New Orleans Homes Summer 2023

FEATURES

Enchanting

local interior design project integrates nature and a bit of NOLA soul to create a vacation home that’s tranquil and comfortable 50

Beat the Heat

It’s the time of year when the only acceptable outdoor activities are watering the garden in the morning or going for snoballs or ice cream. Otherwise, it’s time to cultivate a list of indoor activites until sometime in September or October. For me, this means deep cleaning (because no one wants to be indoors during a New Orleans spring) and otherwise freshening up our interior and creating meals that are lowto-no-cook. Tomato sandwiches, anyone? The rest of the time, I take advantage of the myriad indoor activities that New Orleans has to offer.

Afternoons spent wandering through the galleries at the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, The Historic New Orleans Collection and The Helis Foundation John Scott Center are at the top of my personal list, as well as popping into the galleries on Julia and Magazine streets.

When those activities are exhausted it’s time to flee to the beach or mountains! In this issue’s “Get Organized” column, Rebecca Friedman has rounded up a host of travel gear to get you to and from your destination with style and grace.

For those times when you are home this season, we have a host of hot tips from New Orleans-based event and wedding planner Fresh Johnson in “Bright Ideas” and bright, poppy goods for infusing a little (or a lot) of summer style into your tablescapes.

As always, more is more so keep reading for everything you need to have the best summer yet, despite the heat. Cheers!

EDITORIAL

Editor Melanie Warner Spencer

Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo

Associate Editor Ashley McLellan

Style Editor Andy Myer

Web Editor Kelly Massicot

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

Copy Editor Liz Clearman

ADVERTISING

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com

Account Director Meggie Schmidt

Senior Account Executives Erin Chiartano, Brooke Genusa, Rachel Webber

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING

PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui

Senior Designer Meghan Rooney

Designer Ashley Pemberton

CIRCULATION

Subscriptions Jessica Armand

Distribution John Holzer

ADMINISTRATION

Office Manager Mallary Wolfe

Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

P.S. Be sure to check out the Twilight at Longue Vue concert series, taking place every other Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. this summer at Longue Vue House and Gardens. Guests are allowed to bring drinks, snacks and picnic seating. The series of casual, open-air showcases for local musicians and performers includes Colgate Collective June 21, Sean Hobbes + The Hi Res July 5, The High Standards July 19, the Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band Aug. 2 and the Extended Trio Aug. 16. 7 Bamboo Road, longuevue.com — Misty Milioto

Haute Design

Sunday Shop released a new collection of furniture, dubbed Sunday (work) Shop, locally designed by co-founders Katie Logan Leblanc and Jensen Killen. Each of the 13 pieces in the collection are customizable in both size and finish. Inspired pieces include the Euclid Coffee Table, featuring angular legs and natural wood grain, and the Themis Nine Drawer Dresser, featuring pill-shaped inset pulls on large, uniform drawers. 2025 Magazine St., sundayshop.co — COMPILED BY MISTY MILIOTO

A Fashionable Stay

Rubensteins, the nearly century-old men’s clothing store on the corner of Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, is renovating the upper floors of five historic buildings into a 40-room boutique hotel. The Rubenstein Hotel is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year with an opening in early 2024. MCC Real Estate will operate the property under the flag of its J Collection of hotels. 102 St. Charles Ave., rubensteinsneworleans.com

The Suite Life

The Windsor Court has unveiled its reimagined James J. Coleman, Jr. Presidential Suite after a $2 million renovation. With an updated floor plan of 2,800 square feet, the two-bedroom suite blends a New Orleans aesthetic with the hotel’s classic old-world charm and British identity. Locally based interior design firm Vesta Fort Interiors found inspiration for the space in the original hotel’s developer, for whom the suite is named. A businessman and philanthropist, Coleman brought English designs with influences from East Asia to The Windsor Court. Located on the 22nd floor, the presidential suite features an open floor plan, a kitchen and bar, a library with game table and built-in bookcase, a gym, a gas fireplace, a custom-designed dining room table by Dop Antiques, a tortoise coffee table by Kathy Slater, Turkish leopard print pillows by Billy Baldwin Studio, custom lighting by Julie Neill Designs and lamps by Fifi Laughlin, marble-accentuated bathrooms with steam showers, local art, and a tiered patio and balcony with an English-style garden designed by Dunn & Sonnier. 300 Gravier St., 800, windsorcourthotel.com

Burgeoning Neighborhood Architecture firm, CICADA, and general contractor, Perrier Esquerré Contractors, completed the historic mixeduse redevelopment at 1733 Constantinople Street. Originally built as a theater in 1917, the Uptown destination is now home to four commercial tenants on the ground floor: DEVENEY (a full-service marketing firm); Zee’s Pizzeria; Lucy Boone Ice Cream; and Sol Cura (a salon and spa). The property also has four residential apartment units on the second floor.

