Birmingham Home & Garden - Sept/Oct 2022

We are highlighting our latest and greatest treatments that will help you look and feel your best!

VIVACÈ: Turn back the clock and look 4-7 years younger. Vivace uses radio frequency microneedling to tighten the skin, improve tone and texture, minimize pore size and even contour the cheeks and jawline.

BOTOX: Dr. Gunn is an experienced injector that is careful to deliver natural looking results while smoothing ne lines and wrinkles.

FILLER: Sculpt, contour, and stimulate collagen and elastin with your favorite ller. Dr. Gunn will help you decide which one is best for your skin during a cosmetic consult.

HYDRAFACIAL & DIAMOND

GLOW: Two of our most popular facials that will cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin leaving you with a beautiful glow!

IPL: If you’re struggling with pigmentation or rosacea especially at the end of the summer after extra sun exposure, this can minimize redness and brown spots.

PHYSIQ: Destroy fat and build muscle with our favorite body contouring device.

Book your appointment today! gunndermatology.com 205-415-7536

Follow us on Instagram @gunndermatology

Crestline Location: 32 Church Street 2nd Location COMING SOON to Mountain Brook Village

BEYOND a house.

Every goal, every effort put forth throughout your day is vital to creating the life you envision for yourself and your family. At Bryant Bank, we’re here to help you get into that home you’ve been dreaming of and exceed every expectation along the way.

Let one of our experienced local mortgage professionals walk you through every step of the mortgage process — and beyond.

Connect with a Bryant Mortgage Lender today. bryantbank.com/mortgage

Banking beyond expectation.

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

{ vol. 20 no. 5 }

gardens

18 Antiques at the Gardens

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens presents an array of renowned designers and tastemakers as it celebrates the 16th annual event.

48 Full Circle

For Allison Stephens, gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a labor of love and a way to give back.

living well

29 Let’s Go to Mentone

Discover Andiamo Lodge, a hidden escape full of rustic elegance designed to stimulate the senses.

homes

32 No Place Like Home

A renovation puts the spotlight on the cherished collections from these homeowners’ global travels.

42 Harmonious Second Home

A year-round Lake Martin retreat beautifully blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living.

architecture

36 Award-Winning Design

Birmingham’s award-winning architects are celebrated by the local chapter of AIA (American Institute of Architecture).

travel

56 High Hampton

This beloved Mountain retreat celebrates its 100th year by welcoming guests with fresh updates and favorite activities.

65 Barnsley Resort

The north Georgia getaway offers top-notch service, adventure, and relaxation amid the ruins of a 19th-century home and garden.

68 Windsor Court

Experience the quieter side of New Orleans at this sophisticated respite filled with elegance and tradition.

recipes

79 A Twist on an Old Favorite Half an hour is all it takes for this dinner party favorite.

82 Dining Out

Chef and owner Adam Evans whips up bold flavor at his popular downtown establishment.

Special Sections

22 Antiques & Vintage

Join the hunt! Preview these local shops for items large and small guaranteed to add interest and patina to your home.

72 Above & Beyond

Meet the shops and services that continue to exceed our expectations.

birminghamhomeandgarden

E

LORETHE P OSSI B ILITIES

B E INS P IRE D.

E XP LORETHE P OSSI B ILITIES B E INS P IRE D.

VW Gallerie, Birmingham’s state of the art

VW Gallerie is Birmingham’s most state of the art

VW Gallerie is Birmingham’s most state of the art interactive plumbing design center. Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your kitchen or bath, or simply refreshing your fixtures, VW Gallerie consultants will guide you to quality products that represent your style. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service so your experience with us is an enjoyable one.

interactive plumbing design center, showcases the finest curated kitchen and bath products by some of the most respected manufacturers in the industry. Whether you are searching for uniquely distinctive or purely functional fixtures, VW Gallerie is the choice for the discriminating consumer who desires to create an extraordinary kitchen and bath.

interactive plumbing design center. Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your kitchen or bath, or simply refreshing your fixtures, VW Gallerie consultants will guide you to quality products that represent your style. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service so your experience with us is an enjoyable one.

It’s a short drive to one of our three convenient locations. Call and schedule your appointment

It’s a short drive to one of our three convenient locations. Call and schedule your appointment today.

Call and schedule your consultation appointment at one of our three convenient locations, or if you’re in the neighborhood, you are always welcome to come in and explore.

B IRMINGHA M

PE LHA M

PE LHA

3320 2NDAVENUE S

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222 PELHAM, AL 35124

B IRMINGHA M 3320 2NDAVENUE S BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222 PELHAM, AL 35124 TUSCALOOSA, AL 35403 205.324.9521

221 INDUSTRIAL PARK DR 205.663.1336

INDUSTRIAL PARK DR 205.663.1336

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM

TUSCALOOS A 712 20TH AVENUE 205.758.8621

TUSCALOOS A 712 20TH AVENUE 205.758.8621

TUSCALOOSA, AL 35403 205.324.9521

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM • APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

www.vwplumbingsupply.com

www.vwplumbingsupply.com

FROM THE EDITOR

It’s not our furniture, artwork, or collections. Rather it’s the experiences we share with our loved ones inside our homes. is realization came to me as I learned that my hometown church in Oxford, Mississippi, burned. For me and the community where I grew up, College Hill Presbyterian was home—a sacred space that stood as a landmark for almost 200 years. For Oxford, it was a piece of history. Union troops camped on its grounds in the Civil War, and author William Faulkner was married there. It was a place cherished by both locals and Ole Miss students. e sanctuary and surrounding church yard witnessed to countless potluck dinners, engagements, weddings, funerals, and clandestine sorority initiations. For me, it was the place where I made my rst childhood friends, as well as where I was baptized, memorized the catechism, and learned old-fashioned hymns that I still know every single word to.

e Greek Revival structure, surrounded by stalwart rows of grand old cedars, fragrant magnolias, and maple trees that o ered their branches to climbing children, represented authenticity and humility in every way. Its bricks were red on the site, and the pulpit and pews were the original furnishings. e tall, stained-glass windows were simple—double rows of plain glass rectangles tinted in a rainbow of colors—but when the sun came through, it looked like heaven itself was shining on the smooth plaster walls inside the sanctuary.

In the Bible, the church is never referred to as a building—the church is the people. Re ecting on the loss of my church building, I thought about the homes and places in this issue. Whether dedicated to family gatherings or created as a travel destination to be loved by generations, these havens are remarkable works of architecture and design—but more than that, they are the envelopes for living, laughing, and celebrating. ese are the places where we should share the best kinds of moments—spending time with family and friends while cherishing the memories that shape our lives—just like the ones I have from College Hill.

Peace.

Birmingham Home & Garden is published bimonthly in addition to two special issues by PMT Publishing Inc. © 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Birmingham Home & Garden, 3324 Independence Drive, Homewood, Alabama 35209, 205.802.6363.

Letters to the editor are welcome. Please query the editor before sending unsolicited articles or photographs. Moving? Please send the old label along with your new address to Birmingham Home & Garden, P.O. Box 923773, Norcross, GA 30010-3373.

Recently, I was reminded of what makes our homes truly meaningful.

PUBLISHER / Walker Sorrell wsorrell@pmtpublishing.com

EDITOR / Cathy Still McGowin csmcgowin@pmtpublishing.com

ART DIRECTOR / Derek Gaylard

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR / Vic Wheeler

PHOTOGRAPHER / Jean Allsopp

WEB EDITORS / Mattie Naman, Kathryn Bell

COPY EDITOR / Julie Gillis

RECIPE EDITOR / Leslie Byars Register

CONTRIBUTORS / Cara D. Clark, Colleen Du ey, Charlie Thigpen, Paige Townley, Christiana Roussel

ADVERTISING / SALES

Traci Owen 205.802.6363 ext. 110 towen@pmtpublishing.com

Hope Roddam 205.802.6363 ext. 114 hroddam@pmtpublishing.com

DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED

MEDIA & EVENTS / Sheila Wardy, Amanda Hartin

ADMINISTRATION / OFFICE MANAGER Lauren Sullivan

ACCOUNTING / Keith Crabtree

CIRCULATION / DISTRIBUTION Anita Miller Advertising Sales O ce: 3324 Independence Drive Homewood, Alabama 35209 O ce: 205.802.6363 / Fax: 205.802.6393

TO SUBSCRIBE OR FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, CALL 1-833-454-5060 or visit birminghamhomeandgarden.com

T.J. POTTS / President

THOMAS E. MCMILLAN / Partner & Director PMT Publishing Inc.

