New Orleans Homes Summer 2024

Channel makeover with classic design and pops of color 46

Moveable Feast

cabana design for indoor/outdoor entertaining in style 54

(p. 54)

Photograph by Jeffery Johnston

Slow Down

SUMMER LIVING AT ITS best combines long, slow days and time spent with family and friends without the hubbub that comes with hectic work and school days or calendar appointments. Time slows down just a beat. It’s best not to rush too much, sip a cool drink, take a dip in a pool or relax by a fan.

Our features showcase classic and clean design that epitomize summer entertaining. An Irish Channel renovation embodies minimalism with pops of bright color to contrast with crisp white and chic touches. It’s a home that’s carefully appointed for style without being fussy.

A chic cabana brings Palm Springs style with an indoor/outdoor entertaining space that maximizes poolside fun. Design touches don’t skip a beat, from a fully equipped kitchen to a cozy sitting and dining area, providing the perfect summer retreat for parties both large and small.

In this issue, we also have you covered from the mudroom (with our guide to getting your garage and car organized in style) to the garden (check out our experts’ tips on outdoor lighting and a festive white linen party) and beyond.

So while the temperatures soar, treat yourself. Slow it down and take it easy. Mix up a refreshing drink, perhaps Jewel of the South’s Raspberry Beret cocktail featured within. But most of all, savor the summer. Cheers.

EDITORIAL

Editor Ashley McLellan

Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo

Style Editor Andy Myer

Web Editor Kelly Massicot

Contributing Writers Jenny Adams, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Rebecca Friedman, Misty Milioto, Margaret Zainey Roux

Copy Editor Liz Clearman

ADVERTISING

Senior Account Executive

Brooke Genusa

Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com

Account Director Meggie Schmidt

Senior Account Executive Erin Chiartano

MARKETING

Marketing Manager Greer Stewart

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING

PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui

Designers Ashley Pemberton, Czarlyn Ria Trinidad

CIRCULATION

Distribution John Holzer

ADMINISTRATION

Office Managers Mallary Wolfe, Emily Ruiz

Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

Design Details

Wildwood, a North Carolina-based lighting, furniture and home décor brand, has added a line extension to its collection in partnership with designer Denise McGaha (think colorful new mirrors, lighting, planters, candles and other home accessories). Additionally, the Wildwood Select line (a program wherein pieces may be customized in any Benjamin Moore colorway) now has pieces available in Blue Nova (Benjamin Moore’s 2024 Color of the Year). Wildwood also has launched its Shiga collection, consisting of 11 one-of-a-kind lamps and four vases handmade in Shigaraki, Japan. Available at Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 866-6654, eclectichome.net

Top Summer Design Trends

Ashley Biscan, interior design and trend expert at Floor & Decor, predicts that home design this summer will go bolder and be more personalized. For starters, she says that patterned tile will punctuate small spaces to make every nook feel special. She also says that art deco mosaics and handcrafted looks will take center stage, while homeowners also will upgrade their upstairs spaces with light-colored hardwood flooring (in herringbone patterns and wide planks) in lieu of carpeting. And in bathrooms, Biscan says that large-format stone in saturated blues and greens will be popular. 3609 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 6354501, flooranddecor.com

Smoke Show

Porter Lyons, the fine jewelry, curated wares and luxury piercing studio founded by Ashley Porter in the French Quarter, has released the newest addition to the Porter Lyons Home collection: custom-scented, hand-dipped incense sticks. Designed to create intention and awareness within spaces, the line has been curated by Porter in collaboration with a master fragrance artisan. The incense boasts a 45-minute burn time, releasing fragrant smoke that calls for savoring the present moment. It’s available in three scents (or a combination of all three), including: First Light (a fusion of frankincense, clary sage, cypress, orange, moss, earth and Spanish sage); Mantra (a blend of palo santo, ho wood, bergamot, sandalwood, lemon, wild mint and bitter orange); and Moonlight (a medley of tangerine, bergamot, lavender, peppercorn, ginger, vetiver, cedar and amber). 623 Royal St., 800585-0348, porterlyons.com

