From stunning sectionals to elegant conversation pieces, Massoud’s furniture is designed to be lived in. Intricate patterns, rich textures and rare leathers combine to create extraordinary, one-of-a-kind heirloom furniture that is proudly made in America.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A
WE’LL HELP YOU TURN YOUR HOME INTO A BEAUTIFUL CREATION
42
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 { vol. 23 no. 1 } gardens
14 Winter Beauties
These colorful indoor blooms are sure to cure those coldweather blues.
16 Dreaming in Color
Interior designer Danielle Balanis spotlights her client’s heirlooms and art collection with a background of colorful fabrics and dramatic details.
32 Robert F. Henry Tile Co.
With a legacy that spans more than 90 years, Robert F. Henry Tile Co. continues to be a design leader in Birmingham and across the Southeast.
34 Modern Living Riverbrook Design & Construction reimagines a Cape Cod-style house according to the wish list of a Homewood family of four.
42 Echoes of Home
Designer Mary Coley McMillan tailors a Crestline cottage to perfectly suit the needs of her empty-nester parents.
50 Artist in Residence
Designer Sean Beam welcomes Mississippi clients to Birmingham as he personalizes their new house with existing pieces and the homeowner’s artwork.
58 Andiamo Lodge’s House Favorites
Start your day on the right foot with these timeless breakfast dishes from the kitchen of Andiamo Lodge in Mentone.
66 Time To Hit the Beach
The beach in winter?
Walton County’s quiet season just might be the best time of year for a vacation.
Global Influence
Inspired by travels to India, these homeowners task Lauren Murphy with transforming a bath using vibrant colors, mosaics, and a Moroccan marble.
Working with the original footprint of a 1950s home, designer Ciara Word reallocates square footage as she transforms the primary bath into a lighter, brighter, elegant retreat.
After taking an existing bath down to its studs, the team at Elm Construction creates a spa-worthy oasis.
2025! Here we go! A new year always brings excitement and the anticipation of change. I love rolling my resolutions around in my head, but I learned from a friend a long time ago to keep them simple. It’s important to remember that small changes can have big impact, and sometimes we just need a friend (or designer) to give us the confidence to get started.
This issue is a metaphor for making change. Flip through the pages and meet our featured designers who have had the verve to start their own firms. Find inspiration in the small-but-significant renovations that have become difference makers for the homeowners who enjoy them every day. And explore bold looks full of supremely personal style.
Turn to page 16 to see how designer Danielle Balanis taps into her clients’ affinity for color and art, affirming and enhancing her design decisions. Then check out a Homewood renovation by the team at Riverbrook Design & Construction that not only creates a better flow for the family who lives there, but also allows each individual’s taste to shine (page 34). Don’t miss the fresh look designed by Mary Coley McMillan for her empty-nester parents looking to downsize (page 42). And discover how designer Sean Beam helps usher a Mississippi couple to a new city and a new house while making them feel right at home (page 50).
If you have dreams of a new bath in the new year, you’ll find plenty of ideas in our special section on page 23. These designers and builders prove that you don’t always have to add on or move in order to obtain your ideal oasis. Instead, these professionals reworked floorplans in small ways that made a big difference. Sometimes, you just need to look at a space from another perspective.
In the new year, you’ll also notice a few changes within the magazine. We will be featuring a travel story in every issue (see page 66). After all, a change of scenery is sometimes the best way to see things in a new light. And we are saying goodbye to our longtime recipe editor, Leslie Register. She’s on to new creative ventures but may pop in for a story now and then. In her place, we will be introducing you to guest editors and chefs who will share personal recipes and entertaining ideas.
No matter where this year takes you, change is sure to come. Embrace it, enjoy it, and don’t let it overwhelm you. There are plenty of people to help along the way.
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Text by THE HORTICULTURIST TEAM AT FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
Paperwhites bloom throughout the colder months and thrive indoors when placed in a bright, sunny window. The blooms denote purity and innocence due to their delicate white petals. They also are often used to represent renewal since the plant is associated with the beginning of spring. Paperwhites don’t require soil to grow, so you can grow them in a glass bowl or vase filled with gravel, marbles, or polished glass. If you do use soil, good drainage is key. Use a lightweight potting mix with excellent drainage, and be careful not to overwater.
With heart-shaped leaves and sweetly scented flowers, cyclamens produce the perfect bloom to brighten up the home in midwinter. A sign of sincere, lasting affection, they are often given to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The blooms come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, magenta, or lavender. Known for being hardy and easy to grow, cyclamens typically bloom from early winter to early spring and then go dormant during the summer. The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid watering
the crown of the plant, which can result in the tubers rotting. Water it only when the soil feels dry.
This amaryllis cultivar is a showstopper with its striped red-and-chartreuse petals that look almost like an orchid. The plant symbolizes strength, beauty, pride, and love. It often produces two to three stems per bulb, with each stem producing four huge, trumpet-like flowers. Plant the bulb with at least the top quarter or third of it above the surface of the soil to avoid water collection in the sprout. Amaryllis tend to produce the best blooms when their roots are kept cozy in a small pot. They are one of the most long-lasting cut flowers.
