New Orleans Homes Spring 2022 by Renaissance Publishing

NEW ORLEANS HOMES

SPRING 2022

RENOVATION OF THE YEAR

SPRING TRENDS

RECIPES

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Contents SPRING 2022 / VOLUME 25 / ISSUE 1

F E AT U R E S

STA N DA R D S Editor’s Note

Renovation of the Year

Spring Fling 18

Calais and Patrick Waring renew a once-grand 1920s house with retilinear lines, flat roofs and open vistas 42

Design Diary News and Events 20

Style

Sweet Abode

A Stylish Sentiment 22

A shotgun home in the Fairgrounds Triangle gets a bright and happy makeover 50

Get Organized Closet Clarity 24

Haute Kitchens

Artist Profile

6 kitchens that sizzle 56

Kate Godfrey Robinson 26

Bon Vivant Smoothie Queen 28

Gatherings

King of the Kitchen 30

Home Grown Bromeliads 32

For the Garden The Lazy Gardener 34

Bright Ideas More is More 36

Trendwatch 50

Al Fresco’s Finest 38

Home Renewal Annual Renewal 66

Inspiration Board Heavy Metal 67

ON THE COVER

Price Mix

Our Renovation of the Year marries 1920s glamour with clean, modern touches. (p. 42)

Belle Fanning 68

Expert Advice Reset, Rest and Relax 70

Photograph by Sara Essex Bradley

Last Indulgence Flower Me Pretty 72 20

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 MyNewOrleans.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 © 2022 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 magazines’ managers or owners.

SPRING 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE

Spring Fling THE THING I LOVE most about the promise of spring is that it always delivers. As we emerge from our admittedly mild winters for long walks and picnics amid the fragrant blooms of seasonal flowers, the city’s energy shifts — and with it — our moods, foods and fancies. We have a lightness of being, born of short days and long, chilly nights spent inside slowing down and just trying to stay warm. Now is the time to give everything a good scrub, declutter, open the windows and then get outside and tend to spring planting in the garden. It’s time to renew our homes and ourselves. I for one am looking forward to finally transforming our back patio from a haphazard mishmash of outdoor furniture dragged from one home to the next into a true oasis. A modern, low-slung sectional arranged around the fire pit, all-weather side tables and pavers leading to the seating area through a canopy of twinkle lights will be the perfect setting to entertain our friends on breezy spring nights. I can practically smell thickly cut strip steaks sizzling on the Weber and hear the clinking of stylish — but sturdy and unbreakable — drinkware. If you have visions of outdoor decorating, digging your hands in the dirt and entertaining scenarios dancing in your head too, this issue is your guide to a fruitful season. Don’t skip on any of your seasonal whims, because as we all know summer will be here before we can say crawfish and we’ll all be fleeing back inside to escape the heat. Perhaps it’s because it’s so fleeting that we are so fond of our annual fling with spring. The same could be said about crawfish season. Cheers!

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THERESA CASSAGNE PHOTO

EDITORIAL Editor Melanie Warner Spencer Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Associate Editor Ashley McLellan Style Editor Andy Myer Web Editor Kelly Massicot Contributing Writers Mirella Cameran,

Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Eva Fedderly, 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

Brooke Genusa, Rachel Webber Account Executive Erin Chiartano Advertising Consultant Penn Iarocci

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING MARKETING Coordinator Abbie Whatley PRODUCTION Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Designer Meghan Rooney CIRCULATION Subscriptions Jessica Armand Distribution John Holzer ADMINISTRATION Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing LLC Printed in USA 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 MYNEWORLEANS.COM

DESIGN DIARY

Rex in Effect

Delightful Daybeds New Orleans handmade furniture company, Doorman, has introduced the new Laurel Canopy Daybed Collection (starting at $3,150). Inspired by French Provincial iron daybeds, the collection features a modern iron base handcrafted in Doorman’s local workshop. The curved-canopy pieces are welded by hand and the bed’s silhouette is perfectly symmetrical from every angle. Additionally, founder Alex Geriner partnered with Sarepta Brown Cotton to produce Louisiana brown-cotton textiles (woven by Family Heirloom Weavers in Pennsylvania) in order to tell the story of Doorman’s southern-made modern aesthetic. The Laurel Canopy Daybeds are available through Doorman’s website, and the textiles are available through Sarepta Brown Cotton and Family Heirloom Weavers. doormandesigns.com; sareptabrowncotton.com; familyheirloomweavers. com — COMPILED BY MISTY MILIOTO

Dr. Stephen Hales released a new book, entitled “Rex: 150 Years of the School of Design,” ($65, Arthur Hardy Enterprises) to celebrate the Rex Organization’s 150th anniversary. The limited-edition volume provides a decade-by-decade account of a century and a half of colorful Rex history with a preface by noted New Orleans author Walter Isaacson. The book also features more than 800 illustrations and an extensive compendium documenting every king, queen, maid, duke, page, parade date, theme, ball venue and nearly 4,000 float titles. Proceeds benefit the Crescent City Carnival Museum Foundation and the Pro Bono Publico Foundation. Available at Garden District Book Shop, gardendistrictbookshop.com

Hail the King of Cakes

Author Matt Haines has released New Orleans’ first king cake coffee table book, entitled “The Big Book of King Cake” ($39.95, Susan Schadt Press), to celebrate NOLA’s sweetest tradition. The book features photography by Randy Krause Schmidt of more than 150 unique king cakes, plus stories from the bakers. Featured bakeries include Bywater Bakery, Café Reconcile, Dong Phuong Bakery, Piety and Desire Chocolate, and many more. Available at Octavia Books, octaviabooks.com

Better Living The New Orleans Home & Garden Show returns to the Big Easy March 11-13 with a chef stage, an art market, seminars, pet adoptions and an array of exhibitors (such as Belle Danse Orchids and Tropicals and New Orleans Habitat for Humanity). Also be sure to catch the Bayou Battle of the Build in which area high school students plan, build and present a project to judges in the building industry. New Orleans Homes is a sponsor of this event. neworleanshomeshows.com

Architectural Award Founder and CEO of Trahan Architects (which has offices in New Orleans and New York City), Victor F. “Trey” Trahan, III, was selected as the Laureate for The American Prize for Architecture (2021) by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The award honors American architects, and other global architects, whose body of architectural work, over time, exemplifies superior design and humanist ideals. The Chicago Athenaeum additionally recognized two Trahan Architects projects for American Architecture Awards — the Ochsner Center for Innovation and the New England Mixed-Use Development. trahanarchitects.com

SPRING 2022

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ST YLE

A Stylish Sentiment

Down the Hatch!

I learned living in New Orleans that every house should have a designated bar, and it’s not complete without this book. “New Orleans Cocktails,” scriptura.com.

For interior designer Maureen Stevens, there is more to style than what meets the eye — it must also touch the soul.

PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

Foyer Finery

John Derian’s decoupage plates make great ‘catchalls’ atop a foyer console or countertop or hung as part of a curated wall collection. I’m drawn to its feminine, vintageinspired bouquet. Pied Nu, piednunola.com, johnderian.com

The Eyes Have It

The artwork of South Louisiana artist Francis X Pavy is rooted in tradition, yet a tad avant garde. I’m swooning over his “Moon Eyes” fabric bewitched with the colors of Mardi Gras.

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Lost and Found

I’m all about nostalgia, so I adore this 19-century French wedding cloche and other objet trouvés that tell a story. Dop Antiques & Architecturals, facebook.com/DopAntiques-274697305981175.

Bowled Over

Handmade from seven pounds of clay, ceramic artist Michael Clement’s Lindsay bowl is colorful, quirky, and versatile. M. Clement Studio, mclementstudio.com.