Sound Asleep

Hotel High Design

Hotel Henrietta, a new five-story, 40-room boutique hotel from locally based Sandstone and Formwork, recently opened on St. Charles Avenue. The hotel, which is the first to be built from the ground up on the avenue in 30 years, serves as an extension of the Columns hotel. Local firm Farouki Farouki led the contemporary yet timeless architecture and interior design, with an eclectic mix of custom furniture for the guest rooms and public spaces. Wall coverings by French designer Pierre Frey add texture to the space, which opens into a lobby with wood ceiling, decorative millwork and multiple seating areas with banquettes covered in custom fabric. Meanwhile, handpicked vintage and commissioned art from local and global makers are layered throughout the space. An adjacent colonnaded front porch and terrace offers outdoor seating with two fire pits. A variety of guest room layouts are available and feature custom millwork, velvet headboards, a color palette inspired by the historic mosaic tiles at Columns and bathrooms with oversized showers, Waterworks fixtures, and marble tile and vanities. Select rooms also boast dishwashers, and Smeg refrigerators and microwaves. Luxury amenities include Parachute linens and Le Labo bath products. 3500 St. Charles Ave., hotelhenrietta.com

Meanwhile, hotelier Robért LeBlanc, in partnership with Cure Co.’s Neal Bodenheimer and the team behind The Chloe, have opened The Celestine in the French Quarter. The property, which dates back to 1791, is now a charming boutique hotel that flaunts European charm thanks to French, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences paired with a glamorous 1950s flair. 727 Toulouse St., 332-2200, thecelestinenola.com

The Original PeachSkin Sheets Oversized Comforter Set has been named one of the Best Comforters and Duvet Inserts by Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Best Bedding Awards. They are ultra soft, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, lightweight, and ideal for all seasons and sleepers. The best part for those suffering from night sweats, the athletic-grade-performance poly fabric wicks away moisture, decreases sweating and increases air flow. The sheets and comforters also come in a range of cute summer colors. peachskinsheets.com

Architectural Fusion

Two of Louisiana’s architectural firms, Lafayette-based ACSW (renowned for projects like River Ranch, Lafayette High School and the University of Louisiana’s Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium) and New Orleans-based Rozas Ward (with projects such as the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center and The Kalorama of New Orleans condominiums), have merged to create AQ Studios. The new firm, which focuses on innovation, cultural richness and urban sophistication within the educational, healthcare and civic architecture spaces, is dedicated to shaping the architectural landscape of Louisiana and beyond. 1100 Poydras St., Ste. 3550, 524-4375, introducingaq.com

Master Minds

No one knows antiques and interiors quite like Patrick Dunne, Nathan Drewes and Kerry Moody of Decorations Lucullus. Here’s a sneakpeek at what the design triumvirate is scheming for summer.

PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

1

Bright Idea

Lighting is like jewelry for a room. It instantly elevates the space by highlighting the architecture or decorative finishes. We are eyeing this classic Directoire style chandelier for a client’s textured library. Classic Chandelier & Mirror, (504) 309-8983.

2

A Luxe Layer

Nothing warms a room like a beautiful carpet or floor covering. We love the versatility of this Sultanabad rug and how it complements both classic and contemporary interiors. NOLA Rugs, nolarugs.org

3

Setting the Framework

It’s not just a frame, it’s art! And it can make or break the presentation of a cherished painting or photograph. Jennifer McGinnis at Creative Framing is an expert on mats and moldings and always steers us in the right direction. Creative Framing, creativeframinggretna.com

4

Painterly Approach

A strong foundation begins with a high-quality paint. We are currently crushing on Farrell Calhoun’s Money Tree, Beacon Fog, and Fireplace Mantel. Each one is rich and, together, they create a sophisticated and tonal palette. Farrell Calhoun, farrellcalhoun.com

5

Antiques Reimagined

We are constantly searching for new, innovative ways to bring antiques into the mix. Historically, this tasty Louis XV walnut piece would have graced a living room, but we can see it in a modern powder room. Lucullus Antiques, lucullusantiques.com

Lucullus Antiques 915 Kentucky St., (504) 5289620, lucullusantiques.com

Mobile Homes

For many of us, summer means road trips, whether long hauls to the beach or mountains, or daily schlepping to day camp and the pool. If your car morphs into an extension of home during the summer, here are some tips for treating your “wheel estate” with a little extra care.

BY REBECCA FRIEDMAN

For leather seats that bake in the sun or a tendency to enjoy snoballs behind the wheel...car seat covers come in all kinds of cute designs, like this one on Etsy.

Even

Keep kids’ must-haves within their reach - one less reason to “pull this car over!”

Backseat beautification

Trash stash

Car-bage piles up in the blink of an eye, especially on a road trip. Keep things clean with a handy wastebasket.

Cover up

Running hot and cold

For those who like sodas chilled, nursing moms traveling with breastmilk, or medicine that needs to stay cool in transit: This cooler/ heater is a game-changer.

In the shade Football season is just around the corner, so rep the home team while cooling the car.

Creature comforts

pets travel in style with a luxury microsuede seat... with storage

Kris Wenschuh

TO THE POET THOREAU, THE “WORLD IS BUT A canvas to our imagination.” To New Orleans artist Kris Wenschuh, the world seen through her imagination is her canvas.

