New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Fall 2018 by Renaissance Publishing

autumn 2018

new orleans

homes & lifestyles

autumn 2018 / Volume 21 / Issue 3 Editor Melanie Warner Spencer Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley McLellan Web Editor Kelly Massicot Contributing Writers Mirella Cameran, Laura Claverie, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Valorie Hart, Pamela Marquis, Lisa Tudor, Margaret Zainey Roux Contributing Photographers Thom Bennett, Sara Essex Bradley, Theresa Cassagne, Jeffery Johnston, Eugenia Uhl Copy Editor Liz Clearman Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan 504/830-7215 or Colleen@MyNewOrleans.com Sales Manager Brooke LeBlanc Genusa 504/830-7242 or Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com Account Executive Alyssa Copeland 504/830-7239 or Alyssa@MyNewOrleans.com Account Executive Shelby Harper 504/830-7246 or Shelby@MyNewOrleans.com

Director of Marketing and Events Cheryl Lemoine event coordinator Abbie Dugruise Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne

For event information call (504) 830-7264 Production Designers Emily Andras, Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney Traffic Manager Topher Balfer

Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President/Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Mallary Matherne Subscriptions Manager Brittanie Bryant

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing LLC Printed in USA 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles, ISSN 1933-771X is distributed four times a year and published by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. For a subscription visit on line at NewOrleansHomesandLifestyles.com. Periodicals Postage Paid at Metairie LA and Additional Entry Offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright ÂŠ 2018 New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Magazine is registered. New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; managers or owners.

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FEATURES

New Build of the Year

Bohemian Chic

Mix Modern

Design Masters

A rock and roller and a jewelry designer turned boutique owner transform an Irish Channel band house into an artful retreat

Home to a thoroughly modern family, this 1862 raised center hall cottage reflects the contemporary influence of New Orleans most celebrated professionals in restoration, preservation, and style

Best of Home Winners

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1818 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA | 504.888.2300 | nordickitchens.com

CONTENTS

Editor’s Note Including the Editor’s Pick 12

Design Diary News and events 14

Style Stay Neutral 16

Get Organized

Clean Sweep 18

Artist Profile Jamar Pierre 20

Bon Vivant Hotel Style: Create a bedside coffee station for a decadent wakeup call 22

Gatherings Mama Knows Best: Chef Isaac Toups spices up his mama’s savory, no sweat recipe for crawfish cornbread dressing 24

For the Garden Making It: The women at FAIT are taking their love of plants to the streets with mobile solarium and design studio 26

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Home Grown Perennial Sunflowers: The bloom that brings beatuy, wildlife and treats 28

Living with Antiques Grande Dame: Design doyenne Gerrie Bremermann’s second act and how she finds beauty in her life and in the lives of her clients 30

Masters of Their Craft Sweet Life: Chef Megan Roen Forman of Gracious Bakery creates artful baked goods with passion and panache 32

TrendWatch White Lightning: Combine functional form and aesthetics with a pair of diminutive lamps 34

Home Renewal Home Sweet Tiny Home: These ecofriendly, minimalist’s dream houses aren’t for everyone 108

Inspiration Board

Expert Advice

Monocromatic: Timeless, chic statement pieces that can fold into any interior 110

Buying Like A Pro: Using an industry insider’s eye, knowledge and experience to make home décor purchases 114

Price Mix Double Dutch: Versatile and sturdy, dutch ovens are a kitchen staple worth the investment 112

Last Indulgence Sugar and Spice: Ditch the pumpkin spiced latte this autumn in favor of decadent Mexican hot chocolate 120

on the cover

New Build of the Year (p. 50) Photo by Sara essex bradley

editor’s note

Falling for Fall

editor’s pick

I love spending as much time as possible at the beach all summer long, but

autumn will forever reign supreme as my favorite season. Long walks in Uptown and through the Garden District, porch sits and flinging open the windows at every available opportunity, as well as switching the floral candles out in favor of woodsy and spicy scents mark the seasonal shift. At New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, we celebrate the season by honoring the people in the design community who are at the top of their game with our annual Design Masters feature (page 74) and party. Join us for the party at Messina’s at the Terminal on Sept. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music, we shine a spotlight on New Orleans’ top designers, builders, architects, interior decorators and other home-related professionals. If you are looking for eye candy, proceed directly to page 51 for a look at our New Build of the Year. This modern stunner overlooks Lake Pontchartrain with a design inspired by oceanfront houses in California’s Malibu hills. A steel and glass marvel that celebrates an industrial aesthetic and functionality, this house is all about the architecture. Modern and industrial isn’t for everyone however, so if warm and eclectic are more your speed, the home on page 65 in “Mix Modern,” will set your heart aflutter. This circa-1862 raised cottage in the Garden District is perfect for entertaining and is a prime example of restoration and preservation. Before you settle in with this issue, whip up a batch of Mexican hot chocolate using my (adapted) recipe in “Last Indulgence” on page 104. I can’t think of a better way to usher in cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches and the fruits and foliage of the season. Cheers to fall!

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Cajun cookin’ Award-winning chef at Toups’ Meatery and Toups South and fan favorite on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Isaac Toups’ new book is being released in October. “Chasing the Gator: Isaac Toups and the New Cajun Cooking,” was co-written by journalist Jennifer V. Cole, former editor at Southern Living, and features striking images by Denny Culbert (who frequently shoots for New Orleans Homes & Lifestyle magazine’s sister publications). The book offers fresh takes on Cajun classics, such as chicken and andouille gumbo and crawfish (including Toups’ mix tape playlist to listen to while you do the boil), as well as a tutorial on how to butcher a hog (boucherie) and loads of tips and Cajun wisdom and humor. The language is as bold and spicy as the recipes, so if f-bombs aren’t your thing, this might not be your cookbook. Everyone else, enjoy the ride through the Cajun prairies, swamps, bayous, marshes and rivers with Toups as your tour guide and the fruits of the region to fortify your belly and delight your taste buds. Be sure to check out “Gatherings,” on page 30, to see (and try) the recipe Toups shared with us.

THERESA CASSAGNE PHOTO

design diary

Creating your dream home made easy Have you been wanting to do some home upgrades, but can’t find the right products or experts? The 31st annual Pontchartrain Home Show is Louisiana’s largest and longest running home show. The event is Oct. 12 through 14 at the Pontchartrain Center (4545 Williams Blvd.) in Kenner. Vendors offer everything from solar and outdoors products and services to health and fitness equipment in this one-stop shop. Foodies won’t want to miss The Langenstein’s Food Fest where there will be free tastings, coupons and recipes. There will also be a $500 grocery giveaway to one lucky attendee. jaaspro.com

sip and celebrate

masterful design New Orleans Homes & Lifestyle magazine’s annual Design Masters is on Sept. 6 at Messina’s at the Terminal (6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd.). Mingle with some of the best local architects, builders, interior designers and other professionals in the design industry. Make new connections and gain inspiration from those who share your passion for design. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music help set the scene. Tickets $30 (guests 21 and over only). myneworleans.com/events

A Street Party Soiree Hosted by the Rouses Culinary Innovation Center, Chef Andrea LeTard is doing a cooking demonstration and cookbook signing on Sept. 22 at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (1504 Oretha C. Haley Blvd.). LeTard’s recipes explore a new generation’s take on Southern dishes with healthy options for those with a variety of dietary needs or restrictions. The event is at 1 p.m. and the tasting is first come first served. Also mark your calendar for SoFAB’s 10th Anniversary Soiree and Street party, Oct.19. A full evening of programming will highlight local chefs, plus you can explore the museum’s new gumbo garden and try your luck in the silent auction. — By Miller Ezell

+ Learning at Longue Vue This Nov. 1 through 2, Friends of Longue Vue’s 27th Essence of Style Design Symposium kicks off at Longue Vue House and Gardens. Master florist Lewis Miller is the featured speaker for the weekend, along with other leaders in fields of horticulture, art and design. Miller is known for his popup floral designs across New York City. longuevue.com

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Art and History collide

New Orleans as an Empire Fallen Fruit, two artists from Los Angeles, were commissioned by Newcomb Art Museum, A Studio in the Woods and “Pelican Bomb” to create an experience celebrating the New Orleans Tricentennial. These artists transformed the Newcomb Museum into one immersive piece. “EMPIRE” takes the viewer back in time to explore the growth of New Orleans. The objective is to allow attendees to interpret the connections of the pieces and what they believe those pieces to mean in correlation to New Orleans’ culture today. The exhibit ends Dec. 21. newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

style

Stay neutral Produced by Margaret Zainey Roux

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1. Handmade and fauxfinished to look like the real deal, this resin turtle shell is mounted on a custom iron stand and brings a sense of swamp chic to a bookshelf or tabletop. Virginia Dunn New Orleans, 8795 Leake Ave., 237-4773, virginiadunn.com.

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2. Local ceramic artist Michael Clement makes his foray into fabrics. Sold by the yard or as made-toorder pillows, Clement’s hand-painted botanical and geometric prints are digitized onto cotton and Belgian linen. M. Clement Studio, 219-0001, michaeljclement.com

3. Tibetan lambswool is taking the beloved bean bag chair to a luxurious new level. Sophisticated and snuggly, it a comfortably accommodates two. Pied Nu, 5521 Magazine St., 899-4418, piednunola.com.

4. Oversized paper drum shades refresh these vintage ceramic lamps with painterly stripes and antique brass caps and bases. Graci Interiors, 902 Jefferson Ave. Ste. 3, 452-0051, graciinteriors.com.

5. The ceramic “Loman” stool is made from natural clay and features a raised, graphic, ‘60s-inspired design. This versatile stool could also double as a table in any room. Sofas and Chairs, 123 Metairie Rd., 486-9622.

6. Matted, framed and ready to hang, this foil pressed map of New Orleans commemorates the city’s Tricentennial in gilded glamor. Miss Smarty Pants, 5523 Magazine St, 891-6141 or go to misssmartypantsnola.com.

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get organized

Safety First Most of us store lawn-mower gas and other chemicals in the garage, so a high quality fire extinguisher in a mounted cabinet is a must. Also, consider installing a lockable cabinet for storing lawn chemicals and other things you don’t want little ones to discover, and put in a carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Routinely test the detectors or invest in a self-charging smoke alarm, a combination alarm and light socket that charges whenever the light is on. Finally, be sure your garagedoor opener has an auto-stop feature that prevents the door from closing on a child or pet trying to sneak underneath.

Tailor-Made

Customize and organize

Clean Sweep Tackle the garage this fall and make space to store your stuff and your car Do you keep your car in your garage? Organizing professionals estimate that only 30 percent of us do. Why? The answer is simple — it’s because there is just way too much clutter and chaos. Here are a few garage storage ideas and products that’ll help you get organized and discover the perfect place to park a car. – By Pamela Marquis

+ The ceiling’s become the new frontier in garage storage, with systems designed to hold items as varied as hurricane shutters to surfboards. Overhead racks can also store holiday decorations and out-of-season clothing. Overhead storage is an economical alternative to a cabinet for large, long, and relatively flat objects. Most are designed to allow plastic bins to sit securely in slots.