Poydras Street Expansion Project

Brechtel Hospitality is expanding its Poydras Street Property brands, Copper Vine Winepub and Vintage Rock Club. Copper Vine will evolve into Copper Vine Winepub & Inn, a bed-and-breakfast concept with 11 rooms, plus an expanded dining area that includes four new dining rooms and two new kitchens. Meanwhile, Vintage Rock Club will double in size with the addition of a second bar, video wall and additional dance floor. The venue will feature new performance lighting with an expanded VIP area, and a new lounge and restroom area. Brechtel Hospitality also is building a 6,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor rooftop venue with a full kitchen and private elevator entrance on Rampart Street. Studio West Design and Architecture is leading the architecture and interior design of the Poydras Street Expansion Project, while Impetus is serving as the general contractor. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of this year. 1001 Poydras St., coppervine.com; 1007 Poydras St., vintagerockclub.com

Family Affair

For brother-sister design duo, Patrick Melancon and Monica Melancon Ortega of MOD Architecture and Interiors, style runs in the DNA

1 Local Color

The abundance of local artistic talent is impressive given that we are a relatively small city. Works by Gretchen Howard, Amanda Talley and Kevin Gillentine are among our favorites thanks to their rich colors, forms and textures. Kevin Gillentine, kevingillentine.com.

2 Marvelous Materials

When installed on unexpected surfaces, grass cloth, tile, copper, and parquet wood patterns can take a room to a whole other level. Attenhofer Glass, Stafford Tile and Vision Wood create amazing applications locally. Vision Wood, visionwood.com.

3 Shine On Pendants, sconces and lanterns are like jewelry for the home that completes an interior ensemble. The flickering accents of the gas-powered flames of Bevolo’s ‘Governor’ wall sconce and ‘French Quarter Yoke’ are appropriate in variety of contexts.

PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

Pack Your Bags

Luggage solutions for home and away

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

BY REBECCA FRIEDMAN

Petite pack

For a carry-on or overnight bag, Tchoup Industries’ stylish Roulez packs are made with an eye to ecofriendly, locally sourced materials.

Light as a feather

Innovations in luggage materials have given us hard-sided bags much lighter than their plastic predecessors, with polycarbonate construction that offers durability without weight. Tumi makes a chic hard-sided option.

Packing cubes

If you’ve never used cubes, they can be a highly effective way to maximize suitcase space and keep items separated, organized, and clean while traveling. Designate a cube for dirty laundry and use others to sort everything from socks to shoes to toiletries. Gonex offers an excellent set.

Fabric with force

If you prefer a softsided bag, find one with fortitude like this durable spinner from Briggs & Riley.

Ride-on, right on

Anyone who’s schlepped strollers or tired toddlers through an airport might appreciate the joys of ride-on luggage, like the playful models from Trunki. These combine fun forms with functional packing space to reduce the hassle of family travel.

Arlyn Jimenez

LOVE

OF A WOMAN BROUGHT ARTIST Arlyn

Jiminez (@buloyasanchez) to New Orleans in 2009.

Since then, the “magic” of New Orleans and its kinship to Jiminez’s native Dominican Republic have kept the artist engaged in creating sculpture mining the rich culture around him.

“The buildings and the architecture look like the city I’m from, Puerto Plata,” says Jiminez, who instantly recognized the similarities. “We have almost the same history of the Spanish and French, slavery and sugar.”

Jiminez studied at Casa Chavón in Santo Domingo and began working with found metal at age 14, turning discarded remnants, often found on the street and at junkyards, into objects of beauty.

“We had a lot of metal shops that worked with recycled metals and converted them into functional art — tables, lights, bookshelves,” says Jiminez, who often finds direction during the artistic process in the material itself. “It’s the way you work with it and the way it looks.”

Once in New Orleans, Jiminez connected with local metal artists and today shares an Irish Channel workshop with three others. His sculpture ranges from geometric, primary-colored pieces to organically-shaped works with natural finishes. His Minimalist series, created during the pandemic, combines metal rods and colored wooden balls and suggests the 20th-century works of Alexander Calder. His Caribbean Palm Project series is made up of bright yellow, blue or red “palms” inspired by his

homeland. Each consists of petal shapes in a propeller-like configuration that captures movement despite being stationary. The more organic works include circular wooden forms with textured surfaces, the largest of which is on display at Ochsner-Baptist.

Jiminez’s current series entitled “Balance and Movement” — like much of his sculpture — explores relationships of balance, movement and direction. The straight lines and sharply changing directions have an airborne quality. They soar like aerodynamic string games. Other works done through the years evoke musical instruments, skyscrapers and abstract figural forms.

Today Jiminez works with plastic, concrete and wood in addition to metal and is interested in doing more large-scale commissions for public display. He also designs and fabricates furniture and does performance art. His works have been exhibited in New York, Florida, Dominican Republic, New Orleans, Telluride, Colorado and Panama City and are owned by both commercial establishments and private owners. One of his large pieces, a multi-directional assemblage of red fan blade-like contours entitled “No Noise” can be seen in the front yard of a Lakefront residence, and the metal bike rack at Lilette is his as well. `

“In the middle of the night, I’m recording ideas in my phone,” he says. “My brain is always thinking about doing something different every day.”

