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Photograph by Jacqueline Marque

Winter is upon us, and with the change in the temperatures comes the inevitable series of holiday celebrations that brings us from Thanksgiving through December to Ash Wednesday. It’s the best time to open our homes to family, friends and neighbors, to share some good cheer and to make a house into an inviting, warm space even when the party is over.

Our winter cover feature is a real stunner and checks all of the boxes for classic design, eye to detail and preservation of its original spirit, yet in a new way. We knew we had to share this special Garden District renovation as soon as we saw it. This historic project is an aspirational project full of design ideas and beautiful moments that have us making a list of interior projects for our own space.

We also highlight a Bayou St. John labor of love. This classic cottage combines the heart and soul of its owners with the essence of its surrounding New Orleans community. Antiques meets modern. Color meets mindful design. It’s a balance that pays off with a house that meets all needs of a truly comfortable home.

Finally, our winter “Inspiration Board” provides a design notebook with ways to incorporate some of the most current interior design style trends into your own home, curated picks of color and paint swatches for interiors, plus a pop of whimsy or modern décor to make your space unique. Be sure to bookmark for the rest of this season and into the next!

As always, we have design news and inspiration, decorating tips from the pros, entertaining ideas and recipes to warm your home throughout the season.

We hope this winter is a wonderland of good cheer and fun with family and friends. Grab a warm drink, relax and get cozy. Spring is right around the corner!

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 Haley Nash

Video Media Producer Mallary Wolfe

Just Dough It

If you missed the COVID-19 pandemic lockdownfueled sourdough breadmaking craze of 2020, it’s not too late to start your starter. Bellegarde Bakery is bringing back its popular bread-baking workshops (they frequently sell out) at their new location at The Commissary Market + Kitchen by Dickie Brennan & Co., at 634 Orange St. Get hands-on experience working with dough, learn techniques, plus break bread with your fellow students during the class meal and take away your freshly baked bread to eat, ready-to-go dough to bake later on at home as well as tools and materials (including a starter, which is worth the $135 price of admission). bellegardebakery.com/workshops

Elevated Camp

Designing Woman

This autumn, Emilie Taylor Welty, cofounder of Colectivo, was recognized in the Forbes second annual 2025 America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects for her work in the practice. Taylor Welty is also the Favrot III Associate Professor of Architecture and director of architecture at Tulane University. She co-founded Colectivo with her husband, Seth Welty. The designing couple’s sustainably minded New Orleans home was featured in the popular shelter magazine, Dwell, in 2024, and Taylor Welty has received a host of awards and honors for her work. The first installment of the Forbes list included 200 architectural practices from across the United States. This year the publication expanded the list to include 400. colectivonola.com

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The work of American design icon Louis Comfort Tiffany spans from the Art Deco movement up to contemporary design, with his influence continuing to this day in both decorative arts and jewelry. Through Jan. 3, explore the work of this legendary designer and the artists who followed in his footsteps at the M.S. Rau exhibition, “The Treasures of Tiffany.” The show covers 150 years of Tiffany windows, lamps and jewelry, with more than 75 objects on view. rauantiques.com

If you haven’t yet dined at Delacroix — helmed by Shreveport native Chef Wiley Wilkinson Lewis — add it to your list both for the delicious seafood and the restaurant’s thoughtful décor. Overlooking the Mississippi River on Spanish Plaza, Delacroix is the latest offering from BRG Hospitality (formerly Besh Restaurant Group). The former home of The Crazy Lobster was reimagined with a nod to Louisiana fishing camps. In keeping with the family ambience being cultivated at Delacroix, former New York set designer Alison Mantilla Raskin — daughter of Chef John Besh’s BRG business partner Octavio Mantilla — served as interior decorator, which explains the use of personal items, such as fishing poles once used by her and her grandfather, in the décor. Photos of the staff at family fishing camps are placed around the space with crab traps and a restored pirogue, with the overall look elevated by design elements such as floor-to-ceiling windows with industrial accents, wood ceiling beams and modern furniture. BRG worked with Steven Finegan Architect for the interior architecture. delacroixrestaurant.com

Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in “Blackberry.” bobbibrown cosmetics.com

Emerson Fry wool car coat in “Plum.” emersonfry.com

“Cherry Blossom” wallpaper, also available as fabric exclusively through Eclectic Home. eclectichome.net

Ulla Johnson “Charlotte” crossbody bag in “Bordeaux.” ullajohnson.com

Deep Purple

Fig, aubergine, blackberry … this autumn we are loving a rich, deep shade of purple with hints of dark, rich brown. This color inspo is sophisticated and chic and pairs well with both neutrals (think pearl grey and camel) and saturated color palettes (like saffron and moss green).

by Ashley McLellan

Benjamin Moore wall color in “Dark Purple.” benjaminmoore.com

Soda Square Coffee Table in “Amethyst” Murano glass. 2modern.com

“The Artistry of Flowers: Floral Design by La Musa de las Flores” by Maria Gabriela Salazar coffee table book. rizzoliusa.com

The Perfect Reading Nook

Transform any corner into a dreamy winter reading haven.

