roomplanners JUNE 2010
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eclectic
elegant
charming
New Orleans style
there’s a lot to love about
the big
easy
is it Cajun? or Creole?
what’s what with Louisiana cooking
a city, a style
… too precious to forget It’s been 5 years since hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans. The Crescent City suffered severe flood damage to 200,000 homes… many of them among the most charming in America. With many New Orleans homes still in need of repair, we‟ve dedicated this issue to highlighting what makes this city‟s architecture and design so special. New Orleans‟ homes give us a glimpse into America‟s golden age of design and some of its most unique creations. Sadly, at the time of this publication, the city is again under siege; this time by an oil spill that threatens their wildlife, seafood industry and tourism. The tragedy of the past two months motivated us even more to bring the beauty of this city‟s culture, seen through the design of its homes, to this issue.
Loreen Epp
You don‟t need to decorate in this style to appreciate it, though you may be tempted to! More than that, I hope this issue peeks your curiosity about New Orleans enough to put it at the top of your list of places to visit... or even to help restore. No other city in America offers such a unique mix of European, American, African and Caribbean styles. President, RoomPlanners Inc.
Our special thanks ... A resident of New Orleans, Richard Sexton is a noted photographer, artist, writer, critic, teacher and author. He specializes in the photography of architecture, design and landscapes. Sexton‟s photos have been featured in books such as In the Victorian Style, The Cottage Book, American Style: Classic Product Design from Airstream to Zippo, in addition to books profiling New Orleans‟ architecture and interiors, Louisiana plantations and the Gulf Coast. Several photos from his book, New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence are featured in this issue. Published in 1993 and reprinted in 2003, the book was dubbed “the best photography book ever done on the city.” Right. Richard Sexton‟s books on Louisiana include: New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence and Vestiges of Grandeur: The Plantations of Louisiana’s River Road.
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on the cover An exuberant, eclectic mix of furnishings creates a relaxed opulence in this Creole townhouse in the French Quarter. Hallmarks of New Orleans interiors include a fondness for a more elegant past, a unique blend of cultures and a tropical ambiance. PHOTO COURTESY: Richard Sexton
about roomplanners.com Roomplanners.com is devoted to making professional quality interior design easier to achieve. We invite you to visit out web site to browse hundreds of rooms for ideas, or to take our survey to identify your environmental personality profile. We offer a variety of free home decorating articles, including room critiques, product reviews, cooking and kitchen ideas. Our RoomCues™ offer concise, practical guidance and inspiration on how to pull together a specific look you love. You‟ll find us online at: www.roomplanners.com. All written information herein is copyright ©2010 Room Planners Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means without written permission from Room Planners Inc..
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It’s not an easy thing to describe one’s first impression of New Orleans… ...for while it actually resembles no other city upon the face of the earth, yet it recalls vague memories of a hundred cities… of towns in Italy and in Spain, of cities in England... of seaports in the Mediterranean and of seaports in the tropics. Lafacadio Hearn, 1887
new orleans the city
there‟s a lot to love about the big easy A little history helps make sense of this unique city. Louisiana was founded by France in 1699 (...it seems Louis XIV wasn‟t busy enough building Versailles?) The new colony‟s capital, New Orleans, was named in 1718, taken over by Spain in 1762, taken back by France under Napoleon in 1800, then sold to the United States three years later. As if all this cross-cultural exchange wasn‟t enough, the town‟s Spanish and French folks shared both swamps and soirees with African American and Caribbean neighbors. New Orleans, in fact, claimed a unique mixed race class early on, with many free blacks mingling with whites, socially and culturally. In part, this openness toward cultural relations, together with
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the steamy tropical heat, gave the city its popular nickname, the Big Easy. To this day, the laid-back, laissez-faire attitude that seeps through New Orleans‟ music, speech, food, squares and rooms is undeniable. In many ways, the city feels a little lost in time. Charm, beauty and hospitality (of the old-fashioned kind) exist in equal measure. Intimate narrow streets, hidden brick courtyards, peeling plaster and lush, well-manicured estates offer a glimpse of a past age of elegance. While we openly admit that nothing beats seeing New Orleans in person, we‟ve tried to summarize this enticing city by highlighting 9 of our favorite features...