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GET ORGA NIZED

Use every inch

Closet Clarity

For many, spring cleaning means a manic bout of closet decluttering. But why not go a step further? Getting rid of unwanted items is a great start, but spring is also a perfect time to reorganize the things you keep (and make space for those new shoes you’ve been eyeing). BY REBECCA FRIEDMAN

Island vibes

If your closet is big enough, consider an island with drawer storage or shelving. For frequent travelers, that island might serve as a “packing station” on which they can place luggage for easy travel prep and post-trip unpacking.

Accessory accents

Accessories can easily become an unwieldy mess on closet hangers and shelves. Ann Wise, coowner of Louisiana Custom Closets, suggests spacesaving pullout racks for belts, neckties and scarves and costume jewelry. Acrylic shelf dividers keep purses standing up or folded sweaters and blouses neatly stacked.

Utility matters

In utility and laundry room closets, hooks can prevent brooms and mops from toppling out when the closet door is opened. Shelves offer storage for cleaning products, while baskets can handle dirty laundry, shoes and more. Tilt-out hampers offer a more polished option for dirty duds.

Top drawer

Many closets feature drawer storage, with built-in dressers or as part of an island. Drawer organizers create tidy homes for lingerie, socks and jewelry.

SPRING 2022

Small or awkwardly shaped closets present additional challenges, particularly in New Orleans’ highceilinged homes. Wise urges clients to take advantage of vertical space with doublehanging rods. Many of the city’s older homes are also notoriously short on closets, so wardrobes or wardrobe-style cabinets with both shelving and hanging space offer an alternative to new closet construction.

If the shoe fits

Wise favors flat, straight-on shelving for shoe storage. Though “shoe fences,” which slant downward at an angle with a metal guard to keep the shoes in place, offer an attractive way to display special pairs, a standard flat shelf will hold the most.

Think ahead

Because our needs evolve over time, Wise emphasizes the value of adjustable elements in closet design. That applies to children’s closets, which serve different functions as kids get older (and taller). Low rods can help young children access their clothing to get dressed — and teach them the virtue of hanging things back up! As they grow, the bar is raised, and baskets of toys make way for additional clothing or gear storage.

No room for wrinkles

Do you need a last-minute touchup before slipping into those linen pants? Ironing boards can be built into closets, either as drawer-style pullouts, fold-downs or stashed in their own vertical compartment for easy access.

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ARTIST PROFILE

Kate Godfrey Robinson While many perennials and annuals thrive in clay soils, ceramic artist Kate Godfrey Robinson creates a different sort of “garden in clay” — colorful, exuberant displays of flowers, vines, acorns, twigs, insects and other flora and fauna in the forms of vessels, tiles, totems and free-form sculptures. On the surface, her Baroque pieces capture the beauty of the natural elements on which they’re modeled. But on a deeper level, the permanence of Robinson’s ceramic garden is a way of defying the inevitability of death and loss. The bloom is never off the rose. “Flowers are a metaphor for life and death and they’re used during times of joy and sadness,” says Robinson. Art was the subject in school Robinson loved most and a part of life that her family emphasized through collecting Chinese porcelain and taking regular trips to museums. Gardens, especially her grandmother’s magical garden in Wisconsin, were the places where she was most rapt. After experiencing the death of her mother and boyfriend (who was a master silversmith) within months of one another, Robinson, who has a BA in studio art from Tulane, found the transportive, consoling vocation that combined her passions for both: handwork with clay.

SPRING 2022

“I find that when I’m doing this, I’m elsewhere,” she says. “I work on the movement of the clay and see how far I can push it. My technique involves a lot of repetition.” The vibrant blues and greens, warm, earthy oranges and other colors that are hallmarks of her work are the result of multiple influences — most notably trips to India and Morocco that Robinson took with her daughter and found life-changing. “It was a barrage of color, tiles, pattern, design,” she says. The courtyard garden that accompanies her compact midcentury modern house in Uptown has also served as muse. Boxwood, hibiscus, camellias, irises, geraniums, bougainvillea, sweet William, crepe myrtle and Savannah Holly are among the plantings. Lifeforms at the seashore — the imprint from a bird’s feet, seagrasses, oyster shells or a handful of seaweed — and architectural adornment are inspirational as well. Robinson uses the word “excess” to describe the fully-rendered quality of her organic works, which include vases encrusted with hollowed podlike shapes, trees that climb skyward, and vine-like sculptures that have a growing, spreading quality. Next up for the artist: “I want to start working on a big scale,” says Robinson. — LEE CUTRONE

THOM BENNETT PORTRAIT

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BON VIVA NT

SMOOTHIE QUEEN

Consider these smoothies as a light, nutritious alternative to ice cream Over the past few years, I’ve become one of those smoothie people. I make them with spinach and beets and pretty much any veggie you can stick in a blender and mask the potential weirdness with one or more fruits. For me, cravings for sweet, cold treats kick in as the temperature rises and spring begins to unfold. As an alternative to ice cream, I like to do smoothies. Not that there is anything wrong with ice cream — I love it. But, I also like to cram nutrition into my body at least 80 percent of the time and maybe curtail the ice cream snacks to a couple of days a week. Enter, sweet, satisfying smoothies. Here are a few of my favorites. Feel free to mix up the ingredients to your preferences, omitting what you don’t like and swapping with your own favorites. Also, if you want to punch up the protein, add your favorite protein powder. These make light and unexpected desserts too, so consider serving one after a hearty meal. — MELANIE WARNER SPENCER

Cinnamon Bun Smoothie 4-6 ice cubes 1/2 banana, frozen if possible ¼ cup maple or honey granola (reserve a teaspoon for garnish) ¼ cup almonds or pecans (reserve a teaspoon for garnish) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup milk or alternative milk (I use almond) Sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes (optional) If you love cinnamon buns, you are going to become addicted to this one. Layer ingredients in order of above list into blender. Blend and add more milk depending on your desired consistency. Pour into glass, garnish with granola, almonds and cinnamon. Chocolate Shake Smoothie 4-6 ice cubes 1/2 banana, frozen if possible 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa

Mango Smoothie 4-6 ice cubes

1 cup milk or alternative milk (I use almond)

1/2 banana, frozen if possible 1 cup frozen or fresh mango, cubed 1 cup milk or alternative milk (I use almond) The mango in this reminds me of a tropical drink. You could easily spike it with rum or zeroproof rum alternatives. Layer ingredients in order of above list into blender. Blend and add more milk depending on your desired consistency. Pour into glass.

SPRING 2022

This one actually tastes like a chocolate shake. You could add malted to it, if you are into malts. Layer ingredients in order of above list into blender. Blend and add more milk depending on your desired consistency. Pour into glass.

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GATHERINGS

King of the Kitchen ‘Pie King’ Erin Johnson’s smokin’ hot fest fare is a treat for the tastebuds and the soul PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

SPRING 2022

Hot Sausage Po-Boy Pie Yields 6 slices

Ingredients 1 9” deep dish pie shell 1 pound hot sausage link 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar mustard aioli 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 pinch cayenne pepper 8 slices pickled zucchini 2 pinches cayenne pepper

½ cup French bread crumbs (such as Gonnella or Reising’s Bakery) 6 ounces Baby spinach, destemmed 4 ounces diced tomato, drained 6 ounces diced onion 2 eggs 1 cup rice milk or 2% milk 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 ½ cups water

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and bring a small saucepan of water to boil over medium heat. 2. Meanwhile, add Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar and 1 pinch cayenne pepper to a small bowl and whisk together. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs and 1 cup of rice milk together and set aside. 4. By this time, water should have come to a rolling boil. Add hot sausage to the saucepan for 15 20 minutes. 5. Meanwhile, in a small skillet heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Sauté diced onion until brown. Once onion has browned, add to a medium size mixing bowl and set aside. 6. Insert pie shell into the oven on the middle rack and bake at 375 F for 8 minutes and remove. 7. After boiling for 15-20 minutes, remove hot sausage link and run cold water over it until warm to the touch. Split the casing open with a knife or kitchen scissors, remove sausage and allow to drain between two tri-folded paper towels for 5-10 minutes.

