New Orleans Homes Winter 2023 by Renaissance Publishing

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Contents WINTER 2023 / VOLUME 27 / ISSUE 1

F E AT U R E S

STA N DA R D S

Casually Elegant

Editor’s Note

A cozy bungalow embraces great detail for a design charmer 28

A warm welcome 8

Design Diary What’s new 10

Relaxing Retreat

A redesign showcases classic color and historic elements 36

Style Authentically Inspired 12

Aging In Place

Helpful tips for preparing the home for the years ahead 42

Get Organized Powder Power 14

Artist Profile RJ Raizk 16

Gatherings Jump’n Chive 18

Home Grown Beets 20

Bright Ideas Winter Tablescapes 22

Trendwatch Rich Warmth 24 36

Home Renewal Spinning Vinyl 56

Inspiration Board Hearth & Home 58

Expert Advice Mood Lighting 60

Last Indulgence

ON THE COVER

A Touch of Style 62

California coastalinspired design defines classic chic. (p. 28) Photograph by Sara Essex Bradley

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 © 2024 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.

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E DITOR’S NOTE

A Warm Welcome

EDITORIAL Editor Ashley McLellan Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Style Editor Andy Myer Web Editor Kelly Massicot Contributing Writers Jenny Adams,

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

Winter is the season for turning inward, creating a warm, safe space at home while we wait for the warmth of spring and the return of longer days. But although the days may be dark, and the temperatures are chilly, it doesn’t mean that we can’t embrace this time. It just takes a little planning. This issue we have all of the winter home décor, accessories and design elements that will inspire and keep you cozy, from carefully appointed blankets and bedding to tips from the pros on how light your space with the warmest glow. Our features embody the best design, with the creation of inviting spaces and meticulously planned renovations that transformed family houses into homes. This is my first issue as editor of New Orleans Homes, and I am so excited to continue to explore the city and its unique architecture, its makers and creators, artists and designers, and bringing you, our reader, with the very best you have come to expect each month. Welcome home!

Senior Account Executives Erin Chiartano,

Brooke Genusa MARKETING

Marketing Manager Greer Stewart

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING PRODUCTION Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Senior Designer Meghan Rooney Designer Ashley Pemberton CIRCULATION Distribution John Holzer ADMINISTRATION Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

Never miss an issue, scan and subscribe today!

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

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D ESIG N D I A RY

Expressive Design

Social Network Common House, a 20,000-square-foot modern social club, will open in the former Louisiana Children’s Museum space in the Warehouse District next summer. The venue will feature a restaurant, rooftop pool, fitness center, courtyard, open co-working space, conference rooms, event rental space and more. In addition to the club’s amenities, members also will have access to weekly programming, including live music, wellness classes, wine tastings, speaker series and networking opportunities. Constructed in the 1840s, the building’s exterior, iconic blue arched doors and unique historic features will be preserved thanks to the help of Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture and Joshua Joseph Interiors. This location marks Common House’s fourth location (with three other venues in Charlottesville, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and Chattanooga, Tennessee). 420 Julia St., commonhouse.com/nola

Modernist Design on Magazine

Nomita Joshi Interior Design recently opened its muchanticipated design studio and gallery on Magazine Street. The studio focuses on experiential design, while the gallery showcases international modernist design through furniture, art and a concept apartment. Represented lines and artists include Phantom Hands, Pani Jurek, Courtney Simon de Montfort, Audiowood and Paul Troyano. 2035 Magazine St., 616-7073, nomitajoshi.com

Farrow & Ball’s Color Curator Joa Studholme has released her top three interior decorating trends for 2024. According to Studholme, decor in 2024 will be all about finding balance. For starters, she says that clay tones (such as Jitney, Stirabout, Oxford Stone and Tanner’s Brown) will be popular, as a way of nurturing homeowners in their space. And for those who want to try something new, combining different sheens and wallpaper is ideal for celebrating individuality. Meanwhile, balancing an ultra-matte dead flat with full gloss is a way to give spaces a modern and polished feel (think: a kitchen island painted in full gloss, while the walls are painted in a matching color but in dead flat). Finally, Studholme says that wallpaper is a great way to transform a space. She suggests using two colorways of the same pattern in the same space, or taking wallpaper up and over the ceiling as a way to add the illusion of height. Available at Spruce (by appointment only), 2043 Magazine St., 265-0946, sprucenola.com

Intentional Design + Intuitive Exploration

Originally established by Wayne Troyer as Wayne Troyer Architects and rebranded to studioWTA in 2013, the award-winning firm has once again rebranded as practis and moved to a new location. The women-owned architecture and design firm, led by Tracie Ashe and Julie Babin, has undertaken this new brand identity as a way to reflect its evolution and continued dedication to learning and growing with each project. Practis specializes in modern, bespoke designs and has an extensive portfolio that includes residential, hospitality, commercial and institutional projects. 3450 Magazine St., practis.design

Historic Hotel Renovation

The Dew Drop Inn Hotel and Lounge was recently renovated and reopened in Central City with 17 boutique hotel rooms, a live music venue and a resort-style pool. Originally opened in 1939 by Frank Painia, the Dew Drop was a hotel, barber shop and music venue that hosted legendary musicians such as Ray Charles, Little Richard, Deacon John and Irma Thomas. The Green Book-listed music venue and hotel received $50,000 in grant funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to support the development of historic exhibits throughout the venue. 2836 Lasalle St., 948-3002, dewdropinnnola.com

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ST Y L E

Authentically Inspired

1 Golden Age

Architect Jeremy Corkern draws on his passions for art and antiques when drafting blueprints for his one-of-kind designs.

I love art, especially the work of George Dunbar, as each piece is dramatic and multifaceted. I’ve been a collector for 10 years, and my most recent acquisition is from the 1970s. It has a very unusual architectural quality to it and may just be my favorite to date. Callancontemporary.com.

PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

2 Bright Idea

Antique lanterns lend a sense of establishment to a home of any age. I love using these crusty fixtures in fresh, new ways and you’ll see them in many of my designs. There is something so cool and quirky about an overscale outdoor lantern hanging indoors above a dining table. Macmaisonantiques neworleans.com

3 Food for Thought

Culinary antiques fascinate me and the offerings at Lucullus are special and storied. Proprietor and interior designer, Patrick Dunne, is an encyclopedia on the subject and his book “The Epicurean Collector” is a longtime favorite for gifting and inspiration. Lucullusantiques.com

4 Hand to Heart

Mark Gagnon’s papier-mâché vessels are sculptural and captivating. Their shape and scale make them feel modern and ancient all at once. My mother was a paper artist, so I appreciate the time and talent it takes to create something so beautifully complex from such a simple medium. Sudneworleans.com

4 3

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GET O RGA NIZ ED

Powder Power With entertaining season in full swing, make sure your guest bathroom spaces are company ready. Thoughtful touches can make any guest bath feel fashionably flush. BY REBECCA FRIEDMAN

Top Towels

Give your guests luxury at their fingertips with linen guest towels, like these from Sunday Shop.

Shelf Stable

Even a narrow spot can accommodate open shelving to hold necessities.

Top Tier

A built-in ledge above the sink offers space saving organization for toiletries and décor.

Tray Chic

Collect candles, flowers, containers and more on a pretty perch.

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Storage Step Up

A bath ladder offers ample storage for small spaces.

Vanity Fair

A contemporary, semi-open vanity offers under-sink storage with a streamlined look (no pipes!).

Towel Corral

Elevate the ordinary with a design upgrade, like this tortoise guest towel holder from Adler’s.

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A RTI ST PRO F IL E

RJ Raizk Artist RJ Raizk’s work spans a multitude of forms from graffiti-esque hand-drawn patterns to abstract canvases with aqueous washes of color. He also utilizes a variety of media from acrylic paint to oils, inks and spray paint. Yet, all of Raizk’s creations have common “organic” threads. As a child growing up in small town Ohio, Raizk began spontaneously drawing on walls and shutters, adding what would become his signature mark to the built world around him (a practice not discouraged by his mother, who saved some of the drawings). Today, he still applies pattern to walls – albeit now with a rigorous perfection that rivals digitally printed wallpaper and fabric but also surpasses them as hand-done, one-of-a-kind pieces. “As a kid I was drawing on walls and shutters and now it’s my career,” said Raizk, who refers to the wall works as murals. “It’s kind of like what I was born to do.” After high school, Raizk followed his late sister, an interior designer, to New York City, where he obtained his BFA from the School of Visual Arts and began doing pop-up mural installations for events in

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clubs and restaurants. Designers took note and his New York client base grew to include corporations, fashion designers and homeowners. When Raizk’s sister returned to New Orleans, where she had attended Tulane, he moved to the Big Easy and embraced what he describes as the “anything goes vibe.” Raizk’s wall designs reference shapes found in the natural world. Coral (a pattern that calls to mind the iconic squiggles of artist Keith Haring), Circles, Fronds, and Leaves are among the pattern names in his portfolio. But Raizk says they are more the result of the “free flowing” way he channels an interior feeling than an actual representation of the world around him. Feelings, emotions, music, and a love of color and texture are the core of his inspiration. “It’s very internal versus outward inspiration,” he said. While Raizk’s interior world is also the source of his abstract canvases, the organic quality of these typically large works is not stylized. There are canvases reminiscent of ink diffusing in water, works resembling topography, applications of paint with the liquid movement of lava, and pieces that look like sunlight breaking through the rocky mouth of a cave. Whatever the medium and category of work, and whether the end result represents the minutia or vastness or the world, the process for Raizk remains constant. By tapping into the universe within, he naturally and intuitively conjures striking images of the cosmos around us. — LEE CUTRONE

THOM BENNETT PHOTOS

GAT H E R I N GS

Jump’n Chive

Paired with a holiday ham or solo as a parade route snack, creamy Parmesan and zesty chive make an ordinary biscuit jive. PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX

About Ayu Bakehouse Ayu Bakehouse opened its doors in 2022 as a modern bakery where playful inspiration meets classical technique. Founders Kelly Jacques and Samantha Weiss’ freshly baked creations transcend categories and blend flavors of far-reaching places with their adopted hometown of New Orleans. Ayu Bakehouse, 801 Frenchmen St., ayubakehouse.com.

Parm & Chive Biscuit Yield: 12 biscuits 5 cups all-purpose flour 3 tbsp baking powder 2 tsp fine sea salt 2 sticks plus 4½ tbsp butter, cubed, cold 2.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 2 cups chives, finely chopped ½ cup plus 1 tbsp whole milk, cold 1½ cups plus 1 tbsp sour cream, cold Egg wash (one beaten egg with a splash of water and pinch of salt) 1. Preheat oven to 475F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. 2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add cold butter cubes and mix on medium speed until pea-sized. Add Parmesan cheese and chives and combine gently. 3. Combine milk and sour cream together in a pitcher until smooth. 4. With the mixer on low, gradually pour the milk/sour cream combo into the bowl and mix until incorporated. 5. Place the dough directly on a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle approximately 1 ¼” thick. Use a sharp knife to trim any uneven edges and then cut the dough into approximate 2” squares. 6. Collect the scraps and repeat steps 5 and 6 up to two more times. 7. Move the biscuits to a parchment-lined sheet pan with 1.5-2” of space in between each one. Brush egg wash onto the tops of the biscuits. 8. Bake at 475F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top and bottom.

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EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

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HO M E G ROW N

Beets

Enjoy a healthy harvest of colorful beets. BY MISTY MILIOTO

1 Appearance

While the deep purple-red variety is the most popular, beets come in a variety of colors including golden yellow, white and even rainbowcolored. The seed is tan with a rough corncob appearance. The large leafy green tops, which also are edible, may have red veining or be entirely purple.

2 Use

Beets can be used in a multitude of ways, from tossing them into a salad, to air-frying, pickling, juicing, roasting, braising and more. Beets also are the base for borscht, a traditional Eastern European soup. The leaves, which are also great sautéed or in salads, make a healthy addition to soups, smoothies and sandwiches.