by Misty Milioto

Fillable accent with USB table lamp in brass, available at Target, 4500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 8882184, target. com

“My Friends,” by Fredrik Backman, available at The Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., 895-2266, gardendistrictbookshop.com

Faux fur “Sand” Pillow, available at Sotre, 3820 Magazine St., 304-9475, sotrecollection.com

Solid wood intersecting bookcase (62”), available at West Elm, 2929 Magazine St., 895-2469, westelm.com

Single wick 8 oz. candle, available at Wicks Nola, 1900 Magazine St., 3210008, shopwicksnola. com

Luke sofa, available at Villa Vici, 4112 Magazine St., 899-2931, villavici.com

Hank chair, available at West Elm, 2929 Magazine St., 895-2469, westelm.com

wool rug in “Vole,” available at Arhaus, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 581-6684, arhaus.com

Sheepskin

Harriet Blum

Spectral Images of South Louisiana

by John R. Kemp

“The swamps, live oaks, the architecture and people of Louisiana spoke to me in a way I had never imagined possible,” says Covington-based art photographer Harriet Blum.

Over the last four decades, Blum with her distinctive style has created an extensive portrait of the natural beauty of the Louisiana landscape as well as images of New Orleans musicians and street life, architecture, cemeteries, and monuments in St. Tammany Parish that once celebrated its health-giving properties but is now witnessing rapid population growth and the inevitable loss of small-town life. Her earlier images of that area are visual memories of what was.

Particularly striking, however, are her softly focused hand-tinted infrared photographs of Metairie Cemetery tombs, crypts and funeral monuments that cast an eerie spectral glow that are beautiful but at the same time a bit unsettling. They give vision to the place often called City of the Dead.

Blum’s unique painterly images appear as dreams in a mist thanks to her signature approach to photography, which she describes as “a style uniquely my own.” That said, she also credits famed surrealist photographer Jerry Uelsmann, “who opened my eyes to photography as an art form,” and the late but celebrated New Orleans photographer Michael P. Smith, who “fined-tuned my darkroom skills and opened the door” to

her photography career.

Born in Philadelphia, Blum grew up in Miami and moved to New Orleans in 1971 after college. Between freelance jobs, stints as a newspaper photographer and commission work, Blum has driven the back roads and side streets, hiked through the woods or paddled canoes up and down the rivers and through the swamps and forests, capturing images of the landscape, ancient oaks, and abandoned buildings. Not being a native of Louisiana perhaps has given her a keen awareness of the South Louisiana landscape. And then there is New Orleans itself.

“New Orleans,” she says, “is such a unique place and that uniqueness was my initial inspiration to become a photographer.”

Over the years, that career has brought Blum numerous national and regional honors and awards, including the Best in Show award at the Bethesda Row Arts Festival in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition, her work is now included in public and private collections across the nation, including, among others, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Field Museum in Chicago, and the Mobile Museum of Art.

For additional information, visit harrietblum.com.

portrait by Thom Bennett

Berry Delicious

Benjamin Tanet’s slow-cooked roast blends savory, spicy, and fruity flavors to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to warm your heart this winter.

produced by Margaret Zainey Roux photo by Eugenia Uhl

Palo Alto Roast Serves 5

2 ½ lb. boneless rump roast

4 (slivered) garlic cloves

1 fresh jalapeño, chopped

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 qt. beef stock

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. paprika

½ cup flour

½ cup avocado oil

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Stuff roast with garlic, jalapeño, salt and pepper.

3. Lightly salt the roast all over, dust with paprika and lightly flour roast all over.

4. Put oil in a pan and brown well on all sides.

5. Remove roast. Add flour and oil to the pan and make a roux. Once you have a dark roux, add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pan.

6. Return the roast to the pan and sprinkle with parsley and Worcestershire.

7. Cover; bake for one hour.

8. Add beef stock to the pan to adjust the consistency of gravy.

9. Bake 2 more hours until tender.

Cranberry Conserve (Yields 5 cups)

12 oz. fresh cranberries

2 fresh oranges, diced small with rind

15 oz. golden raisins

8 oz. granulated sugar

3 lbs. pecans, chopped

1 cup water

1. Combine water and cranberries and boil for 30–45 minutes until berries pop.

2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for one hour until syrupy.

About Benjamin Tanet of Chez Nous

Benjamin Tanet was born into a large Italian family of foodies. Growing up, the New Orleans native and his family were loyal patrons of Chez Nous since its founding in the early 1980s. While attending business school at Loyola, Tanet served as a part-time manager of the small, prepared food shop and, within a few short years, purchased the business along with its original recipes. Under his leadership, Chez Nous has become the premier catering and cuisine establishment that it is today and a fixture on the Magazine Street gourmet scene. 4739 Magazine St., New Orleans, 504-899-7303

Black Star Calla Lily

Go goth in the garden this winter with this dramatic diva of a bloom

by Melanie Warner Spencer

Appearance

Dark and dramatic maroonhued petals emerge from tube-like stems in this decidedly gothic bloom. The dark coloring of black star calla lilies is not natural; rather, it’s the result of selective breeding.

