Editor’s Choice: Azure Kitchen

TIP:

Make an intentional impact with color and tile. The island and wall are even bigger standouts thanks to the calm backdrop of white.

EDITORS’ CHOICE

AZURE KITCHEN

A kitchen renovation combines a vibrant blue-and-white color pale e with classic appointments.

APhotography by GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS A traditional white kitchen is certainly a safe choice when To help the couple meet in the middle, Heather opted for it comes to design, but infuse it with a bit of blue and some cabinets with custom beaded inset recessed panels—a design whimsy, and it goes from ordinary to outstanding. When with just-enough trim and furniture detailing to give a nod to designer Heather Steen of Steenhaus stepped in to renovate this conventional style. Brittney then had her say with the punch of kitchen for homeowners Brittney and Richard Calhoun, she blue on the island and the dramatic tiled wall (Eastern Promise immediately knew there would be some give and take. from Ann Sacks). “I convinced the couple to not only tile the

“ e homeowners are the de nition of ‘opposites attract,’ ” says whole wall but also wrap it around the window to meet the

Heather. “Richard tends towards safer choices, but Brittney cabinetry,” Heather says. “ e space is a marriage of what both loves color and is willing to take risks.” Richard and Brittney love.”

Before

RESOURCES: Interior design:

Heather Steen, Steenhaus Cabinets and hardware: Grace Fabrications Appliances: Cohens Countertops, tile, and lighting: Fixtures & Finishes 2500 2ndAvenue South •Birmingham, Alabama35233 205.323.5616• fixturesandfinishes.com

“The risk of placing a bold tile and color in the kitchen paid dividends. It’s a powerful yet elegant backdrop for creating family memories.”

—Heather Steen, designer

ROBERT F. HENRY TILE

IIf you’re looking for high-end tile in Birmingham, including decorative, domestic, imported, Alabama made, and allied tile products, as well as stone surfaces, Robert F. Henry Tile is a one-stop destination. Since 1933, the company has been a leading provider of the beautiful and durable tile in Birmingham, and they have grown to include seven other locations across the Southeast. Each location of this family-owned business has a team of tile experts ready to help you nd exactly what you’re looking for—whether you’re a homeowner, a designer, an architect, or a contractor. Robert F. Henry Tile has kept its focus strictly on ceramic tile and stone. is allows them to o er unparalleled expertise and service. “We search the world for the best products at the best values,” says vice president Fred Henry. “We o er those products at fair prices. And, we do it in a way that makes people want to return and do business with us again.”

In addition to o ering stone selections such as quartz, marble, and granite, the company also provides fabrication to customize and t your look for kitchens, baths, and more.

At Robert F. Henry Tile Company, the next big idea is waiting for you. Visit their gallery and showroom to unlock your creativity and create a home that expresses your personal style. A new or updated look with tile and stone can make a world of di erence in your home.

“We search the world for the best products at the best values. We offer those products at fair prices.”

Birmingham, Alabama Showroom: 4500 Avenue North 205.592.8615 or 205.592.8625 www.henrytile.com

and

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE KITCHENS

We receved nearly 40 entries for our Fresh Kitchen Contest. You voted and we shared the winners on the previous pages, but we couldn’t resist showing you more of our favorites. These kitchens o er a range of styles while displaying smart and innovative details anyone would want to aspire to. For the full catalog of entries, visit our website.

1 2

3 4

(1) Designer: Anna Claire Interiors Builder: Kano Remodeling (2) Designer: Laurie Fulkerson Plan Designer: Crystal Tucker Builder: Twin Construction (3) Designer: Katrina Porter Builder: Kitchen Potential (4) Designer: Heather Steen Architect: Steenhaus

5 6

7 8

(5) Designer: Cyndy Cantley Builder: Shearer Building Company(6) Designer: Niclole Roby Builder: Matrix Builders (7) Designer: Joanna Goodman Architect: Chris Reebals Builder: Davis Construction (8) Designer and Builder: River Brook Design and Construction

Summer Fresh Fun

Recipes and Photography by

LESLIE BYARS REGISTER

IG: @lesliespartydiaries

Summertime is a “What can I bring?” time of

year! Because I don’t want to miss a single minute by the pool, on the golf course, or in the backyard, I prefer to make cocktails and appetizers as easy and fresh as possible. at means less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family. e Sweet Corn Salsa, Tangy Herb Ranch Dip, and Tricolored Cherry Tomato Bruschetta become even tastier over time, so feel free to make these a day ahead. Be sure to also try the Watermelon Margarita. It’s a refreshing way to make use of a large, seedless melon. And if you have never had a Kentucky Mule, it’s time to saddle up! is is a bourbon lover’s dream come true on a hot summer night.

