Adding Luxury by Leslie Cardé
The possibilities are endless for home and garden renovations
WHEN SIR EDWARD COKE said “a man’s home is his castle” back in the 17th century, he couldn’t have known the implications that statement would have in an era of Covid, four centuries later. For those lucky enough to have residences here in the city that were already geared to family entertainment on the home turf, hunkering down has been a bit easier. For one family on Garden Lane in the Country Club Gardens neighborhood of New Orleans with a backyard which includes a pool with fountains, a regulation tennis court, large greenspaces, and views that continue on down the fairway of the New Orleans Country Club, being at home rivals any top-notch resort. However, many folks became acutely aware that their homes were not designed for a staycation. Enter the designers, architects and builders in the New Orleans area to turn boring spaces into exotic habitats that
encourage recreation and relaxation. “Being stuck at home meant people couldn’t go on a vacation, so they wanted a 5-star vacation in their backyard,” explains Kirk J. Colgan, a professional landscape architect and owner of Artscape Land Design. “If they couldn’t get on a plane for Tahiti, they were going to bring Tahiti to them. And, since they weren’t spending money on expensive travel vacations, they had the funds to spend on transforming their own environment. People wanted to exit their back door and into an oasis.” Pools and spas add a feeling of serenity to any space. And, while it may be a new renovation, sometimes the owners want an “old world” feel. One uptown New Orleans Saints executive wanted the feel of a French Quarter courtyard, so Artscape Land Design set about to put those antique elements into play. Materials seen in the >> A p ri l - M ay 2 0 21
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