Can you even believe we're still on day three of the NOLA blog tour adventure? There's just so much to write about! After our visit to Gentilly we enjoyed yummy lunch at Mondo with the folks from Cosentino followed by an excursion to the Lower Ninth Ward.
I remember hearing a lot about the area during and after Hurricane Katrina. It's where the levees over flowed and wreaked the most havoc. It's also a community already struggling to make ends meet before the devastation.
Today the Lower Ninth Ward is one of the areas being assisted by Make It Right, a non-profit organization founded by Brad Pitt. This foundation builds healthy, green homes for communities in need and is aiming to bring 150 families back into affordable, green and storm-resistant houses. So far 90 homes are complete with work continuing.
Homes are designed by high profile local and international architects including world famous Frank Gehry! What I like is that they really do collaborate with the home owners who have a voice in the final designs and all the color selections.
Countertop maker Cosentino, famous for their amazing Silestone quartz tops, supplies their ECO line of counter tops to the project. Not only is it beautiful and durable but it's composed of 75% recycled raw material, including glass and mirror. You can find out more about it here. More about Cosentino to come. They introduced all kinds of new products, colors and textures at KBIS. 
I have heard it said, no good deed goes unpunished and I'm afraid this project is no exception. Many feel slighted by the ultra contemporary designs that do not reflect the typical New Orleans style and architecture. Architects were simply instructed to "use the city’s existing narrow lots...elevate houses out of the way of future flooding and include rooftop access to simplify rescue; feature prominent porches or front stoops for socializing; and use materials that are tough enough to survive hurricanes but that also approach “cradle to cradle” re-usability " The foundation states that homes being replaced were substandard post war tract homes. There's some interesting commentary over at Curbed that addresses the controversy here. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Next up: KBIS2013 new products and trends for your kitchen and bath
Day 3~Bevolo Sheds Light on New Orleans
The third day of our great Blog Tour NOLA adventure began at Bevolo. It doesn't get much more "New Orleans" than Bevolo, a company specializing in gas and electric lights. In fact, Bevolo, along with renowned architect A. Hays Town, was the creator of the iconic "French Quarter Lamp". This copper gas lantern-style lamp was developed in the 1940s, is still being manufactured by this family business and is now a trademark of the New Orleans landscape. There are two things that are really different about Bevolo. One is the way they work and the other is their insistence on quality and design over quantity. They would rather sell you one fixture that is right than three that are wrong! Here's how they roll: Just send them a copy of your plans and they will develop a complimentary, comprehensive lighting plan for your home including photos and schematics. That is some special service! Exploring their showroom, located on 318 Royal St. is akin to a treasure hunt. Not only are their stunning hand-riveted light fixtures on display against a backdrop of authentic exposed brick but look what else I found!
Everyone at Bevolo is friendly and immensely approachable. They have two locations in New Orleans and one in Mandeville, Louisiana. If you're in the area stop in and have a peak. If you're in the market for the perfect light fixture to illuminate your home definitely check them out. Even if the New Orleans look is not your cup of tea there's something for you. They also offer some stylish solutions for interiors. Check out the kitchen fixtures.
After beignets (but of course), excellent coffee and hospitality we were off to the next adventure. This one, not about beauty, but about survival and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Next: Day 3 Continues in Gentilly
Day 2 Blog Tour NOLA
Yesterday we really began to experience what New Orleans is all about. It's below the surface, you know. The one thing I learned is that to know the Crescent City is to leave the cliche of Bourbon Street. Locals pretty much disdain it, so you probably won't find them there.
A delicious, five star breakfast was hosted by KBIS at Luke's. This is where I devoured, with relish, my first beignet. Afterwards we took a quick ride on the trolley then embarked on a walking tour of the beautiful Garden District.
This tree lined collection of streets was a feast of New Orleans architecture at its best. The style is a hybrid of Southern plantation, Caribbean and French. At times Key West and even Lake Worth comes to mind. I was excited to see the home of "Gothic" author Anne Rice but the real treat was running into Mr. Okra larger than life, after having seen him on this beautiful short film! Check it out here if you missed it. It is so worth it, trust me. 
The Big Easy is also known for its antiques galore and so that was next on the agenda. We met up with Shaun Smith of Shaun Smith Home for a tour of some of the best antique shops. 
Shaun Smith, a New Orleans sweetheart. Both his smile and his jacket were a refreshing white. His style retains a New Orleans flavor but with a little New York chic which makes it something uniquely his own.
We also explored Petricia Thompson Antiques, Empire Antiques and an interesting eclectic store called Malachite. Last but certainly not least we met Gerrie Bremermann in her shop. Let me tell you about Gerrie. Remember those amazing homes I just mentioned in the Garden District? Well she's had a hand in making most of them fabulous. She is a much sought after designer in these parts but also, on a larger scale, she's sought out by national publications as a barometer of southern design. Currently in her mid eighties she continues to immerse herself in her trade. She loves it and she is a true inspiration.
When it comes to my own personal taste I loved Shaun Smith Home the best. In fact I believe antiques are at their best when they are a part of a more modern decor where there is enough space for them to be a focal point. Think about it, in a room crammed with antiquity no one gets to be the star!Shaun also carries a couple abstract impressionist artists' work which I admired. He was a gracious host who showed us what southern hospitality is all about.Next up was a visit to the Ogden Southern Art Museum for a book signing by the dynamic designer/author Miles Redd. You can listen to a fabulous interview of him over at The Skirted Roundtable. Mile's book "The Big Book of Chic" is BIG and the many takers are evidence that the world of paper books is still very much alive.
I loved how Miles is not afraid to work out of the box, in fact he works entirely out of the box taking much of his inspriation from great works of art. I am a maximalist, he claims!
The day was made complete by a breathtakingly delicous dinner at Bayona hosted by our sponsor Mr. Steam. I am really enjoying getting to know all the others on the tour. It's amazing how each has such a unique story with creativity and innovative thinking being the common thread. Three more days to go. Wow. Stay tuned, more to come.
Big Easy Arrival
Actually it really was pretty easy, despite ramped up security measures in the wake of yesterday's Boston tragedy. My prayers and good wished are with all the good people who were affected in Boston.
I spent a lovely afternoon in the company of Patty Davis Brown of Dig This Design and her hubs, Lee. They hail from Vero Beach so we were on the same flight. We were greeted in style so, of course, I had to get picture of it!After a short delay in getting our bags, we were on our way to the Renaissance Arts Hotel, about a 25 minute drive. The hotel is lovely and features artwork scattered throughout.
We were given a map of all the art locations so we can explore at our leisure.
After checking in we spent the afternoon lost in the streets of the Crescent City in search of some lunch and sight seeing.
On the way back to the hotel we found the two items that prove without a doubt we are in New Orleans, beads and masks.
Then I discovered Naghi's at 637 Canal Street. It's sort of an antiques/jewelry/bronze sculpture/judaica store.
At cocktail hour the blog tour assembled to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with each other and with these yummy drinks called St. Germains.
We also met two NOLA natives, Angel of Write Robinson and Stacy of Stacy Naquin Interiors. They are local bloggers who welcomed us with open arms bearing gifts to boot including gourmet cupcakes and personalized stationery! There was also a lovely goody bag, courtesy of Modenus, full of treats and most amazingly a personalized embroidered tote made for each of us from Toma, the Antiques Diva.
At SoBou we indulged in tapas which highlighted the local cuisine and were delicious.
This day and the next four are courtesy of Modenus.com and the sponsors of this tour who we will learn all about in the days to come. Ok I'm pooped. Although the weather is certainly steamy, I'm out of steam so I'll see you tomorrow.