Wenschuh’s paintings appear as seemingly unrelated objects floating effortlessly between the conscious and subconscious, between reality and surreal. An egg floats above a single-feathered nest, a leafless tree grows through storm clouds reaching for the light. Her oil paintings are stories of hope, personal introspection, wanderlust, and her newfound connection to the natural world, her “spiritual home.”

Her work reflects the clarity of classical realism with a modernist touch by Surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Other images feel like a walk through a landless meadow of clouds. Yet, there is an intellectual and autobiographical undertone in all her paintings.

“I like to express what I’m feeling,” says Wenschuh. “Where that leads me is often something surreal with magical realism sprinkled in. Reality for me is what we see and then there is all this stuff we feel that you can’t see.”

Wenschuh has been on a continuous journey since her early life in East Germany. Two years after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the 21-yearold bought a bus ticket for London where she lived and worked for about

seven years. Then in 1998, a job transfer sent her to New York. Two years later fate smiled when a friend invited Wenschuh to visit New Orleans – that was it.

“I fell in love with this place instantly,” she says in her fading German accent. “My urge for a bohemian life kicked in instantly. I was enchanted. So, I moved to New Orleans not knowing what I would do there.”

After she arrived, Wenschuh took on a variety of home decorating jobs. When clients asked her to paint murals in their homes, she knew she needed more training. That led her to the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts on Magazine Steet where she studied under the acclaimed artist Auseklis Ozols. It was, she says, “such an important part of my life, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually.” There, she found her passion for art and her bohemian home.

That concept of home is a recurring theme. And New Orleans, she says, is the closest she has ever come to finding it. It’s a place where “you can be anything you want and you get embraced for it.”

Yet, she now realizes that home is not about location.

As she noted in a statement for her recent show at LeMieux Galleries, home – like her art – is “a state of mind” and “a sense of comfort and happiness ... no matter where we are.” kriswenschuh.com JOHN R. KEMP

Berry Refreshing

Chill out with a fresh, fruity cocktail by Jewel of the South’s award-winning bartender Chris Hannah.

PRODUCED

BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

Raspberry Beret

Yields one drink

1.5 oz Pineau des Charentes*

.50 oz lemon juice

.50 oz agave nectar

3 oz sparkling wine*

5 raspberries

1 rosemary sprig

*For a non-alcoholic, “mocktail” substitute bottled tea for the Pineau des Charentes and ginger ale for the sparkling wine.

1. Muddle four raspberries in a cocktail shaker tin.

2. Add the Pineau des Charentes, lemon juice, and agave nectar. Shake with ice.

3. Double strain over an ice-filled wine glass and top with sparkling wine.

4. Garnish by spearing the rosemary sprig through the last raspberry and placing it inside the cocktail.

About Jewel of the South and Chris Hannah

With veteran bartender Chris Hannah at the helm, Jewel of the South has become widely known for its creative take on classic cocktails and was recently honored with the coveted Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award from North America’s 50 Best Bars Academy.

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

Southern Peas

Summer-fresh Southern peas - or field peas as they are sometimes known - are a perfect addition to an array of dishes.

BY MISTY MILIOTO

1

Appearance

While the black-eyed pea may be the most wellknown of the Southern peas, there are many different varieties of this hearty legume. The plant itself may be vining, semi-vining or bushy, and the pea pods can range from green to silver or purple. The peas may appear cream in color, or buff, black, brown or spotted. Some varieties also have a colored eye, which may be pink, maroon or black.

2

Use

Southern peas can be used in a bevy of dishes, ranging from pasta salad, soups and Hoppin’ John to salads, relish and casseroles. They can also be used to make hummus and other creative dips.

3 Grow

According to the LSU Ag Center’s “Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide,” Southern peas make for a great rotating crop. For example, after harvesting Irish potatoes or onions in May, the rows can be reworked and planted with Southern peas from June through August. Extend the harvest by planting successive early, midseason, and late-maturing varieties. Plant the seeds one-half inch deep, four to six inches apart, and expect to harvest within 70 to 80 days.

4

Learn Southern peas— known worldwide as cowpeas—comprise an entire subset of the legume family. A staple crop in the Southeast, these peas (which are actually beans) can be eaten fresh, processed in the green stage or dried on the plant. Because most varieties produce their own nitrogen in root nodules, they are great for soil-building summer crops.

5

Lagniappe

Southern peas can be affected by a number of insect pests. Cowpea curculio is one of the worst, as this black weevil feeds in the early part of the summer on the developing pods and then lays its eggs in the developing seeds. The standard control program for this pest includes insecticide applications from first flower to the preharvest interval.

