Birmingham Home & Garden - Jan/Feb 2020 by Birmingham Home & Garden

Building Trends 2020

The Ultimate Tag Sale BEAUTIFUL BATHS

decorating with confidence

Tips from designers who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to bend the rules

$4.95

January/february 2020

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CON T EN TS JA N UA RY/ FEB R UA RY 2020

PHOTO BY: JEAN ALLSOPP

{ vol. 18 no. 1 }

gardens

20 Birmingham Gardening Today

Even in the winter, your garden can be full of color and fragrance. Gardening expert John Floyd shares his favorite cold-weather plants to showcase both outdoors and inside.

homes

17 Color of the Year

Classic Blue is expected to be the IT color of 2020. Check out a few of our favorite projects that were ahead of their time, as well as some products that continue to make this favorite hue show up again and again.

31 2020 Inspiration Home

We’re doing it again! Take a first look at our 2020 Inspiration Home. We’ll be breaking ground in Homewood soon.

A Fresh Start

Relocating to a new home in the walkable Edgewood neighborhood was an easy decision for a grandmother wanting to be closer to family.

46 Happy Hunting

Ramp up your style with small baths sure to impress. With the right appointments, a trip to the loo will feel like a luxuriously-appointed hotel spa.

recipes

Designers and friends Beth Hubrich and Elizabeth Lee make decorating fun and approachable in their first backyard popup party called “The Upstairs Collection.”

55 Mix Masters

80 New Flavors for a New Year

Got a resolution to eat healthier in the new year? Check out these good-foryou recipes that pack plenty of flavor.

25 Special Section:

Whether your style preferences skew traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, you’ll find plenty of design inspiration from these five designers to help bring your vision to life.

2020 Home Trends Building? Renovating? Some of Birmingham’s most talented builders and knowledgeable vendors share tips and insights for turning your house into a home and getting the most out of your investment.

73 Beautiful Baths: Blissfully Bold

A mix of metals adds a layer of sophistication to a blue-and-gray color scheme in a master bath addition.

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76 Beautiful Baths: Glitz & Glamour

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gardens

20 Birmingham Gardening Today

Even in the winter, your garden can be full of color and fragrance. Gardening expert John Floyd shares his favorite cold-weather plants to showcase both outdoors and inside.

homes

17 Color of the Year

24 (Inspiration Home)

We’re doing it again! Take a first look at our 2020 Inspiration Home. We’ll be breaking ground in Homewood soon.

A Fresh Start

Relocating to a new home in the walkable Edgewood neighborhood was an easy decision for a grandmother wanting to be closer to family.

48 Happy Hunting

Designers and friends Beth Hubrich and Elizabeth Lee make decorating fun and approachable in their first backyard popup party called “The Upstairs Collection.”

47 Mix Masters

Whether your style preferences skew traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, you’ll find plenty of design inspiration from these five designers to help bring your vision to life.

73 Blissfully Bold A mix of metals adds a layer of sophistication to a blue-and-gray color scheme in a master bath addition. 76 Glitz & Glamour

Ramp up your style with small baths sure to impress. With the right appointments, a trip to the loo will feel like a luxuriouslyappointed hotel spa.

recipes birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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f ro m t h e e d i tor

hen Pantone named Classic Blue as their Color of the Year, they tapped into something homeowners and designers have known all along—blue is equally fresh and timeless. The color can be quietly present without being conspicuous, and yet, depending on the application, it has the ability to be completely on trend. I like to think of this chameleon color as a rule bender.

Starting on page 55, we introduce you to some mix masters who also practice

design flexibility. These talents know just where and when to push the boundaries in creating individualized looks for themselves and their clients. The insights from these designers will give you the courage to step out when it comes to mixing styles and price points in your own home. I especially love the multitude of layers in Virginia Volman’s dining room and conversation lounge (page 68). I couldn’t begin to put together such bold concoctions of color and pattern on my own, but thanks to Virginia’s eloquent breakdown of her design principles mixed with her passion for living fully, I feel better equipped for such a project. Katherine B. Melvin takes a quieter—but no less innovative—approach by combining high and low design with both new and vintage finds inspired by English gardens (page 62). Jennifer Reese shares her thoughts on working with what you already have (page 66), while Alison Smith reveals the secrets to creating a room that will evolve with time (page 56). And if you’re starting from scratch, check out Jessica Conner’s strategies to know where to begin (page 58). We also share another from-the-ground-up project created by Twin Interiors designer Laurie Fulkerson and built by Twin Construction (page 38). Homeowner Susan Presley traded beach house style for sophisticated cottage living when she moved from Florida to Homewood. Armed with a definitive wish list and a thoughtful team to make it happen, Susan found her forever home within walking distance of her grandsons. Looking to build or renovate your own house? Don’t miss our special section starting on page 25. You’ll gain insights from some of the city’s best builders, along with know-how from vendors and suppliers. Whatever your design goal for the new year, you’re sure to find plenty of inspiration in this issue. I hope our content even encourages you to be a little bit daring in your project. After all, there’s nothing more timeless or original than authenticity. Enjoy.

Birmingham Home & Garden is published bimonthly in addition to two special issues by PMT Publishing Inc. © 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Birmingham Home & Garden, 2204 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 120, Birmingham, AL 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 and Garden, P.O Box 923773, Norcross, GA 30010-3373.

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BIR M INGH A M

Publisher / Walker Sorrell Editor / Cathy Still McGowin csmcgowin@pmtpublishing.com Art Director / Rebecca Reeves PHOTOGRAPHER / Jean Allsopp WEB EDITOR / Abby Parrott Copy editor / Julie Gillis Contributors / Lacey Howard Brierley Horton John Floyd Leslie Byars Register Christiana Roussel Advertising / Sales Hope Roddam 205.802.6363 ext. 114 hroddam@pmtpublishing.com Elizabeth Yeilding 205.802.6363 ext. 106 eyeilding@pmtpublishing.com Director of media & events / Sheila Wardy accounting Keith Crabtree Office Mangager Sonia DeWerff Circulation / distribution Anita Miller Advertising Sales Office: 3324 Independence Drive Homewood, Alabama 35209 Office: 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, PMT Publishing Inc. 3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609

Cover Photo: Jean Allsopp Interiors: Alison Smith / Page 56

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Loving the

BLUES Pantoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classic Blue has been a favorite hue long before the stylemakers dubbed it 2020â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Color of the Year. Take a look at a few of our favorite projects that were ahead of their time, as well as some products that continue to make blue, well, a classic.

ABOVE: Interior designer Stephanie Lynton lacquered the walls and floor-to-ceiling bookcases in her master bedroom in Benjamin Moore Polo Blue. Pretty patterns in traditional prints decorate windows. OPPOSITE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Blue Antelope rug in Ice Blue from Stark Carpet and Christopher Spitzmiller Lamp, both available at Hiltz-Lauber. hiltzlauber. com; 205.879.3455. China from Table Matters. table-matters.com; 205.879.0125. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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“Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.” — Pantone

Variations of a Classic ABOVE: Interior designers Annie Bayer Goldberg and Ginny Monheit Maguire turned up the brightness on this farmhouse kitchen by coating the cabinets in Benjamin Moore’s Summer Nights. TOP RIGHT: Wallcoverings from Brunschwig & Fils (to the trade) offer a pop of pattern and color. RIGHT: Gabby’s Cecil Drinking Table takes on a deeper hue in faux shagreen.

Stiffkey

Naval

Farrow & Ball

Sherwin-Williams

Loyal Blue

Hale Navy

Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore

Rainstorm

Kensington Blue

Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore

Colors through the decade

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BIRMINGHAM GARDENING TODAY...

with J O H N F L O Y D

Winter Roses And Other Surprises

Wintersweet

For daily tips and more garden information, visit birmingham gardeningtoday.com or birminghamhome andgarden.com

Lenten rose Daphne

John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living.

