New Orleans native Blair Price of Petit Atelier has always been moved by history, tradition, and culture. Take one look inside her home and you’ll see her inspiration and passion come through. The historic apartment in the heart of Uptown New Orleans also serves as her firm’s office, which she founded in 2019. Peek inside this rich, decadent sanctuary.
How would you describe your home decor style?
It is difficult for me to define my own style. I love so many things. I would say that my style is French Brocante meets old, traditional Creole. I love decadence, and tend to gravitate towards pieces that are formal, but well worn. Pieces like this have soul. I never want things to be too precious, and too serious, but I want to constantly be surrounded by beauty. The age, and patina are everything to me! I love French and Italian antiques, mixed with the simpler, sweeter lines of Creole wood furniture.
What is your favorite room in your home, and why is it special to you?
My bedroom is my favorite room. It is so architecturally rich! The ceiling is covered in perfectly preserved quatrefoil plasterwork. There’s also a carved wood mantle that is almost as tall as I am. The woodwork on the windows and nine-foot-tall door match the mantle. That room is the reason that I chose this apartment.
Do you have any family heirlooms? If so, what and tell us more about them?
My father gave me the first piece of art that he bought. It’s a large, orange and green sailboat, sunset scene on canvas. He bought it from D.H. Holmes in the 1970s. D. H. Holmes was an iconic local department store on Canal Street, in New Orleans. He gave me the painting when I moved into my first apartment in college, and it has been with me ever since. I’m not sure that I would consider this an heirloom yet, but it is a piece that has a very special place in my heart.
Do you have any beloved collections? How do you display them?
I would definitely consider myself to be a collector. I have a pretty large collection of vintage electronics, especially kitchen appliances. I use all of them, but haven’t quite worked out how to display them yet. I also have a large collection of vinyl records, and antique, French books. The books travel from room to room, but are always out on display.
Do you celebrate any holidays in your home with friends and family? If so, what and how do you celebrate in your home?
I celebrate Carnival at home with friends. I live a few blocks from the parades, so on the nights leading up to Mardi Gras, we gather causally on the porch to have drinks, or we pull up all of the chairs and congregate in the kitchen, while something braises in the oven (I like to make Coq au Vin because it is very hands off). We are in and out, with parades. On Mardi Gras day, I like to add the leaf to my dining table, and set up a fun, and elaborate table-scape using my formal, gold rimmed dishes. I like to spend this day exclusively with family.
What one piece in your home best describes your personality?
That’s a very tough question! It’s probably my dining table. It has a formal look, with its pedestal legs, and brass end caps. It’s on casters so that it can roll out of the way. The tabletop could use a good buffing. I love the formality of this table, but it is not precious. I love to entertain, and I want things to be beautiful and special, but I do not want my home to be off limits. I use every bit of it. The exception to that statement is my cream, tufted and skirted ottoman. I am the only one who can touch that ottoman!
What is your favorite piece of art in your home, and why?
There are so many pieces that I love. I only hang art that I love. There is a small, handmade collage of felt on canvas on the wall in my bedroom. It’s a strange little scene of a frog sitting on what looks like the setting sun, and a swan swimming near some oversized cattails. The piece is absurd. Everything is cut out of felt, and when you turn it around, you realize that this was all done on a piece of cardboard which was then framed. The note on the back is very personal, and dates back to 1954, I believe. I found it at a junk shop, and it is just so weird. It’s a piece of junk, and I love it.
What are some uniquely New Orleans inspired pieces in your home?
The little altar in my fireplace is inspired by my grandmother’s bedroom vanity altar. Her father always used to keep one in his bedroom as well.
How does living in the South affect your home decor style?
My style is directly influenced by the South. I am very passionate about the beauty of old, Southern architecture. I love the tall ceilings, the plasterwork, the mantles, and windows. I like to accentuate these spectacular features with elegant furnishings that look both updated, and right at home in their surroundings.
What are some of your favorite local shops?
I love everything about “Antiques on Jackson”, “Le Garage” on Decatur Street, “Spruce” for gorgeous wallpaper and textiles, “Consign, Consign” for fabulous antiques and oddities, “River Road Flea Market” for just about everything, and “Renaissance” for fabulous deals on antiques.
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