Adore June 2020

I n an Uptown cottage near Audubon Park, interior designer Melissa Rufty created a gem of a pied-à- terre for out-of-town clients planning to spend more time in the city since becoming recent empty nesters. She previously worked with the couple on their permanent residence, so she had their trust — the best way for a designer to execute a total creative vision. The result is a beautiful home away from home that exudes a sultry and sophisticated New Orleans vibe that's all about place not space. Much like the Big Easy, the décor is welcoming, relaxed, dramatic, and soulful. Using a rich color palette of ochre, terracotta, and ocean blues and greens, with nods to New Orleans through layers of gracious antiques and accessories, Melissa designed a seamless environment that oozes elegance and style.

antiques with modern touches and old world patterns with contemporary prints. And color? She loves it. She's fearless about choosing hues that are not exactly one thing or another, allowing her to extend the color story as she adds depth, texture, and attitude throughout the decoration. Les Muses et Le Lion, a classic French wallpaper from Pierre Frey, and a Turkish rug in similar shades establish old world character while a taupe antelope print stair runner and paint-stained oak floors keep things lively and fresh. The pair of red eel skin upholstered chairs from Malachite Home, the shop she owns with business partner Adrienne Casbarian, have super fun personalities. Burnished reds and warm taupes are used throughout the home, along with a confident mix of design elements that achieve an "acquired" look that's timeless and chic.

In the living room, against a clean and crisp linen white backdrop, a carefully edited array of furnishings, fabrics,

The front foyer serves as an introduction of what's to come and a great example of Melissa's talent for mixing

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ADORE • JUNE 2020