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Discover The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia
OPULENT BEGINNINGS
For generations, families large and small have been making The Greenbrier a special part of their traditions. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia, this National Historic Landmark has been dubbed America’s First Resort. Founded in 1778, it attracted early visitors who sought the purported healing properties of the area’s mineral springs and found peace in the bucolic setting. Before the Civil War, the resort became popular with Southern guests seeking a respite from the heat at home—politicians, diplomats, and lawyers, as well as five sitting presidents, all made the sojourn to this haven with a 2,000-foot elevation. When the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway acquired the property in 1910 (and completed the adjacent rail line), The Greenbrier became the go-to place for society denizens from Newport to Palm Beach. And that historic grandeur continues to lure guests in present day.
TODAY
A deft touch is required to retain the historic sense of place of a resort of this magnitude while still providing the guests of today with all of the modern amenities and accoutrements they expect. The Greenbrier does just that, magnificently. The soaring lobby and high-ceilinged common spaces, as well as all guest rooms and cottages, are resplendent in the floral riot of color that was designer Dorothy Draper’s hallmark.
A backdrop such as this attracts guests who appreciate a bit of formality in their recreation. While there are a few casual dining outlets on site, most restaurants on property see well-dressed guests at meals, with ladies in dresses and men (and boys!) in coat-and-tie. It is a tradition embraced by returning visitors who relish such things.
WHAT TO DO
The beauty of a resort like The Greenbrier is that you can do as much or as little as you wish. The entire stay is dedicated to your own version of ‘leisure.’ Because of this, the destination is ideal for multi-generational travel where everyone can do what they like—at their own speed.
For the active, there are plenty of outdoor activities like croquet, horseback riding, falconry, fly-fishing, world-class golf, whitewater rafting, ice skating, swimming (indoor and out), tennis, bowling, and of course, pickleball. Guests interested in honing their shooting skills—or just trying something new—can visit the resort’s Gun Club for an afternoon of instruction, trap shooting, and skeet. The resort also offers friendly sporting clays competitions.
Craving more adrenaline? Connect with Greenbrier Outfitters for mountain biking, kayaking, an alpine tower climb, an aerial adventure course, bubble soccer, or an e-bike rental. The Mountaineer Experience hits a trifecta with archery, tomahawks, and air rifle shooting. Guests can also take a Segway tour or go off-roading with a Jeep adventure or on a Polaris vehicle.
More leisurely pursuits include movies in the Greenbrier Theatre, spa services, a nightly champagne toast and waltz in the Casino Club, bourbon and wine tastings, carriage rides, or just curling up by the fire with a good book.
Be sure to make time for afternoon tea, served at 4:15 pm sharp in the Upper Lobby. A concert on the grand piano adds to the elegant backdrop. And no visitor should miss a tour of the property’s historic bunker, which remained one our nation’s greatest secrets for 30 years. Conceived of and built under President Eisenhower as a fallout shelter for members of Congress, the facility was fully maintained, operational, and hidden for three decades before it was leaked to a reporter and revealed in 1992. Tours are offered daily, and reservations are required.
WHEN TO GO
With so much to do here, there is no wrong time to visit The Greenbrier. The hardest part might be deciding between extended summer stays that include multi-generational lawn games capped off with a fancy dinner and fireworks or winter holiday escapes complete with sleigh rides and ice skating. And then there are the special-event weekends like the Dorothy Draper Design weekend each March where members from the acclaimed design team host a joyous deep dive into the textile treasures of Dorothy Draper and her protégé Carleton Varney. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of her work, and event organizers—including Dorothy Draper president (and Carleton’s son) Sebastian Varney and interior designer Rudy Saunders—are promising to make this one the best yet. Think floral-arranging classes, private tours of the cottages and suites, workshops, attendee-only dinners, and an exclusive visit to the on-site upholstery shop. Grab a friend, or book this as a mother-daughter experience for the best holiday gift ever.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Greenbrier Resort shuttle offers drop-off and pick-up service from nearby Lewisburg airport (LWB), which connects through Charlotte (CLT). Guests choosing to drive from Birmingham should plan for about
an 8-hour trip.