Despite the orchid’s reputation for being fussy, the moth orchid is easy to grow and care for—some might even say it thrives on mild neglect! It often bears multiple flower buds on arching stems that can last for two to three months throughout the winter. Choose a location with plenty of bright, indirect light, and
use a special orchid-growing medium instead of potting soil. Water about once a week, allowing the growing medium to dry out between waterings. The root system needs air circulation and benefits from a light misting only at the roots in between waterings. Once the blooming cycle is complete, you can prune the stems back to one inch above a node to encourage a new stem section and even more lush blooms for the future. With proper care, Phalaenopsis orchids can live for 15 to 20 years in your home.
These brightly colored blooms showcase a variety of colors. They will bring sunny cheer to the dreariest winter day. Sometimes called “first rose,” they are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, but they will bloom even earlier when cultivated indoors. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, plenty of humidity, and well-draining soil. Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity, but don’t allow the roots to sit in water.
Note that some of these houseplants can be toxic to pets if ingested.
INTERIOR DESIGNER DANIELLE BALANIS REIMAGINES HER CLIENT’S EXISTING COLLECTION OF FURNISHINGS AND ART AS SHE CASTS A COLORFUL, GLAMOROUS SPELL THROUGHOUT THE HOME.
Not every decorator in Birmingham could dial into my eclectic, maximalist style, but Danielle Balanis held nothing back,” says Jeana Lee Upton who called on Danielle when she hit a decorating dead end. Since the two women had been acquaintances for
Danielle Balanis Design daniellebalanis.com; @daniellebalanis_design
years, and Jeana Lee was a self-confessed stalker of the designer’s Instagram, a likeminded collaboration ensued.
Unlike with some of her other projects, Danielle was not starting from scratch; quite the opposite. “Jeana Lee had great foundation pieces, meaningful family heirlooms, and an enviable art collection,” she says. “She just needed help bringing out the best in
those and making them feel new.”
The designer focused on adding window treatments and loads of pillows while covering existing pieces with new fabrics. For example, a French settee with classic lines was reimagined in a patchwork-style Pierre Frey fabric—an elevated version of rock festival wear. The piece then found a new home at the top stair landing. In the black-and-white
ABOVE: The den features a mishmash of prints and colors tempered with a grayish-olive mohair sofa and a seagrass rug. BELOW: Danielle perked up the black-and-white kitchen with a Roman shade in a zigzag fabric and a runner from Paige Albright Orientals. LEFT: Some of Jeana Lee’s pieces found a home on a gallery wall in the stairway wall. Carpet from Hiltz-Lauber and a Visual Comfort pendant complete the space.
scored hard-to-find Mastercraft chairs for the dining room and upholstered them in a chartreuseand-mustard print from Gastón y Daniela. Window treatments in a deep yellow moiré with persimmon tape trim stand out against the black walls.
“Jeana Lee and I both love going to live rock concerts, so we created a design that dials into the fantasy of that experience—where there’s a feeling of freedom and living out loud.”
—Danielle Balanis
kitchen, Danielle introduced a largescale Schumacher flame-stitch pattern that feels old school but is rendered in bolder hues. The designer worked with the existing cornice boards in the dining
room and simply re-covered them in a mustard moiré fabric edged in a persimmon tape trim. Black walls and a de Gournay gilded Japanese chinoiserie hand-painted wall covering add to the
dramatic color palette.
In the foyer, sky-high Lucite floor lamps with antiqued brass Corinthian column tops were tweaked with the addition of hand-painted custom shades
that feature exaggerated Greek-key style detailing by Morgan Johnston.
Throughout the home, it’s evident that Danielle understood her client’s love of quirky, unexpected decorative accents as she creatively highlighted them. In the living room, a pair of stone sphinxes holds court inside mirrored arched alcoves while a collection of disparate tribal masks surround a zebra over the fireplace. The designer also incorporated a brass palm tree lamp and a grid of tortoise shells in the den.
Now Jeana Lee’s home reads like a swanky club where the coolest kids hang out—those kids being the ones that love fashion, art, music, and Indie films, as well as anyone who likes to push the envelope in just the right way. “People may equate maximalist sensibilities with clutter, but that’s simply not the case,” says Jeana Lee. “Everything has meaning and has a place.”
Luxurious appointments, personal style, timeless designs, and fresh color and pa ern. Check out the dreamy baths on the following pages to inspire your own at-home retreat.
Produced by CATHY STILL MCGOWIN
by Katherine Horton
LEANING INTO THESE
AFFINITY FOR
DESIGNER
MURPHY CUED CLASSIC STYLES FROM INDIA FOR A RENOVATED BATH THAT ALWAYS FEELS LIKE A RETREAT.
Photography by KATHERINE HORTON
ravel is often an impetus for design.
“My clients visit India frequently and they wanted to bring those rich colors and unique marbles into their home,” says designer Lauren Murphy. “We found the custom limestone mosaic tile for the backsplash first and let
that influence the rest of the design.”
Rearranging the existing floorplan, Lauren was able to increase closet space while creating striking focal points.
An arch above the vanity nook, set off with hand-painted mosaic tiles, was a creative solution to eliminate an overhead soffit while still covering the HVAC.