Once drained, save a tablespoon of sausage and add the rest of the sausage to the mixing bowl with the onions and mix together. 8. Spread bread crumbs into a thin, evenly covered layer in the bottom of the pie shell. 9. Add hot sausage/onion mix on top of the bread crumbs. 10. Add two layers of baby spinach. Add one layer of tomatoes. Add pickled zucchini slices. Top with sharp cheddar and spread evenly. 11. Pour egg/milk mixture on top until you can see it just below the cheese; almost filled, leaving a little room to allow it to rise. 12. Place in oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until pie crust is golden brown. 13. Remove from oven, sprinkle with bread crumbs and place back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. 14. Mold a mini patty with the tablespoon of hot sausage. 15. Remove the pie from oven, and garnish with cayenne pepper, mini patty and mustard sauce.

About the “Pie King” Erin Johnson Soul Pie was born from Erin Johnson’s passion for savory pies and his creative, entrepreneurial spirit. Known among friends as the go-to guy for party fare, he garnered the name “Pie King” thanks to the homecooked quiches he created in new, one-of-a-kind flavor combinations. He officially launched “Pie King” in 2018 after baking, sampling and selling more than 300 pies in one weekend. Today, his expanded menu includes 30 available pie options from hearty lemon pepper to spicy crawfish. Reach via Instagram at @soulpienola. MYNEWORLEANS.COM

HOME GROW N

Bromeliads

Growing this popular and adaptable plant in New Orelans can be addictive BY KATHLEEN WARING

When Jeanne Garman first expressed interest in bromeliads to an avid bromeliad grower, she was told, “Be careful, you’re going to get hooked on bromeliads.” Now, with hundreds surrounding her home, Garman cultivates them and has based her travels and her free time seeking out new bromeliad varieties and experts. Garman herself is now considered the “Queen of Bromeliads” and the go-to person in our area for bromeliads and minibromeliads, in particular.

When growing bromeliads outdoors, inhibit mosquitoes from breeding in their waterfilled caps by crumbling a bacteria toxic to larvae such as Mosquito Dunks.

Go Pro

Adapt and Overcome

Bromeliads or Bromeliaceae grow naturally in both North America, primarily in the South (especially in Florida), and in South America where they can be found all the way to Argentina with most species in Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Columbia. Their habitat ranges from mountain to sea levels, woodlands, fields, rain forests and deserts indicating they tolerate a huge variation in climates and temperatures from near freezing to tropical conditions.

Popularity Contest

The Neoregelia variety is frequently for sale in our local groceries, home improvement stores and nurseries. Also nicknamed “The Painted Fingernail,” this extremely hardy bromeliad has bright red or pink rosettes, or nests of blooms, in the center. Foliage is brilliant green, and sometimes striped or spotted.

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Prevention is Key

BROMELIAD RESOURCES The Greater New Orleans Bromeliad Society, G.N.O.B.S, has meetings every 4th Thursday, Old Metairie Library Annual Exhibit and Plant Sale in May. gnobromeliadsociety.com Bromeliad Society International, bsi.org

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FOR THE GARDEN

The Lazy Gardener

Bromelaids are the perfect plant for gardeners who don’t like to dote Across the street, along my neighbors’ sunny driveway is a wooden fence covered with potted bromeliads. They are primarily Neoregelias — the kind you can pick up at local hardware or grocery stores — yet the massed statement of them is spectacular. I’ve admired their plant-lined fence for years and when COVID-19 forced me to stay at home, I channeled my energy from garden envy to garden enthusiast. If I could have a rose-covered wall, why not a bromeliad wall? According to Susan Gideault of G.N.O.B.S., or the Greater New Orleans Bromeliad Society, “One of the reasons for the popularity of bromeliads is they thrive on neglect.” So I embarked on a garden wall filled with pots that forgive you for ignoring them and produce breathtaking blooms despite my tendency to laziness. My friend had given me several bromeliads she had grown and separated, so I had a few for a beginning. The mother, or the original plant, will sprout offshoots or “pups,” then produce a colorful bloom after which it dies. This means you can start with a few bromeliads, they reproduce, you divide them and add to your collection without having to buy more. My neighbor had also shown me how he had hung the bromeliads in terracotta pots using an ingenious and in-

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Bromelaid Care

Jeanne Garman, an internationally accredited master bromeliad judge, recommends using Hapi-Gro of Hope Agri Products, a 100% organic compost she buys from Lowe’s for potting soil. Hardleaved bromeliads like Neoregelias are hardy and can take more light and cold; soft-leaved bromeliads prefer shadier environments. To protect bromeliads from severe cold below 40 degrees Farenheit, Anne Jenkins, G.N.O.B.S. president, waters hers and then covers them with flannel sheets topped by plastic ones.

expensive pot clip available from Amazon that uses the pot lip, a screw and leverage to hang the pots on his fence. I had chosen the brick and lattice-topped wall in my shady service alley that I view from my kitchen sink as my new bromeliad garden location. Then, I called Niki Epstein, landscape designer, horticulturist and master gardener to help me get started. I had seen a vertical garden wall she had created for several retailers and I knew she would help me jumpstart my own. One morning, we got together and while laughing, talking and drinking coffee, we screwed in the pot clips for the potted bromeliads and zip-tied in a few window boxes I had on hand onto the lattice. A carpenter had handbuilt with 1 by 2s the lattice onto the brick wall, as regular lattice panels would not be strong enough for the weight of the potted plants. Later, I included asparagus fern, kalanchoe, English ivy and other tropicals in pots and in hanging baskets to add further interest and we ran irrigation lines to those plants that require more water. Now, I have a glorious green view from not only my kitchen window but also from my backdoor and through the window looking onto the alley. — KATHLEEN WARING

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BRIGHT IDEAS

of the menus infused with contemporary precision. Brennan’s kitchen presents a distinctly lighter style that our modern-day guests have surely appreciated. Keep one foot in tradition and one foot in new — this will keep your guests intrigued and allow you to put a personal touch on each dish. Being a New Orleans native and restaurateur, we take pride in supporting local seafood purveyors. I recommend enjoying the natural bounty of our waterways — the flavor combinations are endless. Opt for a seamless color palette. Adding a thoughtfully selected

green garnish or creating a pink cocktail always pairs beautifully with colors of Brennan’s interiors. In fact, our Pink 75 cocktail was designed to match the pink facade of our building. We like to tie the beverage to the whole environment of colors, which enhances the experience. Take advantage of the wonderful, local Ponchatoula strawberries during the springtime to add as a tasty and colorful garnish. It’s always great to have dishes and drinks that are reliable and delicious. Masterpiece mainstays that originated at Brennan’s are Eggs Hussarde and Bananas Foster, which helped enhance the restaurant’s burgeoning fame. Also, ensure your morning repast features beverages de rigueur. I am the proud steward of the Napoleon House, and the Pimm’s Cup has been the signature cocktail for decades. It is a classic refreshment and we change it up by adding either Champagne or sparkling lemonade instead of soda. A Pimm’s Cup in a glass pitcher is a nice accent to the table with its usual green accompaniment — sliced cucumbers, but you can add it to it whatever is your preference — sliced oranges, sliced limes and lots of mint. Another way we infuse New Orleans charm is we add unique brunch stations: one of our favorites and popular is the Brandy Milk Punch Bar.

