New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles Summer 2014

SUMMER 2014

display until AUGUST 31, 2014

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summer 2014 / Volume 17 / Issue 3 Editor Sarah Ravits creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo associate Editor Melanie Warner Spencer web editor Lauren LaBorde contributing editors Laura Claverie, Lee Cutrone, Vesta Fort, Valorie Hart, Pamela Marquis, Robert Peyton, Peter Reichard, Margaret Zainey Roux Contributing Photographers Thom Bennett, Sara Essex Bradley, Cheryl Gerber, Jeffery Johnston, Eugenia Uhl interns Hannah McIntyre, Lexi Wangler sales manager Aimee Arceneaux 504/830-7240 or Aimee@MyNewOrleans.com senior Account Executive Brooke LeBlanc 504/830-7242 or Brooke@MyNewOrleans.com traffic manager Erin Duhe production manager Staci McCarty production designer Ali Sullivan 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 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Denise Dean subscriptions/Receptionist Sara Kelemencky

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 Summer 2014

contents in every issue 6. Editor’s Note

22

10. Style 14. Artist Profile David Halliday

16. Gatherings That’s a wrap!

16

10

Forget the bread – let lettuce wrap up this summertime sandwich.

18. For the Garden A Rosy Outlook Tips for Rose Gardens

20. Living with Antiques Stained-Glass Windows A brief history and lessons on maintenance

22. Masters of Their Craft On the Map Artist Ellen Macomber infuses an easygoing sensibility into map-inspired art.

25. TrendWatch Outdoor Entertaining Hot looks for your next garden party.

80. Home Renewal Rules to Build a Dream On Tips from a development consultant

features 32. City Park Chic Steve and Ellen Frischhertz celebrate the good life in their stylish yet comfortable home along City Park Avenue.

By Lee Cutrone

38. Backyard Bliss Written and styled by valorie hart

50. Summertime Bounty

By ROBERT PEYTON

58. The Results Are In! You’ve cast your votes, and here are the top picks of your favorite local vendors, shops and home experts.

4 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

96

82. Retailer Spotlight Mullin Landscape Associates Nordic Kitchens and Baths (p.83) Villa Vici (p.84) Zinsel Glass (p.85)

86. Expert Advice The Great Outdoors Enhancing your space for the summer months.

94. Resources 96. Last Indulgence Summer Succulents These versatile plants are low-maintenance and lovely.

editor’s note

step outside My spring cleaning was different than I imagined. For months I’d made sure not to schedule anything the weekend after Jazz Fast.

I had every intention of donating clothing I hadn’t worn in a few years, re-arranging some artwork, planting flowers in the yard, scrubbing the floors and taking care of other miscellaneous tasks that had been put off. I was looking forward to a calm, productive weekend at home.

I like deadlines; I need them. I am rarely someone who gets things done ahead of schedule. But a few days before the weekend, on my way back from a photo shoot in Lafayette, where my colleague and I had been working on our sister publication, Acadiana Profile, I received a frantic text message informing me that the neighbors had a flea infestation, and in order to eradicate the problem, everyone in the immediate vicinity would need to coordinate schedules and hire an exterminator. He arrived a good 30 minutes early, so I “evacuated” to the nearby Laundromat to wash (what seemed like) everything I owned after throwing it into my car. While

waiting for him to finish spraying toxic, flea-nuking chemicals into the house, I joked to a friend with a twinge of shame, “Can you believe I edit New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles?” I don’t think of myself as a control freak, but it was frazzling that “revamping and updating the house” plans had transformed into an attempt to get rid of a possible dormant infestation.

“It happens. It’s just that time of year,” she responded. Later that day after everything was washed, I took a break to sit in my (hopefully) flea-free backyard, enjoying the last few minutes of daylight. As the sun set, I heard the melodic chirping of a frog, and it had a soothing, lullaby-esque effect on me as it reminded me of the lushness of summer that’s about to take place.

I felt stress-free and postponed the remaining chores till the next day.

My backyard has always put me in a state of bliss, and it’s where I prefer to do most of my entertaining, whether it’s having a glass of wine after work or inviting 15 people over to grill.

I’m excited about this issue, because we focus a lot on being outside. On pg.

38, Valorie Hart and Sara Essex Bradley showcase some amazing, eclectic outdoor spaces, offering tons of helpful tips, whether your style is simple and elegant or funky and colorful.

Complementing this is Trendwatch (p.25), where Vesta Fort shows you all

the accessories and necessities you’ll need for outdoor entertaining.

Speaking of outdoor entertainment, Steve and Ellen Frischhertz (pg. 32) hit the jackpot when they purchased their Victorian home on City Park Avenue.

When Ellen isn’t strolling in the park (which she does daily), she’s often spending time on one of her porches that overlooks it. The interior of the home is just as fabulous as the setting – with a light, neutral palette, the breezy home is a sanctuary during the hot summer months.

Another highlight of this issue is “Summertime Bounty,” pg. 50. Robert Peyton constantly tests out recipes before finalizing them for publication.

Here he shares six creative originals that are especially tailored for the summer months. We have tons of other helpful articles in this issue, too, and I hope that you enjoy it and find some inspiration as you linger in your own outdoor oasis, during this anticipated time of year. n — Sarah Ravits, Editor

On the Cover: Jill and Peter DeBroeck’s patio, p. 38 Photographed by Sara Essex Bradley

cheryl gerber Photograph

6 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

8 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

ADVERTISEMENT

Beyond Aesthetics:

Shutters & Storm Security in South Louisiana A

cross South Louisiana, shutters are an architectural staple, about as commonplace as the shotgun-style houses that dot each cityscape.

There are a number of uses for shutters on a house, whether new or old, and with hurricane season upon us, now is the time to consider your options and which shutters would best suit the needs of your home or business.

To find the best solution for your needs, consider the four main uses for shutters: aesthetic appeal, shade, security, and storm protection.

Many builders, contractors, and homeowners want the aesthetic appeal of historic colonial or board and batten shutters but don’t want to pay the high cost of hiring a skilled craftsman to recreate authentic wooden shutters. To cut costs on new builds and old-home renovations, they instead purchase cheap vinyl or plastic shutters that offer a similar look but without the same quality and without function. After five or six years of enduring the Louisiana sun and heat, these decorative shutters warp and fade, requiring replacements.

Wooden shutters, while offering varying amounts of shade, security, and storm protection in addition to aesthetic appeal, can be extremely costly (up to ten times their vinyl and plastic counterparts) and require constant maintenance.

Between replacing broken louvers in colonial shutters and re-coating and painting to prevent rot, wooden shutters require significant investment of time and money.

Since 1957, LAS Home has been a household name in siding and windows, and over recent years, LAS has become a leader in the manufacturing of a

variety of shutters that can provide aesthetic appeal while also functioning to satisfy each customer’s individual need, whether it be shade, security, storm protection, or all three.

LAS has designed and developed a variety of styles of powder-coated aluminum shutters that mimic the look of wood without the maintenance or cost. This HomeGard collection includes both colonial and board and batten shutters, Bahama and Louvered Privacy Wall shutters. In addition, LAS offers roll-down and accordion shutters for anti-theft and security purposes.

“When a storm approaches, people in New Orleans and the surrounding area race out to the hardware store for plywood,” says Rick Maia, LAS owner and engineer. “But plywood doesn’t meet storm protection requirements—it warps when wet, you have to find somewhere to store it, and worse, you have to put it up and take it down year to year.”

Every LAS shutter (except the new awning-style shutter) offers storm protection and has been tested to the required ASTM criteria as set forth by the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and the Florida Building Code (FBC), which has become the standard for hurricane protection along the Gulf Coast.

Recognizing that homes farther from the coast may not need protection of 150mph winds, LAS also offers products with a thinner aluminum that have lesser ratings.

LAS’ Bahama shutter, while designed to provide shade, offers added benefits that other companies’ shutters do not.

“The easiest way to test and pass ASTM testing on a Bahama shutter is to make the louvers almost flat,” says Maia, “but I’ve made ours so that the louvers are tilted at about a 45 degree angle. You can still see out, and at same time, it prevents sunlight from coming in.”

In the way of security shutters, LAS offers a roll-down shutter called RollGard, which can be installed into the soffit and can be operated with a remote control. Residents wanting to protect their home simply have to press a button. The shutter recedes down over the window or door and becomes an immediate barrier.

“Once they’re down, the only way you’re going to lift it is with the motor or a manual crank. We’ve tested this shutter up to 350lbs of upward force,” says Maia. These high quality shutters use slats of only 1.875”, which creates a tighter roll and a storage box that runs about 2” smaller than others in the industry. A less expensive option is the LAS accordion shutter, which runs horizontally across the window.

“The biggest problem with our competitors is that you go online, order shutters, and then they arrive in a box, the hardware in a separate box, and there’s very little instructions,” says Maia. LAS custom measures, manufactures, and installs every shutter. Warranties and financing are also available.

“Most people want hurricane protection that looks good,” says Maia, “and we’re making LAS synonymous with quality hurricane protection.”

LAS offers free estimates. Call 1-800-264-1527 or visit LAShome.com.

style

Produced by Margaret Zainey Roux

Gypsy: A World of Colour & Interiors (Harper Design, $45)

Curve Appeal Admired throughout the world for his designs that exude “Elegance with an Edge,” luxury furniture designer, Christopher Guy channels his inner-Chanel in the “Mademoiselle” collection. He recently introduced more than 100 new products to the celebrated collection like the “Musette” chair, available in metallic and lacquered finishes and a host of luxurious fabrics. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 866-6654, christopherguy.com.

Revered designer Sibella Court is known for her eclectic vision and vibrant Bohemian interiors. In Gypsy, she takes you on a whirlwind tour through the Galapagos, Indochine, Turkey and Transylvania to reveal the elements that inspire her from churches to table settings to animals and aromas. Filled with dazzling designs, Gypsy encourages readers to draw artistic inspiration from the world that surrounds them, and it emphasizes the importance of the five senses and how they can help transport you to places you’ve been – or dream of going.