The vaulted ceiling allowed room for a dramatic chandelier. White oak cabinets are finished in a warm stain that makes the wood grain gleam.
The homeowners didn’t want a tub, so Lauren had the old one removed and put the focus on the shower. The inset in the shower is Breche Fantastique
Designer: Lauren Murphy Designs; Contractor: Adam Shipley, Tier One Tile and Remodeling; Tile/backsplash: Triton Stone; Fixtures: Southern Bath & Kitchen; Cabinet design and construction:Twin Construction & Twin Cabinets; Lighting: Mayer Electric Supply; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Rug: A Little Rug Shop
Designer Lauren Murphy and design associate Megan Hall
Lauren Murphy Designs: laurenmichellemurphy.com IG: lauren.murphy.design
“The vision for the primary bathroom was for it to be timeless while also serving as a relaxing escape. We selected a combination of marbles and a natural stain for the oak cabinets to give it an elegant yet warm feel.”
—designer
Lauren Murphy
Marble, a stone quarried in Morocco. Its brown, rust, and caramel veining stands as art against the surrounding Cappuccino marble and Calacatta Macchia Vecchia tile floor. Fixtures are copper, and sinks are hammered antique copper. Polished antique lacquered brass hardware adds the finishing touch.
Houses built in the 1950s weren’t exactly known for architectural extravagance. Room sizes were modest, finishes were simple, and ceiling heights were generally a standard 8 feet. Utilitarian spaces were simply that—purposeful and useful.
Though this Cahaba Heights rancher
received one renovation almost a decade ago, its newest homeowners, Ashley and Jake Ray, wanted to step it up another notch. They worked with designer Ciara Word to carve out a more generous space for a new primary bath while also redressing their bedroom.
Working within the existing footprint, Ciara relocated a laundry, widened openings, and reclaimed some unused
“I’m constantly intrigued by all of the wonderful interior design and architecture Birmingham has to offer, as well as my wonderful artisans and tradespeople who teach me new things all the time. Being able to put my own spin on design and share it with clients brings me such joy.”
—Ciara Word
Ciara Word is the principal designer for Word Interiors. Following her classical training at The University of Alabama and her work in design firms in Birmingham, Ciara formed Word Interiors to offer approachable, beautiful designs to clients of all ages—whether that means someone in their first home or their forever home. The designer is drawn to natural materials, a perfectly executed curve, and interesting textures, but her favorite thing to do is capture the client’s style by creating a space that feels authentic to them. Ciara lives in Vestavia Hills with her husband, two young daughters, and a golden retriever.
wordinteriors.com
Wet Area
The bath appears much larger than it is thanks to smart design strategies. Ciara shares tips for gaining visual space:
• Install mirrors to ceiling height. Large mirrors allow more light to be picked up by the window and bounce throughout the space.
• Avoid sconces. I placed fixtures high to help guide the eye up rather than allowing it to stop abruptly at a sconce placed lower on the wall.
• Consider cabinet placement. The former bath had a tower cabinet between the sinks which encroached on elbow room. Separating the vanities allowed us to give the clients more storage on their separate vanities.
• Choose lighter finishes. The former cabinets were dark wood and weighed the room down. Hardwood floors were stained dark. Ciara replaced the cabinets with white oak and introduced Dolomite marble tile on the floors.
• Open up. A full-length glass shower enclosure rather than a single-door in the middle surrounded by sheetrock visually opens up the wet area.
• Take it up. Extending the shower tile to the ceiling makes the space feel seamless and exaggerates the height of the 8-foot ceilings.
space. “Moving the laundry allowed us to maximize the bath,” Ciara says. “With that extra square footage, we got to do everything we wanted to and more.”
The new bath includes a separate water closet, a freestanding tub, and a larger shower with dual showerheads and rain heads. New his-and-her vanities and a makeup counter on her side give the couple room to move. Everywhere, finishes and fixtures are lighter and brighter thanks to timeless, elegant appointments and smart ideas that create the illusion of an even bigger bath.
countertops and shower
STRIPPING AN EXISTING BATH TO ITS BARE BONES, THE TEAM AT ELM CONSTRUCTION FLIPPED A TIRED, DATED SPACE INTO A LUXURIOUS SUITE.
Photography by DOUBLEOAK ARTWORKS
“The showstopper is the wet room that houses the shower and tub area,” says Liz Kennedy of Elm Construction. “An arched double door opens into the oasis.” Marble mosaic floors with a Skyline marble border define the space with color and texture. The quartz bench with scallop detail coordinates with the shelves that flank the soaking tub.
Before
“Believe it or not, the space we had to work with stayed the same,” says Liz. In its previous version, the tub was located on one wall and the shower was opposite. To maximize space, Liz and the team at Elm combined the two into a single wetroom comprising the tub and shower.
ometimes, you just need a fresh start.
“For this project, we decided it was best to just take everything out and start with a clean slate,” says designer Liz Kennedy with Elm Construction of this dated bathroom.
