An historic French Quarter Townhouse gets a punchy makeover

Four Finger Press. Over the bed in the master, the piece reads: “Le Bon Temps.”

Another quirky thing about the Farouki residence is, because of the home’s narrow shape, it posed a conundrum for the structural engineer, Batture. Typically, an engineer would use shear walls for stability, but that’s not what the couple wanted. Top left image: Upstairs, the

“We wanted to avoid shear walls upstairs, beairy and bright living space includes a Sobu coffee table, a cause we wanted the space to be wide open,” Sabri handmade Moroccan rug by said. “The alternative was to do a steel structure. Muima, Barnaby Lane lounge It’s double duty: it provides structural stability and chairs, and custom shelving. Top right image and bottom divides the space with a unique and natural mate- image: The Faroukis opted rial. We could have hidden the steel columns and for Allied Maker sconces for beams in drywall, but we chose to expose them.” both their entry and master bathrooms. The powder room The steel frame lends the home an industrial, loft- wallpaper is by Juju Papers. like feel, atypical of New Orleans residential archi- A flourish of greenery makes tecture. the otherwise neutral tones of the powder room pop. Facing

Because the Faroukis have been at this game page: The design-duo and for a long time, there weren’t many surprises when homeowners opted to put their building their new home. living room on the second floor of their contemporary home,

Except one. in order to flood the room

“On the second floor, facing away from the with natural light. The flooring street, there was a lovely surprise,” Sabri said. “We is Golvabia-engineered wide plank, white oak. discovered there are beautiful trees in our neighbor’s backyard. All you see are gorgeous viburnum, oak, and palm. Now we’re living in our very own treehouse.”

Color Me Beautiful

AN HISTORIC FRENCH QUARTER TOWNHOUSE GETS A PUNCHY MAKEOVER

BY MISTY MILIOTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

H

istoric Creole architecture and original materials provided an interesting backdrop for what would become a festive retreat for Dallas-based homeowners Karen and Steven Boulware. The couple, who purchased the French Quarter townhouse on Governor Nicholls as a second home, wanted a place where they could entertain, and, of course, a balcony from which to people-watch with cocktail in hand. When they first found the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath townhome in late 2018, they immediately were drawn to its New Orleans character.

“We fell in love with the balcony overlooking Governor Nicholls and the fig ivy covering the yellow exterior,” Karen says. “People on the street often take pictures of the house. We love the cypress wood cabinets in the kitchen and the tiny courtyard separating the main house from the back house. We also love the location. It is somehow close to the action of the French Quarter, but also quiet.”

The Boulwares, who met on a St. Patrick’s Day parade float in Baton Rouge (and who now have three children), enlisted Chad Graci, owner of Graci Interiors, to bring the 2,572-square-foot space to life. “We were tasked with making the home a fun, glamorous party pad for [the homeowners] when they were in town,” Graci says. “The scope of work included all furnishings, fixtures and finishes, along with redoing a bathroom and converting the former servants’ quarters into a bar reminiscent of an old New Orleans restaurant and a guest suite above.”

The historic architecture presented challenges in the way of dusting from the bricks due to moisture issues coming from the exterior. Graci first approached the project by working with a local mason to repoint and repair the original brick walls. Graci also had the original flooring, wood and plaster restored. He also kept the counters low-key, and added soapstone and Carrara marble throughout.

When it comes to interior design, Graci describes his aesthetic as an informed mix of periods and styles resulting in a classic, timeless and usable look. He typically starts with furniture and lighting, and then builds a project from the floor up. For the Boulwares’ townhome, Graci kept the framework soft and used punchy jewel tones throughout. “I really drew inspiration from the vibe that the clients wanted and the husband’s request for an Old World bar,” he says. “This led me to the punches of rich colors and quirky finds to shake up the Creole architecture of the place.”

Previous page: Interior designer Chad Graci envisioned an eclectic mix of furnishings mixed with New Orleans glamour for the parlor of this French Quarter townhouse. The wooden beaded chandelier from Karla Katz Antiques is a standout piece, as is an Italian starburst mirror from Crown and Colony Antiques. Facing page, top: In order to elevate the existing architecture and brighten up the space, Graci layered color and texture in the entry hall. A vintage Turkish oushak rug graces the original brick flooring, and an original belle époque mirror found within the home reflects light from the custom light pendant from Mac Maison. Bottom: The garnet-colored Athena sofa in Schumacher Sophia Velvet adds a pop of color to the parlor. Above: Shelving in the study features GSD Japan Quiver wallpaper that acts as a backdrop for the homeowner’s personal objects. The Hickory Chair Lady chairs with Hickory Chair pink linen velvet pillows provide a quiet respite.