In Louisiana, there is no more important word than the word “home”. It’s the place that people in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Bunkie, Broussard, and Bastrop all look forward to being. And just as those communities are diverse, so are the homes that the residents of those communities return to each day.

Why do we love “home” so much? The obvious answer to a lot of Louisiana residents would be simply, “It’s not work”. But then again, it is work. If you have a home and a family you know your “work” day is just getting started when you get home from work.

So, what makes the “work” at home more enjoyable than the “work” at work? It’s the surroundings naturally. You see in our homes we all attempt to create an environment that makes us feel safe. It also makes us feel comfortable and relaxed. And if we really want to enjoy our home we’ll create an environment that brings us peace.

If your home doesn’t provide you with those needed benefits then perhaps you should consult a recent article in Southern Living Magazine by Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin. Elizabeth and her team have compiled a list of the 30 Best Home Decor Stores in the South.

Elizabeth’s list covers a lot of different shops and stores across what most of us would consider the “South”. The team offers a very succinct glimpse at each store that earned a spot on their list. They also highlighted what makes each location unique and stand out among the other purveyors of fine home furnishings and accessories.

But alas, there was only one location in Louisiana that earned a spot on the list curated by Southern Living. That business is located in New Orleans Uptown on Oak Street. It’s known as Eclectic Home. Owner Penny Francis told Southern Living that “Good design knows no time period”. Which is why I feel very comfortable displaying my Dale Earnhardt race tire right next to my Shaquille O’Neal autographed shoe.

And those are probably two reasons why the folks at Eclectic Home aren’t seeking me out as a potential customer. But you, that’s different. You have great tastes and a store like Eclectic Home is a great place to look for ideas and concepts. Although I bet it drives them crazy that there is a power pole located almost directly in front of their front door.

Of course, Southern Living did have 29 other stores for you to consider as well.

Happy window shopping and remember the difference between a house and a home is the love that you grow inside. We hope you come home to find your peace every day even if your hometown is on the following list.