Spring is one of the best seasons of the year in New Orleans. It’s a time when we can fling open our doors and windows, pull the outdoor furniture into the sun and enjoy the prolific riot color of our native plants and birds, on their way home from wintering south of the border. It’s a time for dining al fresco, freshening up the linens and enjoying the thermostat set at a gentle pace. Similarly, our spring issue is a celebration of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Our Renovation of the Year is a midcentury modern refresh with a focus on preserving the character of the home while making it function for today. It’s a refresher that goes beyond just paint and finishes, reworking the interior for a multigenerational family that loves to entertain throughout the year.
We also feature a townhouse-inspired home with bright design touches for a busy family with plenty of room to grow. Scandinavian design elements and careful planning bring this new build together for the perfect place for this family to call home.
Finally, we showcase the heart of many homes, the kitchen. In our house, no matter the occasion it seems we always end up gathering in the kitchen. Whether it is a glorious, quiet solo cup of coffee first thing on a Sunday morning, kids cooking up a new popular online cooking hack, or a group of friends gathering for wine and cheese, the kitchen is always the center of attention. In our annual spring kitchen design roundup, we have several innovative examples of style, form and function that will inspire your own renovation, décor mix-up or transformation to make it your home’s main attraction.
Plus, we have our usual suspects in the works (as well as a new one) to bring you the latest design news, color inspiration, art, décor and much more to usher in the brightest season of the year.
Editorial
Editor Ashley McLellan
Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo
Style Editor Andy Myer
Web Editor Kelly Massicot
Contributing Writers Jenny Adams, Lee Cutrone, Amy Gabriel, Rebecca Friedman, Andy Myer, Margaret Zainey Roux, Melanie
Warner Spencer
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
Video Media Producer Mallary Wolfe
Sponsored Content Coordinator
Jeremy Marshall
Renaissance Publishing
Production
Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui
Senior Designer Ashley Pemberton
Designer Czarlyn Ria Trinidad
Circulation
Distribution John Holzer
Administration
Office Manager Emily Ruiz
Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne
(504) 828-1380
Design
Chocolatey Comfort
Last year, trendspotters noticed the interior design color palette trending away from the gray neutral base that has dominated home landscapes since the late aughts. Designers and trendsetters around the world — and Instagram — were flocking back to the browns many GenXers recall from their ‘70s childhoods, that was then revisited via the earth tones of that generation’s high school and college years in the ‘90s. We say “back to,” because earthy, grounding brown clearly comes back in cycles — and we’re here for it. Cue Pantone with its 2025 Pantone Color Institute Color of the year, Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230). This rich, chocolatey hue imbues a space with luxe elegance. We are pleased to see a familiar pairing with cornflower blue, but other floral tones, including Pantone’s “Viola” and “Rose Tan” are recommended by the color institute’s experts. Organic, cozy and sophisticated interiors are always in style.
Capturing the Culture
Photographers have flocked to New Orleans since the dawn of the medium, producing works that celebrate, document and otherwise expose the city’s culture, charm, mystery, decadence and decay. In The Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s “The Unending Stream: Contemporary New Orleans Photography Chapter I,” viewers can see the city through the eyes of New Orleans photographers. The exhibition is inspired by the work of Clarence John Laughlin through the 1930s and 1950s, and named after a photograph in the museum’s permanent collection that bears the same title. The exhibition features the work of six contemporary photographers: Trenity Thomas, Kevin Kline, Jacob Mitchell, Brittany Markert, Thom Bennett and Tiffany Smith, and runs March 8 through June 8. ogdenmuseum.org
Fabulous Florals
Nothing signals spring like the New Orleans Museum of Art’s annual Art in Bloom. The exhibition, presented by First Horizon Bank, is March 27 through 30 and this year’s theme is “Blooms on the Bayou.” View creations from area floral designers, garden clubs and other talented groups and individuals amid art in the museum’s galleries. Catch the see-and-be-seen patron and preview cocktail party on March 26; take in lectures, a luncheon and a fashion show on March 27; and get in on the action via the silent auction from March 24 through March 31. Visit noma.org for additional details and tickets.
Sprouting Community
The last time you were on the Lafitte Greenway, you may have noticed a colorful addition. At the end of 2024, Tulane School of Architecture students partnered with the Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design and Sprout NOLA to design and build a shade pavilion and outdoor classroom. The “Sprout House,” as it was dubbed, is a hub for urban agriculture in New Orleans, enabling Sprout to further its mission of establishing, developing and supporting farmers in the community. For educational and volunteer opportunities, events and more, visit sproutnolafarm.org.
Home Inspo
Get inspiration for days and meet local home industry professionals during the 68th annual New Orleans Home and Garden Show, March 28 through 30 at Caesars Superdome. Access to experts in every area of home design, repair and restoration, as well as cooking demonstrations, pet adoption from local agencies, gardening and storm preparation seminars are all on tap. New to the lineup this year, attendees can catch a hot air balloon ride in the Superdome. A portion of the proceeds from the balloon rides goes to, N.O.E.L., an organization that repairs the property of low-income elderly New Orleans-area homeowners. neworleanshomeshows.com
JOYBIRD PHOTO
Mocha Mousse
Pantone color of the year “Mocha Mousse” (Pantone 17-1230) is a warm brown neutral inspired by shades of chocolate and coffee. According to the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Mocha Mousse is “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic.” It’s a delicious design choice for interiors, home accents, fashion accessories and more.
by Ashley McLellan
A kitchen designed by Nomita Joshi-Gupta, principal Spruce + Nomita Joshi Interior Design, embraces the mocha mood. spruceshowroom.com, nomitajoshi.com
Nemo Tile + Stone, Vogue in Cipria, nemotile.com
Marble swirl cereal bowl in natural from West Elm, westelm.com
Arhaus linen napkins, arhaus.com
Amelia Grand Chair upholstered in Royale Mocha Mousse, joybird.com
Benjamin Moore “Whipped Mocha” wall color, benjaminmoore.com
“Mocha Dreams” nail polish by Ella + Mila, ellamila.com
JEFFERY JOHNSTON PHOTO
Get Organized
Where the Wild Things Are
Every home has that place where the “stuff” goes, and chances are it could use some attention before the summer heat arrives. Here’s some inspiration to help you tackle those out-of-the-way spaces.
Gather your gear
Depending on the conditions in your storage space, consider gathering: a mask, safety glasses, work gloves, broom, vacuum with HEPA filter, and microfiber dusting cloths.
