CUE's 2017 Home Resource Guide

CUE’S 2017

HOME RESOURCE GUIDE A

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

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TURNING THE GARDEN INTO A COZY LOUNGE SPACE OUTDOOR DECOR FOR POOL DECKS

G A M B I T

P U B L I C AT I O N

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CUE’S HOME RESOURCE GUIDE 2017

CONTENTS 8 11 PLUS: accessories, advice & flora of all kinds!

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Beyond garden gnomes Stylish suggestions for garden decor

Swatch this

What’s trending in upholstery fabrics

House for sale

Tips to get your house on and off the market fast

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Deck it out

The best pool accessories for spring

Storage wars

Tame the clutter with closet and storage fixes

Hit the refresh button

Get your home ready for summer

Window on the world

A quick guide to windows and stained glass

Resources

Stop by today and ask about our free Design Services.

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GARDEN

PARTY

1.

Mixing and matching for an eclectic garden aesthetic.

BY ANDREA BLUMENSTEIN

FOR LOVERS OF OUTDOOR LIVING, attention to detail with nods to comfort and color are keys to designing a garden that welcomes guests and encourages lounging. Andi Eaton, creative director of Andi Eaton Creatives and author of Wanderful: The Modern Bohemian’s Guide to Traveling in Style and New Orleans Style shares her tips for creating a cozy, livable outdoor space.

3.

2.

4.

1. ROOTED IN STYLE

Natural driftwood chair, $679.95 at Dunn and Sonnier Antiques and Flowers.

2. TRI-PLY

Set of three potted tillandsia plants, $35 at The Plant Gallery.

3. LIGHT THE WAY

Silver latticework lantern, $78 at The Shops at 2011.

4. AZURE ACCENT

Flowerbed with lattice (flowers not included), $195 at Perino’s Garden Center.

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“A newly planted garden should feel as if it’s been growing for ages,” Eaton says.

Mixing and matching new and vintage features and “adding piles of succulents” will help shape the space.

Fireplaces, candles, lanterns and strings of lights create a dreamy, ethereal feel, and outdoor rugs define and finish an area.

“Outdoor rugs are especially practical when you’re entertaining and lounging outdoors,” she says. “Add a few throw cushions right on the rug and friends will pile (on).”

Eaton also suggests selecting items with a story. She accents her outdoor space with trinkets from her travels and with objects that she’s repurposed as planters or water features.

Add energy to the space with outdoor furniture or appliances in bright colors.

“If you don’t yet have flowers blooming in your garden, the punches of color add a dressed-up vibrancy to your outdoor space year-round,” she says.

Take cues from nature. Create a pathway from ecologically sustainable material like limestone. She also suggests thinking outside the box when it comes to choosing plants. There are thousands of locally available plant species, but many shoppers only purchase well-known plants. Having a combination of shapes, heights and colors creates a dynamic landscape, and bamboo is a great filler that adds texture and stature to any garden.

5.

6.

7.

5. SAY IT WITH STRIPES

“Molly” rug, $101 at Modern Market.

6. A HEARTH WITH HEAT

Modfire outdoor fireplace, starting at $1,350 at Modern Market.

7. WALK THIS WAY

Crushed limestone gravel, $70 per cubic yard, plus installation

by EcoUrban Landscaping.

8. COUNT YOUR CUSHIONS

Large diamond print pillow, $59 at West Elm; small gold pillow, $18 at Canal Furniture Liquidators.

9. AL FRESCO

A 24-inch round bistro table, $251; metal bistro chairs, $108 each at Perino’s Garden Center.

8.

9.

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Layering fabrics in similar color palettes is a customer favorite at Studio Amanda Talley.

PHOTO BY JACK ROSE

A

BOLT

OF

INSPIRATION

Using fabrics to update home decor B Y K EL LY R O S E

SOMETIMES THE TRICKIEST PART OF DECORATING A HOME is adding the finishing touches. How do you create a room that’s both beautiful and functional? Using fabric to give rooms a more polished, customized look is an option, and it’s also budget friendly.

