Summer is in the air — the sweet aroma of honeysuckle; the unmistakable smell of pool water; that tinny feeling just before a thunderstorm. It’s a time to embrace a slower pace, lighten the linens and relax by an outdoor oasis.
Our summer issue is full of summer inspiration. Our cover feature showcases the marriage of Caribbean cool and classic clean design for an outdoor living room with plenty of places to play, party and relax with friends.
Speaking of relaxing with friends, we feature an Uptown home that is an explosion of color and personality, all with the homeowner’s goal of providing just the right place to gather and entertain. Its clever design doesn’t shy away from bold pattern and saturated tones, in the best possible way.
We tour a modern take on the family home, with clean lines and sophisticated solutions to everyday living. It is a home that is at once contemporary and cool, as well as warm and inviting.
Finally, as always, we have design inspiration that brings the outside in, entertaining tips and a recipe for summer gatherings, poolside organizing ideas and some of our favorite seasonal picks for making your house a home.
Summer is here. We hope you will enjoy our dive into design.
Editorial
Editor Ashley McLellan
Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo
Style Editor Andy Myer
Web Editor Kelly Massicot
Contributing Writers Jenny Adams, Lee Cutrone, Amy Gabriel, Rebecca Friedman, Andy Myer, Margaret Zainey Roux, Melanie
Warner Spencer
Copy Editor Liz Clearman
Advertising
Senior Account Executive
Brooke Genusa, Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com
Account Director Meggie Schmidt
Senior Account Executive Erin Chiartano
Marketing
Marketing Manager Greer Stewart
Video Media Producer Mallary Wolfe
Sponsored Content Coordinator
Jeremy Marshall
Renaissance Publishing
Production
Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui
Senior Designer Ashley Pemberton
Designer Czarlyn Ria Trinidad
Circulation
Distribution John Holzer
Administration
Office Manager Emily Ruiz
Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne
(504) 828-1380
Design Diary
Stay Over in Style
The Key to Success
Sparkle and Shine
In Spring, Canal Place announced the addition of a Swarovski store to its lineup of luxury retailers. The new, 694-squarefoot showroom — awash in Swarovski’s signature blue hue with glinting metallic and chrome finishes and shimmering silk — specializes in crystal jewelry and home decor accessories. swarovski.com
The New Orleans boutique hotel boom that began about 10 years ago continues to flourish with new additions coming to town every year. One of the first to open its doors in 2025 is the Hotel Perle at 757 St. Charles Ave., in the Warehouse District within walking distance to the Caesar’s Superdome. Housed in the circa-1916, former Alberta Hotel building and designed by NYC-based interior design firm Ward + Gray in collaboration with New Orleans-based architecture firm Rome Office, the Hotel Perle is created specifically with group travel in mind. The hotel has 10, multi-room suites with two to seven bedrooms and common areas including kitchen, dining and living areas. The design marries Old World glamour with contemporary style and modern amenities, including a heated pool. hotelperle.com
En Français, S’il Vous Plaît
In collaboration with the New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures (Nous), The Historic New Orleans Collection established a cultural space at 602 Toulouse St. in the French Quarter. The space, which as of press was scheduled to open in May, serves as a cultural hub focused on history, literature and the arts, an art gallery, concept store and information center designed to showcase Louisiana’s French and Creole cultures. Visitors can expect cultural programs and interactive exhibits. hnoc.org and nous-foundation.org
As part of its 25year anniversary celebration, Eclectic Home announced the launch of a new line of custom throw pillows. Owned by award-winning interior designer Penny Francis, Eclectic Home is an interior design studio and home furnishings retail store at 8211 Oak St. Francis’ work has been profiled locally and nationally, appearing in the pages of this magazine, as well as in Architectural Digest, Interior Design and Garden & Gun, and on HGTV. The first collection of pillows, The Krewes Pillow Line features a modern Greek key motif and celebrates New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes’ mythical names. Expect the rest of the collections to launch throughout the celebratory year. eclectichome.net
Merging and Emerging Stronger
In March, the Preservation Resource Center and Save Our Cemeteries announced they were joining forces. In a press release, PRC board president Aulston Taylor said, “... We are honored that the esteemed Save Our Cemeteries organization has come under the PRC umbrella. Expect exciting developments over the coming months as our PRC staff works to revitalize the historic mission work of SOC, which has been a cornerstone to our city’s preservation efforts.” Save Our Cemeteries’ mission includes restoring tombs, teaching owners care and maintenance, tours, education and advocacy to protect cemeteries. Save our Cemeteries former president Sally Asher will remain active as a member of the PRC board and cemetery advisory committee leader. Information and booking for cemetery tours can now be found at prcno.org/ new-orleans-cemetery-tours.
