Winter 2022

When Quality, Beauty, and Longevity Matter ...

Easy Does It

Amanda Layton finds peace in simple-but-beautiful decor

for a Governor Stately design shines throughout an Oklahoma treasure

Where the Christmas Magic is Made!

6471 Avondale Drive · Nichols Hills, OK 73116 · 405.607.4323 naifehfinejewelry.com

PUBLISHER Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sara Gae Waters saragae.waters@405magazine.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Lisa Munson

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR

Evie Klopp Holzer

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman, Gretchen Leigh Clark, Blake Colburn, Greg Horton, Lisa Lloyd, Adi McCasland, Courtney Pryor, Christina Wygant

DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Raylee Lewis

Art

ART DIRECTOR

Christopher Lee

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Meagan Matthews

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lillian Meador

CLIENT COORDINATOR

Leesa Neidel

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carli Economy, Emily Hart, Rachel Maucieri, Charlie Neuenschwander, Don Risi, Brandon Smith, Oakes Creative House

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WINTER IS THE WINNER

Every season has its charms, and I’ve been known to claim, at one time or another, that each is my favorite. With holiday gatherings on the horizon, it should surprise no one that I’m unequiv ocally awarding winter first place. This “revelation” of sorts came when our team collaborated to capture luxurious images of the Reynolds family’s dining room (details on page 50). One of my favorites graces the cover. The women of The Set gloriously set a ten-top table while Brandon Smith master fully photographed the festive scene. As we lit candles and tied hand-calligraphed name cards on Courtney Pryor’s sugar cookies (recipe on page 54), winter soared to the top of my list, once again.

Adornment is one way to cope with forced indoor living, colder temperatures and stark landscapes. Even if you aren’t preparing for a party, we all have go-to’s for making our homes more comfortable and cozy the next few months. Gretchen Clark shares some “Winter Comforts” — gifts for ourselves or for others — on page 16. For decorating inspiration, this issue features a juxtaposi tion of styles: the regal and formal style of the Governor’s Mansion and the relaxed, well-appointed look of the Layton family home, both wonderfully captured by Emily Hart. Evie Klopp Holzer and Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman give us a look into both designs and respectively tell their stories.

In addition to the beautiful interiors and decor throughout, this issue highlights several savvy locals. Adi McCasland opens the book on The Ellison’s mural artist Alaina Hunt (page 28), while Lisa Loyd goes green with the eco-friendly holiday tree company Social Greenery (page 24). On page 20, Greg Horton enlightens us on the genius behind Vault Ice — and special thanks to Charlie Neuenschwander who braved a snow day to snap some cool pics. Christina Wygant talks about vintage rugs with our own Blake Colburn (page 14), who in turn created the winter mood board on page 12.

Perhaps this issue will win you over, and you too will proclaim winter your favorite. However, if your favorite season tends to be the one we are in at any given time of year … well, then you’re already winning.

SARA GAE WATERS Editor-in-Chief

Woven Into History

A THOUGHTFUL TOUCH

Drawing inspirations from the gift of giving

BY BLAKE COLBURN | PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH

THE WARMTH OF HOME during winter is a sensation to be treasured. The season embraces bold patterns and rich colors and textures. Long-lasting traditions and the gift of giving encourage and inspire us. Much like decorations, gifts don’t have to be extravagant, just

thoughtful. Cards from family and friends inspire us to embrace this selfless time of year and show love to those around us. Drawing on all of these facets of the holiday season, we find our homes and hearts are full.

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

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THREADS OF HISTORY

Heirloom rugs share stories across generations

BY CHRISTINA WYGANT PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH

Most people know the saying “If walls could talk” in ref erence to historic homes. However, Blake Colburn suggests that more stories can be found underfoot. The vintage and antique rug dealer believes each handmade rug is “unique and has a story to tell.” From his perspective, these “cu rated essentials and found pieces” bring their remarkable histories into our homes, while also provid ing a foundation to carry our own personal narratives forward.

Colburn certainly has a distinctive story threaded into his own Blake Colburn Rugs. As a biochemistry major at Oklahoma State University with future plans for dental school, Colburn began helping his friends find the perfect rugs to style their apartments. After word got out that he could find great deals on beautiful, one-of-a-kind rugs, his stylistic endeavors were in high demand. He even sold a few rugs right out from under his own feet!

“I quickly learned that there was a huge market for rugs, so I began to keep a small inventory of rugs on hand,” Colburn said. After graduation, he decided dental school could wait: “I gave myself a year after graduation to focus on my creative aspirations as a freelance stylist and photog rapher with Surya.”

This made all the difference. Colburn soon made a name for himself in the world of heirloom rugs, and today he works with clients to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces through Blake Colburn Rugs, his booming business

found on Etsy (BlakeColbHome), Instagram (@blakecolb) and Facebook Marketplace (Blake Colburn).

Since 2017, Colburn has sold vintage (30 to 80 years old) and antique (80plus years old) rugs. As is true with vin tage wine, the older the rug, the more it is sought after and the more it costs. These family treasures are exclusive representations of the various regions of Turkey and what was once Persia, which include Malayer, Mahal, Heriz, Oushak, Tabriz and Turkish area rugs.

“I have always had a passion for antique rugs, because they bring character into any room and last a lifetime,” he said.

For heirloom rug care, Colburn recommends Tabriz Oriental Rugs of Oklahoma City. According to third-generation rug dealer and cleaner Saeid Ahrabizad and his wife, Kelly, who have owned Tabriz Oriental Rugs for 40 years in the same location, heirloom rugs should be pro fessionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years, depending on use.

“Each rug is different,” said Saeid Ahrabizad, “so it’s important that we know the region the rug originates from as well as how it was made in order to choose the best cleaning treatment that preserves the wool’s color from bleeding. We use a beater bar to remove all the built-up dust and dirt from the knots before the rugs are hand-washed.”

