405HOME Spring 2022 by 405 Magazine

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Hello, Spring

GA R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N S IN FULL BLOOM

Classen Drive & N. Dewey Avenue

Midtown Residences, Reimagined. V I L L AT E R E S AO KC . C O M Exclusively Marketed By:

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THE EXPERT REALTORS FOR OKC AND EDMOND HOMES. 25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE | $143+ MILLION SOLD | $20M+ SOLD IN 2021

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features

Nora Medley’s home comprises her favorites: flowers, pinks and French antiques

Reagan and Keri Bradford are at home with quirky, unexpected interiors

405 HOME

SPRING 2022

Off the Wall EMILY HART

Spring Medley

From simple to intricate designs, California Closets systems are custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

departments

I N S PI R ATI O N S 14 M O O D B OA R D

Bright colors and patterns blossom

1 6 P OT T I N G P E R F E CT I O N Digging into best practices and plants

1 8 WOV E N WO N D E R S

Wicker and rattan products with a twist

EN T H U SIASTS 2 2 L AT T I C E WO R KS

Interior designers elevate a vine-climbing staple

26 W E L L G R OW N

Back-to-nature fans on regenerative agriculture

2 8 A PA I N T E D PAT H

Artist Lauren Elaine Wright follows her passion

GAT H ERI N GS 70 S P R I N G S E T T I N G

How to make your spring table sing

72 SW E E T T R E AT

Whip up a cherry-topped pavlova

LIVI N G 76 A R O U N D TOW N

Myriad Botanical Gardens Festival

78 H O M E AWAY

For Austin history and hospitality, The Ella awaits

I N E V ERY ISSU E 1 0 F R O M T H E E D I TO R 8 0 LO O K I N G A H E A D

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ON THE COVER This issue, we go inside the flower-laden world of interior designer Nora Medley. Photo by Emily Hart

PUBLISHER

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com OPERATIONS MANAGER

Heather Ellison Editorial MANAGING EDITOR

Evie Klopp Holzer COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman, Kimberly Burk, Gretchen Leigh Clark, Melissa Mercer Howell, Lisa Lloyd, Adi McCasland, Courtney Pryor, Christina Wygant

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Art

ART DIRECTOR

Christopher Lee PRODUCTION MANAGER

Aubrey Jernigan GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lillian Meador CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carli Economy, Ely Fair, Emily Hart, Charlie Neuenschwander, Brandon Smith, Rachel Waters

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©2022 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405Home content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405Home is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405Home reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765. Subscription Customer Service: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST. 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765, Phone 818.286.3160, Fax 800.869.0040, subscriptions@405magazine.com, 405magazine.com/subscribe

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4 2 0 0 W M E M O R I A L R OA D, S U I T E 1 0 1 , O K L A H O M A C I T Y

P H YS I C I A N S - O P T I C A L .C O M

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THE INFLUENCE OF SPRING “

ive each season as it passes, breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each.” —Henry David Thoreau The sights, sounds and smells of spring are unparalleled. Those first bright green blades of grass, the scent of new blooms on a lemon tree, the melodic songs of birds—all of these sensory delights, combined with so many others, refresh us. Every year, spring brings us new beginnings. 405HOME is figuratively and literally experiencing its own spring renewal: This is the first of four seasonal issues slated for 2022. We’ve kept some things similar, but also, taking a cue from the seasons, we’ve changed things up a bit. In Gatherings, Courtney Pryor wows us with a cherry-topped pavlova, bringing to life Mr. Thoreau’s idea to “taste the fruit.” Melissa Mercer Howell, Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman and Kimberly Burk provide ideas and insights from the outdoor experts who celebrate garden life. Evie Klopp Holzer takes us inside two beautiful homes with widely differing approaches to interior design. In Inspirations, Gretchen Clark uncovers some wicker and rattan finds that exemplify a long-loved decor trend, while Adi McCasland introduces us to local artist Lauren Elaine Wright, whose paintings reverberate with movement and colors we found particularly apt for this issue. Photographers Carli Economy, Ely Fair, Emily Hart, Charlie Neuenschwander, Brandon Smith and Rachel Waters—all masters of their craft—captured the most beautiful images for this issue. With that, I invite you to peruse these pages, breathe in the season and let the influence of spring into your home.

SARA GAE WATERS

CARLI ECONOMY

Editor-in-Chief

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SPRING 2022

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Curley enjoys the design process, feels that breathing Curley enjoys the design process, and feels that and breathing newspace life into a living can as simple making one wellnew life into a living can be asspace simple asbe making oneas wellthought-out “I ottomans think a pairyou of ottomans you can tuck in thought-out tweak. “I think atweak. pair of can tuck in frontorofunder a fireplace or under console table provides function front of a fireplace a console tablea provides function and whimsy,” Curley says. and whimsy,” Curley says. Johnson agrees. “Every home is unique and Johnson agrees. “Every home is unique and every client isevery client is unique,” he says. “They all bring different aesthetics. But I have unique,” he says. “They all bring different aesthetics. But I have NORWA K F UR N IT UR E N ORWA LK FUR NIT U RLE things I always love – things I gravitate toward. Every room needs things I always love – things I gravitate toward. Every room needs something Asian. It transcends and kind of gives the room something Asian. It transcends styles and kind styles of gives the room some interest. I always lean toward tailored textiles. For instance, Furniture is a unique collaboration between two some interest. I always lean toward tailored textiles. For instance, Norwalk FurnitureNorwalk is a unique collaboration between two a pinstripe will go with anything without being stuffy.” talented designers, Cindy Curley and Ryan Johnson, who have a pinstripe will go with anything without being stuffy.” talented designers, Cindy Curley and Ryan Johnson, who have Ryan Johnson said part of design is like solving a puzzle, while shared their immaculate design expertise with clients for more Ryan Johnson said part of design is like solving a puzzle, while shared their immaculate design expertise with clients for more Curley embraces the fashion-forward nature of interior design. than two decades. Curley embraces the fashion-forward nature of interior design. than two decades. Every piece of furniture offered by Norwalk is custom, made Their clientele expects the exquisite, and the team at Norwalk Every piece of furniture offered by Norwalk is custom, made Their clientele expects the exquisite, and the team at Norwalk unique by that magical chemistry that can only occur when is dedicated to delivering just that. Curley and Johnson strive to unique by that talented magical designers chemistryand that can onlyclientele occur when is dedicated to delivering justclient that. unique, Curley and Johnson strive to to their imaginative come together and give each personalized solutions design talented designers and imaginative clientele together and give each client unique, personalized solutions to their design create, as they do every singlecome day under the guidance of Curley needs, whether they’re simply replacing a rug or redesigning an create, as they do every single day under the guidance of Curley needs, whether they’re and Johnson. entiresimply home.replacing a rug or redesigning an

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I N S P I R AT I O N S F A S C I NA T I NG I D E A S A ND F A NC I F U L O B JE C T S F O R T H E H OME

Ready, Set, Spring

MIX AND MATCH YOUR FAVORITE FLOWERS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON

CARLI ECONOMY

PAG E 1 6

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M O O D

Floral fabrics add a playful punch.

Paint colors named for favorite flowers, such as Peony by Benjamin Moore, are perfect for a spring refresh.

FULL BLOOM Trellis-patterned wallpaper, like Schumacher’s Zanzibar Trellis in Jade, creates an indoor gardenscape.

Colors, patterns and novelties fresh from the garden BY S A R A GA E WAT E R S P H OTO BY B R A N D O N S M I T H

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G R OW

A tall topiary breathes life into the room.

Calvert’s Plant Interiors has been serving Oklahoma City since the 1970s, but its site has had a greenhouse on it since 1907. Potting expert Chelsea Hughes advises: • Fertilizing plants is key. With a slow-release fertilizer, you don’t have to worry about “burning” the plants (overdoing it by giving them too much at once). Check on the fertilizer once or twice a season to make sure it’s working, and follow the manufacturer’s directions to make sure it is still adequate. Osmocote fertilizer is a good product. • Don’t plant too early. Oklahoma’s weather starts getting warm in early spring, but gardeners are always in danger of an after-Easter freeze. Don’t be tempted by the beautiful plants in stores in March; wait until mid-April to plant. • Watch your watering. Oklahoma’s wind and heat can affect watering needs. Don’t over-water plants, but do keep an eye on them. You’ll likely water every other day—if not every day. • Consider all the options. Calvert’s carries a lot of palm varieties, which do well in Oklahoma’s container gardens. These include bottle, adonidia, fan or date palms. Desert plants like cacti, yucca and other succulents are also popular for containers. To add color, especially in the summer, Hughes likes hibiscus, mandevilla, begonias and zinnias.

