Just around the corner from my house is an incredible postbellum Victorian mansion. It was built by famed New Orleans architect James Freret circa 1869. Sadly, due to a drawn out divorce proceeding and crappy owner, the architectural masterpiece has fallen into disrepair. It’s been dubbed the “leaning tower of Josephine” and may soon lean … Continue reading »
Many people have been described as world travelers, but few truly fit the bill. My dear friends Dominique and Lee, however, are the definition. Dominique left her successful career in advertising and Lee put his medical school studies on hold last summer to spend an entire year back-packing through 5 continents, 16 countries and more … Continue reading »
When Hurricane Isaac made landfall over the city of New Orleans in late August, the storm took its sweet time moving on. The hurricane sat atop the Crescent City for days flooding streets, swelling rivers and in the hardest-hit areas, forcing water over our levees and inundating entire neighborhoods. The devastation was greater than anyone- … Continue reading »
Some people just have that magic touch. My friend Ken is one of those people. Walk into his downtown New Orleans apartment and before you even have a chance to take in the breathtaking views of Canal Street, you’re struck by the old-world charm that makes the whole unit feel much less like an apartment … Continue reading »
There’s no doubt refinished salvage doors can add quality and old-world charm to any home. Walk into The Bank salvage yard on Felicity street in New Orleans and you’ll find rows upon rows of doors made with mortise and tenon construction. Owner Shawn Wilkerson says those antique doors just can’t be beat. “It has to do with the materials … Continue reading »
Who knew an old fireplace could be the shining star of your kitchen? At The Bank salvage yard on Felicity Street, Kelly and Sean Wilkerson turn old mantels into kitchen islands. Their father came up with the idea when the mantels became obsolete. According to Sean, “The cypress coal burning mantels are unusable these days … Continue reading »
Since New Orleans has so many historic homes, we’re blessed with an inordinate number of incredible salvage yards. One right around the corner from our house is called “The Bank” and no pun intended, we cashed in! The place is chock full of renovation ideas and unmatched craftmanship. To make the trip even more exciting, … Continue reading »
