Birmingham Home & Garden - July/August 2020

Kitchen Gadgets You Never Knew You Needed

Outdoor Living: make the garden your new favorite room

EASY BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM

inspiring kitchens j u ly / a u g u s t 2 0 2 0 $4.95

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TIMELESS & TRENDY IDEAS

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CON T EN TS J U LY/AUGU ST 2020 { vol. 18 no. 4 } Photo: Jean Allsopp

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70 gardens

16 Voice of Experience

With a focus on clean lines, organized spaces, and cool colors, Peter Falkner of Falkner Gardens brings beauty and innovative ideas to landscapes large and small.

22 Birmingham Gardening Today

Don’t let high temperatures squelch your gardening plans. Garden expert John Floyd shares plenty of options for adding color and beauty with these summer plantings.

homes

26 Inspiration Home

We’re getting closer! Birmingham Home & Garden and Willow Homes are teaming up for this year’s Inspiration Home. Take a look at the list of designers and material vendors who are helping to make it happen. We’ll be ready to greet you soon!

16 52 Playful & Pretty

44 Fresh Take

60 Home Again

48 New Classic

Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely of Chickadee Interiors prove that you can create kid-friendly interiors in a pastelperfect palette with punches of black without sacrificing style.

With the help of Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors and Twin Construction, a family of five gets a tailormade kitchen that checks off every box on their wish list.

Susan Nasca returns to the city she grew up in to raise her own daughter in a house customized for family life and entertaining.

Designer Ashley Gilbreath finds the perfect balance between hard-working and stylish in a brand-new kitchen.

recipes

kitchens

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70 A Cool Treat for Hot Days

In the Kitchen with the Birmingham Dames

Vanilla ice cream meets fresh blueberries in this almost-homemade, scrumptious treat.

These local culinary and entertaining talents dish on their kitchen must-haves and most delectable recipes.

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shop local

French Twist

Designer Mary Lauda Corwin of Toulmin Cabinetry & Design creates a classic, layered look in a kitchen with Country French details.

40 Relaxed Mode

72 Take Your Pick

If you didn’t plant your own garden, you can still pick fresh. Check out some of our favorite local farms that let you reap their rewards.

Mark and Cristi Pledger of Pledger Architect reawaken a ’90s kitchen to match the home’s farmhouse style.

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FROM THE EDITOR

W

hen we photograph homes for the magazine, they are usually completely finished, fully furnished, and dazzling in their reveal. We capture the glorious “aha” moment after the dust

has settled, the moving vans are gone, and the boxes unpacked. Still, there’s something exciting about walking through an empty house or a house in progress. It’s those early stages when homeowners and designers realize that anything is possible. Such is the case with our 2019 Inspiration Home. Last week, I stopped by to take a look, stepping over stacks of lumber, ducking around wires, and peering through cutouts where doors and windows will go. Even though the home is only in its framed state, it’s fun to imagine how the spaces will look and think about the lucky family who will ultimately live there. It’s a classic cottage with spacious rooms and, if you take a look at the list of designers and material vendors on page 26, you’ll see that it’s going to be full of great ideas and amazing style. I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

In this issue, we showcase an array of finished family homes, glorious gardens, and pristine kitchens to spark your own imagination. Turn to page 16 and take a look at some of the the amazing outside spaces—both big and small—created by Peter Falkner and his team at Falkner Gardens. On page 52, Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely of Chickadee Interiors fill a Homewood home with savvy style that can also handle the wear-and-tear of family life with little kids. Nearby in Mountain Brook, homeowner Susan Nasca worked with architect Scott Carlisle to create a house that, while tailormade for her small family, meets the needs of possible future owners with larger broods (page 60). And don’t miss our kitchens special section (page 28) full of inspiration and ideas for the heart of your home. (You’ll even discover the must-have kitchen essentials used by some of the top foodies in Birmingham—along with some of their favorite recipes to try.)

I hope these projects inspire you to build, renovate, or just redecorate that one room you’ve been waiting to tackle. Just remember, the process is half the fun.

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, 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 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 / Holly M. Carlisle John Floyd, Laurey Glenn, Lacey Howard, Chris Luker, Adam Macchia, Madison Pincombe, Leslie Byars Register, Brennan Smith, Holland Williams 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 Office ManAger Sonia DeWerff accounting Keith Crabtree 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

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VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

The Defining Style of

PE T ER FA L K N ER Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

Courtyard Garden: This garden home near English Village was tight on space, but thanks to thoughtful ideas, it makes a big punch. Channeling the design of Alys Beach, Peter created a neat alley with FireRock pavers and lined the pathway with crisp, square containers (set off by Mexican beach pebbles) filled with Yew, boxwood topiaries, and a trough-turned-fountain from Architectural Heritage. An apple espalier serves as a focal point on the far wall.

Home design: architect Kelvin Terry; Containers: Elegant Earth; Builder, Russell Building 16

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Classic Georgian Courtyard and Entry:

Working around mature crape myrtles and a very happy pyracantha climbing up the side of the house, Peter reclaimed what was once an undefined garden space and transformed it into a tranquil seating area. “The wife is from Louisiana so we sourced the old New Orleans brick for the wall and topped the opening with antique pineapple finials. The fountain was a former sugar kettle, also from New Orleans. Furnishings: Mark Kennamer Designs An arrival courtyard greets guests at the front of the house (below left). “I wanted to create an inviting spot and some interest with the boxwoods and bench without taking away from the great arhitecture and reclaimed brick,�

Peter says. Containers: Elegant Earth

From narrow courtyards to pocket gardens to grand estates, Peter Falkner brings sophistication, style, and enchanting vistas to landscapes in Birminhgam and across the South. Take a look at these highlights from some of our favorite spaces.

Alabama native Peter Falkner spent his childhood summers working alongside his grandfather on the family farm. There, he learned everything from vegetable gardening to building lakes and ponds.

Most importantly, he learned to truly appreciate the beauty of southern landscapes. Turning his passion into a career, Peter has been shaping the landscapes of Birmingham, Alabama, Lake Martin, and Atlanta, Georgia along with his team at Falkner Gardens.

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“Don’t be afraid to hit the reset button on a landscape.

Plantings that were put in 10-15 years ago often need to be replaced to achieve a fresh, clean design.”

— PETER FALKNER

1920s Estate Garden:

When Peter and architect Hank Long embarked on this estate home’s front garden, backyard, and pool renovation, Peter says the landscape was completely overwhelmed with plantings. “We wanted to show how large the space was and give it an open feel,” Peter says. In front, stalwart oaks and a herringbone-patterned brick driveway were the only keepers, when redesigning the entrance to this grand 1920s house on Fairway Drive in Mountain Brook. “We simplified the landscape to put the focus on the house,” Peter says. We planted more oaks, and looked to a classic palette of plants: zoyzia grass, boxwood, and hydrangeas.

For the pool area, he removed gangly pink and purple crape myrtles and replaced them with a green lawn studded with FireRock pavers. “A holly hedge across the back of the property creates a living wall without confining the airy space,” says Peter. Transitional spaces were key to uniting the front and back areas.