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A storage-shelving unit made from powdercoated steel can tame your clutter in a flash. Or take a step up and install a pre-made storage cabinet system. These modern and sophisticated cabinets create a welcome addition to any garage. They feature lockers and a workstation and can include a stainless steel countertop, diamond plate backsplash or a valance light bar.

smart solutions

On the grid Corral your sports equipment with a slat wall or grid system. They can be fitted with hooks for specialized holders for balls, skateboards and more. Try the Suncast Golf Organizer to keep your golf gear together. Use a hoist to get your canoe or kayak up and down without damaging it or harming yourself in the process.

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

artist profile

Jamar Pierre Jamar Pierre’s paintings are an exuberant mix of color and

imagery. A self-described native son and citizen of the world, he draws on a global array of experience to express his artistry — his works are dense with indigenous motifs as well as references to Costa Rica, Africa, Iceland and Eastern spirituality. Pierre’s introduction to art came during his childhood in New Orleans. “I grew up poor and surrounded by not positive things,” says Pierre, whose first medium was street graffiti influenced by popular culture and graffiti artists of the mid-1980s (such as Fab 5 Freddy, the graffiti artist turned filmmaker and rapper). “Art was a way for me to stay alive and out of jail.” A teacher introduced Pierre to Jerome Smith, head of Tambourine and Fan, an organization dedicated to instilling cultural awareness and self-esteem in the youth of Treme. Not long after, Pierre began doing murals for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, where he in turn would spend 15 years mentoring young people. His accomplishments and accolades include corporate and private commissions, album covers, public murals and artist-in-residence programs as far away as Canada, Iceland and Costa Rica. Essence Music Festival, Beyoncé and HBO’s “Treme” have been among his clients. Yet he continues his strong commitment to teaching young artists and working with nonprofits. The official artist of the New Orleans Tricentennial (he did the painting for the official print) and the Artist-in-Residence at Longue Vue House and Gardens for the year, he has become a cultural ambassador for the city and his message couldn’t be more timely. His pieces, which picture such things as brass

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bands, Mardi Gras Indians, local chefs and cuisine, and urban and rural environments (including Longue Vue), explore themes of diversity and equality. His own upbringing in Treme and the 7th Ward, and his Creole and Native American roots have been a constant fount for his idiom – as have jazz, Caribbean influences, the Mississippi River and nature. Pierre Town is a small section of a neighborhood in Edgard that was named for his paternal ancestors, one of whom was said to have come up the river with Bienville. His father, a musician and artist, was one of the first artists to sell his wares at Jazz Fest. “I am a gumbo,” says the artist, who celebrates the richness of his life and heritage and teaches others to do the same. “I try to bring mindfulness and consciousness and self-awareness to kids. Through creating murals, they get a sense of ownership and learn to work together as part of the community.” Pierre’s second Longue Vue exhibition of the year opens on Oct. 18. — by lee Cutrone

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bon vivant

Hotel Style Create a bedside coffee station for a decadent wakeup call

When close friends and family visit New Orleans and

opt to stay in our living space built for two, we set up a temporary guest room. It is located just off of the kitchen and the living room with a doorways leading to both areas. There are removable curtains, which provide some privacy, but it doesn’t shut out noise. As an early riser, I try to be mindful of the fact that not everyone enjoys being up at dawn, especially during Carnival season and its ensuing revelry on most evenings, so I do what I can to be quiet and let the rest of the house sleep in. The sounds of cabinet doors opening and shutting, clinking coffee mugs and the gurgle and clank of the coffee maker is not a recipe for additional slumber. Also, truth be told, I both enjoy and need my time alone in the morning to have the balance and energy necessary to tackle the day. So, while I love morning chitchat with houseguests, I have to give myself some private time before emerging for coffee talk. Enter the bedside coffee station. A staple in even hotel rooms providing only the barest essentials, the coffee station is of course nothing if not convenient. To me, it also feels like a small luxury. As far as I’m concerned, to sit in bed, scribble in my notebook and sip a freshly brewed cup of joe in my PJs,

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while propped up on a stack of fluffed up pillows is the height of decadence. All of that without ever having to leave the room — it’s so sumptuous it borders on sinful. Top a tray with a mini, four-cup coffee maker or your favorite coffee contraption (I use the most elegant little vintage percolator gifted to us by a dear friend) and, to elevate the ensemble from simple to luxurious, perhaps add some seasonal fruit and chocolates, a cloth napkin and fresh flowers. Opening my eyes in the morning to such artful and tempting offerings is a guaranteed good start to the day. When I’m done, the tray allows for quick and easy removal to the kitchen and the bedroom is back in order. You could wait for those times when there are guests in the house and you need to retreat or for your paramour, spouse or children to bring you breakfast in bed on a special occasion, but that would be sporadic at best, no? Why not pamper yourself a few days per week? Perhaps it’s time to consider making the bedside coffee station a permanent feature and tossing in a mini-fridge and snack basket? I may never leave my room. – By Melanie Warner Spencer

melanie warner spencer PHOTO

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

gatherings

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eugenia uhl PHOTO

Mama Knows Best Chef Isaac Toups spices up his mama’s savory, no sweat recipe for crawfish cornbread dressing Produced By Margaret Zainey Roux

crawfish cornbread dressing Dressing Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1 medium onion, finely diced 1 red bell pepper, finely diced 1 rib celery, finely diced 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound cleaned crawfish tails 1 ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper, finely ground ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups crawfish stock (or any seafood stock) 5 cups Isaac’s Cornbread, crumbled* Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery and cook in butter for 10 minutes until slightly browned (more than translucent). 3. Add garlic and cook for another minute. 4. Add crawfish tails, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and stir. 5. Add 2 cups crawfish stock. While keeping it on medium heat, slowly bring the mixture to a low simmer. Once it is simmering, turn off heat. 6. Add 1 tablespoon butter and stir until fully melted. 7. Once butter has melted, gently fold in 5 cups of crumbled cornbread until it’s well incorporated, being careful not to “over smash.” 8. Scoop mixture into a 9-inch by13inch casserole dish and spread out evenly.

9. Place the casserole dish in the oven. Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes. Cornbread Ingredients 4 eggs 1 ¼ cup cold whole milk ¼ cup honey 2 cups yellow cornmeal 2 cups all purpose flour 1 ¼ cup sugar 1 tablespoons baking powder ½ AP flour salt ½ pound melted butter (2 sticks) *Note: Chef Isaac’s mama used Jiffy Cornbread Muffin Mix in her original recipe. It can be used as a more time-efficient substitute. Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place 12-inch cast iron skillet in oven to warm as oven preheats. 2. Whisk eggs, milk, and honey together. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients. 4. Pour egg-milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix vigorously with the whisk for 8 seconds. If it’s slightly lumpy, that’s OK. 5. Add melted butter and immediately mix vigorously with whisk for another 4 to 5 seconds. 6. Remove skillet from oven and pour in mixture. Place in oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until cake tester comes out clean. 7. Serve at room temperature with butter and cane syrup.

About the Chef Chef Isaac Toups was born and raised in Rayne, Louisiana. He owns and operates Toups’ Meatery and Toups South, and his first cookbook, “Chasing the Gator: Isaac Toups and the New Cajun Cooking,” publishes in October.

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

for the garden

making it The women at FAIT are taking their love of plants to the streets with mobile solarium and design studio

What d o you g et when you combine a love o f

horticulture, innovative engineering, warm sunlight and feminine creativity? The answer is Axil Rose, NOLA’s first mobile solarium and design studio. This 23foot van, made in part with reclaimed cypress, meanders throughout the city making stops at farmers markets, pop-up arts events, bridal showers and private parties. “We partnered with New Orleans Airlift to retrofit Axil Rose, a 1997 step van, to bring our love of plants and making things to the greater New Orleans’ community,” says Emily Fields Joffrion, part owner of FAIT. The business started as a way for sisters, Emily and Laura Joffrion to celebrate their mother’s love of floral design and gardening. “Mom was always working with plants when we were younger,” says Emily. “She cultivated a miniature garden of honeysuckle and morning glories in our yard. It was so enchanting that hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies would dance around while we ate breakfast. Her gift with plants is undeniable; it comes to her like breathing.” Kathleen Robinson studied at LSU in the horticulture department before entering the floral design industry in Baton Rouge. However, to better support her three daughters, she put her floral career on hold. She became a paralegal and for years worked for her father, David Robinson, after whom the LSU Law School’s Robinson Courtroom is named.

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Robinson’s creativity is sparked by the natural world. She uses plants as a medium for her creative expression. Now her daughters are helping her live her dream of helping others find their own creativity through plants. The business offers customers a wide selection of exotic plants from giant bromeliads to tiny succulents. Then clients choose their plants as an artist chooses tubes of paint to create a work of arts. “We help you design your plant in a beautiful setting that is unique to your tastes, whether that’s helping you create a terrarium, mounting a staghorn fern, or repotting your plant in the perfect ceramic piece,” Emily says. This family business also offers workshops at their home base and in the migratory Axil Rose. They cover such topics as terrarium design, plant pruning and propagation, mounting exotic epiphytes, and caring for orchids, succulents and air plants. Holly Hobbs, corporate development specialist at WWNO, recently attended one of FAIT’s orchid workshops. “I was assisted in designing my own piece while being taught orchid care,” she says. “It was an amazing experience.” FAIT connects people to the exotic and promotes vibrant, organic living experiences through plant design and local craft, and because of Axil Rose that experience can now come right to your door. – By Pamela Marquis

theresa cassagne PHOTO

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

home grown

Perennial Sunflowers The bloom that brings beauty, wildlife and treats By Pamela Marquis

1 reigning queen Perennial sunflowers such as the Lemon Queen impart gardens with their gentle splendor. Where other sunflowers shout their beauty, this gem purrs.

2 What to expect They bloom in late summer and autumn, and their beauty can last six weeks. They attract birds, butterflies, and lots of attention.

3 The appeal Lemon Queens are tall, eye-catching plants and their seeds are a treat for people, birds and other wildlife.

4 sharing is caring Because they self-sow, you can enjoy them year after year and feel free to share seeds with friends and neighbors.

5 care and maintenance They need six to eight hours of full sun each day and must have fertile, well-drained soil.

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living with antiques

grande dame Design doyenne Gerrie Bremermann’s second act and how she finds beauty in her life and in the lives of her clients

When noted interior decorator Gerrie Bremermann

closed her iconic shop, Bremermann Designs, on Magazine it was the end of an era. But for Bremermann, 91, long considered the dean of decorating in the South, it was a new beginning. “I’m not retiring,” she says. “I may write a book about my experiences, but it won’t be like others. It will be from a different perspective. I’ll do some consulting with clients I’ve had for ages. I can’t just stop.” Bremermann was born in New Orleans and spent her formative years in Palm Beach. She returned to New Orleans at age 14 eventually married Tom Bremermann, with whom she spent 65 years. The early years were consumed with rearing three daughters and doing volunteer work. Much of the latter was focused on decorating for fundraisers and parties and lead to Bremermann being asked to decorate a room for the first Junior League Show House.

