Riche Home and Lifestyle

PROJECT REVEAL

STYLISH CHRISTMAS DECOR IDEAS

MY FAVORITE THINGS

RICHE home & lifestyle

DECEMBER ‘21

From the Editor

HELLO DEAR READER! I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well.

We made it! It's the end of another year!

I hope 2021 was a year that when you look back and balance things out, the positive side outweighs the negative one.

As I reflect back on this year, I am very thankful for the things that happened as well as those that didn't. I am a firm believer that things happen - or not - for you. It's up to you to find the silver linings of it.

Those of you who know me well, know that the gratitude attitude is my motto. As the last days of 2021 approach, I am thankful and appreciative of my conquests and shortcomings.

I wish you and yours an amazing holiday season.

Till next issue, Regina Correa

Regina Correa Designer/Editor

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Stylish Christmas Decor Ideas Whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist, there are stylish ideas for you.

Project Reveal A guest room and home library in New Orleans.

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Sitting Pretty Chaise Lounge or recamier, either one is perfect for down time.

Local Art The photographic oil paintings of Philip C. Thompson.

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Stylish Christmas Decor Ideas t is time to deck the halls! Although Decorating for the holidays is a task many look forward to doing, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you are a member of the latter, I encourage you to keep on reading. Chances are the ideas shared here will convince you that decorating for Christmas can be easy and fun! After all, wouldn’t it be great to have a stylishly decorated home for the holidays?

According to the Pew Research Center, ninety percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, with only thirty-four percent being Christians. People decorate for holidays because of the nostalgic feeling it brings. In fact, it’s been said that people who decorate for the holidays are happier. There you have it, don’t be the Grinch!

Although some find the task daunting, there are simple and easy ways to achieve it. Whether your space is large or small, or you are a minimalist or maximalist there’s a myriad of ideas that can help you bring the amazing feeling of the holidays to your home. Those who would like to decorate but not get as involved with a large Christmas tree, etc... are sure to find a thing or two that will bring your home the sparkling feel of the holidays.

Use What You Have If you already have some Christmas decor, perhaps you could use them differently this year. Look for ways to display them in other places in your home or add ribbons and ornaments where you usually don’t. For instance, instead of adding ornaments to your tree, add bows made with ribbons. Make a wreath or garland out of the ornaments and hang it with a pretty bow above the fireplace or on a door. You are simply using what you have in a new way.

Add Ribbons Adding ribbons is a simple and very easy way to add color and interest to any

Photo: Janis Nicolay via Elle Decor

holiday decor. Whether they are in form of bows or wrapped around your decor, ribbons are the least expensive items that will completely transform your home. Though a bit pricier, ribbons with wired edges are easier to arrange a perfect bow or their edges. Locally, you’ll find beautiful ones at Gordon’s of Metairie.

Use Colors and Elements of the Season Wintry touches such as silver, white tones, icy blues, branches, wooden accents, pine cones, faux fur, decorative deers, and more, are ideal to bring in the holiday look to your home. You can’t go wrong with these.

Use Fresh or Faux Garlands These are my favorite to decorate for the holidays. Drape them above a door (inside or outside), mantel, piece of furniture or railings, and dress them up with ornaments, ribbons, glittery pine cones for a chic look. Add Christmas lights to bring in the cheer.

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Stick to a Color Palette It is much easier to create a cohesive look if you stick to a color palette. There are many ways you can come up with one. You may use a favorite painting, fabric, wallpaper, even wrapping paper as inspiration. You may also use a color that contrasts well with your wall color. Here are some combos: red and green, red and gold, red and black, white and silver, white and blue, white and navy are just a few. There are tons more on the internet.

Neutral Factor You don’t need to add color to bring holiday cheer to your home. Neutral tones, especially in metallic finishes, add an inviting, yet chic feel to any home.

Natural Look Bring the outside in for a natural look in your home. Let the elements found in nature during the winter be your guide.

Wood accents, pine cones, branches are perfect to create this look.

Scent it Up There’s nothing like a delicious Christmas scent at home.

Candles or wall plug-ins are the best allies when it comes to the holiday scent. Imagine coming home to a welcoming smell of the season.

Gift Wrapping Use them as decor by wrapping boxes in various sizes with different patterns within your color palette or mix and match. Don't forget to add a pretty ribbon! Place them in strategic places around the house: front door, near the stairs, by the fireplace, by the Christmas tree, etc...

