FALL 2023

TheWood Garden

Save the Date

November 2, 2023

BC Clark Classen Curve

Meet author and Vietri founder, Susan Gravely, at BC Clark/Classen Curve. Her new cookbook, Italy on a Plate, will be available for sale and/or signature. Any Vietri piece purchased that day can be personalized and signed.

The cookbook is filled with easy to execute recipes and a beautifully photographed travelogue of the Italian countryside and signature dishes. Forward by Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun. The perfect gift!

INSPIRATIONS

12 MOOD BOARD

Autumnal inspirations

14 KEEPING IT GREEN

Your answer for year-round plants

16 COPPER HEAT

Products with this warm element

ENTHUSIASTS

20 MAKE IT SPICY

Suan Grant brings the flavor

22 PAINTING HER STORY

Artist Lauren Florence shares her journey

24 RESTORED AND READY

Restoration Station does it all

GATHERINGS

52 AT THE TABLE TOGETHER Have a seat one more time

54 A TASTE OF FALL

Comfort food for all

LIVING

58 AROUND TOWN

Kitchen Tour time

60 HOME AWAY

The Joule sparkles with beauty

62 FAVORITE SPACES

A peek into pantries

IN EVERY ISSUE

08 FROM THE EDITOR

64 CHEERS TO 405HOME!

ON THE COVER

Inspiration awaits in the beautiful kitchens found in the pages to follow. This beauty was designed by Next Phase Homes and photographed by Emily Hart.

PUBLISHER

Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Lisa Munson

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR

Evan Musil

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman, Shannon Goforth, Bennett Hill, Evie Klopp Holzer, Greg Horton, Meg Miller, Evan Musil, Julie Partin

Art

ART DIRECTOR

Cadence Ramos

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Meagan Matthews

CLIENT COORDINATOR

Jennifer Cote

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carly C Photography, Carli Economy, Kacey Gilpin, Emily Hart, Justin Miers, Charlie Neuenschwander, Brandon Smith

Advertising DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith

drew.smith@405magazine.com

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STORY IDEAS AND LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address, daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405HOME magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405HOME magazine reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length.

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A HUB FOR MEMORIES

If you will, indulge me in sentimentality for a minute. Close your eyes (briefly) and try to bring to mind your fi rst memory of a kitchen. It might take a few seconds, or a few minutes, but undoubtedly all of us will eventually have something pop up, be it strong or faint.

When I was preparing to do this exercise, I thought that the memory would most likely have nothing to do with design, or fi nishes, or color. I imagined it would conjure the idea of being nourished, delicious smells emanating from the stove, perhaps the people gathered therein. To my surprise, that was only partially true: My mom did come to mind instantly, in the galley kitchen of our old house on NW 43rd Street.

But right there with that memory was the bright yellow linoleum floor — shiny and happy.

The kitchen of my grandparents is part of powerful memories, as well; I can see the layout of the kitchen, with sliding glass doors that opened to the patio with the grill, the entire family going through a buffet-style line to fi ll our plates with the food laid out on the countertop. The smells of my mimi’s cooking and the tick-tick-tick of the opening of “60 Minutes” on the TV in the kitchen are also contributors to this powerful remembrance of our Sunday night family dinners.

Why all the nostalgia around the kitchen? The obvious answer is that it is the theme of our fall issue. I’ve talked often about the kitchen as a sort of “hub of the wheel” within a home, and ask any designer, home builder or architect: You can spend more money on this space than any other. However, it isn’t just that we have so many choices now, so many styles, so many innovations. To me it’s important that we are still reinventing that hub of the wheel.

From closed cabinets to open shelving, veined marble to Venetian plaster, all white to all color … the list could go on and on, and fortunately for us, it does. In the pages to follow you will fi nd kitchen-inspired editorial and kitchen-based features, a little travel and some inspiration for cooking up something delicious in the kitchen and setting a table for fall inspired entertaining.

Th at isn’t the only reason for all the nostalgia, however. The kitchen is a place to nourish ourselves, our friends and

our families. Whether it be big or small, fancy or simple with homemade meals or food ordered in, memories are made here, and someone (even if it is just you) will carry those for a lifetime.

The other reason for the nostalgia is a more personal one: Th is issue of 405HOME will be the last stand-alone in print. It’s been a true joy to be a small part of this ancillary publication of 405 Magazine. It’s gone through many iterations, and so many people have contributed to making it so beautiful. The good news is that you will still get to see many of the same beautiful elements that are home-related; now in an expanded seasonal section of 405 Magazine. I can’t say enough about all the supporters of 405HOME — from the writers to the photographers, the editors and production team, the sales team and the advertisers and most especially, the readers. You made it special!

A thousand thanks,

SARA GAE WATERS Editor-in-Chief

Get $100

Back on a New Natural Gas Range

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INSPIRATIONS

FASCINATING IDEAS AND FANCIFUL OBJECTS FOR THE HOME

OPTIONS FOR YEAR-ROUND GROWTH

FALL FEELING

Make new projects feasts for the senses

BY SARA GAE WATERS

PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH

STYLING BY MEG MILLER

BURL WOOD AND BRASS COMBINE with copper and carved candelabras to evoke the deep richness of an autumnal mood. Inspiration can be found in the textures and even the tastes of fall. Be it in the design of a room or a theme to your next dinner party, let your senses, your imagination and nostalgia be your guides for your next home project.

