New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles Spring 2014

spring 2014

display until may 31, 2014

myneworleans.com

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new orleans

homes & lifestyles

Spring 2014 / Volume 17 / Issue 2

Editor Sarah Ravits Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo associate Editors Haley Adams, Lauren LaBorde contributing Editors Laura Claverie, Lee Cutrone, Vesta Fort, Valorie Hart, Pamela Marquis, Peter Reichard, Margaret Zainey Roux Contributing Photographers Thom Bennett, Sara Essex Bradley, Cheryl Gerber, Jeffery Johnston, Eugenia Uhl interns Kristen Himmelberg, Erika Vaughn, Lexi Wangler

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Chief Executive officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive vice President/Editor in Chief Errol Laborde vice President of sales Colleen Monaghan DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS Kristi Ferrante distribution manager Christian Coombs subscriptions Erin Duhe

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing LLC Printed in USA 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles, ISSN 1933-771X is distributed four times a year and published by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. For a subscription visit on line at www.NewOrleansHomesandLifestyles.com. Periodicals Postage Paid at Metairie LA and Additional Entry Offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright Š 2014 New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Magazine is registered. New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazines’ managers or owners.

2 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

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contents

27 in every issue 6. Editor’s Note 8. Style 12. Artist Profile Steve Martin

16. Gatherings Southern Comfort

8

A heartwarming casserole gets kicked up a notch with a cornbread cap.

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86

18. For the Garden Rain Gardens There are many benefits to gardening with a social conscience.

20. Living with Antiques Workspaces With Art Antiques in the Office

22. Masters of Their Craft Everyday Adventures Designer Patti Dunn marries style and function in her bag line, Tchoup Industries.

27. TrendWatch Flip a Switch Light the way with sconces, lamps and chandeliers.

80. Home Renewal A Threshold Issue The details on door-shopping

82. Retailer Spotlight Abode Villa Vici (p.83)

86. Expert Advice Clean Sweep Spring is the perfect time to de-clutter and freshen up your home.

features

94. Resources

30. Renovated Home of The Year

96. Last Indulgence

Written and styled by valorie hart

A Sweet, Tart Treat Life giving you lemons isn’t always a bad thing.

45. The 2014 Junior League of

New Orleans Kitchen Tour 60. The Secret Gardens Tour

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editor’s note

spring dreaming There’s an advantage of editing and producing a seasonal magazine, and it’s not necessarily the feeling of glee upon catching an errant comma or a typo.

The advantage we had throughout this abnormally frigid winter was that we knew in our hearts, as far back as January, that springtime would arrive.

It had to arrive, at least by wishful thinking, because we were working on the spring issue of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, replete with articles on making your own rain garden and spring cleaning and drinking lemonade and all kinds of things you do when the weather is nice.

My faith wavered a bit when I found myself still wearing a coat in mid-February, which I always thought of as “sandal season,” but we persevered. I’m not going to brag that we’re clairvoyant, but clearly, as you can see, we were

correct, and springtime is finally here, with sunshine and festival season underway.

This is one of our most inspirational issues yet. We are very excited about our inaugural “Renovated Home of the Year,” a gorgeous dream home in Lake Vista that belongs to Tom and Donna Russell (pg. 34). They stopped to admire the home on a pleasant stroll around the neighborhood one day, and when it was for sale shortly afterward, they jumped at the chance to buy it. A skilled designer herself, Donna orchestrated a stunning renovation with a team of talents, leaving no detail untouched.

Another highlight of the spring is the ninth annual Junior League Kitchen Tour (pg. 45), a self-guided tour, held April 5, through 12 kitchens Uptown and in Old Metairie. Spend the day exploring these beautifully appointed spaces – you’ll be amazed by the elegance and design, and you may find inspiration for your own kitchen renovation.

Preceding the Junior League Kitchen Tour is a showcase of a

different kind – the Secret Gardens Tour on March 15. Twelve lush gardens Uptown will be open for private-guided and self-guided tours, and proceeds benefit the Brain Association of Louisiana presented by the Waring Family.

Other highlights in this issue include a fabulous Southern casserole recipe in “Gatherings” (pg. 16), Peter Reichard’s comprehensive advice about where to buy doors (pg. 80); a profile on artist Steve Martin (pg. 12) and an interview with an up-and-coming designer, Patti Dunn of Tchoup Industries (pg. 22). Additionally, we debut a brand-new column, “Expert Advice.” Lee Cutrone sat down with six home décor experts who will make your spring cleaning much less daunting – and maybe even something to enjoy.

I hope you all like this issue and find a sunny spot to read it. n — Sarah Ravits, Editor

On the Cover: Tom and Donna Russell’s house, our “Renovated Home of the Year,” p. 34 Photographed by Sara Essex Bradley cheryl gerber Photograph

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NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 7

style

Produced by Margaret Zainey Roux

Linens: For Every Room and Occasion (Rizzoli, $55)

Pagodas on Pillows Seda France may be as well-known for its distinctive pagoda packaging as it is for its fabulous fragrances. Recently, the company expanded its offerings to include home décor such as this Maison Chinoiserie pillow, stylized from an original engraving purchased in Paris. Available in six juicy hues, each down-filled pillow features a pagoda on the front with coordinating Chinese fretwork on the reverse. Seda France, sedafrance.com.

Offering both visual inspiration and practical information, Jane Scott Hodges’ Linens: For Every Room and Occasion is an essential guide to living and entertaining with fine textiles. As the founder and owner of Leontine Linens, which started in New Orleans, Hodges has spent decades studying, collecting and innovating in the world of fine linens.

In her first book, she offers expert advice and savvy insight on linen use and care. Replete with photography of beautiful linen-filled rooms detailing countless interpretations of appliqué, embroidery, quilting, prints, monograms and borders, Linens takes a fresh look at couture linens and their importance and relevance in today’s artful lifestyle.

Modern Patina Anne Pratt has mastered the art of welding Old World sensibility and contemporary design.

Handmade in Mexico, her sterling silver hammered cuff is oxidized for an aged aesthetic and adorned with 18-karat gold beading on the trim and bezel that surrounds an early AD Italian wax cameo. Anne Pratt Jewelry, anneprattjewlery.com.

Comeback Kid Niven Morgan’s Lavender Mint is back by popular demand. Combining notes of soothing lavender and invigorating mint, the fragrance’s formula and packaging have been slightly tweaked for a scent that is even more refreshing. It will make its debut this month online, at local retailers and at the Ritz-Carlton Day Spa, New Orleans. Niven Morgan, nivenmorgan.com.

select photos by sara essex bradley

style British Accent Born of English design, Bevolo’s Highland Park portable pool house lantern is the essential outdoor accessory for spring. The multi-purpose piece can be used as a candleholder, terrarium or unique display for wine corks or seashells. In light of its European flair, it is hand-riveted in New Orleans and crafted out of pure American copper. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, 521 Conti St. and 316/318 Royal St., 522-9485, bevolo.com.

Canine Couture When only the best will do, dress your dachshund in Delfino or clothe your corgi in Canestrelli. Part of B. Viz Design’s ever-evolving collection of bespoke goods made from Fortuny fabrics, these handmade dog collars take the term “pampered pet” to a whole new level. Sizes range from extra-small to large. B. Viz Design, bviz.com.

Golden Girl Finally! The perfect season-less party dress for those breezy spring nights. Its simple shift style gets a dose of glam thanks to swirly-girly sequins for a festive look any time of year. Lulu’s on Fulton, 609 Fulton St., 378-5858.

New Arrival Move over, silver spoon – there’s a new kid in town. Today’s tot loves Beatriz Ball’s first baby collection, made from an FDA-safe, easy-care aluminum alloy that’s as luxe as sterling but remains tarnish-free. From picture frames to serving ware, each heirloom-quality piece comes wrapped in a colorful box with ribbon, making it a ready-to-go gift for showers, baptisms and birthdays.

Chateau Drugs and Gifts, 3544 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 889-2300.

select photos by sara essex bradley

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NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 11

artist profile

steve martin

By Lee Cutrone

Steve Martin’s love of art began as a child. “My parents would take me to church, and to get me to be still, they would give me the offering envelopes and pencils, and I would draw horrific battle scenes,” recalls the prolific artist and gallery owner, originally from Tioga, a small town in Rapides Parish. Years later, as a father watching his children’s blossoming interest in art, he turned his passion into a full-time career after spending many years as a stockbroker and financial adviser.

In 1993, Martin’s eldest son, Christian, drew a clown with his father’s old art supplies, prompting his father to make something, too. Inspired by the simple line of the drawing, Martin fashioned the first of his nowvery-recognizable figural wire sculptures. With immediate interest from a local art collector and from former gallery owner Marguerite Oestreicher, he produced 40 more and sold them all through Oestreicher’s gallery in a single night. “After Hurricane Katrina, I started assessing my life,” he says. “I realized I really wanted to do the art. [The financial career] was all about money.”

Martin is also known for his drawings, paintings, monotypes, collages and

block-cut prints. The common thread running through the various media is his use of elemental, unbroken lines. “Line is the most abstract thing there is,” says Martin, whose work can be viewed in his Julia Street gallery, Steve Martin Fine Art, and in corporate, private and museum collections.

His wire sculptures have been compared to the whimsical circus figures of 20th-century artist Alexander Calder. But the self-taught Martin’s use of wire is the result of three generations of his family – his father, who used the malleable material for his work as a contractor, his sons (the eldest provided the starting point for his figural forms, while the youngest, Aidan, was the impetus for his wire faces) and Martin himself. The artists who influenced him most were Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

His collection of paintings, “Faces In A Crowd” was inspired by visages he observed on Mardi Gras floats and the powerful reactions they evoke. As he explored the theme and researched African masks, he began rendering faces in a similarly stylized, abstract manner.

Besides conceptualizing, producing and exhibiting

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his work, he is founder and publisher of Art + Design, a magazine devoted to art in New Orleans and co-host of “Made In New Orleans,” a weekly show on WLAE that profiles local artists. He also has served in multiple arts organizations, including Miami’s Art Basel Planning Commission. “I’m wanting to be more focused on my work, but I also want to help people with the magazine and the show to give them a voice.” n

THOM BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHs

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 15

gatherings

southern comfort A heartwarming casserole gets kicked up a notch with a cornbread cap.

By Margaret Zainey Roux

Eugenia Uhl Photograph

16 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

There are two things Southerners know a lot about – soul and food. Combine the two and top it with cornbread, and you’ve got culinary bliss. In her new cookbook, Southern Casseroles: Comforting Pot-Lucky Dishes, author Denise Gee whips together savory ingredients, sweet memories and rich history to put a new spin on some old-fashioned favorites with recipes like “Soul Food with a Cornbread Cap.” The hodge-podge of flavors and textures makes the perfect one-dish wonder for your next Southern-style gathering.

recipe Soul Food with a Cornbread Cap 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 cups diced cooked ham ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 quart chicken broth 2 cups frozen young lima beans, thawed, or a 15-ounce can of young lima beans, rinsed and well-drained 16-ounce package frozen chopped collard greens 12-ounce package frozen seasoning blend 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed and well drained 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Two 6 ½-ounce packages yellow cornbread mix Hot pepper vinegar or other hot sauce (optional) R Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

R In a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add ham; sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, and stirring constantly to absorb the oil, cook it for about 30 seconds.

Gradually add the broth and cook, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken, about 4 minutes.

R Bring the mixture to a boil and immediately add the frozen lima beans (if using), collard greens and seasoning blend; return to a boil and cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes.