Nomita Joshi-Gupta, owner of the specialty wallpaper and fabric store Spruce, says fabric is definitely having its moment in the home decor limelight. While Spruce offers hundreds of fabric options available in just about any type of material, Joshi-Gupta is seeing a very specific trend when it comes to using fabric in the home.

“In general, there’s a trend toward using boutique fabrics and more boutique designers,” she says. “Today we’re seeing artists and designers making custom decorative fabrics that are beaded or embroidered. I’m seeing some very special things and artists that are taking fabric to a different place. These fabrics tend to be more expensive, but they’re also more special.”

Gone are the days of using raw silk and Laura Ashley floral prints for loveseats and window treatments. Fabric isn’t just for accents like draperies or upholstery anymore. You’ll just as likely see these designer fabrics displayed as art.

“With fabric, you can have more customization,” PAGE 12

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Joshi-Gupta says. “Sure, we still use fabric to upholster sofas and chairs, but we’re also using it on walls like a wallpaper to add more texture in a room.”

Amanda Talley is a local artist and owner of Studio Amanda Talley gallery who produces her own line of fabrics. Although Talley started printing fabric several years ago, the popularity of her products has increased in the last year.

Talley’s fabrics are made into custom pillows, draperies and headboards, and layering the different fabrics in similar color palettes is a customer favorite. Her collection is printed on an organic cotton and linen blend, so it’s durable and easy to maintain.

In addition to artist-produced micro-batches of patterned material, velvet also is trending in home decor. Designer Jill Dupre says velvet can be both a luxurious and a practical choice.

“I’m definitely seeing a lot of velvet out there these days,” she says.

“It’s sturdy, glamorous and easy to clean. It’s also easy to care for and kid-proof.”

Dupre uses a lot of linen and felt in her own projects.

“I’m a big fan of felt. It’s forgiving and easy to use,” she says. “I use it when I make pillows and ottomans.

Plus, it’s also easy to find at (chain) fabric stores.”

Dupre uses fabrics of different textures and patterns to get her custom abstract designs. She often finds different materials while traveling, making a point of stopping in her favorite national and international stores to see what’s new. Now, she’s noticing a lot of block prints and geometric designs in muted grays and greens.

“When I’m in New York I love to go to Purl or Mood Fabric,” she says. “I also love Liberty of London’s fabrics.”

Her go-to fabric stores are filled with a variety of materials like linen, velvet and cotton in thousands of colors and patterns.

Decorating with fabric lends itself to almost any pocketbook. For those on a tight budget, a few decorative pillows can make the living room sofa stand out.

If curtains for every window isn’t in the budget, Dupre recommends using fabric window shades as an affordable alternative.

“The Shade Store has a great variety of roller and Roman shades that you can customize with their

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ABOVE: If upholstering a piece of furniture is not in the budget, small throw pillows or stools can customize living spaces.

PHOTO BY JACK ROSE

LEFT: Amanda Talley has seen the popularity of her fabrics rise with new home trends.

PHOTO BY JACK ROSE

BELOW: Dupre’s throw pillows often feature felt lettering on lightweight, easy-to-clean materials.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL DUPRE

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wide selection of material, offered at several price points,” she says. “They also offer a huge selection and showcase new, upand-coming designers.”

Thomas Waller of Artee Fabrics & Home says he’s seeing a lot of turquoise, teal greens and coral hues this season, but neutral tones are still popular.

“Geometric patterns are popular too,” he says, “and a classic toile never goes out of style.”

Artee houses more than 2,000 bolts of fabric and can customize almost any order to both wholesale and retail clients because the store has access to its own sewing mills.

“Our goal is for our clients to be comfortable in their homes since they have to live with their choices,” he says. “We want them to love what they choose.

If you have a look you want, it’s more than likely that we can produce it.”

Thomas Waller of Artee Fabrics & Home says toile fabric is timeless.

PHOTO BY JILL GIEGER

Spruce specializes in smallbatch artist-produced fabrics and wallpapers, like these hand-printed fabrics from Maresca.

PHOTO BY JACK ROSE

Jill Dupre works in bold colors and geometric patterns.