Relax and enjoy the longer days, fresh-market nds, and these easy-to-tote recipes. is is what summer is all about.

Sweet Corn Salsa

MAKES ABOUT 5 CUPS

6 ears sweet fresh corn, kernels removed 1 red bell pepper 1 orange bell pepper 4 green onions 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded ½ cup finely chopped red onion ¼ cup chopped cilantro Tortilla chips

Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Juice of one lime, plus extra slices for garnish 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon chili powder Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot filled with water to a boil. Add corn, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until tender. Remove from the pot, and allow to cool.

Chop next 4 ingredients finely and uniformly (about the size of a corn kernel), and place in a medium-size bowl. Add red onion and cilantro. With a sharp knife, remove the kernels from the cob, and add to the vegetables.

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour over corn and vegetables, and toss to coat thoroughly. Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least an hour. The salsa is best made in advance and will keep for several days.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Watermelon Margarita

MAKES 2 TO 3 DRINKS

Ice 6 ounces fresh watermelon juice (from about 1 ½ cups seedless watermelon cubes, blended and strained) 2 ounces blanco tequila 2 ounces fresh lime juice 2 ounces Cointreau (optional) Salt for the rims (optional) Garnish with a lime, nasturtium, or watermelon wedge

Place ice, watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and, if desired, Cointreau in a martini shaker. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds.

Salt the rims of the glasses, if desired, and pour mixture through the strainer of the shaker into the glasses. Garnish and serve immediately.

Tangy Herb Ranch Dip

MAKES 2 CUPS

1 garlic clove, minced ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup fresh dill, minced, plus an extra sprig for garnish ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced 2 tablespoons fresh chives 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced 2 tablespoons white vinegar ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon paprika Dash of Worcestershire sauce Dash of hot sauce ¼ cup buttermilk

Leslie Likes:

Real mayonnaise and sour cream, not light.

Combine all ingredients in a small jar. Shake to combine thoroughly. Adjust thickness consistency with more buttermilk if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. This can be made a day or two in advance.

Garnish and serve with assorted fresh summer vegetables.

Tricolored Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS

2 pints tricolored cherry tomatoes, quartered 2 cloves minced fresh garlic ½ cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for baguette ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon sugar Salt and pepper to taste 1 French baguette

In a medium-sized bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine completely. Allow to sit for at least an hour either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. (I like to do it both ways, depending on if I want the tomatoes chilled.)

Before serving, slice the French baguette into ¼-inch slices.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet,

Kentucky Mule

MAKES 1 DRINK

Ice 1 ½ ounces bourbon 3 ounces ginger beer ½ ounce lime juice Lime slices and fresh mint for garnish

Fill a copper cup or julep cup with ice. Add bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Garnish with lime slices and fresh mint.

Leslie Likes:

For an added attraction, spread a thin layer of creamy burrata on the toasted bread before adding the tomato mixture.

and drizzle with olive oil. Preheat broiler in oven, and then toast bread until golden brown. Serve tomato mixture on toasted bread, and garnish with fresh basil.

Learn om Leslie: If there

are any leftovers, which I doubt there will be, this makes a light, refreshing sauce over grilled fish or chicken.

RESTAURANT CONTEST WINNERS

BIRMINGHAM BOASTS SOME OF THE BEST FOOD IN THE NATION— FROM FINE DINING TO CASUAL EATERIES TO DOWN-HOME GOODNESS. WITH A ROSTER OF AWARD-WINNING CHEFS AND YET-TO-BE DISCOVERED LOCALS, OUR CITY OFFERS A CULINARY SCENE TO SATISFY EVERY PALATE. WE HELD A CONTEST TO LET READERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR FAVORITES. NO MATTER YOUR CRAVING, CHECK OUT OUR LIST ONLINE. YOU (AND YOUR TASTE BUDS) WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED.

SCAN TO SEE THE WINNERS