A rug pad is also highly recommend ed to protect the rugs. The Ahrabizads pride themselves on their ability to clean and repair vintage and antique Turkish and Persian rugs, thus preserving the heirloom rugs for future generations.

With such longevity, heirloom rugs may anchor a lifetime in one home, and then perhaps be moved into another lifetime many miles away. Oh, if only rugs could talk; what splendid stories they could share.

“I have always had a passion for antique rugs, because they bring character into any room and last a lifetime.”

Blake Colburn of Blake Colburn Rugs

Mulling

Alpaca

Bundle of Birch Logs from Mill Shop & Co-op dovetailstudiook.com

Camel Alpaca Wool Throw Buzzbybebe.com

Voluspa

Fire Bowl from Ballard Designs ballarddesigns.com

COMFORTS OF HOME

Indulge your senses with the textures, tastes and scents of the season

BY GRETCHEN LEIGH CLARK

Who doesn’t love curling up with a soft blanket by the crackling fire? Winter weather means more time indoors, so embrace the season within your own chic and cozy retreat. We’ve curated this luxe collection to make your home feel warm and inviting this winter season.

Fireplace Screen from The Wood Garden facebook.com/thewoodgarden

Lucite Connect 4 Game from Cayman’s shop-caymans.com

Spice Set from Williams Sonoma williams-sonoma.com

Pillow from Winter House winterhouseinteriors.com

5 Wick Hearth Candle from Occasions occasionspaper.com

Even Santa Needs a Little Help!

6471 Avondale Drive Nichols Hills, OK 73116 405.607.4323

naifehfinejewelry.com

ENTHUSIASTS

PEOPLE WHO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE LOVELIER

Edgy Art

ALAINA HUNT AND HER MARVELOUS MURAL OF BOOKS PAGE 28

A CLEAR CHOICE

Vault Ice’s cool cubes and spheres for next-level libations

BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

It’s not an uncommon question in places where you find Vault Ice: Why would I spend an extra dollar on my cocktail for ice? Yes, a dollar for a cube or sphere of ice. It may seem an odd upsell to those of us who grew up with those metal ice trays with a lever, or the modern plastic versions. But don’t dismiss it without hearing why Vault Ice is something you might need in your home if you love cocktails or spirits on the rocks.

Depending on which part of the city you live in, your tap water has very distinct “flavors,” which might be a nice way of describing their impact on a cocktail. You’ve spent good money on premium spirits and mixers, and then taken the time to squeeze fresh juice and smack the herbs to release all those aromas, and then you toss what is at its core frozen city water into this concoction of otherwise stellar ingredients. Why?

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To try it before you buy it, head to Barkeep, Palo Santo, 1884 or The Joinery. They each have Vault Ice behind the bar.

Vault uses two very important processes — one of which pretty much any reverse osmosis system can replicate, and one that’s based on proprietary technology — to put a crystal-clear cube or sphere of purified and clarified ice in your cocktail, where it will have zero negative impact on the flavor profile.

“Our RO process is not the ‘secret sauce’ of Vault,” said CEO Jon Naught. “The machine that we use to do the actual freezing is the secret. It freezes from the bottom up, and so when the 300-pound block of ice is frozen, the top inch or so will be where the impurities have floated to the top and frozen. All we have to do is remove that layer, and you get crystal-clear ice.”

They have a couple more proprietary methods, including how they get the lovely perfect spheres, but the import ant thing here is that you can add them to your home cocktail routine.

“We’re not really a retail-facing company,” Naught said, “but we do have a direct-to-consumer delivery service you

can access from our website, or you can place an order to pick up at our facility in Norman.”

To try it before you buy it, head to Bar keep, Palo Santo, 1884 or The Joinery. They each have Vault behind the bar, and they’ll happily let you try it in your cocktail or pour of spirits (for a small upcharge). Barkeep sells sleeves of Vault Ice you can take home, as well as several local liquor stores, or you can go online and use one of the methods Naught mentioned.

To really enhance your home bar, consider Vault’s personalized stamps. The company can use your logo, initials or other artwork to create a stamp that “brands’’ each ice cube. You’ll find more information on that under the Shop tab at the Vault Ice website, vaultice.com.

Produced in Norman, Vault Ice can be found at select liquor stores and bars.

SEASON’S GREENINGS

Social Greenery supplies cheer conveniently and sustainably

BY LISA LLOYD PHOTOS BY OAKES CREATIVE HOUSE

Nothing else quite encapsu lates the spirit and scent of Christmas like a live ever green tree in your home. Decorated with lights and meaningful ornaments and surrounded by gifts, it can be a beautiful centerpiece for your family’s special holiday memories.

But what happens when the tree has outlived its purpose? The Sierra Club estimates 25 million to 30 million live Christmas trees are pur chased each year in the U.S. Millions end up in landfills, where they take up space and slowly biodegrade.

One Oklahoma-based company is working to extend the life of your Christmas tree beyond Dec. 26, and make holiday magic convenient for busy families. Social Greenery is an eco-friendly gifting and gathering company focused on bringing joyful, sustainable experiences directly to 405 residents. It offers living, potted Christmas tree rentals for winter celebrations, as well as succulent potting kits and bars for weddings and special events.

In the traditional Christmas tree industry, trees begin in the ground, are cut down and sold to consumers and then end up above ground in the landfill. Social Greenery inverts that model entirely.

“Our trees begin above ground, planted in pots,” said owner Sue Ringus. “They go to your home (still

Social Greenery trees never leave the soil, ensuring their postholiday survival.

planted in pots), and they end up planted in the ground after Christmas. Christmas in your home is just the beginning of their jour ney; our trees enjoy a decades-long life of pu rifying our air and beautifying our planet.”

Ringus was a Social Greenery customer, and purchased the business in 2018.