3 Grow

While beets prefer cooler temperatures, they need at least six hours of sun per day. Plant beets in well-draining rich, loose soil, and provide a deep layer of mulch to cool the roots. Pre-soak seeds to increase germination rates and plant each seed 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart. Thin out the seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall. Beets should be harvested before a hard frost. Companion plants for beets include bush beans and onions.

4 Learn

Beets and their greens are excellent sources of fiber; antioxidants; folate; vitamins A, B9 and K; manganese, copper and potassium.

5 Lagniappe

The biggest beet in the world weighing more than 156 pounds - was grown by a Dutchman.

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BRIG HT ID EAS

Winter Tablescapes Don’t live in a box of traditional holiday colors or ideas “I AM FROM HERE, BUT I GREW UP IN NEW ZEALAND. There is a bright-yellow national flower called the Kōwhai. That’s where my company name comes from,” says Owner and Floral Designer, Helen Boebel, who focuses on bold colors and sustainable options for her clients, which range from brides to party hostesses. She moved back to New Orleans during the pandemic, loving the city’s abundant hospitality and tight-knit, helpful floral industry. For her, winter is a time to reach for still-green tropical plants, metallics and lots of color. “I find it so interesting to decorate in winter, because, growing up in New Zealand, Christmas was a summer holiday. I think I lean back on that often, not being afraid to throw in some tropical elements and brighter colors against the expected red and green,” she says. We asked Boebel to talk with us this issue about going beyond the boundaries when thinking of decorating a table for a winter gathering, whether it’s as simple as a six-person meal or as grand as a 60-person, black-tie fête, and a few ideas for being more sustainable this season. What’s a visual hurdle to winter decorating? I think we hold on to Eurocentric ideas of what something should look like in this season. There are many parts of the world where winter is a warmer holiday, like here in New Orleans. If you lean into that mindset, you can open your table up to more options.

designs with our tropical greenery. Even in winter, we have beautiful sago palm branches outside. Really any kind of palm plant works great for fun arrangements, and even those palm date seeds that are bright yellow are cool to use. One great idea for a holiday party would be a monochromatic tablescape. Just choose one color and do everything in that hue. If you choose a deep red or white, it will still feel traditional. How can we make cool creations but create less waste this winter? I like using found vessels. Knickknack bowls, for example, or, old candle jars repurposed as tiny vases. Jane Hazeltine is a local candle maker. I like using her jars once my candles have burned down. I also love thrifting for tiny jars, or stopping by my mother or grandmother’s house, to see what they aren’t using. Once you find a jar, use a small floral frog in the bottom of it to create your arrangement, or use chicken wire. I do not use floral foam. Why should we avoid floral foam? Floral foam is awful. It has a microplastic in it that does not break down. When you cut it, and it’s dry, it can also release particles into the air that you inhale. It’s such a common thing in the industry, but it’s not adequately discussed as to how toxic it is. Chicken wire is very easy and a great alternative that you can reuse over and over. You just cut a small piece, make it into a little ball, and place your stems inside. — BY JENNY ADAMS

What are a few fun things you reach for in winter? I think about creating

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TR ENDWATCH

Rich Warmth

Whether entertaining the Mad Hatter and friends or putting Alice to bed, fairytale-worthy textiles and accessories in bold hues add depth and wonder for winter at home. BY ANDY MYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENIA UHL

Tablecloth, napkins, cocktail napkins: Matouk’s Magic Mountain tablecloth in Chocolate Persimmon featuring foo dogs and dragons printed in Portugal on linen, Matouk orange linen napkins with embroidered scallop edge (sold in set of four) and playful Wave cocktail napkins with a two-color embroidered border (sold in assorted sets of six), available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com. Salt and pepper mills, candlesticks, napkin rings: Lacquered, bobbin-shaped salt and pepper mills and candlesticks (available in assorted sizes and colors) finished with eight coats of high gloss and hand-painted in between, gold dragonfly and pheasant napkin rings with a clear acrylic base (in a wide range of options and sold in sets of four), available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. Bud vases: Lovely handmade bud vases by Fifi Laughlin (in assorted colors), available at Pamela Dennis, 504-628-2474.

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Square pillow, bedcover: Christian Fishbacher Winterwald decorative pillow, Yves Delorme Cocon Counterpane bedcover in Sienna with a dreamy velour pique front and solid back, available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com. Lumbar pillow: Antique Ottoman Empire raised dark gold metallic embroidery on cape velvet, hand-trimmed with metallic gold cording and knotted corners, available at B. Viz Design, rebeccavizard.com. Clock, slippers: Addison Ross enamel and silver alarm clock with glow in the dark hands and charmeuse quilted silk Kumi Kookoon slippers with Ultrasuede bottoms, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. Bud vase: Handmade by Fifi Laughlin, available at Pamela Dennis, 504-628-2474.

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Casually Elegant This charming bungalow embraces graceful architectural details. BY MISTY MILIOTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

Pearson, who grew up with Middleton in Mobile - and who later attended college and lived with Middleton in New York City - was a natural choice for the redesign. “She came to me with all the preliminary ideas of how she wanted to renovate the house,” Pearson said. “I would like to think that in addition to knowing me so well, she chose me having seen my work throughout my career. From there, we made a plan to get started.” Two of the main goals for the redesign were to open the floor plan and to add a primary en suite over the former garage and back shed. After coming up with the initial plans with the owner, Pearson knew she needed to engage structural engineers (Batture Engineering) to help design the project. “Another major feature was the double-height fireplace

rowing up in Mobile, Alabama, Collin Middleton frequently visited her grandmother’s house in Old Metairie. When her grandmother decided to sell, Middleton (who was living in Santa Monica, California, at the time), jumped at the chance to purchase the beloved family home. She first rented the home to a family until 2019 when she decided to make the move to Louisiana. “After living in the house for a while, she was ready to personalize the home and make it her own,” said Martha Pearson, principal at Martha Pearson Designs. “She resides with her German Shepherd, Maggie, who led the design team in the backyard ball-throwing area.”

Facing page: The existing archway not only opens the space between the dining room and the living room, but it was preserved to retain the historic charm of the bungalow.