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Blending Nature and Design: A Stunning Smith Lake Kitchen Makeover
For Derek and Rushton Waltchack, a simple plan to change the floors evolved into a full-scale kitchen renovation. What followed was a sleek and stylish transformation that added both functionality and flair to their beloved Smith Lake getaway. The couple did get their white oak floors, but they also received much more.
Jessica Prier of Birmingham Design House started by streamlining the space, removing the double wall oven, and opting instead for a sleek, large range that could still keep up with the family of eight. She removed all upper cabinets, solely utilizing tall cabinets that flank the range, which provided the needed storage while underscoring the minimal style.
TIP: Consider Patina: The pewter faucet and pot filler will age gracefully over time, creating a welcome, timeworn appeal.
Complying with her clients’ request for color, Jessica chose a hue that spoke to the natural setting (Rosemary, Sherwin-Williams). “Since this was their second home, we had the freedom to be a bit bolder,” Jessica says. “But with the stunning lake view outside the window, it didn’t need much to complement the natural beauty.”
“We blended their love of color and modern elements to create a space that’s not only beautiful but also welcoming and comfortable.”
Resources:
Interior Design: Jessica Prier, Birmingham Design House; Hardwood floors: Heart Pine Company; Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Pendants: Regina Andrew; Barstools: Ballard Designs; Countertops: Cottage Supply; Hood: Red Mountain Ironworks
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Modern Elegance: A Landscape Architect’s Vision in Mountain Brook
Birmingham is full of traditional, European-inspired homes and gardens, and it’s a language that John Golightly Wilson is well-versed in. For those homes, he speaks in boxwoods, hydrangeas, and hollies. However, when it comes to a more modern design, his voice changes.
Working to complement both the site and the interior renovation by architect Taylor Plosser Davis, John found a way to better connect the mid-century modern home to the outdoors. Hardscapes were softened with bluestone pavers, planting beds, and lawn. A new walkway created better ingress and egress to the home, and as a bonus, John was able to repurpose a custom Frank Fleming handrail from the client’s former home. “We got lucky,” John says. “The slope was similar, and we were able to find the right proportions to use the art.”
“Contemporary gardens often tend towards a minimalistic tone, which by default limits the plant palette. For this home, we knew we could still have fun with plants by using an array of textures and varying shades of green with a few pops of color.”
—John Golightly Wilson
The existing pool, terrace, and retaining walls remained. John reconfigured part of the terrace by removing concrete paving that abutted the house and replacing it with grass. Wood was elevated with Ipe decking, and a new cable rail system underscored the streamlined look.
Hardscape in place, John filled in planting areas with a diverse tapestry of greenery. He says his earliest ideas leaned too modern—think columnar trees and trimmed hedges—but then he realized that was too predictable. Instead, he wove together a loose yet considerate installation of both native and zone-tolerant plants that would soften the architecture and continue to create interest over time and through all seasons.
In the Mix
Trees:
Chinese Evergreen Dogwood
Hornbeam
Sourwood
Laceleaf Japanese Maple
Longleaf Pine
Flowers:
Anemone
Purple Coneflower
Fall Aster
Blackeyed Susan
Blackberry Lily
Greenery, Herbs, and
Flowering Shrubs:
Blue Shadow Fothergilla
Green Aucuba
Lenten Rose
Little Henry Sweetspire
Mountain Mint
Big Leaf Paper Plant
Prostrate Rosemary
Witch Hazel
Resources:
Landscape: John Golightly Wilson and Landscape Services, Inc. Renovation: Taylor Plosser Davis Architecture + Design
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Kitchen Revival: From Tired to Timeless in Vestavia Hills
Gavin and Ginny Prier’s kitchen had been well loved and well worn, so when sister-in-law and interior designer Jessica Prier of Birmingham Design House got the call for some updates, she was happy to help. The goal: to usher in a timeless look while also meeting Ginny’s need for improved organization.
