Introduction
Louisiana is a state known for its vibrant culture, unique cuisine, and rich architectural history. The varied influences of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures have blended together over centuries to create a one-of-a-kind Southern locale. Louisiana’s seductive charms are highlighted in the HGTV series “House Proud,” which showcases the fearless home design sensibilities of Louisiana homeowners.
“House Proud” focuses each episode on a different Louisiana residence, giving viewers an inside look at the bold decor choices and dazzling architectural details favored by Bayou State dwellers. From New Orleans mansions to Acadian cottages, Louisiana homes are filled with character and crafted with care. “House Proud” offers inspiration to those seeking to infuse more authentic local flair into their own abodes.
Celebrating the Fearless Louisiana Aesthetic
The interiors spotlighted on “House Proud” exhibit an adventurous design perspective that embraces vivid colors, striking patterns, and a blending of modern amenities with historic architectural elements. Louisiana homes often display a joyful nonconformity in their decor.
Elaborate moldings, medallions, and columns pay homage to the stately plantation homes of the past. Homeowners proudly retain these ornamental features when renovating historic properties. Some houses even display Gothic or Greek Revival facades that provide a glimpse into their antebellum origins.
Vibrant hues like emerald, ruby, and sapphire adorn walls, while dazzling tilework and flamboyant wallpaper patterns exude an infectious Creole-inspired zest. Rooms filled with lush velvets, brocades, and chandeliers nod to the festive flair of Mardi Gras and Carnivale.
Yet these homes also contain laid-back comforts like sprawling front porches, perfect for sipping sweet tea or taking in the languid Delta breeze. Rustic cypress wood and cozy café au lait tones blend seamlessly with the bolder decorative choices.
Custom woodwork, solariums, glassed-in balconies, and clever adaptive reuse of materials give each home an utterly unique feel reflecting the owners’ personalities.
Fearless Freedom of Expression
Louisiana homeowners exhibit daring self-expression and nostalgic pride through their interior design selections. Their decorating spirit celebrates the state’s cultural melting pot.
By boldly juxtaposing modern elements against historic details, residents create personalized spaces that feel both fresh and familiar. Cherished family heirlooms proudly take center stage beside new custom furniture creations.
Residents aren’t afraid to break design “rules” and fearlessly pair floral chintzes with buffalo check patterns or adorn neutral walls with chromatic art pieces. Their creativity shines as they blend eras and aesthetics without hesitation.
This personalized approach makes every home toured on “House Proud” feel like a visual feast. Design motifs echo signature New Orleans architectural forms like wrought iron balconies and louvered shutters. Nods to Louisiana’s colonial past are everywhere, from Windsor chairs to toile fabrics.
By boldly embracing what makes their state special, Louisiana homeowners exude an infectious pride-of-place. Their innovative design spirit and reverence for heritage makes each residence utterly captivating.
Signature Style Elements
Several signature elements commonly thread through the interior design of many Louisiana homes profiled on “House Proud.” Understanding and incorporating some of these special touches can help inspire your own fearless decor journey:
Vibrant Hues
From fiery Cajun reds to cool, deep blues, color plays a starring role in Louisiana home design. Vivid jewel-toned walls, tilework, furnishings, and accents add visual drama and excitement. Don’t be afraid to cover large surfaces or entire rooms in your hue of choice to make a bold impact.
Elaborate Moldings
Crown moldings, ceiling medallions, wainscoting panels, and curved decorative trim all lend a sense of graciousness. Scour architectural salvage yards to find original antique details or commission custom millwork for new construction. Moldings and medallions add architectural interest when painted in a contrasting color.
Pattern Play
From graphic geometrics to oversized florals, Louisiana homes contain a plethora of dynamic patterns and textures. Layer rugs, wallpaper, upholstery, and window treatments in complementary prints. Repeat colors from one pattern in another for a cohesive finish.
Gallery Walls
Telling the visual story of your family and celebrating memories is key in Louisiana abodes. Gallery walls prominently display treasured heirlooms alongside artwork in eclectic arrangements with framed photos.
Antique Furnishings
Louisiana’s heirloom antiques get refreshed with new upholstery, paint, or distressing techniques. Hand-me-down furnishings gain new life when mixed with more modern pieces. Look for unique flea market finds to blend with your existing decor.
Regional Inspirations
Since Louisiana contains many distinct cultural regions, the homes profiled on “House Proud” often reflect the heritage of specific parishes or bayou locales. Understanding some of the iconic architectural details of major areas can provide design inspiration:
New Orleans
- Cast-iron balconies
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with transoms
- Scalloped awnings
- Exposed brick walls
- Courtyards and gardens
- Gas lanterns
- Curved stairs
- Beaded board paneling
Cajun Country
- Large front porches
- Exterior wood siding
- Tin roofing
- Cypress and cedar woodwork
- Rocking chairs
- Woven rag rugs
- Cross statues
- Ceramic Jars
Plantation Country
- Two-story columns
- Sweeping triple porches
- Dormer windows
- Twelve-over-twelve sash windows
- Exposed timber beams
- Spiral staircases
- Cathedral ceilings
- Built-in bookcases
Bayou Country
- Walls of windows overlooking water
- Back galleries and mosquito netting
- Palmetto fans
- Widow’s walks
- Gabled dormers
- Clerestory windows
- Cedar shakes
- Custom ironwork
North Louisiana
- Tongue and groove walls
- Beadboard cabinets
- River rock fireplaces
- Deep eaves
- Diamond-paned windows
- Fieldstone chimneys
- Log cabin aesthetics
Celebrity Homes in Louisiana
In addition to everyday homeowners, several famous figures and celebrities call Louisiana home and have residences brimming with Southern charm. Understanding how prominent personalities interpret regional style can provide further design inspiration:
Ellen DeGeneres
The famed comedian owns an elegant plantation home in New Orleans outfitted with sophisticated neutral tones, abundant natural light, and a vibrant interior courtyard. Architectural details like soaring columns, railings, and arched doorways play a starring role.
