Stairway to Heaven!

Images House Beautiful

I think this is just about to become one of my favourite posts! I can almost hear Chris Montez singing "The more I see you, the more I want you" in the background as I write this.

This tiny pied-a-terre in the French Quarter of New Orleans is only 560 sq. ft., but boy does it pack a punch. Originally the 1840's apartment was part of the carriage house & servant quarters attached to the larger main house. Tom Landry the owner wanted to recreate an atmosphere akin to the early Creoles (French natives born outside France in former French colonies such as Guadeloupe or Martinique) who made New Orleans their home.

On settling, the Creoles wanted to reproduce a semi-formal lifestyle based along traditional European lines, so they often brought fine furniture & fabric with them, but also added more rustic pieces from the New World to the mix. There is almost a 'salon' feel about the entire space, yet it's still relaxing & comfortable.

Tom noted that the success of this exquisite home is due to severe editing - note here to MOTH the perpetual Steptoe & Son hoarder! The choice of paint colours was also critical - he used only grey, beige, antique black or gold & the sense of restraint this brings to the entire space is a triumph. The tantalizing glimpse into the bedroom makes me want to see more, but alas these 3 images are it.

Thinking about why I love this home so, I guess I could intellectualize about the past 30 years spent in a very busy & noisy house. Surrounded by so many kids, their mates, pets, etc. maybe this appeals to the solitary part of my psyche, who knows - but its mine in the next life!