melbourne … solidified our appreciation for historic homes, […]

Home Accessories

Design Details

When it comes to cabinetry, the hardware can make all the difference. In fact, hardware can transform cabinetry from traditional to modern — and any style in between. Local designer Marion Cage’s collection of handcrafted fine cabinetry hardware combines her background in industrial design, jewelry and architecture, resulting in gorgeous pieces of art. From initial […]

Welcome Change

One of The Best things about springtime in Louisiana is being able to open the windows and doors on those days when the sun is out, the temps are cool and the breeze delivers the invigorating feel of the outdoors inside the house. On the other hand, one of the worst things about springtime is […]

Shopping

Pretty Practice

$138 Pro Level Made in Germany, each Manduka 6-millimeter “Pro” mat is made from high density, 100 percent latex-free PVC, providing a stable surface and extra cushion. A “proprietary dot pattern” provides excellent traction to keep the mat from slipping during practice, and with a subtle textured surface to allow for confident postures. Available in […]

Home Accessories

Nature-Based Design

With all the stress of today, it is no wonder designers and scientists are working together to produce evidence-based research showing that nature-based designs have multiple health benefits. Designs that connect with nature through their images or materials are proven to reduce stress and reenergize our brains. All in addition to looking beautiful. Vert Coffee […]

It’s Electric

The 2020s have been difficult for most people. But 2022 introduced a new challenge for everyone to overcome: skyrocketing energy costs. New Orleanians have seen bill increases in the hundreds of dollars in the past year. So what are reasonable tips local residents can employ to make the energy bills sting a little less? The […]

Home Accessories

Garden Oasis

Whether you have acres of land to tend to, or simply window boxes and indoor plants, there is no denying that adding greenery and flora to your favorite spaces is a feast for the eyes and soothes the soul. These delightful accessories and tools from local shops will make the task effortlessly pleasant. Pink Haley […]

Food Focused

A signature program of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen is a national education program integrating culinary gardens and teaching kitchens in schools to create interactive learning environments focused on food. The program integrates four pillars: instilling in children an appreciation for the source of food; fostering life skills that set children up for a successful […]

Flowering Dogwood

Appearance This deciduous flowering tree features attractive green foliage and red fruit that attracts wildlife. With a moderate growth rate, the flowering dogwood reaches 20 to 30 feet tall and about 20 feet wide at maturity. Use Be sure to give your new tree adequate room to grow. The tree should be planted away from […]

Food + Drink

Beignets All Day

Beignets & Gravy Recipe yields two dozen beignets; one gallon gravy Beignet Dough 1 cup milk, warmed ½ package dry yeast 3 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 medium eggs ½ stick butter, melted 3 cups vegetable shortening for frying Flour for dusting Powdered sugar for dusting Place warmed milk and […]

Juliet Meeks

Juliet Meeks found a sweet spot at the intersection of art and product design. By working diligently at both, she creates original artworks as well as designs featured on products for such well known retailers as Anthropologie, Birchbox and Uncommon Goods. She also teaches artists how to license their work. “Seven years in and it’s […]

Design Diary

Restaurant Acquisition The growing hospitality company, Angevin & Co., led by hospitality industry veteran, Robert Thompson — who also recently purchased The Frenchmen Hotel and The Whitney Hotel — has purchased the French Quarter building that once housed the historic K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen at 416 Chartres St. Tyler Robinson, a founding Partner at SVN | Urban […]

Garden Greens

According to Joe W. Willis, AgCenter horticulture agent in Orleans Parish for the LSU AgCenter, there are certain vegetables that grow better than others during the winter in New Orleans. “They like cool or cold nights and sunny, warm days — nothing hot,” he says. “Vegetables that fit this category are carrots, turnips, rutabagas, kohlrabi, […]

Mustard Greens

Appearance Growing greens is a great way to keep vegetable gardens productive throughout the winter because they tolerate cooler weather and are easy to grow. Mustard greens have broad, wavy leaves with a dark green (or purple) color. They grow upright, supported by coarse longitudinal veins. The Florida Broadleaf variety has large leaves with a […]

Tickled for Pickles

Pickle Soup Yields: 1 gallon 10 cups chicken broth 3 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes cut in ¼-inch slices 4 cups diced carrots 2 cups chopped pickles* 1 cup salted butter 2 cups sour cream 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup water 4 cups pickle juice 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 […]

Contemporary Comfort

When husband and wife Jonathan and Marylyn Rigby purchased their 3,550-square-foot home in 2017, it was because they loved the spacious home’s location in Uptown. The couple, who met in 2010 at an industry conference, love to entertain with friends and family. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home—complete with an office, art room and playroom for their […]

Glad Tidings

The holiday season is in full swing and for the first time in nearly a decade, my husband and I won’t be in New Orleans for Christmas. This year, we are spending the holidays with family in Kentucky. On the one hand, I’ll miss the traditions we’ve cultivated on our own, but on the other, […]

Seasonal Sipping

Mulled beverage season is upon us. Whether bellying up to the bonfire, perching on the porch or settling in to sip on the sofa, mulled wine is a lovely way to get into the holiday spirit. This recipe can be made with zero or full proof wine, as well as white or red. I […]

High-tech Design

As we outfit our homes with new furnishings, fixtures, and finishes, tech is playing an increased role in both the design and product choices we make. Ingrained in all aspects of our daily lives, “tech” keeps us connected while “technology” furthers convenience. Local design experts frequently factor in clients’ usage of both tech and technology […]

Home Improvement

It can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing a general contractor at the outset of a construction project. Not only are large sums of money involved, but also big expectations for the contractor to perform at or above your standards. Here, several local contractors provide tips on how to find someone who is capable, […]

Pattern Player

How’s it Hangin’ Art elevates a room and expresses its own unique identity. I love the look of an oversized abstract painting surrounded by an eclectic mix of smalls including old landscapes, charcoal nudes, and black and white photography. alexiswalter.com Four on the Floor My grandfather was a wool merchant, so heirloom rugs were […]

Deck the Halls

Fresh wreaths and garlands not only add a touch of holiday magic to your decor, but they also imbue fresh scents that are reminiscent of frolicking in snowy locales. Kim Starr Wise’s The Flower Shop offers pre-decorated wreaths and garlands as well as custom pieces. Choices include size of wreath or garland, specialized color palettes, […]

Inspiration Board: The Way to More ‘Wow’

Traditionally, interior design dictates one statement piece in a room so there’s no competition. These pieces evoke an emotion and draw the eye. More recently however, designers are experimenting with multiple “wow” pieces that work together. Use these examples to guide your own experiments. Kinna Chandelier uses 13 adjustable spherical glossy shades to illuminate a […]

French Surrealism

The Frenchmen Hotel, which was originally built in 1860, has been reimagined and redesigned by Denver-based FAM Design and hospitality entrepreneur Robert Thompson (who purchased the hotel in 2021). The hotel features 23 guest rooms, two loft suites and two, two-bedroom suites; a patio area with outdoor pool and hot tub; a lobby lounge with […]

Bar Belle

Winter brings (we hope) many opportunities for hosting and toasting. Between the glassware (cider mugs, champagne flutes, the punchbowl unearthed once a year) and spirits to fill it, the bar can get busy. Tom Cianfichi, co-owner of Hazelnut on Magazine Street, is a fan of sleek bar setups. “I love a bar that is as […]

Dream Bathrooms

Contractor: Matthew Kohnke, MNK Design/Build Designer: Kelly Sutton, Kelly Sutton Design Cabinets: Custom Tile Flooring: Floor & Décor Wainscot: Floor & Décor Tub: Repurposed from another bathroom, original to the home Mirror: Restoration Hardware Lighting: Aidan Gray Chandelier Plumbing: Ferguson New Orleans Furniture: Blue & White Garden Stool – Dop Antiques Contractor: Palatial Stone & […]

Space Craft

Many homeowners are choosing to add on to their houses whether it be for additional space, because their family is expanding or perhaps because they have money to spare and simply want more room. In the past, homeowners who wanted more space were likely to sell their house and buy a bigger one. But Reneau […]

Stately Design

When local homeowners purchased a vacant lot in the Garden District, they were excited to build a new home that would fit their family’s needs, while also blending seamlessly with the historic neighborhood. “We like to entertain friends and larger groups, and we do a fair amount of charitable work,” the homeowner says. “We also […]

Beatriz “Soco” Ocampo

At first Glance, Beatriz “Soco” Ocampo’s “narrative collages” look like colorful abstract paintings. But upon closer inspection, they combine figural representations, paper, photographs, painted imagery, archaeological finds, cultural references and symbolism. “My work deals with a lot of native things,” says Ocampo, whose says her own Colombian ancestry includes Native American bloodlines, and who […]

Shake Things Up

$154 Cocktail Culture The Birdy cocktail shaker is elegance in form and function, inspired in collaboration with the world-renowned Erik Lorincz, former head bartender at The Savoy hotel’s American Bar in London. The three-piece Birdy shaker is uniquely designed for an efficient and excellent shake, and micro-polished for a superior tasting cocktail. Available in two […]

Faces of Design

Shining a spotlight on New Orleans industry leaders and their specialties.

Faces of Design 2022

Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom

Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom in Metairie is home to an extensive selection of the top brands in bathroom hardware, outdoor grilling and patio, kitchen, bath plumbing and more. Available by appointment, Coburn’s showroom consultants expertly guide customers through projects ranging from small fixture updates to full renovations and new home construction. Customer service at […]

Faces of Design 2022

Diane Killeen Painting Studios

Having developed a penchant for the fine details of spaces, Diane Killeen has for 20 years now owned and operated her decorative art firm specializing in custom hand-painted surface finishes for both historical and contemporary settings. Prior to establishing her firm, Diane spent years mastering her trade. She completed the esteemed London’s City & Guilds […]

Faces of Design 2022

M&M Glass Company

Founded in 1984 with a mission to provide the highest quality glass products at the lowest price possible, M&M Glass Company is still anchored by the values upon which it was founded: speed, integrity, value, innovation, and safety. Fast forward more than 30 years, M&M Glass offers a wide range of glass and mirror products […]

Faces of Design 2022

Mullin

New Orleans-based landscape design, build, and maintenance firm Mullin certainly boasts a list of notable clients and accolades, but it’s the firm’s team of people that sits at the core of its success. On the team is Landscape Designer Matthew Quitzau. Beginning as an intern shortly after graduating from LSU with a Bachelor of Landscape […]

Faces of Design 2022

NOLA Rugs

Sharon Schenck, owner of NOLA Rugs, is celebrating her 50th year in the oriental rug business! It has been a long journey from London to Morocco, from Turkey to San Francisco, and Santa Fe to Scottsdale. For the last 20 years, Sharon has been predominantly here in her beloved New Orleans. With fifty years […]

Tales of the Mocktail

My favorite way to welcome house- and dinner guests is to surprise them with cocktail hour or, depending on what time they arrive, a Bloody Mary or mimosa welcome hour. New Orleans is, after all, such a welcoming place, so a welcome reception is one of the best ways to set the tone for the […]

Nic Brierre Aziz

For artist and curator Nic Brierre Aziz, the past is a compass for the future. Aziz’s lineage and personal experience, and the collective experience of society at large, are at the heart of his thought-provoking work. Aziz refers to himself as a Haitian-New Orleanian and is interested in illuminating the many connections (racial, political, religious, […]

Pantry Perfect

As we shift from summer produce to heartier pantry staples, it’s time to trade Creole tomatoes for canned. For pointers on keeping those cans — and the rest of our larder — within easy reach, we turn to Jenny Zurik, partner with MZ. Architecture & Design. Her storage strategies follow a guiding principle: “Everything has […]

Global View

Influenced by the international style of her native city, Bangalore, and the history of her adopted hometown, New Orleans, interior designer Nomita Joshi-Gupta brings a fresh, worldly perspective to her design work and to her textile emporium, Spruce. 1 Weekly Tradition Sunday is my day to cuddle up on the couch with a hot cup […]

Stylish Specs

Caddis, the Salt Lake City, Utah-based company selling “eye appliances” (aka readers) is on a mission to live in the present moment and to rally against the fear of aging. To that end, the company offers high-design, blue light-blocking readers that not only help you see, but also look great in the process. After a […]

Bold Texture

Suzani: Hand-stitched suzani from Bukhara embellished with intricate flicker stitches depicting a floral motif in a stunning array of colors, available at B. Viz, bvizdesign.com. Pillows from top to bottom: Delicate handcrafted burnt orange velvet pillow with gold metallic cording and knotted corners and Fortuny pillow with gold metallic cording and velvet backing, available at […]

NOLA Chic

Vikki Leftwich is a trailblazer. Co-owner of New Orleans furniture and design institution Villa Vici, Leftwich has long been a guiding light in the community. After founding Villa Vici in 1991 with her husband, Bryan Colwell, Leftwich developed long-term relationships with local artists and a keen eye for contemporary design, while providing exemplary customer service […]

Bubblegum Petunia

1 Appearance Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is a hearty petunia that can grow 16 to 24 inches tall with a three-foot spread. As such, they make for great garden fillers or hedges. The flowers are bright pink, and a light pruning after each bloom flush will keep your plant looking its best. 2 Use Supertunia Vista […]

Best of Both Worlds

About Sous Chef Zac Hill Born and raised in Fairhope, Alabama, by age 9, Zac Hill began cultivating his food hobby while cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen. Years later as a student at Tulane University, he entered the food scene through coffee, serving as a barista and a café manager. After a stint in a […]

Colorful Cottage

When Sherry Shirah of Sherry Shirah Design first saw her client’s exquisite collection of art and antique furniture, she knew the pieces would drive the design for this one-bedroom, one-bath cottage. “It was clear we needed those elements to be our North Star for the overall design,” Shirah says. “The goal was to renovate and […]

New Build of the Year

One of the things that we thought was that the new should feel new and the old should feel old,” says the owner of a 19th-century Creole center hall cottage with a striking modern addition. Working with likeminded architect Tracie Ashe of the award-winning StudioWTA architecture firm, the owner and his partner adhered to that […]

Falling for Color

Dishes set the tone for tablescapes, and, now that autumn is officially in the air, we’re eyeing pretty place settings that elicit the feeling of cozy fall days. A new collection by Juliska, dubbed Forest Walk, is not only appropriate for an elaborate Thanksgiving feast, but also for casual weeknight family dinners. The pieces feature […]

Strong Choices

As the stone and tile industries continue to improve technologies and expand their products’ capabilities, aesthetic possibilities seem like an endless array of color, pattern, size, and layout choices. Two to three decades ago, options were more straightforward — granite countertops and a complementary tile backsplash in the kitchen, marble countertops in the bathroom and […]

Basket Cases

$44.95 Totes Stylish Beachy. Clean. Easy. This canvas basket tote from Food52 combines the ease of a farmers market bag with the sturdy-based reliability of a classic picnic basket. The canvas body cinches to keep contents enclosed, stylish leather straps provide a good grip and a woven willow base keeps things from tipping over. Available […]

Home Accessories

Inspiration Board: Let Nature Be Your Guide

Sometimes the most awe-inspiring interiors come from the most muted palettes. Harness nature’s greens and browns with natural fabrics such as cane and raffia to create a calming effect as enduring as nature’s own beauty. Kipton Sofa in Variety Lemon at Arhaus, arhaus.com Antique Dutch Cupboard in Tonal Green at Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co Garden City […]

Closing Time

Buying a home is an important milestone in a person’s life. When an offer has been accepted, it can result in a lot of emotions, includuing both excitement and anxiety. It can be hard to keep track of everything that needs to be done. But there are some helpful tips to remember when closing. One […]

Best of Home Winners

Each year our readers vote by online ballot for their favorite home design industry professionals in New Orleans. The businesses cover the scope of everything homeowners need to make and maintain a beautiful house and home. Your votes have been tallied and we present The 2022 Best of Home winners. Best in Real Estate Entablature […]

Design Masters

While their talents easily translate to any geographical location, we’re confident this year’s Design Masters are great examples of New Orleans style

Builder's Profiles 2022

Craftman Builders

Q: What do you enjoy most about the job?A: The creativity. I love seeing a project evolve and come together more every day. As a builder I can visualize a project from the very start, but it’s priceless to see the look on my clients faces as they see the progress of their home. Q: […]

Builder's Profiles 2022

MLM Incorporated

Q: What sets you apart from your competition?A: At MLM, Inc. it’s the systems and processes we utilize on and off-site — such as online project management platforms, unwavering communication, dedication to customer care and warranty services — that are priorities to us. We make sure our clients feel they’re taken care of, listened to and […]

Builder's Profiles 2022

Titan Construction

Q: What types of projects are the most fun/rewarding?A: All of them! Over the past 25 years we’ve done a variety of different style homes and renovations throughout Greater New Orleans. Every project is different and has its own set of challenges. Whether it’s a new construction in Metairie or a complete renovation of a […]

Lemonade

TRUTH BE TOLD, I don’t particularly care for summer in New Orleans. If you are thinking it’s because of the oppressive heat, you are correct. But, as with any of the lemons life hands us, we simply have to find as many flavors of lemonade as there are hot days — and preferably lots of […]

Modern-Day Monochrome

Native New Orleanian and founder of Space Interior Design, Leslie Newman Rhodes, always dresses in black. While that may be true for many designers and artistic types, she says neutrals are everything to her. She likes pale, monochromatic spaces and open sight lines, and most of the homes she designs follow this format (although they […]

Outdoor Oasis

In a 1950 midcentury home across from City Park, the Halpern Family created their perfect outdoor oasis. With their large family of four children, Mary and David Halpern wanted to use the most of their space outside, to host, entertain, throw fabulous parties and have a cool space outdoors to simply hang out with the […]

Retro Redux

When Mark and Rachel Jaffe first saw the work of New Orleans architect Nathan Fell, founder and principal of Nathan Fell Architecture, in a 2020 article in this magazine titled “Inside Out,” they knew he was the perfect person to help with their backyard redesign. “We were drawn to his use of color and his unique designs,” Rachel […]

Gym Dandy

When COVID-19 made gym visits problematic, many people turned to home fitness areas for virtual yoga sessions, Peleton rides and more. As summer sets in, those indoor spaces might be ready for a refresh. We reached out to New Orleans-based fitness maven Erin Romney, founder of Romney Studios and MVMT by ROMNEY, for tips on […]

Home Grown | Passiflora incarnata

Stoke your gardening passions with this home grown, showstopping blooming vine native to Louisiana and the Southeastern U.S.

For the Garden | Native Know-how

Tools, tips and tricks for the garden to ensure it lasts beyond your lifetime.

Trendwatch | Pool Party!

Make a splash with these colorful accessories perfect for your next pool party and al fresco entertaining.

Culture Club

For their eponymous firm, Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman traverse the city and the globe collecting design inspiration and worldly goods that inform their interiors with a unique global perspective. Golden TouchGarden-cut seasonal flowers are a must, and marigolds are our go-to. nolaflowershop.com. Pillow PowerHandcrafted Kuba cloth pillows from B. Viz pack a traditionally styled […]

Bright Ideas | Summer Dress Your Home

Q&A with hotelier Sean Cummings on how to "summer dress" your home this season.

Gatherings | Seeing Spots

With rum or without it, Maggie Moser’s ‘Sunspots’ recipe will have you tipsy from the fruity, tangy flavors.

Design Diary

Wooden TreasuresFollowing the launch of the Rift Sawn Oak Dresser, local furniture company Doorman has launched a new credenza and desk for the Clio Collection in collaboration with interior design firm Logan Killen Interiors of New Orleans-based design store, Sunday Shop. All pieces are handmade in Doorman’s NOLA workshop with rounded, oversized knobs and a […]

Eleanor Morehead Baugnies

Art has always been a part of Eleanor Baugnies’ life. And conversely, her life has been an important part of her art. Though she says it’s often unconscious, the vocabulary of her work symbolizes themes drawn from her experience and embedded in her psyche. “It comes from my mind and my heart and my soul,” […]

Comfy Casual

Perhaps it’s the cattle farmer’s granddaughter in me, but stylish décor and entertaining on a budget is my default. It’s never my intention to cut corners or for it to be obvious, but I just can’t help loving a bargain and creating a beautiful atmosphere and delicious food, drinks and treats without breaking the bank. […]

Home Renewal | Perfect Porches

New Orleans is a social town. People interact with their neighbors here and a lot of that social interaction happens on the porch. It is a space where people can relax outdoors, watch life in the neighborhood, and chat with neighbors as they pass by. It also provides a shaded place to get a little […]

Inspiration Board | Rose-Colored Spectacle

Rose or dusty pink is a new favorite among interior designers. Offering soothing, calming qualities, it works as a neutral; warmer than white and more interesting than beige or grey, it’s also easy to pair. Decorate an entire room with a gentle glow and timeless warmth. Muse Wallpaper in Rose, floral patterns hand-painted in a […]

Price Mix | I Scream, You Scream

$499.95 Smart ScoopThe Breville brand has become synonymous with top-quality kitchen appliances and the Smart Scoop Ice Cream Compressor is no exception. The Smart Scoop is a one and done machine, with a fully automatic, compressor-driven process that eliminates the need to freeze bowls or attachments. You can choose between 12 hardness settings to get […]

Last Indulgence | Fab Flatware

Great design shouldn’t stop at furnishings and artwork. In fact, it should trickle down even to the smallest details. In that vein, we’re thinking of beautiful tablescapes featuring stylish flatware to up the ante on summer entertaining. A new line by Opinel, dubbed Perpétue, features four stainless steel pieces per set. The fork, tablespoon and […]

Ask the Experts | Hue News

The décor of a home — like the set of a stage — helps tell the story of the people who interact with it. Beyond the function of furnishings, their style is often what gives the most clues. A homeowner who prefers a bone-colored wall with antique furniture and a classical still-life painting is telling […]

Editor’s Note

THE THING I LOVE most about the promise of spring is that it always delivers. As we emerge from our admittedly mild winters for long walks and picnics amid the fragrant blooms of seasonal flowers, the city’s energy shifts — and with it — our moods, foods and fancies. We have a lightness of being, […]

Reset, Rest and Relax

Moments of calm are perhaps harder to come by these days, as everyone navigates this turbulent world. Spaces for rest and relaxation at home have become important for resetting the mind and body. With spring’s arrival, nature’s calming effects beckon people outdoors, so we’ve asked local experts how to go about creating the perfect backyard […]

Sweet Abode

After designer Melinda McSpadden posted photos of an historic kitchen and powder room makeover on social media, local homeowners Andrea and Lena Rubin decided she was the perfect person to decorate their home. “Andrea and Lena gave me free reign with this design project by saying, ‘Just make it look like a place where you […]

Right Angles

RENOVATION OF THE YEAR Calais Waring opens the front door of her home to a first-time visitor with the smile of someone who knows their surprise. The once red brick mansion — a blending of 1920s Arts and Crafts and Mediterranean villa architectural influences, is no longer a faded remnant of the early 20th century. […]

Fashion

Closet Clarity

Accessory accents Accessories can easily become an unwieldy mess on closet hangers and shelves. Ann Wise, co-owner of Louisiana Custom Closets, suggests space-saving pullout racks for belts, neckties and scarves and costume jewelry. Acrylic shelf dividers keep purses standing up or folded sweaters and blouses neatly stacked. Island vibes If your closet is big enough, […]

Bromeliads

1 Go Pro When Jeanne Garman first expressed interest in bromeliads to an avid bromeliad grower, she was told, “Be careful, you’re going to get hooked on bromeliads.” Now, with hundreds surrounding her home, Garman cultivates them and has based her travels and her free time seeking out new bromeliad varieties and experts. Garman herself […]

Haute Kitchens

Contractor: MLM Incorporated Designer: MLM Incorporated, homeowner, Mireworks Cabinets: Transitional at J&K Cabinetry Flooring: LVP at NOLA Flooring Countertops: Cristallo quartzite from North Lion Stone Backsplash: Marble picket at Floor & Decor Fixtures: Lamps Plus Doorknobs: Etsy Furniture: Hurwitz Mintz Appliances: Sink and faucet, Kraus; pot filler, Kingston Brass; range,Thor; dishwasher, Maytag; fridge, freezer, microwave, Frigidaire; icemaker, KitchenAid, sourced from Comeaux Notable vendors: Stone Creations […]

Design Diary

Delightful Daybeds New Orleans handmade furniture company, Doorman, has introduced the new Laurel Canopy Daybed Collection (starting at $3,150). Inspired by French Provincial iron daybeds, the collection features a modern iron base handcrafted in Doorman’s local workshop. The curved-canopy pieces are welded by hand and the bed’s silhouette is perfectly symmetrical from every angle. Additionally, founder […]

Home + Design

Stylish Fans to Keep Cool This Summer

$399.99 Tech Smart The Dyson brand is well-known for its clean, modern designs that pack a tech-smart punch, and the Pure Cool TP01 purifying fan is no exception. Not only does this sleek oscillating tower fan cool down a room, but also it features a filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA to capture pollen, […]

The Lazy Gardener

Across the street, along my neighbors’ sunny driveway is a wooden fence covered with potted bromeliads. They are primarily Neoregelias — the kind you can pick up at local hardware or grocery stores — yet the massed statement of them is spectacular. I’ve admired their plant-lined fence for years and when COVID-19 forced me to […]

Kate Godfrey Robinson

While many perennials and annuals thrive in clay soils, ceramic artist Kate Godfrey Robinson creates a different sort of “garden in clay” — colorful, exuberant displays of flowers, vines, acorns, twigs, insects and other flora and fauna in the forms of vessels, tiles, totems and free-form sculptures. On the surface, her Baroque pieces capture the […]

Flower Me Pretty

The design-obsessed know that wallpaper can quickly transform any room. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to spruce up a space. Enter the Magnolia Collection — a new line of wallpaper designs and limited-edition prints from Pensacola, Florida-based Malmberg Studio. The collection celebrates the life-cycle of the short-lived magnolia flower, which also happens to be […]

More is More

Meals in the Big Easy are as entertaining as they are integral to the fabric of this spirited city. Lavish, multi-course brunches are to be expected in the city of indulgences, a sacred ritual, rather than simply feeding time. Ralph Brennan, a third-generation scion of the family whose name is synonymous with New Orleans restaurants, […]

Heavy Metal

Beige and copper metallic hide and Amberly hair on hide Rug both from Arhaus, arhaus.com Italian 19th-century gilt Candelabra by Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co French 19th-century Louis Philippe-style mirror by Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co Wallpaper by Erica Wakerly, Leaf in gold, from Spruce, sprucenola.com Jagger Table Lamp from Eclectic Home, electichome.net Newman Chair in mustard from Eclectic […]

A Stylish Sentiment

Down the Hatch! I learned living in New Orleans that every house should have a designated bar, and it’s not complete without this book. “New Orleans Cocktails,” scriptura.com. Foyer Finery John Derian’s decoupage plates make great ‘catchalls’ atop a foyer console or countertop or hung as part of a curated wall collection. I’m drawn to […]

King of the Kitchen

Hot Sausage Po-Boy Pie Ingredients Yields 6 slices 1 9” deep dish pie shell 1 pound hot sausage link 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar mustard aioli 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 pinch cayenne pepper 8 slices pickled zucchini 2 pinches cayenne pepper ½ cup French bread […]

Annual Renewal

Once you’ve moved into your house and lived there for a few months, it’s easy to get comfortable. Everything seems fine. But just as it’s a good idea to visit your primary care physician for health checkups, it’s a good idea to have experts check out your house on a regular basis. Doing so may […]

Smoothie Queen

Over the past few years, I’ve become one of those smoothie people. I make them with spinach and beets and pretty much any veggie you can stick in a blender and mask the potential weirdness with one or more fruits. For me, cravings for sweet, cold treats kick in as the temperature rises and spring […]

Al Fresco’s Finest

Brilliant paper origami chandelier, metal watering can, striped cotton lumbar pillow with colorful embroidered flowers, acrylic tumbler (available in assorted colors), gorgeous lifelike faux flowers in a garden variety, available at Perch, perch-home.com; Midcentury vintage rattan flower chair, available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net; Faux bois concrete side table, available at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com; Painterly floral lucite […]

À Votre Santé

The French 75 is my favorite cocktail. I love the lore. I love its namesake bar at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter. I love sipping a Cognac version during colder months. I love the lighter take made with gin in the hotter months. During the holidays when the booze is already so free flowing however (and […]

Finishing Touches

Elements Ella Brushed Pewter Jeffrey Alexander Tiffany Satin Bronze (two sizes) Jeffrey Alexander Belcastel 1 Satin Nickel and Polished Chrome (two finishes) Jeffrey Alexander Harlow Polished Chrome Jeffrey Alexander Harlow Satin Nickel Elements Madison Matte Black Jeffrey Alexander Tiffany Brushed Gold Elements Naples Matte Black (two sizes) Elements Asher Rubbed Bronze Available through Singer Kitchens, […]

Create Your Cocoon

Vert coffee table in teak with a clear coat finish. sundayshop.co Dual-arm design of the Towson Floor Lamp is handcrafted from steel in an antique brass finish. Two off-white linen shades complement the solid, white marble base, which features naturally unique veining and color variations. arhaus.com A highly reflective gold and […]

It’s a Wrap!

In New Orleans, the winter holidays roll right into Mardi Gras, making a quick transition from decking the halls to “Throw me something, Mister!” From wreaths to gift wrap to papier-mâché flowers (because we’re betting house floats are here to stay), opt for smart storage that will keep your holiday gear celebration-ready. Out with the […]

Suite Scents

A popular new trend known as scent-scaping is a way to divide your house and your day into different segments simply by using different fragrances. By compartmentalizing each room (or set of rooms), or even different time periods during your day (such as work, chores, nap), it creates a subconscious trigger to switch to a […]

Chris Lawson

In true Post-Modern fashion, artist Chris Lawson (chrislawsonart.com) counts everything from animated movies and 1960s TV shows to MTV and southern folk art among the influences that inform his writing, painting, film, photography, collage and installation art. It’s the way Lawson pieces together those influences and collections of seemingly disparate components into a surrealist lexicon […]

Making Memories

One of the most recognizable settings during the holiday season is The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Against the backdrop of a Gilded Age lobby, the hotel’s glittering Waldorf Wonderland stretches an entire city block. Local garden center The Plant Gallery perennially adorns the lobby with a canopy of arched birch tree branches, […]

A Rose is a Rose

Like Queen Elizabeth in the year her beloved Windsor Castle caught on fire, most of us in the New Orleans area can admit that we have experienced our own two “annus horribilis.” We’ve missed work and business dollars, milestone events and social outings with friends and family, witnessed online and in-person fights about masks, vaccines […]

Mixing It Up

$699.95 Ultimate Multitasker It kneads. It mixes. It whisks. Is there anything the Ankarsrum stand mixer can’t do? This Swedish-designed stand mixer is made for the pros, but easy enough for a newbie, to create the ultimate breads and baked goods. The generous 7.4-quart stainless steel bowl can accommodate plenty of dough, cake […]

Embracing Change

One thing’s for certain — we’ve entered a new age of living, one with vastly different routines than we were used to prior to spring of 2020. Home design experts are still wrapping their heads around what these changes mean for home life, function and style. As they experience high demand for renovations and new […]

Forever Home

[gtx_gallery] Seeking to renovate her childhood home into a haven where she and her husband could age in place after their children leave the house, Leigh Moss and her husband Robby enlisted the help of local architectural and interior design firm NANO. In addition to updating the interior design, the Mosses also wanted the home […]

The Art of Everything

Taste There is nothing more delicious than indulging in a dirty martini before a dinner of Drum Yvonne. The fresh flavors and bold colors appeal to the palate and the palette. Annunciation Restaurant, annunciationrestaurant.com. Sound We love local bands, but the music of British post-punk band, The Psychedelic Furs, is like poetry. Their recent performance […]

Happy Holidaze

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS upon us — ready or not. If things continue to go well with more and more people getting vaccinated and COVID-19 case numbers staying low, it seems we’ll be able to celebrate our respective traditions surrounded by friends and family. At our house, the tradition is a lazy morning with […]

Generators 101

After the extended power outages caused by Hurricane Ida, many New Orleanians are likely considering purchasing a whole-home generator. There are are many things to take into account before making that choice. First, look at your individual situation. Hurricane evacuations are never easy for anyone, but for some (the elderly, the disabled) they can border […]

Design + Build

Architectural designer Marina Palumbo-Simoneaux of M.A. Palumbo Studio, launched Creative Spaces & Elements in 2006 as a luxury custom casework and cabinet resource. However, since its launch, the company has evolved into a full-service architecture and design studio with the ability to build out any residential or commercial interior space. The designer recently moved Creative […]

Festive Flavors

Rosemary Shortbread Yields approximately three dozen cookies 1 lb. unsalted butter, softened 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 tsp salt 2 tsp rosemary, finely chopped 4 cups all-purpose flour 1. Cream butter and sugar in a hand or stand mixer until fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. 2. Add rosemary and […]

Roses

1 Love-Hate Ask gardeners and landscape architects about growing roses in New Orleans and you’ll get extreme responses of either love or exasperation. One favorite among them is Peggy Martin, or the “Hurricane Katrina Rose,” that survived saltwater flooding. Landscape architect Marianne Mumford of Landscape Images says they have the most success with Peggy Martin […]

Eye for Design

[gtx_gallery] When Melissa Coleman and her husband, Dr. William Patrick Coleman IV, purchased their early 19th-century home off of St. Charles Avenue, they knew they wanted beautiful yet accessible design. The couple, who has a 20-year-old son in college, and dogs and cats, also wanted spaces that would be used. “Growing up, my house had […]

Winter Warmth

Cozy up for a real treat with these luxe pillows, throws and slippers guaranteed to keep you toasty during chilly season. Cream Cowtan & Tout 14×30 lumbar pillow, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. Nothing says snuggle up like these fur accessories from Villa Vici. Siberian Fox felt pillow (14×20), Truffle Chinchilla faux fur throw with velvet […]

NOH Real Estate

Tina Scott

A fan of relationship-driven business, Tina decided to become a realtor after 10 years at Crescent Title. Tina’s approach to providing realtor services for buyers and sellers is different by design. Her low-pressure, friendly manner combined with her skillful advocacy for clients’ best interests makes her a one-of-a-kind agent. “While a transaction, real estate is […]

NOH Real Estate

Patrick Liberto

Patrick Liberto believes that leverage—coupled with communication—is what provides optimal, seamless outcomes. With a background in hospitality service, Patrick fosters relationships of trust with clients, which has led to his success in real estate. Before founding Live Love Nola, Patrick joined forces with Keller Williams Realty New Orleans in 2017, where he was named Rookie of […]

NOH Real Estate

Keller Williams Realty New Orleans Cleans Up

Founded in 1998, Keller Williams Realty New Orleans consistently ranks among the top real estate companies in Greater New Orleans. This year, the leadership team and agents of Keller Williams Realty New Orleans have prioritized three focus areas for the future: environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and harnessing technology. An office renovation now underway will make […]

Faces of Design Winter 2021

Legend Interiors

[gtx_gallery] As a full-service kitchen and bath design company, Legend Interiors provides cabinetry, countertops, tile and design services to individuals, architects, interior designers and builders. “Our focus is smart, functional designs that complement our clients’ unique styles and needs,” says Founder & Owner Michael Baudin. Michael began his career in 2001 as a draftsman, designing […]

Faces of Design Winter 2021

LAS Shutters + Windows

With a background in Structural Engineering, LAS Enterprises’ Richard Maia, COO, enjoys marrying modern technologies and efficiencies with his hometown’s ageless architecture and style. Maia has spent countless hours studying the historical shutters and windows of New Orleans to assist in developing new profiles and products that perform to current standards while honoring historical […]

Faces of Design Winter 2021

Élan Studio Lighting

[gtx_gallery] In 2018, Élan Studio Lighting was established in a collaborative effort between lighting professional Jeremy Friloux and design professionals Heather Somers and Charles Silbernagel. Today, the award-winning Élan Studio Lighting showroom features their trademark style and brings a unique experience to Greater New Orleans. “Our first priority is to get to know our clients […]

NOH Real Estate

The Doussan Team

Working for his father as a teen, Jeffrey Doussan, Jr. grew up in real estate, learning the ropes of buying, selling, and property management at an early age. Today, he helms The Doussan Team, a company he established in 2015 to offer residential and commercial real estate services, property management, and succession planning. “This is […]

Getting Personal

A partial maximalist and total people person, interior designer Whitney Jones digs deep to create bold and comfortable spaces that personify each individual client’s style. Pretty Pottery A simple, earthy bowl is perfect for serving Mother Nature’s bounty and makes an artistic statement on its own. Rust and Sage Rimmed Studio Bowl, sundayshop.co Bird […]

Ida Floreak

Ida Floreak says love of art and love of nature were always part of her life. Growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she enjoyed drawing, painting, ceramics, and theater set design, and was enthralled by oceans, insects and the mathematical perfection that is the foundation of the natural world. Eventually, her two passions would merge, first […]