LEE CUTRONE

Garden Variety

Made from a mix of garden-fresh herbs, Chef Michael Stolzfous’ vinaigrette puts a tangy twist on a summertime salad.

Napa Cabbage Salad with Mint and Herb Vinaigrette

Serves 4 to 6

1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves

¾ cup lightly packed fresh basil, tarragon and parsley or a combination

¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 egg

¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or sunflower seed

¾ cup olive oil

kosher salt and black pepper to taste

8 cups chopped Napa cabbage or romaine

freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

1. Combine the herbs; add half of mix to a high-speed blender or food processor along with rice vinegar and egg. Purée until smooth.

2. With machine on low speed, slowly drizzle in oils until the dressing is creamy. Taste and season with salt, about 1 teaspoon to start and more as needed. You will have more dressing than you need; refrigerate leftovers in a jar for up to 5 days.

3. Add 2/3 cup dressing to bottom of a mixing bowl. Tear remaining herbs into bowl and top with the Napa cabbage. Use tongs to gently dress salad and season with salt (about ½ teaspoon at a time) and a little pepper. Taste and add more dressing as needed; the kind of greens you’re using and how hardy they are will dictate how much dressing you need.

4. Serve salad in individual bowls or in a larger, family-style bowl. With a microplane zester, grate a healthy amount of Parmesan over the top to finish.

Chef Michael Stoltzfus never imagined a culinary career until his mother opened a bakery and enlisted his help in the kitchen. After hours, he would study cookbooks and concoct recipes in his own kitchen thus marking the start of his culinary adventure. He moved to New Orleans from his home state of Maryland and began working at Restaurant August where he quickly became sous chef. From there, he went out on his own and opened Coquette in the Garden District. He has been named a James Beard “Best Chef: South” finalist for the past two years and his inspired cooking has earned his restaurant numerous accolades.

About Chef Michael Stoltzfus

Okra

A necessary ingredient for gumbo, okra can be grown between March and August in New Orleans

BY MISTY MILIOTO

1

Appearance

Okra plants have small erect stems that can be bristled or hairless. The heartshaped leaves have five to seven lobes, and the plant produces flowers with five white to yellow petals. The seed pods can grow up to 10 inches long, however, it is the young, immature pods that should be harvested. Okra can grow 4 to 6 feet tall. An annual plant, okra only lives for one growing season.

2 Use

Not solely suitable for gumbo, okra can be dried, fried, oven-roasted, stewed and pickled. The leaves are sometimes used as cattle feed; the fibers from the stem used for cord; and the plant mucilage used for medical and industrial purposes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, okra is a source of vitamins C, K, A and B6. It’s also a good source of potassium, folate and antioxidants like catechins. Okra provides health benefits such as strengthening bones, lowering blood pressure, preventing constipation and maintaining healthy skin.

3 Grow

According to the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide, the minimum amount of okra seeds required to plant a 100-foot row is one-half ounce. Plant the seeds one-half inch deep, and space the seeds 12 inches apart. Use two to three pounds of 8-24-24 or three to four pounds of 8-8-8 fertilizer after the first pod set, and then every four to six weeks thereafter. The okra will be ready for harvest in 60 days.

4

Learn

Recommended varieties for Louisiana include Annie Oakley, Cajun Delight (AllAmerica Selections), Clemson Spineless, Cowhorn, Red Burgundy (All-America Selections), Emerald, Lee and North and South.

5

Lagniappe

Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family, and the edible pods — while eaten as vegetables — are actually fruit.

Festive Moments

Creative outdoor entertaining tips from event and wedding planner Fresh Johnson

“LET’S HANG UP SOME GLASSWARE. Let’s get some signage. Let’s make texture and color. Festoons, for an outdoor party — well — those are just a given,” laughs Fresh Johnson, a New Orleans-based event and wedding planner, who loves throwing a shindig outside.

Johnson got her early start in professional, full-time event planning in 2009, somewhat by accident, when her closest friend insisted she plan her wedding.

“I was just young enough and just crazy enough to agree to be both a maid-of-honor and the wedding planner,” she recalls. Her career — that really took shape by 2017 — and résumé includes presenting at the United Nations and hosting Essence Festival. You can also hear this media maven on station 102.9. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, she has her own radio show.

This summer, Johnson advises you to ditch the mundane, cast off the common and really flex those creative muscles for entertaining al fresco.

Twist the Traditional

“Unusual can mean expensive,” she says. “I would begin with the budget first. Then, consider what traditional elements you want to keep.”

For outdoor events, festoon lights are celebratory, and they functionally, romantically light a space. For Johnson, a pro tip is shopping after-Christmas sales to pick up half-price lighting elements, like tree lights, which she loves placing strategically through gaps in fences.

