When you think of your Honolulu home, The Big Easy may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it could be. With the Old World charm and fun of Bourbon Street along with the effervescent beauty of Honolulu, using this unique design inspiration can transport you to a place all your own. How can you bring Bourbon Street to your Honolulu home?

1. Embrace Old World Materials

You won’t find seashells, seascapes, and clear glass baubles in NOLA, but you will find plenty of brick, dark wood, and intricate corbels. These rich and whimsical details embody the essence of Bourbon Street. They also evoke the character of New Orleans’ French antiquity. 

 

2. Create a Cozy and Intimate Space

Creating a quaint and dimly lit space is an easy way to transport yourself to the carefree yet intimate fun of Bourbon Street. When envisioning a cozy space, consider warm lighting, oversized furniture, and places where people can gather to laugh and let go of the stresses of the day.

Dark wood creates a wealth of warmth. Adding a faux fireplace is also a shortcut to invoking the coziness of New Orleans.

 

3. Take Maximalism to a New Place

Bourbon Street is anything but simplistic or minimal. New Orleans is all about intricate design, over-the-top style, and bigger is better. You don’t have to cover your walls in paintings of jazz singers to achieve NOLA maximalism. You can, however, aim for large, lavished, and lux finishes. Consider tripling the size of your artworks’ frames or investing in marble countertops with gold fixtures.

Can you think of anything more NOLA than a massive chandelier?

If you want to keep your redesign simpler, consider layering items you already own. These can be keepsakes, heirlooms, or even a collection you want to show off.

 

4. Fabric, Fabric, Fabric

While we’re on the topic of maximalism, do not skimp on the textiles. If a design ever called for velvet, it’s a Bourbon Street-inspired design. Consider doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling your curtains. Add throw blankets to your seating spaces, heavy fabric covers to your throw pillow and, don’t shy away from tassels.

 

5. Have Fun with Color

When it comes to Bourbon Street design, you cannot avoid color. What colors should you choose? Jewel tones like emerald green, topaz, sapphire, ruby red, and amethyst. These colors are both opulent and draw the space in for added intimacy.

For a more contemporary space, consider using an array of these colors along with ebony and gold. Or use a pop of color somewhere unexpected such as your chandelier. 

 

Let Your Space Transport You to Places That Inspire You

Whether you have the beat of a Second Line playing in your head or the twang of the sitar, you deserve a beautiful space that inspires you. If you have questions about creating a world away from where you are now, I can transport your space there. I have traveled to all corners of the globe, and I love turning design fantasies into realities. Give me a call or email me today to chat about the places that inspire you.