Street Scents California perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis knows what it means to miss New Orleans. So much so that she created “Magazine Street,” a bespoke fragrance that captures the essence of its lush gardens, wild history and black iron lace balconies. With notes of vanilla, vetiver, magnolia and botanical musk, Magazine Street is 100-percent certified organic and designed, decanted and bottled in-house at Balahoutis’ studio. Strange Invisible Perfumes, (800) 919-7472, siperfumes.com

Privacy, Please Whether it’s hiding a coat rack in a closet-less room; lending privacy for the sofa-sleeping houseguest; or adding panache to an awkward, empty corner, a fabulous folding screen offers endless possibilities. This four-paneled piece by local artist Sherry Haydel is made of natural burlap wrapped around a wooden frame. Its delicate motif is hand-stenciled in silver leaf from one of her original copyrighted designs. Sherry Haydel, Ltd. 866-0195, sherryhaydelltd.com.

select photos by sara essex bradley

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 11

style

Crescent City Chic Chesley Adler’s jewelry collection reflects the casual elegance of Big Easy living, but her “Bend” necklace honors the city in a more specific way by capturing the river’s iconic crescent in sterling or vermeil. Each pendant is handcrafted locally and now available on a white leather cord – just in time for summer. Chesley Adler Jewelry, 722 Canal St.; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie; chesleyadler.com

Comforts of Home There’s no place like home, so say it in style. The “Home. T” is the perfect gift for the recent grad, the first-time camper or any proud Louisianian. With designs for all 50 states, the recently launched T-shirt line has created quite a stir among celebrities including Mila Kunis, Kristin Cavallari and Jamie Chung, who have fallen for the cozy cotton T’s simple, nostalgic message.

The Home T., thehomet.com.

Party On Pump up the volume with CH!C Buds new “Porta Party” Bluetooth wireless speaker.

Perfect for the beach, park or travel, it’s small enough to toss in a tote, but its sound is big and strong enough to keep you jamming for up to 10 hours. The versatile little gadget also doubles as a speakerphone and comes in six trendy patterns to match any outfit. CH!C Buds, (855) 362-8346 or chicbuds.com.

Back to Basics Since 1870, PIRAL clay cookware has been making fresh food more fabulous. Referred to as the “cookware of the Earth,” the artisanal collection of colorful bowls, bakers and crocks is handmade from terracotta and fired twice in the kilns of Albisola, Italy. Their all-natural and metal-free compositions put them in a league of their own by retaining heat to cook more evenly and produce more complex flavors.

Langlois Culinary Crossroads, 1710 Pauger St., 934-1010 or pital.it.

12 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

select photos by sara essex bradley

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 13

artist profile

david halliday

By Lee Cutrone

David Halliday is a master of still photography.

He is known for his captivating portraiture, his still-lifes of exquisite ripened fruit (some with sexual undertones), his ethereal landscapes and his anthropological renderings of ordinary objects. But within the serene stillness of his works lie movement and life.

“I like taking pictures of things – old things, discarded, found, tethered and weathered,” he says. “It’s exciting when you discover something, often exhausted of its value or intent, and are able to give it new life as a photograph. The content in the photographs appears sculptural and objectified, but character always presents itself. Subtle as it is, there’s always a bit of animation.“ Halliday’s work reveals beauty, sensuality, nobility or other qualities that he sees in his subjects. Born in New York and raised in Connecticut, he has spent most of his life exploring art in the world that surrounds him. Encouraged by his mother, who introduced him to the arts, he took after-school studio art classes at a community center and later pursued photojournalism at Syracuse University. Unsatisfied by his college studies, he moved to Manhattan and began working in restaurant

kitchens, putting photography on hold. Moves to Boston, Chicago and Nantucket followed, and in 1991, he relocated to New Orleans to help assist a chef in a French Quarter restaurant and reinvigorate his photography pursuits. With a body of work that spans more than 20 years, he is represented locally

by Arthur Roger Gallery. His 2013 show, “Thread Bare,” included photographs and large-scale photo collages of objects that “speak to a fading America.” (For example, nautical artifacts which address the country’s eroding coastlines).

Elements of Halliday’s formal education and his life experience are evident in his work. His series of black and white and color still-lifes of

fruits and vegetables show influences of Renaissance and early 20th-century still-lifes.

He counts painters like Cotan, Carravaggiio and Morandi and photographers Steichen, Disfarmer and Weston among those whose aesthetics he admires. “I learned a lot in terms of differentiating between finding things to photograph out in the world

14 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

and those in a home space setting,” he says. But the greatest influence on his work in recent years is his own home, a tall, narrow 1880s residence in the Irish Channel. The hands-on requirements of caring for it have fed his creative spirit.

“I’ve contrived my living space in a way that incubates that studio moment,”’ says

Halliday. “I’m always fixing things, arranging things, attempting to put things in order, watching the light as it changes throughout the day.

It’s this type of engagement that most often leads to my picture-making process.”

Information, davidhallidayphotography.com, 621-1526; Arthurrogergallery.com, 528-2609 n THOM BENNETT PHOTOGRAPH

gatherings

that’s a wrap!

Forget the bread – let lettuce wrap up this summertime sandwich.

By Margaret Zainey Roux

Eugenia Uhl Photograph

16 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Move over chicken salad, you’ve got some competition. Although it’s not your typical sandwich, this light and citrusy shrimp lettuce wrap is totally picnic-friendly. For a quick fix, cook and prep the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate so you’re ready to rock, roll and wrap your way to a healthy summer lunch in minutes.

recipe Shrimp and Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Fresh Dill Makes 6-8 lettuce cups Ingredients 8 ounces of large uncooked shrimp (peeled, tails on), thawed 1/4 cup chicken, seafood, or vegetable broth 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 English cucumber, diced, or 2 regular cucumbers peeled and diced (about 2 to 2 1/2 cups) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill Juice from 1 small lemon (about 2 tablespoons) Salt and pepper to taste 6-8 pieces of green/red leaf or butter lettuce Crumbled feta cheese (optional) R Place broth in a skillet and heat to medium-high heat. Add garlic. Cook for approx 60 seconds then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside to cool. Add vinegar to skillet, and let the sauce reduce to about a third.

R When shrimp are cool enough to handle, remove all the tails and chop coarsely. Combine chopped shrimp in a medium bowl with reduced pan juices/garlic, diced cucumber, dill, lemon juice and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Spoon filling into lettuce leaves, sprinkle with a little cheese if desired, roll and serve.

Recipe by Brooke McLay

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 17

for the garden

a rosy outlook Tips for Rose Gardens

By Pamela Marquis

I am a plant hoarder.

Last year at this time I had 200-plus plants. But this winter after the third or fourth hard freeze, I just got lazy and did not protect my plants.

I paid the price, and I lost 90 percent of my collection.

The only thing that remained were a few bromeliads, two giant rosemary shrubs and a rose I dug up and brought back from my father’s beloved rose garden. He passed several years ago, and the beautiful red rose that

once bloomed in Wisconsin now provides me no end of joy every time one of its buds turns into a glorious bloom.

While dealing with the carnage left from the winter, I decided my new plant consumption would consist only of rosemary and roses.

With this decisive direction I began to find out all I could about roses. So I offer a few facts, some planting and care tips and some encouragement to avoid the temptation to plant all those tropicals again.

18 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Rose species have been on the planet for some 35 million years, enduring climate changes and adapting to a range of extreme climatic conditions. One can find roses growing almost in every country in the world. Roses are divided broadly into two categories “old roses” and “modern roses.” Old roses are all those that were cultivated before the late 18th century, and all flowers cultivated after late 18th century are called modern roses.

“Old garden roses, the ones your grandmother grew, don’t require the fertilizing and pesticides that modern roses do,” says Maureen Detweiler, one of the founding members of the New Orleans Old Garden Rose Society.

“Modern roses just don’t thrive without a lot of care and spraying. I never use any chemicals. With the old garden roses, I don’t have to.”

When planting a rose choose a site with at least six hours of direct, unfiltered

sunlight each day and plant in fertile, neutral soil. Roses like fairly heavy soil with a good mix of clay, sand and silt, as well as lots of organic material.

Roses are not droughtresistant. They need about an inch of water a week. Be sure to mulch your roses with approximately 3 or 4 inches of organic mulch. Another hint: If possible, use a soaker hose.

This hose slowly seeps water into the ground directly to the roses’ roots. If you don’t have a soaker be sure to water early in the day and avoid splashing the leaves. It keeps the leaves dry, which helps your roses resist disease.

The two diseases to look out for are blackspot and powdery mildew. For more information about growing roses in Louisiana go to LSU AgCenter’s webpage and find “Growing Roses: A Challenge in Louisiana.” This site also has a comprehensive list of the best types of roses to grow in this area. Or if you want old roses contact the New Orleans Old Garden Rose Society at countrysideroses.com.

Be sure to cut off faded blooms or “dead head” throughout the season. This also helps prevent disease and can encourage more blooms.

Cut faded rose flowers back to the nearest leaf. Be sure to remove and destroy diseased plant material.

Do not be afraid of pruning.

It’s not brain surgery. Prune roses in January or February.

Since many “everblooming” roses have an extended bloom period in Louisiana, some varieties may need a second, lighter pruning in late August.

In general, cut off damaged or dead branches and thin out

the middle of your plant to increase air flow to that area.

Prune your plant to about 2 feet from the ground.

You might also consider growing roses in containers.

That’s my plan, my yard is shady, my deck is not. Most roses can be grown successfully in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough to provide ample space for the roots, a container no less than 15 inches in diameter will do. Clay containers provide a cooler condition for the roots during hot weather.

They will do well for about two years and then will need transplanting. Also remember containers dry out more quickly than soil in the ground.

The single most interesting thing I learned in my rose research is that New Orleans is home to one of the world’s premiere antique rose gardens. A collection in Armstrong Park consists of 175 varieties of roses and is simply stunning with almost year round blooms.

“We have one of finest collection of antique roses in the country,” Leo Watermeier, curator of the antique rose garden says.

“These are treasures that we would like to see planted in gardens again.” He often conducts tours of the garden and can be reached at leowatermeier@cox.net.

Roses are a very forgiving plant; even if you have a few problems here and there, they almost always come back to life, they endure.

Plus they bring repeated summer blooms and fragrance into one’s life. I think I am probably now well on my way to becoming a rose hoarder. n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 19

living with antiques

stained-glass windows A brief history and lessons on maintenance

By Laura Claverie

Almost any New Orleans home of a certain age has a stained-glass window punctuating the interior. It might be a transom above a traditional, clear glass window or part of a series of windows tracing the route of a stairwell. Most likely, the stained glass has been there since the house was built, or it may have been added later

when owners wanted to pay homage to the past.