2 Uses

Add a dash of contrast and drama to the garden and bring cut stems indoors for arrangements or a single stem placed in a bud vase. The flowers will last seven to 10 days if kept in deep water.

Grow

Plant the bulbs in fall in moist, well-drained soil in full or halfsun areas of the garden.

Lagniappe

According to Greek mythology (or one telling, at least) calla lilies are the beautiful result of a betrayal. Zeus had an affair with a mortal woman while married to the goddess Hera. Zeus tricked the goddess into feeding his son, Hercules, with her milk while she was asleep, infusing the infant with superpowers. When Hera awoke and realized what was happening, she cast the child aside, spilling two drops of milk on the Earth. The milk transformed into calla lilies. Kallos, the word from which calla was derived, is the word for the ancient Greek ideal of beauty, which is fitting for this delicate and — judging from depictions like Robert Mapplethorpe’s Calla Lily series and Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings of the bloom — sensuous flower.

Mantel Masterpieces

The glow of your fireplace doesn’t have to come from fire

by Jenny Adams

As the holidays approach, we are certainly inspired to find fir and spruce, soft-white flower bulbs and stockings or menorahs to decorate our mantels here in New Orleans.

This season, however, consider that winterizing your mantel adds a warmth and natural design scheme that can last for months, rather than weeks.

We asked florist extraordinaire, and owner/chief operator of The Judy Garlands, Ben Miller, to teach us how to create stunning winter mantel-scapes.

When did you start The Judy Garlands? “The Judy Garlands began in 2022 and pops up every holiday season to offer the finest, freshest greenery around,” Miller says, of his company that began as a fun project, which evolved to be a full-service holiday styling studio at the back of Merchant House, on Magazine Street. “The team of Judys can help with everything from turnkey installations to sourcing guidance and creative direction for homes, parties and events.”

If we want to create all-winter looks for our fireplace mantels, where should we start? “Find your hero reference,” Miller says. “I almost always have one or two images that guide a whole design scheme, whether that’s about a mood or a palette; it serves as the North Star. Think about where you can play with scale and textures, giving the eye some interest to take in and helps keep things from looking flat.”

Before you even buy anything, take all your measurements. “Snap a photo and make some notations of overall width, height, and depth of your mantel. It’ll come in handy when shopping,” he says.

For gathering, you can even begin in your backyard or wild spaces prior to heading to an actual purveyor.

“Mother Nature is the best stylist of all,” he says, “so bringing touches

of the outdoors in always cozies up a space. I love adding texture through pinecones, dried botanicals, branches, and, of course, garlands. That feels like winter without screaming ‘holiday.’”

He advises starting with a base of good greenery. “Then,” he says, “add in accents like satsumas, magnolia, or moss, finish with some ribbon for a bit of Southern winter.”

Once we have our supplies and measurements, how do we create?

“Start by establishing your anchor point,” he says. “It could mean creating an asymmetrical design with a built-up area and some negative space, or a balanced, centered look. Work outward and add texture that flows naturally.”

As to a color scheme, you don’t have to stay in a certain lane, either.

“Green is my favorite color — surprising coming from a guy who’s all about greenery, right?,” he laughs. “I’m seeing a lot of really great greens in our future. Hunter greens, bluer teal greens, fresh minty greens, even acidic chartreuse greens.”

What’s new with The Judy Garlands for 2025 and 2026? “I’m excited to be offering new ways to get a piece of The Judy Garlands this season with a one-off styling service. You can select your garlands or wreaths, then head to the workshop to layer in berries, ribbons, and other textural elements to fit your budget. Leave them with one of the Judys, and we’ll handle the finishing touches so they’re ready to place or hang.

Year-round, Ben Miller Studio is my home base inside Merchant House where all sorts of creative projects come to life. You might find me working on installations, floral commissions, or our next holiday,” he adds. “While The Judy Garlands is focused on the season, I’m available throughout the year for events, special occasions and just about any creative collaboration.”

Trendwatch

Animal Instinct

Take a walk on the wild side with pieces inspired by nature’s most captivating patterns. From sleek zebra stripes to lush faux chinchilla, animal prints and fur accents infuse interiors with warmth, texture and a hint of the untamed.

by Andy Myer photography by Eugenia Uhl

Wastebasket, clock, large square pillow: Blue zebra print 100% linen wastebasket with delicate trim by Dallas-based Jan Sevadjian in 9”x12”; Addison Ross faux tortoiseshell alarm clock with velvet backing and glow-in-the-dark hands; Ocelot Mango Velvet pillow with neutral linen cord backing in 22”x22”, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com. Throw, lumbar pillow, slippers: Annie Selke for Pine Cone Hill/Dash & Albert Fab Faux Rose Quartz throw, Leopard Fauve decorative velvet cushion cover by Yves Delorme in 13’’x22’’ with contrast pipping finish, Laurence Tavernier faux fur cross slide slippers, available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com

Chair, throw, pillow, boxes: Baker’s classic Freda chair in textural black and white jaguar print, ultra soft deep grey faux fur chinchilla throw; zebra decorative throw pillow; Made Goods cheetah and dalmatian-patterned box set in hair-on-hide leather in 9”x 7”x4” and 12”x 10”x 5”, available at Villa Vici, villavici.com. Tray: sturdy Lucite leopard print serving tray with handles, available at Maisonette, maisonetteshop.com.