POTTING PERFECTION How to plant alluring arrangements BY L I L L I E -B E T H S A N G E R B R I N K M A N P H OTO S BY CA R L I E C O N O M Y

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ocal gardening experts say there is an art and a science to making your spring pots pop with color and design, and they have tips for you based on their Oklahoma-grown experience.

Start with the right tools: favorite pots and quality soil.

A sunlit table indoors provides a suitable potting workspace.

Marcum’s Nursery was founded in 1975 by Cherie and Bill Marcum. Their son Kelly Marcum, a leader in the family business, offers these insights: • Seek quality soil. A high-quality potting mix created locally gives you the best chance for success. A poor potting soil will crust on the top after a few waterings and attract things like fungus gnats. • Mix in a few favorite products. Redbud Compost will make your plant “healthier and happier.” It contains mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus that allows the plant to soak up additional nutrients and protects the root system—meaning your pots will last longer. Additionally, SoilMost significantly reduces waterings; it holds moisture in around the plants. • Know a few winners. Great plants for Oklahoma spring planting (and later) include sun and regular impatiens, ageratum, dianthus, Joseph’s Coats, coleus, begonias, pentas, periwinkles and purslane.

Adorn Planters’ founder Elizabeth Richardson has served clients since 2013. She says: • Shop locally. Local garden centers carry plants that grow well in Oklahoma, and those who work there are knowledgeable about how to care for them. Local garden centers also have their own great potting mixes, and you’ll want fresh soil every year. • Design with “thrillers, spillers and fillers.” First, add a big, eye-catching plant in the middle of the container—the thriller. Then use fillers that aren’t as tall to fill in space around the thriller. Finally, add spillers to cascade over the planter and soften the look of the arrangement. • Group plants with similar needs. Consider the watering and shade/sun needs of the plants to ensure they are similar within each pot. Note: In Oklahoma, “partial sun” is best suited for the lesssevere morning sun. • Combine colors and textures. Mix at least two colors and three leaf textures into the pot, if possible. Variegated leaf plants can add depth and contrast. Purple heart adds a purple-red color. Dusty miller has silver leaves. Swedish ivy has a bit of a stripe. Interesting textures include asparagus (short and spiky), cactus, sweet potato vine, cabbage and kale (ruffled).

SPRING 2022 405 HOME 17

I N S P I R AT I O N S

The South Seas Bar Cart by Serena & Lily can double as a console. Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com

P R O D U CT S

This transitional cane door cabinet from 3B Home is also offered in lacquered ivory or gray. 3B Home, 15020 Bristol Park, Edmond, 3bhome.net

Kick your feet up on a woven water hyacinth stool from Emory Anne Interiors. Emory Anne Interiors, 120 NE 150th, Edmond, emoryanneinteriors.com

WOVEN WONDERS Rattan and wicker are here to stay BY G R E TC H E N L E I G H C L A R K

Charming rattan highball glasses, found at Mockingbird Manor, are the perfect sippers. Mockingbird Manor, mockingbirdmanorantiques.com

Bebe’s parasol lamp gives off the prettiest filtered light with its woven shade. Bebe’s, shopbebes.com 18

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Wicker is a centuries-old weaving technique; rattan is the choice material. Both classics are making bold new statements in furniture and decor. Wondering how to style the look into your home? We’ve scouted eight woven wonders sure to please modernists and traditionalists alike.

Elevate plants with this square base rattan urn from Mainly Baskets Home. Mainly Baskets Home, mainlybaskets.com

Simple lines and grand scale define the Driftwood Dome Pendant at Reclaimed Warehouse. Reclaimed Warehouse, reclaimedwarehouse.com

Henry Home Interiors offers this sweetly curved accent chair, wrapped in rattan. Henry Home Interiors, henryinteriors.com

Distinctive designs. Exceptional home furnishings.

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SPRING 2022 405 HOME 19

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ENTHUSIASTS PE O PL E W H O M A KE L I F E A L I T T L E L OVE LIE R

A Brush with Beauty

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

LAUREN ELAINE WRIGHT’S ABSTRACTS INCORPORATE MOVEMENT AND NATURE PAG E 2 8

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D E S I G N

TO TREILLAGE IS DIVINE Locals discuss lattice-inspired designs BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

L AT T I C E I S A familiar, multi-dimensional, criss-cross pattern often fashioned from wood and seen in gardens. If it supports a vine, it’s called a “trellis.” If it’s located in France, it’s called a “treillage.” And if it falls into the hands of a talented designer, it becomes a stunning design element. Trellises with intricate latticework soared in popularity after King Louis XIV added them throughout the Palace of Versailles gardens in France. Lattice has been spotted outside and inside the grandest of homes ever since. In these pages, a few locals share and discuss their lattice-inspired designs, which are nothing less than spectacular. 22

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“When people look out the back doors, the trellis is kind of a showstopper,” said Katharine Regens, whose family moved into a Heritage Hills home with a large trellis outdoors in 2018. “If you are in our dining room and sitting room, we have big doors going to our backyard that frame it perfectly. That was a selling point when we were looking at the house—and you can see it from all angles of our backyard. The previous owners did such a great job, we didn’t have to do much. We just added outdoor furniture.” The cozy patio, with trellis overhead, is a favorite spot for Regens and her husband to sit together while their kids play outside. It’s also an ideal gathering space when entertaining—something Regens hopes to do more often in the future. “I had my husband’s 40th birthday in the backyard, and it created such a great backdrop for cocktails,” she said.

Sara Kate Little, interior designer with Pastiche Studios, said her team is often inspired by historic and European designs, leading them to bring lattice into this Edmond dining room. “The design is very reminiscent of a British manor, and we wanted to lean into that in a thoughtful and tasteful way,” Little said. “We took extra care in trying to source as much from the UK as possible and utilized paint companies, textile designers, craftsmen and antiques that were suited to land in our ‘Modern British Manor.’” The far-reaching lattice, backed by mirrored walls, takes the “wow” factor of the two-story-high room to a whole new level. “The dining room occupies an important place within the home, as it’s the first glimpse that you have through the iron and glass front door,” Little said. “We really wanted this space to be an anchor for the overall aesthetic, but also a total surprise from what you are expecting when setting foot on the property.”

EMILY HART

E N T H U S I A S T S

ELY FAIR

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

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D E S I G N

“In the past, you would see a lot of larger-scale versions of lattice used in super traditional settings. I feel like what we’re seeing now is designers coming back to this traditional [design], but making it a little more livable, a little more casual.” - RACH E L S H I NG L E TO N

“The overall goal for this lake house was taking the idea of farm house [design] and pushing the boundaries a little bit, making it a little more elegant,” said Rachel Shingleton of Pencil Shavings Studio, regarding the lattice-inspired woodwork she used throughout a new Lake Eufaula home. “We experimented with some different pattern ideas, and our carpenter was gracious enough to provide samples,” Shingleton said. “Initially, I wanted to do kitchen cabinets with a woven cane inset. Though they are beautiful, the reality is that they aren’t practical for a kitchen. This was a way to get the look—to shrink that lattice scale down to get the same feeling—and also have it be practical.”

