5 Ways To Capture The Spirit Of New Orleans Through Your Home's Aesthetic
*525 Governor Nicholls Street #204, Listed by Scott K. James
There is a spirit in New Orleans that is irreplicable. With cultural influences from around the world, the culture combines them in its style, food, and art scene. If you’re interested in moving to NOLA or want to pay tribute to it in your home, here are five ways to do so through your home’s aesthetic.
1. Embrace the City’s Architecture in Your Design
New Orleans has a rich architectural history spanning more than 300 years. From Creole to Art Deco, there is so much you can use to make your home feel like NOLA inside and out. Whether you live in a cottage, shotgun home or modern house, you can take from the many other types of homes around the city to feel more connected to it.
According to the NOLA government, the city has nine common architectural styles: Creole, Greek Revival, Italianate, neoclassical, eclectic, arts and crafts, art deco and modern.
There are many ways to incorporate architecture and design into your home. You can use cast iron to replicate the look of the iconic Creole townhouse balconies in the French Quarter. Crown molding is an excellent way to incorporate neoclassical.
Decorative columns reflect the stunning pillars of Greek revival homes. Incorporate eclectic or art deco interior design style in your home to pay tribute to the techniques from the 19th and early 20th centuries, or bring in the elegant artwork of romanticized Italianate homes. You could add rustic elements from arts and crafts and smooth facades of modern styles.
2. Bring in the Colors and Festivities of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras and NOLA go hand in hand. It’s safe to say no other location in the world has influences from France-inspired ballsand Spanish carnaval celebrations. Today’s festivities hold a special place in the hearts of NOLA locals and those visiting each year.
Keep the spirit of Mardi Gras alive all year by adding green, purple and gold throughout your home. You can create a gallery wall with different masks, beads and photographs from prior celebrations. Use the celebration’s patterns in throws, pillows, curtains and other home decor items.
You can make your home as festive as you prefer, but there are ways to add a more subtle touch while still paying homage to Mardi Gras. Instead of making the colors your home’s primary palate, use them as accents for a cream or neutral interior color. Choose subtle patterns and elegant decor pieces to play throughout your home.
If you love music, you’re far from alone in this city. New Orleans is a magical place for it — especially jazz. There are clubs throughout the city and it is not uncommon to hear groups get together and play in the street. The music permeates the culture from festivals to funerals.
You can bring jazz to life in your home by dedicating a space to display your favorite instruments. Please pick them up when you want to play and use them as fun decor when you don’t. Just ensure you care for them so they stay ready for the next time the rhythm calls you.
Pay tribute to your favorite local musicians and jazz legends by displaying photographs on a shelf or a gallery wall. Place them with mementos from your famous clubs and concerts. You can create a comfortable area for you and your guests to listen to your favorite records, whether on vinyl, through your favorite streaming platform — or live music!
*525 Governor Nicholls Street #204, Listed by Scott K. James
4. Create a Welcoming Outdoor Space
Sunshine and warm nights are a staple of the South — New Orleans included. Spending an evening with neighbors on a porch or patio is a large part of NOLA’s community-centered culture. Sharing a meal, having tea, playing music or just enjoying a conversation still helps connect neighborhoods in the digital age.
Being in the sunshine and fresh air makes the city “The Big Easy.” You can choose an open space like a patio or courtyard or sit under a sunroom or covered porch to keep your furniture out of the direct sun and closer to home.
Incorporate wrought iron furniture and colorful cushions to make NOLA-inspired seating. Make it feel tropical by incorporating lush greenery in pots and hanging baskets. You can plant native oak, Cyprus or magnolia trees around your property to create a shady retreat.
Community is a part of New Orleans and supporting one another’s efforts helps the city thrive. Many creative minds flock to NOLA to expand their talents and hone their craft. It has a magic that keeps experts making their masterpieces for decades.
You can support local artists and their unique styles by purchasing and displaying their pieces around your home.
A block from Bourbon Street is Royal Street, which features galleries, boutiques and antique shops where you can search for your new favorite items. Other great spots for local art include the Warehouse Arts District, Magazine Street and the many open-air markets.
Pictures, paintings ,and pottery are some of the finds you will surely cherish in your home for decades.
*525 Governor Nicholls Street #204, Listed by Scott K. James
Capturing the Spirit of New Orleans in Your Home
There is so much to love about the city — you can include it all in your home aesthetic. When you pay tribute to old and new style influences and capture NOLA's celebration and community culture, you can always have the spirit of New Orleans with you. It
*This post was written by Rose Morrison of renovated.con
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