Clear out
The first step is clearing out what’s in the space and discarding/ donating anything that you don’t want to keep. Catchall spaces tend to attract items that were useful at some point but no longer needed.
Lighten up
by Rebecca Friedman illustration by Bonnie Wong
Adequate lighting in a storage space makes access and organization easier and safer, even if it’s a powerful flashlight or lamp near the entrance of the space.
Pest control
The prevalence of pests is a NOLA fact of life, and spring is a good time to bring in a pest control specialist (or DIY for the nonsqueamish) to get rid of critters that might be residing in your storage spots.
Shelving
Use vertical space in your storage area to maximize capacity and make things easier to see (wading through an attic filled with boxes is no fun). Wire or sturdy plastic shelving stand up well to harsh conditions.
Work those angles
Attic spaces often have sloping ceilings that create awkward angles. Use those for storage by installing shelving that fits.
Choose the right materials
New Orleans’ heat and dampness takes a toll on stored items and packaging in non-climate-controlled areas. Avoid cardboard boxes, which can become magnets for moisture and pests, and opt for plastic containers with lids that fasten.
Use the walls
Whether in a shed, garage or attic, bulky items can often be hung on the wall, freeing up valuable floor space. Bikes, wheelbarrows and cleaning/ gardening supplies are all good candidates for wall brackets or hooks.
Blas Isasi
by Lee Cutrone portrait by Thom Bennett
Artist Blas Isasi is obsessed with the history of his native Peru and what he sees as its infinite effects. For Prospect 6 (which ended last month), he leaned into his research on the subject to create an installation entitled “1,001,532 CE,” a futuristic look at how the fall of the Incan Empire continues to send ripples into the world.
“My thesis is that the conquering of Peru was of such magnitude that it changed the course of history,” said Isasi, who has an MFA from Tulane University and has put down local roots with his New Orleans-born wife and their son.
In his adopted New Orleans, Isasi has found parallels with Peruvian history. New Orleans’ relationship to slavery is akin to Peru’s themes of European colonialism and the city has been fertile ground for his explorations.
“We share this trauma,” said Isasi.
The exhibit’s 18 abstract sculptures were conceived to be interactive — with
one another and with the century old former Ford Assembly Plant in Arabi where mounted. Through abstraction Isasi seeks to transcend artificial constructs imposed by humans and inspire different ways of thinking.
“There are other ways of understanding how life works,” he said.
The pieces, intended to suggest post-human-existence life forms, have an organic quality. There are sinewy branch-like loops with no beginning and no end and Isasi draws on Andean traditions by incorporating human features such as teeth and hair. But the works are also intended to blur the line between the natural and the man-made.
Set against the historic industrial shell of the vacant plant and awash in its ambient light, they also blurred lines between what is past and what is to come.
“I am trying to suggest the idea that they have been there forever,” he said.
Blasisasi.com
Crunch Time
Chef Amy Mehrtens’ spicy Cajun carrots make a healthy, hardy snack or side dish that is bound to put some “spring” in your step this season.
produced by Margaret Zainey Roux photo by Eugenia Uhl
About Chef Amy Mehrtens
Chef Amy’s recipes present a modern take on NOLA’s multicultural menus and social dining culture, with influences from a childhood spent in Germany, Japan, California, New York and across the South in Georgia and Virginia. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has served as the executive chef of Copper Vine and Bonfire Elemental Events since 2020.
Cajun Carrots with Buttermilk Dressing Drizzle
Yields 8 servings
Cajun Carrots
1 lb baby heirloom carrots (varieties include Scarlet Nantes, Touchon and Danvers)
1 ½ tbsp light brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp kosher salt
¼ cup olive oil
4 tbsp buttermilk dressing (see below)
½ lemon zest and juice
½ cup toasted pumpkin seeds Sprigs of dill, basil, or cilantro
1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Wash and scrub carrots.
3. In a bowl, toss the olive oil and seasonings. Add the carrots, coating them heavily with seasoning.
4. Lay carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast until carrots are tender. If more color and caramelization is desired, broil the carrots on high after baking until the edges start to char slightly.
6. Plate the carrots and drizzle buttermilk dressing over them. Zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds and garnish with the fresh herbs (sprigs of dill, basil, or cilantro).
Buttermilk Dressing
Yields: 1 ½ cups
1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup buttermilk
2 tbsp chives, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp tarragon, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp Zatarain’s Pro Boil
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
1. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Tulip Mania
Easy-to-care-for tulips are blooming now, so consider this your nudge to plan for next year’s bounty of beauty
by Melanie Warner Spencer
1
Appearance
Bright, splashy and slightly minimalist, tulips have captivated royalty and common folk alike since at least the 11th century. With a long, erect stem and veined, single- or double-flowered bloom, these elegant beauties add surprise and delight to any garden, pot or window box. Get them in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red and a rare blue.
2
Uses
Part of the lily family, tulips are edible. In addition to beautifying your rooms and landscape, they can be used as garnish or part of a dish. Tulips are high in antioxidants and also have antiseptic properties.
3 Grow
According to the LSU AgCenter, November is the best time to plant bulbs in Louisiana, but they can be planted as late as December. Tulips need a dormant period to bloom properly, so remember to refrigerate the bulbs at least six to eight weeks prior to planting.
4
Learn
Tulips look best when planted in clusters rather than rows and they like good drainage, plus lots of sun. Give tulips a good soak at least once a week but dial back watering if the color starts to fade. Note: The blooms only last seven to 10 days.
5
Lagniappe
While Holland is most often associated with tulips due to the Netherlands’ multibillion-dollar-ayear export industry, the blooms originated in central Asia and were later brought to Turkey. Tulips arrived from Turkey to Holland around 1560. In the 1600s, tulips became so highly valued and expensive in the Netherlands that the prized flowers set off a craze that some believe led to an economic crash in the 1630s.
Bright Ideas
What Must a Great Tea Party Have?
Tea, of course, “and I think you could honestly serve it hot or cold,” says Shaya, “especially if it wasn’t all that warm yet.”
One can source easy tea recipes from cookbooks and the internet, adding in flavors and colors like hibiscus and mint. For service, consider “a big French press,” she says. “Compile your favorite tea cups and saucers in your style. You can find adorable vintage sets at your local antique shop or estate sale or midcentury tea pots.”