GREENHOUSES FOR GREEN THUMBS

Take your gardening to the next level with yearround growth under glass

BY JULIE PARTIN

As welcome as a reprieve from the summer heat is, for many of us the change in weather means saying goodbye to treasured outdoor plants. But maybe colder temperatures don’t have to mean the end — have you ever considered a greenhouse, also called glasshouse? Whether you are looking to create your own farm-to-table experience or simply give year-round life to the greenery you’ve carefully nurtured, most growers are surprised to see how much easier plants can be grown in the ideal environment a hobby greenhouse provides.

There are many advantages to installing your own greenhouse. On the top of the list is a constant supply of fresh, home-grown produce and flowers — even items that would otherwise be out of season.

Another advantage is the potential for variety. “You can use your greenhouse not only for growing existing plants, but also for obtaining a great many new ones,” according to Massachusetts-based greenhouse

manufacturer Hartley Botanic. “One way to do this is by propagation using cuttings. A greenhouse plus a heated propagator will give you control over growing conditions, thereby enabling you to grow even the most challenging plants from seed. You will be able to set temperatures within the desired range, and you can allocate precisely the right amount of water and ventilation to handle your seeds in hygienic conditions and sustain good plant health. You can bring the sowing dates of tender plants forward, even starting them off in the depths of winter, if you wish.”

For those considering getting started, here are a few things to keep in mind. What is the desired outcome of the project? Are you hoping to create a serene place to spend your time? Or would the space be designed to produce food and greenery for your family and business? Do your community ordinances and HOAs allow it?

According to the Oklahoma State University Extension Office, there are two main types of greenhouse structures: free-standing, which generally will provide more growing space and flexibility to be placed anywhere on the property, or a lean-to which is built against a building, using the existing structure for one or more of its sides, and is a less expensive option. Regardless of the basic design, the greenhouse must receive a minimum of five to six hours of unobstructed light during the winter months.

Once the house is installed is when the real fun begins. The possibilities are endless. Will you be bringing to life a produce garden, beds of flowers, or both? Will you add a pond or water feature? How about seating for when you want some solitude?

Best of luck to those beginning their journeys. We can’t wait to see what next year’s harvest brings!

CULINARY COPPER

Make your kitchen shine

BY BENNETT HILL

For symbolism, using copper in the kitchen seems ideal: Copper is a nutrient that keeps our body healthy, and the kitchen is where we incorporate and consume these nutrients. Copper is its own element, lacking a chemical formula, and found in its most organic and basic form. The kitchen allows for us to take organic and basic forms and create something new, exciting and delicious. With hints of copper scattered around, you are reminded that even the most basic objects can be rich with possibilities.

Sertodo Copper, Permian Basin urbaneokc.com

Assouline, Italian Chic Book shop-caymans.com

Creative Co-op, 6 Quart Hand-Blown Glass & Mango Wood Beverage Dispenser w/ Leather Loop shopliveboho.com

Nambé, Chip and Dip bcclark.myshoplocal.com

Creative Co-op, Hammered Stainless Steel Scoops shopliveboho.com

Sur La Table, Antique Copper Classic Shaker and Bar Spoon surlatable.com

Mary Jurek, Flower Copper Plate Accessory bcclark.myshoplocal.com

Christofle, 24 Piece Mood Party Set naifehfinejewelry.com

Design: Jennifer Welch Designs / @jenniferwelchdesigns

Photo: Josh Welch / @joshwelch_

Servicing Oklahoma City and surrounding areas for over three decades, Blind Alley is a premier choice for window treatments or for those who need a little extra help in redecorating their home. Their experts will help you create the perfect solution to complex design challenges. Familyowned and operated, Blind Alley exclusively offers a complete line of Hunter Douglas products.

Window coverings add beauty to a room, and consumers sometimes need guidance regarding current styles and trends, functionality, budgeting assistance, and the benefits of one model over another. “We recently worked with some families that need west-facing window coverings for their new home,” said owners Allyson and Joe Zupin. “They wanted energyefficient shades that could help keep the record-breaking heat out of their home this summer. We recommended the Hunter Douglas Duette.”

An energy-efficient shade with an appealing aesthetic, the Douglas Duette is a creative window treatment that beautifies the home and helps insulate the windows for warmth this coming winter. The Duette is the first cellular shade designed to provide energy efficiency in cold and warm climates. “The customers love the look and functionality of their new shades,” said the Zupins.

There are always cheaper options when it comes to window coverings. “With window coverings, you get what you pay for,” said the Zupins. “However, will someone else offer the same quality, selection, and customer service as Blind Alley? We will continue to be here for all your future window covering needs.”

Giddy up

PEOPLE WHO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE LOVELIER

SPICE OF LIFE

Suan Grant’s made-in-Oklahoma success story

BY EVAN MUSIL | PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

For Suan Grant, the entrepreneur behind Suan’s Foods, what lingers in the Scotch bonnet pepper isn’t just its fiery heat and rich flavor, but fond memories.