Lattice designs were incorporated into the home’s bunk room and primary bathroom, in addition to the kitchen. “In the past, you would see a lot of larger-scale versions of lattice used in super traditional settings. I feel like what we’re seeing now is designers coming back to this traditional [design], but making it a little more livable, a little more casual.” Based on what she’s seen at market, Shingleton believes the lattice trend will last a while. “There’s so much rattan and natural texture happening right now,” she said. “This is a good way to experiment with texture and pattern.” SPRING 2022 405 HOME 25

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N AT U R E

DIRTY WORK Digging into the regenerative agriculture approach BY K I M B E R LY B U R K

| P H OTO BY R AC H E L WAT E R S

o some city dwellers, dirt is dirt. Farmers know that could hardly be further from the truth. If soil looks like chocolate cake, said retired soil scientist Greg Scott, it likely is healthy. And living soil smells different because of the microorganisms it contains. Scott is sold on regenerative agriculture, which restores soil damaged by erosion, overgrazing, heavy tilling and excessive chemical use. As an Oklahoma example, the Cross Timbers soils “are pretty fragile and probably should never have been farmed,” Scott said. “But the Homestead Act opened this land up to settlement, and then the land runs. Back then, the government said you had to farm it to keep it.” “Soil should filter water, absorb water and sustain life,” said Amy Seiger, soil health coordinator for the Oklahoma Conservation Commis-

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sion. “It contains life that supports healthier plants. When we till and chemically treat excessively, then we are killing the life in the soil.” Regenerative agriculture is not about nagging, said Seiger, who grew up on a farm. “Producers know chemicals cost money, so they tend not to over-apply; someone in the city is more likely to over-apply on his lawn.” Scott bought a farm near Perkins in 2001 and took it out of crop production. He has a small cow and calf operation. Crop rotations and grazing systems that imitate nature are essential, he said. “The bison would eat and trample and poop on everything and then leave for six months, and then return. The prairies evolved through episodic grazing. That’s the natural system for the highest vigor.” Another nod to the days before the plow is keeping the ground covered. After a harvest, producers can leave the residue or put in a cover crop: cowpeas, sorghum, okra, sunflowers, etc. “Cover crops suppress weeds,” Seiger said. “Cover crops grab nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil.” Nicol Ragland is executive director of REGENOK, a non-profit that educates about the importance of healthy soil, which produces more nutrient-dense food. “Regenerative agriculture is traditional, indigenous agriculture,” said Ragland, who grew up on a ranch near Jones. She studied environmental science at the University of Denver, then worked for the World Wildlife Fund in Nepal. “That was the beginning of my understanding,” she said. “We are so separated from the land and the wild and the animals.” After returning to Oklahoma, she worked on a documentary with Dr. Zach Bush about the connection between soil and human health. Bush, a medical doctor, says rebuilding organic matter in the soil produces increasingly nutrient-dense food and insect biodiversity, decreasing the need for pesticides. Seiger started talking to producers about regenerative agriculture in the early 2000s. She learned that some were already making the transition, but had kept it quiet. Farmers don’t always get in a rush to adopt new practices, she said, because it can be expensive and disrupt tradition. But farming costs can decrease with regenerative methods. “I wouldn’t be promoting it if I didn’t believe in it,” she said. Scott said he spends no money on fertilizer and very little on herbicides or pesticides. He rotates his cattle among small pastures, allowing the others to regenerate. “We have slowly begun to recover the life in the soil by using a diverse plant community and using grazing animals as part of that ecosystem.” Seiger says non-producers can get on the healthy soils bandwagon by using the highest lawnmower setting. “Add compost to your soil in the spring and fall. The compost will replace what livestock does in farming systems: It provides a new topsoil to absorb water and feed microbes.”

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Who is your ideal customer? A homeowner with an electric bill! It really is that simple. In almost every case our customers want to save money on their electric bills, and solar can help them do that. People also like that solar is better for the environment and, when paired with battery backup, can provide energy stability.

What sets your business apart from your competitors? We are locally owned and operated, and we've installed more systems than any other company in Oklahoma. On every job site, we pay attention to the details, and we work hard to help our customers understand the system they're purchasing so they can get the full benefit of that system. We care about our customers like we care about our neighbors, because in many cases, they are.

Tell us about the size of your business and why that’s important. We're equipped to handle jobs of all sizes, both in terms of manpower and equipment. Our new warehouse gives us the space we need to purchase equipment by the truck load, so we're ready to install when customers are ready for us.

What do your customers love most about your business? They love that we're saving them money, but more than that, I think it's the time we take with each and every person to make sure they understand their system. A lot of what we do is education; whether we sell you a system or not, we want to be good advocates for the industry.

What do YOU love most about your business?

What's not to love? The team we have assembled is top notch, and together, we're helping people save money they can use on living instead of on their electric bills. We like to say we're powering things that matter. That's meaningful work.

Why do you choose to do business in the 405?

My business partner, Kevin Jones, and I were both born in Oklahoma. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Our families are here. This is home.

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Lauren Elaine Wright and her artwork

PAINT-SPATTERED PATH Local artist Lauren Elaine Wright let passion lead the way BY A D I M C CA S L A N D | P H OTO BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

t 30 years old, Lauren Elaine Wright bucks the “starving artist” label, thanks to her parents’ unwavering commitment to her passion and a support system providing her the opportunity. “They basically made my path giant and wide to do what I love,” she said. It all started with a Crayola trifold art set made just for preschoolers—a gift her parents gave in lieu of the typical Barbie doll. “My parents always gifted me arts and craft stuff, and I realized that’s just what I loved to be into,” she said. Growing up sans typical toys, Wright cultivated her own style 28

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of creative skills through her own style of inventive play. Now, some 25 years later, fueled by Topo Chico and music, she has carved a niche for herself in the Oklahoma City metro art scene, spending her days painting commissioned pieces for clients across the country, and also painting intentionally for a variety of local nonprofits. Wright cherishes her community and grasps the importance of investing her own strengths in it. “I really love donating pieces that help raise money for different causes in the metro,” she said about her work with orga-

nizations such as Calm Waters, Wings and Anna’s House. If her wide-eyed enthusiasm for paint hues didn’t confirm her role as an artist, the colorful paint spatters across her hands surely would. Though technically a mixed media artist, Wright primarily uses acrylics to paint stories of inspiration. Her work, like all good art, connects the viewer to emotion, eyes to soul. “I don’t feel proud of myself at the end of a month by what the dollar sign says, you know? I feel proud of myself by what story I told through my art—or how the client feels

Wright says this work, “Afternoon Tea,” evokes an English garden on a sunny day.

“I don’t feel proud of myself at the end of a month by what the dollar sign says, you know? I feel proud of myself by what story I told through my art—or how the client feels about it.”

about it,” she said. “So, it’s much more personal than how many I sell.” But this isn’t to say that Wright isn’t successful within the industry. With a degree in marketing and public relations, as well as a strong business sense, she was able to leave her 9-to-5 job just months before the pandemic struck. She has been fostering her dream as a full-time artist since. Her departure from heels and morning meetings fortuitously coincided with a notification that she was accepted as an alternate for the 2020 Festival of the Arts, which was ultimately postponed until June 2021. Like much of the world, when COVID-19 hit, Wright sought the good amid the viral chaos, and that good came in the form of a phone call from the Arts Council of Oklahoma City informing her of her official spot in the 2021 event. She had no inventory and only two weeks to prepare, but that didn’t deter her from an immediate and exuberant “Yes!” Looking like a piece of her own art, Wright donned her work uniform, which is nothing more than paint-encrusted leggings and a well-worn, oversized sweatshirt. Then, she began painting with great deliberation. Calling it the best experience of her life, she says the intensity of 16-hour days culminated in an opportunity to not only share a platform with some of the region’s most talented creatives, but also, for the first time, to meet so many members of her digital community. When asked if she would repeat that sleepless stretch, Wright gave a definitive “yes,” however, she won’t have to anytime soon. Brushing her hair behind her ear with her paint-spattered hands, she smiled and revealed that she’s been asked to return to the Festival of the Arts in April 2022. Her painting is well underway.

“Glad You Exist” reminds Wright of a favorite person; it is chaotic yet organized, bold yet delicate.

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U NE T R È S B

M A I S O N PRETTY PINKS AND FRENCH ANTIQUES FIND A HOME WITH NORA MEDLEY

by Evie Klopp Holzer | photos by Emily Hart

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n Nora Medley’s living room, there lives a treasure simply known as “the clock.” It’s French. It’s antique. And it’s painted with flowers—pink, yellow and minty green. “Those are my colors,” Medley said with a smile, “especially pink.” While the clock checks all the boxes on Medley’s list of favorite things, perhaps her most favorite thing about it is how she discovered it … twice. Medley first saw the clock in an antique store in Normandy, France. She was on a buying trip, procuring antiques to sell back in Oklahoma City. She fell in love with the clock immediately, but there was a whopping price tag attached, so she decided to pass. However, she never forgot about it. On a return trip to France years later, she was thrilled to see the clock was still there. “I almost didn’t buy it because it was more, but then I thought, ‘You know, I’ve thought about this clock for three years.’ So, I got it, and now it’s in the home,” Medley said. When an interior designer who specializes in French antiques brings one into her home, you know it’s extraordinary. Medley has been shaping her Nichols Hills home since 1998. Renovations began after her teenage daughter, Marysa, asked to redo her room and bathroom. “I thought, ‘Well, if I’m going to redo hers, I’m going to redo mine.’ Then I thought, ‘If I’m going to redo those, I’m going to do the hall bath,’” Medley recalled. “Before we knew it, we’d gutted the whole house.” The home hasn’t undergone any major changes since then, but Medley has updated fabrics and paint colors throughout the years.