How to Modernize the Tea English breakfast is great, and no one is angry at an oolong or an Earl Grey, but these varieties are a nice simple slate for experimentation, especially if you want to add alcohol into the menu.
“We have a Tea Traitor cocktail at Saba, that’s a black tea-washed vodka with grenadine lemon and mint,” Shaya says. “But, always do a tastetest run before the party, and make sure you do not oversteep. I suggest putting on a timer, because tea will get bitter if you leave the tea bag in the hot water too long.”
Tea Party
Twist this British classic into a New Orleans spring fête by
Jenny Adams
Emily Shaya is originally from Georgia, but after studying at Tulane, she knew New Orleans was home. As founder and director of new projects for Pomegranate Hospitality, which owns restaurants like Saba, Saba’s Lounge, Miss River and Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel in New Orleans, as well as several operations in Denver, the Bahamas and Las Vegas, she works alongside her partner and husband, Alon Shaya, to bring incredible and inventive culinary experiences to guests on a global scale. She also hosts a fabulous fête when inspired, and we thought there was none better to take a spring tea party theme to modern heights.
Updating the Edibles
Traditional tea party foods — finger sandwiches, crumpets and scones — are fine, but they pass a moment to wow guests and are not very local to New Orleans. Being so close to the Gulf, for Shaya, means seafood. “We have a small blue crab roll, which is like a lobster roll, but we use crab. Get some small brioche and make crab rolls with a ravigote sauce and dill. You could do deviled eggs topped with caviar or beef tartare on fancy potato chips.”
Dress to Impress
It’s spring! A bounty of décor is at your doorstep, waiting to be cut. For Shaya, that means tall stalks of ginger plant, palm leaves and big, tropical monstera. One could really play up the British East Indies theme here, borrowing rattan bar carts, wicker chairs and funky lighting. Around town, Shaya says, you’ll find a wealth of places to pick up plants and antique trays or tea accoutrements, like Dop or Consign Consign for bar carts, Lily’s Vintage Finds for small items and Kim Starr Wise or Subtle Fields for blooming greenery. “Don’t be afraid to get buckets and put greenery on the floors,” she says. “It’s not just about the tables, and large arrangements at floor level really adds a tropical feel.”
Garden Soirée
Roll out the bar cart or throw down a tablecloth and enjoy this gorgeous time of year al fresco celebrating Mother Nature’s bounty.
by Andy Myer photography by Eugenia Uhl
Bar cart, carafe (bottom shelf): vintage Art Deco cart on casters with hand-bent rattan frame, brass bindings and cane weave shelves, blue glass carafe with dimpled sides for holding, available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome. net. Tulipieres, glasses, napkins, stirrers, parrot, serving bowl: 2-piece pink ceramic artichoke tulipiere, green ceramic bamboo tulipiere, Art Deco coups, trumpet Champagne flutes, tumblers (all available in a range of colors), green and natural striped linen napkins, Two’s Company, twoscompany.com Happy Daisy glass stirrers, decorative ceramic parrot, green bamboo family size bowl and servers, available at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans. com. Flowers: intricately handmade paper dahlias, peonies, poppies and mums by Marais Paper (@ maraispaper), available at The Good Shop, thegoodshopnola.com.
Pillows, berries: Camelia embroidered pillow with songbird and satin stitching on natural linen, Herbacious embroidered bolster with hand-sewn crewelwork in green and white floral across a sage linen background, faux berries, available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net. Tablecloth, glasses, tray, napkins, birds: Caspari reversible foxglove and trellis tablecloth, garden delight hand-painted tumblers, hand-painted pink hydrangea wine glasses, lacquer hummingbird trellis serving tray, pink and natural striped linen napkins, hand-painted decorative ceramic birds, available at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com. Pedestal, lidded jar, flowers: handmade pedestal bowl in white and selsor oribe, handmade pink lidded jar, paper flowers by Marais Paper, available at The Good Shop, thegoodshopnola.com.
RENOVATION OF THE YEAR
Breathing new life and high function into a midcentury ranch with vibrant and intentional design
By
Melanie Warner Spencer / Photography by Sara Essex Bradley
METAIRIE MODERN
IN2023, the owners of a circa-1952 Metairie home decided after 33 years, it was time for a change. Once defined by an unremarkable light blonde brick exterior and a mishmash of midcentury, contemporary and New Orleans design elements, the ranch-style house was transformed into a striking, modern, multigenerational hub with nods to its roots.
“There are some great midcentury modern homes in the New Orleans area,” says architect Nathan Fell of Nathan Fell Architecture. “Lakeview comes to mind and some places along the lakefront. But what we find sometimes in Metairie is a lot of the homes [built in that era] are a little bit timid in their approach.”
The owners — a busy couple with adult children, grandchildren, extended family and an active social life — loved their neighborhood and the home, but wanted a space more conducive to gatherings and sleepovers with their grandchildren. At 4,000 square feet, the home’s footprint didn’t need to be increased to achieve these goals, but a major configuration was in order. Fell, in collaboration with CNG Construction, also aimed to break free from the earlier iteration’s design reserve, leaning into original midcentury elements while also crafting spaces that embody openness, diversity and the way the family actually lives.
The extensive renovation involved strategic relocations of bathrooms, adding a laundry room, converting a mundane garage into a lively cabana with seamless pool aåccess and redefining indoor-outdoor connectivity by making the pool visible from more areas of the
For an extensive renovation of their circa 1952 home, the owners worked with Nathan Fell Architecture. The 4,000-square-foot Metairie home’s exterior — especially the entry and roofline — was reimagined to emphasize midcentury details; bathrooms were relocated; a laundry room was added; and the room layout around the kitchen was redefined to create a great room. The extensive renovation involved strategic relocations of bathrooms, adding a laundry room, converting a mundane garage into a lively cabana with seamless pool access.
Before
home and expanding the openings in the living area. Additionally, to open the living space with vaulted ceilings and create more expansive communal areas, as well as visual drama, the design team combined the former dining room with the living room and raised and reframed the roof.
Now, the exterior of the house — with white painted brick with an eye-catching, wooden gable — exudes a cohesive charm with its repointed brick framed underneath by smooth gray stucco. “We added ipe wood trellises to define space and introduced a central ipe gable adorned with glass elements to create depth,” says Fell. Horizontal pavers lead the eye, and visitors, to the newly grand doubledoor ipe-clad entrance framed by the trellis. For the pool and landscaping, Fell worked with Palmetto Pools + Landscape (with plants from Windmill Nursery in Franklinton) to create a pool raised 3 feet, the same level as the main floor, and raised decking which combined play visually as an internal courtyard.