Features

New Build Of The Year

[gtx_gallery] The design duo behind New Orleans architecture and design firm Farouki Farouki have done it again. This time, it’s from the ground up. Sabri and Caroline Farouki, the architects of colorful local staples Justine, Maypop and Saffron, found an empty lot in the Lower Garden District and knew it would be their sanctuary. “It […]

Collected Calm

Decorate a room with the fall colors of burnished orange, rich browns, yellows and golds to imbue the space with a warmth left over by the summer sun, and a serenity that the busyness of summer has passed. Choose rich textures and fabrics with depth, and the coziness will make you feel cocooned. […]

Entertaining

Design Masters

A year and a half after the onset of a world-changing pandemic that suddenly had people at home most hours of the day, locals have had a chance to think about the meaning of home. As we’ve re-evaluated the role of our homes in our lives, we’ve also had the opportunity to consider the way […]

World Views

Brass candlestick: look to The Collective Shop for an array of vintage brass decorative objects; available at statementgoods.com. Box, vase, basket: Alexis hexagonal box with abalone lid, brass base and velvet lining; turquoise Sharine vase made of aluminum with a mix of aged green and antique brass finish; natural and black stained rattan Jaeger Centerpiece […]

Pretty in Paint

Most homeowners likely understand the aesthetic importance of keeping up their house’s exterior paint job. But maintaining exterior paint is important for other reasons, and is not a task that should be done only if the paint is obviously cracked or peeling. It is true the most obvious reason for applying a fresh coat of […]

Desk Set

After months of remote working or schooling, your home workspace — whether a standalone office or corner carve-out — might be ready for a refresh. According to Victoria Tran, owner and organizer at local organizing company Sorted, the key to a clean office is continuous culling. “Things pile up easily,” says Tran. “Once a pile […]

Simply Delicious

Oatmeal Crème Sandwiches Yields: 1-1 ½ dozen Cookie ½ cup coconut oil, melted ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup Steen’s cane syrup 1 ¼ cups almond flour 1 ½ cups rolled oats 2 cups shredded, unsweetened coconut ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk (coconut, almond, oat […]

Best of Home Winners

Each year our readers vote by online ballot for their favorite home design industry professionals in New Orleans. The businesses cover the scope of everything homeowners need to make and maintain a beautiful house and home. The votes have been tallied and we present our 2021 Best of Home winners. Best architect/architecture firm Albert Architecture […]

Seasons Change

Emily Shea Robín knows how to light up a room. This year, the born-and-bred Louisianan has cemented her position as both interior decorator and working mom. Armed with many years of professional experience, diligence, and instinct, this design impresario launched her own firm, Charlotte Logan Interiors, named after her two children. With fall upon us, […]

Light My Fire

$1,875 – $2,395 High Light The Plodes Geometric Fire Pit is as much a work of art as it is a place to gather round for warmth or for cooking. Created by Texas designer John Paul Plauché and his plodes studio, the fire pit is hand crafted from Corten steel, and is designed to weather […]

Bon Vivant

Personal Space

Last October, we moved from a Victorian-era apartment in Uptown to a nearby, charming circa-1900s shotgun. We gave up a few turn of the 20th-century architectural details, but gained a lot more space. The increase in space enabled me to create a proper reading nook, for which I will be eternally grateful. Whether you have […]

Sweater Weather

AUTUMN IN THE SOUTH, especially New Orleans, starts out looking and feeling a lot like summer. But that doesn’t make me look forward to it any less. Perhaps it’s the joy of knowing the temperature will drop any time now and soon throw blankets, hot beverages and crisp evening walks will prevail. This issue has […]

Lime Sizzler Firebush

1 Appearance The Lime Sizzler Firebush (Hamelia patens Grelmsiz) is a mounding, semi-woody perennial that sports variegated chartreuse yellow and lime green foliage with red veins. With a long bloom season from the late spring through the fall, the whorled arrangement of four leaves gives rise to clusters of red-orange tubular blooms. 2 Use The […]

Color Me Beautiful

[gtx_gallery] Photography by Sara Essex Bradley Historic Creole architecture and original materials provided an interesting backdrop for what would become a festive retreat for Dallas-based homeowners Karen and Steven Boulware. The couple, who purchased the French Quarter townhouse on Governor Nicholls as a second home, wanted a place where they could entertain, and, of course, […]

Sweet Spot

Whether being used to create a vignette, or to spruce up an otherwise mundane area, accent chairs provide that extra punch to bring a space to life. One we love is the new Coliseum Club Chair by the New Orleans furniture brand, Doorman Designs. The first iteration of the chair — which is modern, funky, […]

Home + Design

Finely Crafted

New Orleans-based lifestyle brand Elysian has added a new category to its curated Bespoke Home Goods Collection, which includes home linens, to now include the Bespoke Tableware Collection. The selection of products features hand-painted ceramic tableware, handmade silk napkins, handmade silk placemats, made-to-order silk lampshades and hand-blown and -painted vases. Elysian’s bespoke designs can be made-to-order […]

Timeless Appeal

With a booming real estate market, plenty of area homeowners are considering a move. Simultaneously, other homeowners have taken advantage of a homebound several months and embarked on renovation projects to improve their home’s function or outdated design. Both groups are likely calculating or considering their homes’ resale value, and this season, we’ve checked in […]

Faces of Design 2021

MLM Incorporated

[gtx_gallery] Forget all your preconceptions about construction, because when you call MLM Incorporated for your commercial or residential project, you’re guaranteed a standard of excellence that defies all expectations. “We successfully took the old ‘can’t get the contractor on the phone’ stigma out of the business model,” says company founder Machi Medrzycki. “We use […]

Home Renewal | Landscaping 101

When you own a home, your lawn and yard are your responsibility. If you don’t think to take care of these spaces, it won’t get done. Most people remember to do things like mow lawns because it’s an obvious task. If you look out the window and see shin-high grass, anyone will know you need […]

Inspiration Board | Life Al Fresco

Adan Planter, from Villa Vici, villavici.com Outdoor Rocky Beach Terrazzo Stool, artisan-crafted from terrazzo concrete, from Arhaus, arhaus.com Outdoor round concrete fire pit, from Arhaus Outdoor, arhaus.com Three off-set shelves on the James Bar Outdoor Trolley from Sunday Shop, shopsundayshop.co Scalloped octagonal market umbrella in aluminium and all-weather stain and […]

Predestined

[gtx_gallery] From the beginning, it was meant to be. Jennifer Farris flew home from her New York City apartment for some New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival jams and jubilee. During the visit, her friend Ansley Marshall introduced Jennifer to her future husband, Lee McMillan III. “Two weeks later, we ended up walking down the […]

Design Diary | Nascent Venture

Hattie Collins, owner of the erstwhile Hattie Sparks boutique, recently forayed into the world of decorating. Though the boutique — which specialized in women’s clothing, unique jewelry and gift items, accent pieces and art — is now closed, it served as the perfect launch pad for this new venture. With a master’s degree in art […]

Nate Sheaffer

[gtx_gallery] Nate Sheaffer began an art career that has spanned nearly 40 years by blowing glass while in college at the University of North Carolina. By the time he graduated in 1986 with a degree in German, working with glass had led to an enduring passion for neon and to Sheaffer’s first neon business. […]

Bright Ideas | Staying Cool

Denizen of the French Quarter, Peter Patout knows classical Southern homes. As both an architecture historian and licensed historic property realtor, Patout says there’s much to be gleaned from the structures of old New Orleans houses. Going back to the early roots of the city, new inhabitants embraced design elements that were beautiful and practical; […]

Entertaining

Gatherings | Goodness To-Go

Picnic Pasta Salad with Oregano Dill Dressing Serves 6-8 Dressing 1 ½ cups vegan mayo ½ cup finely chopped fresh oregano ½ cup finely chopped fresh dill 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 garlic clove, minced ½ teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon freshly […]

Style | Well Edited

Acrylic display pieces Boxes, plinths or pedestals in acrylic or lucite transform ordinary objects into stunning displays of art. Tara Shaw, tarashaw.com. Handwoven baskets Perfect for bringing texture into an otherwise sleek space and for containing everything from plants to pool toys. West Elm, westelm.com. Turkish towels Made on the traditional Turkish loom […]

Last Indulgence | Perky Pillows

When it comes to decorating, sometimes it just takes a small accessory to change things up. Enter colorful throw pillows that can really brighten up a space, especially when it comes to outdoor living. Not only are they easy to change out when you want a different vibe, but those made for outdoor use are […]

Down to Details

[gtx_gallery] A newly remodeled, 12,300-square-foot home in River Ridge not only exemplifies the New Orleans aesthetic, but it also showcases the homeowners’ travels with acute attention to detail. “This home really shouts unique creativity and complete originality,” says Nicole Ruppel Jones, kitchen and bath designer and remodeler at Legends Interiors. “Just like the streets of […]

Editor’s Note

THIS TIME LAST YEAR, my husband and I were planning Sunday drives and chicken and champagne picnics, in addition to any other form of safe entertainment we could cook up. The city was two months into pandemic lockdowns with no end in sight, everything had gone virtual and everyone was baking sourdough bread. Cut […]

Faces of Design 2021

MULLIN

[gtx_gallery] One positive takeaway from the last year is that homeowners are embracing their outdoor spaces more than ever and experiencing the joys of having a lush and relaxing space. For Mullin, this means more opportunities to use the company’s strengths in design and multi-faceted construction and be a partner in developing and maintaining […]

Bon Vivant | Brunch Bunch

In May, I june the 11-month mark of a year-long alcohol-free challenge. (It’s going well, I don’t miss booze and I feel great, thanks for asking!) I like to celebrate these milestones with treats and rewards, including creating alcohol-free versions of my favorite cocktails. One that has become a staple of my repertoire, both because […]

Entertaining

High and Dry

Summer fashion and design go beyond the latest in swimwear when hitting the water. What you choose to wrap yourself up in after a dip also counts. We’ve selected the best beach, cabana and poolside towels that will keep you clean, sand-free and dry in style and in comfort. $54 French Style The “Toujours” beach […]

Nowhere to Go But Up

[gtx_gallery] When Shelly Pecot bought her Uptown house four years ago, she knew she wanted to add a pool and outdoor living space, but she didn’t want to lose the much-needed and well-utilized parking area that occupied most of the space behind the house. Pecot and her two daughters, both of whom live in New […]

Home + Design

Ask the Experts | New Life

The home design and décor industries are getting a lot of attention this year as homeowners — having experienced an all new way of life — are more interested in the colors, shapes and textures that they see and feel more often than ever. With the arrival of summer, another seasonal shift brings new looks […]

Home Grown | Garlic

1 Use Cultivated for the distinct flavor of its bulb, garlic is a robust and frequently used ingredient in almost everyone’s kitchen. Additionally, it has many medicinal applications, especially for regulating blood pressure. 2 Learn Garlic is in the same family as onions, chives, shallots and leeks. It is one of the oldest food flavorings. […]

Get Organized | Curated Cabana

Ah, the pool house. It gives swimmers a place to freshen up and enjoy a snack or drink. Plus, guests aren’t tramping through the house in dripping swimsuits. But with all of the use — toys, floats, pool equipment, wet towels and wetter swim suits — the pool space is often disorganized and potentially dangerous. […]

For the Garden | Zen and Now

Local landscape architect Robin Tanner doesn’t have a formal resume or a detailed curriculum vitae but his extraordinary work can be found throughout the city. Much of it beautifies the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park. “Robin Tanner’s landscape designs engage our visitors and allows them to appreciate his work as an art form,” […]

Trendwatch | Pool Party!

Nothing says summertime quite like a waterside soiree. These vibrant picks for al fresco entertaining are sure to make a splash. Chair, gingham tablecloth and striped throw pillow: Robert Wengler chair woven of Manau and Tohiti rattan, linen gingham tablecloth by Maison de Vacances and Tensira pillow made from 100 percent cotton in West Africa, […]

Why Use the BBB?

When you need work done on your home, there’s a lot on your mind. It’s a costly venture inside your house (an already expensive endeavor), so you likely feel a strong pressure to get it right. Hiring the wrong contractor can lead to financial and emotional hassle. But many of us are not home repair […]

Parade of Homes

Free and open to the public hbagno.org/paradeofhomes Danos Development 606 Tall Oaks Ct. Belle Chasse 504-738-4434 Flick Homes 170 Green Trials Dr. Belle Chasse 504-329-9032 Flick Homes 103 Kellywood Ct. Belle Chasse 504-329-9033 Hoskin Homes 110 Hardwood Dr. Belle Chasse 504-400-7771 Tyson Construction 154 Green Trials Dr. Belle Chasse 504-905-1042 RMC Construction 174 […]

Home Grown | Asparagus

1 Grow The plant is a perennial, grown from rhizomes that form crowns. In New Orleans, asparagus planted in spring probably won’t survive the hot summer. So autumn is the only time of year to plant asparagus in the South. 2 Prep and Store Large spears of asparagus can have tough skins. Use a […]

Features

Renovation of the Year

An Uptown couple who met in Washington, D.C., and got married in 2012, recently completed the home renovation of their dreams with the help of architect William Sonner (of William Sonner Designs) and Chris Kornman, partner at Entablature (a local general contracting company). The 4,717-square-foot home is on Prytania Street between Valmont and Dufossat streets, […]

Trendwatch | Garden Variety

Decorative metal artichoke, Dunn & Sonnier, dunnandsonnier.com; 1940s iron Salterini chair with green and white striped seat (set of four), Merchant House, merchanthouse.co; straw sun hat and faux boxwood bush, The Plant Gallery, theplantgallery.com; vintage glazed Chinese garden stool, terra cotta anduze pot and boxwood ball, Graci Interiors, graciinteriors.com; ornamental ceramic bird, Harold’s, haroldsplants.com; Henri […]

Home + Design

Get Organized | Bloom Where Planted

Spring is a time of new life, bright green sprouts, and the beaming yellow hope of daffodils. It’s also the time for spring cleaning and garden planting so why not combine the two by organizing and updating your garden shed. Because of its versatility and utility, a mobile cart is a must-have garden item. It […]

Inspiration Board | Soothing Hues

Amazilia by Harlequin wallpaper designed with etched trailing flowers with vivid amazilia hummingbirds from Spruce, sprucenola.com Clark table lamp by Lambert et Fils in brass, Dromedary sofa loveseat with reverse camel-back hump in olive velluto and maple wood finish both from Sunday Shop sundayshop.co Wing chest in sandblasted oak veneer with […]

Bright Ideas | Plant Power

Architect and designer Benjamin Massey believes in the power of the plant kingdom. While Massey’s talents are firmly rooted in residential architecture and interior design, this New Orleans native has a penchant for perennial plants and lush landscapes. “Greenery is beautiful and integral to our environment; however, in design, plants and flowers are sometimes overlooked,” […]

Home Renewal | Play It Safe

Keeping your home safe is not limited to locking the doors and installing a home security system. There are a number of toxic substances like mold, asbestos, and lead that can pose health risks if they’re not mitigated. Fortunately, there are measures homeowners can employ to make their houses safer. Lead Amelia Yates, revival […]

Home + Design

Last Indulgence | Light Bright

In addition to thinking about furniture arrangement, mixed textures and multiple light sources, it’s always a great idea to make sure your space smells just as wonderful as it looks. Locally, be sure to check out Wicks Nola — a Black and female-owned line of luxury candles and home fragrances (including wax melts and room […]

Bon Vivant | Accessory Access

Even with the vaccine being administered into arms across New Orleans and the nation, we are still being advised to wear masks for a while longer to protect ourselves and others. For a longer time than I care to admit, our mask and hand sanitizer “station” was a gallon Ziplock bag hanging on a decorative […]

Entertaining

Gatherings | Flavor Fiesta

Chile and Turmeric Roast Pork Shoulder Serves 6-8 1 ½ tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 6 garlic cloves, peeled ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed ½ teaspoon ground cumin seed ½ teaspoon morita chile powder (substitute chipotle chile powder) 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (if using a coarser […]

Editor’s Note

THERESA CASSAGNE PHOTO We can now add transforming our homes, porches and yards into floats to our decorating skill sets. If you said to me during the 2020 Carnival season that’s how we’d spend the 2021 season, I’d have told you to stop pulling my leg. But, we’ve seen and done so much we never […]

Sunny + Bright

When husband and wife Ibert Schultz and Jessica Rambo chose Maureen Stevens of Maureen Stevens Design to decorate the interior of the Lower Garden District house they purchased in 2019, they quickly found that they shared a common vision — or as Rambo puts it, they “shared a brain.” “We both wanted to celebrate New […]

Style | Character Building

1. ORIGINAL ART As an architect and art lover, I find joy in giving art a place to call home. I’ve worked with NOMA, private galleries and homeowners to create spaces for showcasing special pieces, and I’m currently mesmerized by rising star and Louisiana-native Brian Guidry. Arthur Roger Gallery, arthurrogergallery.com. 2. HANDMADE CERAMICS Point […]

Artist Profile

[gtx_gallery] Carlton Scott Sturgill’s fabric floral installations are captivating paeans to blooms and vines, the perfect artistic genre for the season of rebirth. Yet, woven into each are layers of examination and commentary that become evident when one looks more closely. At the heart of Sturgill’s work (ranging from racy naturalistic paintings inspired by […]

Home + Design

For The Garden | Spring is in the Air

Spring is here and as your joyous work begins, here are a few tips and thoughts from some of the city’s top gardeners: Amy Graham, director of horticulture at Longue Vue House & Gardens; Chase Mullin of Mullin Landscape; Kurt LeBlanc, manager of Harold’s Plants; Tom Wolfe, owner of Urban Roots and Kathy McNamara, New […]

Features

Kitchen Dream

Contractor: MONTES Construction Services Designer: Valerie Legras Atelier Cabinets: Custom-made Artisan Millshop Flooring: Existing hardwood floor Countertops: Taj Mahal at Palatial Stone & Tile Backsplash: Custom-made Venetian plaster and hand painted wall art. Drawing by Valerie Legras. Created by Ann Marie Auricchio Fixtures: Kohler Lighting: Hand blowed in Italy at Artemide Doorknobs: Emtek Furniture: Bar […]

Price Mix | Knives Out

As spring begins to bloom across the city, many gardeners may be looking to up their garden game and tool belt. The humble garden knife is the ultimate multi-purpose (and dare we say elegant) tool to add to any potting shed, flower bed or vegetable patch. It can be used to do everything from digging, […]

Ask the Experts | Home Economics

Lately, when I watch home design shows filmed pre-pandemic, I find myself talking to the TV, trying to warn the homeowners and renters about how their choices won’t make as much sense when spring of 2020 arrives. But there they are, removing walls for open floorplans or forgoing any outdoor space for that small, luxury […]

Ask the Experts | Colorways

Designers have been expressing a lot of excitement over the last year on the reemergence of color in home design, as all white rooms give way to bolder looks. And with all the recent time spent at home, some homeowners are growing tired of sterile environments and are ready to shake things up. This season, […]

Price Mix | Impressed

Chic, sleek and classic, French press coffee makers are coffee connoisseurs’ favorite way to brew their morning, afternoon or post-dinner cup. French press makers do not employ paper filters, thus letting the natural oils and flavors of the coffee bloom in every brew. Plus, no waste means it’s better for the environment. Win-win! Simply place […]

Inspiration Board | Cozy Corner

Jaclyn settee from eclectichome.net Dark Rose sheepskin pelt from sundayshop.co Bubblegum Lady in Burgundy from perchneworleans.myshopify.com Scissor Wall Lamp from eclectichome.net “Lotus” wallpaper by Farrow & Ball from sprucenola.com Table by French artist Jean-Pierre Viot with painted ceramic top and wooden legs from katiekochhome.com

Home Renewal | Home Checklist

Owning a house brings with it many responsibilities. Some parts of upkeep and maintenance are easy to remember. For example, if you forget to mow your lawn, you’ll notice it when the grass becomes overgrown. But there are many things homeowners should remember to do on a regular basis that are all too easy to […]

Last Indulgence | Electric Light

Many associate the grandeur of crystal chandeliers with notions of a traditional aesthetic. However, like various timeless trends, chandeliers have evolved into the world of contemporary design. Of course, New Orleans has its share of historic, traditional homes, but mixing in contemporary pieces allows for a perfect balance of design paradigms. Plattsburgh, New York-based Schonbek […]

Features

Borne Again

[gtx_gallery] Church jokes and references pepper the conversation when Robin and Scott Borne talk about their Mid-City house, which was once a Lutheran church. For instance, the couple affectionately call their residence the “Borne Again Church.” They moved the church’s altar to the existing back house (once the church rectory) where they use it […]

Features

Down to the Wire

[gtx_gallery] When homeowners Kristin and Chris Smith hired their friends Marsha Baker, Stacey Davis and Stacy Johnson of Envy Interiors in Baton Rouge to give the Uptown house they’d recently purchased a ground-floor refresh, they agreed to move out so the designers could move in. “We did the install in a week,” says Baker, noting […]

Trendwatch | Go Bold

Whimsical black and white striped ball pillow, double-sided black and white eye pillows featuring inverted colorways and embroidery stitched Eye of Horus, the ancient Egyptian symbol for royalty, good health and protection, knobby brown Moro Orb Cushion in Jacquard cotton, linen and wool blend, and faux Siberian fox fur throw with velvet lining, available at […]

Arts + Entertainment

Masters of Their Craft | Bohemian Dreams

[gtx_gallery] Liz Kamarul is a professional home stager, interior designer and artist. She’s also a blogger with a healthy Instagram following of 126,000 followers. Kamarul gets a lot of inspiration from fellow Instagrammers and describes her style as Bohemian. She says, “I’m a follow-no-rules, go-with-your-gut, designer and stylist.” She’s also a thrift shopper and is […]

Home Grown | Paradise Found

1 What? Known for its stunning tropical flowers, the bird of paradise is a staple in many New Orleans courtyards, backyards and patios. The vibrant flowers nestle among thick green leaves and look as if cranes are delicately perched in the foliage. 2 How? The plant grows slowly in clumps as its underground stem divides. […]

For the Garden | Planting seeds

Krystle Sims-Cameron’s first experience growing food was a plum tree. At age 6, she planted a plum pit in the corner of her yard. “My mom told me that it was pointless to plant it,” she says. “Years later, on a nostalgic whim, I drove past my childhood home. In the same corner that I […]

Ready, Set, Roast.

Dijon Roasted Chicken 1 3-3.5 pound chicken broken down into 8 pieces (or your favorite cuts of chicken) 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes cut into wedges 2 medium red onions, sliced 10-12 whole cloves garlic 1 red bell pepper, julienned 1 bulb fennel, julienned ⅓ cup Dijon mustard zest and juice of 2 lemons ¼ […]

Bon Vivant

Bon Vivant | Party People

With slightly loosened restrictions and friend and family “pods” (groups of people who have agreed to follow the same safety protocols so they can socialize without social distancing), party people are eager for do’s and don’ts. We are all making it up as we go, but using the mandates set forth by the government and […]

Artist Profile

[gtx_gallery] In a time when the lower half of the human face is often obscured by a mask, artist and attorney Jeff Pastorek’s work offers a welcome window into the range of emotions faces communicate. His colorful grids of mask-like human and animal visages examine human behavior, illustrate the similarities and differences between creatures, […]

Get Organized | Neat Nook

Even for those who find mornings challenging, a well-organized and well-appointed breakfast nook can be the perfect place to launch one’s busy day, the comfy corner to lazily brunch on the weekend or the oasis to wind down after that busy day with a buttery chardonnay. Let’s face it, a formal dining room can feel […]

Style | PILLOW TALK

Unusual Containers and Vases Flowers and plants are gifts from nature and they deserve to be showcased in really special vessels. I’m especially keen on bold and whimsical ceramic pieces made by artisans in Italy. Sud, sudneworleans.com Design Books There is no better way to spend a dreary winter day than to nest […]

Editor’s Note

Cozy, comfortable, warm, homey and snug continue to be my design inspiration words or theme, as we navigate the pandemic. Soft throw blankets and hot chocolate have dominated many of my days and evenings lately and I’m not alone in my pursuits. As I skim through my Instagram feed (follow me at @melaniewarnerspencer), I’m bombarded […]

Design Diary

Art of Lighting Locally based lighting designer and artist Julie Neill has created a collection of new light fixtures for Visual Comfort & Co., a designer lighting company based out of Houston. Neill finds inspiration for many of her designs in the culture and landscape of New Orleans, and the sense of creative spirit inherent […]

Gimme Shelter

Not surprisingly, I have long been obsessed with not only shelter magazines, like this one, but also books about design and architecture, as well as anything about the very concept of home. I finally got down to the business of reading “The Yellow House” by New Orleans-native Sarah Broom. Set in New Orleans East, in […]

In Great Taste

1. “Stone Soup” market tote by Annie Selke, Perino’s Home & Garden Center, Metairie, perinos.com 2. Lugano fondue set by Swissmar, St. James Cheese Co. stjamescheese.com 3. Set of three Itza wood tasting spoons by Bloomist, bloomist.com 4. Zanzibar Trellis cheese knife set by Schumacher for Williams-Sonoma, Metairie, williams-sonoma.com 5. Modern square mortar and pestle […]

Out of Your Gourd

Roasted Acorn Squash with Louisiana Lump Crab, Hollandaise Sauce and Pistachio Roasted Winter Squash 2 acorn squash 1 ounce molasses 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature kosher salt black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Combine butter and molasses to create a smooth paste. 3. Cut acorn squash into fourths and remove […]

Home + Design

Join the Club

You might think garden clubs consist only of genteel ladies sipping mint tea while discussing wisteria and roses. But throughout their history, garden clubs have made a major impact on the environment. They’ve addressed such issues as groundwater runoff, billboard advertisements and littering. In the New Orleans area, we have numerous clubs specializing in everything […]

Illuminating Tradition

For decades, the enchanting flicker of French Quarter lanterns has illuminated our courtyards, homes and boulevards. With equal parts romance, history and utility these iconic fixtures provide a timeless elegance to our lives. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights is a fourth-generation, family-owned business and the oldest continuously operating gas light manufacturer in the country. For […]

Homeward Bound

Striated glaze ceramic jar by artist Dario Magro and glazed ceramic sea urchin by Gioacchino Autovino, made in Sicily and available at Sud, sudneworleans.com Vintage blue Eastern European bud vase and “Tales from the Roads Less Traveled” by Dutch photographer Pie Aerts, Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co Hand-painted brass floral sculpture by Tommy Mitchell of Chapel Hill, […]

Home + Design

New Build of the Year

Native New Orleanians Chris and Rachel Forstall first met at his cousin’s wedding in 2004, and the dynamic duo has been inseparable ever since. Chris, who has wanted to be a veterinarian since he was in fifth grade, opened Southshore Animal Hospital in Metairie (along with Dr. Mark Pearce and Dr. Philip D’Antonio) in June […]

Features

Color Pop

Elan, flair, panache: Whatever you choose to call it, Susan Currie’s home has it. The local interior designer and principal of her eponymous firm, Susan Currie Design, has a passion for color that shines through all of her projects. Symmetry, which she also finds appealing, is another piece of a larger puzzle that she says […]

Best of Home Winners

Each year our readers vote by online ballot for their favorite home design industry professionals in New Orleans. The businesses cover the scope of everything homeowners need to make and maintain a beautiful house and home. The votes have been tallied and we present our 2020 Best of Home winners. Best of Architecture Flynn Designs […]

Design Masters

As in years past, each of this year’s New Orleans Homes Design Masters has creativity in spades. Despite the fact that many businesses have suffered this year there is, as always, reason to be hopeful for continued creativity in the Big Easy. To survive the challenged economy, members of the design community are putting their […]

Design Master: Jose Alvarez

ARCHITECT Jose Alvarez WHO: Jose Alvarez, principal at Eskew Dumez Ripple (EDR). WHAT: At EDR we build places for people, our work enhances lives. We craft beautiful buildings that celebrate their native places, providing a framework for the life that occurs within and around them. WHERE: Since 1989, we have worked, lived, and played in […]

Design Master: Chuck Rutledge

INNOVATIVE BUILDING Chuck Rutledge WHO: Chuck Rutledge, developer; Jonathan Tate, architect (Office of Jonathan Tate); Pierre Stouse, contractor (Edifice Builders LLC) – All are co-developers. WHAT: We are a loose association of project partners (and friends) who join forces formally on a project-by-project basis when we find interesting infill opportunities. We usually work in New […]

Design Master: Casi St. Julian

INTERIOR DESIGN Casi St. Julian WHO: Casi Francis St. Julian, senior interior designer at Eclectic Home New Orleans + After Dark Wallpaper Collection. WHAT: Our design firm offers interior design services [and] retail. Projects include residential and commercial design offering renovation, new construction and decorating services for clients across the country. Our showroom also provides […]

Design Master: Michael Baudin

KITCHENS Michael Baudin WHO: Michael Baudin, owner and founder of Legend Interiors. WHAT: Legend Interiors is a full-service kitchen and bath design company. We provide cabinetry, countertops, tile and design services to individuals, architects, interior designers and builders. Our focus is smart, functional designs that complement our clients’ unique styles and needs. WHERE: Our design […]

Design Masters: Michael Shoriak and Courtney Williams

CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION Michael Shoriak and Courtney Williams WHO: Michael Shoriak and Courtney Williams of Cypress Building Conservation. WHAT: An architectural conservation company. We consult on all aspects of historic restoration projects, from documentation and research to laboratory analysis of historic finishes. We also hold a commercial contractor’s license. WHERE: All over the city. Sometimes elsewhere […]

Design Master: Sean Wilkerson

GREEN DESIGN Sean Wilkerson WHO: Sean Wilkerson, The Bank Architectural Antiques. WHAT: Architectural antiques, sales and service. Specializing in historical building materials of New Orleans. [A] 40,000-square-foot warehousing old cypress doors, mantels, shutters, corbels, moldings and hardware for sale to renovate historic homes or supply new construction projects with old-world appeal. Paint removal and full […]

Design Master: Byron Veal

ARTISAN Byron Veal WHO: Byron Veal, artisan. WHAT: I offer exterior stucco wall systems in multiple textures, colors and finishes. I also provide interior plaster systems, replications of moldings, medallions, sconces [and so forth]. WHERE: Uptown, Garden District, CBD, French Quarter and Old Metairie. WHEN: In 2007, Detailed Plastering & Stucco Systems became the new […]

Design Master: Kirsten Gaiennie

LIGHTING Kirsten Gaiennie WHO: Kirsten Gaiennie, co-owner Sazerac Stitches. WHAT: Small lighting and design studio that designs and makes everything by hand. WHERE: The design studio is in the Lower Garden District, 1218 Annunciation St. WHEN: Started in 2012 by Kirsten and her husband, Matthew Gaiennie. HOW: Neither of us have a design background and […]

Design Masters: Alyssa and Erikdavid Kraemer

FURNITURE DESIGN Alyssa and Erikdavid Kraemer WHO: Alyssa and Erikdavid Kraemer, owners of E. Kraemer Fine Metal & Woodwork. WHAT: We are a high-end fabrication studio specializing in the design and build of furnishings and architectural elements for residential and commercial spaces. WHERE: All custom pieces are designed and fabricated in our 14,000-square-foot facility located […]

Get Floored

The floor is one of the most important parts of your home. It takes up a lot of space and must withstand constant daily use. Like any other part of home construction or renovation, choosing and installing the right floor for your house requires care and planning to get the result you want. Waterproof flooring […]

Inspiration Board: Mix and Match

[gtx_gallery]

Home + Design

Storytelling

Everything about a home makes a statement. While the colors and textures of your walls and floors certainly affect the level of welcome or personality, furnishings introduce the most play and the most fun. How we fill a space tells the story of who we are, what we love and where we find comfort. From […]

Lovely Libations

Hugh Bar Cart by Worlds Away, 36-inches wide by 34-inches high by 20-inches deep, $1,347, at Eclectic Home, available for in-store or curbside pickup The only thing better than a fully stocked bar is a gorgeous, fully stocked bar cart. It’s the perfect example of form meets function. Not only can you move it to […]

Ask the Experts: The Great Outdoors

While a stay-at-home attitude doesn’t typically describe the New Orleans way, it’s fair to say that recent events and recommendations for social distancing have given locals a new way to experience their homes, neighborhoods and community. Thank goodness for the beautiful weather that provided a pleasant backdrop for getting reacquainted with our outdoor spaces — […]

Poolside Service

Relaxing by the pool is a favorite summertime activity. But what to do when happy hour rolls around? Who wants to bring the party inside? We’ve searched and found the most stylish acrylic cocktail glasses in classic shapes and cool colors so that you can keep the party going, poolside. $15.96 set of […]

Last Indulgence: Plush Perch

In addition to providing additional (and movable) seating options, the versatile pouf also can act as a foot rest or a side table. Even better, poufs add softness and a certain sense of coziness to a space that might otherwise be overwhelmed by visible angles and straight lines. They come in an array of styles, […]

Home Grown: The Real Dill

1. Through the ages Ancient Romans considered dill weed a good luck symbol and ancient Egyptians used it to ward off witches. Many cultures cultivated it for its medicinal qualities, particularly its ability to calm a queasy stomach. 2. In the kitchen Dill is also a classic taste of summer. It’s used in everything […]

Designer’s Own

It’s not unusual for a designer’s surroundings to be beautiful — and Nomita Joshi Gupta’s are no exception. Since Nomita and her husband Shammi (a physician) first purchased their 1920s house in 2011, it has been the place for Nomita to put some of her favorite ideas to work. “I love the access to everything […]

Style: GLOBAL VIEW

1. Cockpit desk clock by Pendulux National World War II Museum Store, 945 Magazine St., 528-1944 (Ext.244), pendulux.com 2. Travel Home by Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., 899-READ, octaviabooks.com 3. Cape Town candle by Niven Morgan, Little Miss Muffin 766 Harrison Ave., 482-8200, nivenmorgan.com. 4. Santorini tub […]

Get Organized: Porch Perfect

Whether they’re wraparound, screened in or versatile verandas, New Orleanians’ porches are the perfect place to peruse the morning newspaper, unwind after a hectic day or gather for an impromptu serenade. Sipping sweet tea or a glass of chardonnay while leisurely swinging on a wide pillow-clad porch swing is the height of Southern gentility. Keeping […]

Design Diary

Fine Furnishings A new offering of custom upholstery furnishings allows total customization Eclectic Home, a 7,000-square-foot showroom and design center, recently debuted its EH Collection — a custom upholstery line for furnishings ranging from traditional to modern styles. The carefully designed and curated line reflects Eclectic Home’s innovative yet timeless design aesthetic. In addition, Eclectic […]

Home + Design

For the Garden: Serenity Now

After more than 1,300 years, Japanese gardens continue to provide peace and tranquility. They are studies in balance and harmony, gracefully combining natural beauty with serenity. They can be spacious with large waterfalls, huge boulders, elegant red bridges and stone paths or small, soothing gardens in backyards, patios or courtyards. The key to designing your […]

Masters of Their Craft: Joyful Light

“I was always fascinated by the beauty of stained glass,” says Cynthia Courage, owner of Attenhofer’s Stained Glass, a full-service art glass studio. Years ago, she needed stained glass for her home. Ken Attenhofer, the studio owner, suggested that she take a stained glass class to make her own project. “This was a six-week class […]

Home + Design

Home Renewal: Master Plan

If you are thinking about home renovations, there are a number things to consider before spending time and money on a project. The more homework you do in advance, the more money and headaches you will spare yourself down the road. Once you begin the process, expect it to be time-consuming and arm yourself with […]

Inspiration Board: Home Retreat

Vert Coffee Table Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co Sheepskin Wool Rug in Taupe Arhaus, arhaus.com Rust Linen Lumbar Pillow Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co Filmore Sofa in Theater Granite Arhaus, arhaus.com Pink Stairway Framed Print Arhaus, arhaus.com Ivory Ceramic Glaze Lamp Accented in Gilded Gold Base and Neck Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net

Parade of Homes

July 11 & 12 and 18 & 19 1-5pm 3D Virtual Tours hbagno.org/poh Download the mobile app today! Win this house! St. Jude Dream Home Builder: Hyman L. Bartolo Contractors Lakeview 6446 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, 70124 [gtx_gallery]

Inside Out

For Nathan Fell, founder and principle of Nathan Fell Architecture, long and narrow site constraints — those typical of New Orleans — informed a unique solution when designing his personal home in Mid-City. He decided to create space below the second story of the home, effectively situating a heated pool and hot tub alongside the […]

Editor’s Note: Cozy Comfort

Much like every aspect of navigating life through a global pandemic, creating magazines during one is a surreal experience. It of course can seem a bit unimportant or frivolous to cover lifestyle when so many are suffering all around us, particularly in New Orleans, with its celebrated hospitality, events and retail industries. Our home design […]

Entertaining

Gatherings: Big Easy Cheesy

Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Ingredients 1 pound macaroni noodles salt, to taste 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup minced garlic 2 tablespoons flour 1 pint milk 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 pound shredded American cheese 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Directions 1. Boil macaroni […]

