[225] Spaces & Places [2019]

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contents

/ WHAT'S INSIDE

ON THE COVER Local artist Meghan Daniel has filled her Capital Heights home with vibrant rugs, thrifted furniture and more than 30 plants. For our cover photo, staff photographer Collin Richie captured Daniel in her art-filled living room. Turn to page 28 for Daniel’s story.

Features

local designers pulled off 11 How stunning kitchen renovations

design trends to 14 Which watch for now

Departments 8 Upfront 11 Ideas 19 Spaces 57 Style

is inspiring us with their 19 Who personal home designs to consider 57 What when shopping for decor to water 60 When and how to keep plants alive

Designer Bridget Tiek kept many of the original details intact when restoring her 1930s Garden District home.

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COLLIN RICHIE

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welcome

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FROM THE SPONSORS

Your New Space Awaits …

SHANE DANTIN RYAN MARTINO Owners Pinnacle Exterior Construction

AT PINNACLE EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION, we are a Louisiana company with Louisiana values. Our roots are strongly embedded in the Baton Rouge community. We strive to enhance the natural beauty in everything we do —pools, custom fences, outdoor living areas, bulkheads, neighborhood entrances and more. Attention to detail is our priority and we have earned a reputation for the highest level of quality workmanship. Pinnacle is pleased to sponsor this year’s Spaces and Places. We look forward to working with the 225 audience on their next project.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Convenience and Innovation at the Library

SPENCER WATTS Library Director East Baton Rouge Parish Library

THE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LIBRARY not only offers 14 convenient locations open 7 days a week, but also inspiring spaces for personal discovery, community meetings and free programs and events all year. Our new Innovation Space at Bluebonnet supports the growing Maker Movement, while pop-up maker programs take place throughout the parish.

Our shelves are stocked with items to take with you while you are on the go ... check out books, magazines, audiobooks, Playaways, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays and more. Use free computers and search the Library’s special online databases. Or download and stream from the Digital Library. Check it out!

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upfront

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Afterhours MY MOTHER TAUGHT me to make my bed each morning, but I didn’t always listen.

When I was a kid, I vehemently didn’t see the point. I had my whole case ready to recite to her.

Mom, I’d whine, I’m just going to unmake it again a few hours later.

Besides, most days you and I are the only ones who are even going to see my bedroom. Pleeeease.

Unfortunately for my mom, I was a lost cause. I wouldn’t get it until I was an adult, putting my own energy into the state of my home.

All those hours I’ve now spent poring over bedding and throw pillow options, making sure all the textures and colors are just right—suddenly, I’m invested.

If I’m going to buy that round blush-pink pom-pom cushion I’ve been coveting on Etsy, you better believe I’m going to show it off on a properly made bed.

It’s not just about the bedding, though. It’s about the bed’s place in the room. How it meshes with the wall art and the furniture. It’s about the finished product, and how one look at it influences my mental state.

It doesn’t matter if I’m the only one who sees it. It turns out my space means more to me than anyone else, anyway. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, coming home to a clean, put-together respite each night brings me peace. The better my bed looks, the better it feels to climb into it at the end of the day.

That is what 225’s annual Spaces & Places publication is about. It’s a peek into design around Baton Rouge—those joysparking, meaningful, comforting spaces that residents come home to each day.

This is our fifth edition of Spaces, and if you haven’t seen it before that’s because we only produce it once a year. But it’s always one of the issues I’m most proud to place on newsstands, because I believe these are some of the most personal stories 225 will tell.

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A S K T H E S TA FF

What items in your home could you never part with?

Publisher: Julio Melara Executive assistant: Millie Coon

Jennifer Tormo The rest of the year, we’re interviewing locals in their workspaces or out in the communities where they’re making an impact. But each spring, we sit down with our subjects after they leave the office for a more intimate chat.

They allow us into their homes for a glimpse at their lives with their families. We talk about daily routines and cherished heirlooms and those grueling-but-worth-it blood-sweat-tears renovations.

We make a point to interview a mix of professional designers as well as residents who simply have an eye for design.

Because this, maybe more than anything else, is a true look at life in Baton Rouge. It’s about finding our place in local neighborhoods, about building and restoring homes that accommodate our lifestyles.

As our parents and kids grow older and we go through life changes, home is the one constant. It’s where we make dinner and plans for the future, and yes, sometimes even our beds.

“My framed antique map collection and an oil painting of the Brulatour courtyard that my grandfather did as an art student in the 1930s.”

—Stephanie Riegel

EDITORIAL Editorial director: Penny Font Editor: Jennifer Tormo Managing editor: Benjamin Leger Staff writer: Cynthea Corfah Digital content editor: Mark Clements Staff photographer: Collin Richie Contributing writers: Kelli Bozeman Tracey Koch, Elle Marie, Kaylee Poche, Kayla Randall, Maggie Heyn Richardson, Stephanie Riegel, Devon Sanders, Ashley Sexton Gordon, Sheridan Wall, Kaci Yoder Contributing photographers: Camille Delaune, Gabrielle Feld, Sean Gasser, Jordan Hefler, Raegan Labat, Andrea Matherne, Taylor Moran, Amy Shutt, Haskell Whittington, Malarie Zaunbrecher ADVERTISING Sales director: Erin Palmintier-Pou Senior account executive: Rei Heroman Account executives: Jeffrey Beck, Manny Fajardo, Ashley Johnson, Elizabeth Pendarvis, Nikki Zander Advertising coordinator: Andre Hellickson MARKETING Chief marketing officer: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert Marketing assistant: Katelyn Oglesby Events: Abby Hamilton Community liaison: Jeanne McCollister McNeil

“My bar cart, a brass elephant statue I got at an estate sale, and a Tiffany-inspired lamp my husband’s favorite aunt got us as a wedding gift.”

—Tiffany Durocher

“Personalized paintings of my two pups, my record collection and my N64.”

—Mark Clements

ADMINISTR ATION Controller: Jessica F. Sharp Digital manager: James Hume Business associate: Kirsten Milano Business associate: Tiffany Durocher Office coordinator: Tara Lane Receptionist: Cathy Brown

“I made this giant, ombre faux macramé wall hanging in the shape of my home state, Nevada. I don’t think anyone else thinks it’s cool, but I just think it’s the bee’s knees.”

—Nikki Zander

PRODUC TION/DESIGN Production director: Melanie Samaha Art director: Hoa Vu Graphic designers: Gracie Fletcher, Melinda Gonzalez, Emily Witt AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Audience Development Director: Benjamin Gallagher A publication of Louisiana Business Inc. Chairman: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr. President and CEO: Julio Melara 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-214-5225 • FAX 225-926-1329 225batonrouge.com

© Copyright 2019 by Louisiana Business Inc. All rights reserved by LBI. Spaces & Places is published annually by Louisiana Business Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Editor

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All information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed.

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IDEAS I N S I D E : Stylish kitchen makeovers / Trend spotting / Local gallery wall

R E N O V AT I O N S

Sizzle

factor

Designers turn up the heat in two transformed kitchens

COLLIN RICHIE / COURTESY OURSO DESIGNS

B Y KE LLI B OZE MA N WHETHER YOUR IDEA of a perfect meal is a cozy supper or a dinner party for 10, your kitchen’s design is an essential ingredient for success. But few homeowners begin with a space that’s ideal for their cooking and entertaining styles. That’s where designers come in. Local pros reveal how they spiced up these kitchens.

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ideas

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R E N OVAT I O N S

Room to move “IT WAS VERY segmented,” Richard Ourso of Ourso Designs explains of the original layout of this Mid City home. Like many houses built in the 1950s and ’60s, the kitchen was small and separated from the dining and living rooms. It made mealtime a challenge for the culinary-minded homeowners.

Working with their in-house designer Logan Wheeler Ramirez, Ourso enlarged this space and incorporated a butcher-block-topped, blue-hued island that’s perfect for prep work and entertaining.

A double oven, inset Shaker-style cabinets, and a subway-inspired artisan tile backsplash complete the form-and-function combo.

“A lot of people are nervous about removing walls between rooms,” Ourso says. “But there are not really a lot of limitations we face that can’t be overcome. The goal is to repurpose the square footage in our homes to better fit today’s lifestyle.” oursodesigns.com

The butcher-block-topped, blue-colored island provides a surface for prep work and entertaining.