White Hot

How to plan the ultimate, all-white summer fête.

NEW ORLEANS IS FAMOUS FOR her summer temperatures and locals, from Gentilly to Gretna, the French Quarter to Faubourg Livaudais, are pulling out the summer whites. We have swapped our jeans for breezy linen skirts and our linen pillowcases for cool, crisp cotton.

On our party planning agenda, we bid adieu to the vibrant colors of Easter and high spring. In these hottest months, we pay homage to the hottest color of all - blinding white.

We sought the styling advice of Jennifer Rabalais, owner of Jade, an interiors boutique in Metairie, and The Plant Gallery, a fantastic garden, landscaping and floral center on Airline Highway), for all the tips, tricks and even the florals you’ll need for throwing a perfect, all-white party.

What’s great about an all-white party?

“My daughter just got married and I told her to register for all white plates and serving pieces. Everyone has that base of white. Having a set of white china is so timeless and classic, and throwing a white party is the same. It’s just easy. Even if you don’t have white furniture, you can use drop cloths or sheets. It’s also a great choice for guests to dress the part. We have so many excuses to party in this city, and I think adding a great theme makes it special.

What do you start with when planning?

I always start with food and drinks. I think that can be the hardest part. Some fun ideas are doing all white pizzas. No tomato sauce, but use mushrooms, white asparagus and lots of white cheeses. You can get white candies … M&Ms, white chocolates, Lifesavers, white jelly beans … and put them in clear glass bowls. White candles add atmosphere and something fun is to get those big ice cube molds. You can place white flowers in the center and freeze them into beautiful cubes. For drinks, think white margaritas, white sangria, coconut milk or frappes, and, of course, white wine and Champagne.

What’s a way to take it to the next level?

I always like to use flowers. White hydrangeas or gardenias are really easy to source. If you go to a plant store, you can buy the actual plant, instead of cut stems. Hide the base in a container that’s pretty, and then after your party, you can just plant them. I love having little party favors too. Jump on Amazon and get white sunglasses, or fans if it’s an outside party, and there are also those floating white orbs you can put in a swimming pool. — BY JENNY ADAMS

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

Groovy Baby

Great design trends never fade and these new accessories, inspired by the Mod looks of yesteryear, are back on shelves locally.

BY ANDY MYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENIA UHL

Paperweight, papier mâché box, knot sculpture and round stacking boxes: Circle of Life handmade glass paperweight by April Wagner in ruby; pink acrylic Love Knot; lidded papier mâché marbleized jar in lilac; Mexican purple handmade acrylic keepsake boxes; available at Tyler + Tate, tylerandtate.com. Vase: In pink recycled blown glass; available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome. net. Pink pillow, scarf: “Pontalba” pattern 13” x 13” velvet pillow; 36” x 36” 100% silk scarf in “Amaryllis”; available at Studio Amanda Talley, amandatalley.com

Lamp, side table, vases, book: Lacquered brass tripod floor lamp; Luna Side Table crafted from ebonized wood and brass; handblown glass Blue Lava vase; blue and green blown glass and hand carved vase (in small and large); “Slim Aarons: Style” coffee table book; available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net. Chair, pillow: Bamboo chair featuring Amanda Talley’s “Beaumont Lane” print on cotton-linen; 14” x 20” pillow in “Oahu” pattern on cotton-linen, available at Studio Amanda Talley, amandatalley.com. Mushroom lamp: Handblown with semi-transparent glass, each 7” x 12” lamp plugs in for power; available at Tyler + Tate, tylerandtate.com.

Vintage Charm

A home in the Irish Channel gets a modern-yet-classic makeover.

By

Misty Milioto // Photography by Kayla Stark

When Adrienne LaBauve purchased a home in the Irish Channel in 2019, it was because the charm of the house and neighborhood won her over. “The character and potential of the house itself, as well as the outdoor space and rare-in-this-city off-street parking, was too much to pass on,” she says. “I love the oak trees, and the vibe of this neighborhood and the Magazine Street corridor.”

LaBauve, who was born in Lafayette and grew up outside of Nashville, moved to New Orleans for college and eventually decided to stay. She and her partner, along with their four-pound Yorkie named Archie, enjoy using their home for entertaining and relaxing after a long day. “The flow of the house, and the outdoor spaces, make it a nice place for a good party,” she says.

The home, which was an existing structure built in the 19th century (once used as overflow from the former Methodist hospital that sits across the street) and previously owned by interior designer Valorie Hart, needed renovations rather than a total redesign. When LaBauve saw Maureen Stevens Design on Instagram, she knew she had found her interior designer. “I loved the color she brings to her projects,” she says. “I wanted a design scheme that brought energy and vibrancy as opposed to something stark and predominantly white or with a much more limited palette. We took a lot of things that Valerie had already done and [made] them work for what I envisioned.”

