Maison de la Luz, New Orleans

Maison de la Luz from Atelier Ace is a luxury guesthouse designed in collaboration with EskewDumezRipple and interior design firm Studio Shamshiri. The design team worked in tandem to transform the legacy, six-storey, 55,464 square foot former City Hall annex into a sophisticated destination. Located in the warehouse district near Lafayette Square, the 1906 building structure was originally designed by Allison Owen of Diboll and Owen Architects in the Italianate style, typical of turn-of-the-century buildings in New Orleans. The hotel now offers 67 guest rooms, a private guest lounge and dining room, plus support spaces. Each guest room is set back from the shared hallway by an interior vestibule.

Inspired by the building’s history, the designers breathed new life and purpose into the building via several design interventions. A restored entry portico i vcovered by an ornamental iron and glass canopy. A new archway helps to emphasize the foyer’s verticality, while diffused lighting and custom mauve and lavender paint create a soothing private sanctuary. The original historic grand stair was preserved and continues to function as the primary entry to the building. A new, bespoke concierge desk welcomes guests. Along with a variety of original lighting fixtures and historic windows, colourful marble floors, French wallpaper, and a carefully curated selection of furniture — including skirted armchairs, copper topped tables, and elaborate Roman mosaic tile baths — complete the aesthetic. Wherever possible, the design team worked to maintain a variety of original lighting fixtures.

The Living Room serves as a lobby where guests can play board games, host a meeting, or have a pre-dinner cocktail. Bar Marilou, the aperitif bar, was developed by Quixotic Projects and features a separate address and entrance from the hotel. Local artists and artisans contributed to the design with pieces unique to the individual rooms.