R Carefully stir in the canned lima beans (if using instead of frozen), black-eyed peas, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper (if using); spoon the hot mixture into a lightly greased 2 ½3-quart baking dish.

R Prepare the cornbread according to the package directions and pour the batter evenly over the ham-vegetable mixture.

R Bake for about 25 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown and set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 8 to 10 minutes before serving with hot pepper vinegar, if desired. Serves 6-8 Recipe from Denise Gee’s Southern Casseroles: Comforting Pot-Lucky Dishes (Chronicle Books, 2013)

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 17

for the garden

rain gardens There are many benefits to gardening with a social conscience.

By Pamela Marquis

Looking for a garden that’s easy to install, requires very little maintenance, looks good year-round and has a positive impact on the environment? Then a rain garden might be the right garden for you.

Rain gardens catch stormwater runoff from roofs, sidewalks, parking lots and roads. Rather than rushing

off into a storm sewer or a local waterway, the rainwater collects in a rain garden. It can be planted with native grasses and wildflowers that are specially selected for their ability to gradually absorb and filter stormwater – a beautiful solution to a real New Orleans problem.

In addition, rain gardens recharge local aquifers and

18 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

help protect communities from flooding and drainage problems. Rain gardens also help protect streams and lakes from pollutants carried by urban stormwater such as lawn fertilizers, pesticides and numerous harmful substances that wash off roofs and roads.

Studies have shown that as much as 70 percent of the pollution in streams, rivers

and lakes was carried there by stormwater.

Global Green USA’s Holy Cross Project is used for education and advocacy for sustainable building. It has examples of rain gardens and bioswales, landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water, at its Lower Ninth Ward site. They welcome visitors and are a great resource for all things “green” and sustainable.

“Here in New Orleans, where we are prone to flooding with our fast rain events, rain gardens can help a great deal with our street flooding,” says Michelle Pyne, Green Building program associate with Global Green USA. “They also help filter out runoff such as oil. They really do help our overburdened storm water systems.”

Many other organizations are beginning to incorporate rain gardens into their landscape planning. Andrew Wilson Elementary School has a 12,000-gallon water cistern that collects rainwater and uses it for its landscape irrigation. The Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center has a small rain

garden filled with irises.

You’ll find an in-depth guide, “Stormwater and Your Rain Garden” on LSU AgCenter’s website, lsuagcenter.com. It will give you a solid start, and as with all things gardening, nothing beats just contacting your local county agent at 658-2900.

But here’s a short “how-to”: Your rain garden should be located at least 10 feet from your house.

A typical residential rain garden is 100 to 300 square feet, but any size rain garden is fine. A natural site is a low spot in your yard that often collects water after a heavy rain. The downspout from your roof should be directed toward your garden. And it’s recommended to place it in full- to partial-sun exposure.

Once you’ve identified the new garden’s location, dig up the soil and remove any existing turf grass. Dig the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, and grade the area so there is a lower catch basin. You may need to line that area of the garden with plastic to help retain a small pool of water.

Native plants are your best choice. They withstand difficult growing conditions and are low-maintenance.

As always, choose plants considering their height, bloom time and color.

“Horsetails take off like crazy, and they thrive here,” says Pyne.“Irises and cypress trees also do very well.”

New plants should be watered every other day for the first two weeks or so.

Once they are well-established, your garden should thrive without additional

watering or fertilizing.

If you don’t have the space or don’t want to make a full rain garden commitment, you might consider harvesting rainwater in rain barrels, an ancient practice once again in vogue in our greener urban landscapes.

Kelli Wright and architect Kurt Hagstette with Eskew+Dumez+Ripple recently installed a Poly-Mart, Inc. rain harvesting tank in their yard after Wright attended a Preservation Resource Center workshop on rain gardens.

“I just think it’s a good idea,” she says. “It’s free water and such a simple thing to do. We use the water on our plants and it’s perfect for the pool.”

One thing to consider about your rain barrel is that it needs to be covered.

Think mosquitos and yellow fever. There are many places to purchase safe rain barrels online and at retail stores, but if you want to increase your social conscience cred, I suggest purchasing rain barrels from the Community Service Center (CSC).

CSC helps ex-offenders offer services that help them become successful citizens.

CSC’s Rainwater Catchment Barrels are very affordable – just $55. Their website is cscnouw.org.

If you decide to take responsibility for the rainwater that falls off your roof, you’ll be helping protect our rivers, streams and lakes. Adding a rain garden is simply lush lagniappe, providing food and shelter for wildlife, and giving you a hardy, low-maintenance and naturally beautiful garden. n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 19

living with antiques

workspaces with art

building 10 years ago, Philip’s office is still as chic and timeless as the day the pieces were purchased.

Antiques can be beautiful and practical additions to an office or workspace. It’s all about surrounding yourself with the things you love and making them work for you.

One local dermatologist, Dr. Richard Sherman, has accomplished such mastery.

His Uptown medical office is a treasure trove of 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century pieces, each purchased as a beautiful antique, but used in practical 21st-century ways.

Sherman began collecting antiques while he was a student at Tulane Medical School. After intense days of studying, he would unwind by wandering through the elegant old shops and talk to the knowledgeable merchants, who recognized his interest and gave him an education in antiques that he relies on today.

Upon further reflection, he admits his interest began even earlier.

“I grew up in Clarksdale,

Miss., and both my mother and grandmother collected French antiques. I was always interested in their antiques from an early age. Once I moved to New Orleans and discovered the stores in the French Quarter, collecting antiques became part of my life,” he says.

Today his Uptown office is filled with handsome antiques, used in practical ways. His waiting room boasts comfortable, tasteful 19th-century chairs. Placed over a contemporary leather sofa are two large, modern paintings of St. Charles Avenue mansions. Nearby in the foyer is an elegant Empire console that holds pamphlets and brochures about medical services and products.

An 18th-century French armoire, the first major piece Sherman bought, now houses cosmetic samples and gift bags. Graceful Belle Époque pastry tables with sleek marble tops hold medical instruments and supplies in the examining rooms. Another pastry table serves as a coffee bar

Antiques in the office

By Laura Claverie

Many years ago, my husband Philip called local decorating icon Gerrie Bremermann to help him decorate his new office.

His law firm required that he use a modern desk and bookshelves, but the rest was up to him. He’d purchased a large, bold

abstract oil painting, but then what? Bremermann added two raffia chairs, an antique table, where he and clients could talk, and a few other pieces. By juxtaposing the old and the new, the office gained just the “wow” factor that Philip sought.

Despite a move to a different

20 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

sara essex bradley photographs

in the employees’ break room. More than one dozen restored antique oyster sticks, once used by French oystermen, line the walls of a hallway, adding an artful touch to what could have been a bland passageway.

Sherman’s personal office, which he calls a work in progress, features an 18th-century French writing desk. A large 19thcentury iron planter stores personal items and files.

A 1960s glass mobile – which once belonged to his grandmother – hangs over a window and adds a whimsical pop of color.

Each piece was bought for beauty and function.

“Patrick Dunne of Lucullus taught me early on that ‘antique bargains are at the top.’ By that, he meant that if you buy the best quality antique, over time it will increase in value and get better with age,” he says.

While the antiques are

formal and obviously fine pieces, there is no stuffiness to the space. Modern art and a soft sage green palette add a youthful balance.

“As a dermatologist, I live in an aesthetic world. I am trained to look at a patient with an eye for beauty, detail and authenticity. I feel the same way about the antiques and art that surround me in my office,” Sherman says. “In many ways, I wanted my office to look and function as a contemporary version of old New Orleans, and I think we’ve captured that spirit.”

Sherman’s employees appreciate the setting and the care their boss puts into making the office unique.

“Working in an office that is filled with such treasures makes for a welcoming, comfortable environment,” says office manager Maureen Darr. “It’s not the stereotypical sterile-looking doctor’s office.” n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 21

masters of their craft

everyday adventures Designer Patti Dunn marries style and function in her bag line, Tchoup Industries.

By Lauren LaBorde

About five years ago Patti Dunn moved to New Orleans when her boyfriend, whom she met rock climbing, was accepted into Tulane’s Masters of Architecture Program.

New Orleans seems like an odd choice for Dunn, an industrial designer whose interests and line of work revolve around more adventurous terrains.

“When we moved to New Orleans, all of our friends were like ‘Why are you moving there? There are no mountains there!

You can’t hike; you can’t

snowboard,’” says Dunn.

But “we just both felt good about it. This city has so much to offer. I try and get out and go paddling and canoeing as much as possible to stay connected to the natural landscape that surrounds us, but I’m so caught up in the liveliness of the city.”

Pulling from her experience designing rugged, functional bags and other accessories for the outdoors industry, Dunn created a line of handmade bags suitable for uniquely New Orleans adventures – biking to a

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parade and needing a bottle opener, for example. The line, Tchoup Industries, features handmade bags made using materials sourced from Louisiana and around the U.S. Dunn, a North Carolina native, works as a freelance designer and wanted to create a line that would connect her to her new home. She debuted Tchoup – the name referencing the street on which she lives – at the 2013 Earth Day Festival, and it was very well-received.

“We were just going to make 50 bags and see how it went,” she said. “We sold five backpacks without any marketing.” (Backpacks retail from $150-$500.)

The line centers on backpacks made from durable, waterproof, waxed cotton canvas sourced from New Jersey. There’s a basic Flap Pack design, an easy backpack to throw on your shoulder, which includes a built-in bottle opener. The Roulez bag comes embellished with either genuine alligator leather from Lafayette or a

woven panel hand-loomed

by New Orleans designer Daron Douglas. Other materials used include rice bags rejected from a manufacturing plant in Crowley, buckles from Lafayette’s Begneaud Metal Manufacturing and labels made in Tennessee. The bags, featuring durable material, comfortably placed padded shoulder straps, smaller compartments for organization and stylish flourishes, combine Dunn’s industrial design knowledge with New Orleans panache.

“I think the look of the bag is based on current fashion and style – there’s this big retro outdoor look. So it was really easy to marry that with the functionality that I was able to put into these bags, as well,” she says. “We try to make our designs easy for people for packing, but also just getting in and out on a regular basis.”

In what might be a more cheryl gerber photographs

unexpected use of local material, Dunn is working on bag styles featuring nutria fur. Nutria fur, which looks surprisingly luxurious laid out in Dunn’s workspace, has gained traction locally as an “ethical fur” since the prolific rodent wreaks havoc on wetlands.

“I think once fur started getting a really bad rap in the ’90s, people stopped buying it altogether,” she says. “But this fur is very socially and environmentally conscious. You’re doing a good thing by using nutria fur. We’re trying to share that message and kind of help the cause.”

Besides in its web store (TchoupIndustries.com), shoppers can find Tchoup at Friend, Defend New Orleans, SOPO, I.J. Reilly’s Knick Knacks and Curiosities and other stores, plus stores in Lafayette and North Carolina. Dunn also likes to take Tchoup to “pop-up” boutiques, markets and festivals – like the one where the line first debuted – around town.

It can be difficult, though, to satisfy increased demand but remain committed to

making everything locally and to source all materials within the U.S. – especially with only one full-time seamstress, Ursa Eyer, on staff.

“One of the challenges of this collection is we wanted to make it ourselves, here in New Orleans. We needed to keep the construction fairly simple, because labor is our biggest cost. We want to pay [the people who sew] a living wage, and we want to attract people to work with us,” Dunn says. “We sold out of everything this past holiday, and as we were getting online orders, we were having to make them and having to hustle to stay on top of them.”

Dunn seems excited by the prospect of expanding.

