A Peek Inside Julie Neill Designs’ Retail Showroom
In the heart of Antiques Row on Magazine Street sits this expansive home accents store in a historic building is sought out by local interior designers and discerning homeowners. It is owned and operated by Julie Neill of Julie Neill Designs, a custom lighting manufacturer whose studio is just a few doors down.
Her chandeliers and sconces are tagged for sale in the shop, along with table lamps, tabletop accessories, and decorative items from an assortment of manufacturers as well as artwork by local artists.
The building’s unusual shape – a central staircase is flanked by two step-down rooms facing the street – allows Neill to easily create gallery-like presentations in each room on the lower level. Separate interior rooms permit even more tableaus to be set up with a visually pleasing assortment of tableware, occasional furniture, decorative accessories, table lamps, chandeliers, sconces, and artwork.
When Neill noticed that the wood floors were showing a lot of wear, rather than having them expensively refinished, she opted to have the floors painted white. The new coat of paint and bright color brightened up the rooms with a fresh look that complements the lighter tones of the furnishings and accessories.
The popular showroom is a destination for design-conscious visitors and residents of New Orleans. Locals know that the merchandise mix changes regularly so it pays browse often. In fact, Julie Neill’s shop has also become a must-see stop for widely read design blogs such as CasaSugar, Willow Décor, Cote de Texas, and Laura Casey Interiors among many others as well as regional shelter magazines.
