How to find the exact (and approved) paint colors you see in New Orleans's French Quarter.
Have you ever wanted to paint something a true French Quarter hue? Like matching your porch ceilings to the approved Haint, or Dirt Dobber blue? Or perhaps making your friends green with envy over your new mossy ceiling? I’ve got you.
Take your cute tushy on down to Mary’s Ace Hardware on N Rampart Street in the French Quarter. There you will find historical blends by Benjamin Moore, and others, that match your favorite Quarter décor!
You'll also find a knowledgeable staff who are ready to assist, mix, and answer your painting questions. You'll find a stash of paint chips in their 'historical paint selection section' that will guide your way in choosing your perfect color.
For Matt and I it was green. We are going full bistro style with our kitchen redesign. I decided with certainty that I “neeeeded” the shade of green I see on Quarter galleries.
Those of you following me on Instagram will know that galleries are the oversized balconies you see in places like the Quarter. Grand, filigreed in cast iron, and resting on posts.
Story goes, this green is extra special. Back in the day when heavy metals like lead were used to color paint, this specific green was a byproduct of arsenic. What?! Yes! Arsenic was used to create a very popular green often called, "Paris Green." It was used in paints, in clothing dye, and many other places. Today in New Orleans you'll hear tour guides call it either Paris Green, Arsenic Green, or both.
I needed it for my ceiling. Required it, really. After all what's more appropriate for a French-bistro kitchen, than Paris Green? And, what's more twisted and absurd than painting the place that keeps your food and dishes safe with Arsenic Green? Morbid perhaps, but pretty all the same.
So Matt and I drove on down town and inspected gallery posts. Matt would put on the flashing lights. I'd hop out of the car, beeline straight to a post, and inspect it. Matt would circle the block.
When we arrived at the Gallier House, I knew I'd found it! Freshly painted. Mint (pun intended) condition. I was so excited I got my nose within inches of the paint. I broke out my phone. I reached for my purse (to get my paints sample cards).
"Excuse me, ma'am, are you ok?"
I paused. Turned. There was a woman standing next to me enjoying a cigarette. It hit me. My process fully made me look like someone fully on drugs.
"Sorry. I'm obsessed with this color. I want to recreate it."
The woman, unflapped, in the way only a 1920's flapper can be, tossed and stamped her cigarette.
"You know, Mary's Ace on N. Rampart has all the colors?"
I'd forgotten. I'd heard this in my hours upon hours of lectures on architecture. She was right! My process was needless, silly really. But, it did lead me to the answer.
We headed to Mary's Ace.
The folks there were super helpful and knowledgeable. Even shared with me a paint additive that makes paint durable and mildew resistant! We pulled some greens. Explained our project. Made some friends. Mixed some samples. Confident and armed with two small tins (about $6 each) we headed home to test them out.
Interested in finding a Brennan's, salmon pink? They've got you. Need that deep shutter green? No problem. French Market Blue? It's a thing. Go get yours. Or call them up, they'll share.
That said, before you get started sourcing your new color palette there is one important caveat to share. If you are actually living and painting in the Quarter the Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) must approve exterior paint color choices. While you can find every color at Mary's Ace, the choice of approved greens may depend on the age and style of your home. Check with the VCC to be sure.
As for Matt and I, the interior ceiling of a Marigny kitchen isn’t regulated. In fact, paint colors in Faubourg Marigny historic district aren’t regulated at all. Win!
Another win? Mary's Ace on N Rampart also has discounted paints from mixes gone unloved. Does it get better? It certainly does.
Mary's Ace is my go to for all things fixer upper. Why? They every bit and bob you need for that doorknob repair, that leaky faucet, etc. You can buy these pieces separate (vs a kit from a big box store) and the folks there know their way around the hardware too. Don't know what you need? Bring it. Take a picture. Call ahead. Pop on by, there's parking.
So next time you want to look savvy as can be? Point up at that cast iron beauty on Royal and say, 'See that? That there's arsenic green? Would you like to know why?' And, next time you need paint, hardware, or DIY insights, head to Mary's Ace Hardware.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.
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