Peter designed a pergola and gate on the side of the house to welcome guests to the back garden. Here, he created an allée of tree form Nellie Stevens Hollies, winter gem boxwoods, and limelight hydrangeas along with a path of Alabama bluestone pavers. House, cabana, and pool refurbishment: Architect Hank Long; Pool Pavers: FireRock; Planters: Elegant Earth; Pool furniture: Summer Classics; Builder: Day Star Construction

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Colonial Garden and Outdoor kitchen:

This traditional home is located in a family-friendly neighborhood where kids play frequently. To make this front lawn both pretty and kid safe, Peter designed a front gate and hedge of azaleas to act as a fence.

“I love bringing new ideas to a garden to refresh older homes,” Peter says. Here, he introduced bluestone pavers, custom planters filled with boxwood, and annabelle hydrangeas.

For the outdoor kitchen, Peter worked with designer Alleen Neighbors and builder Chris Franks. They relocated a door and replaced it with the circular window which allowed for a patio close to the kitchen.

Peter, along with Chad Stogner of Elegant Earth, designed the grill and sink area. “I like for the grill area to look good,” Peter says. “When it looks good and is part of the landscape, people like to hang out and the chef isn’t outcast to a corner.”

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Dedicated to helping you find home. Give me a call so we can assess your needs!

gingerbusby@lahrealestate.com 205.612.3834 • mls id 128379

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BIRMINGHAM GARDENING TODAY...

Daffodils

with J O H N F L O Y D

Black Krim Tomatoes

A Hot But Colorful Season

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

Crotons

Ribbon Dracaena

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.

Paniculata Hydrangea

Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up your gardening tools. There are plenty of options for adding color and beauty with these summer plantings.

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always look forward to the first good tomato from my garden— generally around the first of July. More than likely, it will be an heirloom type because the ones I grow are noted for their terrific flavor. I think Black Krim is my favorite. If you did not buy any tomato plants this year, you may still find some in the garden center. Go ahead and plant them, and you can look forward to enjoying your own “best tomato” in early fall.

July and August are hot months, so I restrict most of my gardening time to the early morning or late afternoon. If it doesn’t rain, I water my containers almost every day. By now, the root systems of my annual potted plants have filled the pots and will need plenty of water to continue to grow and thrive. Too many of us water the foliage and not the soil. I always make sure to water until I see water running out the drainage hole, as well as standing on top.

For many of you, those beautiful spring annuals you planted have grown tired and would benefit from being replaced. This is a great opportunity to create new looks in your summer garden. Instead of planting more annuals, consider bringing in some tropicals. If you want bright yellows, reds, and greens that thrive in the sun, look for crotons. They are hearty and reasonably priced. Plus you can get them in most any size from 4-inch pots to 5-gallon containers. These plants are especially plentiful in the big hardware store garden centers.

Other tropicals to look for that do well in sun or shade include candy cane dracaenas, ribbon plants, and corn plants. I prefer the gallon-size version of those. Chinese evergreens and tropical ferns also love shade.

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BIRMINGHAM GARDENING TODAY...

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has reopened to the public! Spending time among nature’s beauty is the perfect way for your family to enjoy a summer day while also maintaining the need to social distance. Before your visit, be sure to download the Gardens’ Treasure Map at bbgardens.org/discovery-self-guided. php. Designed for all ages, this guide will lead you through the highlights of the living collection. Also check the Gardens’ website for summer hours as they may change throughout the season.

Limelight Hydrangeas

Ornamental Peppers

Floyd’s To-Do List: JULY/AUGUST This time of the year, turf either looks great or suffers from lack of care. Not only do you need to deep-water your grass during dry periods, but you also need to cut it regularly. The blades you are cutting are the old grass, so this helps your turf continue to be healthy and look beautiful. In extremely dry periods, I cut my grass about every 10 days instead of weekly. And yes, I still bag the clippings of my zoysia turf.

to be root-bound. If they are not watered when the soil is dry to the touch, they will shed their leaves. Their fruits should give you color until a fall frost.

Give your lawn a good fertilization if you haven’t already done so. Be sure to fertilize when a good rain is predicted so it will go into the soil and not burn the grass. I do not recommend fertilizing centipede at this time.

Pinching and watering are the keys to keeping annuals looking good in summer. Pinch off spent blossoms and shoots that are awkward.

Petunias especially like a good pinch. And don’t underestimate their need for water. If you are growing these annuals in pots, the roots have probably filled the pot by now. This may cause the water to just run off the soil. One thing I have done to solve this issue is to stick a pencil or something similar in the root-bound pots in several places to help with the water uptake.

If you want another bloom on your crepe myrtles, cut the spent blooms right at the bloom base. This will allow new flower clusters to form and extend the bloom period of one of our favorite summer flowering trees.

Generally, the second blooms are not as large as the first flush of flowers.

Ornamental peppers are showing up in garden centers this time of year, and they offer great spots of color in sunny locations. Remember that peppers like full sun and hot locations, and they do have a bit of drought tolerance. The ones you buy now are growing in pots, and they are likely

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Now is the time to remove unwanted shoots from your shrubs. Instead of tip-pruning the sprout, trace the shoot to its origin and remove it at the point where it sprouted. This will reduce the amount of pruning a plant needs while also allowing it to keep its natural shape.

Every time your encore azaleas finish blooming, remove the spent flower heads and fertilize. Because of the heat, a light application of 15-0-15 will be fine after the summer bloom. By doing these simple tasks, you can be assured you will get three blooming periods out of these azaleas.

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unless you dig them up and move them indoors.

Limelight hydrangeas have recently become a very popular choice for many gardeners. Easy to grow in full sun with flowers as big as ice tea pitchers, these plants have light greenish-white blooms that are showstoppers this time of year. These Pee Gee type hydrangeas have numerous selections with lots of variations of pink, white, green, and red. I prefer to buy them in bloom so that I am certain to get the colors I want.

Limelight is a big hydrangea, so make sure to plan for its size. My son has several at his home that approach 6 feet in height and width each year.

Their flower clusters can easily be a foot long and almost equally as wide. Since he has a modified builder landscape installation, his hydrangeas were originally planted in Birmingham red clay mixed with a little sand and topsoil.

However, they have flourished and are sensational. If you like the look of this hydrangea but don’t want the massive size, there is a smaller limelight that has little flowers and does not grow as big.

To care for limelights this time of the year, water them before the plants start to wilt. In late fall, cut them back after they have shed their leaves and the blooms have turned brown. As soon as the plants start putting out their new growth in the spring, fertilize them with 15-0-15 at least monthly until the blooms are ready to open. In order to get the size blooms that you see in the stores, you must fertilize them.

Depending on their size, use a half cup to a cup of granular 15-0-15 around the base of the plant, but make sure the fertilizer does not touch the plant.

The options for your summer garden are plentiful. Simply decide the colors you prefer and the amount of upkeep you are willing to put forth in the heat. Then sit back and enjoy the rewards of your efforts. j u l y. a u g 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

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Birmingham Home & Garden and Willow Homes invite you to our 2020 Inspiration Home, opening in November.

