After having to demolish their Hurricane Katrina–shattered home, Janet and John Paul watched an chance to rebuild their house and lives. “Our furniture was destroyed in the storm,” says Janet. “We were able to salvage only artwork that hung above the 7 to 8-foot waterline and a few pottery.” As opposed to leave their beloved area, the artwork- and antiques-collecting couple envisioned a brand new, modern residence and hired architect Ken Gowland of MetroStudio and Brandon Construction to carry out their new build.
Their locality was half inhabited when they began construction in January 2012. “Lots of gutted houses were up available,” Janet says. They moved on Halloween that year.
Their property is a double lot, along with the house fronts two roads, since it spans across the block. Two elongated rectangles overlapping at the center form a light-filled good room. Janet and John’s new design became an elegant canvas for which Nelson Wilson Interiors hand chosen furniture mixed with antiques out of Karla Katz Antiques, where Janet works. Local artwork pieces help give the Pauls’ set a fresh start and their c timeless feel.
in a Glance
Who lives here: John and Janet Paul along with their cat, Boris
Location: Lakeview area of New Orleans
Size: 2,300 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, home office
Adam Breaux
The light and airy living room includes glass doors leading to the front porch. The doorways are sometimes left available, combining the 2 spaces the couple spends the most time.
A Louis XIV fauteuil seat from Karla Katz Antiques is your greatest fireside reading seat, and above the mantel is a sculpture by Cathy Rose, titled “Antler Man with Coral Antlers.”
Adam Breaux
Two framed alligator prints hanging above the sofa are by Yvonne Hanriout Giraud.
Adam Breaux
A see-through fireplace acts as a centerpiece and a divider for your fantastic room. The fireplace marks the specific center point of the house.
As part of Janet’s art collecting, she often acquires pottery, such as the Greek bits exhibited in the black granite countertop. The French baker’s table on the right has a high made from coral, and beyond that’s a personalized wood entertainment center designed by Nelson Wilson Interiors.
Adam Breaux
The fireplace is available on either side.
Adam Breaux
A glass totem made by Nelson Wilson Interiors stars at a corner of the dining room. All the cabinets are made locally by Northshore Millwork. The pendant and chandelier lights are by local artist Paul Gruer.
Dining table: Dakota Wood, Julian Chichester; painting: ‘Confrontation’ from ‘Pillars,’ Michelle Levine; kitchen appliances: Kenmore
Adam Breaux
The vertical aspect of the space and lighting is fully appreciated in a view from the kitchen. The west and east wing roofs meet in the center to form a gable, and a cathedral ceiling spans the fantastic room.
Adam Breaux
Adam Breaux
The west wing of the house (behind the kitchen) is home to the home’s only bedroom and bath. The tall and naturally lit area is a wonderful escape, complete with a separate shower and an Air Bubble Tub from Kohler. The tub rests against a background of Lucian green glass tile, and supporting it will be the shower and toilet, separated by a wall.
Adam Breaux
One of the most memorable areas of their previous home was a black and white tiled bath. To mention this richly missed room, this bath was created with one side in white and black, while another colorfully celebrates the new residence. The dress in the hallway was chosen for this room by an artist in the New Orleans Jazz Fest and can be constructed of sheet metal.
Adam Breaux
The master bedroom is supporting the restroom from the wing. Clerestory windows fill the space with daylight , and white walls display artwork by Cathy Rose. The painting is by Ashley Longshore. The desk is an Italian olive oil piece from Karla Katz.
Lamp: Luna Bella
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John’s office is in the farthest end of the east wing, where he retreats to complete administrative work for his dentistry company or to simply listen to some tunes from his CD collection. (Janet is revealed in it here.) Both have been stoked to pick up this stunning painting, called “The Mardi Gras Indian,” from French-New Orleans artist Isabelle Jacopin.
Adam Breaux
The couple uses this front porch, that joins to the living space, just about any weekend for entertaining friends.
Troy Wilson made the lights that hang out of the green slats from Mardi Gras beads. The corner driftwood is from Adam Morales, who is called “The Driftwood Man.” Morales lives alongside a little bayou near Pierre Part, Louisiana, and sells sculptures made from his collected driftwood pieces.
Adam Breaux
Clerestory windows line the whole north wall, flood the rooms there with sun. A sliding barn door set against a corrugated galvanized iron wall contributes to a storage shed.
Adam Breaux
The green-yellow nighttime glow of the house invites others into the story of the enduring New Orleans couple and their land that was not forgotten, but instead upgraded and treasured using a new build.
Adam Breaux
Here, Janet relaxes in the antique Louis XIV fauteuil seat with Boris.
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