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the french quarter
the balconies
the music
Those balconies and porches! The miradors of the Spanish, the galleries of the French… both recall a golden era in the city and a very charming way to cool off!
Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, the jazz funeral... The city of New Orleans birthed some of the most unique and memorable music traditions in America.
As the cultural heart of the city, it‟s the perfect place to shop art galleries or antique stores, to stop for a beignet and café au lait in a shady courtyard or to sample crawfish. It‟s also home to the infamous Bourbon Street.
Often thought to be French, the fancy iron balconies in the French Quarter were imported from Spain or made locally by free black men. Iron balconies became more elaborate under 19th century Victorian influence.
From the clubs on Frenchmen Street to the Louisiana Music Factory, few cities offer such an embarrassing richness of homegrown talent. But it‟s the intimate stages in local clubs or on the street that mesmerize visitors most.
the party spirit
the restaurants
the colors
Carnival, for many people, is New Orleans. Starting in January, two months of balls, masquerades, feasts and parades culminate in Mardi Gras, a final week that draws thousands of visitors for dawn-to-dusk-to-dawn parties!
It’s true that some of New Orleans' finest restaurants didn’t survive Katrina. But others emerged to cook up all that seafood... and those unique Cajun and Creole recipes. New Orleans‟ culinary melting pot owes to its unique cultural melting pot; a blend of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean traditions.
The unabashed colors of New Orleans’ Creole townhouses and cottage homes seem rooted in the zesty, vibrant hues of the neighboring Caribbean. But these brighter, zestier tropical schemes emerged in the early 20th century.
One of the oldest and most famous neighborhoods in America, New Orleans‟ French Quarter is home to artists, musicians, Mardi Gras and very charming buildings.
Quite literally, Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, a reference to all the serious merrymaking and indulgences that culminate just prior to Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent season.
the garden district The city’s most elegant antebellum (pre-Civil war) mansions are lush and rather wellcoifed! Best of all, they can be viewed easily from the South St. Charles Avenue streetcar, with its back-intime wooden seats. The Garden District was built by northeasterners who moved south to make it big during the 19th century cotton boom, then built big homes to match! www.roomplanners.com
New Orleans restaurants are local and unique… and tour books on the city always suggest visitors “come hungry”.
Authentic New Orleans colors draw more on the sun-washed colors of Mediterranean countries, including southern Spain, France and Italy.
the cemeteries
the resilience
Known as Cities of the Dead, New Orleans‟ rows of crypt-like tomb houses and vaults have provided endless fascination to visitors and movie makers alike. Above-ground burial places were common in both France and Spain. But it was New Orleans‟ high water table that reinforced the tradition in the New World; coffins buried underground were known to float to the surface after the first hard rain.
New Orleans is no stranger to tough times. The city has had its share of fires, riots, revolutions, sickness, poverty and natural disasters. In August, 2005, Hurricane Katrina flooded nearly 80% of the city. The recent Gulf oil spill now threatens the city‟s seafood and hospitality industries. But grave devastation and excruciatingly slow recovery has yet to dampen the city‟s spirit of hope and hospitality. 4
The mirrors in her house are dim and their frames
tarnished, all her house is dim
beautiful
with
and
age. She reclines gracefully
dull brocade
upon a chaise-longue… and the draperies are arranged in formal folds.
bygone and more gracious age.”
She lives in an atmosphere of a
William Faulkner,
new orleans on the inside
New Orleans
eclectic, charming, elegant… a décor unlike any other New Orleans’ music, muffeletta and Mardi Gras may garner the most tourist attention. But until you’ve seen this city’s homes, you haven’t really seen New Orleans. The unique mix… from Creole townhouses, cottages and shotgun homes to majestic Greek Revival mansions… is unlike anything you‟ll find in any other city.
brought their love of dressy décor and the pomp and pageantry of their Catholic religion. The Spanish brought their knack for building houses that last forever and look better with age. Neighboring islanders brought their open-air lifestyle and breeze-management skills!