Previous page: The dining room features an Aster black marble and aluminum dining table and Foley faux mohair navy dining armchairs from CB2, and a Bubble chandelier by Talia from Visual Comfort. Below: Interior Designer Maureen Stevens used the clients’ existing chairs, lamp and side table in this cozy seating area. Facing page: The kitchen comes to life with Palmeral wallpaper in off-white and azure by House of Hackney from Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom, a custom table by NOLA Boards, a light fixture from Hudson Valley Lighting and chairs from AllModern.

Facing page, top left: A palm in the coffee area of the kitchen plays off of the wallpaper by House of Hackney. Top right: The seating area is located just off the main entrance to the home. Bottom: The entryway also features the Palmeral wallpaper by House of Hackney, an Owens sectional sofa from Interior Define, an entry table from LiveAuctioneers and artwork that Stevens surrounded with picture molding. Top left: The home includes plenty of intimate nooks throughout. Bottom left: This seating area includes a rug from Anthropologie, a sofa from West Elm, a pouf from CB2, ceiling lighting from Hudson Valley Lighting and artwork from Zoe Bios Creative. Right: The entry coffee table is from Burke Decor; Stevens sourced the statue and butterfly dome from Etsy and the decoupaged tray from John Derian Company.

LaBauve, who considers herself a minimalist, wanted a modern look with a background of blue, gray and gold, pops of vibrant colors and texture throughout. “I wanted the home to be colorful but also relaxing, and stylish but livable,” she says. Stevens ran with this plan and included lots of blue hues in the home, all while making each space harmonious with one another. “Maureen is very good at not only listening, but hearing beyond the words to really understand the concepts and feelings that the project should embody,” LaBauve adds. “After the second design draft, we were on our way.”

Stevens began the design work in 2020 (which is still ongoing), and she did everything from space and furniture planning to sourcing, installation and styling. She also curated the lighting, paint colors and wallpaper. For the attached guest house, Stevens curated all of the pieces from the furniture to the artwork. “[The apartment] is a great space for friends and family to enjoy,” LaBauve says. “It’s classy and elegant, welcoming and warm.”

In the main home, Stevens took inspiration from the colorful vibe of New Orleans. “It has a lot of classical themes without taking itself too seriously,” she says. “I heavily considered Adrienne’s likes and dislikes, and the descriptors on how she would like her home to feel. Designers are creative detectives. We learn about our clients from observation - their personality, the way they dress, the places they’ve been, what they read - which helps us hone in on the design direction.”

She achieved LaBauve’s design goals by using a wide array of colors (blue as the anchor with touches of green, gold, pink, apricot, teal and black) without going overboard. She also layered accessories, varied textures (such as plush rugs, and velvet and linen fabrics), and paired geometric patterns and architectural motifs with landscapes. Stevens also sourced wallpapers from House of Hackney via Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom to add hints of drama. All of the draperies and Roman shades are custom, and Stevens added picture molding around the mural in the living/dining room to double as a piece of art.

In the kitchen, Stevens commissioned a kitchen table - which also acts as a bar and prep table - from NOLA Boards to fit the long and narrow space. “We kept the cabinets and countertops that Valerie installed,” LaBauve says. “Valorie had the granite installed matte side out on the countertops, and we really liked the way it looked. So, we were very much able to play off some of the great work that Valorie did with the space.”

LaBauve also had added some landscaping to the outdoor space, and she wanted to make the most of it. “She hosts parties here, so a main seating area was crucial,” Stevens says. “We took neutral colors and added the throw pillow accessories reminiscent of her indoor space.”

Overall, the updated classic home features simple, clean lines in most of the furnishings, highlighted by tasteful accessories such as ornate frames, classical sculptures, urns, busts, and artwork that depict classical themes and scenes. “I like to think my home is refreshing and vibrant, and that people can relax here, and still be surprised and delighted perhaps by some element of the design,” LaBauve says.

Facing page: The soothing primary bedroom flaunts an Arcadia Mural by York, hand-carved Menagerie bed from Anthropologie, bedding from Restoration Hardware, an Arches hand-knotted wool rug from Lulu and Georgia, nightstands by Cisco G from Worlds Away, lamps from Burke Decor, a throw and decorative pillow from Williams Sonoma and drapes with Fret trim from Ballard Designs. Top: The bathroom features a custom Roman shade with trim from Schumacher. Bottom: The guest bedroom includes a Mantis swivel sconce from CB2, Emerson EMS10 coral pillows from Jaipur Living, custom drapery from Etsy and the “Submerged” artwork series from Mineheart.

