House and Home - January/February 2012

Don’t miss your chance to tour a transformed 30 year old home in Baton Rouge! The tour includes a completely renovated kitchen, keeping room, master and hall baths, powder room, and outdoor kitchen!

Sponsored By:

First 10 Receive Free Design

Packet!

Give-A-Ways Every 30 Minutes!

Like Acadian House on Facebook to follow the entire

renovation process from start to finish!

www.AHKBS.com

HOUSE & HOMEC E L E B R A T I N G T H E S T Y L E O F S O U T H L O U I S I A N A

2012 Artisan Award

Winners

KITCHENS WITH

FACTOR

WOW

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houseandhomemagazine.net 35

Allied ASID Member • Licensed General ContractorCall for a consultation to learn how Rod can re-work your interiors using things you already own

Interiors/Remodeling

by Rod Miller

view our photo gallery-www.randdbuilders.com

Whether you want to remodel or just re-decorate, let R & D Design give you the home of your dreams. Call today to schedule your design consultation

and explore the possibilities.

225.752.2154

R&D Design

WINNER

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by Rod Miller




225.752.2154

R&D Design

WINNER

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4 HOUSE and HOmE January/February 2012

CONTENTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

Features

14 Valentine’s Day Gift GuideHouse & Home’s Showcase of Gift Ideas

18 2012 Artisan AwardWinnersFeaturing Winners in the 3rd Annual Competition

24 A Trio of KitchensBuilder, Remodeler and Designer Strive for Wow Factor

In Every Issue

8 Publisher’s Note33 March Preview

Departments

10 Ask The ExpertCathy Almeida / A Kitchen by Design

12 Take 10 (New!) Rod Miller / R & D Design

30 Local Flavor Great Preservation

32 Art Studio Painter Carrie Parascandolo

34 Style File Classic Kitchen Style by Swags and Tassels

On the cover: Steve Rabalais of Rabalais Custom Homes includes in his kitchen design materials like natural stone countertops, pendant lights, brick arches and quality floors to invoke the “wow” factor in prospective home buyers. Photo by Melissa Oivanki.Story on page 24.

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8831 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810Tel 225.761.1884 • Fax 225.454.6843www.houseandhomemagazine.net

House and Home magazine (ISSN 1524-3966) is pub-lished monthly by Renaissance Publishing Group, LLC, copyright 2011. House and Home magazine is available for home or business delivery by annual subscription. Send check payable to Renaissance Pub-lishingGroup, LLC. The cost is $20 for one year (10 issues) or $36 for two years (20 issues).

Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in House and Home magazine are those of the writers or sources and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services shown herein. Although the information and recommendations in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be re-liable, Renaissance Publishing Group, LLC, makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

Publisher/EditorNancy L. Trahan

[email protected]

Photographer/Creative ServicesMelissa Oivanki

[email protected]

Contributing Art Director & Web DesignerCheryl Prats

[email protected]

Office AdministratorCheryl Wilks

[email protected]

Contributing Writers Michael Dardenne

Stu GonsuronSamuel R. Irwin

Holly A. Phillips

Greater Baton Rouge Circulation

RoadRunner Distribution

Advertising Inquiries:Sales Office

(225) 761-1884

A product of Renaissance Publishing Group, LLC Since 1997, Celebrating our 14th Year

H&H

BATON ROUGE11655 RIEGER ROAD

SOUTH OF SIEGEN AT I-10(225) 755-0600 • 1-800-729-5336

LAFAYETTE501 ACADIANA MALL CIRCLE

(ACROSS FROM JCPENNEY)(337) 735-1000 • 1-877-886-6320

B a s s e t t L A . c o m

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Perkins Road at College 924-0888 N. Sherwood Forest at Choctaw 275-6220 Service: Choctaw at Monterrey 275-6220 stantonsace.com

Visit our value added team ofprofessionals Mike, Corky and Billy

The Heart of Your Home Starts with Stanton’s

Invitethis year, make your

kitchen a place where memories are made

with stanton’s

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8 HOUSE AND HOME January/February 2012

Every once in a long while, I manage to read a great book from start to fi nish. Among those few, once in a while one of them manages to make me really think. Such is the case

with a New York Times bestselling memoire/documentary about a family that relocated across the country to live and work on their own family farm. Their goal was to eat little other than locally-grown meat and produce—an ambitious, time-consuming and often frustrating pursuit. As their memoire played out, I found myself romanced by the idea of taking on my own local food experiment. Anyone up for a trip to the farmer’s market?

As this issue of House & Home explores a few stand-out kitch-ens, Chef Stu Gonsurin writes in our Local Flavor section about the time-honored Southern tradition of canning preserves. Like many people in South Louisiana, Stu learned canning techniques by watching his grandmother. Unfortunate for me, I didn’t learn canning from my grandmother, but I fi gure there’s still plenty of time for me to cultivate a skill.

So in recent months, as part of a well-timed act, a trio of fruit trees on my patio fi nally hit their prime after spending three years in oversized pots looking lackluster. Now lush with vegetation, the trees chose this season to emerge with fl owers and swell with fruits. The kumquats came fi rst, causing me to scratch my head before running inside to do some quick research at the computer. Were they ripe? Where they supposed to be so pungently sweet and sour at the same time? The answers: Yes.