Top, left: The black leather slingback chairs were sourced at the Round Top Antiques Fair, and the oil painting is by Errol Barron. Top, right: Martha Pearson designed a custom metal stair rail just off of the dining room. Bottom: The dining room pendant is from Lulu and Georgia, and the custom white oak table is from Ferm Living. Facing page: The primary bedroom features vaulted ceilings, white oak flooring, and custom built-ins and a fireplace by Parish Woodworks Renovations & Design. The midnight cement tile on the fireplace is from Zia Tile.

that went from the open exterior porch to the new primary bedroom,” Pearson said. Once the construction plans were finalized, MPD sourced materials, paint colors, plumbing and lighting in line with Middleton’s tastes and aesthetics. “Knowing that [Middleton] wanted to transform the interiors from the traditional style of generations past to an open, California coastal style, we had a solid direction of what we wanted the home to look like off the jump,” Pearson said. She and her team redesigned the 3,000-square-foot home (with four bedrooms and three baths) and led the team coordination throughout the design and construction process. MPD also designed all of the new millwork (including built-in bookshelves); indoor and outdoor fireplaces; the kitchen island; two bathroom vanities; custom cabinetry for the kitchen, primary bedroom, and primary and guest bathrooms; plus a custom stair rail for the dining and kitchen areas. “The arch was a common design feature original to the home, so it only seemed fitting that we used it for some of the custom pieces,” Pearson said. “You can see it on the stair rail, the built-ins in the primary bedroom and in the primary bathroom.”

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Since Middleton wanted a California coastal vibe - thereby maximizing indoor/outdoor living, incorporating a light and neutral color palette, and highlighting natural materials - Pearson added a massive 12-foot-wide glass door in the downstairs living area. It fully opens to the covered outdoor living room that features a wood-burning fireplace and cypress-clad ceilings. Pearson also added a dip pool to the backyard surrounded by soaring bamboo, creating a virtual oasis. Similarly, the new primary en suite overlooks the backyard and features vaulted ceilings, a cement-tiled fireplace mirrored by arched built-ins on either side. Additionally, Pearson modernized and opened up the traditional interi-

or but without erasing the original architectural features of the house. “For example, we removed some of the interior walls, but we kept the original archway from the living room to the dining room, which creates an almost vignette into the room beyond,” Pearson said. “This house is three stories with a total of five different levels, which created a challenge to achieve the open floor plan. The original kitchen was its own room separated from the dining room on the same level as the den on the ground floor. With the help of Batture Engineering, we were able to place the beams required to open up the walls between the levels as minimally tucked away as possible in order to maintain visibility between the rooms.”

Facing page: Top: The newly constructed primary bedroom has five Marvin windows and overlooks the tall bamboo in the backyard. Combined with the vaulted ceilings, the space takes on an an airy treehouse feel. Bottom, left: Martha Pearson designed the custom millwork in in the primary bathroom, which was fabricated by Parish Woodworks Renovations & Design. The historic cypress doors are from an architectural reclaim market, and the wall tile is from the Cotto Collection from Zia Tile. All plumbing fixtures are in a champagne bronze finish from Delta Faucet. Meanwhile, the vanity sconces are from the Brooklyn-based design collaborative, In Common With. Bottom, right: The acrylic freestanding tub is from Signature Hardware. This page: Left: Pearson sourced the bedside table from Anthropologie and the bedside lamp from Arteriors. The painting above the bed is a reproduction of a Modigliani created at the Tate Modern in London. Top, right: The homeowner sourced light-filtering Belgian-linen draperies for the bedroom to keep the space light and airy. Bottom, right: The historic cypress doors used for the pass-through primary closet separates the bedroom and bathroom in the en suite.

When the team removed the walls between the dining and ground floor den, they were able to regain more storage by installing a kitchen island and removed an exterior door in the kitchen that was no longer needed. Pearson also upgraded the refrigerator, added antique terra cotta flooring and had a custom island built. “The kitchen had previously been renovated with [Middleton’s] mother, who has an eye for interior design,” Pearson said. “Because we did not replace the majority of the counters and cabinets from that renovation, we matched the finishes selected by her.” When it came to flooring, Pearson knew that the wall-to-wall carpet in the living and dining rooms had to be removed. What lay beneath was original white oak flooring that she refin-

ished with a clear satin finish. “The kitchen has French reclaimed terra cotta parafeuille tile from Provence,” she said. “They were salvaged from ceilings in old farmhouses and out of buildings throughout the South of France, and they are beyond divine. In the new primary bedroom, we installed white oak flooring to match the rest of the original house finished in the same fashion.” Meanwhile, the bathrooms also have special design characteristics. For example, the primary bathroom - which Middleton wanted to feel like an oasis with loads of natural light and organic materials - now features handmade terra cotta from Zia Tile with a unique trapezoid shape to run the length of the vanity and shower wall. “When installed over such a large span,

it feels like a piece of art built directly in the wall,” Pearson said. “The unique shape of the tile added a modern and unexpected touch but still was able to remain cohesive to the space when installed in a large area.” Another impressive feature in the primary bathroom is the custom alder wood vanity with open shelves for towels and hidden storage under each sink. “Additionally, once [Middleton] saw an acrylic tub in person, she knew she could not do without it, so she splurged on the tub, and we made an oversized walk-in shower as well,” Pearson said. The guest bathroom also got a more playful makeover. It now features cement tile floors, matte square shower tiles, a floating Adler vanity, new fixtures and lighting. Yet another must-have for the homeowner was an outdoor living room - a place to hang out with family to watch games, relax in the pool with friends and let her dog have room to run. “In the covered living room, she has room for a bar and lounge furniture to cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace featuring a sackwashed brick finish,” Pearson said. “We did not use a landscape architect, but MPD designed a schematic site plan of the backyard, including the dip pool, which [Middleton] took to a pool installer to build. We also designed built-in planters on either side of the fireplace to add a touch of natural beauty and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. [The homeowner] worked with a landscaper to install a natural-look turf with irrigation system.” In addition to creating a stunning outdoor space, Pearson also brought it plenty of plants for the interior of the home. “Because we really wanted to embrace the indoor/outdoor living, we relied heavily on natural light and indoor plants,” Pearson said. “Of course, when relying on plants to execute a design, you also have to rely on the homeowner to water them, and I knew they would be in good hands with [Middleton].”