“I like paying as much attention to outdoor tables as I would indoor

ones,” she says. “Really get those beautiful, candlelit, big centerpiece, photo op moments.”

Focus on the Bar

“For an outdoor event, we definitely have to make the bar more of an experience,” she says. “I feel like the elements outside feed into this.”

She suggests marrying greenery moments, from beautiful garnishes to florals atop a bar, hanging or displaying glassware in unique ways to create texture, and also be aware of potential pitfalls.

“Double up on your ice,” she says. “And, be super intentional about what can attract bugs. Some ingredients need to be kept in a jar, to avoid flies and bees. Even though you are thinking outside-the-box, logistics are still important.”

Creative Tips

“Last year, we did a party at a mansion on St. Charles and we scattered games and playing cards around on each table. I had another wedding where they wanted it set up like a music festival, so we added a lot of DIY elements. We had food vendor stations, parasols guests could grab for shade and festival-styled signage.”

For a real impact, combine musical acts. “Consider hiring a live band and a DJ, to play together,” she says. “Picture a live band playing Stevie Wonder, and then the DJ begins scratching the same song in. It’s a moment, to be sure.” —

BY JENNY ADAMS

Flora and Fauna

Celebrating Mother Nature’s beauty

BY ANDY MYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENIA UHL

Heron sculpture, plates and paper flowers: Understated white heron metal sculpture by local artist Ronnie Cardwell; Camellia serving bowls handmade from a low-fire white clay slab, depicting a classic southern floral, with raised texture design; handcrafted paper flowers in vibrant, assorted designs, by Marais Paper available at Home Malone, homemalonenola. com. Foxglove serving tray: stunning Caspari 12-coat lacquer tray in 21”x15”, handmade in Vietnam, featuring art by Catherine Wise, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. White ice bucket, gilded candleholder: Large ceramic ice bucket that can be used to store a variety of items, Gold flower taper candle holder, in 9.75” or 12.5”, available at Miss Smarty Pants, misssmartypantsnola.com.

Fish tray, napkin rings, placemats, napkins: Rainbow trout bread basket/Charger hand-painted on luxury hemp linen by artist Carole Shiber and edged in posable wire; color-trimmed napkins in a range of assorted colors; Bouquet napkin ring in mint/pine (set of four) hand-painted on upcycled auto upholstery that also converts to a coaster; round, embossed, Green and Glacier blue croco polyurethane placemats, trimmed in contrasting colors; element-friendly, wrinkle-resistant napkins made from spun polyester that feels like cotton, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. Gilded leaf, napkins with tassles: Decorative cast iron gold leaf in 12” x 10”, Pom-trimmed napkins sold in set of four in natural cotton in mix-and-match colors, available at Miss Smarty Pants, misssmartypantsnola.com

Enchanting Escape

Formal landscape architecture lends a touch of glamour to an Old Metairie home

Misty Milioto /

Photography by Sara Essex Bradley

A perfectly proportioned terrace was created poolside to hold the four chaise lounges with classic tables that double as umbrella holders.

When Hurricane Katrina flooded a home in Old Metairie with 6-to-8 feet of water, the property was bulldozed to create a clean slate. Once a new home was built, the then homeowner hired René Fransen and Greg Pierce of Fransen Mills Landscape Architects to create new architectural and landscape architectural designs. While a new owner purchased the home last summer, he opted to keep all the outdoor elements (with a few personal additions).

The project, which was completed in March 2014, presented challenges. “The front of the house was a flat box with no dimension,” Fransen says. “The owner had acquired a pair of antique French doors, and they needed the proper complement. This was achieved by adding cast stone scroll brackets from Tommy Lachin. These were supported by stucco columns that we designed and a curved roof to cover them. The graciously curving steps with volutes and a landing set off of the overall façade unite to become an integrated entrance to the home. The rear arched opening got quoins and stucco moldings to make it define the rear porch. The front and rear steps make a statement that helps define the glamour of the project.”

Meanwhile, the original client also had a list of needs for the overall design. “We achieved [those needs] by creating [outdoor] ‘rooms’ that had specific functions,” Fransen says. “These ‘rooms’ are porous and flow into each other.”

For example, the outer kitchen and fireplace area on the porch is intimately tied to the interior kitchen. Fransen and Pierce designed the outdoor kitchen to include Nordic appliances that the homeowner requested. “Their location has a lot to do with function,” Fransen says. “Granite that matched the kitchen countertops was used to have visual flow.”

Top: The formal European garden theme spills into the pool area with a mass of French hydrangeas behind a fountain wall. Bottom: The original owners and their contractor worked with Greg Pierce and René Fransen to sketch out the design of the outdoor fireplace, including the gentle curves. The current owner’s family crest is proudly displayed above the mantel. Facing page: An inviting pool and rear porch with kitchen and entertainment options encourage al fresco living in the rear garden.