Tout signature dishes.

MORE IS MORE

Ralph Brennan shares his tips for creating an elegant, festive and unforgettable Sunday brunch Meals in the Big Easy are as entertaining as they are integral to the fabric of this spirited city. Lavish, multi-course brunches are to be expected in the city of indulgences, a sacred ritual, rather than simply feeding time. Ralph Brennan, a third-generation scion of the family whose name is synonymous with New Orleans restaurants, is an exemplary host of an ideal brunch. In 1946, Ralph’s uncle, Owen Brennan, invented the idea of “Breakfast at Brennan’s,” where the French Quarter institution today now serves more wine at breakfast than at dinner. Drawing inspiration from the restaurant that goes through almost half a million eggs per year, Ralph Brennan shares tips on how to create the perfect Sunday brunch this spring. Integrate a range of cultural influences, while buying local. The proud heritage of New Orleans, grounded in the French Quarter, has established such a unique cuisine — principally French, with definite Spanish influence, and contributions from Italian cooking; newfound cultural influences, like Vietnamese, flourish in promising flavors that splash across the plates. The lore of these origins has become the foundation

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Incorporate local elements to your design theme. The design of the rooms at Brennan’s recognizes the past, full of old-fashioned Southern elegance, then they are seasoned with a vibrant and fresh approach for the fashion-forward person of today. Look at the surroundings of your home and city, then incorporate local, seasonal, cultural, and colorful concepts into your design setting. Each room you’re dining in or entertaining in could tell a specific story, engaging the guests into its own colorful personality. This is how you create a memorable experience and share a true sense of place.

When you grow up in New Orleans, you learn how to throw a brunch or dinner party. Always keep it simple and elegant, but one important fact: there is never not having enough of everything — from food to drinks. There should always be too much! We are accustomed to going from a celebratory brunch to dinner in one day, especially during the ritualistic holidays like Mardi Gras, Easter and Christmas. To help get people in the festive mood, ease them into the day by serving plenty of cafe au lait and light snacks as they arrive — like baby hot beignets dusted with powdered sugar. If you want to add something stronger you can do an Irish coffee or a simple glass of Champagne. This will help contribute to a livelier atmosphere as the gathering progresses to the next course of the eventful day.

There should always be too much.

— EVA FEDDERLY

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

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TRENDWATCH

Al Fresco’s Finest

Outdoor entertaining has never been in higher demand. Wow guests with these stunning local finds that work both inside and out for a festive floral soirée. BY ANDY MYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENIA UHL

Brilliant paper origami chandelier, metal watering can, striped cotton lumbar pillow with colorful embroidered flowers, acrylic tumbler (available in assorted colors), gorgeous lifelike faux flowers in a garden variety, available at Perch, perch-home.com; Midcentury vintage rattan flower chair, available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome. net; Faux bois concrete side table, available at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com; Painterly floral lucite tray (in numerous patterns and sizes), available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net; Lilley Line handwoven market and berry bags (in assorted designs and sizes), available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com.

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Stunning linen tablecloth with intricate mushroom design, hand-painted pink bread bowl, paisley tray, red Lily Juliet olive boat and spice bowl with coral-tipped serving spoons, available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com; Flower, coasters, planter: faux orchid, leather coasters with feather pattern (in a range of designs), Apollo bust planter in a lovely range of soft greens, available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net; Pink faux peonies, acrylic tumbler, vintage decorative parrots with patina (sold as pair, one slightly smaller), available at Perch, perch-home.com.

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Scalloped edge melamine dinner and salad plates, melamine serving spoons with bamboo detail handles, hand-painted floral tumbler, China pattern melamine coasters with cork bottom and holder, Chinoiserie linen napkins with tassels, ceramic candlesticks (in a range of styles and designs), available at Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com; Orange tiger lucite serving tray, available at Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net; Orange twig candles and Lily Juliet resin and reclaimed water buffalo horn spice bowl, available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com.

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The rug anchoring the family room has a serpent motif that relates to the curve of the stairwell. Furnishings include a vintage sofa recovered in cotton velvet, a Roche Bobois striped ottoman and custom glass tables.

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C A L A I S A ND PAT R I C K WA R I NG R E NE W A O NC E- GR A ND 1 9 2 0s H O U S E W I T H R EC T I L I NE A R L I NE S, FL AT R O O FS A ND O PE N VI S TA S

BY LEE CUTRONE PHOTOS BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

R E NOVAT IO N OF THE Y E A R

RIGHT ANGLES MYNEWORLEANS.COM

C Calais Waring opens the front door of her home to a first-time visitor with the smile of someone who knows their surprise. The once red brick mansion — a blending of 1920s Arts and Crafts and Mediterranean villa architectural influences, is no longer a faded remnant of the early 20th century. Calais, a PR and brand strategy consultant, and her husband, pain specialist Dr. Patrick Waring, reimagined the exterior of the house with horizontal Wrightian lines, a white palette and zen landscaping, and turned the interior into a sleek showplace of contemporary design. “We wanted to tell the story that the juxtaposition between historic and contemporary can be graceful,” says Calais of the redesign. A blended family of five with one child at home (Calais’ 14-year-old son), the Warings resided in Old Metairie when they decided to look for a house Uptown. Sunday drives and MLS listings led them repeatedly to the once grand dame occupying an oak-shaded corner lot near Audubon Park. The house, empty and used as a rental for members of the film industry, was in need of structural work — it was sinking on one side — and the inside was a warren of rooms and disjointed styles. “There was nothing architectural you could pull a dialog from,” says Calais. Nevertheless, the couple fell in love with the spirit of the place. When the De La Salle High School marching band came down the street, “drums beating and horns blowing,” during the showing, the Warings decided to put in an offer the same day. “It was a sign,” says Calais.

Top: The location of the sunlit helical stairwell was inspired by an existing bay window, which the renovation extended to the second level. A 1970s acrylic sculpture sits on a pedestal nearby. Bottom: Custom oak doors (designed by Coulon and made by Geno Butera of Mississippi) lead to the master on the second floor. Facing page: A linear dining table of Macassar ebony with a high gloss finish by Frank Wells Furniture Design surrounded by vintage chairs occupies the space between the kitchen and family room. Petrified wood was used for the kitchen’s backsplash and to top the large island. Counter stools, Haven Custom Furnishings.

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Working with architect Dodie Smith (C. Spencer Smith AIA) and interior designer Dionne Coulon (Dionne Coulon Design) who happens to be stepmom to Calais’ son, the Warings remodeled the worn gem. Because the firebrick exterior could not be painted, they had every brick removed and replaced. The gated front door and tiled vestibule gave way to a widened porch. A pool house and an outdoor kitchen with flat roofs and horizontal emphasis were added to the property. The existing carriage house was updated as a guest house. The footprint of the house remained largely the same with 10 feet added across the rear, but the interior was gutted and reconfigured. The new progression of rooms now transitions from elegant foyer, dining room and sculptural stairwell on one level to a sunken living room and kitchen, which in turn open on to an outdoor patio and pool area. “The home is raised over a basement which allowed for the step down into the family, kitchen area,” says Smith. “This step down allowed a much better transition to the family’s exterior entertainment area — pool, cabana, and pool house and gardens which was a primary focus to the homeowner.” Smith removed the exterior wall and created a loggia for better circulation between the kitchen/ family area and exterior amenities. She also designed the new staircase, relocated from the front foyer to a room all its own, as a work of art and dramatic focal point resembling the helical interior of a seashell. The new location of the staircase was informed by the presence of the original one-story bay window which they extended to the second floor for a seamless design change between the historic beginnings of the house and its new modern iteration. The sunlit white space around the staircase, home to a 1970s acrylic sculpture displayed on a pedestal, has the feel of a gallery. While Patrick weighed in on function, Calais and Coulon created an interior with his-and-her masculine and feminine qualities that Coulon describes as a balance of “yin and yang”. Organic blonde wood floors and the kitchen’s island countertop and backsplash of petrified wood provide a foil to glamorous design elements, such as the “golden nugget” dining table and the James Bond-style custom bar with a hidden compartment that raises and lowers electronically. There are strong pops of color in fabrics and art. The powder room, with walls covered in custom

Bottom: Malachite green wallpaper covers one wall of the upstairs sitting room that doubles as a guest room. Facing page: The dining room’s “golden nugget” table is paired with velvet chairs with nail head trim. Mesh metal drapes by Whiting & Davis cover the windows. Painting, Ashley Longshore.