In 1974, Grant traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica, to work as a medical records consultant at a new hospital as part of Project HOPE, an international health care nonprofit. During her four years in the country, she first rented a cottage from a boutique owner who “took me under her wing and made sure I met everyone I needed to know, including my future husband,” she said.

She also fell in love with the Scotch bonnet pepper, a ubiquitous ingredient in Jamaican dishes, particularly in jellies. Since Grant started cooking at 8, she had loved toying with combinations of flavors, and she developed her own jelly recipe that underscored the pepper’s taste, rather than its spiciness. “You’re going to get a kick, but you’re not going to get burned,” she said.

Grant continued making Scotch bonnet pepper jellies after returning to the United States, and the recipe was a hit with family and friends. Her daughter encouraged her to sell them, so in 2009, Grant attended a food entrepreneur workshop held by Oklahoma State University to figure out how. She learned about food safety and requirements for selling products on shelves, such as UPC codes. Pretty soon, she signed papers to establish her new business.

“It was far more difficult than what I anticipated, and it was going to take far more money than I anticipated,” Grant said. She and her daughter toured trade shows and county fairs to sell her signature jelly and build her brand. Former Oklahoma grocers Crescent Market and Sterling Produce soon picked up her product.

When Suan’s Foods was first heating up, Grant cooked her first jars of Scotch bonnet pepper jelly in a test kitchen at OSU, but she soon switched to a co-packer to scale up production. As more customers bought her jellies, they began suggesting new flavors. Grant experimented in the kitchen — her Scotch bonnet mango lemon fruit butter was a “fluke” sparked by leftover mangos — and she sent samples of pending creations out

to friends and family, whom she fondly calls her “guinea pigs.”

Now, Suan’s Foods offers seven products; the only non-Scotch bonnet pepper condiment is a jalapeño relish made in collaboration with Sysco for The Garage Burgers in 2019. “They use it in their hamburgers and in their tartar sauce,” Grant said. “It’s been a good relationship.”

The jellies’ Oklahoma identity has been key to Grant’s success. She continues to travel the state holding demos and chatting with dedicated customers. At one point she explored sourcing her cherished Scotch bonnet peppers directly from Oklahoma, although the state’s climate proved to be “not conducive” to growing the plant, she said.

Grant also joined the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, which works to support and promote local food and agricultural businesses and products. She gleaned advice from founding members, and the coalition helps her and other businesses meet certain criteria and sell with grocery stores such as Homeland and Pruett’s.

But what’s kept Suan’s Foods on the shelves is the versatility of the jellies, which Grant said allows customers to “make them their own.” She illustrates their slew of possibilities by publishing recipes — ranging from wings to double chocolate cheesecake to bread puddings to Waldorf salad — for each jelly, jam, butter and sauce on her website, suansfoods.com.

“I try to be very creative when I look at food and what I can do with it,” Grant said. “I find a lot of things that I taste are shallow; you’ll get a lot of flavor and sugar, and then it’s gone. So, I really work on getting that depth of flavor. I want it to linger. I want you to remember how absolutely good that is.”

Suan Grant will hold three two-hour cooking demonstrations at this year’s Oklahoma State Fair on Sept. 16 at 3–5 p.m.; Sept. 23 at 4–6 p.m.; and Sept. 24 at 2–4 p.m. at the Modern Living Building.

Founder, Suan Grant

THE WEST IS CALLING

Lauren Florence’s knack for nature and vintage cowgirls

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Lauren Florence’s popular “Monarch” painting depicts a bison standing stoically among a swarm of butterflies. The scene captures a moment in time and a question: What happens when kingdoms collide?

“We see the monarchs coming through Oklahoma City — it’s so fun to run down to the Myriad Gardens and see all the monarchs on all the flowers — but they’re in the prairie, too. They’re traveling thousands of miles, and at some point, they’re surrounding the bison on the tall grass prairie,” Florence said. “Monarch” was her best-selling print at the 2023 Festival of the Arts.

Florence has always been fascinated by the American west. Growing up, the Bartlesville native recalls frequent visits to Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, a destination filled with buffalo, longhorn cattle and fine Native American and Western art. Even as a child, Florence knew she was an artist … but, like the monarchs, her journey was long.

“I was not allowed to take art classes in high school, because surely there were other classes that would be more beneficial,” said Florence, echoing her parents’ sentiments. “You know, they had my best interests at heart, but I was floundering. At the end of my [college] sophomore year, I knew I was failing my fourth semester of French … and I was stress coloring in my apartment. One of my roommates, a graphic design major, saw me … and she said, ‘Just major in art. Just switch.’”

That nudge was all Florence needed to pivot, and she thrived in the new coursework. However, after graduation, textile design degree in-hand, she still didn’t pursue art. Rather, she worked in oil and gas — quite successfully — in Houston.

“Here I am, I have an office on the 49th floor overlooking Allen Parkway, and I’m killing it — because of the skills I learned in the art department, because I learned how to stand up in front of a group of intimidating people and present my idea,” she said. “I learned how to show up prepared and answer tough questions.”

Then, the 2008 financial crisis forced Florence to rethink her career. At the same time, a Bartlesville friend was selling her local shop, which produced hand-dyed silks for stores nationwide. With ample savings and a desire to feed her inner “maker,” Florence moved home and purchased the businesses.