Bon Vivant: Hot Water

The abrupt transition into social distancing and self-isolation since the COVID-19 outbreak has many of us seeking creature comforts, distractions, tips and simply a sense of normalcy. I’ve certainly begun clinging to small daily rituals, such as meditation and journaling, cultivated to stay balanced and resumed those that fell to the wayside, such as afternoon tea. Making a […]

Artist Profile: Annie Moran

[gtx_gallery] After years as a designer in New York, Cane River native and LSU College of Art & Design graduate Annie Moran returned to her Louisiana roots. Today, the artist, illustrator and designer lives in New Orleans, where she produces art, fashion and home goods that reflect her love of nature and local culture. Moran […]

Inspired Kitchens

Contractor: Jeremiah Watson Designer: Sherry Shirah Designs Cabinets: Shaker-style, custom built by Jeremiah Watson; Paint – Sherwin-Williams Rookwood Sash Green Flooring: 5-inch white oak, Jeremiah Watson Countertops: Caesarstone Quartz Backsplash: White beveled subway tile Lighting: Pottery Barn Classic Rod Pendant, Glass Globe (in brass) Door knobs: Schoolhouse Ruth knob in satin brass Furniture: Earhart counter […]

In the Pink

“I’m not a designer or a decorator—I’m a stylist.” Looking back, Margaret Zainey Roux recalls that her love of old houses and interior design began early. “Growing up in the early ‘80s everybody wanted the Barbie Dream House, but I wanted an old school Victorian dollhouse,” says the native New Orleanian. “Even as a child, […]

Renovation of the Year

When empty nesters Judy and Bob Hendel relocated to New Orleans from Miami so Bob could head up Tulane University’s Heart & Vascular Institute, they originally thought they wanted to downsize to a smaller home. But after touring a huge Victorian Uptown, the Hendels put aside any notions of compact living. Both Judy and Bob […]

Trendwatch: Pet Friendly

Vibrant, mix and match melamine serve ware and whimsical hedgehog bar towels, available in a large range of sizes and styles at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com; “Resident Dog: Incredible Homes and the Dogs That Live There” by Nicole England, available at White’s Mercantile, whitesmercantile.com; customizable trivet featuring the pet of your choice, available at Queork, queork.com. Framed […]

Masters of Their Craft: Miles of Tiles

Years ago, a young couple of urban potters began quietly building a joyous life and a thriving business on Magazine Street. This year, Mark and Ann-Marie Derby will be celebrating 20 years of business as the owners of Derby Pottery & Tile. “It was a risk,” says Ann-Marie. “There wasn’t a master business plan; we […]

Home Grown: Ultra Violets

1 Window dressing Travers C. Koerner, Priest Associate with Christ Church Cathedral and violet enthusiast, says, “I’ve been very successful with them in a windowsill where they get a couple of hours of full early morning sun.” 2 Humidity rules Because they love humidity, consider placing pots on a tray of pebbles and add lukewarm […]

For the Garden: Cooking Out

“Everyone’s life is so hectic, and there are so few places you can relax,” says Paul Soniat, Director of the New Orleans City Park Botanical Gardens. “Our new Kitchen the Garden is a great place to come and just chill out.” Last October, New Orleans Botanical Garden opened its Kitchen in the Garden. It’s located […]

Homepage

Gatherings: Green with Envy

Seafood Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Seafood Salad 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/8 cup crab boil seasoning ¼ cup salt 4 lemons, squeezed 2 bay leaves 1/8 cup Creole spices ½ gallon water 1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, cleaned Directions 1. Combine crab boil, salt, lemons, bay leaves, Creole spices and water in […]

Bon Vivant

Bon Vivant: Spring Fling

Springtime is high time for seasonal veggies and, my favorite, fruits. Thankfully, New Orleans is home to several farmers markets throughout the week, local and national grocery stores committed to carrying fresh, local food and services which bring the goods to your doorstep. Since Hurricane Katrina, multiple programs, such as the Fresh Food Retailers Initiative, […]

Artist Profile: Scott Ewen

Scott Ewen has always been surrounded by art and artists. His uncle is sculptor Bill Binnings; his mother, writer and poet Pamela Binnings Ewen; his grandfather, a successful business owner in the shipping industry, always encouraged an appreciation of the arts. Ewen himself studied film and photography at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and […]

Get Organized: Double Duty

It’s Easter, and the heirloom lace tablecloth drapes a table set with cherished china, polished sterling and sparkling crystal. Once again, your formal dining room takes center stage, making priceless family memories. But if this square footage is only used a few times of year, is it really the best use of space? Many homeowners […]

Style: Singing the Blues

1. Framed blue agate with double white mat Haven Custom Furnishings, 300 Jefferson Hwy., 304-2144 2. Handmade silk velvet lumbar pillow backed in silk cotton ikat Elysian by Em, 236-6096 3. Le Jacquard Francais “Fleur de Kyoto” cotton napkins Sotre, 3933 Magazine St., 304-9475 4. Silk ikat pleated lampshade handmade in Istanbul Elysian by Em, […]

Design Diary

Southern Flair New Orleans-based Doorman Designs — a furniture brand known for its handcrafted woodwork — has launched a new e-commerce site. Founder Alex Geriner also has been busy moving into a new workshop, where he offers tours and a behind-the-scenes look at his craft. With a focus on sustainability and preservation, Doorman only uses materials […]

Editor’s Note: Home Style

For many years, a big part of my job was photo styling. I’d work with the photographers at whatever publication I was writing or editing for at the time and, whether it was on location or in the studio, I would make sure the products, models, rooms or whatever else we were shooting were looking […]

Last Indulgence: Gentle Cycles

There are certain household and clothing items that require a little extra TLC. Vintage linens and delicate silk camisoles come to mind. For handwashing enthusiasts and those who are loathe to cart “dry clean only” items to the cleaners, The Laundress products are a revolution. Developed by Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd, luxury-brand product development […]

Ask the Experts: Hard Surfaces 101

While consumers often have a general idea of what they want for their home’s hard surfaces, choosing materials such as stone and tile requires more consideration than a simple preference of color or substance. The complexities of natural stone and the beatings your surfaces might take can turn one quick decision into buyer’s remorse and […]

Price Mix: Pop the Cork

Having the right tools for the job is always essential. When it comes to enjoying your favorite wine, having the right corkscrew can mean the difference from getting the party started to having an “oeno-fail.” $235 Full-bodied A very special gift for a very dedicated wine collector, the Forge de Laguiole is hand made with […]

Inspiration Board: Feather Your Nest

[gtx_gallery]

Home Renewal: Roof Rules

In a city like New Orleans, the weather can be brutal. It often rains — and as anyone who has spent a summer here knows — it often rains hard. A house’s first line of defense in protecting its residents from the elements is its roof. But it’s not easy for homeowners to know what […]

Réveillon Revival

Winter entertaining would not be complete without a réveillon dinner. Réveillon is a Creole tradition and the word is derived from the French word réveil for “waking,” which dates to the 1700s. It refers to the all-night parties often held by nobels. This special meal served on Christmas Eve is held after midnight mass and […]

Bathing Beauty

Contractor: DMG Design Management Group, Ryan McCroskey Designer: Penny Francis, Eclectic Home Cabinets: DMG Design Management Group, custom Flooring: Eclectic Home, honed Italian porcelain cut and set in chevron pattern Backsplash: Quartz Countertops: Quartz tile, shower feature wall marble chevron mosaic Tub: Acrylic freestanding tub by Maax, Southland Plumbing Fixtures: Kohler, Southland Plumbing Lighting: Eclectic […]

In the Details

“I love a room of storytellers,” says designer Maureen Stevens of the curiosities and artifacts that bring a house to life. Stevens, who gradually made her way from physical therapist to designer by blogging and helping family and friends before going into design full-time in 2013, knows that a well-designed space is about conveying the […]

South Market Style

[gtx_gallery] The stylish weekend home of Sandra and Joel Chaisson serves many functions for the couple. Sometimes it’s a quiet place to sip cocktails in the evening after a long work week — Joel is is the district attorney for St. Charles Parish and Sandra is a retired teacher who now devotes her life to […]

Trendwatch: Soft and Warm

Textural knobby navy pillow with X-front fringe design, navy and white Hunt Slonem bunny pillow with navy backing, blue and white pouf with decorative pom-pom tassels and striped blue, silver and cream rug with tassel edge available at Perch, perch-home.com; large pink flamingo velvet pillow with double tassels, silk pink and white Ikat pillow with […]

Masters of the Craft: City Restored

Since 1968 Darryl Reeves, owner of Andrew’s Welding and Blacksmith, has lovingly spent his days heating wrought iron or steel and shaping the metals into incredible works of art. He’s a founding member of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild and creates everything from wine racks to massive gates. Above all else, with his skillful […]

Homepage

For the Garden: Louisiana Natives

A hungry toad eats a plump slug, a sparrow devours a wiggly worm and ladybugs munch on aphids as a black snake slithers through an Uptown garden. From her porch, Ann Barnes watches all of the action with sheer delight. Barnes’ yard is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat and it […]

Gatherings: Mama Knows Best

Rigatoni with Tuna, Olive Oil and Parmesan INGREDIENTS 1 pound rigatoni pasta 1 can or jar of tuna in olive oil (the better the quality, the better the dish) 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for sprinkling on top) 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoons chili […]

Bon Vivant

Bon Vivant: Cozy Countdown

With long waits for taxis (and Uber and Lyft surge pricing), unpredictable weather and the disappointment when that allegedly fabulous event you commit to winds up being a dud, a night in for New Year’s Eve sounds more and more appealing. You could, for example, spring for the Galatoire’s Roaring ‘20s Moet & Chandon New […]

Artist Profile: Anita Cooke

Anita Cooke’s journey as an artist has included a variety of mediums and paths. Raised in the Midwest, she drew and painted as a child and began working with clay as a teenager. Today, she creates mixed-media “sewn works,” which she describes as relief sculptures or dimensional patterning. In 1980, two years after graduating from […]

Get Organized: Be Our Guest

A well-furnished guest room is the key to a memorable stress-free visit with loved ones, friends or out-of-town business associates. And here are a few simple must-haves and handy tips to make your guest room cozy, efficient, and welcoming. Make sure your guests can snuggle and peacefully dream in a comfortable bed. A sofa bed […]

Style: For the Love of Leather

1. Magazine rack, Oak + Arrow Interiors, 5331 Canal Blvd., 919-8268, oakandarrowinteriors.com 2. Schumacher faux leather wallcoverings: Ostrich in Ginger, Sueded Leather in Cordovan, Crocodile in Java, Spruce, 2043 Magazine St., 265-0946, sprucenola.com 3. Metallic suede journal in gold, White’s Mercantile, 3811 Magazine St., 354-8629, whitesmercantile.com 4. Medallion valet tray, Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St., […]

Design Diary

Architectural Accolades Trahan Architects — the renowned architectural firm behind the Mercedes-Benz Superdome redevelopment and the revamped Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia — earned the 2019 International Architecture Award for a newly designed home on Magazine Street. The site, currently occupied only by the 1854 façade of a home lost to fire, […]

Editor’s Note: Holidays at Home

In 2014, I was invited to my first Réveillon dinner at the home of a friend. Having grown up in Kentucky, the tradition was new to me, but it was love at first bite (after bite, after bite). Friends and loved ones gathering for a lavish, post-Midnight Mass meal? Sign me up. Much to my […]

Gatherings | Hauntingly Delicious

Shrimp and Gris-Gris Grits Ingredients 1 lb shrimp ½ cup andouille sausage, quartered 1 quart veal stock 1 red bell pepper 1 ½ cups whole milk (skim can also be used) ½ cup yellow grits 4 tablespoons butter kosher salt, to taste ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning 6 cherry tomatoes, halved […]

Home Renewal | Green Living

As more and more attention is paid to climate change, homeowners around the country are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly in their homes. The good news is that there are lots of simple things homeowners can do to help the environment and save some money in the process. Landscaping When planning a […]

Trendwatch | Autumnal Accents

Vintage campaign table with brass tray top and wood rim, hand-marbled matchbook covers and trays and vintage brass snail sculpture available at Malachite, malachitehome.com; decorative brass clam shells (sold as pair) and Neoclassical, Grand Tour-style marble bookends available at Graci Interiors, graciinteriors.com; Annie Leibovitz At Work and René Lacoste books available at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com. […]

Last Indulgence | On the Geaux

Fall is finally here, which means a lot more porch and patio sitting and long walks in the neighborhood. The latter also means blowing through that stash of Mardi Gras throw cups in the kitchen cabinet until Carnival season kicks back in and it gets magically replenished. There are times when an Iris or even […]

Artist Profile | Terrance Osborne

Terrance Osborne’s fanciful, New Orleans-centric work has become in his words “more colorful and decked out” over the years. His method of sharing his process with young artists has found new expression through social media as well. His subject matter, however, remains consistently rooted in and reflective of his beloved native city. Cottages, jazz bands, […]

Homepage

For the Garden | Sprouted

The seeds of the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans’ program were planted after Hurricane Katrina when renowned Chef Alice Waters brought her revolutionary education program, which strengthens children’s connection to the environment and encourages them to make healthy food, to Samuel J. Green Charter School. In 2006, it became the first school to replicate her model […]

Get Organized

Fine Foyer It’s the Grand Central Station for your family’s departures and arrivals and serves as the unofficial welcome center to your friends and visitors. Your entryway may be the smallest room in your house, but with attention to style and emphasis on organization, it can make the biggest impact. Running shoes, mail, keys, school […]

Sanctuary

Melinda McSpadden finally found her dream job running The Sully Mansion, a luxury, nine-suite bed and breakfast in the Garden District, and she adores her apartment sanctuary where she can escape from the 24/7 demands of operating a hotel. For more than a century, the attic was a dusty storage space. Now it is a […]

Inspiration Board | Statement Makers

Ashley Longshore’s Lil Wayne paintings are a celebration of color, energy and joy. ashleylongshore.com An anything but old fashioned antique chair pops with high gloss custom green paint and leopard cut velvet. perchneworleans.myshopify.com The black metal finished arched legs on the Achille coffee table mimic dripping paint. topsundayshop.co […]

Price Mix | Bowled Over

It’s officially, technically, sweater weather season, which, for many, means comfort food. While New Orleans cooks are firing up their gumbo or chili pots, we have three options for soup serving, from watching a game on the couch to hosting a casual gathering of friends to rolling out the good silver in the dining room. […]

Design Diary

Dashing Decor Aerin Lauder, founder and creative director of the luxury lifestyle brand AERIN, and style and image director for Estée Lauder, has launched a fall line for Aerin Home with modern and classically-refined home accessories. Available locally at Rivers Spencer Interiors, the fall line includes everything from jewelry boxes and bar sets to cashmere […]

Style | Heavy Metal

1. Christian Lacroix “Paseo” small notebook in copper, large notebook in silver, guest book in gold, Lionheart Prints, 3312 Magazine St., 267-5299, lionheartprints.com 2. Studio Carta wrapping ribbon in gold, silver, and rose gold, Lionheart Prints, 3312 Magazine St., 267-5299, lionheartprints.com 3. Pigeon and Poodle nickel tray and brass cocktail shaker, Hilltop Shoppe, 3714 Magazine […]

New Build of the Year

Every age experiences progress. Older buildings fall into disrepair and are replaced with something new. Visionary thinkers want to brush away the cobwebs of staid ideas. Trends are constantly changing, updating as fast as an app on a smartphone. The juxtaposition of modern architecture alongside centuries-old buildings happens in every city in the world. […]

Editor’s Note: Winning Season

It’s hard to pick favorites when you are the editor of multiple magazines, but if forced to do it, the annual autumn issue of this publication would certainly take the lead, if not first place. The combination of autumn being my favorite (read: cool) season and our annual Design Masters feature, as well as the […]

Masters of Their Craft | Handy Work

Bernadette Korver’s life is full of grommets, buttons, buckles and luxurious fabrics. She has four sewing machines: two industrial machines — one dated 1947 that she completely rebuilt — and two domestic ones. She’s a seasoned seamstress and expert upholsterer who has been happily earning her living with these skills for nearly 35 years. Korver […]

Ask the Experts | Renewal

It’s a common problem—that inherited antique dining set or that painting you bought fresh out of grad school, it just doesn’t seem to satisfy your aesthetic the way it used to. Our personal attachment to the art and antiques we own sometimes loses its luster, even when the piece maintains its good condition. While we […]

Bon Vivant | Film al Fresco

In some parts of the country September marks the first real taste of fall weather. Unfortunately, New Orleans isn’t in one of those parts of the country. That said, there is a dash of reprieve here and there until it begins to cool down in earnest in October. Until then, it’s essential to maximize those […]

Home Grown | Vigorous Vine

1. Details, Details Mirlitons have graced backyard chain-link fences all around South Louisiana for generations. However, after way too many hurricanes from 2005 to 2009, this cherished vegetable almost disappeared from our culinary repertoire. The good news is that these days, because of a concerted effort by dedicated mirlitons enthusiasts, the yummy squash is making […]

Design Masters

The following verbs and phrases all refer to the art of mastering something: learning, grasping, picking up, understanding, getting, comprehending, studying, excelling in, knowing backwards, becoming expert in, becoming proficient in, boning up, getting down pat and knowing inside out. This year’s Design Masters can be credited with all of the above in their […]

Design Diary

Kevin Belton’s “New Orleans Celebrations” gives readers a taste of festive cooking in the chef’s third cookbook. Belton, with co-author Rhonda Findley, focuses on festival food and celebration whether recipes inspired by parade-route handhelds, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival favorites or household Cajun classics. The recipes are introduced with anecdotes from Belton’s childhood and […]

Ask the Experts | Backyard Living

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy,” sang Ella Fitzgerald — these are lyrics New Orleanians know well. Every season has its charm and while often hotter than we might prefer, summer is no different. Backyard living has become as big a focus for homeowners as indoor living, with more people requiring the same comforts […]

For the Garden | City Greens

Much like an empty canvas, a vacant lot is full of wondrous possibilities. Almost fifteen years after Hurricane Katrina, the Ninth Ward is still woefully full of vacant lots. However, some enterprising urban farmers continue to create environments full of beehives, bamboo, vegetables, orchards, community, and joy. In 2010 David Young began rescuing bees […]

Gatherings | Flexing Mussels

Vadouvan Spiced Mussels with Coconut, Lime, and Fresh Garden Herbs Ingredients 2 pounds Prince Edward Island mussels (cleaned and debearded) 2 tablespoons whole unsalted butter (1/2 for beginning of recipe and 1/2 for end of recipe) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 each shallots, sliced thin 1 ½ teaspoons freshly chopped garlic 1 teaspoon […]

Get Organized

Grape Expectations “Wine is a living liquid containing no preservatives. Its life cycle comprises youth, maturity, old age, and death. When not treated with reasonable respect it will sicken and die,” cautioned Julia Child. If you want to keep your wine alive and accessible here’s a few tips for storing and organizing this treasured libation. […]

Style | Patriot Games

1. Antique Qashqai Kilim rug, Virginia Dunn, 2727 Prytania St. Suite 13, 437-1850, virginiadunn.com 2. “Splatter” enamelware serving bowl, Adler’s Jewelry, 722 Canal St. and 2937 Veterans Blvd. Suite B, 523-5292, adlersjewelry.com 3. Fish decorative wall puzzle made in Germany, Virginia Dunn, 2727 Prytania St. Suite 13, 437-1850, virginiadunn.com 4. Arto hand-painted deco ceramic tile […]

Homepage

Inspiration Board | Color Pop

Art by Kate Tova from Perch, perchneworleans.com Erica Wakerly wallpaper from Spruce, sprucenola.com Crystal Tic Tac Toe Game from Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net Rhoda Chair in pink cotton velvet from Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net Mustard linen lumber pillow from Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co Vintage pink Moroccan Boujad Rug from Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co […]

Price Mix | Blender Bender

DO YOU LIKE PIÑA COLADAS? Do you dream of wasting away in Margaritaville? Mixing up a pool or porch side frosty cold drink is one of the best things about summertime in New Orleans. We’ve selected the ultimate ice-smashing, smoothie making blenders for power, style and even an economical (read, replaceable) option for the pool […]

Homepage

Caftans & Cocktails

The Menu The Cocktails: Shochu Sunset & The Sweet Dream The Food: Spicy Shrimp Deviled Eggs Lemongrass Sausage Meatballs with Sambal Glaze Vegetable Cutlet with Tomato Chutney Thai Chicken and Glass Noodle Salad in Lettuce Cups Grilled Pineapple with Banana Kaya When summer beckons us poolside, what better way to enjoy the late afternoon than […]

Atlantis Found

[gtx_gallery] New Orleans is a place of water. Lakes and bayous surround it, and its geography is defined by the Mississippi River. A vision made liquid by the chimera of a summer day, the air thick with moisture and humidity, can make it feel as though you’re swimming while walking. Perhaps the lost […]

Editor’s Note

There are only three ways to stay cool in New Orleans during the summer months: Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a cold beverage or go inside and give thanks and praise to the air conditioning gods. Our annual pools, porches and patios feature is an homage to the first two. In it, you’ll […]

Bold History

The location is pretty hard to beat: the quiet side of the French Quarter near Cabrini Park, where whiffs of burgers grilling at Port of Call float by, along with late night riffs from Frenchmen Street jazz halls. This is where a West Texas couple, Peggy and Timber Floyd, found a slice of vacation […]

Trendwatch | Backyard Oasis

Amanda Lindroth wicker and wood lantern, available in small and large at Ware and Co., waremporter.com; LRNCE hand-painted ceramic vase, bowl, plates and glasses, imported from Morocco and available at Katie Koch Home, katiekochhome.com; Sferra Celine throw in Salmon available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com; faux greenery, The Plant Gallery, theplantgallery.com. Hand-cut and […]

Masters of Their Craft | Plaster Master

With the aid of a cane, Jeff Poree walks spritely to the entrance of his Mid-City workshop. He ruefully admits his 69-year old body is full of aches and pains and that his work as master plasterer has certainly taken its toll on his bones and joints. But he wouldn’t change his chosen vocation […]

Home Grown | Midnight Rapture

1. Details The Night-blooming Cereus’ bloom is breathtaking. It’s almost 7 inches across and produces a rapturous scent. Look for blooms around 9 p.m. It will be fully open by midnight. The first rays of sun will see the petals wither and die. They flower from July to October. 2. Moisture Night-blooming cereus is […]

Bon Vivant | Inspired Entertaining

In April during Freret Fest, my dear friend Jenelle threw a fabulous, casual afternoon gathering to celebrate her husband Neal’s birthday. She had been traveling and in an effort to streamline the planning, she outsourced the cooking to one of everyone’s favorite gas station chicken joints, McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’ on Broad Street in […]

Artist Profile | Carol Peebles

Artist Carol Peebles (carolpeebles.com) has been teaching for 21 years. In fact, this year marks the 10th anniversary of her drawing atelier, Blue Easel Club, which has more than 300 members who practice the art of drawing portraits, figures, still lifes and landscapes. Throughout her career, Peebles has remained a student as well, devoted to […]

Home Renewal | Curb Appeal

The old cliché says, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is true for people and houses. The first impression a visitor will get of a home is the exterior. There are many things owners can do to make the exterior beautiful, increase its resale value and make it […]

Last Indulgence | Cool Summer

The New Orleans summer heat is upon us, which means finding any and every way to stay cool. An icy, bubbly beverage is at once essential and decadent — especially when the bubbles are derived from champagne. If you were thinking ahead during strawberry season, you will have frozen a few batches of this […]

Editor's Note: Spring Fever

Confession: I have kitchen envy. coming from people who love to cook and also loving to cook myself exacerbates the condition. Thankfully, our current kitchen is at least efficient. The “triangle” is — pardon the pun — on point. Whether grabbing something out of the refrigerator, chopping or sautéing, everything is just a couple of […]

Design Diary

Get Planted Unleash your inner green thumb and get creative at FAIT Nola’s spring workshops. A studio with roots to the natural world, FAIT guides customers in arranging, mounting, potting and assembling exotic plants to bring into their homes. Create a terrarium while learning about inner chakras at the March 13 Terrariums + Crystals workshop. […]

Style: Branching Out

1. Handpainted Sarrancolin placemat. E. Lee Jahncke Fine Finishes, 926 Valmont St., 939-7987, eleejahncke.com 2. Custom frames. Uptown Frames, 237 Broadway St., 866-1576, uptownframes.com 3. Dessert plate. JADE, 324 Metairie Rd., 875-4420, jadenola.com 4. Embroidered pillow (insert included but not shown). Sofas & Chairs, 123 Metairie Rd., 486-9622, sofasandchairsnola.com 5. Cabochon-lidded boxes. Estella’ s Too, […]

Get Organized: Costume Closet Basics

New Orleanians know what it takes to make an event beyond brilliant: food, intoxicants, music, glitter and costumes — and not just during Mardi Gras. Throughout the year, there are dozens of opportunities for costuming. But are your dress-up duds stuffed into laundry bins or jumbled into a closet? These items are expensive, so organizing […]

Artist Profile: Julie Silvers

“Free, loose, colorful, happy” are words that Julie Silvers uses to describe her art. While angst is a common theme in art, Silvers’ works articulate the uncontainable positivity and exuberance that reside in her soul. “My art makes me happy and I want it to make others happy,” she says. Inspired by her mother, artist […]

Bon Vivant: Biscuits 101

There is something special about offering houseguests warm, homemade biscuits. Whether it’s during a little welcome reception upon their arrival to your home or in the morning when they make their way to the kitchen for coffee, biscuits are a crowd pleaser. They are also versatile, considering you can make them sweet or savory and […]

Gatherings: Fresh Catch

Lemon Roasted Grouper INGREDIENTS 4 6-oz grouper fillets, skin off 2 oz lemon juice 2 oz lemon-infused olive oil 2 lemons, each thinly sliced into 12 even rounds 4 sprigs of fresh thyme 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed, stems peeled, blanched and cut into 2-inch batons 1 fennel bulb, cut into batons and caramelized until […]

Homepage

For the Garden: Get Your Hands Dirty

Some girls yearn for emeralds and pearls, and some desire Jimmy Choo shoes. For me, my heart soars when the mail carrier delivers pretty little envelopes of seeds, glorious seeds. Avid gardeners know they get more variety options, healthier crops and pay far less when they buy seeds. There’s absolutely nothing wrong buying plants from […]

Masters of Their Craft: Dream Weaver

In the French Quarter the brass bands and buskers jam out while tourists revel day and night. The noise and excitement of this historic neighborhood is invigorating. But just a few blocks from Jackson Square there is a small storefront, Louisiana Loom Works, which offers total peace and calm. In the business’s window sleep several […]

Trendwatch: Animal Love

Mold-and scratch-resistant cork dog bed at Queork, queork.com; scarf and chew toy by Amanda Stone Talley at Studio Amanda Talley, amandatalley.com. Playful food and water bowls and hand-embroidered pillow, available in an assortment of breeds at Perch, perch-home.com; The American Dog at Home: The Dog Portraits of Christine Merrill by William Secord at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com. […]

Renovation of the Year

A sunny nook in the kitchen is furnished with a table and chairs by Abode. Pendant fixture by Robert Abbey. The exterior was renovated through refinement and re-articulation of the cornice, fusing the dormer windows into a single clerestory, installing oversized, custom made double entry doors, and replacing the circular drive with a formal entry […]

Five & Up

Carter looked to Galatoire’s Restaurant for inspiration when choosing the kitchen floor. Subway tiles, sourced through Stafford Tile & Stone, were cut into the desired pattern. The butcher block island counter was custom made by NOLA Boards. Iron chandelier by Chris Wynne. Claiborne with Betty and Mae. French doors were added along the side of the […]

Finishing Touches

FAUCETS 1. Moen Align 2. Brizo Litze 3. Brizo Talo 4. Kohler Purist LCR 2601 L and A Road, Metairie 504-378-8300 lcrnola.com COUNTERTOPS 1. Silestone Eternal Marquina Quartz 2. Cambria Levven Quartz 3. Bianco Superiore Quartzite 4. Cambria White Cliff Quartz 5. Vicostone Statuario Quartz 6. Persian Pearl Granite 7. Caesarstone London Grey 8. Cambria […]

Home Renewal: On Trend

When buying or building a home, it is always best to be ahead of the curve. No one wants to feel their house is obsolete or outdated. But New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Magazine is here to tell you what’s popular now and what will continue to be popular in upcoming years. WHAT'S HOT NOW […]

Inspiration Board: Lighten Up

Wilson chandelier from Eclectic Home eclectichome.net Nicole Charbonnet’s “Erased Audubon” from the Arthur Roger Gallery, arthurrogergallery.com Cole & Son ‘Woods’ wallpaper from Spruce, sprucenola.com Dark linen sheepskin pelt from Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co White Seda sectional sofa from Villa Vici, villavici.com Wood and acrylic credenza from Perch at perchneworleans.myshopify.com

Price Mix: Springing for Linens

$248 Maximum Comfort Hawkins NY Simple Linen Bedding, $248 per king sheet, fitted and flat sheets sold separately. Made from Belgium linen, and finished in Portugal, these stonewashed sheets just may become your best friends ever. Available in a wide range of colors, from “Sky” blue to “Blush” pink, “Mustard” yellow, “Peacock” and “Pine.” Sunday […]

Ask the Experts: Seasons Change

Punxsutawney Phil predicted a quick spring arrival this year, and as early as Groundhog Day, Oriental magnolia trees were already splashing the landscape with striking pinks and whites, hinting at the coming change of the seasons in early February. Just as the local foliage makes its colorful shift into spring, so does the décor of […]

Last Indulgence: Toweling Off

One of life’s simplist pleasures is grabbing a fresh, soft towel after a shower or bath and enveloping yourself in it. The choice of towel is of course crucial to just how comforting and luxurious you want it to be in that instant. There are those for whom a huge, fluffy bath towel is the […]

The Lost Art of the Letter

1. Air plant. Dunn and Sonnier Antiques Florals and Gifts 3433 Magazine St. 504-524-3235 dunnandsonnier.com 2. Florentine letter box. Dunn and Sonnier Antiques Florals and Gifts 3433 Magazine St. 504-524-3235 dunnandsonnier.com 3. Leather-look hardback journals. Scriptura 5423 Magazine St. 504-897-1555 3301 Veterans Blvd. 504-219-1113 scriptura.com 4. Marble paperweight on brass stand. Dunn and Sonnier Antiques […]

Artist Profile: Cristina Molina

Cristina Molina’s art is a confluence of personal things – including her background, education, experience and interests. Yet Molina’s pieces – she works predominantly with still photography and large-scale video installations – explore themes that are relevant to society at large – archetypes, interpersonal relationships and narratives about women. “I’m interested in revealing feminine and […]

Editor's Note: Home for the Holidays

When it comes to holiday entertaining, I like to keep it simple. In fact, that’s my motto for all entertaining. Effortlessly chic is always in style, so whether its a cocktail party or a sit down dinner and no matter what season we are in, I opt for simple cocktails and easy-to-execute meals. One year […]

Design Diary

Fresh, hot bread buzz Bellegarde Bakery, which many New Orleanians have been enjoying for years through local retailers and eateries, including Whole Foods, Simone’s Market, Martin Wine Cellar, St. James Cheese, Bar Frances, Lilette, Palace Café or via the company’s baking classes, is set to open its own retail location in January 2019. The Advocate […]

Get Organized: Fa la la voilà

For many, the day after Christmas is the time to take advantage of all the deals on festive decorations, holiday décor and all things that make this season so special. However, as your collection grows you’ll need some Christmas storage solutions to organize all those Christmas villages, ornaments, lights strands, wreaths, snow globes and holiday tableware. […]

Bon Vivant: Easy Does It

A few years ago, one of our neighbors suggested a progressive dinner party for our building-wide holiday gathering. One person or couple wouldn’t have too much responsibility or labor. It was a brilliant idea. We did cocktails at my place; the neighbor across from us served appetizers; one upstairs neighbor provided the entrée with sides; […]

Comfort Food

English Peas with Cauliflower Cream and Country Ham INGREDIENTS 1 head cauliflower 1 quart milk 8 ounces butter 1 pound English or green peas 3 cups panko bread crumbs 1 cup olive oil 3 lemons 8 ounces country ham salt and pepper to taste CAULIFLOWER CREAM Take cauliflower head and cut florets from the stem. Place […]

For the Garden: Urban Oasis

Amidst the whoop of sirens, the growl of motorcycles and the constant throb of traffic on the Pontchartrain Expressway, one finds peace and calm in a verdant oasis on South Rampart Street. In the heart of Central City, Paradigm Gardens teems with flora and fauna as goats gambol, butterflies dine on milkweed and sparrows frolic […]

Home Grown: Orchids

1 DIVA DEBUNK Orchids are not the primadonna of plants. With the proper information anyone can successfully grow beautiful orchids. 2 BREATHING ROOM Never pot an orchid in potting soil; the roots will suffocate in the dense soil. Use a growing medium such as peat moss or perlite. 3 LET IT RAIN Watering should be done only when […]

Living with Antiques: Not Goodbye

In 2007, New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles editor in chief Errol Laborde called to ask me if I would be interested in writing the antiques column for the magazine. Of course, it depended on my meeting with the editor, Eve Kidd Crawford. One Saturday morning, Eve called for the interview, announcing that she lived near […]

Masters of Their Craft: Ice, Ice Baby

Exquisite glassware and house-made bitters are just some of the things that make up the perfect craft cocktail. These trendy concoctions focus on high quality ingredients and ask only that as you imbibe you take your time to savor the flavor. Therefore, what a crafts cocktail aficionado desires is something that will keep his pricey […]

Trendwatch: Game of Throws

Longhair Brazilian Cowhides (hanging) and Tito Agnoli Modular Sectional at Katie Koch Home; Vintage Wool Throw Blanket at Sunday Shop; Shearling ‘Brady’ Counter Stool at Eclectic Home. Bloom & Give Cotton and Wool Jacquard Throw at Sotre; Velvet-backed Kilim Pillows at Sunday Shop; Moroccan Rug and Square Pouf at Katie Koch Home. Clockwise from top: […]

A Whiter Shade of Pale

The homeowners are well versed in decorating and designing using a palette of every hue and shade of white imaginable. The artwork next to the armoire in the living room is by Tony Mose. The mirror front armoire is from Oly Studio. All furnishings, artwork, lighting fixtures, and accessories used throughout the house are from […]

Kitchens and Baths

Contractor: Dragan Zegvic Architect: Daniel Zangara Cabinets: Conner Millworks Flooring: Rosa’s Hardword Flooring *most floors were original to the house but were restained and refinished. Backsplash: Pieri Tile and Marble Co. Countertops: Pieri Tile and Marble Co. Tile: Pieri Tile and Marble Co. Tub: LCR The Plumbing Warehouse Fixtures: LCR Lighting: Pottery Barn and Restoration […]

Comfort and Joy

You’ve run the gamut of winter and summer entertaining. You have done dinners and lunches and brunches and cocktail parties at home. You’ve done picnics and croquet in the park. Did you do an art gallery gathering? Of course you did. Have you given lovely dinners in private rooms and on rooftops at your favorite […]

Home Renewal: Reno-great

Maybe you’ve bought a new home and want to put your personal stamp on the kitchens and bathrooms. Maybe you’ve owned your home for many years but are selling it and want to increase its value on the open market. Whatever your reasons for wanting to renovate your kitchens or bathrooms, there are a number […]

Inspiration Board: Orient Express

Four light black iron and metal pagoda lantern. shopatabode.com Zeal Deluxe Daybed, a midcentury design multifunctional sofa with adjustable sides, available in light blue, mixed dance aqua petrol, fleshtex dark grey or soft mustard flower as shown. modernmarketlifestyle.com Silky Kyoto fabric with eastern inspired floral pattern. perch-home.com Eastern inspired hand knotted wool rug combining heathered […]

Price Mix: Going with the Flokati

Now that the cooler, occasionally cold, days are with us, many New Orleans homes may feel decidedly drafty. Adding a soft rug to sink your toes into will bring a touch of warmth, and style, to your home’s design palette, according to Penny Francis, owner and principal designer at Eclectic Home. “Flokati rugs are a […]

Ask the Experts: The Stone (and Tile) Age

Options in hard surfaces like tile and stone are continually expanding and evolving, giving homeowners more choices to make than ever. Whether you want hard surfaces with a subtle, soft appeal or a stony, rustic intensity, you can just about achieve any look these days. Advances in technology have opened new avenues for printing, cutting, […]

Last Indulgence: Decadent Drizzles & Dips

We’ve used extra virgin olive oil for cooking for years and historically opted for the economical store brand. After buying a bottle of Stonehouse California Olive Oil on a trip to San Francisco last year however, I was a convert to the “fancy” stuff, but not for cooking. Rather, we keep a bottle on hand […]