With nothing worth saving, it was essential to strip the space back to its bones, eliminating the bubble-glass shower
wall, built-in tub, dressing room lights, beige countertops, and two different styles of wallpaper that were just a little too past their prime. Incoming: five-star spa-worthy appointments that include a new shower/bath wet area, a private water closet, and a heated floor system, along with top-of-the line fixtures and finishes. “Elegant luxury lives throughout this space from form to function and leaves nothing to be desired,” Liz says.
LEFT: Custom cabinets topped with Montauk quartz are painted Blustery Sky (Sherwin-Williams) for a fun pop of color.
Elm Construction is a design-build company with expertise in kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, basements, outdoor living areas, restoration work (including fire restoration), additions, and wholehome renovations. They recently added an interiors division that includes designer Liz Kennedy. Liz received her interior design degree from the University of North Alabama. After college, she gained experience working with a Birmingham remodeling company, learning the ins and outs of the construction world and material vendors. Liz’s top items for any bath renovation include a soaker tub, shower fixtures that include a minimum of a mounted showerhead and a handheld one, heated floors, a bidet toilet seat, and electrical connections for beauty items.
Construction, design, and renovation: Elm Construction; Countertops: CR Home; Tile: Floor and Decor; Lighting: Inline Lighting; Plumbing fixtures: Southern Bath & Kitchen; Shower door: Birmingham Glass Works; Walls/ trim/ceiling paint color: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
SINCE
ITS BEGINNINGS
MORE THAN 90
YEARS
AGO, ROBERT F. HENRY TILE HAS SEAMLESSLY COMBINED BIRMINGHAM’S RICH DESIGN HISTORY WITH ITS INSPIRED FUTURE, ONE TIMELESS TILE AT A TIME.
Text by PAIGE TOWNLEY
With a legacy spanning more than 90 years, Robert F. Henry Tile Company has been a cornerstone of the design community in Birmingham and beyond. This family-owned business has grown from its humble beginnings in Montgomery to a trusted name in tile across the Southeast, offering an array of products that blend timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation. From intricate mosaics to sleek, contemporary styles, the company’s
collection is designed to inspire and elevate every space. We sat down with Fred Henry, the company’s senior vice president and co-owner, to explore how this enduring brand continues to shape Birmingham’s design landscape while staying true to its family-focused values.
How did Robert F. Henry Tile Company get its start?
My grandfather started the business in 1933 in Montgomery. He had learned the tile trade while working for another company, and when they closed, he decided to go out on his own. It was an
interesting time to start a business—right in the midst of the Great Depression— but he was determined. The business began in his garage on Lebron Avenue, focusing on tile installation. Over time, we shifted to sales and distribution, eventually expanding beyond Montgomery with our first Birmingham location in 1976. Today, we have a total of eight locations across the Southeast.
What makes the company stand out today?
We’ve stayed true to our roots by focusing exclusively on tile and stone.
“We serve everyone from high-end homeowners and designers to commercial contractors, and we offer something for every project— whether it’s a decorative mosaic or a durable outdoor tile.”
—Fred Henry
We also provide personal service from experienced designers who guide customers through the selection process and beyond. We have two employees who have been in the business more than 25 years each. Our sales staff is experienced, and we’re always keeping up with trends and new products.
What’s the secret to Robert F. Henry’s longevity?
It’s about family—both ours and the one we’ve built with our employees, many of whom have been with us for decades. We’re invested in the communities we serve and strive to make them a little more beautiful and comfortable for everyone.
Larger-format tiles, or porcelain panels, are a game-changer. They offer the durability and low maintenance of tile in a sleek, modern format perfect for walls, floors, and countertops. Outdoor living is another big trend, so tiles designed for patios, walkways, and outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular for their durability in sun and rain.
An island with built-in banquette serves as the main dining space. Appliances, other than the statement-making La Cornue range, are hidden but easily accessible.
“There’s tons of storage and a built-in Meile coffee maker,” Leigh says, of the wall of black-painted cabinetry. An arched doorway leads to a butler’s pantry.
Text by LACEY HOWARD | Photography by LAUREY GLENN
A CAPE COD-STYLE HOUSE IN HOMEWOOD FINDS NEW LIFE TO PERFECTLY FIT THE FAMILY THAT CALLS IT HOME.
When Kim and Bayless Ydel first walked into their Cape Cod-style cottage, “it had an energy that’s hard to describe, even now after four years,” Kim says. “It just felt like home.” But while the connection to the house was there, its functionality was definitely lacking. The flow of
In the kitchen, white oak cabinets with a reeded detail by Refinery Custom Cabinets run beneath the bank of windows. On top, Leigh positioned a pair of antique urns-turned-into-lamps.
spaces didn’t fit the needs of this family of four. With a list of desires—the most important being a larger kitchen—the Ydels called on Leigh and Kevin Misso of Riverbrook Design & Construction for a makeover.
Many of the home’s rooms were bathed in light, but the small kitchen only had a single window. Reorganizing the floor plan and bumping out walls here and there gave the family the space they wanted. Now, the new kitchen features windows on two sides and 22-foot vaulted ceilings. “There are no upper cabinets, so our view is not obstructed,” Kim says. “It feels more like a living space than a typical kitchen. That
has changed the way we live in the house.”
