Mix Master

This article highlights the work of interior designer Chad Graci of Graci Interiors, focusing on a specific project for a young couple with two daughters in Metairie. The couple acquired a new, in-progress house and sought Graci's expertise to infuse it with a blend of tradition and modern freshness, a style Graci terms "21st-century New Traditionalism." The wife, a long-time admirer of Graci's aesthetic, desired a "grown-up" house that was both rooted in classic design and vibrant and fun. Graci notes a shift in younger generations' interest, where "brown furniture" and antiques, once considered outdated, are now being re-embraced for their depth and longevity. He clarifies that this isn't a recreation of past design but a reinterpretation through a new lens, incorporating more color, pattern, and texture while maintaining classic elements. The house, built by Brett Wynn of Quigley Construction, featured a pared-down traditional architectural style, which served as a white framework for Graci's design. The design strategy involved selecting timeless finishes to prevent the house from appearing too new. Graci employed a serene color palette of cream, celadon, peach, brown, and pale blues, punctuated by unexpected color splashes. This approach allows for easier updates over time, as a neutral backdrop with accent hues is less prone to quickly dating than trendy colors. The client expressed immense trust in Graci's decisive guidance, noting that his choices often surpassed her own initial preferences. The design process was organic, starting with the main downstairs living areas: the kitchen, family room, and a sitting room that also functions as a home office. Graci began by anchoring these spaces with quality upholstered pieces, designed with streamlined forms to maximize comfortable seating for the family. He emphasizes the importance of details, such as the roll of an arm, in setting a room's tone. Key principles in Graci's work include scale, custom designs, and supporting local artists and artisans. The project features furniture and art from local talents like Kathy Slater Designs, Christopher Wynn, Chris Wynn, Amanda Tally, Kevin Gillentine Gallery, and Palm Orleans, as well as contemporary abstract paintings by his sister, Christina Graci. Graci also integrates one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from auctions, estate sales, consignment stores, and even his travels, such as a porcelain Chinoiserie lamp, an African stool, and a Chinese console, to create interesting, layered, and complete spaces that avoid predictable choices. Subtle repetition of shapes and colors creates cohesion throughout the home. For instance, the celadon of the lacquered front door is echoed inside, and the modernist Saarinen dining table's oval shape and dark/light contrast are mirrored in the antique Louis XV-style chairs. Philippe Starck ghost counter chairs at the kitchen island reference the Louis chairs. The master bedroom's blue alcove ceiling color is reflected in a Swedish armoire and a Chinoiserie panel. Contrasting elements, like vibrant long-necked azure blue birds and leopard prints, which Graci considers a new neutral, add lively accents. The design also incorporated the couple's existing pieces, giving them new prominence. A vintage gold velvet 1940s chair from the wife's grandmother found a daring new context in the master bedroom's blue tones, and a mirrored inherited from the same grandmother became part of a gallery wall. Graci balanced aesthetics with functionality and budget constraints. The durable Saarinen table serves as both a dining surface and a children's workspace, and the acrylic counter chairs are easy to clean. A sheer gray basket-weave shade was added to the front door to provide privacy while maintaining an open feel. Graci's expertise lies in mixing high and low-priced items, prioritizing quality, scale, and color in all selections. The client praised Graci for making decisions easy and creating a comforting, continuous, and peaceful family home. #InteriorDesign #ChadGraci #NewTraditionalism #HomeDecor #AntiquesIntegration #ColorPalette #LocalArtisans #MetairieHome #FamilyLiving #InteriorDesign #ChadGraci #NewTraditionalism #HomeDecor #AntiquesIntegration #ColorPalette #LocalArtisans #MetairieHome #FamilyLiving