Cameillia

Don’t let the winter doldrums get you—or your garden—down. Now is the perfect time to plant for color and fragrance both outdoors and inside. 20

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enten roses create bright spots in my winter garden. Even on the coldest January day, I will see some of their nodding flowers appear. And by mid-February, almost every plant produces shoots that range from pure white to various shades of pastel blooms. The colors actually show in the plant’s sepals during the flowering season rather than in its petals. I am particularly fond of the old-fashioned Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), not only because it’s very easy to grow, but also because it seeds readily and gives us new plants with slight variations of the typical white sepals. Many people don’t realize that the Lenten rose is not really a rose but is instead part of the buttercup family. Therefore, it’s important not to treat it like a rose. The Lenten rose prefers light to heavy shade locations. And while rich soil is a key to success for some plants, the Lenten rose is very happy with fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, it can take dry conditions to some degree. When cold weather arrives, some of my friends remove all of its foliage to increase the flower display since the plant is less than a foot tall. I prefer to simply prune out the dead and damaged foliage because I think its course leaves are a nice contrast to the delicate blossoms. Wintertime is also when I like to enjoy cut camellias indoors. Camellias tend to bloom when we are not experiencing freezing weather. Once cut, the blossoms often fall off the cut stems in a day or two, regardless of how you condition them, so they only bring short-lived beauty to your interiors. For the best result, I try to cut the flowers when they are almost open and then provide some type of support beyond their own stems to keep them from falling off. A good way to do this is by using flower picks filled j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

BIRMINGHAM GARDENING TODAY... Alabama Extension Regional Master Gardener Training Looking to up your gardening game? Attend this master gardener training at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on January16th from 8:30am-2:30pm. The program prepares volunteers to offer reliable, relevant, and reachable gardening information and education to the local community. To register online, go to aces.edu. For questions or additional information, contact Bethany O’Rear at 205.879.6964 or bao0004@aces.

Calla Lilies

Winter Jasmine

Floyd’s To-Do List: January/February Roses need attention in February. Whether you grow the hybrid types or the drift, carpet, or knockout types, now is the time to remove all dead leaves from the plants. If you have a dense variety, use a blower to help make sure all the leaves have come off. Once the leaves are off, remove all the mulch and dropped leaves and replace with fresh, new mulch. This will limit diseases, such as blackspot, that really reduce the beauty of the plants. You can also shape and prune the plants as needed. Be sure to wait until the danger of frost has passed to fertilize the plants. This is the perfect time to prune and repair deciduous trees. It’s best to remove the crossed branches and damaged limbs first. Then stand back and observe the tree. Remove limbs that have created an awkward shape or are hanging too low. Be sure you don’t leave stubs from cut limbs.

Don’t stop watering your planted containers during cold weather. If the containers freeze, the water will be cut off from the plants. I 22

always try to water before a hard freeze. This will provide the needed water, and the water also helps insulate the plant from the cold to some degree. Go ahead and plant deciduous shrubs now. If you order bare root plants or buy package plants, soak the roots in water for several hours prior to planting. Dig big holes, and plant with the roots spread out in the holes. Use a good soil mix with some of the dirt from the dug hole included, as long as it’s not clay. Plant at the same level as the plant was in the ground before it was dug for sale. Pack soil well around the roots. Water well and mulch.

Winged elm, red stemmed Japanese maple, corky sweetgum branches, and beech tree limbs with their papery brown leaves still attached make excellent winter arrangements for indoors. They can be beautiful alone or mixed with evergreens and/or flowers. If you are not adding foliage or flowers, there is no need to add water to the vase when arranging.

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with water and laying the blooms down for display. A Charleston camellia vase works perfectly for floating the blossoms, but any shallow dish will also do. Sometimes I will cut the blossoms right before an event and simply lay them in a trug. They will hold up without water for three to four hours Winter gardens in our area can also have an abundance of blooms with sweet scents, but these flowering plants are not necessarily showstoppers. Winter honeysuckle, with its clear to pale-yellow flowers, brings fragrance to my garden on most winter days. For an even stronger, perfume-like scent, try winter daphne. Other popular flowers with cold-weather scents include winter jasmine, some early daffodils, edgeworthia, and wintersweet. For a twist on my traditional gardening tasks, I sometimes like to grow calla lilies indoors during the winter. I usually order the rhizomes from John Scheepers or Brent and Becky’s Bulbs to get the best quality. I plant them in a good potting mix, water them well, and place them in a sunny spot inside. If you don’t have a window with plenty of sunlight, place the plant in the brightest spot you have with some additional light from a fixture if possible. When planting the big white or yellow flowering calla lilies, expect the large, arrow-shaped leaves to appear within a week or two and the large bloom stalks in a month or so. While their blooms are sensational, the foliage is big, bold, and attractive as well. Keep in mind that they like damp, not wet, soil. When mine are finished blooming, I allow the pots to dry out and the foliage to die. Then, after the last frost date in the spring, I plant them in my garden where they can get plenty of moisture. They will usually bloom again in mid-summer and for many years thereafter. Whether you are enjoying the outdoor scents and flowers of your winter garden or the indoor beauty of potted plants, the winter season provides plenty of bloooming beauty—if you look carefully.

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

2020 HOME TRENDS Whether you’re building new or renovating your existing home, you spend a lot of time, energy, and money as you see the project through to completion. Experts and leading sources are here to help you streamline your choices.

Photo by Tommy Daspit

Produced by B R I E R E LY H O R T O N

Designed by Willow Homes house, this white-painted brick cottage has all the hallmarks of good curb appeal—from landscaping to beautiful windows and a dramatic front porch.

AD INDE X: Don’ t miss the se truste d source s 24.......HGH/Avondale Hardware 24.......J. Wright Building Company 27.......Lovette Design + Build 27.......Southern Window 29.......Taylor Burton birminghamhomeandgarden.com

29......Southern Window Supply 30......HF Home 30......Ginger Busby, LAH 32......Pella Windows & Doors 33......Toulmin Cabinetry

34......Fixtures & Finishes 34......Space Cadets 35......Robert F. Henry 35......Robert S. Grant Construction, Inc 37......Twin Construction j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

NEW DECADE, NEW HOME

Trends: 7 to Watch

TIMELESS OR TRENDY? HERE’S WHAT’S Toulmin Cabinetry

PERCOLATING TO THE TOP IN HOME BUILDING AND RENOVATIONS,

1. Smoky Mirrors. Hugely popular at the

moment, smoky or antiqued mirrors are a regular request by customers of Toulmin Cabinetry. As Toulmin’s Jay Young says, “We work hard to not be trendy, but we also want to add detail and a bit of interest.” This mirror style definitely checks the box for interest.

Photo by Jean Allsopp

2. Wallpaper. “Nine out of 10 of our projects

have wallpaper in the powder room,” says Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Construction. But it’s not limited to that particular room, she says. “Wallpaper is also being used in mudrooms, laundry rooms, master bedrooms, and kids’ bedrooms. Wallpaper adds color, pattern, or texture—or all three—and helps homeowners come out of their shell.”

f a home renovation or new build is part of your plans for the upcoming year, we have you covered. Some of Birmingham’s best and brightest in the building community share what’s on trend, what’s timeless, and what’s worth your investment. Any big home project—whether new construction or a remodel—is an endeavor. First of all, it’s time-consuming. “Most new construction projects take 6 to 8 months to build,” says William Siegel, co-owner of Twin Construction. “And, depending on the scope of work, a major renovation may take 3 months.” Then, there are the hundreds of decisions to be made—from floor to ceiling to landscaping. Most importantly, that project you just went headfirst into is a significant financial investment. “Our average kitchen renovation is $78,000,” says Jay Young of Toulmin Cabinetry. (The national mid-range average is $66,000.) “For bathrooms, a hall bath renovation costs around $20,000 to $25,000. And we’re hard-pressed to do a master bath for less than $35,000.” (The national averages fall squarely in those ranges.) So when you juxtapose the time, decisions, and money you will contribute with the thousands of choices available, you can see why home builders and knowledgeable vendors are so valuable. Don’t be discouraged, though. Any type of home upgrade has the potential to be both fun and oh-so-satisfying, especially when you get to enjoy the finished space. As we kick off a new year and a new decade, and even perhaps tackle a few home goals, we have connected with some of the brightest and best builders and vendors in the Birmingham area and aked them to share what you need for your next project—tips, tricks, and advice on what’s hot, what’s trending, and what’s fading out when it comes to home building and renovations. Save this issue or tear out this article and put it aside, because when (not if) you embark upon new construction or a renovation—big or small—you don’t want to miss this advice.

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3. Large-format porcelain tile. This tile is not only popping up as a focal wall in a foyer or on a shower wall, it’s also being used as a countertop material. “Large-format porcelain tile can be a nightmare to fabricate, and it’s only made in Italy right now,” says Jay Young of Toulmin Cabinetry. “But it’s a closer representation of marble than quartz is, and it’s also more visually distinctive.” 4. Black finishes & fixtures. This color is particularly popular with cabinet and door hardware, but you’ll also see it in lighting. “Black and other darker colors, such as dark grays in interesting textures, are also becoming popular when it comes to tile selections,” says Dee Bentley of Robert F. Henry Tile Company. 5. Fixed windows. Windows with large sight

lines (small frames and large glass areas) are very popular. Tim Flynn of Southern Window Supply, says more and more people don’t care if their windows actually open. “Because of building codes, some must operate in rooms such as bedrooms,” he says. “But the increasing trend towards fixed windows apparently stems from people saying they just never open their windows. It’s only slightly less expensive to purchase a fixed window, but there’s less maintenance and a tad bit more efficiency.”