Lauren Florence in her studio

Painting didn’t come into the picture until Florence was 42, married, living in Oklahoma City and seeking more social interaction after staying home all day with a baby. In her first painting class, instructor Bert Seabourn provided a portrait for the students to paint, prompting Florence to paint figurative works. When she began incorporating animals, insects and fabric-like patterns, a new world unlocked.

“I can combine images to help tell a story, so it’s not just a portrait of a vintage cowgirl. These images are interacting; there’s more of a narrative in the painting,” she said.

Today, Florence’s own narrative includes wholeheartedly supporting the arts. She teaches regularly at Prairie Arts Center in Stillwater, and she’s the 2023 Allied Arts Step-Up Campaign artist. On Sept. 8, her paintings will be included in THE Art Auction to benefit Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute (okaplus.org), promoting arts education in public schools. Florence is currently being represented by Wildfire Gallery at 3005 Paseo, and her work can be found at laurenflorence.com.

RESTORATION AND CREATION

OKC hosts the nation’s largest furniture refurbisher

BY GREG HORTON | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Blaine Penard bought The Restoration Station from the late Pat O’Neill, the founder and former president of Quail Creek Bank, in 2011. O’Neill started the company in 1991, and during his tenure, the focus was on furniture reupholstering. Penard has expanded the services to include furniture fabrication, cabinetry and commercial furniture refreshing, a move that has generated extraordinary growth.

“We’re the largest furniture restoration shop in the U.S. now,” Penard said. “We have 26 employees, and we work in upholstery, wood and steel.”

Penard completed his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Oklahoma, and he started a few small companies — mostly sales — before purchasing The Restoration Station.

“I didn’t want to do an MBA, so I figured I’d buy this company and that would be my MBA program,” he said. “I’d never had any interest in woodworking, but the numbers looked good; and when I bought the company

Blaine Penard in the Restoration Station workshop

from Pat, he had 10 months of work on the books, making it an even more appealing prospect.”

Penard said the work is almost evenly split between commercial and residential projects, including what he calls “Instagram work.”

“Often people will want to keep a piece of furniture in the family for sentimental reasons, so we’ll get requests to refresh grandma’s dresser and paint it pink for a new baby in the family. Th at sort of thing,” he said.

His experts also tackle massive projects like the State Capitol building, where they restored and refi nished desks and refreshed the Supreme Court dais, among other tasks. Penard said his company gets a few projects on historically significant items and buildings every year. At the scale he’s able to generate, most of his competitors are out-of-state companies, for whom the costs are much higher, giving The Restoration Station a decided advantage on local projects.

When Urban Farmhouse Design closed, Penard bought the metal fabrication equipment and brought it in-house, so The Restoration Station now makes custom furniture in addition to the restoration work. Th at also makes it easy for non-commercial customers to work with.

“There is a big blue button on our website for free quotes,” Penard said. “Just fi ll out a brief form with details like the object and desired outcome, and upload a couple of pictures, and our team will get back to you with an estimate. It’s that easy.”

All the work is done by Penard’s team; there is no outsourcing, so accountability and communication are easier and better — another advantage to The Restoration Station being locally owned and operated.

The Restoration Station restorationstation.com

WONDROUS AND WHIMSICAL WALLS

Get a sneak peek of the last stop on our home tour

This summer, Cadillac sent designer, stylist and star gardener Linda Vater on a home tour adventure around Oklahoma City and Edmond to talk with homeowners about their architecture, design and landscaping. In this captivating three-part video series, we delve intimately into the inspiration and distinctiveness of each home. Linda cultivated her gardening skills and acumen for 30 years at her Tudor-style home, and she shares her lessons learned with 158,000 subscribers on YouTube and in her book, The Elegant and Edible Garden. We asked Linda for her expert take on this fabulous OKC home — and these are her answers.

405: What did you find remarkable or unique about this home?

VATER: Merging different aesthetic sensibilities while maintaining marital harmony can be a challenge. But for this home, Sara Kate [Little], their designer, helped them find a beautiful decorative rapport.

405: In what ways did you see the family reflected in the design of the home?

VATER: I loved the way no detail was overlooked, and surprise punches of color appear against a canvas of calm. It has great youthful elegance and synergy that blends modern and traditional items in unique ways to express Will and Hillary’s personalities.

405: What parts of the home do you think will inspire others?

VATER: The brilliant, fun, classic use of wallpaper took my breath away!

PRODUCED BY 405 MAGAZINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Linda Vater

@potagerblog

Interior Designer Sara Kate Little

Homeowners Will & Hillary Lightfoot

Soft tones, a lot of texture and natural light make the open living room and its outdoor views feel like part of nature. The Wolfes and the Grahams built the stone and mortar fireplace to match the kitchen. Couches came from Mathis Brothers, and the rug is from Loloi. Décor on the shelves comes from Graham’s Homegrown store, mixing antiques and new items.

The Wolfe Family FARMHOUSE

Designer Shayla Graham harnesses her creativity to design her parents’ dream home

BY LILLIE-BETH SANGER BRINKMAN | PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

Amother-daughter trip to newly opened Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas, in 2015 gave designer Shayla Graham a new life direction, and inspired her parents’ modern farmhouse home in Shawnee that she worked with them to design seven years later.