For the last several weeks, I’ve devoured one kumquat at a time, their sweet and sour notes causing my face to wrinkle with satisfaction. Same time, I was armed with the inspiration of Bar-bara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Lifeand, more recently, Chef Stu’s nostalgic article about canning. This random mix of well-timed events lead to my resolve that none of my fruit crop, however small, would go to waste.

This week I’ll prepare kumquat salsa and cheesecake just for fun. And when I run out of ideas (or just get tired of kumquats), there will be a beautiful opportunity to experiment with preserves ■

Our family was changed by our fi rst year of deliberately eating food produced from the same place where we worked, went to school, loved our neighbors, drank the water and breathed the air.

—Barbara Kingsolver in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

”

“

[ PUBLISHER’S NOTE ]

Nancy TrahanPublisher

Your comments are welcome.Email [email protected]

225.330.62001.866.495.4837

2026 Wooddale Blvd. Baton Rouge, LAwww.oldsouthlighting.com

Lighting, Lanterns, Fans, Custom Iron Doors & Rails

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A: Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing

one, using a kitchen designer has many ad-vantages, one of which is the ability to work with someone whose expertise is dedicated to that space. A great deal of time should be spent in designing a kitchen; time that a builder may or not have. You will need to make a variety of selections, from cabinet style and wood species to countertops

and backsplash, colors and accessories, to mention a few. These are all items that the designer will help you choose to suit your budget and lifestyle.

Another advantage some kitchen design-ers offer is a computer-rendered version of the design which allows you to easily visualize your dream kitchen. A kitchen designer will be there from design to installation to ensure your dream kitchen is a reality.

The cost of design will vary from com-pany to company. As a courtesy to our customers, our company does not charge for a site measurement and design. We will gladly come to your home, bring samples and record measurements. From there, we can begin planning your specifi c kitchen design using the latest design software to ensure that you get exactly what you envisioned. ■

[ ASK THE EXPERT ]

Do you have a question for a local expert? We’ve got an answer. Email [email protected]

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“I’m planning to build a new home sometime this coming year. Can a kitchen

designer help me get a better design than I can expect from simply working with a builder?

Q:

Cathy AlmeidaA Kitchen by DesignLafayettewww.akitchenbydesign.com

MOREExCITINGTHAN ACANDYGRAM

Referred for a reason.

with diamonds on top.

kNOCk,kNOCk.

IT’S YOURMOTHER-IN-LAw.

(225) 755-8383

(337) 839-2000

Mike Thompson Homes

337-984 0687 / [email protected]

Lafayette,LA

How much does a kitchen designer’s services cost?” Photos courtesy of A Kitchen by Design

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Assured

Assured

Assured

Assured

Assured

Assured

Assured

Assured

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FLOORING&

COUNTERTOPS4396 Perkins Rd. | Baton Rouge, La 70808 | 225-382-0605 | Baton Rouge, La 70808 | 225-382-0605

5707 Siegen Lane | Baton Rouge, La 70809 | 225-291-4800

Out with the old, in with the New!

WE’VE MOVED!!

www.backyardbuilders.com(337) 593-8607

Baton Rouge: 11358 Perkins Rd., 225.769.1214(formerly Campanile’s, located just W. of Siegen)

Lafayette: 1221 Kaliste Saloom Rd., 984.98844244 W. Congress St., 984.9881

Lake Charles: 337.433.1193

Gonzales: 225.647.2669

www.SabinePools.com

The Best in Backyard Living!

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[ TAKE 10 ]

1 — What I do

Interior decorating, design/build remodeling

and construction design consulting

2 — The extras I can offerProbably the most unique option I

offer clients is my approach to interior

decorating. I design spaces that are

uniquely for the individual client, integrating

the client’s existing furnishings along

with new furniture and accessories to

create a space that refl ects their unique

tastes and lifestyles. I personally select

all items in advance and set up the space

in a single day. Then the client comes in

for the “reveal” and to view their newly

transformed space as a whole. As a licensed

design/build contractor with over 25 years

of experience, I can manage all aspects

of a remodeling project or a combination

of remodeling and interior decorating,

including plan design. What really makes

my services unique is my ability to envision

and manage all aspects of a project from

conception to completion, offering clients a

unique and seamless “one-stop shopping”

experience.

3 — One thing you might not know R & D Design delivers value for the

investment clients make in their homes.

I strive to consistently exceed a client’s

expectations for their home’s interiors.

4 — What might surprise you Clients are often surprised to learn that I

design interior decorating projects of any

size – from a single room residential project

to a large scale design consulting project.

They’re amazed at the transformation

that can be achieved with their individual

budget.

5 — On trends and local concerns My clients seem to be most concerned with

achieving the maximum and most functional

use of all of their space.

6 — Who I am, in one wordCreative. I think outside of the box.

7 — Defi ning good customer serviceGood customer service is listening to

the needs and desires of the client and

delivering a product that refl ects their

personal lifestyle.

8 — About dollars and “sense” I don’t stock an inventory of furniture. This

gives me the fl exibility to shop with a wide

variety of vendors and price points. I keep

up with sales and closeouts and negotiate

the best possible prices for my clients. This

enables me to often exceed the expectation

of value and quality for the client’s pre-set

budget and to deliver the best possible

value for money spent.