ROOM SPONSORS: • Cassie Tonsmeire Interiors • 18th Street Orientals • Hiltz-Lauber • Pandy Agnew Interiors • Space Cadets • Stock & Trade • Suite Dreams • SWAG Home Staging & Design • Virginia Volman Designs • Willow Homes

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GARAGE

LAUNDRY COURTYARD KITCHEN DINING

COVERED PATIO

PANTRY BEDROOM 3

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MASTER BEDROOM

BEDROOM 2

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ENTRY HALL

MAIN FLOOR

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HIS FRONT PORCH

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MATERIAL & SERVICE SPONSORS: • 84 Lumber • Alabama Brick • AllSouth Appliance • Darden & Green • FireRock • HCR Cabinets & Countertops • Inline Electric Lighting Showroom • Members Title • Southern Window Supply • Spire • Viavia • Triton Stone Group • VW Gallerie at V&W Supply Company LANDSCAPE DESIGN • Lorberbaum McNair Odrezin Partners

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In the Kitchen with the

Birmingham Dames

Who better than the ladies of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier to share their favorite kitchen essentials and recipes to go along with them? This dynamic group of chefs, writers, event planners, stylists, and culinary stars offer up insights, short cuts, and tantalizing treats while having a whole lot of fun.

Anne Cain MPH, MS, RD; Senior Content Manager, Meredith Corporation

Favorite Gadget: HAND-ME-DOWN CAST-IRON SKILLETS I have one from my husband’s grandmother and another from my aunt. I use them for so many dishes, including this Skillet Cajun Shrimp and Okra recipe.

Stir together Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high.

Add okra, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons seasoning mixture, and cook, stirring often, until okra is lightly charred and pepper and onion slices are starting to get tender, 4 to 6 minutes.

Transfer mixture to a bowl.

Without wiping skillet, add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet. Pat shrimp dry, and toss with remaining seasoning mixture. Add shrimp to skillet, and cook, stirring often, until shrimp are opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Return vegetables to skillet, and add parsley, lemon juice, and butter.

Toss quickly in skillet until butter melts.

Recipe Image and Credit: Cooking Light 400-Calorie Recipes.

Martha Johnston

Skillet Cajun Shrimp and Okra

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OXO CHERRY PITTER If you love to eat fresh cherries, this little gadget will make your day. And, if you make a cherry fruit pie or tart, it saves time and effort.

Leigh Sloss-Corra

Vice President [Retired], Southern Living; International Association of Culinary Professionals, Past President; Southern Foodways Alliance, Founding Member; Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Birmingham Chapter Founding Member

SERVE OVER RICE FOR A ONE-DISH MEAL

2 tbsp. salt-free Cajun seasoning ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. black pepper 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil, divided ½ lb. fresh okra, halved lengthwise 1 cup sliced red bell pepper 1 cup sliced red onion 1¼ lb. large peeled, deveined shrimp 2 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1½ tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. unsalted butter

MEAT THERMOMETERS Mine have pocket clips so they are always handy when I’m cooking on the grill or in the oven. The two brands I use most are Taylor and Hoan. They are wonderful for those who are unsure about “when it’s done.”

Executive Director, Market at Pepper Place; VP Membership, LDEI Birmingham chapter

Favorite Gadgets: GREENPAN 12″ SKILLET and GARDEN CLIPPERS from Little Hardware in English Village The nonstick skillet is perfect for whipping up frittatas made from fresh eggs and veggies found at the Market at Pepper Place. The clippers are essential for snipping herbs from my garden.

Favorite Gadgets: ICE CREAM SCOOPS I have them in a variety of sizes from #100 to #8 with an oval #30 for a special occasion shape. I use them for ice cream, batters, cookies, deviled eggs, and portioning large and small amounts of food.

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Sonthe B. Burge MS, RDN, LDN Dietitian Nutritionist & Speaker; Adjunct Professor and Wellness Kitchen Instructor, Samford University

Favorite Gadget: SALAD SPINNER OXO I use my Salad Spinner to wash fresh greens, herbs, and berries (the basket doubles as a colander). It’s very easy to use, and once you start, you’ll be on your way to eating more plants packed with rich nutrients and phytochemicals.

Place unwashed greens, herbs, or berries in the basket. Rinse off all of the soil, and then spin dry. It’s perfect for hardier greens like kale, romaine, red and green leaf lettuce, iceberg, butter, spinach, and swiss chard.

These greens typically are less expensive than pre-washed, pre-packed spring mixes. Plus, the hardier greens are fun to grow in your garden. Pick, rinse, spin, and eat. You can even serve your salad in the plastic bowl!

In a small bowl or cylinder, whisk all dressing ingredients together. Refrigerate in a container for one week.

Susan Swagler Food, Book, and Lifestyle Writer; Founding Member and current President, Les Dames d’Escoffier International Birmingham chapter Website: savor.blog • FB: susanswagler Twitter: @SusanSwagler IG: @sswagler and @savor.blog

Fresh basil leaves to garnish

Favorite Gadget: CUISINART SMART STICK IMMERSION BLENDER Perfect for soups, this is my go-to tool for gazpacho. I base my recipe off of Alton Brown’s (host of Good Eats on the Food Network) and can make it by heart. It’s a great way to enjoy summer’s bounty of tomatoes, and you can customize yours by adding things you love like a hotter pepper or things you have on hand at a beach or lake place such as Old Bay. Here’s my take on his original recipe.

NOTE FROM MANUFACTURER: Oil-based salad dressings will only adhere to greens that are perfectly dry.

Greek Salad

3 cups romaine lettuce torn into bite-size pieces (or green leaf, red leaf, iceberg, if preferred) 1 large cucumber, peeled, halved, and sliced 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks ½ large red onion or white sweet onion, sliced into thin slices 6 red radishes, sliced 1 cup assorted imported olives, pitted and halved, such as Kalamata 1 cup (5 ounces) crumbled Greek feta cheese Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

In a large shallow bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss lightly with Dressing.

dressing: 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon Greek oregano 1 clove garlic, minced continued...

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Susan Swagler’s Gazpacho 2 pounds really ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped and sort of seeded 1 small container tomato juice or V8 1 large cucumber, some skin removed, seeded and roughly chopped 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped ¼ cup (or more if you want) finely chopped red onion 1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 1 large clove garlic, minced drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil 1 lime, juiced

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2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon freshly ground cumin Dash of Old Bay (optional) 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Put the tomatoes and tomato juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire, cumin, Old Bay (if desired), salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. You can leave it as is, with lots of crunchy bits in the soup, or use an immersion blender to make it smoother.

Stir to combine.

Cover and chill for 2 hours and up to overnight. Serve with a chiffonade of basil.

LDEI was founded in New York in 1976 by Carol Brock, a food reporter for the New York Daily News. At the time, there were few opportunities for women in the culinary arts, and there were no prominent women chefs or sommeliers. Brock saw a need to create an organization of professional, leading women in the industry who would serve as role models and mentors to others.

Today, this society is a worldwide association of women who are dedicated to creating a culture in the community that fosters excellence and promotes the achievements of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities. They are dedicated to supporting women through scholarships, educational programs, mentoring, and networking.

The Birmingham chapter was founded in 2013 with 55 members— one of the largest initial memberships in the history of the organization.

Since then, the chapter has awarded scholarships and grants totaling more than $55,000 to women of all ages all across the state who are pursuing culinary-related careers.

For more, visit www.ldei.org

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Christiana Roussel

Food and Lifestyle Writer; Certified Health Coach IG: christianakitchen

Favorite Gadget: MICROPLANE CITRUS ZESTER From topping a frothy drink with fresh nutmeg or adding a generous shower of Meyer lemon zest to homemade curd, a quality zester/ grater is invaluable in the kitchen. I use the Microplane year-round, but in summer, it is indispensable in making fresh lemon curd.

