Blog
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Celebrity Homes in New Orleans
Through the years, and even the centuries, historic New Orleans has been home to some pretty famous people. From musicians like Louis Armstrong to chefs like Paul Prudhomme, from writers like William Faulkner to pirates like Jean Lafitte, and from mob bosses like Sylvestro Carolla to superstar athletes like the Mannings, New Orleans has its…
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Three Laws of Contemporary Cafe Design
A great cafe is more than a sum of its parts. To craft a space that inspires creativity, offers exciting fare, and generates an inimitable buzz, integrate these concepts into the cafe design. 1. Movie Star Lighting With the widespread use of smartphones, every customer is a photographer–and a potential promoter. The flatware is tasteful,…
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Registering a Home as Historic
The United States government maintains an official list of historic places. The structures included on this list receive special protection to preserve them and keep them beautiful. People who own old homes might wish to learn how their houses can be included on this list; however, depending on the property, homeowners may need to comply…
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What Countertops Will Work Best for You?
Countertops can be the crowning jewel of a kitchen or bath remodeling project. Choosing the right material is a key consideration for both look and functionality. There are some similarities in cost and durability, but without a trusted guide, the vast world of countertops can be a little difficult to follow. Especially when undergoing a…
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Home Renovation Instagrammers Worthy of Notice
Regardless of the size or nature of the project, home renovation demands creativity and expansive ideas. Leaders in the industry of home remodeling are actively sharing their inspiration on Instagram to help others plan projects. Find some of the best concepts and designs by simply browsing on a computer or mobile device. Eddie Ross As…
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Showroom Design That Sizzles Across the Coast
New Orleans’ businesses have a certain air about them. There is a certain way they seem to carry themselves that shows both an eye toward culture and history as well as an eye toward the chic and modern. These businesses understand the cultural climate of the city and through their retail store construction or commercial…
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Catch the Parade, Then Take a Walk Back in Time
Not many American cities can hold a candle to historic New Orleans house design. Ripe with Queen Anne style residences designed by the iconic architect Thomas Sully, the St. Charles Avenue district is one of the best examples of historic preservation of both architecture and culture. A main thoroughfare of the famous Mardi Gras parade…
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What to Do With That Fireplace You’re Not Using
Traditional New Orleans home design often makes the fireplace the centerpiece of the home. Fireplaces do, in fact, make a beautiful design statement, but historic remodeling in New Orleans can be dealt a blow with a nonworking fireplace. Fireplace repair and reassembly are costly, but it is possible to keep the stunning look of an…
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The Shotgun House, Then and Now
The shotgun house is a long narrow, one-story home design quintessential to the architectural landscape of New Orleans. It is also seen around the Caribbean (particularly Haiti) and in a few other parts of the American South. The popular folklore behind the name comes from the idea of shooting a bullet straight through the front…
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Understanding Common Home Vocabulary
When it comes to homeownership or home renovation, there are terms that everyone should know and understand. The most common term used by homeowners and buyers alike is mortgage. This is a lien or claim against the property given to the buyer by their lender. It helps to secure the money necessary to purchase the…
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Tailoring Office Renovation to Match Company Culture
More and more companies are carrying out office renovations based on open workspace designs. According to a study by the International Facilities Management Association, 70 percent of American workers go to offices with open floor plans. But do these floor plans actually create a more productive work environment, or are they simply the latest trend…
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Store Handicap Access Needs to Be Accessible and Friendly
Customers with disabilities need to have all of the same access to businesses that anyone else needs. Companies could lose important potential customers if disabled access is not maintained correctly. Anyone unsure about local codes can receive assistance from commercial construction professionals. Disabled customers and their families patronize retail shops, malls, restaurants, grocery stores, and…
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What Home Renovation Projects Add the Most Value?
Seldom do buyers find a house that they do not want to remodel or change in order to make it the home of their dreams. Home renovation is common, but which changes are going to put money back in the bank when it comes time to sell? Kitchens One of the biggest payoffs is the…
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Three High Points Among NOLA Construction Icons
In a twist of NOLA construction history, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, opened in 1975, is today as iconically New Orleans as the St. Louis Cathedral, built 181 years earlier. Curtis & Davis designed the “Flying Saucer” with a 440,000-sq ft dome that soars 273 ft above Poydras Avenue. Until 1992, it was the world’s largest fixed-dome…
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Insider Tricks for Making a Historic Home Look Modern
Many people appreciate the charm of older homes. Although these houses are often full of character, it might be time for a historic remodeling project that will transform a residence so it has a newer look. Break Down the Walls Older homes tend to be comprised of numerous small rooms that make up the entire…
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Pop-Up Shop Planning And Construction Tips
Good things sometimes come out of bad situations. The proliferation of pop-up shops, for example, was a direct result of the Great Recession. Desperate for a steady source of income at a time when retail vacancies were high, commercial landlords became more receptive to alternative leasing structures. Instead of insisting on one or two-year leases,…