Why New Orleans Homes Are Made for Interior Design

New Orleans isn’t just a city — it’s an experience. From the moment you step onto a moss-draped street lined with Creole cottages, colorful shotguns, or stately Victorians, you can feel the layers of history woven into the walls. Each home here has its own soul, and for me, that’s where the magic begins.

Over the past six years, I’ve worked as a full-time Realtor in New Orleans. In that time, I’ve walked through thousands of homes — from dreamy French Quarter pieds-à-terre to neglected doubles begging for love. Again and again, I’ve seen the same thing: potential. Sometimes it’s buried under drop ceilings and carpet. Sometimes it’s right on the surface. But it’s always there.

And now, I’m bringing a new dimension to my work: interior design and construction management services, specifically tailored to the New Orleans market. Whether you're renovating a recent purchase, prepping a property to sell, or styling a short-term rental, I’m here to help you unlock the full beauty and value of your space.

What “Interior Design in New Orleans” Really Means

Interior design in New Orleans isn’t about chasing trends or creating cookie-cutter spaces. It’s about honoring the soul of the home while making it livable for the way people live today.

In other cities, it might be enough to paint the walls white and call it a day. But in New Orleans, we have a richer design vocabulary — tall ceilings, transom windows, heart pine floors, ornate fireplaces, textured plaster walls, double parlors, and rich cultural layers that deserve preservation and interpretation. Good design here doesn’t erase the past; it collaborates with it.

Whether I’m working on a gut-renovation in Treme or re-styling a Marigny STR, I always ask: What’s the story this house wants to tell?

Realtor, Construction Manager, and Designer: A Unique Lens

As someone who is deeply rooted in the real estate world, I bring a unique lens to every design project. I don’t just see pretty tile and Pinterest boards — I see how homes function, how they appraise, how buyers think, and how layout affects value. I understand code, resale potential, and return on investment. And I know how to blend aesthetics with practicality in a way that actually works for our humid, historic, and highly individual market.

That’s also why I’m expanding into construction project management. Too often, clients feel overwhelmed trying to coordinate trades, timelines, budgets, and vision. They want someone who can advocate for their needs, speak the language of builders and inspectors, and make sure the result is both beautiful and built to last.

With my background in science (hello, PharmD!) and my hands-on apprenticeship in construction, I bring precision, organization, and creativity to every project.

Services I Now Offer:

1. Interior Design Consultations
Great for homeowners, STR investors, or flippers who want a pro to weigh in on layout, finish selections, paint, lighting, and flow. I help you visualize the full potential of your space and provide a curated design plan with sources and style direction.

2. Construction Project Management
From overseeing a full gut renovation to managing trades during a kitchen remodel, I ensure your vision comes to life — on time, on budget, and with intention. I’ll work alongside your builder or bring in my team.

3. Real Estate + Design Packages
Perfect for buyers looking at homes that need work. I’ll help you find the right property and then guide you through every phase of renovation, saving time, money, and stress.

4. Short-Term Rental Styling
I’ve lived in this world for over 6 years — I know what books and what looks good in photos. I can style your Airbnb or STR with a warm, authentic, New Orleans vibe that stands out from the crowd.

5. Listing Prep & Staging
Want top dollar for your home? I’ll help you make strategic design upgrades that make a measurable difference on your sales price and DOM (days on market).

What Sets My Work Apart

Local Market Knowledge: I know what sells and what rents in every part of the city — from Bywater to Broadmoor, Uptown to Gentilly.
Design with Heart: I design homes to feel layered, grounded, and alive. No sterile flips here.
Project Management Training: I’m currently completing certifications from Columbia University and Google, as well as working on real-life renovations right now.
Creative Vision: I love working with materials, texture, and flow. I can walk into a room and immediately imagine it reworked for beauty and function.
Realtor Perspective: I see the investment and equity potential in every decision — and I help you make choices that hold value.

How Interior Design Helps You Sell (or Rent) Faster

Real estate and interior design go hand-in-hand — especially in a city like New Orleans where aesthetics carry so much weight. Beautifully designed homes sell faster, rent for more, and leave a lasting impression.

In fact:

Listings with professionally styled photos receive 118% more views
STRs with cohesive branding and design receive better guest reviews and higher nightly rates
Buyers are more likely to “fall in love” with a space when it feels curated and intentional

The Process: What It’s Like to Work With Me

Step 1: Discovery Call
We’ll chat about your goals, your budget, your timeline, and your home (or future home). Whether you're local or remote, I’ll guide you through the process.

Step 2: Design or Scope Plan
I’ll create a custom mood board, layout suggestion, or renovation plan depending on your needs. This will include estimated costs and timeline.

Step 3: Project Management
If you're hiring me to manage your renovation, I’ll take the lead — working with contractors, tracking progress, and keeping things on course.

Step 4: Reveal + Follow-Up
We’ll walk through the final result together and celebrate. I’m always available for post-project tweaks and questions.

Inspiration from the City Itself

New Orleans inspires me every day — not just in terms of color and materials, but in rhythm. Good design has a tempo. It breathes. It knows when to make a statement and when to pull back. And if you’ve ever stood inside a perfectly layered New Orleans home, you know what I mean.

Explore more local inspiration in Southern Living’s New Orleans design guide.

Navigating Renovations in New Orleans

Renovating in this city can feel like a maze. Historic districts, permit rules, moisture management — it’s a lot. I’ve been through it personally and professionally, and I’m here to help you avoid common pitfalls while preserving what matters most.

Need permits? Start here: City of New Orleans permit guide

Looking for custom pieces from local artisans? I highly recommend Doorman Designs.

Let’s Build a Home That Tells Your Story

You don’t need to do it all alone. Whether you’re buying your first home, managing a renovation from out-of-state, or preparing a rental for guests, I bring vision, warmth, and experience to the process.

My name is Kayla, and through Kayla Loves NOLA, I help people fall in love with their homes again — or for the first time.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, I’d love to hear from you.

📩 kayla@kaylalovesnola.com
🌐 kaylalovesnola.com

Let’s design something beautiful — together.

From Historic Homes to Modern Makeovers: Interior Design in New Orleans with a Realtor’s Eye