Editor's Note: Falling for Fall

I love spending as much time as possible at the beach all summer long, but autumn will forever reign supreme as my favorite season. Long walks in Uptown and through the Garden District, porch sits and flinging open the windows at every available opportunity, as well as switching the floral candles out in favor […]

Design Diary

A Street Party Soiree Hosted by the Rouses Culinary Innovation Center, Chef Andrea LeTard is doing a cooking demonstration and cookbook signing on Sept. 22 at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (1504 Oretha C. Haley Blvd.). LeTard’s recipes explore a new generation’s take on Southern dishes with healthy options for those with a […]

Stay Neutral

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO 1. Handmade and faux-finished to look like the real deal, this resin turtle shell is mounted on a custom iron stand and brings a sense of swamp chic to a bookshelf or tabletop. Virginia Dunn New Orleans, 8795 Leake Ave., 237-4773, virginiadunn.com 2. Local ceramic artist Michael Clement makes his foray […]

Clean Sweep

Do you keep your car in your garage? Organizing professionals estimate that only 30 percent of us do. Why? The answer is simple — it’s because there is just way too much clutter and chaos. Here are a few garage storage ideas and products that’ll help you get organized and discover the perfect place […]

Jamar Pierre

Jamar Pierre’s paintings are an exuberant mix of color and imagery. A self-described native son and citizen of the world, he draws on a global array of experience to express his artistry — his works are dense with indigenous motifs as well as references to Costa Rica, Africa, Iceland and Eastern spirituality. Pierre’s […]

Hotel Style

MELANIE WARNER SPENCER PHOTO When close friends and family visit New Orleans and opt to stay in our living space built for two, we set up a temporary guest room. It is located just off of the kitchen and the living room with a doorways leading to both areas. There are removable curtains, which provide some privacy, […]

Mama Knows Best

Crawfish Cornbread Dressing Dressing Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1 medium onion, finely diced 1 red bell pepper, finely diced 1 rib celery, finely diced 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound cleaned crawfish tails 1 ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper, finely ground ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups crawfish stock (or any seafood […]

Making It

What do you get when you combine a love of horticulture, innovative engineering, warm sunlight and feminine creativity? The answer is Axil Rose, NOLA’s first mobile solarium and design studio. This 23-foot van, made in part with reclaimed cypress, meanders throughout the city making stops at farmers markets, pop-up arts events, bridal showers and […]

Perennial Sunflowers

1 Reigning Queen Perennial sunflowers such as the Lemon Queen impart gardens with their gentle splendor. Where other sunflowers shout their beauty, this gem purrs. 2 What to Expect They bloom in late summer and autumn, and their beauty can last six weeks. They attract birds, butterflies, and lots of attention. 3 The Appeal […]

Grande Dame

When noted interior decorator Gerrie Bremermann closed her iconic shop, Bremermann Designs, on Magazine it was the end of an era. But for Bremermann, 91, long considered the dean of decorating in the South, it was a new beginning. “I’m not retiring,” she says. “I may write a book about my experiences, but it […]

Sweet Life

As you approach a small building between Pine and broadway, there’s an intoxicating smell of butter, cinnamon and vanilla. It’s Gracious To Go, which is attached to Gracious Bakery’s 5,000 square-foot commissary kitchen. This local bread and pastry shop is run by husband-and-wife team Jay and Chef Megan Roen Forman (the former is a […]

White Lightning

White marble and brass Florence Lamp H 21.25-inch and whitewashed hemp rope side table at Eclectic Home; McCartys Pottery Artisan Garden Sculpture Bell Chime at Katie Koch Home. Combine functional form and aesthetics with a pair of diminutive lamps. Positioned to anchor opposite ends of a console, a dresser or a bed on either side […]

New Build of The Year

The three-story cantilevered staircase has threaded metal cables that cascade from the double height ceiling down to the edge of the first-floor stair treads and is lined with sleek, smoky gray glass and decorated with a black, flat plate steel rail. Nicole and Paul Dorsey had already built one Metairie home when they decided […]

Bohemian Chic

They expanded the kitchen from its original location. The old kitchen and dining room was completely gutted, and a wall was taken down between the two to create one big, open space. Lighting: Sconces above the shelf are from Schoolhouse Electric, the chandelier over dining table is Lambert et Fils. The brass pendants over the […]

Mix Modern

The ship captain’s table that often serves as a bar, along with the elk antlers nestled beneath were purchased from Ann Koerner Antiques. The green velvet Directoire chair is the first chair deemed “good” by Fort’s close friend and mentor, Gerrie Bremermann. The painted cypress barber pole was an early purchase and said to be […]

Design Masters

As the tricentennial of New Orleans, 2018 is a banner year. The history, milestones, landmarks, beauty, resilience and movers and shakers of New Orleans — past and present — are being celebrated everywhere you turn. Those highlighted in this year’s New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Design Masters have the extra cachet of being able […]

Home Sweet Tiny Home

If you watch home improvement channels like HGTV, then chances are you have seen tiny houses on shows such as “Tiny House Hunters.” These miniature homes can be as small as 60 square feet. In a materialistic world, the thought of discarding all but the essentials has its appeal. But is the reality of […]

Monochromatic

‘Roman’ wall mirror from Jade, jadenola.com Floral Movement Print No. 2 by Daymon Gardner, Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co White lacquer chest with silver leaf link design on doors from Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net Hand-foiled finish “Rye” wallpaper in Pewter by Custhom of London from Spruce, sprucenola.com Curved back black rattan rocking chair from […]

Double Dutch

$64-$102 Lodge cast iron 4-7 quart The original cast iron dutch oven from Lodge may appear basic, but with a super-affordable price point and a tough as nails construction, this is the kind of pot that your grandmother probably used…and may have passed down to you, if you’re lucky. You can’t go wrong with this […]

Buy Like A Pro

Graci Interiors, LLC The new floors are down, and the walls are finally painted. The curtains are hung, and so are the light fixtures. As the furniture makes its way into the room, new questions arise. There’s empty wall space now where a tall, flimsy bookshelf once stood. Perhaps there’s empty floor space where […]

Sugar and Spice

The first time I had Mexican hot chocolate, was at a coffee house in Austin, Texas. The concoction was slightly grainy, but still creamy. Rich and complex, it ruined me for traditional hot chocolate. Its combination of bittersweet chocolate and a hint of spice transform simple hot chocolate into something much more sophisticated. The […]

Lagniappe

WINNERS

Each year our readers vote by paper and online ballot for their favorite home design industry professionals in New Orleans. The businesses cover the scope of everything homeowners need to make and maintain a beautiful abode. The votes have been tallied and we present our 2018 Best of Home winners. Best place to […]

clean dreams

Fragrant and gentle cleansing products that make household chores less of a chore

backyard living

From plants to pools and paint to prettying things up, the pros are offering up advice for your outdoor oasis

Sizzling Style

Chef Kevin Belton’s advice for a grill to suit any occassion this summer

Fun in the Sun

Quick and easy pieces to create a stylish outdoor entertaining space

Planning for Your Pool

If you are considering a pool, do your homework and plan for maintenance

Caribbean Connection

Chef Nina Compton channels memories of her charmed island childhood with this fresh and fruity summer recipe

Firmly planted

Horticulturist Margie Yates Jenkins named to Louisiana Department of Agricluture’s 2018 Hall of Distinction

Lagniappe

Fern-tastic

Boston ferns are a New Orleans, Southern staple

cover up

Give antiques new life with bold, modern fabrics

Life Goes On

Woodworker Paul Troyano gives felled and old trees and wood a second act

Patio Posh

Add luxurious global-market karma to outdoor lounging in your own backyard

Southern nights

Recently, I’m ashamed to admit, I learned the song “Southern Nights” was written by the late, great, New Orleanian Allan, Toussaint. For years, it never occured to me that anyone other than Glen Campbell wrote it, given his version was a 1977 hit. This new knowledge sent me down a rabbit hole of listening […]

design diary

Summer Reads While you’re laying out by the pool with your summer cocktail, be sure to grab some new reading material and find your next home inspiration. New Orleans-based decorator, writer and designer Sara Ruffin Costello’s new book “Gatekeeper: World of Folly by Hunt Slonem,” features Slonem’s work as an American painter, sculptor and printmaker. […]

hot takes

1. This hand-painted tin pagoda epitomizes chinoiserie chic. Insert a candle and use it as a lantern or fill it with succulents for a terrific terrarium. Sotre, 3933 Magazine St., 504-304-9475, sotrenola.com. 2. Amanda Talley is taking her art off the walls and putting it on the patio furniture. The local artist […]

Child’s Play

Corralling the kid’s stuff with creative solutions, style and whimsy

Sean Friloux

The Mighty Mississippi has been a powerful presence in artist Sean Friloux’s life. Growing up in Destrehan, he was introduced to its strength, beauty and industry by his grandfather. Today, the river is also a powerful presence in Friloux’s art, which depicts a variety of local subjects, including French Quarter scenes, industrial sites along […]

Good Gifting

Hostess gifts to get you invited back again and again

A Good Fit

When George Varino found a New Orleans home and an interior designer that met his qualifications, he knew he had a winning combination.

Top Tier

Designer Chad Graci updates a penthouse at One River Place

Up on the Roof

A casual party overlooking the city will wow your guests

lush life

Lounging poolside in New Orleans never looked so good

Satsuma Shindig

The beginning of spring singnals the end of satsuma season. Satsuma lovers might argue that this is the only drawback of the season. There are still a few glorious weeks left, however, and there are myriad ways to indulge in this highly-flavored citrus before switching to the more typical spring fruits. Satsumas were introduced to […]

Lagniappe

Seasonal Change

Since the hard freezes this winter, many of us are dealing with sagging, drooping, wilted and browned tropical plants. Outdoor spaces have gone from lush to nearly apocalyptic. Thank heavens for spring, when renewal is the name of the game, and color and life return to South Louisiana. While many of us have outdoor spaces […]

Digging in the Dirt

$10 to $20 CHEMICAL RESISTANT According to Dunaway, gardeners should always wear chemical resistant gloves when handling pesticides. “Chemical resistant gloves are recommended to be worn when mixing and applying pesticides. The degree of chemical resistance required depends primarily on the formulation of the product as well as the method of application.” For maximum protection, […]

Lagniappe

Geometry 101

(FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT) Twelve-light Eos chandelier featuring brushed brass and smoked glass rods in a Sputnik burst design. Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net White prism bar with detailed doors framed with pewter finished sides and base featuring a silvered interior with mirror shelf and two drawers. Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net Framed black and white […]

A New Coat

Painting the inside or outside of your house with a fresh new color is a great way to put your personal stamp on your home. While it may look as simple as dipping a brush in paint and going to work, painting is like many other jobs, requiring preparation and a plan in order to […]

Wow Factor

Contractor: El-amm & Associates, LLC Designer: Penny Francis/Casi St. Julian with Eclectic Home Cabinets: Eclipse by Shiloh, frameless full overlay doors and drawer fronts from Mattix Cabinets Flooring: Reclaimed Antique Heart Pine from Crescent Hardwood Supply Backsplash: Elongated iridescent glass hex from Eclectic Home Fixtures: Southland Plumbing Supply Doors: Riccas Architectural Sales Lighting: Eclectic Home […]

Home Grown

Legendary British horticulturist, garden designer, artist and writer Gertrude Jekyll credited gardens with teaching many useful things, including patience, industry, thrift and trust. She also wrote, “The lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness that the love of a garden gives.” The homeowners on […]

Editor's Note: Spring Fling

As I’m writing this note, new orleans is still battling a cold snap and Carnival is in full swing. Needless to say, looking ahead to spring is a welcome respite. I’m excited for the flowers to be in full bloom and planning a thorough spring cleaning of the house and refreshing of the décor. The […]

Design Diary

BLOOMING ART AND FASHION One of the most anticipated springtime events in New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Art in Bloom is celebrating 30 years. This year’s theme is “Queen of Arts: Celebrating 30 Years of Art in Bloom.” Guests sip and mingle while viewing floral designs created by over 75 exhibitors, many […]

In the Pink

1. The Palermo chair is wrapped in hand-woven, all-weather synthetic wicker making it the perfect perch for your chic outdoor retreat. Haven Custom Furnishings, 300 Jefferson Highway, Suite 102, 504-304-2144, havencustomfurnishings.com. 2. Made from lightweight composite, lacquered in a high gloss finish and topped with a gold-lined drum shade, this urn-shaped table lamp sheds new […]

Get Organized: Kitchen Ninja

From a Michelin-starred meal to campfire grub one thing is constant: an organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen. Today’s home cook — who juggles work, kids and housekeeping — wants to get delicious and nutritious food on the table fast, so keeping this room organized translates into saving time, money and stress. – By Pamela […]

Artist Profile: Rhonda Corley

Artist Rhonda Corley’s connection to fashion began in childhood. “I was always thinking about what I was going to wear,” she says. It’s a passion she credits to the fact that New Orleanians love to dress up and to her late mother. After high school at McDonogh 35, Corley took art classes at Delgado and […]

Pet Project

Over the years, different friends and family members have volunteered for pet sitting duty for us. In some cases, we had reciprocal agreements and traded off to help one another out. Whether or not that’s the case, we always tried — and still do — to make the sitting as enjoyable as possible for the […]

Beef It Up

Ingredients (per serving) 1 dry-aged New York Strip ½ cup Merlot mushroom sauce 1 broiled stuffed tomato Steak Directions Evenly season the steak with salt and pepper. Coat the steak with vegetable oil. This may be done up to 3 hours before grilling. Brush the grill clean and lightly oil. Place the seasoned steak over […]

Gold Diggers

The only time I every got in trouble at school was in the 1st grade, when I chased a horrified James Musso around the playground with a handful of wiggly worms. I loved worms then and I still love them now. These days, however, it’s more because they significantly improve my garden’s soil. Worms do […]

Heirloom Tomatoes

1 Taste Heirlooms vary in size, shape, color and taste. They have meaty textures, thin skins and tons of flavor. 2 Types Varieties include Cherokee Purple, Brandywine and Sunset’s Red Horizon. Yellow heirloom tomatoes tend to be mild and red heirlooms are more acidic. 3 Space To decrease disease, heirlooms need wide spacing in both […]

Mapping It Out

Many years ago when my husband and I were dating, he started a collection of antique maps. They were framed and hung around his small cottage on Calhoun Street. Over the years, the maps have donned the walls of our living room and study and now reside in the upstairs landing of our home. I […]

Forging a Path

E. Kraemer Fine Metal & Woodwork is the perfect place for Erikdavid Kraemer to hone raw materials into objects that are beautiful, useful and enduring. He hails from four generations of artisans. At 12, he began working for his father, a well-established violins maker, as a luthier’s assistant (a luthier makes stringed instruments). It’s a […]

Creature Comforts

Renovation of the Year

Elizabeth and Adam Keckler wasted no time deciding to buy their Uptown cottage. The couple — she hails from Jackson, Mississippi, he from the Dallas area — met at Rhodes College, fell in love, chose New Orleans as a place to build a life together and soon found the perfect house where they could put […]

Levee Living

Karen and Mark Gundlach struck a compromise the first time the couple started a house-hunt. “Mark had very strict parameters about where he wanted to live,” says Karen. “The duplex we were in had zero privacy. I told him if he didn’t loosen up on his location requirement, finding something we both wanted wasn’t happening […]

Coffee Talk

The bijou bean with a big, Big Easy backstory

Shopping

Cut to the Quick

Japanese chef’s knives for kitchen novices and experts

Shopping

Pop Life

Mix bold colors and contrasting textures with modern and vintage pieces for a striking, yet comfortable look

Recipes

A Twist on Tradition

Chef Tommy DiGiovanni puts a Sicilian spin on a Louisiana holiday favorite

Recipes

Well Received

Greet friends and family visiting New Orleans with a festive welcome reception

Shopping

Room Mates

1.“The Fonville Winans Cookbook: Recipes and Photographs from a Louisiana Artist,” includes more than 100 of photographer Winan’s original recipes, personal stories and never-seen-before images. Octavia Books, octaviabooks.com. 2. Evoking memories of fireside chats and cozy sweaters, KOBO’s Cashmere Valley Wood candle recalls fragrant notes of cashmere wood, smoked chestnuts and leather. Relish, […]

Lagniappe

Refreshed

Magazines are Much like interiors, in that every few seasons it is probably a good idea to do a little freshening up. With that in mind, we’ve been tidying, rearranging and adding a few new, bright, shiny items to our tried-and-true favorites in New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles. As you settle in with the issue, […]

Restaurants

Naked Lunch

Oysters on the half shell are on the menu this fall

Interiors

Design Masters

Now in its ninth year, New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles’ Design Masters feature is always a bumper crop of creative professionals. A dozen standouts in nine categories comprise our 2017 group. Interior designer Maria Barcelona receives the honors for kitchen design, husband and wife architects Kim Payne Allen and Ben Allen for architecture, landscape architects […]

Pretty is as Pretty Does

A flood-damaged Old Metairie house is given a second chance

New Build of the Year

Kendall Winingder and Patrick Schindler combine their talents with a who’s who team of experts to build their dream home

Found and Formed

Glass artist Mitchell Gaudet finds the extraordinary in the ordinary

Freeze Frame

Antique and vintage frames make a comeback

Outdoor Living

Shaping Up

Add interest, whimsy and elegance to the garden with topiary

Recipes

Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice

Grandma’s molasses cookies are the stuff of memories for pastry chef Jeremy Fogg

Interiors

Joan Griswold

Joan Griswold always knew she wanted to be in the arts. As a child, she learned from her mother a love of making things, from clothing to woodblock prints. She took drama classes in high school and pursued theater in college. It also was during college that she found her true passion — painting. Today, […]

Society + Culture

Mastering Design

Editor's Note

Shopping

Shop

Demoran Custom Homes 504/810-5346 985/788-7857 demorancustomhomes.com Adda Carpet & Flooring 5480 Mounes St. Harahan 504-736-9001 addacarpetsandflooring.com Cameron Kitchen and Bath Designs 8019 Palm St. New Orleans 504/486-3759 cameronkitchens.com Susan Currie Design 504/237-6112 susancurriedesign.com Campbell Cabinet Co. 220 Hord St. Harahan 504/733-4687 4040 Highway 59 Mandeville 985/892-7713 campbellcabinets.com Ashley Hall Interiors Ltd 832 Howard Ave. […]

Lagniappe

Face of Pest Control

Joe Martin & Vincent Palumbo

Home + Design

Fruits of Summer

The season’s bounty in flavor-packed parcels

Things To Do

Picnic Chic

A vintage-inspired outdoor spread to kick your summer off in style

Entertaining

Fresh Perspective

Inspired by flavors of her heritage, Chef Diana Chauvin Galle puts a Thai twist on a local favorite

Summer Lovin’

Editor’s Note

MLM Incorporated

Machi Medrzycki

Prevention, Procrastination & Woe

Learning the hard way about keeping up with routine home maintenance

Haven Custom Furnishing

Terri McCormack and Jennifer Uddo

Tyson Construction

Zachary Tyson

Fashion

Décor Fresh for Spring

Create impact this season with accessories, smart edts, layers and light

Fashion

Flower Power

Fresh blooms brighten your rooms and your mood

Recipes

Sportsman’s Paradise

Chef Evan Benson serves up little plate of heaven with sweet and savory smoked duck salad

Scott Andresen

Artist Profile

Iron Will

Caring for, and bringing back cast iron cookware

Shopping

Notable Addiction

The simple luxury of a fresh, fine notebook

Winterizing

Seasonal swaps, new design haunts and events for your winter calendar

Style

Standing Ovation France & Son’s spider lamp is an applause-worthy reinterpretation of the midcentury French icon by Serge Mouille. Dramatic shapes and angles create a theatrical feel within the room, making it as much a work of art as it is a source of illumination. Three curved iron arms of differing lengths are finished with […]

Rachel David

Artist Profile

Game on!

Chef Brian Larson of Clancy’s shares a warm, weeknight crowd-pleaser

Busy Bees

Beekeeping is a fruitful and altruistic hobby

Global Warming

Imported throws, hand-loomed rugs and lean pillows with a world-market vibe lend that cozy lodge feel to your favorite lounge area

Lagniappe

Summertime Hospitality

Whether you’re entertaining guests this summer, revamping your outdoor space or looking for inspiration for your next home project, we have many ideas for you! In this issue, we showcase four guesthouses, discovered by writer Lee Cutrone. They aren’t available to rent, but they might motivate you to revamp your own spare space and invite […]

Style

1. Lounging ‘Round Made of stainless steel with a brushed brass finish, the Kelly bar chair marries old Hollywood glamour with contemporary chic. With its T-shaped barrel back styling and fluted base, Kelly was inspired by the iconic bar stools in the 1942 classic American film Casablanca. It’s built strong, swivels and is sure to […]

Recipes

Hop to It

Served with a side of toe-tappin’ flavor, summer’s freshest catch will put some spring in your step.

Wildflowers

Native plants growing freely

Striking Clocks

How to care for classic timepieces

New Angles

Scott Jarrett of General Public Designs incorporates contemporary and retro elements into his work.

Party Props

Lanterns, coolers and serving wares for picnics, pool parties and beach days

Young & Collected

A couple upgrades their home to reflect their personal styles

Renovation Lessons

What you learn from the endless updates

Shopping

Fireside Antiques

Laura Roland

NOLA Bonsai

Guy Guidry

TAG Homes, Inc.

Thomas A Gennusa III

Outdoor Entertaining

How to grill and chill in style

Tiki Torches

Festive outdoor lighting can enhance your outdoor surroundings and keep it bug-free.

Lagniappe

The Results Are In

You’ve cast your votes, and here are the top picks of your favorite local vendors, shops and home experts.

Summer Brunch

Louisiana cuisine offers so many delightful dishes that are perfect to serve for brunch, and many can be served room-temperature. A whole theme can be created around what we love about the state, from the menu to the table setting. Chef Melissa Martin, who grew up in Chauvin, Louisiana, and her husband, photographer Rush Jagoe, […]

Renovators

Heroes or Villains?

California Closets

Lynell Dow

Flynn Designs

Joey and Kristine Flynn

NOLA BOARDS

Daren Sumrow and Mandy Simpson

Tara Shaw Maison

Tara Shaw

Updating Furnishings for Spring

Trends & tricks that won’t break the bank

Cocktails

The Cherry on Top

Piety Blend at NOLA Brewing

Lagniappe

From Garden to Kitchen

With spring comes renewal, and this issue is full of fresh energy that might give you a boost if you’re thinking about sprucing up your home or outdoor space. For those who are looking to enhance their yard or cultivate a green thumb, Pamela Marquis discovered some of the city’s most beautiful, lush gardens that […]

Shopping

STYLE

It’s the Little Things: Creating Big Moments in Your Home Through The Stylish Small Stuff (Rizzoli, $45.00) Featuring exquisite design vignettes from today’s top designers including Bunny Williams, Alessandra Blanca and India Hicks, author Susanna Salk’s It’s the Little Things inspires readers to get personal and artful with decorating choices. Organized by type of design arrangement, from full […]

Recipes

Bright Idea

Bold in color and flavor, this savory dish proves that cobbler isn’t just for fruit anymore!

Sunny Side Up

Sunflowers are easy to grow in Louisiana and serve many health benefits.

Shopping

Multipurpose Furniture

Repurposing and revamping antiques will never go out of style.

Shopping

Like a Rolling Stone

Jess Leigh continually evolves with her jewelry line.

Garden Fresh

Classic tools for the contemporary gardener

Shopping

Counter Act

6 kitchens with style

Garden Variety

“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” – Henry David Thoreau Landscape Images Ltd Yards offer us relaxing retreats. In the shade of a verdant garden, everyday stresses can seem miles away. Enhanced by touches including water features, fragrant blooms, artwork, comfy seating, brick pathways and luscious plant beds, these landscapes […]

Winter Wonders

Here we are in the anticipated holiday season. Some people get stressed about the idea of hosting a party around the holidays (or in general), but we’re going to show you it doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety, and you, the host or hostess, can have as good of a time as your […]

Martin L. Benson

ARTIST PROFILE

Recipes

Chilling Out

A zesty take on an icebox pie that’s perfect for our temperate winters

Holiday Plants

How to take care of 4 seasonal favorites

Olive & Oil Jars

Years ago, they served as precursors to air-conditioners. Now, they make for great home accents.

Fashion

Bold Ambition

Ingrid Butler crafts wild and wearable lip wear for Lipscape.

Louisiana Custom Closets

Don Wise

MLM, Inc.

Machi Medrzycki

Southern Refinishing

Lesley and Misty Dickerson

Cabinets by Design

Monique Poché Bennett

A Sweet Combination

No matter your age or the season, a s’more is always a welcome treat with a hint of nostalgia.

Divide & Conquer

Brian Bockman and Jack Forbes put their complementary design styles to good use at work and at home.

Luxe Life

Dianna Knost’s Bohemian carriage house

Hard Sell

Sourcing contemporary and decorative antique hardware for your design project proves that details make the difference.

Recipes

Bacon Me Crazy

How to give the old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich an intoxicating new flavor.

Pillow Talk

Rebecca Vizard crafts high-quality pillows using a variety of fabrics.

Composting

A “recipe” for how to do it right

Joy is Her Calling Card

Liz Maute Cooke’s Lionheart Prints is Hallmark for millennials.

Tile in Style

Flooring, tile and stone trends this fall

Mattix Cabinet Works

Manson and Paul Mattix

Home Decore Kitchen & Bath

Lisa Lin

Katie Koch Home

Katie Koch

Benge Landscape

Tommy Benge

Going Green

Add some low-maintenance plant life to your interior space with a terrarium.

The Post-K Way

How far we've come

Ally Burguieres

Artist Profile

A Season Turns

The intersection of creative vision and determination is a magical spot to be. As this issue hits newsstands, we will be done acknowledging the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. We have reflected on the past decade and what it has taught us. New Orleanians – as diverse as we are – share an unparalleled sense […]

Master of Furniture

Design Shaun Wilkerson

Master of Design/Build

Matthew Kohnk

Staying for Summer

Editor's Note

Style

Nautical Chic (Thames & Hudson Ltd., $40.00) For centuries, the appeal of nautical dress has cut a sartorial swathe. But how did the iconic blue-and-white fisherman’s top and yellow peacoat make the leap from uniform into fashionable dress? In her first book, Nautical Chic, fashion historian Amber Jane Butchart uncovers the stories, tracks the trends […]

Casi Francis

The great 20th-century French couturiere Jeanne Lanvin is crediting with proclaiming that “art and fashion are one.” It’s a credo that readily applies to the work of Casi Francis. As a full-time interior designer, Francis works with her mother, interior designer Penny Francis of Eclectic Home, creating beautiful rooms. As an artist, she creates original […]

Recipes

Savoring Summer

A salad featuring corn fresh off the cob and Gulf shrimp make a satisfying summer dish.

Radiant Blooms

Bougainvillea loves the New Orleans sun.

Knobs and Hinges

Using antique hardware can add timeless elegance to a home.

Art of Darkness

Designer Amanda deLeon's works are influenced by death, funerals and nightmares.

Outdoor Accessories

Pump up pool and patio season with exotic tabletop lanterns, hand-woven baskets and distinctive acrylic serve ware.

Selective Synergy

Katie and Marc Levy update a 1950s ranch house

A French Twist

Cathy and Keith Daigle’s fresh take on a classic

Smoking Hot

Grilling Tips, Summer Recipes & Cocktails from chef Adolfo Garcia

Pricing Out Your Dreams

What you need to know about finance

Mosquito Squad of Louisiana Bayou Region

Jeremy and Stacy Jacobs

Shades of Blue, Inc.

Mary Lou Fewell

Sotre

Grace Kaynor

Sequoia Outdoor Supply

Garrett Haab

Seamless Connections

Inviting The Outdoors In

A Fete-Worthy Fruit

In praise of tomatoes

Backyard Living

There are at least one or two hard freezes every winter in New Orleans, followed by days and days of spring rainstorms with lots of wind and sometimes hail. As spring segues into summer, a major citywide cleanup by homeowners of their pools, porches, and patios goes on in full force. They replant and refresh […]

A Season’s Soundtrack

Fill your life with music.

Fashion

Update Your Décor

Incorporating Furniture Trends At Home

Freshen Up

Editor's Note

Fashion

Style

Pierre Frey: Inspiring Interiors: A French Tradition of Luxury (Abrams, $65) Since 1935, Pierre Frey has designed some of the most coveted textiles and wallpapers in the world. A member of the Comité Colbert, an elite association of French luxury houses, the family-owned company uses historical techniques to reproduce period textiles and contemporary creations. The […]

Recipes

Picnic Perfect

Sweet strawberries and spicy ginger put a seasonal twist on a classic sandwich.

Ethical Farming

Sugar Roots Farm connects people to their food with educational programs.

Everything is Illuminated

What you need to know about chandeliers

Finishing Touches

GoodWood NOLA collaborates with local visionaries.

Shopping

The Shining

Brighten your interior’s atmosphere with a sexy sphere of feathers, a bare-bones Edison bulb or a distinctive ornamental table lamp with unique origins. At night, let there be light!

Winter Warmth

I’ve joked in the past about wishing I could hibernate when the temperatures drop below 70, but I wouldn’t want to miss out on cozy social gatherings. If you warm up your winter by dining and celebrating with friends and family, you will definitely find helpful advice and inspiration from our feature, “A Season to […]

Things To Do

Garden Variety

Local experts and aficionados weigh in with tips and share why they love to grow things.

Recipes

C is for Comfort

Curl up with a bowl of Carrot Coconut Curry soup for a meal that’s sweet and savory.

Fashion

Seductive Smoke

Kathleen Currie artfully blends essential oils in her new perfume line.

Rug Chic

Beth Assaf

Northshore Millwork

Julie Diefenthal Philippus

Jefferson Door

Chris, Colin, Ward, Bob and Julie Van Dervort.

Louisiana Custom Closets

Ann and Don Wise

Master of Landscaping

René Fransen

Master of Lighting Sheila Favrot

Sheila Favrot

Master of Real Estate Development/Adaptive Reuse

Michael Valentino

Design Masters

Each year, New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles’ Design Masters feature shines a light on the local designers, artists, artisans and business people who contribute so singularly to the way our city looks, feels and functions. This year, we honor 10 such individuals – Design Masters one and all. We celebrate their accomplishments, which include local […]

Master of Interior Design

Sandy Chopin Staub, NCIDQ, ASID

Master of Home Accents

Alexa Pulitzer

Master of Kitchen and Baths

Jerry Johnson

Master of Custom Drapery

Katie Koch

Master of Green Design

Robert Schmidt

Master of Architecture

John A. Chrestia

Master of Furniture Design

Erica Larkin Gaudet

The Results Are In!

You’ve cast your votes, and here are the top picks of your favorite local vendors, shops and home experts.

Cocktails

Summertime Bounty

This year spring came late to South Louisiana; we had temperatures in the 60s well into April, and a late freeze or two played havoc with crawfish. That hasn’t stopped the zucchini, which I am starting to believe will survive us alongside roaches and Philadelphia Eagles fans when whatever ends us finally ends us. Personally, […]

Retailer Spotlight: Zinsel Glass

Lindsey Buonagura

Retailer Spotlight: Villa Vici

Tanga Winstead

Retailer Spotlight: Nordic Kitchen and Baths

Randy Shaw

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Mullin Landscape Associates

Chase Mullin

Recipes

That's a Wrap!

Forget the bread – let lettuce wrap up this summertime sandwich.

Fashion

Style

Curve Appeal Admired throughout the world for his designs that exude “Elegance with an Edge,” luxury furniture designer, Christopher Guy channels his inner-Chanel in the “Mademoiselle” collection. He recently introduced more than 100 new products to the celebrated collection like the “Musette” chair, available in metallic and lacquered finishes and a host of luxurious fabrics. […]

Shopping

Flip a Switch

Light the way with sconces, lamps and chandeliers.

Recipes

A Sweet, Tart Treat

Life giving you lemons isn’t always a bad thing.

Spring Dreaming

There’s an advantage of editing and producing a seasonal magazine, and it’s not necessarily the feeling of glee upon catching an errant comma or a typo. The advantage we had throughout this abnormally frigid winter was that we knew in our hearts, as far back as January, that springtime would arrive. It had to […]

Recipes

Southern Comfort

A heartwarming casserole gets kicked up a notch with a cornbread cap.

Fashion

Everyday Adventures

Designer Patti Dunn marries style and function in her bag line, Tchoup Industries.

Retailer Spotlight – Abode

Abode is a local, family-owned business with strong roots in New Orleans. It’s a boutique-style home furnishing and accessories store offering sophisticated and unique home furnishings, lighting, artwork, linens, rugs, accessories and gifts.

Retailer Spotlight – Villa Vici

Vikki Leftwich

How to 'Force' Winter Bulbs

In New Orleans we do not hunger for spring the way our Northern neighbors do. We have a bit of green and color even on the darkest of winter’s day. But there’s still something magical about those spring flowers. So during the upcoming holidays how festive it would be to add vivid colors and intoxicating […]

Food + Drink

Recipe: Turkey Taquitos

Two great American traditions get fiesta-style flair.

An Uptown Home With Style and Substance

Seph and Pamela Dupuy’s converted Uptown shotgun combines creativity and function.

Editor's Note: Time of the Season

Time always seems to speed up between the months of November and March. One minute you’re polishing off that last bite of pumpkin pie, and seemingly the next minute you’re “atoning” for our extra-long holiday season, perhaps by swearing off sweets altogether for Lent. We are about to embark on a festive journey through the […]

Accessories for You and Your Home

Although it dangles and dazzles like that iconic mirrored ball from the ’70s, the Ulysses pendant is anything but passé. The drum-style three-light fixture features overlapping layers of brushed gold disks and a double diffuser perforated with small apertures to create subtle lighting effects. Dwell Studio, dwellstudio.com. In With the Old (Potter Style, $34.95) The […]

Homes for the Golden Age

Adjusting a space for retirement age

Retailer Spotlight: Rivers Spencer

Rivers Spencer was buying, selling and renovating homes in her hometown, Jackson, Miss., when she decided to make her dream come true. Spencer, who studied art history, had always wanted to own a business on Magazine Street, so last year she opened Rivers Spencer Interiors at 4610 Magazine St. The store is full of beautiful […]

Retailer Spotlight: Louisiana Custom Closets

Louisiana Custom Closets designs and installs custom shelving for closets, garages and utility rooms. Don Wise, owner, has been in the business for more than 19 years. The company offers free in-home consultations with designs displayed on state-of-the-art software. What new trends do you see regarding your business? Garage storage is becoming more popular all […]

Why I Love a Hot Toddy

The tasty cocktail is key for winter comfort.

An Ode To Brownies

There's always a reason to indulge in this classic treat.

Modern Market – M2 Studio

Charles J. Neyrey and Sherrie Hope combined their strengths and talents to establish two complementary businesses that work seamlessly together. Hope, a member of the National Council for Interior Design, founded Modern Market. The 1,500-square-foot boutique showroom provides a curated collection of contemporary, fashionable and affordable modern furniture and accessories. It focuses on emerging design […]

2013 Design Masters

See who made this year's list of the best of the best in New Orleans home design.

Outdoor Living

5 Styles to Consider for the Garden

Beyond the sliding glass doors of a rear bedroom, my backyard offers a quiet, unused space. A corner palm offers shade, and vines meander along the surface of the fence. Other than that, it’s a blank slate. There is little ground covered, aside from a smattering of pebbles and the occasional weed. No garden beds, […]

Editor's Note – Fall Freshness

I have this wonderful albeit clichéd fantasy of a Southern summer where I’m sprawled out on a chaise lounge, surrounded by tropical plants, with a dog-eared Flannery O’Connor book, pausing only to fan myself or sip a mint julep. It’s a pretty far cry from the busy, bug-slapping, sweaty reality of it all. Don’t get […]

Style

Croc-tail Hour World-renowned for fashionable yet functional décor, L’Objet launches its newest collection, Cabinet of Curiosités, this September in anticipation of the company’s 10th anniversary. Among the 63 new pieces are hand-crafted brass coasters that integrate sophisticated design, artistic integrity and material innovation with pure and unadorned elements of nature. Arabella Fine Gifts & Home […]

Food + Drink

Recipe: Just Beet It

Beets: They’re just as rich in flavor as they are in color. Roast ’em and toss ’em with zesty oranges, savory onions and crunchy hazelnuts, and the nutrient-heavy root takes center stage in a light yet hearty salad. So if you’re searching for a colorful creation to serve at your next fall fête, look no […]

Outdoor Living

Garden Decor

Peek into any beautiful garden, and you will find lush greenery, colorful flowers or a pattern of hedges that delights the eye. You might find towering trees, thick vines that seem to dance across an arbor or a fountain that offers a drink to a bird or butterfly. You might also notice a piece from […]

A Couple's First Home

The home of Amber and Jacob Donnes comes together with help from some local experts.