Go Metallic Golden glow, silver shimmer, or any other metallic color will surely add glitz and glam to your holiday decor. When it comes to the holidays, metallic is always a winner.

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Keep it Simple It is okay to be minimalist and keep your holiday decor simple. You don’t have to go overboard to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home. Perhaps a fresh garland with Christmas lights across the mantel or above a door, a nicely scented candle - winter pine is a favorite - and a few accessories will suffice.

Add a Tablescape or Centerpiece A tablescape or centerpiece gives a special touch to the surface it sits on. I find them very easy to make from scratch or you may find a faux special one to buy. It’ll look great at the dining table, console table in the foyer, side table, or even on the mantel.

Simply Accessorize If storing larger Christmas decor is a concern, invest in small accessories such as cone-shaped trees, reindeer candle holders, ornaments, scented candles, blankets (fur, check pattern, red, green, metallic), and perhaps a few throw pillows in tartan, fur, green, red or Christmas themed to finish the look. I adore Patience Brewster's ornaments - they are darling and fun!

Patience Brewster's Reindeers

I hope these tips have gotten you either more excited or encouraged you to try these stylish ideas. Keep in mind you may create vignettes in strategic points around your home where you or your guests will get reminded of the spirit of the holidays, every time you pass them by. Cheers!

Project Reveal The Guest Room

Studio riche designs

Chartrouse, blues, greens, yellows and silver finishes anchor the custom day bed that is the focal point in this room.

My client isn't afraid of color, so I created a palette that is vibrant yet comforting for her guest room. She liked it so much that she slept in it the first night.

On November 19th, I was once again reminded why I love what I do. And the importance of creating a home that reflects who you are, filled with the things you treasure.

Early this year a lovely lady reached out to me to design two rooms for her. From the get-go, she has been the ideal client following my design processes without one single complaint.

Whenever there was a concern of hers regarding my selections she asked for clarification or another option. Which it’s perfectly But overall, she trusted my opinion and taste, knowing the rooms would be beautiful.

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Project Reveal There were some delays due to tradesman and supply chain in fact - there is one main piece arriving mid-January. Even so, she remained optimistic. At times I reminded her that it’d be worth the wait. We even joked we were glad she didn’t have a special timeline for the rooms.

I guess she didn’t realize I had most of her pieces ready to install, even though I sent her updates every single week! The carpenter was finishing up the custom built-in in one of the rooms, so I felt she shouldn’t wait any longer. It would be the perfect Thanksgiving for her.

The Library or "Den of Knowledge"

Studio riche designs

Three weeks ago, I called her to give the great news: “We are installing your two rooms on the 19th.!” She was quiet for about 10 seconds and clearly delighted with the news.

Studio riche designs

As a book lover, this room was very special to my client.

The library built-in is undeniably the focal point in the room.

She loved the guestroom but when I revealed I wanted the room to be very the library to her, she was so ecstatic she rich so I selected this deep, started to cry! There wasn’t a dry eye in that burgundy tone. The room is room. That moment meant the world to me!

Studio riche designs mostly monochromatic : walls, ceiling, trims and doors. I added I'm so grateful to my client for trusting in me and following the process. Her some blue - seeing in the rug trust and patience with the delays made the project a breeze. and later on the chaise lounge coming in January, for a bit of contrast.

Note: All images by Regina Correa - Professional photography to come.

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Holiday Décor

Ideas

Metallic Eucaliptus Wreath

Glitter Trees Outdoor Merry & Bright Foliage

Reindeer

Nendaz Cypress Holiday Candle

Reindeer Table Runner and Napkins Patience Brewster Holiday Carolers Display

Taper Holders

Bloom Gilded Placemat

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Glitter Leaf Garland Splatter Paint Wired Ribbon

Glass Holiday Charger

Faux Fur Throw

Sitting Pretty Chaise Lounges Found in various shapes, styles, and finishes, a chaise lounge, also known as a recamier, is the perfect piece for casual reclining while reading, watching your favorite movie, or even snoozing. They are mostly placed in dens, home libraries or offices, studies, and bedrooms.

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My Favorite Things I hope this gift guide helps you make your holiday shopping a bit easier. As a small business owner, I encourage you to shop locally and support our community. I made a few selections but, check their website for lots more.

Also, check out Arts New Orleans market dates for unique gifts.