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“I turned them down at least three times until they finally told me they were desperate,” she says. “No one knew how to pull this off.” Bremermann armed herself with rolls of a bold print fabric that she purchased for $1.50 per yard and decorated a powder room. It was a hit, and a career was launched. The women’s movement also helped. “Few women of my generation worked at that time, much less ran a business,” she says. “I had no formal training in decorating, had never run a business and had three daughters and busy husband. But here I was.” She admits that she had no trouble getting loans from banks or being accepted as a professional. Her role models, decorators Vera Gibbons and Lucille Andrus, helped pave the way. Bremermann opened her first shop on St. Charles Avenue in 1980. In 1992, she — along with a few other pioneers — moved her shop to Magazine Street, where it stood until last summer. Bremermann also became a great patron of local artisans. She often walked the streets of the French Quarter and Bywater and talked to people who were sitting on their stoops or porches. During these conversations, she found artists and craftsmen who were creating beautiful works. “New Orleans is a marvelous artists’ colony,” she says. “It always has been and we must encourage this. I found these artisans and gave them a chance. I’m always looking for talent.” She also found a way to make her clients feel that every fabulous decorating idea was theirs. “Often people have good ideas for their home, they just don’t know how to accomplish them,” says Bremermann. “I have a sense about people, to be able to get into their heads and figure them out.” Bremermann’s mantra remains consistent: buy quality. She tells her clients, especially the young ones, to save the money (don’t borrow) and buy one good piece a year. Don’t try to decorate a home all at once. Her work has been featured in many home magazines and she has decorated some of the finest homes in the country. Enter a Bremermann-designed room and you’ll find exquisite (mostly 18th-century French) antiques, billowing draperies that puddle gracefully on the floor, soft colors of nature (pale pink is her favorite), a lucite end table and natural fabrics of cottons, linens and European blends. Details like crystal chandeliers, a small animal print and painted furniture punctuate the space. All combine to create a timeless, classic look that stands the test of time. But her life has been tinged with sadness. In a two and half year period two of her daughters and her beloved husband died after long illnesses. Through it all, Bremermann took solace in finding the beauty in her life. “Everyone has sadness and trials in their lives,” she says. “Until that hard period, my life was one of complete joy. And it is again. Imagine going into people’s homes and making them beautiful. Throughout my life, I have had so many good times, really good. I made people happy and I helped them love their homes. What could be better than that?” – By Laura Claverie

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MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT

sweet Life Chef Megan Roen Forman of Gracious Bakery creates artful baked goods with with passion and panache As you approach a small building between Pine and

broadway, there’s an intoxicating smell of butter, cinnamon and vanilla. It’s Gracious To Go, which is attached to Gracious Bakery’s 5,000 square-foot commissary kitchen. This local bread and pastry shop is run by husbandand-wife team Jay and Chef Megan Roen Forman (the former is a contributor to one of this magazine’s sister publications). Their flagship ship store is in the Woodward Design + Build building at 1000 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway and the couple recently opened a new store on 2854 St. Charles, as well as a location at 4930 Prytania St. As a child, Forman frequently baked with her mother but it was her father who instilled in her a passion for the culinary arts. “He was the original farm-to-table chef,” she says. “He hunted and we foraged for mushrooms, he had a profound effect on me.” As a young woman she saw a segment on CNN about culinary schools and was intrigued by the piece. “It just slapped me across my face,” she says. “I knew I’d found a job I would love.”

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Forman is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. After an externship as a pastry chef, her fate was sealed. She’s now worked as a pastry chef for 20 years in New York and at Bayona and Sucré in New Orleans, and she’s been awarded the Rising Star Pastry Chef from Star Chefs Magazine. Every one of her 50-person staff contributes to the well-ordered operation. The bread bakers arrive at 3 a.m. and the pastry chefs at 3:30. Then the bakery truly begins to hum bringing to life rustic American breads, delicate pastries and buttery croissants. Forman knows the rules of baking need to be followed, but her bakery flourishes because of all of the creativity in her shop. “It’s like jazz, you learn the fundamentals then you can riff, you can improvise.” Heather Myers, Gracious’ director of operations, says that it is her boss’s positive energy that fuels the bakery’s success. “She always makes sure no one feels like an island here,” she says. “[Forman] is full of creativity and she nurtures it in others. She never tells people just do it her way. She encourages everyone to share their ideas and try new things.” Forman says the most powerful event in her life was making the decision to start Gracious. “It was a death of a good friend that made me focus on the fact that life is not forever,” she says. “It made me realized how important it is to participate fully in life. It’s the old saying no one ever says near the end of their life that they wished they had worked harder or won more awards. It’s about the relationships you make and doing the things you love.” She loves sweets and says sugar is her bottom line. She also believes brown butter should be in everything, that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are her everything, and that she doesn’t think she could be friends with someone who doesn’t like chocolate. Her creativity and love of her profession keeps her constantly engaged. “This is such a big field and the learning process is never ending,” she says. “I never get bored. I use this medium to express my passion. I’m so lucky I get to do what I do.” – By Pamela Marquis

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neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

TRENDWATCH

White Lightning Combine functional form and aesthetics with a pair of diminutive lamps. Positioned to anchor opposite ends of a console, a dresser or a bed on either side adds just the bright stuff. By LISA TUDOR photographed by eugenia uhl

White marble and brass Florence Lamp H 21.25-inch and whitewashed hemp rope side table at Eclectic Home; McCartys Pottery Artisan Garden Sculpture Bell Chime at Katie Koch Home.

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

Vintage Cut-Out Lamp with illuminated base at Katie Koch Home; whitewashed hemp rope side table at Eclectic Home.

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White ceramic Malibu Lamp with linen shade H 21-inch and whitewashed hemp rope side table at Eclectic Home; McCartys Pottery Artisan Garden Sculpture Mushroom Chime and Bell Chime at Katie Koch Home.

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

Lily glazed futed ceramic lamp with Oyster Linen Shade H 21-inch and whitewashed hemp rope side table at Eclectic Home; McCartys Pottery Artisan Garden Sculpture Mushroom Chime at Katie Koch Home.

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Lily glazed ceramic Flynn lamp with polished brass base and linen shade H 27.75-inch and whitewashed hemp rope side table at Eclectic Home.

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The three-story cantilevered staircase has threaded metal cables that cascade from the double height ceiling down to the edge of the first-floor stair treads and is lined with sleek, smoky gray glass and decorated with a black, flat plate steel rail.

New Build of the year By Lee Cutrone

P h o t o g r a p h e d b y S a r a Ess e x B r a d l e y

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icole and Paul Dorsey had already built one Metairie home when they decided to build another. The first was a traditional house in the Bucktown section of Metairie. But this time, they wanted something different. Nicole was ready for a change, Paul wanted a modern house overlooking Lake Pontchartrain and they both wanted a larger house for their family of five. Paul, a real estate developer, found the property by calling the owner of a piece of land along the levee that was not on the market for sale. The couple then turned to Nicole’s brother, architect Charles Neyrey, founder of the architecture and interior design firm, M2 Studio, to design their dream-house. Paul likes expanses of glass and wanted to conjure the feel of an oceanfront house in the Malibu hills. Nicole envisioned clean lines and easy and functional living. They also knew they had to design a house that would accommodate the needs of a family with children. “We have three children,” says Nicole. “It needed to be modern and it needed to be livable.” Neyrey responded with an open, 10,000 squarefoot, three-story, steel structure wrapped in expanses of glass and concrete board, flooded with natural light and composed with exposed industrial features such as threaded metal cables on one side of the cantilevered curved staircase, an important design feature. With views as far as the eye can see and a deconstructed quality that celebrates the structural elements of the house rather than hiding them, the house calls to mind the streamlined modern quality of an urban airport. The living area’s double height windows overlook a pool, outdoor kitchen, and a small putting green in the backyard and the Fleetwood glass doors are able to open fully to the pool and outdoor kitchen. “It’s very unique; everybody is blown away when they walk through it,” says Paul. “It’s got a lot of wow factor.” Neyrey also designed the house to be practical and family friendly with plenty of storage and amenities such as a mudroom and a division of public and private areas that allows for acoustic separation between the spaces. “The vision and design of the house came from my brother and we tweaked it,” says Nicole. “The idea is that the back [of the house] is the public spaces with the windows, and the bedrooms and the office are on the other side.”

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Top: Threaded metal cables cascade from the double-height ceiling down to the edge of the first-floor stair treads. The stairway is lined with sleek, smoky gray glass and decorated with a black, flat plate steel rail. Facing page: Fleetwood glass doors open fully blurring the division between interior and exterior.

Top, left: The master bedroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quiet monochromatic scheme of grays. Bottom, left: The spa-like master bath includes a teak-floored steam shower and a skylight, which takes advantage of the changing light throughout the day. Bottom, right: The homeowners have travelled to Napa Valley to add to their wine collection housed in a temperature-controlled wine room. Facing page: The third-floor wet bar features a crackle-glass countertop by Dependable Glass.

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The living areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double height windows overlook a pool, outdoor kitchen, and a small putting green in the backyard and the Fleetwood glass doors are able to open fully to the pool and outdoor kitchen.

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The first floor includes a kitchen, living area, office, wine cellar, guest room, playroom, mudroom, powder room and garage. The second has the master bedroom and bath with private balcony, three kids’ bedrooms and baths and a laundry room. The third floor houses an entertainment room and a large roof deck. “The larger public spaces are located on floors one and three, which take advantage of the cooler, northern natural light, while optimizing the backyard view and the scenery of Lake Pontchartrain on the third floor,” says Neyrey. The kitchen, tailored to Nicole’s wish list, includes a massive angular island that follows the perimeter of the space and incorporates wine refrigerators, a dishwasher and built-in components. The spa-like master bath, designed to be an oasis within the home, includes a teak-floored steam shower and a skylight, which takes advantage of the changing light throughout the day. Along with the outdoor pool and living area, it is Paul’s favorite spot. The kids, each of whom chose the color and theme for his/her bedroom, are especially fond of the pizza oven in the custom outdoor kitchen. Other highly customized design features include a glass-front wine cellar (the homeowners traveled to Napa to buy inventory for the temperature-controlled room), a backlit art glass feature in the firstfloor powder room, touch-sensitive hydraulic system kitchen cabinets and a penthouse wet bar with a crackle glass top. Even the kitchen’s cookware and dishware were purposefully curated. Top, left: Architect Charles Neyrey’s Lead interior designer French bulldog Sherrie Hope (with Caroline inspects the pool Larussa, Gabriel Mujica, Kaarea, which includes tie Muller, and Alex Nassar) an outdoor television. Bottom, left: The exof M2 Studio worked with terior of the lakefront the Dorseys to decorate the house. Facing page: house in keeping with the The Dorsey’s West modern aesthetic of the Highland Terrier, Lexi, and her 4-week old architecture. The monopuppies explore the chromatic color palette of putting green. off-whites, grays, charcoals and blacks and a carefully selected array of minimalist furniture keeps it simple and serene, allowing the views and architecture to take center stage. “Every decision was very deliberate,” says Paul of the nearly four-year project with mock exasperation. “It was a lot of work and dedication from a lot of talented individuals who put their best foot forward and the outcome shows. My wife and I are thoroughly enjoying it and all three kids are having a blast.”

