“We wanted a place that we could all enjoy,” says Barbara of the house she and her husband Greg purchased for themselves and their three grown children. The open floor plan connects to the screened porch and deck, providing the family with plenty of gathering spots. Photography by JEAN ALLSOPP
A lake house was on the wish list for Barbara Lummis husband Greg, and their family. When this Lake Martin property popped up, Barbara knew it was “the one” in an instant. “I never even looked at another house in person,” she says. “This one had everything we all wanted.”
Open to the kitchen and living area, the dining room accesses the deck and outdoor dining area via French doors.
The house checked all the boxes, including its location on the Dadeville side—just a 30-minute drive from Auburn, the entire family’s alma mater—and its square footage that offered plenty of room for all three of the Lummises’ grown children (and more family, later). Plus it had already been renovated by the previous owners, so it was move-in ready.
LEFT: The primary suite enjoys a private side porch with a hanging bed swing. Crisp blue-and-white bedding is trimmed in just enough red to add nautical flair. RIGHT: The Lummises’ daughter chose a green-and-white palette for her room—the only departure from the blue scheme in the rest of the house.
The only thing it lacked? Furniture. “We didn’t have anything to bring from our home, so we had to find everything” Barbara says. She called in decorator Lauren Conner, a longtime friend who is well tuned in to Barbara’s style. “She knows that I love anything blue and beachy, and she easily created that mood,” Barbara says.
Perched on a hillside, the home takes in sweeping views of the Sandy Creek area of Lake Martin. Joe Ellis of Dwelling Architecture renovated the home for the previous owners. The porch was later screened by TCC Contractors for the Lummises. Lauren outfitted the space with weather-resistant furnishings. A fireplace opposite the lake views makes this spot a favorite year-round.An upstairs TV and game room makes for a fun retreat on rainy days.
Using a range of blues as accent colors—navy, royal, peacock, denim, and sky—punctuated with just enough pops of red, Lauren brought an assembly of mostly neutral upholstery and finishes to life. Pillows, drapery, bedding, artwork, and even the monogrammed napkins stay true to the scheme. Graphic designs, polka dots, and stripes, all in varying scales, push and pull the eye across the rooms to the vast lake views beyond. And while the house certainly shines, the real star is outside. “Not only is the house perfect, the views are incredible,” says Barbara.
Lauren deferred to each of the Lummises’ children when decorating their rooms. This one belongs to one of the sons.Rooms had already been freshly painted by the previous owners. The only change to any wall was the addition of the striped wallpaper in the powder bath.
Classic Craftsman — Homewood, Alabama — Opening November 2024 October 31 – November 24, Thursdays – Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm
Tier One Sponsors:
Homewood continues to be one of the most desirable communities in Birmingham. Developed in the early 20th century, the city offers homes that range from Spanish Colonial to ranchers to Tudors, as well as traditional bungalows and Craftsman-style homes. For the architect and developer of this home, it was only natural to want to revisit a classic look. “We chose to design a Craftsman-style house to pay homage to the more traditional character of original Homewood houses,” says architect Jared Bussey. “The Craftsman/Arts & Crafts style can be roomy and modern on the inside while still maintaining an appropriate scale and proportion along the street.”
The plan consists of a 4,165-square-foot house with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. An inviting front porch leads to a gracious foyer and an open stairway to the second floor. The main level hosts a generously-sized living area with a fireplace that seamlessly connects to the kitchen. A focal point of the home, the kitchen features a 48-inch range, refrigerator and freezer towers, and a spacious island, all complemented by an attached working pantry/scullery equipped with prep space, cabinets, sink, oven, and built-in microwave. A convenient wet bar links the living and dining areas.
The primary suite on the first floor boasts exclusive amenities such as a dedicated washer and dryer space, a niche for coffee/beverages, and a steam shower, in addition to separate vanities, a freestanding tub, and an expansive walk-in closet. The second floor houses the main laundry room adjacent to the other bedrooms.
Out back, a screened porch equipped with a fireplace and built-in bar connects to a two-car carport. Additionally, the dining room offers access to the screened porch via a large sliding door unit, enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
Meet the Team
Builder: Willow Homes Willow Homes began over 10 years ago, winning numerous awards and accolades in professional programs. The team strives to create affordable custom luxury in upscale home markets in Birmingham, including Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Avondale, and surrounding areas. The Willow Homes team consists of tenured project managers, award-winning plan designers, and artistic home designers, all working diligently to bring custom homes or renovations to life—on time and on budget. They also have the experience and resources to coordinate furniture, rugs, artwork, and window coverings with a turnkey installation through Willow Interiors.
Architect: Jared Bussey, founder and principal of Architectural Cooperative Architectural Cooperative is a full-service architectural design firm located in Homewood, Alabama. Registered in eight states around the Southeast, the firm provides high-quality design services that are catered specifically to each project and each client. The firm understands that the architect’s task is to meet a client’s needs while also contributing to the overall beauty and sustainability of a street, community, and city.