THE ART OF

LIVING BOLDLY

Design Studio transforms a Madisonville River home into a fearless celebration of color, pattern and personal style.

BY MISTY MILIOTO | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JACQUELINE MARQUE

When Hurricane Ida tore through Louisiana in 2021, David and Carolyn Briggs faced a decision that would change everything. Their Madisonville home on the Tchefuncte River — already their sanctuary for 18 years — had sustained significant damage. The front doors were blown open, part of the roof came off and second-floor ceiling sheetrock collapsed, allowing rain to pour inside.

Instead of simply repairing what was lost, the couple, both in their 70s, saw an opportunity. “My wife Carolyn and I discussed the situation and decided to commit to this being our final home,” David says. “We said to ourselves, ‘Let’s have some fun and renovate the home from top to bottom.’”

What emerged from that decision is a masterclass in fearless design — a home that celebrates bold color, dramatic pattern and the kind of confident aesthetic choices that only come from knowing oneself inside and out. “My wife and I really connect well on these types of projects,” David adds.

The Briggs family’s connection to waterfront living runs deep. Hurricane Katrina had destroyed their home on the Mandeville lakefront years earlier, making their move to the Madisonville property all the more meaningful. “We were fortunate to locate our current home on the river in Madisonville and were immediately excited to get back to waterfront living,” David says.

That first impression never faded and is still an important facet of its overall impression. “The home is raised 12 feet, and, when we first walked into the entrance foyer on the second floor, we were blown away by the immediate exposure to the river,” Carolyn says. “It was like the river was a part of the property.”

To bring their vision to life, the couple turned to Design Studio in Covington, partnering with designers Elizabeth Walther and Jolie Bruhl. “We had seen their work elsewhere and knew right away they could capture what we were hoping for,” Carolyn says. “They made it possible for us to use much of the art and items that we have owned and enjoyed for many years, blended in with new finishes and design concepts.”

Previous page: The dramatic foyer, with its bold flooring from Artistic Tile, elegant chandelier and custom stair runner all complement the scale of the two-story space and create a sense of drama and anticipation upon entering the home. Right: The kitchen features a LaCornue range with a custom hood and custom finish by Modern Aire.

The designers were equally captivated by their clients. “They complement each other, beautifully finishing each other’s sentences and anticipating each other’s needs,” Walther says. “Carolyn is a ray of light, embodying grace, Southern hospitality and warmth, with boldness and infectious laughter. David is practical, design-savvy and deeply devoted. Working with them was a joy.”

The design team’s approach proved perfectly aligned with the couple’s adventurous spirit, leading to what became a courageous collaboration.

“Every great design begins with listening, and listening takes courage,” Bruhl says. “Courage to ask the right questions, to share honest feedback and to explore bold ideas together. Collaboration is where creativity expands, trust deepens and extraordinary outcomes emerge.”

The design reflects this courage immediately upon entering the front door. The dramatic checkerboard stone flooring in the two-story foyer sets an immediate tone of grandeur. “It’s just awesome,” David says. “It’s exactly the tone we wanted to set right as you enter.”

Indeed, Bruhl finds that the foyer is a perfect place to go bold because it sets the tone for the rest of the home. “The bold flooring, chandelier and custom stair runner all complement the scale of the two-story space and create a sense of drama and anticipation as you enter,” she says.

Meanwhile, the kitchen showcases deep teal cabinets paired with a custom black and brass range hood—a choice that might intimidate less confident homeowners. “The teal kitchen was consistent with our overall attitude of going bolder and keeping that attitude level throughout the living areas,” David says.

In order to balance such saturated colors, while still ensuring longevity in the design, Bruhl says it is paramount to listen to a client’s goals. “When a design aligns with a client’s story, it doesn’t go out of style,” she says. “Choices are not made based on trends—they are rooted in the client’s lifestyle, ensuring the home remains timeless.”

Perhaps nowhere is the home’s personality more evident than in the billiard room, transformed from what was once the formal dining room. Enveloped in rich red lacquer from walls to ceiling, it’s an immersive experience. “We wanted to create a really dark and interesting atmosphere,” Walther says. “These clients were fearless with color, so bold choices were expected and celebrated.”

The bar area, with its stunning book-matched stone counter, exceeded even the homeowners’ expectations. “The bar area turned out better than we hoped for,” David says. “It has unique stonework and just what we wanted for entertainment and family fun.”

Above: The home, which went down to the studs after damage from Hurricane Ida, has been transformed with new finishes (stone, tile, paint and wall coverings), plus new architectural details, window treatments, furnishings, accessories and light fixtures—all sourced by Design Studio. Facing page: A sitting room with palm tree wallpaper, patterned ceiling and coordinating velvet upholstery shows incredible confidence in layering pattern and accomplishes the clients’ goal of a Versaceinspired room.