“What attracted me was that I really love this idea of having something that is significant and memorable at the holidays that is also a choice you could feel good about,” she said.

Social Greenery clients can browse a selection of Christmas trees online before scheduling a delivery time and any extras, including pre-lit trees, then the living tree will be delivered already planted and rooted in a pot.

Don’t worry if you have a brown thumb; watering instructions and a pitcher are provided, too.

After Christmas, the company picks up the tree and donates it to a local nonprofit organization that will ensure it gets planted in the ground or otherwise recycled.

“We want to show joy and beauty and wonder to the people we love around the holidays, but it’s a lot of work,” Ringus said. “If we can lighten the load, we can create that magic for our clients’ families. It’s really something special.”

“What attracted me was that I really love this idea of having something that is significant and memorable at the holidays that is also a choice you could feel good about.”

Designed by Nina Magon

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

Reading into The Ellison’s striking ‘Reader’ mural

BY ADI MCCASLAND PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Alaina Hunt was already on the Cooper House branding team for The Ellison Hotel when she landed “The Reader” — an easily recognizable art installation on the first floor of Oklahoma City’s newest boutique hotel.

The Ellison’s interior designers had three criteria in mind: a local piece of art, an impactful piece of art and a bookshelf. “Oklahoma City is becoming known for its murals, right?” Hunt suggested. “What if we did a bookshelf mural?”

Cooper House founders Tim and Erin Cooper, also artists, both recognized the idea’s profundity and realized the value in giving Hunt the opportunity to execute it.

Hunt, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Studio Art program and designer at Cooper House, got to work. She drafted her ideas, gathered a team of people and ordered a few thousand books to create the foundation for her vision of this one impactful mural: E pluribus unum. Out of many, one.

While the colors were chosen with purpose and the installation overall is not without great meaning, only two of the 2,970 books that make up this creation aren’t random. “It would’ve been cool if we were able to choose them all, but there were just so many,” explained Hunt.

What were those intentionally selected books? The first title chosen was The Old Man and the Sea , a nod to a coworker who was a pivotal part of The Ellison’s branding

process before passing away earlier in 2022. The second was, of course, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, Oklahoma’s most celebrated author and namesake for the hotel itself.

Hunt will tell you that this was the piv otal moment in her success as an artist. As creatives tend to do — as humans tend to do

— she spent too much time “shoulding” on herself before cultivating the type of courage that paved the path of authenticity and allowed her to really reach others.

When asked to elaborate, she smiled and held her chin a little higher. “I think that I was really just kind of trying to hide myself

I think that I was really just kind of trying to hide myself and make art a certain way, because I didn’t feel like what I wanted to do was relevant; but anything anyone wants to do is relevant. You just have to contextualize.”

Artist Alaina Hunt

“The

and make art a certain way, because I didn’t feel like what I wanted to do was relevant; but anything anyone wants to do is relevant. You just have to contextualize,” she said, mirroring the protagonist’s cognizance in Ellison’s Invisible Man

“What and how much had I lost by trying

to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?”

Hunt’s unrelenting mission is artistic impact. She, like most creatives, chose art in order to connect — with herself, with others, with her work — and create a visual narrative of the world as she experiences it. “I

really just strive to communicate and relate with people in unexpected ways, to engage people’s curiosity as much as possible.”

“The Reader” feels like opportunity. It feels like bravery, freedom, unity. It is a visual representation that out of many, oneness is possible.

Reader” inside The Ellison Hotel consists of 2,970 books.

MINIMAL

AMANDA LAYTON RINGS IN THE HOLIDAYS IN SIMPLE, REFINED STYLE

By Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman | Photos by Emily Hart

MEANINGFUL FAMILY TRADITIONS

and simple-but-beautiful decorations give Amanda Layton a sense of peace when Christ mastime arrives. The Oklahoma City home stylist starts decorating for her favorite holiday in November and focuses more on adding nat ural winter touches throughout her home rath er than a big splash of extravagant decorations.

“I keep all the same things out, but I just add the winter greens to it. It’s really easy and inex pensive to make it feel festive without buying a bunch of Christmas stuff. I love Christmas. But I like simplicity,” Layton said. “I do tend to keep it more minimal because it’s just so overwhelming.”

A bowl of pine cones. Simply decorated trees with lights in different rooms. Old gar lands spruced up with living greenery to add a fresh smell and a fresh look. Spruces of green ery placed on a tray on a table. She especially enjoys an undecorated Christmas tree adorned with white lights.

“To me there’s nothing better at Christ mas than coming home, [and] lighting a fire with the Christmas tree on. That’s my favorite Christmas thing ever.”

Her Christmas reflects the home she has lived in for the last eight years with her husband Dustin and their two boys, ages 9 and 13. Early in her career, Layton was a licensed profession al nurse and then a registered nurse. But with young children and a husband who traveled ex tensively for his work as a cattle auctioneer, she found it too hard to maintain a grueling and somewhat unpredictable nursing schedule. She ultimately returned to doing what she realized came naturally: transforming homes.

Growing up, Layton was always rearranging her room, saving her money to buy furniture or items for her room and making sure her living spaces looked just how she wanted them. Her sister, Layton said, is artistic and can draw and paint, talents that Amanda said she didn’t have.

MTOP: The formal living room includes sweet personal touches, like the family photos on the wall.

ABOVE: While remodeling the laundry room, Amanda Layton removed the upper cabinets to add open shelving and Ann Sacks tile.

Naturally

textured woven shades, buttressed by simple linen curtains on the sides, allow sunlight to shine on the festive holiday touches in the breakfast nook.

Neutral colors and budget-friendly finds give the Laytons' bedroom a calming look and feel, much like the rest of their home.

ABOVE: The serene look continues in the sun porch, where the family often gathers to watch television.

