As I’m writing this note, new orleans is still battling a cold snap and Carnival is in full swing. Needless to say, looking ahead to spring is a welcome respite. I’m excited for the flowers to be in full bloom and planning a thorough spring cleaning of the house and refreshing of the décor. The spring issue of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles is of course always chock full of inspiration, ideas and — for those lucky souls who don’t need to freshen up their interiors — eye candy.
First and foremost on the eye candy front is our Renovation of the Year on page 50. This circa- 1890s, classic shotgun was transformed by owners Elizabeth and Adam Keckler, into an elegant, contemporary cottage. It’s easy to see why for them, it was love at first sight. On page 58, we step inside the light, airy Riverbend home of Karen and Mark Gundlach. The modern residence was designed by architect Lee Ledbetter and includes an enviable secret courtyard. If courtyards and other beautifully designed landscapes are your thing, you’ll want to turn to page 64 for our annual gardens feature. We explore three dazzling outdoor spaces designed by fellow of landscape architecture René Fransen.
Gardeners rejoice, as this issue not only contains the aforementioned gardens feature and Pamela Marquis’ regular “For the Garden” column, but also, in associate editor Ashley McLellan’s “Price Mix” on page 88, LSU AgCenter Extension Associate Chris Dunaway gives us the dirt on the best gardening gloves for each endeavor.
When Mirella Cameran sent us her picks for “Inspiration Board,” my imagination immediately went into overdrive. Neutrals layered with geometric shapes and patters and a suprise pop of color are at once classic and new. Now the only question to ask yourself is, “Do I pick and choose or just invest in all of it and do a complete overhaul?” File that under great problems.
As always, whether you are spending the season indoors making your interiors a little brighter or outdoors tending to the landscape, we hope you enjoy the issue and this season of renewal. Cheers!
Melanie