ABOVE : Kimberly

Hiddleston loves to plant colorful annuals around Medley’s home, with pink taking the lead.

LEFT: Painted in Benjamin Moore’s Peony, the kitchen island becomes a focal point in the room.

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Carefully curated items in this room include pink marble in the fireplace box surround, a Michi Susan “Through the Window” series painting, and French 19th century crystal and bronze girandoles.

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The pool house includes wicker furniture in vintage Jay Yang fabric, MacKenzieChilds birdhouses and a 100-year-old French tile floor.

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A French antique trumeau mirror hangs over a custom-cast fireplace surround, flanked by a pair of custom-painted-yellow French chairs in vintage Pierre Deux fabric.

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An antique Kittinger pedestal, once belonging to Medley’s grandmother, holds a Herend Blue Garland porcelain cachepot— one of Medley’s many pretties.

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Twig furniture on the front porch features ample cushions in florals and stripes.

Sweet little buds add cheer to the pool house.

Timeless Collections

An Act of Love

Today, 25-plus years of curated collections fill Medley’s home. Almost everything has a story. The 1915 Steinway piano was her grandmother’s first piece of fine furniture. The kitchen and pool house floors are French antique clay tile, at least 100 years old. “I like tradition, and I think that goes along with [liking] France and history,” Medley said. The dining room table and chairs belonged to Medley’s mother. The French antique chandelier hanging over it is dotted with crystal, bronze and cameo profiles. Little boxes and figurines layered on tabletops capture Medley’s love of cherubs, animals, hearts and flowers. “With Nora, it’s a distinct style,” said Kimberly Hiddleston, longtime friend and interior design collaborator. “You can say, ‘That looks like Nora.’” Medley and Hiddleston became friends when Hiddleston’s mother, Judith Stone, worked at Covington Antique Market with Medley and Barbara Covington 20 years ago. Hiddleston helped with various projects for the store. After it closed in 2014, Hiddleston and Medley continued working together, united by a shared appreciation of antiques. “There’s just something about the style of the French: It was romantic, the way it curved,” Medley said, noting Louis XV furniture is her favorite. “The furniture—unlike some new designs—is technically perfect, with just the right proportions. It’s quality made; it was made right. And it will last you forever, if you take care of it.”

Medley and Hiddleston are quick to consult one another on various projects. Medley’s outdoor space is one of them. Every season, Hiddleston plants the beds and pots with annual color. “I don’t do this for a living, it’s just an act of love,” Hiddleston said. “On Nora’s, we do something different every year. I’m given free rein, as long as it has pink.” However, Hiddleston has learned not all pinks are created equal. Soft pinks and bright pinks are preferred. “One year, I tried to put begonias—because they were pink— along the side of the house. Well, they were not the right color of pink. They leaned more toward red,” Hiddleston said with a laugh. “We’ve never had a bad year, but … ” “Some years we’ve loved more than others,” Medley interjected with a smile. Hiddleston likes to mix annuals from local growers with unusual finds, shipped in from all over the world, from big-box retailers. “I like instant gratification, that’s why I am into annuals,” Hiddleston said. “I like playing with the color combinations and textures, and packing it tight.” It’s no surprise that the layered arrangements outside the home mimic the layering inside. It is all very thoughtful and pretty, with pink throughout. “There’s never been a point where you’ve said, ‘That’s too much pink,’” Hiddleston said. “Never,” Medley agreed. It’s just the way she likes it. SPRING 2022 405 HOME

T THE THE Y L P A T THE PL AY E S H U O PL AY HOU SE S HOU SE Where the unexpected becomes commonplace

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

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•

P H O T O S B Y E M I LY H A R T

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H E N K E R I BR A DFOR D

spies an unusual home on Instagram, she shares it immediately—not with her girlfriends or interior designer, but with her husband. At the same time, when Reagan Bradford finds an intriguing property on the County Assessor’s website, Keri is first to know. Texts ping between them on any given day: “I love this idea!” “Did you see this one yet?” “What about this color?” “Oooooo – look at these windows!” The Bradfords love historic architecture and interesting, playful designs, which becomes evident as you tour their 1930s Nichols Hills home. The place is full of personality and surprises, like the kitchen banquette fashioned in matching, not-so-subtle upholstery and wallpaper. “This [design] kind of lets you know we’re quirky, we’re fun,” Keri Bradford said. “You walk into the house, and there’s striped wallpaper, very classic. And our dining room is right there, and it’s very old school. Then you turn into the kitchen, and it’s green, but still very simple. Then, you see that breakfast nook and it’s like, ‘Whoa.’” This latest home is the Bradfords’ fourth to renovate. Previous homes were located in historic neighborhoods—Linwood Place and Mesta Park—because Keri Bradford said she and her husband are drawn to old homes with creaky floors. “We’ve talked about tearing something down and building something new, but we always come back to how rewarding it is to take something that has history and bring it back to life,” Reagan Bradford said. “Our first time doing this was with a home built in 1910. Knowing that there is 100 years of history behind you, you think, ‘Well, there’s going to be another 100 years, so let’s try to do something that has longevity.’” With that in mind, the Bradfords ensure any structural changes align with the architectural integrity of the house. More changeable design elements—fixtures, wallpapers, paint colors—are selected for their interesting or unexpected qualities. “Now that we’ve done a few houses, we know that if you don’t like the color in a few years, then you just repaint it. It’s not that big of a deal; it’s not the end of the world,” Keri Bradford said.

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BELOW: Brass hardware pairs beautifully

with Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green No. 81.

RIGHT: Ketch Design Centre customized window treatments throughout the home, including the Schumacher drapes in the dining room.

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The Bradfords worked closely with the Ketch Design Centre team, especially interior designer Claire Miller. Armed with a folder of well-vetted ideas, Keri Bradford brought a lot to the table. She would often text photos of fabrics and wallpapers to her husband while she and Miller collaborated to bring those ideas to life. “Her style is so special,” Miller said about Keri Bradford. “She’s feminine, very sweet, but then so fearless and bold at the same time. So you see the dining room that has the chintzy floral from Schumacher 42

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that’s so pretty, but then you go back to the Cole and Son [Miami pattern] in the kitchen, and there’s your punch factor. It all flows so well together, too.” Colorful punches can be spotted in every room. One example is the wallpapered ceiling in the playroom: The walls were painted white to reflect the airy, sunny feel of the bay windows, so the wallpapered ceiling brings in the pattern and colors. Another wallop is the small bathroom in the back of the home—a color explosion with awe-inspiring details.

“Most people would think, ‘Let’s keep it really simple because it’s tiny,’ but I was like, ‘Oh, it’s tiny. Let’s just fill it with stuff!’” Keri Bradford explained. Reagan and Keri Bradford aren’t the only ones with an eye for design. Their daughters—Hattie Mae (12) and Frances (9)—join in the fun, too. “My favorite rooms are the girls’ rooms, because they had input there,” Reagan Bradford said. “Neither one of them pushed for something you’d expect a tween to ask for. They’d look at an Architectural Digest we have

LEFT: The playroom’s whimsical wallpaper on the ceiling suits a home with two young girls. MIDDLE: The powder bathroom provides another quirky pop of color with yellow Zanzibar Trellis wallpaper by Schumacher. RIGHT: With matching fabrics on the drapes and upholstered bed, Hattie Bradford’s room conjures up English bed-and-breakfast themes.

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LEFT: The striped-wallpaper entry boasts antiques and an abstract sourced by Anonyma Fine Arts.

BELOW: Ketch Design Centre’s Claire Miller helped create a canopy bed with matching shades for Frances Bradford’s room.