Inside, the design blends new and modern, as well as vintage and antique heirloom furniture and décor. There was a particular focus on the kitchen — inspired by the family’s matriarch. “Food brings the family together and they bond over cooking,” says Fell. “So having the kitchen as successful visually, but then also functional and able to take on multiple uses, was important.” The kitchen’s design strikes
Millwork throughout the home was done by Daniel Bell. It replicates the color of a cherished rosewood table in the dining room. Quartz countertops and a dramatic backlit Cristallo Natural Stone feature wall (with stone from Triton Stone) add contrast and drama against the rosewood-stained millwork.
a balance between visual allure and versatility with double ovens and an efficient exhaust featuring a unit below the range and a flush unit in the ceiling above.
For the millwork and cabinetry in the kitchen and throughout the home, the family’s patriarch was keen to replicate the color of a cherished rosewood table in the adjacent dining room. Fell’s team worked with Daniel Bell to achieve the look. “The cabinet designer probably produced 30 different samples for us to find the right stain, the right fill, the right veneer for the cabinets,” says Fell. Quartz tops the counters and a waterfall island, adding light and contrast to the jewel-box room. A transition from the kitchen to the dining room is created with a dramatic, yet elegant backlit Cristallo natural stone feature wall (with stone from Triton Stone). Barlinek, Oak Cannoli 7-inch wide plank engineered wood flooring unifies the kitchen, dining and great room floors.
Multiple seating areas in the great room gain coherence via the repetition of quartz for the stone feature wall and the cabinet and casework material from the kitchen. The feature wall houses an inset, flat-screen TV with a linear vapor fireplace nestled beneath. The pièce de résistance however is the multi-tonal ipe wood veneer covering the vaulted ceiling. “It’s is a little bit surprising, when interior elements match things on the exterior,” says Fell. “Not just visually for your eye to possibly move to and through spaces, but sometimes those spaces feel a little bit more ambiguous about whether they’re interior or exterior.”
One architectural challenge was integrating an I-beam into the gable design, which Fell camouflaged by a trapezoidal shape to maintain a clean aesthetic.
Saving the entryway for last, the alcove is a model of practicality, featuring a bench and coat closet. It’s a space that sets the tone for what lies beyond — a home marring past and present, innovation and tradition and breathing new life into the familiar.
For the pool — visible inside the home from mutiple areas — Fell worked with Palmetto Pools + Landscape to create a pool raised 3 feet (the same level as the main floor) and raised decking, which combined, play visually as an internal courtyard. The repetition of quartz for the stone feature wall and the cabinet and casework material from the kitchen lends cohesion to multiple seating areas in the great room.
Light Airy&
New Orleans architecture meets modern Scandinavian design at this new Uptown residence.
By Misty Milioto
/ Photography by Sara Essex Bradley
Hallmarks of Scandinavian design include natural lighting and elements (especially wood); soft, muted colors; and an overall simplicity to create a sleek, comfortable space. That’s exactly what homeowner Adie Kaplan Mears and her husband, Brian Mears, wanted for their new home in the Freret neighborhood. The couple, who met in 2013, lived in an existing home on the same lot, but they needed more space as their family grew (they now have two children: Ayla, 5 and Avi, 1). Adie, who studied architecture at Tulane University (but who now works in the film industry), had specific goals for redesigning their home, but, after speaking to many contractors, she and Brian realized that the perfect solution was to demolish the existing home (except for an existing garage) to make space for a new build.
The Mears turned to Alexander “Alec” Adamick, principal at Adamick Architecture, to bring their vision to life. “We chose Adamick Architecture because we had several mutual friends and they came highly recommended,” Adie says. “I was struggling with what I wanted the exterior of the home to look like, and they helped us come up with great options.”
Because the Mears wanted to keep the existing garage, the team at Adamick Architecture suggested a New Orleans townhouse style for the new home. “Adamick came up with great ideas for the windows, especially at the front of the house, with the bump-out in our office,” Adie says. “I had told them I wanted some stained wood-plank siding, and I love that they came up with the idea to do it not only on the entire front porch, but also in the bump-out. The warm wood makes the entry look really inviting and it pops against the painted siding.”
According to Adamick, Adie was the driving force behind the architectural aesthetic. “I worked with her to layout the overall space planning,” he says. “Alex Barthel and Judy La did the exterior design. We worked with the client to make sure that the overall concept would work with her vision.”
The resulting 3,000-square-foot home features a ground floor with a front porch; a powder room; a pantry; an open kitchen, living and dining area; and a covered rear porch. A thoughtfully-designed contemporary stairway leads to a second floor with a play space for the kids, a home office, a bathroom, two children’s bedrooms, a walk-in laundry room and a primary suite. By placing the play area and the office at the front of the house, the bedrooms maintain privacy by being located off of the street. “Ultimately, like many clients, Adie did all the interior selections, and we worked with her to realize some of this vision (like the custom stairs and the custom niche at the top of the hall as well as the master bathroom),” Adamick says.
Previous page: The
and
from
dining room features chairs
light fixtures
CB2, and a table from Nadeau. The cabinets are from Singer Kitchens. Above: The cozy living room has a sofa from West Elm, small paintings from Renaissance Interiors and a vintage rattan plant stand that belonged to Brian’s grandparents.
Facing page: Top, left: The exterior back porch is perfect for taking in the sunlight on the outdoor sofa from World Market. The outdoor dining table is from IKEA. Top right: The coffee bar in the kitchen is also from Singer Kitchens. Bottom left: The home’s exterior is painted in Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal. The Red Grandis on the exterior (as well as any stained wood accents on the interior) is from Riverside Lumber. Bottom right: The powder room sports fun wallpaper, Daydream, by Hygge & West. The vanity and sink are both from Room & Board, the vanity light is from Worley’s Lighting and the mirror is from Pottery Barn. This page: The couple received the rug (handmade in Pakistan) as a wedding present from a close Pakistani friend. The island light is from Worley’s Lighting.
Top left: The master bath also flaunts tile sourced through Palatial Stone & Tile. Top right: The daughter’s bedroom is painted in Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball. The bed and rug are from West Elm. Bottom right: The master bedroom includes a bookshelf from Design Within Reach, a bed from West Elm and a painting from an estate sale. Facing page: The nursery features wainscoting painted in Mizzle by Farrow & Ball, a chair and rug from West Elm, a laser-cut metal side table with marble top from Anthropologie and bird paintings created by an artist friend.
