BLcontents

30 / THYME FOR CHICKEN

Organic chicken thighs are cooked alongside blackberries and aromatic herbs to create a dish that is full of flavor.

48 / DRINK UP

From handblown pieces to retro-inspired glasses, this collection of glassware will add the finishing details to your table.

52 / KITCHEN INSPIRATION

From contemporary to traditional, these four kitchens incorporate a range of materials and design features that are swoon-worthy.

62 / BAYOU EATS

Mario Mata is no stranger to finding inspiration at the crossroads of food preparation and art.

76 / BLUE WAVES

Our favorite color in all of our favorite things from area retailers.

82 / STYLE ME PRETTY

Taylor Bennett used his styling genius to create a cozy nook in Tiffany Jones’ kitchen. Find these items and more at area retailers.

84 / THIS LITTLE LIGHT

Let there be light with these decorative lamps from area retailers. From floor lamps to sconces, these lamps switch your décor on.

115 / BAYOU ARTIST

Take one look at Benicia King’s profile on networks like Instagram and LinkedIn, or take a look at the products she sells in her online store, and you’ll see that she is both artistic and business-minded.

April 2018

86 / PILLOW TALK

Looking for an easy way to update your space? Change your pillows with the seasons for a fresh look.

102 / BAYOU ICON

Because of his career in design through which he has helped countless families build their “dream homes” and because of his willingness to lend his expertise and time to support small town economic development, Larry James is our May BayouIcon.

134 / BAYOU HOME

Interior Designer Julie B. Mays worked with homeowner Tina Newton to transform her two-store, French countrystyle home into a space indicative of her forever home.

142 / BAYOU FEATURE

The Herringstones expansion into Lafayette was lead by Hanna Lavergne.

145 / GIFT GUIDE

Find the perfect gifts for this Mother’s Day and graduation.

152 / BAYOU FASHION

From linen dresses to oversized blazers, these looks are perfect for spring outings. Find this and more at area boutiques.

I’m ready for summer. This month has been exhausting – with kids in travel softball, rec ball, soccer and dancing – we’ve been on the move.

I don’t see things slowing down anytime soon, so if I look a frazzled mess when you see me out and about, there’s a reason, and this is the season. I’ve been told by many friends to soak it all in because one day I will miss all of this. Trent and I are finally in our house and couldn’t be happier. If you’re in the process or building, remodeling or updating home décor, you can find inspiration in this month’s issue. From lighting to kitchen accessories, Taylor Bennett created style guides for your resource.

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we’ve featured one of our favorite restaurants. Mario Mata is no stranger to finding inspiration at the crossroads of food preparation and art. A restaurateur and cook with the soul of an artist may seem like polarizing interests, but for Mata, they feed off each other. The intimacy required of each is comparable as it demands the artist’s incorporation of all of the senses, and, when intersected, the creative expression at stake can produce masterful cuisine and dining experience. Mata’s newest venture, Casa Real, is the epitome of an artist at work, both in the kitchen and in the restaurant’s space. Read this article by Vanelis Rivera on page 62.

Larry James has designed over 5,000 custom house plans and has sold predesigned plans for over 15,000 homes throughout the United States and many countries as far away as Japan. These homes range from the on trend “tiny houses” at 240 square feet to homes featuring over 17,000 square feet of living space. His homes have been