At the time of her trip to Waco with her mom, Graham had long loved home decorating and had helped her friends with their homes, but she had never considered it as a full-time career. She had been a hairstylist, had recently earned her real estate license and had just bought a home with a friend with the intention of remodeling and flipping it.

“I came home from that trip with a completely different mindset — like this is what I had to do with my life,” Graham said. “And I loved it.”

She and her friend finished the home flip project, and her inventory of home items grew as she moved on to other projects. She opened a weekend pop-up store, and that led to her first home decorating job and a brick-and-mortar store in Shawnee called Homegrown, which she opened full-time in 2018. Though that store closed after two years during the pandemic, she hosts a big Homegrown sale every quarter. She’s still designing homes.

So in 2022 Graham was a natural choice as designer for her parents, Michelle and Charles Wolfe, when they chose to move from the country and build their home on a oneacre lot in Shawnee. Today, the 3,400-square-foot modern farmhouse has three bedrooms and 3.5 baths.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The dining room mixes old and new, starting with antique sliding doors that welcome guests into a formal space with a wooden harvest table, neutral linens and luxury vinyl plank flooring that evokes wood. Light fixtures came from Wayfair, and the chairs from Marquis Furniture in Shawnee; the pots on the table came from Graham’s store Homegrown.

ABOVE: For the entry, the Wolfes wanted an inviting feel to welcome guests, which they accomplished with candelabra fixtures, painted double eight-panel doors they ordered online and a long wooden buffet with pullout drawers from Magnolia Market.

Magnolia’s Gristmill inspired this showpiece kitchen, with a backsplash made from stones set into heavy mortar — covering them just enough while still letting the different colors peek through. The garage-style vent hood is covered with wood from Suburban Cabinet Shop; it has shelving integrated into each side. Marble countertops and custom white oak cabinets help complete the look. Wicker chairs are from World Market.

“I came home from that trip with a completely different mindset _ like this is what I had to do with my life,” Graham said.

“And I loved it.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Wolfes call the butler’s pantry off the kitchen their “coffee room,” because that’s where they keep their coffee maker and other items tucked away. Open shelves, a marble countertop and a backsplash featuring ceramic tiles from Floor & Décor in Oklahoma City work together for a neutral and soft background look that doesn’t detract from the home’s showpiece kitchen. Paint color is Sherwin-Williams’ Calico. Flowers are from Bayly Blooms in Shawnee.

RIGHT: A mix of metals for the plumbing, hardware and décor give the kitchen an Old World charm, Graham notes. Decor on the shelves comes from Graham’s store Homegrown, and vintage pots hang from a railing that Graham crafted from copper piping.

BELOW: The powder bath off the garage leans into the home’s modern farmhouse vibe and includes a brick floor laid out in a basketweave pattern, granite countertops, white oak wood countertops and an abovecounter sink. Hardware is from Kingston Brass. Flowers are from Bayly Blooms in Shawnee.

The home’s central feature is the showpiece kitchen that the Magnolia trip from years ago inspired. It includes the stone backsplash that the Wolfes and Graham ended up installing themselves.

“That was my mom’s only request: She wanted a Gristmill kitchen,” Graham said, referring to the kitchen featured on Joanna Gaines’ cooking show that was filmed in an old grist mill and had an old rock wall in the background.

That request turned complicated when they couldn’t find a bricklayer willing to commit to the difficult rock wall backsplash. The third or fourth one the Wolfes and Graham interviewed agreed to do it, went out for lunch … and never came back.

“So that night, we decided we were going to do it ourselves,” Graham said. She and her husband and her parents watched YouTube videos and finished the project over the weekend. “We knew the look that we wanted.”

The home features abundant natural light, natural colors and materials and a mix of old and new items. Some features were designed to surprise, such as a set of antique doors that now invite visitors into the Wolfes’ dining room.

OPPOSITE

“It's amazing what she does with it,”’ Charles Wolfe said about his daughter. “I just saw an old pair of doors. And then the next thing I see they're hanging up and I think, ‘Well, they look pretty nice.’”

Added Michelle Wolfe, smiling, “We have to tell him he doesn’t see the vision. He has to wait until it’s all done.”

Charles Wolfe appreciates the care his daughter took to tailor the house to their own tastes, he said, citing his bathroom as a prime example.

The light fixture Graham picked for that room turned out to be the same one he remembered from the Shawnee Fire Department, where he worked for 22 years.

“I think the most fun and most rewarding thing for me is the attention that she put into matching it to us,” Charles Wolfe said. In this bathroom “are things that are kind of special to me.”

The stunning shower features natural slate tiles, which bricklayers also were hesitant to build with because no two are the same size and they don’t lie flat. But Graham was insistent, and the tiles add lots of texture and character to the completed space.

“We stuck to it because I knew how it would be in the end. I wanted

it to be very natural. It’s all one of our favorites,” Graham said.

Prior to moving into Shawnee, the Wolfes had lived on six acres in Meeker during their 24 years of marriage. Between the two of them, they had five children, now grown; it was time for them to move into a more manageable space. Having retired from firefighting, Charles Wolfe works in the safety field. Michelle Wolfe has been a homemaker and helped her daughter in her work; she now helps care for her six grandchildren between the ages of 1 ½ and 9.