3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609

Birmingham Home & Garden, Saunders Bradford Building Company, and designer Adam Gerndt can’t wait for you to experience our next Inspiration Home!

Our doors are opening November 2022.

Stay tuned for updates on our pages and in social media.

Welcome to Vestavia Hills

We’re almost ready to welcome you into our next Inspiration Home. Located on Chestnut Street in Vestavia Hills, the home will be a beautiful addition to the tree- lled neighborhood. Adam Gerndt designed this family-friendly plan with the master on main, three bedrooms and three baths upstairs, and an open-concept living space. Other features include a wet-room shower (the bath will be in the shower), two replaces, beamed ceilings in the den, and a two-car garage beneath a screened outdoor room. ere’s also a full basement with bath that could serve as guest quarters or a media room. “ e house brings authentic scale to the neighborhood,” Adam says. “It’s not overblown, but it’s not a small cottage. It’s designed to grow with the family.”

Benefi ing

The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs provides early intervention services in a center-based program in Birmingham. Infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay receive services from transdisciplinary teams which include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speechlanguage pathologist, and an early childhood special education teacher as each child works on individual goals.

Meet the Team

BUILDER: Mitch Bradford | Saunders Bradford Building Company

Mitch Bradford is the owner and operator of Saunders Bradford Building Company. He strives to provide the best in the business for quality, organization, and customer experience. Custom construction is what he knows, and working together with talented team-oriented people is what he desires. He has been in the business for over 18 years helping customers build the home of their dreams.

DESIGN: Adam Gerndt | Adams Gerndt Design Group

Adams Gerndt Design Group has completed lake houses, farmhouses, mountain houses, hunting camps, beach houses, and primary residences. With every project, they strive to maximize investment, select materials and processes that will ensure longevity, and develop innovative designs. Their use of regional materials, vernacular forms, and sensitivity to the site leads to timeless designs.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Craig Smith & Fletcher Smith | Curb Appeal

From landscape design/ build projects to landscape management services, Fletcher Smith and his team’s business was built on repeat customers and referrals because of their commitment to excellence.

Whether clients are looking for a tranquil backyard retreat, a play space for kids, or professional property maintenance, Curb Appeal can help.

INTERIOR DESIGN LIAISON: Britney Bradford, Neylan Design

Britney Bradford is the owner of the interior design firm Neylan Design. Helping her clients curate an environment that meets their needs, reflects their lifestyle, and inspires them daily is her greatest passion.

September 29–October 2, 2022

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to celebrate the 16th Antiques at the Gardens (AATG) this fall. Presented by First Horizon Bank and featuring textile sponsor Sister Parish Design, Birmingham’s premier antiques show will include talks by nationally and internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, landscape architects, and furniture designers.

The show kicks o on September 29th with Gala in the Gardens, sponsored by Cooper Construction. Enter the show through the special garden entrance created by Millhouse Howell, and visit 22 celebrated dealers o ering furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home décor, and garden accessories.

For tickets, show schedule, speaker bios, and dealer information, visit bbgardens.org/antiques . Follow show announcements and reveals on Facebook and Instagram @antiquesgardensbham .

2022 Show Ambassador Richard Keith Langham

Alabama-born and Manhattanbased, Richard Keith Langham has been a force in the decorating world for more than 30 years. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and attending the Center for the History of Fine and Decorative Arts in London, Langham apprenticed with design legend Mark Hampton. He then spent 10 years with Irvine & Fleming before founding his own firm in 1990. Langham’s keen eye and ebullient talent serve well in assembling his signature rooms—those that speak to the past in a fresh way and are brimming with luscious color, pattern, and couture detailing. Perhaps no one summed up his aesthetics better than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who once proclaimed him to have “a sorcerer’s eye.”

Friday, September 30

Red Diamond Lecture Series Sponsored by Red Diamond, Inc.

KEN FULK

For over 30 years, interior designer Ken Fulk has crafted some of the most enchanting spaces around the globe. The designer—who has been named to the Architectural Digest AD100 and Elle Decor A-List and has been twice nominated for a James Beard Award for his hospitality projects—is known for his signature blend of cinematic flair and layered spaces. He is the author of The Movie in My Mind in which Fulk takes readers behind the scenes of some of his most extravagant endeavors. In 2018, he founded Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local artists at revitalized historic landmarks in San Francisco and Provincetown. Followed by book signing.

LEWIS MILLER

Creator of the viral Flower Flash, Lewis Miller was born and raised in California farm country, where he developed a respect for nature at a very young age. Miller is the founder of LMD New York, Lewis Miller Design, one of the premier floral design houses in New York City, with a new second o ce in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is the author of Styling Nature: A Masterful Approach to Floral Arrangement and FLOWER FLASH. Miller’s Flower Flashes are street art floral installations repurposed from events to create pop-up street installations. He has expanded these from New York to Los Angeles, Miami, Charlottesville, and Nashville. Miller’s goal is to continue this work and bring joy and surprise to urban neighborhoods and city dwellers. Followed by book signing.

Saturday, October 1

VERANDA PANEL Presented by Veranda magazine

MODERATOR: Steele Marcoux, Editor in Chief, Veranda Followed by book signings.

BRANDON INGRAM

Georgia native Brandon Ingram’s eponymous firm, C. Brandon Ingram Design, is an Atlanta-based residential design firm with major concentration on custom homes, historic renovations, and architectural interiors. Drawing inspiration from classic and traditional architecture of the past, the firm artistically crafts homes that are not only rooted in history but also unique and of their time. A sense of charm, character, and familiarity created through subtle, honest details has become a hallmark of the CBI portfolio. A Georgia Tech alumnus and four-time winner of the prestigious Philip Trammell Shutze Award for excellence in Classical Design from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, Ingram has designed classic, traditional homes across the country.

JANICE PARKER

Janice Parker studied at Parsons School of Design and then with John Brookes at the Clock House School of Garden Design in England. Her firm, Janice Parker Landscape Architects, has conceptualized and directed innovative landscape architecture for private and public clients globally. Under Parker’s guidance, Janice Parker Landscape Architects has been honored with multiple awards, including the Stanford White Award for Garden Design, the Professional Merit Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Interior Design’s Best of Year Award for Residential Landscape in 2020, and the Veranda Best in Outdoor Living Awards in 2020 and 2022. Parker was inducted into the New England Design Hall of Fame in 2017.

STEPHEN SILLS

Stephen Sills is renowned for his ability not only to design innovative and beautiful rooms but also to establish a pervasive atmosphere of luxury and calm. With a fresh approach to classicism, Sills brings together furnishings that span four centuries, as well as innovative choices of surfaces, textures, and colors. Architectural Digest described his work as “a lucid synthesis of opulence, rigor, and surprise.” Sills is a member of the Architectural Digest AD100 and is one of its “30 Deans of American Design.” His Bedford residence is included in Dominic Bradbury’s American Designers at Home and HGTV’s “Top 10 Most Beautiful Homes.” Elle Decor named Sills a “titan of design,” and he routinely appears on its annual “A List.” Sills’ third monograph, Stephen Sills—A Vision for Design, will be available this fall.

SUMMER THORNTON

Summer Thornton is known for decorating with the wildest abandon to create fearlessly bold and colorful interiors that give homes life. Her first book, Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating, debuted in March and was an immediate No. 1 new release and best seller. Thornton’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and more. She is regularly named to exclusive lists of the top designers in the world, including the “1stDibs 50” list and Sotheby’s list of the “Top 20 Designers to Watch.” Thornton’s style inspires 100K+ followers on Instagram and is often imitated but never replicated. Headquartered in Chicago, her firm works on projects throughout North America.

Saturday, October 1

Alex Papachristidis

Presented by FLOWER magazine

The work of interior decorator Alex Papachristidis has been described as thoughtful, sophisticated, and eclectic. Papachristidis has inspired editors, designers, and clients to use the word “fresh” to define his elegant approach, color palette, and the delightful details that make rooms sizzle with style. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, House & Garden, InStyle, and The New York Times. He also is the author of The Age of Elegance: Interiors by Alex Papachristidis. Followed by book signing.

Sunday, October 2

James Farmer, Sunday Host

James Farmer is a Southern author, interior designer, and speaker known for his ability to create beautifully familiar and welcoming homes.