Lemon Curd MAKES ABOUT 2 ½ CUPS

2 tablespoons finely grated fresh lemon zest 1 cup sugar 1½ sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into bits 6 large eggs 1 cup fresh lemon juice ⅛ teaspoon salt Put the zest in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse to a fine mince. Add the sugar, and process again for 2 to 3 minutes.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter with the sugar and lemon zest. Add eggs, one at a time, and then add the lemon juice and salt. Mix until combined.

Pour the mixture into a heavy-duty saucepan, and cook over low heat, stirring

constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. The curd will thicken at about 175°F. Transfer lemon curd to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until cold, at least 1 hour. Serve in a pre-baked pie crust or in individual ramekins.

Donna Cornelius

• Put these add-ins in small jars or bowls: celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber spears, cocktail onions, cornichons, green and black olives (pitted—it’s hard to yell “Roll Tide” with broken teeth), lemons and limes, cheese cubes, bacon strips, boiled shrimp, Slim Jims, hot sauces, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, basil and dill sprigs, pickled green beans, asparagus, and okra.

Food Writer IG and Twitter: @blonderavenous

Favorite Kitchen Accessory: HEDLEY & BENNETT APRON I may not be one of the world’s best cooks, but I feel like one when I’m wearing this apron because I’ve read that folks like Martha Stewart, David Chang, and Alton Brown are all Hedley & Bennett fans. These handcrafted aprons are sturdy and have adjustable straps that lie flat alon with reinforced pockets.

I especially love mine, a gift from my son, because it’s crimson and white. That means I can be properly dressed for game days in Tuscaloosa, even when I’m in my kitchen.

Bama Bloody Mary Bar

TIP: You’ll need cocktail skewers so your guests can spear their ingredients. You can get football-themed ones at Amazon and at many party stores.

Instead of using plain salt to rim the glasses, try this easy recipe.

Bloody Mary Bacon Salt MAKES 1 CUP

My mom hosts a party before a University of Alabama home game every season, and the get-together wouldn’t be complete without our wildly extravagant Bloody Mary Bar. Here’s what we include, but you can easily customize the list. Just use your imagination.

• Large pitchers of Bloody Mary mix—one fairly mild, such as Zing Zang, and one that’s a little spicier, such as Stone Hollow Farmstead’s Scary Mary.

• Vodka: Kick things up by offering a flavored vodka, such as Absolut Peppar, along with Tito’s Handmade Vodka or your favorite brand.

3 thick-cut bacon slices ½ tablespoon kosher salt 1½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning 1½ tablespoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon celery salt Cook bacon slices until they’re crisp.

Drain well on paper towels, and blot dry; crumble bacon. Pulse bacon, salt, Old Bay seasoning, coriander and celery salt in a mini food processor until the ingredients are ground, about 6-8 times. You can store the bacon salt in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. Make extra to send home with guests as party favors.

Favorite Things: Items we love to give, receive, and use.

• Mike’s Hot Honey with Spicy Chile Crisp (sauce) • Fresh rosemary sprigs • Sachal Earl Grey Tea • Shoreline olive oil from Crete • Cranberry white balsamic vinegar with Milanese olive oil • Bottle of Côte de Roses Rosé • Celestial Seasonings HoneyVanilla Chamomile Herbal tea

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and Trader Joe’s Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter • Belle Chevre Goat Cheese • Olive oil from Sicily • Asian cooking “kit”: Fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce • Kalocsa Hungarian paprika with painted wooden spoon

• Harney & Sons Victorian London Fog tea • Homemade pound cake • Chocolate chip cookie dough (made by Telia Johnson) • Handmade children’s apron from vendor at Pepper Place Market • Pottery and vintage jewelry from Heather Hepp, Little

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Sandy Glass (vendor at Pepper Place Market) • Cardamom and cedar magnolia candles (Target) • Skoy cloths – reusable and 100% biodegradable • Skull Girl handmade oatmealhoney bar soap • Insulated cup from Starbucks

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Rebecca Lang

Cookbook Author; Contributing Editor, Southern Living Pinterest: rebeccalangcook

Favorite Gadgets: JAR KEY JAR OPENER, FROGTAPE, and a SHARPIE These little gadgets make my life much easier almost every day. I have Rheumatoid

arthritis, so I adore the Jar Pop for opening just about any jar with nearly zero effort. Canning is one of my favorite things to do in the summer, so the Jar Pop makes enjoying the harvest later on much more comfortable.

I also am never without FrogTape and a Sharpie in the kitchen. The tape is waterproof, and it sticks on containers for labeling in the fridge and the freezer.

It removes easily but is a workhorse when it’s on any bag, jar, or plastic container.

Gia McCollister Former Professional Baker; 5-time winner, Wedding Cake Category, The Salon of Culinary Art of New York

Favorite Gadget: WILLIAM BOUNDS NUTMEG GRINDER I love to add a pinch of nutmeg in my morning coffee. This tool makes my routine easier (Williams Sonoma).

Rosemary Dallam MS, RDN, Educator, Dietitian, Nutritionist

Favorite Gadget: PASTRY WHEEL This tool is essential when making lattice for pie pastry toppings.

Pie pastry is rolled out to form a 10-inch oblong piece. Then the pastry wheel is used to cut 1- to 2-inch strips. These strips are woven on top of the pie and then crimped into the edge of the pie crust.

Lattice-Topped Blueberry Pie CRUST: 1½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening 4 tablespoons ice water Cooking spray FILLING: 1 cup sugar, divided 3½ tablespoons cornstarch ⅛ teaspoon salt 6 cups fresh blueberries 1½ tablespoons butter, melted 4¾ teaspoons vanilla extract To prepare crust, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.

Combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a bowl; cut in 3 tablespoons butter and shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle surface

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with ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time; toss with a fork until mixture is moist and crumbly (do not form a ball).

Gently press two-thirds of dough into a 4-inch circle on heavy-duty plastic wrap; cover with additional plastic wrap. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Press remaining dough into a 4-inch circle on plastic wrap; cover with additional plastic wrap.

Roll dough into a 9-inch circle. Freeze both portions of dough 10 minutes.

Working with large portion of dough, remove one sheet of plastic wrap; fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. Remove top sheet of plastic wrap.

To prepare filling, combine ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a bowl, and sprinkle over blueberries. Toss gently. Stir in melted butter and vanilla. Spoon blueberry mixture into crust.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Remove top sheet of plastic wrap from remaining dough. Cut dough into 6 (1½-inch) strips. Gently remove dough strips from bottom sheet of plastic wrap; arrange in a lattice design over blueberry mixture. Seal dough strips to edge of crust. Place pie on a baking sheet covered with foil. Sprinkle lattice with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake at 375° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until crust is browned and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 wedge).

Recipe & Photo reprinted with permission from The All-New Complete Cooking Light Cookbook, 2006.

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Country French KITCHEN

Text by M A D I S O N P I N C O M B E

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

FRENCH TWIST Mary Lauda Corwin of Toulmin Cabinetry & Design brought a tired kitchen to life with the homeowner’s love of Country French flair.

Mary Lauda Corwin kitchen prep BE PREPARED “Your kitchen should be there to support the way you cook and live,” Mary Lauda says. Since these clients enjoy entertaining, this kitchen includes two dishwashers to facilitate easy cleanup.