REAL ESTATE

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RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RETAIL

ideas

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R E N OVAT I O N S

Gray matters FROM DARK AND dysfunctional to light and bright—that was the direction for the clever transformation of this south Baton Rouge kitchen by Angela Poirrier and her team at Acadian House Kitchen & Bath Studio.

“The original kitchen had a lot of wasted space,” Poirrier says.

“There was potential to drastically increase the storage and functionality.”

Smart new details include ceiling-height gray-hued cabinetry designed by Acadian House and constructed and installed by Shakewood Custom Cabinets. An enlarged island is equipped with seating on one end instead of on the side. A new “baking center” was incorporated, featuring a space-saving pop-up shelf for a KitchenAid mixer, and an existing wet bar was enlarged.

And the crowning jewels of the design are new glass-front cabinets, Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold countertops, and satin nickel-finish hardware. acadianhousekitchenbath.com

Issue Date: S&P Ad proof #5

The original dark and dated design was given new life by bright • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. cabinetry and Stone Eternal Calacatta Gold countertops.

• ADBEF WILLORE RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

SERVICE TO THE HIGHEST DEGREE AccuTemp takes on emergency HVAC service, repairs, replacements, and routine maintenance.

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ideas

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T R E N D WATC H

Raise the roof IN NEARBY LARGE Southern cities like New Orleans and Austin, rooftop pools are all the rage. Their modern and urban designs bring an instant luxurious feel to a building, not to mention the terraces offer sweeping views of the cityscape.

And over the last decade, the trend has made its way to the Capital Region, too. Apartment complexes and hotels increasingly are offering this amenity. Here are some rooftop pools we want to lounge by around town.

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center 201 Lafayette St. hilton.com L’Auberge Casino & Hotel 777 L’Auberge Ave. lbatonrouge.com

525 Lafayette 525 Lafayette St. 525lafayette.com The Commerce Building 333 Laurel St. thecommercebldg.com

The Heron Downtown 625 Convention St. herondowntown.com

COURTESY CHAD CHENIER

—CYNTHEA CORFAH

Issue Date: S&P Ad proof #1

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

The Commerce Building’s rooftop • Additional revisions must be requested andpool may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

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ideas

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T R E N D WATC H

Floor finds

STOCK PHOTO

What tile designs are trending now

Magic carpet

AS CHILDREN, WE were taught to keep our chins up and eyes forward. But what about when you have stunning floral and star designs on the ground below? Doesn’t that call for an exception?

We asked local tile shop Stafford Tile & Stone about some of the most popular tile designs trending now. Before retiling your old bathroom floor, consider one of these fresh styles to revamp your space. staffordtile.com

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How to use stylish rugs as game changers for your space LONG GONE ARE the days of buying a basic rug from the store to hide your floor and hoping it will pair well with the room. Today, designers and decor enthusiasts pick rugs with purpose. Whether you want to disguise or highlight an area of the space, here are some tricks for upgrading your floor with a decorative rug.

Go monochrome: Keep it cool and simple by sticking to one color. Create a calming environment using allblue decor or a cheery atmosphere with all yellow. Find contemporary shag and custom rugs at The Rug Store.

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Tell a story: Convey a Western or bohemian feel with a cowhide or a modern vibe with a geometric printed rug. Find everything from Southwestern to traditional Persian rugs at Haghighi’s Persian Rug Gallery.

Make a statement: Rugs with bold patterns, vibrant colors and lush textures will bring life to a dull room.

Find unique pieces by indie artisans online, hunt for vintage textiles at local antique shops, or scout for something unexpected at markets during your next international trip.

1. Cement encaustic tile

3. Terracotta pattern

5. Marble mosaic with metal

2. Cement pattern pavers

4. Large-format porcelain

6. Waterjet mosaic

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RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL DESIGN NEW CONSTRUCTION | RENOVATIONS CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION + MANAGEMENT FURNITURE INSTALLATION | PRODUCT STAGING BECKY WALKER, OWNER

Issue Date: S&P proofBaton #1Rouge, LA 402 N.Ad 4th Street

225.927.2880 | www.tdsola.com • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are within 24 hours. @th edesigns t u dreceived iola • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

* FROM THE STONE QUARRY * TO OUR STONE YARD * TO YOUR HOME * BATON ROUGE: 7150 Pecue Lane • 225-753-5870 NEW ORLEANS: 720 S. Galvez St. • 504-837-1511 Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm • Saturday 9am-12:30pm • WWW.TUSCANSTONEIMPORTS.COM 16

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ideas

Fresh

prints

Build a gallery wall with pieces by emerging local artists

By Kaylee Poche

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WALL ART

BATON ROUGE IS jam-packed with fresh talent. Make a quick stroll through local arts markets—or take a scroll through Instagram—and you’ll find plenty of new faces selling their pieces.

With so much local art to choose from, a gallery wall of Louisiana finds might be the perfect solution to showcase all the reasons you love living here. After all, where else are you going to get a blue and purple watercolor alligator?

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CAMILLE DELAUNE

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1. Hands Producing Hope

This local nonprofit works to bring women around the world opportunities for employment and education.

The organization’s wall hangings are crafted by local refugees.

This piece was crafted by Lilly, who came to America from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa.

She has been working with the organization for two years.

Find Hands Producing Hope on Instagram @handsproducinghope or at Light House Coffee.

2-3. Aline Moreaux

A Baton Rouge native and LSU student, Moreaux is enamored with the wildlife of south Louisiana. The alligator watercolor is part of her Louisiana Watercolors collection, adding a playful character to the mix. Her pelican linoleum print, featuring a brown pelican, magnolias and sunshine in reference to the state song, screams Louisiana through and through. Find her at alinemoreaux.com or at the Mid City Makers Market each month.

4. Hannah Gumbo

You can catch this Eunice artist and illustrator at the Mid City Makers Market, selling pieces like this Baton Rouge print. Her work embodies the fun-loving spirit of living in Louisiana, gathering inspiration from exploring Louisiana scenery and thrifting for materials for her next mixed-media piece. Gumbo also teaches workshops for students in Louisiana’s Teaching Artists Program. Find her on Instagram @notallthatglittersisgumbo.

5. Victoria Gore

This fiber artist has been living in Baton Rouge for four years.

While she also creates yarn pieces including weavings and rugs, she recently began punch needling. With such vibrant and unique textured pieces, like the four hoops pictured here, it’s no wonder the method is quickly becoming her favorite. Find her on Instagram @fatcatfibers

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A C I E X P E R T S. C O M

SPACES I N S I D E : Artsy Capital Heights abode / Historic Garden District dwelling / European-inspired kitchen / Small-space downtown living

M O D E R N R E T R E AT

Worlds away Physician Leone Elliott creates a minimalist oasis that accommodates art, entertaining and family in the middle of the city

ECKO360 / COURTESY LEONE ELLIOTT

B Y A S H L E Y SE X TO N G O R DO N

The bedroom in Leone Elliott's home has 12-foot ceilings and 10-foot windows overlooking a center courtyard.

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ECKO360 / COURTESY LEONE ELLIOTT

spaces

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n the Bocage Lakes neighborhood, with tight, manicured lawns, stringent construction standards, and a gate that closes firmly behind homeowners and their guests, sits a house far different from the norm.

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M O D E R N R E T R E AT

A floating wall separates the entrance from the wide-open spaces of the common areas of the house. Homeowner Leone Elliott drew the stairway and commissioned David Cano with Iron Designs to create it. “From the side, it looks like an exam table,� Elliott says.

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M O D E R N R E T R E AT

Elevated, high-gloss ebony floors separate the sitting room from the open areas around it. A Tony Mose sculpture, made from charred foam, anchors the wall. The sofa is the perfect perch to view activity in the outdoor pool just beyond the windows.

COLLIN RICHIE

“Art is a big consideration in the design.

There are not a lot of walls, so the big pieces stand out.�

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ECKO360 / COURTESY LEONE ELLIOTT

spaces

COLLIN RICHIE

Elliott fell in love with an unusual bookcase available through the contemporary design company Ligne Roset. He had his trim carpenter build one to mimic high-end shelves, and placed his custom piece in the upstairs reading area.