JACQUELINE MARQUE PHOTO
KitchenAid’s 2025 Color of the Year “Butter” yellow stand mixer, kitchenaid.com
Sherwin Williams wall color in “They call it Mellow,” sherwinwilliams.com
Benjamin Moore wall color in “Butter,” benjaminmoore.com
Farrow & Ball wall color in “Butterweed,” farrow-ball.com
Le Creuset cast iron petal braiser in “Honey,” williams-sonoma.com
Estelle Colored Glass cake stand in yellow, estellecoloredglass. com
Bed Threads French flax linen European pillowcases in “Limoncello and Turmeric,” bedthreads.com
Butter Me Up
This sunny and cheerful shade of yellow has taken over design and fashion in 2025. It’s at once retro and modern for a new neutral that brings a fresh pop of color to home décor as well as your wardrobe.
MOB Beauty Cream Clay Eyeshadow in Butter Yellow, thedetoxmarket. com
Get Organized
Upright organizer
For a petite poolside area, look for a compact upright organizer to hold towels and essentials.
Take a seat
Poolside seats with handles add space-saving comfort to the waterside action.
Poolside Perfection
With summer upon us, there’s no better relief than a refreshing backyard dip. If your pool facilities could use a little sprucing for the season, let us float some ideas for improvement...
by Rebecca Friedman
Open bar
Recreate a luxurious resort vibe at home with a sleek poolside bar that keeps your favorite beverages cool and convenient.
Fine floats
Pool floats are a summertime must-have, but they can be unwieldy to store. An attractive stand in teak or wicker keeps floats dry and separated without bringing down the outdoor décor.
Use your noodle A mesh organizer keeps pool toys and accessories dry, tidy, and visible.
No mess, just mesh
If you’ve got pool toys aplenty but limited deck space, a hanging mesh storage bag prevents mildew and keeps lightweight items from blowing around during summer storms.
Billy Solitario
Painting Nature’s Power, Beauty — and Danger
by John R. Kemp portrait by Thom Bennett
An inspirational writer once suggested a “walk into nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” New Orleans artist Billy Solitario witnesses those “miracles” as he explores and captures on canvas radiant landscapes along the New Orleans riverfront and among the islands just off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Solitario, who moved to New Orleans in 1994 to study painting with Auseklis Ozols at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, has found grace and beauty on the Mississippi River and among the clouds, sand dunes and savannahs of the region’s coastal marshes and barrier islands. His oil paintings reflect a sense of peace when alone with only his brushes, palette, canvas and the cries of gulls and waves breaking on sandy beaches.
The beauty and siren song of the land, skies and sea have been important forces in his life since childhood days, growing up in Gautier, Mississippi, near Ocean Springs, once home to the famed Mississippi artist Walter Anderson.
From an early age, Solitario has been fascinated with Anderson’s Horn Island, which he could see on the horizon from his childhood bedroom window. While in high school, he often sailed out to the island where he tried to paint in Anderson’s unique style. He soon learned he “couldn’t come anywhere close to Anderson’s abilities.”
Whenever possible, Solitario still visits Horn Island, which he describes
as an “amazing natural sanctuary,” to witness and paint what Anderson called “the magic hour,” those transfixing moments before sunset “when all things are related.” And just as Anderson became “one with all things,” Solitario opens his senses to rapidly changing atmospheric moments while painting on location along the island’s beaches or from the Mississippi levees.
“It makes you feel alive,” he says. “When you are in nature, you feel wonder. You’re seeing new things, new shapes in the clouds and new designs in the sand dunes. I find the love of nature to be a very powerful one.”
Although Solitario paints nature-inspired still lifes in his studio, the full power in nature is especially present in his stunning images of roiling and billowing clouds. Growing up on the coast, Solitario witnessed hurricanes and storms that tore through the coastal landscape. They had a profound effect on him, his view of nature and his art.
“I pay homage to nature by respecting it and painting it,” he says. “My clouds are a bit ominous. They are the big cumulus nimbus clouds that create very strong storms, lightning, tornadoes, thunder. It’s not only the beauty of nature but also the danger.”
And that’s what he wants viewers to see in his paintings — “nature as powerful and beautiful, dangerous but also welcoming.”
In a sense, it’s Solitario’s way of witnessing “a thousand miracles.” billysolitario.com
Candy Corn
Grilling just got sweeter with Chef Josh Peralta’s savory side dish served fresh from the husk.
Grilled Corn with Cane Syrup Butter and Sea Salt Recipe Courtesy of
6 ears corn in the husk
1 stick Europeanstyle unsalted butter, softened
2 ounces cane syrup
1 dash cane vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Good flaky sea salt (such as Maldon brand)
1. Prepare grill for medium heat.
2. Combine softened butter, cane syrup, and vinegar in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Prepare the corn by peeling back husk and removing silks. Fold husk back up over the ear of corn and soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
4. Grill the corn (with husks) over medium heat, turning frequently until husk is browned, steaming and fragrant.
5. To serve, peel husks back but do not remove. Leave husks on to use as handles.
6. Coat corn with cane syrup butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Pairs well with grilled meats like pork chops or chicken.