TOP RIGHT: Family stockings hang from the natural stone hearth, ready for Santa.

ABOVE: The primary bath includes a walk-in shower behind the vanity, a freestanding tub, white quartz countertops, white oak cabinetry and a vintage rug procured through her friend’s Etsy shop, RandisRugs.

OPPOSITE PAGE: V intage frames showcasing artwork by friend Huda Hashim hang behind a table by Graeber Design.

Just off the sun porch, the formal living room includes a custom coffee table by Graeber Design in Edmond, light fixture from Wayfair and rug from Loloi Rugs.

“My passion was always decorating,” Layton said, adding that her mom would always tell her she was artistic in her own way.

In 2017, Layton was painting trim in her home and visiting with her neighbor, a realtor, who asked her to help stage a home she want ed to sell. A “lightbulb went off,” she said, and a new business was born — Layton Designs. Today she helps builders, home flippers and others stage homes, and she works with indi viduals who are remodeling or building. At the time, there weren’t many home-stagers in Oklahoma City.

For the last eight years, one of her projects has been her own home, one element at a time.

When the Laytons bought the house, every room was a different color, and there was a lot of it — plus, it was decorated in a unique style that didn’t match her family’s, she said. Over the years, the Laytons transformed their 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom home in Edmond’s Cumberland Crossing subdivision into one filled with natural materials, calming colors and a lot of memories with their boys. She’s in the process of doing it again, as she and her husband are currently transferring to a new home.

“My life is so crazy in general, and that’s why I like simplicity and neutrals,” Layton said, ex plaining that neutrals “are calming. My mind

goes thousands of directions every day, and I like it to feel serene.”

She accessorizes with fun finds from every where — antique stores, national retail chains, online ordering and more. She loves a good deal and likes to shop in thrifty ways.

Wherever the Laytons lay their heads, Amanda said she’ll still keep things simple and natural throughout the house. Her husband, however, gets to do what he wants in his office, and those decorations include the over-the-top Clark Griswold ones he enjoys.

“To me, Christmas is pretty personal,” she said. “I’m all about decorating where it looks good, but it’s easy.”

During renovations, the Laytons had their sun porch enclosed to make it useable all year. Layton likes to use mirrors, like the round one pictured here, as inexpensive statement pieces.

FIT GOVERNOR for a

A STATE TREASURE, THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE WINTER

by EVIE KLOPP HOLZER photos by EMILY HART

HOME WINTER 2022

The Grand Stairway, extending from the foyer to the third-floor ballroom, features a custom wool and silk runner bearing the names of each Oklahoma governor in succession.

floors to refresh the rooms.

Little did he know back in 2010 that the mansion would continue to enthrall and engage him to this day; Taylor has been decorating the stately 14,000-square-foot residence every holiday season since.

In 2019, Taylor served an integral role in a major renovation. At that time, just before Governor Kevin Stitt and his family moved in, the 1927 structure required many repairs — replacing windows, fixing the roof, remediating water issues and restoring damaged woodwork were just a few pressing needs.

“Like anything else, when politics are involved, nobody wants to spend money, but it’s a state treasure,” said Taylor. While Friends of the Mansion fundraises ongoing furnishing and maintenance projects, the scale of this project required more … so much more.

“The state departments collected bids for all of the work that had to be done, and those bids were totaling 8 million dollars. The legislature allocated 2 million, saying ‘That’s all we can do,’” Taylor said. “Because the Stitts are so frugal, we did everything that needed to be done, plus updating furnishings, within that budget.”

Considering 18 families had previously moved in and out of the mansion, each slightly altering it, various stages of the last century could be found within the kitchen and bathrooms. Those areas had to be completely torn out and rebuilt to function efficiently. It was a major undertaking, and many Oklahoma companies generously donated their services and products — or provided them at deep discounts — to make renovations possible.

Interior design decisions were a collaborative effort between Taylor and First Lady Sarah Stitt.

welve years ago, interior designer J. Mark Taylor stepped inside a very special home for a very special project. Taylor was tasked to redesign the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion to better suit the needs of the family of then-incoming Governor Mary Fallin. Taylor described it as a “hair and make-up” sweep through the home, updating walls and

Cabinets in the new kitchen incorporate design elements from the 1920s, including glass-front doors to frame displays of several state China collections.

Set for a holiday gathering, each place setting in the formal dining room includes the annual commemorative ornament from Friends of the Mansion.

In the library, leaded glass cabinets original to the mansion were refitted with LED lighting to showcase volumes of Oklahoma literature and personal memorabilia from previous governors.

Carved wooden chairs in the formal dining room feature needlepoint upholstery by the wives of Oklahoma Senators, hand-crafted during Governor David Hall's administration.

She guided color themes, and they used antiques and reupholstered furniture already in the mansion to reduce costs. When they did add new furnishings and decor, they sought to incorporate styles true to the original 1920s period of the mansion.

“The goals for the house were to restore it as closely as possible to its origins of 1927,” Taylor said. “The first lady is very gifted. She has a lot of vision, and she has a great eye.”

The first project that Taylor tackled with the Stitts was the kitchen, the workhorse of the home. The layout had to accommodate both commercial-type features and everyday family use.

“The kitchen needed to be a modern family kitchen that also served almost as a commercial kitchen, because the mansion is a primary entertaining space for dignitaries that visit the state — and for people who are visiting and looking to bring businesses into Oklahoma,” said Taylor.

The dining room was refashioned with the same grand events in mind, as well as the foyer, which makes quite a first impression. A custom rug of tufted wool and silk greets visitors with our state symbols: military stars, buffalos, words from the state motto and the shield of the state flag. The winding staircase maintains a unique design feature which was added during the Keating administration, listing governors’ names and terms along the rising steps. However, Taylor and Stitt chose to update the colors and design to match the Oklahoma themes.