Sunday with Kreis Beall

Sponsored by The Travel Studio

He is the author of The Wall Street Journal best-selling books A Time to Plant; Sip & Savor; Porch Living; Wreaths for All Seasons; A Time to Cook; Dinner on the Grounds; A Time to Celebrate; and A Place to Call Home. His most recent publication, Arriving Home, features projects from the farmlands of Georgia to the rolling countryside of Connecticut. Kreis Beall is co-founder of Blackberry Farm, an award-winning Relais & Chateaux resort in the Smoky Mountains. Beall has a passion for the art of living, a love of beauty, and a knack for transforming big dreams into real, uncontrived elegance. She is also author of The Great Blue Hills of God, based on the challenges she has faced, including the loss of her house, her health, and her husband. Followed by book signing.

Sunday, October 2

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL DESIGN PANEL

Moderator: Carisha Swanson, Director of Editorial Special Projects, House Beautiful magazine Followed by book signing.

BETSY BROWN

Betsy Brown’s namesake firm, Betsy Brown Inc., specializes in comfortable, collected spaces where modernist sensibilities form the foundation and antiquities create exquisite tension and balance. Brown’s body of work is filled with intelligent homes that genuinely reflect her clients’ true nature. She has been honored with numerous awards, including Southeastern Designer of the Year by Veranda and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, as well as Top 125 Designers by House Beautiful.

JEFFREY DUNGAN

Je rey Dungan is principal of Alabamabased Je rey Dungan Architects. Recognized for his clean, modern approach to traditional vernaculars and classical architecture, Dungan has been honored with the 2017 Southeast Architect of the Year award by Veranda and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, as well as numerous awards from the American Institute of Architects. Dungan also is the author of The Nature of Home: Creating Timeless Houses.

GRANT TRICK

Furniture maker and artisan Grant Trick is the founder of his namesake furniture upholstery workroom in Birmingham. Trick began his career as a sportswear designer in New York, followed by creative stints as a showroom designer and propmaker for various fashion brands. Through his Alabama company, he hand-tailors, hand-tufts, and hand-sews custom pieces for the design industry. Trick’s namesake furniture line, the Grant Trick Collection, is available through select trade showrooms.

Antiques, Vintage & Art

Start your hunt for fabulous finds at these favorite Birmingham galleries.

428 Main Avenue • Northport, AL • 205.200.1968 / 205.799.1785 adamsantiques@gmail.com • adamsantiquesandthepotager.com adams_antiques_the_potager

Tuesday-Friday 10-5 / Saturday 10-4

Adams Antiques is a family business located in beautiful, historic downtown Northport directly across the river from downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We are direct importers of European antique furniture and accessories for the home and garden. We specialize in Provencal French, but we also carry Gustavian, Italian, and English antiques. We generally make two buying trips a year in fall and spring.

1818 28th Avenue South Homewood, AL 35209 205-266-7444 carriepittman.com

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm or by appointment Commissioned art

info@beverlymcneilgallery.com 205-328-1761

605 28th Street S Birmingham, AL 35233

Griffith Art Gallery, celebrating 35 wonderful years in the original location on Highway 31, just 3 miles south of the Riverchase Galleria, is the premier source for world famous, up-and-coming, and emerging artists. With a dynamic inventory of more than 1,000 paintings, twin brothers Rick and Dave Griffith procure beautiful, hand-painted, original artwork to fit any budget. The gallery currently has a very special collection of early 20th century deceased masters.

Griffith Art Gallery extends a very generous approval program to ensure clients are absolutely delighted with their art selections. The full-service gallery also produces custom-designed, hand-crafted custom framing with expert navigation throughout the process. Most framing orders are completed in less than a week, usually the next day, and very often while you wait. You are cordially invited to stop in and experience the South’s greatest collection of art and frames.

Sales

Repairs

Restoration

Upholstery

Drapery

2424 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 205.323.6036 hannaantiques.com Monday-Saturday 10-5

Hanna

Rooms and Rooms of antiques, curiosities and fun!

2142 Tyler Road Hoover, AL 35226 205.903.0585 • lizlanegallery.com lizlanegallery lizlaneart Tuesday-Saturday 10-5

Liz Lane is a nationally known painter and the CEO of Liz Lane Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Homewood, Alabama with a second location in Asheville, North Carolina opening soon. Her studios are located inside her galleries. She also represents a carefully curated collection of other emerging and well known artists, including her mother, Lorrie Lane.

1900 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL 35223 205-918-0505 www.henhouseantiques.com Henhouse.Antiques97 henhouseantiques

Tuesday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 11-4 Closed Sunday and Monday

4300 1st Avenue South • Birmingham, AL 35222 205.323.6033 • lolofrenchantiques.com

Lolo French Antiques et More lolofrenchantiques Monday-Friday 10-5 / Saturday 11-4

Lolo French Antiques et More offers one of the South’s most impressive collections of period and style pieces dating from the 17th to mid-20th century. With 30 years experience buying and importing French antiques, owner Laurent Gouon has the knowledge needed to help you make your most important antique purchases.

2816 Culver Rd • Mountain Brook • 205.870.4560

villagefirefly@att.net

village_firefly

Monday-Friday 10-5 Village Firefly offers antique, vintage and modern lighting. We have a large selection of contemporary lampshades and traditional pleated shades in elegant silks and linens as well as a collection of colorful printed shades. In addition we offer custom made lampshades to fit your specific needs using your fabrics or fabrics from our own stock. Bring your lamps in or choose from our lamp selection and have Elizabeth and Sharon help maximize your space. Many of these treasures are the beginnings of one-of-a-kind lamps.

We believe that modern is designed intentionally, with passion & vision.

We’re here to help envision & create a room that fills your life with beauty & modern sensibility.

Soho Retro

2805 18th Street South • Homewood,Alabama 35209 • 205.870.7655

Facebook.com/sohoretro • Instagram: soho_retro • steve@shopsohoretro.com

OpenThursday, Friday, & Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Modern.Vintage.Antique.

2847 Culver Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205.871.6233

The Atchison Gallery was born over 25 years ago in what began as a unique art service shop known as Village Framers. The gallery has developed into a major source of fine original art throughout the Southeast. With local, regional and international artists, it continues to provide the finest contemporary and traditional art, custom framing, delivery and installation services to residential and corporate clients and the design industry.

LET’S GO TO MENTONE!

Andiamo Lodge in north Alabama welcomes guests to a refined, elegantly rustic retreat with great food, beautifully appointed interiors, and more than enough options for relaxing or adventure.

Text by CATHY STILL MCGOWIN Photography by COLLEEN DUFFLEY

Colleen Du ey and Steve Carpenter, owners of Andiamo Lodge.

For Steve Carpenter and Colleen Du ey, it was a marriage and partnership resulting in Andiamo Lodge—a destination on Lookout Mountain that is as experiential as it is exceptional in both service and detail. “Andiamo means let’s go in Italian,” says Colleen. “It seemed like the perfect name for our vision. Our goal was to create a place to curate memories for folks. Let’s go cook, let’s go hike, let’s go bike, let’s go relax, let’s go create.”

Colleen and Steve, both based on Florida’s 30-A, discovered Mentone while looking for a weekend getaway. “We wanted something less crowded, and we fell in love with this place from day one,” Colleen says. “ e trails, scenery, and nature are incredible.” e couple bought a cottage on Little River, and when Colleen began posting photographs on Instagram, it drew attention from family and friends hoping to visit. “We wanted to share what we had, but we didn’t have room in our home,” Colleen says. “One day, we rode our bikes into Mentone and discovered a ‘for sale’ sign in front of a rundown lodge that was once a church camp. Steve and I looked at each other, and the rest is history.”

ANDIAMO’S FALL CALENDAR:

October (date TBD)

Guest Chef Jason Palin

October 8

Gardening with Gardenuity

October 15

Wellness with Hans Ru ert

October 16

Encaustic Class with Vicki Lee

November (date TBD)

Yoga with Melissa Davis

November 5

Mountain Film on Tour (open-air film festival)

November 18-20

Trail running with Hoka shoes / Fleet Feet, Chattanooga

Opened in January 2022 after a 9-month renovation, the main lodge o ers six rooms, each well-appointed with crisp linens, a replace, a private bath, and curated décor—antiques, collections, and art nds. A separate twobedroom cottage with full kitchen is also available. Both cottages enjoy the lodge’s indoor and outdoor dining spaces, as well as the common living room appointed with comfy seating areas surrounding a stacked stone replace.