In addition to the kitchen overhaul, the Missos created a new entry by enclosing the original front porch. “I wanted a place to welcome guests that speaks to who we are,” Kim says. Leigh draped the walls and dressed the room with a custom skirted table and a bench upholstered in navy velvet. The oak floor is stained to create a checkerboard pattern. Navy leather upholstery elevates a coat closet door. A hallway with a barrel-vault ceiling and architectural paneling extends to the rear of the house. “Scale-wise, it really makes a big impression,” Leigh says.
The couple found a new retreat in
ABOVE AND OPPOSITE, TOP: The Riverbrook team created a new formal entry by enclosing the front porch. “I am a lover of flea markets, estate sales, and antiques malls,” Kim says. “I had a bunch of treasures I wanted to highlight in this space.” A few of note: framed family crests that hang on the draped wall (opposite), and a large white lamp (above) perched on an antique buffet in front of a bank of windows. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM: A hidden door in a barrel-vault hallway opens to reveal a powder room wrapped in Schumacher’s Tortola paperweave wallpaper in the Driftwood colorway. “We played off of the pattern and color in the entry’s floor,” Leigh says. The custom suspended apron sink is crowned by a wall-mounted, unlacquered brass Waterworks faucet (Fixtures & Finishes) and an antique Italian Baroque giltwood-framed mirror.
In lieu of a formal dining room, the Ydels opted for a TV lounge space. “With two teenage girls, it just felt right. And now we all spend so much time there and on the adjoining porch,” Kim says.
the primary bed-and-bath makeover. Working within the existing envelope, the Missos reallocated spaces to make way for a larger bath and closet. Then they cloaked the space in moody and glamourous finishes. While the house felt like home from
first glance, the renovation and the decisions informed by how the family really lives in each space are what make it tailor-made for the Ydels. “The house always had good bones,” Kim says, “but now we have tweaked those bones to fit our family.”
“We
went contemporary with the casework, some of the furnishings, paint colors, and certain things that felt very bold. The introduction of antiques balances those modern appointments.”
—designer Leigh Misso
LEFT AND ABOVE: “This is the space I was so in love with when we first saw the house,” Kim says of the light-filled living room. Various conversation areas were created through furniture placement. A vintage Lee Industries sofa upholstered in blue velvet and white fringe faces the fireplace and divides the room in half. Behind the sofa, a secondary seating area includes McAlpine wingback chairs and an upholstered daybed, as well as a drop-leaf table that, when pressed into service, creates a formal dining area. The coffee table was a find from a local antiques shop. “I loved its blue patina and the sculptural bronze deer base,” Kim says. After reasearch, she discovered that it is a collector’s piece by French furniture designer ArmandAlbert Rateau. “I got it for a steal!” she says.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A daughter’s bedroom offers a raspberry-pink tone that’s equally girlish and grown-up. • The primary suite’s bath features a contemporary freestanding tub (Fixtures & Finishes) as a sculptural statement. Custom drapery panels and a Visual Comfort chandelier add a bit of drama. • For Kim’s vanity, Leigh layered an antique mirror in front of a window. • High design extends to the primary closet with center island, crystal chandelier, and Roman shade. • A daughter’s bedroom caters to her love for English style. A Capri Blue pattern by Ferrick Mason brings in the florals. • The primary suite’s shower is wrapped in Calacatta marble. The floor’s soapstone and Calacatta mosaic has the look of a rug.
In the dining room, Mary Coley used her parents’ existing furniture. As dramatic counterpoints, she added a mirror and Italian crystal chandelier from Circa Interiors & Antiques, along with a wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler for Kravet.
“We color-matched the pink ceiling and trim paint to the wallpaper,” she says.
WHEN THE McMILLANS DOWNSIZED TO A CRESTLINE COTTAGE, THEY CALLED ON DAUGHTER MARY COLEY, A CHARLOTTE-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER, TO MAKE THE HOUSE FEEL LIKE HOME.
In the den, a pair of mohair sofas flanks a fireplace wrapped in pecky cypress and a limestone surround. Cabinets on either side house blankets, games, and photo albums. A Tommy Mitchell art installation brings luster, as does the Venetian plaster ceiling.
Susanne and Tom McMillan had lived in Mountain Brook for a decade when they decided to downsize. With the help of middle daughter Luci, a local real estate agent with RealtySouth, they found a four-bedroom, two-story house in Crestline that, despite its underconstruction condition, was a perfect fit. “The previous owners wanted a project, but it became too much for them at the time,” says Mary Coley, the couple’s
oldest daughter who is a Charlottebased interior designer and founder of Studio MC. “Floors had been installed and some sheetrock was hung, but it was really just a shell.” The unfinished status gave Mary Coley the opportunity to tailor the home to her parents’ needs
RIGHT: The formal living room’s black marble fireplace surround was custom-designed from a remant of Nero Marquina Black Marble (Birmingham MarbleWorks). The painting above the sofa—an eagle over water by Kitty Williams—was commissioned in remembrance of homeowner Susanne’s late brother, Norman.
two mohair sofas face each fireplace wrapped in pecky with a limestone surround. “The little storage and we needed albums, games, and blankets cabinets on either side with Mary Coley says. A Tommy installation brings texture and walls. Venetian Plaster in Moore’s Decorator’s White (OCceiling dimension and reflects
This rising design star grew up with family in the furniture industry, studied interior design at The University of Alabama, and worked in Atlanta before starting her own business, Studio MC, in early 2022. Today, she works on projects across the Southeast in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. Here she shares a few tips for perfecting your own style.