“On a beautiful fall day, all of the patio doors can be opened to create a seamless transition to the outside patio,” the new homeowner says. “The patio serves as a morning room to have coffee, and, in the evening, outdoor dining. Whether cooking inside or out, it’s very convenient to serve and clear the table.”

The patio space, meanwhile, flows down some steps to an entertaining area with an antique fountain. The overall design comes together with an entry walk, citrus parterres and a saltwater pool that measures approximately 12-feetby-24-feet. According to the new homeowner, the pool is the perfect size for cooling off while wading or sitting on the bench that runs the length of the pool.

“The pool is not large and is strictly for cooling off and enjoying a cocktail while seeing the fountain wall,” Fransen says. “The waterline tile was from Stafford Tile and the pool deck is a Mexican limestone that does not get hot.”

Speaking of the antique stone fountain, Fransen says that he sent the original client on a buying trip to Dallas in order to source it. “We were going for a formal look with French and Italian overtones,” Fransen says. “[The fountain] looked more Italian, so we used Brodie junipers as a backdrop to mimic the look of Italian cypress that are not suited to this climate. French hydrangeas, agapanthus, butterfly iris, sasanquas, camellias, giant ligularia, citrus and Japanese red maples were used to have a constant progression of color without annuals. However, a strip was left in front of the boxwood border facing the street in case the client wanted to put seasonal color for a party or other event.”

While the landscape is symmetrical and formal, it also has a relaxed feel. “I love the expansive back patio centered on the antique stone fountain,” the new homeowner says. “I also love the variety of trees on property, as well as those of neighbors, that create a wonderful palette of shades of green.”

The new homeowner included a couple of new additions, including a life-size bronze sculpture of two figures by the pool and his family crest in solid bronze gilded in gold that is mounted over the outdoor fireplace. “Other than that, I wouldn’t and didn’t change a thing,” he says.

Overall, Fransen says that having the correct landscape architecture can aesthetically improve not only the look and feel of a home, but also a client’s life. “[This client] had great vision, and we were lucky to be involved in helping them make their dreams a reality,” he says.

Top: Boxwoods help define the path to the pool bath. Bottom: A feature wall with tiles from Stafford Tile, fountain medallions from Fransen Mills and an antique urn from Pittet Architecturals in Dallas make for a harmonious composition.

Top, left: A Thomas Bruno bronze gives a relaxed feel to the formality of the garden. Facing page: Top, right: The antique Italian stone fountain from Pittet Architecturals in Dallas is grounded by Brodie junipers reminiscent of Italian cypress.

Bottom, Left: One of a pair of putti from Pittet Architecturals in Dallas is a “gatekeeper” to the room that holds the pool. Bottom, right: Fountain jets create a soothing sound, while playful bronze girls by Thomas Bruno are centered out of the primary bedroom windows.

Natural Balance

A local interior design project integrates nature and a bit of NOLA soul to create a vacation home that’s tranquil and comfortable

By Misty Milioto Photography by Daymon Gardner

Facing page: The front parlor of this colorful home features artwork by local painter Amanda Talley; a chair from Century Furniture; and a desk, lamp and rug from Eclectic Home.

eil and Helene Johnson first met while attending Ole Miss, but it wasn’t until they bumped into each other in New Orleans eight years later that they started dating. At the time, Neil was in his final year of law school at Tulane University, and Helene was living in Austin (where Neil had accepted a job). “We dated my final year, and then I moved to Austin,” Neil says. “Later that year, we got married.”

In 2003, the couple moved to Meridian, Mississippi, where Neil took over a family business, John O’Neil Johnson Toyota, and, in 2009, he added John O’Neil Johnson Hyundai. He and Helene raised their children (one daughter, Kendall, and two sons, John O’Neil and Hammett) in Meridian, but they visited New Orleans often.

“About six years ago, I fired myself as general manager of the dealerships, hired someone to replace me and moved to Telluride, Colorado, where we currently live,” Neil says. “Nature is medicine for my soul, and I love the mountain-town lifestyle. One of my summer hobbies is fly-fishing, which I also do in Louisiana.”

As a bona fide outdoorsman, Neil also has enjoyed running since his days at Tulane University, when he would run in Audubon Park. “From the first time I entered the park, I fell in love with the live oaks, the shade and all of the green,” he says. “In the fall of 2021, I was in New Orleans with my sons and another family. On my last day there, I saw an open house as I finished my run at the park. I walked in, took a look and made an offer.”

Following a referral from a friend, the Johnsons

turned to Penny D. Francis, principal designer and owner at Eclectic Home to redesign the interiors. The 1,200-square-foot renovated Victorian cottage, which faces Audubon Park, features a primary bedroom and bathroom, a kitchen, two parlor rooms (one of which Francis redesigned as a hybrid parlor room and bedroom) and another full bath.