are of helping his mother stir the gumbo pot and watching as she hung handmade pasta on a coat hanger to dry. After graduating from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, he worked in some of the city’s most esteemed kitchens including Luke and Copper Vine. He joined the Link Restaurant Group as a sous chef at Butcher in 2021 and moved to Cochon in 2023 where he is currently chef de cuisine.
produced by Margaret Zainey Roux
photo by Eugenia Uhl
Cochon New Orleans
About Chef Josh Peralta Born and raised in Abita Springs, Chef Peralta’s earliest childhood memories
Some Like It Hot
Made famous by the Louisiana hot sauce by the same name and easy to grow, tabasco chilies are a favorite for gardeners throughout the state and the country.
by Melanie Warner Spencer
1 Appearance
At less than 1-inch long (and up to 2-inches), tabasco peppers are small, but mighty. Most of us associate tabasco peppers with the deep red color from the traditional Tabasco Brand hot sauce, but they can vary in color from green to yellow and orange
2
Uses
The sweet, fruity and smoky chile is used as a flavoring and spice in countless recipes but is typically used to make hot sauce.
3
Grow
Heat and full sunlight exposure help tabasco chilies thrive, making them easy to grow in New Orleans. But they do like a lot of moisture and can get scorched in the Louisiana sun, so pay attention to the leaves and if they start to cook and curl, give the plants shade. They can grow year-round, but in colder months, consider planting tabasco chilies in containers so they can be brought inside when the temps drop below 28 degrees. Otherwise, plant in March, April and May or July, August and September. .
4
Learn Tabasco chilies, or Capsicum frutescens, originated in Mexico. Edmund McIlhenny, founder of Tabasco Brand, brought the pepper to dinner tables across the Reconstruction-era South in 1868 via his special blend of hot sauce. The brand can now be found in kitchens around the globe, but the company is still based on Avery Island.
5
Lagniappe
If you think jalapeños are hot, then tabasco peppers are likely to light you up. On the Scoville scale, which is how peppers are rated, the jalapeño measures 2,500 to 10,000 heat units. The tabasco pepper, while lower than the habanero which measures at 100,000 to 350,000 heat units, measures four to 20 times hotter than the jalapeño at 25,000 to 50,000 heat units.
Bright Ideas
What are some challenges you see with entertaining in summer? Particularly outside?
“I think we all kind of live to entertain here,” she says. “We just thrive on community. I personally like to entertain indoor/ outdoor in summer. If you are doing something outside, besides the heat and the potential for rain, we have flies here. You may be keeping your trash clean, but your neighbor is not. Making the party flow allows for a change of plan, if needed.”
Are there ways to amplify that indoor/outdoor vibe?
“Yes! I love to take my outside plants and either bring them inside, or, use clippings to make bold arrangements inside. I like to then bring the real china outside. Doing these two things alone will make it less of a picnic and more of a classier affair. If you have kids, are there games? We love those huge games. We have a giant Jenga in our backyard. You find the kids start it first, but pretty soon, the adults join in.”
Breakfast Soirées
Sue Zemanick of Zasu guides us in celebrating … on the early side
by Jenny Adams
Ah, the New Orleans summer. The mosquitos floating past. Mother Nature coughing down your neck. Alligators crawling off the banks, headed for cooler waters, as the hurricanes roll in across the Gulf. Okay, okay, we are kidding. Summer is — for all her aforementioned, dramatized challenges — one of our favorite seasons. We do contend with storms and pests, but we also welcome the brilliance of hot-pink crepe myrtles, the thrum of jazz in the air and the afternoon cooling showers, producing the prettiest resurrection ferns across the live oaks. We caught up with none-other than Sue Zemanick, chef/owner of Zasu in Mid-City, to chat about hosting a stellar breakfast or brunch gathering. One of the best chefs in America, Zemanick has garnered press and awards far and wide, and loves gathering friends early in this season.
If we entertain earlier in the day, to beat the heat, do you have advice on being creative and convincing people to come?
“The nice thing about New Orleans is, we will party any time of day,” Zemanick laughs. “For a long while, I’ve been toying with changing up the expected Bloody Mary bar to a spritz bar. You can offer different fresh juices alongside Aperol, Campari or prosecco. It’s more fun than a plain mimosa. Also offer bubbly water, for those who wish to create a nonalcoholic spritz.”
Given that you’re a chef, can we have a few food suggestions?
“I’m guilty of being in the kitchen during my own parties. Don’t make that mistake. Create a menu that can be prepared ahead of time and even served room temperature. Quiche is great, as is pasta salad without mayo. A tuna niçoise, where you make it the night before and sear the tuna right before the party, I love. Since it’s breakfast or brunch, how about a huge lox platter, with bagels? Oh, and tinned seafood. You just crack it the pretty tins open, and you decorate with various accoutrements. Menu selections that add color and flavor, but allow you to enjoy your party, are definitely the way to go.”
