Copy the Curb Appeal: New Orleans, Louisiana

“We love the fresh feel of our modern farmhouse, which we had built. The wide wood steps, the white paint and blue door, and the tall windows are all just so welcoming," say homeowners Katie and Matt Bellerino. Plus, the porch railing has a custom crisscross design adding a touch of unique charm. “The railing is one of our favorite things about our home’s exterior,” says Matt.

With a traditional Southern garden in mind, the Bellerinos lined the front of their home with a neat row of boxwood. The azaleas behind them add texture.

Built: 2015

Size: 3,100 sq. ft.

Chantilly Lace

Front Porch

Katie had this color in mind basically since childhood. “When I was growing up in California, I used to walk by the most cheerful blue-green door,” she says. Adds Matt, “We hope it gives off the vibe that happy people live here.” (MP Doors 3/4-lite fiberglass patio door)

Mint Condition

Entryways Pineapple 24" x 60" coir doormat

Rock Creek Modern 4"-tall aluminum house numbers in brushed finish

Imax Weather Vane iron and wood lanterns (large, shown, is 12-1/2"W x 12-1/2"D x 39"H)

A pair with a stylish geometric pattern flank the porch steps. They’re filled with hot pink vinca flowers, which thrive in the sun. (Debossed Tribal 9"-tall dolomite planter in yellow)

“When we designed our new home, we blended the traditional look of local historic houses with the industrial vibe of the warehouse district. There’s a cool yet timeless effect," say homeowners, Heather and Erik Pfefferle.

As for the front door, Erik made it himself with reclaimed heart pinewood, modeled after vintage ones in the area. The walnut-color stain stands out against the green exterior.

In the yard, shrubs and grasses — boxwood, fringeflower, mondo grass and muhly grass — bring variety without overpowering.“We have crazy weather patterns here in NOLA, so we chose plants that can withstand the cold and extreme heat,” says Erik.

Built: 2013

Size: 3,800 sq. ft.

Green Smoke

Cooking Apple Green

“A lot of homes in the area have louvered shutters, so we opted to be a little unconventional,” says Erik. “The board-and-batten kind painted dark gray have a more modern style.” (TimberCraft Spaced Board-n-Batten 36" x 17-1/4" cedar shutters with z-bars)

Urbane Bronze

Atlas Homewares Modern Avalon 4-1/2"-tall zinc house numbers in brushed nickel finish

Capital Lighting Avondale 11"W x 11"D x 21-1/4"H metal pendant in black finish

Malta 10"W x 10"D x 30"H metal lantern in bronze finish

Two planters on the steps hold African irises, which bloom white flowers in spring and otherwise blend in with the other grassy plants. The matte black color almost matches the steps — sleek! (Deltoro 9"H x 10-1/2"-diameter ceramic planter in black)

“We’re both New Orleans natives, and we wanted a home that reflected our city’s charm. The formal landscaping, arches and brick path make it really special," say homeowners Terry and Joe Drolla. The fact that the porch is two stories and has arches originally sketched out by Terry aren’t its only allure — it’s outfitted with speakers, and Terry and Joe often listen to music here.

As well, Terry likes to mix up the flowers in the planters and window boxes throughout the year. “These pink and white kinds soften our manicured landscaping,” she says. In the flower beds, lily of the Nile offer hints of light purple. The couple used bricks recovered from demolition projects for their walkway and porch. “The faded color completes the historic feel we were after,” says Terry.

Built: 2014

Size: 3,200 sq. ft.

Greek Villa

Snowbound

Coastal Fog

The Drollas had their door made from mahogany; Terry was inspired by one she spotted in an architectural salvage store. She sealed it with an outdoor stain. (IWP Aurora A112 fiberglass door)

Entryways Williamsburg Topiary 22" x 35" coir doormat

Gatehouse 5"-tall metal house numbers in matte black

It’s a replica of the gas lanterns that once lit the French Quarter. At night the flickering flame looks lovely from the street. (Bourbon Street 15"-tall copper lantern in antique finish with yoke bracket)

“When I repainted a couple years ago, I went with the same color scheme but made the gray concrete porch purple, one of the colors of Mardi Gras. Bike tours often ride by my house and people snap pictures!” says Clare Brown, homeowner. She changes her porch flag regularly. “I have flags for Mardi Gras, the Saints, Jazz Fest and more,” she says. This one, the New Orleans flag, is always in season.

To play off the porch color, Clare planted purple petunias with some yellow horned pansies in the white pots on either side of the steps. In the yard, Clare kept the sago palms, grassy-leaved sweet flag and indian hawthorn that came with the house, since they're a low-maintenance bunch. The sago palm next to the porch has a lively tropical vibe.

Built: 1933

Bought: 2008

Size: 1,773 sq. ft.

Svelte Sage

Poetry Plum

Creamy

Antique Red

Threshold Welcome 23" x 35" coir doormat

First Impression 8" x 12" metal address plaque in rust

“In New Orleans, porches are for catching up with neighbors,” says Clare. A red perch is particularly irresistible. (Spengler Traditional English 52"-wide plastic porch swing in red)