I just returned from New Orleans, and I’m so refreshed! A few pounds heavier, too, of course. While spring is just poking its head out of the ground in Virginia, everything is in full bloom in Louisianna.
There is no city in the South — possibly in the country — with such distinct and inspiring style as New Orleans. It’s given me dozens of ideas for my home and garden. Every morning I took a long walk through the Garden District, which comprises block after city block of gorgeous homes representing every architectural era since the mid 1700′s.
The style, while elegant, has a certain amount of theater. It’s not uncommon to see heaps of mardi gras beads hanging like Spanish moss from live oak trees in the yards of the mansions on St. Charles Avenue. The elephant ears and palm trees add a touch of drama. Gaslights still flicker along every little street, and it’s easy to forget what year this really is.
Commander's Palace
A Garden District mansion
Wrought iron skull fence
Garden District Victorian
Folks in New Orleans enjoy mixing tradition and grace with humor and whimsy. The wrought iron skull fence is a good example. Bawdy Bourbon Street is just a block away from refined Royal Street. The saints and the sinners live side by side…
French Quarter taxi
A quiet street in the French Quarter
French Quarter residence
My favorite antique shop is Royal Antiques located on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Established in 1899, it holds the loveliest collection of French and English pieces I’ve seen in years. The walnut French wine taster’s table stood out, as did several painted wardrobes (they make excellent bars!), and a pair of antique gilded bergeres (armchairs) in an outrageous melon-colored fabric.
New Orleans is a great example of how to marry the 18th century with the 21st. The trick is to not be shy about mixing color and texture, old and new, serious and fun.
French Quarter balcony
Garden District residence
A private garden
Bar hopping