Tchoup just moved into a larger space in the French Quarter; Dunn says her “three-to-five-year plan” is to have a storefront where shoppers can both buy products and it being made.

“It’s awesome. I’m glad it’s starting to catch on,” she says. “It’s unexpected, and now that we’re growing and people are hearing about us and wanting to support us, we need to … keep up with it.”n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 23

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 25

trendwatch

flip a switch

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Light the way with sconces, lamps and chandeliers.

By Vesta Fort Select photos by Eugenia Uhl

The late paul lynde once said, “A room is like a stage: It can be the coldest place in the world if you see it without lighting.� Set your stage with the perfect ambiance and warmth found in the latest lighting options available from these local retailers.

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Sconces

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1. Classic and understated, the gilt branch sconces from Rivers Spencer Interiors add a glowing glamour wherever they hang. 2. These conch shell sconces from Shaun Smith Interiors would be a fabulous focal point in an entryway. 3. Glitz up the powder room with a pair of these George II sconces in polished silver and crystal, available at Rivers Spencer Interiors. 4. Add a quirky touch of nature to almost any room with the Fred sconce made from hand-forged steel and papier mache by Stray Dog Designs, available in various colors through perch.

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Standing Lamps

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5. Make a modern statement with the Arco Floor Lamp from Design Within Reach. 6. This sleek, handsome vintage 1950s standing lamp with exquisite details is available at Jon Vaccari. 7. Slim and sophisticated, this elegant standing lamp is from Niermann Weeks, available through Lume at Gallery 3954. 8. Step back into the “Mad Men� era with this vintage lucite drinks-table from Shaun Smith Home. 9. Strike a pose with a stylish bird standing lamp from LUM Vintage Lighting & Accessories.

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Desk Lamps and Tiny Lights 10. Made from hand-blown and cast glass with an adorable square silk shade, the Trudy lamp by Fifi Laughlin will accessorize a small space perfectly and is available at Gallery 3954. 11. A simple solution to almost any desk lighting problem would be the Grasshopper Table Lamp from Design Within Reach. 12. Neoclassic design is redefined in this brass lamp with a pleated rectangular shade by Mary McDonald, available at Eclectic Home. 13.

Hand-blown bronze glass spheres give this lamp incredible versatility. A pair would make an elegant statement bedside. It is designed by Fifi Laughlin and available at Gallery 3954. 14. Rare cast solid bronze table light designed by Michel Dumas in the 1970s, this gorgeous light gives off an intriguing glow and is available at Jon Vaccari.

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Chandeliers

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15. Designed by David Trubridge and inspired by ice crystals in Antarctica, this bamboo sphere can add elements of nature and modern function to a room. Available at Design Within Reach. 16. If you are looking for drama in a library or an office, you can’t go wrong with the Greek Key Pendant by Niermann Weeks stocking dealer, available through Lume at Gallery 3954. 17. The Weeping Willow chandelier is made from hand-forged metal and covered in recycled papier mache by artisans in Mexico for Stray Dog Designs. Shown here in douglas fir, it is available in many other colors from perch. 18. Light spills through the petals of this plant-inspired fixture, creating a soft ambiance in any room.
The Dante Gold Leafed Pendant is hand-forged and contains leafed metal, available at Eclectic Home. 19. Add a bit of whimsy to almost any room in your house with the Celeste Sphere by Stray Dog Designs, available in eight colors at perch. 20. This large George II chandelier in crystal with polished silver is sure to glam up any dining room or could add the perfect touch of elegance to a bedroom, available at Rivers Spencer Interiors.

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32 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

the best of spring

34

45

60

Renovated Home of the Year (p.34) The Junior League of New Orleans Kitchen Tour (p.45) The Secret Garden Tour (p.60)

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 33

Windows that are 10 feet tall overlook the front and back courtyards.

Renovated home year of the

W r i t t e n a n d s t y l e d b y V a l o r i e H a r t / P h o t o g r a ph e d b y S a r a E s s e x B r a d l e y

Donna and Tom Russell were looking forward to the next chapter of life after being in their home for more than 30 years. The couple had always loved the Lake Vista neighborhood, and they began to casually look for available homes in the area.

When the neighborhood was created around 1939, it attracted residents because of its “Garden City” plan, a method of urban planning characterized as being a self-contained area with greenbelts, pedestrian networks and a lack of through-streets.

As the couple strolled through the neighborhood one day, they paused to admire the rays of sun streaming through the canopies of the massive live oaks. The smell of fresh-cut grass filled the air.

They looked over the vista, and Tom pointed across the green space and said, “That’s it. That’s the house.”

What he pointed out was a late 1940s two-story,

split-level cottage. It sat on a pie-shaped lot. Facing north, it caught the northern breeze from Lake Pontchartrain.

It had lovely views and a picturesque large oak tree in the front. It was perfect – but it was not for sale.

As fate often dictates, however, the house went on the market two weeks later, and the Russells purchased it, finally onto their next adventure.

Originally, they only planned on renovating the kitchen and master bathroom of the old structure. But they discovered hidden damage that hadn’t been seen during the real estate inspection.

It became a matter of cause and effect: A hole

in the roof decking caused roof and ceiling damage, which caused mold; leaky windows caused wood rot; termite damage caused extensive floor joist damage; old electrical issues and plumbing posed a doubly dangerous threat; the HVAC lifespan was expiring; and so on. The Russells decided that a total renovation was the only option.

The footprint of the house would remain the same since the lot is pie-shaped.

There were building restrictions to abide by that had been set forth by the homeowners’ association and the Orleans Levee Board. The renovation was planned and built to the maximum that the footprint would allow. The Russells explain, “We did as much as we could. Remember, it was the view that sold us on

this house. We love the area, and being so close to the Lakefront is priceless.”

Donna Russell is an interior designer who’s gifted with “first sight” – she had a clear vision of what the renovation would look like. Upon just glancing at a space, she can envision it completely designed, decorated and done. She says, “One may call it a ‘sickness’, but I see a space completely finished the moment I walk into it, or I see the missing elements needed to complete it. I am told that when I get into that zone, I become quiet. I raise my hand up to my chin and survey the space, taking it all in.”

Donna feels that every space needs a sense of balance and calmness.

She is personally drawn to a more contemporary style, one that is warm and

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 35

uncluttered with clean lines.

However, she can appreciate all design styles.

“Every room needs to be perfectly appointed and tell a story and flow from one room to another,” says Donna. “I love big windows and a ton of natural light, allowing the outside in.

I love courtyards and multiple seating venues, water features and lots of container plants, because having containers makes it easy to change things up a bit. At every turn, an environment should make you want to see what’s

beyond. Even if it’s a carport, weigh your options and make it fab!”

When the Russells realized theirs would be more than a soft renovation, they called architect Dodie Smith of the firm C. Spencer Smith.

Smith had designed many custom homes in Lake Vista and was familiar with the building codes and restrictions unique to the neighborhood.

The Russells expressed their desire to Smith for a modern-style home with clean lines. Even though

FACING PAGE: Top, left: The ladies dressing room. Top, right: A modern vanity with a vintage chair in the ladies dressing room on the second floor.

Bottom, left: Twin mahogany doors are at the front and rear of the house.

Right: The den features a desk made from the floor joists taken out of the old house.

the damaged part of the house would be torn down, it was important to embrace the scale of the original house. It was equally important that the renovation complement the other homes found in Lake Vista.

Smith’s plan involved removing all the old porches and a small living room.

She opened up the space by integrating an entryway where the front and back door juxtapose each other, tying the remaining original part of the old house to the new part being created.

Sliding glass windows that are 10 feet tall overlook the front, where Donna completely carved out and landscaped a special garden. Smith added floating porches designed in the mid-century modern style. Donna designed the landscaping and central fire pit seating area in the front, and the water feature at the back of the house, too. She also designed the walkway entrance to the front and backyard, and she brought in her landscape staples of beautiful towering Sable Palms in the front and added Sylvester Palm trees in the back.

The first thing you see as you come in through a spectacular mahogany front door inset with horizontal glass windows is its twin: a matching door at the end of an open hallway that leads to the enclosed courtyard.

It is a striking modern shotgun house effect. The

steel beams in the courtyard provide a modern pergola over the seating area near the water feature. There is a masterpiece of a custom made exterior steel door that leads to the carport and street. It is made to replicate the interior mahogany front and rear doors leading to

the courtyard. The use of repetition of design elements creates a pleasing visual rhythm both inside and out.

The living room, now located in the new addition has 12-foot ceilings. Tile flooring is used throughout, a nuanced porcelain that looks like horn. Massive wood and

Porcelain tile in a horn coloration runs throughout the entire first floor; H. Mitchell Settoon did a decorative paint finish on the ribbon fireplace surround to match the floors; Chandelier is from Jonathan Adler.

steel beams were bolted together in the foyer. A ribbon fireplace used here is another arresting focal point.

A new wood and steel staircase bisects the two halves of the house. The old footprint and shell of the old house contains the renovated dining room, second master bedroom and bath, and the kitchen. The renovated second story, also built on the original structure, has the master bedroom with views of the lake thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that were installed. The spectacular master bathroom features a walk-through shower. Upstairs, there is also a ladies dressing room, and a handsome office/den for the man of the house.

The desk in the office was made from the floor joists that were removed from the old house. Having that old wood reinvented in this way is a connection to the past that the Russells deeply appreciate.

Donna Russell has the design philosophy to use every component of a house as if it is a piece of art. She advises to let a house speak to you, to let it draw you in. She treated her own renovation as if she were her own client. She started with a storyboard, laying out the entire house from flooring to cabinetry to paint colors

to furniture placement.

The old house has great bones. It was a box, and she says that one can do wonders with a box. Over the 14-month renovation, she used inspirational ideas she’d been collecting for 10 years to incorporate into her

38 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

dream home.

A great abundance of very unique floor and wall tile was used throughout the first floor of the house, pieced together in a masterful, clean and modern way. Colors and patterns are cohesive. The ease of

caring for tile is a plus. Even though this house never flooded, lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina make tile on the first floor a smart choice for renovators.

The upstairs features wood flooring, starting with the oak stair treads. All the

upstairs flooring features visually generous 10-inchwide planks stained black, a rich nuanced tonal color that was achieved by burning and wire brushing the wood.

So now that the renovation is done, what is next for Donna Russell, the designer?

She opened her business, ProVisions Interiors, LLC, in 2004 – a decision she made after six years of court reporting school, and she says, “her inability to pass the machine portion of the test.” Donna tells us, “Wow! What a journey that was!

During those six years, to keep my sanity, I would volunteer my design services in which I revamped the school offices and rearranged the classrooms for a more effective seating placement. I even had the opportunity to decorate an

apartment for one of my teachers after a fire incident.

I volunteered my services to the Ronald McDonald House and helped landscape the yard. I continue to volunteer my design services to a family in need once a year.

Then one day my teacher NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 39

40 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

FACING PAGE: Top, left: Upper cabinets from Huey Brown’s Kitchens; Stainless steel sink and Danze Parma faucet from Keller Supply; back splash tile from Adda Carpets and Flooring. Top, right: Glass tile in the butler’s pantry from Adda Carpets & Flooring. Bottom, left: Dining chairs from Scandinavia, Flos chandelier from allmodern. com. Bottom, right: All appliances are by Thermador; Dura Supreme stainless and Lucite cabinet pulls from Huey Brown’s Kitchens.