The addition of a new cabana changes the way a local family uses their home.

Alocal husband and wife, who are both originally from New Orleans and moved back to the Crescent City in 2019 after spending time in New York, purchased their home on Audubon Boulevard that same year. When they decided they wanted to add a fully covered outdoor cabana space with adjacency to their first floor living space, they turned to Tracie Ashe, partner at Practis, who also worked with Ross Karsen as project manager.

“Predominantly our passion is travel, and that’s what inspired the backyard and most of the home,” the homeowner says. “We wanted to create an environment that felt comfortable but also elevated as if you were almost in a hotel. Our backyard and downstairs area feels more akin to something in Los Angeles or Palm Springs. We love to use our home to entertain friends and family.”

Ashe’s role as architect was to guide the entire design process, from shape, form and function to construction type, material selection, and the selection of kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, tile, fireplace, hardware and color. “Our design began in September 2021 with a feasibility study and existing conditions documentation, followed by full design efforts, permitting and the start of construction in November 2022,” she says.

To begin, Ashe first considered the homeowners’ goals and how they were using their back yard, pool and adjacent storage area. They wanted a full kitchen, dining space and lounge area for outdoor living, plus a solution for protected storage of bicycles and other items. “The feasibility study allowed us to test options and get a preliminary idea of what might work in the space using sketches and 3D modeling, and what, if any, code or zoning issues we’d need to address,” Ashe says. “Following the feasibility study, the owners decided to move forward with the project and we dove into the development of the preferred option from the feasibility study.”

The homeowners envisioned a structure that would support an outdoor kitchen (as the husband loves to grill and cook). “We wanted a full dining area [with a single table] that, at a minimum, could fit 10,” the wife says. “I come from a large family and we love to entertain, so we wanted to make sure we had room for everyone, plus a hangout area where we could have the game on or watch a movie.”

Taking inspiration from the homeowners’ modern aesthetic, Ashe created a backyard element which,

Previous page: The new cabana sports a tongue-andgroove ipe wood ceiling and cladding. The homeowners selected the ceiling fans, hanging pendants and kitchen appliances. Above: Two-by-six inch Zellige Casablanca tile from Zia Tile, and a wall of greenery, line the walls of the cabana. Right: The greenery wall is VistaFolia from UpScapers, and the range is a DCS 48-inch natural gas grill. Bottom right: The yellow Challenger Designs cabinets from Livio Designs, which the homeowner calls “Veuve Clicquot yellow,” pulls color from the pool tile to marry the spaces.

while not necessarily small in scale, feels subservient and respectful of the existing historic home. “It runs along the property line, perpendicular to the street, utilizing the existing stucco fence as its back wall and focusing the view toward the pool and deck,” she says. “A series of columns frame the kitchen, dining and living areas of the cabana. Around the side of the house where storage was a priority, a series of enclosed areas are clad in the same wood as the cabana ceilings and they’re lower in height. These moves reinforce the cabana as the primary experience.”

Meanwhile, a stucco finish ties the major framing of the cabana back to the house, while wood ceilings and details bring warmth and a sense of connection to natural materials. The homeowners helped the contractor source the original pool decking stone, thereby seamlessly integrating the cabana with the existing pool and hot tub area. The ceiling wood turns down at the living space to become a screen on which an outdoor television is mounted.

During construction, the homeowners took a Christmas trip to Colorado, where the husband’s parents have a home, and they quickly realized they wanted a fireplace integrated into the design of the cabana. “[Practis] was very helpful in figuring out how our concepts could actually become livable and usable in the specific ways that the cabana completes our home,” the homeowner says.

“The tiled-in fireplace with curved face below the TV is a focal point,” Ashe says. “Along the fence in the dining area is a green wall made with synthetic outdoor foliage, and along the fence in the lounge area is a planter that forms the back of the built-in seating. The wood plank ceilings were laid out on angles to create interest above. Recessed linear tape lights create a whimsical and fun starry-night type effect for the evening hours.”

For the color palette, Ashe used calm neutrals with a pop of color from the bright yellow kitchen cabinets. “The wood brings in a warmth that complements the blues inside the house on the first floor,” she says. “The greenery [along the] wall and planter tie the cabana more closely into the yard and reinforces a tropical feeling.”

“Tracie’s design aesthetic appealed to us because there are very few people in New Orleans who actually do modern design,” the homeowner says. “She was able to achieve both a clean and interesting design, along with being able to make the space incredibly functional. The new space has completely shifted the way we live. We’ve been able to enjoy all the spaces in our house in a very different way, and, when we want to do something that’s more formal, we find we’re spending time in the kitchen and the formal dining room and living room. Thanks to the fireplace, the cabana is usable year-round [for more casual gatherings]. It’s everything we could have wanted and and more.”