6. Steel doors. Steel doors, along with their more affordable doppelganger, aluminum doors, are big right now. The former can be pricey at about $15,000 per door, plus they’re not as energy efficient as other doors and require specialty hardware. Aluminum versions are newer to the market, are significantly more affordable (around $4,000 per door), and are more energy-efficient. 7. Decision by committee. Homeowners are

personalizing spaces based on who will be using them. Not only will specific finishes and colors be selected according to the primary user, but that individual (even if it’s a child) is getting more involved in the decision-making.

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“Trust your builder’s recommended local vendors. They’re experts in their fields and have long-lasting relationships. There are so many horror stories of trying to save money by purchasing online, which sometimes costs homeowners more in the long run.” —RENEE GENEREUX, BRANDINO BRASS

10 Timeless Selections WHEN YOU WANT TO UPGRADE A SPACE BUT AVOID THAT CLICHÉ TIME STAMP THAT SCREAMS THE YEAR YOU TOOK ON THE PROJECT, BE SURE TO MAKE CLASSIC AND TIMELESS SELECTIONS. HERE’S WHAT THE EXPERTS SUGGEST YOU GRAVITATE TOWARDS FOR AGELESS APPEAL.

1. Open-concept design 2. Large kitchen island 3. Creating a dressing room 4. Herringbone patterns 5. Subway tile 6. Finishes in unlaquered brass, solid brass, and polished nickel

7. Marble surfaces 8. Hardwood floors throughout the house 9. Mixed metals in a room 10. White kitchens Cabinet: MDM Design Studio Hardware: Brandino Brass

Brewer Cabinets

The Best Return on Investment

The Kitchen. Lots of kitchen remodels remove a wall to open up the space without adding square footage to the house. It helps increase ease of flow in the space and is a huge bonus for entertaining. “People don’t usually buy a house because of a mudroom, laundry room, or office,” says Jason Brewer of Brewer Cabinets. “They do buy a house for the kitchen, though. And the open floorplan is a selling point.” A Bathroom. Baths continue to be among the top go-to for a worthy investment. Although a bathroom remodel (minor or significant) takes a backseat to a kitchen upgrade, the return on investment for a middle-of-the-road addition or upscale upgrade is (statistically) on the rise. “People want more out a bathroom these days, and it’s becoming a more important area of focus similar to kitchens,” says Cole Farris of Hufham Farris Construction. The Front Door. “It’s the handshake to a home,” says Jeff Seabolt of HGH Hardware. “Therefore, it elevates its importance beyond pure utility.” Industry experts agree that replacing your front door will deliver a sizeable return. 28

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Photos by Jean Allsopp

If you’re renovating with an eye towards getting out what you put in—or more—these three upgrades are what the experts say are the most worthwhile.

Chrome faucet: VW Gallerie. Hardware: Brandino Brass

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Photo by Graham Yelton

Toulmin Cabinetry

Color Me Pretty We are embracing color again! Think paint, wallpaper, and even colorful light fixtures. “People are moving towards darker colors,” says Jeremy Wright of J. Wright Building Company. “White interiors will stick around, but you’ll see more color popping up.” Here’s what homeowners and decorators are gravitating towards. Blue. From Classic Blue (Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020) to darker shades like navy to robin’s-egg blue, all are of interest right now. “People are using these colors on walls, cabinets, and (surprise!) even light fixtures,” says Mary Louise Choate of Fixtures & Finishes. Green. “From mint green lanterns to darker green cabinets, this is another color that’s growing in popularity,” says Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Construction. Creamy neutrals. Every expert agreed that neutral colors, especially white, will never fall out of favor. But one trend that decorators are seeing more of when it comes to neutrals, according to Laurie Fulkerson and Danielle Robin, both of Twin Construction, is painting walls, trim, and ceiling all one neutral color. 30

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Birmingham Home & Garden is partnering with Willow Homes to break new ground in Homewood. Coming Holiday 2020

Announcing our 2020 Inspiration Home

Welcome to

HOMEWOOD PLAN HIGHLIGHTS • Five Bedrooms with master on main • 4 and 1/2 baths • Two fireplaces • Vaulted ceilings • Open concept dining room and kitchen • Private courtyard with fireplace and dining porch • Three-car garage with guest suite above Square Footage: Main level conditioned: 1,824 sq. ft. Upper level: 808 sq. ft. Bonus: 616 sq. ft. Heated: 3,248 sq. ft.

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Rough-faced stone, cedar-shake roofing, and artisan siding provide textural details to this classic Southern cottage in the heart of Homewood. Outdoor living areas include a front terrace, entry porch, dining porch, and a private courtyard with fireplace, arbor and fountain, or outdoor kitchen. The wide front door opens to an entry hall complete with a library wall, window seat, and dramatic two-story staircase. The main-level master suite includes his-and-hers closets, a pedestal tub, and a zero-entry shower. Reminiscent of English manor homes, the enormous dining/kitchen space features vaulted, beamed ceilings and a telescoping door opening onto the courtyard. Upstairs in the main house are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cozy den. Above a three-car garage at the rear of the home is an ultimate man cave or in-law suite, providing a private fifth bedroom with a seating room and bath. Construction will begin on Firefighter Lane in early 2020. This location is in easy walking distance to some of Birmingham’s best restaurants and shopping.

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Space Cadets

What the Experts Love These three “trends” are what builders, their vendors, and designers are coveting right now. A focus on powder room sinks. “Homeowners are putting their best food forward in powder rooms. That includes sinks made from less traditional materials like nickel, brass, and stone,” says Mary Louise Choate of Fixtures & Finishes. Modular closet systems. Forgo the builder-grade wire system and instead scale back with a customizable modular system that allows you to expand on it in time (like when your budget rebounds). Kim McBrayer of Space Cadets likes the freedomRail brand. Mixed metals. Matching finishes are still very much a thing, but mixing up finishes in one room is more than acceptable now. For example, use a polished nickel faucet and an unlaquered brass lighting fixture. “I don’t see this going away any time soon,” says Renee Genereux of Brandino Brass. Technology, environmental conservation, and the intersection of the two. “Technology is ever-changing, and it seems to be growing in American kitchen and bath design,” says Mary Louise Choate of Fixtures & Finishes. “People are becoming more aware and willing to spend money on things like touchless faucets, auto-flushing toilets, steam in the bathroom, etc., in order to improve their quality of life—and even potentially lengthen it.” j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

Builder’s Best We asked the pros what they share with clients to help guide them through the decisions behind their renovation or new build. Here’s what they told us. Start with your budget. Too often a homeowner finds out that what they want—and what they have drawn up with a designer or architect—isn’t in their budget. Jeremy Wright of J. Wright Building Company advises that you begin with your budget and work backwards. Think big picture. “Keep re-sale value in mind, as well as with the contractor that you employ for the job,” says Robert Grant of Robert S. Grant Construction, Inc. Re-sale value is especially important if you’re only planning to live there for five or fewer years. “If your plan is to stay for 15 or 20 years, it’s important to think about your remodel with a master plan design approach,” says Clint Lovette of Lovette Design + Build. “For example, if you want to renovate the kitchen now and the basement later, lay the groundwork for the basement at the same time.” Consider how frequently you’ll use a space or room. Blake Pittman of Taylor Burton Company likes to stress to his clients to think about the “cost per use” for your space. “When you look at price per square foot, the kitchen is usually the most expensive real estate,” Blake says. “But then if you think about how often you use that kitchen, how much time you spend in it, and the memories your family will make in it, the cost per use is very cheap.”

“Splurge on backsplashes and feature walls where there isn’t a huge quantity of material but you can really make a statement.” —Dee Bentley, RObert F. HEnry

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Lovette Design + Build

Don’t forget the smaller spaces. We’re talking about your pantry, master closet, etc. It’s easy to overlook the design of those areas or to shift the budget line item for them elsewhere. But if you approach those spaces with the goal of a design that’ll keep them organized, the payoff down the line is significant. As Kim McBrayer of Space Cadets. “Paying attention to the design of these spaces will help you feel less stressed and happier in your everyday life.”