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Bohemian Chic A rock and roller and a jewelry designer turned boutique owner transform an Irish Channel band house into an artful retreat By Valorie Hart photographed by sara essex bradley

enjamin Ellman purchased his circa 1880s Irish Channel cottage 20 years ago on his 30th birthday. Ellman is a musician and an original member of the Little Rascals brass band. He has also been a producer for Galactic and the Revivalists (having received a gold record for the latter this past year). His home was for many years a “band house” filled with random furniture with every room painted a disparate color. The huge backyard was a repository for cast off furniture, artwork and junk. Jewelry designer Sarah Killen arrived from north Louisiana in early 2005. She started her company St. Claude Jewelry, then later opened the St. Claude Social Club boutique in 2016 with her business partner Margaret Sche. Ellman and Killen eventually met and married. With the band members gone, the newlyweds tackled renovating, refurbishing and decorating Ellman’s former bachelor pad and transforming it into a cozy family haven. “It had never had a proper woman’s touch, and boy did it need it,” Killen says. She describes her approach to decorating as being similar to the way she dresses, a layered artistic approach. She surrounds herself with things that make her happy and tell a story. Killen loves old things and has rescued some wonderful pieces, transforming her treasures into vignettes throughout the house. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, Killen spied the neck of a guitar in one dumpster and the rest of it in another. Someone had used it as an ashtray at some point in its history. She glued the guitar back together, restrung it and cleaned it up. “It will never again be in a dumpster, nor used as an ashtray,” she says. The mirror over the mantel, old Jazz Fest posters and a painting in the bedroom were all decaying, found objects in the rubble in the backyard that she calls crazy wonderful gifts.

Facing page: They expanded the kitchen from its original location. The old kitchen and dining room was completely gutted, and a wall was taken down between the two to create one big, open space. Lighting: Sconces above the shelf are from Schoolhouse Electric, the chandelier over dining table is Lambert et Fils. The brass pendants over the island are from Visual Comfort. With barstools from Cb2 and cabinet hardware from Signature Hardware and Rejuvenation. Left: The textures, colors and array of objects, combined with a witty and wise mix of furnishings can only be described as Bohemian chic.

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Facing page: Top, left: “I don’t follow trends and try to always trust my gut. I love having things that are old around me, and I guess that’s why I love New Orleans so much”, says Killen. Her jewelry line is originally inspired by nature, so the house is filled with branches, rocks, minerals, crystals and driftwood. Top, right: Killen loves to layer textiles on chairs, sofas and beds. She also combines rugs with different patterns. There can never be too many artisanal pillows and throws around the house, as well as interesting table linens. Bottom, left: The kitchen was designed by Logan Killen Interiors. The Venetian plaster stove hood is by Anne Marie Aurrcchio with Thermador appliances and tile backsplash from Stafford Tile, plus a Delta faucet. This page: Layered textiles on the bed come from the Sunday Shop. The duvet cover is by Novogratz.

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Facing page: Top, left: A basket near the fireplace holds small musical instruments for family jam sessions. Top, right: Killen has collections of art, vases (she always arranges fresh cut flowers and clippings from the garden throughout the house) and other interesting objects. Bottom, left: The flag guitar was found post hurricane Katrina in a couple of dumpsters. Killen spied the neck of the guitar in one dumpster and the body in another. She glued it back together, restrung it and cleaned it up. Bottom, right: A vintage folding table is used as a bar. The lamp is also a vintage find. This page: The design team at Logan Killen Interiors used open sheving in the kitchen installed above a custom cabinet (the kitchen cabinets are also designed by Logan Killen and fabricated by Eddie’s Cabinets). The sconces over shelves the are Schoolhouse Electric.

The biggest renovation the couple took on is the new kitchen designed by Logan Killen Interiors, owned by Katie Logan LeBlanc and Jensen Killen. (Sarah Killen and Jensen Killen are cousins.) The design team at Logan Killen expanded the kitchen from its original location and gutted both the kitchen and dining room. They also removed the wall between the two to create one big open space. The couple loves to cook and the kitchen was tailor made to their needs and aesthetic. Custom cabinetry in two different finishes, hand made tiles, Venetian plaster, marble counter tops, open shelving, modern overhead light fixtures and chef quality Thermador appliances all combined to enhance the collected artistic décor Ellman and Killen employed throughout the house. Furnishings throughout the house are sourced from Logan Kil-

len Interiors’ Sunday Shop (sundayshop.co) and Katie Koch Home (katiekochhome.com). Killen also uses tried and true New Orleans sources, including Renaissance Interiors (yourrenaissance.com) and Dop Antiques (dopantiques.com) and is an habitué of estate sales, flea markets and antique stores. Killen’s mother-in-law passed down a collection of teacups that had been in the family for years. The couple loves to serve espresso in them. Killen has collections of art, vases (she always arranges fresh cut flowers and clippings from the garden throughout the house) and other interesting objects. She has an American flag that flew over the state capital the day she was born. “Buddy Roemer was the governor then, and grew up with my parents,” she says. There is a gallery wall of black and white photos of Ellman and the Little Rascals brass band. The couple also has a photograph taken by Michael Smith during the second line parades in the late 1980s. Killen layers textiles on chairs, sofas and beds, as well as different patterns of rugs. There can never be too many artisanal pillows and throws around the house, as well as interesting table linens. The textures, colors and interesting objects, combined with a witty and wise mix of furnishings adds up to a combination that can only be described as Bohemian chic. “I don’t follow trends and try to always trust my gut,” says Killen. “I love having things that are old around me, and I guess that’s why I love New Orleans so much.”

Mix Mo

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

Modern

Home to a thoroughly modern family, this 1862 raised center-hall cottage reflects the contemporary influence of New Orleans' most celebrated professionals in restoration, preservation and style By Lisa Tudor Photographed by Eugenia Uhl

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Facing page: The warm and cozy library is the single room where Fort was insistent on her vision. She painted the room three times to achieve the base color before enlisting friend and artist Gretchen Weller Howard to glaze the walls to create “the perfect plum.” The chairs were a flea market find and have been recovered several times “because they are everyone’s favorite place to sit,” says Fort.

“I

t’s not my dream house,” were Vesta Fort’s first words when she saw the flier advertising the raised center-hall Garden District cottage up for auction at the Orleans Parish Sheriff Sale. At the courthouse she threw caution to the wind, and as fate would have it, placed the winning bid on a house she had never set foot in. When she crossed the threshold of her new home for the first time, it still was not her dream house, but it had great classical bones. Built in 1862 for a German coppersmith, legend has it that in the early days of the Civil War, roofers watched Admiral Farragut’s Union fleet sailing up the Mississippi River to capture the port of New Orleans. Forced into auction just two years after completion, the newly built cottage raised on eight-foot brick piers, with its ample gardens and attached kitchen, sold for $7,750. In 1924, Thomas Bernard Norton acquired the home for the bargain price of $5,000, and his descendents held the property for almost a century. Over the ensuing decades, owners added their own touches while maintaining the home’s classic center-hall structure. The main floor has soaring 14-foot ceilings and classical understated molding. The attic was finished along the way to create three bedrooms and a bath. The Bernard family enclosed the basement in the 1950s to create a party space as well as a studio for their daughter to practice ballet, complete with mirrors and a barre. The family frequently entertained in the basement “ballroom” and the house, with its gracious lines and airy proportions, remains a popular stop on Garden District tours to this day. When the Forts purchased the property in late 2012, they were looking for a place to raise their three children and create a home for their extended family and friends to gather. “I love to host, it’s in my blood, and while I didn’t grow up in a fancy house, it was big and there were lots of parties,” says Fort about her childhood home in Arkansas.

Enlisting her close friend and restoration expert Michael Carbine to handle the project, Fort went to work on the finishes. The collaboration is nothing less than an authentic representation of their unique talents. Carbine, a preservationist at heart and a master at exposing a structure’s bones without desecrating its character, went to work opening up the double parlors to create one large, light-filled room for living and entertaining, incorporating a pair of Greek Revival mantels originally in other rooms in the house. Oddly, the most difficult challenge was replacing the cramped spiral staircase that led to the basement and the switchback stair that had been added to access the upstairs bedrooms. For this, Carbine went straight to the source and added back a gorgeous, classic staircase with custom spindles and newel posts in keeping with those of the period. Itching to add her signature modern touch, Fort wanted an open, all-white kitchen, which Carbine felt would be a departure from the renovation aesthetic in play. The magic happened when Carbine suggested a beautifully aged beam salvaged from the double parlors to top the kitchen island and exposed the original ceiling joists, providing the perfect counterpoint to Fort’s sleek white Nordic cabinets and zinc countertops. The addition of three French doors which open onto the back gallery fill the room with light and provide a lifeguard’s view of the country club-size pool. The new kitchen is the heart of the house and the comfortable flow from room to room invites the frequent dinner guest to pull up a stool and watch as Fort cooks up a feast. The Fort family lives there with three dogs, a cat, two guinea pigs (up for adoption) a backyard chicken coop and a fish. Says Fort, “As a decorator, I always feel there is so much left to do, but in creating your dream house, there always is.”

Top, left: Fort says the master bed was her attempt to take an ugly cypress bed and make it a “Gerrie” bed. The Louis Philippe commode and Empire chair were early purchases from Karla Katz Antiques. The painting is a coveted Auseklis Ozols oil sketch of a nautilus that was a gift from the painter to her husband’s mother. Top, right: The Lucite console has been the centerpiece of every one of Fort’s houses since she retrieved it from the barn where tastemakers Rodney and Frances Smith stored their castoffs. Bottom, left: The dining room table has three leaves and can seat ten when positioned in front of the custom banquette. In an incredible bit of collector’s serendipity, Fort sold the table to a customer in Houston while working for at Bremermann Designs. Years later she was amazed to discover it at New Orleans Auction just when she needed it most. The painting is by San Antonio artist Franco Mondini-Ruiz. Bottom, right: The daybed in Fort’s office is one of a pair purchased from Bush Antiques. The silk screen atop the painted bun foot dresser is by her brother William de Yampert and the envelope a gift from artist George Dunbar. This page: Fort says the white Eames chair in the master bedroom was an indulgence inspired by New Orleans design influencer Gerrie Bremermann, “who always added a tiny touch of modern to create tension in a classic room.”

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Top, left: Fort refers to the guest suite as “a room for everything leftover.” Its moss green walls and ethnic textiles hearken back to her early days as a collector. Top, right: Michael Carbine recreated the center-hall stair in keeping with the home’s classical elements. Bottom, right: Fort's son, Arthur, on the front steps with the family canines Princess, Jack and Leo. Facing page: The kitchen’s modern light fixture, high gloss cabinets and zinc countertops are Fort’s nod to modernism. Its antiques, open shelving and repurposed beam that serves as the large wooden island provide the traditional design counterpoint. The marble top table is one of the premier pieces in New Orleans Decorator Gerrie Bremermann’s select eponymous collection.

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design masters

As the tricentennial of New Orleans, 2018 is a banner year.

