Inside a Stunning New Orleans Home With Classic City Charm
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Former NFL player Eric Reid, and his wife, Jaid, an accomplished ceramics artist, always dreamed of building their forever home. The opportunity eventually arose in 2020 when the couple, who have three children, purchased an outdated, single-story ranch teardown near New Orleans' City Park neighborhood. It was the perfect property to accommodate their multi-generational family. But the home marked another significant life goal for Jaid — as a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, it meant that she could finally return to New Orleans, where she grew up.
To bring their dream abode to life, the family enlisted interior designer Robin Wilson, who worked closely with New Orleans-based architecture firm, Brian Gille Architects. The challenge? They wanted to craft a serene, family-friendly space that blends modern with vintage. "This house looks as if it's been in New Orleans for ages, but everything is brand new — from the foundation to the furnishings," says Wilson. "When I say 'new,' I mean new to them. Many items have been reclaimed, repurposed and sourced from antique shops or Facebook Marketplace."
Throughout, the home showcases a relaxing neutral color palette — leaving the accessories to act as the focal points. Not only did Wilson source eco-conscious materials, but she considered accessible design elements (adding an elevator, laundry jets and first-floor bedroom, for instance) to ensure the home's longevity. Below, step inside and admire the beauty of each room:
The Conservatory
The charming conservatory — located off the foyer as you enter the front door — looks out to the street. Neighbors and trolley cars pass by, adding to the allure of city living. "Jade loves classic New Orleans architecture and was hoping to find a place to build a conservatory," says Wilson, who points out the modern checkerboard floors, surge of greenery and chic chandelier from Progress Lighting overhead.
Kitchen
With a young family and playful dog, the family wanted the kitchen to be an inviting gathering space — one that could withstand the children's spills, work for running around with the dog and live comfortably without feeling any stress. As for the relaxing design style, marble runs seamlessly from the backsplash to the countertop, white oak cabinets from Wood-Mode Cabinetry are outfitted with black hardware and two industrial-inspired pendants hang over the spacious kitchen island. You'll also notice recessed lighting along the base of the cabinets, used to gently illuminate the floor at night.
Living Spaces
"With a multi-generational family, we wanted the design to feel classic with a modern touch," says Wilson. The homeowner, Jaid, spent her early years in South Africa, and her connection to the culture inspires her home style. The living room features a scattering of textiles and art that represent New Orleans and South Africa. Notice the patterned throws and pillows and an antique drum in the living room, as well as abstract art in the dining room. According to Wilson, many items were salvaged from an antique store — and, the pounded stainless steel table was found on the street.
Primary Bedroom
The walls of the primary bedroom are painted in Benjamin Moore's Sequoia, a warm red with violet undertones. "The shade reflects light, so it might look darker in the afternoon and brighter in the morning," says Wilson. The white bedding and rustic wood dresser, which is actually a TV lift cabinet, are from Clean Design Home, Wilson's lifestyle brand. The bedroom suite includes a small coffee station, complete with a prep sink — which comes in handy for preparing and cleaning bottles for the newborn.
Primary Bathroom
Stepping into the stunning primary bathroom, you're greeted by warm marble tiles, light wood cabinetry and gold fixtures from Kohler. Near the soaking tub, the marble tiles extend up the wall on one side, while the other features ceramic tiles that replicate the look of wood paneling.
Girls' Bedrooms
Working closely with Jade and her two daughters, Wilson designed beautiful bedrooms that feel mature yet playful. After painting the walls a neutral hue, Wilson added decals — "they're like a Post-it note, so they can remove the decals once they outgrow them, without needing a paint job." As a designer, Wilson isn't afraid of reusing items the family already owns. One example is the headboard in the younger daughter's bedroom, which was previously used for a toddler bed. Finally, to combat the New Orleans summer heat, ceiling fans were a must.
Playroom
To save space, you'll enter the playroom through a pocket door. Open shelving and a wall bed (from Resource Furniture) make this an incredibly versatile room, allowing for overnight guests. Meanwhile, the zebra mask and Kruger National Park poster tie back to the family's South African roots.
Theater
Located on the top floor is the theater room, fully equipped with a snack bar and popcorn machine. The walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Iron Mountain, a soft black. "I really love the theater room," says Wilson. "It's a gathering place for the family — a place the kids can have a party with friends or the family can watch television."
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