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A Glimpse Inside By Modern Home Tours

Win 2 Tickets!

October 25, 2012
Do you like seeing the inside of other people's houses? I find it fun and interesting. I love looking at what makes people tick, their tastes and likes. If Modern architecture intrigues you, here is your chance to tour some of New Orleans' contemporary homes. Macaroni Kid and Modern Home Tours have teamed up and are offering one lucky winner 2 tickets to venture inside and explore five meticulously designed contemporary homes on Saturday, November 10.  

This is the first time Modern Home Tours has come to Louisiana, and the team could not be more thrilled to celebrate Modern residential design in The Big Easy. New Orleans, while boasting an eclectic architectural history, is fortunate to have a rich palette of Modern architecture with mid century masters such as Nathaniel Curtis and Arthur Q. Davis designing public buildings as well as private residences. And the acclaimed Tulane School of Architecture continuously producing innovative new leaders in urban design.

While many historic Modernist buildings were destroyed by the devastating hurricanes this decade, rebuilding is occurring with a vengeance, and the world has turned its eye on a city where designing in a forward-thinking way is key. Modernism fits that bill, and a choice selection of the city’s most cutting edge designers and their generous clients have agreed to let Modern Home Tours showcase some of New Orleans’ most inspiring residential designs, and now residents of New Orleans can take a peek inside this distinctly Modern world.
   
Modern Home Tours’ co-founder, Matt Swinney, says, “bringing the tour to New Orleans was an obvious addition. At first glance, you might be surprised at how many 20th century treasures are in this city, and now residents can get a glimpse into how this movement translates into private homes.” 

Over the past 30 years New Orleans’ Modern architecture picked up speed. Architects and homeowners realized that creating clean lines and geometric shapes were in favor to today’s sustainable building materials and new urban communities were quick to embrace the Modern look and the movement, which carried on through the years.  

Now a fresh crop of talented, local firms are designing architecturally significant Modern houses in the area as more and more residents are appreciating the value of clean, uncluttered designs that utilize the latest building technologies and groundbreaking sustainable design techniques and materials, as well as interior/exterior connections and inspiring living spaces.  

Former managing editor of Architectural Record, and current contributing editor, Ingrid Spencer has 
carefully curated the group of homes showcased.  “The idea is to present attendees with a range of beautifully designed houses, from modest to grand, a few years old to just completed, each with their designers’ distinctvision of Modern, and each a unique environment,” says Spencer. “Since the redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward post-Hurricane Katrina, including efforts from Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation, Modernist architects have directed more focus toward Modern residential houses, emphasizing on high quality design while preserving the spirit of the New Orleans culture.”  

Modern Home Tours presents a self-guided event with six to ten homes, lasting from 11 AM – 5 PM. 
No buses, lines, or groups—the ticket holder sets the pace. Tickets are $30 pre sale and $40 at the door, and are currently on sale at http://www.neworleans.modernhometours.com/tickets. Houses are added daily, 
please check the website for the most current list. 

Here is how to enter for the chance to win 2 tickets for the home tour on November 9, 2012:

1) Make sure you are a subscriber to New Orleans Macaroni Kid.
2) Make sure you like us on Facebook
3) Comment below and tell us your favorite room to check out in other people's houses!

Deadline to enter is Monday, November 5 at 9:00 AM. The winner will be notified by email. The winner must respond by email to claim the tickets by Tuesday, November 6 at 9:00 AM or another winner will be chosen. Winner can email nicolep@macaronikid.com.