Editor's Note: Summer Loving

I know it’s not normal to revel in the choking heat and humidity of a New Orleans summer, but I do. I love it. I love the clammy feeling of leaving my air-conditioned house to walk out into a sticky summer morning. I love sweating in the thick twilight air at an outdoor party. I […]

Food + Drink

Baby Back Bliss

Coated in a spicy apple glaze, these barbecued ribs will have you in hog heaven.

Food + Drink

Easy Kid-Friendly Recipes

These meals should please even the pickiest palates.

Food + Drink

Berry Good

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy strawberries, in any form.

Food + Drink

Make This Tonight

A Chicken Salad So Tasty, You’ll Eat the Bowl

Cocktails

An Ode to Bloody Marys

Spring is the perfect time for brunch, and Bloody Marys are the perfect drink!

Anita Cooke

New Orleans artist Anita Cooke says there’s no narrative to her works, which are large collages of paint and reconfigured canvas. But these “sewn constructions,” as she calls them, are not purely abstract either. Once you get behind her process, it’s easy to find the thread, and for New Orleanians in touch with their city’s […]

Food + Drink

‘Tis the Season for Salad

Savory and sweet, this hearty winter salad is something to celebrate.

Editor’s Note

Time Flies

Style

Raising the Bar Designer Kathy Slater is on a roll – literally – with her locally made Orleans bar cart. Available in aged gold leaf and aged silver leaf finishes, it’s the newest addition to her namesake table collection. With three antiqued mirrored trays, the Orleans bar cart is refined with just a hint of […]

Fashion

Kidding Around

Combining fashion and whimsy, these children’s rooms are proof that having kids doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

Give & Learn

Here’s a quick primer on appropriate hostess gifts for every occasion you might encounter during the busy holiday season.

Waste Not, Want Not

Adaptive reuse is not just good for the environment; it’s also good for your wallet and your décor.

Spiffing Up

De-cluttering your home on an everyday basis can make it so much more comfortable and livable.

All that Sparkles

From champagne to fireworks to the glittery pageantry of Carnival, ‘tis the season to sparkle!

Going Native

When starting from scratch with your garden, native plants are usually a fail-safe option.

Creative Community

Mallory Whitfield, aka Miss Malaprop, works with artists around the city while also generating unique, popular and award-winning work of her own

Home Away from Home

Lisa Donofrio and Brian Valzania split their time between New York and New Orleans, but their Creole cottage in the French Quarter is second to none.

2012 Design Masters

The Swedish-style chandelier, custom-made dining table and Louis Philippe buffet are from Source. The 18th-century French chairs are from Piranesi Antiques.

A Promise Kept

Simon and Rebecca Finger’s Uptown Colonial Revival home blends modern, vintage and antique styles with stunning results.

Last Indulgence: True Brew

Not just for college keggers anymore - beer has come into its own!

Home Renewal: Olfactory Overload

How to deal with unsavory smells

Of the First Water

Stellar Kitchens and Spectacular Baths

Trendwatch: Pop Art

Trinkets and knickknacks make a playful appearance this fall, blending contemporary and whimsical designs.

Masters of Their Craft: Labor of Love

Inspired by science fiction, fairy tales, poetry and art, designer Niki Fisk creates one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Living with Antiques: Furniture Freshened Up

Painting an old piece of furniture can revive it - and make it beautiful.

For the Garden: Planting the Seedlings

Local kids get first-hand experience with educational garden programs.

Gatherings: Hot Diggity Dog!

A Great American Classic Goes Gourmet

Artist Profile: Alan Gerson

Alan Gerson’s upcoming exhibition at LeMieux Galleries is titled Children’s Garden, though this collection of new paintings is no walk in the park. Sure, if you glance quickly at them, their bold colors and big, bulbous shapes can give a friendly, almost whimsical impression. But look closer, and there seems always to be a dark […]

Style

Raw Beauty Painted on reclaimed wood collected near construction sites in Lakeview, local artist Jennifer Rodrigue’s oyster paintings celebrate the marvelous mollusk shape to create appetizing artwork that’s always in season. Julie Neill Designs, 3908 Magazine St., 899-4201, www.jenniferrodrigueart.com. …And Everything Nice Local jewelry designer Lauren Eckstein […]

Editor's Note

Welcome Back

Surviving Summer

If spring is a time for rebirth and revitalization and fresh starts and cleaning and bursts of productive energy, well, then summer – at least summer in New Orleans – is almost the opposite: a time for rest and popsicles and lying on the sofa in your underwear whining about the heat. But we refused […]

Fashion

Style

Cameo Appearance From the stone objets d’art of ancient Greece to Queen Victoria’s beloved personal collection, the carved relief cameo has remained a timeless classic. In its new fragrance collection, Seda France captures the texture, richness and singular beauty of these historical motifs in eight fragrant candles, each hand-poured in decorative white glass and packaged […]

Food + Drink

Cuckoo for Couscous

This versatile food is perfect for the hot days of summer.

Mint Conditions

This refreshing herb thrives in the summertime.

Eastern Influence

Antique kimonos make beautiful wall-hangings and are wonderful conversation pieces, but they require special care and handling.

On Vinyl

Judy Gamache DiGeorge finds a new purpose for old records.

Fashion

Backyard Zen

Versatile and stylish furniture and accessories can help you create the perfect oasis close to home.

Food + Drink

A New Spin on Pasta

Try some lighter recipes for the long, hot days of summer.

A house made for Summer

With abundant outdoor space, Chris and Shane Guidry can take full advantage of the warmer seasons.

Here Comes the Sun

Solar power is catching on in New Orleans.

Food + Drink

Ice Up

Iced coffee might be a vice, but it’s the best way to make it through a New Orleans summer.

Trendwatch: Green Theme

There’s no time like spring to ramp up the color and bring the outdoors in

Editor's Note: Crunch Time

Once we hit October in New Orleans, the days might get shorter, but somehow, we manage to jam more and more events into them: Halloween parties and Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas celebrations, open houses, glittery New Year’s festivities and colorful Mardi Gras balls. In other cities, they might hibernate during winter – but not here! And […]

Fashion

Style

Under Wraps It’s no secret that “re-gifting” is considered gauche by many, but the action can be quite acceptable if properly interpreted. Stylish and sturdy, gift bags and boxes in graphic cotton fabrics with reinforced bottoms are more than just pretty packages – they’re gifts that keep on giving. Working Class Studio, 912/525-6300, www.workingclassstudio.com.

Gatherings: A Soup For All Seasons

Served hot or cold, roasted tomato-basil soup makes a heartwarming meal any time of the year

From the Garden: Garden Therapy

When the world is too much with you, gardening is a great way to relax, and better still, there’s no need to spend a lot of money to make your backyard flourish

Living With Antiques: Estate of Mind

If you know the secrets, estate sales can be great sources of hidden treasures and fabulous bargains.

Trend Watch: Gotcha Covered!

The weather outside may be frightful, but the colors inside are delightful – and will warm you right up!

Home Renewal: Cabinets as the Centerpiece

In the renovated home of Ben Gauslin, cabinets are anything but an afterthought

Last Indulgence: Mull It Over

Sweet, hot and deliciously spicy, mulled wine will warm you from the inside out

Artfully Done

Starting almost from scratch, Nick Mayor and Jessica Bride have lovingly restored their Greek Revival home on Coliseum Square.

Just Desserts

From simple to decadent, these desserts will be sure to impress all through the holidays

36th Annual Holiday Home Tour

A Message from the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans… The Preservation Resource Center is now in its 37th year of preserving, restoring and revitalizing New Orleans’ historic architecture and neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1974, the PRC has preserved and restored nearly 1,400 homes in New Orleans. In the last six years alone, the […]

Editor's Note: New Year's, Take 2

Shortly after jubilantly flinging my mortarboard into the air at college graduation, I came back down to earth with a sudden and stinging revelation. Yes, the calendar said it was summer – but I had a job to get to every morning at 8. My years of indolent Junes, Julys and Augusts were no more. […]

Style

Conversation Piece She’s long been known for her one-of-a-kind antiques, but Karla Katz is now offering a collection of equally unique contemporary tables that are truly something to talk about. After an unsuccessful search for the ideal occasional table, the local designer created her own iron ostrich-leg design, available in custom sizes and finishes. Karla […]

Food for Thought

Start your day off right with a brainy, grainy breakfast sandwich

Lettuce Do Lunch

Autumn is the perfect time to plant lettuce

Copper Standard

L.J. Gonzales restores centuries-old copper

Southern Salvation

Kerry Fitts of Bayou Salvage recycles other people’s castoffs into stylish clothing and classic Southern art

You Got Served

From dazzling dishes to fabulous flatware, local stores have everything you need

Food + Drink

Apple of My Eye

Celebrate these cooler days with an ooey, gooey treat that’s quintessentially fall

Back to the Future

Is there still hope for fun futuristic gadgets?

Risky Business

For Tia Elders, life is about taking the road less traveled, and life at home is about taking risks

Tile Style

Fashion doesn’t have to take a backseat to function

Fourth Annual Renaissance Awards

Five historically sensitive renovations

New Orleans Resource Directory

Specialists Alvarez + Basik Design Group132 N. Cortez St., Suite BNew Orleans504-486-4422www.alvarezbasik.comAlvarez + Basik Design Group provides complete garden services, from initial design through maintenance, for a wide range of clients and styles. Bayou Closets2535 N. Rampart St.New Orleans504-944-8388www.bayouclosets.comBayou Closets provides custom-designed melamine laminate organizing solutions for pantries, home offices, garages and entertainment centers. With […]

Living Aesthetic

Artist Miranda Lake’s Home

Shopping

Ferguson

Ferguson is a wholesale Plumbing, Lighting, and Appliance distributor. Our Bath and Kitchen Gallery located in Metairie has over 15,000 square feet of displays! Our highly trained and knowledgeable sales staff is here to help make your project successful! Let us orchestrate your dream! ferguson901 S. Labarre Rd., Ste 205504-849-3060 | www.ferguson.com

Shopping

Bayou Closets Inc.

Keep Clutter in Check

Shopping

Banting’s Nursery

One-Stop Nursery Supplies

Shopping

Sunrise Homes

Over a half-century of homebuilding experience is now available on your homesite. With dozens of plans and hundreds of options to choose from, Sunrise Homes has a home ideal for every lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in one of our award-winning plans or looking to modify a design, our Sales and Design professionals are experts at translating your […]

Food + Drink

A Time to Grill

Simple Recipes for Slow Southern Summers

Fashion

Water Lust

Living Near Water--the New Orleans Way

Home + Design

Under the (Worldly) Influence

Bartender Jeremy J.F. Thompson makes his mark at the Eiffel Society.

A Good Vintage

A How-To Guide for Proper Application of Classic Style

Entertaining

California Dreamin'

San Diego-style fish tacos.

Living on the Northshore

Planning the Home of Your Dreams

Fashion

Style

Home Couture with Summer Sass

Society + Culture

Sweet Summertime

A Digest of the Summer Issue

Food + Drink

Get Snowed

Beat the Summer Heat with New Orleans' Snowballs

35th Annual Holiday Home Tour

Saturday and Sunday December 11 & 12, 2010

From Storage to Stellar

Developer Kendall Winingder turns a run-down storage facility into a refined urban town house.

Society + Culture

A Full, Festive Fall

The long humid days, the daily thunderstorms, snowballs and sweat and seersucker: I am one of the rare people who thrives on New Orleans summers. A delicate Southern flower, I cannot abide cold winters –– and apparently it’s genetic: My 3-year-old daughter, Ruby, walked outside on the first slightly cool day of the year and […]

Fashion

Style

X Marks the Spot Dramatic crisscross chair legs have put Christopher Guy on the map. In fact, the U.K. designer is working on a patent for them. But there’s more to these dining chairs than just a sexy set of legs. Their tall, tapered backs are made of finely woven cane and offer a surprising […]

Entertaining

Viva Las Veggies

Winter-greens-and-potato casserole makes a hearty (and heart-healthy) meal no matter the season.

The Other New Orleans Saints

Ancient santos figures are revered both for their artistry and for their spiritual significance.

Home + Design

The Medium is the Message

For Stephán Wanger, Mardi Gras beads, his medium of choice, are symbolic of New Orleans’ triumphant spirit.

Fashion

Antiquarian Autumn

After the newness of spring and the busyness of summer, the cooler seasons invite you to settle in with the old.

Food + Drink

Cheesy Does It

This holiday season, give thanks for a very cultured food.

JLNO Kitchen Tour

saturday, march 27, 2010

all fired up

This quick and simple menu is the perfect way to ease back into the warmer seasons.

Society + Culture

springing into action

It’s hard to top the season we just had, starting in the autumn with the Saints’ winning streak and culminating in a frenzied February with what some people called “Lombardi Gras,” the joyous coincidence of the Saints’ Super Bowl win and Carnival. But as incredible as that was, I’m definitely looking forward to the months […]

Fashion

style

Entertaining

when life hands you lemons… make limoncello!

This refreshing liqueur “takes the cake” when it comes to warm weather dessert.

Home + Design

rise and dine

This spring and summer, there are so many good reasons to get out of bed and start celebrating.

Music + Festivals

The Secret Gardens Tour

March 12 & 13, 2010

Fashion

making a splash

Jump feet first into the season with fun and fabulous jewelry.

Society + Culture

editor’s note

follow us into the future

style

Entertaining

how ‘bout them apples?

From the Garden of Eden to America’s kitchens, apples are forever tempting our taste buds.

Soldier on

Collections of military antiques can be both aesthetically pleasing and meaningful.

eat your heart out

Local chefs show off some of their signature dishes.

artfully done

Sculptor and physician Dr. Arthur Silverman and his late wife of more than 65 years, Merce, filled their home with a blend of low-key furnishings and light colors, letting their art collection truly shine.

Holiday Whimsy

With a fresh and nontraditional color palette and custom-made centerpieces with fresh lemons and apples, Richard and Sally Edrington keep holiday decorating fun.

The most wonderful time

Sandra and Bob Eason look forward to Christmas all year long.

New Orleans Alchemy

A home just steps from Audubon Park illustrates the fresh sophistication of today’s New Orleans style.

A house of a different color

No white baseboards? Peach-hued ceilings? Colorist Mary Cooper offers some unusual suggestions for interior color that will add life to your home.

Home + Design

pie-eyed

Pie is good any time of year, but it’s a necessity during the holidays.

The Second Annual Renaissance Awards

New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles and the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans recognize five historically sensitive home renovations and two business icons.

Society + Culture

Immersion journalism

Never let it be said that I am not devoted to the craft of journalism. OK, so I’m not Nellie Bly, the pioneering female journalist who in the 1880s faked insanity to study a mental institution from within. But I’ve done something actually insane: Just in time for our young homeowners feature, I’ve gone and […]

Style

Shopping

Leontine Linens

Jane Scott Hodges

Shopping

Action Flooring

Owned by Michael Ganis, Action Flooring started out in 1972 in Miami but made its way to New Orleans in 2006. The store has experienced salespeople to assist in color and texture options. They also help customers make decisions about what kinds of materials work best based on both the applications and their lifestyles. Additionally, […]

Entertaining

For the love of olives

Often salty, sometimes sweet, but always full of flavor, olives offer countless possibilities when it comes to making easy appetizers.

Detail-oriented

Whatever your budget, there are many options in this city for architectural antiques, so skip the big-box stores and find something that will make your home stand out.

Skin deep

Don’t let the summer get you down –– with the right beauty products, you can look cool no matter how hot it is.

The ultimate New Orleans resource directory

Another hot summer will soon draw to a close. After entertaining, vacationing or simply trying to stay cool all summer, it’s time to think about freshening up the look of your home as you step into a new season. Whether you’re looking for new curtains, an eco-friendly fireplace, shelves for your ever-expanding closet, a garden […]

Home + Design

Rind over matter

Healthy and delicious, watermelon is a perfect slice of summer.

Kitchens and Baths

Do-it-yourself done right

Young homeowners Ian and Amanda Smithson took a chance in post-Katrina New Orleans — and honed their home-building skills along the way.

House of spirits

The essence of New Orleans style in the Faubourg Marigny home of Lloyd Sensat and Eugene Cizek

Small wonder

For those lucky enough to have them, second homes are the perfect summer retreat.

A lot of yacht

For those lucky enough to have them, second homes are the perfect summer retreat.

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Perk Builders Inc.

[Timmy Perkins]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Louisiana Custom Closets

[Don Wise]

Home + Design

Wine Lust

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience reminds us that everything looks brighter on the other side of a glass of wine.

Entertaining

Going Bananas

Unexpected ingredients turn an everyday fillet into a surprisingly delicious dish.

The sum of its parts

Home and garden accessories round out your décor while letting you emphasize your personal style.

Style

Home Furnishings

Serenity by design

With her children grown, Neetsy Walker is able to focus her professional design skills on her own home, and she has created a tranquil, elegant retreat with an artful blend of antiques and modern pieces.

Pool Cues

These swanky swimming pools will get you primed for summer.

Timeless Style

Patricia O’Brien’s 1840s cottage showcases classic Creole elements.

Society + Culture

The Start of the Season

I am a rare breed of New Orleanian: I love the summers here. Most people who live here live here in spite of the summers –– they put up with the 95 degree days and the 100 percent humidity because they love the food or the music or the mild winters or all of the […]

Society + Culture

Be of Good Cheer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year –– Jazz Fest! Sure, Christmas is great and loaded with traditions and sensory memories: the smells of pine trees and sugar cookies, the sounds of carols and church bells, the sights of Santa Claus and Mr. Bingle. But Jazz Fest, to me, is even richer: the smells […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: New Orleans Millworks

[Scott Taranto]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Coburn’s Supply

[Karen Jackson]

Fashion

Style

The Bright Side (above)The sumptuous styles of Kravet’s fine fabrics are no longer limited to indoor use. The Kravetsoleil collection features high-performance and low-maintenance fabrics that are resistant to fading, mildew and stains but show no resistance to the notion of outdoor living and entertaining. Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design, 1533 Prytania St., 525-7409, or […]

Entertaining

Currant Affairs

Sweet and sour with a bit of bite, red currants add a punch to creamy Camembert for a newsworthy recipe.

Fashion

Bugging Out

With the weather warm but not yet too warm, it’s the perfect time to entertain in the sunshine — even if you have some uninvited guests.

Good Eggs

This New Orleans classic is a egg-cellent addition to your brunch table on Easter morning — or any other time.

Great Lighting Ideas

Dunleith Designs and Antiques, LLC1804 Magazine St. • 504-272-0879An American gilt brass six light gasolier, 19th c. Attributed to Mitchell Vance & Co., New York. Prism Hung Crown-Form Circlets, fitted with Etched Ball Shades, now electrified. Height 55” Diameter 29”. Home and Garden2033 Highway 190 • 985-875-7576Home and Garden is the exclusive showroom on the […]

Artist in Residence

James Michalopoulos and his family thrive on the creative energy in their funky, livable, lovable home in Faubourg Marigny.

A Studio by the Water

Keith Perelli and Sergio Alvarez’s Bywater residence is bustling with creativity and bursting with art.

All-Star Style

David Connick of the Bucktown All-Stars and his family have struck the perfect chord in their charming and contemporary Metairie home.

The Art of Atmosphere

In this excerpt from her newest book project, Kerri McCaffety talks with one of the city’s most famous interior designers, Gerrie Bremermann, about the rich artistic and cultural life in New Orleans and how we bring it inside our homes.

Outdoor Living

The Plant Gallery9401 Airline Dr. • 504-488-8887 • 800-545-2499 • www.theplantgallery.com Home and Garden2033 Hwy. 190 • Covington • 985-875-7576Expand your living space this spring with our new, exclusive line of all weather wicker collection. Solid aluminum framing with with all weather wicker designed to endure the elements while providing exceptional comfort and sleek clean lines. […]

Lagniappe

Design Your Life: New Orleans Home and Garden Show

Greetings!On behalf of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, we’d like to welcome you to the 2009 New Orleans Home and Garden Show. We think that you’re going to be amazed at the variety and quality of exhibits, programs, products and services in this year’s show! Please take an opportunity to browse the […]

Lagniappe

Imagine Yourself Here

The world of real estate has always had its challenges, but the faltering economy has made it even trickier to navigate. On the one hand, it’s a buyer’s market, with prices falling and more great options available than ever. On the other hand, it can be difficult to find financing, with banks and credit companies […]

The Secret Gardens Tour

March 20 & 21, 2009

Junior League of New Orleans Kitchen Tour for Children’s Education

Junior League of New Orleans in partnership with Cabinets by DesignKitchen Tour for Children’s EducationSaturday, April 4, 2009 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kitchen Tour is a self-guided tour of 10 amazing kitchens in the fabulous Audubon Park and Faubourg St. John neighborhoods. The JLNO Kitchen Tour for Children’s Education continues to support […]

Food + Drink

Smart Cookies

Girl Scout Birthday is March 12: Let’s celebrate with cookies!

A Reflection of our Character

The Uptown home of designer Tanga Winstead is the epitome of eclectic the way eclectic is done in New Orleans. The bargeboard cottage shows classic turn-of-the-century features and maps out its own history from a double to a corner sweet shop to a single. Inside this interesting old shell, each piece of furniture and art […]

Unmistakable Allure

After their kids left home, Marcy and Mike Gertler felt drawn to the idea of a smaller space with less upkeep –– but they didn’t give up so much as a square inch of style.

Fashion

A Change of Season

Winter is over, and the brutal days of summer aren’t yet here: It’s time to get down and dirty in your garden.

Living History

This Creole town house in Bywater has been lovingly and authentically restored, but far from treating it as a museum, owner Mary Cooper makes herself right at home.

Entertaining

Duck, Duck, Goose

Serious flavor makes wild game more than just child’s play.

Restorative Power

After Katrina, McConnell’s Furniture Refinishers Inc. went on a personal mission to help fix New Orleans, one antique at a time.

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Pro-Vision Paving Inc.

Owned by Alessandra Franklin and Rodrigo Ribeiro, Pro-Vision Paving provides all services related to “hardscapes,” such as driveways, walkways, pool decks, patios and retaining walls. The two established their business in 2003, and they continue to strive to provide personal, knowledgeable service. They are “vested in the satisfaction” of their customers and believe that their […]

Society + Culture

“Springtime and Sunshine”

The first time I ever heard the phrase “February blahs,” I was still living in New Orleans, and I thought: “What? February is Carnival! February is Valentine’s Day! February is awesome!” Then I moved to Missouri. After a couple of Missouri winters, March became my favorite month simply by virtue of not being February. And […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: South Coast Solar

With state and federal tax incentives, solar panels are more affordable than ever, and since 2008, South Coast Solar has been combining energy-efficient measures with renewable energy for residential and commercial establishments. The business is owned by Chief Executive Officer Tucker Crawford and Chief Technology Officer Scott Oman, and with their staff of 15, they run […]

Fashion

Style

Fancy FaucetsTrends may come and go, but precious stones are always en vogue. With that in mind, THG Paris has created the Vogue Collection to bring a little “bling-bling” into the bathroom. The luxury bath series features exotic gems, including turquoise, gray agate, rose quartz, smoky quartz and amethyst. THG Paris, 954/425-8225, or go to […]

Made in America

Sample News With Images

Article text goes here. Hope it all can look good. I only need one paragraph. Caption number one goes here.

Shopping

Shop of the Two Sisters

Shop of the Two Sisters, owned by Lee Ali and Rose Ali, sells all manner of home furnishings.

Fashion

Enchanted Evenings

Romance is a part of New Orleans. It is everywhere. As a Southern city, it shares a certain warmth, but we are set apart by an indefinable thing that makes us special. Why not share that “specialness” with someone this Valentine’s Day by showering your one-and-only with classic gifts, done in our unique way. From […]

Food + Drink

Ace of Cupcakes

Zoey Devall, owner of “gourmet cupcakery” Bee Sweet Cupcakes, started her business in October 2008 and had her shop up and running just over a month later. The youngest of 13 children, Devall mixes her love of family with a little sugar and spice, creating one of Magazine Street’s sweetest new businesses. At the shop, […]

Two to One

On an unassuming block of Joseph Street, a former double shotgun stands, squared-off in the proportions so familiar to New Orleanians. It is the home of Lee Adler, an attorney with Phelps Dunbar LLP who specializes in business, real estate and finance, and his partner, Robert Marks, a health care consultant for BearingPoint. The age […]

Shopping

Lee Ali & Rose Ali

Shop of the Two Sisters, owned by Lee Ali and Rose Ali, was established in 1994 and sells all manner of home furnishings, including upholstery, furniture, antiques and vintage pieces, lighting, throw pillows, artwork, accessories and area rugs. “We provide full interior design service,” says Lee, who is licensed as an interior designer and is […]

Entertaining

Hostess with the Most-est

In February 1999, upon spending their first Mardi Gras at home on the St. Charles Avenue parade route, Pamela Lyles and her family christened their home “Hotel Lyles.” From that year on, houseguests from near and far seemed to flock like little “critters” to Hotel Lyles where family, friends, food and fun were always served […]

Society + Culture

Where Unlikely Things Happen

I was recently regaling my friend Tommy, an old college buddy from San Francisco, with stories of the first post-Katrina Mardi Gras. My mother and I, so eager to hurry out to the parades, parked hastily and ran to St. Charles Avenue without making a mental note of the cross streets. We had a fabulous […]

Food + Drink

Pearls of Wisdom

Many years ago, my dad — a small-town North Carolina boy studying English at Tulane — had a little too much fun on his first Lundi Gras and awoke on Mardi Gras Day feeling decidedly subpar. He was wandering through the crowds on St. Charles Avenue when a kindly older woman noticed he looked green […]

View from the Top

Family FestivityOn a stately Southern-style Colonial balcony, several generations of a tightly knit family gather during Carnival season. Jerry W. Kelly Sr. and his wife, Marilyn, reside in the home, along with his mother. The Kellys’ children and grandchildren can often be spotted in the spacious front yard or above on the grand balcony. And […]

Restoring the Past

More than three years ago, a monstrous storm blew into New Orleans and tried to wash away much of our past. It was a time of quick decisions, some life and death, and a test of our city’s spirit. Now, I look back on all that we lost as a city, and personally, I marvel […]

Style

Defining Luxury: The Qualities of Life at Home (Rizzoli, $65)Jeffrey Bilhuber, the media-savvy designer for tastemakers and celebrities such as Anna Wintour, Elsa Peretti and Iman and David Bowie, presents his most recent projects from coast to coast in Defining Luxury: The Qualities of Life at Home. Bilhuber views luxury as essential to every life […]

The House that Art Built

As most prospective homeowners will tell you, looking for the perfect house — especially your first house, because it has to be the right house — can be a frustrating process. Longtime friends Libra LaGrone and Bradley Sabin had looked at about “30 to 40 houses,” Sabin says. One morning, the day that LaGrone and […]

Home + Design

King Me

One of the nice things about living in New Orleans is that there isn’t really a post-holiday letdown. We move seamlessly from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s to Twelfth Night to Mardi Gras to Easter. It’s hard to be sad about packing up the Christmas ornaments when there’s King Cake to be eaten! King […]

Lagniappe

Beautiful Bedrooms

Leontine Linens3806 Magazine St. • 504.899.7833 • www.leontinelinens.com.Leontine creates custom bedding, made to order in the colors, fabrics and styles of your choosing. Blanket covers, shams, bed skirts, sheet sets, quilts – even cashmere throws – all made to order. Visit the showroom to see just how easy it is. California Closets3211 North Causeway Blvd. […]

The Ultimate New Orleans Resource Directory

New Year’s resolutions are about self-improvement, and your home is merely an extension of yourself. Whether you’re resolved to (finally) install new countertops, hang up some bright new curtains or finish the paint job in the guest bedroom, make sure to support these fabulous local businesses. Note: Although our goal is to make this resource […]

Media Frenzy

Corner PocketBy Nicole Wroten When Bruce and Ellie Wainer decided they wanted to build a house in Old Metairie, they knew they wanted much more than a great home: They wanted a smart home. The Wainers teamed up with Leo Golubitsky, owner of SMILE Inc., to create a full-house technological system to control everything throughout […]

After All These Years

The year was 1958. The post-World War II baby boom was turning out a generation that would eventually be more than 78 million strong. Nikita Khrushchev became premier of the Soviet Union. Explorer 1, the first successful American satellite, was launched into orbit. The peace sign was designed. Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. […]

Fashion

Color Me Cheerful

In many parts of the country, January is a bleak affair, a time when all that is green and colorful has well and truly disappeared and won’t be returning until May at the earliest. Luckily, we all live in Louisiana, where the flower gods are kind enough to send us the camellia to sustain us […]

Home + Design

Family Guy

Larry and Gwen McHenry, owners of Unique Woodworks, have been married for40 years and have built their business on a foundation of family, craftsmanship and community. Producing mostly cypress lawn furniture such as swings, gliders, chairs and picnic tables, Unique Woodworks has been a McHenry family affair since the shop opened in 1992. The McHenry […]

Striking a Bargain

As of this writing, the stock market is in a swan dive and most of us are referring to our retirement accounts as our “201(k)s.” The U.S. economy is shaky at best, and the rest of the world is using the “R word” — “recession” —in casual conversations. It’s belt-tightening time on Planet Earth. And […]

Entertaining

The Nitty-Gritty

When actor Joe Pesci played Vinny Gambini in the 1992 hit film My Cousin Vinny, he put grits on the map –– at least for those residing above the Mason-Dixon line. At a roadside diner in rural Alabama, Gambini, a rough and tough New York attorney on his first visit down South, tells the line […]

Fashion

Style

A Twist on Tradition (above)Seeking inspiration from the rich heritage of South Louisiana’s architecture and decorative elements, artist Benjamin Burts creates pieces that are edgy yet complement even the most refined and elegant interiors. His large silver-glazed ceramic bowl with gold ceramic rope rim and handles makes the perfect place to display found objects, but […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: [Chad Vinturella]

With two premier showrooms –– in Metairie and Mandeville –– showcasing the latest and the greatest in the industry, Southland Plumbing Supply specializes in kitchen and bath plumbing fixtures for clients. Their services are tailored to a variety of budgets; the business also takes care of commercial as well as residential spaces. Mona Vinturella, a […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: [George S. Hewitt]

G.S Hewitt LLC, owned by George Hewitt and Sue St. Amant, takes care of bathroom and kitchen design from start to finish. “Our business loves to make things beautiful, and we’re always on the lookout for the newest and best items,” says Hewitt. “We are always researching the latest technology to give our clients the […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

We all know it so well that it hardly bears repeating, but January is a time for resolutions and fresh starts, a time to lose those last 5 pounds or start jogging or switch to decaf. I’ve made every single one of those resolutions over the years –– and plenty of other ones, too –– […]

Timeless Treasures

Every Christmas for more than 30 years, I have unpacked treasured items that are part of the holiday traditions in our family. There are the ceramic Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, lovingly painted by the receptionist at my husband’s office when our children were toddlers. These two caricatures were always our children’s favorites. I also […]

Home + Design

Egg Me On

So many things during the holiday season seem to inspire strong feelings on both sides. “Little Drummer Boy,” for example: My husband loves it. It’s his favorite Christmas carol of all time. I, however, would rather listen to nails on a chalkboard than that endless litany of “pa rum pum pum pums.” And so it […]

Give Strong

As the holiday social scene begins to heat up, guests all over town start asking themselves the same question: “Where did I put all of those fancy wine bottle bags?” There’s nothing wrong with bringing a bottle of wine for your host or hostess, of course, but it’s not exactly the most original gift. With […]

Music + Festivals

Festive Food

Cat Cora How has New Orleans influenced your cuisine?I grew up in Mississippi and went to the University of Southern Mississippi, so I was really just about 45 minutes away from New Orleans. I grew up coming here, and I grew up eating jambalaya, oysters, étoufée and pralines, and bold flavors like that have an […]

Winter Wonderland

Minus the softly falling snow and horse-drawn carriages, the classic Georgian-style home of Jennifer and Fred Heebe looks much like those pictured in the Courier and Ives lithographs of yesteryear. From the outside, the glittering white lights delicately strewn across the hedges and the half-dozen wreaths hanging from each first-story window bedazzle the passersby. Holiday […]

Christmas Past & Present

Tis the season to be festive … and festive it is at the home of Leslie and Brian Boudreaux in the Beau Chene gated community in Mandeville –– with a twist of Southern hospitality. Their raised Acadian cottage-style home is very welcoming for the holidays with traditional garland flanking the front porch rails and crimson […]

Fashion

Making Merry

Whatever you may be celebrating this December, we raise our glass to you! Traditionally, now is a time to observe Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Let us embrace them all. It is also during this time that New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles revels in the rich aesthetics of the season. In honor of the festive beauty […]

Home + Design

Wick-ed Woman

After studying ballet for 17 years and earning degrees in political and social sciences from Loyola University, Lisa Jo Hienz decided to take her career in a new direction –– up in smoke. “I returned from a month-long Katrina evacuation to find that the accounting firm I worked for had relocated out of state,” says […]

Entertaining

One-Dish Wonder

“D” is for “December” — and “decadent” and “delicious.” The list of adjectives seems never-ending when it comes to describing the most indulgent time of the year. With the leftover holiday ham, the remaining liquor from last weekend’s cocktail party and the growing assortment of nuts and goodies courtesy of generous colleagues and neighbors, your […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: The Plant Gallery

The Plant Gallery started as a small shop in the French Quarter in 1991 and has expanded greatly since its inception. Today, it’s a diverse business that occupies almost 3 acres on Airline Drive and employs nearly 60 professionals, including General Manager Jim Massicot. The business offers a variety of services including landscaping, interior-scape design, […]

Fashion

Style

Toast of the Town Influenced by architectural mosaics and tile work created by Venetian artisans, Anthony Shafermeyer and Claire Kelly have developed a unique stemware collection. Each piece is produced by pulling colored glass into long rods that are cooled, cut and assembled into a pattern on a ceramic stone. Once the stone is hot, […]

Society + Culture

Christmas Memories

It’s one of my oldest and fondest Christmas memories: My mom and dad and I were walking along Bayou St. John in mid-December when we noticed that City Park was all lit up. We abandoned our normal path to cross the street and check it out. This was maybe the second or third year of […]

Charleston Mayor Urges Caution, Prudence Before Demolition

The Inaugural Renaissance Awards and Preservation Resource Center Heritage Club Luncheon was held on Sept. 18 at the Audubon Tea Room. More than 220 guests converged on the elegant locale to celebrate the great historic architecture of New Orleans and also to recognize the importance of preserving it for future generations. On hand to provide […]

33rd Annual Holiday Home Tour

A Message from the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans… The first Holiday Home Tour was held in 1975 to raise money for the Preservation Resource Center and its budding programs. Held on the evening of Dec. 17, the inaugural tour was a candlelit stroll through four Garden District homes on First Street. Each home […]

Necessities with Niceties

Not every home has a den or a study or a media room, but even the most basic dwelling has a kitchen and a bathroom. It would be easy to take these functional rooms for granted, and many people do. These homeowners, however, wanted more than just the basics. Custom cabinetry, heated radiant flooring and […]

Outside In

Heather Burglass doesn’t consider herself a gardener, but she is an avid lover of gardens all the same. Not only did she and her husband, Bruce, recently host the patron party for the Longue Vue Symposium at their home in Metairie Club Gardens, but they also designed their whole house so that each room would […]

Fashion

Bright Ideas

The days grow shorter, the nights are cooler, and it is time to seek shelter from the long chill of November evenings. It is time to go inside, curl up on the couch (with a copy of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles) and warm ourselves under the comforting glow of a beautiful lamp. In the […]

Home + Design

Night Lights

I come from a tiny family with precious few holiday traditions, so I am elated to have had the good fortune to marry into a huge Catholic family that has a ritual for just about everything. The Easter egg hunts and Fourth of July barbecues are wonderful, of course, but my favorite tradition by far […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Christian Russell & Matthew Ruffino

After Hurricane Katrina, Christian Russell partnered with hisbrother-in-law Matthew Ruffino in his family business, Ruffino Custom Closets. The duo specializes in custom storage solutions such as closets and garages. Russell says they reach out to “all ranges” of clientele, and carry such brands as Schulte Corp. and Storage Squared Inc. What are your goals in […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Leslie Armstrong

Armstrong’s Lighting, which started 84 years ago on St. Bernard Avenue, has blossomed into a successful venture that specializes in lighting, ceiling fans, home décor and gifts. Today it’s located on Clearview Parkway in Metairie, and Leslie Armstrong, who co-owns it with her husband, Scott, says her goal is to make Armstrong’s the “go-to store […]

Entertaining

Back to Basics

It’s hard to imagine a Thanksgiving meal without turkey, green bean casserole and sweet potato pie. But contrary to popular belief, the spread at the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 was not composed of the elaborate stuffed turkeys, saucy vegetable dishes and sweet indulgences we’ve all come to crave once the calendar flips to […]

