Modern Accent Pillows

A right-sized apartment above Magazine Street is designed for efficient living

Former residents of Algiers, both were eager to simplify their lives.

"Having a farm and a house in suburban New Orleans was a little too much to handle," Misha Guirard said. "Not only was it too big, but it was an extra expense for two people with no children."

Their apartment is on the top floor of the three-story 19th century American townhouse that's home to The Cat Practice on Magazine Street, where Misha Guirard works.

The space recently was renovated, along with the rest of the building, after an arson fire caused heavy damage in 2002.

A vintage brick wall runs along the entire length of the apartment, and panoramic windows in the bedroom open to the roof and sunset views.

"Our other home was modern with clean lines," Guirard said. "The apartment is very New Orleans, exposed brick, high ceilings and wonderful views of Uptown and the city skyline."

The stairwell entrance gives a slight separation between the living area and bedroom, and the natural light from the casement windows and the living room dormers brings a more spatial feel.

A small kitchen with black-and-white tile perfectly complements the red sofa in the living room and matching lounge chair in the bedroom. Guirard works with a color scheme of red, taupe and gold, using accent pillows to bring it all together.

Taupe slipcovers update older chairs, and a red throw doubles as a shawl for those early evening strolls for dinner and drinks.

WHAT TO KEEP: Downsizing meant major and sometimes painful decisions.

Guirard eliminated everything that didn't have an emotional attachment, keeping heirloom pieces.

The result is a somewhat miniature version of their Algiers home, adorned with her father's barometer and memories of his Navy days, her mom's frayed 50-year-old Betty Crocker cookbook sitting in an antique bowl, and a 1920s bed frame her mother bought 40 years ago that was passed down through three daughters.

"We kept sentimental items like the first real piece of furniture we bought, an antique pub table, and a Chippendale sofa given to us by Ed's grandmother," Guirard said.

Many items were given to friends, family and Goodwill.

"Things like exercise equipment and the steamer you used once in 15 years ... well, that can go," Guirard said.

The biggest challenge, she has found, is storage space, and keeping control of the clutter. Guirard set storage priorities based on what they really needed and how often they used it.

Accent Modern White Bonded Leather Chair By Coaster Furniture for ...

Enter Residence Trip. They’ve already furnished the home with rich warm shades along with introducing modern as well as colorful artwork as well as furnishings to take out the modernism with the developing. Every single angle of the home is accented with sleek but hot finishes.

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