9 — Why I’m different We differ from our competitors in that we

offer every aspect of design, from planning

thru execution down to the last detail for

both interior decorating and remodeling.

10 — My idea of a great day at work

An ideal day is seeing the faces of my

clients when they catch their fi rst glimpse of

their newly designed interiors! ■

10 Reasons Why They DeserveYour BusinessR & D [email protected] (225) 752-2154

Rod Miller, Allied ASID member,

licensed residential and commercial

contractor

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UNITED DESIGN STONE

Natural Everlasting Beauty10330 AIRLINE HIGHWAY SUITE A6, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

PHONE: 225.291.0017 FAX: 225.291.0018WWW.UDESIGNSTONE.COM

1721 W. Pinhook Rd. • Lafayette • www.allureenhancement.com337. 412 . 6334 • Walkins Welcome

Join Our

Diamond Girl Club

Add Some Sparkle To Your New Year

Membership Means Big Savings On Our Products & Services All Year Long.

( Fantastic

gift idea)

Skin Care Products • Microdermabrasion • Permanent Cosmetics • Massages • Botox• B12 Injections PRP • DermaRoller • Teeth Whitening • Spray Tans • Lavish Lash Extensions • Latisse • FacialsSkin Classic • Spider Vein Treatments • Dysport • Restylane • Juvederm • Radiesse • Chemical Peels

gift idea)

Biz Card Document Size 3.625 x 2.125(Durel wants the 1/16” bleed built in)Object/Crop Area/Make: to make pdf that will CROP Artboard size

ENHANCEMENT CENTERAllure

Cindy Cobb, DNP— Nurse Practitioner Sangeeta Shah, M. D. —Medical Director

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Experience professional eyelash extensions that look, feel and wear like your own lashes, whether natural looking or glamorous. These semi-permanent lashes last several weeks, are water resistant (shower and swim safe) and available in various lengths and thicknesses. Perfect for special occasions as well as regular daily wear, Lavish Lashes apply in 90-120 minutes as part of a relaxing procedure.Allure Enhancement Center1721 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette(337) 412-6334www.allureenhancement.com

The Rowenta Pro Precision DG8430 Steam Station and Pressure Iron Steamer is an ironing system for the home that provides all the efficiency of a commercial ironing system. Its unrivaled steam performance offers professional quality results. Powerful steam on demand is delivered via a 6-foot steam hose to the Microsteam400 stainless steel soleplate. The large continuous

refill 33-ounce water tank combined with the stainless steel soleplate reduces your ironing time. Priced $299 with a

5-year extended warranty valued at $100.AllBrands.com 20415 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge (225) 408-7101www.allbrands.com

Not only does it feel great, therapeutic massage does a body good. The perfect gift for a men, women, young and old, a 30-, 60- or 90-minute massage in our soothing environment is the ultimate feel goodie that your loved one is likely not to forget. Choose from a variety of modalities, from Swedish/Relaxation, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue or an indulgent Neck & Shoulder massage. Afterwards, enjoy the therapeutic benefits of our dry sauna at no additional cost. Priced from $45.

Everyone appreciates a brighter smile and Valentine’s Day is a time to look your very best. In as little as 20 minutes, you can brighten your teeth up to 7 shades with no sensitivity using our LED whiten-ing system. It’s safe for teenagers and ideal of anyone with stains from smok-ing or drinking coffee, tea, wine or soft drinks. Priced $79, with optional take-home products to improve upon results.The Retreat Spa & Salon 8831 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge(225) 761-4567www.TheRetreat-BR.com

T H E A I R L O V E I S I N

Valentine Gift Guide


Our handcrafted freshwater pearl peapod jewelry collection features necklaces available in both sterling silver and gold filled. The freshwater pearl peapods are available with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 pearls to represent children, grandchildren, family members or even best friends. Caroline & Company 113 Arnould Blvd., Lafayette(337) 984-3263www.carolineandco.com

It’s a great time to stock up on The Skin Care Makeup® from Jane Iredale! Recommended by physicians, these products actually im-prove your skin! With every $50 in Iredale Minerals purchases, take your choice of a FREE Magic Mitt®, Lip Drink®, hydration spray or refillable gold compact. Or, select a FREE Sugar & Butter® with any $100 purchase. Offer good through February 2012, while supplies last. Trained makeup consultants on staff. The Retreat Spa & Salon 8831 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge(225) 761-4567www.TheRetreat-BR.com

Show your love this February 14th with some great gift ideas shown here as part of House & Home’s first annual Valen-tine’s Day Gift Guide. Check off items on your gift-buying list and support local businesses when you buy gifts from merchants located close to home. Among the gift options suggested here by local businesses are home accessories and furnishings, personal health and beauty indulgences as well as several one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures by regional artists and craftsmen.