Right: Maple cabinetry in graphite is used in the dining room and galley-style kitchen from Huey Brown’s Kitchens.

called me into her office and asked, ‘Donna, not that you wouldn’t make a great reporter, but why are you not pursuing interior design?’ And so I did.”

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Donna thought, “Oh no. Nobody is going to want a designer.

However, it was one of the greatest blessings that ever happened to me. The phone started ringing off the hook.

I learned more in the field than I ever did in nighttime design classes.”

Donna is currently working on a residential new build in Lake Vista along with the architect from her home, Dodie Smith. “She is a wonderful and very talented lady,” says Donna.

They are breaking ground very soon. She also has managed to pepper in a renovation on Lark Street, also in Lake Vista, and a complete interior makeover on Canal Boulevard. New clients with projects are on a waiting list. “No complaints

here,” says Donna. “I love what I do, and it helps to be in the great company of all the local talented craftspeople I have put together on my team.”

Tom Russell is his wife’s greatest fan. While he weighed in on all the choices with the architect and the interior designer, he hated the chaos of construc-

tion. He did one of the hardest jobs: Writing the checks once a week for 14 months for the expenses. He decided to stay away from the job site and wait for the big reveal at the end of the project. On the night of the reveal, he had tears of joy and pride as he marveled at what had been done to the original structure. He

remembered the day they saw the house through the filtered sunlight of the big oak tree. With all the renovations and changes, the oak tree still stands and enchants them.

It is with great pride that Donna and Tom Russell are awarded the honor of the 2014 Renovated Home of the Year. n

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42 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

FACING PAGE: Top: European closet systems used throughout the house are from Ikea. Bottom, left: Floorto-ceiling windows in the master bedroom provide a view of the lake. Bottom, right: The master bathroom has a walk-through open rain shower.

Top, left: The part of the house built on the old 1940s structure. Bottom, left: A stone water feature is situated in the back courtyard, and steel beams provide a pergola. Right: Tom and Donna Russell relaxing the courtyard of their newly renovated Lake Vista home.

Renovation at a Glance •

1940s split-level home in Lake Vista

•

Dodie Smith, architect

•

ProVisions, interior design and landscaping

•

Leo Galvan, contractor

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Adda Carpets and Flooring, tile and wood

•

Huey Brown’s Kitchens, cabinetry

•

C Glass & Closets, windows and glass

•

Conrad’s Welding Service, custom metal door and steel work

•

H. Mitchell Settoon, decorative painting

•

Awning World, awnings

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 43

Junior League of New Orleans promotional Section

JLNO

kitchen tour saturday, april 5, 2014

Photographed by Sara Essex bradley

JLNO

kitchen tour

Photo on the left: Katie Hardin (co-chair), Brandy Gilly (co-chair), Vanessa West (vice-chair), Jeanne Boughton (president), Sarah Martzolf (Ways & Means Council director) & Katherine Raymond (president elect). Not pictured: Christy Dirks (co-chair) & Lauren Hebert (vice-chair).

Photo on the right: Top left to right: Barbie Pace, Carter Staples, Leslie Christopher Martin, Dottee Gwin, Regan Dupuy, Katie Baxter. Middle left to right: Ashley Morgan, Averill LaCour, Brandy Gilly (co-chair), Katie Hardin (co-chair), Vanessa West (vice-chair), Joanna McCay, Kim Ngan Nguyen, Lauren Fornoff. Bottom left to right: Ellie Dupuy, Jessica Ibert, Katie LaCour, Aubry Miller, Jenn Gaubert, Brandi Digney. Not pictured: Reneè Laborde Webb, Paige Breard, Karen Boudreaux, Melissa Broussard, Gigi Roth Mathè, Lauren Hebert (vice-chair), Christy Dirks (co-chair), Windi Brown, Becka Curry, Jacqueline Faust, Sarah Hastings

1.

2.

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4.

Sharon & Richard Meyer 285 Walnut St. Tricia & Lewis Stirling 533 Audubon St. Holt & Gordon Kolb 1444 State St. Dawn & Daniel Spagnoli 6115 Chestnut St.

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Lynne & Rick McMillan 1037 Jefferson Ave. Marion & Matt DeMeyers 1922 General Pershing St. Katie & Scott Eddins 4200 St. Charles Ave. Diane & Peter Labouisse III 1203 Marengo St.

9. Margaret & Alex Tefel

516 Betz Place 10. Patrice & Ron Mills

204 Mulberry Drive 11. Wendy & Dane Ciolino

#18 Farnham Place 12. Donna & Bryan Brown

109 Homestead Ave.

Blue dots represent VIP Lounge Areas: Uptown: Park View Guest House, 7004 St. Charles Ave.; Old Metaire: Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road NOTE: As of press time, the Stirlings were renovating their kitchen, and we were unable to take a photograph.

We hope you will join them on the tour to check out their beautiful, updated kitchen!

Please contact the Junior League of New Orleans with any comments or questions about this section at 891-5845 or jlno.org.

46 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

cheryl gerber photographs

JLNO

kitchen tour

Junior League of New Orleans’ Ninth Annual Kitchen Tour presented by PosiGen Solar Solutions

Saturday, April 5, 2014 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The ninth annual Kitchen Tour is a selfguided tour of 12 beautifully appointed kitchens in the Uptown New Orleans and Old Metairie neighborhoods.

Explore the modern amenities, unique organization and luxurious materials of these practical and stunning spaces. Get ideas for your remodeling project or simply appreciate thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Your tour of the hearts of people’s homes also benefits the heart of the community. Profits from ticket purchases support JLNO’s mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities. These funds combine with over 50,000 volunteer hours to continue rebuilding New Orleans, improve children’s well-being and education and encourage healthy families. Our nine community projects include: • Educare with the Bayou District Foundation • Community Assistance Fund Grants • Judgment Call • Kids in the Kitchen • Lafayette Charter School Support • Lemonade Day University • Rebuilding Together • Safe Sitter • Senior League

Special thanks to our event sponsors:

Executive Chef: PosiGen Solar Solutions Sous Chef Sponsor: IberiaBank High Heat Sponsors: Classic Cupboards, Stafford Tile and Stone Foodie Sponsors: Adda Carpets & Flooring & Huey Brown's Kitchens, Cameron Kitchen & Bath Design, Simms Hardin Company, LLC, Southland Plumbing & Lighting Supply

Tickets Individual Kitchen Tour tickets • $35 in advance/$40 the day of the event Tour in Style! $1,000 • Tour the kitchens in style with your friends in a chauffeured limousine! Package includes transportation and eight VIP Lounge and Kitchen Tour tickets.

VIP Lounge and Tour Ticket $75 • Entry into our two designated VIP areas with hors d’oeuvres.

• 2 drink tickets • Self-guided tour of Longue Vue House and Gardens To purchase tickets: • Go online to jlno.org/kitchentour.

• (504) 891-5845 • Purchase at JLNO headquarters • Purchase at each home on the day of the tour.

As with any charitable donation, please consult your tax preparer for advice and the deductibility of the ticket packages. According to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, only contributions over the value of dining are tax-deductible. In the event of cancellations, please consider your ticket purchase as a donation to the Junior League of New Orleans. No refunds will be given.

Premium VIP Tour Area

Purchase a VIP or Patron ticket to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks at our two hospitality areas. While touring Uptown, unwind at the lovely Parkview Guest House with charming views of Audubon Park and St. Charles Avenue. During your Old Metairie tour, relax with food and refreshments at Longue Vue House and Gardens and treat yourself to a complimentary self-guided tour of the gardens. You will also be able to view the sparkling raffle item provided by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.

The Kitchen Tour VIP areas are comfortable respites to talk over the different kitchens you viewed while tasting some delectable local fare. We hope you will join us.

JLNO

kitchen tour

Rick & Sharon Meyer 285 Walnut St. The kitchen of Rick and Sharon Meyer was designed in a new transitional style that uses both traditional and contemporary elements in a neutral color palette.

With the help of Spring Keller at Spring Interiors and Rhonda Guthrie of Marchand Creative Kitchens, Sharon tailored the kitchen to her exact likes and needs, after poring over countless magazines for inspiration.

The couple has several dogs, including 48 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

two who were young puppies at the time of the renovation. With this in mind, Leonard Craig Construction put in new floors made of through-body porcelain that are easy to clean and maintain.

The kitchen features Calacatta royal marble purchased from The Stone Gallery, installed and honed by Carr Stone & Tile Co. The cabinet hardware is reminiscent of designs used in European luxury traincars in the 1930s.

Lighting Incorporated provided the lighting inside a butler’s pantry and above the upper cabinets. LED lights

in the kitchen (also from Lighting Incorporated) make for a crisp, bright space.

Free of any cooking surfaces or sinks, the counter spaces are minimalist.

Ferguson provided the Rohl kitchen faucets and the granite composite sink, which is one of the couple’s favorite elements. Sharon says her cabinet and drawer function is one of her favorite aspects of the kitchen, as well as the additional storage and her large wine cooler. Rick notes that the space is clutter-free.

JLNO

kitchen tour

holt & gordon kolb, jr.

1444 state St. Holt and Gordon Kolb Jr. love their traditional, fresh kitchen that has a practical, personal flair to it. The parents of two sets of twins – all under the age of 5 – designed it with the assistance of Michael Carbine, Classic Cupboards and Mark Hampton LLC. “We wanted a family-friendly space because we find that, no matter what, we live in the kitchen,” says Holt. The spacious

kitchen holds two seating areas and a desk. Classic Cupboards did the cabinetry, and Mediterranean Tile did all the marble for the countertops and the backsplash, which Holt says gives the room a clean, bright look. With Waterworks sinks and fixtures, the kitchen also has a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, under-counter icemaker and under-counter produce drawer; a Miele dishwasher; and Fisher and Paykel drawer dishwasher. The kitchen also hosts a Wolf double-oven stove, oven

and microwave. Ron-Del Floor Services did the flooring in the kitchen, and Service Electric did all the lighting.

“My husband loves to cook, so his favorite is the range and the extended spice rack,” says Holt. As the children grow, the kitchen will continue to play an integral part of their lives, “It will be the place for a million school projects and family dinners in the future. We can seat 10 people comfortably, which is really nice for a casual dinner with family or friends.”

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 49

JLNO

kitchen tour

Daniel & Dawn Spagnoli 6115 Chestnut St. The fashionable, elegant kitchen of Daniel and Dawn Spagnoli is a testament to the importance of both style and function.

Tara Tedesco of Terry Tedesco Home Builders designed the gourmet kitchen space with plenty input from the Spagnolis. “They wanted a contemporary yet soft feel to the home and kitchen,” says Tedesco. Dawn required plenty of room for storage and 50 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

a spacious dining area with upscale appliances including a Thermador refrigerator, oven and dishwasher; a Sharp microwave drawer; a Kitchen Maid icemaker and a Danby beverage center. The warm hardwood floors, from Premium Wood Floors, Inc. complement the traditional style of cabinetry, which is a grayish-blue color.

The kitchen also features sea pearl quartzite countertops from Tuscan Stone Imports and a charcoal island.

LCR Plumbing handled the sinks and faucets, and Floor and Décor

is responsible for the neutral glass backsplash; lighting is from FischerGambino. Window treatments are from Eclectic Home.

French-distressed pendants and a hand-made Italian clock add softness and an Old World feel to the contemporary elements of the space.

“I love the color tones, including the caramel tones that even bring in the color of the hardwoods. I like the blending of styles for a warm and comfortable feel,” says Dawn. Most of all, “I love the functionality when I cook!”