10 Upgrades to Put on Your Radar (When Budget Allows) BUDGETS AREN’T FORGIVING, SO SOMETIMES THAT EXTRA BELL OR WHISTLE IS A NO-GO. BUT IF YOU DO HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA MONEY LEFT OVER, OR IF YOU WANT TO SPLURGE, HERE ARE SOME UPGRADE IDEAS THAT ARE GAINING TRACTION.

Hot water and filtered water taps in the kitchen or butler’s pantry 2. Built-in wall microwave-and-oven combination 3. Garbage disposal air switches 4. Ice machines 5. Hardwoods throughout the house (yes, even in the master bath and kids’ bedrooms!) 6. His & hers stations in the master closet 7. Outdoor fireplaces 8. Heated bathroom and master closet floors 9. Smart home upgrades (think switches and thermostats) 10. Upgraded, or multiple, shower fixtures

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5 WAYS TO BOOST CURB APPEAL Whether you’re preparing to put your house on the market or you want the neighborhood to do a slow roll as they drive past your home, these expert suggestions will absolutely bolster your home’s exterior aesthetic. draws more curbside appeal), upgrading or adding a lantern can really make your front entry pop,” says Clint Lovette of Lovette Design + Build. Also, it’s key that the scale of your lantern to your entrance is appropriate. “A good rule of thumb is that the fixture’s height needs to be ¼ to 1/3 of the height of your door,” says Renee Genereux of Brandino Brass. New Paint. “A fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home will go a long way,” says Blake Pittman of Taylor Burton Company. The cost varies widely based on the size of the house that needs to be painted, of course, but it can be as little as $5,000 (for trim, windows, and shutters on a single-story house) or as much as $40,000 (for a two-story house that needs to be completely painted). Small architectural changes. Adding a portico, a front porch, or shutters (and don’t forget to include hardware with them!) elevates a home’s curbside appeal instantly. Installing landscape lighting can really highlight current architectural features.

Landscaping. The landscaping truly has the potential to take your home from ho-hum to voila! “Climbing vines and roses are helpful and very popular among homeowners,” says Danielle Robin of Twin Construction. And sometimes, taking the time and spending the money on painting a fence can make a world of difference—or at least that was Laurie Fulkerson and Danielle’s experience with a recent Twin Construction client. 36

Front-Facing Windows. Upgrading your windows on the front of the house is an easy way to enhance curb appeal. “Some people, especially builders on new homes, will select special grill patterns for the front of the house and then skip grill patterns altogether on the sides and back of the house,” says Tim Flynn of Southern Window Supply. Entryway Lanterns. “Whether you choose gas or electric (though gas still

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Text by L A C E Y H O W A R D

Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

A Fresh Start Relocating from a waterfront Florida residence to a landlocked Homewood abode was easy, thanks to a new home that brought a doting grandmother closer to her family.

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“The house is timeless because of the materials—handmade clay roof tiles, limestone accents, and wood-mold brick.” —BUILDER JOHN BRYANT

usan Presley had three good reasons to move away from her waterfront Florida home—“my three grandsons,” she says. “I found myself driving up very frequently to see sports and school activities and to attend other special events for them, so I decided it would work best to live nearby.” While family was the biggest incentive to move north, Susan also felt the need to downsize and lighten the load of upkeep. “I wanted to scale down significantly,” she says. “My home on the water required a lot of maintenance on both the home

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“The entry plays an important role in setting the tone for the house,” says Crystal Tucker, plan designer at Twin Construction. “We elevated the ceilings and created a special staircase with windows to draw your focus up.” Homeowner Susan Presley specified the French antique closet doors that flank the doorway between the entry and living area. “I searched a long time and had them shipped from South Alabama,” she says. “They have a ton of character.” j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

AROUND THE HOUSE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The open floorplan sees lots of activity from visiting grandsons. Susan can keep an eye on them from the kitchen • Located in the hallway just outside the master suite, the laundry room has tons of storage, as well as a marble countertop for folding • A covered entry gives easy access to the garden from the screened porch • A custom gate made by Twin Construction is adorned with hardware from Brandino Brass. • Wallpaper offers a colorful, patterned surprise in the powder room. The trim and ceiling are painted with Farrow & Ball’s Skylight, and the vanity is painted in a custom color to match the lighter color in the wallpaper. • The hallway leading to the master suite puts an art piece painted by a friend of Susan’s on display. “This is a painting of Susan, her two daughters, and her grandsons,” says Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors. I wanted to place it where she would see it all the time.” • The dining room, which sits opposite the stairs at the front of the house, enjoys a street view. Steel-and-glass French doors that echo the front door separate the space from the kitchen.

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“The steel doors off the kitchen match the ones on the front of the house. They really elevate the beauty of the home.” —SUSAN PRESLEY, HOMEOWNER

and landscaping. So, for this house, I wanted everything to be much more manageable.” With those things in mind, Susan found a lot in Edgewood and turned to Twin Construction for design assistance. Working with Twin’s plan designer, Crystal Tucker, Susan laid out the specific requests she had for the floorplan. “I wanted all of the spaces that I use most located on the first floor,” she says, which included the living and dining areas, kitchen, master suite, laundry room, and office space. “In looking through the photos Susan had gathered for inspiration, it became clear she had a distinct vision for what her home would look like,” says Crystal. “Certain architectural features reappeared in multiple photos she provided, such as steep pitches, a cedar-shake roof, white tones, and lots of glass. She had really done her homework.” But creating a design that birminghamhomeandgarden.com

worked for Susan and still fit within the lot’s narrow width restrictions was a challenge—one Crystal was ready to tackle. “We had to be thoughtful in laying out the rooms so the house didn’t feel too narrow,” she says. Susan also had some other things on her wish list that helped shape how her home flows from room to room, as well as the choices made for the interior design. “I wanted an open, airy kitchen that would flow into the family room,” she says. “Having a separate pantry, as well as lots of cabinet storage space, was also important. And I didn’t want a formal living room. One of the most important things for me was my bedroom. A vaulted ceiling was a must, and I wanted exposed timbers.” Thanks to Crystal and Twin interior designer Laurie Fulkerson, Susan’s visions came to life in every space. Laurie outfitted the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

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”The sliding door that separates the master bedroom from the master bath is a gorgeous custom piece that fits perfectly,” says Susan. Adds Laurie, “I feel like every master bedroom needs a full-length mirror, so I designed one in the form of a sophisticated, yet functional, door.” OPPOSITE: Almost every inch of the master bath is marble. “In my opinion, it will be just as beautiful in 30-plus years,” says Laurie.

home in soft colors and classic materials that she dscribes as timeless, warm, and inviting. “We used Calacatta gold marble, which gives a beautiful, warm look,” she says. “The home also has a lot of wood, limestone, and wallpaper, all with a creamy color palette as a backdrop. Most of the furnishings are new with some antiques bought locally. Susan did have some personal pieces she wanted to use, so I made a point to incorporate those for her. Overall, the interiors have a timeless quality with plenty of warmth, which perfectly reflects Susan’s personality.” With interiors in place, Susan turned her attention to the exterior surroundings. Behind the house, tucked between the garage and the property line, she incorporated a raised-bed garden. “I enjoy spending time tending to flowers and seeing things grow and bloom,” she says. “I have visited a lot of European gardens, and I wanted to make mine similar to those by incorporating lots of pebbles, large planters, and water features.” Randy McDaniel of McDaniel Land Designs helped with the design. “I envisioned a birminghamhomeandgarden.com

RESOURCES: Plan designer: Crystal Tucker, Twin Construction, 205.802.3920, twincompanies.com Builder: Twin Construction, twincompanies.com Interior designer: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors, 205.802.3920, twincompanies.com Kitchen: Cabinet hardware: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.com Countertops: Surface One, surface1.com, Triton Stone, tritonstone.com Backsplash: Triton Stone Cabinets: Parsons Cabinetry, 205. 960.3636 Master bath: Cabinets: Parsons Cabinetry Cabinet hardware: Brandino Brass Tile: Triton Stone Garden design: Randy McDaniel, McDaniel Land Designs, 205.918.0190, mcdaniellanddesigns. com Garden installation: Curb Appeal, curbappealonline.com j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

SPRING FORWARD Now is the time to plan for the warmer months ahead. Landscape designer Randy McDaniel of McDaniel Land Designs shares tips for creating a backyard garden full of spring blooms. RAISE IT UP. Raised beds make tending to plants easier because there’s no need to crouch down on your knees. But according to Randy, there’s an even better reason to garden above ground. “Raised beds help ensure that you have good soil and good drainage. To me, that’s as good as the convenience of not having to bend over.” UNDER FOOT. The gravel in Susan’s garden is called Selma Brown gravel. “Oftentimes people will assume it’s peagravel, but this gravel has a richer brown color and is angular so it locks together and compacts to form a surface that’s easier to walk on,” says Randy. “Peagravel can feel like you’re walking on marbles.” MAKE ROOM. “I like to have a place to sit,” Randy says of garden must-haves. “This garden has a bench at its back edge that acts as a terminating focal element. I love that Susan added a console table! She’s furnished the area like a room, and that makes it feel like a space where you want to hang out.” CREATE YEAR-ROUND INTEREST: Vertically-growing cedar trees at the back of the lot, along with the Confederate jasmine climbing vine, offer evergreen color. In the summer, Susan fills beds with annuals and vegetables.