Facing page, top: The dip pool is surrounded by limestone coping and AstroTurf. The homeowner found the vintage lounge chairs, which add a perfect touch to the California-cool vibe. Bottom: The wood-burning fireplace is clad with limewashed brick. This page: The homeowner wanted the indoor/outdoor living area to be a primary focus of the renovation. A large, 12-foot double sliding glass door between the interior and the covered porch achieves this goal.

A RELAXING RETREAT A TRADITIONAL REDESIGN MEETS POPS OF COLOR AND PLAYFUL ELEMENTS FOR A TRULY BESPOKE HOME. BY MISTY MILIOTO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

fter Charlotte and Robert Henry got married, they decided to move from Dallas to New Orleans (where Charlotte is originally from) in order to settle down and have a family. “We were renting our previous home and were working with Margaret Stewart to start our house search,” Charlotte said. “We just so happened to lock in a good mortgage rate a few weeks before we found the house, and right before COVID hit. We had our offer accepted on March 9, 2020, and, although some circumstances changed, we were determined to not let COVID impact us getting this house. Shortly after, we found out we were expecting a baby. Now we have two girls, Merritt and Libby.” The Henrys first met with Chris Kornman at Entablature to handle the remodel. “We have heard horror stories of some contractors, and we could tell [Kornman] and his team were very professional, organized and set realistic expectations for us,” Charlotte said. “We loved the fact that they used an app to record selections, have streamlined communication and sharing of plans. They were always responsive and attentive whenever we (as new homeowners and construction newbies) had a million questions for them.” Next, the team at Entablature referred the Henrys to Leslie Raymond, vice president and principal, and Dan Akerley, senior project manager, at Albert Architecture. “This being our first (and very big) construction project, we really leaned on them to give us direction on style and design,” Charlotte said. “They paid attention to some of the most minute details we would have never thought This view looking of (knob placements, positioning into the dining of outlet covers, trim placement room showcases the natural maand more).” terials and pretty First and foremost, the new robin’s-egg-blue homeowners wanted a home that paint color. they could gut and make completely their own. “Our house is one of three identical houses on our street that are double shotguns, and the last to be renovated,” Charlotte said. “We converted the house to be a single-family home. We knew we wanted our primary living space to be in the back of the house, so we worked with [Raymond and Akerley] on how to accomplish that flow without feeling too choppy. We also wanted to maximize storage, so we added closets in the master bathroom, front room and hall, plus double closets in one of the bedrooms.” Additionally, the Henrys knew they wanted to preserve the historic elements of the house. As such, they salvaged two windows that were in bathrooms and relocated them to the new laundry room and Jack-andJill bath. “We were also able to remove the second door

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Facing page, top: The light and airy kitchen features Hapman & Myers Stonington medium hanging shades, Dakar white polished quartzite countertops from Triton Stone, Hanover Shaker cabinet doors from Shiloh Cabinetry (purchased through Mattix) painted in Mindful Gray, a kitchen hood custom-designed by Albert Architecture, curtains custom-designed by Anne Villere, and Sunwashed Riviera counter stools by Serena and Lily. Bottom, left: The adorable nursery contains a Jenny Lind crib from Crate & Barrel, an Ava Regency extra wide dresser from Pottery Barn, artwork (“Spring Circle” by Dawn Wolfe) from One Kings Lane and a chair from Charlotte’s family recovered by Fairfax Fabric. Bottom, right: The front of the Henrys’ home is painted in White Dove and Dove Wing, while the steps are painted in Platinum Gray and the front door in Gray Wisp (all by Benjamin Moore). This page, top left: Anne Villere custom-designed the curtains and selected grasscloth wallpaper for the relaxed office space. Top right: The powder bathroom features wallpaper selected by Anne Villere, a mirror from Dopp Antiques, a Radford sconce by Ralph Lauren and a Templeton Pedestal Console by Kingston Brass from Southland Plumbing. Bottom left: The Henrys’ back patio has a copper awning from Crescent City Copper and electric Coach House 22-inch on original bracket lanterns by Bevolo

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(from the double shotgun) and created a replica of the other front windows to seamlessly integrate into the front of the house,” Charlotte said. “We saved the front windows original to the house.” “Charlotte and Robert gave us the freedom to determine where certain rooms were located,” Raymond said. “One of their main goals was to preserve as much of the historic character as possible. So we kept that in mind even in organizing the room layout. We maintained a lot of the existing structural walls and placed openings within them instead of moving walls.” The remodeled home now satisfies the needs of the Henry family in a number of ways. “We love having the kitchen and living space together,” Charlotte said. “Now that we have two kids, we spend all of our time in that big main room. We love that we can open our back door and play outside, while one of us is in the kitchen cooking or at the desk working.” The kitchen now features a large island with plenty of storage, and it also gives Charlotte and Robert space to cook and work. “We do a lot of cooking, and we were able to completely customize it to our needs, down to the height of the kitchen hood to make sure Robert didn’t hit his head while cooking,” Charlotte said. “Albert Architecture suggested using two slabs on the counter and backsplash of the kitchen to make a statement. We selected a quartzite called Dakar White. We used Shiloh Cabinets in a color called Facing page: The Mindful Gray.” dining room features The Henrys also worked with Anne a table by West Elm and an inherited Villere (of Anne Villere Designs) to piece of artwork (the help select paint colors, wallpaper, title page of a World drapery and rugs. “Since the houses in Atlas) from Robert’s our area are close together, we knew family above the bar we needed to have drapery right when cart. Top: Anne Villere created the custom we moved in - especially with our bedcurtains and chose room being at the front of the house the rug for the living with a wall full of windows,” Charlotte room. Meanwhile, said. Robert’s later father designed and built The overall color palette is calm the nesting tables. and traditional, but with pops of colBottom: The Henrys or in relaxing hues - like greens and repurposed Robert’s blues - throughout the house. “We grandmother’s table usually stick with neutrals to be safe, for use as a bar cart. but, thankfully, working with a designer helped us be a little more bold in our design decisions,” Charlotte said. “We were able to add fun elements like wallpaper and playful color trims to mix up the otherwise basic off-white walls. [Villere] did a great job of tying the colors of the home together and ensuring everything flowed well into each room.” The homeowners also later worked with Carrie Knapp (of Carrie Knapp Interiors) to convert the guest room into a nursery for their newborn. “She did a great job utilizing the design aspects we already had in the room and house to create a fun nursery for our new baby.” As for future plans, when the Henrys originally met with Kornman about the remodel, they had mentioned the possibility of camelbacking the house as they started a family. “Although he wisely suggested we do that with this renovation, at the time it was just two of us and we thought that would be excessive,” Charlotte said. “Little did we know we would have two kids in two years (and a dog and a cat), so we will need more square footage sooner rather than later.” MYNEWORLEANS.COM