“Mrs. Stitt’s heart in this [home] is that it belongs to the people. The Stitts see it almost as a museum to share, rather than something for them to hold onto,” Taylor said.

Design enthusiasts can schedule a tour of the Governor’s Mansion by contacting historian and tour coordinator Liz Wood at liz.wood@gov.ok.gov or (405) 888-6353. The expansive rooms are extra-special when they sparkle with festive seasonal decor on trees and mantels. Decorating for the holidays every year is a highlight for Tay lor, because the Governor’s Mansion is so meaningful to him.

“It’s a place that is near and dear to my heart,” Taylor said. “I love going there. I love being a part of it. I love the staff. So it’s never been just a job to me. It’s such an honor, and I want to give my very best.”

A festive arrangement fills the U.S.S. Oklahoma punch bowl — an exact replica of the original housed in the Oklahoma History Center — also used in inaugural events for Oklahoma’s governors.

For the north lobby, Taylor selected a period wallpaper design from the early 1900s by Cole & Son of London: a subtle gold diamond trellis enclosing a simple sprig-leaf motif.

SET TO CELEBRATE

This season, no detail is off the table

BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH

With so many things vying for your attention during the holiday season, having a little extra help can make all the difference in the world, especially if you are playing host or hostess. Libbie Howard and Sydney Rainey, co-founders of local event and design company The Set, came to the rescue for our holiday table.

The swoon-worthy table top, filled with gilded pagodas, fresh flowers and long taper candles, made for the most beautiful tableau. Courtney Pryor’s iced sugar cookies — doubling as seating cards with calligraphy by Prisem Art Studio — are the cherry on top. In addition, a twinkle lit tree from Social Greenery (page 24) contributes to the festive scene. A fully stocked bar cart stands at the ready with vintage glassware from The Set and cool cubes from The Vault (page 20) for the perfect pour.

Other details that lend themselves to beauty are luscious linens, gold flatware and both gold-rimmed and green-stemmed glassware, all provided by The Set. Attention to detail pays off in spades for this setting, and makes it easy to sit back and celebrate the season.

ABOVE: Greens, pinks and purples play well against the cream-colored cloth.

RIGHT: This beautifully set table was designed by Libbie Howard and Sydney Rainey of The Set.

Glasses filed with Vault Ice shimmer with golden details.

SUGAR COOKIES FOR EVERYONE

Fun and functional sweets call us to the table

BY COURTNEY PRYOR PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH

CHRISTMAS IS MY FAVORITE time to gather with family and friends, when everyone brings different dishes to contrib ute to the meal. I enjoy making festive treats the most because they’re appreciated by kids and adults, and making these sugar cookies with my daughter was a sweet memory. Not only are they sparkly and decorative, but also they can serve as a place card for each person at the table.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUGAR COOKIE DOUGH:

1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature

½ cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

1 tsp roughly chopped anise seeds

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

Sanding sugar sprinkles for decorating

INGREDIENTS FOR ICING:

11 ½ tbsp of meringue powder

1 cup confectioners sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp water

1. Use a mixer to beat butter and sugar until well mixed and fluffy.

2. Add vanilla extract, egg and anise seeds and mix until combined.

3. Add flour and salt until dough forms.

4. Lay out 2 pieces of plastic wrap and put half of the dough onto each.

5. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.

6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and roll out the dough onto a floured countertop or surface.

7. Use your favorite cutters to shape your holiday cookies as place settings and put on a baking sheet. Save your leftover scrap dough just in case you need to make more! This dough will not expand.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before mixing all of the icing ingredients together.

10. Put the icing into a Ziploc bag and cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Ice the cookies by outlining the shapes first and then filling in the middle.

11. Quickly sprinkle the sanding sugar while the icing is wet and let stand until the icing has set.

Industry Excellence Awards

For the first time ever, we polled our readers on their go-to homebuilders, interior designers and decorators, and kitchen and bath professionals. We asked them, “Who do you call on again and again?” and “Who do you recommend to friends?” — and the nominations poured in. With a list of local picks in hand, we hired a third-party research company, DataJoe, to vet submissions among industry peers.

Now we’re ready for the big debut, and we’re thrilled to share this list with you. Congrats to our first-ever 405HOME Industry Excellence Award winners!

SUMMARY We went out looking for respected trade firms in the area. To this end, we conducted a multifac eted research process. First, DataJoe conducted a mas sive Internet research campaign to isolate the top trade firms in the region. Then, we polled the magazine’s readers, asking them to nominate their favorite provid ers in various trade areas. Finally, DataJoe conducted a massive Internet “reputation” research campaign, reviewing indicators across a wide variety of online sources, including ratings, reviews, and memberships. In the end, we utilized a proprietary algorithm combin ing all of the above metrics to then score each company. This list reflects the entities with the highest scores.

FINAL NOTE We recognize that there are many good trade firms that are not shown in this rep resentative list. This is a sampling of the huge array of reputable firms within the region, but it is by no means exhaustive. Inclusion in the list is based on metrics and other information that we were able to gather in our independent research. We take time and energy to ensure a fair, mul tifaceted process, although we understand that the results of this research project are not purely objective. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective trade firms may not appear on the list.

DISCLAIMERS DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the infor mation in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

QUESTIONS? For research/methodology questions, contact us at surveys@datajoe.com.

GSB, INC.

GSB, Inc. Architects & Planners has been creating signature spaces in Oklahoma and across the country for 43 years. GSB’s team of professionals, led by firm Principals Ronald G. Smith, Michael Hinchey, Phil Elwell, Larry Schwab and Ryan Eshelman, is dedicated to providing clients with expertly designed projects and outstanding customer service. GSB works collaboratively with residential clients to create unique design solutions tailored to their exact needs.