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LEFT: The primary bedroom was designed with cozy and warm neutrals, departing from the bold colors found in the rest of the home. RIGHT: The guest bathroom incorporates European and monochromatic details and a custom Roman shade by Ketch Design.

sitting on the coffee table and say, ‘Look at this, Mom.’ It brings me a lot of joy watching them participate in it too.” The Bradfords are constantly comparing notes, sorting through inspirational images and melding ideas, even when they don’t have an active project going. Though they get the itch to move and start fresh every few years, for now, they seem content in their latest home. “We’ve finished the pool house, but we decided we want to jazz it up a little more,” Reagan Bradford said. Keri Bradford has a few ideas. Let the texting commence. SPRING 2022 405 HOME

Go Premium You are officially invited to join us as a Premium Subscriber of 405 Business and receive all the benefits and privileges at special charter savings!

B E N E F I T S I N C LU D E Print & Digital — 6 issues of 405 Business in both print and digital versions. Charter Subscriber Listing — Your name and company listed in every issue of 405 Business during its inaugural year. Discount Offers — Special member-only discounts from our carefully selected partners. Job Postings — List your job openings on the 405business.com job board at no charge. Private Group — Enjoy bonus resources along with sharing ideas and getting insights from other Oklahoma City area business owners and executives.

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THE GREEN HOME Living in harmony with eco-friendly practices and products

What does it mean to “go green?” Think sustainable practices, organic products and nature-inspired interior design. In the pages that follow, learn how local experts are incorporating earth-friendly elements into the home. Every day, they help others maximize the functionality and natural beauty of their homes. And Mother Nature smiles.

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THE G R EEN H OM E

Windows

Clear Choices A N EN ER GY- EFFI CI EN T A PPR OACH TO W I N D OW S B Y C H R I S T I N A W YG A N T

WHEN DESIGNING A NEW

house, making decisions on windows can be as daunting as learning a new language. However, it’s a language that Gus Tietsort of Tietsort Design speaks well. With more than 30 years of experience, the third-generation windows expert assists his clients by translating the vast world of windows through comparison charts, which outline varying price and performance levels. Because each room presents different window needs, Tietsort works closely with clients, contractors and architects to fully understand the specific objectives of building windows in a new home. “There are several insulated glass options that perform great from an energy efficiency perspective,” said Tietsort. “Clear glass with a Vitro R100 or Vitro 50

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PROMOTION

Solarban 70XL coating is the glass I would recommend in a residential application. It performs well with both light transmittance and solar heat gain while maintaining an appearance of a neutral color.” Energy efficiency is a common goal when building a new home, but what can be done to improve windows after installation? Tietsort said residential window film is a practical option. “While it is better to buy proper glass when you purchase new windows,” he said, “surface-applied films have their place, and they do function well. As far as blocking ultraviolet light, they perform well to deflect solar gain.” Oklahoma’s brother-sister duo Donnie Chaffin and Jill Chaffin-Splitt of Jackie Cooper Tint & Electronics proudly stand behind their family business of 45 years and the use of solar film as a viable, efficient and sustainable solution to pesky and costly window solar glare and heat. “All of our solar ceramic films block 99 percent of the harmful rays, which is what causes fading of your home’s interiors,” Chaffin-Splitt said. “This film

also provides up to 84 percent heat rejection and up to 94 percent glare reduction. The heat rejection is so amazing on these ceramic films that a nationwide average says window film will pay for itself within 28 months with the energy savings. This makes the film virtually ‘free.’” Added benefits, according to Chaffin-Splitt, are that films include a lifetime warranty, can provide heat and glare reduction without diminishing a home’s aesthetics and use no harsh chemicals in the application process. Jackie Cooper Tint & Electronics serves customers at its 8001 N. Rockwell location. Today the company has expanded to include Oklahoma City Window Film, Edmond Window Film and Norman Window Film offices as well. What better way to learn the language of windows than through local experts? Their fluency in the subject simplifies the decision-making process.

ENHANCE AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY Solar | Security | Decorative Window Film

HEAT, GLARE & UV REDUCTION FILM

FROSTED PRIVACY FILM

DECORATION & BRANDING

SAFETY & SECURITY

Use frosted and textured films

Our custom films can be printed with

Security films help businesses

Solar Control films and tints save

to create private spaces in

high resolution graphics, vectors,

protect their assets from theft and

energy and protect humans and

conference rooms, waiting areas,

text and more, and can be applied to

defend against accidental damage

interior surfaces from UV radiation.

showers and more.

windows, walls and even mirrors.

from weather and natural disasters.

8001 N. Rockwell Avenue | OKC, OK 73132 | 405-848-8656 | www.jce.com

THE G R EEN H OM E

Tile

PROMOTION

From Earth to Art CER AMIC TILE WITHS TANDS THE TES T OF TIME B Y L I S A L L OY D

USI NG NAT U R A L BU ILDI NG

products in your home is one of the simplest ways to “go green.” Consider ceramic tile, which is made using clay, a natural substance, that is fired at high temperature to reduce water content, then glazed and patterned. The versatile material has endless design variations and is a long-lasting, eco-friendly option that builders have used since ancient times. The earliest tiles, found in mosaics, murals and other designs, date back to 4000 BC. “Not only is ceramic tile hypoallergenic, easy to sterilize, fire resistant, resistant to chemicals, stain resistant and easy to clean, but it is durable and able to withstand heavy foot and wheel traffic,” reads the website for the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. At Artisan Tile Studio, owner Sydnye Steen has acquired the most expansive collection of all varieties of tile in Oklahoma City. Ceramic tile is a popular option. “Our clients love the versatility and environmentally friendly aspects of ceramic tile,” Steen said. The desire for sustainability has led Artisan Tile Studio to become the exclusive OKC provider of Red Rock Tileworks, an eco-friendly, handmade tile producer based in Nashville. Since 2006, Red Rock has crafted handmade tile using a proprietary American clay blend and made-from-scratch glazes. Red Rock employs skilled artists, 52

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each of whom holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, to make its tiles. They create enduring products that reflect artistry and craftsmanship with sustainability in mind. “We are thrilled to offer Red Rock’s beautiful tile to our customers,” Steen said. “Not only are their products sustainably made, but each tile is handcrafted with love and inspiration.” Red Rock’s owner and founder, Lindsay Sheets, says she is passionate about the environment, which shows in her factory and the finished product. “We pride ourselves on being a green place to work and a green product to buy,” Sheets said. “When you choose Red Rock, you are selecting tiles that are made sustain-

ably and with purpose, by hands that care. From when the clay is pressed into our molds to when it’s thoughtfully wrapped for shipping, every piece of tile is cared for by loving hands.” Shopping local means customers are reducing their impact on the environment, as well. “Our green story isn’t just about what we’re doing in the factory,” Sheets said. “By selecting a provider here in the U.S., you’re already making a big difference in carbon footprint.” Artisan Tile Studio serves customers across the metro at its 7,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse, located at 300 W. Wilshire.

405.242.2227 | @artisantilestudio 300 W Wilshire Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73116

THE G R EEN H OM E

Solar

Shine On O K L A H O M A S O L A R P OW ER H A S A SU N N Y F O R EC A S T BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

O N E OF OK L A HO M A’ S M O S T

abundant renewable resources remains largely untapped. Did you know Oklahoma ranks in the top tier of sunny states, right up there with California, Arizona and Florida? Yet it’s 45th in solar energy rankings, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association’s 2021 statistics. That’s a ranking Oklahoma-owned EightTwenty (eighttwenty.com) is trying to change. “If you looked at solar before 2019, it’s time to look again, because the entire landscape has changed,” said EightTwenty founder and CEO Tony Capucille. He 54

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points to Oklahoma legislative changes in that year that have made solar power a more attractive and feasible option. While most installations since 2019 have been associated with commercial entities and utilities, residential solar has also experienced a steady increase in recent years. The Solar Energy Industries Association predicts Oklahoma will rank 36th in solar in five years; a move in the right direction, with homeowners showing more and more interest. “There’s a lot of momentum and desire for it,” Capucille said. “[Solar power] may feel like a big step — a big project — and it may feel overwhelming, but solar is surprisingly simple. You just need to get with a trusted advisor to walk you through it.” Capucille recommends scheduling an at-home consultation, as you would at the outset of any home improvement project. The consultation allows you to learn more about solar power and how a project can be customized to suit your home. While

solar panel designs used to be clunky and unsightly, Capucille says designs today are sleek and beautiful. In addition, they can be strategically placed to please homeowners. “We take pride in being very particular,” Capucille said. “We do a consultation at your home, then we bring the information about your home back to our design team. Our designers are certified to put projects together, and they understand all of the engineering, all of the utility rules and all of the financing associated with your particular project. Then we present it back to you in a super simple way.” Solar panel installation seems to be super simple, as well. “We’re in and out of most residential projects in one day,” Capucille said. Local experts are embracing solar power and making it easy for homeowners to embrace it too. When you think about maximizing such an abundant renewable energy resource … Well, that’s one sunny outlook for Oklahoma.