Leone Elliott and his wife, Sophia, with daughter, Siera, and son, Leone Tres.

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M O D E R N R E T R E AT

At least on the inside. From the outside, this house was created to blend seamlessly with the classic suburban scene. But one step through the 9-by-6-foot, industrialstyle front door, and the outside world melts away.

“Everything from the street belies what is behind the gate to the house,” says homeowner Leone Elliott. “That’s the surprise.”

The grand, modern aesthetic Elliott employed in creating this abode is a surprise indeed. Ceilings soar to 24 feet in the foyer, a floating staircase stands like a sculpture in the front hall, and an open-concept common area offers ample space for entertaining guests as well as raising children. The kitchen, dining and den areas are wide open to each other and extend to a central courtyard beyond.

“Both my son and daughter actually used to ride their bikes throughout the house,” says Elliott, physician and founder of the Healthcare Gallery and Spa. “Although the home is extremely modern, we moved in when my daughter was only 1. It’s been a great house for kids—there really aren’t that many things to break.”

Elliott and his wife, Sophia, built the house 10 years ago and implemented design concepts— common now—that were forward-thinking for the time.

Eco-conscious elements include an 8-foot perimeter wall that creates privacy but allows natural light to stream in the oversized windows without the need for curtains.

Natural cabinetry was imported from Brazil for the kitchen and bathrooms, a tankless water heater was installed, and A/C units were separated into zones. Although private from the outside, each room opens to its own courtyard to meld inside living with nature.

“We used depth and height to delineate spaces in the larger common areas,” Elliott says. “But we wanted it wide open because we wanted to see everyone without being on top of each other.”

The family turned to Dwayne Carruth, architect with The Front Door, to take the floor plan Elliott had scribbled on a napkin and transform it into a house with a clear, minimalist vibe. The front part of the home includes guest suites for visiting relatives; the

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M O D E R N R E T R E AT

Issue Date: S&P Ad proof #1

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD RUN AS IS unless requests are received within 24 hours.

In theWILL kitchen, Elliott usedrevision a minimalistic approach to evoke a sleek, European-style room, complete with appliance drawers for everyday items that are • Additional revisions and may be subject to production easily accessible butmust out be of requested site. Artwork hanging above the spacefees. is by Dennis Hargroder. Elliott found a barn door at The Market at Circa 1857 and had it transformed into a table for the dining area.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D 1 5 0 1 5 J A M E STOWN B LVD/ S U IT E 1 0 1 | B ATON R OUGE, LA SALES@CAJUNR MC.COM | 225-372-5060 | CAJUN RM C. CO M

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COLLIN RICHIE

spaces

ECKO360 / COURTESY LEONE ELLIOTT

spaces

A gateway door on the exterior of the home opens to a welcoming courtyard before the formal entrance to the home. A perimeter wall wraps the property and ensures privacy for the homeowners.

“Everything from the street belies what is behind the gate to the house. That’s the surprise.”

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M O D E R N R E T R E AT

central part of the home is the openconcept common area; and the back part of the home includes the private family rooms. An upstairs library and workout room completes the residence.

Throughout the house, art is boldly on display. “Art is a big consideration in the design,” says Elliott, whose wellness clinic also serves as an art gallery. He strongly supports artists through his offices as well as at home, where large pieces of art take center stage. “There are not a lot of walls, so the big pieces stand out.”

What also stands out is the attention the house has received from those outside the city. Elliott’s home has been leased three times for directors and producers to stay in while shooting films in the area, most recently by Tom Hanks. During these times, the Elliotts have moved out to accommodate the celebrities (and let Hanks enjoy the Miele coffee machine). But they have always been delighted to return to their modern oasis.

“It has been phenomenal living here,” Elliott says. “It’s been a fantastic house for kids, but we’ve also entertained quite a bit. It appeals to everyone.”

NOW LEASING 1 & 2 BEDROOM LUXURY APARTMENTS LIVE SOMEPLACE LIVELY 225.248.6063| HERONDOWNTOWN.COM

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WHERE STANTON’S STANDS OUT IS

SERVICE. Stanton’s service department is top rated nationally.

Experienced technicians set Stanton’s apart from the bigger retailers. In most cases, a technician could see a customer for diagnosis the next day. The Service Manager sets the bar high with over 25+ years’ experience as a technician. He genuinely cares about customers and expects no less from his technicians and office staff.

Whether it is a warranty call or an older item, Stanton’s is dedicated to delivering the quality, professional service that has earned the reputation for the “best service in town.”

CLEARANCE CENTER: 2450 N Sherwood Forest 225-275-6220

4747 Perkins Road 225-924-0888

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9140 S Choctaw 225-926-8321

spaces

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ARTSY ABODE

Rare bird Art and plants fill every corner in an artist’s eclectic Capital Heights home

BY JE N N IFE R TO R MO // PHOTOS B Y COLL IN R IC H IE

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ARTSY ABODE

Meghan Daniel’s living room walls are covered in artwork, most of which she had framed locally at FW Gallery. She estimates she has more than 30 plants scattered around the house. Since she has a young daughter and three dogs, Daniel opts for budget-friendly rugs. This distressed pink area rug is from Well Woven Rugs. The green loveseat is by Article.

Shelving just off the kitchen is dedicated to funky plants, barware and glassware in a rainbow of colors.

teps lined with potted plants mark the entrance to Meghan Daniel’s Capital Heights cottage. They’re the first hint at the maximalist, lively space inside.

Past the front door is a world full of thrifted furniture, prickly cacti, offbeat art and barking dogs.

Daniel shares her colorful two-bedroom with her 3-year-old daughter, three dogs, boyfriend and several businesses she runs from home. And though she and her family have only lived here two years, they’ve left their footprint all over it.

Not everything in the house is vintage, but it all looks like it could be. Daniel has an eye for unique pieces: a midcentury sideboard, a pink donkeyshaped planter, patterned rugs, bird-themed pieces for her daughter’s bedroom. She loves to dig through shops like Here Today Gone Tomorrow, America’s Thrift Stores and Goodwill.

But when she doesn’t encounter what she’s looking for secondhand, she’s particularly good at finding items that still look one-of-a-kind but are sold by larger retailers, like cool ceramics and glassware from Target, retro-style posters from Urban Outfitters, a pink chair from discount store Tuesday Morning and ’70s-inspired wallpaper she bought online.

“I like comfortable things, too,” Daniel adds, gesturing to the seagrassgreen loveseat she’s occupying in her living room this afternoon. “When I look at leather couches, I think: That looks cool, but can I nap on it?” She cocks her head to the side pensively.

Comfort was especially key in the living room, because it’s where most things in the house happen: movie watching, coloring, fort making, record

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After a five-month renovation of Daniel’s only bathroom left her brushing her teeth in the kitchen for weeks, she was nervous to upgrade the kitchen. Luckily, that renovation was done in less than a month. She gutted the space and hired contractors to install the countertops, cabinetry with extra drawers, a pantry and a gas stove. The backsplash is from Floor & Decor.

Counters and cabinets are from 90 Degree Cabinets & Countertop.

For her bedroom, Daniel gravitated toward a romantic color palette with shades of peach, pink and red. The chair is from Tuesday Morning and the bedding is from Urban Outfitters. She found the dresser on the side of the road and the tropical art print at American Thrift.

“Just buy what you like. If it’s all your style, it will come together.”

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Daniel went for a bird theme in her daughter Alice’s bedroom. Parrots, roosters and flamingos make appearances in the bedding, textile art and even string lights. Hooks on one wall serve as a dressup station, holding boas, capes and princess costumes. On the opposite side of the room, a play kitchen provides hours of entertainment.

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listening on those windows-open days. They don’t have a dining room, so the coffee table is the spot where Daniel’s daughter, Alice, drizzles syrup on her waffles each morning and digs a fork into her pasta dinner at night.

Working in an office off the living room, Daniel creates embroidery hoops and gifts for her main company, Crybaby Stitch. She’ll listen to true crime podcasts while she works. If she gets too into the zone, her Apple Watch will remind her when it’s time to stand up. She supplements that business with a part-time job at FW Gallery and a gig as a consultant for skincare brand Beautycounter.