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glass tiles emblazoned with Warholian lips by Allison Eden, is an ebullient display of red and gold as well. There are vintage midcentury pieces, unexpected touches such as mesh metal drapes (Coulon’s response to Calais’ wish for window coverings inspired by Joan of Arc), and serpent motifs that relate to the sinuous shape of the staircase. Yet the overall design feels edited and minimal at the same time. “Calais wanted it to have a soul and a spirit that was unique; she wanted something different in every room,” says Coulon. “But she also wanted a very quiet space.” Quiet and serene are perfected in the pool and patio zone, which includes an outdoor kitchen, cabana and green space that combine traditional New Orleans references with ideas that are modern and edgy. The kitchen and cabana have a “Southern slatted look” while the landscaping suggests Palm Springs. “The biggest compliment that I got on the pool house was from the designer who said that it looks like a piece of origami sitting in the garden,” says Smith. The same effort at balance is also at work in the Warings’ art collection, which ranges from the monochromatic abstract expressionism of George Dunbar to the colorful pop art canvases of artist Ashley Longshore and is periodically shuffled around for a fresh viewpoint. While the reconfiguration of the house’s first floor living spaces and second floor bedrooms were designed to eliminate wasted space, the renovation also incorporated the dark third-floor attic, turning it into a casual media room and guest quarters used regularly by Calais’ son and his friends, and by visiting guests. “We went into it with a lot of expectations and got lucky,” says Calais crediting designer, architect, subcontractors and even neighbors’ stories about the history of the house with propelling the project forward to its happy rebirth. “We love it. It has a beautiful, organic rhythm.”

Top: The outdoor kitchen has a “Southern slatted look” while the surrounding landscaping suggests Palm Springs. Bottom: The pool house’s folding glass wall creates a seamless connection between inside and outside. Facing page: The curve of the tub in Calais’ master bath is echoed by a mirror above; bright colors, skateboards and a graffiti wall by graphic artist Moe Lee in son Gabe’s room; a retro sofa nestles inside a curve at the top of the stairs; the neutral palette of the master bedroom is repeated in a painting by George Dunbar.

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Sweet Abode

By Misty Milioto Photography by Sara Essex Bradley

fter designer Melinda McSpadden posted photos of an historic kitchen and powder room makeover on social media, local homeowners Andrea and Lena Rubin decided she was the perfect person to decorate their home. “Andrea and Lena gave me free reign with this design project by saying, ‘Just make it look like a place where you would live,’ and I was able to create the space from scratch,” McSpadden says. Andrea, who grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, moved to New Orleans in 1999 and now considers the city home. Meanwhile, Lena is from Houston but grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. The two young professionals have a toddler, three dogs and a cat. “Creating spaces for each of our needs was key,” Andrea says. “I like to host guests but don’t necessarily want everyone in our personal space. I’ve known Melinda for years, and I love her aesthetic.” As owner of McSpadden Interiors, the designer approaches each project by first considering her clients’ needs, their personalities and lifestyle, and how they wish to use their space. “In this case, these two extraordinary mothers both work full time, and they somehow manage to raise a precocious four year old and four pets,” McSpadden says. “As a couple, Lena and Andrea are very playful and full of exuberance, so I wanted to create a space that reflected these attributes. I looked to create a joyful, functional home that didn’t take itself too seriously.” For this nearly 2,300-square-foot 1940s Arts and Crafts double shotgun, the homeowners wanted to use the front room as a true living room — all while delineating the adult and toddler spaces. While Andrea and Lena

agreed that they wanted a cozy home, Lena wanted the living room to make a statement. Meanwhile, Andrea wanted a quiet sanctuary in which to retreat after a long day. The homeowners also looked to McSpadden to help clarify their vision by coalescing individual elements in their home. In order to accomplish these goals, McSpadden chose to incorporate key pieces throughout the individual spaces. “We distilled everything down to a few favorite pieces of furniture and artwork that had sentimental value,” McSpadden says. “One of the items of furniture was a beautiful antique nut-and-bolt cabinet that Andrea’s parents purchased from a hardware store in Tupelo, Mississippi. It has all of these wonderful little drawers with brass handles and stenciled numbers. I used that piece as the inspiration for the living room and built around it, adding a midcentury modern leather sofa, a brass pendant light fixture and a bright geometric Turkish kilim.” McSpadden also created a whimsical open space in the study, a room that functions as an office and also as a meditation and exercise room. Meanwhile, the master bedroom serves as a velvety rich retreat for Andrea. “Hands down, my favorite room is the bedroom,” Andrea says. “It’s a cozy cocoon.” The home already had good bones thanks to gorgeous original pine flooring, wood ceiling beams, builtin shelving that divides the living and dining rooms, and exposed brick fireplaces. McSpadden chose to accentuate the ceiling beams, the hardwood floors and the exposed brick by introducing complementary textures and colors like leather, natural wood, grasscloth and woven fabrics. For example, McSpadden highlighted the exposed brick and beautiful hand-carved mantle in the dining room with two panels of grasscloth wallpaper that tie together the brick and wood in an elegant manner. She also

A SHOTGUN HOME IN THE FAIRGROUNDS TRIANGLE GETS A BRIGHT AND HAPPY MAKEOVER.

Left: The dining room features a playful chandelier by Lulu & Georgia and a sturdy Spindler round dining table by CB2. Designer Melinda McSpadden kept the window treatments light and airy by using bamboo Roman shades and raw cotton panels, which cohesively work with the rustic features of the room. MYNEWORLEANS.COM

The shotgun home boasts original hardwood pine floors, built-in shelves that divide the living and dining rooms and brick fireplaces. McSpadden introduced complementary textures and colors such as leather, a brass drum pendant light fixture, natural wood, bamboo Roman window shades, grasscloth and woven fabrics (like the antique Turkish kilim).

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Top: McSpadden installed a bubblegum pink pendant and matching cabinet interiors to give the kitchen a touch of sass. Bottom: Also in the kitchen, which Andrea Rubin renovated in the early 2000’s, McSpadden updated the light fixtures and installed an elegant French marble-top island.

