Autumn in New Orleans is really more like “summer light,” but that doesn’t mean I don’t still look forward to it. The heat eases up and I once again feel the desire to cook food in the oven (such as the molasses cookies on page 24 by Emeril’s pastry chef Jeremy Fogg) and invite friends over to visit on the porch. Around the house, candles and home fragrances are switched out to spicy and autumnal scents, such as cinnamon apple and vanilla. I once again contemplate swapping out the throw pillows in favor of a more seasonally appropriate color, but then never get around to it. This is one of many reasons I won’t likely ever be in a league with this year’s crop of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles Design Masters.
Our 2017 honorees are truly masters of detail, form, function and, of course, design. Each one is at the top of, or engaged in a rapid ascent, in his or her chosen area of design, whether it’s drapery, accessories, architecture or interior design. Flip to page 70 to learn more about this who’s who of New Orleans design industry professionals and their work. Be sure to join us at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum on Sept. 7 to clink glasses in honor of the Design Masters, as well as your picks for the Best of Homes winners, which were announced in the summer issue.
The autumn issue also marks the time of year when we announce and shine a spotlight on our New Build of the Year. It just so happens that the project lead and architect of record is one of our past Design Masters, architect Wayne Troyer, principal at Studio WTA. This modern oasis featured on page 42 is a study in streamlined simplicity and worthy of celebration.
As we transition into fall, relishing the retreat of oppressive heat and preparing for the upcoming the season of celebration, I’m convinced that this will be the autumn that I finally swap out the throw pillows.
— Melanie Warner Spencer, Editor