Left: Design Studio repurposed the clients’ art, including work by many local and regional artists, which they have collected over the course of 25 years. Right: In the bar area, book-matched slabs create a dramatic pattern that resembles a Texas Longhorn—a playful moment that delights the clients and perfectly complements the space.

The stone selection process was not only collaborative, but also exciting for David (who accompanied the designers to choose the slabs). “He couldn’t get over how much the pattern on the book-matched slabs resembled a Texas Longhorn,” Walther says. “We were transfixed by the beauty, and he was instantly taken by the playful pattern — and couldn’t wait to show to his Texas Longhorn alum friends.”

The jewel-box powder room, wrapped in vibrant turquoise chinoiserie wallpaper, offers another moment of delight. “Beth and Jolie get credit for this great concept and feeling,” Carolyn says. “It’s just right for a small bathroom that is used often, due to its location in the foyer.”

The primary bathroom features perhaps the home’s most show-stopping element: a gold-clad bathtub. “The gold clad tub in the master bathroom was 100 percent my wife Carolyn’s idea, and she located it all by herself,”

David says. “My reaction was, ‘Totally my wife’s personality,’ and I was so happy she went for a selection she would enjoy so much.”

Throughout the home, the couple’s art collection also has found new life. Works by local and regional artists — such as Harouni, James Michalopoulos and Frantic — punctuate the spaces. “We have collected Harouni’s work for over 25 years and have had the opportunity to visit with him in the French Quarter over the years,” Carolyn says.

Overall, Walther says that the design is rooted in love of family, love of life and love of nature. And for David and Carolyn, the result is exactly what they envisioned. “This home project allowed my wife and I to visualize together, with professional guidance, to create a living atmosphere that embodies our combined spirits,” David says.

This page: The homeowners’ courage with bold colors and patterns can be seen throughout the home, such as the billiard room with red lacquered walls and ceiling, and custom light fixture by Hubbardton Forge. This boldness also can be seen in the powder room and master bath. Facing page: The clients loved the gold bathtub, and Design Studio took this inspiration to add even more elegance with additional gold accents.

Left: Subtle stripes drape the windows and cover the settee in the living room at the front of the house. This page: To the right of the living room fireplace, a boombox owned by the homeowner is displayed on top of an antique cabinet. Above it, Hazard placed three small paintings by local artist Logan Ledford.

REBORN NEAR THE

Bayou

A FAUBOURG ST. JOHN COTTAGE GETS AN UPDATE FOR A 40-SOMETHING

COUPLE

By Lee Cutrone | Photographed by Casey Mcmurray

Few houses are time capsules. Most are born and reborn — as in the case of the Bayou St. John neighborhood cottage owned by Laura Carlisle and her husband Andy Farris. The current incarnation of the house (originally a double shotgun) began with a full renovation of the kitchen which was damaged by Hurricane Ida. Designer Betsy Hazard of House of Hazard Interiors designed the space with architect Lindsay Woolf of Woolf Architecture drawing the plans. That in turn led to a complete gut of the primary bath and ultimately to a refresh of the entire house with Hazard taking inspiration from the funky neighborhood, the owners (particularly Laura) and the design zeitgeist, which favors a broad mix over a matchy approach. The rebirth is a fun, youthful take on New Orleans’ love of eclectic interiors.

Facing page: In the kitchen a custom designed wall of blue cabinetry plays off the ceramic tile backsplash.

Top: The black La Cornue range picks up the black of the tile design.

Bottom: A Visual Comfort light fixture is showcased above open shelves.

“What I like about this project is its ‘New Orleansness’,” said Hazard, who adds that the budget and breadth of the remodel gave her room to work her magic. “It’s a mix of antique and modern with everything living together well, it’s comfortable and inviting for guests and parties, and it’s a little quirky.”

Carlisle worked closely with Hazard and adhered to Farris’s request for “nothing white.”

“I like a look that’s not overdone or decorated, color but not heavy layers, a mix of antique and more modern,” said Carlisle.

“She already had good taste,” said Hazard of Carlisle. “I could tap into her brain and take [the design] to the next level.”

Other “givens” for the renovation were the couple's wish to respect the house’s historic character and good bones, and their appreciation of color and art. Original windows, floors and fireplaces were retained and the wall colors already used in the living room and the primary bedroom were given the thumbs up by Hazard. Making the most of the cottage’s square footage (400 of its roughly 2,000 square feet are used as a separate AirBnB) was essential.

Because the project involved gutting kitchen and bath, the couple moved out for several months. In the dated kitchen, the layout was improved and the island enlarged and reoriented. A backsplash of custom hand-painted tile, and an azure custom case good piece are focal points in the new showstopping kitchen. In the primary bath, part of the footprint occupied by the AirBnB was reclaimed for a marble-clad shower with an arched doorway, an elegant solution to Carlisle’s desire for a shower with no glass, like one she’d seen at Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny.