The first step was taking on the kitchen’s choppy layout. The refrigerator sat stranded on one side of the room, there was no real pantry, and the oven stood out for all the wrong reasons. To solve the dysfunctional dilemma, Jessica relocated the refrigerator and carved out space in the former laundry room for an actual pantry. She also overhauled the area around the stove, creating a stunning focal point by thickening the wall to accommodate a custom hood insert accented with an oak beam.
for unlacquered brass cabinet hardware and a polished nickel faucet.
“We emphasized natural materials and classic details to give the kitchen a timeless feel, as if it has always been a part of the home.”
—Jessica Prier
The new layout allowed Jessica to supersize the island, providing ample workspace and seating for the family. The white oak island adds warmth and contrast against the painted cabinets (Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore). Jessica painted the walls, trim, and ceiling the same color. “I didn’t want to draw attention to different colors or sheens,” she says. “Instead, I wanted to draw the eye to the details.” Those details include unlacquered brass hardware, white marble countertops, and a polished nickel faucet. “We wanted the kitchen to blend with the rest of the house with simple yet sophisticated selections,” says Jessica.
Remodeling Tips for Cost and Beauty:
The stove and sink stayed put, which helped the budget.
Iron sconces from Visual Comfort offer a unique aesthetic for task lighting near the sink.
Removing upper cabinets simplifies the space so it doesn’t feel too busy or utilitarian.
Resources:
Interior Design: Jessica Prier, Birmingham Design House; Paint Color: Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore OC-23; Wolf Range: Ferguson; Cabinets: Cotton Woodworks; Countertops: Cottage Supply; Tile: Fixtures & Finishes; Sconces: Visual Comfort; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Faucet: Fixtures & Finishes; Oak Beam: Evolutia
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Foodies 2024: Discover the Hidden Talents of Birmingham’s Servers
The Secret Lives of Servers
Portrait photography by Mary Fehr
Servers are more than just people who set down an entrée or bring you a glass of wine. Take a moment to ask them a question or two and you will discover that they see hospitality as a true calling. They arrive early, learn the daily menu changes, maybe sample new vintages added to the wine list, and ensure each place setting is just-so. Your enjoyment is what drives them.
When they aren’t creating memorable restaurant experiences, many of these hospitality professionals follow other passions. We’re pulling back the curtain on a few notables around town who share what they pursue in their off time. On your next visit to your favorite Birmingham dining spot, take a new look at your own server; we bet they have some stories to share.
Michael Krusinski / Chez FonFon / Five Points South
Longtime Birmingham residents are well aware of the caliber of service at all Stitt Restaurant Group concepts. For someone to receive the coveted server vest, it takes weeks of training, a true dedication to excellence, and a heart for service. Michael Krusinski of Chez FonFon, also a 2012 Auburn University hospitality program graduate, can be found at the bustling hot spot every Wednesday through Friday. Outside of work, Michael spends his time updating and improving his Irondale property, thrifting for treasures he sells at pop-up events at places like Mom’s Basement, and perfecting his grandmother Honi’s treasured toffee recipe—something he hopes to bring to market later this year.
Table Service with Michael Kruskinski
Favorite menu item: If I said anything but the Hamburger FonFon, my coworkers would know I’m lying.
Home cooking: I enjoy cooking/grilling with my dad and brother on Sundays. My favorite thing to cook for myself is an entire breakfast menu. It’s good any time of day.
Best advice for other servers: Bring your authentic self to work and connect honestly with your coworkers and guests. People can sense the difference.
Best gift from a customer: Artists Tony and Tracey Mose (ESOM ART) were visiting from New Orleans. We discussed art, collecting, and life. Before leaving, Tony took a scrap paper liner and drew a piece of art for me that resembles some of his previous works.