T H E A I R This handcrafted cypress jewelry cabinet is available in a variety of different sizes and colors. Choose from several options, including drawers, mirrors, hooks and felt. Let All Wood Furniture handcraft the perfect gift for your special Valentine. All Wood Furniture1508 W. Pinhook Drive, Lafayette 2842 Northeast Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette(337) 896.4400 www.allwoodcompany.com

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An endearing gift for the nature lover in your life, these heart-shaped bird seeds will nourish and warm the hearts of feathered friends through-out the winter. Eco friendly, bird seeds make nice place holders for dinners or special party favors! Priced just $12.LD Linens & Décor4265 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge(225) 246-2471www.ldlinensanddecor.com

This is the ultimate sweetheart’s gift! Soak away all the cares of the day and make the most of your time together in a Caldera Hot Tub from Sabine Pools, Spas & Furniture. The soothing, warm relaxation of the hydrotherapy jets can be enhanced with audio systems—even TV! Shop today and change the way you relax tonight! Prices start at $3995.Sabine Pools, Spas & Furniture11358 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge13375 Hwy 44, Gonzales1221 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette;4244 W. Congress St., Lafayette3213 Common St., Lake Charles(800) 960-7665www.SabinePools.com

Need a great Valentine’s Day gift for the griller in your life? The DCS Outdoor Grill from Stanton’s Appliances sears food on the entire surface so you can control the power from the very far back corner to front and center. DCS’s Ceramic Radiant Technology ensures the entire grill surface is the same temperature for full surface searing.Stanton’s Appliance4747 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 924-08882450 N. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge(225) 275-6220www.stantonsace.com

Three little heart bowls by JD Wolfe Pottery nest one inside of the other and make a lovely symbol of a mother’s love. Use them together or separate them around the house to keep your jewelry safe by your sink or bed, fill with tea lights, or use as small dipping dishes (food safe). This set ranges 2” to 4” wide and is glazed in speckled white. The collection is priced $10 - $50.LD Linens & Décor4265 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, (225) 246-2471www.ldlinensanddecor.com

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RICHARD OURSO, CKD, CAPSBATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

oursodesigns.com225.931.4312

“Let our team of Certified Designers work wonders redesigning the space of your dreams. We plan the placement of amenities, cabinetry, storage and lighting... We can also help with the product selections for flooring, countertops, and paint colors. Let us show you

the difference space planners can make for your new construction or remodeling project.” - Richard Ourso, CKD, CAPS

Not just kitchen designs…

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana337-278-5676

Brandon BegnaudCraftsman

www.southerncisterns.com

113 Arnould Boulevard337.984.3263

MON - SAT 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.www.carolineandco.com

Clementine Hunter museum quality giclee on canvas

8831 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge

225.761.4567TheRetreat-BR.com

NEW and just in time for the holidays or every day, Lavish Lashes Professional Eyelash Extensions are semi-permanent, lasting 4-6 weeks depending on the life cycle of your own natural lashes and other care factors. Eyelash Extensions come in various lengths, colors and thicknesses to create a beautiful and natural look. Let our trained and certified technician give you the lashes you deserve at an age! Fees vary based on your individual needs. Call for a phone consultation.

TheRETREATS P S A L O S T U D I O

TheRETREATS P S A L O S T U D I O

S P S A L O S T U D I OThe RETREAT

S P S A L O S T U D I OThe RETREAT

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For the third consecutive year, House and Home invited craftsmen, artists and designers to submit their top projects for consideration in this year’s Artisan Awards challenge. A variety of impressive submissions demonstrated what we already knew; that south Louisiana has an abundance of talented artisans of all trades doing excellent work on projects located throughout our region. The entries for this

year’s Artisans Awards contest show the breadth of craftsmanship, creativity, professionalism and sheer talent that is a hallmark of the many projects that were submitted for consideration. Congratulations to the winners!

artisan2012Awards

Mural / Ceiling ArtFaux & Decorative Finishes by Karen Giffel & Jennifer PoePrairieville

Decorative artists Karen Giffel and Jennifer Poe were hired to transform a powder room located underneath their client’s stairwell. With dominant shades of blue, gold and green, an abstract landscape decorates the angled wall. Overhead, the ceiling is surfaced in hand-cut squares of gold leaf.

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Mural / Ceiling ArtFaux & Decorative Finishesby Karen Giffel & Jennifer PoePrairieville

Decorative artists Karen Giffel and Jennifer Poe were hired to transform a powder room located under-neath their client’s stairwell. With dominant shades of blue, gold and green, an abstract landscape decorates the angled wall. Overhead, the ceiling is surfaced in hand-cut squares of gold leaf.

2012ARTISANDESIGNWINNER

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Furniture Restoration / Conversion - Large

R & D DesignBaton Rouge

This antique French-style settee was re-designed for use in a client’s master bedroom. Worn and damaged upholstery was replaced with a warm chocolate velvet fabric to breathe new life into a room decorated with a mix of new and old pieces.

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April 2011

Furniture Restoration / Conversion - SmallR & D DesignBaton Rouge

A set of antique French-style chairs was given new life when reupholstered in a combination of tufted, faux crocodile-embossed leather and black velvet on the back and arm pads. The esthetic conversion means a transition from formal style to a look of tailored casual.

Window CorniceR & D DesignBaton Rouge

In this French-inspired dining room, embroi-dered silk drapes with gold swags craved a fi tting decorative crown. Using colors that complimented his choice of drapery fabrics, the designer envisioned and com-missioned a custom cornice, fabricated by the late Jon McArthur.