Top, left: Chartreuse drum shaped ottomans accent the den’s navy sofa. The aubergine parsons-style end table is by Andrew Nixon Millworks. Mixed media abstract by Scott Andresen, photos by Robert Dutruch. Top, right: A collection of art above the dining room’s bar cart includes pieces by Hunt Slonem and Andrew Lamar Hopkins along with vintage maps of New Orleans. Bottom:The headboard of the locally made iron bed is covered with Brunschwig & Fils detail. Hazard paired army green drapes with the light blue walls. The vintage chair is covered in a nubby Holland & Sherry wool. Facing page:Antique French fan back chairs are coupled with a modernist table and a custom banquette to form a breakfast nook. The gallery wall combines pieces from husband and wife.

The interior reads as naturally evolved, but the path to the organic result was intentional and detailed. Hazard added historic character with plaster ceiling medallions, combined fabrics that balance masculine and feminine, and brought together furnishings, lighting and appointments from multiple eras.

Throughout the interior Hazard’s clever pairings and visual compositions invite attention. A minimalist iron chandelier in the primary bedroom mimics the linear motif of the simple medallion from which it hangs. The gallery wall above the breakfast nook in the kitchen includes pieces that are special to both husband and wife. A boombox belonging to Andy is displayed with paintings by local painter Logan Ledford that riff on the circular shapes of the speakers.

Among the most impactful design moments in the house are the kitchen’s wall of blue cabinetry. The inset, floor-to-ceiling installation reads like a cross between a freestanding piece and a built-in and brings a modern edge to the traditional items in the room.

“I wanted the perfect blue that wasn’t too sweet boy or too navy,” said Hazard, who painstakingly chose the shade.

“I was unsure, but I trusted her, and it works,” said Carlisle. At the same time, antique French fan-back chairs, and a reproduction Old Master style portrait that Carlisle found in Charleston keep the playful design touch from standing too far afield from the historic architecture.

Facing page: The curve of the primary bath’s shower door is repeated in the oval tub. Top: Deco sconces frame the clipped-edge mirrors above the master bath’s vanity. Bottom: A painting by Amanda Talley hangs above the oval tub

The mood in the den is glam and retro. Hazard outfitted the room with a navy velvet sofa and chartreuse drum-shaped ottomans, and had her brother, Andrew Nixon of Andrew Nixon Millworks, craft a glossy aubergine parsons-style end table. Leopard wall-to-wall carpet covers the floor. Yves St. Laurent circa 1974 would not look out of place lounging with a cocktail.

Hazard took plenty of cues from the homeowners. The floral fabric on the headboard of the new iron bed in the primary bedroom was chosen to complement the existing greenish blue of the bedroom walls. And she used the greige color of the living room in the new kitchen. In a house with two German shorthaired pointers, Hazard also used performance fabrics that would stand up to daily wear and tear. But the secret to the success of this reborn bayou area classic really resides in the way designer and client expanded on and had fun with those original cues. Hazard brought something unexpected to the bedroom’s serene aquamarine with army green drapery and turned the parchment pink of the bath up a notch with a black and white awning-stripe shade, jewel-like deco sconces and an oval tub that mirrors the curve of the arched shower.

“I like eclectic, and I don’t like it to look matchy,” said Hazard. “It looks good if it’s a little off somewhere.”

“We love it,” said Carlisle. “It’s a great house, very comfortable. It feels much bigger than it is and it’s got very usable, livable space.”

DESIGN IN MOTION

FROM MAXIMAL TO MEANINGFUL: THE NEW WAVE OF DESIGN TRENDS

BY MISTY MILIOTO

Our design notebook highlights interior design trends that span the style that make a house a home, with personality. From vintage revival and looks that maximize texture and color to a refined, classic space for a spa-like feel, today’s trends embrace individual style and personality.

MORE IS MORE

Center: Drapery, The Martyn Lawrence Collection, Palmiere in Onyx, The Shade Store, 3523 Magazine St., 504-224-7453, theshadestore.com. Clockwise from top left: Chappaqua shade, The Shade Store, 3523 Magazine St., 504-224-7453, theshadestore.com. Woven Ribbons embroidered pillow, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Coral Island, Sherwin Williams, Sherwin Williams Paint Store, 5303 Canal Blvd., 504-488-4427, sherwin-williams.com. Shadow, Benjamin Moore, Helm Paint & Decorating, 5331 Canal Blvd., 504-485-6569, helmpaint.com. Piper chair in Vintage Floral - Garden, Sunday Shop, 504-342-2087, sundayshop.co. Markle antique glass 40.5” Round wall mirror, Pottery Barn, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-219-0168, potterybarn.com

'80S & '90S VINTAGE REVIVAL

Center: Drapery, The Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection, Chinoiserie in Dove, The Shade Store, 3523 Magazine St., 504-224-7453, theshadestore.com. Clockwise from top left: Saucer floor lamp; Jardin Chest, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Venetian Portico; Acadia White, Benjamin Moore, Helm Paint & Decorating, 5331 Canal Blvd., 504-485-6569, helmpaint.com. Broccoli Brown, Farrow & Ball, Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom, 504-265-0946, sprucenola.com. Skirted swivel slipper chair, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Huntington wicker woven pet bed, Pottery Barn, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-219-0168, potterybarn.com