Stained glass, or colored glass, dates back to the time of the Egyptians and Phoenicians, but flourished during the Medieval age. Its roots began in churches.

“During this time, the money and power were tied up in the Catholic Church, and churches were designed

20 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

to let the architecture fade away and let the art form of these glorious windows shine through,” says Mel Buchanan, RosaMary Foundation curator of decorative arts and design at the New Orleans Museum of Art. “Biblical stories were communicated in windows to illiterate church members of the time. They were a symbol of beauty and power in the name of religion.”

With the Reformation came a change in ornamentation and a byproduct was a judgment against riches displayed in churches.

Stained glass ceased to flourish as an art form.

“But during the 19th century the Victorians

began to look to the past with a romantic lens and reignited stained glass as an art form and architectural embellishment,” says Buchanan. British architect and designer A.W. Pugin is credited with popularizing stained glass in homes.

At the same time, New Orleanians who were building homes enthusiastically embraced the fashion.

Grand homes in the Garden District and Uptown adopted a “high Victorian” look that was ornamental and often depicted pastoral scenes. Later built Arts and Crafts homes in Mid-City, Black Pearl and elsewhere used geometric and abstract figures in their stained glass designs and nature references.

“It seems as if the more money there was, the more embellishments there were in the glass,” says Cynthia Courage, a glass restoration artist at Attenhofer’s Stained Glass Studio in Metairie.

“Some of the designs were peculiar to a certain area or the personality and taste of the owner.”

Courage is finding that today’s homeowners are very interested in preserving these antique art works, if they already exist in a home.

Some are adding stained glass embellishments to new and restored homes. But these works of art require care, as human error can do irreparable damage to the glass and the casings.

Courage says an owner should never put epoxy on lead or rebar, a common mistake. Acidic silicon can JEFFERY JOHNSTON photographs

degrade and even destroy the lead. If you notice a loose bevel, or one falls out, get it fixed immediately by a professional. If a piece falls out and breaks, it is gone forever.

Never use an ammoniabased cleanser on stained glass. If you want to clean the glass yourself, test a small, discreet place with a non-ionic water diluted with a pH-balanced soap, such as Dawn. Put the solution on a rag, and never directly on the glass. If you notice the window is leaking, bowing or flexing, call in an expert.

The most damaging thing an owner can do to a stainedglass window is to completely seal it, which causes a greenhouse effect in our humid climate, says Courage.

The degradation that ensues can destroy a window or worse, form a powdery, toxic substance when airborne.

Both Courage and NOMA’s Buchanan recommend that

when adding a stained-glass window to a house, you should do some research to match the window to the architectural style of the house. “Be true to the period of your house. If the house is late Victorian, use the bold colored windows of the time.

If the home is of the Arts and Crafts period, use the more muted look,” says Buchanan.

These timeless art forms are treasures that represent an earlier time and give a home character. They change the quality of light and offer a privacy screen in some parts of the home. They are a link to the past and hint of the aesthetics of their time.

“Most of all, if the window is original to the house, it’s a tangible example of the love and care of the first owners of the home and shows a specialness,” says Buchanan. “They are truly a window to the taste of the original owners.” n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 21

masters of their craft

on the map Artist Ellen Macomber infuses an easygoing sensibility into map-inspired art.

By Lauren LaBorde

The very pregnant artist Ellen Macomber sits outside on one of the balconies of her breezy Uptown home. The house, shaded by grand oak trees and decorated with pops of bold hues, in a past life was home to a pack of rowdy frat brothers (“There was underwear in the trees,” Macomber says, referring to the less-than-ideal condition of the house when they first arrived) but after some love from Macomber and her husband, Kevin, it’s now a perfect home and workspace for the artist and

her expanding clan.

“This house is so big and so nice,” she says. “It’s so wonderful to live under oak trees. I’ve always wanted oak trees in my front yard, a porch swing, a balcony and a huge house, and I got it.

So we do not plan on moving anytime soon.”

22 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

With the house Macomber shares an affable and colorful disposition, and this comes through in her art, which centers around maps painted on glass windows and textiles.

The Louisiana native grew up mostly in Abbeville and after a few years studying interior design in college, she decided to embark on an adventure.

“I decided my senior year I was so over my peers, teachers and interior design altogether, and I just wanted to travel,” she says. “So I bought myself a sewing machine and learned to sew and travelled. I would make

clothes for different festivals and go to different countries and buy fabric, come back, make stuff and sell it to either boutiques, festivals and things like that.”

“When the hurricane came in 2005, I gave up my sewing machine and just started painting. It was kind of therapy, but also my family had this huge barn filled with these antique windows they were just going to throw and I was like, ‘Don’t throw them out, I’ll figure something out to do.’ And that’s when I just started painting on them.”

Her newfound creative outlet and recent string of travels would inform the signature element of her line, maps. Her maps of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Mississippi River and other locales painted on antique windows create a layered, translucent effect resembling stained glass. Pops of metallic lend a sense of magic to the grid of the maps.

“I think (my love of maps) developed because of my obsession with traveling,

cheryl gerber photographs

and my mom and dad had been getting National Geographic since the ‘70s,” she says. “Every now and then they have a map stuck to the inside that you can keep. So we have a bunch of these old maps I would look at and hang around my house, one day I was just like ‘Dude, that would look so badass on glass.’”

“It’s bringing sort of the design and art together, the very grid-like straight lines … it’s clean, sleek.

Glass is super fun to paint on, too,” she says.

Macomber recently decided to return to her textile routes with a line of baby hats, bibs, blankets, skull caps and bowties emblazoned with her signature maps. There’s also a set of New Orleans place mats, napkins and coasters available. Eventually she

plans on adding a shower curtain and duvet cover to her repertoire. The maps, on a white background, have gray lines accented with little pops of blue and green. “Just something that will go with everyone’s décor,” she says.

Macomber’s paintings are currently on display at Hotel Modern (“They love that I decorate their lobby; I love that I get to display my stuff,” she says), and she sells her fabric items in stores including Zuka Baby and SOPO. Besides awaiting her biggest creation, a baby, Macomber also works as a costumer for local film and theater productions, and she will be featured in a show at Ariodante Contemporary Craft Gallery in December.

But mostly, she’s taking everything in with ease.

“I just do my thing and I’m glad it’s working,” she says. n

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 23

trendwatch

outdoor entertaining Hot looks for your next garden party

By Vesta Fort / Photographed by Eugenia Uhl

Once you set the perfect backdrop with comfortable furniture, like this table and chair set by Brown Jordan from Ashley Hall Interiors, outdoor entertaining is a breeze. Nothing adds warmth and ambiance like plants and a lush setting. The Plant Gallery offers a wide variety of pots and interesting plants like the faux bois planter with a standard Japanese Maple. The sculptural driftwood centerpiece is adorned with wonderfully deceiving plastic succulent plants. Ashley Hall carries these melamine plates and rustic napkin rings and placemats. And for the glow that never blows out, try a batterypowered candle from The Plant Gallery, placed inside a gorgeous rustic lantern from Ashley Hall, and the tone will be set for the perfect night outside.

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For lively outdoor scenarios, there’s only one place in town that carries Fermob, the new industry leader in power-coated lightweight furniture. These foldable bistro chairs come in a kaleidoscope of colors, and the whimsical clover rugs are available in various sizes. Just add in a pop art blow-up ice chest and a collapsable cooler of your favorite beverages; both items are available at Little Miss Muffin. Should you prefer more serious pursuits in the yard, The Garden Gates also offers a selection of trowels and gloves, along with a colorful selection of plants and shrubs.

26 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Create a bit of whimsy on a starry night. Start by tying a couple of the phantasmagoric blossoms (from perch.) onto a tree or any low-hanging branch. Next, mix in some ambiance with this Chinese lantern from Spruce and a couple of these indispensable outdoor poofs, also from perch. Finally, add in these wonderfully groovy rattan chairs from Shaun Smith Home, pulled up to the perfect height bar table, available at Modern Market. Mix up some drinks, pour them in a Royal Elephant cup by Alexa Pulitzer and pretend you are somewhere exotic.

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Fermob sets the stage for fun with these woven plastic chairs, a well-designed bar cart that comes in a plethora of cool colors, and outdoor pillows and rugs available at The Garden Gates. For dressing the outdoor table, Little Miss Muffin is a one-stop shop, offering a variety of baskets, plastic cups and melamine plates. The small bamboo cake stand is from Spruce.

28 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

This idyllic setting is the backdrop for relaxation with comfy chairs and garden stools, all from Ashley Hall Interiors. Stay chic with the right accoutrements like a fab hat that provides shade from The White Camellia Garden and Gifts and some designer melamine plates and platters from Ashley Hall Interiors. Add fancy plastic wine glasses from Little Miss Muffin, and you’re set. The Braided Shrimp topiary really makes this space feel like a room, and having a small pot filled with whatever’s blooming ensures that it feels fresh even on the hottest of days. All plants and planters here are available at The Plant Gallery.

30 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

the best of summer

32

38

50 City Park Chic (p.32) Backyard Bliss (p.38) Summertime Bounty (p.50)

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S

hortly after she began walking in City Park in 2006, Ellen Frischhertz fell in love with a beautiful Victorian house located across the street. “I told my walking friend, ‘If that house ever comes up for sale, I want it,’” she recalls. Serendipitously, the house went on the market in 2012, and Ellen and her husband, Steve, toured the 100-year old property, soaked in the pastoral setting and instantly committed to making it their new home.

As the parents of four grown children, the Frishhertzes wanted a home where family could gather and grow for years to come.

That meant starting with a fresh canvas.

Working with architect Greg Hackenberg and contractor Luis Musa, Steve headed up the architecture and contracting decisions, while Ellen teamed with Jennifer DiCerbo of The French Mix in Covington to handle the interior design. Steve’s first orders of business were to bring the house back to its original state by re-opening porches that had been closed in and tearing off an addition that was too close to the pool. Steve and Hackenberg decided to remove a bay window so that a new 700 square-foot addition that includes a bedroom suite and den could be built and took down several walls in order to create an open flow between the kitchen, dining room and family room. The Frischhertzes also got rid of an excessive number of closets added by the previous owner; they also removed four fireplaces to maximize the space, and rid the house of old, dated features. “The original tile roof and stained glass are all that was left,” says Ellen, exaggerating only slightly. “We wanted to reduce things down, so it’s much less busy on the eye.”

