Historic New Orleans Car Dealership Transforms: Now a Chic Cocktail Lounge!

In the realm of hospitality design, it’s common to see decor that reflects the most iconic aspects of a location. In New Orleans, this typically includes vibrant hues, elaborate designs, and prominent displays of local symbols. Yet, at Charles & Julia, Anna Nicole Interiors opted for a more subdued strategy.

Situated within Hotel Perle, housed in a 1916 building that originally served as a Stutz motorcar dealership, the newly established cocktail lounge and rooftop bar channels the essence of a cozy European residence rather than emulating a conventional hotel bar. The space utilizes luxurious materials, an assortment of curated furniture, and a variety of textures to convert the industrial framework into cozy, private nooks. Meanwhile, understated nods to New Orleans ensure the venue maintains a connection to its locale without resorting to stereotypical motifs.

The lounge spans about 3,000 square feet on the original main floor of the building, where high ceilings and exposed brick walls add character but also present the challenge of crafting a large area into a welcoming environment. Instead of partitioning the space, the designers applied residential techniques such as antique carpets, ample draperies, group seating arrangements, softened lighting, and bespoke cabinetry to craft distinct, smaller areas within the larger space.

The ambience achieved is one of collection rather than mere decoration. Windows facing the street are adorned with oxblood velvet curtains, and grape-colored Bruno Rey chairs are arranged with vintage European pieces and layered kilim rugs. A bespoke stained oak back bar serves as a focal point, enhanced by an impressive Calacatta Viola marble bar that was locally produced. A botanical wallpaper inspired by George Ehret’s 1773 Plantae Selectae adds another dimension of texture, softening the harder elements of stone, wood, and brick.

While the interiors are reminiscent of European home design, the color scheme subtly reflects New Orleans. Shades of muted chartreuse, aubergine, oxblood, and warm gold are used sparingly throughout, offering a timeless vibe rather than a themed appearance. The design is loosely based on a fictional tale of Charles and Julia, whose romantic travels across Europe influence the intricate decor. The story is conveyed through the materials and textures rather than explicit narrative elements.

On the upper level, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The lounge is characterized by darker, richer tones, whereas the rooftop terrace provides a lighter alternative, inspired by Sicily and Southern Europe. Here, sculptural iron furniture, woven textures, verdant plants, and panoramic views of the cityscape create the feel of a sophisticated garden high above downtown New Orleans. Both floors offer contrasting yet complementary settings—one cloistered and rich, the other airy and casual.

The project also extends its homely feel through collaborations with local New Orleans artists and craftsmen. Custom-painted lampshades by Rachel Loyacono, original artworks by Tracy Mose, Jenn Leverett, and Casey Langteau, plant installations by Luna Botanicals, and locally crafted marble and bespoke upholstery all contribute to the impression of a space thoughtfully put together over time, rather than assembled all at once.

Charles & Julia is open daily at Hotel Perle, 757 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana.

Editorial Transparency: This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, which may have been used for research, outlining, editing, or copy enhancement. Reporting, fact-checking, and editorial decisions were carried out by the Design Milk editorial team.