BROWN IS THE NEW NEUTRAL

Center: Lincoln Hardware Collection in satin nickel; Inner layer drapery in Luxe Sheer Linen, natural outer layer drapery in Raw SilkBark, The Shade Store, 3523 Magazine St., 504-224-7453, theshadestore.com. Clockwise from top left: Simple terry bathmat, Sunday Shop, 504-342-2087, sundayshop.co. Nina pillow; Kamala pillow, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Brown Staffordshire Dogs, House of Modern Vintage, 5228 Tchoupitoulas St., houseofmodernvintage.com. Cognac Leather Chair, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Red Earth, Farrow & Ball, Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom, 504-265-0946, sprucenola.com. Wenge, Benjamin Moore, Helm Paint & Decorating, 5331 Canal Blvd., 504-485-6569, helmpaint.com

JEWEL TONES IN DÉCOR

Center: Drapery, The Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection, Cactus Weave in Indigo; Flat Roman shades, The Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection, Mirador in Midnight, The Shade Store, 3523 Magazine St., 504-224-7453, theshadestore.com. Clockwise from top left: Bloom Vase, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Dromedary loveseat, Sunday Shop, 504-342-2087, sundayshop.co. Symphony Blue; Marblehead Gold, Benjamin Moore, Helm Paint & Decorating, 5331 Canal Blvd., 504-485-6569, helmpaint.com. Wind & Fire glass vase, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Georgiana Bed, Sunday Shop, 504-342-2087, sundayshop.co

SPA INSPIRED

Center: Flat Roman shade in Artisan Weaves Monterey in Oyster, The Shade Store, 3523 Magazine St., 504-224-7453, theshadestore.com. Clockwise from top left: Estruscan Majolica platter by Griffen, Smith & Hill, Sunday Shop, 504-342-2087, sundayshop.co. Blue & White Hand Painted Bronze Ormolu parrot candle holders, House of Modern Vintage, 5228 Tchoupitoulas St., houseofmodernvintage.com. Indo side table, Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. Chelsea Gray; Spa, Benjamin Moore, Helm Paint & Decorating, 5331 Canal Blvd., 504-485-6569, helmpaint.com. Simple waffle bath robe in Bronze, Sunday Shop, 504-342-2087, sundayshop.co

Style Ready to Ware

Style comes naturally to Ware Porter, so we asked the Garden District gent about the everyday luxuries he always has on hand.

Produced by Margaret Zainey Roux

Gone Glamping

Elegant and exotic, this rattan pagoda-style canopy bed brings magic and enchantment into the bedroom. Waremporter.com

Prints Charming

Hugo Guinness takes a modern, minimalist yet whimsical approach in his depiction of everyday subjects. As a result, his prints are sophisticated and playful and — best yet — versatile for a variety of interior styles. Bygeorgeneworleans.com

Flower Power

Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself to fresh flowers with a weekly floral subscription from Pamela Dennis. Her artful creations are mood-lifters even on the dreariest days. Pameladennisnola.com

Signature Scent

They may be the world’s oldest candlemaker, but Cire Trudon’s scents are still fresh for today. I burn their “Ernesto” candle all year long, but its warm notes of tobacco and leather are reminiscent of the season. Piednunola.com

Smooth Operator

There’s nothing more luxurious than climbing into bed and tucking yourself beneath a quilted satin spread on a cold winter’s night. Leontinelinens. com

Ware M Porter & Co., 2727 Prytania

Inspiration Board

Dress up your walls in Ardmore’s Savanna Shell Wallpaper (ardmore-design.com), made in collaboration with Cole & Son (cole-and-son.com). Inspired by the leopard tortoise of South Africa, the design comes in hues of burnished gold, silver and gilver. thepatterncollective.com.

Inspired by antique French design, a Copenhagen floor mirror has a warm aged gold finish and decorative details at the mirror’s peak, an elegant flourish that complements both classic and contemporary décor. Arhaus, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-581-6684, arhaus.com.

Bring visual pizzazz to your collection of square throws with a ball-shaped Toscana shearling pillow in plush ivory. 13″l x 13″w. JADE, 324 Metairie Rd., 504-875-4420, jadenola.com.

Modish Maximalism

Glamming things up

by Amy Gabriel

A sophisticated way to sparkle, a vintage French Empire-style crystal chandelier, showcasing ornate bronze tone metalwork and cascading strands of faceted glass beads, makes a striking centerpiece in any foyer. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, 318 Royal St., 504-5229485, bevolo.com.

Add a touch of glitz and glamour with the Townsend sconce, a diamond-shaped crystal hollowed out to encase a bulb that fills the fixture with light from within. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net.

Seating that makes a statement, Mr. Brown London’s Delilah sofa in Rosewater Velvet will draw all eyes toward its coquettish lines. Villa Vici, 4112 Magazine St., 504-899-2931, villavici.com.

Go bold with a paint cheekily dubbed Lipstick on the Mirror, a bright, rich, classic red that’s the perfect kiss for an accent wall. backdrophome.com.