PHOTO COURTESY JILL DUPRE

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CURB APPEAL

Tips and tricks for selling your home without breaking the bank

BY SAR AH R AVITS

Selling your home can be difficult, but a few tips from experts can help smooth the process.

GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR SALE CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK. There are so many questions: What are things you can do to make a big impression? What are the selling points that appeal to most buyers? What things can you leave alone? Putting a home on the market while trying to secure a new residence is a stressful undertaking, but there are some quick and easy ways to spruce up your space to make it appeal to potential buyers.

Experts agree that one of the most important steps is to declutter the space. Put personal items out of sight or in storage.

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“First impressions are key,” says Steve Richards, a realtor and leasing agent with the French Quarter office of Latter & Blum Inc. Realtors. “It’s always best to have your home depersonalized as much as possible. You always want a new buyer to walk into the home and picture themselves living there.”

Sellers also should clear off countertops and other surfaces, clean the windows and floors and generally make sure the home appears organized and presentable.

“Seasonal decor is also something that’s best to hold back on,” he says.

2017

Bennett Pourciau of Keller Williams Realty New Orleans says to put the family photos away.

“Buyers want to think of it as their house and it helps when they don’t see a bunch of photos of your family,” he says.

Betsy Birdsong, owner and broker at the Birdsong Realty Group, emphasizes the importance of hiring a talented photographer to capture the home when it’s picture perfect.

“Almost everyone today shops online for a home,” she says. “[Buyers] generally look at pictures first (before deciding if the place is worth checking out). ... Then they call the realtor if they like the photos. If the pictures are bad, they won’t want to look at the house.”

Michael Ural, a developer with Liz Bertucci Realty, says buyers are attracted to homes with features that are both practical and luxurious.

“You’ll find high demand in properties that are move-in ready with features and functionality that go beyond the buyer’s own day-to-day creativity and what they’re willing to do themselves,” he says.

One thing sellers can skip is updating appliances (unless the machines are broken).

“If your kitchen is outdated and it would be a huge undertaking for you to renovate it, then you might be better off leaving it alone for a buyer who would prefer a blank slate,” Ural says.

Another easy and affordable way to spruce up a home is to paint interior walls.

“Fresh paint goes a long way,” Birdsong says.

She also advises homeowners to fix any structural damage caused by wear and tear or inclement weather, and document the repairs in the home listing, adding photographs if possible. “[In extreme cases,] sometimes sellers will need to have a new roof put on,” she says.

Another piece of advice: Clean the air-conditioning vents.

“Cleaning the HVAC filters is a must-do,” Richards says.

Birdsong agrees.

“They get dirty, and it’s not dangerous, but they need to be cleaned or replaced, and that’s not an expensive thing to do,” she says.

Experts also say homeowners should be aware that selling a house is like taking on a second job. It should be ready to show potential buyers at all times, even if the plan is to show it by appointment only. Birdsong says sellers should be prepared for visits from buyers every day.

“You have to be ready to show it,” she says.

“Usually it requires an appointment, but potential buyers will sometimes call on the spur of the moment, and if you don’t allow it to be shown, you probably won’t sell it to that person because they likely won’t come back around.”

An old adage advises against judging a book by its cover, but that’s often the case when it comes to closing a home sale. The house needs to shine from both the interior and exterior. Curb appeal is essential, experts say. Even though most preliminary house shopping is done online, many potential buyers still prefer to scope out the neighborhoods in person.

“You don’t have to spend a fortune on landscaping, but you can put in some flower beds, do some planting, and make the front of the house look prettier,” Birdsong says. “If they don’t like what’s on the outside, they probably won’t be encouraged to look at the inside.”

It’s also crucial to keep front lawns and backyards mowed and tidy.

“Clean up the yard, and make sure the curb is clean in front of the property,” Pourciau says.

Preparing to sell a home can be almost as time-consuming as actually selling it, but to get it on and off the market quickly, putting in the extra work is worth the effort.

TOP LEFT: “Fresh paint goes a long way,” Betsy Birdsong says.