TEAMWORK MATTERS: Success in interior design develops from the collaboration between the designer’s expertise and client’s desires. My favorite part is the reveal of the finished project.
SCALE IS EVERYTHING: Hang your drapes close to the ceiling and make sure they rest less than an inch above the floor. Do not install a rug in places where furniture does not fit. You can play around with styles, but messing with scale and balance is where you lose the custom look.
TRUST YOUR PRO: It is easy to see a photo of a look that you love on Instagram or Pinterest, but it isn’t necessarily the right look for your home. Trusting your interior designer’s opinions is crucial.
INVEST IN ART: Original art can tell a story of an experience, provide a place for your eyes to rest, or shine as the focal point of a space. It not only reflects the personality of the artist but also of the homeowners.
Mary Coley McMillan, Studio MC studio--mc.com / IG: StudioMC
The open floorplan includes the kitchen, den, and bar. “It was designed to be a lounging area,” Mary Coley explains. “To keep the space accessible, we carved out a niche for a banquette in the Calacatta Viola marble island (Birmingham MarbleWorks). A brass range hood by custom fabricator Bradford & Hines tops a European-sized La Cornue range. The portrait of the family French bulldog, Romeo, is by artist Sarah Helser.
and personalities. “They are emptynesters, but they still wanted the feel of a family home,” says the designer. To achieve this balance, Mary Coley leaned into more sophisticated furniture silhouettes, delicate finishes, and slabs of
heavily-veined marble that provided color palette inspiration.
Throughout the home, ebony-stained hardwoods and Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White provide a neutral canvas for Mary Coley’s mix of cool blues
and timeless pinks. Colors evolve from dramatic in public spaces to quiet in the more private rooms. “Just inside the front door, we created a high-drama first impression with the formal living room and dining room by showcasing their
most meaningful existing pieces while incorporating new, modern lines with upholstery and architectural elements,” says Mary Coley. “To complement the traditional dining room antiques, we installed a striking wallcovering and high
Natural stone plays a key role in the home’s overall design. “The fireplaces, kitchen island, and powder room vanity were all meticulously laid out to serve as the wow factors of each room.”
— interior designer Mary Coley McMillan
gloss on the ceiling. It brings together the old and new.” Beyond the formal spaces, the center of the main floor encompasses the kitchen, a casual dining space, and an informal den. “Plaster ceilings and marble continue the upscale vibe,” says
hand-painted silk wallcovering
Mary Coley, “but it becomes cozier as you move deeper into the home.” The nearby powder room evokes drama with a hand-painted silk wallcovering and a black mirror wall.
The wows continue in the bedrooms
The primary bedroom is a peaceful retreat thanks to walls painted Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite. Custom bedding from Leontine Linens dresses the bed in traditional white. A painting from Lucky Fish Gallery in North Carolina adds a spot of color.
Builder: Cleve Shearer, Shearer Building Company Kitchen: Banquette: Lee Industries; Pendant: Apparatus; Backsplash: Zellige Tile; Cabinets: Cantley & Company Primary bath: Lighting: Visual Comfort. Vanity and shower marble: Birmingham Marbleworks. Throughout home: Most upholstery: Lee Industries; Rugs: Hiltz Lauber; Window Treatments: Southern Drapery (to the trade); Plumbing Items: Fixtures & Finishes
“This is my room when I come to town,” Mary Coley says of the pink guest suite painted Benjamin Moore’s Inner Peach. A green velvet bed with vertical tufting on the headboard keeps things “fun and youthful but not childish,” she adds. BELOW: A console with benches underneath and art above rounds out the room.
but at a whisper volume. “The primary suite is a retreat with monochromatic tones, textures, and smooth lines,” Mary Coley says. The upstairs offers similarly restful retreats laid out in a way that caters to adult guests—namely Mary Coley, Luci, their spouses, and their younger brother Tommy.
Taking on her parents as clients was surprisingly fun and easy, according to Mary Coley. What began as an empty shell is now a home where Tom and Susanne display their personal style and welcome their children and friends. And the stunning results are a testament to this family’s close connection and esteemed heritage of style.
OPPOSITE BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: The primary bath’s wet room—with a shower and freestanding tub—has Zellige wall tile that shimmers with the natural light from the window. The entrance is cased with beautiful Oyster Green marble. • “The vanity area feels expansive with the mirrored wall, and the lighting from the sconce adds that extra luxurious impression,” Mary Coley says.
elocating to Birmingham from Jackson, Mississippi, to be closer to family, Jayne and David Westbrook were quick to seek out a community and a house where they felt at home. An introduction to designer Sean Beam years earlier made the transition seamless. They first met the designer when their daughter, Hayley, moved here for a career in television. “We joined her on a house hunt and discovered Hallman Hill in Homewood,” says Jayne. “Richard Tubb Interiors had done the model unit design. We liked it so much that we visited the store, and that’s where we met Sean.” The couple quickly engaged Sean, along with David Walker, another designer at Richard Tubb Interiors, to work on their daughter’s future home— the first of several projects that Sean would be a part of.