Cleaning House

Estate Sale Planning

by Kelcy Wilburn

It takes a lifetime to fill a home — amassing possessions is a slow and gradual process. Attachments tend to grow as we associate memories and moments with possessions — from grandmother’s beloved cookware that delivered countless Thanksgiving meals to the favorite timeworn sofa that delivered the perfect post-meal nap. So when it comes time to empty a home of its contents, especially the home of a loved one, the task can feel overwhelming. Estate sales are a popular option for managing one’s possessions and reducing waste, and this season we’re asking experts how to balance practicality with sentiment and maximize return while minimizing stress.

The first step is to assess your own goal, says Chris Olsen, owner of New Orleans Estate Sales. Is the goal to maximize the value of the items, clear the house for sale, or simply declutter?

“Different goals can be accomplished in different ways, and it helps to have a baseline understanding of your goal before reaching out to an estate sale company,” says Olsen. “Secondly, it’s helpful to know what you want to sell and what you want to keep.”

Items not to be sold should be clearly marked or removed from the home before bringing in professionals. At The Occasional Wife, owner Kay Morrison adds that you need to have all legal matters resolved and the home cleared of all personal information. She emphasizes that you should not throw anything away.

“It is a tried and true statement that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” she says.

According to experts, one of the biggest mistakes a person can make is clearing out or donating items ahead of a consultation with an estate sale company.

“Many clients have told me at the initial contract meeting that they’ve already donated all the clothing to a thrift store,” says Olsen. “Tragic! Vintage clothing sells well, and removing it themselves was a whole unnecessary effort on the part of the client, not to mention potential sales lost.”

Morrison agrees and says there’s a common misconception that furniture should be the focus.

“To have a successful estate sale, it needs to be a good mixture of art, kitchenware, household décor, furniture, shed and garage items, collectibles, and everyday useful items,” she says. “I always say people will buy a half of a bottle of Windex, and it all adds up.”

Clearing out a home ahead of a consultation isn’t helpful for the estate sale company or for the family going through the process. According to Olsen, it’s the job of the company to carry that burden.

“The process of having an estate sale — whether because of downsizing/

relocating or a death in the family — is emotional enough. We’re here to handle the contents so you don’t have to,” he says.

Experts note that different companies offer different approaches and services. You may want to consult with a few before deciding how to proceed. According to Morrison, you should understand how each company works. Take a look at their following on social media — visit their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts to see how they drive business to their sales and how they handle and display items. It should be with care and professionalism. Does the percentage they take reflect the work they put into making a successful sale?

Each company has their own methods of calculating the value of a home’s contents, and during your consultation is when you can start gathering a clear picture of a sale’s worth.

“Sale results are dependent on many factors, a few of which we can’t control — the market, weather, location, customer behavior, etc.,” says Olsen. “However, we have a team of very experienced pricers and researchers who will assess each item and come up with the best realistic price for your item in the particular market.”

Olsen adds that New Orleans Estate Sales has the ability to consign or auction high-dollar items that may be best sold outside of a traditional sale setting.

At The Occasional Wife, Morrison is informed by 18 years of experience. She bases pricing on what she knows the market will pay for it — the demand for the items and what they have sold for in the past. If she feels an item would do better at auction, she lets the client know. Whether a high- or low-value item, Morrison prices to sell while prioritizing fairness for all parties involved: the client, the customer, and the company.

Each estate sale is as unique as the person who occupied the home, says Olsen. For him, this is what makes the business so exciting. Each home has its own story; each family has its own needs. Each sale is tailored to both honor that story and meet the client’s needs.

“Having an estate sale is an efficient and cost-effective way to clear a home while finding new homes for the items your loved ones adored and collected,” says Morrison.

Experts agree — estate sales are an excellent way to reduce waste while acknowledging the lifetime it took to fill the home. There’s value in every corner — even that half-used bottle of Windex.

Last Indulgence

Dark and Stormy

Warm, comforting and welcoming, add dramatic flair to your interior with Mahogany brown by

Melanie Warner Spencer

Brown is back, and while we still love a gorgeous greige, returning to earthy, warm hues is a refreshing redux.

The cozy library project above is the brainchild of designer Aaron Hahnselle of Hahnselle Studio, which transformed an underutilized space in the 1906-era home of Rena and Dr. Neil Jolly into a classic reading room, the perfect warm gathering space for families and guests.

The wall and ceiling color are a custom blend created with the help of the team at Helm Paints using “Classic Burgundy” as the base, per Hahnselle’s choice of color palette. The final effect created a finish reminiscent of velvet wallpaper. The addition of bookcases to the room’s existing millwork and

additional gold leaf details completes the look that would inspire anyone to linger in luxury.

For a similar high-pigment, deep and lush color, Farrow & Ball’s Mahogany No. 36 is also available. From the company’s Archive collection, this dark brown pairs well with cream, taupe and salmon tones. When declaring the chocolaty hue, Mocha Mousse, its Color of the Year for 2025, Pantone suggested partnering the pigment with those neutrals, as well as less subtle colors such as cornflower blue or fuchsia, for the bold among us. Get this or any other Farrow & Ball color at Spruce (by appointment only), 2043 Magazine St., sprucenola.com.