While the Johnsons’ vacation home may be bijou, it now packs a big design punch within its charming walls. “We created the entire scope and management of the project, from selecting all the materials and finishes for a cohesive design to managing the necessary trades,” Francis says. “We also provided turnkey execu-

This view of the living room showcases a custom sofa from Baker Furniture in navy, custom throw pillows in Kravet fabric by Kelly Wearstler, a shelving unit from Eclectic Home, wall covering by Thibaut and a rug by Jaipur.

tion by providing the small kitchen appliances and barware to flatware and linens — and everything in between. They valued the time it takes to execute, and they trusted us with accommodating their wishes and needs.”

When it came to the color palette, Neil wanted the home to reflect Audubon Park and colors found in nature (such as green, blue and white). He and Helene also wanted pattern, and for both the fun and the funkiness of New Orleans to be apparent. “We suggested natural colors as our theme, and then we let Penny run with it,” Neil says.

“They wanted to explore color and wanted a happy space to enjoy,” Francis adds. “The wall covering in the kitchen features a wall with clouds and cranes, which was the inspiration for color. We design for the client, and this client was not afraid to push the envelope by adding bold moments that are unexpected and beautiful. The crane wallpaper is one of those moments. The kitchen backsplash, which resembles the shape of feathers, speaks back to that mural as well as the colors. The pop of tangerine in the crane’s beak is repeated in the accent pillows on the living sofa as well as the round ottomans that also serve as extra seating for guests.”

Facing page: The dining area’s focal point is a wall with crane wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. Designer Penny D. Francis at Eclectic Home reiterated the orange from the cranes’ heads in the ottomans by Arteriors. The bar table is made from salvaged materials and finished off with vintage bar stools. The bar pendant lights are from Eclectic Home. Top: An additional parlor room has a custom sleeper sofa (sourced through Eclectic Home); custom throw pillows in Kravet fabric by Kelly Wearstler; side tables from Baker Furniture; and a table, lamps and custom bar cabinet from Eclectic Home. Bottom: The powder room comes to life with wallpaper by Cole & Sons; a vintage mirror, sink and faucet; and a funky light from Eclectic Home.

Top, left: The soothing master bedroom features a custom mural from Area Environments (through Eclectic Home), a bed from Baker Furniture topped with bedding by Matouk, a screen from Ricca’s Architectural Sales and Loloi rugs sourced through Eclectic Home. Bottom, left: This bouclé chair in brass is from Eclectic Home, while the rug is by Jaipur, the side table is from Baker Furniture and the bench is custom. Top, right: This view of the living room shows off the pocket doors that allow the room to be closed off. There’s also a striking light fixture inspired by the brass bands in New Orleans from Eclectic Home. The living room blends seamlessly with the dining area and kitchen beyond. Facing page: The kitchen features a light fixture and pretty blue backsplash tile from Eclectic Home, and cabinets from Ikea.

The powder room continues the celebration of the outdoors with a mystical Fornasetti motif featuring dense leaves concealing golden antique keys. Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Francis salvaged a door from Ricca’s Architectural Sales to create a screen partition to shield the view to a hallway. “We left it unfinished, which was the charm and character that the room needed,” Francis says. “The star of the show is the custom mural of a serene park scene by Charlotte Terrell.”

In addition to natural colors and patterns, the Johnsons also wanted Francis to create a comfortable retreat. “By each sofa, there is a surface for drinks, but, most importantly, a place to kick back and rest your feet,” Francis says. “The fabrics are all high performance, and, whether on the sofa or chairs, you can put your feet up and relax.”

The biggest challenge for Francis was carving out specific spaces for working, dining and visiting guests. “Smaller spaces are always the most challenging, and the scale and form of what is selected is critical to have multifunctional spaces,” Francis says. “It has great ceiling height and two connected parlors — both with fireplaces — that are visible upon entry. To have space for guests, the front parlor, which has pocket doors, has a sofa bed and an easily movable accent chair and table to allow the bed to open. Additionally, in that room near the window where there is an abundance of light, we placed a great writing desk to accommodate the need for a workspace.”

Because the spaces within the home are open to each other, yet an-

other challenge was to give each space its own identity while remaining cohesive. “You see a common thread throughout with the use of color, tone, pattern, texture and contrast,” Francis says.

For example, the living space — anchored by a fireplace with original tile and surround details — now features a grass cloth wall covering for added depth and color. Meanwhile, the kitchen, which was well-appointed, had no space for dining. Francis solved this challenge by placing a custom table set parallel to the living space with stools for dining. “The reclaimed wood and iron are a great contrast to the lacquered laminate of the cabinets,” she says.

Also, to add warmth to the existing industrial kitchen, Francis removed several stainless steel shelves, added a beautiful ceramic tile inspired by the wallpaper, added the softness of a linen window treatment and updated the lighting. “The addition of lighting makes a great statement,” Francis says. “For example, the living room fixture is inspired by a musical instrument, while the vintage-inspired pendants over the dining space contrast in color and finish, drawing the eye upward.”