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SPRING 2022

kept the window treatments light and airy by using bamboo Roman shades and raw cotton panels, both of which work with the rustic features of the room. McSpadden also enlisted the help of Victor Ramos, owner of VR Home Improvements, for some minor renovations. They replaced two false windows in the master bath with new drywall and updated mirrors. They also replaced a non-functional closet in the study with modular shelving. “I also wanted to create a soft wall in the bedroom to separate the large walk-in closet from the bedroom, so we installed floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains along the dividing brick wall,” McSpadden says. While the hardwood floors were in excellent condition, McSpadden needed a budget-friendly solution for the travertine tiles in the hallway between the kitchen and the study. “Rather than removing the flooring, we hand-painted the tiles in a checkerboard design with epoxy paint,” she says. “It not only saved the homeowners money, but it looks great and adds a bit of glamour and pizzazz.” McSpadden also painted every room and installed new light fixtures throughout the entire house. “The overall style leans toward a playful bohemian bungalow with lots of natural light and brights pops of color throughout,” she says. While the overall color scheme for the home is neutral, McSpadden wanted there to be a transition from light to dark from one room to the next. “When I gave the homeowners a choice between a light olive green, a warm stone gray or the dramatic dark peacock blue for the hallway, they emphatically requested the blue,” she says. “It’s dramatic and unexpected, and it sets the tone for the back portion of the house.” “I’m more of a logical, practical mind, whereas Lena likes the dramatic,” Andrea says. “The color scheme is a perfect mix of both of us.” In the kitchen, McSpadden updated the light fixtures and replaced the existing heavy wood island with a more elegant French marble-top island. “We also fabricated muntins for the window in the kitchen to create the illusion of individual window panes,” she says. “We installed the bubblegum pink pendant and matching cabinet interiors to add a bit of sass.” Overall, with the help of McSpadden and Ramos, the homeowners now have a safe haven where they can unwind after a hectic day. However, this bright and happy home also serves as a refined space where they can entertain friends. “As a shotgun, it can be hard to delineate spaces,” Andrea says. “But the design has allowed us to enjoy the grownup side without sacrificing having a family with Legos and dogs and cats. It’s a multi-use house to be sure.”

Facing page: Top, left: The hallway dazzles in peacock blue with handpainted travertine tiles in a black-and-white checkerboard design. Top, right: The bedroom features a “soft wall” of velvet curtains along a brick wall that separates the walk-in closet from the sleeping quarters, and a bright pop of color from a painting by Amy Sorenson. Bottom, left: The study features modular shelving that now takes the place of a non-functional closet and a black-and-white still life photo by Sara Essex Bradley. Bottom, right: The homeowners needed organization solutions for the mudroom, which McSpadden provided with woven baskets tucked inside shelving with high-gloss paint. This page: Top: McSpadden used Andrea’s nut-and-bolt cabinet as inspiration for the living room. A midcentury modern leather sofa, the bright geometric kilim rug and the large Mardi Gras print over the sofa by Jonathan Traviesa add pops of color to the room. Bottom: McSpadden framed the exposed brick and hand-carved mantel in the dining room with two panels of grasscloth wallpaper that tie together the brick and wood. Black lacquer and brass shelving anchor the space. MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Haute Kitchens by Andy Myer photographed by Jeffery Johnston

Contractor: MLM Incorporated Designer: MLM Incorporated, homeowner, Mireworks Cabinets: Transitional at J&K Cabinetry Flooring: LVP at NOLA Flooring Countertops: Cristallo quartzite from North Lion Stone Backsplash: Marble picket at Floor & Decor Fixtures: Lamps Plus Doorknobs: Etsy Furniture: Hurwitz Mintz Appliances: Sink and faucet, Kraus; pot filler, Kingston Brass; range,Thor; dishwasher, Maytag; fridge, freezer, microwave, Frigidaire; icemaker, KitchenAid, sourced from Comeaux Notable vendors: Stone Creations

Contractor: MNK Design/Build, Matthew Kohnke Designer: Kelly Sutton Design Cabinets: Custom inset fabrication by MNK Design/ Build Flooring: Hardwoods to match existing original hardwoods Countertops: Triton Stone, Calacatta marble slab with mitered edge profile on the island and Vicostone Milky White on the perimeter cabinetry. Fabrication by King’s Marble & Granite Backsplash: Stafford Tile & Stone, handcrafted tile in herringbone pattern Fixtures: Sink, faucet, pot filler, Waterworks; farm sink, Rohl Lighting: Robert Abbey island pendants Doorknobs: Rejuvenation knobs and pulls in unlacquered brass Appliances: Range, La Cornue in Provence Blue; fridge, Sub-Zero (with custom cabinet panels); under island wall oven, Bosch, supplied by Nordic Kitchens and Baths

Contractor: Patrick Scariano of Construction and Remodeling Services Designer: Penny Francis/Eclectic Home Cabinets: Mattix Cabinet Works Flooring: Reclaimed pine Countertops: Triton Stone quartz Backsplash: Triton Stone quartz Feature wall tile: Iris Apfel Collection Fixtures: Kohler Lighting: Eclectic Home Doorknobs: Emtek Furniture: Eclectic Home Appliances: Fridge, GE Monogram; range, warming drawer, dishwasher, Viking; sink, Kohler, through Ferguson Industries Hood: Custom fabricated through Nordic Kitchens and Baths

Contractor: The Spartan Group Designer: Nicole Ruppel Jones/Legend Interiors Inc. Cabinets: Custom by Legend Interiors Kitchen and Bath Designers, installed by Whistler Innovations Flooring: Concrete stained by Deco-Crete Countertops: Wilsonart quartz, installed by A Plus Tile installer: GNO Fixtures: Sink, Elkay; faucet, Kraus; hot water dispenser, InSinkErator Lighting: Roxanne by Arteriors Appliances: Range, JennAir; dishwasher, Fisher & Paykel; fridge, Bosch Hood: Walnut veneer built by Whistler Innovations Plumbing: installed by Precision Plumbing Electrician: Bellco Electric

Contractor: Pomar Gutierrez Designer: Chad Graci/Graci Interiors Cabinets: Custom made, designed by Graci, strié finish by Tom Oppliger Flooring: Honed, filled travertine from Mediterranean Tile Countertops: 3 cm Calacatta Cremo from Stone Gallery Backsplash: Back-painted glass tile in silver from Stone Gallery Fixtures: Kohler Artifacts Line Lighting: Visual Comfort Furniture: Stools, Frontgate Appliances: Panel, ready GE Monogram

Contractor: JL Studio Designs LLC Designer: JL Studio Designs LLC Cabinets: Legend Interiors Inc. refaced the existing boxes Flooring: Existing wood floors Countertops: Palatial Stone & Tile Backsplash: Palatial Stone & Tile Fixtures: Southland Plumbing Supply Lighting: É an Studio Lighting Doorknobs: Southland Plumbing Appliances: Sink, Whitehaus; fridge, Sub-Zero

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Campbell Cabinet Co.

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

Mandville – New Orleans, 985-264-4470, knapspaintingllc.com, Andrewknaps@knapspaintingllc.com

Demoran Custom Homes

Nordic Kitchen and Baths Inc.

Doorman Designs

Tuscan Stone Imports

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

504/408-1616, doormandesigns.com, @DoormanDesigns

Knaps Painting LLC

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

720 S. Galvez St., New Orleans, 504-837-1511; 7150 Pecue Lane, Baton Rouge, 225-753-5870, TuscanStoneImports.com, 504-329-0107, KHicks@tuscanstoneimports.com

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Stafford Tile & Stone

5234 Magazine St., 504-895-5000, staffordtile.com

Eclectic Home

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

Palatial Stone & Tile 1526 Religious St., New Orleans, 504-576-9000; 2052 Paxton St., Harvey, 504-340-2229, sales@palatialstone.com, palatialstone.com

Legend Interiors

Kitchen & Bath • Design & Remodeling 432 N. Anthony St., Suite 301, New Orleans, 504-324-8080, @legendinteriorsnola, info@legendinteriorsinc.com, LegendInteriorsnola.com

MULLIN

10356 River Road, St. Rose, 504.275.6617, mullinlandscape.com

M L M Incorporated 1400 Distributors Row., Elmwood, 504-322-7050, mlm-inc.com, MLM-Commercial.com