Global Views
Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than pieces that remind owners of their favorite memories. An eclectic mix of heirlooms create an inviting and beautiful space that sparks conversation. by
Andy Myer photography by Eugenia Uhl
Textile and jewelry: Hand-stitched and embroidered silk on silk Suzani from Uzbekistan with over-scaled tulip motif on purple ground in a traditional chain stitch with flicker stitching adding depth and movement;
made of Iraca natural palm with 24k gold plated studs, handwoven in Columbia; handcrafted artisanal Turkish brass pomegranate
ornamented with large turquoise stones, available at B. Viz Design, bvizdesign.com. Dishes: Hand painted,
by the art of Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, offered in a range of sizes and designs, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop. com. Book: “Patina Homes & Gardens,” by Steve Gianetti and Brooke Gianetti, Gibbs Smith, available at Garden District Book Shop, gardendistrictbookshop.com.
earrings
cuff, decorated with small ruby stones; handcrafted Turkish brass cuff,
modern Majolica cabbage dishes from Portugal inspired
Textile: Hand stitched and embroidered, silk on silk suzani from Uzbekistan on blue ground featuring a cascading tree of life and floral design with peacocks at the base, available at B. Viz Design, bvizdesign.com. Table, vase, egg warmer, boxes, blue and white pitcher and jar, fish: Maison Jansen style red lacquer and parcel-gilt two tier end table, black Art Nouveau enamel painted glass vase, French Tole Peinte egg warmer, Shanghai wicker apple shaped lidded basket, black and gold antique lacquered chinoiserie box, Wedgwood Jasperware pitcher and tobacco jar, Japanese fish brush washer dish, available at Malachite, malachitehome.com. Blue and white jar on book: lidded ceramic tissue dispenser, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. Book: “Chateau Reawakening: One Couple’s Wild And Wonderful Journey To Restore A Crumbling French Masterpiece,” by Tim Holding, Hardi Grant Books, available at Garden District Book Shop, gardendistrictbookshop.com.
Island Oasis
A New Orleans native tailors a Caribbean-inspired dream home for her family in Lake Vista.
By Misty Milioto Photography by Jess Kearney
Originally from New Orleans, Tiffany Shanelle, property and design manager at Tiffany Shanelle Home, returned to the Crescent City eight years ago after stints in Los Angeles and New York. “I felt that New Orleans would offer a better quality of life for our family, and, out of all the places I had lived, nothing ever felt more like home than New Orleans,” she says. “I loved growing up here and wanted my children to have a similar experience.”
Shanelle, who worked for the music industry while in Los Angeles, first found her passion for interior design while decorating a number of Airbnbs — mostly in the Caribbean — that she and her husband own. In 2024, they built their dream home in Lake Vista.
“This home was thoughtfully designed around our lifestyle,” Shanelle says. “I love that there are so many inviting spaces where our family can spend time together, along with personalized areas tailored to each of us.”
Just under 6,000 square feet, the home features five bedrooms, five full
baths and three half baths. There’s also a gym, a media room and a creative space for the kids. “On the third floor, we have what we call the ‘Pit Boss Suite’ — a playful take on a penthouse suite — serving as my husband’s office and man cave,” Shanelle says. “[He] has collected rare designer duffle bags for years but never had a place to showcase them — so we designed that room around his collection.”
Facing page: The back yard features a Tahitian-blue pool with waterfalls, surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants.
When it came to the interior design, Shanelle knew that functionality was important. However, she also wanted to create a space that felt like a Caribbean resort — luxurious, yet comfortable and welcoming. “In Lake Vista, the layout of the properties means the backyard makes the first impression, so we designed it to feel like an immediate escape,” she says.
Upon entering the back gate, palm trees and tropical plants — along with a Tahitian-blue pool and waterfalls — set the perfect tone. “We call it
‘Meme’s Garden,’ in honor of my mom, and it’s filled with all of her favorite plants,” Shanelle says.
Meanwhile, the large veranda — complete with drop-down screens — is Shanelle’s favorite space. “[We are able to] fully open the panoramic doors from the living room to the veranda, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience,” she says. “It has the vibe of a hotel patio restaurant, perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing.”
Inside, the home features a blend of transitional and bohemian elements. It’s an aesthetic that Shanelle calls “New Islands,” with elements that capture the essence of New Orleans but with a distinct tropical twist.
Above: Shanelle’s favorite space, the outdoor veranda, offers indoor/outdoor living with dropdown screens and panoramic doors that lead to the living room. Facing page, top: Lounge chairs provide the perfect spot for relaxing by the pool. Facing page, bottom: Shanelle calls the back yard “Meme’s Garden,” which is filled with all of her mom’s favorite plants.
“The inspiration for this home — and for each individual space — was my family,” Shanelle says. “My husband is from the Caribbean, and we’ve made some of our best memories together in places like Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize and Costa Rica. I wanted to create a home that could mentally transport us back to those places — a space that feels like a retreat and a reflection of the life we’ve built as a family.”