Shades

A Shade Above H O N E YCO MB SH A D E S A R E A S T Y L ISH, SM A R T O P T I O N B Y L I S A L L OY D

W I N D OW T R E AT M E N T S PROV I DE

ample opportunity to bring your personal style into a room. Innovations in technology throughout the years mean today’s homeowners have several options to consider that are stylish and energy-efficient—key for window treatments, since the U.S. Department of Energy says about 30 percent of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through windows. Take classic honeycomb window shades as an example: They first appeared on the market in the 1980s, and their honeycomb construction traps air in distinct pockets, which creates insulation that can help lower energy consumption and bills. Fast-forward to today, and Duette Honeycomb Shades by Hunter Douglas—the “original” energy56

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PROMOTION

efficient honeycomb shades—are available in the widest selection of cellular pleat sizes, opacities, colors, textures and operating systems in the industry. Here in the 405, Blind Alley owner Allyson Zupin can remember having purple honeycomb blinds in her bedroom in the 1990s, and she knows firsthand how the quality and selection have since changed. “When they first came out, I want to say they had about 15 choices,” she said. “Now, I have a book the size of a suitcase, full of color and fabric options.” At Blind Alley, 3839 NW 63rd, Allyson and her husband Joe Zupin exclusively feature Hunter Douglas products, including Duette. The brand’s latest innovation, Duette Architella, features a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design for even greater energy efficiency. “We only sell Hunter Douglas, because they stand behind their product,” Allyson Zupin said. “That’s important to our customers, and they love the fabric and color options with Duette.” The Alustra Collection of Duette is especially appealing to design-minded customers.

It’s a thoughtfully curated suite of exclusive design-inspired fabrics, textures, colors and hardware. These high-end textiles harness natural light to provide a singular touch of desired luxury. “There’s more attention to the design element in the Alustra fabrics,” Zupin said. For homeowners with uniquely shaped windows, Duette is the perfect option. It can be customized and designed to accommodate skylights, arches, bay and corner windows, patio and sliding glass doors and more. The blinds can be designed to open from the top down or bottom up and have an option with sheer fabric on top, so homeowners can still have privacy but let filtered light into their home. Zupin said many clients want help with rooms that have west-facing windows that get intense sunlight. Rather than using heavy blackout curtains, Duette provides homeowners an option that is both effective and stylish. For design-minded homeowners who also want the added benefit of energy efficiency, honeycomb window shades are worth another look.

DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES

THE G R EEN H OM E

New Style® Shutters

405.848.0099 | blindalleyokc.com 3839 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116

T U O E R O M GET OUR CITY INE! Z A G OF Y A 405 M E TO

RIB SUBSC

st of the e b e h t o ts, ts you t c e n g, even n in o c in d 5 0 s ’ 4 o ity metr C a m o homes. Oklah d n a l e v tra scribe.

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Behind the Design

Meet some of the best of the best in construction, design, home furnishings and more. The experts featured in Behind the Design bring unparalleled quality, vision and service to every project they touch.

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PROMOTION

Designer Profiles

STUDIO M For 25 years, Studio M has built a reputation for quality kitchen and bath design and remodeling. Founded by Mindi and Greg Burns, Studio M provides turnkey interior design solutions and contemporary home furnishings that will turn your space into something truly remarkable. “We completely customize every design to exceed expectations,” Mindi Burns said. “Whether you’re redecorating a room or renovating an entire house, we’re here to help find the furniture, fixtures and accessories that will make that dream come true.” The showroom, located at 9313 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Casady Square, is designed to showcase and inspire the creative possibilities for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom remodels. The store also features contemporary home furnishing and unique, high-quality gifts customers love to give and receive. When it comes to creating unique kitchens with quality fixtures, Studio M tailors each project to the homeowner’s tastes, needs and budgets. The showroom features a broad selection of kitchen styles and layouts, complete with the widest range of fixtures anywhere in Oklahoma. 60

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Mindi advises clients to consider three main factors before embarking on a kitchen remodel: style, layout and your choice of fixtures, cabinets and countertops. “The kitchen is the part of the home where life really comes together,” Mindi said. “It should function for the needs of your lifestyle and also reflect your taste. We design spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Bathroom design and remodel is also a specialty at Studio M. Whether you’re looking for luxurious or simplistic, Studio M can realize your vision. Drawing from a broad selection of countertops, accessories, tiles, cabinetry, sanitaryware and finishes, Studio M can create a one-of-a-kind spainspired space where you can refresh and rejuvenate in the morning, or wash away the dirt and stress of a long workday.

PROMOTION

“Great interior design is all about making the best of the space you have,” she said. “Whether your bathroom is small or large, it can be turned into a room you will be proud to present to guests.” Above all else, Studio M strives to provide the best service possible. Mindi and Greg both have built an impressive design portfolio of beautiful home interiors, from bathrooms to kitchens and more. “The service at Studio M is exceptional,” a client said. “The staff has a wonderful eye for contemporary design and detail, and was able to transform my vague ideas into tangible realities.” If you’re ready to create the home you’ve always dreamed of, contact the design team at Studio M today.

Designer Profiles

Mindi & Greg Burns 9313 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 7 3116 405.849.6151 studiomokc.com

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PROMOTION

Designer Profiles

Mindy Brown & Elaine Price 2925 West Wilshire Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 7 3116

405. 286.917 1 mehomecollection.com

ME HOME ME Home is a retail store in Oklahoma City founded in 2014 by sisters Elaine Price and Mindy Brown. The shop specializes in art, lighting, custom upholstery, and accessories to beautify your home. Each piece at ME Home has been carefully chosen and is available for immediate purchase and delivery. Every item is handpicked by Elaine and Mindy and reflects their design aesthetic which they describe as “Happy and Timeless”. The shop is open to design lovers Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00 or by appointment. The full-service design team is led by Elaine, who has been designing and decorating homes for over 30 years. ME Home specializes in designing homes that are a reflection of each individual client. The team provides turnkey room installations and small-scale renovations. They encourage clients to use pieces that are meaningful to them to showcase each client’s individual style while integrating fresh, creative ideas. The ME Home interior design style is sophisticated and classic with a modern point of view. Along with the retail shop, ME Home has an e-commerce site featuring the 62

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same beautiful, hand-selected items that you will find in store along with many additional options for your home. Purchases are delivered directly to the customer’s home and can be shipped throughout the United States. Shop online at mehomecollection.com At ME Home, pros hope to help you create a home that encompasses ageless appeal while maintaining a peaceful and livable retreat.

PROMOTION

WOOD GARDEN For more than 25 years, homeowners have turned to Wood Garden and owner/decorator Amie Cook as a one-stop shopping experience for home design and decor. The family atmosphere, face-to-face interactions and personalized service set Wood Garden apart from other retail competitors. At Wood Garden, each project, no matter the size, feels custom and personal. “We can help you find that perfect piece of furniture, or do the entire room, or even the entire house,” Cook said. “We have a mix of transitional, modern, country French, traditional…whatever your style is, we can help you pull it all together.” Located at 7650 N. Western Ave., Wood Garden is filled with gorgeous furniture and accessories. Cook loves being able to purchase many different styles and varieties, with hundreds of vendors to choose from when selecting pieces for clients and for the store. Her advice for those starting out on a large design project? Don’t get overwhelmed. “Start with one room and then move to the next one,” she said. “I would rather have one room completely finished than to have multiple rooms feel like a cluster of mismatched things.” She also recommends not getting stuck in really trendy styles. Choosing neutral colors for big

Designer Profiles

furniture items will make it easy to switch up accent pieces. Her clients are always pleased to see the transformation of their homes. “I would say one of my strong points is the ability to coordinate things together in a homey, yet fun way,” she said. “I love fabrics and mixing textures and prints together.” It can be challenging to establish a sense of trust with a client, but Cook’s easygoing nature and successful track record quickly put them at ease. “Once we start choosing fabrics, and they start to see the vision I have for their home, that trust comes easily,” she said. “The finished project turns out even more beautiful than either of us expected.”

