I first fell in love with designer Maureen Stevens‘ style when I got to tour her Austin home years ago. Now living in New Orleans, she’s brought her “muted maximalism” not only to the house she shares with her husband and child, but to the gorgeous guest cottage behind it.

“This is our guest Creole cottage behind the main house and separated by a courtyard,” Maureen explains. “It is circa 1860 and has all of the elements of that era—brick fireplaces (this small space has four!), a balcony overlooking the courtyard, gas lanterns, and hurricane shutters.”

My Style: Updated classic. I lean towards an “updated classic” feel and “muted maximalism.” It’s traditional yet neoteric, it’s a mix of genres and eras yet not overwhelming.

Inspiration: The exterior of the house has the quintessential NOLA colors of pink and green and I wanted to carry that out in the interiors of the guest cottage as well. The period when it was built sandwiches the eras of neoclassicism and eclecticism and I embraced both in an edited minimal way, French details, both whitewashed and rosewood wood finishes, new furnishings like the velvet sofa bed and wicker chairs.

Favorite Element: I would say the fireplaces—we did paint them green amidst white painted brick walls and I striped the front of the mantel because stripes is so classic!

Biggest Challenge: We actually attempted to put diagonal black and white stripes on the ceramic tiled floor (it’s the ugly blush-orange tiles) but it didn’t take. We followed all the instructions—ahhh, it was a nightmare! We ended up just painting it all black. Sometimes in design, things don’t work out but there’s always Plan B, which usually turns out to be better than Plan A (diagonal striped floors may have looked too busy anyway!).

Biggest Indulgence: Staying at boutique hotels—they are not the most affordable, yet they’re the most creative and design-forward. I revel in all the details of course and am always in awe of the design genius that abounds. I always hope that staying in these hotels, the design creativity of the people behind it will somehow pass from their perfect plush pillows to my brain.

Best Advice: Maybe it’s not a secret but get your guest bath products from Marshall’s; they are nicely packaged and 70% off the price, and from time to time, you can even find Hermes products! Also, never have a catalog home or space—your favorite retailer may have nice stuff but don’t overwhelm your place with items that come from one or two places only. Always search for inspiration from your memory box and travels.

• “Pure White” — Sherwin-Williams
• “Espalier” — Sherwin-Williams
• “Tricorn Black” — Sherwin-Williams

• Olive bucket — Antique from Round Top
• Champagne Trunk — Antique from Round Top

• Media cabinet — Vintage from Craigslist, we painted black
• Sofa Bed — Apt 2B
• Tables/ottoman — Urban Outfitters
• Wicker chairs — Estate sale
• Animal hide rug — Fortney’s in Austin
• Busts — Different antique/vintage stores
• Floor Lamp — AllModern

• Room Divider — Won at auction! Crescent City Living NOLA, the scene is an outdoor soiree near the Mississippi river, some women in their ball gowns are wearing Mardi Gras beads.

• Bed — The Inside
• Side tables/nightstands — Consign Consign NOLA
• Secretary Desk — Le Boulevard Marketplace: NOLA
• Boudoir whitewashed bench and mirror — Antique from Round Top
• Small gilt mirrors and candleholders — Different antique/vintage stores
• Marie Antoinette art print — Anewall
• Black Sconces — Overstock

Thanks Maureen!

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