The history, milestones, landmarks, beauty, resilience and movers and shakers of New Orleans — past and present — are being celebrated everywhere you turn. Those highlighted in this year’s New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Design Masters have the extra cachet of being able to count themselves among the New Orleanians fêted during the tricentennial for the contributions they’ve made to the city. Furniture designer Lisa Rickert of Ave Home, interior designer Jennifer DiCerbo of The French Mix, architecture and design team Ian and Terri Dreyer Of NANO, lighting expert Laurie Little of Fischer-Gambino, architect Z Smith of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, real estate developer Jim MacPhaille of Louisiana Coastal Management, landscaping designer Niki Epstein of Niki Epstein Designs, linens designer Jane Scott Hodges of Leontine Linens, designers Kristine and Joey Flynn of Flynn Designs, and home goods designer Mandy Simpson of NOLA Boards continue New Orleans’ longstanding tradition of inimitable style and inspire generations to come. written by lee cutrone

photographed by sara essex bradley

master of green design

Z Smith Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

Tell us about your business. Eskew+Dumez+Ripple is an architecture and urban design practice recognized nationally for combining beauty and performance. We strive to design buildings and the spaces between buildings that make you smile with delight, but also provide comfort, promote health, and save energy and water. We practice across the country, but bring an approach to design rooted in place. We have a staff of about 50 drawn from Louisiana and from around the world committed to making the world better, one building at a time. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? The design work going on in the city now is a rich mix of restoration projects on historic structures, like our work on the restoration of the Orpheum Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and cutting-edge modernism, such as the New Orleans BioInnovation

365 Canal St. 561-8686 eskewdumezripple.com

Center. They link our rich culture and the jobs of the future. What is your dream project? Projects that draw from the best elements of our past, respond to climate, think about the needs of the people who will live and work in the project, use resources responsibly, learn from others and provide an example for others to learn from. All on a budget. How has your design evolved since you began your career? Design used to have no feedback loop. Today, we instrument our buildings and learn what worked, what didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, what we can do better next time. With people spending more than 90% of their day inside buildings, and buildings and urban design choices responsible for nearly half of all climate-changing emissions, the stakes and opportunities could not be higher. It is an exhilarating time to be a designer.

master of kitchens

Kristine and Joey Flynn Flynn Designs

Tell us about your business. We are a husband and wife team dedicated to guiding individuals in the process of comprehending their ideas and collaborating with them to create a home that is tailored to their personal style. This process involves both Joey and Kristine working together to create a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Having both an architect and designer work as a team to create the space ensures that no detail is left out. We work collectively with clients and contractors in office and on site to ensure complete satisfaction. Whether a small remodel or a full-service project, we strive to create a space that reflects each client’s unique personality. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? We absolutely love working in the New Orleans area. The eclectic mix of homes and styles allows us to explore

8903 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge 667-3837 flynndesignsnola.com

a variety of design styles. We pride ourselves on not having a set “style” and New Orleans allows us to make sure that no two houses look the same. Most regions are known for a specific look and we are so fortunate that we can keep our work fun with the variety. What is your dream project? Large scale renovations are our dream projects. We love breathing new life into old homes by incorporating new aspects and keeping the original flare. How has your design evolved since you began your career? We started out doing small scale projects and mainly decorating jobs. We have transformed into a firm capable of large scale new constructions, renovations, and project management. Building relationships with vendors and expanding our resources has allowed us to develop our portfolio. This gives our clients more confidence in our ability to transform their homes.

master of real estate development

Jim MacPhaille

382-9200 899-rent.com

Louisiana Coastal Management, LLC

Tell us about your business. We are a real estate development company that has purchased and renovated hundreds of apartments, commercial properties, and warehouses in New Orleans for over 25 years. We have also been buying, renovating, and building large homes Uptown as well as building new condominiums near or on Audubon Park and the river. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? The market is always evolving and it’s exciting to keep up with the changes. Most recently our eight condos at 111 Audubon sold out and we are starting our new project of 50 condos at 225 State Street across from Children’s Hospital. We’re also expanding our real estate ven-

tures into Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, because this authentic, charming Southern beach town has close ties to New Orleans. What is your dream project? I love bringing dilapidated properties back to life, like the old LaSalle School on Webster Street, a Victorian on Audubon Park, and several mansions on St Charles Avenue. My dream project is always to make a difference by restoring historic properties. Next on the agenda is an abandoned 1927 theater and 1900 elementary school in Bay St. Louis. How has your design evolved since you began your career? Our design has evolved from restoring single family homes to bigger developments that make a difference in communities.

master of textiles

Jane Scott Hodges Leontine Linens

Tell us about your business. Leontine Linens was founded over 20 years ago in my first home, the back bedroom of my shotgun cottage in New Orleans. As a new bride, I had been looking for heirloom quality monogrammed linens; I wanted my great-grandmother’s linens, but with a current sensibility focusing on color, scale and personality. Today, Leontine Linens’ showroom is on iconic Magazine Street and we work with both interior designers and individuals globally providing custom bed, bath and table linens. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans? There is inspiration everywhere in New Orleans. Walking the different neighborhoods and taking in the architecture, visiting our museums of both art and the historic house museums, and all of the artisans I am lucky to call friends - so many creative minds

3806 Magazine St. 899-7833 leontinelinens.com

fill our city – it is hard not to wake up excited every day. What is your dream project? Sounds cliché, but every project is a dream project. Leontine has the opportunity to travel the world and work in beautiful settings. We are the “icing on the cake,” the finishing touch that makes your home yours alone. It is always wonderful to be part of this dream. And, possibly decorating my own seaside cottage one day. How has your design evolved? I love the process of working with my clients, many of whom become friends. The joy in life is learning from one another. I have so many different influences in my life I feel quite blessed. My evolution in design has grown with my experiences.

master of home goods

Mandy Simpson NOLA BOARDS & New Orleans Woodworking

Tell us about your business. NOLA Boards designs wooden products for the kitchen, dining room, and home bar. We like to think of our products as functional art. Our focus is on incorporating innovative designs into our products, while using locally sourced woods. Currently countertops and butcher block islands have been our main focus and I am excited to be bringing our pieces to the local market. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? What excites me most is that there’s room for everyone. We have an influx of fresh ideas right now and the capacity to all work side by side. Making the city even better is a huge motivator for me and there’s such a positive energy here that I’m excited to see what’s on the horizon. What is your dream project? My dream project is to renovate my own kitchen. After

519 Wilkinson St. Suite 105 nolaboards.com neworleanswoodworking.com

seeing the results of the kitchens we’ve done lately, I’m inspired by the creativity of our clients’ ideas meshing with our own. We have an amazing team of craftsmen that I would love to build it out, but we keep them pretty busy building out the kitchens of New Orleans. How has your design evolved since you began your career? I began my career using a whole different medium, photography. The way I see things has always remained the same and still now with wood; like a photograph and already framed. Every single thing we make is different from each other because of the varying wood grains. I’ve designed our store as if you were walking through an art gallery and I want people to feel a sense of warmth when they walk in.

master of interior design

Jennifer DiCerbo The French Mix

Tell us about your business. We are a full-service design business specializing in mid- to high-end interiors. We have a 4000-square foot design showroom in charming Old Covington and a design team of seven. Our look is upscale, transitional, the “mix” of old and new pieces to create interest, chic, refined, elegant. Luxury is comfort. We are all about the customer experience and want the clients to love their home. My first question, when meeting a client, is “how do you want the space to feel?” It is about what they want and how they live. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans? When my clients want something different, when ordinary won’t do versus mass produced. What is your dream project? It can be an entire home or a few rooms, but I love custom because we are creating exactly what they want

228 Lee Lane, Covington 985-809-3152 frenchmixinteriors.com

to complement the space perfectly. Any dimensions, style, and finish can be sourced We have hundreds of fabrics, leathers and wood finishes to create a one-of-a-kind piece or to recreate a piece they were inspired by. All of our draperies and bedding are custom-made locally. We have hand-knotted silk and wool rugs from Nepal, original art and gorgeous lighting, everything to make the room beautiful that looks evolved never contrived. How has your design evolved? It’s evolved to custom and higher-end because I only want to offer clients quality. I want them to have something that their neighbor doesn’t walk in and say “oh I have that too.” We have the retail design showroom open, so they can purchase anything from the floor or set up a design consult with me. We text [and] talk all hours of the day until we find the piece that they love.

master of lighting

Laurie Little Fischer-Gambino

Tell us about your business. Fischer-Gambino is a premier retailer, located at 637 Royal Street for the last 35 years. It was founded by Patti Fischer, whose 45 years of retail experience has evolved into one of the most exclusive collections of lighting, furniture and decorative art in the southeast. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? The average consumer is incredibly informed and exposed to trends. The customer has a vision when they enter the shop. It’s up to us to both to wow them with items that are so cutting edge that they have not yet begun to imagine, and source items that fill their very specific vision. What is your dream project? Honestly, I feel like I am blessed to constantly be

637 Royal St. 888-524-9067 lightingneworleans.com

working my dream projects. We have an amazing clientele. When a client has great taste and the flexibility to accept my professional advice, the end results are always amazing. How has your design evolved since you began your career? I’ve been working with Patti both buying for the store and designing on projects since 1999. I laugh when we remember my first buying trip and I would say “that is so cool” and Patti would say “let’s go, that’s junk”....so I would say my most significant evolution was to learn to recognize quality and how the smallest details can make the difference in being true to your design or settling for something that “just works”.

master of furniture design

Lisa Rickert Ave Home

Tell us about your business. I’m the co-founder and CEO of two companies, Ave Home and Unfolded. Ave Home is a furniture company specializing in handcrafted, historically-inspired furniture. Unfolded is a paint distribution company that manages the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of chalk paint for the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Chalk paint is the easy way to paint your furniture, walls, floors, and accessories. With little to no prep, you can quickly transform your home and create a space that you love. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? I’m really excited about all of the artists and designers that live in New Orleans. They are a constant source of inspiration for me. I have met so many like-minded people over the last several years, and I love how encouraging and

To the Trade: 639 Julia St., 459-4909, avehome.com To the Public: onekingslane.com

supportive everyone is of each other. I guess you can attribute that to our southern charm. What is your dream project? My goodness, can I only have one? Impossible. I would love to design the interiors and furnishings for Oprah’s gorgeous mansion in California. I mean how fun would that be. I love her passion for creating a balanced and thoughtful life. I assume she is the same way about her home. How has your design evolved since you began your career? I have always been drawn to the French - from furniture, architecture, to fashion - there is a constant source of beauty that inspires me. My personal style used to be more French Chateau with a small infusion of French Provincial or rustic elements. I would say that I have a much heavier infusion of Parisian Art Deco into the mix these days.

master of architecture

Terri Hogan Dreyer and Ian Dreyer NANO llc

Tell us about your business. NANO LLC [was] started [in2001] by husband and wife team, Terri and Ian, both graduates of the Tulane School of Architecture. NANO opened with the philosophy of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Detail at Every Scale.â&#x20AC;? The first projects were primarily residential remodels, boutique commercial jobs and custom furniture. After Katrina, NANO decided to broaden its vision and is now designing multiple municipal, industrial, commercial and residential projects, but our philosophy remains the same. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans today? As a historic city, renowned for its architecture, the Crescent City has always been resistant to change; however, we are excited to see a growing acceptance of contemporary architectural projects. The resulting contrast between the historic and the innovative embodies the transformative

432 N. Anthony St., Suite 303 486-3272 nanollc.net

nature of our built environment and functional, scientific art form which is the profession of architecture. What is your dream project? A multimedia arts museum or performing arts center including interior arboretum and dining area, vocational school with communal center, K-12 schools, projects using 3-D printing technology, transportation centers and competitions with intense possibilities. How has your design evolved since you began your career? Sustainability was always a concern but has become increasingly important as both our natural resources become ever more limited, and climate change continues to threaten our way of life, especially here in southern, coastal Louisiana. As a result, we give ever more consideration to innovations in materials, mechanical systems and lighting and how they inform design.

master of landscaping

Niki Epstein Niki Epstein Designs

Tell Us about your business. I design exterior and interior green spaces, with an emphasis on creating one-of-a-kind planters for residential and commercial clients. I also offer interior plant styling and consulting so my clients can greenify their space, whatever the size. What excites you about the design world in New Orleans? I am pretty new to New Orleans, so everything excites me. I am amazed at the number of talented design individuals in a city this size. People are passionate about their homes and their gar-

429 Audubon Blvd. 773-330-4941 nikiepstein.com

dens and it inspires me. What is your dream project? My mission on any project is to bring nature into everyday spaces. If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still smiling at the end of a 12-hour day, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living my dream. How has your design evolved? I gain more plant knowledge every year and a better understanding of what will grow under certain conditions. Of course, I always listen to my client but if they have unrealistic expectations, I am more confident in offering solutions that will ensure their plantings thrive.