For the new home, Adie wanted clean and modern design, all while fitting in with the aesthetic of New Orleans architecture. “One of the most important things to us was natural light,” she says. “The other thing was tall ceiling height. We have 10-foot ceilings now on the bottom and top floor. I wanted the space to be light and airy and modern, but not sterile. We also wanted an open floor plan so that we could see our kids while we were cooking and so that we could be a part of everything while we entertained.”
In fact, one of Adie’s favorite spaces is the upstairs playroom. Open to the hallway, it features a vertical stained-wood screen
that overlooks the stairs. “It’s really fun to be able to walk down the stairs and still see whoever is in the playroom,” she says. “It has a window seat/storage bench overlooking Valence Street with a lot of windows and great light.”
Adie also loves the front entry, which features a bench built into the stairway with another stained wood screen like the one in the playroom. “I love how open and inviting it feels,” she says. “Another favorite design feature in the house is the arched niche at the top of the stairs. It’s a nice moment. I love to stop and look at the photos I have on the white oak shelves, and I just take everything in. Yet
another special place is our walk-in shower and soaking tub combo in the master bath. I love the look of the floor-to-ceiling tile, and I love having the soaking tub in the shower almost creating a wet room. We opted not to put glass on the threshold; it makes the shower and bath area feel like it’s one big room.”
Meanwhile, the Mears opted for kitchen cabinets that end with a built-in bench that becomes seating for a dining table (which Adie found in an inspiration photo). “We didn’t want a formal dining room, and I thought [this solution] would be perfect for our family and lifestyle,” she says.
In addition to the wood screens and the master shower/bath combo, other custom elements include the front steps, the back screened porch (with the same stained wood from the front of the home) and the front window in the home office. “Brian and Adie both work from home, so there is a great office at the front of the house on the second floor,” Adamick says. “This office space has a unique front window that is a design element. The staff looked at traditional New Orleans architecture to create a massing and then removed and added to the massing to create a new form.” Challenges during the process included working within budget
while still accomplishing Adie’s design goals. “Adie did some great shopping to find floors that worked within her vision and were on budget,” Adamick says. “So, the clients really did a great job overcoming a budget that was not unlimited and getting a really nice contemporary design, which is often more expensive than traditional construction.”
When it came to the interiors, Adie took the reins to elevate the spaces that Adamick Architecture so thoughtfully designed. She opted for a neutral color scheme (such as gray/light taupe cabinets in the kitchen, engineered white oak floors and white walls) except for in the bathrooms. “I love sage green, so I knew I wanted our master bath to have sage green wall tiles,” she says. “It’s such a calming color. In the kids bathroom, I took a risk using mint green tiles with the pop of black. I love old vintage bathrooms with colored tiles and black pencil moulds, but I wanted to do something more modern.”
Adie also chose to use Farrow & Ball Mizzle (her favorite shade of green), which she took halfway up the walls in Avi’s room to suggest a modern wainscoting. And in Ayla’s room, she had a colleague from the film industry paint a simple pink mural of the sun on one wall.
Overall, Adie says that the family’s new home satisfies a lot of needs that they lacked in the previous home. “Our old house was so small and cramped that we couldn’t really get away from each other at all,” she says. “Now there are so many different spaces to go and either be by yourself or as a whole family. The tall ceilings and space makes it so much easier to breathe. Something we definitely want to add is a pool in our backyard. We have plans to redesign the backyard and turn the shed into a little modern pool house/cabana. Stay tuned for that in a few years.”
Top: A white sideboard from West Elm is topped with a painting by the couple’s neighbor, Virginia Candler. Bottom left: Sconces in the stairway are from Worley’s Lighting. Bottom right: A painting by Virginia Candler adorns the front entry hallway. The rug is from Estately NOLA. Facing page: Another view of the living room shows a one-of-a-kind vintage rug from Revival.
Dream Design
Architect, MOD Melancon Ortega Designs, Patrick Melancon; contractor, Precision Builders of Louisiana, LLC, Jason Maenza; designer, Legend Interiors, LLC; cabinets, Legend Interiors LLC, black North American red oak flat cut; flooring, natural oak herringbone, Woodpecker USA; countertops and backsplash, Arabescato Jerusalem stone, Triton Stone; fixtures and plumbing, Ferguson; doorknobs, Emtek; appliances, Thermador.
Designer, Nomita Joshi Interior Design; contractor, Michael Hanemann, Complete Properties in Covington; flooring, porcelain tile from ProSource; cabinets and vent hood, Sheridan’s Custom Cabinetry, Bogalusa, LA; countertops and backsplash, honed Calcatta Palazzo marble, Crescent City Countertops; sink tap, Devol Kitchens; sink, Kohler; appliances, Bertazzoni; lighting, above sink, Devol Kitchens, and above bar/shelving units, Rejuvenation; doorknobs: all cabinet knobs, Rejuvenation, dishwasher panel knob, Devol Kitchens; artwork, painting of man with pipe, antique from Inessa Stewart's Antiques in Baton Rouge; paint color, Benjamin Moore Trout Gray
JEFFERY JOHNSTON
JEFFERY JOHNSTON PHOTO
Designer, Jeff Taaffe with Jeff Taaffe Designs; contractor, Titan Construction; cabinets, Showcase Cabinetry, Pendleton door style, white, from Jim Owens; custom built hood with venetian plaster finish; flooring, Southern Traditions engineered wood, Cavern Oak in Blanchard Springs, from Jim Owens; countertops: Tahiti quartzite, Crescent City Countertops; backsplash, Tahiti Quartzite, Crescent City Countertops, and grasscloth wallpaper; fixtures, Delta in Brilliance Champagne Bronze Finish; lighting, Elan Studio Lighting; appliances, Thermador.
JEFFERY
Interior designer, John Chrestia, Chrestia Staub + Board; kitchen designer, John Lagarde, Classic Cupboards; cabinets, Wood-Mode in matte Fisherman’s Wharf; cabinet door style, Cologne; cabinet product, rift cut white oak; countertops, Taj Mahal quartzite from The Stone Gallery; refrigerator/ freezer, 36” designer over-under Sub-Zero; cooktop, 36” sealed burner Wolf range top; dishwasher, 24” Miele; hood, custom Wood-Mode with pro liner.