Gift Guide

Rabbit Napkin Orbs $36 Hazelnut New Orleans

On a Clear Day Oil on Canvas 12x12x1.5 - $175

Small Single Shotgun $24

Le Boulevard Marketplace

Home Malone Local Lagniappe

Abigails Cerchio Centerpiece $334 Little Miss Muffin

Head/Bust Ceramic Black $58 Hazelnut New Orleans The Parish Line Wrapping Paper $12

Little Miss Muffin

Lorraine Gendron Muses Bathtub Float $150 Home Malone Local Lagniappe

Creolette Kitchen Towel $12 Little Miss Muffin

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Antique Ottoman Empire Raised Gold Embroidery Pillow 11x17 $975 B Viz Design

Southern Lights C'est La Vie Candle $40 Little Miss Muffin

Inspiration

Christmas & New Years' Table Settings

I love the idea of setting the table with real dishes every day, but especially around the holidays! Why keep those beautiful dishes tucked away? Oh, and the clean-up is worth the trouble. Here are some table-setting inspirations that are sure to delight your guests this holiday season!

Simple, minimalist setting:

A neutral tablecloth sets the base for this minimalist look. Vintage-looking plates are paired with silver cutlery and white napkins. The greenery and candles accent the look finished off by a natural wood beaded garland.

Image: M Star Design via MyDomaine

Elegant, traditional setting: The dark, neutral background allows for this stunning setting to shine.

The star of this tablescape is the deep-toned flower arrangement at the center. The contrasting charger and plate with scalloped gold edge, topped by a modern salad plate beautifully enhance the look. The smoked gray glasses add depth and elegance.

Image: Casa de Perrin

Modern setting:

Contrasting black and white elements set the ambiance on this modern table setting. The modern plates are beautifully juxtaposed with sleek black shiny flatware. The striped napkins are adorned by greenery, which is repeated in a simple bud vase arrangement bringing a touch of nature to the table.

Image: Homeyohmy

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Local Art

"Although my paintings are representational, I do not copy what I see. I try to emphasize what is important and to understate, or remove, what is not. I do everything I can to evoke feeling and mood."

Phillip C. Thompson Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I have a PhD in anthropology and have made a living as a consultant and Trainer in organizational redesign. Only in the last twenty years have I devoted myself exclusively to drawing and painting.

"Apples" Photo: Philip C. Thompson

How/why did you become an artist?

In middle school and high school my art teachers said I had some talent and should pursue a career in art. Of course, I did not. But somewhere in midlife I promised myself I would ”do” art and enrolled in drawing classes at UNO and, eventually, at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art. There I took drawing from the late Dell Weller who became my teacher, mentor, and good friend.

"Storm Across Carrollton" Photo: Philip C. Thompson

What is your philosophy/what moves you to create your art?

To truly “see” reality—an object, a scene—not just “identify” it.

Where do you get inspiration?

I look at the world around me. When something “calls” me, I draw it and, then, if I find some mystery there, I paint it. I tend to like mundane things—houses, metal tools, fruit, the human form, etc.

Artists who have inspired me: Dell Weller, Edward Hopper, Odd Nerdrum.

"Defiant" Photo: Philip C. Thompson

Why art is important, in your opinion?

After language, making art is one important way we are separate from the other great apes. It is one of our defining characteristics.

What else would you like our readers to know?

"Pelican" Photo: Philip C. Thompson Ill-health prevents me from showing my art at galleries or markets but I have an extensive inventory of completed paintings that can be viewed at my studio by appointment. Contact me by phone or text: Philip C Thompson 504-250-0612 Lastly, as you now know I own one of your large brown bag paintings - I love it!

Can you tell us why you decided to paint a brown bag?

I was wondering what to paint as I passed through the checkout line at Langesteins. So I asked Ruth, the checkout lady, a friend, what I should paint. she suggested a paper bag. There you have it: Inspiration!

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"Self-Portrait" Photo: Philip C. Thompson

Phil Thompson paints in oil, both polychrome and monochrome (sepia).

His subjects range from simple still lifes, to nudes, landscapes, and cityscapes.

Thompson shows his work regularly at the Bywater Art Market.

Some of his pieces are on permanent display at the New Orleans Conservation Guild and Gallery 421 in Covington.

Thompson began his formal artistic training in the mid1980s at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. In 1990, he won the Academy's Stuempfig Award for excellence.

"Paper Bag" Photo: Regina Correa

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Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Regina Correa came to visit New Orleans in 1999 and never left. She holds degrees in Interior Design and Art History, loves red wine, traveling the world, architecture, museums, music, nature and walking around our beloved City Park.

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