BE PATIENT AND SAVE UP Mary Lauda advises tackling a kitchen renovation all at once instead of splitting projects into phases. “Small phases may cause you to cut corners or end up costing more in the long run.”

GET IN THE MOOD Create a mood board of fixtures, finishes, and paint colors to ensure everything works together before the install.

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design tip:

Mary Lauda doesn’t have a never-fail paint color, but she starts by considering Benjamin Moore “Pale Oak” for walls and Benjamin Moore “White Dove” for cabinets in her design.

Mary Lauda’s original design plan called for custom fabricated brass legs for the island, but the brass market fluctuated during the process. With the original quote inflated, the design team chose carved wood legs instead. “I like them even better,” says Mary Lauda. “They’re clean and classic, and they let your eye travel to the other details in the room.”

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What makes it Country French RECESSED RANGE NOOK: A 60-inch Wolf range fits perfectly into a quartzite nook beneath an understated plaster hood. “It’s cozy and reminiscent of something you might find in a French home in the countryside,” Mary Lauda says. The nook also features a shelf for spices, oils, and accessories.

WASHED WOOD: Ceiling beams and flooring in a washed wood lend warmth and texture to the space. These features stand out just enough against the soft palette of the kitchen. Light fixtures secured to the beams hang prominently over the island.

design tip:

Leathered stone gives countertops depth and texture while retaining its natural character. This kitchen uses “Bianco Supremo,” a leathered quartzite.

CHINA CABINETS: Glass-door cabinets painted Benjamin Moore “White Dove” are accessorized with cremone bolts from Brandino Brass. “The arch at the top of the cabinets makes them look more like furniture rather than just another cabinet,” Mary Lauda says. With internal LED lighting, the cabinets put elegant china and glassware on full display.

BRIDGE FAUCET: A Perrin & Rowe bridge faucet channels a timeless

style. This type of faucet, patterned after early 20th-century designs, has old-world charm that pairs well with the historical designs of the apron-front sink and marble-look countertops.

MIXED METALS: Mary Lauda selected polished nickel for

plumbing, antique brass for hardware, and bronze for light fixtures. “It gives the room a layered, classic look that is in keeping with the rest of the home, which has a beautiful mix of antiques and newer pieces,” she says.

RESOURCES: Kitchen design: Mary Lauda Corwin, Toulmin Cabinetry & Design Builder: Michael Young, Toulmin Homes Countertops: Mega Granite & Marble Flooring: Russell S. Lee Flooring America Tile install: Jimmy Swindle, Floors Plus LLC Home design: Clem Burch Home Design Interior decorator: Kellyn Lee, Lampadas Living 38

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Farmhouse KITCHEN

RELAXED MODE Mark and Cristi Pledger of Pledger Architect transformed a kitchen with ’90s finishes, a dark color palette, and limited storage into a classic, informal space fit for a country home.

Text by M A D I S O N P I N C O M B E / Photography by A D A M M A C C H I A 40

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The built-in bench and accompanying table and chairs form a cozy nook in the kitchen. Piles of pillows in light tones make it a comfortable spot for lingering over breakfast. The scale and style of the clients’ existing table and chairs fit the new design.

Tips from Mark and Cristi Pledger kitchen connoisseurs HIRE AN ARCHITECT An architect can help you think through how you and your family will utilize a space and then design accordingly. This professional may also have unique ideas of how to best use square footage. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

RESEARCH

Gather images of kitchens you love to help share your vision, but don’t be afraid to follow your heart rather than the current styles. In this kitchen, the strategy was “something very classic rather than trendy,” says Mark.

CALM DOWN

In terms of paint colors, the Pledgers tend to lean more toward a monochromatic scheme. “We generally like for the walls and cabinetry in kitchens to be the same or similar colors,” Mark says. “It visually keeps the space calm.”

HIDE OUT

Hiding appliances behind cabinet door fronts works beautifully in classic-style kitchens. “It changes the feel when appliances have matching wood panels,” says Mark. This particular kitchen even features a concealed wine fridge. j u l y. a u g u s t 2 0 2 0 | BH&G

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A custom range hood by Jackson Forge fulfilled the clients’ desire for a beautiful and interesting replacement for their existing stainless steel hood.

The Pledgers moved the windows on either side of the range out by 7 inches to accommodate the upper cabinets that flank the hood. This small move made a big difference and “knit together all three cabinetry walls,” Mark says.

design tip:

Use finishes to tie connected spaces together. The dark metal of the existing chandelier complements the new patinated-steel range hood.

What makes it Farmhouse BEADBOARD: In searching for classic kitchens as inspiration,

the clients fell in love with painted beadboard. In this space, beadboard paneling appears on the backsplashes and the built-in bench.

FARMHOUSE SINK: The epitome of farmhouse style, a fireclay

apron-front sink from Shaws teams up with a Waterworks “Easton” bridge faucet in polished nickel.

TRADITIONAL CABINETRY: Prior to its renovation, the kitchen had little storage with limited upper cabinets that included a poor mix of modern and traditional details. The cabinetry got a full makeover complete with bracketing, molding, and new doors. Custom brackets support the upper cabinets and add to the classic style of the overall space. The upper cabinets are framed by crown molding at the ceiling and a more delicate molding where the cabinet meets the brackets. Cabinet doors are set within a face frame rather than overlaid.

INTENTIONAL COLOR: The clients didn’t want their kitchen

to be a white box, so they brought in a bit of color. Variations of creams and muted greens in the pillows, cushions, and accessories make the space feel seamlessly connected to the

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family room and dining room, while the dials on the stove add a fun, unexpected pop of red.

SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOPS: Dark soapstone countertops from

Triton Stone make a statement against the light cabinetry, and their undertone ties into the kitchen’s overall palette. Soapstone can be found in many color options with or without veining and also provides increased durability compared to granite.

LIMITED STAINLESS STEEL: The Pledgers wanted to minimize

the kitchen’s use of contemporary-feeling stainless steel. Instead of choosing a traditional, stainless-wrapped range, they opted for a cooktop and wall ovens across the room from each other.

This spreads the stainless look around the room to make it less visually dominant. They also replaced the existing stainless range hood with a custom piece made from patinated steel.

RESOURCES: Architects: Mark Pledger and Cristi Pledger, Pledger Architect Contractor: Mitch Bradford, Saunders Bradford Cabinets: Aaron Lane, Lane Woodworking Tile installation: Somerset Tile Stone installation: Alabama Stone Works Custom range hood: Brady Jackson, Jackson Forge Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes

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Transitional KITCHEN

The homeowner knew she wanted an island, but she also knew she didn’t want anyone to sit at it. She prefers that her family sits at the kitchen table together.

Instead of stools, this custom island includes deep drawers that store dishes for entertaining.

FRESH TAKE Text by M A D I S O N P I N C O M B E

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

When a family of five hired Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Construction to renovate the kitchen in their Mountain Brook home, they had a definitive wish list: statement cabinetry, herringbone wood floors, a bar area, and an island without seating.

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“When I think of transitional, I think of timeless with just a little bit of edge to make it different.” - Laurie Fulkerson

What makes it

Transitional

NEUTRAL PALETTE: Benjamin Moore “Linen White” was already used in the house, so Laurie chose to carry the creamy paint color into the kitchen. The walls, trim, and ceiling read clean and calm in this hue. Against this neutral base, other elements create contrast.