Brad Pitt
After Hurricane Katrina, Brad Pitt spearheaded an initiative focused on building resilient green homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. His Make It Right Foundation constructed 150 modern residences with breezy porches and eco-friendly amenities ideal for the Southern climate.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock’s 19th-century New Orleans Creole cottage contains a bright teal dining room, antique furnishings, brick walls, dark wood accents, and a cast-iron balcony view of the street. Vibrant artwork and potted greenery provide pops of color.
Drew Brees
NFL quarterback Drew Brees’ Old Metairie mansion includes a grand curved staircase, checkerboard floors, a paneled dining room, and bright white columns surrounding an elegant front porch. Upscale traditional furnishings provide timeless appeal.
Trent Reznor
The Nine Inch Nails frontman converted a historic New Orleans bank into a home, outfitting the interior with modern finishes while retaining original marble floors, columns, and deco sconces. High-contrast color schemes nod to the building’s past.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
This country super couple’s farmhouse on the outskirts of New Orleans features romantic arched windows, an antique brick fireplace, cypress wood walls and ceilings, and a sprawling covered patio overlooking lush gardens.
Impact on Popular Culture
The infectious interior design style of Louisianahighlighted in “House Proud” has left an indelible mark across various facets of popular culture, translating the region’s unique aesthetic tastes for widespread enjoyment:
HGTV
“House Proud” joins other HGTV shows like “Flip or Flop” and “Fixer Upper” that profile homes in Louisiana, highlighting signature elements like wrought-iron details, decorative millwork, and bright living spaces. Popular hosts often incorporate regional items.
Literature
Novels like Anne Rice’s “Interview with a Vampire” vividly describe the alluring historic architecture of New Orleans while works by Ernest Gaines capture the simple rural homes of the Louisiana Delta.
Fashion
Louisiana’s Mardi Gras celebrations have directly influenced vibrant color schemes and elaborate costuming in fashion. Leading designers often feature creole lace, feathered headdresses, and beaded garments reminiscent of traditional carnivale attire.
Hollywood Films
From “A Streetcar Named Desire” to “Django Unchained,” Louisiana architecture and scenic landscapes provide cinematic backdrops. Directors showcase regional vernacular from raised Creole cottages to sprawling Delta plantations.
Food Culture
Louisiana’s cuisine integrates influences from French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. Chefs present regional specialties like gumbo and jambalaya in rustic home-style environments rich with Southern ambiance.
Music
Jazz, zydeco, blues, and Dixieland styles all originated in Louisiana and were played in corner bars, dance halls, and home gatherings, influencing worldwide musical cultures and traditions.
Bringing Louisiana Style Home
After touring the many vivid, captivating interiors in “House Proud,” many viewers are inspired to bring more Louisiana flair into their own homes. Fortunately, embracing the fearless regional aesthetic is easy with these tips:
Shop Local First
From New Orleans flea markets to small-town antique vendors, shop locally to find special pieces with provenance. Area artisans can craft custom furniture or decor.
Honor Your History
Display family heirlooms proudly. Refinish your grandmother’s armoire or use an antique quilt as wall art. Have old family photos enlarged and framed over sofas.
Infuse Vibrant Color
Paint interior doors or dressers in bold jewel tones. Use colorful dishes for a Cajun country feel. Pick vibrant cushions and curtains to show your fun side.
Purchase Period Architecture
Seek out homes with historic Louisiana details like transom windows or side galleries. Period architecture provides built-in regional appeal.
Add Patterns and Textures
Layer in some flair with floral curtains, cane-back chairs, plush velvets, or leather-topped desks. Experiment with metallics, cowhides, weathered woods, chalky finishes.
Grow Lush Greenery
Embrace New Orleans’ tropical lushness with potted palms, ferns, and banana trees. Courtyard gardens or front porches dressed with hanging baskets ooze Southern comfort.
Conclusion
“House Proud” provides a revealing window into the spirited interior design tastes favored by modern Louisiana homeowners. Their bold decor choices and pride in regional traditions result in spaces brimming with fearless personality.
By celebrating the state’s diverse architecture, cultural melting pot, and authentic materials, these residences stay true to Louisiana’s roots while also feeling fresh and personalized. Any design lover seeking inspiration on how to infuse more vibrant fearlessness into their home will find endless creative ideas from the residences showcased on “House Proud.”