Alexander Stern / Slim’s Pizzeria / Crestline
Sharing hot honey pizza and prosciutto-wrapped burrata might not be what Alexander Stern thought he’d be doing after earning a degree in international relations from UAB, but he could not be happier in his profession. After living in south Florida and working in various jobs outside the restaurant industry, Alexander got homesick and decided to come back to Birmingham. He landed at Slim’s Pizzeria and found a place where he feels his talents and passions are valued and developed. Alexander’s creative spirit and love of design and the visual arts has only grown as he’s become more enmeshed in Birmingham’s restaurant world and creative culture.
When he’s not at Slim’s, Alexander can be found planning or hosting pop-up dinners with friends. “I love putting designers and hospitality-industry people together to develop menus, create tablescapes, and design invitations,” he says. “You never know what might happen, but it will always be interesting.”
A Side Helping with Alexander Stern
Dining in: The kitchen enjoys making off-menu pizzas for the staff. They are always delicious and memorable.
Pay attention: I think a prerequisite to a career in the service industry is having a sincere interest in people. The more genuinely curious you are about people, the more attuned you can be to their needs.
Favorite cocktail: My favorite summer drink is a French Gimlet Spritz. Combine 1½ ounces London Dry gin, ½ ounce St. Germain, ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup, and 1¼ ounces fresh lime juice. Shake and pour over ice in a wine glass. Top with club soda and Prosecco. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of lime.
slimspizzeria.com
IG: slimspizzeria
Sara Walker / Tre Luna Catering & Tre Luna Bar + Kitchen / The Village at Brocks Gap, Hoover
We’ve all been in restaurants that get noisy. For some patrons, that environment can create sensory overload. Sara Walker, chief operating officer of Tre Luna Catering and Tre Luna Bar + Kitchen, is keenly aware of these customer challenges. She has found a way to combine her passion for assisting adults with autism and developmental disabilities into her work life.
Before joining the Tre Luna team in 2016, Sara put her psychology degree from UAB to work at Triumph Services, a nonprofit organization that provides skills training and counseling for individuals with developmental disabilities. Once at Tre Luna, she partnered with KultureCity to help the business become the first catering company in the nation to be Sensory Inclusive Certified. “We have accommodations to support individuals with sensory needs,” she says. “We can seat them at a quieter table and offer them access to KultureCity Sensory Bags, a package that includes items such as noise-reducing headphones and fidgets.” Taking things full circle, Tre Luna has been the catering company of choice for the annual KultureCity KultureBall, where Sara and Tre Luna owners Erin and Brian Mooney continue their mission. kulturecity.org
Service with a Smile from Sara Walker
Trust us: Planning an event or wedding can be stressful. A client’s anxiety can be very high leading up to the event. At Tre Luna, we can ease that burden. Our number one priority is to make every customer’s event the most memorable experience. To do that, we try to put ourselves in their shoes and consider the details that would be important to us if we were them.
Kindness always wins: When I was younger and just starting out, I had some unexpected expenses and not enough money to cover them. I was working a small event, and at the end, the client gave me and the other server each a $500 tip. I almost cried. It came at the exact moment I needed it the most.
trelunabarandkitchen.com
IG: trelunabarandkitchen
Jess Bennett / Lou’s Pub & Package Store / Lakeview District
You may have never ordered an old-fashioned or a martini with a side of art, but at Lou’s Pub & Package Store, you could do just that. Jess Bennett, a Birmingham hospitality veteran who tends bar at the storied watering hole, could fill both of those wants. An ASFA graduate, Jess spent several years at Chez FonFon followed by Aviné Caviste & Sociale on Second Avenue downtown. When the opportunity at Lou’s Pub opened in 2023, she leapt at the chance to be a part of this 37-year-old bar. Many in the business see Lou’s as a seminal part of a bartender’s career. Veterans often go on to open their own bars (Continental Drift, The Church Key, Juniper). While Jess has definite plans to one day open a bar of her own, she presently appreciates the schedule at Lou’s Pub for the time it gives her to spend on her other creative endeavors, such as her mixed media art and her first novel.
Off the Clock with Jess Bennett
Winding down: After an evening of running behind the bar, I love having a civil moment with a pilsner and a pour of Fernet Branca.
