Come join me for a tour of New Orleans, Louisiana, where I just spend a few days - a comforting blend of beautiful, relax and festive.
Is it the bright colors, the pastels, or the friendly building proportions? Is it the spicy food or the brass music you hear around the corner?
This mix of old and timeless should never go out of style!
Is it the bright colors, the pastels, or the friendly building proportions? Is it the spicy food or the brass music you hear around the corner?
This mix of old and timeless should never go out of style!
What a place, New Orleans!
Founded in 1718 by a French Canadian, the city was then was governed by Spain in 1763. For almost four decades it became an important
trading and cultural partner to Cuba, Haiti and Mexico, before reverting back
to French rule in 1800. It joined the United States in 1803, when Napoleon sold the Louisiana territory.
This rich cultural history has left some unique architecture and design, and vibrant neighborhoods - let us explore, and imagine what we might found in some of those homes.
Splendid cast iron balconies are found throughout the Vieux Carre (French Quarter), and a grand collection of restored French colonial, Spanish, Creole and American architecture, dating from the mid 1700's through the early 20th century, is a true delight as you walk by.
Splendid cast iron balconies are found throughout the Vieux Carre (French Quarter), and a grand collection of restored French colonial, Spanish, Creole and American architecture, dating from the mid 1700's through the early 20th century, is a true delight as you walk by.
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| French Quarter Yoke Lantern (Bevolo gas lights) |
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| Wallace bench (Lee Jofa) - upholstered in 'Les Rizieres' - |
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| 'Les Rizieres' - upholstery fabric black/gold (Brunschwig & Fils) |
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| 'Fatsimile' art by James Michalopoulos |
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| Asta Side Table (Lee Jofa) |
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| Marisca Chandelier (Thom Lavin) |
Strolling along, you are surrounded by history and uniqueness, as Greek revival style mixes with Queen Ann and Victorian embellishment.
Le Vieux Carre is the 85-square-block original foot print of New Orleans.
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| Cascading glass Chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari (Galerie Sommerlath) |
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| Indigo Fairwood dresser (Annie Selke) |
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| Bukhara pillow (Peter Dunham Textiles) |
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| 'Helios' plaid /mussel shell upholstery fabric for sofa (Robert Allen) |
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| 'Ivy' customize sofa (Robert Allen) - upholstery: Helios plaid - |
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| Palio pillow (Maharam) |
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| "Barbara' - art by Hayley Gaberlavage |
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| Charleston chair (Annie Selke) |
The famous New Orleans Hurricane cocktail was created in the 1950's by a local bartender - it was originally served in the glass piece of hurricane lamps.
Walking through the city, one is amazed how much it resembles Europe - why has history not been more preserved and protected throughout the United States?
Being connected to the past helps us know who we are and how to move forward into the future - it gives us a firm footing to walk purposely on our life path.
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| 'Stretchin It Out' by James Michalopoulos |
Historic architectural elements are found everywhere, such as these Corynthian columns and stained glass on French style mansard windows...
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| George Briard ceramic lamp (Galerie Sommerlath) |
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| Grafton bench (Kravet) - upholstered in 'Serendip' by Manuel Canovas - |
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| 'Serendip' - upholstery fabric (Manual Canovas) |
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| Abellona Cross mirror (Burke Decor) |
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| Andre Arbus bronze sconces (1stDibs) |
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| Cobble Hill industry city chair (ABC Home) |
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| Leather pillows (Serena & Lilly) |
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| Naples pillow (Serena & Lilly) |
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| 'Street musician with guitar' by Willie Birch |
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| Blakely console (Kravet) |
Fountains and gardens make the traveler want to pause, remember some poetry, and listen to
the music in the background...
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| Boutique Accent chair (Burke Decor) |
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| Druggist Eye Vase (Jonathan Adler) |
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| Copper Hanging Light (Lantern and Scroll) |
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| Vintage Industrial stool (ABC Home) |
"Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night."
Mark Twain - 1896
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| 'Dew Drop Club' by Bill Hemmering |
Please enjoy this
Sophie Castro offers Interior Design services in Los Angeles, CA and Honolulu, HI.
She can be reached at: sophiecastrointeriors@gmail.com
All nature and architecture photographs were taken by author.
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Great taste! Love all the selection and I feel I am there!
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