JLNO

kitchen tour

Lynne & Rick McMillan 1037 Jefferson Ave. Designed by Caroline Ferguson, AIA and ASID, the McMillan kitchen was created to display the beautiful gardens on both sides of the house. Using a neutral palette, the kitchen remains tasteful and classic without detracting from its comfort and functionality.

Lucky visitors will have a beautiful view of spring from inside a classic and traditional space. With re-milled heart pine flooring and wood cabinets, the room includes antique aspects such as Majolica and copper cookware, not to mention a stunning wood and iron chandelier from 18th-century Italy.

Ferguson expanded the formerly small space to sprawl out over 350 square

feet, which includes a spacious pantry.

Ferguson also added a gorgeous flagstone terrace opening from the kitchen. The project was a tremendously collaborative effort with vendors such as Kohler, Kallista, Sub-Zero, Wolf, Martin Pierce Hardware, Nanz, Stafford Tile & Stone, Karla Katz Antiques, Cabinets by Design, Katie Koch Draperies and TK Collections.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 51

JLNO

kitchen tour

Marian & Matthew DeMeyers 1922 General Pershing St. The home of Marian and Matthew DeMeyers presents an elegant and stylish backdrop for their newly finished kitchen, a collaborative effort between Marian’s interior design firm, Jan Thomas and Jerry Johnson of Cameron Kitchen & Bath Design.

Aiming for a gathering-space feel, the

52 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

DeMeyers made the kitchen the new hub of the household with two new doors to the backyard and a threshold to the den. Though a large space, Marian took care to make decisions in décor to reflect warmth and a sense of community and family with soapstone countertops and grainy cabinets from Cameron Kitchen & Bath Design. Marian’s style shines through in the wall of marble tiles,

which stand out even more with the addition of a large mirror. Connecting the rest of the house to the kitchen with neutral tones, the marble tiles were provided by Floor and Décor.

DeMeyers also wanted a mixed-metals look for accents, with stainless steel appliances and brass accoutrements from Amerock. Other vendors include Thomas O’Brien of Circa Lighting, FloorMasters and McGuire Furniture.

JLNO

kitchen tour

Scott & Katie Eddins 4200 St. Charles Ave. Katie Eddins pored over countless magazines and attended many home tours, carefully considering her options for a renovation at the home she lives in with her husband, Scott, on St. Charles Avenue. One of the highlights of the home now is the spacious kitchen that features a butler’s pantry.

Ultimately, she says, the style

of their kitchen is transitional.

The couple worked with Brandon Construction and architect Jody Zeringue of SCNZ Architects.

“We tried to style the house along with the kitchen as closely to the 1870s as possible, but with today’s modern luxuries,” she explains.

One of the challenges was to work with the limited space, but with the help of Northshore Millworks and Stafford Tile & Stone, she created

an ideal kitchen space that incorporates high-end appliances, such as a Jenn-Air refrigerator, granite countertops, a DCS by Fisher Pavkal stove and range, and luxurious lighting, including an exquisite chandelier, from Aidan Gray Home.

Floors were refinished by Mark Ragusa of Nature’s Own, LLC, and one of the finishing touches in the kitchen is a painting by Katie’s good friend, Shannon Arch.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 53

JLNO

kitchen tour

Diane & Peter Labouisse III 1203 Marengo St. The kitchen belonging to Diane and Peter Labouisse III is a modern adaptation that seamlessly fits their Uptown 1873 Queen Anne Victorian home. The couple particularly hoped to maintain the sense of place and age of the house when it came to renovating the kitchen, which hadn’t been updated since 1967.

“We wanted the kitchen larger in size than the old one but in keeping with the age of other rooms,” says Diane. They 54 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

enclosed an outside porch, removing a load-bearing wall and installing a heavy support beam. They donated the old cabinetry to the Preservation Resource Center but kept the original floors, baseboards and doors. Ann Williams and her team installed the reclaimed heart pine floors, leaving them in the natural, unstained state.

The Labouisses also hired Cameron Kitchen & Bath and filled the space with luxurious new appliances, including double ovens and a stovetop inserted into the original brick chimney; a Dacor warming oven; two dishwashers; an

extra long main kitchen sink by Kohler, as well as a Kohler prep sink and bar.

All countertops and backslashes are a dark soapstone. Cameron Kitchen & Bath also customized and installed white bead board cabinets, and the homeowners purchased brass lamps from Orient Expressed with dark green faux-lizard shades lined in gold from Shades of Light. All lighting included LED and suspended lights, installed by Plauche Electric. The kitchen is adorned with art that the couple has collected over the years, giving it a personal touch that delights guests, as well.

JLNO

kitchen tour

Margaret & Alex Telefel 516 Betz Place Alex and Margaret Telefel embraced the challenge of renovating their kitchen and adapting the room to suit their modern needs, while enhancing the original space’s beauty and classic layout. The couple teamed up with A.T.H Painters Contractors, Inc. for their renovation, and the result is a warm, family-friendly kitchen that

flows easily, opening into the familysunroom with an antique stove fireplace and a view of the garden.

Tuscan-style cabinets anchor the space with sun-warmed tones, and designs in the kitchen reflect Southern and traditional styles. The handmade Saltillo tile floor with subtly distressed wood elements come from Floor and DĂŠcor. The couple also incorporated traditional architectural New Orleans elements like old cypress wood

casings, window frames and bases.

The kitchen contains Thermador appliances and Kohler fixtures and sinks. They also installed granite countertops and subway marble backsplash. Cabinetry was manufactured by Thomasville; lighting is from St. Charles Lighting, and the couple also thanks Campo Better Living, The Stone Gallery and Strip Ease of New Orleans, Inc. for their help in achieving their dream kitchen.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 55

JLNO

kitchen tour

Patrice & Ron Mills 204 Mulberry Drive An open space conducive to care and comfort, the Mills’ new kitchen is a sure-to-wow spot on the tour.

Combining a breakfast nook and living room with the kitchen, Patrice Mills worked alongside contractor Drew Couvillion and Jared Briley and Chris Judge of Huey Brown’s

56 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

Kitchens to create a roomy space with the potential for small and large gatherings. Erin Jacobs of Abode worked with Mills on the lighting and fabrics, and the team included as many vendors as possible, such as Anne Bishton Design, Wolf, SubZero, Gabby and Regina Andrews, Adex, DuraSupreme Cabinetry, Will Branch Antique Lumber and The Stone Gallery. Reclaimed white oak floors

from Ceres Plantation in Vicksburg, Miss., set off the bright light in the room, making it seem even larger.

A highlight of the room is definitely the exquisite island, made from reclaimed cypress beams. From Dixie Brewery, Mills reveals that the beams were charred almost beyond use when contractor Couvillion cut them to size, exposing beautiful wood with unique knots.

JLNO

kitchen tour

Dane & Wendy Ciolino #18 Farnham Place The open, contemporary kitchen of Wendy and Dane Ciolino is the result of a collaboration with John LaGarde and Patricia Neal with Classic Cupboards, architect Michael Bell and interior designer Melissa Rufty. The desire for an open and mostly white kitchen resulted in

tearing out the home’s small kitchen and breakfast room, to make room for a larger combined space. The couple wanted their kitchen to be uncluttered and clean, with plenty of counterspace and windows that overlook the backyard and pool.

The cabinets are from Brookhaven, supplied by Classic Cupboards.

Stafford Tile & Stone did the porcelain tile from Walker Zanger’s

Matouche Collection. The kitchen has no upper cabinets, only thick, white, open shelves that jut out from the walls with no visible support.

There is also a movable island made from an old desk, which is now painted white, covered in stainless steel, and on lockable wheels. It seats six for family dinners but can be conveniently moved anywhere in the kitchen.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 57

JLNO

kitchen tour

Donna and Bryan Brown 109 Homestead Ave. The kitchen at Bryan and Donna Brown’s Old Metairie home is a minimalist, contemporary space that always looks spotless. One of the key considerations for designer Spring Keller of Spring Interiors was Donna’s healthy, clean lifestyle.

58 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

“She did not want a microwave, so we put a speed-oven in her kitchen, and she absolutely adores it,” says Keller, citing an example. The cabinets are white, and Donna also requested white marble counters.

Even the tab pulls are minimalist.

“She didn’t want to interrupt the clean look,” says Keller. The kitchen features a walk-in wet pantry

with a bulk counter and sink. The pantry has a long counter and an ice-maker in it as well. The flooring is done in a through-body porcelain.

Rhonda Guthrie from Marchand Creative Kitchens also was instrumental in the design, selecting luxury appliances and other elements that maintain a modern appearance and function.

saturday march 15 featured gardens 1234 Henry Clay Ave. Midge Morse 1311 Henry Clay Ave. Eugenie and Phil Brooks 1334 Henry Clay Ave. Sidney and Norwood Thornton 1411 Henry Clay Ave. Darnell and Randy Philipson 1424 Henry Clay Ave. Margaret and Ken Beer 1435 Henry Clay Ave. Lois and John Cole

the

secret

gardens tour

1529 Henry Clay Ave. Eleanor Farnsworth 1543 Henry Clay Ave. Mary Grace and Brian Kuehne 1625 Palmer Ave. Anne and King Milling 6149 St. Charles Ave. Mary and William Marks

for The Brain Association of Louisiana presented by The Waring Family.

P

eek behind jasmine-covered gates and around magnolia hedges into the lush private gardens of Uptown New Orleans for one day only. Walk along rows of heirloom plants, citrus groves, butterfly gardens, and meticulously pruned roses. The 2014 Secret Gardens Tour® is a chance to see New Orleans’ hidden gems and learn a thing or two from the landscape professionals behind their beauty. The Tour will include guided and self-guided tours of 12 private gardens stretching along Henry Clay and St. Charles avenues, and Webster and Palmer streets. From grandiose and formal to organic, kid-friendly and functional, the 2014 crop of gardens is sure to be the best kept “secrets” yet!

For 10 years The Secret Gardens Tour® has been working to

1306 Webster St. Ellen and Mac Ball 1435 Webster St. Ellen and Cooper Manning

provide resources for brain injury recovery in the Greater New Orleans area. Based upon the premise that nature is healing, SGT hosts its annual garden tour and fundraiser revealing the hidden gems of Uptown New Orleans. For many living with a brain injury, insurance – or the bounds of science – has run out for repairing their injuries, some too subtle to see. Funds raised at the 2014 Tour will go towards the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana programming and the creation of a comprehensive online guide to brain injury recovery, LABrainGuide.org, so that anyone recovering from a brain injury, or their loved ones, will have some direction. Additional funds raised will go to ABISS, a brain injury survivor support group, and towards the maintenance of the SGT Serenity Garden at the Latter Library. eugenia uhl photographs

tour & ticket information Private Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours

Tickets

• Saturday, March 15, 2014 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., every half hour

• Saturday, March 15, 2014 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ticket sales end at 4:30 p.m.)

$60 per person

$25 per person in advance online through 5 p.m., March 12 / $30 at the door

Discounts are available for advance purchase online or by check for self-guided tours on Saturday, March 15. Advance purchasing closes March 12 at 5 p.m.

The tour begins at 6149 St. Charles Ave., where full-priced tickets will be available.

• Exclusive previews of gardens with designers; includes free admission to the self-guided afternoon tour!

• Contact Julie Lazur to schedule your tour at (215) 378-7014 or secretgardensNOLA@gmail. com.

• Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more if purchased by 5 p.m. on March 12.

• Gardens open to the public; go at your own pace and as often as you like!

• Student tickets available for $20 per person with current school ID.