Dining in: At home, I like to keep things simple with prepared food and wine pairings that are easy to execute. I love a chic French Muscadet with oysters from Sexton’s Seafood Market or an elegant Loire Sauvignon Blanc with a Valençay goat cheese. Chilled red Txakolina is the best porch wine.
Flexible schedule: Time off gives me space to absorb, integrate, and express information, which is an important part of my artistic process. I need intervals to think about what I’ve been exposed to, how I feel about things, and what I want to say.
IG: LousPubBham
Kyle Berman / Le Fresca / 2nd Avenue North
Not many Birmingham servers will tell you that less than a decade ago, they were homeless and living in a pop-up tent behind the Pep Boys in Palm Beach County, Florida. But that chapter was a key component in Kyle Berman’s ongoing journey of healing, redemption, and entrepreneurship. While he has been clean and sober for more than five years, Kyle has intimately experienced the death-by-overdose of more than 15 friends, as well as his own younger sister. After losing a coworker who had relapsed, he was overcome with a mission to help.
When he’s not at Le Fresca, Kyle is working to connect a group of developers, tech startups, and investors to create a wearable opioid overdose detection device and alert system called OD Revive.
You may be thinking, “Why not just install an app on the Apple watch that would do the same thing as OD Revive?” Kyle already has your answer: “What is the first thing an addict is going to do with an Apple watch when they relapse? They’re going to sell it for drugs. Also, most addicts cannot afford an Apple watch in the first place. Creating a device that has no value outside of its intended purpose is essential.”
While OD Revive is still in its pre-seed funding stage of development, Kyle has a full business plan through distribution and end use. “You may think that you don’t know anyone personally who would benefit from this device, but when you learn that 6 out of 10 pills purchased illegally—college kids buying off-market Xanax or Vyvanse—contain lethal levels of fentanyl, your eyes become wide open.” That was exactly how Kyle lost his sister; she purchased a pill she thought was Xanax that was laced with fentanyl.
While Kyle knows he can never replace the loved ones he’s lost to this scourge, he will have achieved his goal with every life saved by OD Revive. odrevive.com
Family Matters with Kyle Berman
Best advice: Love what you do. Some might see a job in the service industry as a temporary job, but the truth is you can make a decent living and meet some wonderful people along the way.
Tokens of appreciation: It’s so thoughtful when customers leave notes and Christmas cards (some with money tucked inside). One of our guests owns a clothing store, and he gifted me a handmade Italian suit. I’ll be wearing that to the inevitable important business meetings we will see in the near future with OD Revive.
A servant’s heart: People should know that they can restart their day at any time, and even if someone feels alone, they’re not. It’s important that we all show compassion and be more understanding of each other.
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Classic Meets Modern: A Stunning Kitchen Makeover by Amanda Hickam
Each kitchen renovation comes with its own set of challenges. This one was drastically dated, not to mention plagued by a completely impractical layout. To solve both issues, interior designer Amanda Hickam transformed the room to maximize the space, enhance efficiency, and rid the antiquated aesthetic.
TIP… Work with It: Adding a cabinet around the existing refrigerator gave it a custom feel, unifying it with the space.
She began with the floor plan, focusing heavily on a single transformative change—relocating the sink. This shift opened up the entire space and allowed for a much bigger island while also providing additional countertop and cabinet space.
For finishes, the homeowners longed for a classic design that would stand the test of time. Cabinets are neutral, painted Old White by Farrow & Ball, but to keep them from becoming too basic, Amanda brought in a neutral handcrafted tile around the stove and then carried it over to the entire wall around the bay windows. The softer backdrop allows the details to shine, particularly the brass pendants above the island. “We wanted the kitchen to look current but not trendy,” Amanda says. “The result is a space that feels classic with just a touch of modern—a design that will serve the family for years to come.”
“Hardware is like jewelry in a space and can change a room’s personality easily. Here, it pops against the white and helps the kitchen feel really warm.”