While this home is not the Johnsons’ primary residence, they now have a cozy sanctuary in a city they love. “It reflects them and the environment,” Francis says. “It was important for this to be a homeaway-from-home that included great design, and provided comfort and tranquility, and I believe we accomplished that. It really is a happy, joyful space.”

M L M Incorporated MLM-Commercial.com

C3NOLA Construction Services usec3nola.com

Stafford Tile & Stone staffordtile.com

Louisiana Custom Closets louisianacustomclosets.com

JLV Construction jlvbuilt.com

MULLIN mullinlandscape.com

LAS Enterprises lashome.com

Legend Interiors LegendInteriorsnola.com

Precision Builders precisionbuildersofla.com

504 Construction 504llc.com

KELLY SUTTON \\ DESIGN kellysuttoninc.com

the front door - monochrome thefrontdoor-architecture.com

Triton Stone tritonstone.com

Campbell Cabinet Co. campbellcabinets.com

Albert Architecture albert-architecture.com

Sylvia T Designs sylviatdesigns.com

Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

Nordic Kitchens and Baths, Inc. nordickitchens.com

M&M Glass Co. mmglass.net

Palatial Stone & Tile palatialstone.com

Reve, Inc revedreamhomes.com

Clean and Clear

Whole-house water filtration improves water for drinking, bathing, skin and haircare, cleaning, plus appliance lifespan

Bottled water has become increasingly popular in recent years as consumers become more aware of contaminants in public drinking water, with especially extreme cases in cities like Flint, Michigan. Many people in the New Orleans area and beyond are turning to whole-house water filtration systems to improve the quality of their drinking water. But safer drinking water is not the only reason to consider adding a whole-house filtration system.

Julio Torres, the owner of Torres Water Company, said the first step in installing a whole-house water filtration system is contacting a professional and describing your unique home or situation. PH levels, water softness or hardness,

and chlorine levels in water will vary even from parish to parish in the Greater New Orleans Area.

For example, Torres said Orleans Parish adds more calcium carbonate to its water in an effort keep water mains from breaking as frequently. However, for home owners, the extra minerals in the water can cause problems. Torres said the “harder” water in Orleans Parish often wreaks havoc on things like ice makers in refrigerators. It also leads to more spots on dishes and glasses after washing them.

A whole-house water filtration system would take the extra minerals out of the water and make it softer. Aside from the previously mentioned benefits, softer water also makes housekeeping easier. It reduces the amount of scale and

grime in tubs, showers and sinks, so that means less time scrubbing the tub.

Speaking of tubs and showers, Torres said softer water is also easier on the skin and is helpful for people suffering from eczema or other skin disorders.

“Harsh minerals are like sandpaper on your skin,” Torres said.

Torres said softer water will also make home appliances last longer. One example of this is a water heater, which will both last longer and heat water faster with a wholehouse filtration system. The minerals in hard water will wear down the water heater, and Torres said warranties for water heaters do not cover damage from hard water.

And even if a homeowner is content to drink bottled water instead

of tap water, there are still other potential problems to consider. Torres, who worked as a pharmacist before entering the water filtration business, said it is worse to bathe in contaminated water than to drink it. Bathing causes skin to absorb carcinogens in the water and showering vaporizes the water, which causes people to inhale carcinogens in the water.

The Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov) lists pros and cons for whole-house water filtration systems on its website. For pros, it highlighted the fact that treatment is applied to all water entering a house, and that a whole-house system is particularly important for battling hard water and volatile organic compounds. For cons, the CDC mentioned the potential need for modification to a home’s plumbing system and the possible need for professional maintenance.

The CDC states that water can contain contaminates despite EPA regulations. It added that if homeowners want to get individual filters for specific faucets, they should always make sure the filter is NSF-certified. NSF (nsf.org) is an independent organization that develops public health standards for products.

Francesca Brennan, a relator with Entablature Realty, said the cost of installing a whole-house water filtration system is lower than other “healthy home” upgrades including whole-house HVAC purification systems and solar panels (although the cost of solar panels is going down due to local and federal grants).

Torres said his systems typically run between $3,500 and $6,500. Costs will vary depending on the system and the size of the family using it. A family of six will consume more water for drinking, washing clothes, and so forth, so the water filtration system will need to be adjusted accordingly

“A whole-house water filtration system is a relatively inexpensive way to start on your healthy home journey,” Brennan said.

— FRITZ ESKER

Go Big and Go Home

Living in the Crescent City is like living in technicolor — everything seems bolder, brighter and bigger. Why not incorporate a maximalist attitude into our homes? Here, we showcase a few bold and beautiful looks.