JEFFERY JOHNSTON PHOTO
Designer, Michael Haase, Nordic Kitchens & Baths; contractor, Chip Crews, OverKill Construction LLC; cabinets, Artcraft Kitchens from Nordic Kitchens & Baths; flooring, Woodland Reserve Petersburg ash wire-brushed solid hardwood, Floor and Decor; countertops and backsplash, Cristallo Extreme quartzite, Crescent City Countertops; doorknobs: Atlas Homewares from Nordic Kitchens & Baths; furniture, bar stools by Rove; appliances, Sub-Zero/Wolf/Cove from Nordic Kitchens & Baths
JEFFERY
JOHNSTON PHOTO
Designer, Penny D. Francis, Eclectic Home; contractor, Scott Morse, Morse Homes; cabinets, Shiloh cabinets, Mattix Cabinet Works; flooring, European oak sourced through Eclectic Home; quartz countertops, The Stone Gallery; backsplash, custom ceramic, made in Italy for Palatial Stone & Tile; wallcovering, Phillip Jeffries; fixtures, Southland Plumbing Supply; lighting, Eclectic Home, doorknobs, Emtek; furniture, vintage, antique and custom furnishings sourced through Eclectic Home and clients' collection; appliances, Thermador through Southland Plumbing Supply.
2025 REMODELERS
GUIDE
Building on Experience
Are you planning a home improvement project? Trust the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) to bring your vision to life. With a growing membership comprised of nearly 1,000 member firms, the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) is “the home of local, licensed contractors” (est. 1941). Throughout its history, a tradition of excellence drives the HBAGNO and its membership, dedicated to serving the local community by promoting the ideals of ethics, responsibility, and professionalism in the building industry.
A formal code of ethics is adopted by each new member as a condition of acceptance into the Association. This code affirms that home ownership can and should be within the reach of every American family. Achieving these goals requires members of the HBAGNO to observe principles and policies that ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and sanitation. These founding principles are paramount in providing the framework of ethics and responsibility that guide our members and assist in ultimately improving industry professionalism.
Our members have a great responsibility to the home building industry and remodeling, and an even greater one to our community. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans is very fortunate to have a dedicated group of leaders who devote valuable hours of their time to meetings and committees, for this sake.
Readers are probably most familiar with the HBAGNO as the producer of the annual New Orleans Home & Garden Show, considered one of the premier Home Shows in the nation. The Association also produces the highly popular Parade of Homes, which traditionally features some of the area’s finest builders and remodelers as they showcase the very latest in-home designs and building and remodeling techniques, and StormPrep, an event to help consumers prepare for and recover from tropical activity in our area.
For more information on the projects mentioned above, or for additional information regarding the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, call (504) 837-2700 or visit our website hbagno.org
Tanya Dillard
Aspire Concepts 2025 Remodelers Council Vice-Chair
Remodelers Council Mission Statement
The Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans strives to promote professionalism in the remodeling industry. We do this through education, information, and certification for the benefit of the public and our members.
Nicolas Zepeda is a multifaceted professional in the real estate industry, excelling as a builder, remodeler, and licensed contractor. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality shines through in his work, setting high standards in every project he undertakes. Currently, Nicolas serves as the president of the New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association. He also serves as the remodeler’s chair for the Louisiana Home Builders Association and as a Delegate to the National Home Builders Association. His diverse expertise and leadership roles highlight his dedication to the construction industry and his ability to deliver excellence across multiple facets of the field.
Now, as the Chair of the Remodelers Council at HBAGNO, Nicolas continues to leverage his extensive experience and passion for building and remodeling. His leadership and vision are instrumental in advancing the goals of the council, driving innovation, and fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both professionals and the community. His ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that the Remodelers Council remains at the forefront of industry standards and practices.
Kirk Williamson JLV Construction 2025 Remodelers Council Treasurer
(504) 837-2700 hbagno.org
Nicolas Zepeda Right 4U Construction 2025 Remodelers Council Chair
Working on your home can be an expensive project and there are always worries about workmanship and the final results. Taking the time to plan what you want and working with an experienced, professional remodeler are essential steps you should take to ensure that you get what you pay for with the least amount of worry. We hope that this book will smooth your path and help bring you years of pleasure in your home.
PLANNING TO REMODEL?
It’s important that you choose an expert who understands the problems of remodeling-whether your plans call for minor repairs, the addition of a room, reconditioning of areas within the dwelling or renovation of the exterior.
Remodeling contractors aren’t all alike. Some claim to be experts. Some claim financial integrity. Some claim they use quality materials. How can you be sure?
You can trust Home Builders Association Remodelers Council members. They make remodeling their major business! They’re professionals who assure you a quality job with materials you can trust. Members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be members.
PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY WORKMANSHIP
The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans is the foremost trade association representing all professionals in the building industry, including remodelers and rehab contractors. Over 1,000 HBA members are helping to assure consumers of high-quality workmanship for their
remodeling and rehabilitation projects. Our HBA Remodelers Council provides information and assistance to the public and increases the skill and knowledge of its remodeler members.
BEFORE YOU REMODEL…
• Have you defined your real needs?
• Have you separated dreams from reality?
• Have you called in as few as possible contractors to handle your particular type of work?
SELECTING A REMODELER
Take your time — most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate remodelers carefully before hiring them.
• Inquire about remodelers’ Workmen’s Compensation and general liability insurance. They should be adequate to protect you and your property against suits if an accident occurs during the construction.
• Be specific about starting and completion dates. However, some delays are unavoidable and beyond the remodeler’s control.
• Be skeptical of an unusually low bid or low advertised price. If
a remodeler cannot pay for the materials, labor, and overhead, you are both in trouble.
• Select a remodeler that you are comfortable with, one who understands your tastes and needs, and with whom you communicate well.
• Ask someone who has had work done by the remodeler about the remodeler’s capabilities.
• Request to see the remodeler’s work – check the quality of design and workmanship yourself.
• Be wary. As a conscientious consumer, you should be wary of a remodeler who:
• Engages in a hard sell by phone solicitors or door-to-door salespeople.
• Demands full payment in advance.
• Offers a special discount for allowing your home to be a neighborhood showcase or “model home.”