City Park Chic Steve and Ellen Frischhertz celebrate the good life in their stylish yet comfortable home along City Park Avenue.

By Lee Cutrone Styled by Valorie Hart Photographed by Sara Essex Bradley

Facing page: The dining room is simply furnished with a round table that seats eight, chairs covered with a linen blend and a chandelier from The French Mix. In front of the windows is a cozy seating area. Drapery panels of Belgian linen allow light to filter through.

This page: A painting by Everett White provided inspiration for the colors used in the formal living room. Velvet sofa, hand-painted carved wood cocktail table, shagreen end table, crystal lamp, reproduction French chair with chevron fabric, hand woven Tibetan rug of silk and wool, all from The French Mix.

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Facing page: Top, left: In the foyer, a custom iron console is mixed with an antique trumeau, a pair of sconces and a rock crystal chandelier all from The French Mix. Top, right: The master suite’s original brick fireplace forms a natural partition between the sleeping area and the adjacent sitting room. Bed, rug and drapes from The French Mix. Bottom, left: Heirloom inspired linens with ruffles and lace dress the reproduction French-style iron bed in one of the two guest suites. Linens, bed, side table and lamp, from The French Mix. Bottom, right: An antique-inspired iron baby bed from The French Mix and a stained glass window are the focal points of the baby’s room, which the homeowners created by enclosing a small upstairs porch. This page: Carrera marble counters, stainless steel and white cabinets provide a cool contrast to the warmth of the reclaimed pine floors. Ellen purchased the glass pendant fixtures above the island online from Shades of Light.

By eliminating the addition that crowded the pool, the Frischhertzes were able to carve out room for an outdoor walkway. “Steve was adamant about using the fireplace bricks around the pool outside,” notes Ellen. “He also relocated some of the stained glass from the bay window to various sites in the house and found a craftsman to make the carved wooden appliques on the front of the house.”

With two grandchildren simultaneously on the way, the Frischhertzes had several new family members to consider during the renovation.

To that end, they enclosed a small upstairs porch off both the master suite and one of the guest suites and turned it into a nursery.

Because the couple was remodeling and furnishing the home virtually from scratch and wanted the job done within the year, Ellen looked for a designer who would help her tackle the project in a relatively short amount of time. “I knew my husband was going to be doing the job as quickly as he could. I needed someone to help me pick out kitchen cabinets and knobs and appliances and help me make decisions quickly. Jennifer was always available. We would be texting at night. Working with her was so easy.”

The collaboration began with DiCerbo directing the clients to collect magazine pictures of interiors they liked. The images that Ellen brought back were in sync with the transitional aesthetic that is DiCerbo’s specialty – a monochromatic palette, a mix of antique reproduction and contemporary furnishings, muted rugs, airy slipcovers and statement lighting – and the hallmark of her store. The Frischhertzes told DiCerbo they wanted the home to be inviting, comfortable and relaxing. With City Park just steps from their front door, they also wanted to emphasize the outdoors. “We’ve got this beautiful landscape, old oaks draped with moss, that feels like our own across the street,” says Ellen. “Most of my time is spent looking at the park.”

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This page: A pair of linen slipcovered sofas was custom sized for the family room that opens on to the dining room and kitchen. The custom-made and painted cabinet was inspired by one that Ellen saw in a magazine. Iron cocktail table, textured wooden bench, rug and floor lamp and chandelier from The French Mix. Graphic mixed media artwork by Ed Whiteman. Facing page: Panes of stained glass with a crest-like motif illuminate the front doors and a nearby niche. The reproduction settee is upholstered with a champagne colored fabric with a shagreen-like pattern. Settee and two-drawer commode from The French Mix. Painting by Adele Sypesteyn.

There are no fewer than four porches at the Frischhertz home – all used regularly – and an abundance of ample windows wisely draped with understated panels of linen or silk. White walls and slipcovers provide a clean backdrop for subtle usages of color found in the rugs and accents and for the more saturated colors in the art, most of which came from the couples’ last home. In the dining room, the Frischhertzes gave two mandates: a round table conducive to entertaining family and friends and a cozy seating area where you could read a book or have a cup of coffee. DiCerbo complied with a custom-sized-and-finished pedestal table paired with eight chairs (she also used several round tables on the front porch overlooking the park). Near the windows, she combined two linen slip-covered gliders, an iron and metal 36 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

coffee table, a wool and silk rug and a pair of floor lamps, successfully creating a spot that is one of Ellen’s favorites.

“I decided at this stage in our lives, I wasn’t going to spend the time necessary to seek out antiques,” says Ellen.

“I was going to enjoy newer furniture, and Jennifer made that so possible.”

With so few furnishings from the clients’ previous abode, DiCerbo cautioned that hastily filling the house with new pieces could easily look contrived. To avoid that, she incorporated custom pieces in nearly every room. ”Sometimes, people think since I’m buying through my store, everything is going to look the same. But I wanted it to look collected over time.”

DiCerbo also credits the success of the designscape to Ellen’s emphasis on both form and function. “The house is done for the way people live today,” says DiCerbo. “It can be very chic but it also can be very livable and comfortable.

Ellen wanted the best quality cushions for example, so a chair is not just beautiful, it also feels good when you sit in it.” But the family itself has been the ultimate measure of the house’s livability. “What’s really been important is that it is a great family house,” says Ellen. “We often have occasions with everyone at home with their friends and we can spread out nicely and it feels just right. It feels like a dream come true.”

“We wake up and open our windows and we look straight into City Park,” adds Steve.

“It’s perfect.” n

Jill and Peter DeBroeck use a vintage bistro table and chairs for outdoor dining on their patio.

Backyard Bliss Written and Styled by Valorie Hart Photographed by Sara Essex Bradley New Orleans is blessed with many months of nice weather, and New Orleanians absolutely love their outdoor spaces. Most homes have a porch, front or back, or a patio in a yard or courtyard. Pools are perfect for the long season of warm weather and are often tucked in behind 100-year old homes.

Newer homes include plans for grand outdoor entertaining.

Artist Miranda Lake created a unique outdoor oasis in her Uptown backyard.

The double-decker bus is a quirky and fun guest room.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 39

Paint your front door a cheerful, happy color that says, “It’s summer!�

The vintage Shasta trailer is used as a guest room in the sunny courtyard adjacent to the home of artist Miranda Lake. Mismatched drop tables are painted the same color of turquoise.

40 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

A salvaged vintage sink in the garden makes a charming and useful water feature.

Musicians Sean Yseult and Chris Lee tucked a pool into a small city lot and made use of an old outbuilding by turning it into a Bohemian cabana.

Mix and match new and vintage accessories for a lighthearted summer look.

42 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Interior designer Valorie Hart uses elements normally associated with indoor dĂŠcor on her patio. She incorporates toile fabric, Majolica plates displayed on a shed wall and a rug with a classic Greek Key border.

Interior designer Donna Maselli has designed a classic, clean, all-white theme around her sparkling pool.

Designer and decorative painter Mitchell Settoon created a unique patio oasis filled with found objects pertaining to New Orleans, including the Parkway Tavern sign rescued from the trash.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 45

The porch on a garden shed became a perfect seating area with the addition of a few colorful mismatched chairs and cushions.

46 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Designer Evelyn Clinton from Source Interiors & Art added custom pillows in Trina Turk fabric to a set of vintage wicker furniture. Top right: The classic New Orleans brick courtyard exudes charm with an iron table and chairs. Bottom left and right: Shop owner Dianna Knost of AKA Stella Gray decorated this patio with natural and found elements.

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Jackie and Vincent Palumbo designed a large outdoor oasis that includes multiple seating areas, courtyards and a pool in the house they built after Katrina.

This pool and pavilion area was designed by Penny Francis of Eclectic Home. Her clients love the “stay-cation” feeling of it.

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Summertime Bounty

By Robert Peyton Photographed by Eugenia Uhl This year spring came late to South Louisiana; we had temperatures in the 60s well into April, and a late freeze or two played havoc with crawfish. That hasn’t stopped the zucchini, which I am starting to believe will survive us alongside roaches and Philadelphia Eagles fans when whatever ends us finally ends us. Personally, I haven’t always fared as well growing my own tomatoes, but they’re hardly scarce, and they’re at their peak this time of year. I hope the following recipes help you use the seasonal bounty.

Pizza with Grilled Vegetables, Recipe p. 56

Grilled Shrimp with Cucumber, Tomato and Mint Couscous Salad, Recipe p. 56

Rum and Grapefruit Cooler, Recipe p. 56

52 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts with Tarragon-Tomato Sauce, Recipe p. 57

Chilled Strawberry Soup with Ricotta Dumplings, Recipe p. 57 54 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Grilled Beef Skewers with Zucchini and Pineapple, Recipe p. 57

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 55

a well-floured board. Sprinkle some cornmeal onto a peel or thin cookie sheet; lay on the dough. Top with tomatoes, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, sliced pitted olives and vegetables. Use a light hand, particularly if using thin dough, and work fast. The cornmeal allows the pizza to slide off the peel/baking sheet, but it won’t work forever, and if the dough sticks, you’re likely to dump most of your toppings directly onto the hot stone when you go to add the pie to the oven.

The pizzas should only take around 5 or 6 minutes; look for the edge of the crust to start to brown. Remove pizzas to a rack and let them cool a bit. Let the oven come back to temperature before you add the next pie.

Pizza with Grilled Vegetables This recipe is much better if you have a pizza stone; in a pinch you can turn a large iron skillet upside down and bake smaller pies on that. A baking sheet also works. One ball of dough is usually enough for two fairly large or three smaller pies..

2 balls of pizza dough, divided into 4 or 6 pieces Flour and cornmeal 3-4 medium zucchini 3-4 medium yellow squash 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 container grape tomatoes 1 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup pitted olives (kalamata work well) ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped roughly 1 cup crumbled feta cheese ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Start a fire in your grill. Cut the zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into slices about ¼ inch thick. Combine them with the 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic in a plastic bag or glass baking dish with a couple pinches of salt.

Grill over high heat until the vegetables are tender and have picked up a bit of char. Combine tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and another pinch of salt in a baking dish. Preheat your oven as hot as it will go (usually 550 degrees) with a pizza stone in the middle rack. Put tomatoes into the oven as soon as it reaches temperature, and let them soften while you roll out your dough.