Today is a Friday, one of Daniel’s “off” days—reserved for errands, Yoglates and working on pieces for Crybaby Stitch. She’s dressed in gym clothes, her dark hair freshly showered. Later, she’ll pick Alice up from school.

They’ll cook risotto for dinner—or Daniel will cook, and Alice will help stir. Other nights, they might bike a few blocks over and get pizza from White Star Market.

Perhaps because she knows all about the hustle of being a working mom and artist, Daniel has a great appreciation for Baton Rouge’s creatives. Her walls are decorated with pieces by makers like Sweet Olive Heirloom, Zoë Robison, Samara Thomas and Thomas Wimberly.

Her knack for curating gallery walls and marrying color palettes in her own space has her friends often telling her she should be an interior designer.

“But I say no—this is the one [fun] thing I have left,” she says with a laugh, thinking about all the other hobbies she’s turned into businesses.

Not so fast, though—it turns out she’s just launched a vintage resale business with her boyfriend. They’ll be salvaging thrifted goods and reselling them.

When she’s buying pieces for her newest endeavor, she’ll likely follow the same guidelines she lives by when decorating her own home: “Just buy what you like,” she says. “If it’s all your style, it will come together.”

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HIDDENpotential A Garden District home gets a new chance at its former glory

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BY A S H LE Y S E X TON G O R DO N // P H OTOS B Y CO L L I N R I C HI E

The living room is the first thing visitors see upon entering Bridget Tiek’s house. A 15-foot-long sofa, discovered at a local estate sale, is the perfect fit for this space. “I actually got to the sale at 6 a.m. and waited until it opened to snag this piece,” says Tiek, who had seen the sofa in an ad. She had it re-covered. “It’s the most glorious piece, and it fits perfectly. It was serendipitous.”

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A

long the oak-canopied streets of Baton Rouge’s established neighborhoods, where mature camellias and towering crepe myrtles separate lawns, bulldozers are tearing down older homes to make way for new construction. The draw of the location and the foliage cannot be duplicated in newer neighborhoods further out from the city’s core.

But demolishing a dated, 1930s house on Terrace Avenue was not an option for Bridget Tiek and her family. Just like the old trees, the character of the home could not be duplicated and the history could not be replaced.

“We knew that it was going to be a big project going in,” Tiek admits, noting that the elderly woman who listed the house was only the home’s second owner.

“The plaster walls were damaged, and there was no central heating and air. But it was a historic home. We didn’t want to see it torn down.”

In fact, they were so passionate about purchasing it, that when it went on the market as a sealed bid auction, Tiek’s mother, Cindy Tiek, wrote a letter to the proud homeowner to share their plans to enhance it.

“I told her that we were dedicated to bring the home back to its former glory,” says Cindy, who owns the interior design firm Tiek and Co. alongside her daughter. “Others wanted to take it down and build a McMansion or possibly even a multi-family residence.

But we could see potential.”

The potential was as great as the work ahead of them. The mother-daughter team collaborated, creating plans to carve out a master suite from the former front-loading garage. Floors were stripped, the kitchen was gutted, a guest bedroom was turned into a media room, and storage was installed. Bridget’s husband, Gregory Dupuis, as well as her father worked tireless hours to help in the demolition and construction.

“The house dictated a lot of what we needed to do,” Tiek says. “It’s a Spanish Revival-style house, so I didn’t want to turn it into something that it is not. Even though my style is very contemporary, I didn’t want to put high-gloss white everywhere.”

They kept the character of the home, stripping all original doors and hardware for reuse, restoring the original millwork, and keeping the charming arched

“It was a historic home. We didn’t want to see it torn down.”

TOP: Bridget’s great-grandmother’s mirror is layered with a portrait she picked up at an estate sale. “I fell in love with her,” Tiek says of the woman in the painting. “She is so stern. It’s funny.”

LEFT: Tiek created a dining nook with a banquet in an area where a former kitchen table used to reside. This bright and sunny space is perfect for early morning coffee. The banquet works double duty as seating and storage.

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The location of the dining room was a challenge because of the door, which leads to the backyard. Tiek purchased a square table and centered it below dramatic lighting. It now serves as the perfect perch for a buffet during parties.

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“You can’t get the character of an old house like this in a new house.”

The media room was carved out of a former downstairs bedroom, and was a must for this family. Storage cabinets (unseen in photograph) hide electronics, a laundry area and air ducts for the A/C. “This is where my daughter and my nephew live the most,” says Tiek, noting that she picked a forgiving fabric for the sofa.

A painting on the far wall is by Nicole Cotton.

The kitchen in the original house was a tiny walk-through galley, with only a sink, a few cabinets and a range. Tiek closed off one wall and opened up another to create a more usable floor plan. Custom cabinets, a herringbone pattern on the porcelain floor, and black marble countertops create an art deco vibe.

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ABOVE: The master bathroom was created from the former garage and still includes the original pitched ceiling. Porcelain beveled subway tiles are a modern take on a retro style, seen here in the wet room.

RIGHT: Storage was also at a premium in the bedroom belonging to Tiek’s daughter, Evangeline Dupuis. Tiek installed a wall of storage to hide the toys and clothes. She • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. chose the modern light fixture because it • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours. looked like a mobile.

Issue Date: S&P Ad proof #4

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doorways and niches throughout the living spaces. They even went so far as to painstakingly refurbish the steel-casement windows that had rusted out.

“Laborers spent two months grinding and stripping the metal off the casement windows,” Cindy says. “Half of the glass was broken.

A welder had to recreate the missing pieces. It was a lot of work.”

But it was work well worth it for Tiek and her family, who now enjoy a perfectly proportioned house that they had a hand in creating.

The months of hard labor and detailed decision-making have resulted in a classic home with a contemporary vibe. And one step out the door to the tree-lined streets reminds her why she put all the work into this mature home to begin with.

“You can’t get the character of an old house like this in a new house.

There is a general feeling that is lacking,” Tiek says. “I wanted it to feel updated and more modern, but I appreciate history. And this house, and this neighborhood, has plenty of history.”

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“

In a world where dependability and attention to detail is in short supply, Michael and his team are a breath of fresh air!

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ProPainters LA Michael Malek 225.303.5605

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STRE AMLINED

style

BY KE LL I BO ZE M A N // P H O TO S B Y CO LL IN R IC H I E

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A local designer looks abroad for sleek influences fo r her renovated home

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Bellizaire created balance and symmetry in the renovated kitchen by removing a solitary support column and adding a second window on the far wall. Key design details include fluted panels on the island and angular bronzemesh pendant lights.

Arianne Bellizaire, who shares interior design tips and tricks on her popular blog inspiredtostyle. com, seized the opportunity to focus on her own home renovation while sharing details with her followers.

The first major room to be completed, this kitchen, is a model of modern minimalism with plenty of polish.

ilded cathedrals in Spain. Ornate Austrian museums. The palaces of London. Arianne Bellizaire’s adventures as an interior design blogger and design firm owner have taken her to some of the grandest buildings in Europe.

But when it was time to design the kitchen in her own home, she drew inspiration from some of the smallest spaces on the Continent: the tiny flats and cozy cottages that average Europeans call home.

“Everywhere around Europe, I noticed a minimalistic approach to design,” Bellizaire explains. “Most people there don’t have a lot of space, so they design their kitchens so that everything is tucked away and it doesn’t feel cluttered. I loved those clean profiles.”

Though Bellizaire had the luxury of working with plenty of square footage in her kitchen, she embraced that pared-down philosophy as a road to restfulness.

The kitchen was the first room to be completed during the extensive renovation of her family’s new home: an existing and previously typical south-Louisiana-style structure in the Country Club of Louisiana. Bellizaire and her husband, Reggie, weren’t afraid to buck expectations when it came to refining this abode.

“I really wanted this house to be forward-trending for Louisiana,” she says. “I wanted the opportunity to be able to look at what’s coming and going in the world of design, and then decide which trends to grab onto and which ones to let pass me by.”

Bellizaire’s first order of business during demolition was to remove a massive wooden beam that served as a column at one end of an L-shaped island in the kitchen. But the beam turned out to be load-bearing, which—as any fan of cable TV’s home-flipping shows knows—meant more money and more labor.