Second only to New York as the largest port of entry into America during the 19th century, settlers arrived from all over, bringing their style preferences with them.
The Anglos were people of British descent, born in the American northeast. Many flocked to Louisiana after the colony was purchased by the United States. They brought their love of Greek Revival and Queen Ann décor.
The Creoles were people of French or Spanish descent born in the Indies or New World colonies. The French
New Orleans‟ rich, varied history has left us with a style of home décor that really can‟t be found anywhere else.
Is it Creole? Or Anglo? Creole...
Anglo-American...
townhouses, cottages and shotgun homes favored hall-less arrangements, sun-washed color and eclectic, Old World charm. Located downriver, Creole homes featured small homes with street-front balconies or porches, colorfully painted window shutters and quaint, secluded courtyards.
mansions and estates favored center or side -hall arrangements and the formal Greek Revival architecture used back in Britain and the American northeast. Located upriver, Anglo American homes featured grand, column-clad architecture, deep porches and lush, fenced-in gardens.
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room décor...
new orleans style
There‟s no one style of furniture that identifies a New Orleans home. While French and Spanishinspired homes were rooted in the Mediterranean‟s romantic and picturesque styles, English-inspired homes reflected ancient Greece and Italy‟s classic, restrained styles.
Camel-back sofas are a favorite in New Orleans-style interiors. Hooker Furniture, Beladora
But what was common to both was a love of elegance, toned-down to suit a languid, tropical lifestyle. A room renovated in „New Orleans‟ or „Creole‟ style today may follow the traditional, but relaxed, opulence the city is famous for. But it may also mix old and new to create fresh new interpretations of this unique style. In many ways New Orleans offers welcome ideas for today‟s trend to eclectic, unexpected décor. The charm of a New Orleans home is in its ambiance more than its style. A feeling of oldness, sensuality and
A Creole-inspired interior features the ubiquitous tall ceilings, narrow French windows, mahogany-like furniture, planked ceiling, seagrass rug and French-inspired wall color. American Drew, Laura Ashley
faded elegance comes from its mix of aged patinas, brick, plaster, painted shutters, waxed wood, tarnished metals and just about any older-looking furniture style. There‟s no effort to conceal age or wear here. In fact, the style prefers to preserve things just the way they are.
paint colors This exuberant, but elegant palette reveals a touch of Paris, a smattering of the south of Spain, a whiff of island style and a bit of bravado from Victorian London.
There‟s no fear of using color in New Orleans; a city where multiple cultures, intense climate and fiery food are a daily way of life. But there‟s something subdued about
even the boldest colors used in New Orleans homes. They seem elegantly aged by time, slightly romantic and even moody… as if always seen under low light.
room tips Here they are… eight of our favorite ways to achieve New Orleans, or Creole, style at home. Read more about each on the following pages!
colorful walls and painted trim feel exuberant and elegant
unmatched furniture inspired by French or English styles from the 18th and 19th centuries look inherited or bought at a flea market
one-of-a-kind objects look unique, personal and connected to a more elegant past
picture walls amass a lot of artwork together in all shapes and sized
tall windows & shutters recall French, Spanish and island architecture
ferns and fans add a lazy, tropical ambiance
Behr W-F-610 “antique white”
Behr 300E-1/ E-2 / E-3 “ginger”
Behr 790C-1 / C-2 / C-3 “pewter”
Behr 330C-3 / D-4 “brown sugar”
Behr 380E-2 / E-3 / E-4 “olive”
Behr 370E-4 /E-5 “maize”
Behr 710E-2 / E-3 “heath”
Behr 160D-4 / D-5 “watermelon”
Behr 580B-5 “wedgewood”
iron furniture and furnishings look as fancy as they look strong
Behr 520F-4 / F-5 “viridian”
Behr 360F-4 / F-5 “old gold”
Behr 360D-6 / D-7 “gold”
brick, plaster & paint feel old, permanent and weather-worthy
Behr 410D-4 / D-5 “fern”
Behr 700E-3 / F-4 / F-5 / F-6 “verdigris”
Behr 200F-4 / F-5 / F-6 “brick”
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Behr 770F-6 / F-7 “wrought iron”
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colored walls Perhaps it’s being around all those Cajun spices… all that tropical sunshine that fades anything but bold colors… or that melting pot of cultures from Paris to Port au Prince, from Seville to Sierra Leone. Whatever the inspiration, the use of color in New Orleans is nothing short of fearless, both in the exuberant choice of colors and how they’re used together. New Orleans’ colorful hues look elegant, even if a little faded. Some are known by their French names... Paris green, Gros Rouge or Brun d’Espagnol, It’s believed these pretty hues were intended to complement skin tones. Trust the French to consider that when picking paint! In a Creole home, walls, baseboards, planked ceilings, trim and doors are painted to preserve wood. Left. A Creole-inspired dining room with a French country influence. Drexel Heritage Furniture, Accents Francais