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

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WINNERS Best place to buy vintage or antique furniture: Dop Antiques Best place to buy modern or contemporary furniture: Villa Vici Best place to buy outdoor furniture: The Plant Gallery Best place to buy home decor: Eclectic Home Best place to buy art: Ashley Longshore Best place to buy window treatments: Wrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tontine Best place to buy lighting: Armstrongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best place to buy tile or stone: Stafford Tile and Stone Best place to buy flooring: Toca Flooring Best place for handmade woodwork: Goodwood NOLA Best place to buy cabinets: Mattix Cabinet Works Best shoring company: Orleans Shoring Best interior designer: Flynn Designs Best place to design your kitchen: Campbell Cabinet Company Best place for closet design/installation: California Closets Best restoration company: Zangara Partners Best landscaping company: Mullin Landscape Associates Best place for pool/patio design and installation: Paradise Pools and Spas Best place to buy gardening items: Urban Roots Garden Center Best outdoor fountains: Mullin Landscape Associates Best solar panel installation: PosiGen Best home builder/contractor/construction company: Entablature Best architect/architecture firm: NANO Best security company: Toca Alarm Service Inc. Best audio/music company: 1st Audio & Video Best fencing company: Arrow Fence Best hurricane preparation company: LAS Enterprises Best paint company: Helm Paint Best pest control company: H&M Termite and Pest Control Best window company: Renaissance Windows and Doors Best place to buy stained glass: Renaissance Windows and Doors Best place to buy animal supplies: Jefferson Feed Best demolition company: Demo Diva Best roofing company: Schwander Hutchinson Roofing Best gutters company: Audubon Gutters Best tree cutting service: Bayou Tree Service Best private chef or home catering: Palate New Orleans Best realty company: C. Kornman Realty Best plumbing installation: R L Falcon Plumbing Co. Inc.

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New Orleans Architecture Foundation home tour promotional section

Please join the New Orleans Architecture Foundation on Saturday, October 20th for a self-guided tour of seven stunning Uptown / Audubon area homes, where you will learn about the history and architectural significance of each. For tickets, please visit: noaf.org/ events/2018hometour

Photographed by Sara Essex Bradley

neworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

NOAF Home Tour promotional section

New Orleans Architecture Foundation 3rd ANNUAL HOME TOUR Saturday, October 20, 2018 | 10 am - 4 pm

in partnership with

Ticket Information

NOAF MISSION

PAY US A VISIT

Tickets provide entrance to 7 private homes and can be purchased in advance at noaf.org/events/2018hometour or the day of the tour at Audubon Lower Charter School at 428 Broadway Street, New Orleans, LA

The New Orleans Architecture Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of architecture and design through advocacy and education.

Our office is located in the Center for Architecture and Design which allows for lectures, exhibits and events for our organization, our partners and the public. Flexibility of the space allows us to provide higher visibility for architecture and design. We are proud to have a permanent home and a visible presence in the heart of New Orleans!

Prices Friends of NOAF: $15 each General Advance: $25 each On the Day of the Tour: $30 each

FRIENDS OF NOAF Becoming a Friend of NOAF gives you primary access to NOAF programs and events, while allowing us to continue expanding our reach and impact in our community. Find out more at noaf.org/friends

NOAF offers a comprehensive program of architecture tours, exhibitions and public lectures for the community to learn about and engage the incredible architecture of this city. We strive to play a larger role in New Orleans by partnering with community groups, universities and other valued partners, engaging them on pressing issues in architecture and the built environment.

PLANNING COMMITTEE Penny Francis, Eclectic Home Beth Jacob, Clio Associates Rebecca Schultz Lester Patrick Melancon, Melancon Ortega Designs Paula Peer, Trapolin Peer Architects Joel Pominville, New Orleans Architecture Foundation

THE 2018 NEW ORLEANS HOME TOUR IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY

To find out more information about our sponsors, please visit noaf.org/events/2018hometour 96

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NOAF Home Tour promotional section

2 Meredith and Stephen Morel 201 Audubon Street Though easily mistaken for a century-old home, this Neotraditional residence was constructed in 2018. Designed for Stephen and Meredith Morel, the home presented a unique challenge to architect Patrick Melancon, of Melancon Ortega Designs, due to its odd corner lot dimensions that are narrow along Magazine Street and long along Audubon Street. Inspired by historic New Orleans architecture, its classical exterior is complemented by a playful, transitional interior. The two-story Magazine faรงade is traditionally appointed with a raised center front door, flanking windows, and a secondfloor balcony. An Audubon Street entry tower highlights the pedestrian entrance. Subtle nautical features were included in detailing and sight lines capture the sweeping views of the Mississippi River. The residence features the interior design of Penny Francis, of Eclectic Home, and landscaping by Roussel Outdoors. Home still under construction, rendering by Melancon Ortega Designs

3 CeCe and Trevor Colhoun 221 Walnut Street The three-story residence of Cece and Trevor Colhoun was designed and constructed in 2006. Guests encounter the Neotraditional facade with Italianatestyle quoins via a verdant courtyard facing Walnut Street. Cohesive and textured, the interior design by Sara Ruffin Costello features a landscape mural in the foyer and layered wooden lattice work in the den. The home is complemented by original artwork, including that of Diego Rivera and Ashley Longshore, antique furnishings and rugs, and a mid-century table and chairs. Contemporary and traditional architectural and design details blend in the largely open first floor. The second floor hosts four bedrooms, including a striking master suite with a covered balcony overlooking Audubon park. Both Brian Sublet and Niki Epstein of Specialty Gardens have contributed landscape design services.

NOAF Home Tour promotional section

4 Caroline and Murray Calhoun 452 Audubon Street Constructed in 1918 under the design of architect Frank G. Churchill for Dr. and Mrs. Ray McLean Van Wart, this Colonial Revival later underwent a renovation by architect Myrlin McCullar in 1973, opening the kitchen by removal of pantry walls, updating the library, and combining two upstairs bedrooms to create a master suite. Features include a grand entrance, hardwood floors, wainscotting and raised panels, cypress paneling, and original interior trim and ceiling medallions. Owners Caroline and Murray Calhoun complement the design with artwork by George Dunbar, Patti Lapeyre, and Amanda Stone Talley. Centered with a majestic oak and flanked by fountains, the yard was originally designed by Landscape Images and is now maintained by Crescent City Horticultural Services and Eddie and Sue Sanchez.

5 Featured Home 479 Audubon Street Erected in 1902 under the ownership of cotton exporter Emile Dreuil, this two-story Neoclassical Revival is believed to have been originally designed by architect Francis J. MacDonnell. During the ‘30s, the home was often featured in the society pages of the Times-Picayune when owned by Dr. William D. Phillips and Mary G. Scott, who made at least two renovations with the help of architect Richard Koch. In 2017, the current owners enlisted Megan Bell Architecture to create a space which highlighted the city’s historic French influence while facilitating a light, casual, and welcoming atmosphere. The renovation created an open-concept back living area opening to the pool and yard through modern Hope’s Steel Doors and Windows. Family antiques complement contemporary art and furniture from the living area to the more formal and cosmetically upgraded front of the home.

NOAF Home Tour promotional section

6 Rebecca and Dan Lester 485 Audubon Street Constructed in the 1960s, this two-story, ranch style home was recently expanded to three stories by architect Patrick Melancon of Melancon Ortega Design. The 2018 renovation increased the residenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s square footage and number of bedrooms. The first and second floors were upgraded to modern standards and finishes while the exterior received a complete facelift in a transitional style but with traditional origins rooted in a Dutch Caribbean vernacular. The interior features design work by Penny Francis of Eclectic Home. Mullin Landscape Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approach to the landscaping included simplifying and then highlighting the existing features that anchor the garden. New plantings lend just enough green to soften the space and provide privacy. Home still under construction, rendering by Melancon Ortega Designs.

7 Leigh Ann Schell and McGready Richeson 7515 St. Charles Avenue More than a century old, this Neoclassical Revival residence served as a popular wedding venue from the 1950s through 1970s. In 2012, Leigh An Schell and McGready Richeson purchased the home and enlisted Melancon Ortega Design to provide architecture, interior design, and project management in a full renovation of the four-story main house, update to the two-story guest house, and pool addition. Updates included making the former dirt-floor basement completely habitable and adding a rear stair tower spanning four levels. A traditional portecochĂ¨re was added to widen the vista of the home and allow for covered parking. The art-focused design approach complements the beautiful millwork and honors the formalness of the front rooms with timeless furnishings, light fixtures and original artwork. Bolder creative liberties were taken in the added rooms.

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shop

Aeratis Porch Products

Tyson Construction

888/676-2683, 602/321-3644, chris.tidwell@aeratis.com, aeratis.com

P.O Box 10662, New Orleans, 504/905-1042, tysonhomes@aol.com Zach@Tyson-Construction.com

Demoran Custom Homes

Cameron Kitchen and Bath Designs

504/810-5346, 985/788-7857, demorancustomhomes.com

504/486-3759, 504/810-8055, joey@cameronkitchens.com, cameronkitchens.com

Campbell Cabinet Co.