Facing page, top: The cabana also features Bosca recessed linear ceiling lights by Luminii. Bottom: The fireplace wall serves as a focal point in the cabana, which can be heated in the winter thanks to installed Infratech Slimline Heaters. This page, top: The pool deck tile is Premium Select 16-by24-inch Pearl Tumbled Marble Pavers from Travertine Mart. Bottom: The pool and cabana area now provides a perfect respite for the homeowners.

Keep Your Cool

Fighting high summer energy bills

SUMMERTIME IN NEW ORLEANS

can feel like a losing battle with utility bills. Technically, the season lasts three months, but for New Orleanians, it’s more like five to six months. A/C units will get a workout and that’s reflected in utility bills, even more so for people who began working from home in recent years. So what can customers do to at least limit the financial damage?

Any residential Entergy customer in Orleans Parish in an existing single-family home or a building of one to four residential units can qualify for Energy Smart, a program to promote energy efficiency. Homeowners can sign up for a free “Home Performance with Energy Star” assessment. The evaluation will provide an estimate for recommended upgrades and help homeowners identify specific rebates they are eligible for. Interested residents can visit energysmartnola.info.

Renters must speak to their landlords before requesting an assessment, but they can receive benefits including a smart thermostat, energy-efficient lightbulbs, and water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators.

A homeowner might have some understandable concerns about how much money suggested improvements will cost and whether or not that price

will negate any savings from a monthly utility bill. Customers are not required to do anything suggested in the evaluation.

“A common misconception is a lot of these improvements will cost a lot of money upfront,” said Emma Meyerkopf, communications manager for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. “These savings can be accessible to people of all income levels.”

For customers on a tighter budget, Meyerkopf said improvements like sealing air cracks and leaks is cheaper than updating or replacing appliances and insulation. Also, if current appliances are still running well, it is understandable if a homeowner doesn’t want to spend the money to replace it entirely just yet. However, when the appliance does break, a homeowner should consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Tax credits and rebates are available for energy-efficient appliances.

Entergy also provides a list of suggestions for homeowners and renters to reduce their bills in the summer. They recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees. Readers may raise an eyebrow at this (I did), but Entergy says if you cannot be comfortable at 78, then set it at the highest temperature where you will still be comfortable. Every degree lower than 78 can raise a bill as much as 3%. Keep your

house warmer than normal when you will be away from home.

Other suggestions include buying a programmable thermostat to more easily monitor and control usage. Ceiling and box fans use less electricity than an A/C unit. Close blinds, shades, and curtains to keep sunlight out and the home cooler. Also, unplug electronic devices and appliances that are not in use. If you are not actively charging your phone or your laptop, unplug their chargers. Lastly, only run your dishwasher and washing machine if you have a full load.

Jonathan Laumann, owner of Cool Air, Inc., said he recommends his customers get their A/C units serviced twice a year: once in October/November and another time in April/May.

“Getting your A/C checked and serviced will increase performance, reduce energy costs, and improve your unit’s lifespan,” Laumann said.

A service appointment includes checking all electric components to insure they are up to company specifications. The outdoor condenser coil and the evaporator coil need to be cleaned and the drain lines must be checked to see if they are clear. Laumann said three months is the recommended time for filters to be changed, but in reality that time frame can vary from house to house.

Laumann also said the relative humidity in a house can make it feel significantly cooler. A dehumidifier can help achieve this, as well as sealing air leaks. Controlling the humidity will allow a homeowner to comfortably set the thermostat higher. — FRITZ ESKER

Free-flowing rattan cinched by banded rattan all finished in gold makes Laura Kirar’s Filamento chandelier a dream. villavici.com.

The Cabana Edit

Guest towels with a hand-drawn palm frond illustration prove that the delight is in the details. shop. alexapulitzer.com.

A St. Tropez scalloped beach cabana is the chicest way to throw shade. potterybarn.com.

Summer by the pool in style

BY AMY GABRIEL

Add a pleasing punch of color with Behr’s Tart Orange paint. behr.com.

Dine al fresco in style with a set of handblown glasses paired with palm coasters and chargers. voyage-living.com.

Lounge on your terrace or pool deck upon a Josephine Sunbed complete with wheels to easily reposition along with the sun. sundayshop.co.

Cabana striped ribbon wallpaper, with handpainted brushstrokes in the “Spritz” colorway, provides a travel-inspired pop to a powder room or wet bar. palmorleans.com.

