Creating a Forever Home in New Orleans

A Vision Takes Place 

As a Hurricane Katrina evacuee of the 2005 storm, artist Jaid Reid resolved to one day return to her hometown of New Orleans to create her “forever home.” Just a few years ago, vision began the process of becoming a reality when Jaid, her husband and her children purchased a teardown property on the edge of New Orleans' City Park.

The outdated, single-story ranch house was demolished, and a new home was planned that would keep the integrity of the surrounding historic neighborhood. Construction began in 2020 after a three-year permitting process, final design plans by Brian Gille Architects and partnerships with Progress Lighting and other home furnishing companies were put into place.

Furnishing a New Beginning

Featured Image by White Donut Productions 

Despite many pandemic-related material and construction delays, the property was transformed into a stunning new home that looked like it had always been there. Builder Brandon Noggerath of Brandon Construction and interior designer Robin Wilson, RW Home, collaborated to find high-tech, low-impact selections from lighting to décor and even extending to the home's landscaping.

Featured Image by Sara Essex Bradley Photography

"The commitment to a beautiful, eco-conscious lifestyle is all-encompassing from foundation to furnishings," said Robin. "Our client comes from an artistic background, and her ability to channel specific space suggestions while introducing them to new product options in the marketplace – and managing procurement during the pandemic – created a unique role in this project."

Illuminating the Dream: Statement Lighting

Featured Image by Sara Essex Bradley Photography

Robin worked with Progress Lighting to procure many functional and decorative lighting fixtures throughout the home. Some statement fixtures include the Astra Chandelier, which is the showpiece of the home's conservatory. The iconic design has an organic, asymmetrical style that melds beautifully with the greenery-filled room's comfortable furnishings and airy atmosphere.  

Featured Image by Sara Essex Bradley Photography

In the entryway, visitors are greeted by the Wandermere Chandelier, created by designer Jeffrey Alan Marks for the Progress Lighting Point Dume® Collection. With elegantly outstretched arms and the subtle grace of a Calder mobile, Wandermere balances a modern symmetry of form and substance to redefine this updated yet classic architectural space.

Echoing the beautiful ironwork inherent to New Orleans, the Gresham 9-Light Chandelier offers a display of substantial style to the home's dining room. Specific attention to forging details adds to the classic artistry that defines the chandelier.

Featured Image by Sara Essex Bradley Photography

Lighting Collections: Bringing the Vision to Life

Now, the Reid family can truly call New Orleans home. "The collaboration of the entire team has produced our forever home," said Jaid, "It is a dream come true for our family to return to New Orleans."

Explore the extensive lighting and ceiling fan collections by Progress Lighting here.