TOP RIGHT: Sellers may not need to update appliances, especially if they are outdated. Buyers may prefer to modernize kitchens and bathrooms upon purchase.

MIDDLE: Living spaces should be neat and free of personal items such as photographs.

BOTTOM: Sellers don’t need to spend a lot on landscaping.

Planting a simple garden and keeping lawns, yards and curbs clean will give buyers a good first impression.

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(W.A.C.)

SCHOOL POOL

BY SAR AH R AVITS

An expert teaches some tricks to keep the pool classy

LIGHT UP

Illuminate the outdoors with these wood and rope lanterns, $79 (short) and $129 (tall) at West Elm.

SUMMER IS HERE, AND FOR MANY NEW ORLEANIANS, that means spending as much time as possible in or near a pool.

Whether hosting a casual family gathering, a wild pool party or something in between, there are several ways to spruce up the outdoor space. Local shops offer a variety of items that enhance the area in functional and fashionable ways.

“One easy way to add style to your outdoor space is by adding some bright throw pillows made with durable fabric that can withstand the elements,” says Sara Frascona, a design consultant.

For pool parties, upholstered patio furniture can enhance the space visually, and make it cozy and comfortable.

Avoid glass, china and anything that can break easily on a pool deck. There is a variety of plastic dishware available in stylish designs. Frascona also loves poolside lighting. Edison bulbs, lanterns and Tiki torches add charm and illumination to gatherings that extend into the night.

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SIPPING IN STYLE

The Mario Giusti Firenze acrylic Federica pitcher, which comes in a variety of colors, $68, and the durable acrylic high ball glass, $20, also Mario Giusti, are perfect poolside companions, both at JADE Interiors + Design.

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This set of 12 Garden Incense Citronella Sticks are made from bamboo and can burn for up to two and a half hours, $12 at The Plant Gallery.

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HANGING OUT

Catch some air in the Kaemingk hanging chair, $850 at The Plant Gallery.

JUST CHILLIN’

Beverages (whatever they may be) stay cool in these double-insulated cups, $8.99 each at MJ’s.

SITTING PRETTY

This outdoor corner pouf brightens the pool area and provides a comfortable place to perch, $149 at West Elm.

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A linen closet with carefully arranged towels, home decor accessories and toiletries is functional and beautiful.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

CLUTCH CLOSET Local designers share tips on organizing storage space

BY SUZANNE PFEFFERLE TA FUR

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IT’S A COMMON SCENARIO WITH COUNTLESS VARIATIONS. You’re rushing to get ready for work, searching the closet for something to wear. Your go-to blouse is hiding between heavy winter coats; the delicate chain of your favorite necklace is tangled; and that matching silver sandal is buried under a dusty pile of shoes in the back of your closet. You switch on your phone’s flashlight in a futile attempt to find the shoe. You finally throw together an outfit. Now … where are those keys?

While a good spring cleaning is one cathartic way to fix this problem, sometimes all that’s needed is a better storage system. Two local designers share advice for creating an attractive, clutter-free space, whether that means splurging on a swoon-worthy custom closet or learning a few DIY organization tricks.

Curtis Herring, owner of Curtis Herring Interior Design, specializes in “everything” from lighting to furniture placement.

He believes that optimal organization simply “makes your life easier and your room tidier. It improves your quality of life.”

Herring creates storage space wherever he can, whether it’s in a closet or a piece of furniture that does double duty, like an ottoman that opens like a chest.

“You can never have enough storage,” he says, and offers the following advice for generating space in the different rooms of the house.

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Install spice racks inside kitchen cabinet doors and add shelves inside the pantry.

Durable plastic bins are best for storing clothes in the attic.

For children’s rooms, add furniture containing built-in storage, along with accessible, open shelves lined with containers for holding small items like plastic Legos. Kids’ closets should be equipped with low, easy-to-reach clothing rods and other features that can be updated as the child grows.

Dresser drawers in adult bedrooms should have compartments or cubbies to organize socks, belts and silk ties (neatly rolled, of course).