Each home is designed to reflect the client’s personality and is truly one-of-a-kind. Recent projects have included a spacious classical-style estate home with main house and guest house, an airy Palm Springs mid-century modern inspired ranch home renovation and a contemporary two-story residence centered on the client’s love of art and nature.

In addition to single-family residences, GSB is well-known for its hospitality portfolio which ranges from boutique hotels to destination resorts. Furthermore, GSB has substantial expertise designing clubhouses and amenity centers for luxury residential communities across the country.

Contact GSB to help turn your vision into a reality!

405.848.9549 | gsb-inc.com 3555 NW 58th Street, Suite 700W Oklahoma City, OK 73112

SHELLBACK GENERAL CONTRACTING

Named for the skill and courage of seasoned sailors whose ships have crossed the equator, Shellback General Contracting provides Oklahoma City and surrounding areas expert preconstruction planning, design-build and construction management services.

Since its founding in 2013, Shellback has enjoyed stable and steady growth by building a solid and dependable management team that offers over 150 years of combined industry experience. Unlike larger firms, Shellback’s close-knit team of professionals and subcontractors provides clients with a personalized approach to meeting unique needs and project requests. “We’re known for fostering successful relationships and doing the right thing – always,” says Matt Richardson, President. “It’s how we’ve maintained our base of repeat clientele, like Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, OKC Thunder, Continental Resources and the FAA. Our team stays consistent and committed to providing impeccable work and we value personal connections.”

Its list of successful projects span industries such as retail, industrial, hospitality, education, federal and healthcare – but restaurants have organically become a special niche for Shellback, with notable groups such as Social Order, Boomarang Diner and Hal Smith Restaurants. Richardson says, “We know that a building is much more than brick and mortar. Our clients serve specific needs in our community, and they appreciate a firm that embodies integrity, collaboration and building lasting relationships. Their passion becomes ours when we take on the privilege of creating that space for them.”

405.406.1449 | shellbackgc.com 4401 North Classen Blvd, Ste 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73118

SPOT ON REMODELING CORPORATION

Spot On Remodeling Corporation has been a premier remodeler servicing Oklahoma City and surrounding areas for over 20 years. While Spot On Remodeling offers services for both residential and commercial projects, its specialization is in kitchen and bathroom remodels.

Owner Norm Irwin described a project that had significant design challenges. “One of our most recent projects was a kitchen remodel,” said Irwin. “It was a small, closed-off and dysfunctional layout. To improve functionality, we removed a portion of the wall between the living room and kitchen, which created a more open and inviting space. We repurposed an unused closet into a practical pantry, added stainless appliances and installed shaker-style cabinets and granite countertops. The finished project is gorgeous, airy and, most importantly, exactly what our client wanted.”

Remodeling can be a stressful experience, and it is easy to make missteps during planning, such as underbudgeting, purchasing items that don’t fit the space or even forgetting to get the proper permits. Hiring a contractor with the knowledge, manpower and equipment to get the job done right is essential.

“When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, I recommend hiring a general contractor to manage the project,” said Irwin. “General contractors bring together subcontractors that are skilled and properly vetted. Before choosing a contractor, research them, read reviews, ask for references and ensure they understand your vision and are willing to work with you to create the space of your dreams.”

405.219.9919 | mysorc.com | 11025 Westminster Lane, Oklahoma City, OK 73165

EXCELLENCE WINNERS

ARCHITECTS/ RESIDENTAL DESIGNERS

3 Level Design

ADG

Allen Brown Architects

Allford Hall Monaghan Morris LLC

Andrew C Thomas Architect LLC

Andrew Douglas Designs

ARC Architecture

Architects In Partnership

Architecture Planning Technology LLC

AWA Designs

basis Design PLLC

Birnie W Whitlow Architect LLC

Blatt Architects

Bockus Payne Architecture

Butzer Architects and Urbanism

Clark Design Office

Cornerstone Architecture

Crafton Tull

Custom Architectural Drafting and Design Company

D5 Architecture

DAB Architecture

Davis Design Group LLC

Design Architects Plus

Elliott Architects Inc

Fitzgerald Associates Architects Inc

Fitzsimmons Architects

FLX Architecture & Interior Design

FSB Architects & Engineers

GH2 Architects LLC

Green Couch Design

GSB, Inc. Architects & Planners

Guernsey

HNTB

höffnerdesignstudio

Howard & Associates

HSE Architects

Integrated Architecture

JDF Architecture + Design

JHBR Architecture

Krittenbrink Architecture LLC

LWPB

MA+ Architecture LLC

Mass Architects Inc

Miles Architecture Miller

Mitscher & Associates Architects

Newcomb Associates

Pinnacle Design Group LLC Populous

Preservation and Design Studio

PLLC

Prime Architects

Rand Elliott Architects

RBA Architects

Rees Associates Inc

Renaissance Architecture LLC

Sam Gresham Architecture

Sam Moore Architect

Small Architects

Space (Specialized Planning & Architecture for Church Environments LLC)

Studio Architecture

TAP Architecture

TASK Design Inc

The McKinney Partnership Architects

Trinity Group Architects

Troy D. Rhodes & Company Inc.