Guests may nd themselves in the chef-style kitchen, the spot where Colleen

and Steve (Steve is chef and owner of Crabby Steve’s and two other restaurants in and around Seacrest, Florida) whip up morning spreads of mu ns, baconcheddar scones, banana bread, fruit and yogurt, and breakfast burritos. Afternoons are met with homemade ice cream in avors such as lemon lavender, cherry, peanut butter cup, mint chocolate chip, and lemon basil. “I’m obsessed with ice cream,” Colleen says. And at ve o’clock, guests are treated to delectable nibbles and artisanal libations from the fully-stocked bar housed in an antique wardrobe (culled from an auction during Colleen’s days as a

“If ever I run away from home, it will be to the Andiamo Lodge in Mentone, Alabama. It’s a refuge and a retreat, but mostly it’s a stylishly comfortable place to recharge.”

—Sandra Allen, guest

What happens when a restauranteur and a withphotographer an unsatiable creative side come together?

photographer for Southern Living ).

Colleen says no day or menu is exactly the same. “Most guests allow us to curate their vacation with meals and experiences,” she says. ose experiences range from yoga to mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking, as well as weekend events and classes with special guests and instructors.

“Steve and I call it Magical Mentone,” says Colleen. “We both enjoy taking care of people and sharing this special place that we love.”

Text By PAIGE TOWNLEY / Photography by JEAN ALLSOPP

ome people travel the world over in search of adventure.

is Vestavia couple, however, must look no further than their own living room.

Practically every area of the space features pieces from their many globetrotting escapades—special memories or stories from faraway places

brought to mind by each and every one.

But the home wasn’t always such a personalized haven for the owners. In fact, for many years, the couple felt quite out of sync with their house. “ e style was a little all over the place, not only with the design, but also with the functionality,” the homeowner says. “We wanted the space to have character, comfort, and cohesion, but

Architect Carrie Taylor designed the modern staircase. Its clean lines and bright white walls highlight two wooden oars the homeowners purchased on a visit to Hawaii. For years, the oars sat in a closet becausethe homeowners didn’t know how to properly display them. Catori Design House had them custom-hung to serve as a stand-out centerpiece in the home.

we needed help to make that happen.”

ankfully, the couple knew just where to turn to bring that vision to life and transform their outdated house into a comfortable yet carefully-curated home. It all began with a meticulous renovation orchestrated by architect Carrie Taylor, who artfully reimagined the disconnected areas. She began by opening up the

“The entire house was designed to showcase the homeowners’ incredible collections.

Every piece has a story to tell, and that story is carried from room to room.”

—Terra Mimikakis, Catori Design House

ABOVE: Custom steel cabinets with glass shelving served as a driving force in the design of the dining room. The cabinets provide plenty of space to display small pieces from the homeowners’ travels, such as wooden bowls, blown-glass items, and small pieces of artwork. The thin, almost translucent Hawaiian bowls on the dining table are made from Norfolk pine, which was originally brought to Hawaii to form masts for ships.

kitchen to the rest of the main living area and adding doors o the space to make movement to and from the backyard easier. She also took great care in the small details, removing traditional elements such as trayed ceilings and incorporating custom moldings and recessed lighting with clean lines for a more modern touch.

For the kitchen details, Carrie worked with Kristi Freeman and Terra Mimikakis of Catori Design House to meticulously plan out every feature for the homeowners, both avid entertainers. “Even the insides of the cabinets were speci cally designed so that every item has a home,” Kristi says. “ e sizes

of some cabinets were determined by the size of the appliances. And we added outlets and charging stations in certain spots so that appliances can be used without even moving them. Functionality would be an

understatement in this kitchen.”

To continue refreshing and reimagining what the space should be, Kristi and Terra out tted each room with comfortable, modern nishes that complement the homeowners’ art and

—the homeowner

collections. “ e design was really driven by those collections,” Kristi says. “I don’t think there is an accessory in the home that doesn’t have a story behind it.”

e challenge became creating spaces and places to display the wide variety of items. Working with an array of art, blown glass, and wooden bowls, Kristi and Terra creatively showcased the pieces in speci c spots, from the étagères in the living room to the glass-and-steel cabinets in the dining room. e designers also reframed all of the artwork to better coordinate with the modern space.

For the furniture, the duo selected

artisan and custom furniture, such as the running man console table in the living room and the metallic, eggshaped co ee table in the living room, to underscore the contemporary vibe. And adding to the wordly theme of the home, the dining room sports a black elm tabletop produced in a small northern Italian town just miles from where the homeowner’s mother grew up. Even with such a variety of pieces throughout the house, the end result is a comfortable, cohesive space that feels more like a relaxing retreat—no passport required.

RESOURCES: Interior Designer: Catori Design House Architect: Carrie Taylor Architect, Builder: Slate Barganier, slatebarganier.com Kitchen cabinets: Parsons Custom Cabinetry Kitchen and bathroom hardware: Brandino Brass Appliances: Allsouth Appliance Group Countertops/ backsplash: Triton Stone Group Rugs: Ben Soleimani and 18th Street Orientals Lighting: Circa Lighting

The Art of Display

From artwork to ceramics and antiques to tiny trinkets, there’s something truly special in seeking out unique finds— especially while traveling throughout the country or across the globe. Even better is bringing these items home and turning the collections into decorative focal points on full display. But figuring out how to do so in a beautifully balanced way can be over–whelming. Kristi Freeman and Terra Mimikakis of Catori Design House share their tips on creating and displaying collections.

Buy What You Love

Don’t assume that everything you buy has to be alike. Buy what you love, regardless of how varied each piece may be. “The collection should be about spirit and what speaks to you,” Terra says.

Mix and Match

A mix of materials, dimensions, and textures will create a much more interesting space. “It’s important to balance vingettes with a variety of items,” says Kristi.

Focus on the Art

When purchasing artwork, don’t get caught up in the frame. If you like the art, you can always reframe the piece later.

Go With a Group Groupings could be based on color, shape, or material. For art, Kristi and Terra suggest measuring out the wall space first, then arranging the pieces on the floor to figure out what works.

“To see everything we had purchased over so many years repurposed and displayed in a beautiful design—it’s like a diary of our travels and our lives.”

AwardWinning Design

e talent of Birmingham’s architects is evident in not only our city but also in locations across the globe. From the revitalization of downtown buildings to contemporary homes to historic properties and new classical designs, our city’s architects work their magic creating commercial buildings and residential properties in Birmingham and beyond. Each year, our local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter hosts Design Awards to celebrate and recognize excellence in architectural design. ese awards increase awareness of outstanding architects while also honoring architects, clients, consultants, and contractors who work together to improve the built environment.

Here, we feature the top two winners in the residential category, along with three more of our favorite entries to celebrate these talents and their amazing gifts.

HONOR AWARD

Opened & Elevated

ArchitectureWorks reimagined a dilapadated 1950s home in Leeds to create an airy, modern masterpiece.

ample entry stair that rises through large weathering steel planters, connecting the upper yard and screened porch to a new butter y-roof carport.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization for architects. The organization offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach. Locally, the AIA Birmingham chapter has 330 members. aiabham.org

With an intent on maintaining as much of the original footprint and existing exterior brick as possible, Jay Pigford and Olivia Backer with ArchitectureWorks reworked spaces to open the house up and out. A new mono-slope roof creates a spacious screened porch where there once was a carport. e new porch connects to the living room via a large bifold glass partition, allowing the interior and the exterior to live as one. A drastic elevation change at the front of the house was addressed through an

e interior palette brings warmth throughout the space with exposed cedar structure, rift-sawn white oak oors, and unlacquered brass accents. Modest bedrooms on the upper level feel larger thanks to a new roof o ering high ceilings and generous views.

e enclosed square footage remained virtually unchanged. Existing masonry bearings can still be read in the elevation where new tall windows break past the plane into new siding that rises to meet the roof.

Architect: ArchitectureWorks, Jay Pigford and Olivia Backer Contractor: Brad Sparks Construction

Photography: KP Studios Photography

CITATION AWARD

Modern Moorish

A new home in Alys Beach, Florida, cues Mediterranean, Gothic, and modern architectural influences.

boundaries to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.

Renowned for an aesthetic reminiscent of the iconic whitewashed homes of Greece, Alys Beach is carefully curated for maximum luxury with minimal footprint. is con uence of size and vernacular pushes creative

Designed as a vacation residence for an owner primarily living in the American West, this home embraces the global architectural in uences of Alys Beach in a modern aesthetic. e white stucco and contrasting black and brass accents of the exterior are e ortlessly mirrored in the plaster interior with blackened steel and brass details. Striking board-

formed concrete walls in the living room and courtyard, separated only by a wall of glass that is easily slid aside, further dissolve the distinction between indoors and out. Subtle elegance ows throughout the home in details like Gothic arches, sculpted replaces, marble accents, and the cross-vault bedroom ceiling. e exposed structure of the stair and catwalk, along with the steel and uted glass doors in the kitchen and

Architect: Jeffrey Dungan Architects Team: Jeff Dungan, Joel Solomon, Michelle Cone

Photography: William Abranowicz

baths and the Japanese-style shou sugi ban walls, add contemporary air.