Renaissance Doors

220 Hord St., Harahan, 504/733-4687, 4040 Highway 59, Mandeville, 985/892-7713, campbellcabinets.com

1000 Edwards Ave Suite B, Harahan, 504/344-6994, renaissancedoorsllc.com

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Haven Custom Furnishings

Ruffino Custom Closets

300 Jefferson Hwy #102, New Orleans, 504/304-2144, havencustomfurnishings.com

111 Campbell Blvd., Mandeville, 985/809-7623, ruffinocustomclosets.com

Select Stone

Vinyl Tech

733 Distributors Row, Suite B, Elmwood, 504/216-0110, selectstonellc.com

2849 Tifton St., Kenner, 504/220-2539, 504/469-7590, alex.vinyltech@gmail.com, vinyltechnola

Sleep Number

Eclectic Home, LLC

4852 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite a, Metairie, 504/443-4777, stores.sleepnumber.com/la/metairie/4852-veterans-memorial-blvd.html

8211 Oak St., New Orleans, 504/866-6654, eclectichome.net

shop

Flynn Designs

The Historic New Orleans Collection

8903 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 504/667-3837 Flynndesignsnola.com

533 Royal St., New Orleans, 504/598-7170, hnoc.org

Mullin Landscape Associatesâ&#x20AC;¨10356 River Road, St. Rose, 504/275-6617, mallorytusa@mullinlandscape.com, mullinlandscape.com

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Louisiana Custom Closets 13405 Seymour Meyer Suite 24, Covington, 985/871-0810, louisianacustomclosets.com

The Plant Gallery

Protocol Construction

9401 Airline Hwy, New Orleans, 504/488-8887, theplantgallery.com

4104 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, 504/218-5711, 885/218-5711, protocolconst.com

shop

Leonel’s Fine Upholstery and Furniture

Tuscan Stone Imports

2843 Piedmont St, Kenner, 504/469-0889, leonels.com

720 S Galvez St, New Orleans, 504/837-1511; 7150 Pecue Ln, Baton Rouge, 225/753-5870, tuscanstoneimports.com

Nordic Kitchens and Baths, Inc.

Floor & Décor

1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504/888-2300, nordickitchens.com

2801 Magazine St, Ste A,New Orleans, 504/891-3005 flooranddecor.com

Villa Vici 4112 Magazine St. New Orleans, 504/899-2931, villavici.com

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Susan Currie Design

Sutton House by Kelly Sutton

233 Walnut St, New Orleans, 504/237-6112, susancurriedesign.com

3937 Magazine St, New Orleans, 504/302-2547, kellysuttoninc.com

Ashley Hall Interiors

Entablature, LLC

832 Howard Ave, New Orleans, 504/524-0196, ashleyhallinteriors.com

Design-Build General Contractor entablature.com

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Stafford Tile & Stone 5234 Magazine St, New Orleans, 504/895-5000, staffordtile.com

Maria Barcelona Interiors, LLC 9501 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, 504/975-5098, mariabinteriors.com

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home renewal

Home Sweet Tiny Home These ecofriendly, minimalist’s dream houses aren’t for everyone If you watch home improvement channels like HGTV, then chances are you have seen tiny houses on shows such as “Tiny House Hunters.” These miniature homes can be as small as 60 square feet. In a materialistic world, the thought of discarding all but the essentials has its appeal. But is the reality of extreme downsizing worth it? Also, could it take off in the Crescent City? Robert Van Meter, a New Orleans realtor with Latter & Blum, sold a 496-square-foot house last year on Forstall Street in Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Village in the Lower 9th Ward for $107,000. Van Meter said the house’s size combined with its solar panels make for lower utility costs and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s a way for homeowners to become more environmentally friendly. For those who want to live a more mobile lifestyle, the tiny houses can also be towed from one city to another. This gives homeowners added flexibility in an era when more and more people hold remote work jobs. While these homes are gaining in popularity nationwide, the trend has not substantially materialized in New Orleans, said Greg Jeanfreau, a New Orleans realtor with Latter & Blum. Van Meter also agreed that the phenomenon is

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still rare in the Crescent City. “New Orleans is never really that in to jumping on national trends in my experience,” Jeanfreau said. Jeanfreau said that one of the cons to tiny houses is the fact that the most expensive components of home construction are plumbing, electrical, HVAC, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The costs will still be there, even with a tiny house. People looking to downsize can also do so without going so far as to live in a 60-500-square-foot home. For example, older couples concerned about things like climbing stairs and declining mobility can switch from a 2-story house to a 1-story house. A 2015 article on realtor.com noted that homes between 1,000- and 2,000-square-foot got the most views on the site, about 50 percent more than 2,000 to 3,000-square-foot homes. The same article also stated that 500 to 1,000-square-foot homes provided the best bargain per square foot. “Adding a room or two more doesn’t add that much more expense, but makes for a much more functional living space,” Jeanfreau said. Another concern for tiny houses in New Orleans would be blending in with the architecture in the city’s more historic neighborhoods. But Van Meter said that tiny houses can be built to match the style of a given neighborhood. A 400-square-foot shotgun cottage was built in the Irish Channel and is now listed on Airbnb (airbnb. com/rooms/369715). Van Meter added that even some of the city’s older homes have only two rooms. Van Meter said the tiny houses would likely have the best success if they were clustered in groups in a section of New Orleans with lots of available land, like the Lower 9th Ward or New Orleans East. While Van Meter thinks tiny houses could work well in New Orleans, he acknowledged that it is not a leap many people would be willing to take. Americans are used to having larger living spaces and compromises have to be made to live in a tiny house. For example, if you and your significant other have cherished furniture or other items, it will be a challenge to fit them all in such a space. If you like entertaining friends for dinner parties, that can also be difficult. “It’s not for everyone,” Van Meter said. “It’s not easy to do.” But Van Meter added that the people he has spoken to who have made the leap are happy with the results. “They [tiny house owners] realize that they don’t need all that stuff,” Van Meter said. – By Fritz Esker

cheryl gerber PHOTO

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INSPIRATION BOARD

Monochromatic ‘Roman’ wall mirror from Jade, jadenola.com

Timeless, chic statement pieces that can fold into any interior By Mirella Cameron

White lacquer chest with silver leaf link design on doors from Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net

Floral Movement Print No. 2 by Daymon Gardner, Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co

Curved back black rattan rocking chair from Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co

Hand-foiled finish “Rye” wallpaper in Pewter by Custhom of London from Spruce, sprucenola.com

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price mix

$64-$102

Double Dutch

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

Versatile and sturdy, dutch ovens are a kitchen staple worth the investment While many home cooks are hot on the

quick pressure cooking buzz (think Instant Pot’s almost instant success), a tried and true alternative slows things down with proven results. We’re talking the dutch oven. A good quality dutch oven will stand the test of time (and stovetops and ovens) and is humble, yet versatile. Dutch ovens have been a kitchen staple for both home cooks and chefs forever, and are marked by two crucial features that make them an essential tool. One, it must be sturdy, with a thick bottom and sides. This allows for long, slow braises without burning or sticking. Second, it must have a tight-fitting, oven-safe lid (and handle) so it can travel from cooktop to oven. The combination of structure, design and secure lid allows for a pot that can do almost any task, from deep frying, to braising, simmering stews and pots of red beans, even bread baking. We’ve chosen three stand-outs from the crowd as our favorites. With the right care and cleanup (always hand wash), these kitchen workhorses will last a lifetime. - By Ashley McLellan

+ Proper care and cleaning Enamelware scratches easily; scrub gently outside and in with a sturdy pad (never steel wool!). For tough bits, try an overnight soak in a hot bubble bath in the kitchen sink. Cast iron should be cleaned with hot water and a firm pad. Never soak for any length of time in water, as it promotes rust. Dry completely with a soft cloth and re-season with a dab of vegetable oil and a paper towel. Stainless should be cleaned with hot water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend. Never soak, as it can cause deformities in the smooth surface.

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$340-$380

All-Clad stainless 5.5 quart All-Clad, a reliable leader in cookware of all types, has a unique spin on the classic dutch oven with their stainless steel “cocotte” version. With its rounded bottom and domed lid, this version is specially designed to hold in heat and moisture for maximum one-pot meal-ease.

$200 to $300

Le Creuset 5.5-7.25 quart Many home cooks collect Le Creuset not only for their superior product, but for the wide variety of styles and colors. The leader in enameled cast iron cookware, their dutch oven requires no seasoning or preparation and has a smooth finish that “promotes caramelization,” resists staining and prevents sticking to make cleanup easy,” according to their manifesto. And did we mention color? This version of the classic dutch oven is available in 17 colors (!), from Flame orange to Marseille blue, Oyster gray, Palm green and more.

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ASK THE EXPERTS

Graci Interiors, LLC

buy like a pro Using an industry insider’s eye, knowledge and experience to make home décor purchases

The new floors are down, and the walls are finally

painted. The curtains are hung, and so are the light fixtures. As the furniture makes its way into the room, new questions arise. There’s empty wall space now where a tall, flimsy bookshelf once stood. Perhaps there’s empty floor space where the outdated coffee table once held a few magazines. When it’s time to fill new or newly renovated spaces with art and furnishings, many homeowners are intimidated by the task of shopping for the items that help define a room. Unless you grew up surrounded by original works of art and antique items, your exposure to fine art and antique furniture is likely limited to the valued pieces your family has passed down over time. Whether shopping for themselves or shopping for clients, experts in design, architecture, art and antiques are informed by their careers and the knowledge that accompanies their experience. This season, we’ve asked a number of local experts for buying tips that will help readers assess their own needs and avoid buyer’s remorse when investing in the items that reflect their style and expression.

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“When I learned how to look at and evaluate objects in grad school, we studied Charles Montgomery’s ‘14 points of connoisseurship.’ I love that the first step of evaluating a piece of art or an antique is subjective: ‘Does it sing to you?’” says Lydia Blackmore, Decorative Arts Curator at The Historic New Orleans Collection. “After that, you should learn what it is made of, what were the techniques of its construction, how old it is, and how it fits into the continuum of style and art history,” she says. After deciphering these details, she recommends finding out (if possible) its provenance: details on the original owner, subsequent owners, and how it ended up for sale. Finding a piece that “sings to you” and, in the words of Marie Kondo, organizing guru and minimalist, “sparks joy” should be the first step in your shopping adventure, whether it be in stores or galleries, online or at auction. When Mason Ros Design Principal Kristen Mason Klamer has a need to fill, it’s always fresh on her mind. Whether she’s walking around town or scrolling through a blog or Instagram feed, Klamer knows she’ll know it when she sees it — the