Dining Table - TraditionalAll Wood FurnitureLafayette

Owing to their own French roots, owners of All Wood Furniture designed a series of original fl eur-de-lis dining tables. Avail-able in a variety of custom fi nishes, these tables can be built to suit in heights of 30”, 36” or 42” and lengths of 5 to 10 feet. Priced from $995.

Entertainment CenterAll Wood FurnitureLafayette

Some cypress TV cabinets are built with your individual needs in mind. From optional shelves and draw-ers to distinct fi nishes and styles like this original fl eur-de-lis design, a new TV stand or TV cabinet can be made to suit your entertainment lifestyle.

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Playhouse / Tree HouseBackyard BuildersLafayette

Anchored on either end by a pair of mature oak trees, this 120-foot tree house and playground was designed and built to suit by Kyle Braniff. The impressive project includes an elevated footbridge, a pair of architectural towers and two spacious second-story decks for enjoyment by adults and children alike.

ArborBackyard Builders

Lafayette

Extending a client’s useful outdoor space, builder Kyle Braniff constructed a pair of arbors using distinctive mortise and tenon joints. Designed by landscape architect Michael Cullen, the larger arbor provides cover over a spacious patio while the smaller arbor offers protection for the outdoor kitchen.

Photos courtesy of Backyard Builders

Photos courtesy of Backyard Builders



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225-636-2680 | [email protected]

Lucky

Sasha

Bojangles

Miso

Piper

Princess

Willow

5 YEAR OLD MALE: Looking for Long-Term Relationship

8 MONTH OLD MALE: Will You be My Valentine?

3 YEAR OLD FEMALE: Beautiful Inside and Out!

5 MONTH OLD FEMALE: I’ll Spend All Nine Lives With You

5 YEAR OLD MALE: Older, Wiser, and Better Behaved!

5 YEAR OLD FEMALE: Declawed and Ready for Snuggling!

2 YEAR OLD FEMALE: Unconditional Love Guaranteed

For a Valentine’s

Day match made in

Heaven, adopt one of cat haven’s furry, friendly

felines, and you will

always have a valentine to love!

A few of our valentines...

“My Furry Valentine”

ADopt-a-thon February 12, 1pm - 4pm

Cat Haven Shelter11130 N. Harrell’s Ferry Rd

Baton Rouge, LA 225-636-2680

A fur-ever valentine is yours at cat haven

5 YEAR OLD MALE: Looking for My Purrfect Match

Blaze

DROP-IN HOURLY CHILD CARE

Go Ahead! You Deserve It!

FREEMembershipto First 500

Families

Louisiana Licensed Class B Center

769-6300 • 8821 Bluebonnet • PlayDatesBR.com

• Open 7 Days a Week• No Attendance Limits• Quick, No Hassle Registration• No Contracts or Waiting Lists• No Appointments Necessary• Fun & Creative Environment

Painting/CanvasHope HebertLafayette

Utilizing a salvaged solid wood door measuring 80” x 24”as its canvas, this original acrylic painting of a guitar is titled “Poppa’s Music II,” priced $3,200.

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Stair RailingOld South Lighting & IronworksBaton Rouge

This dramatic and curvaceous interior staircase is outfi tted in solid iron with hand-forged scrolls and ornamental posts and castings. Designed, fabricated, installed and fi nished by Old South, the stair rail leads to contiguous balcony railing on the second fl oor.

Photos courtesy of Old South Lighting & Ironworks




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Ornamental FenceOld South Lighting & IronworksBaton Rouge

This expansive fence includes several panels of decorative ironwork interspersed with brick columns. Designed, fabricated and installed by Old South, the ironwork is made of 5/8-inch solid, hand-forged scrolls and castings, and fl eur-de-lis spires.

Garden GateOld South Lighting & IronworksBaton Rouge

A fi tting entry to a stately home, this garden gate offers attractive security and serves as a prelude to the home’s actual front entry doors. Intricately styled with curvilinear design, this enticing gate was designed and hand forged of solid 5/8-inch ironwork

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www.fleurdefini.com www.brushstrokesbykg.com

www.fleurdefini.com www.brushstrokesbykg.com

1577-A Mil l s Hwy. • Breaux Br idge , LA 70517www.grossiescypressfurniture.com • [email protected]

(337) 654-8263

Huge Selection of Rustic Cypress Tables with 2 Inch Border TopsQuality Tables at Affordable Prices

Grossie’s Furniture

Inc.

Shop our newly designed

showroom, featuring artisan

and designer lighting with

an exquisite variety of

chandeliers, sconces and

recessed fixtures. You will

not only find unique, quality

lighting at incredible prices,

but our experienced lighting

experts can aid in your design

as well as deliver professional,

on-site installation.

Illuminate your space.

1500 Government St. Baton Rouge, LA | (225) 388-0073

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Interior designer Becky Walker says she wanted to bring touches of old Baton Rouge to this Audubon Square kitchen by using design elements inspired by architect A. Hays Town. Traditional hardwood floors and a long distressed beam unite with a sleek quartz countertop for a modern interpretation of a classic style.