As a result, the home’s design is a blend of the city’s rich culture and the relaxed, natural beauty of island life, creating a space that feels both
familiar and fresh. For example, many of the light fixtures are plant-inspired, and much of the artwork draws from the ocean and the earth’s natural beauty. Shanelle chose stone in warm and sandy tones, plus design details with imperfect, natural textures.
“Throughout the home, you’ll find thoughtful pieces that reflect [a modern bohemian] style, like the cypress root console in the foyer and several furnishings crafted from woven rope or cane,” Shanelle says. “I also love incorporating organic forms in unexpected ways. One of my favorite pieces is the Agave chandelier, which makes a bold statement in both the stairway
and front entry.”
Meanwhile, Craftsman Builders executed many of the custom details with precision and care. For example, the company crafted the intricate ironwork on the gate, stairs and balcony. “It has that classic New Orleans feel, but the ironwork also reminds me of a church, which felt like a beautiful nod to my father-in-law, who is a pastor,” Shanelle says.
Some of her other favorite touches include the cabinets in the primary bedroom, which complement the woven cane detail on the light fixture above; the stone fireplace in the living room, which adds warmth and texture to the space; the backlit Cristallo countertops in the living room bar and the powder room, which imbue a luxe ambience; the primary bathroom, a functional and beautiful space that flows effortlessly into the closet; and the custom island table on the veranda, which is ideal for outdoor entertaining. “Honestly, there are so many special details, and
Craftsman Builders helped bring them all to life flawlessly,” Shanelle says.
Above: The back yard also sports a putting green and basketball hoop. Facing page: The veranda’s outdoor kitchen is ideal for entertaining.
Overall, it is the home’s thoughtful flow that Shanelle loves the most. While the first floor was designed with guests and entertaining in mind, the second floor serves as the family’s main living space. The third floor, which contains the “Pit Boss Suite,” serves as her husband’s personal retreat where he can stay up late without disturbing the rest of the house.
“This turned out to be the largest project I had ever undertaken,” Shanelle says. “[But it] feels like a true getaway — a relaxing oasis not just for us, but for friends visiting from near and far. Traveling is always great, but there’s something special about feeling like you’re on vacation without ever having to leave home.”
IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR THE OWNER
ROOMS OF ONE'S OWN
OF THIS CHARMING, HISTORIC UPTOWN HOME
By Melanie Warner Spencer / Photography by Pär Bengtsson
In the spring of 2017, Christine Albert’s plans included dropping by an estate sale. Rather than coming away from the sale with a new addition to her art or vintage décor collection, Albert says, “I actually bought the house.” The Eastlake side-hall-style home in Uptown was built sometime between the late 1800s or early 1900s. Untouched since the ‘70s, the home had great bones and was a blank canvas
Albert couldn’t wait to fill with color and the collected ephemera from her travels and vibrant daily life.
Albert’s initial focus was on essential upgrades, such as new electrical and plumbing systems, air conditioning and floor repairs, as well as restoring and replacing shutters and restoring the front porch. For this stage, Albert called upon contractor Stephen Adams of Adams Construction + Development and landscape architect Dan Garness of Garness Studio. Once the updates were complete, Albert turned her attention to the fun part: the home’s interior design. Nomita Joshi-Gupta of Nomita Joshi Studio honed in on Albert’s love of art and travel to help her create interiors that reflect her colorful, eclectic and whimsical style.
One of the interior’s many striking features is the shimmering, gold 1970s-era wallpaper in the front parlor, which Albert and JoshiGupta decided to keep. “I was kind of obsessed with that wallpaper,” says Albert, who found Joshi-Gupta through Spruce, the designer’s Magazine Street wallpaper showroom. “It became the anchor point for me to build the entire house around.” Wallpaper abounds in the home’s rooms, infusing it with a fearless color palette. The visual playfulness culminates in the kitchen, which is a kaleidoscope of color and pattern with primarily pink House of Hackney floral paper adorning the walls, a black-andwhite checkerboard floor and white cabinetry juxtaposed by red cabinetry defining the bold space. A custom-made Chris Antioch piece, “Dog with Cheese,” hangs above the sink and pays homage to one of Albert’s two canines, a
Christine Albert worked with interior designer Nomita Joshi-Gupta of Nomita Joshi Studio to help her create interiors that reflect her colorful style. The home's double parlor serves as a hub when Albert entertains. The shimmering, gold 1970s-era wallpaper in the front parlor served as an anchor for the rest of the home's décor.
Each eclectic room is infused with pieces from Albert's art collection, sourced on her travels and from local artists. Joshi-Gupta, who owns Spruce wallpaper showroom located next door to her design studio on Magazine Street, employed wallpaper throughout to amp up the color and pattern. The bold interplay is most skillfully executed in the playful kitchen, with its pink House of Hackney floral paper adorning the walls and black-and-white checkerboard floor.
The 1,725-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home seems much larger, due in part to historic architectural elements, such as pocket doors and transom windows. Albert and Joshi-Gupta worked to retain as much of the original architecture as possible, leaving the home's footprint intact and bringing a modern sensibility via the décor.
cheese-loving cattle dog, Carter.
