Adore | May 2019
Written by Katy Danos | Photography by James Gaffney
Personalized Perfection: Peek into Seth Bloom's
Uptown Home
Chad Graci, interior designer
Seth Bloom, home owner
Architect and interior designer, Chad Graci, and his client, Seth Bloom, an attorney, have been close friends since college. So when Seth bought a new house last fall, an impeccably renovated Greek Revival in an Uptown neighborhood, he knew exactly who to call for solid design advice that would make the house his home. The space was pretty much a clean slate. Seth was bringing a few classic 20th century pieces of furniture and artwork that he had collected locally and in his travels; but for the most part, he tasked Chad with "you know me – I don't want the place to look like someone else lives here." And Chad knew exactly what he meant. Avoiding the typical formulaic decor often imagined for a "single cool guy" man cave, Chad used a streamlined palette of soft gray, blues, and greens and an easy mix of furnishings from various periods and styles. With a final "whatever you say" vote of confidence from Seth, Chad set out to create a polished, masculine home perfect for a busy lawyer and his three dogs and house cat.
Seth loves to entertain. From small dinners for two to big football game gatherings and everything in between, Chad knew the living room had to function smoothly in a multitude of ways. A custom sisal rug was installed as were timeless large scale mirrors above each fireplace and a pair of Jonathan Adler chandeliers for just the right amount of retro-glam. The room gets lots of beautiful natural light, so Chad dressed the windows with yards of simple loose linen that can be easily drawn closed when needed. With this great backdrop established, Chad created three fluid areas within the living room that overlapped seamlessly with one another, making the space super user-friendly.
On one end of the room, a metal media cabinet from Restoration Hardware lends a subtle industrial vibe to the dining area and acts as a server for the mid-century Swedish teak dining table. With leaves, the elegant round table comfortably seats twelve, but it also lives just as happily as a game table. Seth inherited a fabulous record collection from his father with music that spans folk, Motown, classic rock, disco, and new wave – his father's life in music. With a bright yellow turntable from The Needle Doctor, Seth has been known to break out the tunes with a perfect party mix. In the center of the room, a custom-designed sofa and a pair of grey club chairs arranged around a Mies Van Der Rohe glass coffee table face the television ensconced above a simple distressed mirrored console. On the other end of the living room, a pair of indigo wing back chairs from West Elm hang out with a hammered brass table that works overtime as extra seating when needed. A beautiful pair of 1920's carved wood African benches from Ann Koerner Antiques can be moved around the room and always look perfectly placed.
Seth has a growing collection of art and sculpture. "I've traveled extensively around the U.S. and the world, and I've collected a variety of art that reflects the many cultures I've been fortunate to experience," he explains. "And I appreciate the immense artistic talent that New Orleans attracts from around the country. Some of my closest friends have been able to contribute to my growing collection, especially my black and white photographs." The stunning lacquered oil painting in the dining area is by Kevin Gillentine and a vibrant watercolor and acrylic painting from the 1970's is the perfect counterpoint on the other end of the room. One carved mantle holds an African sculpture; one holds a glass work by Mitchell Gaudet. Photographs by Steven Forester and an African mask hang near the home's entrance and there's lots of room for future additions.
The kitchen, newly renovated, features a beautiful periwinkle tiled back splash and cabinets painted Coventry Grey by Benjamin Moore. Chad layered in drapery, seating, and accessories that would incorporate Seth's favorite colors. The sunny windows received sheer shades in a striped wool Rose Tarlow fabric and the breakfast area was outfitted with a custom banquette that works perfectly with the Eames table and tulip chairs that Seth already owned. Lucite counter stools, burnished brass wall lights, and a gallery wall of art give the space a cozy and collected vibe. For extra storage and surface space for larger parties, Chad scored a fabulous 1940's rosewood and mahogany cabinet at The Renaissance Shop, where great finds do not last long. With a simple picture and text from Chad – "you gotta have it" – the knockout piece of furniture quickly made its way to Seth's side hall.
The master bedroom upstairs is also flooded with lots of sunlight. Chad chose a cotton with a graphic print to curtain all of the windows, creating a snug backdrop for a four poster bed, side tables, and an old settee recovered in what he calls "industrial strength velvet for the dogs." A Victorian chandelier from Seth's former home and custom bedding from Leontine Linens finish the tailored look. It's easy to see just how well Chad knows his client and friend if decorative decisions are made with Archie, Hal, Astro, and Stella in mind. As Seth explained, "it wouldn't be home without my record collection and my pets. I love everything about my house!"