theresa cassagne PHOTO

moment it sings. She follows the online presence of artists, photographers and architects, always seeking inspiration for her design work while also happening upon the occasional personal need. She recently reached out to a photographer on Instagram about purchasing a photo for her home and was able to procure a piece she loved without breaking the bank. “Usually I just feel so connected to something — I don’t want to live without it. For me, it’s more spontaneous and less about research. Of course, professionally, it’s a different story.” The same rings true for antique furniture, and fortunately for Kelly Sutton, Owner of Kelly Sutton Design and Sutton House, she was able to learn a lot about antiques from her mother, who owns Lafayette Antique Market in Lafayette. From various markings to construction types, the details all tell a story. But for Sutton personally, shopping is more about a gut feeling than a brand or price. “I love finding a bargain, and I love finding a piece that can be re-done from a hole-in-the-wall flea market. I typically look for quality details — marble tops or beautiful burl veneers or veneers that have been book matched — details that make a statement piece,” she says. While some homeowners are excited to hit the town or search the web, others just don’t enjoy the hunt. Interior designers can of course help with acquiring new or new-to-you art and furniture. “Our search begins with a quick assessment of the art the client currently owns,” says Maria Barcelona, Owner of Maria Barcelona Interiors. “This gives us some knowledge as to their likes and dislikes as well as budget guidelines. This is the time to determine whether the client is looking for an investment piece of fine art versus something pretty that fills the space and goes with the room design,” she says. According to our experts, the number one reason for buyer’s remorse comes in poor planning. Taking measurements are a crucial step in filling a space, whether two-dimensional or three-dimensional. “Always check the dimensions first,” emphasizes Chad Graci, Owner and lead designer at Graci Interiors, LLC. “When you can, see the piece in person. Online, items can seem larger or smaller than in real life. You don’t want to get stuck with something — expensive or not — that doesn’t work.” Good designers make a priority of getting to know the style preferences of their clients, and a great designer knows how to build trust and take worthwhile risks that might push the limits of a client’s comfort zone. Graci remembers a rewarding instance when he encouraged a client who tended to prefer light, bright accessories and art to consider a grand, framed 18th-century Flemish tapestry as the anchor for her dining room over a painted Swedish enfilade. “I was so nervous afterwards, but at the install it truly made the room,” he says. Homeowners who do choose to embark on the hunt themselves can find a wealth of information on the internet. Penny Francis, Principal Designer at Eclectic Home, suggests doing your homework. “Sites like Ebay, Etsy and auction sites have information about pieces and what the condition and price are as well as what pieces have sold in the past,” says Francis. “Condition plays a big part in the value, so look at as many resources as you can find.” Auctions are another fun way to hunt for antiques, and Francis recommends attending the preview parties to take a close look at the items beforehand. “They have amazing photography and details in their auction catalogs; however, nothing beats seeing it in person,” she says. If you can’t attend the preview party, Francis suggests requesting condineworleanshomes&lifestyles.com

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tion reports for the items you are interested in bidding on. She also brings up another cause of buyer’s remorse: being more excited by the deal than the piece itself. Just because you acquired an item at a steal doesn’t mean it will work in the home or bring you the joy you’d sought. When it comes to antiques, Terri Goldsmith, Owner of Maison de Provence, advises using the internet as a sourcing tool but then actually buying locally. “In today’s culture of one click purchasing, everyone should be extremely wary of buying online. Although it is an efficient way to source availability and pricing of items, images alone will not provide sufficient information for the investment that antique furnishings require,” she says. When considering a piece in person, Goldsmith examines the exterior aspects, type of wood or main material of the item, and construction techniques such as original nails or specific woodworking to help determine age, style, and authenticity. If abroad, she then considers the current currency conversion rates, insurance and shipping costs, and moving costs all while negotiating. “Often I have a price in mind before indicating my interest in a piece,” she says. Vikki Leftwich, Interior Designer and Owner of Villa Vici, also loves buying local and appreciates the vast market of antiques you can find in New Orleans. “I like to touch and feel antiques and New Orleans’ antique dealers have an incredible inventory of one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says. Leftwich keeps a running wish list for both clients and herself saved on

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her iPhone with measurements included. That way, when something “sings,” she knows she’ll have the perfect spot for it. When buying online, she echoes similar concerns as Goldsmith. “Reading the fine print is also important to determine if exchanges or returns are possible. It is always helpful if the vendor has their own shipper and be sure all purchases are insured for the full value of the piece you are purchasing,” she says. Leftwich also brings up another cause of buyer’s remorse — perhaps not yours but your significant other’s. She stresses the importance of both partners loving a piece. Otherwise, she says, your purchase may end up in a closet or on a donation list. At Renaissance Interiors, co-owner Larry Mann has seen thousands of pieces come and go from his high-end consignment shop full of home décor and furnishings. Mann’s biggest pieces of advice are to avoid surprises and to be patient. Measure and personally examine the piece if possible, and always consider the nature of the space where the item will eventually be placed. Do everything you can to envision the item in the space so that when the item shows up, you’re not disappointed by any aspects of it. Also, according to Mann, perhaps the best things in life come to those who wait. “We find the best success stories are from our customers who are diligent in their pursuit of a particular piece and are willing to wait it out to find just the right item,” he says. Mann frequently tells customers not to settle. “Those who wait are often rewarded with something they just absolutely love,” he says. - By Kelcy Wilburn

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ad ver tising direc tor y Aeratis Porch Products Purchased in any lumber yard Nation Wide Local Representative 888/676-2683 request@aeratis.com aeratis.com Ashley Hall Interiors Ltd 832 Howard Ave, New Orleans 504/524-0196 ashleyhallinteriors.com Bruce Jr. Construction, LLC 504/415-1315 Cameron Kitchen & Bath Designs Inc. 8019 Palm St., New Orleans 504/486-3759 cameronkitchens.com Campbell Cabinet Co. 220 Hord St., Harahan 504/733-4687 4040 Hwy. 59, Mandeville 985/892-7713 campbellcabinets.com Demoran Custom Homes 504/810-5346 985/788-7857 demorancustomhomes.com Donna Bianchini-Tully Exclusive Sales Agent Allstate Insurance Company 504/828-5578, donnatully@ allstate.com Eclectic Home 8211 Oak St., New Orleans 504/866-6654 eclectichome.net Entablature, LLC 8438 Oak St. Suite C, New Orleans 504/322-3822 entablature.com Entablature Realty, LLC 8438 Oak St., Suite C New Orleans 504/327-5868 entablature-realty.com Exterior Designs, Inc 2903 Octavia St., New Orleans 504/866-0276 exteriordesignsbev.com

Floor & Décor Design Gallery 2801 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/891-3005 4 Westside Shopping Center, Gretna 504/361-0501 flooranddecorneworleans.com Floor Coverings International Northshore NOLA 985/551-1179 northshorenola.floorcoveringsinternational.com Flynn Designs 8903 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge 504/667-3837 flynndesignsnola.com Gallery Two New Orleans 831 Royal St., New Orleans 50/513-8312 gallerytwonola.com Graci Interiors, LLC. 902 Jefferson Ave., Suite 3, New Orleans 504/452-0052 graciinteriors.com GoodWood Nola goodwoodnola.com Haven Custom Furnishings 300 Jefferson Hwy #102, New Orleans 504/304-2144 havencustomfurnishings.com INHAB Design+Build 1222 Annunciation St, New Orleans 504/232-1934 inhabgroup.com Home Bank 1600 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504/834-1190 Lambeth House 150 Broadway, New Orleans 504/865-1960 lambethhouse.com Landscape Images 655 Central Ave., New Orleans 504/734-8380 landscapeimagesltd.com Leonel’s Fine Upholstery 2843 Piedmont St., Kenner 504/469-0889 leonels.com

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Louisiana Custom Closets 13405 Seymour Meyer Blvd. #24, Covington 985/871-0810 louisianacustomclosets.com Maria Barcelona Interiors, LLC 9501 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge 504/975-5098 mariabinteriors.com Maison De Provence 3434 Magazine St, New Orleans, 504/895-2301 maisondeprovence.com

Paradise Pools & Spas, Inc. 4221 Division St., Metairie 504/888-0505 paradisepoolsandspasla.com Poydras Home 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/897-0535 poydrashome.com Protocol Construction 4104 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans 504/218-5711, 885/218-5711 protocolconst.com

Mark Schroeder AIA 504/581-1100 markschroederarchitect. comchitect AIA

Renaissance Doors 1000 Edwards Ave., Harahan 504/344-6994 renaissancedoors @gmail.com renaissancedoorsllc.com

MASON·RŌS architecture 504/250-8407 info@masonros.com masonros.com

Renaissance Interiors 2727 Edenborn Ave, Metairie 504/454-3320 yourrenaissance.com

Mattix Cabinet Works 415 N. Solomon St., New Orleans 504/486-7218 mattixcabinet.com

Ruffino Custom Closets 110 Campbell Ave., Mandeville 985/809-7623 ruffinocustomclosets.com

Mullin Landscape Associates LLC 10356 River Rd., St. Rose 504/275-6617 mullinlandscape.com

Russell’s Cleaning Services 3401 Tulane Ave., New Orleans 504/482-3153 3704 Robertson St., Metairie 504/832-1546 russellcleaning.org

NANO LLC 432 N. Anthony St., Suite 303, New Orleans 504/486-3272 nanollc.net Nathalie Dubois Realtor/Developer Berkshire HathawayHomeServices Preferred, REALTORS 4018 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/610-0679, 504/799-1702 ndubois.com Nordic Kitchens & Baths Inc. 1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504/888-2300 nordickitchens.com

Sanderson Services, LLC 16 Veterans Blvd., Kenner 504/626-0095 sandersonservices.com

Stafford Tile & Stone 5234 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/895-5000 4273 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge 225/925-1233 staffordtile.com Susan Currie Designs, LLC 233 Walnut St., New Orleans 504/237-6112 susancurriedesign.com Sutton House by Kelly Sutton 3937 Magazine St, New Orleans 504/302-2547 kellysuttoninc.com The Historic New Orleans Collection 533 Royal St., New Orleans 504/523-4662 hnoc.org The Plant Gallery - TPG 9401 Airline Hwy, New Orleans 504/488-8887 theplantgallery.com Tuscan Stone Imports 720 S. Galvez St., New Orleans 504/837-1511 7150 Pecue Lane, Baton Rouge 225/753-5870 tuscanstoneimports.com Tyson Construction New Orleans 504/905-1042 zach@tyson-construction. com

Select Stone, LLC 733 Distributors Row, Suite B, Elmwood 504/216-0110 7050 Exchequer Dr., Baton Rouge 225/756-2274 1024 Forum Rd., Broussard 337/608-9184 selectstonellc.com

Villa Vici 2930 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/899-2931 villavici-furniture.com

Sleep Number 4852 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Ste A, Metairie 504/443-4777 stores.sleepnumber.com/la/ metairie/4852-veterans-memorial-blvd.html

Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design 1533 Prytania St., New Orleans 504/525-7409 wrenstontine.com •

Vinyltech 2849 Tifton St., Kenner 504/220-2539, 504/469-7590 alex.vinyltech@gmail.com

last indulgence

Sugar and Spice Ditch the pumpkin spiced latte this autumn in favor of decadent Mexican hot chocolate

The first time I had Mexican hot chocolate, was at

a coffee house in Austin, Texas. The concoction was slightly grainy, but still creamy. Rich and complex, it ruined me for traditional hot chocolate. Its combination of bittersweet chocolate and a hint of spice transform simple hot chocolate into something much more sophisticated. The Aztecs and Maya are known as the creators of the drink and used it communally for celebrations and other gatherings. This spirit of sharing makes an already delectable treat, even better. One of the keys to the beverage is using a small wooden whisk, or molinillo, to whip it into a froth. If you can stand to whisk for

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10 minutes, you’ll be rewarded for your labor. When I make it at home, I use a tweaked version of an Ina Garten recipe. Combine 2 cups of heated whole milk, 1 ½ teaspoons of light brown sugar, 4½ ounces of bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or Aztec chocolate, for which you would omit the sugar, cinnamon and cayenne), ½ teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper. Get to frothing until the chocolate is melted and the beverage morphs into a foamy and creamy perfection before your eyes. You may want to reheat it a touch before serving. Pairs well with a friend and conversation. – By Melanie Warner Spencer