Since David was not quite retired from
“We
worked with a palette of neutrals including creams and ebony. There’s not a lot of pattern. It’s the perfect canvas for David’s artwork.”
—designer Sean Beam
An installment of Orbix Hot Glass by artist Cal Breed (through Gallery Services) catches two stories of light through the windows in the stairhall. Gilded-and-glass decorative boxes reside on a pair of mid 19th-century chairs from The Nest. OPPOSITE: The formal living room is open to the front and back of the house. The landscaping is by Millhouse Howell Landscape Company.
his medical practice when the couple first moved, they split time between Jackson and Birmingham, maintaining a townhouse in Mississippi and a house in Homewood where Sean was involved with the design. After too much back and forth, Jayne and David closed up the house in Mississippi and moved to their Homewood house for good—until an unsolicited offer appeared at their door that was just too good to pass up.
The Westbrooks sold their home and set about house hunting once again, calling on Sean, who had just launched his own interiors business, for help.
“Coincidentally, because of our shared love for stalking real estate listings, we found the new house at exactly the same time and called each other,” David says.
Designed by architect Hank Long and located on a private, wooded lot, the French-style house, though lovely, wasn’t
appointed in the Westbrooks’ personal style. “We looked beyond the ornate French antiques and heavy draperies and stripped it back to the refined architecture,” says Sean. “Then we could see how the house could be reimagined.”
Floor-to-ceiling windows and airy living spaces became cleaner, more modern, and lighter thanks to the couple’s restrained style and Sean’s ability to interpret it. “We ‘shopped’ their Homewood and Jackson
houses for furnishings and relocated the items to their new spaces. Everything just worked,” Sean says. “The only thing we bought new for this house was the living room sofa.” The designer claims the easy transition between homes is thanks to the
classic pieces the Westbrooks bought over the years. “We never went with anything that was too trendy,” he says.
The neutral palette shines with a play of contrasts, shadow, and light—and, of course, David’s personal art, a hobby
ABOVE: “If you are from Mississippi, you likely have at least one piece of McCarty,” says Jayne of her collection that fills a wall of shelves in the casual den. “People love to use the pieces for weddings and entertaining.” (mccartyspottery.com) LEFT: The den is a comfortable place for family and pets, DD and Smokey, to gather. Walls are painted Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore. A bay window looks out onto the forested lot filled with beech trees. All of the paintings are by David.
that began at age 13 in his hometown of Lexington, Mississippi. “I took lessons from a teacher who mostly taught me to paint still lifes of things around us,” says David. “But she also introduced me to church icons, an interest of hers.”
After those early lessons, David put his art aside. Many years later, Jayne encouraged him to pick up his charcoal and brushes again at age 40.
Now, David’s hobby is in full force as he creates pieces that he, Jayne, and his children cherish. “All of the artwork in the house was done by David,” Sean says.
Walking through the home, it’s a surprise to realize that the varied styles
ABOVE: The French-style home by architect Hank Long was transformed into a cool retreat under Sean’s guiding hand. “Opening it up really allowed us to see the architecture,” Jayne says. “We were able to appreciate the quality and detail of everything—down to the doorknobs.”
LEFT: The breakfast nook features a Hockney-inspired work by David. The room looks out onto the deck, making bird-watching a pleasure. RIGHT: The foyer, painted Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore, envelopes guests into the home’s serene palette. The lantern is original to the home.
are by a single artist. David claims his diverse subjects and mediums are due to boredom. “I like to experiment with materials and subject matter. It’s a way to continue learning and keep it interesting,” he says. When asked what his favorite medium is, he laughs and says it’s always mixed. “You start with charcoal. If you happen to spill a little wine, it becomes a watercolor—but I usually finish with oil.” And now, the many fruits of his labor perfectly personalize the couple’s new home.
Interior design: Sean Beam Design, IG: @seanbeamdesign Contractor: Martin McCayna Interior; Painters: Lipsey Painting and Chris Young Painting Company; Sisal rugs: Billy Brown
Andiamo Lodge, one of our favorite getaways in Mentone, Alabama, is celebrating its three-year anniversary. “Andiamo means ‘let’s go’ in Italian,” says Colleen Duffley, who moved with her husband and business partner Steve Carpenter from Florida’s 30A to the mountains for a change of scenery and a new venture. “It seemed like the perfect name for our vision,” she says. “Our goal was to create a place to curate memories through outdoor activities, relaxation, and of course, food.”
The husband-and-wife team enjoys perfecting their own signature recipes while also learning from the guest chefs they host. Colleen says the culinary experiences have been one of the biggest attractions for guests. “Food is at the heart of Andiamo Lodge, from the first bite of a dish to the final sip of a perfectly paired wine or signature cocktail.”
Here, Colleen shares some of her favorite breakfast recipes that continue to stand the test of time at Andiamo—and are certain to become favorites at your own table.