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strong graphic pattern with a neat-and-tidy presence,” he says. The raised beds are simple rectangles with each inside corner clipped to create a circular space for the center urn water feature. Adds Susan, “If I had one tip for someone starting a raised-bed garden, it would be to do a lot of research about what works best with the sun exposure, what plants are the easiest to care for, and which ones offer the most color for impact.” For her own beds, Susan started with zinnias and dusty miller. “They are both so easy to grow here, and their cuttings make beautiful arrangements,” she says. “I also have always had great success with pentas in the sun and impatiens in the shade. Green leaf sweet potato vine is easy and prolific and really sets off a garden with its trailing structure. I once read that you should have a thriller, a filler, and a spiller, so I have implemented all three of those in the beds and surrounding pots.” Now settled in her new space, Susan says her home and yard have provided everything she wanted, with the best part being the short commute to see her grandsons. “I like waking up to have my cup of coffee while enjoying the garden view through my master bedroom window,” she says. “Then it’s an easy stroll to my daughter’s house to walk my grandsons to Edgewood Elementary.” After school, the boys often come to her house to play with neighbors. “I love that my front yard has already hosted many football games and Nerf gun battles,” Susan says.

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“The master bedroom has a bank of windows overlooking the garden. I love to sit there with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.” —SUSAN PRESLEY, HOMEOWNER

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HAPPY

HUNTING

Designers and friends Beth Hubrich and Elizabeth Lee have developed a special connection for making design fun and approachable. Welcome to their first backyard popup party they dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Upstairs Collection.â&#x20AC;? Text by C H R I S T I A N A R O U S S E L / Photography by M A R Y M A R G A R E T C H A M B L I S S 46

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“You never know what is going to resonate with buyers. I had my eye on the green velvet-covered theater seats. I knew they belonged with The Upstairs Collection. They were a huge hit!” —Beth Hubrich

The Carleys kept their new kitchen on a simple scale suited to their needs. “I still just have a 36-inch stove, one sink, one dishwasher,” Dotty says. “I have friends who have a 56 inch-stove and they never cook. You open it up and find the mail stashed in there.”

Beth and Elizabeth thought through every detail for their inaugural sale, including tips for shoppers on how to snag their finds.

ake the backyard of 100-year-old Homewood home with a new-to-look-old carriage house. Add a layer of found treasures from two talented designers. Style those finds in well-curated vignettes that others can picture re-creating in their own spaces. Layer in scads of vintage and antique rugs. Garnish with fun grazing tables, and invite your favorite friends and design enthusiasts. Mingle and watch the magic happen. This is the “recipe” that played out on a recent fall weekend when friends and fellow tag-sale enthusiasts Elizabeth Lee and Beth Hubrich joined forces for their first ever pop-up shopping event they called The Upstairs Collection. As friends and owners of two separate design businesses—Elizabeth runs Hazel House Collective while

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“It truly was a magical event. We ended the night just floating on that feeling.” —ELIZABETH LEE

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Beth owns Mary & Wilma—the pair found themselves in the enviable position of wanting to share their respective troves with more people. Beth says, “Our goal with The Upstairs Collection was to have a way to show people how they could use these pieces in their own homes, whether it be rugs or furniture or pieces of home décor. It has been a nice ‘landing spot’ for both of us.” Neither wanted to dive headlong into an all-out retail space. “This was the perfect way to present these finds,” says Elizabeth. The two met through a small business group in Homewood and immediately clicked, finding friendship and a sounding board in one another. Design is a side hustle for both (Beth is a registered dietitian while Elizabeth is in surgical sales), but they each crave the creative outlet that comes with filling a home with intentional care and great style. The idea for hosting The Upstairs Collection came together as organically as their friendship. Beth recalls saying to Elizabeth, “I have this idea…,” while Elizabeth laughs and traces that idea back to the Saturday morning Beth rolled up to her house with an empty U-Haul truck and a plan to scour Montgomery for

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Beth Hubrich’s MARY & WILMA

A dietitian by training, Beth fuels her creative side with design projects under the moniker Mary & Wilma, a business she named after her grandmothers.

favorite find: That is a hard

question. I feel like they are all my children! But there was a pair of faux tortoise bookshelves that I found at an estate sale that were covered in seven layers of dust. When I got home, I discovered they were made by Lane.

always looking for:

Finding a pair of anything at an estate sale is kind of like finding a unicorn—especially in the vintage and antique world. Smaller chests are also elusive (like the size that fits perfectly between a pair of twin beds). That height is trickier to find, but a bedside chest can be so great for storage and hiding the day-to-day stuff of life. And because I am from Florida, I am a sucker for anything rattan or bamboo.

cannot resist: Anything with a great story behind it! personal style: I love an

storied finds. The truck came back filled to the brim, and The Upstairs Collection was born. The women picked a date in October (mid-week to avoid any conflicts with children’s activities or football tailgates) and then set about creating the right mood for their event. Elizabeth and Beth worked with entertaining expert Marie Wright to execute the atmosphere they had in mind, adding one more layer to their fabulous concoction. Marie has a knack for transforming and elevating a space with her collections of place settings and entertaining accoutrements. Noting that “details matter in entertaining,” she enjoys bringing a hostess’s vision to life in color, texture, and thoughtful particulars. Event planner and caterer Courtney Wright of Savor Style oversaw the culinary aspect of the event. Known for creating spectacular grazing tables, Courtney made sure no one went hungry while shopping for that perfect new find. And shop they did! Months of collecting followed by days of staging paid off in spades. Elizabeth and Beth loved seeing so many treasures in the hands of new owners eager to create their individual design stories. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

eclectic mix. I like to throw in an old family heirloom with a modern lamp. I am drawn to color and have never met a pattern I didn’t like. Colorful, livable, happy, Floridian.

best advice: People often think they don’t have room for a found item, which I totally get. We don’t want things to feel cluttered. But I do believe that if you fall in love with a piece, there is a reason. You may go into an estate sale looking for a twin beds but find a piece of art you love. There IS a spot for it.

Shop Online: IG: @maryandwilma Maryandwilmaco@gmail.com 404.392.5572

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Temperate fall weather provided the perfect backdrop for Beth and Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backyard treasure hunt which took place in the carriage house behind the Hubrichsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Homewood home. The women created vignettes in various parts of the house, as well as in the backyard, to show customers how they might use these finds in their own homes.