Jared Steele of Shawnee served as the home’s contractor, with Graham serving as project manager. Michelle Wolfe said her favorite part of the project was getting to work with her daughter.

“This is my dream home, really,” she said.

Charles Wolfe said he loved watching his daughter do what she loves to do.

“It’s just amazing. It was very rewarding to watch her work ethic, to watch her drive to watch her vision, at the same time she's chasing her dream. But it was also amazing to me how she could achieve what she did on a budget,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine going through this without her.”

RIGHT: Graham wanted the Wolfes’ primary bedroom suite to be a place of restoration and relaxation, with a soft color palette and lots of natural light. It includes a comfortable seating space in the corner, linen blend drapes and woven wood blinds.

PAGE: The Wolfes relax in their bathroom, which features a freestanding tub from Builder’s Warehouse in Oklahoma City, beadboard walls and ceramic tile floors.

AWE-INSPIRING KITCHEN DESIGN

SO MANY DECISIONS, SO MUCH TALENT

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

Form and function reign supreme in kitchen design. First and foremost, the layout needs to easily accommodate cooking, cleaning, serving and gathering. Properly chosen and placed appliances, anchoring the flow, are certainly important. And when selecting just the right mix of fixtures and finishes, endless combinations await.

Will the countertops be quartz or marble — or both? How might custom carpentry introduce texture, tucked-away storage and one-of-a-kind details? Will the backsplash and hood become show-stoppers? Do you incorporate deeply dramatic hues, or go with easy breezy neutrals? The floors, the walls … and don’t forget the ceiling; which light fixtures win the day?

Such an important space, with a deluge of decisions. For inspiration as well as project management, we turn to the professionals. In the following pages, talented locals share their favorite kitchens. Notice how all the elements, each carefully considered and collected, come together to create one cohesive scene. With the right team pulling it all together, form and function align optimally — and we stand in awe.

Attention to Detail

Designed by NEXT PHASE HOMES

Photo by EMILY HART

We wanted this kitchen to be an open concept in the heart of the home with luxurious and elegant finishes — a place in the home you don’t want to leave. It’s fully opened up to the cozy living room, with an open viewing area to the all-seasons room, steps from a second butler’s kitchen and pantry and an intimate dining room … Every single piece of this home is custom and handbuilt with luxury and creativity in mind.”

Bryan Wilkerson and Blake Catanzano

NEXT PHASE HOMES

KITCHEN HIGHLIGHTS

* Coffered wood ceiling creates depth and visual interest

* An arched Infinty Black Leather quartzite from Brazil defines the backsplash, offset by white zellige tile

* Brazilian Black Leather quartzite continues throughout the space; on the countertops, across the 13-foot waterfall island and framing the windows

* Custom-built cabinets in a natural white oak are punctuated by Atwell Collection hardware in honey bronze finish

Let the Sun Shine

The overall design goal was to make the space feel bigger and brighter without gaining much space. I also wanted to create a mix of relaxed elegance while staying true to the style of the home. The large arched window achieves this, along with the corner unit brass metal-and-glass shelves and glass hood. These elements allow light to travel through them. The dark cabinetry grounds the space, while not making it feel too dark or small.”

Melissa Fitzgerald KITCHEN SOCIETY DESIGN

KITCHEN HIGHLIGHTS

* Arched window over the sink reinforces the home’s Mediterranean design

* Custom cabinets, made in-house by Social Cabinetry in a black-stained white oak, include arches, rattan and scalloped details

* Pencombe Hang fixture by Urban Electric Co. with moss-colored accents

* Countertops and backsplash in Arabescatto Marble by Young Brothers Inc.

* Custom hood in a reeded glass

Designed by KITCHEN SOCIETY DESIGN

Photo by JUSTIN MIERS

Wine-andDine Ready

Designed in collaboration with the HOMEOWNER AND HENRY HOME INTERIORS

The design goal of the kitchen was to be open to the dining and living room for entertaining family and friends while maintaining peak functionality for the homeowners. Our inspiration came from mixing modern and classic elements to create a space full of clean lines and rich wood tones. The saturated hues of the overdyed rug under the dining table really ground this bright white space and add a layer of warmth to the light-filled modern home.”

Katelynn Henry and Steve Calonkey HENRY HOME INTERIORS

KITCHEN HIGHLIGHTS

* Currey and Company linear chandelier over the dining table with a gold leaf finish, from Henry Home Interiors

* Dining room features Cynthia Rowley Parsonsstyle table and chairs in a burl wood and navy velvet, from Henry Home Interiors

* Visual Comfort lighting from Henry Home Interiors over quartz island from Classic Tile

* Custom barstools designed by the homeowner

* Walk-in wine cellar, built by Curtis McCarty, with adjoining bar for easy opening and pouring

Photo by CARLY C PHOTOGRAPHY

Light and Lovely

Designed by IVY HOUSE INTERIORS

by KACEY GILPIN

With a growing family, it was important to the clients to be able to have a kitchen space that would allow for different spots for the family to easily gather together — and fit! They also love to entertain, so it was important to have a space that would [accommodate] large gatherings. For instance, the space between the breakfast nook and kitchen island is wider than usual to allow for multiple people to gather and easily walk around the kitchen space. The butler's pantry holds an extra oven, beverage stations and a prep space.”