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“One thing Louisiana has in common with European cultures is our love of gathering, and that’s how I designed this home.”

A detached area of white oak cabinetry serves as a dry bar with plenty of storage for wine bottles and other entertaining essentials.

An expanded and multi-purpose pantry took the place of the home’s original powder room.

This spot, which houses the microwave as well as refrigerator and freezer drawers, can be used for food prep during parties so that the kitchen island can serve as a buffet station.

Bellizaire had the column replaced by hidden laminate beams in the attic, which serve the same support function while being out of view.

She also started from scratch with a new island that eliminated the usual overhang for barstools and incorporated bold black fluted millwork that contrasts with white oak lower cabinetry

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along the perimeter wall.

“Again, I was thinking of that European-style approach,” she explains. “Everyone can stand around this island and have a drink and a conversation, but it’s not a big, bulky monstrosity in the space. If you’ve got the room to eat elsewhere, as we do here with the dining room and breakfast area, you can make the island

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much more sleek.”

Even though the redesigned open kitchen features no upper cabinets, there’s plenty of storage, thanks to clever organizational elements in an adjacent deep pantry. Here, Bellizaire’s two children can grab their own snacks and beverages from lower racks and a small fridge. A second dishwasher and sink make it easy

to clean up mealtime and partyhosting messes.

“It was all about making it open and inviting,” Bellizaire says. “One thing Louisiana has in common with European cultures is our love of gathering, and that’s how I designed this home. It’s meant to be the place we want to be more than anywhere else in the world.”

CHARLES AYCOCK, M.D.

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CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY, one woman at a time.

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Garcia was drawn to the apartment’s open floor plan. The windows afford city and river views, and he can watch the sunset from his kitchen as he prepares dinner.

State of the

art

For a local photographer, a small downtown space is just enough room for everything that matters most B Y J E N N IFE R TO R M O / / P H OTOS B Y COLL I N R I C H I E

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W

hen Eric Garcia first toured his empty apartment, it reminded him of a gallery.

The concrete floors, plain white walls and expansive windows offered exactly the industrial, blank-canvas vibe he was searching for.

So when he first moved in, he did what any photographer would do: He got right to work hanging photos.

A gallery wall behind his TV is full of memories: a sprawling view of Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend, where he experienced what he’s dubbed the best sunset of his life. Photos of nearby New Orleans, one of his favorite places to bring his camera. A vintage accordion-style Polaroid camera, an homage to his Geaux Garcia Photography business.

Works by his local artist friends are peppered throughout the room, including a colorful abstract piece by Chad Schoonmaker and a bold orange print by his best friend, Jordan Hefler. Off the kitchen, snapshots of his friends are propped on a ledge.

It’s early March, and Garcia has only lived in this space one month. But he already has it outfitted with furniture and mementos.

He moved to the 875-square-foot one-bedroom in the Commerce Building downtown after deciding to downsize from his Spanish Town three-bedroom.

“This has been very easy to make home,” he says. “I think this has more of an Eric vibe.”

Those Eric vibes? Are all about what feels clean and cozy. He’s crafted a space where he can curl up cross-legged on the crinkly leather couch, digging into a good book or TV show. Chunky knit blankets are stashed in baskets and strewn across the couch, ideal

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A rustic table off the kitchen doubles as Eric Garcia’s dining area and a workspace.

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for burying himself under in the cool 68 degrees he maintains on the thermostat.

He has a small collection of plants, which he half-jokingly says he likes to make conversation with. Each one seems carefully chosen for its personality, with nearly human-like qualities. By the window is a skinny, fuzzy fairycastle cactus. Next to the TV, there’s a charming little Chinese money plant, with cheerful, almost lily-pad-round leaves. A fiddle leaf fig, though, is his plant pride and joy. It towers over his dining table, branches and bright green leaves growing in every direction. He has affectionately named it Theo.

Garcia describes his style as modern but colorful, pulling a little inspiration from his idol, Joanna Gaines.

His furniture is a down-to-earth mix of quirky finds from shops like The Market at Circa 1857 and Dirt Cheap, trendy budget buys from IKEA and Target, and a couple online investment pieces from brands like Article and West Elm. And just as quickly as he’s decorated Issue Date: S&PintoAd proof #1 the space, he’s settled a routine • Please by e-mail or faxand withwedding your approval or minor revisions. here.

Herespond runs his portrait • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours. photography company from home.

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START BUILDING OR REMODELING YOUR HOME TODAY

Over 24 years experience CUSTOM BUILDING REMODELING ADDITIONS CONTACT US TODAY AT 225.678.1482 OR E3HOMES.NET

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ABOVE: Garcia has around 30 different coffee mugs in his collection. He loves to hunt for unique ones when he’s traveling, and friends and clients will often send him mugs as gifts.

LEFT: A metal cart off the kitchen provides extra storage for Garcia’s cocktail supplies and cookware, including his trusty Le Creuset dutch oven. A wooden ledge is a catchall for cards, photos and small art pieces.

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He pops open his laptop at his dining table each morning to tackle emails and scheduling. While he types, he sips coffee, always with one scoop of sugar and a splash of 2% milk. Gilmore Girls is his go-to background noise, because he likes listening to Lorelai and Rory banter.

He’s bound to have a bouquet from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods on the table, and the room is usually fragrant, scented either by a candle burning or something delicious baking in the oven.

You can count on him to have lemons in his fridge, ready to throw on his striped apron and try a new recipe for dinner or dessert. This afternoon, he’s just finished a lemon layer cake. It’s perched on a cake stand, icing dripping down its sides.

Following afternoon meetings and photo shoots, he’ll stop by Matherne’s Market or Albertsons to pick up chicken or fish to cook for dinner. He will unwind for the night with a movie or a sunset walk on the Mississippi River levee.

As comfortable and complete as the space seems now, Garcia insists he’s still not done decorating—and maybe never will be.

“But to me,” he says, “that’s the fun part.”

The living area is an ode to all of Garcia’s favorite things: photos from memorable vacations, throws, plants and his caramelcolored leather sofa from Article.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

THE LOWDOWN

MORE THAN AN OPEN HOUSE—THE PARADE THAT INSPIRES AND CONNECTS

O

pen houses happen all the time, but the Parade of Homes is entirely different. Even if you’re not in the market right now, it’s worth it to treat yourself to this annual self-guided tour of the area’s best new homes.

Down the road you’ll remember that house you loved or that great

builder you met. You also get a first-hand look at the latest trends in architectural design, color, interior finishes and home technologies. In addition to leading builders, the parade showcases the work of top architects, interior

SPONSORED BY:

RENOVATION IDEAS This year, The HBA included renovations on their Parade of Homes rather than just new homes. This is particularly helpful to homeowners and people in the market to update.

PLANNING TO BUILD Take a peek at the latest in design, surfaces and hardware. Make a list of the things you love and the builders responsible so you really can better understand and communicate the details you love to complete your home.

designers, landscapers, home automation specialists, kitchen and bath designers and manufacturers and suppliers of building products and services.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge was founded in 1953, by a handful of residential contractors. Today, the association represents businesses across the nine-parish Baton Rouge area with over 1,050 members. HBA | GBR President and CEO Karen Zito shared why the Parade of Homes is a valuable resource. “The Parade of Homes is the perfect opportunity to tour the latest neighborhoods, gather new ideas, and experience the most recent innovations in the industry,” Karen says. “We are hon-

INSPECT THE WORK Each builder has their own specialty. A Parade of Homes is the perfect way to sample builders. Pay attention to the layouts, style and details.

ored to be able to showcase their work and connect them to the community.”

There’s a connection between the number of homes in the parade and the strength of the local market. While six to ten homes is the average, in Baton Rouge, the 2019 Parade of Homes featured over 50 homes—a sign that the Capital Region housing market is thriving. The HBA | GBR is a part of Louisiana Home Builders Association and the National Association of Homebuilders in Washington, D.C. For more information about the Parade of Homes and to check out this year’s Parade of Homes guidebook, visit hbagbr.org/parade-of-homes.

DESIGN IDEAS Notice colors, textures, fixtures and all the other beautiful design details on display.