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Classic Cupboards

Louisiana Custom Closets

Triton Stone

KELLY SUTTON \\ DESIGN

5809 River Oaks Road South, Harhan, 504-734-9088, classiccupboards.com

6131 River Rd, info@tritonstonela.com, 504-738-2228

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13405 Seymour Meyer, Suite 24, Covington, 985-871-0810, louisianacustomclosets.com

3800 Dryades St., New Orleans, 310-975-4088, kellysuttoninc.com, @kellysuttoninc

LAS Enterprises

2413 L & A Road, Metairie, 504-887-1515, 1-800-264-1527

Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

1533 Prytania St., New Orleans, 504-525-7409

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JLV Construction 504-533-9932, jlvbuilt.com

Southland Plumbing Supply 2321 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, 504-835-8411 southlandplumbingsupply.com

Tara Shaw 5833 Magazine St., New Orleans, 504-525-1131, tarashaw.com

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HOME RENEWAL

Annual Renewal

Keeping up with a yearly home maintenance checklist saves time and money

Once you’ve moved into your house and lived there for a few months, it’s easy to get comfortable. Everything seems fine. But just as it’s a good idea to visit your primary care physician for health checkups, it’s a good idea to have experts check out your house on a regular basis. Doing so may cost money in the short term, but it will save you money in the long term. Chris Kornman, owner of Entablature, said checking out your HVAC units is a good place to begin. Homeowners should regularly clean the furnace and change out A/C filters. Have professionals inspect the A/C ducts. Most A/C installation companies offer service plans with twice-ayear inspections. Professionals will notice small problems homeowners likely won’t. “Some people get in the habit of just switching out their filters,” Kornman said. Kornman recommends changing the batteries on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. An easy way to remember to make the change is when clocks spring forward and fall back. For readers wondering “But won’t the alarms tell me when the batteries are dead?” Kornman points out the detectors’ annoying tendencies to alert people to dead batteries at 2 or 3 a.m. If you change the batteries yourself twice a year, you’ll never have to be annoyed about being awakened in the middle of the night. Kornman also recommends pressure washing your house once a year. If you do not do this, mildew can accumulate. If that happens, the paint will begin to deteriorate. This leads to rotting siding and more expensive repairs. A check any homeowner can do is examine the caulking around windows and siding. Once the caulking starts to disintegrate, water will get in the home. If that happens, termites will enter the home looking for

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water. Termites can cause damage to structural wood, as well as inside the walls of a house. A painter can reseal damaged caulk. “You don’t need to be an expert to see if your caulking’s deteriorating,” Kornman said. Matt Davis, a realtor and owner of 1% Lists Legacy, said homeowners can hire professionals to do yearly inspections to make sure there’s not termite activity. He also recommended homeowners have a professional inspect the septic tank. Davis also noted a relatively new maintenance concern for New Orleans homeowners: generator maintenance. The 21st century brought an onslaught of powerful hurricanes, and many homeowners elected to purchase whole-home generators. Get generators professionally inspected twice a year to avoid mechanical issues while your family is riding out a hurricane at home. Better Homes & Gardens recommends inspecting electrical cords for wear and tear. This help reduce the risk of a potentially devastating electrical fire. The Los Alamos National Laboratory (lanl.gov) offers these tips for a good electrical inspection. Look at the cord and the plug. See if there are signs of damage like cracks, damaged insulation, loose or missing plug blades, and indications of burning on the plug. Make sure the plug is securely attached to the cable. Also, be on the lookout for wall outlets that are either discolored or hot to the touch. Speaking of fires, every home should have a fire extinguisher, which typically have a life span of 5 to 15 years. Confires Fire Protection Services’ website (confires.com) says most extinguishers will have a pressure gauge with a red section and a green section. If the needle is in the green, it should be fine. — FRITZ ESKER

INSPIR ATION BOARD

Heavy Metal Chic gold and silver tones are always in style BY MIRELLA CAMERON

French 19th-century Louis Philippe-style mirror by Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co

Italian 19th-century gilt Candelabra by Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co

Jagger Table Lamp from Eclectic Home, electichome.net

Wallpaper by Erica Wakerly, Leaf in gold, from Spruce, sprucenola.com

Beige and copper metallic hide and Amberly hair on hide Rug both from Arhaus, arhaus.com

Newman Chair in mustard from Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net

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PRICE MIX

Belle Fanning

Whether you fancy modern or retro, or something in-between, keeping cool and sleeping cool is a dream with these stylish fans BY ASHLEY MCLELLAN

$109.99

$250

Mod Chic

Classic Elegance

The Vornado VFAN Vintage fan is a reprise of the company’s classic 1945 design. It features three speeds, sturdy metal construction and sleek retro appeal. Available in jade green or vintage white, the VFAN is the perfect fit for home office, bedside or living room cooling. vornado.com

The Silver Swan Alchemy Table Fan by Vornado is perhaps the sleekest model on the market. Reminiscent of old Hollywood glam décor, it features all metal construction, oscillates to cool an entire room and has three-speed controls. This is a fan that will quickly become part of an interior’s design in addition to cooling a space. rejuvenation.com

$399.99 Tech Smart

The Dyson brand is well-known for its clean, modern designs that pack a tech-smart punch, and the Pure Cool TP01 purifying fan is no exception. Not only does this sleek oscillating tower fan cool down a room, but also it features a filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA to capture pollen, dander, dust and other pollutants. Plus, its no-blade technology makes it a safe option for both adult and children’s rooms. Available in white/silver, iron/silver and black/nickel finishes. dyson.com.

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$224.99 Luxe Box

The Blueair Blue Pure Fan is a modern model that does way more than just look good. This petite fan removes more than 99 percent of dust and pollen from a room in less than 20 minutes, plus cools within a 90 degree radius without the need for oscillation. It comes with a washable fabric pre-filter designed to be easy to clean, and has three speeds to provide multiple levels of white noise — optimal for sound sleeping. Its versatile, lightweight size and handle also allows it to easily be placed on multiple surfaces, from bedside table to desk or floor. blueair.com

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All Hours Plumbing, LLC 504/909-6749 allhpar.com Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights 521 Conti St., New Orleans 504/522-9485 bevolo.com C3NOLA Construction Services 504/220-2539 info@usec3nola.com usec3nola.com Campbell Cabinet Co. 220 Hord St., Harahan 504/733-4687 4040 Highway 59, Mandeville 985/892-7713 campbellcabinets.com Classic Cupboards 5809 River Oaks South, Harahan 504/734-9088 classiccupboards.com Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom 3215 28th St., Metairie 504-834-8688 Demoran Custom Homes 504/810-5346 985/788-7857 demorancustomhomes.com Doorman Designs 504/408-1616 DoormanDesigns.com Eclectic Home 8211 Oak St., New Orleans 504/866-6654 eclectichome.net Exterior Designs Beverly Katz, Land. Design New Orleans 504/866-0276 exteriordesignsbev.com Floor & Decor 2801 Magazine St, Ste A, New Orleans 504/891-3005 flooranddecor.com Home Bank 1600 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504/834-1190

J&J Exterminating 416 Commerce Point, New Orleans 504/303-4609 540 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville 985/590-6674 Jjext.com

Palatial Stone and Tile, LLC. 1526 Religious St., New Orleans 504/576-9000 2052 Paxton St., Harvey 504/340-2229 palatialstone.com

JL Studio Designs LLC 504/494-2580 JLStudioDesigns.com

Paradise Pools & Spas 4221 Division Str., Metairie 504/888-0505 paradisepoolsandspasla.com

