Located in Uptown New Orleans, this 1880’s cruciform home originally sat on St. Charles Ave and was later relocated to face State Street where Victorian porches were added and it became known as “The Grand Dame of State Street” Decades later, the residence was divided into four multifamily units and suffered years of disrepair.
The goal was to restore the symmetry and modernize this once great historic home to its former grandeur while staying true to its historic roots. The inspiration was to “bring the outside in” by letting the abundant Louisiana light and sun stream in through the home with the addition of seven massive french doors in the family room kitchen area and the duplication of the living room door/porch in the dining room. Nature inspired fabrics, wallpaper and art in greens, blues and creams featuring birds, flowers and fauna are found throughout the home.
Entrance Hall
The wallpaper mural in the entrance hall is a favorite and was a design challenge due to the 14 foot ceilings. This tropical landscape with dense jungle foliage in warm gray tones is romantic without being overwhelming. The antique architect's desk, black lacquer settee and oil paintings are the designer's own collection. Whimsical King & Queen paintings by New Orleans artist Tony Esom were commissioned to complement the wallpaper.
Parlor / Living Room
A throwback to old Country Club chic, the parlor/living room is filled with antique furniture, a gallery wall of oil paintings and traditionally inspired fabrics such as floral chitz, flame stitch, velvets and trims. A pair of brown dragon table lamps from Legends of Asia and Snow Leopard carpet from Stark Carpet the room keep it fresh.
Dining Room
Designed for formal entertaining, this room is a nod to the designer’s heritage and filled with family heirlooms of antique dining table, cellarette and sideboard, french mantle clock and candelabra, large gilt mirror and collection of oil paintings. Old mixes with new Mastercraft chairs and Visual Comfort Paris Flea Market chandelier. The wallpaper in a traditional damask pattern is updated in a silver metallic colorway giving the room an air of formality without being outdated and stuffy.
Powder Room
Designed in 1930 exclusively for Schumacher by Paul Poiret, champagne bubbles float around ostrich feathers and ribbons and the designer immediately thought of New Orleans and Second Line parades. It is described by Schmacher as colorful, confident and chic!
Kitchen
Designed for multiple cooks and large scale entertaining. Highlights of the kitchen include:
A 10’5” solid piece of Calacatta Gold marble on the island and backsplash from Triton Stone
Zinc countertops in bronze from Le Bastille
Wood Mode cabinets ordered through New Orleans based Classic Cupboards
Combination of mixed metals (WaterStreet brass hardware, Newport Brass nickel faucets, stainless Thermador appliances and Vent-A-Hood brass & stainless hood)
Ebony, brass and cane counter stools from Alfonso Marina ( a little known furniture maker in Mexico) with cushions covered in Kravet fabric
Oversized Riverside brass lanterns from Visual Comfort
Baker Vendome Dining Table and Chairs covered in Cowtan & Tout and Greenhouse fabrics
Bird Prints from Celadon Art, antique Demi Lune designers own collection
Family Room
The vibrant blue and subtle grays found in exterior landscaping and pool were the inspiration for the family room decor in cream, blues and grays. The addition of seven 7’ french doors, creates an open, airy and peaceful environment in which to relax and entertain.
Primary Bedroom
With it’s exotic birds and cherry blossoms, Chinois Palais fabric from Schumacher was the design inspiration for this primary bedroom. Chinoiserie style continues with the black metal poster bed with brass accents and custom black lacquer nightstands. French gilt demi lune table, mirror and art are designers' own collection.