Outside, a oating staircase links the courtyard to the pool, which over ows and cascades down the marble slab to the basin below to create a visual and aural feature. All three levels of exterior spaces integrate natural elements of water and vegetation, welcoming the indoor-outdoor lifestyle for which this community is known.

Rocky Mountain Refuge

A Colorado mountain house nestles into the landscape and stands as a home for generations to come.

Architect: Jeffrey Dungan Architects Team: Jeff Dungan, Michelle Cone, Alyssa Webster

Situated on 8,500 acres at an elevation of 8,200 feet, this family house had to be constructed to withstand high winds, winter snow, and abundant

Lake Effect

A new house on the shores of Lake Martin blends e ortlessly into its natural surroundings.

Architect: Jeffrey Dungan Architects Team: Jeff Dungan, Michelle Cone

Interiors: Betsy Brown, Ltd.

General Contractor: TCC General Contractors

Landscape Architect: Agricultural Services, Inc.

is uidly linear lake house virtually oats on the water that surrounds it. Deep-covered porches provide shaded outdoor living and dining areas for a lifestyle that ows between the home

sunshine in summer. To meet the demands of the environment, the home utilizes Colorado brownstone, a strong material with a patina that melds with the surrounding landscape. Staggered roo ines and multiple roo ng materials ensure that the house will safely shed

the winter snowpack. Inside, exposed rafters, steel windows, and a stone replace bring elements of the exterior architecture to the interiors.

Outdoor living areas provide views of the valley below.  e great room features a kitchen designed to seamlessly blend into the living area on one end, while a corner replace and sliding pocket doors on the other end blur the line between inside and out. Master craftsmen were employed throughout the project to create custom elements and applications in multiple areas.

The exterior features a mix ofgray Alabama sandstone, charcoal-stained cypress, flat seam copper, and cedar shake.

and the lake. e design of the house plays on the dichotomies of light and dark, small and grand. Inside, custom black paint and charcoal-stained cypress create an envelope of coolness

and modernity. Tall steel windows and more sandstone in the great room tie the interior to the exterior, while the softness of the plaster in the primary bedroom creates a soothing environment.

Photography: William Abranowicz

Photography: William Abranowicz

Historic Bungalow Renovation

The renovation of a 1925 bungalow in Avondale brought out the best of its intrinsic character while upgrading it for modern living.

arrangement to a more purposeful and practical layout. Creating a primary bedroom suite and opening the kitchen up to more light were two of the most important directives.

is interior renovation required a subtle approach that addressed issues of functionality and lack of light while complementing the existing architectural character. Reimagining the home for a single individual rather than a family, Cristi and Mark Pledger transformed the structure from the more typical compartmentalized bungalow

e kitchen was fully gutted and a larger opening to the back entry was constructed, allowing for a new breakfast room and borrowed light from two exposures. Pairs of French doors were removed, closets recon gured, and a new bath was created—all helping to take advantage of borrowed light. Custom trim was utilized in conjunction with typical “craftsman-style” casings and cabinetry panels to create a seamless transition.

Architect: Pledger Architect, PLLC Team: Cristi Pledger and Mark Pledger, AIA

Interior Design: Betsy Brown, Ltd.

General Contractor: Day Star Construction

Photography: Adam Kane Macchia

With a house designed to accommodate 24, including family, extended family, and multiple friends of the kids, a porch living room with ample sofa and chair seating was essential. Employing colors and textures from the lakescape, designer Jessica Prier chose soothing grays and greens to reflect tree bark, foliage, and rippling waters.

Harmonious SECOND HOME

Family and friends enjoy the beauty of undisturbed surroundings in a year-round Lake Martin retreat that blends indoor and outdoor living.

Text by CARA D. CLARK / Photography by JEAN ALLSOPP

oining a sense of nature with a healthy dose of hominess was the top priority for a Birmingham family wanting to build a lakeside retreat. To manifest that ideal for the couple and their ve children, they found the perfect pairing—Jessica Prier of Birmingham Design House combined with Nequette Architecture and Design.

Built for outdoor living with plenty of gathering spaces indoors as well, the 3,785-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home in the Kennebec community o ers the best of both worlds. “ is is not a huge house,

Kennebec’s Grand Plan Preserves Natural Appeal

Kennebec, a planned, gated community on Lake Martin, focuses on the natural beauty of what many say is the state’s most pristine lake. Located next to a 74-acre wildlife reserve, the 41-lot community has much to offer with its views of the south area of the lake. Nequette Architecture and Design is one of only a few firms approved to design homes for the community.

“We follow very specific guidelines for the exterior of each house,” says Travis Burke, an architect with the firm. “We emphasize natural products like stone, wood siding, and shingles with a few exceptions such as metal roofing.”

Travis says keeping the surrounding woods intact as much as possible is a critical aspect of the community’s design. “We want the homes to feel like they have been there for a long time, so the connection to the lake and to the land is crucial. We pay attention to what is already there and respond to it in a beautiful way.”

“The vision behind Kennebec was to create a special place on Lake Martin where the consistency of design and the quality of construction were really apparent and pushed to the forefront.”

— Architect Travis Burke, Nequette Architecture and Design

Photo by Justin Clayton

but every area of the house is used,” Jessica says. “I really enjoy working with the Nequette team. ey have a gift for restraint—a less-is-more approach—and they know how to use space e ciently.”

With a cedar shake roof, painted cedar trim, and Douglas r beams, along with painted siding in Dragons Breath from Benjamin Moore, the house ts perfectly amid the dark brown, green, and gray palette that takes prominence throughout the community. Exposed rafter tails further the natural blending with the environment, helping the house settle comfortably amid the trees.

Inside, timeless tongue-and-groove walls are painted with a custom wash while doors are tinted with a green paint wash. Sherwin-Williams Natural and Sage Green Light combine with the washes to draw in the wooded outdoor setting, where views of the lake lull the senses in hues of blue-green.

Furniture and accessories also cue nature’s palette. “I like textures and earthy, organic materials in a lake home,” Jessica says. She chose high-end, performance fabrics for the upholstery to bring in a sense of elegance that is still functional.

“It’s durable yet very pretty,” she says.

In the kitchen, marsh-green leather bar stools from Lee Industries tuck beneath an island illuminated with brass and bronze clear globe pendants. Exposed natural beams and leathered Taj Mahal quartzite

countertops from Cottage Supply in a summer linen hue connect to the colors in the step-down living room. ere, a pair of Verellen sofas and matching mossgreen club chairs from Lee Industries are punctuated with lake-themed and forest green accents: custom pillows, glazed ceramic lamps, framed shing lures, and an abstact with brush strokes of deep blues and greens. A pair of co ee tables pushed together serves as storage for blankets, games, and “things that come with kids and lake life,” Jessica says.

Opting for more sophisticated furniture pieces over assemble-it-yourself brands, Jessica stresses the importance of investing in quality. “With most of these more expensive lines, you get pieces that last,” she says. “It’s worth spending the extra money. e key is guring out where to splurge and where you can scale back.”

Downstairs, a girls’ room showcases pops of color on the queen bed with a

Elegance meets the outdoors in the kitchen where stained Douglas fir beams and dark-stained, white oak floors combine with copper molds and modern brass, bronze, and glass lighting.

GET TO KNOW JESSICA PRIER

Growing up on the Mississippi coast, Jessica Prier of Birmingham Design House was surrounded by historic homes in her hometown and in nearby New Orleans. She has always been intrigued by the innovation that goes into buildings to help them stand the test of time aesthetically and structurally.

In college, Jessica began studying architecture but soon found it a little too literal for her taste, so she transitioned to interior design. Upon graduation from Mississippi State, she went straight to work for the firm that was then called Dungan Nequette Architects. There, she implemented her skills in the coastal community of Rosemary Beach.

Jessica took off seven years to be with her three young children but kept in touch with Louis Nequette while she was at home, bouncing around ideas for various projects. She later went back to work for Nequette before starting her own boutique business. With insight into both architecture and design, Jessica takes a dual approach when looking at must-haves for lakeside living. Here are her tips for a successful design.

• Create spaces that are livable, easy-to-clean, and fun. “Don’t forget about performance fabrics,” she says.