AGING IN PLACE

Helpful tips for preparing the home for the years ahead By Kelcy Wilburn, Illustrations by Kevin Kennair

here’s no comfort like the comfort of home, and older adults tend to agree. According to a 2021 study by AARP, 77 percent of adults over 50 want to remain in their homes long-term. While some expected this trend to weaken after the pandemic, it appears to be holding steady. For local contractors and home designers, this trend can mean retrofitting or renovating a person’s home to make it safe and comfortable for the years ahead. If you’re considering remaining in your home long-term, it’s never too early to start planning. “Planning should begin - on average - in a person’s 50s,” says Kirk Williamson, director of operations at JLV Construction. “Early planning allows you to make changes to your living environment, lifestyle, and fi-

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nances. That’s a time when your financial preparation is progressing towards retirement, and you want to make sure aging in place aligns with that financially.” MLM Incorporated General Contractor Machi Medrzycki adds that early planning gives you plenty of time to create a comprehensive agingin-place strategy and get those home modifications accomplished. The process starts with evaluating your current living space for accessibility and safety needs. If you’re not sure how to do that exactly, he says to seek advice from professionals in aging in place while you determine your renovation budget and financing options. “There is a tremendous amount of information on the web,” says Chris

Kornman, principal at Entablature. “If you’re doing a whole house renovation, ask the architect if they have experience in designing for aging in place.” “Current best practices in construction for aging in place are guided by universal design principles, which focus on creating accessible and user-friendly spaces for people,” says Medrzycki. “Key features include step-free entrances, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, lever-style door handles, nonslip flooring, good lighting, and smart home technology. There are guidelines to follow - ADA or universal design are the two most commonly known.” “Licensed builders in Louisiana have mandated continuing education,” adds Williamson. “There are certification programs, but the National Association of Home Builders best practices are a gold standard.” Once you have an idea of the professionals you want to talk to, what guides your next steps? “Assess your current needs,” says Williamson. “What are your physical and mental health needs for the home? Are there any current mobility issues in the home? Are there any challenges - narrow doors, cabinets that are too high or low? It is difficult to step over the tub? These are the first cues to look for.” Renovations are easier in some homes than others - are there considerations to be made between retrofitting your existing home versus undergoing a new build? “If you are renovating a whole house, there a lot more options for making the home function well, such as widening hallways, reducing the number of thresholds between rooms, and designing the floor plan to get the primary suite on the first floor,” Kornman says. “If you are renovating an entire house, then there is not necessarily much difference between that and new construction. But altering an entire historic home, such as a shotgun or center hall, may take a lot more effort and cost to allow for aging in place versus new construction.” “It’s usually cheaper to retrofit than begin a new build,” says Williamson. “With a renovation, you may not gut the house but instead prioritize certain areas. Bathrooms, halls, doors, and kitchens can be renovated to fit aging in place on a lighter budget. Retrofitting allows you to stay with what you’re familiar with while being a more affordable option.” “But, if the house just doesn’t seem like it’s going to make sense for mobility purposes, new builds are better for customization,” he adds. “More than anything, new construction makes sense when we’re talking about maintenance. Older homes require maintenance, while a new build’s plumbing and electrical are newer. As you age in place, you don’t want to have to put up with a lot of maintenance issues.” According to Medrzycki, “The decision between a new build and renovation for aging in place depends on specific circumstances. If customization, future-proofing, and budget allow, a new build can provide a custom solution with fewer potential issues. However, renovating your existing home can be a cost-effective, emotionally satisfying choice, especially if your current home has a good layout and is in a location you value.” Let’s dive into to some specific modifications. What kinds of changes should a homeowner expect to make? “Part of it is making a single-floor living space and reducing the number of steps to go up and down,” says Williamson. “You want to have wider doorways and hallways - in case there’s a need for a wheelchair - and account for turning radius in doorways and halls. Zero-step entries are a big thing - making sure you have ramps in place or, at the very least, gradual sloping steps that can access the home. Another item is proper lighting - making sure pathways are well lit so you don’t have any trips or falls.” Kitchens and bathrooms are often a main focus for contractors helping clients prepare a home for aging in place. Between the risk added by slippery surfaces in a bathroom to the varied challenges presented in the kitchen, these hot spots offer several opportunities to improve safety. In kitchens, problems arise in a number of ways. Spilled or splashed liquids can cause slips. High cabinets and shelves make out-of-reach items dangerous to retrieve. Meanwhile, cabinets and shelves that are too low require bending or crouching that can be painful or cause someone to lose balance. Some cabinet and drawer fixtures - especially knobs - can be difficult for a person to firmly grasp. “In a kitchen, consider smart kitchen faucets that turn on by touch and smart appliances,” says Kornman. “Consider changing cabinets to drawers.