Janice Carty & Amie Cook 7650 N. Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 7 3116 405.848.9663 facebook.com / thewoodgarden

SPRING 2022 405 HOME

PROMOTION

405.506.0112 7424 Melrose Ln, Oklahoma City, OK 73127 pergolacover.com

Imagine upgrading your outdoor living space so that it can be enjoyed all year long. That’s the goal of Cover Your Pergola, which opened its Oklahoma City branch two years ago. Since 1971, Cover Your Pergola has offered the very best in commercial grade coverings for pergolas. Owner Chad Gono and General Manager Aaron Bark focus on building relationships with customers and helping them enjoy being outside. “We offer the only product that reduces temperature, blocks the sun and still allows light to come through,” Bark said. “Our systems keep you protected in all kinds of weather, which will allow you to protect your backyard investment and also lengthen the amount of time you can use the space.” Cover Your Pergola offers SkyPoly roofing systems for pergolas, arbors and other outdoor structures. These systems reduce temperatures up to 25 degrees, block out 100 percent of the UV light, come with a hail rating and block out water. The Apollo, Hercules and Olympus systems come in three different colors, bronze, clear and ice white.

Skypoly sheets are also used for walls and roofs on greenhouses. The company also offers a whole line of greenhouse-specific Skypoly panels with 100 percent light diffusion panels and 100 percent light deprivation panels. Cover Your Pergola partners with a large network of outdoor living and greenhouse companies in the 405 metro. They also cater to the “do-it-yourself” crowd with installation guides and step-by-step installation videos on the company’s YouTube channel. “Oklahomans love the outdoors,” Bark said. “It only makes sense that we would bring a product like this to Oklahoma. This allows everyone to enjoy being outdoors even more. Add a ceiling fan and a heater underneath your structure, and now you have a space that you can use in all seasons.” As a small business, the team consists of four employees, which allows them to really focus on giving individualized attention to their work. Customers love their fun, positive and energetic attitudes. “We are down-to-earth people who really enjoy working with people on their projects,” Bark said. “We pride ourselves on treating people like people and not transactions.”

We believe the process of custom home building should be just as rewarding as the result.

HuﬀmanCustomHomes.com

Fine Homes & Luxury Properties

Alice Dahlgren

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.570.1766 alice@homeoklahoma.com homeoklahoma.com

Chelle Greene

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.818.9131 chellegreene@remax.net chellegreene.com @chellegreenerealestate

UNDER CONTRACT! FOUNTAINGATE OF QUAIL CREEK

3101 CASTLEROCK #67

GATED Total remodel ! Tall ceilings—new kitchen, master bath, and every surface updated. All bedrooms have private baths. 3 car garage. Fountaingate offers a neighborhood pool and cabana. A hidden gem in North QC.

$645,000 | MLS# 987672

NEXT TO NICHOLS HILLS 7913 NICHOLS GATE CIRCLE

3 bedrooms with study. 3.5 baths. 4,248 sq ft-Measuring Service. Beautiful Nichols Gate home, located in a private, gated neighborhood. Superb location designed for easy living and convenience.

$860,000 | MLS #902018

6424 SW 104

MEDICINE PARK

10 car garage, wet bar, 150” TV, 30 FT Garage door, 4 acres and lots of parking space---Living space offers 2 bedrooms down with kitchenette and large master suite up. The upper space has a living area as well as kitchen. The downstairs living offers a 225 “ TV and lots of game or play area.

One spectacularly detailed home overlooking the valley and 2 separate houses for guests or as an AirBNB.

$2,400,000 | MLS # 987776

121 OBSERVATION RD, MEDICINE PARK, OK 73557

$998,000 | MLS# 981974

405.843.8448

Linda Haneborg

Susan Citty

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.590.8363 linda@lindahaneborg.com lindahaneborg.remax-oklahoma.com

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.401.7793 susancittyproperties@gmail.com susancittyproperties.com

SOLD! NICHOLS HILLS

6713 NW GRAND BLVD

$2,750,000

SOLD! ELMHURST COURT

8516 STONEHURST COURT

$1,540,000

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME! GORGEOUS GATED GAILLARDIA 14329 GAILLARDIA DRIVE

Grand entry with soaring ceilings overlooking the entertainment enclave. Main floor has two owner suites on separate wings; total entertainment areas with newly renovated kitchen and gathering room, wine room, theatre room, four magnificent stone fireplaces and upstairs private apartment style living with three bedrooms and two full bath. Incredible views of golf course and lake. Four car garage and private parking. French doors open to private richly paneled study. Safe room and storm shelter.

$1,675,000 | MLS #938284

NICHOLS HILLS AREA VACANT LOT 8504 STONEHURST COURT

Lot 13, Luxury, gated, zero lot line. East facing backyard.

$250,000 | MLS #919310

ho m e d e co r & so mu c h mo r e buzzbybebe.com • @buzzbybebe • 405•876•8900 7538 berkley avenue • oklahoma city

G AT H E R I N G S PR O M PT S T O E NH A NC E Y O U R E V E R Y D A Y O C C A S ION S

A Cordial Affair MAKING THIS LIGHT AND AIRY PAVLOVA IS A BREEZE

BRANDON SMITH

PAG E 7 2

SPRING 2022 405 HOME

GAT H E R I N G S

A SONG OF SPRING Dining in al fresco style BY S A R A GA E WAT E R S P H OTO BY CA R L I E C O N O M Y

TA B L E

AL FRESCO DINING

is sublime in springtime, especially when the birds are chirping. The elements of a beautifully set table remain the same: plates, flatware, stemware, linens and a centerpiece. However, you are the maestro; your arrangement makes the table sing. With a chorus of favorite flowers in full bloom, your centerpiece may be the star of the show—but an easy menu with a decadent dessert ensures you end on a sweet note. Whether simple or complex, set the stage to gather around the table and enjoy nature’s song.

Table top from BC Clark, bcclark.com White centerpiece container from Scissortail Marketplace, scissortailmarketplace.com Tablecloth from India and Ivy, indiaandivy.com

4 0 5 H O M E SPRING 2022

SAVE MORE

CALL TODAY for more information

405-724-4822 INTEGRATEDOK.COM Rebates & Financing Available

ON PERFECT AIR THIS SPRING!

ENHANCE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE WITH LOCAL AND VETERAN-OWNED DESIGNS. Services:: Services

Pergolas and Pergolas andPavilions Pavilions Outdoor Post FrameKitchens Buildings Fireplaces Fire Pits Outdoorand Kitchens Patio Extensions Fireplaces and Fire Pits Post Frame Buildings Patio Extensions ““Daniel Danieland andhis histeam teamare areamazing! amazing!The Thework work

on onthe thepavilion pavilionand andoutdoor outdoorfireplace fireplacewas was outstanding outstandingand andeveryone everyonetook tookpride pridein inwhat what they theywere weredoing. doing.Daniel Danielkept keptme meupdated updated throughout throughoutthe theprocess processand andlet letme meknow knowthe the minute minutesomething somethingchanged. changed.IIcouldn’t couldn’tbe bemore more please with their work and the results! Highly pleased with their work and the results! Highly recommend recommendand andwould woulddefinitely definitelyuse useagain. again.””

--Page Page W. W.

Call or Text 405-403-2115 for your Free Estimate

veteranbuiltdesigns @veteranbuiltdesigns

veteranbuiltdesignsllc.com | Oklahoma City, OK 73170

SPRING 2022 405 HOME

GAT H E R I N G S

FO O D

CHERRY ON TOP Pavlova with lemon and fresh cherries BY C O U R T N E Y P RYO R

| P H OTO S BY B R A N D O N S M I T H

PAV LOVA I S A sweet dessert—mostly identified with spring or summer—that has a crisp crust and soft, light inside, traditionally paired with fruit. Named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, the dessert features a meringue-like texture that looks like a ruffled tutu. This recipe combines tart lemon curd and fresh cherries or berries.