• Include places for storage. “No one wants to see clutter, so you must have a place for all your gear,” Jessica says.” That includes storage for paper products and food, as well as plenty of hooks for towels and swimsuits.”

• Create spaces both indoors and out for people to gather and share conversations. “These are places to create memories that will last a lifetime,” says Jessica.

turquoise print bolster. A multi-hued abstract painting hung above the fabriccovered headboard seems to mimic the pillow’s pattern.

e master suite welcomes an abundance of light with walls of windows. Motorized window treatments of linen with a faint ticking stripe o er easy access to privacy once the sun sets. Linen bedding paired with a custom decorative pillow in Schumacher fabric highlights the modern four-poster bed from Oly Studio. Glossy white lamps from Visual Comfort emulate stacked stones, while Bernhardt bedside tables re ect the streamlined symmetry of the space.

In a windowed corner of the room, a hearthside upholstered chair is positioned by a petri ed-wood table, inviting the

sojourner to sit and read in a moment of solitude. “I love including a cozy chair in the corner of a master bedroom so you can just slow down and have a minute,” says Jessica.

Upstairs, a kids’ den with full-size bunk beds and a sectional sofa provides plenty of space for relaxing and sleeping after a lively evening punctuated with the sparkle of re ies and reside s’mores. “When you’re designing for a family with lots of kids and friends, it’s important to maximize living space,” Jessica says. “But you need to look at how to do that without creating a house that feels too big with spaces that are rarely used,” Jessica says. “ is home can sleep 24 people, which shows you don’t have to have an eight-bedroom home. You just have to be sure everything ows well.”

RESOURCES:

Architect: Louis Nequette and Travis Burke, Nequette Architecture and Design Interior Design: Jessica Prier, Birmingham Design House Builder: Doug Fuhrman, Southern Traditions Construction

“All projects are be er with collaboration. I don’t want it to feel like I swooped in with only my design ideas. I want my client to contribute to the spaces so that it feels like home to them.”

—Jessica Prier

ALLISON STEPHENS TURNED HER PASSION FOR GARDENING INTO A HOBBY THAT GIVES BACK WITH A PROTECTIVE HABITAT FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES.

hen Allison Stephens inherited her Indian Springs log cabin, she turned it into a place of healing and renewal. “As you drive in across the covered bridge, it feels like you are entering someplace special,” Allison

birminghamhomeandgarden.com48 BH&G | september.october 2022 Full Circle Located on 10 acres, the Hearthstone Home, designed by architect Bob Moody, was constructed in the late 1990’s.

says. “It’s close enough to everything, but it’s also a wonderful escape. Living here is a way to surround myself with nature in a sort of cocoon.”

Produced by CHARLIE THIGPEN / Photography by JEAN ALLSOPP

anks to the authentic materials and construction techniques, the house belies its relative newness with features such as 8-inch-thick logs and dovetailed corners. e chimneys, foundation, and gable ends are stacked stone. Copper gutters and wide-plank, rough-sawn, white oak porch decking, along

with a cedar shake and standing-seam metal roof, o er even more character.

Leaving the house unchanged except for a few updates and repairs, Allison put her focus on the garden. She called landscape designer Charlie igpen to help select plantings

Allison Stephens in the garden with her Standard Parti Poodle, Detal Dawn

birminghamhomeandgarden.com september.october 2022 | BH&G 49 LEFT: The butterfly garden and Monarch Waystation

The cedar arbor was made from trees from the property. Vines will eventually cover the structure. The blue flowers at the base are plumbago.

“Monarchs from Eastern North America migrate each fall to the mountainous forest of Mexico. Some will fly over 3,000 miles. In my bu erfly gardens, I always try to plant fennel, parsley, or dill, which are also great food sources for other varieties.”

—Charlie Thigpen, landscape designer

around the garden

Butterflies are always welcome in Allison Stephens’ garden. Every year she invites them to her Indian Springs home with plantings of milkweed (1), the diet for monarchs, as well as bronze fennel (2), the favorite dish of swallowtail butterflies. For nectar, blooms consist of Profusion zinnia(3), Pinca zinnia (4), Red coleus (5), Mystic Spires salvia (6),Homestead verbena (7), Angelonia (8), and coneflower (9). Other blooms around the garden include Mrs. Hu lantana, Happy Returns daylilies, Vitex trees, and Limelight hydrangeas.

and navigate the process for creating a monarch waystation, something that would turn into a full- edged makeover. “When we began to plan the butter y garden, Allison asked me what I thought about the existing plants around the cabin,” Charlie says. “ e shrubs were overgrown, and I felt like most of them didn’t look like they belonged in the rustic surrounding.”

Charlie’s advice? Replace the overgrown bushes with native plants appropriate to the setting. “I wanted to enhance the house instead of covering it up,” Charlie says. Saving a couple of camellias and the two large sculptural crepe myrtles that framed the front of the home, Charlie and his wife, Cindy, drew up a new and improved landscape plan. Plantings called for a variety of ferns, Itea, and native azaleas. Charlie also added limelight hydrangeas, black-eyed Susans, and cone owers for seasonal color.

As for the butter y garden, Charlie brought in lots of milkweed, the necessary diet of monarch butter ies. He also added bronze fennel to attract swallowtails. Planted in the spring of 2020, the garden grew quickly—and then the caterpillars arrived. Allison was able to start the process of collecting the leaves with eggs from the milkweed plants and bring them inside to protect and nourish them until they transformed into beautiful butter ies. “Last year, we released about 80 butter ies,” she says. “ is year, we hope to have even more.”

Along with her personal fascination with the butter ies, Allison loves to share and educate others on the importance of protecting monarchs. “I’ll let my friends’ children release them,” she says. “I love to see the wonder on their faces. And I always give them a milkweed plant and encourage them to start their own garden.”

Allison’s hope is that her monarch waystation inspires others to look at gardening in a di erent way. “I want people to see beyond a pretty garden and think about how something can be beautiful while also serving nature,” she says. “Everything comes full circle. It’s important to give back.”

Get to Know Charlie & Cindy Thigpen

A licensed horticulturist and landscape designer, Charlie Thigpen has a vast knowledge of plants, design, and, most importantly, how to maintain a garden and landscape. For many years, he was director of landscape for the award-winning 27-acre Southern Progress campus, as well as garden editor for SouthernLiving . He and his wife and business partner, Cindy, spent a decade sharing their expertise through their retail garden shop, Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery. The shop closed in late 2019, and the Thigpens now focus on landscape design, offering consultations and landscape plans.

“Mother Nature has taught me so much about gardening. It’s a continuous education.”

—Allison Stephens

Creating a Monarch Waystation

Monarch butterflies were listed as endangered in July 2022. Threats include declining habitats, climate change, and pesticides. To offset the loss of milkweed and nectar sources, it’s essential to create and protect their environments. Here are a few tips to get your monarch waystation started.

CHOOSE A SPACE

Your home, school, or local park, as well as unused plots of urban land, are ideal places to start a garden. You need a minimum of 100 square feet.

FIND A SUNNY SPOT

Butterflies and butterfly plants need lots of sun. To ensure successful blooms, plant in an area that gets as least six hours of sun a day.

CONSIDER YOUR SOIL

Milkweed and nectar plants perform best in light soil with good drainage.

CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS

A monarch waystation needs at least 10 milkweed plants made up of two species. Adding even more will create a bigger draw of butterflies for a longer span of time during the season. Mix in other blooming perennials and annuals for nectar sources. Always follow planting instructions for spacing. Plants placed close together will help protect the monarchs in their developing states.

NEVER USE PESTICIDES

Allison keeps an eye out for aphids on her plants. Should they attack her foliage, she handpicks them off. “Gardening is a lot of fun and a lot of hard work,” she says. “It’s a daily labor of love.”

Allison and her assistant, Kendahl Schnell, created a cut flower garden by seeding zinnias and sunflowers. “I love to share bouquets with friends,” Allison says. “My parents will visit from Tuscaloosa and take back buckets to give to neighbors.”

Swallowtail Butterfly

High Hampton

Originally constructed as a summer retreat in the late 1800’s (later adapted as an Inn in 1922), the High Hampton property has been a coveted destination in the area for generations. And while the summer months o er cool mornings and sun-drenched afternoons, it’s autumn that beckons even more guests to experience the beautiful colors of the leaves along rhododendron-lined trails.

Text by CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL

Returning guests will be delighted with the bevy of thoughtful upgrades here, not the least of which is the addition of central heat and air-conditioning. Yes, higher elevations lend themselves to windows thrown open wide, but the occasional heat wave makes us relish the option of ipping a switch for a cool blast.