Fashion

Style

Heavy Metal Part of Lunares’ Natura collection, these exquisite bowls are designed and handcrafted by a brother-and-sister team of artisans. Thanks to their unique alloy composition, they’re incredibly durable and will not chip, crack, break or tarnish — keeping each piece looking fresh out of the box party after party. Quince, 2115 Magazine St., 556-9668. […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

The very first Thanksgiving dinner I attempted did not go according to plan. Oh, I didn’t burn down the kitchen or give my family salmonella or anything dramatic like that, but I mistook cayenne pepper for paprika, which in Missouri is frowned upon, and all of the side dishes were ready a good three hours […]

Linens-n-Things

While cleaning closets last year, I stumbled across three large unmarked cardboard boxes. As I opened the tops, I found a large collection of beautiful old linens –– dinner and cocktail napkins, tablecloths, lace-trimmed bedsheets and hand towels. All of these belonged to my late mother, who was partial to Irish linen and damask (a […]

Home + Design

All Fired Up

New Orleans holds a special place in the ceramic arts, thanks to the famed Newcomb pottery created at Newcomb College in the early 20th century. It was at Newcomb that students and graduates, inspired in their designs by the lush vegetation of Southern Louisiana, fashioned 70,000 pieces of work from local and regional clay. Nearly […]

Entertaining

Flavorful Fall

It’s October, and in case you haven’t noticed, the days are a little shorter and even a bit cooler. More obvious are the sudden sightings of ghosts, goblins and gourds around town that let us know that autumn has arrived. Celebrate the start of the new season with a scrumptious meal –– pasta with pumpkin […]

Fashion

Style

(above) A Winning Pair Dating back to 1850, this pair of wooden musical “trophées” champions all over-door decorations. Intricately carved, painted and gilded, the French adornments add an extra je ne sais quoi to create a well-appointed entryway. Soniat House Antiques, 1139 Chartres St., 212-0200, or go to www.soniatantiques.com. Modern Marvels One of a pair, […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Caroline Robert of Perch

Caroline Robert, owner of perch., says her love of antiques was passed down from her mother, an avid collector. “She taught me the importance of all things old and how interesting their provenance can be.” Robert herself was naturally drawn to vintage styles from the 1960s and ‘70s.“I noticed a niche in the New Orleans […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Rob Dunn of Bayou Closets

Rob Dunn, president and CEO of Bayou Closets, says his business prides itself on superior design. “It’s important for a lady to know just how many pairs of shoes she can store in her closet,” he says. “To make the experience better for our customers, every one of our quotes is accompanied by a full […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

I know it’s October, a month of ghost stories and haunted houses, but to be perfectly honest, I don’t think anything that happens this month can top last month in terms of terrifying. Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna and Ike, churning out there in the Gulf, eyeing us menacingly, provoked some of the most visceral fear […]

Home + Design

Gourd-geous

Everyone has hidden talents –– and my husband’s is gourd artistry. Jamie’s dabbled in watercolors and acrylic on canvas, but his true medium is the pumpkin. Every Halloween, while other households display the classic jack-o’-lanterns with triangular eyes and gap-toothed grins, our porch serves as a gallery for at least six of his artistic renderings, […]

Lagniappe

Art and Antiques

Orient Expressed 3905 Magazine St. • 504-899-3060A stunning example of a Han Dynasty green glazed vase. The Han Dynasty prospered from 200 BC to 200 AD in ancient China. Orient Expressed offers a large selection of pieces from that period including vases, human figures and other figures of furniture that would accompany the deceased […]

The Imagination Movers at Home

Home is obviously a concept that means a lot to the Imagination Movers. The band had long been a local favorite with kids and parents alike when Disney came calling. Rather than packing their bags and moving to Los Angeles, the Movers –– Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, Rich Collins and Scott “Smitty” Smith –– pushed […]

Possession Obsession

One New Orleanian collects fine French porcelains, exquisitely crafted more than a century ago. Another collects Chinese pottery, made in the countryside during varying centuries. Another collects vinyl records, featuring artists from the 1960s and ‘70s. Three collectors, all with the same driving force: a passion for seeking and owning objects that capture their hearts. […]

Up to Snuff

For some people, disaster brings a clean slate –– out with the old and all that. Others just aren’t willing to embrace the loss. They scramble to save the remnants of their world. The 17th Street Canal break sent more than 7 feet of water into the Lakewood North home of Adrien Genet, ASID, but […]

Livin’ Large in Lakeview

The happy endings are only beginning to reveal themselves in post-Katrina New Orleans. Exhibit A could easily be the palatial Lakeview home of Margaret Dubuisson Blitch and David Blitch. The 5,100-square-foot home is built on the same lot that was once the location of the 2,200-square-foot mid-20th-century house they occupied for 12 years. Although David […]

Fashion

Curtain Call

New Orleans homes are famous for their windows. Whether it’s a double shotgun off of Magazine Street, a Creole town house in the French Quarter or a Victorian off of St. Charles Avenue, each one shares a common feature –– floor-to-ceiling windows. Even our more recent architectural additions, both here and on the Northshore, use […]

Home + Design

Urn-ing Potential

Over the years, artist and metalworker John Greco has crafted unique works of metal in numerous forms: hoods and backsplashes for the kitchen, display cases, custom-made foot pedals for tattoo machines and –– quite notably –– a line of copper cremation urns. A graduate of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., Greco earned his […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Sylvia Berger

“Our clientele, while very diverse, shares a strong sense of pride in their homes,” says Sylvia O’Brien Berger, who serves as director of design for Georgian Furnishing/ Berger Home. “Most like to entertain family and friends and develop the character of their homes over time.” The business, which has been owned by the Berger family […]

Fashion

Style

Urban Cowboy Every now and then, even the mostsophisticated style takes a wild ride, and this mahogany occasional chair has done just that. Upholstered in brown-and-white hide, the chair boasts a spontaneous combination of materials that brings both irony and balance into a chic downtown loft or a quaint and cozy cottage. Sofas & Chairs, […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

My first September away from New Orleans, I woke up one morning and it was 50 degrees. In September! I said to my then-boyfriend-now-husband: “Wow. It sure gets cold early here.” And he said, “This is cold?” That didn’t bode well. About a week later, it was 40 degrees. I pulled on the warmest clothes […]

Home + Design

Chocolate Bliss

After our beloved mayor caused an international controversy with his remarks about our “chocolate city,” the word itself became a little touchy. But chocolate is too delicious to really dwell on that for long. In addition to being the go-to comfort food for countless people, dark chocolate has proven health benefits if consumed in moderation. […]

Lagniappe

Rugs

Georgian Furnishing Exclusive Martha Stewart Gallery5400 Jefferson Hwy | 504.733.4141Martha Stewart has a collection of rugs in a broad range of designs. They represent updated classics, abstracted naturals and lively geometrics drawn from the diverse art traditions of Belgium, Tibet, India and beyond. They work well in a casual, formal, contemporary or traditional setting. Shown […]

Intelligent Design

Among the definitions offered by Webster’s Dictionary for the word “master” are these: “an artist, performer or player of consummate skill” and “an original from which copies can be made.” This month, New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles features the 2008 class of Design Masters, an honor in recognition of locals who are indeed experts in […]

Sleeping Beauties

In talking with the occupants of these bedrooms about their decorating goals, it became clear that everyone had the same ambition: They wanted their bedrooms to be peaceful, soothing retreats, calming places where they could shut out the stresses of the outside world. Despite the common goal, these bedrooms could not look more different. The […]

In With the New

Many important things in New Orleans have happened and continue to happen over cocktails or while chitchatting at parties. The interior design and decoration of Patti Farris’ French Quarter condo was no different. Farris, a dermatologist who had a large home in Old Metairie, sent her kids off to college and was ready for a […]

Fashion

Bedside Matter

There is a wonderful Russian novel titled Oblomov in which the eponymous main character does not get out of his bed for the first 150 pages. Although published in the 19th century and intended as a satire, there are times –– especially during a typically manic 21st-century day –– when I wonder if Oblomov did […]

Home + Design

Plastic Fantastic

Rachelle Matherne is a Renaissance woman –– an artist, a businesswoman, a mafioso … well, she is the founder of the New Orleans Craft Mafia. (“We’re nice and sweet and harmless,” she says reassuringly. “Unless we’re holding our glue guns.”)Matherne crafts and sells jewelry online and at local markets through her business, greenKangaroo, and her […]

Beyond eBay

When noted American antiques collector Marshall Field V of Chicago decided to sell his American Chippendale birch oxbow chest of drawers (circa 1770 to 1790), he considered some of the top auction houses in the country for the sale. He also called his trusted advisor, Bettine Carroll, formerly with some of the most prestigious art […]

Entertaining

Beautiful Bounty

Based on the heat and the seemingly endless days, you’d never know that summer is drawing to a close. But before you can say the word “gobble,” you’re basting the Thanksgiving turkey and soon thereafter icing gingerbread. Time flies! So take advantage of these last few lazy days by enjoying the best of what the […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Danareé Delgado

Fall is here, but the mild New Orleans temperatures allow for outdoor entertaining and swimming while the rest of the country is pulling out their winter clothes. After opening in 1992, Delgado Pools and Supplies has become successful and well-known in the industry. Aiming to provide personalized quality customer service to each person who walks […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Randy Roberts Sr. and Phil Ray [Signature Marble and Granite]

Specializing in custom kitchen and bath granite and marble countertops, Signature Granite and Marble opened in February of this year. Randy Roberts Sr., who co-owns the company with Phil Ray, says he began working in the industry when he was a senior in high school. “I quickly learned that I was very intrigued with the […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Randy Shaw [Nordic Kitchens and Baths]

Nordic Kitchens and Baths started as an independent showroom for a local cabinet manufacturer that was co-owned by Randall Shaw. “Two years after starting the showroom, we made a decision to close down the manufacturer and focus solely on kitchen design and sales,” says Shaw. After relocating to Veterans Boulevard in 1998, the company expanded […]

Home + Design

Sheet Smarts

Celebrities’ eccentricities are the stuff of legend — no brown M&Ms, specific and pricey brands of bottled water — but Katharine Hepburn, one of the original divas, had one alleged quirk that makes sense to me. Her longtime friend and executor of her estate claims that Hepburn slept only on white sheets because she said […]

Lagniappe

Kitchen & Bath

Kitchens Direct of New Orleans5217 River Rd. | 504-818-3636Kitchens Direct is a full-service (design to installation), factory-owned showroom offering stock and a broad range of semi-custom cabinetry built by two of the most experienced cabinet companies in the country, Mastercraft Cabinets and Yorktowne Cabinetry. With a rich tradition of superior value and furniture-quality cabinetry, we […]

The Ultimate New Orleans Resource Directory

Note: Although our goal is to make this resource directory as comprehensive as possible, we are by no means able to list every vendor. If you know of a retailer or service provider who you think should be added to this list or if you have a correction, please mail it to New Orleans Homes […]

Yellow Brick Road Home

It hasn’t been quick or easy for Rick Duplantier and Rob Clemenz, whose Lakeview residence took on 7 feet of water as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The couple evacuated to Houston for a month and then lived in Mandeville until March 2006. Heartbroken upon their return to the city, they nevertheless knew that they […]

Silver Screen

Four decades of family living in the Dimitri home rendered all of the delightfully predictable memories –– raising four children, watching them get married and have children of their own, holiday gatherings, big family dinners. What George and Dianne Dimitri created in more than 40 years was the stuff that American dreams are made of. […]

Barefoot on the Bayou

The first thing that greets you as your car noses into the gravel driveway of this quiet Pass Christian, Miss., getaway is a sign that announces its lighthearted name –– Les Get It On. The homeowners, a young professional couple with three children ages 10, 8 and 6, came up with the playful moniker as […]

Fashion

Small Wonders

Let’s face it: The day when bigger was considered better is over. We saw Super Size Me. We looked at our waistlines. We signed up for portion control. We saw the gas pump and began taking a second look at the cute MINI Cooper that always fits in the last tiny parking spot. And although […]

Home + Design

Cypress Mill

Raised in Connecticut by his mom, a psychotherapist, and his dad, an architect, Jeremy S. Shatz of Recycled Cypress of New Orleans grew up with an appreciation for Scandinavian design, Frank Lloyd Wright and environmental consciousness. “My dad was a recycling fanatic –– we had the blue bin before it was cool,” Shatz says with […]

Going, Going, Gone!

True confession time: I have never attended an antiques auction, mainly because I feared getting caught up in the heat of the moment and coming home with useless –– or, worse, ugly –– purchases. My visions of those events consisted of dueling would-be buyers frantically trying to outbid each other until the gavel is slammed.So […]

Entertaining

Hurricane Party

Good food, great friends and bad weather: That’s life in August in the Big Easy. We’ve learned the hard way that severe weather warnings shouldn’t be taken lightly, but we also recognize the fact that seasonal thunderstorms and power outages don’t have to stop the party. Although gracious hosts generally live by the “fresh is […]

Fashion

Style

In the Bag Incredibly durable and surprisingly lightweight, Built NY’s SOHO Stripe Market Tote stretches to accommodate just about anything –– except maybe the kitchen sink. Thanks to its extra-thick neoprene composition, it has the ability to insulate and protect belongings as delicate as a loaf of bread or a glass bottle of mineral water. […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

I once worked with a woman from Germany who told me, unapologetically, that she was “just sick to death of hearing about the Holocaust.” And these days, I hear on a regular basis that many people are “just sick to death of hearing about Katrina.”These two events aren’t analogous, but my response in both cases […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

I’m not going to lie and say that July is my favorite month to be in New Orleans. It’s not, and neither is August. Both months are appallingly hot, disgustingly humid and bring the heightened threat of hurricanes. There’s one good thing about July for me, though, and that’s my wedding anniversary. We got married […]

Home + Design

Working on Broken Glass

Before Hurricane Katrina, creating mosaics was little more than a hobby for Trina Davis, a native New Orleanian who had a hair salon on Magazine Street. “I just did some mosaic work for myself,” she says. “I did some countertops and other things of mine just for fun.” Davis was toying with the idea of […]

Home + Design

Red, White & Booze

This deep into a New Orleans summer, only sugar and alcohol can be relied upon to make us feel better. Sugar, for me, takes the form of brightly hued snowballs; cold, fizzy Coca-Colas; and sweet tea; alcohol comes in the form of icy Coronas, chilled white wine and the perfect gin and tonic. When the […]

Lagniappe

Cabinets, Clostes & Countertops

New York Countertop & Cabinets5246 Veterans Blvd. • 504-889-0299New York Countertop & Cabinets is the direct cabinet and granite importer. We carry 100 percent solid wood cabinets in of oak, cherry, maple, white and more. Granite price starting at $25 per square foot with installation. We are locally owned and operated and fully insured. Customer […]

Plant Gallery Opens New Store on Northshore

(John, Jennifer and Kenny Rabalais) Kenneth and Jennifer RabalaisOwnersAs Kenny Rabalais and his wife, Jennifer, drove over the Causeway from the New Orleans’ Plant Gallery, we chatted about the concept behind their new location, Home and Garden, A Plant Gallery Store, in Covington. “Time is so limited for people,” Kenny says. “Instead of going to […]

Antique Chic

A leisurely drive just off of Metairie Road was all it took for Melanie Bordelon, an antiques dealer, interior decorator and owner of La Jolie Antiques & Interiors, and her husband, Alvin, an attorney, to find their dream home. Melanie was driving by her future Metairie neighborhood one afternoon when she spotted a home under […]

Laps of Luxury

Semberan SummerBy Leigh Ann Stuart Nearly a decade ago (eight years to be precise), the Sembera family took a stand against the long, hot summers of Louisiana by having Cornerstone Pools Inc. install the oasis of their dreams: an elegant escape featuring a 15-by-41-foot lap pool, as well as a 16-by-27-foot recreational pool –– a […]

Friendship By Design

This has been a friendship forged over coffee tables and antique chairs. It began with a pair of vintage-modern barstools. Lawyers Cheryl and Michael Dendy first spied them through the window of Mary Satterlee’s Magazine Street store, U Dwell. The couple thought they’d be perfect for the kitchen in their newly renovated Calhoun Street home. […]

“And the Livin’ is” Easy

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” ~Sam Keen Very rarely in life is one actually required to just sit down and relax. July in Louisiana, however, may be one of those times. As crazy hot as it gets here, resting under an umbrella and spending an afternoon sipping a tall, cool drink of something […]

Mix & Match

Open any home decorating magazine and you will find rooms full of exquisite English, French or Italian antiques and, for the truly trendy, a few Swedish pieces in the mix. Each is finely carved, inlaid or painted, and each piece was lovingly selected by the homeowner –– and often an astute decorator. Most of the […]

Entertaining

Sacre ‘Bleu’

There is nothing more American than a backyard barbecue to celebrate Independence Day. But here in la Nouvelle Orleans, a city so deeply entrenched in the history, spirit and flavors of France, we are known to do things a little differently. We call doughnuts “beignets” and eat everything from seafood to vegetables in an “au […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Steele Xiao

Homeway Ornamental Metals, which opened in August 2002 in Metairie, is solely owned by Steele Xiao, who moved to the United States from China in 2000. Xiao says that Homeway specializes in ornamental metals, mainly custom-made wrought iron for both interior and exterior uses, such as copper and brass entrance doors. “We also make marble […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Paul Corona

California Closets was founded in 1978 and started serving South Louisiana in 1984. With more than 100 franchises worldwide, the store has installed more than 4 million custom storage systems and continues to be an industry leader and innovator. The local franchise, owned by Paul Corona, is located in Metairie; he says that his business […]

Fashion

Style

New Rooms for Old Houses: Beautiful Additions for the Traditional Home (Taunton Press, $40)Published in conjunction with The National Trust for Historic Preservation, New Rooms for Old Houses takes both design and history enthusiasts on a fascinating tour through the golden age of architecture. Written by renowned architect Frank Shirley, it has become the essential […]

Lagniappe

Fabulous Fabrics

Orient Expressed3905 Magazine Street • 504-899-3060Silk and Velvet Pillows from Orient Expressed. Aquamarine blue silk feather and down pillow trimmed in brown velvet with silk ties. Designed by Michele Varian. $170. Silk and Burnout Velvet down and feather pillow with Silk Ties in a Fortuny-like brown print. $175. Leontine Linens3806 Magazine Street • 504-899-7833Leontine Linens […]

Home + Design

King Creole

There are, undoubtedly, some bad things about New Orleans summers, and we all know what they are. But as with everything in this city, the good outweighs the bad, and one of the very best things about summer down south is the tomatoes –– the warm, ripe, fragrant, juicy red Creole tomatoes. On days when […]

The Inaugural Renaissance Awards

New Orleans, it’s been said again and again, is like nowhere else on earth. It feels different, it smells different, it looks different. After Katrina, many people speculated that that would change, that as New Orleans rebuilt, it would becomea wasteland of beige siding and hasty, shoddy construction. Thankfully, the Preservation Resource Center of New […]

The New Look of the Empty Nest

Forget everything you thought you knew about empty nesters who downsize their living spaces. The 5,500-square-foot house in Old Metairie with the adjacent 900-square-foot pool house belies the conventional wisdom that says smaller is better. Although the owners indeed moved from a 7,000-plus-square-foot house, their new house is as spacious as it is elegant. “What […]

Unconventional Wisdom

Beth and Keith DePass had been looking for the perfect house for years before finding the one that felt right. After living in the River Ridge house where Beth was raised, they bought a house in Old Metairie and planned to renovate but later scrapped that idea in favor of tearing it down and building […]

Fashion

Midsummer’s Fancy

Wrap yourself in the comfort of Egyptian cotton bath towels by Abyss; rejuvenate tired feet and hands with a touch of shea butter; indulge your whimsy with a quirky, boldly textured pillow. Or just breathe the calming cucumber scent of a ZINNIA Essentials soy candle as it lights up the warm nights. It is time […]

Home + Design

If it Ain’t Broke, Break it

Her art begins with delicate-looking “found” objects crafted by someone else –– ceramic figurines or teacups, for instance, hand-painted in soft hues and intricate detail. Given the fragile nature of her medium, the first tool that Shannon Landis Hansen wields on the items comes as a bit of a shock: It’s a glue-encrusted3-pound hammer. Hansen […]

The Real McCoy

Terry Voorhies remembers her first antique purchase well. She and husband, Rand, then newlyweds living in New York, spent weeks shopping for a cabinet that would hold their stereo equipment and found what they thought was the perfect antique, which they proudly displayed in their teensy Manhattan apartment. Months later, Terry’s uncle, a Royal Street […]

Entertaining

Room Service

The lazy days of summer are here once again. As the temperature rises, the outdoor activities seem to mount –– especially for Dad. On June 15, thank him for the tiring hours of yardwork he has tackled or for his perfect attendance record at this year’s Little League games. There is no better way to […]

Fashion

Style

Fancy Faucets The beauty of fine porcelain dinnerware has been extended into the powder room. To create this incomparable aesthetic of luxury and elegance, THG Paris offers a new line of faucetry featuring beloved Bernardaud porcelain. The line that debuted this past spring is available in four fanciful patterns –– Capucine, Passion, Ithaque and Marquise […]

Shopping

Retailer: The Esplanade at City Park

Situated on Bayou St. John in close proximity to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Esplanade at City Park provides 441 high-end residential living spaces for young professionals, families and retirees. Built in 1973, the property has evolved greatly since its beginning. RCG Longview Properties purchased it in 2006, and Leslie Bemis, property manager, […]

Shopping

Retailer: Discoveries — Furniture & Finds

Discoveries –– Furniture & Finds is a store that sells stylish furniture and unique items for the home from around the world that opened up just last month in downtown New Orleans. “We have been direct importing and wholesaling for over 15 years as owners of Flambeau Lighting and Dauphine Mirror Co.,” says Scott McKearn, who co-owns […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

Cinderella was never my favorite bedtime story, and it’s certainly overused as a metaphor. It’s hard, however, to think of a more apt comparison for the homes that we’re honoring with the inaugural Renaissance Awards. Storm damage was the impetus for some of the renovations, but in most cases, these resplendent homes sat crumbling, unloved […]

Home + Design

Freshly Minted

New Orleans is geographically Southern, sure, but that’s about it. Our cuisine isn’t strictly Southern. Our accents definitely aren’t Southern. But just like everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Southern on Derby Day, and there’s no drink more Southern or more synonymous with the Kentucky Derby than the mint julep. The more […]

Lagniappe

Home Furnishings

Lafargue Pianos Ltd.Mandeville • 985/72P.IANO • www.LPianos.comLafargue Pianos Ltd. sells a variety of new acoustic and digital pianos including Mason & Hamlin, Yamaha, Kawai, Charles Walter and more. Used pianos such as Steinway and many more are also usually in stock. Player pianos from PianoDisc and Yamaha Disklavier are popular, and a “rent-to-own” program is available. Digital […]

The Crescent City Goes Green

As long as we are in the long process of rebuilding the post-Katrina Gulf Coast, many builders have taken the pledge to “go green.” The National Association of Home Builders has launched the National Green Building Program, and New Orleans is definitely on board. This month, the NAHB will hold its 10th annual National Green […]

Which Way is Up?

You say you’d like to buy a house in the local area, but the hand-wringing over the national economy and declining real estate prices in some cities combined with the lingering uncertainty about the local market have left you in a state of orange alert?Calm down. Things probably aren’t nearly as serious as you think. […]

Splish, Splash

It can be challenging to make something as basic as a bathroom beautiful. And unlike kitchens, which invite socialization and gatherings, bathrooms are very private spaces. In the morning, they are full of hurried energy as we rush to get out of the door on time; at nighttime, they help us unwind as we brush […]

Meals & Memories

As it becomes harder to ignore the effects of too many Big Macs, our kitchens are regaining a position of prominence in not just our homes but also our lifestyles. But the fact that we’re using them more doesn’t mean that they should be merely utilitarian. Kitchens are getting very fashionable, and they are far […]

Double Take

No one is less surprised than Katie Winters that she was able to turn a tattered turn-of-the-century double shotgun into a modern single-family home that skillfully blends its original notes of traditional New Orleans architecture with new clean-lined contemporary edges. By the time Winters, a defense attorney with Jones Walker, purchased the Uptown cottage, located […]

Fashion

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Trend watchers have forecast that 2008 will be about a back-to-basics approach to garden design. Here at New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles, we think that this translates to three things –– start simple, shop local, and choose beautiful! At some of our favorite local nurseries (OK, we got a few items from Home Depot), we […]

Home + Design

A Glass Act

“We had one of those moms who did not get us a regular Christmas tree,” says Corinne Akins of her unique childhood and her mother’s singular approach both to child rearing and to life as a whole. “We would beg her to buy a tree every year, but she would always say, ‘No. We are […]

A Bona Fide Guide

There often comes a time for an antique collector when she or he hits a wall. It’s time for a new approach, a new way to broaden the hunt or a new learning experience. Enter the antique guide, a professional who knows the terrain and can help shoppers find exactly what they are looking for. […]

Entertaining

Kebabs with a Kick

Culture, color and cuisine: the three C’s of every Cinco de Mayo celebration. This year, pass up the nachos and enchiladas and opt for something a little lighter and a lot more creative –– seasonal fruit kebabs marinated in a fiery chili sauce. This zesty, colorful concoction is refreshing and totally unexpected. Party guests will […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Carol Laurence Simon

Selling home furnishings, artwork and unique decorative accessories, Interior Designs Inc. (formerly known as Interior Designs II) is a retail showroom that opened in 1988. Owned by Carol Laurence Simon, the staff also includes showroom manager Jill McGaughey and design associate Elizabeth Sullivan. Interior Designs carries items from more than 60 different vendors around the […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Barry Cologne

Cologne’s Custom Quality Cabinets builds custom kitchen and bath cabinets, entertainment centers, bookcases, fireplace mantels and other hand-crafted custom woodwork. The company, which has been in business since 1986, is owned by Barry Cologne Sr. and his wife, Ruth, and is located in Des Allemands. Barry Cologne Jr. does drafting work, while the eldest Barry […]

Fashion

Style

Show Case This unique tole vitrine is just as lovely as the pieces it displays. Its filigree mounts and etched glass are among the delicate details of note for this 19th-century English piece. Dunleith Designs & Antiques LLC, 1804 Magazine St., 272-0879, or go to www.dunleithdesigns.com. Shake It Up Turn on the Sinatra, pour a […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

It’s funny what makes you nostalgic. Snapshots, old clothes, yearbooks, ticket stubs –– those are the obvious triggers, but when I packed up all of those things a few months ago to move back to New Orleans, it was in such a blind hurry that I didn’t really take the time to think about it. […]

Shopping

Retailer Profile: Titan Homes Inc.

Titan Homes Inc., owned by Stephen Fleishmann, specializes in complex custom residential construction and employs professional subcontractors, architects and engineers. With a full time staff of five, Fleishmann says the company typically takes on about seven projects and one of the goals of the business is “to schedule ourselves efficiently.” This includes staggering the starts; […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

Everyone fortunate enough to grow up in New Orleans understands that childhood here is a little different than anywhere else. Jazz Fest is an acceptable reason for skipping school. Snowball fights happen in the summer and leave your clothes stained with syrup. I could make both a strong pot of coffee and a strong mimosa […]

Shopping

Retailer Profile: Amazing Windows and Doors

Amazing Windows and Doors is a full-service supplier throughout the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, and this year, the locally owned establishment is celebrating its 10th year in business. Jefferson Parish natives and proud owners John A. Roberts and Perry Poché say that their business offers outstanding service and products. Although the business was destroyed […]

Fashion

Style

The Way We Live With Color (Rizzoli, $39.95)In the newest addition to The Way We Live… series, author Stafford Cliff and photographer Gilles de Chabaneix capture the colors of everyday life by depicting how color is used around the world. The Way We Live with Color focuses on how color influences the way we live […]

Home + Design

Gone Pecan

It’s impossible these days to keep track of what is and isn’t good for you, but right now, let’s celebrate –– because pecans are on the “good list.” Chock-full of protein, vitamins, antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, pecans can help lower your cholesterol and control your weight. Sadly, butter, brown sugar and bourbon haven’t joined pecans […]

Lagniappe

Great Lighting

Orient Expressed 3905 Magazine St. • 899-3060 • www.orientexpressed.comBella Luna Lamp. This striking gold- painted metal lamp from the studios of Elaine Gleason is another fine example of her creative work that responds to the architecture, ambiance and nature that surrounds Elaine in New Orleans. Orient Expressed is pleased to offer an extensive collection of […]

Lagniappe

Parade of Homes Around the Lake

Welcome to the 2008 parade of homes around the Lake. Craig A. Berthelot – President, HBA of Greater New Orleans It’s our great pleasure to welcome you to the HBA’s 2008 Parade of Homes Around the Lake! This year, the HBAs of Greater New Orleans and Tangipahoa have joined forces to bring to you a […]

JLNO Kitchen Tour for Children’s Education

Welcome to the Junior League of New Orleans Third Kitchen Tour for Children’s Education on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The Junior League of New Orleans Kitchen Tour will feature a self-guided tour of 11 amazing kitchens in the rebuilding neighborhoods of Metairie Club Gardens and Fairway, Bellaire and Fontainebleau drives. There is no better place […]

An Artist’s Quarters

If the well-worn walls of artist George Dureau’s three-story French Quarter home could talk, they would tell a story that spans well over a century. But it is the current resident who is apt to generate the most interest. Someone with a lesser vision might have quickly painted the unfinished, cracked gray walls, but no […]

Crescent City Reconnection

In the summer of 2005, Lakewood North residents Ann and Larry Rabin were optimistically poised for a new phase in their lives. The couple’s four children, then ages 25 to 29, were grown, and Ann, who’d worked as director of education and volunteer services for the Audubon Zoo for more than two decades, planned to […]

Fashion

Take it Outside

Green tea Invite delight Poolside pleasure Splendor in the grass April’s arrival beckons, summoning us to throw open the windows and shake the dust from our social calendars. It’s time to move the party outdoors! Tea is tastier in a field of clover! Bring friends poolside for cheese and wine, or curl up in the […]

Home + Design

Trash into Treasures

Perhaps more than residents of most other cities, New Orleanians like to flaunt their hometown. Pride of place is one of the reasons they like wearing Jazz Fest T-shirts and fleur-de-lis jewelry, particularly when they travel. It’s why they enjoy showing off shotgun houses and centuries-old buildings to guests from out of town. And it’s […]

Something Old, Something New

A generation ago, when my in-laws were searching for antiques for their Uptown home, they began their antiquing adventure the New Orleans way: lunch at Galatoire’s followed by a shop-to-shop trek along Royal Street. Each visit included long conversations with the merchants, a walk-through of the stores and note-taking. A piece of jewelry or furniture […]

Entertaining

Backyard Bistro

It’s officially spring — the perfect time of year to enjoy alfresco dining. Pack a picnic basket for two, and head to the park, or create your own backyard bistro where friends can gather for a leisurely lunch. For the menu, stick with something simple yet scrumptious that allows you to spend more time outdoors […]

Fashion

Style

Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions, and Classic Libations (Chronicle Books, $14.95) Southern hospitality comes naturally for acclaimed journalist Denise Gee. The Natchez native’s recipes have been found within the pages of Southern Living, Coastal Living and Better Homes and Gardens, and now her favorite Southern spirits have been compiled into one collection. From such […]

Lagniappe

Financing for the Future

In today’s tumultuous real estate market, it can be difficult to determine when, where, and in what to invest. Though it’s almost cliché, it is nevertheless true to say that investing in a quality property or home is always a wise choice. A home is an asset that can be rented, lived in, sold or […]

Home + Design

Pit Stop

The only thing better than a simple bowl of assorted olives is the salty crunch of olive salad slathered on top of the greasy goodness of a muffuletta … or maybe the spicy vodka-and-tomato-infused olives mixed in with the ice at the bottom of your Bloody Mary glass. But olives are more than just a […]

Stylish Stores

Leontine Linens From a small, cozy shop on Webster Street, Jane Scott Hodges built an empire otherwise known as Leontine Linens. Revered by Hollywood celebrities, New York socialites and Southern belles alike, her heirloom-quality custom linens for the bed, bath and table have caused quite a craze. Boasting oversized insignias that purvey a distinctive Old […]

St. Charles Avenue Living on River Road

For some people, the 30th anniversary is the pearl anniversary. For some, it’s remembered with gifts of diamonds or roses. But for everyone, it’s a chance to celebrate, and Richard Abda is no exception. As he commemorates the anniversary of his 30-year love affair with the city of New Orleans, Abda is planning a small […]

Happy at Home

“It all started with a leaky bathtub,” says Mark Hightower, recalling the one-thing-led-to-another scenario behind the home renovation that he and his wife, Julie, undertook five years ago. “Julie said, ‘As long as we’re going to fix this, we might as well do the kitchen.’” It’s a warm Saturday morning, and the couple is cozily […]

Fashion

Sparkle & Shine

Once upon a time, the formal meal consisted of up to 10 courses, with as many as five different types of forks, knives and spoons –– each with its own specific purpose. The Victorian dinner service would have included a different spoon for tea, coffee, iced tea, demitasse, gumbo(of course!) and bouillon. Sadly, the days […]

Home + Design

Becoming a city of glass

Humans see truth “through a glass darkly,” sources ranging from the Bible to 20th-century filmmaker Ingmar Bergman have told us. We all view life, ourselvesand one another from perspectives colored by our own experiences. Perhaps then, artists who express themselves through works of glass are merely taking the process a step further. Glass artists, at […]

Entertaining

Gaelic Gourmet

You don’t have to be Irish to celebrateSt. Patrick’s Day. Chill some mugs, pour some Guinness, and gather with friends to enjoy a hearty helping of beer-braised corned beef with red potatoes and carrots. And there’s no better way to soak up au jus than with a hot, crusty piece of soda bread. This savory […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Chris and Karen Judge

Owned by Chris and Karen Judge, Adda Carpets & Flooring opened in 1976 in Metairie, and in 2001 a Covington location was launched. The business offers a unique selection of natural stones, travertine, marble, granite and slate. Karen says it also offers porcelain and ceramic tiles and many different types of wood for hardwood floors, […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Jim Albert

“Any individual component is available to the client, from a simple stone or tile floor to a complete reworking of a home,” says Jim Albert, owner of Pure Custom. Albert’s business is a design studio with an emphasis on architectural specialties and finish work, including custom cabinetry, woodwork, tile and stone, as well as appliance […]

Lagniappe

Outdoor Living

Nordic Kitchens and Baths Inc: 4437 Veterans Blvd. • 504-888-2300 Nordic offers full-scale kitchen and bath design services utilizing the finest lines of luxury products, all by names you can trust, like Viking, Heritage Custom Cabinetry, Gaggenau, , and Sub-Zero. Whether new construction or renovation, you want a distinctive finished project—something really special. Why just […]

Straight Shooter

Affectionately and casually known as shotguns, these long, narrow dwellings are the jewels of the New Orleans housing landscape. The layout of a shotgun house is simple: Rooms are placed one behind the other in a straight line. As the legend goes, the name comes from the thinking that one could shoot a gun while […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

It was 18 degrees in Missouri and I was freezing when I saw the job posting in New Orleans. There was ice on top of snow on top of more ice. There were no leaves on the trees; the sky had been gray since November; and it was King Cake season, and the Midwesterners didn’t […]

Home + Design

The heart of the matter

While it may not yet be spring, love blooms in February with the observance of Valentine’s Day. But why February 14 for this beloved day? For that, one has to turn to the ancient Romans and the early Catholic Church’s need to integrate pagan rites into its canon.But let’s start with the man who inspired […]

Green aid

It’s easy to “go green”: to purchase and use items that are practical and functional for the home. For furniture, plants, artwork and what you make for dinner—there are plenty of eco-friendly and environmentally aware agencies and services available in this city, and more sprout up each year, making it easier for New Orleaniansto support […]

Knowing your green

You have no doubt been reading or hearing about the new “green” or “eco-friendly” revolution going on in the world—especially concerning homes and how they affect the environment. However, with any new genre, there begets new terminology. What exactly does LEED mean? Or “cradle-to-cradle”? To help solve your dilemma, we’ve come up with a handy […]

Deconstruction, deconstructed

Who can say what the walls of a certain home on Clio Street witnessed? Births? First kisses? Family drama? Laughter? Deaths? Those walls have come down. The house, a victim of economic malaise and natural disaster, was too far-gone to be saved. But portions of the walls will live on nonetheless to witness the lives […]

The house that green built

They say a man’s home is his castle, but for architect Steven Bingler, it’s morelike his masterpiece. As founder and president of Concordia Architecture and Planning, Binglerand his work have been featured in Architectural Digest, Newsweek and The NewYork Times to name a few. Local projects of note include the Aquarium of the Americas and […]

Something to talk about

There’s a somewhat age-biased saying that youth is wasted on the young, but from a design standpoint, such a statement rarely holds true. Most kids are open to possibility, willing to experiment, fond of color, playful, energetic and unique, all traits that combine to positive effect when creating spaces that reflect who we are. Each […]