• Online: SecretGardensTour.org • Send checks to: SGT Tickets, 5500 Prytania St., #640, New Orleans, LA 70115

• A wide variety of private gardens open for the first time in Uptown New Orleans beginning at 6149 St. Charles Ave.

sponsors

committee Randa AbiSamra Glenda Barkate Marta Boudreaux Jean Bowling Nell Howard Mary Alice May Helen Morrison Alan Mumford Marianne Mumford Margaret Nicolson Jennifer Parkerson Joyce Rice Anne Richardson Monique Robinson Margaret Roux Cindy Schoenberger Sara Schoenberger Carla Seyler Liz Sloss Monica Smith Holly Snodgrass Cheryl Streiffer Sally Suthon Lynn Swetland Eugenia Uhl Melanie Usdin Ben Waring Kathleen Waring Cynthia Yeates Judy Zanchi

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Shop

ABODE 2114 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/266-2135 shopatabode.com

Floor & Décor Design Gallery 2801 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/891-3005 4 Westside Shopping Center Gretna 504/361-0501 flooranddecorneworleans.com

ASHLEY HALL INTERIORS LTD, INC. 832 Howard Avenue New Orleans 504/524-0196 ashleyhallinteriors.com 64 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

Palatial Stone 2052 Paxton St., Harvey 504/340-2229 2033 N. Hwy 190 Suite 9, Covington 985/249-6868 palatialstone.com

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 65

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Shop

CAMPBELL CABINET CO. 220 Hord St. Harahan 504/733-4687 4040 Highway 59 Mandeville 985/892-7713 campbellcabinets.com

Blueswood, Inc. 4904R Magazine St. New Orleans 662/609-5473 blueswood.com

BRIANS FURNITURE 515 Court St. Historic Downtown Port Allen 225/346-0896 briansfurniture.com

The Historic New Orleans Collection 533 Royal St., New Orleans 504/598-7147 hnoc.org/shop 66 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 67

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Shop Classic Cupboards 5809 River Oaks Road South Harahan 504/734-9088 classiccupboards.com

The Mailbox Guy 704 Hickory Ave. Harahan 504/466-5035

Audubon Pressure Washing 504/616-7467 apwnola@aol.com audubonpressurewashing.com

Jefferson Door 1227 First Ave. Harvey 504/340-2471 jeffersondoor.com

68 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 69

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Shop HOME DÉCOR 10920 East I-10 Service Road New Orleans 504/245-8288 hd-kitchenandbath.com

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 901 S Labarre Road Metairie 504/849-3060 ferguson.com

NORDIC KITCHENS & BATHS INC. 1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504/888-2300 nordickitchens.com

Marchand Creative Kitchens 3717 Division St., Metairie 504/888-0695 2180 N Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 985/892-2572 mckitchens.com

70 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 71

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Shop California Closets 3211 N. Causeway Blvd.

Metairie 504/828-5705 californiaclosets.com/Metairie

Rivers Spencer Interiors 4610 Magazine St., New Orleans 504/609-2436 riversspencer.com 72 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

Mullin Landscape Associates, LLC 621 Distributor Row Ste. F, Harahan 504/275-6617 mullinlandscape.com

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 73

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Shop LOUISIANA CUSTOM CLOSETS 13405 Seymour Meyer Blvd #24 Covington 985/871-0810 louisianacustomclosets.com

St. Charles Lighting 5029 Veterans Blvd, Metairie 504/888-2801 15223 Hwy 90, Paradis 985/758-2020 stcharleslighting.com

Villa Vici 4112 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/899-2931 villavici.com

74 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

Adda Carpets and Flooring 5480 Mounes St. Harahan 504/736-9001 addacarpetsandflooring.com

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 75

a dvertis in g s ec tio n

Shop VIP Kitchens 141 W Harrison Ave Suite C New Orleans 504/324-7930 myvipkitchens.com

PIERI TILE & MARBLE CO. INC. 3622 Toulouse St., New Orleans 504/488-1509 pieritile.com

Cabinets by Design 5201 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans 504/899-2300 cabinetsbydesign.com RUG CHIC HOME DÉCOR 4240 Hwy 22, Mandeville 985-674-1070 rugchic.com 76 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 77

78 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

home renewal

a threshold issue The details on door-shopping

By Peter Reichard

Italians really know how to make a grand entrance.

Visitors to Italy often set out to see, say, the Uffizi gallery or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. But during an upcoming trip to Italy, I’m looking forward to the doors. The Tuscans, in particular, have put a lot of effort into their doors over the centuries. During the Middle Ages, Bonanno Pisano managed to get the entire life of Christ onto the door of Pisa’s cathedral.

During the Renaissance, Lorenzo Ghiberti crafted such beautiful entrances for the Florentine Baptistery that Michelangelo gave one of them the appellation “Porta del Paradiso.”

And why not go for

l’ultimo when it comes to an entryway? It’s the one part of a building that every visitor not only sees, but sees up close – and touches.

Unfortunately, even in lavishly appointed homes, the front door is often either utterly utilitarian or a trite afterthought. Sometimes the door doesn’t even match the house. Certain folk apparently think that a beveled-glass Victorian knockoff is the perfect door for any style of house.

Luckily, in New Orleans we’re lucky enough to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to buying doors.

For historic houses, there are places that sell doors for each vintage. Ricca’s in Mid-City and The Bank in Ricca’s

80 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

Ricca’s

Central City are veritable museums of antique doors.

Walking their aisles makes for a nice afternoon, even if you’re not in the market for a door. Ricca’s also sells a variety of reproductions suitable for a Creole cottage or a craftsman bungalow and a lot in between. These stores also offer a rich selection of antique and reproduction hardware.

Along the same lines, you may be able to pick up a few gems amid the wider mélange of offerings at the Green Project in St. Roch.

For a selection of reproduction doors and hardware, check Dixie Millwork & Door Co. on Metairie Road.

For hardware alone, stroll the brass and antique stores in the French Quarter and along Magazine Street, such as Accessories in Brass near Napoleon

Avenue or the venerable H. Rault on the other side of Louisiana Avenue.

If you can’t find quite the right door at the architectural salvage stores or among reproductions, there are numerous craftsmen in town who can do work from scratch worthy of the 19th century. Among the contenders are MBM Custom Millworks in Mid-City and Central City Millworks.

Of course, many houses in the area call for a more modern touch. My own house has a mid-century modern dwelling, and I’m not particularly happy with the front door. It would be appropriate for, say, a neo-craftsman style house, if such a thing exists, but not for the clean lines and ornament-free design of the house it fronts. My options are limited to either custom millwork locally or

Modernus

one of the door makers out in the wide world.

Luckily, the Italians are still making spectacular doors and hardware. Door makers like Italdoors and Milano boast avant garde Italian designs and hardware. At the higher end of the price range, the Venetian company Oikos sells doors that pivot from the same plane as the wall or swing flush from the wall on hidden hinges. It also sells motorized sliding doors.

One California-based company apparently loves sliding doors so much it named itself The Sliding Door Company. It focuses on interior doors, offering room dividers, partitions, closet doors and barn doors in solid, clear and translucent materials. Another California company’s name, Modernus, gives you an idea of its aesthetic. It also specializes in interior doors.

In many cases, there’s no need to change the door, just the hardware. For instance, all of my interior doors

are plain, flat, solid-wood rectangles – probably the originals from the 1950s.

Whether or not they fit the aesthetic of the house depends therefore on the hardware. They call for clean steel geometry, rather than ornamented brass curlicues.

In the hardware department, German company Bartels offers some formidable pulls and knobs. California company Specialty Doors & Hardware provides a wide variety of sharp-looking lever handles, including a locking handle that opens with a wireless digital key pad.

With galvanized brushedsteel shells, sleek hardware and frosted, smash-proof glass, front doors can be modern all’estremo. They can give visitors inspiration, with visions of future. Or, a la Ricca’s, they can bring nostalgia, redolent of an age past. And if they’re well-built enough, they may last as long as the works of Bonanno Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti. n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 81

retailer spotlight

abode Erin Jacobs

By Pamela Marquis

Abode is a local, family-owned business with strong roots in New Orleans.

It’s a boutique-style home furnishing and accessories store offering sophisticated and unique home furnishings, lighting, artwork, linens, rugs, accessories and gifts. Besides carrying a wide variety of well-known lines, they also support local artists and their work. They also provide free design services, and if you cannot find exactly what you had in mind on their showroom floor, they can special order it. Many of the shop’s furniture selections can be customordered in the fabric and finish of your choice. Owner Erin Jacobs uses four key elements to help her clients reach their interior design goals: function, comfort, style and budget.

How would you describe the “perfect” piece of furniture? For me, the perfect

piece of furniture provides a solution, suits the room – both in terms of scale and design – and makes you happy every time you see it!

What current trend excites you? The trend I see a lot

of right now is clients not knowing exactly how to describe their style. They

might use 10 different words to describe “their look” to me. This is exciting to me because it often means they want a blend of styles, not a “cookie cutter” design. They want to create their own style that works for their space. I really enjoy working with clients throughout this process.

Where do you get your inspiration? Everywhere!

Sometimes from the more obvious sources like photos, magazines and travel, but often from the less obvious, simple things, like a walk outside or a piece of jewelry.

How would you summarize your design philosophy? My design

philosophy is, ask the right questions: “How do I want my space to look, function and feel?” Answering these questions helps to ensure that designs plans cover not just needs and not just desires but both. n

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Abode 2114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 266-2135

cheryl gerber photo

82 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

retailer spotlight

villa vici Vikki Leftwich

By Pamela Marquis

Villa Vici was established in 1991 by Vikki Leftwich and her husband, Bryan Colwell. It’s a one-stop interior design resource center that carries upholstery, tables, storage, lighting, floor coverings, window treatments and furniture for both indoors and out. It also carries original art, reclaimed wood and antique one-of-a- kind objects. The firm offers a full range of interior design services. “New Orleans’ laissez-faire attitude is exemplified in Villa Vici home furnishings and staff ... a beautiful city with friendly faces,” says Leftwich.

How would you describe your design style/philosophy?

I take a minimalist approach in blending contemporary art, furniture and accessories with classic home furnishings. Less is more!

How do you work with clients? When designing

interiors for a client I always have them visit Villa Vici to see what excites their senses. From there, I get a pretty good idea of their personal style and then I interview them on their actual living arrangements such as if they are single, or have children or animals, etc. before directing them on what could work best

for their lifestyle. Finding out their favorite color is important, so I can incorporate it in artwork, accent pillows and even lighting fixtures.

Where do you get your inspiration? My inspiration

comes from traveling and going to trade shows. As a buyer for 40 years, I’m always searching for that one new item that I can share with my clientele.

Villa Vici’s new life-sized wire man sculptor creates lots of interest sitting on our white sofas in our display window. He is constantly being photographed by passers-by.

What do you like and do you have a favorite item in your home? I’m in

love with the clean-line, European-style upholstery that is contemporary and classic. My favorite item is one I designed, a white sectional that incorporates a 15-inch box arm with an acrylic tray. n

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Villa Vici 112 Magazine St. 899-2931 cheryl gerber photo

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NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 85

expert advice Vikki Leftwich at Villa Vici shows us how to layer and marry pieces for a great look.

clean sweep Spring is the perfect time to de-clutter and freshen up your home.

By Lee Cutrone

Call it a seasonal effect. In January, we make resolutions. In spring, we clean. But spring cleaning isn’t just about brooms and dustpans. It’s an opportunity to improve the aesthetics of our homes as well. And with a little guidance, we can streamline the process and do it with ease.