After 5 minutes, check them; a few should have burst and released some liquid – remove them from the oven when they’re softened, and either roughly chop them or press down on them with a spoon to make a rustic sauce. Add basil and season with salt and pepper. Roll dough out on 56 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Cut the mint leaves into thin ribbons cross-wise, and add them to the cucumber and onion. Cut the tops and bottoms from the tomatoes, core them and squeeze the seeds out over a strainer set above a bowl. Discard the seeds and save the tomato water – hopefully you’ll have between ¼ to 1/3 cup. If not, add enough water to at least make the ¼ cup.

Dice the tomato and add it to the cucumbers and onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In another bowl, whisk the tomato water and vinegar, then slowly add the olive oil to make a vinaigrette. Add the vinaigrette to the cucumber and tomatoes, and taste again for seasoning.

Grill or broil the shrimp, brushing with a little olive oil to keep them moist, for around 2-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and just starting to crisp on the exterior.

Bring the 2 cups water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Then add the couscous, stir briefly, cover and remove from the heat. Let the couscous rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Fold in the cucumber and tomato mixture, and serve with grilled shrimp.

Grilled Shrimp with Cucumber, Tomato and Mint Couscous Salad 2 pounds large shrimp (20-30) 2 medium cucumbers 1 small red onion 2 tablespoons mint leaves 2 medium tomatoes 1 tablespoons red wine vinegar ¼ cup olive oil, plus a tablespoon or so more for grilling 1½ cups couscous 2 cups water 1 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Peel and de-vein the shrimp, then season with salt, pepper and a little olive oil. Peel the cucumbers. Then remove the seeds by scraping down the middle with a spoon. Dice the flesh and add it to a large bowl. Mince the red onion and add it to the cucumber. Season the vegetables with salt.

Rum and Grapefruit Cooler In a cocktail shaker combine ¼ cup of light rum (I use Old New Orleans Crystal) and ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with 1 teaspoon of sugar, a few dashes of lemon bitters and about a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a tall glass over ice. Top with seltzer water (about another ¼ cup or so), and stir. Garnish with a slice of lime or lemon.

and reserve the chicken breasts loosely covered in foil. Pour the remaining liquid from the baking dish into a sieve set over a small saucepan, pressing on the vegetables to extract as much sauce as you can. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Reduce it if you have much more than half of a cup; add a little stock if you have much less.

Season to taste. Remove from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of butter. Serve the chicken over rice or pasta with the sauce.

bowl and add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of sugar. Set aside.

Put the remaining sliced berries in a food processor with the other tablespoon of sugar and the orange juice and process until smooth.

You can strain this through a fine-mesh sieve if you like. Taste and adjust to your taste by adding more sugar or lemon juice.

Serve the soup in shallow bowls, with the dumplings and strawberry slices.

Chilled Strawberry Soup with Ricotta Dumplings

Grilled Beef Skewers with Zucchini and Pineapple

This is refreshing when the weather is hot.

This recipe is best grilled, but in a pinch you can do it under the broiler in your oven.

Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts with Tarragon-Tomato Sauce Ideally you could make this dish by removing the breasts from whole chickens, using the leg/thigh portions for something else and making stock with the carcasses, but on a busy weeknight buying already-portioned chicken breasts is probably a better option.

4 boneless chicken breasts 2-3 ripe tomatoes, around 1.5 pounds 1 small onion 1 stalk celery 2 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup dry white wine 1 cup chicken stock 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves, chopped Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, working it under the skin if you’ve kept that on. Dredge in flour. Dice the tomatoes, onion and celery. ­ Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Heat a frying pan on medium high heat, then add the 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. When the foam from the butter subsides, brown the chicken breasts on each side, about 4-5 minutes each side. Remove the chicken breasts to a snug baking dish, and add the tomato, onion and celery to the pan in which you browned the breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes, then deglaze the pan with wine. Let it reduce a bit, and add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce a bit, then pour the liquid over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes, or until the breasts are tender. Remove

For the dumplings: ½ pound ricotta cheese 2 medium eggs 1/3 cup sugar 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour Beat the ricotta and eggs with the sugar in a bowl until smooth. Beat in the flour; if the mixture is too loose, you may need to add a little more flour but no more than a tablespoon.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and use two teaspoons to form small quenelles with the dough and drop them into the water.

Drop the heat to a simmer and let them poach for 5 minutes or so; they should be light but firm enough to hold their shape. As they finish, remove them with a slotted spoon and reserve them in the refrigerator.

For the soup: 2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced thinly 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1-2 tablespoons sugar ½ cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed) Put about a half cup of sliced strawberries in a

2 pounds beef sirloin (or filet, depending on your budget) 4 medium zucchini 1 small pineapple (enough for 15-20 1-inch cubes) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano (1 teaspoon dried) Salt/pepper to taste ½ cup olive oil 1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Cut the beef into cubes around an inch across.

Cut the zucchini into rounds of approximately the same size. Mix the mustard, olive oil, vinegar and oregano in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the beef and toss to mix; let it marinate for about an hour. Heat your grill or broiler. Thread alternating pieces of beef, zucchini and pineapple onto skewers, then grill on medium-high heat until the beef is seared and the vegetables are just cooked, around 5-8 minutes total depending on your grill/broiler. n

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the results are in!

You’ve cast your votes, and here are the top picks of your favorite local vendors, shops and home experts.

BESTof

HOME

winners by a landslide Modern Market

Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

Magazine Street’s Modern Market offers a wide variety of stock and services in the Garden District, including furniture for sale and event rentals, as well as interior design and architectural services. Founder Charles J. Neyrey brings 15 years of experience in Louisiana, Texas and New York to the firm and specializes in education, corporate, hospitality, multifamily and residential projects.

Started in 1937, this design shop has become a New Orleans institution for home décor, window treatments, wood shutters and more. Located in the Garden District, this family-owned and -operated establishment specializes in custom drapery, window shades, blinds, interior shutters, bedding, upholstering, furniture, lighting, fabrics and home décor.

Adda Carpets and Flooring

Mullin Landscape Associates, LLC Harahan’s Mullin Landscape Associates has been bringing outdoor design to the area for more than 40 years, specializing in landscape design for the Gulf Coast region. Services available include landscape architecture, site work, landscape paintings, wooden structures, hardscapes, water features, irrigation, landscape lighting, drainage and holiday lighting and décor. The company offers experience in both commercial and residential design.

Adda Carpets and Flooring offers the some of the finest flooring and cabinetry in southeastern Louisiana. In addition to offering full supervised installations of tile, carpet, wood, stone, vinyl and more, the broad range of stock is also available for self-installation or through outside contractors.

Manufacturers include Shaw, Mohawk, Anderson, Kane, Dixie Home, Heritage, Masland, Mannington, Daltile, UA, Qucork, Roca, Bruce, Hirsch, Cathedral, Mirage Glass, Pucinni, Esmer and Wellborn. Adda works tirelessly to provide quality design and products to locals, and their work shines.

Tips from our readers!

“Mix and match with pops of color. It adds personal character. Have confidence.”

“Show some personality.”

“Be sure not to make your home look like a museum; it’s a place to live and entertain.”

“Get a dog to make your house a home.”

Best place to buy contemporary furniture:

Best shoring company:

Modern Market, 3138 Magazine St., Suite C, 896-2206 Georgian Furniture, 5400 Jefferson Hwy., 733-4141 Comeaux’s, 415 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 831-1365 Design Within Reach, 3138 Magazine St., Suite A, 891-6520

Davie Shoring, 3 Veterans Blvd., Kenner, 464-4712 Roubion Construction Co., 824 Dakin St., 269-9909

Best Interior designer: Maria Barcelona, 9501 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 305-5095 Donna Russell, 975-4860, provisionsinteriors@cox.net Chris Judge, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001

Best place to buy window treatments: Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design, 1533 Prytania St., 525-7409

Best landscaping company:

Best solar panel installation:

Mullin Landscape Associates, 621 Distributors Row, 275-6617

South Coast Solar, 529-7869

Best place to buy tile or stone:

Best homebuilder/contractor:

Adda Carpets & Flooring, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001 Floor & Décor, 2801 Magazine St., 891-3005 Stafford Tile & Stone, 5234 Magazine St., 895-5000

Gelpi Homes Inc., 2817 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 887-3510

Best place to buy lighting:

Adda Carpets & Flooring, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001 Floor & Décor, 2801 Magazine St., 891-3005

Lighting Inc., 8180 Earhart Blvd., 486-5761 St. Charles Lighting, 15223 U.S. 90, Paradis, (985) 758-2020 The Shops at 2011, 2011 Magazine St., 407-0499 Shades of Light, 1123 Josephine St., 524-6500

Best place to buy vintage of antique furniture:

Best place for pool/patio design and installation:

Dop Antiques, 300 Jefferson Hwy., 373-5132 The Shops at 2011, 2011 Magazine St., 407-0499 Renaissance Interiors, 2727 Edenborn Ave., Metairie, 454-3320

Pleasure Pools, 68470 Tammany Trace Drive, Mandeville, (985) 626-1283 Mullin Landscape Associates, 621 Distributors Row, 275-6617

Best place to buy flooring:

Best place to buy cabinetry: Best place to buy outdoor furniture:

Huey Brown’s Kitchens, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001 Cabinets by Design, 5201 Tchoupitoulas St., 899-2300 Campbell Cabinets, 220 Hord St., Elmwood, 733-4687

Pool & Patio, 3740 N. Causeway Blvd., 837-2022

Best place to buy home décor: Best place to design your kitchen:

Modern Market, 3138 Magazine St., Suite C, 896-2206 Abode, 2114 Veterans Blvd., 266-2135 The Shops at 2011, 2011 Magazine St., 407-0499

Cabinets by Design, 5201 Tchoupitoulas St., 899-2300 Campbell Cabinets, 220 Hord St., Elmwood, 733-4687 Huey Brown’s Kitchens, 5480 Mounes St., Harahan, 736-9001 Nordic Kitchen & Baths, Inc., 1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 888-2300

Best place to buy wall art: Modern Market, 3138 Magazine St., Suite C, 896-2206 The Shops at 2011, 2011 Magazine St., 407-0499

Best place for closet design/installation: California Closets, 3211 N. Causeway Blvd., 828-5705 Bayou Closets, 2537 N. Rampart St., 944-8388

Best place to buy bedding: Modern Market, 3138 Magazine St., Suite C, 896-2206

* Businessess in pink indicate winner by a landside

The results of our survey also revealed preferences: Preferred Style:____Trendy ____Traditional Preferred Color: ____Bold and bright

____Neutrals

Where you mostly live:____Suburbs _____ City ____Country Ideal Space:____Minimal furnishings and accents

____Busy with lots to show

Flooring: ________Tile ____Hardwood floors ____Laminate wood ____Concrete

If you cou ld splurge on one space in yo ur home, a vast ma jority of you chose , unsurprisin gly, the

kitchen!