Throughout the home, elements such as the double parlors, high ceilings and transom windows belie the two-bedroom, one-bath home’s modest, approximately 1,725 square footage. “My goal was to keep the house as intact as possible and true to the original home,” says Albert, who loves historic homes. “I think that’s what makes where we live so unique and the ability, especially in this town, to be colorful and make choices that are interesting. You don’t have to feel like you’re in a cookie cutter neighborhood where the HOA is telling you to paint the door a certain shade of tan.”
Albert loves to entertain, especially during Carnival season and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival. The double parlors make it easy. “People are still close enough that it feels like one space, but it’s not like one giant room you’re dealing with,” says Albert. “So for me, that functionally worked really well for indoor entertaining.” Despite the attention paid to the kitchen’s vivid décor, Albert admits not being into cooking or hosting elaborate dinner parties. Drinks and snacks in the parlors when it’s too hot are more her speed, but Albert’s favorite place to party is the porch. That said, even the garage has become a seasonal hotspot.
“It’s my glitter garage,” says Albert, who rides in Muses. “Not all year-round, but as soon as January kicks in, the tables go up, the glue guns come out and friends who ride or anybody else who wants to craft and doesn’t want to have glitter in their house can pop by. There’s music playing and it’s a drop in, hang out kind of moment.”
Places like Mexico, India, France and Spain continue to inspire the interior as Albert adds new pieces picked up during her travels. Collecting pieces over time has been an essential ingredient to the lived-in, international aesthetic Albert and Joshi-Gupta worked to achieve, while always striving to honor the home itself.
“I’m a woman in a relationship with an historic house and two dogs,” Albert jokes. But, that relationship doesn’t rest on the surface of things collected or a showplace to display them for Albert. “Living in a city like New Orleans, where there is so much history and the past is still very present. It’s almost like you are, in some small way, kind of a steward of managing the house for the next generation.”
modern family
BY LEE CUTRONE INTERIOR PHOTOS BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY EXTERIOR PHOTOS BY JESS KEARNEY
a contemporary house based in modernist tradition was designed to accommodate its family of four
IT WAS WAS KIND OF MEANT TO BE," “
said the couple of the house they built in Lakewood South.
Already Lakewood residents, the couple frequently walked by the site where a midcentury ranch, badly damaged by Katrina floodwaters, sat empty and in disrepair for a decade. When the property went up for sale in 2015, they purchased it in the space of two weeks and began imagining the family home they’d erect in its place.
As admirers of a striking modernist house that architect Julie Babin of practis architecture + design created for clients Uptown, the couple hired Babin to lead the project. The team also consisted of Ross Karsen, formerly of practis, and custom home builder Tommy DeRose. The result is a contemporary house based in midcentury modernist tradition — clean lines, lack of ornamentation, and emphasis on indoor/ outdoor spaces.
Bold minimalism sets the tone and stands out among the surrounding houses that mostly date from the 1940s to the 1980s. Babin and Karsen put intricate and dynamic details into the structure, included things from both husband and wife’s individual wish lists, and considered every feature in terms of function. The sleek fireplace in the open living area is a prime example, delivering both a midcentury aesthetic and multiple
Opening page: Custom globe pendants illuminate the kitchen.
Facing page: Horizontal lines and a blend of textures mark the facade. Top: The vertical design of the ventless fireplace reads like a chimney. Right: The double height of the main living area’s ceiling allows for a mid-level halfway up the stairs.
Top: An archway softens the right angles of the interior. Bottom: Slats of stained maple delineate the dining area. Facing page: Turquoise Moroccan tile adds color and sheen to the outdoor kitchen.
uses. It conceals the stairs, includes a bench with hidden storage, and though ventless has a vertical portion that reads like a chimney.
“A lot of thought and care was put into each meeting and iteration and all of the material selection,” said Babin, who adds that even the placement of the family’s Christmas tree was part of the conversation.
“[The homeowners] wanted to make sure it felt right now and in the future.”
“One of the comments we constantly get from friends who come over is ‘it looks like you put so much thought into it,’” the homeowners said.
The entire project took two years of planning and another two of building due to the pandemic. The clients used the time to make a host
of decisions: everything from the gorgeous turquoise blue Moroccan clay tiles used for the pool and outdoor kitchen (and integral to the views enjoyed from inside) to the placement of the barrel arched hallway that adds a surprising counterpoint to the home’s many right angles.
While the homeowners wanted a modern house, they also wanted warmth, comfort and easy maintenance that works for a young family; they have a 6-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. They envisioned a blend of textures, a design built around the existing live oak at the front of the lot and a kitchen that would accommodate the husband’s love of cooking as well as daily family activities and entertaining, and that would connect to
the outdoors. The husband, who plays the piano, also wanted a music room. The wife’s Pinterest images included a bar with walnut shelving and a soapstone counter, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and open inset shelving in the kitchen. All the requests were worked into the design.
