I love this blue double shotgun Victorian. But what really makes it shine is the bright lime green of the chairs and table and the big burgundy pot on top. Who knew that was magic? Here are the colors that make the whole thing happen: • Siding and attic window frame: Blue • Door frames, fascia…
My heart goes out to the victims of Hurricane Irene. I feel your pain. (And I promise not ask this inane question: Why would you live/rebuild where hurricanes can hit? I’ve been to Vermont. I know why you live there.) Six years ago, when the federal levee system failed in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina,…
Who could have predicted this? I'm not referring to radical climate change exacerbated by the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists have been telling us about this for decades. There is no real question about this. If you're not into science, however, then the research and conclusions of the vast majority of scientists won't mean much.…
This is brilliant benevolence. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans has teamed up with Catholic Charities to raffle off boots decorated by celebrities, chefs, sports figures, politicians and others to benefit victims of the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The raffle happens Sept. 17 to 19 at the inaugural launch…
Last year, New Orleans was the setting for the National Assn. of Home Builders' national green building conference. The conference included a tour of green homes, including the one pictured here: 1. The exterior of the charming turn-of-the-last-century cottage. The home is owned by a woman who bought it from her grandmother, so it's been…
Here I am in New Orleans, visiting my husband, who has been hired by Louisiana State University for six months to help train people how to rebuild hurricane-damaged homes properly. This whole deal started back in February when Bill and I drove through the area as tourists. We were shocked at how much rebuilding needed…
I’ve got my own paparazzo working down in New Orleans (AKA my husband, Bill) and he swung by the house Mike Holmes of “Holmes on Homes” is helping to build. This project is part of the Brad Pitt-founded Make It Right Foundation. You can see Mike on the right giving direction to his team members.…
Watch SoCal contractor Bill Robinson discuss insulation and moisture issues in New Orleans with homeowner Ariane Wiltse and NOLA contractor Julie Groth. Then, take the test: Click here for the answer.
By Ariane Wiltse My mom arrived last week with the best of intentions. Like other relatives who have come before her, she came to help with my house in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. She also came knowing that we’d be working in temperatures hovering around 95 degrees with 95% humidity. And, the…
By Ariane Wiltse As the big day approached, the day when we’d jack up the house, cut out the old sills and rebuild the piers, I began to take great joy in watching my good friend Beau squirm (he’s standing while watching my dad Joe). "What’s the matter Beau?" I asked as he paced incessantly,…