Showcase your shoe collection on closet shelves and make space by facing the shoes in alternating directions. Folks who live in a house with high closet ceilings should consider pull-down hanging rods.

“You need to be able to utilize the space,” Herring says. “Take advantage of the entire area as best as you can.”

If space is still hard to come by after following these storage solutions, it may be time to purge. Toss anything that hasn’t been worn in a while, like those toe-pinching stilettos and that shirt with the red wine stain.

“If you don’t use something in a year, get rid of it,” Herring says, adding that a three-year rule applies to coats and cold-weather items, because “we (don’t) even have winter.”

Consider PORTABLE STORAGE OPTIONS THAT DOUBLE AS HOME DECOR ITEMS — woven baskets on open shelves, drawers underneath beds and deep canvas bags that are great for storing just about anything, from plush blankets to squeaky dog toys.

When it comes to sorting jewelry, Curtis Herring installs pegboards on the back of cabinet or closet doors, and hooks earrings and necklaces onto tiny rods so clients don’t have to dig for them.

“You want to hang all of those chains, so that they don’t get tangled,” he says.

TOP: California Closets can add a large storage system to a room, like a custom-built wardrobe.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

BOTTOM: California Closets helps clients visualize their finished storage space through 3-D renderings and product demonstrations in company showrooms.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

Creating or enhancing a large storage system is another option.

Lynell Dow and her husband own the Louisiana franchise of California Closets, including the showroom on Causeway Boulevard.

Like Herring, Dow believes closet functionality and maximizing space are key.

“We consider ourselves experts in the field of taking an area and utilizing every inch of it,” Dow says.

For many customers, aesthetics is equally important.

“If they have a beautiful home that they take a lot of pride in, they will want a closet to match the decor,” she says.

California Closets can build storage with a variety of finishes, hardware, accessories and lighting options.

“We can actually do lighting on the poles where the clothes hang,” Dow says.

Other special features include tie racks and scarf rods, dressers with a deep drawer for sweaters and sectional pieces that can be arranged inside drawers to separate small items. Pullout valet rods can hold an outfit that’s been prepared for the next day, so garments don’t get wrinkled.

“It makes everything nice and convenient,” Dow says.

Storage options go beyond walk-in closets.

“We do just about any type of storage system that you can think of,” she says, including constructing reach-in closets, wardrobes, entertainment centers and libraries, along with options for laundry rooms and garages.

During a free in-home consultation, a designer measures the storage space, gets an idea of what the client wants and needs and discusses the budget.

“A lot of customers will depend on our designers for everything,” Dow says. “On the other hand, we have customers that have more of their own ideas.”

Designers at California Closets can develop those ideas using 3-D software that allows the customer to visualize the finished product.

Improving or increasing storage efficiency can make changes both big and small in a client’s home and, perhaps, that person’s life, Dow says.

“Everybody is so busy these days that people want less stress and better time management,” she says, “so, when you have a great organization system, it saves you so much time when you’re getting ready for work or getting your kids up in the morning. You know where everything is [and] everything has its place.”

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Don’t Dump, Donate!

When redecorating your home or office, the ReStore is the best place to donate cabinets, appliances, furniture, light fixtures or more You can also shop for materials, furniture and treasures for “up-cycling” Call 504.309.3368 for free pickup or go to nola-restore.org for easy online scheduling 2900 Elysian Fields Ave.│NOLA│OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM

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FRESHEN UP Easy tips for brightening your space for the summer B Y S A R A H R A V I T S

BRIGHTER, LONGER AND SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLY HUMID DAYS may encourage you to spend more time indoors, if you’re not lounging by a pool or escaping to a more temperate climate. Mentally preparing for the heat is a challenge, but changing your home decor for the summer months can be as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint, swapping out some

lampshades and taking a minimalist approach to style.

“Paint makes the biggest difference, especially on the furniture,” says Jessica Mayhall, owner and decorative painter at Creative Finishes Studio.

The studio sells chalk paint, a decorative paint developed 25 years ago by artist-designer Annie Sloan. The paint is popular for coating and decorating PAGE 24

Mayhall painted this dresser with chalk paint in green, which is trending for summer. Chalk paint is ideal for furniture because surfaces do not need to be primed before painting.

PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA MAYHALL/CREATIVE FINISHES STUDIO

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Mayhall painted this bookshelf in gray, a neutral color that complements most home decor color schemes.

PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA MAYHALL/CREATIVE FINISHES STUDIO

furniture and cabinetry because it’s not necessary to sand and prime wooden surfaces before application, Mayhall says.

“If you’re looking to spruce up or brighten up a darker furniture piece, the paint is a perfect medium and can make a world of difference,” she says.

“Even just changing the color of one furniture piece can completely change the overall vibe of a room.”

She teaches clients how to apply the paint, but she also comes to their homes to apply custom decorative finishes.

“Annie Sloan’s palette is great because her colors are a little grayed-down,” Mayhall says. “Even if you want turquoise, it’ll have some grays, blues and greens, so it’s really light and really soft. It often complements a lot of colors that people [already] have in their houses.”

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Renee Price of Shades of Blue, Inc. says popular colors for summer include pale blush pink and green.

“Green in all hues remains popular, although emerald green in particular looks great with most neutral tones,” she says.

In addition to painting, buying a few throw pillows and investing in new fabrics can transform a space into a summer haven. Price suggests purchasing pillows with removable covers that can be cleaned and swapped out throughout the year as seasons change.

“Sunbrella [a textile manufacturer] offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor fabrics in fun colors and patterns,” she says.

For entertaining, Price recommends changing table linens to freshen up the dining room. She also likes mixing brightly colored tableware with simple white china.

“It’s a great way to create a special look for summer gatherings,” she says.

Summer decor should be more minimalist than the heavy layers associated with winter.

Mayhall suggests paring down the furniture and toning down the accessories. Pay attention to lighting as well: A lampshade made of thick material can make the room appear dim. Summer decorating is the perfect time to substitute opaque shades for styles that let the light shine.

“Look for a fresher lamp or a lampshade that you can swap out on an older lamp … (to) make the space seem more lively and more on-trend,” Mayhall says.

Sunbrella offers indoor and outdoor fabrics in several colors and patterns.

PHOTO COURTESY SUNBRELLA.COM

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OUTSIDE LOOKING IN BY

REECY

PONTIFF

A peek into the world of windows

Windows aren’t purely DESPITE THE IMPORTANCE functional. While they OF WINDOWS IN KEEPING do allow ventilation FAMILIES DRY AND COMand contribute to the FORTABLE, homeowners ofenergy efficiency of a ten look right through them. home, they also add to Homeowners may replace the aesthetic. windows to update their home’s exterior, or because existing windows no longer are functional, but choosing the right window can be difficult without some basic knowledge. CUE asked a few experts to explain, and help take the pain out of replacing the pane.

Leaks, drafts and foggy windows indicate it’s time to upgrade, but one of the biggest reasons people consider new windows is energy efficiency, says Chris Mathes, vice president of Gulf Enterprises, a local supplier of doors, windows and skylights.

“Windows are part of the whole system of a home,” he says. “Modern glass is more insulated than the single-pane glass that came over with the Mayflower.”

Low emissivity (low-e) glass coatings are a recent innovation in window design and maintenance. The

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Left: These kaleidoscopic peacock tail panels form a rose window in the bathroom of an Old Metairie home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAULETTE LIZANO/LIZANO’S GLASS HAUS

Below: Even historic buildings can be updated with energy-efficient windows.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT COMEAUX/GRAND OPENINGS

coating reflects significantly more UV and infrared radiation than uncoated windows, according to Matt Comeaux of window and door supplier Grand Openings. Emissivity is the ability of a material to radiate energy, and low-e coatings reflect heat and light that otherwise would be absorbed by the glass and radiated to a home’s interior.

Low-e glass helps protect carpets and floors from fading and keeps the house cool, Comeaux says.

“Infrared will heat up the objects in your home and the AC will have to cool them down,” he says. “(Low-e window coating is) more important down here [in the South] because we’re subtropic and get so much sunlight.”