De-Clutter

The experts agree. Spring cleaning should start with clearing your home of clutter. “Spring cleaning is the perfect time to finally let go of things in your house that really don’t bring anything other than dust to your space,” says Shaun Smith, owner of the eponymous Shaun Smith Home. “I always say if you feel like you might have a place for it later, it really means you will never have a place for it. Purge.” Villa

Vici owner Vikki Leftwich offers similar advice. “To me, spring cleaning means minimalizing; start taking things away,” says Leftwich, whose rule of thumb for saying goodbye to something is when it’s been in a drawer or closet unused for a year.

A firm believer in serene, less-is-more interior design, she counsels clients to pare down the things they display in their homes.

Rather than having personal photographs all over the home, for example, Leftwich prefers a small collection of favorite photographs in a personal area such as a bedroom or bathroom. (For a large gallery of photos, she suggests framing them alike and grouping them in a private area such as a hall leading to a bedroom.) There are many ways of passing on the gently used, collectible and/or valuable things you

86 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

eliminate from your home: Donate them, gift them, have a garage sale or take them to a consignment shop.

And once you’ve removed the unwanted things that literally cloud your vision, cleaning – the next step – will be easier.

Clean and Organize

Smith’s formula for cleaning and organizing begins in the kitchen and moves from there to the closets.

But wherever you start, spring cleaning will be more manageable if it’s done a room at a time. Villa Vici’s Leftwich likes to remove all of the smaller pieces from a space (items on bookshelves and tables, throws and pillows) and leave the larger anchor pieces such as sofas and tables in order to assess how the space is working.

“Start analyzing your furniture,” says Leftwich.

“Before you slipcover a

cheryl gerber photographs

sofa, ask yourself how old it is and if you like the style of it. Slipcovering could be half the cost of a new sofa when what you really want is a new sofa.” Once the basics are considered, you can selectively bring decorative pieces back in and determine what’s no longer in sync or what might be added. “One mistake people make is they shop first,” says Erin Jacobs, owner of Abode in Metairie, who also goes through the exercise of removing and replacing. “I prefer to take everything out and just leave the big pieces and kind of go shopping in your house.

Once I put things [the client already owns] back, then I go shopping for new things.”

Containing your belongings also will go a long way toward giving your home a renewed sense of organization and

Rivers Spencer’s great way to use a buffet for storage

beauty. Two ideas for the organizationally-challenged: Shauna Leftwich of Ashley Hall Interiors favors keeping shoes in plastic bins labeled with photographs; while Jacobs likes the diversity of basket options currently available. “Baskets are great for children; they make things accessible and easy to clean up,” says Jacobs.

“And there are some pretty ones out there that can become part of the décor.”

Create Storage

Other, more permanent storage options may cost more, but designers say the they are worth the investment. Depending on the client’s space and budget, Leftwich says custom built-in cabinetry that’s simple and modern can be a transformative solution. “All your stuff is behind closed

doors,” she says. “There is less cluttering your mind and visual senses.”

Rivers Spencer of Rivers Spencer Interiors also uses furnishings, such as buffets and storage ottomans, as a means of keeping clutter at bay. A hot trend in the furniture market, many of today’s sleek, dual-function ottomans work in a variety of rooms including living spaces and bedrooms. Custom, oneof-a-kind furnishings are another great way to hide away the necessities of life. “The beauty of what I do is that if people have a special size requirement or function requirement, I can make it,” says Blueswood owner Casey Lipe, who designs and builds pieces using cypress from the Mississippi Delta. “The only limitation is our own imaginations.” Lipe’s stock

and custom items include cabinets, armoires, and platform beds with drawers for stowing things like sheets and duvets.

Small Changes/ Big Differences

Choosing neutral underpinnings such as wall colors and sofas, according to our experts, will extend the life of your décor and make it easier to refresh your environment without breaking the bank. “I always recommend neutrals for big investment items like custom drapes,” says Spencer. “Neutrals transcend seasons. It’s about getting it right the first time.” Among the small ways that our experts say you can create a change: Replace light fixtures or the shades on lamps, add color with pillows, throws or accent pieces, change pillows or throws for a more seasonal look, buy new books for your coffee table, repurpose a piece of furniture (whose lines and scale you like) with paint or new hardware, bring in fresh blooms and add a piece of art. They offer the following creative ideas as well: Vikki Leftwich: “Mix a traditional Tara Shaw antique chandelier with a great contemporary bubble glass chandelier. If people are willing to step outside the box a little, it makes a statement.”

Erin Jacobs: “I love Dash

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 87

Keep it Cohesive

All of our experts advocate a mix of styles and periods for a look that’s relevant to what’s going on in the world of interior design. But all say that a discerning eye, attention to detail and a consistent hand are also a must. “A mid-century modern piece works well with other simple or transitional pieces, but I wouldn’t put it next to a French armoire,” cautions Villa Vici’s Leftwich. “It has to do with layering and marrying pieces,” says Jacobs, who likes to juxtapose contemporary pieces with antiques.

There should be a cohesive blend.” Jacobs says creating a cohesive design scheme throughout your house even extends to the outdoors.

“In spring we start thinking about bringing the outdoors in and vice versa,” she says.

“It’s a good time to consider

things like outdoor furniture and cushions.”

Consult A Professional

If you’re not sure what to do away with, how to organize and arrange things, or how to tweak your décor with the subtle or the unexpected, hiring the services of a professional can help. “Get professional advice so you don’t have to continuously change things,” counsels Villa Vici’s Leftwich. “Planning is key.”

Even designers themselves sometimes turn to other designers for ideas. After decades in the business, Ashley Hall’s Leftwich once made an appointment with the store’s late founder, Joe Morrow, to review the selections she’d made for her own home. “A designer can give you a fresh pair of eyes,” she says. n

Beautiful Dash and Albert indoor/outdoor rugs from Abode

and Albert’s indoor/outdoor rugs. They are made of polypropylene that cleans nicely and are very economical. It’s a nice way to bring in some color on a budget.”

Shaun Smith: “A very dramatic change in a house is yanking that ceiling fan down from your living room/ bedroom and putting up a beautiful lantern. You can always tuck a fan away in a closet when you need it.”

Rivers Spencer: “I like to pick something a client likes and build on it. For instance, minerals and geodes are trending right now. If you

like that sort of thing, add it to a mantle or as an accessory on top of books or start a little collection.”

Shauna Leftwich: “Drapery styles today are more minimal. If you have drapery that’s traditional with swags or jabots, eliminate the heavy top treatment and just use the side panels to soften the window with a beautiful rod.”

Casey Lipe: “I like the idea of replacing something new with something old.

Natural, rustic woods give an air of nature that refreshes year-round.”

88 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

Shauna Leftwich at Ashley Hall Interiors gives us a great idea to place shoes in plastic bins labeled with photographs

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advertising resource directory Auction

Crescent City Auction Gallery 1330 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans 504/529-5057 crescentcityauctiongallery.com

building materials

Adda Carpets and Flooring 5480 Mounes St. Harahan 504/736-9001 Addacarpetsandflooring.com

BC Rock Forms P.O. Box 1642 Independence 985/951-8787 bcrockforms.com

Demo Diva Demolition Diva Architectural Salvage 6246 Memphis St. New Orleans 504/486-4121 demodiva.com

Doors of Elegance 3100 Kingman St., Suite 107 Metairie 504/887-5440 985/893-0057 doorsofelegance.com

Ferguson 901 S Labarre Road, Ste 204 Metairie 504/849-3060 ferguson.com

Jefferson Door 1227 First Ave. Harvey 504/340-2471 jeffersondoor.com

Palatial Stone

Zinsel Glass

Eclectic Home

1120 Lafayette St. Gretna 504/367-2330 zinselglass.com

8211 Oak St. New Orleans 504/866-6654 Eclectichome.net

custom home builders Roussel Builders LLC

Greg Arceneaux Cabinetmakers Inc.

201 Marguerite Road Metairie 504/415-6730 rousselbuilders.com

17319 Norwell Drive Covington 985/893-8782 gregarceneaux.com

financial

Jon Vaccari Antiques and Design

Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank 800/220-2497 fidelityhomestead.com

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust 3221 Behrman Place New Orleans 504/599-5747 sarafernandez@gulfbank.com 1825 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/556-4232 marcialeone@gulfbank.com

Whitney Bank 228 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans 1-800-813-7346 whitneybank.com/mortgage

gardening/landscape Exterior Designs

2903 Octavia St. New Orleans 504/866-0276 exteriordesignsbev.com

Gomez Pine Straw LLC 2025 Spartan Drive Mandeville 504/481-9416 gomezpinestrawllc.com

2052 Paxton St. Harvey 504/340-2229 2033 N. Highway 190, Suite 9 Covington 985/249-6868 palatialstone.com

Mullin Landscape Associates LLC 621 Distributors Row Suite F Harahan 504/275-6617 mullinlandscape.com

Golf course

Money Hill Country Club 100 Country Club Drive Abita Springs 985/892-3300 Monyehill.com

home furnishings & accessories Abode

2114 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/266-2135 shopatabode.com

Ashley Hall Interiors 832 Howard Ave. New Orleans 504/524-0196 Ashleyhallinteriors.com

Blueswood Inc. 4904R Magazine St. New Orleans 662/609-5473 blueswood.com

Brian’s Furniture & Appliances 515 Court St. Historic Downtown Port Allen 225/346-0896 briansfurniture.com

Pieri Tile & Marble Co. Inc. 3622 Toulouse St. New Orleans 504/488-1509 pieritile.com

Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

Custom Woodwork and Design JonVaccari

90 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

504/722-1390 customwoodworkanddesign.com

1912 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans 504/899-7632 JonVaccariDesign.com

Lafargue Pianos 1828 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/831-3008 lafarguepianos.com

Mignon Faget 3801 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/891-2005 The Shops at Canal Place New Orleans 504/524-2973 Lakeside Shopping Center Metairie 504/835-2244 Mignonfaget.com

Nola Rugs 3944 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/891-3304 nolarugs.com

Rivers Spencer Interiors 4610 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/609-2436 riversspencer.com

Rug Chic Home Decor 4240 Hwy. 22 Mandeville 985/674-1070 rugchic.com

Shades of Blue 3530 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/891-1575 shadesofblueinc.com

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advertising resource directory Shaun Smith Home 3947 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/896-1020 shaunsmithhome.com

St. Charles Lighting 5029 Veterans Blvd.

504/888-2801 15223 Hwy 90 Paradis 985/758-2020 stcharleslighting.com

The French Mix

985/892-7713 campbellcabinets.com

Classic Cupboards, Inc. 5809 River Oaks Road South Harahan 504/734-9088 classiccupboards.com

Home Décor 10920 E. I-10 Service Road New Orleans 504/245-8288 hd-kitchenandbath.com

228 Lee Lane Covington 985/809-3152 shopthefrenchmix.com

Liz Hartman-Lawson, Interior Designer

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Marchand Creative Kitchens

533 Royal St. New Orleans 504/523-4662 hnoc.org

The Shops At 2011 2011 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/407-0499 theshopsat2011.com

Villa Vici 4112 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/899-2931 villavici.com

Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design 1533 Prytania St. New Orleans 504/525-7409 wrenstontine.com

kitchen & bath Cabinets by Design 5201 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans 504/899-2300 cabinetsbydesign.com

Cameron Kitchen & Bath Designs Inc. 8019 Palm St. New Orleans 504/486-3759 cameronkitchens.com

Campbell Cabinet Co. 220 Hord St. Harahan 504/733-4687 4040 Hwy. 59 Mandeville

504/491-1007 liz@priorityfloors.com

3517 Division St. Metairie 504/888-0695 2180 N. Causeway Blvd.

Mandeville 985/892-2572 Mckitchens.com

Nordic Kitchens & Baths Inc. 1818 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/888-2300 nordickitchens.com

Northshore Millwork 1750 South Ln., Ste. 2 Mandeville 985/867-1813 northshoremillwork.com

The Cabinet Makeover 2206 Barataria Blvd.