Hanieh Pace IVY HOUSE INTERIORS

KITCHEN HIGHLIGHTS

* Serena and Lily Riviera rattan counterstools and Visual Comfort Goodman hanging light fixtures center the room

* Island painted in a soothing blue, SherwinWilliams Krypton

* Countertops and backsplash in Unique Calacatta quartz from MetroQuartz, sourced through Architectural Surfaces

* Custom hood vent by Ivy House Interiors, made on site

* Corner-to-corner windows in the bump-out breakfast nook and large windows overlooking the backyard maximize natural light

Photo

FINALLY FALL

Coming together in this exquisite season

BY SARA GAE WATERS

PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH

STYLING BY MEG MILLER

Fall is, put simply, glorious. It’s a season to anticipate for so many different reasons, and at the top of the list for me is fall weather. Here in Oklahoma, the dog days of summer are enough to make anyone anxious for a breeze and cooler temperatures. And brilliant jewel-toned hues making their presence known is far preferable to limp flowers and dead grass.

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons,” says author Jim Bishop — and I couldn’t agree more.

The change of seasons always inspires me for entertaining as well. I’ve been fortunate enough to write and produce entertainment content since 2010 for 405 Magazine (Slice back then), and from columns on “Setting the Table” to “Entertaining 101” and now “Gatherings,” this has been one of my favorite things to write about. Ending this incarnation of Gatherings in the fall issue is perfect, since while this time the setting is inside this gorgeous loft, there is also always the potential during fall to take it outdoors.

Either way, inside or out, “gathering” is a must.

At this table, talented stylist Meg Miller really leans in to the feeling of warmth and comfort. Chef Shannon Goforth expertly cooks for us a delicious pasta with mushrooms that looks as good as it tastes. The simple curated table setting encourages us to sit as the sun sets and the wax drips — no rush, no hurry to leave. Brandon Smith of Dwelling Table captures all these elements so perfectly you will likely be inspired to create something similar.

In Shauna Niequist’s book Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table, With Recipes, she says the following:

“But entertaining isn’t a sport or a competition. It’s an act of love, if you let it be.

You can twist it and turn it into anything you want — a way to show off your house, a way to compete with your friends, a way to earn love and approval. Or you can decide that every time you open your door, it’s an act of love, not performance or competition or striving. You can decide that every time people gather around your table, your goal is nourishment, not neurotic proving. You can decide.”

Whether the food is simple or complex, or the setting is made up of fine china or grocery store flowers, no matter what it is that you choose, by choosing to gather, you choose to care for someone. That person may be yourself. Or it may be your family. Perhaps new friends or long-treasured ones. Gathering is an opportunity.

This has been a place to encourage you to add a little thought to your table, a little extra effort — or a big, bright, shiny one. In the end, though, it is very simply about being present to the moment. Finally and always.

But entertaining isn’t a sport or a competition. It’s an act of love, if you let it be.”

Plates and bowls from Tulips Home and Gift (tulipshome.com) Candelabras from Dustin Dorr (dustindorr.com)

A TASTE OF AUTUMN

Flavor fills the season of comfort food

BY SARA GAE WATERS

PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH CHEF AND FOOD STYLING BY SHANNON GOFORTH

THIS SAVORY PASTA is the perfect main dish to nourish your guests and usher in the season of comfort food. A great accompaniment is a simple salad consisting of baby romaine, bosc pears, pepitas and gorgonzola, with a red wine shallot vinaigrette. Bon appetit!

BROWN BUTTER SAGE TAGLIATELLE WITH MUSHROOMS

Yield: 6 servings

Time: 30 minutes

1 lb tagliatelle

4 tbsp unsalted butter

18 fresh sage leaves, medium 10 oz mushrooms - maitake and oyster

Salt and pepper to taste

3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup parmesan

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a ladleful of pasta water, then drain.

2. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter starts to foam and smell slightly nutty.

3. Add sage leaves and fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel to drain.

4. Add mushrooms to butter, season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 minutes until browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, without letting it color.

5. Return tagliatelle to the pan and combine with sautéed mushrooms. Add the remaining butter. Allow the butter to melt and add just enough of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish with fried sage leaves and parmesan and serve.

KITCHEN TOUR TIME

OKC’s annual dose of inspiration and ideas

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

Attend any in-home gathering, and you’ll notice a trend: It doesn’t matter how lovely the living room — with its cushy and ample seating — is, because everyone tends to end up gathering in the kitchen. Perhaps that’s why we are drawn to kitchen design.

For the past 30 years, the Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance, an organization of physicians’ spouses, has organized a public tour of well-designed kitchens located in and around Nichols Hills. This year’s Alliance Kitchen Tour will showcase five kitchens on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“I’ve always thought of the kitchen as the heart of the home. You start your day in your kitchen, and so many conversations happen — things get discussed and taken care of — at that kitchen island,” said Margo Ward, co-chair in planning the tour. “I love walking in and seeing how other families are using their kitchens to connect in their home.”

