Millie's House

It has been a crazy two weeks - My computer crashed and I was unable to blog or access any of my pictures. The kids were winding down with school and we had the end of the year projects due - I have learned more about The Boston Aquarium's Water Management Program and the wonderful state of Wisconsin than any Mother should know. Finally we are back on track - thanks so much for your patience.

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So now after a very long wait we get to tour Millie's house in New Orleans!!! Millie and I have known each other almost 20 years. We have been through relocation's, births, deaths and natural disasters together. Through it all we have stayed good friends despite our distances. Millie grew up in New Orleans and like most, the draw to return to her hometown was so strong; she returned over 15 years ago and will never leave again! Millie is an interior designer, inspired by her own former designer (and dear friend), Jennifer Price of Dixon Smith in Baton Rouge. After Hurricane Katrina, like many others, Millie lost everything. So, when she was able to rebuild and start anew, she decided that since Jennifer had helped her build a such a great foundation, she wanted to give it a whirl on her own. Her results are outstanding! Let's have a look! As soon soon as you enter the foyer, you know you are in for a treat. The lovely limestone floors, beautiful sconces and botanical prints greet you. Look at the wonderful detail work on the sconces- aren't they beautiful?

The Dining Room has to be my favorite room in Millie's house. A wonderful large round dining table seats ten. Beautiful light fixtures, artwork and accessories make for a very enticing space.

Millie has a wonderful eye for artwork. My favorite are the French antique theater panels from Tara Shaw. The room seems neutral and warm at the same time - but how? Notice the red ceiling.

Here is a close up of the beautiful chandelier and ceiling. Notice the contemporary artwork on the wall to the left. A better picture can be seen above with Millie and I standing in front of it. I love the contrast of contemporary art with traditional furnishings.A close up of her buffet; notice the oyster plates and antique candlesticks.

Although the lighting is bad in this photo, I wanted you to see how you enter the dining room from the kitchen. Notice the gorgeous aubusson rug. Here is the eating area in Millie's kitchen. The lighting in this photo is so bad, but when I took it the kitchen was flooded with wonderful morning sun. I adored her lantern over her kitchen table. I loved the patina and the crown on top. I very well may have to copy her and put this in my own kitchen.
Her bathroom, tucked under her foyer staircase, was incredibly difficult to photograph and the pictures do not do it justice. It was a lovely little jewel box with silvery taupe wall paper and custom forged fixtures. Millie even had an iron artist create this toilet paper holder for her. New Orleans has wonderful artisans and because she has lived there all her life she has many connections and can create beautiful custom pieces. Finally the living room - I really love the elegance of this room. But truth be told, this is also the family room! Millie has three children and as such, created a room that is beautiful but also child friendly. Notice the gorgeous curtains, artwork and bookcases. I love how Millie painted the insides of the bookcases chocolate brown to highlight her collections.

Hidden in the fabulous amoire is a retrofitted custom bar. Fabrics are velvets and chenilles which hold up to children's wear and tear. Rugs are simple sisal which add texture and interest.

Perhaps the most stunning part of the space is the painting by Amanda Talley. What a wonderful feeling it brings to this room. I also love Millie's collection of framed black and white prints of her family.

I should have taken photos of the upstairs- Millie's bedroom is gorgeous, filled with antiques and custom Leontine linens. The children's bedrooms are also adorable! But I will save that for another day! If you are interested in contacting Millie please check out at MG Design and Consultation. Thank you for sharing your house with us, Millie!!