Style Icons, Lou Lou, and Architectural Fate!

I have always had a fascination with women who have curated a life with such style that it seems every facet of their existence is museum worthy. Women like Diane Keaton, Iris Apfel, Audrey Hepburn, and the fashion goddess that I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Sarah Jessica Parker.

You don't have to be famous to make your mark and be recognized for great style. I feel pretty certain every city no matter how big or small has those few women that in some way are someones "style icon". A woman of great style, stories, and impeccable taste walked into my life shortly after opening my shop and she has been a huge part of the success I have had here. I call her Lou Lou. 

Every time Lou Lou walks in the door I already know she will hone in on what I would consider the best piece in my shop. I always have things that are ratable and place able for everyone however I always have a few pieces that are what I call the Oh My God moments. Those are the moments in a house that are unexpected and leave any guest you have over searching for that same moment in their own home.

Fortunately Lou Lou has become a great friend to us here at Shaun Smith Home. She regularly has Betsey and I over to share with us the amazing stories of her fabulous life. This woman has lived! Her home is covered in art that would make any art collector/lovers jaws drop. Every fabric, sconce, fabric, finish it's all just perfect. When I am in her house I feel like I am transported to a flat in New York that was in Architectural Digest more than once as her style changed through the years. 

Chez Lou Lou

There is a house here on Audubon Blvd. that I run past every evening. This house is my favorite house in New Orleans. I talk about this house, reference this house, make people drive past this house. I dream of owning this house one day and unlike every other house I purchase I wouldn't change a thing. This has been going on now for years. Life is so crazy I made mention of this house to Lou Lou last week. She said "Shaun that was my house" I could not believe it. She lived in this house for 30+ years. She has made mention of this house to me many times over the past few years always saying how much I would love this house but the connection was never made. Now she is letting me play amongst the original blue prints, design boards, and all of her ideas she so perfectly put into the house.

The former Chateau Lou Lou

Life can be so funny yet so perfect! 

Shaun

Lonny, Starck, and my love of Paris.

One of my favorite design go to's each month is Lonny. The team that produce this fabulous publication each month are geniuses! I was so excited to see that they profiled one of my favorite hotels in the world the masterpiece that is Le Royal Monceau. 

Designed by Louis Duhayon and tweaked to perfection by Philippe Starck this hotel inspired me in ways I can't even explain. Last summer my family spent two weeks in Paris for my moms 50th birthday. We shopped, antiqued, dined and wined and wined and wined it was perfection. The hotel was of course one of my favorite pieces of the trip because I have had a love affair with Philippe Starck for many years.

 The way he pairs the unexpected with classic pieces and makes it feel so right is what I strive to do in every project I take on. The rooms were the most subtle pink that I became obsessed with (just ask Betsey). The choice of lighting fixtures….the way the art was curated just simply to die for! 

If you have a moment please take a look at this issue of Lonny and check out this must see hotel in Paris. If you are ever in Paris take the time to walk through the lobby and restaurants it will have all of you design lovers salivating!! 

- Shaun

Veranda, Gerrie, and my full circle moment!

It is hard to believe it was 11 years ago when my best friend Casey and I would ride up and down Magazine Street and we would dream together that one day I would have a shop on the street I loved so much. I am a little late in sharing this with you since the JAN/FEB issue of Veranda has come and gone however I couldn't resist sharing this moment with you all. 

When I decided to open my shop a little over 3 years ago I was very strategic in how I would do so. Most importantly I wanted to be as close to the legend and my personal design hero Gerrie Bremerman as possible. It just so happened when I was ready to pull the trigger the place right next door popped up for rent. Obviously this was a dream come true and definitely a sign it was meant to be. 

It took me and the worlds greatest mom about 5 months to get all of the inventory I needed for the space. The hardest purchase was the very first one because I knew that whatever it was it would set the tone for my shop and how everything would come together in the end.  We found the most fabulous pair of stone horse heads that had come from an estate in Chicago. They were amazing and had my name written all over them. They were the perfect pieces to emulate what the Shaun Smith brand was about. When I opened my doors for the first time they in fact were the focal point and the pieces in the shop that everyone wanted to know more about. It actually was hard to think about selling them because they looked so good in the shop (yes i am crazy like that). 

(horse heads in the shop)

They sold shortly after I opened to my next door neighbor Mrs. Gerrie Bremermann it was the ultimate compliment and I cannot begin to tell you how much it meant to me. She didn't purchase them for a client she purchased them for herself because she loved them so much. They live in her shop next door and are NOT for sale which makes me so happy. 

The stone horse heads can be seen in the JAN/FEB issue of Veranda Magazine in a fabulous St. Charles Avenue home. They were loaned to them for the photo shoot by Gerrie Bremermann. When I found out they would be featured in Veranda it was such a full circle moment for me. I have been reading Veranda since about the 6th grade, and the fact that the 2 pieces that were the first purchases I made to build my brand in New Orleans were purchased by my design idol and were in the magazine I love so much…well all I can say is dreams do come true.

- Shaun

Latest Shaun Smith Home Project Complete!

We wanted to share with y'all the most recent completed project from Shaun Smith Home! This was a home Shaun bought completely gutted and he worked his magic, turning a gutted shell into a beautiful fully furnished home with custom lighting, millwork, landscaping and not to mention the coolest handrail ever! (solid glass with a chrome base.... gorgeous!)

So, feast your eyes on our latest completed home:

We are very proud of the quality of work and attention to detail on this home, it's one of our favorites! We are also happy to say the house sold the first day on the market! 

If you are interested in purchasing anything you see in this home feel free to call us at the shop for pricing information. Almost everything shown in the house is for sale. (504) 896-1020. 

What do you think about our latest project? Do you have a favorite room? We would love to hear form ya!