Formerly the home of Micaela Almonester, the Baroness de Pontalba, this drawing room with high windows and ample seating is found in the oldest apartment building in the country.
Many would agree that New Orleans is distinct, with houses unlike anywhere else in terms of architecture, design, and character. As life goes on, so do the city’s people, as they may move away, sell their properties, or renovate them to please the masses. Bohemian Soul: The Vanishing Interiors of New Orleans by Valorie Hart, a new release from Rizzoli, treasures the remaining charm and soul of local homes, offering a juxtaposition to the ever-changing modern decorating cycle.
As a “New New” — someone from New York who lives in New Orleans, a term coined by fellow local writer Debra Shriver — Valorie was enchanted by the design choices of those living in the Crescent City. Her experiences as a poet, rock band singer, event designer, interior decorator, and everything in between have fueled her to create this project. For those who may not be familiar with the bohemian aesthetic, she describes “Bohemian Soul” as “a balmy morning with the scent of jasmine in the air; the dizzying chaos of Carnival; a street band on Royal Street in the Quarter; a foggy night so thick you see ghosts; a tango danced with a Creole lilt.”
To capture the beauty that remains, Valorie entrusted Sara Essex Bradley, a photographer who has been shooting interiors for over twenty years. Living in the city for most of her life, Sara recognizes that the way New Orleanians decorate is special. “The fact that most people live in homes that are over 100 years old, and the challenges of the weather here, inspires a different way of living and decorating,” Sara shares. “You know it when you see it.”
Velvet accents and ambient lighting evoke bohemian soul in this musician-owned household.
The duo collaborated by utilizing their personal and professional networks to seek out the 17 featured residences. There were no restrictions as far as size, neighborhood, or economic criteria — each home simply has a fabulous story to tell. As you scan the pages, you’ll notice that the rooms are perfectly lived in. You may see paint chipping off the walls, shoes kicked off by the staircase, or a mantel covered in antiques. Of course, this is amongst the bevy of gorgeous furniture, art, and family heirlooms.
In the home of master colorist Louis J. Aubert, a sculpture from Bali named Nicolei stands out against the floor-to-ceiling bookcase.
Located in the Bywater, Jessica Harris’ second home has high ceilings that are amplified by the hand-painted Greek key border. Plenty of surfaces are covered in books and memorabilia that reflect her life story.
Besides the incredible images, you can read the story behind each home and how the owners acquired it. Some have been passed down through generations while others were bought and restored to their original state. For those inspired by this book, take the advice of Valorie and Sara — try not to heavily curate your décor. Instead, collect things that inspire you and go from there. You can obtain your own copy at the Garden District Book Shop and get it signed on May 9.
This article appeared in the April 2024 issue of Adore