CHECK REGULATIONS BEFORE YOU START
Before you begin any work, check the various building and zoning regulations in your community. The contractor will be responsible for getting all building permits and arranging for inspections, but you should obtain any necessary zoning or code exemptions. Look into the following:
• HOA restrictions. HOAs sometimes prohibit certain changes or additions. Read your HOA covenants to see if it restricts you. If you are in a historic district, you may find other restrictions.
• Zoning ordinances. Zoning laws determine how land and buildings can be used in your community. They regulate such things as the amount of land coverage buildings may use as well as front, side, and back setbacks, and the heights of fences and hedges. Call your local building department to determine if any zoning laws apply to the work you are planning.
Although zoning and code regulations are set for the good of the community you have the right to present reasons to show that an exemption to the laws – called a variance – should be made. If you want to ask for a variance, check with your local government to find out how to apply. You may need an attorney for this.
• Building codes. Building codes set minimum standards for construction materials and plumbing and electrical fittings. These codes also give guidelines for the construction of some structures. Your local, licensed contractor is responsible for compliance, but you should understand them.
THE CONTRACT
PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING. It is essential for your protection that the obligations of both parties be spelled out in the contract. It may be a cliché, but put everything in writing. If you have chosen a reliable, reputable remodeler, he will recognize the importance of a contract. Make sure you understand each item in the contract.
The contract should include:
• The contractor’s name, address, and business license number. Licensure can be verified online at www.lslbc.gov.
• Description of the work and materials to be used, including brand names of all appliances to be installed. The phrase “all work shall be
done in a workmanlike manner” is a legal term that assumes the work will be done according to accepted local standards.
• Proposed start and completion dates. The phrase “time is of the essence” is included for your benefit. It’s a legal way of saying, “We’re serious about these dates.”
• Total cost and payment schedule.
• Three-day cancellation clause which gives you three days to cancel the contract after it has been signed.
• Items of work that will not be performed by the contractor, such as painting or wallpapering.
• All warranties and guarantees.
• Additional responsibilities of the contractor such as trash removal.
• Description of the work areas.
Do not sign anything under pressure. If the contractor insists that you sign before you are ready, you should reconsider hiring him.
CHANGES IN THE CONTRACT
If you make changes in the contract after it is signed and work has begun, put them in writing. Your remodeler will then give you a written estimate of the additional cost.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A REMODELER
Hiring a Remodelers Council Member who is a general contractor registered with the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors makes economic sense. Your home is your biggest investment, and improvements are an important part of making that investment grow. Poor quality work can reduce the return on your invested dollars. A general contractor performs the following important services:
Coordinates all phases of the job from start to finish – planning, design, labor, material, and scheduling.
Oversees work by various trades to avoid costly and inconvenient delays. Obtains high-quality materials and labor, usually at lower prices than you would otherwise pay because of volume and knowledge of the marketplace. Obtains all necessary permits; arranges for required inspections; complies with social security, workman’s compensation, and other local, state, and federal regulations that protect the consumer.
THE HOMEOWNER’S ROLE
As a homeowner, you help to ensure that a project goes smoothly when you:
• Designate one person to be the contact with the remodeler, keep informed of the job’s progress, and answer questions as they arise.
• Avoid trying to resolve questions or problems with workers or subcontractors. They, too, must answer a single boss, or confusion will result.
• Make changes to the original contract in writing and specify cost. Verbal change orders can be costly, cause delays, or create misunderstandings.
• Plan your project carefully to avoid unnecessary changes.
• Remember that working with people in the house is just as difficult for a construction crew as it is for you. Living with construction is inconvenient for you. Consideration on both sides is necessary for smoother operation of the job and functioning of the home.
Baton Rouge
Chris Van Pelt
M & M Glass, LLC 13429 S Choctaw Dr. (225) 278-6670
Belle Chasse
Brian Mills
R.L Mills, Inc. P.O. Box 221 (504) 909-9053
Frank Morse Jr.
Morse Homes, Inc. 110 Keating Dr. (504) 393-7777
Chalmette
Marcus Campo
NOLA Build Contracting Services, Inc. 117 W Genie St. (504) 644-6979
COVINGTON
Sarah Winston
Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Bevolo.com (504) 522-9485
Harahan
Bobby Bienvenu Edward Jones 7105 Jefferson Hwy. Suite C (504) 715-2108
Tony Christiana Christiana Construction 8212 Harris Ave. (504) 615-0929
Tara Shaw can’t do — and here’s what she can’t do without.
Produced by Margaret Zainey Roux
1
Curve Appeal
One of 70 new pieces in my line for Century, the Pontchartrain dining table is inspired by the interlocking marble designs of the mid20th century. It emphasizes the structural innovation of the era while blending modern functionality and artistic expression. tarashaw. com
2
A Stitch in Time
I love all kinds of vintage cloth, but especially those with a backstory. In the Congo, weaving Kuba cloth from palm leaf fibers is a generational art that yields bold, versatile textiles. Most often it is woven into long, rectangular strips making it perfect for use as a table runner or bed scarf. bviz.com
3
Take Note
Call me old-fashioned, but when jotting lists and notes I still reach for a pen and paper. A journal lets me track my daily thoughts in one pretty, bound place and allows me the luxury of putting the phone down. scriptura.com
4
Dream Weaver
Rugs made from organic fibers look and feel right in every kind of setting. My favorites are comprised from hand-stitched pieces of jute woven together in the Kasba pattern to form a contemporary patchwork design. katiekochhome.com
TARA SHAW DESIGN | ANTIQUES | MAISON 5833 Magazine St. 504-525-1131, tarashaw.com
Inspiration Board
Give your clawfoot tub a lovely accent with an Attleboro shower curtain. The soft ikat stripe pattern in pink coral and fabric details of Luca 500 thread count Egyptian cotton percale will instantly pretty up your powder room. Sotre, 3820 Magazine St., 504-304-8475, sotrecollection.com
A soft, saturated paint like “Love at First Sight” by Behr makes for a swoonworthy color palette. behr.com.
Add romantic radiance to any room with an Adela flush mount ceiling light. Crafted from steel with brass plating and a burnished brass finish, the glass petal accents give this fixture sweet illumination. Arhaus, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-581-6684, arhaus.com.
Add a touch of whimsy to your walls with the Palmetto Rosa-Pink dried-palm wallpaper, featuring a horizontal pattern of hand-painted palms in warm and neutral pinks. Studio visits by appointment only. The Pattern Collective, 3230 Metairie Rd., 504-302-0910, thepatterncollective.com.