Marrero 504/416-2587 cmakeover@yahoo.com

Doors of Elegance

Lambeth House 150 Broadway New Orleans 504/865-1960 lambethhouse.com

specialists

Audubon Pressure Washing 504/616-7467 apwnola@aol.com audubonpressurewashing.com

Bayou Closets 2537 North Rampart St. New Orleans 504/944-8388 Rob@BayouClosets.com

504/361-0501 flooranddecorneworleans.com

Jim Stone Co 30440 Hwy. 190 Lacombe 985/882-5907 Jimstoneco.com

Louisiana Custom Closets 13405 Seymour Meyer Blvd., #24 Covington 985/871-0810 louisianacustomclosets.com

Russell’s Cleaning Services

3211 N. Causeway Blvd.

Metairie 504/828-5705 californiaclosets.com/Metairie

3401 Tulane Ave. New Orleans 504/482-3153 3704 Robertson St. Metairie 504/832-1546 russellscleaning.com

Davie Shoring Inc.

The Mailbox Guy

504/455-5059 rentals@1st-lake.com 1stlake.com

3 Veterans Blvd.

Kenner 504/464-4712 davieshoring.com

704 Hickory Ave Harahan 504/466-5035 TheMailboxGuyNewOrleans.com

retirement living Home Care Solutions

Floor & Décor Design Gallery

Toca Alarm Service

2801 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/891-3005 4 Westside Shopping Center Gretna

1 West Union Kenner 504/780-8622 tocaalarm.com •

VIP Kitchens 141 W Harrison Suite C New Orleans 504/324-7930 myvipkitchens.com

real estate 1st Lake Properties, Inc

2955 Ridge Lake Dr Suite 201 Metairie 504/828-0900 homecareneworleans.com

92 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

California Closets

resources The area code is 504, unless otherwise noted.

Artist Profile, pg. 12 Steve Martin Fine Art, 624 Julia St., 566-1390, stevemartinfineart.com

For the Garden, pg. 16 Global Green’s Holy Cross Project, 409 Andry St., 525-2121, globalgreen.org; Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, 3617 General Pershing St., 373-6274, wilsoncharterschool.org; Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center, 4300 S. Broad St., 596-2660; LSU AgCenter, lsuagcenter. com; Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, 365 Canal St., 561-8686, eskewdumezripple.com; Community Service Center, 4000 Magazine St., 897-6277, cscnouw.org

Living with Antiques, pg. 18 Gerrie Bremermann, Bremermann Designs, 3943 Magazine St., 891-7763, bremermanndesigns.com; Lucullus 610 Chartres St., 528-9620, lucullusantiques.com

Masters of Their Craft, pg. 20 Tchoup Industries, tchoupindustries.com

Trendwatch, pg. 23 Rivers Spencer Interiors, 4610 Magazine St., 609-2436, riversspencer.com; Shaun Smith, 3947 Magazine St., 896-1020, shaunsmithhome. com; perch., 2844 Magazine St., 899-2122, perch-home. com; Design Within Reach, 3138 Magazine St., 3138 Magazine St., 891-6520, dwr. com; Jon Vaccari Design, 1912

St. Charles Ave., 899-7632, jonvaccaridesign.com; Gallery 3954, 3954 Magazine St., (828) 273-2935, gallery3954. com; Lum, 3806 Magazine St., 939-1474, shoplum.com.

“Renovated Home of the Year” pg. 34 Dodie Smith, 1018 Bienville St., 566-0585, charlottespencersmith.com; H. Mitchell Settoon, 905-0871, mitchellsettoon.com; Jonathan Adler, jonathanadler.com; ProVision Interiors LLC, 975-4860; Huey Brown’s Kitchen, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001, hueybrownskitchen. com; Keller Supply Co., 3217 27th St., Metairie, 834-8688; Adda Carpets and Flooring, addacarpetsandflooring.com, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001, 70448 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 871-0081, addacarpetsandflooring.com; All Modern, allmodern.com; Scandinavia Furniture, 8847 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-7100, scandinaviafurniture.com; C Glass & Closets Inc., 2301 Helena St., Kenner, 465-0450; Conrad’s Welding Service, 2116 Joliet St., 452-3977: Awning World, 6004 Hollyfield Drive, Baton Rouge, (225) 756-3266, awningworld.com, Leo Galvan, 432-4384

“Junior League Kitchen Tour” pg. 45 Spring Interiors, springinteriors@yahoo.com; Marchand Creative Kitchens, 3517 Division St., Metairie, 888-0695, 2180 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 892-2572,

94 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Spring 2014

mckitchens.com; Leonard Craig Construction, 8318 Parc Place, Chalmette, 271-7171; The Stone Gallery, 5600 Mounes St, Harahan, 733-5566, stonegalleryno. com; Carr Stone & Tile Co., 3200 Andover St, Jefferson, 835-8453, carrstone.com; Lighting Incorporated, 8180 Earhart Blvd., 486-57619; M Carbine Restorations, Ltd., 911 Constantinople St., 895-9016; Classic Cupboards, 5809 River Oaks Road S., Elmwood, 734-9008, classiccupboards. com; Mark Hampton LLC, 654 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y., (212) 753-4110; Mediterranean Tile, (866) 668- TILE, medtile. com; Ron-Del Floor Services, 8341 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, 737-5460, ron-del.com; Service Electric, 101 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, 888-7887; Terry Tedesco Home Builders, 7913 Maple St., 324-8841, terrytedesco.com; Premium Wood Floors Inc., 563 Diplomat St., Terrytown, 247-3610; Tuscan Stone Imports, 720 S. Galvez St., 837-1511, tuscanstoneimports.com; LCR Plumbing/ The Plumbing Warehouse, 1995 Gentilly Blvd., 940-6402, theplumbingwarehouse.net; Fischer-Gambino, 637 Royal St., 524-9067; Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 866-6654, eclectichome.net; Caroline Ferguson, AIA and ASID, 5008 Prytania St., 427-0237, carolinefergusonarchitect. com; Martin Pierce Hardware, martinpierce.com; Stafford Tile & Stone, 5234 Magazine St., 895-5000, staffordtile.com; Karla Katz Antiques, 4017 Magazine St., 897-0061; Katie

Koch Drapery, 1117 Josephine St., 410-1450, katiekochdrapery.com; TK Collections, tkcollections.com; Cameron Kitchen and Bath Designs, 8019 Palm St., 486-3759, cameronkitchens.com; Amerock, amerock.com; Circa Lighting, circalighting.com; Floormasters, 611 Seguin St., 401-4030; McGuire Furniture, mcguirefurniture.com; Brandon Construction, 919 W. 24th Ave., Covington, (985) 249-5099, brandonconstructionco. com; Jody Zeringue, SCNZ Architects, 2134 Magazine St., 301-3722, scnz.net; Northshore Millwork, LLC, 1740 S. Lane #2, Mandeville, (985) 867-1813; northshoremillwork. com; Aidan Gray Home, aidangrayhome.com; Nature’s Own, LLC, 123 Lafitte St., Mandeville, (985) 624-9728; Orient Expressed, 3905 Magazine St., 899-3060, orientexpressed. com; Shades of Light, 1123 Josephine St., 524-6500, lampsandshadesnola.com; Plauche Electric, 3113 Tennesee Ave., Kenner, 443-1226, ATH Painter Contractors Inc., 5500 Prytania St., 865-1500; Thomasville Cabinetry, thomasvillecabinetry. com; St. Charles Lighting, 15223 U.S 90, Paradis, (985) 758-2020, stcharleslighting. com; Campo Better Living, multiple locations, campobetterliving.com; Strip-Ease of New Orleans Inc., 3301 Lafitte St., 484-3040; Huey Brown’s Kitchens, 5840 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001, hueybrownskitchen.com; Abode, 2114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 266-2135, shopatabode.com; Anne

Bishton Design LLC, 8519 Oak St., 304-3776; Adex USA, adexusa.com; Dura Supreme Cabinetry, durasupreme.com; Bell Architects, 755 Camp St., 596-2355, bellarchitects.net; Melissa Rufty, MMR Interiors, 3806 Magazine St., 899-7020, mmrinteriors.com.

Retailer Spotlights, pg. 66 Abode, 2114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 266-2135, shopatabode. com; Villa Vici, 112 Magazine St., 899-2931, villavici.com.

Home Renewal, pg.80 Ricca’s, 511 N. Solomon St., 488-5524, riccasarchitectural. com; The Bank, 1824 Felicity St., 523-1455, thebankantiques. com; Green Project, 2831 Marais St., 945-0240, thegreenproject. org; Dixie Millwork & Door Co., 3335 Metairie Road, Metairie, 837-9205, dixiemillwork.com; H. Rault, 3027 Magazine St., 895-5346, hrault.com; MBM Custom Mill Works, 3305 Lafitte St., 483-3773, neworleanswood. com; Central City Millworks, 2610 Second St., 899-1345, centralcitymillworks.com; Italdoors, 1 (800) 615-DOORS, italdoors.it; Milano Doors, (732) 828-0028, milanodoors.com; Oikos, oikos. it, The Sliding Door Company, slidingdoorco.com; Modernus, modernus.com; Bartels bartelsdoors.com; Specialty Doors & Hardware, specialtydoors.com.

Expert Advice, pg. 70 Shaun Smith, 3947 Magazine St., 896-1020, shaunsmithhome. com; Villa Vici, 112 Magazine St., 899-2931, villavici.com; Abode, 2114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 266-2135, shopatabode.com; Ashley Hall Interiors, 832 Howard Ave., 524-0196, ashleyhallinteriors. com; Rivers Spencer Interiors, 4610 Magazine St., 609-2436, riversspencer.com; Blueswood, 4904 Magazine St., (662) 609-5473, blueswood.com. n

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 95

last indulgence

a sweet, tart treat Life giving you lemons isn’t always a bad thing.

By Sarah Ravits

As a kid growing up in the Pacific Northwest, the weather would mandate that my siblings and I wait until at least June to set up a lemonade stand on the lawn, but even then, the cul-de-sac we lived in didn’t draw much traffic. What I do remember most of all, though, is being eternally grateful for the few patrons (usually our parents’ friends and neighbors) who

would stop by for this cold drink. It was usually on a mild, 70-degree day, and they were driving home from air-conditioned offices with filtered water coolers, but they at least humored us by pretending to be parched, as if they’d been wandering through the desert for miles.

(Newsflash: There are no deserts near Seattle.) The customers who left us extra

quarters were sure to be rewarded by the universe, we philosophized.

Here, though, no one has to wait till June to frequent a lemonade stand. March, and definitely April are seasonally appropriate for this refreshment. At Jazz Fest on a hot day, there’s nothing that compares to sipping a huge serving of lemonade at the Fair

Grounds under the hot sun, replacing those electrolytes you lost while dancing.

To this day I am hardly capable of passing a lemonade stand without stopping – I figure that even if I’m hydrated and coming from an air-conditioned office, lemonade is always a welcome treat, and besides that, an extra quarter is a small price to pay for good karma. n EUGENIA UHL PHOTO