State Drawing Room

Shortly after the Governor and Mrs. Foster moved into the Mansion, and before the creation of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation, Mrs. Foster employed the decorating services of Nell Fetzer of Fetzer Interiors to assist her. Having very little to work with, Mrs. Fetzer transformed the state drawing room into the beautiful room it is today. She selected bright, new fabrics to re-upholster existing sofas and chairs. Not wanting to detract from the architectural beauty of the transoms, Mrs. Fetzer decided on custom-made swags of ecru and gold stripe damask, lined in gold satin stripe, trimmed in silk fringe and accented by large damask rosettes at each corner. The deep drape of the swag she designed and created for the top of each window accomplished her goal, allowing light to radiate through the transoms.

The Antique English George IV crotch mahogany secretaire desk breakfront bookcase was purchased by the Foundation after a fund raiser by the Franklin Grassroots Committee who were instrumental in getting the Governor elected. This piece houses a place setting of china used for entertaining during each of the six previous administrations. In addition to the state china, Mrs. Foster purchased luncheon china through Mr. Lee Berg of Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry. The delicate, feminine pattern is Queen Victoria by Herend.

The two inlayed mahogany game tables which serve as end tables, flank a corner sofa and were purchased by the Foundation from Kohlmaier and Kohlmaier, Inc.. These exquisite pieces were designed and hand crafted by Louisiana craftsmen, Mr. Rupert Kohlmaier and his son from New Orleans. Mr. Kohlmaier was in his 90’s when he built these tables and is now deceased.

The Meissen porcelain vases atop the marble top table on the East wall, were given to the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation in October of 1997 by Dan Heard of Baton Rouge.

Covering most of the wood flooring in this room is a traditional, wool, handmade, custom area rug, woven in Edward Fields Connoisseur loop quality. It was designed by members of the Foundation’s Design Advisory Council and created by Edward Fields, Inc. In keeping with Mrs. Foster’s goal of acquiring items with historical significance, the design team incorporated several features within the pattern which are meaningful to Louisiana. The rug pays tribute to the beautiful native trees and plants of the state. Featured are the leaves of acorns of our magnificent live oaks, palmetto frongs and in the center medallions the magnolia, the state flower of Louisiana. The eighteen stars represent Louisiana’s being the 18th state to enter the Union. Fleur de lis grace this masterpiece as an identifiable symbol associated with the state.