An Eastlake Victorian Renewed

A Whole Home Renovation of an Eastlake Victorian

Set in one of New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods, this Eastlake Victorian offered an opportunity to thoughtfully renew a home rich with architectural character. Reed & Acanthus led a comprehensive renovation, preserving the details and sense of history that make the house distinctive while introducing a fresh, more functional approach to modern living.

Throughout the home, original character is balanced with expressive color, pattern, antiques, and carefully considered new furnishings. The result feels collected rather than decorated—a house that honors its New Orleans roots while reflecting the way its owners live today.

Photography: Laura Steffan. Styling: Margaret Zaney Roux

Bright, tailored, and timeless, this kitchen blends classic architecture with fresh, livable details. Crisp white cabinetry with glass-front uppers is layered with soft blue tile, warm brass lantern pendants, and polished nickel accents, creating a refined but welcoming palette. Natural textures—woven stools, wood boards, and blue-and-white ceramics—add warmth and personality, while the generous island anchors the space as both a functional workspace and a gathering spot.

A highlight of the kitchen is the light, elegant, and quietly luxurious bar. Soft blue tile provides a serene backdrop for brass-and-glass shelving, which displays barware and curated objects. Warm brass fixtures, a compact sink, and tailored cabinetry elevate the space into a polished spot for entertaining that still feels relaxed and inviting.

Calm, airy, and effortlessly charming, this kitchen seating area brings a relaxed, European sensibility to the room’s traditional architecture. Chinoiserie panels, a curated hutch, and natural textures add subtle pattern and warmth, creating an inviting spot that works equally well for everyday meals and casual entertaining.

This primary bathroom feels serene and tailored, blending classic materials with rich, refined contrasts. Marble surfaces wrap the shower and floor in a soft, timeless pattern, while warm brass fixtures add a layer of understated luxury. A deep navy vanity grounds the space, creating a sophisticated balance between light, texture, and color that feels both elegant and enduring.

Bold and jewel-like, this powder room is wrapped in a blue-and-white "Carnival Toile"wallpaper bringing energy and personality to the compact space. A sculptural marble sink paired with warm brass fixtures adds a sense of craftsmanship and polish. Crisp white trim and dark floors ground the room, creating a striking balance between classic elegance and playful drama.

This upstairs bath is playful yet polished, mixing crisp architecture with a bold dose of pattern. Blue palm-motif wallpaper brings a whimsical, graphic rhythm to the space, while the deep blue vanity anchors the room with tailored contrast. Clean marble surfaces and simple chrome fixtures keep the overall feel fresh, light, and charmingly unexpected.