BY MIRELLA CAMERON

Scalamandré Plumes Silk Velvet fabric at sprucenola.com

Rhea coffee table in “Walnut Dark” at sundayshop.co

Armless curved sofa in lush spiced ochre velvet at eclectichome.net

A The Dot Collection by Lambert & Fils chandelier combines the richness of brass with a geometric design at sundayshop.co

“Lets Be Friends” pillow at eclectichome.net

Flow Tribe

Things to consider when adding a water feature to your garden

FOR A CITY SURROUNDED BY water, residents often feel they have limited access to this resource that offers a respite from the summer heat and a relaxing environment for reflection and relaxation. Many homeowners are turning to outdoor water features as a way to be closer to the sights and sounds of clean running water and experience the benefits it offers. For some, pools provide that oft-desired access, and for those with smaller outdoor spaces, something as simple as a fountain can make a dramatic impact. This season, we’ve turned to local experts to find out what goes into adding a water feature and how to maximize its benefits.

What are the pros to adding a fountain? Perhaps most obvious is beauty. From traditional stone sculptures to the inherently reflective nature of shimmering water, fountains give an aesthetic boost to a home garden.

“A fountain can be a focal point that connects the interior of a house visually to the outside garden, and it extends the dimension of the home living space while providing sounds that can be soothing and help block out unwanted outdoor noises,” says Mullin landscape architect Peter Lignieres.

Studies show that being near water promotes mental health and happiness. There’s a reason why healthcare facilities and bustling shopping and office centers invest in fountains — the soothing sounds decrease

stress levels, providing both physical and emotional relief. Splashes of water are said to produce negative ions, and while your fountain won’t have the power of a rushing natural waterfall, it’s thought that the ions can enhance mood and have other positive effects.

According to Earl Hardouin, owner of Paradise Pools and Spas, watching moving water promotes happiness by drawing the mind away from its own scheduled mindset. Flowing water’s meditative nature can increase mindfulness and presence in the moment. At The Plant Gallery, owner Kenny Rabalais Jr. adds that fountains and features can also attract beautiful wildlife to your garden such as birds and butterflies.

Once you’ve decided to add a fountain and determined it will be safe for kids and small animals, our experts recommend getting started by considering the style of your home. Peruse the many traditional, natural and modern fountain styles to decide what’s right for you.

“The first thing to consider is size,” says Rabalais. “The size of your space is relevant to the size of the fountain. We love for our clients to come in with pictures of their yard so that we can help place and pick out the design and size of the fountain.”

Another consideration is location. At Mullin, Lignieres recommends choosing a location that provides focus or connection to its immediate surroundings.

“The location could be in the garden of a patio at a prominent location, at its center or in a discrete hidden location to be discovered,” he says. “The fountain can also be placed within view of a window or large glass door for viewing from a room or even across the house from the front door as you enter.”

You’ll also need to determine the type of unit you want and your budget. Are you looking for a self-contained unit or are you adding to an existing pool? At Paradise Pools, Hardouin says that features start in the modest hundreds but can easily climb into the thousands depending on complexity.

Built-in fountains require construction, a water source and electricity, and prebuilt, self-sustained units can be purchased at a nursery or from a catalog and require only electricity for the water pumps.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about purchasing a fountain is the idea that you need a water source,” says Rabalais. Many fountains that recycle water only require a plug and can be run from an outdoor commercial extension cord.

Regarding maintenance, Rabalais recommends placing your fountain away from trees that shed significant leaves. Lignieres offers that you’ll need to keep enough water in the fountain for it to work, keep the water clean by using chlorine or other products, and possibly empty the fountain in winter to prevent freeze damage.

“Adding to an existing pool makes maintenance easier because it often ties into the existing filtration and sanitization of the pool,” adds Hardouin. Whichever route you take, consider that water treatment and debris removal will be a necessary part of keeping your source of relaxation from becoming a headache.

KELCY WILBURN

Rhythmic Design

Wallpaper quickly transforms a space

WHILE WELL-PAINTED WALLS PROVIDE A pretty backdrop for art and other furnishings, wallpaper can be used as art and decor itself. Local artist and designer, Bradley L. Bowers— who uses contemporary digital-modeling tools in unison with traditional craft techniques — has a new line of wallpaper called the Moire Collection, which does just that. The collection, inspired by optical illusions, includes four patterns (Striae, Melange, Ripple and Mirage). Each pattern offers a contemporary interpretation of how light and color can create the essence of movement in a variety of living spaces.

“This collection of patterns is about activating spaces and making walls active members of the design dialogue,” Bowers says. “With each

pattern, my aim was to create a backdrop of movement and color. I am a firm believer in the magic that objects have to transform and improve our homes and our lives. If we dare to make things more exciting and more vibrant, good things will follow.”

For example, the Melange pattern features waves of color that pass over and under one another — thereby creating natural moments of density and openness. “The layered rhythm of these moments lend Melange a softness that takes time to uncover,” Bowers says.

From his studio in the Bywater, Bowers also creates site-specific new media art installations, pop-up experiences and bespoke pieces for fashion brands, art institutions and private clients. The Moire Collection is available at bradleylbowers.com. —

MISTY MILIOTO