Ed. Note: A self-addressed, postage-paid questionnaire was included in our Spring 2014 issue. Readers were also able to to vote online.

In certain categories where there was not a significant cluster of votes, the category was dropped. We tried to control for organized voting as best as we could. All places listed as being among our winners are no doubt worthy of consideration, although, as always, advice from other sources is also recommended. Polls were open from March 1-May 1, 2014.

NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 59

62 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Shop

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California Closets 3211 N. Causeway Blvd.

Metairie 504/828-5705 californiaclosets.com/Metairie

Benge Landscape, LLC 1720 Mayan Ln. Metairie 504/450-6780, 504/309-2574 bengelandscape.com Adda Carpets and Flooring 5480 Mounes St. Harahan 504/736-9001 Addacarpetsandflooring.com

ABODE 2114 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/266-2135 shopatabode.com

64 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

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Shop

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

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

Audubon Pressure Washing 504/616-7467 Audubonpressurewashing.com

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

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. New Orleans 504/522-1555 RiverwalkNewOrleans.com

66 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

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Paradise Pools & Spas 4221 Division St. Metairie 504/888-0505 985/626-1700

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

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

LOUISIANA CUSTOM CLOSETS 13405 Seymour Meyer Blvd #24 Covington 985/871-0810 louisianacustomclosets.com 68 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection 533 Royal St., New Orleans, 504/598-7147

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Villa Vici 4112 Magazine St. New Orleans 503/899-2931 villavici.com

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

LAS Enterprises 2413 L&A Rd. Metairie 504/887-1515 LAShome.com

BRIANS FURNITURE 515 Court St. Historic Downtown Port Allen 225/346-0896 briansfurniture.com 70 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

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Shop

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

RUG CHIC HOME DÉCOR 4240 Hwy 22 Mandeville 985/674-1070 rugchic.com

MAX HOME 5400 Pepsi St. Suite H New Orleans 504/222-2290 MaxHomeNow.com

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

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

Eric and Norma’s Place 1600 N. Collins Blvd. (Clayton House Market) Covington 985/778-5876

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

mckitchens.com

PIERI TILE & MARBLE CO. INC. 3622 Toulouse St. New Orleans 504/488-1509 pieritile.com 74 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

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2014 HBA Parade of Homes Promotional Section

Saturday & Sunday, May 31-June 1 & Saturday & Sunday June 7-8, 2014 1-5pm

The Parade of Homes is a free event put on every year by the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans to give you an opportunity to see inside the newest homes being built in the New Orleans area. Whether you are looking to buy or build a new home, you can meet multiple builders in one day or weekend.

The Parade is also great for inspiring ideas for renovating your existing home.

Gabriel Development, Kenner: 41 Palmetto, Kenner Builder: Troyer Builders Contact: Sam Ford, (504) 638-5490, sam@troyerbuilders.net, TroyerBuilders.net

Lafitte’s Cove: 4131 Pirates Alley, Harvey Builder: Troyer Builders Contact: Sam Ford, (504) 638-5490, sam@troyerbuilders.net, TroyerBuilders.net

The Parade features 16 homes built by 10 local builders in 4 surrounding parishes. Check out the homes listing and map at hbagno.org/ ParadeofHomes.

Lakeview: 221 20th St., New Orleans Builder: Tyson Construction Contact: Zachary or Larry Tyson, (504) 236-3838 or (504) 905-1042, zach@tyson-construction.com, Tyson-Construction.com

Zachary Tyson, Tyson Construction of LA, LLC 2014 Parade of Homes Chairman Lakeview: 326 Kenilworth, New Orleans Builder: Decro Development Contact: Dennis deBoisblanc, (504) 836-2005, (504)818-8256, dennis@decrodevelopment.com DecroDevelopment.com 78 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

2014 HBA Parade of Homes Promotional Section

Lakeview: 6426 Orleans Ave., New Orleans Builder: Decro Development Contact: Dennis deBoisblanc, (504) 836-2005, (504) 818-8256, dennis@decrodevelopment.com, DecroDevelopment.com

Lakeview: 6301 Fleur De Lis, New Orleans Builder: Landcraft Homes Contact: Joseph Scontrino, (985) 651-3007, info@landcrafthomes. comm landcrafthomes.com

Metairie: 2600 Vivian St., Metairie Builder: Decro Development Contact: Dennis deBoisblanc , (504) 836-2005, (504) 818-8256, dennis@decrodevelopment.com, DecroDevelopment.com

Lakeview: 6034 Canal Blvd., New Orleans Builder: Guidry Custom Homes, Inc. Contact: Stephen Guidry, (504) 218-5455, (504) 613-8209, info@guidrycustomhomes.com, GuidryCustomHomes.com

Lakeview: 330 40th St., New Orleans, Builder: TKO Maintenance & Construction, Inc. Contact: Jodie Bua, (504) 737-780, (504) 628-5661, Jodie@TKOBuilders.net

Metairie: 1809 Poplar St., Metairie St. Jude Dream House Builder: Miller Building Company, StJude.org

Lakeview: 6506 Milne Blvd., New Orleans Builder: Guidry Custom Homes, Inc. Contact: Stephen Guidry, (504) 218-5455, (504) 613-8209, info@guidrycustomhomes.com, GuidryCustomHomes.com

Lakewood Ridge Estates: 610 Lakewood Drive, Luling Builder: Reve, Inc. Contact: Randy Noel, (985) 652-4663m (504) 915-2815, revedev@aol.com, revedreamhomes.com

Lakeview: 420 22nd St., New Orleans Builder: Forshag Construction Contact: Casey Forshag, (504) 908-7412, (504) 908-7412, cforshag@gmail.com, forshagconstruction.com

Maple Ridge: 328 Edinburgh St., Metairie Builder: Forshag Construction Contact: Casey Forshag, (504) 908-7412, (504) 908-7412, cforshag@gmail.com, forshagconstruction.com

Mid City: 3209 Iberville, New Orleans Builder: Titan Construction, LLC Contact: Stephen Fleishmann, (985) 867-3334, (504) 913-3030, leah@titanconstruction.com, TitanConstruction.com

Parks of Plaquemines: 100 Hardwood, Belle Chasse Builder: Troyer Builders Contact: Sam Ford, (504) 638-5490, sam@troyerbuilders.net, TroyerBuilders.net

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home renewal

rules to build a dream on Tips from a development consultant

By Peter Reichard

Walt Disney is often misquoted as having said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Well, when it comes to property improvements, that statement just isn’t true.

It would be more accurate to say, “If you can dream it, and it conforms to local regulations, or you can get the jurisdiction to make an exception, then maybe you can do it.”

Development consultant Karley Frankic has built a career helping people to navigate their dreams

through the regulations.

Over the years, she has noticed certain areas where dreams regularly collide with the rules.

In a society that genuflects to the automobile, she finds people frequently get overzealous in their desire for off-street parking. While even a vague appreciation for natural beauty – or at least for drainage requirements – would seem to prevent it, some property owners pave over their entire front yards.

Not only is this ugly, it’s

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usually against the law. If a neighbor complains, the city could force the property owner to tear out his cement garden.

Cluttering up a yard with additional buildings is also a no-no. Frankic says building a guest house for the proverbial mother-inlaw could run afoul of rules that prevent more than one primary use on a single lot of record. In historic neighborhoods, ancient servant quarters are a fairly common feature, but “you can’t put

them in new,” Frankic says.

So why not just build an addition to the existing building? Not so fast, Frankic says. Setback requirements place limits on how close to the property line you can build, and thereby how far you can extend the footprint of your home.

In historic New Orleans neighborhoods, this is a particular problem, since many existing buildings do not conform to the setback requirements put in place decades after they were

built. As a result, even to rebuild on a pre-existing footprint, you might need to apply for an exception to the rules. “Because the zoning code in New Orleans is so arcane – it’s basically 1970s suburban – you often need a variance,” Frankic says.

If you can’t expand horizontally, why not vertically?

Why not build an extra floor for that mother-in-law? Fine and dandy, unless you run afoul of the height requirements, which the extra floor very well might.

Height is also an issue when it comes to fences.

Frankic says people love to erect 8-foot (or taller) fences, to enhance their privacy.

Typically, she says, fences should be no taller than 6 feet.

Of course, zoning being what it is, the rules depend to some extent upon which “zone” you live in. The rules are set forth in the local zoning ordinance. Some areas may also be subject to decades-old development covenants that set specific rules for driveways, the positioning of improvements on lots and where fences can be placed.

On top of that, New Orleans imposes specific preservation rules within various historic districts. The Historic District Landmarks Commission oversees an array of old neighborhoods, such as Faubourg Marigny, Algiers Point, the Warehouse District and the Irish Channel. The Vieux Carré Commission, which has more stringent rules, oversees the French Quarter. “A lot of people don’t realize that they are in a historic district, and what it means to be in a historic district,” Frankic says.

Broadly speaking, what it

means is that you don’t get full discretion in deciding what the outside of your house looks like. Your improvements should be in keeping with the historic architectural style of the dwelling and not detract from the tout ensemble of the neighborhood. Want to chuck that slate roof into a dumpster and slap on a shiny tin roof? That might be frowned upon.

Want to replace louvered shutters with Bermuda storm shutters? Maybe not.

Want to sheath the balcony of your 1830s porte-cochere townhouse with 1950s-style cheese-grater aluminum screening? Not bloody likely.

Window replacements and solar panels can be tricky, Frankic says. But a rough rule of thumb for modern upgrades is that if they can’t be seen from the street, you’re OK. The approvals all of this entails may seem intimidating, and even frustrating.

But Frankic advises that renovators avoid taking it out on bureaucrats. “Be nice when you go to City Hall,” she says. “You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar.”

She also strongly advises hiring licensed, reputable contractors. When in doubt, ask the contractor to show you the permits.

“The majority of the people seeking waivers after the fact blame the contractors,” Frankic says.