If the Cajun food isn’t enough, New Orleans’ room colors pack their own punch.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
choose a wall color from the New Orleans paint color palette on page 6
cover walls with plenty of artwork or furniture; it tones down the brightest wall colors without losing the dramatic backdrop they create
apply paint over a textured plaster wall... or use a subtle paint technique that simulates the texture of plaster
use paint, rather than stain, on baseboards and trim; go lighter or darker than the walls
unless living in New Orleans, avoid mixing too many bright colors together. It‟s like wearing a Hawaiian shirt in Chicago... some ideas just work better in their local context...
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The elegant, flattering colors of 18th and 19th century New Orleans‟ interiors are featured in Interview with the Vampire (1994, Geffen Pictures). The movie includes plenty of French Quarter scenes.
A dilapidated, but colorful Creole home plays a starring role in A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004, Destination Films). The movie is a must-see; as much for the way it captures the city of New Orleans as for the story.
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unmatched furniture It’s unlikely to find matching upholstery and bedrooms suites in a Creole interior. An eclectic, collected-over-time quality is much preferred. Furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries… French or English, city or country... are favorite choices and freely mixed. The parlor is the prized room in a Creole home, and it’s rarely without a shapely camel back sofa, a few 18th century chairs, a well-dressed mantel, tall drapes or charming shutters. But formal gives way to familiar as traditional style is toned down with slightly faded, worn or aged-looking materials. Left, Kincaid Furniture, Carriage House
No one furniture style defines New Orleans interiors, though French influences die hard.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
avoid matching sets of furniture
use a sofa or settee with a shapely camel back
use velvets, brocades and other formal fabrics from the past; if they look faded or worn, even better!
place a settee or accent chair in a bedroom
use French (Rococo) or English (Victorian) accent chairs with button tufting, shaped wood frames or curved cabriole legs
use mahogany wood stain or grain; it recalls colonial furniture that might have been imported from the West Indies
use small accent furniture (small tables and drawer chests, accent chairs, etc); it helps create the eclectic, non-matching look
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The front parlor of an old Creole townhouse, Casa Hinard, in New Orleans‟ French Quarter. Notice the mood of faded elegance and patina of age. A portrait over the mantel and a mismatched collection of antique Spanish and French furniture add Creole-style charm. PHOTO: Richard Sexton
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one-of-a-kind objects Unique and disparate objects perfectly coexist in a New Orleans home and there’s little effort to coordinate them. With each object sharing traces of the past, an agreeable harmony results, despite the mismatching. A chipped or faded surface is always welcome; it gives objects an inherited or old quality. Such tendencies to display favorite objects is rooted in a French appreciation for beautiful things in the 18th century... and a ferocious Victorian penchant for collecting in the 19th. Left. A collection of one-of-a-kind frames are anchored by a crocheted doily. The mantel is the favorite palace to display unique objects. PHOTO: Richard Sexton
New Orleans interiors are perhaps most famous for how they’re accessorized.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
display a variety of old, precious items together on a mantel, table, ledge or shelf... mismatched photo frames, religious icons, porcelain vases, old books, hurricane lamps, Mardi Gras beads or masks, busts, etc.
place an antique-looking candelabra (or a pair) on a table or mantel
place a crocheted lace doily under a group of objects or an antique lamp
hang an ornate, antique mirror or wall sconce on the wall; the more elaborate and weathered, the better!
hang an antique-looking chandelier in a bathroom, bedroom or living room. Choose one that looks tarnished and elaborate
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Ornate, tarnished French candelabras, like those seen in Interview with the Vampire (1994, Geffen Pictures), are a must-have accessory in an authentic New Orleans home, alone or in a pair.