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Elizabeth Lee’s HAZEL HOUSE COLLECTIVE

Elizabeth might get caught looking down at her feet more than looking up—rugs are her passion, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge and design tips with clients to help them feel at ease with a big investment like an antique rug.

favorite find: I found an

antique Mahal runner at an estate sale. I’m pretty sure I will never get rid of it!

always looking for:

Antique Persian rugs. When I say “‘antique,” I mean over a hundred years old. About 80% of the rugs I sell are vintage ones from the 1930’s–1970’s. But antique rugs are what I am really drawn to. I think about where they’ve been and the stories they could tell. The best ones have patches and holes and maybe even fringe that is coming off.

personal style: I am way

more traditional than Beth. Sometimes I’ll ask her opinion on something and she’ll say, “That’s very brown.” That’s when I know it’s very me! I lean towards traditional English Country.

best advice: Rugs are a big

investment, but a great rug will be around forever. And don’t be afraid to use blue Dawn dishwashing soap to occasionally clean your rug! I will take mine outside and spray them down. As long as they get fully dry, they will last!

always wearing: I have a

pearl bracelet that my husband gave me on our wedding day. I wear it every day. Sometimes I mix it up with brass bangles or a leopard cuff. Shop Online: IG: HazelHouseCollective hazelhousecollective@gmail.com 205.908.7755

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O N T H E B OARD What’s a backyard party without drinks and treats? Courtney Wright of Savor Style put together a magnificent grazing board for the launch of The Upstairs Collection by layering various cured meats and cheeses between toasted baguette slices and crisp crackers. While this particular spread skewed toward the traditional, Courtney notes that there is no wrong way to graze. “Grazing boards and tables are such an easy way to entertain,” she says. “There is something for everyone, and a beautiful spread invites everyone to connect at the table.” IG: savor_style

GOOD FOR GRAZING These are some of Courtney’s favorite grazing board items: • A range of cheeses—soft to hard • Cured meats—mild to spicy • Castelvetrano olives for their bright green color and buttery finish • Local honey and honeycomb • Cheeses from Big Spring Dairy and Stone Hollow Farmstead • Holmsted Fines chutneys • Pickled vegetables and crudités • Yogurt-based dips and spreads • Macarons for a touch of sweet • Susan Gordon pottery for serving • Logo cookies by Kat Jones @heykatbakes

SETTING THE MOOD, ONE PLATE AT A TIME

When was the last time you were wowed by a paper plate? Or a recyclable bamboo fork? Marie Wright knows the answer—never. Through her home-based business, she provides interesting plates, silverware, lighting, and glassware for exceptional parties. For the launch of The Upstairs Collection, Marie chose blueand-white pieces and then rounded out the setting with layered lighting, lanterns, and centerpieces. The end result of a Marie Wright-festooned fete is undeniable: Guests feel intimately engaged for this moment in time. IG: MarieWright333 52

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masters of the

PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP â&#x20AC;˘ INTERIORS BY ALLISON SMITH

MIX Meet five Birmingham designers who know that creating a one-of-a-kind look is all about the mix. Pulling together high design with bargain finds, custom details with off-the-shelf purchases, and antiques with brand-new furnishings, these professionals create interiors that reflect the interests of their clients and result in a look that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be replicated with one-stop shopping. On the following pages, they share insights and tips to give you the confidence to find your own personal style. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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While the modern light fixture is large, the white color keeps it from overwhelming the room.

room to grow Teenagers change their minds on a whim. So when designer Alison Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter asked her mom for a teenage bedroom makeover, Alison opted for transitional pieces that can be reaccessorized for a whole new look as tastes, color preferences, and personal style changes Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P 56

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“It’s amazing how a room can evolve from a simple something that you love. In this room, it was the navy fabric of the bed pillow.” —Alison Smith

Alison Smith Evolving Designs START WITH A NEUTRAL BASE “A neutral base allows you to add big or small doses of color all around,” says Alison. “The natural backdrop in this space includes a light stained floor, white walls, and metallic gold as a neutral accent.“

Sherwin-Williams Novel Lilac paint gives a contemporary twist to the more traditiional design of the vanity.

CHOOSE TRANSITIONAL PIECES “I love to mix styles!” Alison says. “In this room, we combined furniture with straight lines and with curves. While the desk is more contemporary, the desk chair is an antique piece purchased from a local trading site and painted in a metallic gold. I covered it with a fresh herringbone chenille upholstery. The drapery panels have a more contemporary, metallic fabric, but the style is traditional with Euro pleating.” SPLASH ON COLOR “The starting point for this room was the navy-and-white fabric found at ADAC in Atlanta,” says Alison. “The idea was to add in a color or two with the navy to make it more feminine and playful. When we found the rug, it drove the design towards the orchid/lilac palette. Custom-made square pillows on the bed combine the colors with an orchid velvet fabric and a navy gusset, both from DSR, Inc.” ALISON SMITH INTERIORS 205.427.3547, alisonsmithinteriors.com birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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what meets the eye By adding custom character and thoughtful details to white walls, small spaces, and bland ceilings, Jessica Conner put a little more pop into this new build in Homewood. She also outfitted the rooms with brand new family- and walletfriendly furnishings. Best of all, she came in under budget. Text by C A T H Y S T I L L M C G O W I N / Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

The two-story cottage is essentially two-rooms-wide with an open living room and kitchen. To delineate spaces, Jessica added curved arches to the opening of the dining room. The curves are repeated on the kitchen island and in the custom front door. “Because you can see all the way to the living room through the open front door, I painted an accent wall the same color as the dining room,” Jessica says. “I wanted the eye to have a stopping point.” 58

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rchitectural details are especially important when building a new home into a storied neighborhood like Homewood. For Whitney and JJ Thomas’s cottage, designer Jessica Conner inserted style, texture, craftsman details, and super-smart functionality into every nook and cranny. “They didn’t want a cookie cutter house, but they also didn’t want their house look out of place,” Jessica says. “They loved the Arts & Crafts bungalow style but were looking for a fresh, modern take on it.”

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DINING ROOM: Because the dining room is just inside the front door on the right, Jessica wanted it to have a major visual impact. “It wasn’t large enough for a lot of furniture so we added interest with the arched opening and the X-shaped cedar beams on the ceiling,” Jessica says. “The dark walls (Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore) really draw attention to the architectural elements and the art from At Home in Homewood”

Invest in good cabinets. They make up 75% of your kitchen and are used day in and day out.

“Bringing a designer in during the floorplan stage is crucial. It’s a lot easier to make a change before construction than to stand in a space and realize something doesn’t work. You can also add some interesting design elements during the planning stages and have those priced in the bid rather than adding them later and finding yourself over budget.” —JESSICA CONNER birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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A Target run yielded the landscape art in the master bedroom.

Jessica Conner Tips for Planning Ahead Before we started buying anything for the interiors, I made a furniture plan and went room by room with a spreadsheet of each item we needed, down to the throw blankets and curtain rings. I created an allowance for each item so I could make sure the grand total did not exceed the budget. This helped us stay focused while shopping. I updated the spreadsheet as we made selections, and because we started early, we were able to wait for sales on some items. At the end, we were a couple thousand dollars under budget! 60

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BELOW: Jessica designed the powder room sink from a remnant of Alba Vera marble to save on costs. “The wonderful fabricators at CR Home brought it to life,” she says. “I loved the idea of the sink to one side instead of centered so you could have some countertop to the right.” The wallpaper is a Wayfair find by A Street Prints Wallpaper. “I love using wallpaper in a small space,” Jessica says. “It really adds a punch of style.”

Wall-mounted faucets offer a unique element that saves space and makes counter cleanup easy! The fabricated design on the marble backsplash is a statement maker.

BELOW: A child’s bath showcases big style with a built-in cabinet, tile floor, and oversize tile for the bath surround. “It still has that great subway tile look, but the larger squares make it easier to clean,” Jessica says. RIGHT, BOTTOM: To make a statement in the master bath—and save on costs so she could splurge on marble countertops—Jessica surrounded the tub with chevron-patterned wainscotting. She also paneled walls in the TV room (opposite page) for distinction.

RESOURCES: Architect: KYLEStudio, 205.965.6777 Interior design and elevations, cabinetry and millwork design: Jessica Conner, jessicaconner. com Builder: Saunders Bradford, saundersbradford.com Custom front door: Webb Concrete & Building Materials, webbconcrete. com Cabinets: Hamm’s Custom Wood Products, 205.229.1839 Countertops: CR Home Alabama, 205.943.0680 Hardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass. com Plumbing and appliances: Southern Bath & Kitchen, southernbathandkitchen.com Doors and windows: Webb Concrete & Building Materials Dining room chandelier: Mayer Lighting, mayerlighting.com Sofa, chair in master, ottoman in living room: Barnett Furniture, barnettfurniture. com Kitchen rugs: Hazel House Collective, 205.908.7755 birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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on the bright side Designer Katherine B. Melvin works with both first-time homeowners and seasoned collectors to put a fresh face on traditional style. Text by C A T H Y S T I L L M C G O W I N / Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

Katherine says contemporary prints and groupings of vintage illustrations in pretty frames make a grand statement when designing on a budget. She also loves to use original art such as this abstract by Birmingham artist Carrie Carlton (above the console, opposite).

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Walls & Ceiling: Swiss Coffee Benjamin Moore

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good shade takes an ordinary lamp and makes it fabulous!â&#x20AC;? Katherine says.

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“We went through the Restoration Hardware period of design where we ordered everything from the same place. Now there’s a trend back towards interesting design with personality.” —KATHERINE B. MELVIN

Katherine likes to use designer fabrics in small doses. The sofa lumbar showcases a pricey Bennison print on one side. To save money, the back is finished in a simple white linen.