WIDER DOORW AYS

Design the walking space between cabinets to allow for a walker or wheel chair - this is typically wider. Place oven doors and microwaves at a height that doesn’t require bending down to reach. Many higher-end fridge doors open by pushing instead of pulling. This requires less strength.” “Replace cabinet and drawer knobs with handles, which allow more catching space for your hand,” Williamson says. “Make sure shelving and countertops are at lower elevations so that you can access everything as you get older. You may want to consider a ‘pull-up’ sink, or accessible sink, where the bottom under the sink is absent. This allows for chairs and wheelchairs to be able to pull up for better access.” Medrzycki recommends items like lever-style faucets, which are easier to control. Under-cabinet lighting and task lighting improve safety. He recommends installing adjustable shelving to make stored items more accessible. Additional ideas for the kitchen include designing the space in contrasting colors for flooring, countertops, and cabinets, which helps people with visual impairment. Additionally, nonslip flooring is a must. For large-scale changes to a kitchen, Medrzycki repeats the need for larger doorways, wheelchair-accessible design, and MYNEWORLEANS.COM

NO THRESH HOLD

ADA-compliant design. He notes that features like anti-scald faucets and pull-out pantries are great additions to a kitchen renovation. “Especially in a kitchen - and equally important in a bathroom - are non-slip surfaces, Williamson says. “A great option is vinyl flooring, which is better for non-slip and is one of most affordable options in construction. This is one of those rare instances where a modification meets budget. You generally want

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to stay away from tile, stone, and stained concrete. These retain water a lot easier on the surface, causing greater chances of slips and falls.” While wood flooring isn’t the best option, Williamson adds that water can generally dissipate easier on wood than on hard surfaces like tile, stone, and concrete. Nonslip flooring is also crucial in a bathroom. What other changes should be considered there? Medrzycki echoes some of what he recommended for the kitchen - using an ADA-compliant design and expanding the bathroom for maneuverability. Additional modifications would include adding anti-slip mats, grab bars, and motion-activated lighting. Showers benefit from an adjustable shower bench, handheld shower head and lever-style faucet controls. The bathroom presents another opportunity for an accessible sink and comfort-height vanity as well. “A walk-in shower/tub is always the number one modification in a bathroom so that there’s no stepping over a tub railing,” says Williamson. “To make it more comfortable and reduce falls, you can add shower benches so that you don’t have to stand up the whole time. All walk-in showers should have a hand-held shower faucet to allow for individuals to sit down during the showering process.” “Also, grab bars can be placed near toilets to assist getting up and down. Rugs are often your friend for keeping water off the floor. Finally, make sure the doorway is wide enough for a wheelchair, which should be able to move around freely enough to access the shower,” he says. Technology is rapidly changing how we interact with our homes and adding new layers of convenience to everyday tasks. What technologies should be incorporated with regard to aging in place? “Smart home tech is exploding,” Kornman says. “It will continue to improve, become less expensive, and eventually be incorporated into almost everything we use in our homes. Right now, lights, audio/video, and HVAC are the common smart home items. Soon it will be faucets, our appliances, etc.” Medrzycki notes the benefit of these automated systems and adds that smart home technology can also enhance safety beyond just making life more convenient. “Don’t negate technology,” says Williamson. “It’s a helpful resource as you get older. We often separate out aging and technology in society, but we shouldn’t—we don’t find that to be the case anymore. Ensure that you’re using fiberoptic cable for faster internet. We’re finding older adults are increasingly using Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice commands and to ask questions - ’Call Sarah. What’s on my schedule today? Set me a timer.’ You can ask it to play music, which helps people feel better. These types of things are a huge benefit over having to get up, walk over, and push a button, which can be difficult for many individuals.” Some homeowners preparing to age in place have concerns about what these modifications will do to the aesthetic and resale value of the home. There are ways, though, to maintain style, and many changes actually enhance the home. “Universal design doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics for functionality,” says Medrzycki. “Avoid the myth that universally designed spaces can’t be visually appealing and that they’re prohibitively expensive. These modifications can future-proof the home, making it suitable for aging occupants or those with disabilities, which can be an attractive feature. Homes with accessibility features may suggest that the property has been well-maintained and cared for, which can positively influence its perceived value.” “Look, there’s a large subset of people who age - it’s about 100% of us,” Williamson says. “The reality is that there are a lot of buyers out there looking for things like this. Many of these retrofits are not just for older adults - there’s a large population of homebuyers who have disabilities, who also need houses like this. The combination of these populations makes for a large potential market.” When making modifications, a homeowner doesn’t have to sacrifice style. According to Williamson, there are ways to make changes feel less clinical. For instance, he recommends that a widened door be complemented by bigger trim, giving it a stylish and more grand effect. Just because your cabinets are hung lower doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish, and no one will accuse an elegant bar-style drawer pull for being anything more than it is. “Even though you want brighter lighting, your fixtures and sconces can be beautiful,” says Williamson. “Your grab bars can be nice - you can choose squared off instead of rounded or gold instead of the brushed nickel you might be used to. Don’t relegate yourself to clinical choices. Don’t sacrifice style.”

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H O M E R ENEWA L

Spinning Vinyl Innovative flooring with an old favorite

FLOORING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ANY HOME. You walk on it and see it everywhere you go in your house. So, choosing the right floor is not a decision to take lightly. In recent years, many people are opting for vinyl tile for their floors. Why has this old standby become popular again? According to Mandy Goodwin, sourcing director for Strong Built Floors (NOLA Flooring is a local retailer of their tiles), there a number of reasons. First, affordability is a big selling point, with Goodwin noting it is roughly one-third the price of true hardwood floors and roughly half the price of engineered hardwood. Former “This Old House” host Bob Vila’s website (BobVila. com) estimates luxury vinyl tile costs between $2 and $5 per square foot, including installation, while wood floors and carpeting can cost anywhere between $3 and $10 per square foot. Since vinyl is more affordable than other options, it gives customers more flexibility with options, especially since vinyl tile no longer requires glue making it easy to install and remove on top of hardwood, according to Goodwin. Another selling point is that it remains a DIY-friendly option for homeowners. Many tiles are either self-adhesive or lock together, therefore not requiring adhesive or glue of any kind. There are still instructions a person will need to research and follow, but a non-expert can complete an installation. “You don’t have to be a professional to lay it,” Goodwin said. Goodwin also added that vinyl tile floors are easy to clean and maintain once installed. Homeowners can use a Swiffer WetJet, a mop, a vacuum, or gentle household cleaners. Pet accidents can easily be cleaned, and few lingering smells or stains from any accident or spills will be left behind. This also makes it easier to maintain than many other flooring options. “Hardwood requires more specialized cleaners,” Goodwin said.

