Part II of our Louisiana Parade of Homes features local residential properties reminiscent of Louisiana history and culture.
Bayous and stately homes line the brick streets of the historic Garden District.
Louisiana history is a melange of varied cultures and influences.
The accent mark is well placed over the French and Spanish influence that frames our architectural elements, Créole and Cajun cuisine and the law of the Louisiana land.
Louisiana law is different from the other 49 states.
Our state Civil Code is adopted from the Napoleonic Code.
Originally based on ancient Roman law, the Napoleonic Code deals in civil law with French and Spanish codes.
What is known as counties in the other 49 are known as parishes here in Louisiana.
You say antiquated, I say unique.
History and tradition holds a court of a different kind here in Louisiana.
This parade of homes is a love letter, a visual note of appreciation to the architects of modern marvels.
“Every great architect is – necessarily – a great poet. He must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
Mid-century modern architecture is the prominent feature of the local post-war suburbs historic district. The houses of post-World War II subdivisions typically sit in the middle of large lots. A notable design feature widely considered an essential architectural element, the expansive front lawn fashions suburbia whilst living city proper.
Fast forward 30+ years when contemporary came to town.
August was a busy month of celebrations, milestones, and travels to small Southern towns around Places In The Home.
Our son’s graduation from Louisiana State University, commencement ceremony and subsequent celebration(s) made for a busy first part of the month.
When Dave the Builder suggested a regroup and recovery getaway for two, I could not make reservations fast enough.
I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the not too far but far enough away from home travels to small Southern towns.
These travel gems brimming with history, old houses, antiques and townsfolk who invite you to take in and be a part of the local flavor make a great weekend getaway destination perfect for recharging one’s battery.
St. John’s Episcopal Church – Washington, Louisiana
Our long and winding road travels placed us center stage among the small Southern towns of Washington, Scott and Lafayette, Louisiana.
I learned a long time ago not to categorize our close to home jaunts as a non-vacation.
Trust me, these just roll with the flow discovery excursions can pass a good time and pass for a real vacation.
Washington, Louisiana is as sleepy as it is Southern- a small town full of history from steamboat days gone by.
Narrow streets shaded by mature oaks, magnolia trees, historical architecture, quintessential Southern homes ranging from the wow to the weathered, and an old high school full to the gills with antiques and vintage goodies seasons the local flavor.
Beauty does not always strike a pristine pose. This abandoned abode on a shaded street in a small Southern town piqued my interest, struck an architectural chord and became the subject of a subjective experience.
You know you love antiquing when the indoor temperature almost matches the oppressive outdoor temperature ( 95+ degrees).
Note to self: antiquing in old buildings, warehouses, outdoors and in old high schools is an activity best enjoyed in the fall.
On this particular Louisiana summer Saturday, the Old Antique School Mall was full of hot air and hot finds priced fairly and in shop or home ready condition.
I didn’t have a clue what I was looking for, but something told me I would know it when, and if, I saw it.
Our visit to the school was timed just right for a super sale.
I have been working on a kitchen gallery wall, and no respectable kitchen gallery wall is complete without the all important touch of copper.
The method to my retail madness is simple- pop into shops, boutiques, markets and retail outlets not available in the retail deficient corner of the world I call home.
The Haul:
A familiar sign became a beacon of biscuits and cornbread in the South Louisiana night.
With a flair for finery reminiscent of the 18th-century French and Spanish influence from which it came, New Orleans architectural styles are without a doubt some of the most notable, emulated, and coveted features in architectural and interior design today.
A mighty wind may blow, howl, scream and threaten destruction, but never underestimate the resolve of a city whose beauty and soul is rooted in its centuries-old history – a city seemingly built to entice and enchant the eye as well as the heart of those who admire and appreciate this architectural landmark called New Orleans.
Beginning with an iconic favorite, the iconic gas lantern is synonymous with New Orleans architectural style.
Authentically crafted in antiqued copper, the Bevolo French Quarter lamp is one the most recognizable architectural elements lighting the streets, sidewalks, storefronts and entryways throughout the French Quarter and Garden District.
Cementing its role as a prominent New Orleans architectural element, Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights began in the French Quarter in 1945.
Design vision combined with the expert craftsmanship of Andrew Bevolo Sr. and the tales of renowned architect A. Hays Town resulted in a brilliant design execution.
These sublime features wrap the city in intricate detail so historically ingrained and so hauntingly associated with the French and Spanish style architectural history of New Orleans.
Thoughts of what once was and what could be again dance the dance of possibility in the minds of restorers, the hands of architects, the boards of designers and the hearts of the New Orleans devoted.
Age is a visitor from time that comes to the New Orleans architectural styles party often as an uninvited guest, but welcomed and embraced for its weathered and worn wonder with awed appreciation nonetheless.