And if there’s one thing worse than a dream deferred, it’s a dream undone at great expense. So if you can dream it, first figure out if you’re allowed to do it, and then do it right. n NewOrleansHomesAndLifestyles.com | 81

retailer spotlight mullin landscape associates Chase Mullin

By Pamela Marquis

Landscaping turns average houses into spectacular homes and office buildings into inviting and welcoming spaces, and no one knows that better than Chase Mullin, president of Mullin Landscape Associates. His business is a comprehensive landscape design and build firm that offers a wide range of professional landscape services. Mullin Landscape Associates strives for innovation and sustainability while creating comfortable and compelling spaces.

Are there any exciting projects you are working on that you would like to share?

We have so many exciting projects that it’s almost overwhelming! We currently have several backyards under construction that include both swimming pools and outdoor kitchens, which tend to be fun spaces to work in. Additionally, we have a native-inspired commercial landscape on the Northshore set to break ground this spring.

What new trends (if any) do you see emerging in landscape design? We’re

seeing a large trend towards outdoor gathering spaces, most notably outdoor kitchens and pavilions. New Orleans residents are taking

full advantage of the (mostly) moderate weather that we have here by spending more time outdoors.

What do you love most about designing home landscapes? I really enjoy

having the ability to allow our clients to express themselves through their landscape elements, as well as seeing their reactions to the finished spaces that we create.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when doing their own landscaping?

Many times do-it-yourselfers are unaware of the importance of proper soil preparation. Tilling and adding amendments are paramount for a successful landscape.

How does New Orleans influence your work? A better

question would be: how could New Orleans not influence our work? The architecture and available plant palette here are second to none. As landscape designers, we’re truly blessed to be living in such a rich environment for our craft! n

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Mullin Landscape Associates 621 Distributors Row, Suite F, Harahan, 275-6617 cheryl gerber photo

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retailer spotlight nordic kitchens and baths Randy Shaw

By Pamela Marquis

Building or renovating a kitchen or bath is one of the most important investments you will make in your home.

These builds are undoubtedly the most costly projects that you will undertake in your home, but they can also be the most rewarding.

Since 1995, Nordic Kitchens and Baths, Inc. has been helping its clients combine quality materials with good design to create upscale kitchens and baths. The business carries a complete line of appliances, cabinets, countertops, faucets and fixtures to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen or bathroom. The company also offers full kitchen and bath design services, including site inspection, schematics, working drawings and guidance in design and material selections. The staff and designers at Nordic Kitchens and Baths believe good design and high quality products will always inspire beauty and function. “We help clients build the kitchen or bath of their dreams,” says designer Randy Shaw.

Is there a job you are especially proud of and, if so, could you describe it for us?

We do so many projects and we are proud of all the oneof-a-kind kitchens and baths we do. Our website’s design gallery shows the variety, quality and beauty of the work we do.

Are there any exciting projects you are working on that you would like to share?

We are working on a 42-unit luxury warehouse project right now. Each one of the 42 kitchens is unique. It’s been so rewarding working with all the different clients to achieve the different and varied environments.

How does living in New Orleans influence your work?

Like most New Orleanians, I love to cook and I love food. Good food and entertaining is so important to so many of our clients. My industry allows me to cater to these food enthusiasts, so even though I am just a weekend chef, I always keep in mind my love for cooking when I design kitchens for my clients. n

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Nordic Kitchens and Baths 1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 888-2300 nordickitchens.com

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retailer spotlight villa vici Tanga Winstead

By Pamela Marquis

Villa Vici is a one-stop interior design resource center offering an extensive variety of furniture lines, fabrics, lighting, wall coverings, original art and accessories ranging in style from traditional to contemporary. It also offers its clients the opportunity to plan their projects with top interior designers.

One of those designers consultants is Tanga Winstead, with 15 years of experience designing and furnishing residential and commercial spaces.

How would you summarize your design philosophy?

“Less is more,” but I love to layer and problem-solve.

Design is all in the details, but it comes together when balance, scale and textures meet. I like to create a look blending old and new, expensive and inexpensive.

Sometimes I deconstruct or reconstruct items for a oneof-a-kind look.

Can you comment on what you see in current color trends? Gray is the new

white in architecture and design and the new black in fashion. So it’s showing up everywhere; at the same time gold and brass accents are coming back into vogue.

It’s a great accent but just like here at Villa Vici, white 84 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

always stands the test of time and looks continually fresh and inviting – not to mention it’s also extremely practical.

How does living in New Orleans influence your design style? We are a

vibrant city, alive with characters, color and textures. I try to reflect this uniqueness in my design choices while capturing the essence of the client.

With unique architectural spaces you have to get creative with how you use certain rooms and pieces of furniture to serve multi-purpose functions.

So many people assume they can’t do modern in a Victorian or Colonial house, but it can give it a fresh and unexpected look. Formal double parlors are seen as wasted space, but the way this city loves to entertain, it becomes the perfect conversion space and less stuffy than originally intended. n

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Villa Vici 4112 Magazine St. 899-2931

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retailer spotlight zinsel glass

Lindsey, Warren and Tara Buonagura

Lindsey Buonagura

By Pamela Marquis

Glass was once thought to be a very fragile building material and used only in windows. These days, glass is not only spectacular to look through but it’s also safe, strong and energyefficient. No one understands this better than Zinsel Glass, a local company that’s been around since 1920 carrying glass for all commercial, residential and automotive needs. “We are currently a part of several exciting projects such as Tulane Stadium, the revitalization of New Orleans East Hospital and South Market District condos and retail space in the heart of downtown New Orleans,” says Zinsel Glass vice president, Lindsey Buonagura.

What new trends do you see emerging in your business? We are pleased

to be a key part in the latest trend of green buildings.

Green buildings play a huge part in the world by using high performance glass that helps with energy conservation and efficiency. Smart glass is another trend we find exciting. It’s a very innovative building material.

This glass can turn from transparent to opaque, control the passage of heat and light and convert itself cheryl gerber photo

from two-way to one-way, all at the user’s command.

What’s the most unique way you have ever used glass? We used glass

to create a custom LED serpentine bar top. Another interesting use of glass is custom-fritted pattern glass walls. This allows you to choose a design to print on the glass for either privacy or just to be creative.

Is there a job you are especially proud of and, if so, could you describe it for us?

We are extremely proud of the WWII U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center due to the state-of-the-art glass system and integrated architectural design. The Gravier Street Condo is another one that we truly enjoy because it allowed for a true blend of modern elements in a historic property. We achieved this blend with unique uses of glass, from the glass elevator shaft and handrails to a contemporary shower design. n

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Zinsel Glass 1120 Lafayette St., Gretna 367-2330

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expert advice

Villa Vici

the great outdoors Enhancing your space for the summer months

By Lee Cutrone

As the mercury rises, so does the amount of time we spend outside enjoying the outdoors. We asked local businesses for ideas on how to enhance your outdoor living spaces during the warm weather months.

Experts in everything from

the mailbox at the front curb to the pool in the backyard, provide us with advice on how to beautify your home for summer as well as how to make it more comfortable and energyefficient. Their know-how can help make a difference

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when the heat is on.

Few outdoor amenities are as coveted as a pool. In business for 30 years, Earl and Lisa Hardoin, owners of Paradise Pools and Spas, cover every aspect of pools and spas, from design and construction to

maintenance and repairs and have their collective fingers on the pulse of the latest trends – such as naturalistic aggregate finishes, glass tiles along the waterline, automation that can be controlled from your cell phone, ledges, cheryl gerber photographs

and LED lighting. In a city where summer temperatures routinely reach the 90s, the Hardoins also offer features like pool coolers that lower the water temperature in a day or so, as well as water features including waterfalls and fountains, which can have a slight cooling effect.

“We adhere to the highest standards construction wise, but at the end of the day the client wants to truly feel confident in who they are dealing with,” says Earl. “The relationships we build with our clients far exceed any pool we’ve done.” Paradise specializes in turning clients’ ideas into beautiful, working pools and spas – even when space is limited. “Some of our favorite projects have been in smaller areas whether in the French Quarter or in a side yard,” adds Earl. “They end up being the most dramatic transformations.”

The lawns, gardens and other green spaces that surround our homes and businesses are integral to the way we live in summer.

While most landscapers recommend late fall as the optimum time for a landscape overhaul, planting does occur year ‘round and there are ways to make sure your efforts aren’t in vain. “If you decide to plant, you need to keep it irrigated,” says Tommy Benge of the family owned Benge Landscaping, which specializes in irrigation, lighting, shutter walls and outdoor entertaining areas like kitchens, patios and pergolas. In addition to traditional irrigation systems (which tap into the regular water source), Benge installs irrigation systems with their

own meters, a money saving alternative for clients. “It’s a longer process but we make it seamless and easy,” says Benge. Other ideas that Benge advocates for summer are the use of shade trees, which help reduce heat and energy consumption, and outdoor misting systems, which can lower the temperature by as much as 8 or 9 degrees. “With people saving money going on staycations instead of going on vacation, we’re pushing the idea of investing in your outdoor living,” says Benge.

“For the price of a resort style vacation, you can have a vacation in your own backyard.”

Another way to maximize the beauty of your outdoor space is to consider buying some new furniture. Tanga Winstead of Villa Vici says that with their increased space at the company’s new location, “We’ve mixed it up and brought transitional furniture outside for increased living space and versatile products that serve

multiples functions.” Villa Vici’s new outdoor collections feature lightweight cement, aluminum, teak, resin wicker, marine vinyl and slipcovered Sunbrella to provide texture, durability and resilience.

Additionally, she says, “Our cast polymer pieces light up the night sky as a bar or decorative object. These items can also be brought inside for multipurpose use. “ Max Home, which builds and remodels outdoor spaces, takes a custom approach designed to ensure customer satisfaction. In business for 10 years, owner and CEO Larry Closs says sunrooms are a foolproof answer for anyone looking to improve their outdoor living space.

The reason: a sunroom combines outdoor and indoor living in one. “Heat, bugs and humidity – all the problems of outdoor living – a sunroom gets rid of them,” says Closs.

“It’s nice to enjoy the outdoor with air conditioning.” Max Home sunrooms can be screened in, enclosed with glass, outfitted with windows

that open and with air conditioning. Closs says pergolas, often used as part of a garden concept or to cover a hot tub, are also an attractive option for keeping cool.

Maintaining your landscaping will go a long way toward giving your outdoor areas a finished look and keeping your plants healthy even in the dog days of summer. An all-natural product Gomez Pine Straw, sold at wholesale prices and delivered free of charge, has a host of benefits. It’s easy to use, biodegradable and soil-enriching. It’s also a renewable resource.