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For homeowners concerned about the aesthetics of vinyl tile, Goodwin said customers can now choose from a variety of different looks, from faux marble, stone or wood, among other options. “If someone comes into your house after it’s installed and they’re not in the flooring business, they often won’t know it’s vinyl,” said Robert Simoneaux, project manager for Bonitz, a commercial flooring company. Vinyl tile is often described as “waterproof,” but Simoneaux warns that this can be slightly misleading. Vinyl tile can withstand simple water issues like spills without buckling, he said, however, if there is flooding or any other form of standing water, mold can still form quickly and the tile and subfloor would need to be dried off or replaced. Goodwin recommends installing a visqueen liner between the slab and any vinyl tile for extra insurance and longer lasting materials. An additional cost of $80-100 to a vinyl tile installation will protect from New Orleans’ moisture and humidity. According to BobVila.com, vinyl tiles can vary wildly in quality, even in highly-rated brands such as Shaw, Armstrong and Mannington so be sure to do your research in advance. Thickness of vinyl tiles can range from 2 mm to over 8 mm, with thinner vinyl more easily damaged and prone to indentation marks from furniture. Thicker vinyl often offers more cushioning and stability. “The thicker the layer, the better it will withstand the wear and tear of high traffic situations,” Goodwin said. A final note and selling point of vinyl tile is a softer, more cushioned floor feel as opposed to harder, less giving materials such as ceramic tile. This can be important for people suffering from knee and back issues as they age, according to Simoneaux. “When you walk on it, it’s not rigid…it’s easy on the joints,” he said. — FRITZ ESKER

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INSPI R ATIO N BOA R D

Hearth & Home

Create an inviting space for your holiday gatherings with décor elements that evoke a sense of classic warmth and timeless style.

A few strokes of Mossed Opportunity interior one-coat paint makes an evergreen scene. behr.com.

BY AMY GABRIEL

The Royce lounge chair with morel taupe Tibetan lambskin seat, braced by a wood frame in an autumn brown finish. Villa Vici, villavici.com.

Two-bulb Louis sconce in Bourbon St. Bronze or Chartres St. Gilt. Julie Neill Designs, julieneill.com.

Marble and mango wood cutting board with marble and stainless steel utensil from Creative Co-Op. Phina, phinashop. com.

Five-piece fireplace tool set with blackened or brass finish and luxe leather handles. Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com.

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New Zealand-made mohair throw by Lands Downunder. Maisonette Shop, maisonetteshop. com.

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ASK T H E EX PE RTS

Mood Lighting Illumination through the darkest days

WITH THE DAYS AT THEIR SHORTEST OF THE YEAR, winter offers the unique opportunity to dive deep into lighting design. Lighting affects our productivity and mental health, and its importance in our day-to-day is often something we take for granted. As we attempt to light our way through the darkest days of the year, we’ve asked home design experts this season about best practices and preferences when it comes to bulbs, fixtures, and placement of lighting sources throughout the house. “There’s nothing more warming than the atmosphere created by the soft flicker of firelight on a chilly night,” says Chad Graci, owner/designer at Graci Interiors. “I always have lamp light and candlelight in the evenings.” According to Designer Nomita Joshi, lighting is key to any room and highlights or diminishes an experience - it creates the mood, the feeling. On dark days, Joshi uses side lamps or floor lamps to amp up a cozy, cocoon feel. “Layered lighting is critical for the ambience and function of a space,” says Penny Francis, principal designer and owner of Eclectic Home. “Table lighting, floor lamps, art lighting, task lighting, and ceiling lighting are all necessary to consider when deciding on your lighting choices.” Ac-

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cording to Francis, a main fixture may be too much light for a dreary day, when lamp lighting and spot lighting are more appropriate. Lighting technology has changed drastically over recent years, leaving many overwhelmed homeowners scratching their heads in the bulb aisle of the hardware store. To get a grasp on your options, Francis recommends first understanding the color temperature, which is indicated by its Kelvin (K) rating. “A quick rule to remember is that the higher the Kelvin the whiter the light,” she says. “Household fixtures are commonly found in color temperatures of 2700K (warm), 3000K (warm white) and 3500K (fluorescent).” While Graci prefers incandescent lights, he acknowledges they are harder to come by. He tends to buy bulbs on the warmer side and stresses the need for adding dimmers to control ambience. Joshi agrees and says that overhead lights should always be dimmable LEDs at a warm setting. Be forewarned though, not all bulbs are dimmable - check before you buy. “I am a big ‘color’ person,” says Nicole Ruppel Jones, kitchen and bath designer at Legend Interiors. “In order to see color in its most pure form, I like to use 3000K LED bulbs in my overhead can lighting. Then, I begin layering my lights.” Depending on the particular design and space of a project, she may opt to set lamps at a warmer 2700K. Jones echoes that dimmers are a must for setting the mood throughout thew day: “As our eyes adjust, so should your lights.” When it comes to lamps, Joshi uses anywhere from a 20- to 40-watt bulb in warm for decorative lamps (as they are meant to glow) and 60watt or halogen bulbs for task lighting. “Natural light is the calmest and most desirable of all lighting,” she says. “But during nightfall every room is dark. One should consider placement of furniture and lighting based on daytime natural light - for example, place your desk near a natural light source to alleviate work stress, and use task or indirect lighting for detailed work.” While your natural lighting may change with the seasons, Francis recommends maintaining the color temperature in a room yearround. Changing bulbs by season could be expensive since only LED bulbs are available and can last for some brands up to 20 years. For a home’s exterior, Jones emphasizes working with the mood, not against it. She likes to stay in the 2700K range. “After dark, the last thing you want is harsh/abrupt contrast lighting, so using 4000-5000K in an exterior application is not the way to go,” she says. Francis also cautions against very white temperatures outside and says to test your bulbs to see how it looks with your façade finishes. White temperature bulbs used on white homes can make the house look blue at night. As with indoors, ambience outside is key. Our experts recommend layering outdoor lighting and using appropriate light sources for your walkways, gathering spaces, and architecture. Holiday/seasonal lighting, romantic gas lanterns, firepits, and low landscape lighting aimed at columns or trees can all help set a cozy mood on a mild winter night. — KELCY WILBURN

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