On vacation at home

The road from LaPlace, La., to Covington, La., is literally 57 miles long, a drive that should take about an hour. But for Cissy and Jack Carville, the journey from a traditional bedroom community in LaPlace to their newly built, contemporary home overlooking the Bogue Falaya River in Covington, took 30 years. “We came to […]

Fashion

Pleasure Points

Pillow talk can be both romantic and fashionable this Valentine’s Day with the abundance of sumptuous, ornamental cushions and throw pillows that are available at our local New Orleans boutiques. Go modern with a graphic Hable print from Bellanoche, indulge in formality with a silk bolster made by Bella Prezza, or personalize it with a classic monogram […]

Home + Design

Pulling petals from metals

The early inspiration of New Orleans metal artist David Rockhold is a sort of classic example of necessity sparking creativity. His artistic journey began at age 24 when, fresh from a broken romance, he looked around his barren apartment and came to a sobering realization: “I needed a coffee table.” His mind flashed on the […]

Made in the shade

Edith Stern had such a penchant for lamps and shades that she changed them seasonally throughout her home. The home—now a museum, Longue Vue House and Gardens—is archetypal of the way the stylish, yet conservative affluent decorated their homes during the 1930s and ’40s. Mrs. Stern, the wife of businessman Edgar Stern, even had a […]

Entertaining

Taking a steak

In an effort to slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life, I have started going to the grocery store once a week. While this may seem like a non sequitur, it was really a challenge for me to make a list that included three meats and more vegetables, fruits and beans. I would […]

Shopping

Retail Spotlight: Rachel Jones & Katie Peralta

Triton Stone Group of New Orleans opened its doors to the public in July 2006. Family owned and operated, Triton Stone Group is co-managed by Rachel Jones and Katie Peralta. The store offers 300 colors of natural stone in the warehouse, which can be used for “anything such as kitchens, baths, and other places,” says […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Philip Cerminaro

Industrial Products Limited, owned by Philip Cerminaro and William Powe, began in Ohio in 1996—Cerminaro started the business upon graduating from college. After getting engaged, he moved to New Orleans where he also opened the Stairway Shop, a new division of Industrial Products. Industrial Products sells ladders, scaffolding, tool boxes, safety and marine supplies, while […]

Fashion

Style: Eco-friendly products

Sunny-Side Out For the style and ecologically conscious, Noon Solar has created a fabulous tote to keep you charged and on the go. Constructed of 100-percent hand-dyed hemp and chrome-free leather, the Oakland tote features a solar panel on one side that allows you to charge a cell phone, iPod, or PDA just by setting […]

Society + Culture

Editor’s Note

A few months ago, a portion of my Editor’s Note included me thanking all of my sources and co-workers for their help producing this magazine. Little did I know that I was getting ahead of myself. This is my last issue as editor for New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, as well as St. Charles Avenue […]

Home + Design

Jewels for a Gem

Ultimate Resource Directory

Architects Bell Architects755 Camp St.(504) 596-2355 www.bellarchitects.comBell Architects specializes in the design of custom homes, apartments, townhomes and condominiums. David Dillard, AIA(504) 756-4181www.historicprojects.comProvides architectural design for the renovation, repair and restoration of older homes and historic properties. Also specializes in kitchen or bath upgrades, hurricane damage recovery and additions. The Hopkins Company3045 Ridgelake Dr., Ste. […]

Lagniappe

Beautiful Rooms

Nancy Robbins1291 North Causeway • Mandeville • 985.727.4565This french bedroom with dining and wonderful storage is shown in a french grey painted finish with antique wax rub. Wood tones mixed with painted furniture and upholstery is so very French. Wrens Tontine Shades and Design1533 Prytania St. • 504.525.7409Come to Wrens Tontine Shade and Design, and […]

Family Chic

Outside the tucked-away Garden District New Orleans home the air is crisp, almost biting, but inside there is nothing but warmth. Anyone who has ever wondered how to combine comfortable family living with stylized design and quality aesthetics need look no further than the 2,800-square-foot domain of Jennifer and John Rareshide. On this chilly evening, […]

Creative Collaboration

The day Michelle Mize and Tom Leggett decided to buy their home, its fate as a creative showplace was sealed. The couple is thoroughly unequipped to produce aho-hum renovation. Michelle is an interior designer, a watercolor painter and a realtor who worksin development. Tom is a writer, a guitarist-about-town and a teacher who apprenticed under […]

Living the Dream

When Lance and Liz Bordes first viewed the Uptown house where they now live, it possessed few qualities they considered worth saving. Outside, the residence was architecturally non-descript. It had started as an one-story Craftsman-style house in 1925, then was moved, raised and added to in the 1960s. Inside, the house was dark, dated and […]

Fashion

Painting the Town

Color Forecasters specify that green and golden earth tones, paired with rich accent colors such as lilac and orchid, will be wildly popular in 2008. (And paints that are eco-friendly, such as Benjamin Moore’s “Aura” line and those from Green Planet and Auro Natural Paints are equally as in fashion.)Don’t they know that New Orleans […]

Home + Design

Last Man Standing

Herbert Halpern stands amongst velvet, silk taffeta, silk faille, satin and other fabrics available at Promenade Fine Fabrics. The first thing you notice when you step into Promenade Fine Fabrics is the feeling of warm, natural light; the second is a room filled with the finest of fabrics, ribbon, buttons and notions—in fact, says owner […]

Alluring Linens

Bryce Reveley turned her hobby—passed down from two generations of women in her family—into a lucrative career more than 30 years ago. “My grandmother knew how to make lace and quilts. All the women in my family, when they had some free time, had some type of needlework device in their hands … crocheting or […]

A Spirited Season

It’s Carnival time and it can be hard to think of new things to replace our usual choices, so I turned my attention to cocktails. After all, there could nothing more cliché than drinks and Mardi Gras! So I made it my goal to think of something new to drink and nibble on. Rosemary-roasted pecans […]

Shopping

Vanessa Burst

The locally owned Trinity Realty was formed in 2004 and operates out of Lakeview. Vanessa Burst, who began herreal-estate career more than 10 years ago as an agent, became a broker because she “saw a need for different marketing strategiesthan we were seeing in our area.” Trinity specializes in concierge-type, personal service. “I have enjoyed […]

Shopping

Martina, Ashleigh, and Martina Scheuermann

Owned by Ashleigh and Martina Scheuermann, the Wow Factor Showroom provides locals with outdoor kitchens, fireplaces (electric and gas), pergolas, as well as fountains. David Scheuermann, marketing director, says that the business appeals to “all types of clients, but epicureans for sure.” Scheuermann believes the company is aptly named, as their products are bound to […]

Fashion

Style

Suite Dreams Design the suite of your dreams with heirloom quality beds, benches and bedside tables built to last and to suit. Handcrafted from brass, cast iron or steel, pieces are available in traditional, contemporary or transitional styles in an array of fabulous finishes, as shown here on sample bedposts. Bella Prezza Originals, 2852 Magazine […]

Home + Design

The Race is On

Nothing is quite as exciting as a horse race. The Triple Crown—Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes—are often edge-on-the-seat TV watching experiences. For those lucky enough to attend one of these races, the thrill lasts a lifetime. It’s a good thing then that New Orleanians don’t have to wait until spring to […]

Not Incidentals

Inspire your inner chef with these fabulous pots, pans and cookware, or with stainless-steel basics from the restaurant source that the pros use. Find decorating ideas for your bathroom with the simplicity of hand-crafted copper and mosaic sinks, colorful glass or with renewable materials such as the bamboo tiles, which are beautiful alternatives for both […]

Painting a New Picture

For those who doubt the old adage, “What goes around comes around,”consider George Demmas. By his own description, George had an idyllic childhood, growing up in a sprawling Uptown home adjacent to Tulane University. Now, a few decades later, George is once again living inthe house, but this time his wife, Raine Bedsole, and daughters, […]

Custom for the Country

The Heriz rug in the entryway has been in the family for years. The chandelier is from Niermann Weeks. The walls of the living room are antique pecky cypress. The couch and slipcovered chairs are from Villa Vici. The sisal area rug is from Rug Chic. In the heart of Old Covington is home that, […]

Fashion

Garden Fancy

You don’t need a green thumb to decorate with botanical style. Furnishings and fabrics the color of leaves and soil are available to grace every room in your home, while gifts featuring flora and fauna abound for the wistful gardener longing to bring the outside in. eastern influencesJapanese bamboo dishes, Sabre French flatware and vine-print […]

Home + Design

An Iron in the Fire

“I want to die with a hammer in my hand.” So said David Paul Kloete Sr.—and it is clear he passed this same passion and respect for the ancient craft of ironwork on to his son. David Kloete Jr.’s own life has been spent, almost without interruption, either as an apprentice at Anvil Iron Works, […]

Rediscovering our Heritage

During their long marriage, Mercedes Whitecloud and her late husband Dr. Thomas Whitecloud shared a common passion: collecting Native American art. Eventually, they accumulated more than 600 pieces, ranging from ceremonial pots to feasting spoons to beaded leggings and drum covers. A child’s moccasins, Sioux, 1930. The two never saw themselves as owners of these […]

Apple of Your Eye

Thanksgiving, I know, is categorically not the time to incorporatehealthy eating, but I can’t help myself. For this holiday, my daughter,Abigail, and I are in charge of making the desserts. I decided to makean apple galette (free-form apple pie) using whole-wheat flour withplain white all-purpose flour. After reading a multitude of recipes, Ialso decided to […]

Shopping

Lance Lafargue

Finding the right piano can be a daunting challenge. The choices can be confusing to the first-time buyer, as well as to the existing piano owner looking to upgrade. Fortunately, Lafargue Pianos can help no matter what level your knowledge is. Lafargue Pianos sells a variety of brands including New Mason & Hamlin (which named […]

Shopping

Terry Onebane

While many antiques stores may seem stodgy, Terry and Paul Onebane strive to make their store, Antiques and Wholesale Furnishings, welcoming. “People feel very much at home and they are not intimidated by the surroundings. It’s not your average stuffy antique store,” Terry Onebane says. Established in March 2006, Antiques and Wholesale Furnishings sells Continental, […]

Home + Design

Set for the Season

While the beginning of October can be almost as balmy as August, there comes a day when the weather magically turns and it actually feels like fall. While sweater-weather is still far off, the coolish temperatures beckon people to leave the confines of air-conditioned interiors to enjoy the sunny skies and a breeze that doesn’t […]

Working it Out

While some of us may spend so much time in our offices that they sometimes feel like home, others have jobs that actually allow them to work from home. The office can be crafted out of an existing space or renovated (or built) to precise specifications. But caution: distractions lurk. Children, spouses or pets may […]

A View from the Top

Do Clyne found the 10-foot sofa at Renaissance Interiors and the Milo Baughman barrel back chairs at Neal Auction Company. The Oushak rug is from NOLA Rugs. On a clear day, from the balcony of her penthouse located atop the Cotton Mill Condominiums, Dorothy Clyne—known as Do to her friends—can see the Superdome, the Crescent […]

In Harmony

Fall is upon us—and the cool breezes of the season also bring in a fresh mood. Cristy and Travis McNabb show how a small space can be a home for good design. In Dorothy Clyne’s condominium, a soothing shade creates a backdrop for chic furnishings and art. For five intrepid professionals, their home offices are […]

Fashion

Curtain Call

Keeping everything unique is how Blythe Wren describes the purpose of her company, Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design. Paired with a plush tassel tieback, this “Buonarroti” fabric, in woven silk jacquard, will do just that––bring one-of-a-kind luxury to a home. Corragio Textiles is the only company to gain permission to copy one of the most famous […]

Home + Design

Layer by Layer

Gretchen Howard in her Studio. Anyone who has invested an afternoon putting a fresh coat of paint on a wall at home or over a favorite piece of furniture knows the transformative power such a seemingly simple task can achieve. There is certainly some of that essence in the work of decorative painter Gretchen Howard, […]

Tied Up in Knots

The foreground shows the back side of Persian kilim and its knots. “More than meets the eye.” This short, simple phrase holds much truth with regard to the splendor of an antique Oriental rug. While its color, pattern and texture can create a warm and inviting setting, its history, craftsmanship and symbolism offer beauty beyond […]

Lagniappe

Finding Comfort

For me, October is about fall, and at the first cool snap I always crave some decadent comfort food. This dish may not fit into my generally healthy guidelines, but every now and then it’s good to indulge. I was in a bit of a hurry on the night of this small gathering of friends […]

Shopping

Stewart-Richards Custom Window Treatments

Several years ago, Paula Richards designed and created all of the window treatments in her own home. Richards’ friends—and friends of friends—were so impressed by her work that they began to call her to make window treatments for their homes. Eventually, she established her business, Stewart-Richards Custom Window Treatments, in 2002. Stewart-Richards specializes in window […]

Shopping

Russell’s Cleaning Services

Andrée Bauer co-owns Russell’s Cleaning Services with her parents, Richard and Carole Bauer, and her brother, Eric Bauer. Her maternal grandfather, Russell Cuoco, founded Russell’s in the 1930s. Cuoco began washing clothes in his mother’s backyard, then delivered them to customers on his bicycle. Once the business grew, he moved into a store and began […]

Fashion

Style

Feeling Blue Blue never looked so cool. Solid silks get depth and dimension when kissed with a hint of iridescence or cut in a lattice pattern. Pair the two with a ribbed mocha stripe for some warmth and whimsy, and create a fashionable trio perfect for panels, pillows and more. Probst Decorating, 3300 Magazine St., […]

Home + Design

A culinary kick-off

While the leaves may not change in south Louisiana like they do up North, there is still a definite event that marks the change of summer to fall: football season. And while going to a game is a tradition in itself, there’s another intricately tied to it: tailgating. Though some dedicated football fans swear that […]

Product Placement

At a historic restoration project site, you usually don’t expect to hear words like “pultruded fiberglass,” “high density PVC” and “permacast polymer.” That’s your first clue that the Comeback House in Holy Cross is not the usual historic restoration.Restoration of the heavily damaged house provides an emblem of the possible in the Preservation Resource Center’s […]

Fashion

Pedigree Paper

In September, the busy tasks of daily life swing into high gear. Paper, the most unpretentious and inexpensive of necessities, tears into the scene with its usual style and grace. The requisite books, invitations, packaging and wrapping of the season make way for these artful items created using vintage techniques. Pretty paper—and the items it […]

A Classic Proposition

The dormer in the master suite—a collaboration between the Williamses and Davis Jahncke of Jahncke Architects—was added during the renovation. Ann turned the sunny spot into a sitting area anchored with an English settee. Ann Williams is the kind of person who never does anything halfway. A mother of four, an antiques dealer, civic activist, […]

Well Pared

Kelly loves to shop Magazine Street for her combination of antique and new pieces. The square metal table and mirrored cubes used as coffee tables are from Perch, the red Chinese table from Bush Antiques, the art from Cole Pratt Gallery, the gold pouf from Dosa and the chair from Interior Designs. The rugs in […]

Mid-Century Perfect

The year is 1957: America still liked Ike, postage stamps cost threecents, “West Side Story” debuted on Broadway and Yul Brenner commandedthe silver screen with his Oscar-worthy performance in “The King &I.” Americans gathered around their black and white TV sets every weekto watch the misadventures of the ideal American family on Leave it to […]

Lagniappe

Rugs – special advertising section

Probst DecoratingRenew, refresh, and redecorate! This is what Probst Decorating is all about. With an extensive selection of window treatments, hundreds of bolts of fabric, beautiful rugs and unique pieces of art, furniture, lighting fixtures, and candles, let them make your house your home again. 3300 Magazine St. | 504.895.2094 Bellanoche Bedding and SleepwareDash and […]

Home + Design

A Kid in his Candy Store

Tiramisu, Paris brest, fraise, Detroit Bumpy Cake, raspberry Japonaise, fruit tart, PB&J bombe and doberge cake. Walk into Sucré on Magazine Street and you’re transported away from New Orleans’ worries to a place of sophisticated fun. The myriad of pistachio, sky blue and pink colored boxes, trees of macaroons, the milk chocolate-colored counters, rainbow of […]

Turn the Page

“First, I want you to know the language. It’s not antique books, but rather antiquated and rare books,” says Joseph DeSalvo Jr. of Faulkner House Books, a haven for fine literature, rare editions and of course, William Faulkner, located in the heart of the historic French Quarter in Pirate’s Alley. And with that began my […]

Super Food Me

In an effort to repent from my years of indulgence, I have started to incorporate “super foods” into my diet. For those of you who don’t spend vast amounts of time reading magazines in the grocery store check-out line, super foods are foods that deliver the most vitamins, minerals and antioxidants per serving. This sounds like a […]

Shopping

Don Wise

Established in 2003 by Don Wise, Louisiana Custom Closets attracts an upscale clientele impressed by the company’s ability to design closets to fit their needs. Wise is no stranger to closet design or the business, as he started off in 1994 with a major closet company selling and designing closets. Today, his store is a […]

Shopping

Donna D. Lee

After earning a degree in interior design from the University of Nevada-Reno, Donna Lee worked on many exclusive homes in Incline Village at Lake Tahoe, where she honed her skills as a designer. Upon moving to New Orleans, she worked for Nina Sloss Antiques before starting her own business, Riverbend Interior Design in 1997. Lee […]

Fashion

STYLE

Of French FlambeauxShed a little light on your château with a stately pair of early 19th-century lanterns uniquely designed for corner mounting. Painted a muted verde gris color with gold details, these fabulous finds from Toulouse, France, are set atop crossed poles festooned with regal tole drapery. Soniat House Antiques, 1139 Chartres St., 212-0200, or […]

Home + Design

Masters of their Craft

A mix of pieces finished in a celadon glaze or enhanced by glaze trailing. Pottery of all forms mark Lynda Katz’s garden like sculptural punctuation. Under a canopy of towering pines, organic shapes exclaim themselves on the path to her studio, summarizing a life devoted to the art of ceramics. Some vessels hold plants, while […]

Home + Design

Last Indulgence: That’s Hot

Back in the 1950s, when this photo was taken, August was when the peppers used to make Tabasco were harvested on Avery Island, La. Braving the heat and humidity, workers picked peppers—descendents of the Capiscum frutescens seeds that company founder Edmund McIlhenny had planted in 1868—which were then mashed and mixed with vinegar and a […]

Lagniappe

Kitchens & Bathrooms: Special Advertising Section

Nordic Kitchens and Baths, Inc.Nordic Kitchens and Baths, Inc. was created to cater to the overall design and furnishing of products for upscale kitchens and baths. Time has seen the expansion of our luxury products to include not only cabinetry, but also appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and more. We attribute our success to our satisfied […]

The Ultimate New Orleans Resource Directory

August is the final month of summer and a time for new beginnings. The weather will hopefully reach its final peak of heat (one hopes), kids are are going back to school and there’s a little phenomenon called “Saints season” starting up. It’s a time for a clean slate and a fresh start. This month […]

Fashion

TRENDWATCH: Handling It

Who says picking hardware has to be hard? We have done the legwork for you! Sit back and peruse everything from the hand-carved brass lion handle—chosen for the Versace mansion—to the aluminum levers from FSB, considered so design-perfect they are in the Museum of Modern Art. Here are more than 40 products exemplifying the best […]

A Good Plan

The whole house—including the living room—is dog-friendly, as the presence Rocky (right) and Dagnabit (left, who has paralyzed back legs) attests. The brown velveteen couch, slipper chairs and over-sized pillows are from Bellanoche. If you talk to most homeowners about the reasons they bought their properties, many will discuss their need for more space, their […]

Points of Views

The addition of a new wing allowed the Moseleys to create a large living room with two seating areas—this one faces a fireplace. The painting of Ginja Moseley is by Connie Bealou Adams. Ginja, who did the floral arrangements throughout the house, filled two urns with hydrangeas and Avery Island greenery. Little did I know […]

Vintage Tia

Tia Elders painted the dining table apple green and Hugh Martin had the top of it laminated with a cabbage rose fabric. The seats of the chairs also are laminated for easy cleaning. The coral motif chandelier is from Hugh’s Magazine Street home furnishings store, Hugh Martin Home. Once upon a timea life-changing cyclone took […]

Living with Antiques: Charting the Past

Colton’s Township Map of the State of Louisiana with an inset of the City of New Orleans, 1864 In the age of discovery, when the world’s greatest explorers set out for the unknown, they drew up maps to mark their findings and share with their benefactors. These rugged tools were the lifelines between the newly […]

Lagniappe

GATHERINGS: Rediscovering Old Favorites

There comes a time when everything old is new again, and I have recently found myself returning to many of my old favorite recipes and ingredients. For example, having sworn off Green Goddess dressing for years because of the fat content,I worked hard to create a new version that is lower in fat, but is […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Peggy Stafford

A passion for tile and stone began 17 years ago in Boulder, Colo., for Peggy Stafford when she was a decorator at her own company, Stafford Designs. Stafford worked on several spas and spa headquarters in Colorado and Utah, allowing her to be “exposed to many dealers of stone and specialty tiles,” she says. When […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Penny Francis

Eclectic Home is a store that sells a stylish selection of furniture, accessories, lamps, lighting and gifts. Owner and decorator Penny Francis says she reaches a diverse clientele—many who go to the store in search of a signature piece to enhance a room, or come in because they need help with an entire home. Eclectic […]

Fashion

STYLE

One-Stop ShoppingGo in for paint and come out with a platter. Helm Paint and Supply’s expanded location on Earhart Boulevard offers more than just paint to bring color into your home. It offers decorative housewares in a rainbow of colors and styles, such as Abigails’ famous fleur-de-lis ceramics in a new colorway, fresh celadon. Helm […]

Lagniappe

FABULOUS FABRICS – SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Wren’s Tontine Shade and DesignCome to Wren’s Tontine Shade and Design and see a piece of American history. The Mount Vernon Collection is inspired by the refined taste of America’s most famous general and president, George Washington. You will find a multi color stripe fabric that is inspired by the carpet in his bed chamber, […]

Home + Design

STAMP OF APPROVAL

Coming from a family of world travelers, I always enjoyed receiving postcards from abroad. The more exotic the better, of course, and often what made the postcard—and sometimes a letter—so special were the stamps. From a casual survey of my collection amassed over a number of years (not all shown here), it seems the more […]

10 SUMMER WEEKEND GETAWAYS

1. Shop ‘til You Drop—Atlanta style North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall. Photo courtesy of Atlanta CVB/Kevin Rose, Rose Studios, Inc In the New Orleans-Atlanta showdown, we refuse to give in to the ATL’s perceived dominance: the Falcons, for instance —who ‘dat? But when it comes to shopping, Atlanta, alas, can claim bragging rights for some […]

GLOBAL GRACE

Some homes simply have more history and family heritage than others. Gregg and Louise “Weezie” Porter each have rich family histories and well-established roots in the South. Weezie, from Louisville, Ky., has family links to Mayflower descendents, and Gregg is a native of New Orleans. Their Uptown house is a rich mix of Southern architecture—a […]

Fashion

GIFTS FROM THE SEA

Onda hand-screened wall covering by Flavor Paper in “Sea foam”; painted end table, French, circa 1900, featuring Provence seascape at Agora Galleries; Australian trumpet shell at Bon Marche Antique Mall; petit-point armchair (one of a pair), French, circa 1940, with seashell needlework on both back and seat, at Jon Vaccari Design; hemp grass area rug […]

New Edition

Touches of rose and blue embellish the seating in the living room. The Silkworks fabric covering the pair of Regence chairs opposite the sofa was purchased through Kathy Slater, who also had the antiqued mirrored coffee table custom made. Houses are often like time capsules. Sealed within their layers of wallpaper and paint, their fixtures […]

Home + Design

CARVING HIS NICHE

With the exodus from New Orleans finally leveling out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, what would make someone pick up a flourishing business and move it, and their family, to flooded New Orleans East? “I feel at home here in Louisiana,” says Illinois native Steve Rawlings. “The people are so friendly. The food, the […]

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT…

English Old Sheffield rolled plate silver egg cups, circa 1820; French café au lait bowls, early 20th century; English Old Sheffield teapot with ebony handle, circa 1830; French faience plate, Luneville—all at Lucullus. Antiquing in New Orleans represents some of the best shopping in the world. But with the huge collection of galleries, shops and […]

FISH TALES

In an effort to get more Omega-3 in my diet, I made a resolution to eat more salmon. I usually only like it raw, as in sushi, but I eventually ventured out and discovered the salmon panini at Slice. It is divine and I have actually begun to crave it. However, my kids won’t even […]

Shopping

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Amyre & Paul Romain

Paul Romain, who co-owns Palatial Stone with his wife Amyre, has a business that provides customers with a unique and expansive selection of stone and tile for indoor and outdoor home projects. Marble, limestone, granite, onyx, travertine, slate and cobblestone are the stone choices, while glass and metal tiles add luster to the selection. Mosaics, […]

Shopping

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT: Kathy Meisner

Opened by Gus Riordan in 1963, the Decorator Shoppe is known for its diverse lighting selection. The showroom, located in Metairie, is full of chandeliers, vanity lights, outdoor lights, recessed lighting, track lighting and lamps, as well as ceiling fans, mirrors and other home accessories. Visitors can browse, or set up an appointment with a […]

Lagniappe

Special Advertising Section: Home Furnishings

Nancy RobbinsNancy Robbins has everything for your interior design needs. Come in and find this stunning Italian style fauteil chair. It is hair on hide with burn out and was beautifully hand carved in Spain and exquisitely hand finished in Italy. Come to Nancy Robbins and let them make your home a masterpiece.1291 North Causeway […]

Fashion

Trendwatch: Clearly White

Abracadabra! Left to right: Clear “Ghost” chair by Philippe Starck at Villa Vici (Covington); white Ghost chair by Philippe Starck at Design Within Reach; Niko lamp at Villa Vici (Covington); square bowls and milk pitcher at Bed Bath & Beyond; flower vase at The Antiques of Covington, filled with snapdragons from C.J.’s Florist; Lucite Z […]

Calm After the Storm

Like many people along the Gulf Coast, dermatologist Marty Claiborne and his wife Barbara had little time to process, much less reflect on, what Katrina had done to their two houses—their primary residence in New Orleans and their vacation home in Pass Christian, Miss.—before it was time to decide whether or not tore build. Four […]

Bathrooms from Start to Finish

Bathrooms are the place to face—and retreat from—the day.They can be a source of rejuvenation and revival in the morning and a place to unwind and escape in the evening. With a master bathroom, a couple can express individual and collective tastes—creating style while maintaining practicality. From clean, modern lines to lavish, antique décor, bathrooms […]

Hot & Cool Kitchen

Today there’s a kitchen for all tastes and budgets. But unlike in years past, homeowners have choices. Gone are the days of the Formica countertop as your only option—granite, marble, Corian or stainless steel are just a few of the products available. Ditto on flooring—there’s more to life than linoleum, and many homeowners are now […]

Home + Design

last indulgence: Pillars of the Community

While the names of Greek mythology are part of a New Orleanian’s everyday life—a good example are the streets named after the nine Muses (Terpsichore, Melpomene, Erato, Calliope, Clio, Thalia, Polymnia, Euterpe and Urania), what is often overlooked is another contribution that the Greeks gave to the city—the three orders of columns: Doric, Ionic and […]

Home + Design

Masters of their Craft: Here’s mud in your eye

Alex Williams shaping a piece Having delved into pottery for the Zen of the art itself, it’s no wonder that when Alex Williams founded Potsalot Pottery with his wife Cindy, he created his work and retail space with drama in mind. “I used to be a drummer and performer, so in keeping with that […]

Living with Antiques: into the Outdoors

Bertoia ChairsPhoto courtesy of Design Within Reach Garden furniture is abloom, and now is the time to spruce up your patio by plucking fresh, exciting decorations from the vine or by completely redoing your outdoor living space with everything new. Well, maybe not new. Instead of grabbing the latest oversized wicker sofa set or chaise […]

A Sweet Surrender

Meringues are the quintessential summer dessert because they are so light and versatile. I fill mine with seasonal berries and crème anglaise, but they would be equally delicious accompanied by a sorbet or even ice cream with chocolate sauce. They are fun to make and will keep in an airtight container for a couple of […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Michael & Vail Manfre

This time of year, quite a few of us have been thinking about re-organizing our closets. Luckily, there are stores that specialize in just that. Closets by Design’s local owner, Michael Manfre, says his business operates absolutely as a team effort and that this month is a great one to get organized. Closets by Design […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Greg Coe

Don’t call Norwalk – The Furniture Idea just a furniture store, as Greg Coe, the Metairie showroom manager says, “We don’t like being compared to a furniture store.” Norwalk – The Furniture Idea is a design center known for its hands-on staff and custom upholstery, with a choice of 200 frame styles, 4,000 fabrics and […]

Home + Design

Daisy May

Though many may disdain the daisy as common, who among us doesn’t cheer up when we see a field of these sunny flowers? It is this contrast of negative and positive that makes this flower—the official bloom of April—well yes, interesting. Putting its best petal forward, a daisy symbolizes innocence, loyal love and purity. To […]

When Manhattan Met Uptown

Some people’s lives are just more colorful than others. Margaret Lippman’s more-than-respectable color palette is evident from the firststep inside of her winsome Uptown double shotgun. Immediately inside the front door is the compact dining room, complete with a multi-colored, hand-painted Asian dining table. The walls, which Lippman describes as a “near-persimmon” color, were accomplished […]

The Beauty of French Quarter Gardens

The New Orleans French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is a unique place for theUnited States. The French words literally translate to “old square.” It is this old square that was the original city of New Orleans, drawn in Paris by the engineerde la Tour and physically laid out in its location on the east bank […]

A Contemporary Twist on Tradition

I feel like we live in our weekend retreat,” says Matt Voelkel about his home on the outskirts of Covington, near St. Joseph Abbey. The entrance to the Voelkel home is accented with a taupe awning on iron spears, a weathered bench, an olive jar and gas lanterns. Matt, principal designer at studioMVdesigns, his wife […]

Lagniappe

Great Lighting Ideas

Lighting Inc.3547 Hwy. 190Pontchartrain SquareMandeville985.727.9368 Come and explore the new Golden Teak Crystal Chandeliers by Schonbek Worldwide Lighting at Lighting Inc. Renaissance, Rialto, and New Orleans are the three gorgeous collections offered by Schonbek. Give your house a whole new look with these historic styles of tantalizing crystals. Eclectic Home8133 Oak St. 504.866.6654 Everything in […]

Fashion

Pretty Pieces

Welcome spring into your home with these fresh design accessories reflecting April’s garden renaissance, complete with flora and fauna in warm-weather colors. Clockwise from top: Kerry Kassil cotton tablecloth and Kate Spade straw tote at Pied Nu; hand-carved wooden duck at Agora; persimmon compote at Eclectic Home; John Derian decoupage pedestal bowl at Pied Nu; […]

Home + Design

The Spin Cycle

Spinning Yarn Since humans discovered how to use plants and animal hair to create items such as fabric and baskets, the fiber arts—including spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, crocheting, sewing and more—have long been the pastime of women. In ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, representations of the fiber arts as practiced by women can be found […]

A Frame Job

From being fermented in eight feet of brackish floodwater for three months to minor touch-ups, the New Orleans Conservation Guild has tackled it all in its efforts to restore antique and vintage frames to their original radiance—or as close as possible. “After you restore it, it never looks brand new,” says Blake Vonder Haar, guild […]

A Casual Lunch à Deux

Spring has sprung and it is definitely my favorite time of year. While I love going to restaurants and being waited on, sometimes it’s fun just to have a friend over and eat in the garden while we soak up a few guilty rays (wearing SPF 30, of course). Once I got into the habit […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Roy Olsen

When the CEO of Landis Construction Co., James Landis, was inundated with calls in 2005 following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he realized the company needed to expand so it could accommodate requests to repair upscale and historic residential homes that had been devastated. “With the increasing demand we started a new division, Landis Residential Builders,” […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Tara Shaw

Traveling to Europe several times a year would be a dream to some—to Tara Shaw, it’s just part of her career. Shaw jets off to places such as Sweden, Italy, Belgium and France in search of unique antique furniture and art, ranging in size, function and time period. “I’m the eternal optimist,” she says warmly. […]

Fashion

Style

Weathering the Storm While April showers bring May flowers, they also bring slippery floors. Save your hardwoods from their daily drenching by leaving umbrellas outside.Made from sturdy wrought iron, this Victorian-style umbrella stand won’t blow away in even the most treacherous storm, and unlike most things it looks great even in ugly weather. Accessories in […]

New Orleans Landscaping & Pools: special advertising section

This is the season Louisianans like to play in the garden, plant annuals and perennials and spruce up their landscaping. That has always been the case in this part of the country, but since the 2005 hurricanes, for many people the job has been more challenging and time-consuming. A number of professionals in the area […]

Home + Design

Modernism for the Masses

American Modern water pitchers, 1939, produced by Steubenville Pottery. While many of us may think of Martha Stewart or Ralph Lauren as the gurus of brand marketing—using their names to popularize their home designs or products as a lifestyle—there was someone who used this innovation before them. It was Russel Wright, an industrial designer who […]

A Perfect Fit

The glassed-in porch, or sunroom, is furnished with couches and chairs from Villa Vici. An 19th-century Italian altar crown sits on a marble top table from St. Romain Interiors. The 19th-century French dough bowl is from Antiques de Provence. When you walk through Fran and Frank Whiteley’s gracious Uptown home, you get the feeling the […]

Eeclectic and Elegant Comfort

In the main house’s family room, an oversized slipcovered sofa and pair of chairs are the perfect place to sit to enjoy the fireplace and the views. The French doors open up to a deck that looks out over the Bogue Falaya River. The dining area has a French country 17th-century farm table and chairs. […]

Time and Again

Thedining room and living room have a seamless blend of style. The diningtable is custom finished by Heidi Friedler Interiors and the chairs arefrom Villa Vici. The curtains—plain silk taffeta in the dining room,striped silk taffeta in the living room—were made by Pratt Inc. JohnChrestia and Blayne Laborde of Chrestia Staub Pierce helped Susan andLenny […]

Fashion

Global Home

The influence of cyberspace has effectively downsized the globe, so it’s not surprising to notice decorative textiles, lighting and other useful objects fashioned from indigenous materials by native artisans in remote locales. This array of accents combines ancient craftsmanship with modern aesthetic, and incorporates exotic materials, fabrics, colors and patterns. Elements of the global home […]

Home + Design

Molto Mario

Mario Villa’s distinctive jewelry designs. If you’ve ever had an interest in art or furniture design in New Orleans, you’ve probably heard of Mario Villa. A man who says he’s not “not hung up on titles,” Villa is an artist who works in whatever medium suits his interest at that moment: jewelry, architecture, and watercolors—even […]

Muses for the Ages

From the New Orleans Museum of Art exhibit, “Femme, femme, femme: Paintings of Women in French Society from Daumier to Picasso from the Museums of France”: above: “Gloppe Pastry Shop,” 1889, by Jean Béraud “The Bathers,” 1918, by Pablo Picasso This March, women will be celebrated in New Orleans by way of the arts, and […]

Pasta with a Purpose

If you’re traveling to the beach for spring break or to your country house for a long weekend, it’s nice to be able to bring along the first night’s dinner so you don’t have to run to the grocery store. My mother always prepared some casserole that was toted along so she could enjoy the […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Pepper Tregre

Winter’s over, and we are now able to celebrate the warm weather by spending time outside. “The backyard has become No. 1, as far as entertainment is considered,” says Pepper Tregre, owner of Backyard Living. Tregre and his staff design and install pools, spas, waterfalls, fountains and outdoor kitchens, creating “an atmosphere and ambiance that […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight: Steele Xiao

Starting from scratch in a new country is difficult for some, but Steele Xiao, a native of China, has established a successful business with Homeway Ornamental Metals. Though he had 20 years of experience with the ironwork business in his native land, he knew that the adjustment to a new country, culture and way of […]

Home + Design

Jewels of the Crown

Celeste Janvier, Queen of Comus, 1906, wearing her jewels.Though fashions may change,the popularity of jewelry never fades. And this is no more apparent than during Carnival’s golden age—1870 to 1930, when the mutton sleeves of the Victorian era gave way to slimmer silhouettes. The jewelry, however, didn’t get smaller. And this can be seen in […]

Lagniappe

Kitchen & Bath: Special Advertising Section

Classic Cupboards5809 River Oaks Road SouthHarahan, LA504.734.9088 Classic Cupboards is a full service kitchen dealer providing their clients with top quality cabinets, appliances, counter tops and flooring. Stafford Tile & Stone5234 Magazine StreetNew Orleans, LA504.895.5000www.staffordtile.com Stafford Tile and Stone provides unique, high-quality tile products that can enhance any living space. Stafford Tile’s exclusive lines and […]