Keep notes on which styles you prefer and it will be easier to incorporate those elements when you go home.

Even a fresh furniture layout can inspire you to freshen your space at home.

Preparing to sell The Parade of Homes will show you the competition.

Understanding what is on the market and what homes are selling for is an important advantage every seller should have. You may also notice some smaller projects you could do to get more in your home sale.

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ome C on in

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Meet the local experts behind Baton Rouge’s dream homes

JR Construction Solutions Russell Pool Company Menzie Stone Company Pinnacle Exterior Construction EdgeForm MG3 Construction Angel Oak Home Loans

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

7983 PECUE LANE, SUITE #E BATON ROUGE, LA 70809 225.290.4800 JRCONSTRUCTIONSOLUTIONS.COM

WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY STAND OUT? Our sole focus is on concrete foundations, flatwork, and wood framing construction. Our clients range from custom home builders and commercial contractors to individual homeowners looking to pour a patio or frame an addition or outdoor kitchen. We believe that we create value for our customers by eliminating waste and sharing cost efficiencies that come from experience and volume purchasing power.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOUR CLIENTS APPRECIATE MOST? Our streamlined services are meant to reduce many of the project management burdens our customers deal with on a regular basis. We have processes in place to quickly estimate plans, to reduce cycle time, and focus on the next steps of the client’s project that will take place after our work is done. We believe that when we finish a job, our customers will recognize and appreciate how easy it was to work with us.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT? Right now we’re working with several builders and contractors in Rouzan on both residential and commercial projects. It’s a unique development with many beautiful homes and it’s been fun to be a part of it.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

Logan Patty, left, and Marco Garcia

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We’re currently working on 12 residential developments and plan to continue to grow and improve our company to meet the needs of the Baton Rouge area. We’re always trying to improve our processes and reduce costs without sacrificing quality or safety standards, and that will never change.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Swimming 15451 AIRLINE HWY. BATON ROUGE, LA 70817 225.924.2527 RUSSELLPOOLS.COM

HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE FEATURES OF THIS POOL We designed this contemporary style swimming pool with café au lait quartzite for the coping and decking. In designing the brick wall, it was imperative that the water features be aligned with the center of the home’s front doors. As a result, guests who enter immediately see the pool and feel its connection to the home. The ledge lounge was constructed to achieve the most desirable amount of sunshine each day, and yet it is close enough to retreat to the covered entertainment area.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS PROJECT? As far as function is concerned, the client wanted straight lines and a shape that allowed swimming laps year ‘round. Aesthetically, the client wanted privacy and a sense of tranquility created by the sound of the water.

WHAT TRENDS ARE DISPLAYED HERE? The clean and pure look of the project. More clients today select this style, as opposed to the New Orleans courtyard style that has been so popular in the past. Also, quartzite and travertine materials are used now more than brick and flagstone.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS SPACE? Keith, left, and Lee Russell

We successfully delivered on all of our client’s wishes in a timely manner.

Happy owner = happy builder!

DO YOU HAVE ANY DESIGN TIPS TO SHARE? Design your pool not just to enhance your yard, but your home as well. The pool is like art that shouldn’t be hidden, but rather enjoyed and viewed from any window at the back of the home.

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16575 COMMERCIAL AVE. BATON ROUGE, LA. 70816 225.275.7819 MENZIESTONE.COM

When building their home, owners Daniel and Sandra Kennedy each brought their favorite styles, Tuscan and classic southern, to create a warm, inviting space in their kitchen.

DESCRIBE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS REMODEL We were fortunate that we had a large space to work with. Our cabinet designers at ProSource of Baton Rouge created the layout and the custom storage throughout the cabinets. With the help of Jeanne Poe and Richard Ellis, we selected two-tone cabinetry (taupe and ebony), and Ryan Kennedy at Menzie helped us choose quartzite countertops with a built-in butcher block on the side of the kitchen island. For the backsplash, we used irridescent glass subway tile. And we selected a large copper farmhouse sink that is showcased by a beautiful arched window.

WHAT ARE SOME DESIGN TRENDS DISPLAYED HERE? The white quartzite countertops provide a clean look and are durable for everyday use. We also used chicken wire on some of the cabinets to create a more open, yet Old World feel. The lighting under the cabinets and at the toe kicks really help to brighten the space and serve as a night light since they are on motion sensors. And we love the matching cabinet faces on the separate refrigerator and freezer, which create a cohesive look. The custom storage is important for homeowners who do a lot of entertaining or have large extended families.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS SPACE? We love the large island where our nine grandchildren can gather around while we cook and spend time with them.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

13825 JEFFERSON HWY. 225.757.6138 PECBUILT.COM

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE? Our style is inspired by a mixture of traditional and modern. We always strive to accommodate the client’s tastes more than our own because we realize that what makes our community special are individual tastes and styles.

DOES LIVING IN THE SOUTH INFLUENCE YOUR WORK? Few other places enjoy such a rich history of culture—food, music, sports, and family.

Keeping these things in mind helps us deliver a product we know our clients will enjoy.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS? We are unique in the construction industry because we can self-perform multiple trades with our own crews. This gives us the ability to more closely manage the process and keep our quality at the highest level. We can be a small part of a large job or turnkey a large job comprised of many small parts.

WHAT IS A HOT TREND FOR 2019?

One that constantly grows in appeal is the outdoor living experience, which includes kitchens, pools, and lounging areas.

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? Our passion is to create. We understand as a business that revenue is very important, but even more important is that we provide efficient, high-quality work, which is the predecessor to growth.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS? We’d like to find the balance between humility and success as individuals rather than financially. We hope to become a fixture in the construction industry in this region over the next decade.

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Shane Dantin, left, and Ryan Martino

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

6939 SOUTH CHOCTAW DRIVE BATON ROUGE, LA 70806 225.246.8230 WWW.EDGE-FORM.COM

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE?

We like clean, crisp landscapes that are thoughtfully arranged to create a sensory experience as you walk through the garden. We use unique plant materials to create striking contrasts in tones and textures, and we enjoy using native plants in new ways to give an area new life.

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT?

Our experience and commitment to excellence. Our team has worked on some of the most beautiful properties in the Baton Rouge area and we are trusted by clients to get the job done on time, on budget and with incredible results.

WHAT IS A HOT TREND FOR 2019?

Some trends include sweeping masses of grasses with subtle differences in texture and movement, repetition to create interesting visuals, and simple but more sophisticated plant palettes.

DOES LIVING IN THE SOUTH INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?

Absolutely! We have so many traditional plants to choose from since we have a longer growing season.

Even if the bloom period on a plant is short, there is something remarkable coming right after. Some of our favorites are Lamondra grass, Mexican feather grass paired with agave, giant Ligularia, and dwarf saw palmetto.

Left to right (top): Wyn Singer, Phil Hughes, David Roane; (bottom) David Ray and Sarah Balentine 2 2 5 b at o nro uge.co m

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

6355 MOSS SIDE LANE BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 225.288.0801 MG3BUILDS.COM @MG3_Construction

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Traveling—it gives us an opportunity to see unique and interesting ideas.

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? Our passion is breathing new life into old or dated properties and extending their life within the community.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS? We are a mother-in-law/son-in-law duo with many years of design and construction experience, each providing a unique set of skills. A large portion of our work comes from clients who have worked with us in the past and want us to be involved in their future projects.

WHAT ARE SOME HOT TRENDS FOR 2019?

The biggest trend we see is probably the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. They have always been popular, but these days there is an emphasis on environmentally conscious products and processes, as well as technology and efficient components.

DOES LIVING IN THE SOUTH INFLUENCE YOUR WORK? Spaces in the South exude hospitality and an inviting design that other parts of the country do not. Our projects emphasize open spaces that are conducive to entertaining or spending time with family and friends.

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Kelly Ann Ghara, seated, and Beau Maginnis

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

1937 PERKINS ROAD MATT LANASA - 225.933.8200 LEIGH GILLY - 225.806.4219 ANGELOAKHOMELOANS.COM LANASAGILLY.COM

WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY STAND OUT? We have a suite of products to help all kinds of borrowers, from the applicant with a 7-figure income to the survivors of recent hardships such as flooding, health issues or job changes. Some lenders might say there is no way to help an applicant qualify for a loan, but we understand that every home buyer is unique and our products are, too. We can bounce over just about any roadblock.