Selecting the right window frame also can make a difference in the energy efficiency of the window.

Aluminum window frames can allow heat to seep through the frame because of the thermal conductivity of the metal. However, modern aluminum windows often are “thermally broken,” or manufactured with a barrier in between double panes of glass that cuts down on energy loss, according to Comeaux. Vinyl frames are another option, but while these cut down on heat exchange, the seals expand and contract in extreme temperatures and aren’t very durable.

Glass spacers that separate multiple panes of glass in a window

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also affect energy efficiency. Historically, these spacers had been made of metal, which conducts heat. Modern spacers are made from stainless steel or composite materials that are less likely to transfer heat or contribute to seal failure, Comeaux says.

The use of argon gas — which has very low thermal conductivity — inside double-paned windows also helps insulate indoor air from outdoor heat.

“It’s denser than standard air, so … it’s more of an icebox effect,” Comeaux says.

While new windows require less care than old designs, regular maintenance is important.

“Most people don’t think about the windows until there’s a problem with them,” Comeaux says.

He recommends homeowners look for exterior cracks around windows at least once a year.

After heavy rain, check for leaks.

Comeaux also suggests annual cleaning, but stresses the need to use ammonia-free cleaners, because ammonia can cause window seals to deteriorate. He also advises against pressure washing.

“You never want to use a direct spray with a hose because that could force water inside or lead to the breakdown of other materials,” Comeaux says.

Window updates can be both beautiful and functional, but for pure aesthetics, consider installing SPRING

2017

SOLD

Ansley Seaver Marshall, JD

1201 St Andrew St ......... $939,000 6119 Annunciation St ... $785,000 142 Ridgewood Dr ........ $759,000 401 Melody Dr ........... $593,000 5316 Coliseum St ........ $514,000 7605 S. Claiborne Ave ... $520,000 801 Leontine St ............ $477,000 5610 Catina St. ........... $422,500 3631 State Street Dr .... $350,000 93 Melody Dr ............ $349,900 2536-38 State St ......... $346,400 4131 N. Rampart St ... $230,000 777 Walker St ............ $200,000 1334-36 Music St ........ $170,000 1508 Hudson St ........... $168,000 6753 Morrison Rd ....... $105,000

ACTIVE

620 Decatur St. Penthouse B $11,000/ mo 333 Chartres St. $4,000/mo 2538 State St. $1,500/ mo Coming Soon: 819 Leontine St. & 1417 Duffosat St.

UNDER CONTRACT 2100 Upperline St. $625,000 Under Contract First Day! 417 Eleonore St. $660,000

The diagram shows a thermally broken double-paned window. The aluminum frame is constructed with a spacer to reduce external heat transfer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT COMEAUX/GRAND OPENINGS

stained glass window panes.

Stained glass is a staple in classic New Orleans design. It adds color and vibrancy to any home, says Paulette Lizano, a glass art designer at Lizano’s Glass Haus.

“A stained glass window is an art piece,” she says.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most popular locations for stained glass windows in New Orleans homes. Gable and transom windows also are a common place for stained glass, according to Lizano.

She usually works in traditional mediums, using flexible metal strips called “lead came” or sheets of hammered, adhesive-backed copper foil to bind sections of colored glass together. Sometimes, she favors the more modern technique of fused glass.

“Fused glass is not as wellknown here in the South,” she says. “The advantage is there are no metal lines. It comes out as one solid entity.”

Lizano recommends homeowners installing stained glass

windows also install clear plate glass on the outside of the pane to protect it from the elements. In new construction, consumers can request their contractor build a window frame for later installation of stained glass, with the plate glass acting as a placeholder. If the glass is installed with molding around the border, homeowners can remove or reinstall it as desired.

“A lot of pieces are customized and specific to the family and they want to take that with them (if) they move,” Lizano says.

To care for stained glass, Lizano recommends wiping it down with a clean, dry cotton rag (no chemicals or water).

A feather duster may be used on more delicate or textured designs.

“Maintenance can be done by the homeowner unless it’s a restoration job that requires additional weatherproofing,” Lizano says.