Realm of the Senses

A chic dinner club in Vietnam, circa 1920s/’30s, was recreated by architect Lee Ledbetter. The bamboo roof structure was made by Richard Young of New Orleans Event Rental. Young also did the lighting, which was in hues of amber and reds. The tropical night had turned less so—it was thankfully October—and men in black tie […]

What’s Hot…and what’s not

HOT!Katrina cottagesCheryl Gerber photograph It’s amazing to see how much progress the city has made since Hurricane Katrina—and sad how much has not changed. We could have gone for the obvious “What’s Not Hot”—FEMA, insurance companies and the like—but we want to celebrate what’s positive in the city. However, that said, being contrarians we still […]

Lofty Ideals

Shawn O’Brien helped Aaron Shipper with the condominium’s paint and fabric colors. A large poster by Paul Colin from the 1930s of Andre Reynaud at the piano dominates one wall of the living room. Aaron Shipper is a modest man whoseexquisite taste belies his humility. His handsome Warehouse/Arts District condominium gives him away. From the […]

Join the Green Revolution

Ask a convert to sustainable living what motivates them, and theanswer can range from the pragmatic—lower utility bills, for example—tothe environmental, ethical and even spiritual aspects of eco-friendlypractices. Or it can be something simple and personal. Paintings by Allison Stewart act as a decorative barrier, while apainting of buffaloes by Campbell Hutchinson is on a […]

Fashion

Divine Right

These majestic tableaux evoke the historical beauty of Carnival in New Orleans, the mystery shrouding the annual traditions, and most powerfully, the magical interiors that play host to its revelry. Let it ShineClockwise from top left: St. John Evening single-button aqua beaded jacket at Saks Fifth Avenue; gold dust globes (set of three) at Eclectic […]

Home + Design

The Give and Take of Glass

Mark Rosenbaum’s “Shoulder Vase.” Vibrant, iridescent color swirls in a wave-like pattern up a vase that is reminiscent of a torso, surrounded with a clear border that ends in two knobs that resemble shoulders. The fact that Mark Rosenbaum once worked as a medical illustrator shines through when you look at what could be considered […]

The Royal Touch

Keil’s Antiques is known for its variety of English and French antiques. The shops along historic Royal Street, an enchanted vision of French and Spanish architecture carefully preserved for centuries, have long captivated local antique and fine collectible enthusiasts, as well as connoisseurs from across the globe. This shopping destination has garnered quite the reputation […]

Last-Minute Carnival Cuisine

Faced with a last-minute parade party and nothing to serve? The problem is easily solved if you keep a few staples on hand. Canned beans are an important item in any pantry—I use black and white beans most often, but I also love black-eyed peas. I always stock olives, capers, roasted red peppers, pepper jelly […]

Shopping

Cynthia Whittington

Earl Schneider, general manager of Interior Motives Design and Decor, says one of the main reasons he enjoys his job is because of the team atmosphere. “The people here are very easy to work with, and everyone enjoys what they do,”he says. Plus, with two registered ASID designers and seven design consultants, Interior Motives is […]

Shopping

Dana & Derrick

Derrick Armand OpenedSlidell Shutter Shop in 1999, but is now working harder than ever installing various types of shutters with his staff of 12. “I used to work at Delchamps [grocery store], and when it went out of business, one thing led to another and here I am,” says Armand, who learned primarily from good […]

Home + Design

Savvy for the White Sale

Why are certain months the best for sales? There is sure to be some marketing guru from years ago who decided upon the strategy—but whoever it was surely started a trend. Now, according to the FrugalShopper.com, in June one might find pianos and TVs on sale, while October is a good month to buy a […]

Birthday Wishes

Urban Earth chose warm colors for the centerpiece, which included yellow and pink dahlias, yellow spray roses, eremerus, blue thistle, salmon roses, orchids, white roses and drumstick allium. The long floral arrangement was kept low so people could talk to each other without obstruction. After the party, Angie and her friends brought home the arrangements. […]

School of Design

The children’s dioramas at the school. Interior design proved to be elementary for some students at Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies. Norma Jean Watson, a language arts teacher at the Jefferson Parish magnet school, taught the basics of design to a group of third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students as part of the school’s elective program. […]

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

Driving down the quite uptown streets, the charming salmon-colored camelback shotgun seems like any other traditional New Orleans house. No one would guess that until recently this place was a “dilapidated and falling down,” according to interior designer Stephanie Lessans Adler, ASID, who also holds a master’s degree in architecture. It was she who saw […]

Fashion

Feathering the Nest

New home accessories are most certainly not crying fowl. From pretty and classic to mod and abstract, designs that include our fine-feathered friends are gracing the chicest interiors, from lofts in the Warehouse district to Uptown parlors to a beautifully redesigned Commander’s Palace dining room.Precious PlummageClockwise from top right: Bird wrapping paper (behind window glass) […]

Home + Design

Perfecting Nature

John Perilloux is a self-described metal artist and “…perfectionist. I don’t want to stamp my name on something unless I feel it’s an excellent representation of my style and attention to detail,” he explains. This detailed approach is evident in his forged iron furniture and sculpture, which is usually organic in form. As a master […]

Liquid Assets

Like with Most aspects of living in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina has affected the city’s silver market. The need has emerged post-K to restore silver pieces damaged during the cataclysmic storm and its ruinous aftermath. Silver has maintained its popularity through the years and there’s something for everyone: a plain, austere look.And right now, repair […]

A Light Touch

After the more formal ritual of the holidays, I always like to start the new year with a festive night of spicy Vietnamese-inspired food and some unfussy decorating. I love paper lanterns and on a recent trip to New York City I couldn’t resist a mad dash into the new Pearl River emporium in Soho. […]

Shopping

Mike & Sandy Kasten

Sandy Kasten has always been a lover of art. After obtaining degrees in art and art history, it was a natural transgression to open up her own gallery. Teri Galleries, located in Metairie, has come a long way since it began in Kasten’s living room 30 years ago as a small collection of original paintings […]

Shopping

Nancy Robbins

Nancy Robbins has always been interested in interiors—“I’ve been doing this since I was a young girl. I decorated my own room,” she says. And years of experience have certainly enhanced her artistic gift. With more than 30 years of decorating homes and other interiors, Robbins says that many of the interiors she designs have a […]

Joy to the World

When cold weather hits, it’s time to warm your spirit. And there’s no better way than with a creative cocktail. The concoctions featured in this article were dreamed up at two local bars: Loa in the International House Hotel and the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone. While each is a study of contrasts—Loa is […]

Home is for the Holidays

Traditions are celebrated at a local family’s fête.The holidays are such joyous occasions we all look forward to with anticipation. Family gatherings are such fun and set the tone for traditions that follow and evolve for years. In my family, we could not wait to see our cousins, kiss our aunts and get big hugs […]

‘Tis the Season for Style

Who doesn’t love the holiday season? For the first time all year, the New Orleans air is cold and crisp and you can finally move your coat to the front of the closet. The scents of spruce and cinnamon linger, and the ringing of jingle bells echo faintly among the sound of children’s laughter. With […]

Bright Lights Big City

A firehouse in the Marigny is aglow for the holiday season. Once upon a time there was an old firehouse in the Marigny. The firemen had long since gone and the building, built in 1906, had fallen in disrepair. One day an industrious pair of friends came upon it and thought this faded beauty needed […]

Home + Design

Top Hats and Tales

You know gnomes. By now I’m sure you’ve seen the Travelocity ads on TV in which a garden gnome’s many trips around the globe either make you want to travel—or not. “Gnome-napped”—as the fad is called—the gnome has been taken from his owner’s garden, popping up in a number of countries, and like a true […]

Fashion

Glass Action

No one is certain about the definitive origin of the word “cocktail.” Some explanations claim that it was first coined during America’s Colonial period, though at least one story asserts that it was born in New Orleans when Frenchman Antoine Amedee Peychaud created the Sazerac. Peychaud, who invented Peychaud Bitters in Santo Domingo and brought […]

Home + Design

The Call of the Hunt

Wood Duck Decoys by Cal Kingsmill. A self-proclaimed “folk artist,” Cal Kingsmill is the contemporary king of a type of art that emerged more than 1,000 years ago. “It is the only true art form that was started in America by Native Americans,” Kingsmill says. “All other [practiced] art forms have roots in Europe.” Kingsmill […]

Return of the Native

At the Cabildo, you can see this mahogany Louis XV-style armoire made in Louisiana, circa 1810. Photo of Armoire: Skip Bolen Barbee Ponder caught the collecting bug early, back in 1991, when visiting estate sales and browsing funky Magazine Street antique shops could turn up some real finds in Louisiana antiques. “It was easy to […]

A World of Difference

Holiday traditions may vary, but one thing for certain is that there will be parties and other celebrations around this time of year. For as long as I can remember, my family’s tradition was to have a Christmas night party, which I always dreaded a tiny bit because we had to clean up on Christmas […]

Shopping

David Dillard

He doesn’t sit in an office wearing a suit and tie. He is a hands-on worker, dedicated to the restoration and preservation of New Orleans historic houses and buildings. Originally from Mississippi, he moved to New Orleans to work on a master’s degree in historic preservation at Tulane University’s School of Architecture. In 1995, he […]

Shopping

Max Mipro

In 1968, while working as an agent for a carpet and curtain manufacturer, Mipro decided to start his own business—out of his garage. At first he sold carpets and curtains, then added Oriental rugs to the mix. The business, he says, kept growing, “like mold,” and he moved to Oak Street, where the store is […]

Soap Stars

Neutral GroundArchitect: Steven R. Quarls of the Hopkins Co. When Courtney and Spencer Murphy bought their Uptown home, they realized that the second floor was in dire need of a new floor plan. One of the adjustments was what was originally the mother-in-law suite was being turned into the master bathroom and bedroom. The centerpiece […]

Kitchens Transformed

Cooking with IdeasArchitect: Steven R. Quarls of the Hopkins Co. Kitchen designer: Courtney Murphy with help from chef and restaurateur Joel DondisContractor: Andrew Smith The turn-of-the-century house had been in good hands for many years, but when Courtney and Spencer Murphy bought it, it needed some updating. The Murphys turned to architect Steven Quarls of […]

Uptown Redux

Key elements of the living room include a French-style antique mirror, Italian lamps from Agora that were picked out by decorator Corinne Laborde, a Directoire walnut chest, a 1928 Lester baby grand piano and an Oushak rug from New Orleans Fine Rugs. Other furniture is from Sofas and Chairs. You may have read this story—or […]

Home + Design

A Good Reflection

MOST PEOPLE’S GUEST ROOMS are often where old furniture goes to mix and not match. Other people, like architect Arthur Q. Davis and his wife, Mary, decided to make their guest room stand out—by actually making it into a separate building. Completed in 1958 and designed by Davis’ Curtis & Davis architects, the guest house […]

Shopping

Alan & Marianne Mumford

Alan and Marianne Mumford met when they were students at Louisiana State University. Not only did they fall in love with each other, but also they discovered that they had a few things in common. They both graduated with degrees in landscape architecture, and they both share a profound passion for the community. In 1984, […]

Shopping

Donald St. Pierre & Robert Turner

Donald St. Pierre, an accountant, fulfilled his longtime wish to open up a small business when he bought the Silk Road Collection more than two years ago. St. Pierre still works as an accountant, but his “other job”—owning and operating the store—satisfies the artistic and adventurous side of his personality. At least twice a year, […]

Fashion

Style

Ebony and IvoryPhoto of Table: Eugenia UhlPaulMcCartney was right. Ebony and ivory do live together in perfectharmony, as illustrated in this late 18th-century Italian table.Crafted of exotic Macassar wood and adorned with inlaid ivory etching,each carving and detail enhances the drama of this piece, whilemaintaining a balance between elegant and ornate. Jon Vaccari Design,4858 Magazine […]

Fashion

Where the Wild Things Are…

What’s hot in stores may take you on two very different trips into the wild. Whether you’re looking for camping gear for a hike in the piney woods or campy gear for a day in the French Quarter, this fall’s finds make entertaining your wilder side stylish and fun. Make a SceneClockwise from left: Oilcloth […]

Home + Design

Natural Beauty

Spinal and 18-kt. white gold bracelet; pink sapphire and 18-kt white gold bracelet; aquamarine, diamond and 18-kt. white gold cross. Ashleigh Branstetter may have taken the long way around to find her niche, but the results are well worth the trip. A model since high school, she has appeared in print ads for Volvo and […]

Campaign Season

Buttons from the 1900 presidential election featuring opponents William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan. Of all the framed photographs and certificates decorating a hallway in Fran Bussie’s Baton Rouge home, one in particular stands out: a snapshot of her husband, Victor, posing with then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy and a beaming Jackie. As political mementos […]

Marrakech Express

It was one of the first cool days in September when I felt my taste buds tingle for the layered tastes of fall, and I couldn’t help but think of chili or a delicious gumbo. But now it’s November—and as we approach Thanksgiving—my tastes are changing. I feel tired of heavy flavors and am longing […]

Shopping

Allison Oglesbee, Lynn Blossman, Michelle Fortson

You could say that Lynn Blossman wears two hats on a daily basis. In one building in Covington, are Blossman’s two businesses: La Perrin, a home furnishings store, and London Hill, a clothing store. La Perrin opened first in 1998, but Blossman says she always wanted to own a clothing store. However, both her and […]

Shopping

Rusty & Michael Hayden

Riverside Lumber is family oriented in both who runs it and the relationships it has developed with customers. Rusty Hayden, president and co-owner of Riverside Lumber, has been working for this family business for more than 30 years. He says, “We have a large clientele. And we have a lot of the same customers from […]

Home + Design

Spirits In the Night

The Place:Decatur Street in front of Molly’s at the Market. Date: Oct. 31, Halloween. Time: 7 pm.? 8 p.m.? I have no idea, but it’s dark and the crowd is dense with costumed revelers ready to celebrate this night pagans once believed was when the spirit world could make contact with the physical world. Adults […]

Lagniappe

2006 Parade of Homes

Toni Wendel – PresidentWelcome to the Greater New Orleans Home Builders Association’s 2006 Parade of Homes. Once again we are very proud to showcase some of the finest homes that New Orleans and its neighboring parishes have to offer. This year we are offering 23 homes, 2 townhomes and 2 renovations to enjoy, built by […]

Fashion

Bedtime Stories

Some of the best bedtime stories are ones of the teller’s own invention. Likewise, some of the best-dressed beds are those that bear an individual’s unique stamp. One way to achieve that is by choosing a palette, then combining patterns, brands and textures. We used a blend of pieces from high-end boutiques and mass-market retailers […]

Fashion

Fringe Benefits

From Velvety Soft Chenilles to shimmering metallics, to delicious chocolate browns to fun bubble-gum pink, what’s hot in curtain accessories and trims are playful patterns, shimmering details and surprising color combinations. Chocolate: the New NeutralIn keeping with the sweets trend, chocolate continues to be a hot color for fabrics, tassels and trims for window treatments. […]

Home + Design

Molding a Future

Well, it’s been a year SINCE New Orleans has looked like her old self. The great event of 2005 did its best to, ahem, redecorate some of our noted houses—but New Orleanians wouldn’t suffer a wind-and-rain job lightly. We fight back, take back what’s ours, especially our architecture. One New Orleanian who spent months exiled […]

Going, Going, Gone!

For many New Orleaneans, refurnishing a home has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity since Hurricane Katrina. This furniture frenzy can make even the most die-hard shopper a little weary, but if you are looking to replace antique furniture and art, buying at auction offers an energizing alternative to what may […]

The Italian Job

As much as I hate to admit it, spaghetti Bolognese is a staple in my “feed family fast” file—and that means using canned tomato sauce or tomato sauce in a jar. There are a few very good ones, and some downright bad ones, but through trial-and-error my family likes Newman’s Own and Fra Divolio. You […]

On Top

There are as many ways to build a better tablesetting as there are tables to be built on. Chances are you already have the table, but just in case you need some help with the creative process, we asked three experts to walk us through theirs—and here’s what they had to say. MODERNArchitect and designer […]

Destination Resource

Everyone knows New Orleans is a decorator’s paradise, and we know it’s not all about antiques, either. Local shops that cater to the trade also welcome the amateur on a mission to re-imagine the details of their interiors. Find and fall in love with the perfect new fabric for curtains or upholstery at Probst Decorating. […]

Country Comforts

The Long and Winding Road To John and Cheryl Murphy’s home starts inauspiciously enough—it’s a turn off of the main drag of a very commercial part of U.S.-190 in Covington. But once you pass the gas stations, fast-food chains and strip mall, the landscape soon turns into a wooded, bucolic paradise. After a few twist […]

Shopping

Allyson & Giuseppe Colosimo

While living in Italy in the mid-1980s, Giuseppe and Allyson Colosimo decided that Italian trims and tassels would be a good item to sell in the United States, and began offering the designs wholesale through their company, Tuscany Imports. The business evolved, and the duo opened Tuscany Décor Center, a retail store, three years ago […]

Shopping

Manique Poche Bennett

After working in the kitchen design business for five years, Monique Poché Bennett, a certified kitchen designer, opened Cabinets by Design in Gretna in 1988. Fifteen years later, the business moved to New Orleans. A building was purchased and renovated on Tchoupitoulas Street and now serves as its showroom. Cabinets by Design offers services for […]

Home + Design

The Sound of Silence

In the Stressful and Busy TimesNew Orleanians live in now, it’s important to take a break—if only for an hour or so. A favorite spot to clear heads and regain a sense of balance is the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Opened in 2003 and free to the public, the sculpture garden has been […]

Fashion

STYLE

Soft SellShow off your signature style with custom-made pillows elegantly adorned with raised metallic initials, antique galon and fringe. The silk velvet pillows are 100-percent down-filled, and available in 16 colors, several sizes and with any combination of initials. Bremermann Designs, 3943 Magazine St., 891-7763, or go to www.bremermanndesigns.com. Metropolitan DeLight Lighting guru Cindy […]

Salon Selective

A doctor, a lawyer, two accomplished pianists, a gourmet cook and several savvy antiques collectors are all in the room. But there are only two people. That’s because between themselves, Dr. Quinn Peeper and Michael Harold can lay claim to all of those titles. And more often than not, the guests at their frequent parties […]

A Modern Miracle

When graphic designer Shane Diiullo bought his condominium in the Cotton Mill, he knew it had issues. For starters, it was a measly 600 square feet with a floor plan that made it look smaller. “It was kind of like a stepchild space in that building,” he said of the unit, which had fewer windows […]

A Life’s Journey

The stately circa 1920s Uptown house is everything of which Kim Dudek dreamed. When she first went to see the three-story house, she stayed for four hours. Dreaming, no doubt. Kim is known to dream big—after all, her thriving Magazine Street business, Belladonna Day Spa, is singular in its concept, encompassing everything from spa services […]

Living With Antiques

Every fall brings risks to New Orleans. Will a hurricane hit us? Will the Saints have a winning football season this year? There is a gambling gene inherent in everyone who lives here. Couple that attribute with another that compels us to revere history and you’ll find a perfect antiquing combination—gaming pieces. Chess pieces and […]

Home + Design

As the Wheel Turns

At first glance, Tom Dunne’s workspace could be that of any carpenter’s—until you spy the 50-year-old wood-turning lathe covered in dust (primarily used for teaching these days) and that some of the boards leaning against the walls are zebrawood from Africa. “I’ve had a passion for wood as long as I can remember,” Dunne smiles. […]

Currying Flavor

A friend gave me a copy of the new Gourmet cookbook as a Christmas gift, and it took me back to my childhood when my mother used the first edition as her cooking “bible.” In the latest edition, Ruth Reichl, former New York Times food critic, writes about the incredible changes in food with regards […]

Fashion

TRENDWATCH: An Artistic Revival

Like a shimmering, multicolored phoenix rising from the ashes, the arts scene in New Orleans is alive with spirited craftsmen and women producing one-of-a-kind creations that dazzle the eye and the spirit. From the Bywater Art Market to RHINO Contemporary Craft Company and the Center for Southern Craft and Design at the Ogden Museum of […]

Lagniappe

Liz Reyes

This TV anchor and reporter has a talent for breaking news, as well as adapting enthusiastically to her adopted home of New Orleans. by PAUL A. GREENBERG Some people find their passion in life a bit earlier than others. Just ask Liz Reyes, ABC26/WGNO co-anchor. Even as a teenager growing up in Toronto, Reyes knew […]

Creole Comfort

An Irish Channel home and its gardens are lovingly brought back to life. by S.L. STRACHAN It’s not many of us who wake up in the middle of the night and proclaim “Can I handle our house being all one color—khaki?” But for Butler Burdine, such a scenario took place just a week before he […]

Home + Design

Glassy Eyed

Elements of everyday life and nature inspire glass artist James Vella by FAITH DAWSON Glass, temperamental and fragile, is born in the furnace at Vella Vetro Art Glass and Custom Design, and shaped and perfected in the hands of its owner, James Vella. The studio is dim, loud and unbearably hot, but the delicate sculpted […]

Fashion

Rock Paper Scissors

A children’s game grows up in dramatic design accessories for fashionable home interiors and offices. by EUGENIA UHL No one knows exactly how the game “rock, paper, scissors”—also known as “roshambo”—began, but the classic children’s game we all grew up with is making a big comeback. From international tournaments to major auction house decisions, the […]

Shopping

Cindy St. Romain

St. Romain Interiors When patrons first walk into St. Romain Interiors, they realize they have entered into more than just an antique store. After running an antique and design company out of her home for five years, Cindy St. Romain decided last year a store was necessary. “I opened a store so I would have […]

Hot Ideas for Cool Kitchens

A Green to Envy by LEE CUTRONE ARCHITECT: John Wettermark, Wettermark & Keiffer CONTRACTOR: Hal Collums, Hal Collums Construction In 2001, when two local psychiatrists purchased the 1850 raised, Garden District cottage they now call home, they enlisted the help of architect John Wettermark of Wettermark & Keiffer and contractor Hal Collums to renovate the […]

Lagniappe

Patricia Brady

This local writer unmasks The real First Lady—Martha Washington. by PAUL A. GREENBERG In a culture obsessed with Britney’s latest escapades and the trials and tribulations of Hollywood celebrities from Jackson to J-Lo, will the reading public cotton to a tome about a woman who died exactly 203 years ago? New Orleans-based historian Patricia Brady […]

11 Summer Weekend Getaways

There’s no need to suffer in the city’s heat and humidity when you can hop in a car or plane and escape to a relaxing, as well as exciting, destination. Often the biggest problem with trying to figure out where to go for a weekend is choosing … where to go. So many options, so […]

Par for the course

Spacious dreams and simple designs in a New Orleans home. by PAUL A GREENBERG How does this sound as the ideal homebuilder’s fantasy? You have found the perfect piece of land in a location that you have coveted for a long time. Your best friend from childhood on just happens to be one of the […]

Home + Design

A Common Thread

Textile restorer Jessica Hack brings old fabric—be it a flag or a Carnival dress—back to its original splendor. by DAWN RUTH Many drawers of yarn fill up a corner of Jessica Hack’s textile restoration studio in Algiers Point. Dozens of skeins reside there, silks and cottons in every hue of red, green, blue and yellow. […]

Fashion

June 2005

Cream of the CropUsing the actual 18th-century creamware pieces from its collection as inspiration, Longue Vue House and Gardens has reproduction creamware made using techniques from the 1700s. Since the pieces are unable to be mass-produced, each item is unique—just like the originals. The Gift Shop at Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., […]

Fashion

A Natural Feel

Light in touch and weight, items made in bamboo, straw and grass can make this hot season seem a bit cooler. by LISA TUDOR Bits of bamboo, pieces of grass and an expanse of strawpopulate the summer landscape of fashionable accessories. Artfully woven into hats, shades, shoes, placemats, bags and throws, thetextures and patterns mix […]

Shopping

Allyson & Giuseppe Colosimo

by HILLARY GOLDEN Tuscany Decor Center ALLYSON & GIUSEPPE COLOSIMO While living in Italy, Allyson and Giuseppe Colosimo made a bold move across the Atlantic Ocean to start a new life and business. “The textiles we found in Italy needed an outlet in the United States. There were all these beautiful fabrics and trims that […]

Home + Design

Human Nature

India Stewart begins every day with a simple exercise in inspiration—she goes into her garden. There in the early-morning sunlight, plants and flowers give her the creative boost she uses as chief designer of the works bearing her name. But it doesn’t stop there. Later on, in her Magazine Street shop, sunlight streams in through […]

Fashion

May 2005

Apple of Your Eye No coffee table has to go unadorned when this apple-accented Italian glass plate can rescue it. Also available in a pear design. Nancy Robbins, 1291 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 727-4565. Glass Menagerie Keep your tabletop décor light and chic with these mouth-blown glasses made in Prague. The subtle designs add […]

Pet Projects

From cave walls to more refined spaces, animal portraits have never gone out of style. They’ve been loved and tended. They’ve been mollycoddled and dressed in frippery beyond imagination. They’ve even been stuffed and hung on walls. Animals make their way into people’s homes, bringing with them a relationship more akin to a family member […]

Home + Design

The Beat Goes On

Jazz lives on through its musicians and art. Even though the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival may have ended on May 1, that doesn’t mean the city becomes quiet. Jazz plays here practically every night, deserving of both praise and a place in history. New Orleanian Skip Bolen, a photographer currently based in Los […]

Fashion

Well Contained

What’s on the inside isn’t necessarily more important than what’s on the outside. Case in point: decorative containers. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and whether you want them to hide the unsightly, highlight a site to see, or just store the stuff of life, today’s boxes, baskets and bins will […]

Irvin Mayfield

Musician, entrepreneur and arts enthusiast makes this New Orleanian a man to watch. Some people get started earlier, move a little faster and just innately know the real value of a good melody. That easily describes Irvin Mayfield, the New Orleans musician often most closely identified with the smooth Latin rhythms of Los Hombres Calientes, […]

Style & Symmetry

The first things you notice about this Old Metairie house are its soft elegance and meticulous attention to detail. Home to interior designer Patricia Brinson and her husband Vernon, it is perfectly appointed and layered. From its manicured lawn and drive to its verdant patio and pool, nothing is amiss. But this is also a […]

Shopping

Retailer Spotlight

Barry French Acadian Millwork & Suplly In 1981, Barry French and Denny Perschall filled a much-needed niche when they opened their store, Acadian Millwork & Supply in Mandeville. French and Perschall began their partnership building high-end condominiums during the ‘70s. “We were having problems getting the quality of materials needed for projects and that sparked […]

Lagniappe

The Chill Factor

Today, no home in South Louisiana seems complete without a pool. Whereas sitting outside on the porch, fanning oneself may still work, nothing beats the refreshing feel of cold water on a hot summer day. These three pools prove one doesn’t have to break a sweat to be cool. Blue Lagoon by S.I. STRACHAN When […]

Lagniappe

Arthur Roger

A passion for art drives this astute gallery owner. by PAUL GREENBERG His dad, a New Orleans streetcar driver, died when he was 16 years old. His mother mortgaged her Ninth Ward home to enable him to open his first business—an art gallery on Magazine Street—in 1978. That was when Magazine Street was not yet […]

Bywater Beauty

The Best of April by LISA TUDOR Setting the style for spring—that’s what this issue is all about, whether it is fashion in “Bywater Beauty,” or in home design, as seen in the fabulously decorated rooms in the Junior League of Greater Covington’s Northshore Designer Showhouse VI. Imagine a Victorian cottage in the Bywater filled […]

Home + Design

Pot Luck

Wallowing in mud is just another day at the office for potter Craig McMillin. by FAITH DAWSON Funny thing how Mudflap Pottery of Folsom got its name. Years ago, the owner and artist behind the name, Craig McMillin, was working as a pottery trainee in Texas when he tried to attach the handle to a […]

Fashion

Style April 2005

Clear and Present Make a shining statement with this glass square lamp. Its simple design won’t overpower the décor of a room, but the shaped base adds a little something extra. Probst Decorating, 3300 Magazine St., 895-2094. Deck the Walls Don’t just cover your walls, make them a work of art with these hand-printed wallpapers. […]

Fashion

Foreign Affairs

Give your house an air of worldly sophistication — with items found at local stores. by LEE CUTRONE You don’t have to speak a country’s mother tongue in order to be able to express yourself in a way that any of its natives would understand. Every country has a decorative language uniquely its own —and […]

Shopping

La Vieille Maison and Lighting, Inc.

HAL WILLIAMSON | La Vieille Maison by HILLARY GOLDEN Each morning Hal Williamson feels as if he is in a quaint European shop, as he steps through the front door of his serene French Quarter antique shop. “La Vieille Maison is slanted very much toward French antiques and styles of furniture because of the location […]

A Transforming Experience

You might say that Leila and Tommy Gamard�s house a block from Audubon Park is an oddity. The house, a double shotgun, with its Victorian ginger-bread, was built circa 1880s. It is located, however, in a neighborhood that wasn�t developed until after the turn of the century. How did it get there? Well � it […]

Pontalba Panache

There is probably only one address in New Orleans where people wait for up to 15 years to rent an apartment. Even being on the waiting list of the Pontalba Buildings carries a certain cache, but when the call finally comes about the highly anticipated vacancy, most people take quick action to become residents. Maybe […]

A Life on the Boards

When builder David L. Trahan speaks of historic home renovation and restoration, there is a certain reverence in his tone. Listening to his take on the critical importance of maintaining the distinctive architecture of New Orleans, one can easily foresee future craftsmen speaking with similar awe of David’s own work. Consider the former shotgun double […]

House of Southern Pop

Hunting and gathering. It’s what we humans have been known to do. A quick glance around Dannal Perry’s Bywater home, and you get the impression that she’s got a bad case of the latter. The good news, though, is that according to anthropologists, Dannal probably can’t help it. Gathering, they’d conclude, is a primordial instinct. […]

Celebrating the Season

The date was the Saturday before Christmas eve—and while most people’s calendars are full by this time, that didn’t stop Tim Reily from having a last-minute dinner party for 12 that night. What inspired him was the Christmas village he had set up in the entranceway. Tim had stopped doing it for about seven years, […]

Home + Design

Rolling in Dough

How do you know it’s the holidays in your home? The cinnamon-ginger smell of fresh baked cookies float from the kitchen throughout, drawing family members near for some midday snacking before the annual feast. By rule of thumb you must wait until the cookies are completely cooled before eating, but who can resist chewy coconut […]

Bob Becker

When Bob Becker looks out of his window he sees an elegant expanse of lush green fields, century-old oak trees and blue skies. Not a bad day at the office, some would say. But it’s all part of the package if the office is situated at City Park, where Becker serves as CEO over 1,500 […]

Bubbling Over

Nothing adds the extra effervescence and magic to the holiday season better than a shared bottle of bubbly. Serving something sparkling makes you, and your guests, feel extra special and ultra-indulged. It’s a celebration in a glass. Ah, but which bubbly to buy? Perhaps you are searching for something to sip with your sweetie or […]

Home + Design

Made in the Shade

Paul Grüer does not sketch. He does not conceptualize. He does not design any of his lighting fixtures with plans or goals or hopes. What he does is put together wood, metal and sculpted polymer clay in forms and shapes that strike his fancy. At the end of the process Grüer literally stands back and […]

Shopping

Louisiana Trace

Joe Caldarera is giving back to his community one house at a time. As a resident of Kenner, where he was also born and raised, Caldarera purchased a parcel of land this year to turn into a residential community development. The land was the same his uncles had once owned and where Caldarera grew up […]

Shopping

Factory Tile & Stone Depot

Before you decide to remodel with carpet or hardwood flooring, remind yourself of where you live. It might be a better choice to go with tile. “Most of us live below sea level and the possibility of flood waters is inevitable. A ceramic or porcelain floor is the only type of flooring that will not […]

A Holiday Haven

Swags of Christmas greenery surround an 18th-century Venetian mirror in the living room. On the mantel, two Chinese Foo dogs sit in front of a pair of 18th-century Venetian mirrored sconces. A bronze chandelier from the French Antique Shop illuminates the room’s furniture, including a Venetian mirrored coffee table and 18th-century gaming/eating table by the […]

Shopping

Gayle Terrell

Retailing has taken on a life of its own for Gayle Terrell, owner of the Lazybug stores. From the greeting at the front of the store to the gift-wrapping, Terrell believes in customer service and the image that she and the store portray. “I treat customers the way they want to be treated when they […]

Permanent Cool

If one were to design the perfect bachelor pad conventional wisdom dictates furniture with beer stains, poorly-placed, big-screen TVs and deep kitchen sinks to accommodate lots of dirty dishes. While that holds up nicely in sitcoms and college towns, Jon Sherman had a better idea. Sherman, 36, bought a 120-year old Treme shotgun double that […]

A City With (Almost) No Limits

For an easy getaway to the best of all worlds, consider a weekend jaunt to Austin, Texas. The laid-back capital of the Lone Star State is a progressive, cosmopolitan city where New Age meets Old West in unhurried harmony. The University of Texas complements this Sun Belt-sophistication with concerts, lectures and fine museums. Outdoor activities […]

Lagniappe

Lighter apple bread pudding

Butter for greasing baking dish and sauteing apples 2 cups soy milk 3 cups half & half Butter 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 apples, chopped into 1-inch cubes 4 large eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 loaf hearty seeded or whole-wheat bread cut into 1-inch cubes Maple syrup Grease pie […]

Thanksgiving leftovers get a healthy makeover

Coming from the rural South as I do, there are certain “white-trash” recipes bound to cross my—and your—table at one point. My mother tends to be a fan of very simple recipes and will often call me to pass one along. She often says that although the dish is easy to make and humble in […]

Marda Burton

There’s a story behind each piece of furniture, each piece of art, and every object a person purchases. Don’t believe it? Visit Marda Burton. Her home is filled with vignettes. Or maybe it’s writer Burton who likes to tell a story. All inanimates in her second-floor Royal Street condominium are not simply wood, canvas or […]

Home + Design

Paper Trail

In a city that loves a good convention, Renee deVille was pleased to see a significant gathering of some of the 100,000 species of mold, which ruin some of our oldest and most treasured belongings in New Orleans. OK—it wasn’t so much that she was pleased as determined to get her hands dirty fighting them. […]

Clear Cut

Joe Lewis defended his heavyweight title for the 23rd time, while movie marquis nationwide promoted “The Best Years of our Lives.” Dr. Spock emerged as the baby czar and the No. 1 song nationwide was “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah.” The year was 1946, and while America celebrated post-war frenzy, Isidore Cohn, a New Orleans boy completing medical school […]

Nature’s Way

Fair or not, it’s difficult to separate organic gardening from its hippie connotations. Think organic, and you’re likely to picture something virtuous, sure, but also a little ragged and unruly—a gardening strategy that all but sacrifices order to the obstreperous glory of nature. That’s not the case at all in Cathy Pierson’s garden, a well-manicured […]

Shopping

Monique Sobrino

It always made sense for Monique Sobrino to own a business, so when the opportunity to purchase her grandmother’s Little Miss Muffin Hallmark store came about in 1992, Sobrino took it and reopened Little Miss Muffin in a new location and renovated it into a modern gift and clothes store. Sobrino, raised around family-owned businesses […]

On the Surface

Traditional Elegance General Contractor: Bill Pierce, Colby Construction Designer: John Fernandez for Hurwitz Mintz Interiors Tub, toilet and shower supplier/installer: Bienvenu Brothers Plumbing Marble supplier and installer: Pieri Tile & Marble This custom-designed bathroom by Hurwitz Mintz has a stately, traditional elegance reminiscent of something you might see in a plush Park Avenue hotel. In […]

Bathroom Confidential

1. How much do I need to spend? How much am I prepared to spend? In order to minimize costs and structural concerns when renovating your bathroom, you’ll want to try to keep major plumbing outlets in the same position or nearby. Jo Castillion, consultant with Southland Plumbing Supply, emphasizes that homeowners can get the […]

Fashion

November Style

Bedding Down Your precious four-legged friends deserve a cozy place to rest, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your love of style. Available in three sizes, the rectangular Hound Lounge beds have a hypoallergenic fiber-fill and a cotton slipcover, shown here in “Barcode,” that can be removed and washed. The Pampered Pug, 8630 […]

Turn up the Heat

Kitchen Confidential Renovating your kitchen is usually the most cost-effective upgrade you can do to your home, but it can also be the most expensive. Here are the five key questions that you might want to ask the experts. 1. It’s going to cost how much? There are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. […]

Kitchen Redos

Balancing Act General Contractors: Jimmy Higginbotham, F.J. Brassette Designer: L. Craig Smith Homeowners: Louise Partello and Phil Gardner For a serious cook like Louise Partello, a highly functional kitchen was in demand. It was also overdue for a renovation, since nothing had ever been done to overhaul its historic interior. Sticking with the same basic […]

Family Flair

Walking into decorator Melissa Rufty’s house, one would never guess that she has three girls—Olivia, Lilly and Adair—under the age of 10, until one of them comes riding up on her bike with training wheels at a pretty fast pace. Adair, age 2 1/2, screeches to a halt behind her mother who is dressed casually […]