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

123 Remodeling LLC

4 Star General Contracting INC

Abello’s Roofing & Construction

American Standard Roofing Anderson & House INC

Apollo Building Systems Inc

EXCELLENCE WINNERS

BDO Construction LLC

Brewer Construction

Burnett Construction LLC

Callahan Steel Buildings Capstone Construction Services LLC

Cavins Construction Group

CD’s Construction LLC

Central Weatherproofing LLC

Circle K Construction

Classic Contracting OKC

Clearwater GC LLC

Comanche Construction LLC

Complete General Contractors LLC

Complete Renovations OKC

Construction Unlimited LLC

Copeland Construction Inc

Craftsmen Pride Construction LLC

Crossland Construction Company Inc

DBG Construction LLC

DH French Construction Co

Diversified Construction

Eisel Roofing & Construction

EV Cox Construction Company

Federal Constructors INC

Flintco LLC

Gaither General Contracting

GE Johnson

Geddes-Armstrong Construction LLC

GreenCo Roofing & GC LLC

Guss Construction and Remodeling

Hawn Bros Construction LLC

Hixon Construction Company LLC

Hoffman Weber Construction Home Renew

Huffman Custom Homes Impact Construction Group LLC

J&L Construction & Remodeling LLC

JCM & Sons LLC

JE Dunn Construction Company

Jenco Construction Jenkins Restorations

John Miller Homes LLC General Contracting and Consulting

Jonathan Chillous LLC

Keystone Construction & Excavation LLC

L&L Retail Construction LLC

Landmark Construction Group LLC

LG Construction Co Inc

Lippert Bros. Inc

LWallace Companies

MacGrath Contracting

Manhattan Construction Company

Mastercraft Roofing & Remodeling LLC

MitchCo RR Construction Inc

My Roof General Contractor

Nabholz Construction Services

Native Environmental LLC

Old Home Rescue

Paul Little Construction

Phoenix Construction Services

Pitch Perfect LLC Roofing & General Contractors

Pizano Construction & More

Power Roofing & Construction

Precision Builders

Precision Construction Group

Prime Construction

R&D Roofing and Construction LLC

Ram Contracting LLC

Redbud Construction Inc

RGP Restoration LLC

Rock General Contractors LLC

Rose Hill Builders

Rosete Construction LLC

Ross Group

S&R Construction and Remodeling

Saldana Roofing & General Contractors INC

SEMCO Construction

Shellback General Contracting

Smith & Pickel Construction

Source Management Services LLC

Southwind Construction

Spot On Remodeling Corporation

Stoneridge Enterprises Inc

Sun Construction Services

Texola Inc

Thompson & Son Construction LLC

Timberline Builders

Triple Diamond Construction

Twinco Contracting LLC

LANDSCAPERS

A Superior Design Co

All Seasons Landscape Mgt

All Terrain Landscaping and Design LLC

Alyssa Collins Design

Apple Valley Eco Landscapes

Aynes Enterprises

Bermuda Ridge Landscaping

Brent’s Garden by Design

Camacho Land Design

CityScapes Lawn & Landscape Services

CLS & Associates

CM Designs

Coffey Complete

Complete Landsculpture

Custom Lawn & Landscape

Echelawn Complete Lawn & Landscape

Flowers Landscape Design

Freeman’s Landscape

From The Ground Up Landscape, Design, and Construction

Garza’s Green Grass

Giant Landscape LLC

Gray’s Landscaping

Grissoms Landscape Nursery

Havenscapes

HFSD Inc

Horticulture Services Inc

KB Landscape & Tree Service Landscaping Ramirez

LAUD Studio

Legacy Lawn Design

Maxwell Landscape Co

McGovern Sprinklers & Landscaping LLC

Modern Environment LLC

Plan-It Landscape

Precision Total Management Precure Nursery & Garden Center

ProCurb Landscaping LLC

RedRoots

Riemer & Son Landscape & Irrigation

Scapes Inc

Serna Lawn

Sherwood Gardens Landscape Design & Development

Signature Landscape

Squared Away Lawns

Sunshine’s Garden Design LLC

Sweetleaf

Taylor lawn Management Inc

TerraScapes Total Landscape Services

Thomason Lawn Care

TLC Garden Centers

Total Environment Inc

TurfWorks LLC

Unique By Design Landscaping & Containers

Woodard Landscapes & Design

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. Family-owned 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 a couple that needed west-facing window coverings for their new home,” said owners Allyson and Joe Zupin. “They wanted energy-efficient 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 all year round. 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.”

WHERE ART MEETS AUDIENCE

Microgalleries give OKC a major creativity boost

BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

FLAGs, free little art galleries, popped up all over the country during the pandemic, but microgalleries were already a thing before these tiny spaces modeled on Little Free Libraries started ap pearing in large cities from New York City to Seattle. Like FLAGs, though, microgalleries attempt to get art in front of as many people as possible, including those who may never walk into a large gallery or museum. Restaurants and coffee shops — especially the locally owned variety — have long been supporters of local artists, with their open ings, displays and even willingness to act as

middlemen in the transaction between artist and patrons. The microgalleries are different, though. They tend to appear in educational institutions, or adjacent to businesses with no relation to the production of fine arts.

The Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery at Oklahoma City University is an excellent example of the non-commercial microgallery. The single-room space regularly features some of the most inter esting and cutting-edge contemporary art in the metro. Its director, Heather Lunsford, said the space is intentionally non-commercial.

“The goal is to extend the audience for contemporary art,” Lunsford said. “All our installations have an educational component

as well, and not just for students. We have artist talks that are open to the public to offer informal educational opportunities to guests who would like to know more about the artist or the art.”

Oklahoma City Community College main tains a microgallery at its Capitol Hill Center in the historic neighborhood. The focus of the Inasmuch Foundation Gallery is contempo rary, but also makes room for installations as diverse as album covers, student art, educators and professional artists.

On the commercial side, Art Hall is per haps the best known in the city. Opened in 2016 by Helen Opper, the gallery is located in The Rise in Uptown 23rd, where it is neigh bors with The Drake and Urban Tea House. The focus is contemporary art, and Opper offers curated group exhibits and other special events in the space. Interested buyers can find available works of art on the Available Art link at the Art Hall’s website.

A little edgier than many microgalleries, Resonator in Norman features the work of young and emerging artists, as well as established professionals. The subjects are very eclectic, as are the media — everything from painting to drawing, printmaking, mixed media and music.