April 2011

KITCHENISSUE

STORY BY SAM IRWIN PhOTOS BY MelISSA OIvANkI

From Louisiana colonial times through the 19th century, home kitchens were purposely detached from the main

home. Much of the cooking was done above a flame in a fireplace. Bread was baked in a clay oven set outside and away the kitchen. Before the days of refrigeration, a smoke-house, also set apart from the main house, was used to make the most of a suckling pig. Water was nearby, but it was pumped by hand from a well that was located outside the kitchen. It was all very, very hot work.

But the kitchens of the past have some-thing in common with the kitchens of today. They were bustling centers of activity where children hauled in the firewood as their fa-ther built the daily fire. The mother planned and prepared meals and created lists for trips to the market.

Back then, a kitchen had to be well-proportioned and make maximum use of its space. Every square foot had a function. The modern kitchen is often just as functional and just as much the hub of family life; it’s

just that the nature of those functions have evolved.

Today’s building and remodeling profes-sionals gets one chance to build and design a kitchen, but he or she also has at their disposal the collective knowledge and expe-rience of thousands of kitchen designers who came before.

Builder Steve Rabalais of Rabalais Custom Homes is keenly aware of the hundreds of choices that can be added to a kitchen, but he knows he must be expedient with his

The Modern KiTchen:PuTTing The “WoW” in The noW

Walker’s kitchen design blends a light and airy palette of shaker-style cabinets with a subway-patterned backsplash of natural travertine.


kitchen designs. Practically speaking, too many frills in a kitchen can price his house out of the market. After all, the success of his business is predicated on making a timely sale.

“I’m a home builder who’s building the total package,” Rabalais says. “We put every-thing in our kitchens that we think today’s customer wants.”

As a builder, Rabalais has to temper today’s customer wants with practicality and a fair price point. Color schemes should be neutral but allow for future customization.

“You want to stay with neutral colors,” Rabalais says. “It’s pretty much what people are looking for.”

Kitchen design also needs what Rabalais describes as the “wow” factor.

Rabalais believes the wow factor includes high ceilings, granite counters, exquisite cabi-netry and state-of-the-art appliances.

Another wow factor? A pot-fi ller faucet attracts Rabalais’ potential customers. Instead of having to bring the soup caldron to the sink for fi lling, or, worse, like the 19th cen-tury cook who had to fi ll a bucket of water at the well and haul it inside, Rabalais’ custom kitchens include a water spigot located con-veniently at the cook top. Can I get a wow?

For interior designer Becky Walker of Baton Rouge’s The Design Studio, South Louisiana residents have unique standards.

A continued infl uence and very much a part of the wow factor for clients is Walker’s inclusion of design elements popularized by the noted late architect A. Hays Town.

In one kitchen featured within this article, Walker describes Town’s design infl uence as keenly felt.

“Hays Town was our inspiration,” Walker says of the kitchen design. “We included the distressed beams, hardwood fl oors and brick and natural stone to marry into a sleek look that gives the kitchen a sophisticated feel.”

And today’s client is knowledgeable, says Walker. “The consumer is so much more sophisticated as to what is out there these days.”

The appliances in this Village at Magnolia Square home in Central are all Kitchen Aid from Stanton’s Appliance. The hanging lamps are from Sunbelt Lighting. Other notable design elements are 11-foot ceilings, the fl oor-to-ceiling cabi-nets and a pot-fi ller water spigot next to the stove top.

In his home’s kitchens, Steve Rabalais of Rabalais Custom Homes likes to include design elements like natural stone countertops, pendant lights, brick arches and quality fl oors to invoke the “wow” factor in prospective home buyers.

Travertine floors and backsplashes in neutral colors make for good selling points, Rabalais says. “Our customers tell us that they want good floors, big islands and tall ceilings.” The travertine backsplash is laid in a diagonal pattern.

KITCHENISSUE“You want to stay with neutral colors.

It’s pretty much what people are looking for.” —Steve Rabalais, Rabalais Custom Homes


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When working for individual clients, cabi-net maker Rodney Tassistro of RTE Cabinets & Millworks says homeowners already know what appeals to their individual tastes and their wow factor is clearly defined.

Within one of the featured kitchens, Tassistro’s client’s desire was an old- fashioned look.

“The homeowner came to me with very specific pictures of what she wanted,” Tassistro says. “She said, ‘Turn my kitchen into this.’”

To give the customer what they want, builders and craftsmen have to be innovative. In essence, they infuse their personal wow factor into their work.

“My client was very specific about the cabinet knobs,” Tassistro recalls. “We decided on walnut, but we had to have them custom turned.”

Ensuring the wow factor means a cabinet maker needs the skill to produce a modern kitchen with new or pre-existing elements that aren’t necessarily standard. For example,

With a vintage stove and range hood refurbished by the homeowners, Rodney Tassistro of RTE Cabinets and Millworks made his custom cabinetry blend with the old-fashioned nature of the appliance selections. The stove came from Hugh’s Place in Port Allen while the vent hood was found at Circa 1857 in Baton Rouge

KITCHENISSUE


Tassistro’s clients had an antique table that they wanted to use as an island.

“The island was an old table piece,” Tassistro says. “I modified it with some drawers underneath and put a piece of quartz on top.”