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picture walls Exuberantly covering an interior wall with framed artwork is distinctly New Orleans thing to do. Surrounded by so much artwork, Creole homeowners could peer into the past. The ‘picture wall’ tradition also recalls Victorians’ habit of creating ‘picture rooms’ that simulated art galleries, or creating wall collages out of a variety of mismatched pictures. Oil paintings with rich Renaissance colors and gilded frames are favored in older New Orleans homes, but any mix of size, shape or style of paintings can create a New Orleans picture wall’, especially when they’re clustered together, or even leaned against walls or mantels. Left, paintings are casually leaned and hung against a richly-colored plaster wall. PHOTO: Richard Sexton
A love of history shows up all over New Orleans… but nowhere more than on walls.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
collect art with ornate or antique gilded frames
avoid matching art pieces or pairs; mix oval and rectangular shapes in a variety of sizes
collect painting-like images with rich Renaissance hues
lean large pictures or empty frames against an open wall
don‟t worry about placing artwork together with furniture to create a focal point—covering an entire wall or stairwell is more authentic
illuminate large paintings with a small brass art lamp
hang artwork over a richly painted wall; a watermelon hue is a favorite
hang artwork on the center gables of a large bookcase
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A wall of artwork seen against a white walls updates the look. Bernhardt Furniture
This Creole living room offers all the richness of a European art gallery. On a New Orleans picture wall, individual items matter less than the rich effect of all the items seen together. PHOTO: Richard Sexton
Picture-rich walls are set against a deep watermeloncolored plaster wall in Double Jeopardy (1999, Paramount Pictures). The movie also features scenes in and around the French Quarter, including a look inside a French Quarter party and an above-ground cemetery.
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tall windows & shutters They’re tall, narrow, elegant and very European. Multi-sectioned French doors grace nearly all the buildings in New Orleans, recalling Paris apartments with their tall doors leading out onto narrow iron-clad balconies filled with flower pots. Hinged shutters frame both windows and doors on Creole-style homes; a clever and practical idea in a tropical, hurricane-prone zone… and an undeniable hallmark of New Orleans style. Louvered shutters are believed to be uniquely Spanish; board-andbatten shutters more French.
Tall, multi-paned doors and windows. Is there anything more charming… or French?
New Orleans style Here’s how!
make windows look taller than they are by running curtains from the ceiling right to the floor
use curtains with a triple thickness; let them pool slightly on the floor for a luxuriously French look
use louvered plantation shutters on windows
choose tall, narrow, multi -paned French windows, if buying new
install a set of double doors between rooms; the narrower and taller, the better
use patio doors that open out, rather than slide
replace an interior wood door with a French-paned glass door
use louvered closet doors; paint them a New Orleans color
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Stanley Furniture, Serafina
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ferns & fans It’s a compelling picture… lush ferns hung from wire baskets, enclosing porches or filling rooms ... tropical ceiling fans in every room... louvered shutters letting in a breeze... muslin slipcovers protecting furniture from perspiration and insects... hardwood floors with rolled-out area rugs that get rolled-up in the summer. A New Orleans’ home feels summery and sultry, inviting us to slow down and cool off. With deep porches, windows clad with lush drapery or shutters (or both!)... interiors look slightly dim; shaded from the sunlight and protected from the elements.