Red Earth Art Center features the work of Native American artists in traditional and contemporary media, including fine art, pottery, beadwork and textiles. Located in the lobby of the BancFirst Tower downtown, the retail sales gallery is open to the public Mon day through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Already respected as an art destination in the metro, the Plaza District is home to

two microgalleries, both attached to more extensive operations. DNA Galleries dedicates one wall in its space to gallery operations, and while Plaza Walls is mainly known for out door murals, it also maintains a small gallery space inside. Like its conceptual kin, though, the size of the space is less important than its accessibility, and there’s plenty of room for creativity within.

Two views of the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery at Oklahoma City University

The goal is to extend the audience for contemporary art. All our installations have an educational component as well, and not just for students. We have artist talks that are open to the public to offer informal educational opportunities to guests who would like to know more about the artist or the art.”

— HEATHER LUNSFORD

MOSEY ON OVER

The Wild West meets luxury at Fort Worth’s Hotel Drover

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards alongside Mule Alley, Hotel Drover un abashedly embraces everything “cowboy.” A longhorn cattle drive can be viewed twice daily just two blocks away — but with so much to savor inside the hotel proper, it’s a challenge to walk away. Thoughtful details echo themes of the Wild West, while every guest experience is fully luxurious.

A six-foot “Drover” cowboy statue signals a visual “How dy” to guests as they enter; the mixed-metal masterpiece by art ist John Lopez reminds us that we’re in Cowboy Country now. The large chandelier above — a tangle of intertwined antlers — also sets the scene. Throughout the hotel, Western-themed traditional and modern art punctuates rooms fashioned with reclaimed woods, copper, steel and native Texas stone. A two-story library in the lobby is filled with Texas-inspired books, alongside a floor-to-ceiling hat display. Saddle up in a cowhide chair, kick up your boots by the fireplace and soak in the views.

97 West restaurant is a highlight of the hotel, serving up favorite vittles like fried green tomatoes, chicken fried

steak and Texas gulf oysters. Order the “carpetbagger filet,” a melt-in-your-mouth cut of steak topped with fried oysters — or for more adventurous eaters, the antelope is quite popular. The flash-fried Brussels sprouts and indulgent mac and cheese come highly recommended. And don’t forget the pecan pie, which happens to be fantastic at 97 West as well.

The hotel’s craft cocktails are as tasty as the food, and they can be ordered and sipped throughout the property. If the weather is ac commodating, head to the Veran da Bar, circle around one of many firepits or dip into the pool and hot tub under the sprawling oak tree. Hotel Drover’s “Backyard” parallels Marine Creek, offering mighty fine views, most suitable for this country retreat.

FRONT DOORS TO ADORE

Creative and festive holiday homes

BY LILLIE-BETH SANGER BRINKMAN PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI AND DON RISI

For years at Christmas, Ronna Jackson’s dad and stepmother decorated the out side of their two-story Norman home with a giant bow, making the entire house look like a gift. They dropped a red ribbon about a yard wide from the roof about 22 feet to the ground below and unfurled a ribbon horizontally the width of the house — about 30 feet, Jackson said. Where the two ribbons intersected, they fashioned a giant red bow.

Jackson and her husband have continued the tradition since they bought the home

across the street from the University of Oklahoma campus a few years ago. The process for installing it has become routine, and their gift-wrapped home is a tradition that makes their house stand out for neigh bors and passersby during the holidays.

“I think it makes the house look cheer ful,” Jackson said, adding that it still makes her dad happy.

Decorating for the holidays outside sets a wel coming tone for the festivities within, and many local homeowners turn to designers like Calvert’s

DON RISI

Neighbors and passersby look forward to this Norman home’s annual holiday look, wrapped up like a present.

Best Containers

Best Delivery System

Best Customer Service

Plant Interiors (calverts.com) and New Leaf Florist (newleafflorist.net) for the magic touch.

Bows and ribbons, metallic baubles and greenery can transform a doorway arch and sconces out front, said Greg Davis, owner of New Leaf. Davis has been helping people add magic to their Christmas decorations for years inside and out. Over the years, he has also learned how to secure everything (without damaging the home itself) so the decora tions can handle an entire holiday season in Oklahoma’s wind.

This year, Davis said he is noticing people going for a more natural, woodsy look — more greenery with embellishments such as berries. His clients also have embraced differ ent colors in addition to the traditional red, green, white, gold and silver — such as blue, lavender and champagne. This trend follows a renewed emphasis on being home, fostered by the pandemic.

“Everything goes in circles,” Davis said.

At Calvert’s, ideas for design start with its holiday showroom, where people can see

the possibilities, said Abbie Wilkerson. Like Davis, this year she is seeing people choose royal blue and plum for holiday decorating; last year red and white were the hot colors. Rose gold is big, too. She noted that at Mar ket, pampas grass plumes were a big part of holiday décor this year.

In the end, the designs are up to each individual and their decorating style and preference.

“We do custom designs for everybody,” Wilkerson said.

ABOVE: Greg Davis with New Leaf Florist created a traditional outdoor garland to give this home a beautiful welcome, starting with green garland and lights and accenting it with large ornaments.

LEFT: Rose gold ribbon and frosted foliage are highlights of this stunning archway garland by Calvert’s designer Abbie Wilkerson.

AFTER THE THAW

When new ideas spring to life

BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH

WE AREN’T THERE yet, but it is coming. Even though we are all tucked into winter, it won’t be long before we are ready for the thaw; ready for verdant scenes, new beginnings and, yes, spring. Even before win ter took its first breath, the 405HOME team was busily getting ready for this issue with not only florals on our minds, but also the preparation that goes into arranging fa vorite blooms, the vessels that hold them and the spaces around our homes to place them. The spring issue will also highlight vibrant designs featured in two lovely and local homes. We hope these beautiful concepts cap ture your attention and inspire your own home design. We can’t wait to welcome you into pages of this issue as we usher in the glorious season of spring together.