The quartz top—a touch of innovation— is the only hard-surface counter in Tassistro’s design.

“The rest of the tops and backsplashes are Spanish cedar,” Tassistro explains. “We put lots of coating on the cedar to give it a very nice sheen.”

The cabinet maker also fashioned the cabinetry to resemble individual pieces of furniture.

“(At the base of the cabinets) We painted the foot plate black so it just disappears and

gives the illusion that each cabinet is a piece of furniture.” Tassistro says.

Jaw dropping design does not come easily. It takes careful planning, imagina-tion and a clear dialogue between client and builder or remodeling professional. But when outstanding design meets superior craftsman-ship, there is only one word to describe it: Wow. n

Unique features in this kitchen include leaded glass panes in cabinet doors and a countertop and backsplash made of Spanish cedar planks.

Tassistro’s cabinetry rests upon simple decorative footings to create an illusion that each piece is a furniture item. The inset beaded shaker-style cabinets are finished in a semi-gloss shade of Navaho White. The open shelves were custom built to the clients’ design specifications.


[ LOCaL FLaVOR ]

As a child, I recall fondly walking

out into my grandmother’s

backyard and picking kumquats,

pears, and figs ripe from their branches

and wiping their syrupy juices from my

face with my shirt sleeve. As she would

make preserves with these luscious fruits,

I had a difficult time understanding why

we wouldn’t just eat the entire tree.

Instead, my grandmother would make

preserves with whatever was left that we

couldn’t possibly consume. Her kitchen,

thick with the sugary perfume of the

fruit, would morph into a laboratory of

sorts, with steam rising over here and

sterilized jars over there. When the

process was complete, we were left with

jars of preserves. The fruit now lacked the

vibrancy it had only a few hours before

and it would take some time before my

adolescent palate could appreciate with

intense amount of flavor contained within

those air-tight jars.

Making preserves requires little

cooking skills and the canning method

itself is something any cook can

accomplish — with the right tools, of

course. Canning jars, a ladle, tongs,

and a pot large enough to hold the jars

completes the list of utensils you’ll need.

The process is simple. First, sterilize

the jars and lids by boiling them and

allowing them to air dry. Then, cook

your preserves and ladle the warm

mixtures into the jars. Tighten the lids

using a normal amount of pressure and

place the jars into a large pot of boiling

water using the tongs. Allow the jars to

simmer for about 20-25 minutes before

carefully removing them from the water

and allowing them to cool to room

temperature. C’est tout!

As the jars rest and cool, you’ll hear

the lids ping and click as the cooling

temperature creates a vacuum within

the jar.

Each time I make preserves in my own

kitchen, I’m transformed in memory to my

childhood and my grandmother’s kitchen

table, watching her stir the pots with

her sticky spoon with an apron for a lab

coat. Only now, I have a more complete

understand of the joys that can come

from a jar. —Chef Stu Gonsuron

Grilled Boudin Biscuit with Fig Preserves

2 pounds figs

(small, purple Celeste recommended)

2 pounds sugar

1 lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed

2 boudin links

4 biscuits, frozen or pre-prepared

• Wash and drain the figs, combining them with

sugar in a container and set aside for 4-6 hours

or overnight. Place the fruit in a heavy-bottom

pot and cook over medium heat until sugar has

dissolved. Reduce heat to low, simmer and add

lemon slices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

for 2-3 hours or until the fruit is translucent and

the syrup has thickened. Remove from heat and

pack into jars.

• Cook biscuits according to manufacturer’s

directions. Meanwhile, remove boudin filling from

its casing. Once cooled, form the boudin filling

into four patties sized roughly the same diameter

as the biscuits. In a cast-iron skillet over medium

heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Once the

butter smells nutty, add boudin patties to the

skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side

until a nice crust has formed.

• Slice the biscuits and insert between the slices a

piece of boudin topped with fig preserves. Enjoy

with a hot cup of coffee!

Yield: 4 servings

SWEET PRESERvATIOn

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Seared Pork Tenderloin with Satsuma Marmalade

2 pounds satsumas, peeled, seeded and segmented

1 pound sugar

1 lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed

1 pork tenderloin, about 6” in length

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

• Combine satsumas and sugar in a container and set aside

for 2-4 hours. Place the fruit mixture in a heavy-bottom pot

and cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Reduce heat to low, reach a simmer and add lemon slices. Stir

occasionally to prevent sticking for 2-3 hours or until the fruit

is translucent and the syrup has thickened. Remove from heat

and pack into jars.

• Preheat oven to 400. Evenly slice the pork tenderloin into

four pieces, each about 1-1/2 inches thick, and season with

salt and pepper. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt

1 tablespoon of butter until nutty. Add the tenderloin and

sear on each side for fi ve minutes. Transfer skillet to the oven

and continue to cook them for about 6-8 minutes, depending

upon your preference.

• Remove pork from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Spoon the satsuma marmalade over the pork and serve.

Chef’s Note: A splash of Balsamic vinegar adds a slightly sour

note that rounds off this dish nicely.

Yield: 4 servings

Basic Canning Method

1 large stock pot

Glass preserving jars with lids and bands

Ladle

Tongs, spring loaded if possible

Fruit or vegetable preserves

• Sterilize your jars by washing them in hot, soapy water or

boiling them. Allow them to air dry and keep the jars warm

until ready for canning.