Romantic Gestures
Feeling in the pink
by Amy Gabriel
Feeling amorous?
Slip your love notes inside a vintage pink stone lidded cylinder box with glass interior. chairish.com/shop/ perrierdesigns.
When paging through your preferred book of poetry, the Lipstick Chair makes a perfect perch. The Art Deco-inspired seat features luxurious vertical pleated upholstery and round tapered legs available in a variety of finishes. Villa Vici, 4112 Magazine St., 504-8992931, villavici.com.
For an afternoon of champagne cocktails and conversation, invite your guests to sit sweetly upon a Betty sofa. The blush mohair velvet with complementing natural-hued bullion fringe skirt and feather cloud fill makes this dreamy couch both formal and fanciful. sundayshop.co.
Gutters 101
Spring showers management
by Kelcy Wilburn
With its tropical climate and unique infrastructural challenges,
New Orleans has a special relationship with rain. Homes here encounter tropical storms and hurricanes, which are steadily packing more rainfall than ever before. From unpredictable thunderstorms to predictable rainy seasons, the conditions necessitate home water management, especially for the city’s vast swath of historic pier and beam homes. Love them or hate them, gutters fulfill an important role in protecting a home and its foundation. As we welcome “April showers” this season, we’re checking in with experts on the ins, outs, and trends of gutter systems.
“The most important thing to remember is that all water coming down from the roof line needs to go somewhere, and without gutters, all that water goes right under the house and foundation, creating problems with settlement on the home,” says Luis Martinez, manager at Superior Gutters Solutions.
Unmanaged water under the home impacts the foundation in numerous ways, with erosion being a top concern. Erosion causes foundation settlement, and if you’ve ever noticed cracks in your walls or had a window or door not function properly, your house may be experiencing problematic settling. In addition to settlement, houses without gutters are more likely to suffer water-damaged fascia boards. Rotten fascia boards can lead to water inside the walls and attic, mold growth, pests, and ultimately, structural damage.
Whether you have a home that needs an update or you’re planning a new build, gutters should be budgeted into your project from the start, says Glenn Lemoine, owner of NOLA Gutters.
“People often forget about gutters, and even for many contractors it can be an afterthought,” says Lemoine. “The good news is people often find gutters aren’t as expensive as they expect. Still, it’s best to include them in your initial budgeting.”
More good news for the consumer is that the world of gutters is not an overly complicated one. The hardest decision is often what color to choose. There are only a couple main styles of gutters — K-style and half-round. While box gutters are also available, they are not commonly used on residential properties.
According to Martinez, K-style is most popular — these are the flatbottom gutters with a rounded upper edge resembling crown molding. Half-round gutters are the French-colonial style commonly seen on historic properties such as those in the French Quarter, where half-round is required. Martinez notes that custom designs can be fabricated but require special machinery and are rarely requested.
Many owners of historic homes in New Orleans opt for half-round gutters, whether due to historic district requirements or aesthetic preference. When discussing the pros and cons of each type of gutter, experts note the look of half-round is what draws most customers to it — the cons of half-round include higher cost and less water flow.
“Half-round gutters may hold four inches of flow when new, whereas a
six-inch K-style gutter handles more water,” says Lemoine. “There’s less risk of overflow with K-style.”
According to both Martinez and Lemoine, colors are trending darker with an eye toward contrast instead of the old method of matching the house color. Bronze and black have become two of the most popular colors, especially on white houses. Powder-coated aluminum is the most-used material, though copper is sometimes sought for its durability and the patina that develops over time. Copper, of course, comes with added cost and potentially added risk of theft. A less costly alternative for copper fans is copper-colored aluminum gutters that will maintain a consistent look over time.
Once you’ve decided on your shape and color, the biggest consideration is drainage and downspout location. It’s best to rely on the experts for downspout placement. Martinez recommends using any French drain available and checking that the slope of the ground near the downspout will not push water back underneath the house. Lemoine adds that if you are replacing old gutters and relocating your downspouts, keep in mind that your house may require new paint or touchups where the downspouts were previously.
Rain chains in place of downspouts are a growing trend, but experts caution that you’ll need to have a drainage plan in place — in heavy downpours, rain chains can’t manage the same disbursement of water that a downspout can. Make sure to have an expert’s advice on placing your chain, especially if it’s to be over the ground and not a collection device like a rain barrel or decorative basin.
What about gutter maintenance?
“The general rule of thumb if you have trees around the property is to have your gutters cleaned and checked every six months to ensure there are no drainage problems,” says Martinez. If you do have trees around your property, leaf guards are recommended to prevent clogging and should be factored into your gutter budget. With spring showers and hurricane season fast approaching, now’s the time to check, clean, or install gutters and protect yourself from water woes.
Last Indulgence
Age of Opulence
Envelop your walls with lavish, locally designed wallpaper celebrating Louisiana’s landscape by
Melanie Warner Spencer
Covington-born artist Emma Fick imbues her works with botanical elements native to Louisiana’s landscape, offering a fresh take on the time-honored motif via her lush, Medieval-meets-Renaissance aesthetic. For “Verdant Embrace,” a 2024 solo show at Parlour Gallery on Camp Street, Fick filled the space with floral-embellished clay vessels playfully stocked with plastic flowers and rich watercolor paintings of pots filled with painted flowers layered over wallpaper opulently illustrated with native plants. (View the works at emmafick.com.) Drawing on multiple inspirations, the effect is an opulent maximalism that can be replicated at home using the new collection of five Louisiana native-plant-inspired wallpapers Fick created exclusively for Magazine Street wallpaper and fabric showroom Spruce (sprucenola. com). Fick describes the debut pattern, “Verdant Embrace,” as “a tangle
of Louisiana-native plants that soar up walls, a visual celebration of our native flora in which plants multiply and intertwine,” and encourages local plant enthusiasts to play I-Spy to identify the pattern’s myriad vegetation. (Hint: Featured prominently are magnolia, American beautyberry, iris and Spanish moss, but there are many more to discover.) Fick says she not only leaned on local plant life and middle-European works commissioned by royalty, but also studied the Arts and Crafts Movement and its celebration of decorative arts and, in particular, English textile designer William Morris’ patterns. “I’m most excited about this wallpaper being out in the world so I can see what people layer atop it,” says Fick. “I can’t wait to see how the art, light fixtures and furniture work in conversation with the paper, and how the paper informs other choices. Interior design is such an exercise in world-building.”