—Amanda Hickam
Resources:
Interior Design and cabinets: Amanda Hickam, Harper Harris Design; Cabinet color: Old White, Farrow & Ball; Backsplash: Fixtures & Finishes; Countertops: Triton Stone Group; Cabinet hardware: Brandino Brass; Sconces: Visual Comfort; Pendants: Shades of Light; Stove and microwave: Ferguson; Hallway art: Design Supply; Living room color: Benjamin Moore’s Ballet White
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Designing with Kids: Kelly Neely’s Balance of Beauty and Practicality
Life is messy—especially when you share your home with young children. But two small humans, ages 4 and 2, didn’t stop interior designer Kelly Neely from creating the beautiful home she desired for her family. “Yes, it drives me a little nuts when they jump on the sofa, color on the walls, and get chocolate on pillows—all of which happens often—but this is just the season of life our family is in,” says Kelly. “They have to have fun and be able to really live in the house.” Rather than hold her sense of style back in order to keep furnishings and accessories safe from accidents, the designer has gone boldly forward. “I have learned to let go,” she says. “I would rather have the things I want in my house than live in an ‘unfinished version’ because I’m afraid things will get messed up.”
When Kelly and her general-contractor husband, Ross (Neely Construction) first chose their Vestavia Hills property, they didn’t do so with kids in mind. “We bought the house in January 2015 and made cosmetic updates through April 2019,” says Kelly. “But when we welcomed our first child in 2020, we made the decision to tear down and rebuild so we could have more room to grow our family. We love our location, so building on our lot was a no-brainer.”
With the unique opportunity to reimagine what her home could be, Kelly went to work dreaming big. For the exterior, she skewed away from the beaten path of the homes around her. “I really wanted to push the envelope with a modern vibe. A dark paint color and flat roof are not typical design elements in our neighborhood, so it was definitely a leap,” she says. “Today I’m so thankful that I didn’t give much thought to what others would think about our out-of-the-box design choices.” She also bucked some trends with the floorplan. “I wanted a great flow, but I didn’t want open concept. I really like a formal dining room, and we needed an office and dedicated playroom. It was important for me to have separation in spaces so that each room could have its own character.”
“We often entertain family and friends of all ages at both large and small gatherings. I never want anyone to feel like something is untouchable or off-limits.
—Kelly Neely
As a hostess, I hope I’m always creating a sense of calm and ease for our guests.”
Although individual rooms stand alone, a color palette of soft, sage greens and pretty pinks makes every space feel a part of a larger family. “I commissioned a piece of art by New Orleans-based artist Alexis Walter,” Kelly says of the abstract painting hanging above a sofa in the living room. “The colors were based on a fabric I ended up using in the primary bedroom. That was the catalyst for all the color decisions in the house.”
RIGHT: “A mix of new, modern, and treasured vintage pieces is a very important balance I strive to achieve in all of my projects,” Kelly says. The nursery is a wonderful example where walls are hand-painted by Bridget McCart (inspired by a GP&J Baker wallpaper), a modern Stokke crib sits atop a vintage rug, and pink lamps from Stash are topped by lampshades via Village Firefly.
Green on walls gives a restful quality to both the office and playroom. The color also appears in pleated drapery panels that frame the windows of the dining room and on velvet that covers the bedframe in the primary suite. Pinks pop off throw pillows in the living room and in a floral fabric Roman shade in the kitchen while also blooming in the floral wallcoverings of both the powder room and the nursery. Kelly explains, “On paper, pink and green sound very preppy and bright, but I used muted versions of the colors to create more of a moody vibe.” She adds that the palette brings a sense of calm to the many playful features in the home, making spaces more livable and inviting—for the adults and the young ones alike.
“My vision was pretty simple—a floor plan that had a nice flow with enough separation to feel intimate. I wanted a feeling of connection and togetherness even if we were spread out in different spaces.”
—Kelly Neely
Comfort & Joy with Kelly Neely
Designer Kelly Neely shares tips for balancing beautiful interiors with the realities of a busy life with young children.
