A Brush with History: Our Southern Magnolia Wallpaper at the Legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Posted by Rondallyn Longley on Feb 16th 2026
A Brush with History: Our Southern Magnolia Wallpaper at the Legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
There are design projects, and then there are historic design projects. We are incredibly proud to announce that Paperbird Home has become a part of the fabric of New Orleans history.
Our Southern Magnolia wallpaper was selected for the walls of the newly renovated upstairs dining room at the legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.
For those who know New Orleans, Dooky Chase’s is more than just a restaurant. It is a landmark of African American culture and a former meeting ground for Civil Rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. When the Chase family decided to reopen the upstairs "Civil Rights Room," they needed a design that honored the past while welcoming the future. We are honored that our Southern Magnolia print—symbolizing the strength, hospitality, and beauty of the South—was chosen to set the tone for this hallowed space.
Dooky Chase in the News
The reopening of the upstairs dining room has been making headlines across the South. Here is a look at what the press is saying about the renovation and the beautiful new interiors featuring Paperbird Home.
1. NOLA.com: Honoring the Civil Rights Legacy
NOLA.com takes a deep dive into the historical weight of this renovation. The article details how the upstairs room served as a safe haven for strategy sessions during the Civil Rights movement. The renovation aimed to preserve that spirit while refreshing the aesthetics. The result is a space that feels both important and inviting.
Details abound across the newly refurbished upstairs dining room at Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune)
2. Southern Living: A New Chapter for a Historic Icon
Southern Living highlights the warmth of the new space. Their coverage focuses on how the upstairs expansion allows the restaurant to host more private events and continue the legacy of the late, great Chef Leah Chase. The article offers a "See Inside" gallery that showcases how the decor complements the world-famous Creole cuisine.
Credit: Gian Smith and Cierra Johnson
3. New Orleans CityBusiness: Blending Tradition with Modern Design
This feature focuses on the timeline and the business of restoring such an old building. It highlights the careful decisions made regarding the "Upstairs" renovation, ensuring that every element—from the flooring to the wall coverings—respected the building's storied past while providing a fresh backdrop for future events.
4. RGGC: The Craftsmanship Behind the Room
Ryan Gootee General Contractors (RGGC) provided an inside look at the construction and restoration process. Their feature showcases the "Before and After" transformation, highlighting the high-quality finishes used to bring the vision to life. It’s a testament to how the right patterns and textures can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
Stella Reese Chase of Dooky Chase's Restaurant stands by a mural showing her grandparents and parents in the upstairs dining room of the landmark restaurant. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune)
Bring the Look Home
You don't have to be in the French Quarter to enjoy the timeless elegance of the South. The Southern Magnolia wallpaper used in Dooky Chase’s is available in both traditional and peel-and-stick options, perfect for dining rooms, bedrooms, or powder rooms.