Dispatch From New Orleans

Shotgun house in the Lower 9th Ward's historic Holy Cross Neighborhood

This century-old shotgun home is under renovation in the historic Holy Cross neighborhood of the Lower 9th Ward. It's being saved by the Preservation Resource Center, a highly respected nonprofit that buys up old, neglected homes and fixes them up and then sells them to entry-level buyers. In this home, the old paint patina will be mostly saved and become part of the design. This will be an historically sensitive remodel. And thus the history and culture of New Orleans, the soul of America, will be saved.

See more shotgun houses

New Orleans House Colors: Mid-City

I love this blue double shotgun Victorian. But what really makes it shine is the bright lime green of the chairs and table and the big burgundy pot on top. Who knew that was magic? Here are the colors that make the whole thing happen:

• Siding and attic window frame: Blue

• Door frames, fascia and rickrack trim: White

• Window mullions, trim and bands on posts: Burgundy

• Doors: Natural wood

• Chairs and table: Lime green

See more New Orleans House Colors

New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans 

New Orleans House Colors: Lower 9th Ward

Here's another gorgeous renovated specimen in the Holy Cross area of the Lower 9th Ward. This house was originally a double shotgun, and has been converted into a single. It is absolutely gorgeous inside, with high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, and a large granite-counter kitchen. The colors used on the exterior include:

• Siding and deck: Taupe

• Shutters (closable during hurricanes): Olive

• Doors and cornice over attic windows: Red

• Trim, windows and corner quoins: Cream

• Porch ceiling: Sky blue

See more New Orleans house colors