A sub-tropical climate and a by-the-bayou location makes it summer every day.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
hang fans from the ceiling instead of lighting fixtures
use louvered plantationstyle blinds or shutters on windows—they add instant tropical style and cool summer breezes
use hardwood floors, if budget allows, with faded oriental rugs or textured seagrass rugs
use lush ferns and palms to fill the corner of a room
paint shutters in a strong New Orleans color; they‟re bold enough to not look washed out under a hot sun
use wood or woven accent chairs rather than fully upholstered ones; they look more tropical and relaxed
cover chairs or sofas with white muslin slipcovers or sheets in the summer
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Overhead fans and louvered window shutters create a breezy ambiance. Homes in New Orleans are often pared back in the summer; carpets are rolled up and sofas covered with white muslin slipcovers. PHOTO: Richard Sexton
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iron furniture & furnishings Were all those fancy iron balconies in the French Quarter a French idea? A Spanish import? A Victorian excuse to elaborate? No matter. Curiosity about the origin of all that wrought and cast iron in New Orleans is usually quickly replaced by an appreciation for how well iron works as decoration rather than just structure! In New Orleans, intricate, exquisitely detailed ironwork scrolls its way onto balconies, gates, fences, doors, planters, staircases, beds, lanterns, candelabras and more.
Cast and wrought iron in New Orleans has all the twists and turns of a mystery novel.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
use a metal bed instead of a wood one. Choose one with a simple, narrow frame... or one that resembles a New Orleans iron fence or scrolled gate.
use metal grills on a door, window, fence or gate
use metal instead of wood balusters for stair railings
use a large French lanterninspired lighting fixture over the dining table
hang a wire-framed basket filled with flowers or ferns
hang tall draperies from a wrought iron curtain pole
place a cast iron bench, a French bistro table and chairs or a French lantern in an outdoor garden
use over-sized metal hinges on shutters or doors
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The elegant iron balconies of New Orleans‟ French Quarter are featured in both King Creole (1958, Paramount Pictures, with Elvis Presley, top) and A Streetcar Named Desire (1951, Charles K. Feldman Group, with Marlon Brando, bottom).
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brick, plaster & paint New Orleans homes suggest centuries of attempts to resist harsh weather conditions and intense heat. Simulating something between old-world European ruins and color-rich Caribbean island architecture, the walls of Creoles homes may utilize brick, plaster, painted wood, or a combination of all three. Painting wood trim, shutters or ceilings preserved them from weather and insects… and offered Creoles more places to add color)! Brick walls clad with plaster were used to rebuild city center homes after disastrous fires in 1788 and 1794. Today, these materials suggest the romantic ambiance of bygone days. Left. Creole kitchens were often simpler than other rooms in the home, with their rustic cypress tables and stand-alone cabinets.
A look of permanence, a patina of age... suggest homes that have been through a lot.
New Orleans style Here’s how!
use tall, elegant baseboards and wide window and door trim
paint baseboards, window and door trim in a New Orleans color, instead of staining
trim interior doorways with extra-wide trim
add a planked board ceiling for an authentic Creole cottage look, a plastered ceiling for a Creole townhouse look
use plaster-covered walls, or a textured paint finish that gently simulates aged plaster (a very slight color texture is all that‟s needed; avoid heavy, exaggerated faux finishes)
Rich-colored plaster walls with over-sized painted trim is seen in Double Jeopardy (1999, Paramount Pictures, with Ashley Judd).
use brick for interior walls, outdoors patios or courtyards
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PHOTO: Richard Sexton
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A rich,
multicultural
heritage.
Waterways teeming with fish and
seafood.
Together they created what we know today simply as New Orleans, or
Louisiana-style cuisine.
new orleans on the menu
where else could you find such a culinary melting pot? New Orleans’ cuisine is deeply rooted in two cultures and cuisines... Creole and Cajun. Together, they‟ve created a dynamic cuisine known as the food of Louisiana. A rich local supply of shellfish (crawfish, crab, shrimp and oysters, alligator, redfish, flounder, snapper and catfish), along with a rich cultural heritage continue to inspire area
chefs, restaurateurs and home cooks. Among them, New Orleans‟ Chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse have helped raise the profile of the city‟s cuisine and champion flavorful Southern-style cuisine. Sadly, residents now worry about the Gulf‟s recent oil spill and its effect on their precious supply of seafood.