“There’s no better mulch to use than pine straw,” says George Gomez, owner of the Mandeville based business.

“In the summer, it retains moisture and in the winter, it protects plants from dryness and cold.” Gomez adds that pine straw, available in needles and crushed form, is visually pleasing with indigenous trees and plants, in contrast to dyed mulches. He prides himself

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Benge Landscaping

on his company’s excellent customer service. “You can call us and we can get it to you the same day,” he says.

No outdoor space will look its best or be worth the investment if your home itself is suffering from deferred maintenance. If you’re looking to replace tired, timeworn windows, LAS Enterprises, in business for nearly 60 years, manufactures and installs vinyl windows designed to stand up to Southeast Louisiana’s climate. With hurricane season beginning June 1, LAS also offers other ways to renew the look of your home while safeguarding it from damage. Their Home Guard Shutter Line (available in Colonial, Board & Batten and Bahama styles) is comparable in price to

wooden shutters and Florida Building Code (FBC) rated for hurricane protection.

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“Unlike wooden shutters, that crack, chip and fade over time, our shutters have the look of wood and are essentially maintenancefree,” says LAS owner, Rick Maia. “We know shutters, and we know hurricane protection. We have carefully engineered and manufactured our shutters for protection and security while maintaining aesthetics and keeping costs down for our customers.”

Pressure washing is another way to maintain your home and have it looking its best for the summer. It costs considerably less than painting and done annually can extend the life of your paint job. “Your appreciating asset deserves an annual bath,” says Kyle Kloor, who owns the family owned and operated Audubon Pressure Washing. With 20 years of

experience specializing in commercial and residential jobs, the team at Audubon Pressure Washing prides themselves on their attention to detail. They tape all doors, windows and electrical areas to prevent water intrusion and use top-of-the-line machines with adjustable temperature settings and both hot and cold water technology. They have a range of detergents and antimicrobial agents to retard growth of mold and mildew (which is worst during summer heat and humidity) and they begin each job by covering plants and foliage with water to protect them.

After cleaning fences and decks, they also can stain and reseal them.

Kloor and his technicians cater to the specific needs of each client and most jobs are done in a day. n

You’ve got mail!

Electronic mail chimes to get your attention, so why not add a few bells and whistles to your snail mail? A custom aluminum mailbox from The Mailbox Guy is hand-cast and because of the nature of the molding process, no two are alike. “We’re extremely custom in what we do and how we do it,” says Wayne Schaub, co-owner of the business. “Our boxes are just that unique, not to mention the quality.” The Mailbox Guy offers eight designs (the most popular is the Ol’ New Orleans, which has fleur-de-lis accents) and a variety of colors and faux finishes ranging from French Quarter green to copper. Locally made and professionally installed, each comes with a 90-day warranty.

Schaub notes that incorporating one of the company’s mailboxes into the front garden (versus at the curb) has become a popular trend with locals.

“Mailboxes have almost become a garden accent,” he says. “It’s something different.”

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advertising

resource directory building materials Adda Carpets and Flooring

5480 Mounes St. Harahan 504/736-9001 Addacarpetsandflooring.com

B Powered Electric, LLC 2082 Benefit St. New Orleans 504/606-9273 Bpoweredelectric.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

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

Max Home 5400 Pepsi St. New Orleans 504/218-4298 MaxHomeNow.com

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

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

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

Zinsel Glass

Eric and Norma’s Place

custom home builders

1600 N. Collins Blvd Covington 985/778-5876 ericandnormasplace@yahoo.com

financial

Golf course

800/220-2497 fidelityhomestead.com

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

Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank

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

Money Hill Country Club

home furnishings & accessories Abode

2114 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/266-2135 shopatabode.com

Whitney Bank

Brian’s Furniture & Appliances

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

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

gardening/landscape

Eclectic Home

Benge Landscape

1720 Mayan Ln. Metairie 504/309-2574 Bengelandscape.com

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

Gomez Pine Straw LLC

Greg Arceneaux Cabinetmakers Inc.

2025 Spartan Drive Mandeville 504/481-9416 gomezpinestrawllc.com

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

Roussel Builders LLC

Mullin Landscape Associates LLC

Jon Vaccari Antiques and Design

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

621 Distributors Row Suite F Harahan 504/275-6617 mullinlandscape.com

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

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

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advertising

resource directory Mignon Faget

Villa Vici

Marchand Creative Kitchens

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

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

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

Mandeville 985/892-2572 Mckitchens.com

Nola Rugs

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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

LAS Enterprises 2413 L&A Rd. Metairie 504/887-1515 LAShome.com

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

INSIPRATION New Orleans Museum of Art

Rug Chic Home Decor

City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle New Orleans 504/658-4100 noma.org

4240 Hwy. 22 Mandeville 985/674-1070 rugchic.com

kitchen & bath Cameron Kitchen & Bath Designs Inc.

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

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

8019 Palm St. New Orleans 504/486-3759 cameronkitchens.com

Campbell Cabinet Co. 220 Hord St. Harahan 504/733-4687 4040 Hwy. 59 Mandeville 985/892-7713 campbellcabinets.com

Nordic Kitchens & Baths Inc. 1818 Veterans Blvd.

Metairie 504/888-2300 nordickitchens.com

The Cabinet Makeover 2206 Barataria Blvd.

Marrero 504/416-2587 cmakeover@yahoo.com

POOLS

Paradise Pools & Spas 4221 Division St. Metairie 504/888-0505 985/626-1700 paradisepoolsandspasla.com

retail

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. New Orleans 504/522-1555 RiverwalkNewOrleans.com

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

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Home Décor

Poydras Home

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

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

5354 Magazine St. New Orleans 504/897-0535 poydrashome.com

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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

California Closets 3211 N. Causeway Blvd.

Metairie 504/828-5705 californiaclosets.com/Metairie

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

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

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

resources

“Backyard Bliss,” p. 38

The area code is 504, unless otherwise noted.

Artist Profile, pg. 14 “David Halliday”621-1526; Arthurrogergallery.com, 528-2609; davidhallidayphotography.com

For the Garden, pg. 18 “A Rosy Outlook” New Orleans Old Garden Rose Society, countrysideroses.com; Leo Watermeier, leowatermeier@cox.net.

Shaun Smith, 3947 Magazine St., 896-1020, shaunsmithhome.com; Modern Market, 3138 Magazine St., Unit C, 896-2206, modernmarketlifestyle.com; Alexa Pulitzer, 945-4843, alexapulitzer.com; The White Camellia Garden and Gifts, 3937 Magazine St., 875-4170, whitecamelliagardenandgifts.com

“City Park Chic,” p. 32 Living With Antiques, pg. 20 “Stained-Glass Windows” Mel Buchanan, New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 658-4100, noma.org; Cynthia Courage, Attenhofer’s Stained Glass Studio, 1005 Central Ave., Metairie, 834-3967

The French Mix, 228 Lee Lane, Covington, (985) 809-3152, shopthefrenchmix. com; Shades of Light, 1123 Josephine St., 524-6500, ampsandshadesnola.com; Ed Whiteman, edwhiteman. com; Adele Sypesteyn, adelesypesteyn.com

“Backyard Bliss,” p. 38 Masters of Their Craft, pg. 22 “On the Map” Ellen Macomber, EllenMacomber.com

Trendwatch, pg. 25 “Outdoor Entertaining” Ashley Hall Interiors, 832 Howard Ave., 524-0196, ashleyhallinteriors.com; Plant Gallery, 9401 Airline Hwy., 488-8887, theplantgallery. com; Little Miss Muffin, 766 Harrison Ave., 482-8200, shoplittlemissmuffin.com; The Garden Gates, 2918 Metairie Road, Metairie, 833-6699, thegardengates. com; perch., 2844 Magazine St., 899-2122, perch-home. com; Spruce, 2043 Magazine St., 3713 Magazine St., 265-0946, sprucenola.com;

Miranda Lake, mirandalake. com; Valorie Hart, 289-8979 valoriehart.com; Donna Maselli Designs, donnamasellidesigns.com; Mitchell Settoon, mitchellsettoon. com; AKA Stella Gray, 2105 Magazine St., 208-2300; Source Interiors and Art, 2103 Magazine St., 561-7558; Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 866-6654

Home Renewal, pg. 80 “Rules to Build a Dream On” Karley Frankic, karleyfrankic. com; Historic District Landmarks Commission, 1340 Poydras St., #1152, 658-7040, nola.gov/hdlc

Retailer Spotlights, pg. 82 Mullin Landscape

94 | New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Summer 2014

Associates, 621 Distributors Row, Suite F, Harahan, 275-6617, mullinlandscape. com; Nordic Kitchens & Baths, 1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 888-2300, nordickitchens.com; Villa Vici, 4112 Magazine St., 899-2931, villavici.com; Zinsel Glass, 1120 Lafayette St., Gretna, 367-2330, zinselglass.com

Expert Advice, pg. 88 “The Great Outdoors” Paradise Pools, 4221 Division St., Metairie, 888-0505, paradisepoolsandspasla. com; Benge Landscaping,

345-1187 landscapeservicemetairie.com; Villa Vici, 4112 Magazine St., 899-2931, villavici.com; Max Home, 5400 Pepsi St., 265-9594, maxhomenow. com; Gomez Pine Straw, 2025 Spartan Drive, Mandeville, (985) 264-3567, gomezpinestrawllc.com; LAS Enterprises, lashome.com; Audubon Pressure Washing, 6221 S. Claiborne Ave, #582, 616-7467, audubonpressurewashing.com; The Mailbox Guy, 704 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 466-5035, themailboxguyneworleans.com n

last indulgence

summer succulents These versatile plants are low-maintenance and lovely.

By Sarah Ravits

Succulent plants are great for both experienced gardeners and for those just beginning to test out their green thumbs.

Versatile in looks and form, they are mostly characterized by a plump or swollen appearance, because of their water storage capabilities. These hardy plants can survive both the crazy hot summers and our colder winters.

They are fantastic for ornamental purposes, but some succulents, like aloe, are helpful to us, too – you can break off a piece of the leaf and use the juice to soothe a sunburn, for example.

At the very least, they are fairly inexpensive, easily available and make a lovely addition to any outdoor or indoor space whether you want a pop of greenery or a complete saturation. n EUGENIA UHL PHOTO