Bold colors, queer roots: nola designer dabito builds a home that sings
New Orleans designer Dabito has traded the Los Angeles suburbs for a riot of color and unapologetic personality in a newly built home, a testament to his signature style and a reflection of the city’s vibrant queer community.
A canvas of confidence
Forget beige. Dabito’s latest project, a custom-built residence in Faubourg Marigny, isn't just a house; it’s an immersive experience. From the borscht-red kitchen cabinetry – courtesy of Sherwin-Williams’s ‘Borscht’ – to the peacock blue dining room, every hue is deliberately chosen, a deliberate statement. “It’s a very queer neighborhood,” Dabito explained, “and I wanted our house to be part of that rainbow: bright and cheerful.”
The design, spearheaded by local architect Marcie Banks of Clementine Construction, is a fascinating blend of period detailing – dentil moldings, elliptical-arched doorways – and contemporary flair. It’s a ‘brand new old’ aesthetic, as Banks describes it, echoing Dabito’s broader philosophy of layering vintage and modern elements to create a sense of collected history.
From la rentals to nola’s eccentricity
Dabito’s design journey began in the modest rental apartments and motels of Los Angeles, a childhood spent sharing a single bedroom with his family. His father, a contractor, introduced him to the transformative power of paint, adding borders to their walls and injecting a much-needed dose of warmth into their temporary spaces. That early exposure fueled a passion for color and design, leading him to study printmaking at UC Santa Cruz and launch his influential blog, ‘Old Brand New’ in 2010.
The New Orleans house represents a return to his roots, a deliberate choice after relocating to Los Angeles and revitalizing a 1950s bungalow with a bold purple and green palette. But this time, he’s building from the ground up, collaborating closely with the landmarks commission to ensure the structure complements the historic district’s unique architectural landscape. “Surprisingly, their attitude was, Do any color you want,” Dabito chuckled, referencing the surprisingly lenient approval process for his proposed yellow exterior.
Details that tell a story
Inside, the details are equally captivating: Zellige tile in the primary bath, Savonarola chairs framing a burl-wood table in the dining room, and a meticulously curated selection of vintage and contemporary pieces. The kitchen, a masterpiece of Venetian plaster and Calacatta Breccia marble countertops, is a testament to Dabito’s commitment to handcrafted quality. Prices for key elements include Hudson Valley Lighting’s St. Lawrence Chandelier ($4,326, currently 22% off), Soho Home’s Mila Armchair ($2,895), and Castlery’s Rochelle Bed ($1,299).
“He calls it our forever home,” Dabito said, a genuine smile illuminating his face. “And I’m like, yes, forever—until the next one.” The project isn’t just about building a house; it’s about creating a space that embodies his vision and a reflection of the spirited community he’s embraced.