BK House & Gardens presents its annual Beautiful Spaces Symposium
“Historical Textiles in Home Design”
Beautiful Spaces Symposium: Historical Textiles in Home Design
Date: September 20th, 9:30-4:00
Location: BK House, 1113 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA
The annual Beautiful Spaces Symposium, scheduled for September 20 at the historic BK House in the French Quarter, will focus this year on historical textiles as they relate to homes in New Orleans. This well-rounded event promises to be an inspiring day dedicated to exploring the significance of textiles in home design, reflecting the cultural identity and aesthetic sensibility of the region. Textiles are used in various forms, such as bedding, curtains, and wall coverings, to create a sense of history and heritage in a home.
Event Schedule and Speakers:
9:30 – 10:00 AM: Coffee & Registration
10:00 – 10:10 AM: Welcome & Introduction
10:10 – 11:00 AM: Sarah Duggan - The Historic New Orleans Collection
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Michèle André, Jenny Cole, and friends - New Orleans Weavers Guild
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Hosted Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Grace Kaynor – Sotre Collection, Interior Designer
2:00 – 3:00 PM: Dr. Elizabeth Townsend Gard - Tulane Law professor, host of the "Just Wanna Quilt" podcast
3:00 PM: Closing Reception, immediately followed by light herbal cocktails
Presentation Descriptions:
- Sarah Duggan - The Historic New Orleans Collection – “Setting the textile tradition Foundation”
Sarah brings her expertise from HNOC and will take us behind the scenes of historical linen closets—sharing what was inside and what those choices meant for Southern homes and families.
- Michèle André, Jenny Cole, and friends - New Orleans Weavers Guild – “Brown Cotton: From Seed To Cloth”
The New Orleans Weavers Guild will feature a hands-on fiber arts spinning demonstration, walking guests through the traditional “seed to cloth” journey and celebrating the craft and creativity that make our region’s textile scene so special.
- Grace Kaynor – Sotre Collection, Interior Designer – “Fresh Perspectives on Design History and Color”
Grace is a nationally published and highly sought-after interior designer with roots in both New York and New Orleans. She brings an infectious passion for creating unique, healthy interiors that blend design history and vibrant color, with fresh, modern touches that playfully nod to the past. Her experience spans major museums, editorial work, sustainability certification, and over 16 years leading her own design firm.
- Dr. Elizabeth Townsend Gard - Tulane Law professor, host of the "Just Wanna Quilt" podcast and IP lawyer – “Where tradition meets innovation today”
Dr. Gard makes copyright and creativity super engaging. She's diving into the big ideas around ownership, art, and how gender, race, and social dynamics shape fiber arts and all creative work—historically and today. If you like thinking about where art and society intersect, you'll love her session.
Each session will last 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.
Tickets include breakfast, a boxed lunch, and batched cocktails to end the day.
Ticket prices are $50 for BK House members, $60 for non-members, and can be purchased by going to
Programs Archive - BK House.
Also upcoming:
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., BK House & Gardens will host its annual fundraiser, Soirée in the Vieux Carré. This year’s fundraiser supports critical building repairs, including the dining room, and will also contribute to our newly established endowment, ensuring BK House remains a thriving historic and cultural resource for generations to come. This year's Soiree will feature fantastic courtyard entertainment and a delicious Sunday supper.