WHAT IS A TREND IN THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY? One trend is “portfolio lending,” which means finding different ways to secure loans. The industry learned a lot from 2008, so we are finding new ways to responsibly match people with non-standard loans.

WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY? Matt Lanasa’s specialty is understanding how to advise all customers on the perfect loan product to purchase a home. Whether it is their first home or one of many, Matt has helped many families achieve their financial dreams of owning a home. Leigh Gilly’s specialty is helping first-time buyers.

It’s a sensitive process and Leigh is great about educating them. The entire staff works hard to help clients make that dream home a reality.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

Partners Leigh Gilly, left, and Matt Lanasa

Throughout the next 10 years, we hope to grow the branch and add more loan originators. We would really like to grow our market share.

Angel Oak Home Loans LLC NMLS# 685842, NMLS Consumer Access, Licensed in AL #21485, AZ #0927070, Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, CO Regulated by the Division of Real Estate, FL, GA #32379, IL Residential Mortgage Licensee # MB6761061, IN, LA, MD, MS, NC #L-153288, Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, OK, SC, TX, TN, VA, WI

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• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

NOW LEASING Perfectly positioned on Stanford Avenue across from Milford Wampold Memorial Park & University Lakes

225-766-7750 bayonneatsouthshore.com

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STYLE I N S I D E : What to know when shopping for plants

D E C O R AT I N G A D V I C E

The art of DESIGN

BY KAYLEE POC HE / / PHOTOS B Y COLLIN R ICHIE

Artvark Ltd. owner and designer shares her shopping and decorating tips CLAIRE MAJOR REDECORATED her house five times before realizing it was something she should do professionally.

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Designer Claire Major has worked with clients over the years to decorate unique, original spaces, including the art-filled home pictured here.

She began collecting oneof-a-kind furniture and decor, and it wasn’t long before her collection outgrew her Baton Rouge home. So she opened the doors to her vintage and decor shop, Artvark Ltd., back in 2011.

She became known around town for her eclectic pairings of colorful midcentury modern decor with reupholstered vintage pieces.

She closed the store in its most recent location on Jefferson Highway last month.

Now, she’s focusing on her personal art and various design projects for clients. You’ll still be able to catch her by appointment at her soon-toopen warehouse on Balis Drive or popping up during special events.

Between client visits and packing up her shop, Major has had a busy spring. But we managed to sit down with her to pick her brain about the ins and outs of shopping for and styling a room.

RENOVATION, CONSOLIDATION,EDUCATION, VACATION...

Enjoy Great Rates with a Home Equity Line of Credit.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

1

6-MONTH INTRODUCTORY RATE

APR 0.00 %

2

VARIABLE APR AS LOW AS APR 6.75 %

• No closing costs 4 • No initial advance required • No application fee

Call 225-663-6677 FOR MORE DETAILS! Home24Bank.com

THEREAFTER, BASED ON WALL STREET JOURNAL PRIME (WSJP) + 1.50%3

Rates shown are for the highest qualified borrower. Rates and terms are dependent upon Home Bank’s credit criteria and qualifications. Other credit conditions may apply. Ask your Home Bank lender for more details.

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), up to $249,999, are available to qualified consumer applicants on new HELOCs for owner-occupied conforming residential real property in first or second lien position, up to an 85% maximum loan to value (LTV) for primary residences. Offer is not available on refinancing of existing Home Bank debt. Second liens may not be written behind an existing HELOC. The line of credit may not be used to purchase property being used as collateral. The term of this revolving line of credit is 25 years (first 10 years: interest-only payments; last 15 years: principal and interest payments). No draws in last 15 years. Minimum line of credit $25,000. Rescission rights may temporarily restrict availability of funds. Offer is available from 03/01/2019 – 08/30/2019 to qualified borrowers.

2) 0% Introductory annual percentage rate (APR) will not change for the first 6 months after account opening. Introductory APR is available to applicants based on Home Bank credit criteria. Special available to consumers with a new or existing Home Bank Consumer Checking Account.

3) Upon expiration of the introductory rate, balances will accrue at Wall Street Journal Prime, currently 5.50% as of 02/20/19 + a margin of 1.50% for the highest qualified borrowers (currently 7.00%.). The margin and resulting APR are determined based on creditworthiness, property type and occupancy, but the margin will not exceed 3.50%. The APR will vary but will not exceed 21%.The variable rate advertised above includes a 0.25% discount with automatic payments from your Home Bank checking account. Auto bill pay does not apply. Without the automatic funds payment transfer from a Home Bank checking account, the APR advertised will increase by 0.25%. This reduction is not applicable to the introductory rate.

4) Standard closing costs range from $300 to $1,250. The bank pays closing costs as follows: attorney fees, title opinion and update, mortgage recordation fees, and third-party property evaluations. Applicant pays for any full property appraisal that may be necessary. Appraisal costs range from $250 - $500. Orleans Parish residents pay a documentary tax fee. For first lien loans of $100,000 or more, applicants will pay a one-time tax-tracking fee, not to exceed $101. A $50 line fee applies after year one and annually thereafter. Property insurance is required; if collateral is determined to be in an area having special flood hazards, flood insurance will also be required. If you terminate the line of credit within 12 months from the account opening date, an early closure fee equal to bank-paid closing costs will be charged back to your line. Please consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest and other costs. Terms subject to change. Refer to your Home Bank representatives for more details.

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Balance is key

For Major, design goes beyond what meets the eye. It’s about emotion. When she walks into a room, a feeling engulfs her immediately.

“I can feel whether it’s balanced or whether it gives me a peaceful feeling,” she says. “It’s a feeling that I almost physically get—like, my body kind of leans to the direction of the weight.”

Once Major senses that a room she’s designing is “crooked,” she won’t stop rearranging it. She’ll toy with color, mass and texture until it is balanced.

“Anytime I’m in a home, I always stay overtime, because it has to be perfect,” Major says. “My goal is to give people a peaceful respite to live in and to have their family and friends visit.”

In with the old and in with the new

Wondering whether to go with antique or modern furnishings? Major says you Looking for eccentric pieces from don’t have to choose. “No matter how new sellers, she scans pieces for novelty, traditional you may be, you should have some aesthetics and functionality. She is inspired by contemporary pieces. And no matter how designers like Nate Berkus, who incorporates contemporary you may be, you should have sentimental pieces in contemporary rooms. some traditional pieces.”

For vintage, she recommends local estate sales, for which you can sign up for It’s all about art notifications online and browse photos.

The “art” in Artvark illustrates the emphasis Issue Date: S&P proof Estatesales.net is herAd go-to site.#5 Major also Major places on artwork when designing. She • Please

by Round e-mail orTop fax with your approval or minor revisions. plans torespond visit the Antiques Fair in has been an art collector and self-proclaimed • AD WILL AS The IS unless revision requests areto received 24 hours. artist” for 30 years. For her, the type Texas thisRUN year. massive fair is open the within “budding • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. public and includes miles of vendors. of art is far less important than simply making Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

sure it’s included in a room.

“I don’t care if it’s a poster, a photograph, a print or whatever—as long as you have art,” she says. “It just gives a place soul and character.

That’s where I like to add my color a lot of times.”

When Major is scouring estate sales, nothing quite excites her like finding a good art collection.

