A Greek Revival Transformed

For this historically significant Uptown New Orleans residence, Reed & Acanthus was brought in to complete the interiors on an ambitious six-month timeline. Working closely with the homeowners, Reed & Acanthus balanced the formality of the home's neoclassical architecture with a lively mix of traditional and transitional furnishings, creating interiors that feel gracious and established while entirely suited to the way the family lives today.

Photography: Laura Steffan Styling: Margaret Zainey Roux

The dining room embraces the formality of the architecture while maintaining a softer, more inviting character. A scenic grisaille mural envelops the room and provides an elegant backdrop for the oval dining table and blue-green velvet chairs. Pale floor-length draperies and an ornate crystal chandelier complete the composition, giving the room a sense of occasion without overwhelming it.

Symmetry and scale were especially important in the living room, where traditional architecture is balanced by a lighter palette and more transitional furnishings. Soft neutrals and pale greens keep the room serene, while touches of gilt and warm metallic finishes introduce just enough glamour. The result is an elegant room that feels polished but comfortable rather than overly formal.

The entry sets the tone for the house with a mix of antiques, classical millwork and carefully chosen decorative pieces. Rather than treating the hall simply as a passageway, the design gives it the presence of a room of its own—a gracious introduction to the more formal spaces beyond.

Pale blue and white establish a quiet foundation in the sitting room, enlivened by spring green, natural wood and touches of gold. Traditional forms are mixed with fresher pieces and contemporary art, creating a room that feels collected rather than overly coordinated. The arrangement of facing sofas encourages conversation and makes this elegant space equally comfortable for everyday use.

To the right of the fireplace, the chest with gilt inlay holds a pastel abstract painting, fresh flowers, and a white marble table lamp—infusing soft color and texture. A traditional white bust sculpture on the mantel complements the classical tone. Tall windows with pale blue, floor-length drapes framed with trim bring in generous natural light, further brightening the room and enhancing the ceiling height.

The family room provided an opportunity to introduce more color, pattern and personality while remaining connected to the traditional architecture of the house. Soft blues, lavender and blush are layered with floral and botanical prints, rich wood and unexpected touches of leopard.

Contemporary art brings another dimension to the room, while the adjoining bar—with antiqued mirror and leopard-upholstered stools—adds a playful note. The combination gives this less formal part of the house a distinctive personality while still feeling connected to the more traditional rooms.

Above the sofa, a striking gallery-style art arrangement features a large abstract canvas surrounded by minimalist framed pieces, all in gold frames. This structured layout adds modernity and visual rhythm.

A glamorous bar area is defined by a wall of gold antiqued mirror, which reflects light and adds a luxurious tone. Bar stools upholstered in a bold leopard print provide a surprising and playful counterpoint to the softer palette elsewhere. This family room masterfully merges elegance with personality. It feels luxurious yet lived-in, with a strong sense of style that balances classical architecture and spirited modern furnishings. The result is a room that’s both beautiful and functional—a perfect setting for entertaining or relaxing with family.

The powder room was designed as a jewel box—a small space where we could be considerably bolder. Scalamandré's iconic Zebras wallpaper creates a dramatic backdrop for an antique Louis-style chest repurposed as the vanity. The pairing of a traditional antique with such an exuberant pattern captures the approach found throughout the house: respecting its history while never taking tradition too seriously.