STREAMLINED CABINETRY: Cabinets by Parsons Custom Cabinetry feature a low-profile design that allows them to blend in to the scenery of the kitchen. White oak differentiates the bar cabinets from the painted kitchen area. Sliding glass doors display the client’s glassware collection in a built-in reminiscent of a hutch. The curved lines and intricate carvings on the door designs of these special-area installations set them apart from the kitchen cabinets.

NATURAL AND MANUFACTURED: Fulkerson used a mix of materials to add interest and texture to the kitchen’s crisp palette. The dark tone of the herringbone hardwood flooring is paired with a custom light stain on the white oak of the island. Wood reeding on the island, the base of the range hood, and in the bar cabinets contributes an organic texture. A stainless steel, single-basin sink with brass accents from Texas Lightsmith balances the natural elements.

design tip:

Add whimsy in unexpected places. These Schaub and Company woodpecker pulls from Brandino Brass add a lighthearted touch to the space.

CONTRASTING LIGHTING: The homeowner kept the existing blackand-gold Currey & Company light fixture over the breakfast table, and Laurie decided to use it as inspiration.

Modern, adjustable sconces for the sink wall mimic the dramatic chandelier, while a more traditional candle-inspired, multi-light fixture hangs over the island.

RESOURCES: Designer: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors of Twin Construction Construction: Twin Constructiion Cabinets: Parsons Custom Cabinetry birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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Laurie Fulkerson difference maker HIRE A PROFESSIONAL Laurie suggests bringing a designer on board in the early days of your project planning.

Having a design in place helps your contractor give an accurate estimate of price and time frame.

CHOOSE MARBLE “I love marble because it’s timeless,” says Laurie. “It’s going to be just as pretty in a hundred years as it is today.” She used Crema Nuvolatta from Surface One in this kitchen.

SAVE SPACE WITH A CONVECTION OVEN This all-in-one appliance includes a microwave to use regularly, as well as a second oven.

BE PLAYFUL “I have found that when you use a unique design on the cabinet hardware, it is one of the first things that gets noticed,” says Laurie.

The beautiful view off the back of the house justified new floor-to-ceiling Lincoln clad windows from Alpha Millworks in the breakfast room which, with the built-in bar, sits at the opposite end of the island from the range.

DON’T FORGET THE LAUNDRY: For the homeowner, a mom to three hard-playing kids, Laurie wanted laundry to feel like less of a chore by making the space beautiful.

Farrow & Ball “Light Blue” paint transformed the cabinets, and eccentric peacock wallpaper gave the walls new life. Laurie convinced the homeowner to give the pattern a try because she felt it fit her personality perfectly.

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Traditional KITCHEN

There was one non-negotiable design factor for the custom island—the clients’ entire family had to be able to sit around it. Five Serena & Lily stools with easily wipeable vinyl cushions tuck under the island’s overhang. Designer Ashley Gilbreath ensured that the island was scaled appropriately for the kitchen.

NEW CLASSIC

When Leah and Paul Harbor hired Ashley Gilbreath to design a new home for their young family of five, they had an important request—a kitchen that was hard-working yet met Leah’s traditional style preferences.

Text by M A D I S O N P I N C O M B E 48

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Photography by L A U R E Y G L E N N

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ASHLEY GILBREATH finding balance FOCUS ON FUNCTION Make a list of what

your kitchen has to do. Do you need a double oven? A separate fridge and freezer? Your definitive list lets you know what tools must go into the space.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS “There are so many cool appliance options out there, so don’t just go with something because you’ve heard of it,” Ashley says. “Do your research and be nit-picky.”

VISUAL VALUE Appliances are typically dark, and their visual weight can distract from an otherwise light kitchen. Consider using cabinet-front panels to conceal them as Ashley did in this kitchen.

STAY BALANCED “When you’re positioning things,

make sure you’re keeping your center line,” Ashley says.

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“We tried to make sure your eye goes to the right places at the right time. The range hood should be first. Then, it’s really a marriage of your wall colors, trim color, cabinet color, cabinet hardware, and flooring.” – Ashley Gilbreath

When guests open the front door, they have a direct line of sight to the kitchen table and on to the living room beyond.

This high-traffic area had to be open and highfunctioning.

What makes it Traditional STATEMENT RANGE HOOD: “The range hood is really your

artwork in a kitchen,” Ashley says. Because it takes up a lot of real estate, it is typically what first draws attention. This wooden range hood with applied brass strips definitely take center stage.

LARGE COMPLEMENTARY RANGE: This 48-inch Ilve range from Ferguson reinforces the traditional style of the kitchen. The brass finishes echo the hood outline, cabinet hardware, and sink faucet for a cohesive look.

design tip:

Banquettes are a great way to maximize seating and create a visual break in a space. Ashley says kids especially love to pile onto a banquette at mealtime.

BLEND OF NEUTRALS: “Sometimes a mix of neutrals is the most difficult thing to execute correctly,” says Ashley. She used Farrow & Ball “Skimming Stone” for the cabinetry, Benjamin Moore “Thunder” for the hood, and “Mystery White” marble from Cottage Supply Company for the countertops and backsplash. When the undertones of the various hues align as desired, the kitchen appears timeless.

DETAILED CABINETS: The inset cabinet details and furniture-like feet add an extra traditional touch to the kitchen. The upper-most cabinets, intended for storing occasional items, have brass mesh on their door fronts to draw the eye up with a bit of metallic shimmer. Grace Fabrications brought these thoughtful cabinet designs to life.

MARBLE EVERYWHERE: After the design was finalized, Ashley’s

first step was finding a slab that would perfectly work with the space. The marble was fabricated into cabinet countertops, the island countertop, and a backsplash.

DON’T FORGET THE BAR: This bar/butler’s pantry is the pass-through between the kitchen and dining room. Grasscloth wallcovering and a soapstone countertop differentiate the space from the kitchen. Using lighting and accessories from Parish Shoppe and art from Catie Radney, Ashley created a space that she says feels Southern and classic but also young and fun.

RESOURCES: Interior designer: Ashley Gilbreath, Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design Builder: Bob Hastings, Hastings Construction, Inc. Cabinets: Cole Reese, Grace Fabrications Countertops: Cottage Supply Company Appliances: Ferguson Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes 50

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Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely, co-designers and co-owners of Chickadee Interiors, created a family home that stands up to little hands and big messes without sacrificing its savvy style.

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

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hen homeowner Elizabeth Adams hired designers Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely, co-owners of Chickadee Interiors, she told them, “I want my home to be pretty, but I also want it to have some kind of whimsy. My husband and I in our 30s and have young kids—I have the rest of my life to be serious.” The designers took her words to heart and transformed the family’s Homewood

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PORTRAIT AND EXTERIOR BY BRENNAN SMITH

Playful Pretty

Modern Farmhouse This Homewood farmhouse is home to Elizabeth and Austin Adams and their two preschool-age children. “The porch was a big sell for me because Austin and I are both from Southern Louisiana and porches are something we grew up with,” Elizabeth says. The formal living room at the front of the house has a fireplace where sage green tiles were painted white. “That made the whole room feel more polished,” Elizabeth says. A white sofa outlined in black piping and chairs in a black-and-white print host pastel and graphic-print pillows.

abode from farmhouse to fabulous. “The house had been renovated in 2014, and we bought it in May 2018,” Elizabeth says, so it didn’t require any remodeling. “We immediately loved the feel of the home.” She explains that the says the five-bedroom floorplan is actually more than they need as a young family with two preschoolers. “But it has great flow, it’s birminghamhomeandgarden.com

functional for the kids now, and we have space to grow,” she says. “I just wanted to tweak it to make it my style. It felt like a farmhouse because it is one, but I wanted the inside to be more contemporary.”