This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

ADVERTISER INDEX

RESOURCES Acadian Home Theatre and Automation 225.906.2589 aciexperts.com PAGE 18 AccuTemp Services LLC 225.244.8191 www.accutempbr.com PAGE 13 All Wood Furniture 225.293.5118 allwoodcompany.com PAGE 45 Angel Oak Home Loans 225.706.1834 angeloakhomeloans.com PAGE 55 Appliance Distributors of Louisiana 225.344.6793 www.adlappliances.com PAGE 3 Bernhard Normand Construction 225.755.8110 bnc-contractors.com PAGE 62-63 Cajun Ready Mix Concrete 225.372.5060 www.cajunrmc.com PAGE 24

BERNHARD NORMAND CONSTRUCTION

Campus Federal Credit Union 225.769.8841 www.campusfederal.org PAGE 15 E3 Homes 225.678.1482 www.e3homes.net PAGE 44 East Baton Rouge Parish Library 225.231.3750 www.ebrpl.com PAGE 4-5 EdgeForm Commercial Grounds Management 225.246.8230 www.edge-form.com PAGE 53 Home 360 225.926.4663 www.home360.us PAGE 9-10

Home Bank Menzie Stone Company 225.300.8399 225.230.4626 www.home24bank.com www.menziestone.com PAGE 58 PAGE 50-51 Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge MG3 Construction 225.769.7696 225.288.0801 hbagbr.org www.mg3builds.com PRO PAINTERS LA – PAGE 46 PAGE 54 MICHAEL MALEK JR Construction Solutions Pinnacle Exterior Salvage World Construction 225.290.4800 225.317.7176 www.jrconstructionsolutions.com 225.757.6138 www.facebook.com/ www.pecbuilt.com PAGE 48 SalvageWorldBR PAGE 2 & 52 Kents Companies PAGE 64 Pro Painters LA – 225.664.4652 Stanton’s Appliances Michael Malek www.kentscompanies.com Sales & Service, Inc. 225.303.5605 PAGE 14 225.275.6220 PAGE 37 Key Real Estate www.stantonsace.com Russell Pool Company 225.706.1583 PAGE 26-27 225.924.2527 keyrealestateco.com The Design Studio www.russellpools.com PAGE 25 225.927.2880 PAGE 49 Louisiana Women’s www.tdsola.com Healthcare PAGE 16 225.255.3584 JR CONSTRUCTION Tuscan Stone Imports SOLUTIONS www.lwha.com 225.753.5870 PAGE 41 www.tuscanstoneimports.com PAGE 16 Wampold Properties 225.215.1800 www.wampold.com PAGE 56

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PLANTS

Rozlan Fransen, the owner of Baton Rouge Succulent Co., has grown, rehabilitated and nurtured plants for years.

WATER

Plants want to be completely saturated, and then allowed to dry out. If you can push the dirt away and the soil’s still dry, keep watering it. Succulents need to fill their leaves up with that water.

IE

OVERWATERING If the soil’s wet, I don’t water it.

IN LL Specifically for succulents: When in CO doubt, don’t water. They are very prone to root rot because they hold so much water that they use as storage until their leaves are in need of more. They don’t want wet feet. Most plants are like that. Every plant wants saturation and needs to drain.

CH RI

LIGHT

The most common area where people go wrong is lack of light. You’ll earn some leeway on everything else if your plant is in the right light. Morning sun is best for every type of plant. Louisiana’s hot summer sun, come June, July, August, September, can be a little too intense, even for succulents. If they have been completely acclimated, and they’ve been in full direct sun all year, then they’re going to be a little bit more tolerant of it come hot summer.

COLLIN RICHIE

LOW-LIGHT PLANTS If you can read a book comfortably without a lamp on, that’s enough light for a low-light plant. There are specific varieties that are going to be more tolerant to low light: succulent-wise, the sansevierias—including the mother-in-law’s tongue, bird’s nest, aloe, jade and angel wing begonias. Outside of succulents, pothos and air plants are also lower-light tolerant.

SOIL & POTTING Baton Rouge Succulent Co. is a boutique nursery that sells succulents, cacti, air plants, house plants, outdoor plants, pots, soil and gardening tools.

Going

GREEN

B Y CY N THE A CO R FA H

How to keep your plants alive and thriving, according to Baton Rouge Succulent Co.’s Rozlan Fransen ROZLAN FRANSEN treats her plants like people. She feeds them, monitors their behaviors and gives them plenty of sun and water. She’s been a “plant mom” for more than four years and says she can diagnose a succulent’s condition just by looking at it. As the owner of Baton Rouge Succulent Co., Fransen spends most of her time with plants. At the shop, locals can find everything from viney hanging plants to tall fiddle-leaf fig trees. 225 spent the afternoon with her for a crash course on how to take care of plants.

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Succulents want a fast, well-draining soil. We use a variety that has a lot of bark, so it allows for aeration. Other plants don’t mind the richer soils that hold the water a while longer. Their leaves are thinner, so they don’t hold as much water. They need to suck up more water over a longer period of time, but they still don’t want to be soggy.

REPOTTING You only need to repot your plants when they’re starting to outgrow their current home.

If you can still see room to grow, the plant doesn’t need repotting. Repot in the spring and early fall. Don’t repot when it’s super hot—it will shock the plant. Increase pot size gradually.

You don’t want to jump from a 4-inch to a 10inch pot, because the plant’s going to focus all of its energy on growing roots instead of stabilizing and growing its foliage. If it’s in a pot that’s too big, it’s also not going to dry out as quick. If you take a plant out of a pot and the roots are compressed, I like to spray it with water to loosen up the soil and massage the roots so they are not so tight. You don’t want to knock all the soil off, because that’s also going to shock them. You just want to get the roots loose enough to start growing into the new home.

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COLLIN RICHIE

Some good air filtering plants include bamboo palm, Barberton daisy, Boston fern, broadleaf lady palm, Chinese evergreen, cornstalk dracaena, dwarf date palm, devil’s ivy, English ivy, flamingo lily, florist’s chrysanthemum, Kimberly queen fern, lilyturf, peace lily, red-edged dracaena, spider plant, varigated snake plant and weeping fig.

These were all recognized in a 1989 study on house plants and air pollution by NASA. A variety of house plants are known to purify the air by absorbing toxic chemicals.

PLANTS

Poisonous plants to pets Watch out for these plants: Aloe vera, aluminum plant, American rubber plant, azalea, Chinese jade, Chinese evergreen, chamomile, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, golden bird’s nest, kalanchoes, pencil cacti, ivy plants and lilies are just a few of the common plants harmful to animals. Head to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ website to see its complete list.

STOCK IMAGE

Air-purifying plants

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The gooey substance from aloe vera is poisonous to dogs when eaten.

Falling leaves

IE

Signs your plant is dying

STOCK IMAGE

Easy-togrow plants

IN LL CO

Pothos plants will tell you when they want water. Their leaves droop when they’re thirsty and pop back up after they’re watered.

Air plants are low-maintenance.

Sansevieria plants only need watering once to twice a month. They love dry air and require little maintenance.

How to save it: Move your plant so it’s getting ample light and water it more often. Or if the soil is still moist, allow your plant to dry out. Leaves can also fall due to overwatering.

Mushy succulent that’s starting to rot

Trendy plants to gift

How to save it: Cut off the head and re-root it. Place the base of the head in the soil enough to start forming roots underground. The stem of the mother succulent will callus where the cut was made and continue to grow in other areas.

Whether you’re looking for a funky plant with a distinct pattern or an oddly-shaped succulent, here are a few interesting picks.

COLLIN RICHIE

Yellowing leaves How to save it: Take it out of the pot and let the roots sit on a piece of cardboard to dry out for 24-48 hours or until it’s not as soggy and wet. Then return the plant back to the pot. The yellow leaves will eventually fall, but drying the plant out quicker can prevent root rot and save it.

CH RI

Air plants get their nutrients from the air.

They like to be misted or soaked. Fransen recommends soaking them for 5-7 minutes in a bucket of rainwater and shaking them off once a week.

Patterned plants such as prayer plants, rattlesnake plants and variegated rubber plants are popular.

• Chinese money plant • Fiddle-leaf figs • Patterned plants such as prayer plants, rattlesnake, variegated rubber plants • String of dolphins • String of pearls • Swiss cheese plant • Whale fins

EDITOR’S NOTE: QUOTES HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY.

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We make dream homes a reality

BERNHARD C O N S T R U C T I O N

NORMAND

225.755.8110 | WWW.BNC-CONTRACTORS.COM

Bernhard Normand Construction builds exceptional homes in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. We are dedicated to creating a streamlined construction process for our clients. From budgeting and planning to installation and deliver, our custom homes ensure 100% satisfaction. Call us today to make your dream home a reality.

FURNITURE • BUILDING SUPPLIES TOOLS • APPLIANCES • HOME DÉCOR ELECTRONICS • HOME IMPROVEMENT PATIO FURNITURE • AND MORE!

Locally owned and operated