Is it Creole? Or Cajun? The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are unique differences between Creole and Cajun cooking. With roots in a classical European cooking tradition, Creole cooking tends to be more sophisticated. With roots in a more rustic cooking heritage, Cajun cooking is more peasant-like. Many Cajun recipes, for example, are made with a dark roux (a mixture of fat and flour) to add texture and flavor; Creole recipes use butter and cream instead. Cajun foods also tend to be more robust in flavor than Creole cooking, though Creole food is spicier. www.roomplanners.com
Creoles ...
Cajuns…
were named after Europeans (mostly from France and Spain), Caribbeanites and Africans born in New Orleans. These first residents continued to cook with foods from their homeland, including beans, rice, tomatoes, peppers, sauces and sausages. Combined with fresh local ingredients, their cuisine became an eclectic melting pot!
were named after French Acadians exiled by the British from eastern Canada (Nova Scotia). They settled in a swampy area west of New Orleans where they lived on the wildlife they found on land and in the water including duck, chicken, pork and seafood.
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cooking quarters Wendi Hiebert is a home economist and food writer, living in Kitchener, Ontario. For more of her recipes, visit www.CookingQuarters. wordpress.com
southern dirty rice Dirty rice gets its name because of the addition of meat, giving this dish a dark appearance. Typically, the meat used is chicken livers and giblets. This version uses a blend of ground beef and pork. 1 tbsp (15 mL) cooking oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 3 ribs celery, very thinly sliced 125 g (1/4 lb) extra lean ground beef 125 g (1/4 lb) lean ground pork 1 teaspoon (5 mL) Creole Seasoning (recipe follows) 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) cooked white rice 3 green onions, thinly sliced In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until onion is soft and celery is tender-crisp, about 6 or 7 minutes. Add ground beef and ground pork; cook until meat is browned, stirring often to break up. Drain off any fat. Add seasoning, rice and green onions. Cook for a few minutes until rice is heated through. Taste and add more seasoning, if desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings
creole seasoning
what’s what with Louisiana cooking ...some of New Orleans legendary dishes & ingredients
andouilee
file powder
(an-doo-ee) Spicy smoked pork sausages used in dishes such as Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya and Gumbo.
(fee-lay) Seasoning made from the ground, dried leaves of the sassafras tree used to thicken and flavor gumbo and other Creole dishes. A woodsy flavor.
beignet (bin-yay) Deep-fried square yeast pastry or fritter served with powdered sugar. Can also be savory (eg. herb or crab).
boudin (boo-dan) Spicy ground pork sausages made with onions, herbs and cooked rice.
café brulot (ka-fay broo-low) Coffee, spices, orange peel, and brandy traditionally prepared in a chafing dish, then ignited and ladled into cups.
Combine ingredients, blending well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Shake or stir well before use. Makes about 1-1/3 cups (325 mL) www.roomplanners.com
Thick stew-like dish that can be made with vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood.
jambalaya (jum-buh-lie-yah) Versatile dish made with a ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, green peppers, celery, cooked rice, seasonings, and ham, shrimp, and/or chicken. Many different varieties.
muffeletta (muff-ah-leh-ta) Layered sandwich made inside a round Italian bread. Layers include Italian meats, cheeses, and olives.
crawfish Freshwater crustaceans that resemble small lobsters. Can be served in a variety of ways, including boiled. Turn bright red when cooked. Also known as crayfish or crawdads.
Use this seasoning blend to add a Creole flavor to eggs, rice, casseroles and vegetables. Recipe Source: Emeril Lagasse 5 tbsp (75 mL) paprika 1/4 cup (60 mL) garlic powder 4 tbsp (50 mL) salt 2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp (30 mL) onion powder 2 tbsp (30 mL) cayenne 2 tbsp (30 mL) dried oregano 2 tbsp (30 mL) dried thyme
gumbo
po-boy Sandwich served on French bread. Legend says it began as a 5¢ lunch for poor boys! Many versions exist...fried oyster, shrimp or potato, roast beef and gravy, or softshell crab.
dirty rice Cooked rice sautéed with green peppers, celery, onions, stock and giblets or other meat.
etouffee (ay-too-fay) Tangy tomato-based sauce usually made with crawfish or shrimp.
red beans & rice A New Orleans staple, made with kidney beans, seasonings, rice, spices and sausage.
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