Numerous buildings and streets of the French Quarter display the painted and embossed encaustic tiles as a historic form of identification of the old Spanish colonial street names.
Ornate moldings, ceiling medallions, elliptical archways and decorative trimmings denote the architectural element hallmarks of the city’s Greek Revival homes.
Dating back to the 1850s, the ornamental wrought and cast iron balconies, fences, galleries and gates of the Vieux Carré stand tall as the prominent architectural element most associated with the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans.
Pairing these two design elements together is a bespoke design element demonstrated throughout the Crescent City.
Elaborate in design and characteristic of the French Quarter, ornamental ironwork frames a large portion of the landmarks and homes of New Orleans.
feather brackets
New Orleans Shotgun houses possess an exterior charm as unique as the feather, scroll, and gingerbread architectural elements for which they’re known.
Architectural features of the shotgun house include elongated in length and narrow in width with rooms flowing one into another.
Modeled in Eastlake, Neoclassical Revival and Italianate styles, the shotgun houses throughout the City of New Orleans were built with lot size constraints in mind.
Shuttered doors and windows continue to be a prominent fixture among the classic New Orleans architectural element scene.
Adopting and adapting exteriors to mirror the customary French architectural design element of louvered shutters on all windows caught on and remains one of the most instantly recognizable traits of New Orleans design.
Shuttered doors and windows were strictly a utilitarian feature with a three fold purpose early on- privacy, protection from wind and sun and to control ventilation.
Spring into late summer months in New Orleans is not one conducive to complete comfort. Shuttered doors and windows remain a characteristic feature of French Quarter buildings, restaurants and hotels today.
Believe me, I’ve opened many a window and French door and pulled many a pair of shutters my way over the years to block the noise from the streets of the French Quarter.
Best described as an architectural enigma of sorts in a city so well know for public displays, the New Orleans courtyard is viewed as an architectural feat of patio splendor.
The New Orleans courtyard is an intimate walled garden usually tucked away from street view- a hidden and shaded Shangri-La.
Flowing fountains, lush plants, and fragrant tropical scents line the walls of the courtyard providing a tranquil place for residents, tourists and locals alike to ensconced themselves in privacy.
Gorgeous copper, antique New Orleans bricks, ornamental iron, ceiling medallions, ornate chandeliers and shutters drive my interior design and decorating choices. The influence of the New Orleans architectural elements in today’s interiors and exteriors is undeniable.
Do you know what it means to love the architectural styles of New Orleans?
Bananas Foster is named for Richard Foster, a friend of Owen Brennan.
Owen Brennan was the owner of Brennan’s and leading member of what can only be described as restaurant royalty, the Brennan family. The dish was created by Paul Blangé at Brennan’s in New Orleans, Louisiana.
When bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum and banana liqueur blend together in perfected flavor harmony it is a taste experience best served over vanilla ice cream.
Tableside preparation and presentation of this legendary dessert is the stuff flambe traditions are made of.
Brennan’s Bananas Foster
Bananas are halved, butter is melted, and brown sugar dances the dance of caramelization as great and tasty things get to cooking.
Banana liqueur and dark rum is added and ignited. The grand finale of flame and circumstance showcases the art of exhibition, a New Orleans tradition.
All that is left to do with this buttery, sugary, banana based and alcohol infused culinary masterpiece of aroma and flavor is to savor every delicious spoonful.
Brennan’s World Famous Bananas Foster
Inspiration is everywhere, and the idea for this recipe was born out of a need to do something with a fruit bowl full of bananas.
When the liquor cabinet is void of rum and banana liqueur and the cook is not too keen on the idea of do it yourself flambe, a heavy-handed pour of rum extract and a little extra cooking time saves the day and the dessert.
My version of Bananas Foster may not be as good or flambe flamboyant as Brennan’s, but the Places In The Home supper club can not say enough about how delicious this recipe is.
My Version of Bananas Foster
Ingredients
6 Tablespoons (¾ stick) butter, melted
4 bananas, peeled and sliced
½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
3 teaspoons rum extract
vanilla ice cream
Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar to melted butter using a wooden spoon to gently stir ingredients together.
Spoon in bananas and saute until bananas begin to soften. Sprinkle the nutmeg over tops of bananas.
Reduce heat to medium-low allowing mixture to reach a soft caramelized consistency. Add the rum extract, gently stirring to incorporate. Spoon over individual scoops of vanilla ice cream. Serve immediately.
We Louisianians are a patient people waiting for colors along the bayou to strut their colorful stuff.
We’re aware our neighbors to the North actually get to experience seasonal foliage and fall colors before mid to late November.
Fall takes it time getting down to Louisiana, but when it does it stunningly shows its true colors along the bayou in perfect fall form.
I’ve yet to find a better way to take it all in than to hit the road with camera in hand, Dave the Builder at the wheel, and the words from the song “Drive South” defining the moment.
