“Unfortunately, prior to when historic district protections became law, many homes were impacted by poor renovations that stripped away important architectural elements,” said Chris Kornman, PhD, founder and owner of Entablature.
Kornman’s project in Uptown New Orleans was one of them.
Bringing Charm and Community Back
On Octavia Street, most of the homes were built following the 1884 World’s Fair. As New Orleans style blends French, Spanish and Creole influences, one defining point of the regional vernacular is the front porch.
During a past renovation, the original front porch was removed. With regulations on the neighborhood as part of a National Register Historic District, exterior work is governed by the Historic District Landmarks Commission.
In a building consultation with the Historic District Landmarks Commission, the architects designed a new front porch to return the front elevation to its original style.
“On all projects, whether there are government regulations or not, our goal is to make any work appear seamless with the original structure,” said Kornman. “This often involves salvaging doors, windows, trim and other elements, or custom milling materials to match existing or lost details.”
The front porch restoration means more than an exterior improvement, but a lifestyle shift fitting for the region. Sitting on the porch is a way of life in the South; through the design and construction process, historic photographs were referenced to replicate the original character.
Psychological Approach
Kornman is a third-generation contractor and holds a doctorate in Psychology from Georgia State University. He founded Entablature in 2011 and focuses exclusively on historic structures. Kornman is equally part builder and preservationist.
Kornman mentioned that fortunately, there is an endless supply of old houses that need work. Statistically, this is supported; the average age of a home in the U.S. is 42.
“However, it is becoming more and more important to understand and incorporate cutting-edge construction science and materials into old homes,” said Kornman. “If we do not properly protect these structures from the current harsh climate conditions, there is no point in having an incredible kitchen.”
For the Uptown Forever Home project, the homeowners knew there was a mold issue caused by a previously performed renovation.
“Solving this issue and curing it was relatively complex in terms of maintaining historic elements while also implementing proper moisture and air management protocols,” said Kornman.
Interior Revival
While complex, the lost charm came back throughout the house. For this project, Entablature restored all of the original floors and the custom-milled interior trim to match existing, including plinths and rosettes.
In the foyer, the previously cold metal railing on the staircase was replaced with rich oak.
The kitchen saw the most dramatic relief. Originally, muddy neutrals made the space feel cramped and dark, but now, soaked in pastel color, it feels fit for cooking and entertainment. Highlights of the improvements include an oversized marble kitchen island, the La Cornue range and the delightful lighting choices. Entablature opened the kitchen into the breakfast nook and living area, letting movement flow more fluidly throughout the space and allowing natural light to flood in.
Pockets of color guide visitors throughout the rest of the home, with the same palette continued in the formal dining room. The sitting room is drenched in a tea green shade, complemented by the restored marble fireplace mantel.
The upstairs carries on the colorful characterization. A peach hallway playfully guides visitors through. In the primary bedroom, the drapery and furnishings stand out in tone, with a perfectly southern touch of a monogrammed pillow. The primary bathroom features a freestanding bathtub perched under a window and elegant accents of marble throughout.
Each detail of this 3,967-square-foot home was delicately decided for a 21st-century transformation.
“Execution is where that intention becomes reality,” said Kornman. “Through expert craftsmanship, precise coordination and clear communication, we carry each project through to completion, ensuring every detail reflects the desired vision.”
Photos courtesy of Neil Alexander and Entablature
This story is featured in our fall issue of Residential Contractor. Read the print version here.