INGREDIENTS 4 large egg whites (room temperature) Pinch of salt 1 cup sugar 1 tsp cornstarch 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp white vinegar 1 jar lemon curd 25 cherries, pitted (can substitute berries) Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. Put egg whites and salt into a mixing bowl and beat on light speed for 1 minute, then on medium speed for 3 minutes. When the egg whites start to bubble, add sugar, cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla extract and white vinegar. Beat on medium high for 8 minutes. This will become a thick, meringue mixture. Turn the speed down to medium and add 1 more tsp of vanilla extract. Beat on medium for 1 minute. Use a spoon or spatula to twist the mixture onto a lined baking tray to look like round clouds. Make five pavlovas, then make little “bowls” in the center of each. Put on the middle rack in the oven and bake for 90 minutes. Then, switch the oven off and allow the pavlova to cool in the oven for another hour. After the pavlova has cooled, remove from the oven and scoop lemon curd and 5 or 6 cherries into the middle of the “bowls.” Garnish with thyme. Enjoy!

4 0 5 H O M E SPRING 2022

SPRING 2022 405 HOME

Premier Home Builder Profiles

SUMMER 2022

Every day, clients call on you for help. They bring unique challenges, you provide inspiring solutions. Let us share your success story! Share your distinct aesthetic, inspirations, and accomplishments in the “Premier Home Builder” section of our 405HOME Summer issue. Our seasoned team of writers and graphic designers will craft a profile sure to captivate. Cynthia Whitaker-Attalla 405.408.0083 | cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com Drew Smith 405.315.7335 | drew.smith@405magazine.com Terry Bechtold 202.360.2077 | terry.bechtoxld@405magazine.com

LIVING

G I V E Y O U R S E L F T H E G I F T O F L I V I N G WE LL

Warm Welcome HOTEL ELLA’S TAKE ON TEXAS HOSPITALITY

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L I V I N G

A RO U N D

TOW N

SHOWERS OF FLOWERS Myriad Gardens’ Flower and Garden Festival ushers in spring BY M E L I S S A M E R C E R H O W E L L

4 0 5 H O M E SPRING 2022

ABOVE: OKC Flower and Garden Festival shoppers peruse plantings offered by one of the 40 vendors who participate. LEFT: Milkweed planted

throughout Myriad Gardens attracts butterflies, especially monarchs.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

s winter releases its grip on the Sooner State, OKC’s Myriad Botanical Gardens comes alive with vibrant color and the gentle aroma of rich soil and blossoming flowers. Each year, plant lovers punctuate their celebration of the season with the Oklahoma City Flower and Garden Festival. This year’s installment of the annual festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 7. “This is such a nice complement to the farmers market (in Scissortail Park),” said Leslie Spears, Myriad’s director of marketing and public relations. “We wanted it to be unique, so we’re really particular about our vendors. Everything is Oklahoma-grown.” The festival is marking its eighth year and has come a long way since its inaugural event at the Farmer’s Market at 311 S. Klein Ave. in 2014. Even though the festival is currently planned and operated by Myriad Gardens staff, original organizers Marilyn Stewart of Wild Things Nursery and Bill Farris of Prairie Wind Nursery remain involved. Both are “tickled” about the growth of the event. “There were other festival events in the state, and Marilyn and I thought Oklahoma City ought to have one,” Farris said. “For avid gardeners, they’ll find plants and varieties that they won’t find in the box stores. And a side benefit is that it’s at the Myriad Gardens. Visitors can have a picnic and spend some time outdoors.” Myriad Gardens Executive Director Maureen Heffernan agrees. “When Bill and Marilyn approached Myriad Gardens about taking on the production of the OKC Flower and Garden Festival, we happily said yes. It has grown over the years and has become one of the best outdoor garden events in OKC. Our

TOP: Shasta daisies flourish in the sunshine.

BOTTOM: OKC Flower and

Garden Festival co-founder Bill Farris has had a booth every year, showcasing his bougainvillea, and he is a festival favorite to discuss Oklahoma gardening.

mission is to help people become interested in plants and gardening, and this event really helps them do so.” And, Farris added, buying Oklahoma-grown plants gives gardeners added assurance that the plants will do well locally. “If you’re a good grower in Oklahoma, it’ll be easy anywhere else,” Farris said. “The extremes that we go through make us the ‘too’ state. Too cold, too windy, too hot … We select varieties that will do well. Some plants may be fine in Vermont but won’t last in Oklahoma.” Nathan Tschaenn, Myriad Gardens’ director of the Conservatory and Horticultural Exhibits, says that Myriad staff go the extra mile to provide a diversity of offerings that will thrive locally. “We like to have lots of plant vendors … cacti, house plants, a variety of native plants, annuals. We try to be pretty selective. Every year we turn people away,” Tschaenn said, calling the festival “the best place to one-stop shop for plants you need.” SPRING 2022 405 HOME

L I V I N G

H O M E

AWAY

AUSTIN’S HOTEL ELLA This mansion-turned-boutique hotel feels just like home – Ella’s home BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

4 0 5 H O M E SPRING 2022

PHOTOS PROVIDED

ne question has shaped the experiences offered at Hotel Ella: What would Ella do? Hotel developers believe the former lady of the house would have taken her afternoon tea on the veranda. She would lounge among fragrant jasmine vines by the pool. She would curate interesting art for her home. She would host a dinner party with her husband, Goodall, followed by cocktails in the parlor. And she would plant azaleas everywhere. A master of décor, gardening and hospitality, Ella Newsome Wooten is the inspiration behind Austin’s Hotel Ella. The boutique hotel has 47 rooms on the property with nine housed in a historic mansion.

H ER H O ME

In 1900 Thomas Dudley Wooten built and gave this magnificent building as a wedding gift to his son, Goodall. While the large structure is certainly impressive, it was Goodall’s bride, Ella, who made the new house a home. Ella hired Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus as her interior designer, and she bailed a master carver (of Biltmore esteem) out of jail to work for her. Today, 10 hand-carved columns surround the wrap-around porch, making a grand first impression and beckoning you to come inside. YOUR S TA Y

While many historical elements remain intact, a north wing was added recently to provide more rooms. The transition is seamless, however, as the new building’s interiors were fashioned to match those in the main home. Book a poolside room to lounge on your own personal patio, or ask about the mansion petite suite, which offers prime balcony access. FI NE TASTE

For an afternoon treat, come enjoy the hotel’s weekend tea service, which features Austin-based Zhi Teas, traditional sandwiches and dainty sweets. For heartier meals, Goodall’s restaurant onsite features elevated yet approachable southern cuisine. The most popular item is the brisket burger, a mouthwatering combo of ground brisket, Munster cheese and pickled red onion. Ella is credited with bringing azaleas to the area, so it’s appropriate to sip an “Azalea” in her honor. This refreshing cocktail mixes Texas whiskey with lemon, simple, blueberries and mint. When in Austin, do as Ella did: Retreat, relax and raise a glass to the good life. If these are the experiences you seek while traveling, Hotel Ella won’t disappoint. SPRING 2022 405 HOME

LO O K I N G

A H E A D

SUMMER DAZE BY S A R A GA E WAT E R S P H OTO BY E M I LY H A R T

LIKE KIDS WAITING

for the last day of school, we are anxiously anticipating the launch of our first summer issue—coming to you in June. Expect to find homes with a touch of whimsy and places with wildflowers to pick. We’re also focusing on all things cool, such as cool (in temperature) treats for entertaining and cool (in style) accessories for the home. We simply can’t wait to kick off a sun-soaked summer season within the pages of 405HOME. So open the pool, ice down the drinks, plan a little getaway and join our countdown to summer.

4 0 5 H O M E SPRING 2022

The OKCMOA Store is now the exclusive vendor for Jonathan Adler furniture and lighting in Oklahoma. C O N TA C T U S

S TO R E @ O KC M OA .CO M

Need help? We can help haute your home with a free design consultation. (405) 278-8233

T H E O N E . T H E O N LY.

A LEGACY OF FINE FURNITURE FOR 63 YEARS

Keven Calonkey Carl Professional Member ASID NCIDQ Certified

Est. 1958 • 109 East Main • Norman • 405.321.1818 • MisterRobert.com •