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“We love a mix, and for this home we wanted to blend young and fun with sophisticated.”

— designers Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely

temporary furniture while he completed medical school, residency, and fellowship. “We bought this big house, and I had no idea where to start,” she says. “It was so open. I knew it needed to flow.”

Enter Kate and Kelly. “The main level’s open floor plan is great and challenging all at the same time,” Kelly says. “It makes it difficult to design a flow that also works well with some fun selections.” One thing that unified the main level was shiplap on many walls. “The previous owners emphasized the cottage style,” Kate says. “But we wanted to downplay the wood plank walls and let them be more of a cohesive background to the new vibe we were trying to create.”

That fresh new vibe included painting all the walls the same creamy white and injecting the fun and whimsy through furnishings and accessories. “Elizabeth is not afraid of color, and we love color too,” Kelly says. “We had so much fun with the fabrics and palette.” Elizabeth’s personal preferences lean feminine toward pastel pinks, purples, and 54

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Sweetly Sophisticated The main floor’s public spaces share a backdrop of shiplap walls painted creamy white and a curated selection of art alongside a few antiques. “There are so many great patterned performance fabrics throughout the home—fun and formal all at the same time,” Kate says. In the kitchen’s eating space, performance fabric-wrapped seats rest on wishbone chairs.

“The kitchen lighting is a bit more modern,” Elizabeth says.

“This midcentury fixture is unexpected but it works, even with the shiplap!” Adds Kelly, “In contrast to the modern chandelier, the mirror over the sideboard brings a bit of formality.”

His and Hers “I loved the idea of using pastels,” Elizabeth says of the master suite, “but I wanted to make sure it was not too feminine. Austin lives here too.” To bring a masculine air to the home’s palette, the designers added depth with deep purple, brown, and gray. “It feels moodier with the purple velvet and the bolster’s watercolor print,” Elizabeth says.

Behind the headboard, drapes open to let in abundant natural light or close to create a wall of drapery fabric.

Touches of gold—the chandelier, drapery hardware, and frames on art—formalize the space.

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blues, but she also loves bold, graphic black-and-white pairings. The designers brought those two seemingly opposing choices together in every room, and their handiwork links these rooms—formal living and dining rooms, kitchen, family room, master suite, and the kids’ upstairs bedrooms—“while also letting each room have its own story,” Kate says.

In almost every space, a main character in that story is white upholstery, even in the kids’ areas. Sure, it’s gorgeous birminghamhomeandgarden.com

and feels very fresh, but it’s also durable.

“We chose family-friendly materials—performance fabrics and rugs—for larger, long-term investment pieces,” Kelly says, “and non-performance ones for accessories— throw pillows, stools—that would see less attention from little hands.” Elizabeth feels the design hits its mark.

“When you look at my house, it may not appear kidfriendly, but it is thanks to Kelly and Kate,” she says.

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“I have always loved blue, especially cooler shades. I was inspired by the blue in a Walker Zanger tile I used in the backsplash over the range,” says homeowner Susan Nasca.

“That ended up being the color inspiration for both the interior and exterior palette.”

Cabinet paint colors: “Swiss Coffee” and “Anchor Gray” by Benjamin Moore.

HOME AGAIN Photo: Katie Finley

Text by J U L I E G I L L I S / Photography by C H R I S L U K E R / Styling by H O L L Y M . C A R L I S L E

ABOVE: John-Bryan Hopkins started his career in interior design and is now a food writer, an author, and the creator of the award- winning food blog called foodimentary (foodimentary.com). TOP LEFT AND LEFT: His collection of copper pots and cooking accoutrements adds patina to the kitchen.

Having lived across the country, a Birmingham native returns to her roots and creates a home tailormade for family living.

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The owners enjoy spending time in the quieter back end of the house which offers a more casual setting with plank walls and a simpler stairway.

walls:

or Susan Nasca, there truly is no place like home. “I grew up in Birmingham, but I didn’t realize how special it is until I started traveling around the country,” she says. “I have lived in Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco, and while those are all amazing urban areas, I felt a calling to come home.” Susan also had another compelling reason for wanting to return to her roots. “I adopted my daughter, Megan, while I was living in a very transient area of California where people are constantly moving in and out. As Megan got closer to starting school, I realized I wanted her to grow up in a place with more of a neighborhood feel.” And since Susan’s job in the contract division of Restoration Hardware allows her to work remotely, she had the freedom to make a big move.

With furniture packed up and the west coast in her rearview mirror, Susan set her sights on which areas of the Magic City most appealed to her. “I have always been drawn to the older sections of Birmingham, so I knew those were the areas I wanted to focus on in my house hunt,” she says. That search led her to a home tucked away in a quiet neighborhood near Canterbury Methodist Church birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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in Mountain Brook. “It definitely needed an extensive renovation, but I have renovated homes before and really enjoyed the process,” says Susan. She enlisted architect Scott Carlisle to help design the project. “Once Scott and I met with contractors, we learned it would be more expensive and would take longer to work around the existing structure. There was some serious decay, so we made the decision to tear down most of the house.” However, they did keep the original footprint of the home, adding some extensions where necessary. “Because the unique shape of the lot created some size limitations, it made sense to maintain the footprint,” says Scott.

The steep slope of the lot also played a role in many of the design decisions. “We knew from the outset that the size of the house, combined with its elevated site, could feel imposing from the street,” says Scott. “By hipping part of the roof, creating a subtle curve at the front entrance stair, and adding a lower planter wall, we were able to break up the expanse of the exterior walls.” These design choices also were in keeping with Susan’s desire for a cottage look. “I have visited Carmel, California, and have always loved the quaint, storybook cottage feel of the houses there. I wanted this home to reflect that,” says Susan. “The 60

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RIGHT: “We turned the slope of the lot into an asset by using stone to accentuate the front steps,” says architect Scott Carlisle BELOW RIGHT: “We didn’t have a lot of room for the pantry, but even a small one makes a big difference,” says Scott. An oval, leaded-glass window brings in natural light to brighten the space.

A FAMILY PLAN Window seats in every bedroom. Nothing adds a bit of coziness like a window seat. Use it as a reading nook or as extra storage or display space.

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Architect Scott Carlisle collaborated with Susan to create custom features that make this house a family home.

Tailor these ideas to fit your own brood—big or small.

An upstairs playroom with space for a secondfloor laundry closet.

Susan’s family of two may not need the extra laundry room right now, but a future buyer will have the space to add one if desired.

A terrace with both open and covered areas. No matter what the weather is like, there will always be some outside space for family and friends to gather.

A basement suite and kitchenette for guests. Whether your company stays for a night or a month, they’ll have plenty of room and privacy.

A laundry chute.

This handy feature is making a big comeback for twostory homes—and saving a lot of legwork.