Most notably, the inn’s renovation included expanding room sizes to almost

Now celebrating its 100th year, this Mountain retreat welcomes longtime visitors and new guests with favorite activities and freshly-appointed guest rooms.

Photography courtesy of High Hampton Inn

double while also featuring larger closets and well-lit dressing areas.

Fill your days by exploring the 15 miles of onsite hiking trails, lounging poolside, or dipping in the hot tub overlooking the 15-acre Hampton Lake. Pack a picnic and take out a canoe or kayak for the afternoon. Bring your tennis racquet and pickleball paddle if you’re looking to get in some cardio— the courts are sublime. And if spa time is more your speed, book your appointments in advance. e alwayspopular spa o ers a range of treatments

that will have you in a deep state of zen in no time.

While the town of Cashiers proper has plenty of sought-after dining options, the resort’s exemplary culinary

program will most likely keep you on property. Capitalizing on local and seasonal ingredients, the menus are well-balanced in scale and scope, which means there is something here for everyone: Little Gem lettuces with carrot vinaigrette, at-iron steak from nearby Simpson Farm, lemon custard with a thick wedge of honeycomb. More casual fare can be found downstairs in the Tavern: ink burgers with housemade sauce, smoked chicken panini with a green garlic con t, and ice cream sandwiches.

Birmingham Ties

A heritage property such as High Hampton has a life of its own. Born of a desire to make the most of a particular place and space in time, the inn was destined to outlive those who first conceived the escape. The responsibility of honoring this legacy has only been held by a select few families. Most recently, Birminghambased Arlington Family Offices and Daniel Communities led the redevelopment of the golf course, adding club amenities and private real estate offerings for those who decide they too want to own a slice of Cashiers heaven.

Guests who have had the pleasure of visiting Blackberry Farm or Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee, will feel the same attention to detail in the design elements here at High Hampton.

e Blackberry Farm Design team was charged with honoring and keeping the original spirit of the heritage mountain retreat while injecting it with modern-day amenities and polished style.

Widely known for their intuitive and timeless designs, Christopher Architecture & Interiors, recently launched sister brand Christopher Collection as an exclusive avenue for the classic pieces that give Christopher homes their distinction. Led by creativity, passion, and appreciation for design, Christopher Collection is a space where customers can transform their environment with antiques, art, furniture, home décor, lighting, and upholstery from the most esteemed suppliers and designers in the world. Christopher Collection creates a space for customers to experience design services, featured events, and opportunities to gain industry insight and product knowledge from leading experts in interior design. Our one-of-a-kind curated collection is located in downtown Homewood and was selected in multiple categories in Homewood’s Best 2022!

Designer Trade Program

Christopher

and

as a premier resource and

exclusive events, early access to curated shipments,

and o

Alakefront oasis nestled in the deep Southern forest is e Heritage, Russell Lands’ newest master-planned waterfront community on Lake Martin. Situated along 1,500 acres and 12 miles of shoreline, e Heritage on Lake Martin is a special place where generations escape the everyday to enjoy the simpler things in life in a pristine, natural setting away from it all.

Since 1962, Russell Lands, one of the South’s most respected lakefront developers, has been a steward of Lake Martin’s beautiful natural resources across more than 41,000 acres of water and 880 miles of shoreline.

With stunning designs from some of the most renowned lake home architects and designers in the South, e Heritage o ers distinctive house plans perfect for each family and unique homesite.

THE BENJAMIN LAKE CLUB

One of the community’s signature amenities is e Benjamin Lake Club. e resident-owned Club o ers a stunning space to gather and enjoy an array of health and wellness amenities and breathtaking views of Lake Martin. e Benjamin’s saline pool beckons just outdoors along with a nearby grill facility, eight tennis courts and tennis pro-shop, and eight pickleball courts. A picturesque event lawn, tness center, covered pavilions, repits and waterfront beach area provide a backdrop for gatherings of all sizes. A community dock complex adds an element of convenience, as residents may choose to enjoy a boat ride to the lake club from their home.

e centerpiece of e Heritage, expected to debut in summer 2023, is the highly anticipated Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw-designed private Wicker Point Golf Club. is one-of-a-kind course is the only Coore & Crenshaw design in Alabama. Russell Lands selected Coore & Crenshaw, one of golf’s most respected architectural teams, due to their signature approach of honoring the land in their designs.

De ned by its pine plantations, meandering creeks and lakefront holes, the 18-hole course will emphasize the land’s natural beauty and serenity. Players will feel they are enveloped in the natural environment as they navigate through varying terrains and topographies, with each hole providing a unique challenge.

Wicker Point Golf Club is a golfer’s mecca. e clubhouse, designed by Hank Long of Henry Sprott Long & Associates, sets the tone for classic golf and an authentic Lake Martin experience. e wraparound porch will provide views of multiple holes with Lake Martin vistas in the background – all with a lakehouse ambiance providing an ideal setting for dining, events or simply relaxing a er a round.

COORE & CRENSHAW GOLF

The Benjamin Lake Club Rendering

The Heritage at Russell Lands

Accompanying the golf clubhouse, a standalone golf shop, complete with pro shop and men’s and women’s locker rooms, will also feature a “wind down” room, including a lounge area and adjacent bar. A large, undulating practice putting course will not only allow players the opportunity to sharpen their skills before their round; they can choose to continue their competition a erwards, well into the evening.

LIFE AT RUSSELL LANDS

Russell Lands’ collection of communities means access to a variety of delicious dining options at SpringHouse, Kowaliga Restaurant, Catherine’s Market and the newly opened BRU 63.

e idea behind BRU 63 was to create a spot for residents and guests to enjoy community, connection, and delicious co ee. In addition to a variety of signature hot and cold beverages, Pastry Chef Michael Schwartz has introduced several new staple pieces to the bakery including the Croissant Au Chocolate-Amandes, an almond chocolate croissant, and the Champignon Au Fromage, a colorful ratatouille tart, alongside perennial favorites such as quiche, scones, mu n tops and a heavenly breakfast potpie of house-made sausage and gravy.

Additionally, a full calendar of special events and live entertainment at e AMP, an open-air amphitheater, ample hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and an on-site Naturalist who educates guests on the local ora and fauna mean a variety of fun for all ages can be found just minutes away from your door.

Don’t miss your chance to start your own cherished traditions. Opportunities to rewrite your Heritage are now open. Schedule your visit at RussellLands. com/ e-Heritage or call 256-215-7011.

The Heritage at Russell Lands

it

THE HERITAGE FROM RUSSELL LANDS. EXQUISITE WATERFRONT LOTS NOW AVAILABLE.

Firepits and birthdays. Starry nights and laughter. There’s no life more wonderful than The Heritage on Lake Martin. Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding over 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage is a 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of sparkling shoreline—all from Russell Lands, one of the South’s most respected land companies. The stunning community features spectacular waterfront and luxury interior homesites, as well as a flagship resident-owned lake club and private Coore & Crenshaw golf course. Don’t miss your chance to start your own cherished traditions. Opportunities to rewrite your Heritage are now open. Contact us today.

of Connecticut,

New

be made to residents of New York until an

New York,

plan is

on the shores of Lake Martin, Alabama that does not yet exist.

Barnsley Resort

Filled with luxurious amenities and plenty of opportunity for relaxation or adventure, this idyllic north Georgia escape calls to mind storybook wonders.

Text by CATHY STILL MCGOWIN

ike a ne bourbon, Barnsley Resort in the north Georgia mountains just gets better with age. Established on the ruins and restored gardens of an opulent Italianate estate built in the 19th century, the 3,000-acre resort in Adairsville, just two hours from Birmingham, has continued to build on its sublime location, honoring its history and century-old gardens infused with

RIGHT: Barnsley Resort uses house-smoked pecans to create a rich, flavorful, signature bourbon. After the infusion process, the resort chefs use the bourbonsoaked pecans in desserts and other menu items.

Photography courtesy of Barnsley Resort

plenty of Southern gentility. A visit to this countryside retreat is both relaxing and invigorating, thanks to the blissful accommodations and glorious natural surroundings. Within the pedestrian village, guests can enjoy historicallyappropriate, English-style guest cottages; a perfectly-scaled 55-room inn; and three dining venues.

Privately owned, the resort is managed by former ve-star hoteliers who are personally invested in creating unparalled service for their guests. From customized itineraries for corporate groups to family getaways to memorable weddings, experiences are tailored to suit any whim, whether it’s an activity, signature cocktail tasting, or private dinner in the gardens or at the historic Rice House restaurant.

