BIG EASY STYLE FROM BRYAN BATT

Few cities have as much style as New Orleans!   Layers of social and cultural styles of dressing, interior design, and of course cooking give The Big Easy a complex sensibility that you won't find in another American City.  You might feel like you need a passport to enter the Crescent City, because this town is definitely not like the one you call home!     

New Orleans is filled with talented and creative souls in all forms, from the  gifted musicians to the masters of cuisine.  It is impossible not to be inspired at every turn.

One very talented native New Orleanian is a man known by millions of TV fans all over the world.   Bryan Batt starred as Art Director Sam Romano in the Emmy winning series Mad Men.  Set in a 60's era advertising agency on New York's Madison BRYAN BATT AS SAM ON AMC'S MAD MENAvenue, the show became a major pop culture phenomenon.   The fashion world became smitten with the cool retro glamour of the men and women of Mad Men.  Catwalks all over Europe and NY suddenly featured the very grown up tailored look for men, and slightly prim, but retro sexy vibe for women. (Think full skirts and tight sweaters). 

SUNNY SATURDAY ON MAGAZINE STREET IN UPTOWNIn real life, when Mr. Batt is not starring on Broadway or acting on TV,  creating interiors has always been another true passion.  He and partner Tom Cianfichi run home accesorry boutique- Hazelnut on Magazine Street. NEW ORLEANS TOILLE GIFT & TABLEWARE AT HAZELNUT   In the Uptown section of the city, Hazelnut showcases the guys eclectic taste and attitude towards decorating your home. (Also an excellent gift resource).

Mr. Batt's new book big, easy Style has page after page of perfectly styled rooms that are sure to strike a chord with your own personal style.   A play on words of New Orlean's nickname - big, easy, Style is meant to ensure readers to have fun when designing rooms to live in.  If you choose items that bring out your own style, the room will make you happy to be there every single day.   The book is full of photos of Mr. Batt's home and countless others from all around New Orleans,BRYAN BATT & CHRISTOPHE POURNY AT HAZELNUT in just about every style you can think of.  Also, the book has a great list of resources of home furnishing and antique stores.  New Orleans is of course, home to some of the finest French Antique stores in the country.   Balzac Antiques is a great example of just such a store, and it is referenced in the book.   Sarah Scott Thomas has the eye of a curator and the passion of a collector.   Her shop on Magazine street is a favorite of collectors from all over the Country.    In fact, on a recent visit to her store, I met clients from Dallas, San Francisco, and New York - all in the store on a sunny Saturday afternoon.   Many shoppers had stopped by that day to see Antique Restoration specialist Christophe Pourny who was having an in-store appearance at Balzac toTREASURED FINDS AT BALZAC ANTIQUES ON MAGAZINE STREET promote his line of furniture care products.   Bryan Batt is also a friend, and we all caught up over at Mr. Batt's bustling store.   Bryan was having his book signing and Hazelnut was hosting a block party - complete with a Jazz band!   What a fun weekend in New Orleans!

If you haven't been to The Big Easy in a few years - plan your trip NOW!  The hard work and dedication of New Orleanians to restore their beautiful city after Hurricane Katrina has really payed off.  Their perseverance and welcoming spirit will warm your heart.   You owe it to them, and to yourself to visit New Orleans.   The weather is just about perfect at any time of year.   While it is hot and sticky in the Summer, that's when things get really interesting!   

Click the big,easy Style book cover to bring a copy home today.   Click Mr. Batt's photo to visit Hazelnut - they have a HUGE selection of Christmas ornaments that can easily be packed and shipped.   Also, click Balzac to see some truly beautiful French Antiques.   See you in NOLA!