Heavy restoration work is best left to the experts.

LEASED

1001 Moss St. 2536 State St. 1205 St. Charles Ave. #517 920 Poeyfarre St. #325 1107 S. Peters St. #506 835 Julia St., Penthouse 2 8521 Zimpel St. 4209 Prytania St. 913 Arabella St 2909 Camp St. 305 Nashville Ave. 4131 N. Rampart Street 920 Poeyfarre St PH 18 920 Poeyfarre St 321 920 Poeyfarre St 221 920 Poeyfarre St 344 920 Poeyfarre St 111 1001 Moss Street 1533 Second St 728 Pleasant St 1203 St Mary St 206 Audubon St 6117 Loyola Ave 5936 Annunciation 5415 Danneel St 8512 Freret St 272 Audubon St 19 Tennyson Pl

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Keller Williams Realty New Orleans Top Producer 2016, 2015 2016 Gold Award Winner 2015 Silver Award Winner New Orleans Luxury Lease, LLC CELL

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S PR ING

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CUE’S HOME RESOURCE GUIDE 29

ite e b ard h t ry ke ta you o n t i nix os mi quit r e s ll T mo Ca t of ou

Spruce Up for Spring!

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resou rces A LISTING OF THE RETAILERS AND PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE OF CUE’S HOME RESOURCE GUIDE.

Garden party PAGE 8

Canal Furniture Liquidators 3534 Toulouse St., (504) 482-6851; www.canalfurnitureliquidators.com Dunn and Sonnier Antiques & Flowers 3433 Magazine St., (504) 524-3235; www.dunnandsonnier.com EcoUrban Landscaping 4433 Ulloa St., (504) 322-7025; www.ecourbanllc.com Modern Market 3138 Magazine St., (504) 896-2206; www.modernmarketlifestyle.com Perino’s Garden Center 3100 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 834-7888; www.perinos.com The Plant Gallery 9401 Airline Highway, (504) 4888887; www.theplantgallery.com The Shops at 2011 2011 Magazine St., (504) 407-0499; www.theshopsat2011.com West Elm 2929 Magazine St., (504) 895-2469; www.westelm.com

A bolt of inspiration PAGE 11

Artee Fabrics & Home 3116 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, (504) 302-2160; www.arteefabricsandhome.com Jill Dupre www.jilldupre.com Spruce 2043 Magazine St., (504) 265-0946; www.sprucenola.com Studio Amanda Talley 1382 Magazine St., (504) 595-3136; www.amandatalley.com

Curb appeal

(504) 358-0830; www.californiaclosets.com

The Birdsong Realty Group 8121 Fig St., (504) 780-9422; www.thebirdsongrealtygroup.com

Curtis Herring Interior Design 1627 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway, (504) 866-7577; www.curtisherring.com

PAGE 14

Keller Williams Realty Citywide; www.kw.com Latter & Blum Inc. Realtors Citywide; www.latter-blum.com

Freshen up

Liz Bertucci Realty 400 Metairie Hammond Highway, Suite 4A, Metairie, (504) 655-7171

Creative Finishes Studio 2013 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 909-9028; www.creativefinishesstudio.com

Pool School PAGE 17

JADE interiors + design 324 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 875-4420; www.jadenola.com MJ’s 1513 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 835-6099; www.mjsofmetairie.com The Plant Gallery see Garden Party West Elm see Garden Party

Clutch Closet PAGE 20

California Closets 3211 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie,

PAGE 23

Shades of Blue, Inc. 3530 Magazine St., (504) 891-1575; www.shadesofblueinc.com

Outside looking in PAGE 27

Grand Openings 5600 Jefferson Highway, (504) 5985741; www.grandopenings.com Gulf Enterprises 901 Edwards Ave., Suite 100, (504) 734-3254; www.gulfenterprisesinc.com Lizano’s Glass Haus 730 Martin Behrman Ave., Metairie, (504) 454-1144; www.lizanosglasshaus.com S PR ING

2017

CUE’S HOME RESOURCE GUIDE

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