For adventurers and hunters, instructors are at the ready to help both experienced and novice guests who want to ride horses, explore trails on UTVs, shoot skeet at the Beretta Shooting Grounds, or practice axe throwing or archery. Seasonal quail hunts are available at the neighboring 1,800-acre hunting preserve. Golf enthusiasts return for the Golf Performance Center that o ers private instruction, as well as the 18-hole Jim Fazio-designed golf course that winds around placid lakes and mountain vistas.

A new introduction, the seasonal Fire Kettle Cooking School launched in 2021.

is open-air dining experience is hosted by Chef Javier Cuesta who prepares his favorite recipes over the open ame of a Sea Island Forge re kettle. Dishes often include ingredients freshly picked from the resort’s vegetable garden,

At Barnsley Resort, there’s much to experience, explore, and do—and thanks to the saltwater pool, serene full-service spa, plentiful re pits with complimentary s’mores, and hammocks dotting the property, there are plenty of ways to unwind as well.

BarnsleyResort.com

Windsor Court

Nestled into a quiet corner of an otherwise boisterous downtown New Orleans, the vaunted Windsor Court Hotel has been an elegant respite for generations of Crescent City visitors.

Since its opening in 1984, Windsor Court in New Orleans, with a name that has become synonymous with tradition and gracious hospitality, has hosted royalty, rock stars, diplomats, and world travelers. Whether you are looking to take in a show, shop for antiques, or just want to have a little fun, this hotel is all but guaranteed to make your stay feel too short.

Returning guests love driving into the walled courtyard with its bubbling fountain that seems to make the rest of the world dissolve. Tradition dictates that the bellman will collect your things and the valet will whisk your vehicle away, leaving you to step inside the grand lobby, lled with displays of hundreds

Photography courtesy of Windsor Court

Text by CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL

PETS ARE WELCOME!

The hotel offers plush dog beds and custom food and water bowls. Dog-walking service is complimentary. Or ask the hotel for an area walking map.

of roses from local orist extraordinaire Dunn & Sonnier. ese are the moments guests look forward to each and every time they visit.

Not long ago, the 23-story property underwent a massive $15 million renovation to update and enhance the landmark hotel while staying true to the aspects that longtime guests have come to love and appreciate. Many pieces of the Windsor Court’s $10 million ne art collection continue to grace its walls. Revamped and updated, rooms and suites are still dressed in the hotel’s signature New Orleans-themed toile, while expansive marble bathrooms o er Diptyque amenities.

New Orleans is most decidedly a

gastronomic destination, so one of the hotel’s greatest upgrades is their dining program. e Polo Club Lounge on the second oor has been expanded. Here, live jazz, an extensive wine collection, and signature cocktails are the perfect start to any evening. Views from the Waterman Poolside Bar rival only those from the Club Level with its dedicated concierge, afternoon tea service, cocktails, and hors d’oeveres.

In the Grill Room, the menu is extraordinary—think foie gras torchon, red sh with a citrus mignonette, and wagyu beef from the famed Uenae Lake Farm in Japan. Be sure to save room for dessert (or have it delivered to your suite). e pastry arts team crafts confections that are as delicious as they are whimsical.

Whether your travel is for a girls’ getaway, a family a air, or a couple’s retreat, the Windsor Court Hotel is freshly gussied up and ready to welcome you back—in the style to which you are accustomed.

You know who they are! Whether you are sprucing up your home, shopping for new furniture or accessories, looking for new flooring, or renovating a kitchen or bath, these are the professionals who go above and beyond for you. These are the people you recommend to your friends because they they go out of their way to make things go smoothly for you from the minute you walk in their door. These businesses understand the value of customer service, quality work, and strong personal relationships. They base their reputation on satisfied customers. Turn the page to discover the services and products these top-tier vendors offer, and see why they are favored by designers and clients again and again.

Everything you need to get organized.

KIM MCBRAYER FOUNDER | OWNER

Space Cadets is locally owned and operated with twenty years in the organizing and closet business. Come visit our retail store to find just the right storage system for your space, or let us organize for you! Space Cadets is the place to find everything you need to get organized in your home, business and life.

Highland Plaza 205.326.7025

5287 Hwy 280 South Suite 261 Birmingham, Alabama 35242 www.spacecadetsorg.com

Atlanta

Christopher Rankin Executive Vice President Creative and Product Development

Barbara Williams Director of Visual Design

New Twist

on an Old Favorite

By the time September rolls around and the weather begins to cool o a tad, I’m in the mood to re up the stove and have friends over for a dinner party. But with football season and school activities in full swing, there’s little time to labor over the hot coals! So I thought I would share an easy, fall entertaining idea with this recipe from the past.

Chicken Curry was a dinner party favorite in the ‘70s. is particular “Chicken Curry in a Hurry” recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. If you have a lazy Susan, this is a good time to pull it out; if not, simply rotate trays to allow everyone to choose their desired toppings.

Cook a big batch of Basmati rice during the cocktail hour. Serve warm Naan bread with butter alongside the meal. (Naan bread is found on the bread aisle at most grocery stores.) Pick up an easy, readymade dessert and, well, you’re done! Start making your guest list now.

Recipes and Photography by LESLIE BYARS REGISTER IG: @lesliespartydiaries

Chicken Curry

BY

Naan bread

Spice Things Up

A couple of cinnamon sticks from your spice cabinet turn an ordinary linen napkin into something special. Use a thin rope or jute to tie them to the napkins.

Change things up a bit by setting a cozy table for four or six by the fire in your den. Add a colorful Kantha throw to establish a vibrant tone for this Indian meal.

A tiered pedestal (top right) not only serves as a centerpiece but makes it easy for all guests to reach the toppings. Place a vase on top of the serving piece and fill with flowers for a pop of color.

These pottery noodle bowls (top right) are the perfect size for the toppings, which can be chopped in advance and kept in the refrigerator.

Steal the blooms off a potted mum that you can plant in your yard afterwards.

Learn om Leslie: For a slightly thicker sauce, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add to chicken curry mixture.

Curry Fun Fact:

Chicken Curry in a Hurry

SERVES 4 TO 6

1½ tablespoons coconut or vegetable oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons ginger, grated

1 onion, finely chopped

1½ pounds chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces

3 tablespoons curry powder

1 (13.66-ounce) can coconut milk

1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth

1 (4-ounce) jar green curry paste

½ teaspoon salt, more to taste

1 cup frozen peas, optional (if not doing toppings)*

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cooked Basmati rice

Assorted toppings: coconut, pineapple, raisins, green onions, cilantro, red peppers, green apple, peanuts, jalapeños

Naan bread, buttered and warmed

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook garlic, ginger, and onion for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.

Add chicken, and cook until it changes from pink to white (about 5 minutes). Add curry powder, and cook 2 minutes. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, and curry paste. Stir, lower heat to medium, and cook, simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce reduces and thickens.

Add salt and, if desired, peas. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro.

Serve over rice with toppings and buttered Naan bread.

*Note: This recipe is great for a weeknight too. Simply omit the topping bar, and add peas 5 minutes before serving.

Curry powder is made up of a blend of many spices: coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, chili powder, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay, cayenne, paprika, and more. It’s much handier and cheaper to buy it premixed rather than buying all those ingredients individually. But if you have all of these on hand, it could be a fun project to make your own curry powder.

Adam Evans found his culinary calling early. He spent much of his childhood gardening with his grandfather and cooking their harvest with his grandmother and mother. In college, Adam worked summers as a line cook at e Grand Hotel in Fairhope, Alabama. And even though he graduated with a degree in psychology from Auburn University, he decided to return to his earliest passion—food. Along his path, Adam found well-regarded mentors while working various positions in New Orleans, New York City, and Los Angeles. In 2012, he garnered national recognition from Esquire and Bon Appétit magazines while serving as executive chef for e Optimist in Atlanta.

Eventually, Adam and his wife moved to Birmingham with the goal of starting their own restaurant. Opened in 2019, Automatic Seafood & Oysters features simple, highquality seafood dishes, primarily sourced from the Gulf. With its lively, inviting atmosphere and a menu full of bold avor, the establishment has already become a favorite destination for locals and visitors.

The James Beard Awards were established in 1990 by the James Beard Foundation to “recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields.” The program “furthers the foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.”

Birmingham has a new James Beard Award winner!

Congratulations to Adam Evans, Executive Chef & Owner of Automatic Seafood & Oysters, for winning Best Chef in the South. We’ve already made a reservation.

Chef Adam Evans and wife Suzanne Humphries Evans of Automatic Seafood & Oysters