Lighting the Way

Expert outdoor illumination

IN SUMMER, MUCH OF OUR TIME SPENT OUTDOORS occurs in the evening hours, when we enjoy relief from the hottest temps of the day. Part of ensuring our outdoor living areas are comfortable spaces to relax is having adequate and appropriate lighting. Beyond entertaining, outdoor lighting affects safety and a home’s curb appeal, so we’ve consulted local experts this season on the various fixtures and their best uses.

“The biggest mistakes we often see are clients specifying too many fixtures, using fixtures that are inappropriately scaled to the individual space, and adhering to the outdated idea that fixtures should all ‘match,’” says Drew Bevolo, owner of Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights. Widely known for their iconic copper gas lanterns, Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights continues its long legacy of handcrafting each fixture. The company offers a

number of styles - traditional, modern, coastal, industrial, and morewith wall, ceiling, and post mount options. In New Orleans, the copper lantern, whether gas or electric, continues to be a highly sought fixture.

“Our old-world methods are time-honored and tested over our 80-year history and in every environment you can imagine,” says Bevolo. “Copper is a remarkable material, durable in even the harshest environments, and will age beautifully over time and naturally with the home itself.”

When a customer approaches Bevolo for a project, the first thing Drew and his team aim to understand is its unique conditions: location, architectural style, placement of the light in relationship to other architectural details, and lighting considerations for each space. How do you know whether to use gas or electric?

“We say it’s more of an art than a science,” says Bevolo. “One must consider how each space is used, how much light is needed for safety and utility, how many light sources exist, and the overall flow of the design of the home itself.” For this reason, the company prefers its designers review each project to help identify the best strategy for every client and condition.

According to Bevolo, gas lanterns are designed to elevate the mood of noteworthy spaces or create curb appeal. A little goes a long way, he says, so he encourages restraint and recommends using gas in statement or conversation pieces by front doors, near pools, patios, and porches, and on entry gates or as streetlighting.

At Élan Studio Lighting, Showroom Manager Jeremy Friloux echoes the popularity of copper gas lanterns in the region, but he recommends buyers keep in mind that gas lanterns do not produce much functional light. In conjunction with gas lanterns, Friloux and his team often recommend supplementing the area with recessed lighting. Élan Studio Lighting offers decorative, security, and landscape lighting, including comprehensive systems for a well-lit home and yard. In addition to deterring theft/intruders, comprehensive lighting can add curb appeal.

“Our favorite system that fills all those needs is the Spektrum Plus series from American Lighting,” says Friloux. “They offer app-based recessed, landscape, and wall sconces among many other options.”

According to Friloux, app-based lighting is becoming increasingly popular for the home with RGBW color changing capabilities as an added benefit. These systems include recessed lights, landscape lights, light bulbs, and decorative lights that can change to any color of the spectrum as well as white with the ability to set scenes and timers.

“You can change the colors on your house for seasons and holidays without having to get on the roof and add lights or change bulbs in your fixtures,” he says. “These products are very user-friendly to activate and integrate with all of your smart-home platforms.”

Friloux uses color-changing lights at his own house in combination with Satco Starfish security flood lights with cameras for added security. To increase curb appeal, he plans to install LED house numbers and a new hanging lantern. In terms of trends, Friloux says solar lighting is still gaining traction in the residential market but that batteries are not yet strong enough to produce sufficient light for long periods of time.

“The only way to achieve solar lighting for a residential package is to have a whole-home setup with a remote battery,” he says. At this point, these whole-home systems are still cost prohibitive for most customers.

Whether you’re deciding which trees to highlight in your landscape or choosing a new statement lantern for your front door, lighting is important. Your safety, comfort, and home’s value are all at stake. Experts recommend getting to know your options - from old-world to futuristic - and seeking helpful advice from a pro. KELCY WILBURN

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights

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Palatial Stone & Tile palatialstone.com

LAS Shutters + Windows lashome.com

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Soak it In

Upgrade bath time with a stylish tub that’s made for relaxation.

WHILE THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A hot bath to relax, soothe sore muscles and practice selfcare, the bathtub itself plays an important role. One we love - BainUltra’s Libra Aurora - is one of the brand’s newest lines. The Libra collection features freestanding tubs with symmetrical lines, universal design and softly sloped interior walls that provide comfort for one or two bathers. The Libra Aurora comes with hydro-thermo massage (featuring 40 jets), and it’s also available with optional thermotherapy, chromotherapy and aromatherapy to target relaxation, health and well-being. Available at Southland Plumbing Supply, 2321 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 835-8411, southlandplumbingsupply.com, bainultra.com — MISTY MILIOTO