Katherine’s Favorite Local Shops: • Antiquities • Circa Interiors & Antiques • Details • Firefly • Homewood Antiques • The Nest • Shoppe • Tricia’s Treasures • Unique Black Sheep

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o matter the age of my clients, they all want a fresh look,” says interior designer Katherine Melvin. “My younger clients already have the white sofa and the side tables. They are looking to invest in things that are going to last and can grow with them.” On the other hand, she says established homeowners look at design from the flip side. “They have built their collections and have pretty antiques. For them, it’s a refresh or a lightening up.” But no matter what angle Katherine comes from or what stage of design her client is in, she says it’s imperative to find balance with old and new. “Everything doesn’t have to be fine,” she says. “You want a mix that is inviting and approachable—something with a little patina and something that tells a story.” Three key words guide Katherine’s design decisions: context, function, and aesthetic. “You have to understand your client’s budget, what they have, and how they live,” she says. “It’s not just about making a space beautiful. The home and the design have to work for the client’s lifestyle.”

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A little wallpaper, gingham cafe curtains, and new light fixtures go a long way (without a lot of cost) to revive a standard-issue 1950s bath.

Katherine B. Melvin - Lightening Up Katherine says her personal style leans towards a light, natureinspired palette. “I love working with the colors you would find in an English garden—blues, greens, creams, yellows, and blush.”

FOR YOUNG COLLECTORS

• Invest in pieces that will last. • For longevity and durability, opt for indoor/ outdoor fabrics for upholstery. • Mix in pieces that have a story and patina. “Things can still be fresh without looking too shiny or new,” Katherine says. • Embrace brown furniture. Whether it’s antique, wicker, or rattan, brown furniture grounds a space and lends a natural feel to a room.

FRESH LOOKS FOR ANTIQUES

• Complement the dark wood of antiques by painting walls in light hues. • Simplify your space by getting rid of unused and under-appreciated items. • Mix in modern accents and pieces with lighter finishes for a balance of styles and periods. • Lighten up the space with airy linens and soft patterns in drapery and upholstery.

Katherine B. Melvin Design • Katherine@katherinebmelvin.com birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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“Don’t shop until you know what you want. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of online flash sales, but if you don’t have a place for something, it will end up in the closet.” — Jennifer Reese Text by C A R O L I N E M C K E N Z I E Text by C A T H Y S T I L L M C G O W I N / Photography by M A R Y M A R G A R E T C H A M B L

DINING ROOM: A marbleized fabric from Jim Thompson with a Greek key border makes up a custom woven blind in the dining room. A buffet, one of a pair, shows off a beautiful porcelain collection. KITCHEN: The breakfast nook provides that great balance of old and new as a crystal-and-gilt French chandelier holds court with a tulip table and antique jeweler’s clock. OPPOSITE: The remodeled kitchen includes Calacatta Vagli marble, which is a touch more subtle than its gold cousin. Eexisting cabinets were reused.

pretty and practical Work with what you have, and then add to it over time to elevate your style quotient. That’s what designer Jennifer Reese did for a client who didn’t believe four boys and a pretty house could go hand in hand. 66

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Text by C A T H Y S T I L L M C G O W I N / Photography by M A R Y M A R G A R E T C H A M B L I S S

ISS

Jennifer Reese Gives Her Best Advice It’s rare that a homeowner can completely start fresh. That’s not a bad thing, though, because there’s a lot to be said for the stories that follow our furnishings and finds. Jennifer shares tips for deciding what to keep, purchase, and toss as our families and budgets change.

THINK LONG-TERM FOR BIG EXPENSES

“Invest in things that will last,” Jennifer says. “For this house, artwork, light fixtures, and custom finishes, such as the teak detail and bench on the fireplace, are statement makers that will stand up to, or be out of the way of, dogs and boys.”

CUSTOMIZE STORE-BOUGHT

“I thought we should get rid of the coffee table, but Jennifer suggested we keep it—for now,” the homeowner says. “It’s been a great teether for the puppy. A new one would have been destroyed.”

“I added trim to ready-made drapery panels in the dining room to make them unique,” says Jennifer. She also gave a facelift to the head chairs at the dining table using upholstery. “I combined two fabrics so that I could insert the bold green stripe,” the designer says.

CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE

“My client needed a home where she wouldn’t lose her mind chasing after four boys,” Jennifer says. That meant keeping some of her existing items until the boys—and the dogs—get a little bit older.

BE SPONTANEOUS

Accessories are an easy thing to swap out if you want to change up the look of a space. For the family room, Jennifer opted to use store-bought pillows instead of custom-made ones. She chose bright colors and lively patterns to keep the space fun and relaxed. “Because the pillows weren’t very expensive, my client will feel more freedom to change them out with the seasons,” Jennifer says.

Jen@jreeseinteriors.com birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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Mismatched antique chairs pull up to the Craig’s List dining table. Garage-sale finds, the wing chairs were picked up for $70 (for the pair). “When something doesn’t cost much, I don’t mind spending the money on fabric and labor,” Virginia says.

living inspired Text by C A T H Y S T I L L M C G O W I N / Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

Fearless when it comes to mixing color, pattern, and fabulously quirky finds, designer Virgina Volman knows how to layer it in and pile it on to create a balance that’s just right. 68

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Virginia shares her home with her husband, five children, three rescue dogs, and a cat (the chickens stay outside). An enthusiastic entertainer, she converted her home’s designated formal living room into her dining room and the former dining area into a bar and conversation lounge. “I like to create places where you can sit and linger,” she says.

Virginia Volman Talks Fabulous Finds STARTING POINTS

When designing a room, Virginia begins with a base layer. “This usually includes your initial investment pieces, the bones of the room,” she says. In her dining room, it’s the brown furniture. Once that’s in place, she adds a secondary layer of wallpaper, lighting, and architectural accents, such as the chair rail. Finishing touches include art, colorful accessories, and finally, flowers and live plants. “Even after the layers are in, I’m constantly editing,” Virginia says. “If I don’t feel a tie to something or I don’t enjoy using it, I will find someone who will.”

SHOPPING LOCAL

“I love supporting local businesses and local artists,” Virginia says. “When I buy something, I want to see it, sit on it, and try it out. You can’t do that when you order something from a website. Plus, many of the local merchants will let you try something in your own home before you actually buy it. And the service is so much better when you shop local.”

LIVE FULLY

“Life isn’t perfect. When things do wear and tear, consider it the patina of a life enjoyed,” Virginia says. “I don’t spend crazy amounts on fabrics, and I usually opt for the five- to seven-year sofa—especially when buying for families with kids and pets.”

f you even think you found a deal on any of Birmigham’s trading sites, you better snag it before designer Virginia Volman sees it. With an eye for “potential” and “possibilities,” Virginia isn’t timid about clicking the “interested” button. Most everything in her mélange has been upcycled, re-covered, or reinvented in some way to create a custom look that is at once fresh and familiar. “A home is meant to be lived in, not looked at,” Virginia says. “If it looks good in a photo, that’s great—but it’s even better when people feel at home.”

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Virginia Volman Designs: virginia@virginiavolmandesigns.net IG: Virginia Volman

Virginia designed the bar and conversation lounge around the pink and burgandy-veined marble-topped buffet. Her carpenter built the cabinets on each side to fit perfectly next to the antique. Formerly the dining room, this space is now used by Virgina and her husband, Marc, to relax and entertain. “My husband is an amateur mixologist,” she says. “We love collecting all the little accoutrements that go along with a bar. It’s fun to look at, and it’s a nice way to welcome guests.”

“A house or room doesn’t have to be what it is supposed to be. It should be individual to you and your family and how you are going to use it.” —Virginia volman

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~beautiful baths~

Text bu J U L I E G I L L I S / Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

BLISSFULLY BOLD THINGS WE LOVE

Vivid hues of blue and gray blend with a mixture of metals in a master suite addition that defines luxury. SOAKING TUB AS THE CENTERPIECE “The tub

SHOWSTOPPING CHANDELIER “I wanted

was the most important thing to the homeowner,” says designer Danielle Robin of Twin Interiors. “It’s an acrylic tub from Ferguson with a wall-mounted tub filler rather than a floor-mounted fixture.”

something that was eyecatching,” says Danielle. “This chandelier gives off a unique reflective pattern when the other light fixtures in the space are turned off. It perfectly illuminates the tub.”