The horizontal emphasis of the architecture, the extended eaves, the split level created by the primary suite, the muted color palette, and the open plan living are all drawn from midcentury design.
The exterior combines brick, NewTechWood (a durable composite that looks like natural wood), metal, stucco, and cement. Inside, where the space gradually grows as you move through — from the 8-foot height of the entrance to the 23-foot height of the living room, white oak floors meet quartz counters, full height glass doors and rich walnut paneling. There are four outdoor areas. Outdoor living at the rear of the house includes a pool with pool house and outdoor shower, green space and an outdoor kitchen where sliding glass doors and materials continued from the interior create a natural extension of the main kitchen. A cozy coffee nook sits next to the kitchen, a patio is off the primary suite, and a balcony with seating and a dining table is on the second level. Slatted wood, both vertical and horizontal, appears inside and out: in the entrance, in the pool area,
NEW ORLEANS HOMES 61 SUMMER 2025
Facing page: Repetition of materials creates a seamless connection between interior and exterior. Below: The Moroccan tile used in the outdoor kitchen appears again in the pool and outdoor shower.
and above the dining room where strips of stained maple delineate the dining area. The kids’ bedrooms, which are mirror images, the balcony, and a window in the foyer all have views of the oak tree.
“From the kids’ rooms, you feel like you’re in a treehouse,” the homeowners said.
The wife selected the furnishings and paint colors, which range from warm brown and charcoal to cool slate and white and reflect the same attention to detail as the architecture. When the owners couldn’t find the perfect lighting for the kitchen island, they splurged on custom globe pendants accented with touches of gold and walnut that tie into the surroundings.
Another subtle yet invaluable detail is the use of pocket doors that hide away for an open flow, but also provide seamless privacy when needed, a useful amenity since the primary suite is on the ground floor. A motorized pergola system above the outdoor kitchen can be opened or closed for ventilation instead of a hood and gives the space flexibility for use in multiple seasons. Since the house has a flat roof and no attic space, an air-conditioned storage room as well as a home office were placed on the mid-level between the first and second floors. An elevator pit, now used as closet space, was built into the house in case the couple decides to install an elevator for aging in place.
The kitchen was outfitted with two large islands — one for prep and cooking, and another for daily meals and entertaining as guests congregate in the kitchen. An abundance of sleek built-in cabinetry and closets enables the homeowners to maintain the streamlined look while still having easy access to daily essentials.
With 4,900 square feet and everything from home office to spacious butler’s pantry and mudroom, hidden electric shades and complete smart home amenities, the four-bedroom house is everything the clients dreamed it would be, according to the homeowners.
“We lived in it before we built it; we thought about how we wanted it to be and how we would use it. Julie and Ross made it all come together,” they said.
Outdoor seating includes pool and a small private patio.
Style Seeing Sparks
Interior designer Hattie Sparks Collins tells us what’s grabbing her eye this summer.
Produced by Margaret Zainey Roux
1
Mix Master Hazeltine’s Night of Joy is one of our local faves. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. hazeltinescent.co
2
Snap in Time
Frank Relle’s photography is ethereal, powerful, and moving. I am personally a collector of his, and I love installing his pieces in our clients’ homes. frankrelle.com
3
Memory Maker
Let’s bring back printed photos! These gorgeous marble paper frames give us the perfect reason to do so. Tylerandtate.com
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Sleeping Beauty We’ve used this bed in several projects. It’s beautifully made and so timeless! Doormandesigns.com
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Beach Blanket Bingo I’ve been a fan of Lekha from the start. Their housewares are great for giving a room some soul. Shoplekha.com
A rattan leaf pendant pays homage to nature through natural materiality and form. The rattan shade acts as a chic canopy over the lighting to create a soothing ambiance. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net
A sconce with built-in botanical elements like real dried leaves and flowers encased in resin makes for a charming flush mount fixture. sazeracstitches.com
Bring a fresh perspective to your space with geometric wallpaper in a bamboo design. Available in multiple colorways ranging from green on pink to yellow on lilac, the playful print will add an element of maximalism to any room. thepatterncollective.com
Biophilic Design
the outdoors in, in style
by Amy Gabriel
The Healing Plant paint color by Behr is inspired by the abundance of natural and holistic medicines. The deep, nuanced green is a reminder of our vital interconnection with our planet. behr.com
Created in collaboration between FLEUR with artist Riley Sheehey, the Jaipur mirror features her small, wispy hand-painted floral illustrations, available in sizes small and large. fleurhome.com
Upholstered in a vintage floral garden fabric, the Piper chair is a midcentury modern way to mimic an inspired in bloom décor moment. sundayshop.co
Bring the outside in with a natural white oak Audubon pedestal dining table. Doorman, 1400 Brooklyn St., 504-408-1616, doormandesigns.com
Curb Appeal
Pro Tips on Exterior Paint
by Kelcy Wilburn
There’s one thing you can count on in a New Orleans summer — the blazing sun bringing hot temps and long days. As our homes take a beating from the sun’s relentless rays, it may be a good time to check up on one of its most protective measures: exterior paint. This season, we’re asking experts what we need to know about painting a home — the process, the products, the dos and don’ts.