The fall tour provides not only plenty of design inspiration and ideas, but also a way for the Alliance to promote local health and wellness initiatives. Last year’s event raised more than $28,000, fundraising for

Keaton’s Kindness Foundation (K Club), the Health Alliance for the Uninsured and various Alliance community service projects held throughout the year. The 2023 beneficiaries are Vizavance, which provides free vision screenings to children statewide, and Healthy Schools OK led by Bethany Children’s Health Center, which implements nutrition and fitness programs in public schools.

“It’s about raising money for a good cause,” said co-chair Tessa Wicks. “It just makes you want to work harder, to try to raise more money, because you know how impactful this event can be.”

A longstanding partnership with Culinary Kitchen adds even more flavor to the experience; the local retailer treats shoppers to in-store cooking demonstrations and tastings during the tour. Inside the homes, this year’s tour will also feature a Bath Sorbet pop-up shop, a Diamonds Direct jewelry raffle and Well Kept Space organizing insights. Tickets can be purchased at ocmsalliance.org and Culinary Kitchen.

A TRIP TO THE JOULE

Energy and elegance in a Dallas getaway

BY SARA GAE WATERS

If style, combined with luxury, combined with contemporary design, is something you are looking for in your next getaway, The Joule in Dallas is at the ready to accommodate you. This fully restored boutique hotel not only has these amazing features, but the attention to guests’ needs and exemplary service isn’t just the cherry on top; it is the top priority.

On entering the hotel, its complexity of textures and colors signal a welcoming contemporary design. Mohair and leather chairs catch your eye, as do the stunning ivory-colored marble floors. The art, carefully curated, is a visual feast. Notably, more than 70 large-scale mosaics by mid-century artist Millard Sheets were salvaged and restored for the public spaces, ballrooms and hallways of the hotel.

The rooftop pool has stunning views of downtown Dallas, with a full bar and food offerings to keep every guest happy. The rooms’ interior designs are sleek and well appointed. White oak furnishings with gold

accents adorn guest rooms, and the penthouse suites feature a variety of color schemes from Yves Klein blue and gold to deep garnet and plum to lime, silver and burgundy.

Each of the restaurants has its own unique personality and atmosphere, as well as thoughtful menus. From the beautifully refined charm of Sassetta to the “modern Texas Brasserie” feel of CBD Provisions, your mood and appetite are sure to be satisfied.

Whether it is the dinner service or the valet, all are there to assist you and provide you with an experience that will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. Recharged, so to speak.

A carefully curated art collection combined with contemporary design make The Joule a special experience.

OUT OF SIGHT, TOP OF MIND

A butler’s pantry puts utility off center stage

BY LILLIE-BETH SANGER BRINKMAN | PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

While having a “Downton Abbey”-style butler taking care of a household is no longer common, especially in Oklahoma, butler’s pantries remain useful in modern-day homes. Owners use these rooms off the kitchen for extra storage, to keep clutter off the countertops or for entertaining.

“The butler’s pantry is just a nice way to keep your kitchen where it can look presentable,” said OKC resident Kiley Gauthier, who has enjoyed having one to keep key appliances out of sight in the kitchen. “No one wants to see your toaster and your air fryer and all of that.”

Gauthier and her husband also use the extra space to store a kegerator so they can enjoy cold beer on tap without wasting bottles and cans. They included a butler’s pantry when they built their house in 2020.

Gauthier, a DIY enthusiast who has an eye for design, relished styling the pantry as well. She said she had fun with the colors in the extra kitchen room — painting it in the malted milk color from Benjamin Moore, then hanging a peeland-stick wallpaper that’s a green-blue grasscloth and including old needlepoints that she collects.

“It’s kind of quirky-looking, I would say, but that’s how I like it. I like things to have a little personality,” Gauthier said.

Originally, she said the family planned to combine the laundry room with the butler’s pantry until they realized a standalone laundry room would be a better place for their dog when they needed to leave their pet at home. She advises people to work with what they have and not to give up kitchen square footage to create a butler’s pantry, but if you have the room, go for it.

“It was fun to do it and design it, and it’s very practical for my family,” Gauthier said.

FLEXIBILITY AND FORM

A new Adams Kirby Homes-built home that was part of the Central Oklahoma Homebuilders Association’s Parade of Homes included a butler’s pantry, and the home’s designer Amber McCullough turned it into a beautiful space that’s a combination of function and form.

McCullough, whose design firm bears her name, notes that butler’s pantries have become much more common in new kitchens as a flex space that can act in different ways.

For the Parade of Homes house, she included floating shelves to display servingware; a porcelain tile floor with tiles that look a little like bricks laid out in a herringbone pattern; and a backsplash featuring tiles hung vertically. The space is also set up to be used for entertaining — McCullough envisions serving from back there buffet-style or getting creative, such as by setting up a counter full of colorful candy for dessert, depending on the theme of the party.

“Not only do you want it to function well, but you also want it to be beautiful … An older-style butler’s pantry is something you didn’t want people to see. This is really an extension of your kitchen,” McCullough said. “It’s such a bonus space to the heart of the home.”

FALL!

PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH STYLING BY MEG MILLER