For more about Andiamo Lodge and its upcoming events, or to book your stay, visit andiamolodge.com
1 cup grits (recipe of your choice)
2 cups whipping cream*
2 cups chicken stock
2 to 3 tablespoons butter
Red pepper flakes
Roasted garlic, if desired
2 cups white cheddar (I use a Gruyère/cheddar blend.)
Combine all ingredients except the cheese. Bring to a simmer, and cover. Stir often. After 15 minutes, add the cheese. Cover and keep stirring for about 10 minutes.
*You can use milk instead of cream
BAKED EGGS
Mixture of vegetables (I like to use mushrooms, onions, and red and yellow peppers.)
Cheese Grits (recipe above)
2 cups white cheddar cheese
3 eggs
Herbs for garnish
Sauté vegetables and set aside. In a baking dish, pour grits on the bottom. Layer the vegetables and half of the cheddar cheese. Crack the eggs and pour over the top. Layer the other half of the cheese.
Bake until eggs are slightly runny (or firmer if you prefer). Garnish with herbs, and serve with toast or bread
MAKES 1 COFFEE
Just a few ingredients make this classic whiskeyand-coffee drink—perfect for chilly weather or a Sunday brunch.
IRISH COFFEE
1 ounce Demerara Syrup (see recipe below)
1½ ounces Irish whiskey
6 ounces strong brewed coffee
Whipped Cream (see recipe below)
Freshly grated nutmeg
Pour 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of Demerara syrup in the bottom of a coffee mug. Pour in the whiskey and a little bit of the coffee. Stir well. Top with more coffee, leaving about ½ inch at the top of the mug. Gently spoon the Whipped Cream over the top, and sprinkle a little fresh nutmeg.
WHIPPED CREAM
1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
While the coffee steeps, make the whipped cream. The whipped cream is the best part! The trick is to not whip it too much; otherwise it just floats on top without mixing into the coffee. Combine the cold heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste in a mixing bowl and whisk until just thickened, right before soft peaks form.
DEMERARA SYRUP
1 cup Demerara sugar
½ cup water
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. NOTE: The syrup and whipped cream make enough for several Irish coffees.
MAKES 10-12 SCONES
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
4 green onions, thinly sliced
10 slices cooked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1½ cups buttermilk
1 large egg
2 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 400°, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper on low speed. With the mixer running, gradually add butter until the mixture is crumbly and butter lumps are no larger than the size of small peas. Add grated cheese, and stir just until blended.
Add green onions, bacon, and ¾ cup buttermilk. Mix by hand just until the ingredients are incorporated; be careful not to overmix. If dough is too dry to hold together, use remaining buttermilk, adding 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is pliable and can be formed into a ball. Be careful to stir as little as possible throughout the process. Remove the dough from the bowl, and place it on a lightly floured surface or on a piece of floured parchment paper. Form the dough into a ball. Using a well-floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle about 10 inches wide and ½-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 to 12 wedges.
Whisk the egg and water in a small mixing bowl to combine. Brush each wedge with egg wash. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.
1 ruby red grapefruit
1 to 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or sugar in the raw Mint sprigs
Dash of Maldon salt
Slice grapefruit in half, and section with a knife. Sprinkle with sugar. Brûlée with kitchen torch, or broil in oven. Chop mint, and sprinkle on top. Sprinkle with dash of salt and serve.
hen most people think of Florida’s Walton County, they envision the height of summer when Sandestin and Scenic Highway 30A are teeming with vacationers. Once temperatures cool, however, Walton County’s charms become more evident—and accessible. You’ll find emptier beaches and open tables in some of the area’s favorite restaurants. Plan your trip during this quiet season to enjoy the slower pace and all that it has to offer. Don’t forget to pack a sweater!
In addition to uncrowded beaches, you can explore area nature trails. Point Washington State Forest offer vistas of the region’s rare dune lakes and access to Eden Gardens State Park, a 163-acre site with a historic mansion surrounded by ancient oaks. Interested in biking, or even easier, E-biking? The Timpoochee Trail runs parallel to 30A, connecting views of the Gulf, lakes, and charming architecture. Set aside time to pop in and out of iconic communities including Seaside, WaterColor, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach.
There are several gems of boutique hotels in Walton County. Most recently, Miramar Beach welcomed Hotel Effie, an Autograph Collection hotel. Guests can relax at the rooftop pool or enjoy a spa day, all within walking distance of shops and entertainment at Baytowne Wharf. For dinner, take a seat at Ovide to sample Gulf and Southern favorites from James Beard award-winning Chef Acheson. For a round or two of golf in the milder temperatures, book a stay at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
Before you get to the beach, check out historic DeFuniak Springs to admire its perfectly round lake (one of only two naturally circular lakes in the world) and elaborately adorned Victorian homes. Grab a bite at Café Nola, and drop by Perla Baking Co. to stock up on artisanal breads, pastries, and handmade chocolates. Then swing by Chautauqua Winery for a tasting of their wines crafted from native muscadine grapes. Be sure to pack a bottle for a toast at the beach or to enjoy back home.