DON’T SWEAT IT. “Friends, acquaintances, and clients ask all the time how I keep my kids from destroying everything. The answer is that I don’t,” Kelly says. “We teach them to respect the house and what’s inside of it—but at the end of the day, kids are kids.”
CHOOSE PERFORMANCE FABRICS. “We used performance fabrics where they made sense,” Kelly says of upholstery, pillows, and other items often touched by little hands.
BUILD SMART STORAGE. “The wall of cabinetry in the playroom is full of toys,” says Kelly. “The floor-to-ceiling doors and drawers make cleanup a quick-and-easy task.”
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Gold Standard: A Glamorous Kitchen Transformation by Lisa Shaddix
When interior designer Lisa Shaddix and husband Jamie made the decision to build their dream home, the kitchen was top priority. Lisa centered the entire design around one specific detail—the range. That meant going all in with gold and black, a glamorous color combination. A custom hood matches the La Cornue oven, while more gold shines through in the brass pendants from Inline Lighting, barstools from Ballard Designs, and elegant hardware, including the Cremone bolt on the door to the adjacent pantry.
The rich notes continue in the task and storage area, but here, Lisa introduced a green accent with the cabinets (Roycroft Bottle Green by Sherwin-Williams). The cabinets house all of her extra serveware, baking accessories, and even a complete gift-wrapping station. “My personal style comes out so much in the space, and it’s also incredibly functional,” Lisa says. “Everything works together so well yet still allows the range to be the star of the show.”
“The kitchen blends elements from various design styles, resulting in a space that exudes both beauty and function.”
—Lisa Shaddix
Resources:
Interior Design: Lisa Shaddix; Pendants: Inline Lighting; Cabinets and hardware: Wellborn Cabinets from Creative Cabinets; Hood: Classic Custom Metal Works; Countertops: Alabama Kitchen & Bath; Perimeter wrapping room tile and backsplash: Grayton Products
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Elegant Efficiency: Redesigning a Crestline Kitchen with Flair
After living in their Crestline home for years, these homeowners found themselves at a crossroads with their tired, dated kitchen. Eager to enhance the space, they hired an architect to draw up what they thought best served their needs. But once they got the numbers back, their ambitious plan spiraled into a budgetary nightmare. Not ready to give up, the homeowners turned to Leigh Misso of River Brook Design & Construction, who got creative with a new plan—one that would fit their budget and still give them the wow factor that they desired. “Oftentimes, people have a misconceived idea they need a lot of space, but really what they need is organized space,” Leigh says.
To open things up, Leigh tossed out the narrow, L-shaped layout and created a circular flow around a new, larger island. She chose a bold color for the cabinets and used the same hue on the living room wall, creating an easy transition between the two spaces. “We repurposed the space to make it work so much better while staying within the budget,” Leigh says.
High Style on a Budget with Leigh Misso
Weigh Your Options. Leigh chose Black Mist Granite countertops that mimic soapstone, a pricier item.
Take It Up a Notch. Leigh extended the granite countertops to the wall behind the range, creating a display ledge topped with brass picture lights to highlight favorite artwork from McKenzie Dove.
Don’t Cut It Short. Extend cabinets to the countertop for a seamless, modern flow.
Silver and Gold. Yes, it’s okay to mix metals. The polished nickel faucet is more budget-friendly than unlacquered brass, and it also works well with gold and brass accents.
Copy Cat. The custom vent hood mimics the look of plaster but was made out of drywall instead.
Resources:
Interior Design: Leigh Misso, River Brook Design; Cabinets: Refinery Custom Cabinets; Paint colors: Walls are OC 25 Cloud Cover by Benjamin Moore, Cabinets are Pigeon by Farrow & Ball; Chandelier in living room: Visual Comfort through Mayer Lighting; Faucet and pot filler: Kohler through Fixtures & Finishes; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Countertops: Surface One; Art lights: Visual Comfort from Mayer Lighting; Furnishings in living room: River Brook Interiors
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