Do you remember the last time your home received a fresh coat? Perhaps you’re noticing some peeling, cracking, or fading. Is your paint a completely different color beneath its shutters? Oops — you’re overdue.
“Often, the clues are more subtle,” says Adam Broussard, owner of That 1 Painter New Orleans. “If your exterior has lost its vibrancy and shows signs of mildew, chalky residue, or water stains, the paint’s protective barrier will likely have worn away.”
That protective barrier is important. It protects your home from the elements, a necessary measure in New Orleans’ humid, storm-prone climate. The number of years between paint jobs can vary widely, and experts say it all depends on the quality of the previous paint job and the home’s location. How much light does the home receive? Is it near the salty air of the lake? Various factors can contribute to a home needing new paint anywhere from as low as every five years to up to every twelve years.
“Paying a good contractor a fair amount will help you avoid a repaint sooner than you would like,” says Brett Larrabee, owner of Richard’s Painting of New Orleans. “We are often called to recently completed jobs by low-bidding contractors that need to be completely redone because they used the wrong or substandard paint, did not apply enough coats, or did not prepare the surfaces properly.”
Power-washing is part of the preparation process, and this (or softwashing) can also be done by homeowners to remove the mildew, dirt, algae, and other organisms that erode paint over time. Preparation also includes addressing damaged areas: replacing cracked wood, removing loose/peeling paint, and replacing loose caulk. Finally, priming new or repaired wood is essential for new paint adhesion and a smooth finish.
“Start by deciding what you want painted and what outcome you’re after — whether it’s a complete refresh, prep for resale, or addressing problem areas,” says Broussard. “We recommend getting a detailed, written estimate that includes the scope of work, prep, paint type, and number of coats.”
Some paint companies — like That 1 Painter and Richard’s Painting — are licensed general or home improvement contractors, which enables them to repair issues they uncover in the preparation process. According to these experts, a good contractor will help you prepare your home.
Your next important consideration is paint. How do you know what to buy and budget for?
“There is good, better, and best at all brands,” says Larrabee. “Always ask for the premium paint and make sure that the type of paint used is for the specific surface you are painting. Wood takes a different type of paint than stucco or brick, etc.”
According to Broussard, high-quality acrylic latex paints are the go-to for exteriors at That 1 Painter. “They’re breathable, mildew-resistant, and flexible enough to handle New Orleans’ weather swings. For stucco or masonry, we may recommend elastomeric paint for its ability to bridge hairline cracks.”
If you have a brick home, Broussard recommends mineral paint, especially for older or historic homes. It allows the brick to breathe, which is critical in humid climates, bonds with the material, and ages beautifully without compromising the integrity of the brick.
Experts agree that lower-cost paints seem appealing, but they inevitably require more coats and touch-ups. Premium products are a must-have in this climate. If your paint estimate is too low, experts say that your contractor is likely cutting corners either in prep work or paint. Larrabee says to trust experience, portfolio, and previous customer recommendations — do your research on your painter to make sure they have the necessary licenses, insurance, and a good reputation. Depending on the size and condition of your home, Larrabee says an exterior paint job should cost anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 give or take.
According to Broussard, a complete exterior repaint can take anywhere from three to seven days, sometimes longer depending on prep and weather delays. For a historic home or a home with repair needs, he says to allot up to a couple of weeks or more. Experts agree that spring and fall are ideal times to repaint in New Orleans (thanks to low humidity and moderate temperatures) but painting can generally happen year-round.
“Choosing the right professional means you don’t have to manage subcontractors or stress over missed details,” says Broussard. “A great paint job goes far beyond color — it’s about protection, longevity and peace of mind.”
Cast your vote for your favorite local vendors, experts and shops in New Orleans Homes Magazine’s 2025 Best of Homes Survey myneworleans.com/best-of-home
Sculptural René Lalique chandelier brings elements of the outdoors in during hot summer days by
Melanie Warner Spencer
Art Nouveau is often identified through its nature motifs, while a hallmark of Art Deco is geometry. Renowned French jeweler and designer René Lalique deftly bridged the gap between the two art movements with his circa1929 Lausanne Chandelier. Known for his naturalistic glasswork and innovation with materials, including glass and horn, Lalique began his career as a jeweler, having received training at the School of Decorative
Arts, Paris, as well as in London. His work is held in major decorative arts collections, such as the Musée d’Orsay and Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Lausanne Chandelier’s mix of frosted and clear glass with fruit and leaf motifs molded into the 19-inch wide, modern, circular shade transforms the light fixture into a sculpture and the reflection of light into art. Bearing the “R. Lalique/France” signature, the piece is available at M.S. Rau. rauantiques.com