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“We spend a lot of time in the backyard, so I really wanted an expansive back patio with a pool,” says Susan. “In the winter, we love heating up the hot tub, putting the outside fireplace on, and making s’mores.”

WHY BIRMINGHAM FEELS LIKE HOME Easy Access “I love that the city offers so many wonderful neighborhoods that feel remote yet are within minutes of downtown,” says Susan. “We live in a very quiet area, but I can hop in my car and be on 280 in no time.”

Nature Trails and Parks Susan and her daughter, Megan, love to explore the beautiful trails and parks throughout Birmingham. “We are fortunate to have so many public spaces for enjoying the outdoors,” she says. “Jemison Trail is very close to our home and is one of our favorite places to visit.”

Walkability Birmingham offers plenty of sidewalks that connect many neighborhoods to business districts. “We love taking leisurely walks to Mountain Brook Village and Crestline Village,” says Susan. “And there’s nothing like strolling through the Pepper Place Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings.”

Restaurant Scene “Birmingham rivals any big city when it comes to food,” says Susan. “Ollie Irene and Taco Mama are two of our favorites.”

Shops Galore No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it in a brick-and-mortar store somewhere in the city. “At Home Furnishings has been a fun source for finishing our interiors,” says Susan. “And Megan and I enjoy stopping in The Lili Pad to check out their children’s clothes.”

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mixed natural materials we chose especially helped achieve that look.”

She also was determined to include some locally sourced stone. “I found the perfect mix of stones with the gray hues I love at Alabama Wholesale Stone Company in Oneonta.” And to make the stone become an even more prominent feature on the front of the house, she chose a light mortar.

For the interior plan, Susan made a wish list of the spaces and details she desired. “I wanted an open living/dining/kitchen plan that included a generous kitchen with island seating,” she says. She also requested a small office, a large laundry/craft/pet room with laundry chute, and a finished basement apartment. “Along the way, I tried to envision how a larger family would use the home, so Scott took that into consideration in the design,” says Susan. “Scott and I definitely had a collaborative process. I came with a point of view and he was able to translate my needs into a home that is absolutely perfect for my daughter and me.”

RESOURCES: Architect: T. Scott Carlisle, Carlisle Moore Architects, carlislemoorearchitects.com Builder: Davis Construction Services, davisconstructionservicesllc.com Cabinet Design: Tasha B. Davis, tashabdavisinteriors.com Cabinet construction: Mann Custom Woodworks, 205.503.3617 Landscape design: Falkner Gardens, falknergardens.com Pool design and construction: Backyard Creations, backyardcreationsal.com Kitchen countertops: Surface One, surface1. com Kitchen sconces and faucet: Waterworks, waterworks.com Kitchen hardware and most furnishings: Restoration Hardware, restorationhardware.com Vases on dining table: Shoppe Birmingham, 205.224.4450 Painting over fireplace: Shannon Harris, Grace Gallery, 205.834.1923 Fireplace and pavers: Firerock, firerock.us Windows: Auburn Millwork, 334.887.7060 Exterior stone: Alabama Wholesale Stone Company, alastone.com Exterior lighting: Bevolo, bevolo.com Outdoor shower enclosure: Seth Hart, 205.949.7285

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RECIPES

A Cool Treat for Hot Days It’s hard to resist a big scoop of ice cream in the summertime. And it’s even harder when it’s homemade (or almost homemade). This delightful treat will have your guests believing you’ve been at the churn all day. We won’t tell if you won’t.

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Recipes and Photography by L E S L I E B YA R S R E G I S T E R

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

Cheater BlueberryPistachio Ice Cream MAKES ABOUT 9 CUPS

2 cups blueberries 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 half-gallon light vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt 1 cup roasted shelled pistachios with sea salt, coarsley chopped Combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until berries burst and become syrupy. Allow to cool.

Thaw ice cream at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is soft enough to remove from the carton.

Place slightly thawed ice cream in a large bowl. Add blueberry mixture; then fold in the pistachios. Combine until all is incorporated. (Don’t worry if there are a few spots of the vanilla peeking through here and there. It will appear “marbleized” when you begin to scoop.)

Place in an airtight container in the freezer for several hours until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop.

learn from Leslie:

I’m always glad when I’ve taken the time to prescoop the ice cream for any dessert with company. There’s something about scooping “in the heat of the moment” that is never enjoyable.

To eliminate extra dishes, serve this beautiful ice cream in a waffle bowl.

These “sweet” bowls are found with the ice cream cones at the grocery store, and they come in several sizes.

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SHOP LOCAL

TAKE YOUR PICK Lang’s Blueberry Farm

McCraw Farms

14727 Bel Aire Estates, Coker, AL 205.339.7814 FB: @LangsBlueberryFarm Open daily 7am-8:30pm.

Pick your own blueberries for $7 per gallon at this family-owned farm.

There is also a fruit and vegetable store on the property for those wanting more than berries.

7299 County Rd. 15, Maplesville, AL 334.366.4263 FB: @McCrawsUPick Open daily 7am-6pm.

Pick peaches, nectarines, plums, figs, and blackberries. You can also purchase pre-picked fruit at a slightly higher cost. Call before visiting to make sure fruit is available.

Tuscan Pointe Farm

LouAllen Farms

12170 Rivervista Dr., Cottondale, AL 205.887.1812 FB: @TuscanPointeFarm Open daily 1-5 pm by appointment.

Visitors can pick their own blueberries or shop the farm’s organic produce including cheese, vegetables, and more. They also offer honey from hives kept on the property.

1974 County Rd. 177, Moulton, AL 256.974-0078 FB: @LouAllenFarms Open Mon., Wed.- Fri. 8am-5pm, Tues. and Sat. 8:30am-5pm.

Pick strawberries and peaches, or visit the farm store to purchase freshpicked tomatoes, onions, okra, sweet corn, and field corn.

Jump in and get your hands dirty at a U-Pick farm close to home.

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othing tastes more like summer than produce plucked fresh from the garden. Pack up your car, grab your hat, fill up your water bottle, and head to one of these U-Pick farms just outside of Birmingham to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. You’ll find bucket loads of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and more. Just make sure you don’t eat it all in the car on the way home. You’ll want to save enough for our pie recipe on page 34.

Bear Mountain Blueberry Farm

Judy Bee’s Honey and Berry Farm

8245 Clayton Rd., Springville, AL 205.286.2272 FB: @BearMountainBlueberryFarm Dates and hours vary according to the size of the crop, so call ahead.

The farm provides buckets. Visitors pay $10 per gallon of berries.

1601 Downs Rd., Mount Olive, AL 205.631.2895 FB: @JudyBeesHoneyandBerryFarm Thurs. - Fri. 7am-5pm; Sat. 7am-Noon The farm has plenty of blueberries to pick. Honey and blackberries are not available this year.

Smith’s Blueberry Farm

Holmestead Farm

8939 Highway 51, Sterrett, AL 205.678.6994 FB: @SmithsBlueberryFarm Call for exact dates and hours.

Berry season runs June 4th through the end of July. Pick your own for $2 per pound. Seasonal produce is also available to purchase.

6582 County Rd. 7, Talladega, AL 256.404.4316 FB: FB: @HolmesteadFarm Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm., Sun. 1-5pm.

The farm offers blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, muscadines, and scuppernongs ready for picking.

Ready-to-go produce also available.

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