Come on baby drive South With the one you love Come on baby drive South
You can be guaranteed if it’s late November the locals will be wondering if the Ginkgo trees are showing off colors along the bayou.
This famous landmark Ginkgo tree has served as the picture perfect photo backdrop for generations of local residents.
This picture does not do justice to just how beautiful the colors along the bayou really are.
Decades old iron bridge railing has aged gracefully through the years.
Brick-lined streets, decorative ironwork and historical homes make a drive though the garden district a trip through time.
Further South down the road we go to another small town favorite, Lea’s Lunch Room.
Lea’s Lunch Room is known throughout the United States as the place for pie.
It’s a standing game day tradition to stop at Lea’s for one of their famous ham sandwiches and a piece of pie on the way to Tiger Stadium.
Recently Lea’s Lunchroom was listed in the USA TODAY Travel article “10 best: Delicious Pies around the South.”
All that driving and photographing works up an appetite, and it is the best excuse I know of to order up a ham sandwich and a slice of coconut pie with sky high meringue to-go, of course.
On the road again…
The Mary McCoy Big House stands steeped in history on the Solomon Northup Trail. The story of Solomon Northup was the subject of the film, 12 Years a Slave.
Attention grabbing titles stump me at times. The backspace on this keyboard should start up its own CrossFit class because this baby gets in an impressive and exhaustive daily workout erasing first drafts, not so PG-13 wording and the like.
Title considerations for this post ranged from Not Another Boring How To Style a Coffee Table Post, Putting Stuff on the Coffee Table and Why It Matters and the winner, Styling The Table Between Two Sofas.
Anyway you title it, how to style a coffee table is a hot topic of decorating interest.
I like to incorporate individual style and objects that capture the soul of the life lived within your home.
The only hard-and-fast rule I follow in regards to how to style a coffee table is no sight obstruction.
I don’t know about you, but I hate to sit down to gab, read or watch television only to get right back up to move a decorative accent out of my sight line.
High, medium and low is a working concept with considerations to factor in.
When I’m styling a coffee table I sit down on sofa, chair, etc… and choose the primary sight line.
X marks the center spot- the prime location for a medium or low height object placement.
The “outer” areas balance the method with graduated heights to continue the flow, theme and visual engagement.
The rule of you effectively applies to decorating and should be beautifully evident throughout your home.
Styling a coffee table with a sense of individual style is easy.
A treasured keepsake, great read, conversation piece, a decorative box to house remotes (a necessary evil), framed picture of something, somewhere or someone that when you look at it a smile instantly touches your heart- the essentials!
Here’s the background on the pieces presently calling the top of my coffee table home.
The shells were found on the beach in Corpus Christi, Texas by my mother when she was eight years old.
My great-grandparents owned tourist courts in the beach area, and on one of the many trips to Corpus my mother picked up these shells.
From sea to shining sea, the coast-to-coast cuisine of summer flavors a celebration with the undeniable taste of summer.
Culinary misconceptions abound, one in particular is that Gulf Coast seafood dishes are swimming in grease, hot sauce or a combination of both.
Granted, the key ingredient featured in many Gulf Coast region seafood dishes and recipes has been swimming at one time or another, but the measure of flavor, spice, and heat varies from region to region.
No map needed to tell me what part of the Gulf Coast I’m in; just point me in the direction of the kitchen (indoor or outdoor) and the in-house spice cabinet.
Barbecue speaks the universal language of fire it up, throw it on and c’est si bon!
I became a seafood barbecue believer the first time I tasted barbecued shrimp at Pascal’s Manale Restaurant in New Orleans.
You can’t talk the cuisine of summer without talking barbecue, and BBQ naturally brings the conversation around to potato salad.
Boiling shrimp and crawfish is a way of life down Southern states of the Gulf Coast way.
I’m totally convinced the throw it all in one pot principle of shrimp and crawfish boiling sparked the crock pot revolution.
When Dave the Builder was working in the corporate world, we were active in the office supper club.
Our group took a crawfish boil to new flavor heights, but the real deliciousness was surprisingly found in the “sides” that went into the pot.
Here’s what made the pot:
crawfish
whole yellow onions
garlic bulbs
lemons
celery stalks
whole carrots
link sausage
red potatoes
corn on the cob
cabbage
Let me tell you the crawfish were tasty, but the vegetables were the hit of the night! Our hostess whipped up a couple of skillets of hot cornbread and the crowd went wild
Caught in freshwater or farm-raised, coasters love catfish.
Catfish is exactly what it is- a mild, delicious classic comfort food.
Broiled, blackened, baked, poached, grilled, barbecued, stuff-I’ve eaten catfish prepared in all the aforementioned ways.
Given my plate of preference, I’ll have mine fried crisp with a side scoop of coleslaw, flour battered French fries, two lemon wedges and a couple of green onions.