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TILED VANITY WALL Patterned tile covering the entire vanity wall (see page 74) brings an unexpected element to the room. “When you walk in the door, you have to turn before you see it,” says Danielle. “It’s really a pleasant surprise.”

STYLISH YET HARDWORKING STORAGE SHELVES Three wooden niches beside the tub offer plenty of storage (15 inches deep!) for towels, bath products, and an array of decorative accessories.

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Master Bedroom Wallpapered Area

Master Bath

TOP: “The homeowner wanted blue cabinets with brass details,” says designer Danielle Robin of Twin Interiors. “I felt like the layout of the space also called for a tiled feature wall.” Curved, brass-framed mirrors mimic the curvy pattern of the tile. ABOVE: The finished floorplan consists of four distinct yet cohesive spaces: entry hall, bath, bedroom, and sitting area. LEFT: Wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light to fill the master bedroom. RESOURCES: Interior design: Danielle Robin, Twin Interiors, 205.802.3920, twincompanies.com Builder: Twin Construction, twincompanies.com Tile: Triton, 205.592.0202, tritonstone.com Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson, 205. 254.3454, ferguson.com Cabinet hardware: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.com Cabinet paint color: Mount Etna by Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com Countertop: Surface One, 205.621.1125, surface1. com Bedding: Three Sheets, 205.871.2337, threesheetslinen.com Mirrors, sconces, fabric for shade, furniture, rug: Twin Interiors 74

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~beautiful baths~

ABOVE: The zero-entry shower includes a waterfall bench for a flawless look. BELOW: The hall to the master suite includes a table vignette with a floral wallpaper behind it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love that this fun, patterned wall is the first thing you see as you enter the suite,â&#x20AC;? says Danielle. A door to the right of the hallway leads to the master bath while the bedroom sits to the left.

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~ beautiful baths ~

LEFT: Jay Young and Mary Lauda Corwin of Toulmin Cabinetry designed a sleek space in keeping with the home’s overall style. Marble-and-brass waterjet mosaic tile from Soci Tile makes a graphic statement against European-style, matte black, laminate cabinets topped with Cambria quartz in Cambrian Black. The same black, white, and gold hues are echoed throughout the interiors to create a sense of consistency..

ABOVE AND BELOW: Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors combined classic materials, such as brass and marble, with edgier elements, such as graphic wallpaper and a wall-mounted faucet, to create a “unique look,” as requested by the homeowner. Laurie worked with Twin Cabinets, Parsons Cabinet Company, and Surface One to design the curved countertop that brings feminine appeal to the space. Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue on the cabinets and ceiling creates a frame of intense color around the room.

GLITZ & GLAMOUR Brass details, bold hues, and big patterns up the posh factor in these powder rooms. Text by J U L I E G I L L I S / Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

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bath trends by the (Instagram) numbers

Check out the top 20 bathroom design trends from over 3.3 million images across five hashtags.

1. Pure white tiles (2,870 likes) 2. Dual sinks/his-and-her sinks (3,107) 3. Devils Ivy hanging plant (2,029) 4. Freestanding oval bath (2,138) 5. Geometric tiles (4,668) 6. Circular mirrors (2,565) 7. Rainfall showers (2,547) 8. Gold taps (2,951) 9. Black taps (2,361) 10. In-shower recessed shelves (2,336) 11. Silver taps (1,548)

McGowin-King Mortgage, LLC.

12. Boho rugs (3,638) 13. Marble sink basin (3,125)

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14. Woven baskets (2,841) 15. Floating sinks (2,369) 16. Gold-framed mirrors (3,205) 17. Rustic pine shelves (1,838) 18. Black-framed mirrors (2,023)

At McGowin-King, we know trust is earned. That’s why for 21 years we’ve built our reputation one client at a time. Let us show you how we’re different.

19. Black shower door (3,190) 20. Black towel rail (1,244) Research from Harvey Water Softeners. harveywatersofteners.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION LOANS • PURCHASE LOANS • REFINANCES LOCAL UNDERWRITING & APPRAISER

Hashtags: #BathroomDesign, #BathroomGoals, #BathroomDecor, #BathroomIdeas, #BathroomInspo

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mcgowinking.com / 205.451.0679 / NMLS#: 431618

~ beautiful baths ~

Virginia Volman Designs: virginia@virginiavolmandesigns.net IG: Virginia Volman

GO FOR THE BOLD Grand gestures make a guest bath a standout with graphic floor tiles, gold finishes, and that fabulous Steel Magnolia wallpaper in Malachite by Cotton & Quill. Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

What do you do with a narrow space that doubles as a powder room and guest bath? Add glamorous appointments and an elegant shower with tile from Floor & Decor to make it the jewel box of the home. Homeowner Emily Lassiter isn’t one to shy away from color or pattern, so when Virginia suggested making a big statement, she was all in. “We pulled the cabinet paint color from the wallpaper and finished the space with plenty of brass accents such as the Kohler faucet, cabinet hardware, and sconces,” says Virginia. 78

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RECIPES

New Flavors

for a New Year

As the holidays wind down, I always find myself ready for new foods and a fresh start. I’ve eaten everything my little heart desired—and

L E S L I E B YA R S R E G I S T E R

year, I’m focusing on flavorful, healthy recipes that are not only

For more recipes and fun entertaining ideas, visit dearpartydiary.com or birminghamhomeandgarden.com

comforting and satisfying but also pretty enough for company. 80

Recipes and Photography by

more—so the idea of clean eating is a welcome thought. This new

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Charred Shishito Peppers with Sriracha Aioli SERVES 4 TO 6 AS AN APPETIZER

1 tablespoon olive oil 6-ounce carton of Shishito peppers ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Sriracha Aioli

¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Sriracha, more to taste 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 garlic clove, minced Garnish: red pepper flakes In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, and next 3 ingredients. Cover aioli and chill until ready to use. Just before serving, garnish if desired. In a large skillet, heat oil to mediumhigh. Add peppers, stirring occasionally until they are blistered and charred on several sides. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes, at the most. Sprinkle with sea salt and lemon juice. Garnish with lemon slices or nasturtiums—or both! Serve with Sriracha Aioli dipping sauce.

learn from Leslie: Put out a small bowl for the stem discards.

Coconut Chicken Curry SERVES 4

½ medium yellow onion, diced 3 cloves minced garlic 2 tablespoons finely minced ginger ½ large red bell pepper ½ large green bell pepper 3 tablespoons coconut oil, separated 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder 3 tablespoons red curry paste 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1½ pounds chicken breast tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper 1 can full-fat coconut milk (NOT lite) 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar or Splenda Brown Sugar Blend* 1 teaspoon fish sauce, optional

continued...

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps MAKES 16 WRAPS

2 tablespoons peanut oil garlic 1 pound ground chicken 1/3 cup chicken broth 2 green onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lime juice ½ teaspoon ground red pepper ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 16 Bibb lettuce leaves ½ cup salted peanuts Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over mediumheat for 1 minute. Add garlic and chicken; cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add broth, and cook over medium heat until most of the liquid evaporates. Stir in green onions and next 5 ingredients. Spoon 2 tablespoons chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Top with salted peanuts, and fold over. Serve with Cucumber Dipping Sauce.

Cooked basmati rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice along with additional lime wedges ¼ cup cilantro and/or basil, diced Optional: chopped peanuts or cashews

Cucumber Dipping Sauce MAKES 1 CUP

*If using Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (which I did), cut the amount by half.

½ cup water ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon plum sauce ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/8 teaspoon salt ½ cup finely chopped cucumber 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped mint

Start by prepping ingredients: Dice onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. Peel the ginger with a spoon or vegetable peeler, and then finely mince it. Thinly slice the bell peppers into long vertical strips, and then cut those strips in half horizontally. Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onions are beginning to get golden. Add the garlic and ginger. Stir to coat everything with the oil. Lower the heat to low, and add the curry powder, red curry paste, and coriander. Stir often for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Return the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil and the peppers. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, and then add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste. (I add 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.) Cook, stirring often, for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is browned on both sides but not cooked through. Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, and brown sugar (to taste, I start with just 1 tablesoon brown sugar). Stir until chicken is cooked through and curry is slightly thickened. Stir in fish sauce, if desired. Serve over rice. Garnish individual bowls with cilantro, basil, and crushed peanuts or cashews. Serve with additional lime wedges, if desired.

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool. Stir in cucumber, cilantro, and mint.

Learn from Leslie: If you want a thicker sauce, remove

1 to 2 tablespoons of the sauce to a small bowl and, with a fork, whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Whisk this mixture into the curry.

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