JLV Construction 504/533-9932 jlvbuilt.com Kelly Sutton Designs 3800 Dryades St, New Orleans 504/302-2547 kellysuttoninc.com Kim Starr Wise – The Flower Shop 2036 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/390-0563 Knaps Painting, LLC 985/264-4470 knapspaintingllc.com LAS Enterprises 2413 L & A Road, Metairie 504/887-1515 1-800-264-1527 Legend Interiors 432 N. Anthony St. Suite 301 504/324-8080 info@legendinteriorsinc.com LegendInteriorsnola.com Louisiana Custom Closets 13405 Seymour Meyer Suite 24, Covington 985/871-0810 louisianacustomclosets.com M L M Incorporated 1400 Distributors Row, Elmwood 504/322-7050 South Shore 985/231-0233 North Shore mlm-inc.com

Southland Plumbing Supply 2321 North Arnoult Road, Metairie 504/835-8411 southlandplumbingsupply.com Stafford Tile & Stone 5234 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/895-5000 staffordtile.com Tara Shaw 5833 Magazine St, New Orleans 504/525-1131 tarashaw.com The Plant Gallery 9401 Airline Highway, New Orleans 504/ 488-8887 theplantgallery.com Triton Stone 6131 River Rd. New Orlean 504/738-2228 info@tritonstonela.com Tuscan Stone Imports 720 S. Galvez St., New Orleans 504/837-1511 7150 Pecue Lane, Baton Rouge 225/753-5870 tuscanstoneimports.com Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design 1533 Prytania St., New Orleans 504/525-7409 wrenstontine.com •

MULLIN 10356 River Rd., St. Rose 504/275-6617 mullinlandscape.com Nordic Kitchens & Baths Inc. 1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504/888-2300 nordickitchens.com

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ASK THE EXPERTS

Eclectic Home

RESET, REST AND RELAX Finding your escape through exterior improvements

Moments of calm are perhaps harder to come by these days, as everyone navigates this turbulent world. Spaces for rest and relaxation at home have become important for resetting the mind and body. With spring’s arrival, nature’s calming effects beckon people outdoors, so we’ve asked local experts how to go about creating the perfect backyard escape. According to Martin Romero, vice president of Design + Build Sales at Mullin, the process begins with envisioning the space’s uses and knowing your priorities. “Just like any other facet of construction, a well-thought-out and developed concept increases the functionality and aesthetic of the space, thus increasing its appeal and intrinsic value,” he says. At Mullin, Romero finds that new exterior design builds often revolve around achieving an escape through personal connections and interaction — parties, family gatherings — which makes extending the indoors to the outdoors a common goal for homeowners. After envisioning how the space will be used by you and your guests, the next step is space planning. Whether you’re going big with a project and utilizing the expertise of a landscape architecture or a design and build firm or you’re just trying to spruce up an underutilized corner of a lot for

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a greater purpose, space planning is crucial in successfully bringing the vision to reality. “We treat outdoor space planning just as we do indoors,” says Penny Francis, principal designer and owner of Eclectic Home. “We measure and draw to scale the spaces and determine first how the area will function.” Francis says to consider all the options: space for dining, for entertaining others, and for lounging alone. Another important consideration is usability throughout the year. “Grand front porches are beautiful but limited in their functionality,” says Chris Kornman, co-owner of Entablature “Once the mosquitoes are out, no one wants to be on their front porch. Rear areas allow for broader designs such as screened-in porches or large sliding-door systems with integrated screens.” According to Kornman, one unique aspect of New Orleans homes is existing accessory structures that are on the rear property line. At Entablature, Kornman and his team often renovate these structures into pool houses or cabanas. After space planning, and knowing what you have to work with in terms of scale and budget, it’s on to the details. Experts agree that little details make a big difference. From creating a harmonious theme among new and

existing hardscape materials to ensuring the proper elevations for a swimup bar in the pool, attention to detail is just as important in designing your outdoors as it is indoors. “Just as color, texture and scale are considered when designing the interior of your home, these same principles should flow to your outdoor living space,” says Vikki Leftwich, interior designer and owner of Villa Vici. “Well-thought-out landscaping essentially creates exterior rooms.” According to Leftwich, complementing the home’s interior through your exterior design choices will help create a seamless flow and elevate the feel of the outdoor space. For example, someone with a contemporary interior style might benefit from a sleek, minimalist approach of open areas with architectural foliage and a monochromatic palette. Interior Designer Maureen Stevens agrees, saying the flow from interior to exterior is absolutely key. In addition to reflecting the style you’ve chosen for your interior, she recommends adding your personality through the foliage you choose. “Are you more of a French, super classic kind of person where topiaries may be your best bet for your outdoor space? Maybe you are wilder and more bohemian at heart; mixing and matching shrubs, greenery and flowers may be your thing,” she says. Additionally, choice of planters factor in, from the minimalist to the traditional to the artsy. And lastly, so too matters the furniture, color palette, and tablescaping. When curating your outdoor furnishings, start with the largest, most eye-catching piece and work around it, says Nomita Joshi-Gupta, principal at Spruce and Nomita Joshi Interior Design. Focal points could be a relaxing fountain or fireplace, dramatic planters, or a remarkable piece of furniture. Joshi-Gupta says that no home should look like it belongs in a hotel or

on Instagram — it should reflect you and the statement you want to make. She recommends adding personalized objects to showcase your unique personality, whether outdoor art or accessories such as a favorite pillow or throw. By utilizing and including things that you love — and that are comfortable — you will create a space that invites you to enjoy it, echoes Eclectic Home’s Penny Francis. With regard to furniture, Francis recommends mixing furnishings from multiple vendors and manufacturers to create a curated, well-designed exterior. Outdoor furnishings exist in an array of finishes and materials, from teak, iron, concrete and aluminum to synthetics like resin wicker. Retailers like RH, West Elm, CB2 and Anthropologie are expanding outdoor collections and luxury brands like JANUS et Cie, McKinnon and Harris, Vondom, Summer Classics, and Gloster can be sourced locally. Nothing can make or break a mood quite like lighting, and our designers have recommendations for setting the right tone. Layered lighting is best, they say, and can utilize a number of sources. Subtle lighting in the landscaping, spotlights directed at trees or focal points, string lights in uncovered areas, warm overhead lighting or sconces in covered areas, standing lamps in patios and covered porches, and candlelight from hurricane and votive candle holders for dining al fresco are just a few examples. Whether lounging by the pool with a glass of wine, reading in a comfortable nook on the porch, or connecting with loved ones in the open breeze, our experts recognize that a well-designed outdoor space is key for lowering the blood pressure. With just a few adjustments or additions to your backyard this spring, you’ll be relaxing and unwinding in no time. — KELCY WILBURN

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Flower Me Pretty

New wallpaper line at Spruce celebrates Louisiana’s state flower with panache

The design-obsessed know that wallpaper can quickly transform any room. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to spruce up a space. Enter the Magnolia Collection — a new line of wallpaper designs and limited-edition prints from Pensacola, Florida-based Malmberg Studio. The collection celebrates the life-cycle of the short-lived magnolia flower, which also happens to be Louisiana’s state flower. Photographer Robert Malmberg, the visionary behind the designs, found inspiration for the collection from the extensive botanical landscape of the Florida region — specifically the magnolia flower’s life cy-

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cle — transforming various forms of natural beauty into artistic designs. The wallpaper design, called Magnolia Wild, combines fine photography and mixed-media artwork to show the various stages of the flower’s life-cycle through still-life images. It’s available in four colorways: Mystic Lake Blue; Black; Wrought Iron Gray; and French White. Meanwhile, the Magnolia Collection of limited-edition prints features the magnolia flower’s natural life-cycle depicted in a set of nine intimate color compositions and black-and-white standalone options. Available at Spruce, sprucenola.com — MISTY MILIOTO