• Fill stock pot about half way with water and heat to a

simmer.

• Once the preserves are ready for canning, it’s important

to transfer them to the jars while hot, leaving one inch

of space between the preserves and the top of the jar.

Remove any air bubbles by gently stirring the preserves.

Wipe away any preserves that may have been spilled

on the jar. Place the lid on each jar and tighten the band

until “fi nger-tip” tight. (Over-tightening the jars will not

allow the air within the jars to escape during the canning

process.)

• Gently lower the fi lled jars into the simmering pot,

ensuring at least one inch of water covers each jar. Cover

with a lid and bring the water to a steady boil for 20-25

minutes. Turn off heat and allow the jars to sit in the water

for fi ve minutes before removal. Over 12 hours, allow the

jars to cool to room temperature. ■

Strawberry-Basil Preserves over Vanilla Ice Cream6 cups red, ripe strawberries, cleaned and stemmed

5 cups sugar

1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh chopped basil

1/2 gallon vanilla bean ice cream

• Combine the strawberries and sugar in a container and set

aside for 2-4 hours. In a heavy-bottom pot, cook mixture

over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Add lemon

juice. Cook 15 minutes or until the syrup has thickened.

• Remove from heat, stir in the basil and pack the mixture

into jars.

• Generously spoon vanilla ice cream into bowls and cover

with prepared preserves.

Yield: 4-6 servings

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CANVAS I am originally from Missouri.

I attended the University of Missouri in

Columbia and received my degree in fine

arts. After completing my undergraduate

degree, I attended graduate school at the

same university.

PRIMER I have been painting and drawing

since I was able to hold a pencil. My

elementary, junior and high school years

were filled with doodling and attending

art classes, so it was just obvious to me

that I should pursue something that I

loved. After finishing college, I married

and moved to Oregon, where I had my

first child. Although I still enjoyed art, my

life as a busy wife and mom didn’t leave

time for painting.

MEDIA Through the years, I have used

many different types of media, but for

now I mostly use acrylics. I like to work

on large-scale canvases and I love to use

a lot of color. I began painting with a very

realistic style and did a lot of portraiture

during college, but now my paintings are

abstract. I use a lot of different techniques

when I’m painting to achieve different

effects. One of the reasons I love acrylics

is that they are so versatile. I used to feel

more comfortable with representational

subject matter, but now I really just

enjoy expressing emotion with color

and movement. To me, great abstract

paintings are like classical music. Just as

a beautiful piece of music can express

great emotion and feeling without words,

so can a painting express many emotions

without a recognizable subject. It forces

the viewer to go beyond the subject and

enjoy the movement and depth of color

and texture.

INFLUENCE God is the most dominant

influence in my work and in my life. I have

been on a journey over the past couple of

years to a deeper relationship with God.

I felt at the beginning of this journey that

painting would be an important part of

my plans. I release a lot of my emotions

onto the canvas when I paint and I feel

like God is with me, moving through me

onto the canvas. I just feel so blessed that

other people are affected by my work. My

talent is from God and without Him I can

do nothing.

DOLLARS & CENTS My art has developed

mainly from a personal enjoyment for

what I like. However, I have also done

several commissioned works for clients.

Sometimes a client will give me an idea

or a feeling that they are going for and

an idea of color scheme, but it’s difficult

to say how the painting will emerge. My

works take on a life of their own as I paint.

SHOW I haven’t really had a chance to

show my work yet but I am planning on

setting up a retail space soon. I’ve been

selling my paintings as quickly as I paint

them, so as soon as I get a group of

paintings together, I’ll be offering them

for sale.

AHEAD My plan is just to keep doing

what I love … painting. Wherever it takes

me, I know God is leading. n

[ aRT STUdIO ]

/ Carrie ParascandoloIn her own words”“

12

Carrie Parascandolo [email protected]

(1) “Creazione spontanea” measures 36” x 48” and is priced $850; (2) Pioggia di colori” measures 48” x 48” and is sold; (3) “Carpe nello stagno” measures 48” x 72” and is priced $1,700


COMINGNEXT ISSUE:

Bath MagicSleek and Pristine Describes a Trioof Beautiful Baths

Youthful SpacesImaginative Decor for the Young at Heart

And much more!

12

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IDEAS 4 U

STYLE✽ FILE

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE

Deliciously unfettered, this streamlined kitchen is asubtle classic

Larayn GuidrozSwags & Tassels(337) [email protected]

1. A pair of oversized European-style pendant lanterns add a touch of elegance to this open kitchen plan

2. With the look of fi ne furniture, walnut cabinetry offers a rich patina and details of louvered andglass door panels

3. Large scale travertine tiles laid diagonally enlarge the space and blend harmoniously withadjacent antique pine

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(1)


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by Rod Miller




225.752.2154

R&D Design

WINNER

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Don’t miss your chance to tour a transformed 30 year old home in Baton Rouge! The tour includes a completely renovated kitchen, keeping room, master and hall baths, powder room, and outdoor kitchen!

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First 10 Receive Free Design

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House and Home - January/February 2012

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