Benefiting Trinity’s Outreach Hub
Feed, Clothe, Teach, Grow and Connect
The vision of Trinity’s Outreach Hub is to welcome neighbors in need with radical hospitality, prioritizing dignity, provision, and empowerment as they offer assistance, build relationships and create connections. The Outreach Hub offers tangible relief in the form of food, clothing, household items, and utility assistance to those struggling with financial insecurity and displacement, especially refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
Barbara’s gallery wall features a variety of styles and pieces by local artists and artwork purchased during travels. “The portraits are fun,” she says. “I don’t know the people in them, but I am so curious about their stories. I like to conjure up a narrative behind the faces, and it makes the art come more alive for me.” The chairs and coffee table are So So Spiffy designs, a preview of Barbara’s indoor furniture collection coming fall 2024. Photography by Jean Allsopp
When Barbara Cooney and her husband, Jobay, first spied the brick ranch-style house that would become their family’s new home, Barbara was intrigued. Even though it had wall-to-wall carpet, linoleum floors, paneling, and dated fixtures, she saw the potential. “I loved the floor plan and the kidney-shaped pool,” Barbara says. “It had a groovy vibe, and it spoke to the 1970s home I remembered from my childhood.”
There’s plenty to love about a ranch-style house. This one just needed a few exterior updates with a modern twist. Cedar boards on the front are replicated in the new pool cabana .
BEFORE
Vibe aside, Barbara had no desire to turn the clock back to the disco decade. Instead, she aimed to create an airy, modern home that recalled West Coast style—another aesthetic she was introduced to at a young age. “I was born and raised in Birmingham, but I have some eclectic relatives,” she says. “One of my aunts lived in Palm Springs, and her style really made a big impression on me. When people walk into my house now, they tell me they feel like they are in California.”
To achieve the airy, relaxed look, Barbara worked with builder Chris McFarrin to redress the interiors and façade. “We kept the same floor plan but bumped it out a few feet here and there, raised the ceiling in places, and updated the kitchen and baths,” she says. In addition, some walls were removed, windows and doors were relocated to modify room access in places, salvaged doors were retrofit for new doorways, and hardwood floors discovered beneath those top layers of carpet and linoleum were refinished.
“I’m not an interior designer—I’m a stager. Birmingham has so many great, qualified designers that do interior elevations and finishes. I prefer to focus on the furnishings and accessories.”
—Barbara Cooney
Taking advantage of unused attic space, Barbara had the ceilings vaulted and raised wherever possible. This living area, overlooking the pool, exudes a West Coast vibe with its pale finishes, neutral upholstery, and desert color scheme. Barbara and Jobay added the corner bar for entertaining.LEFT: Antique doors, discovered at Henhouse Antiques years ago and used in the Cooneys’ former house, found a new home in the specially-designed arched doorway. RIGHT: The doors in the sitting room were custom made from salvaged barn wood. Gus, everyone’s favorite So So Spiffy model and sidekick, is always quick to pose for the camera.
Once the framework was in place, Barbara set about filling the new abode with furnishings both familiar and new—much like the approach she takes with her staging business. “My own home has items that are personal to our family, but I believe any house needs a good mix to feel welcoming and comfortable,” she says. “In my work, if it looks like a staged home, I haven’t done my job.”
LEFT: Stripping out the 1964 kitchen and starting over allowed for a vaulted ceiling with a white-washed wood accent, new cabinets, modern appliances, and a center island. RIGHT: The dining area features an antique table from Roundtop Antiques Fair in Texas, a custom-built banquette, and an assortment of chairs, including a pair of antiques. “The chairs were the first pieces I ever bought at auction as an adult,” says Barbara. “My dad took me to an auction when I was 8 years old, and I bought a blue-and-white soup tureen. I have been hooked ever since.” Art is by Hatsue Miki.
BEFORE
To cultivate that lived-in look in both arenas, Barbara and her team shop for new furniture at market, buy antiques from auction, and procure vintage finds and accessories at fairs such as Roundtop in Texas. Just this past April, she even launched her own So So Spiffy line of outdoor furniture. (Her indoor line is debuting fall 2024.)
The outdoor furniture line features four collections that offer weather-proof seating and dining options in addition to occasional tables. All of the transitionally styled pieces are equally at home in traditional and contemporary settings, as well as in Barbara’s own backyard.
Donaldson Landscape and Design spruced up the home’s exterior and poolscape, adding paths, new plantings, and a firepit (with the assistance of the Cooneys’ son, Harrison). For much-needed shade, Barbara designed the pergola built by Perkins Building Company and filled it with pieces from her new line of So So Spiffy outdoor furnishings.In the garage-turned-guesthouse, Barbara removed the dropped ceiling to expose the rafters, painting them black. An accent wall of wallpaper by Windy O’Connor adds to the graphic scheme. Though Barbara deals with a lot of neutral upholstery in her staging business, she likes to add flair in her own spaces with pops of color such as the hot pink ottomans.
Spiffing Things Up
When Barbara Cooney began her staging business, So So Spiffy, she started with one house. “At that time, I just moved everything out of my own home,” she laughs. “My family wondered what happened to all of our furniture!” Before long, her client list grew. “Two houses turned into four, and four turned into eight, and so on,” she says. That was seven years ago. Now, she and her 20-plus-person team that includes Lucy Gaede, Wendy Henry, and Jenn Larson (in the Austin, Texas, location) have the inventory and capability to spiff up to 30 houses a month with everything from furniture to art to lighting and even the sheets on the bed. With so much turnover in staging real estate, the So So Spiffy team recently started hosting Shopping Shindig, a discounted resale event held once a month at their warehouse. And this past April, Barbara launched a So So Spiffy line of outdoor furnishings. For more about staging, Shopping Shindig dates, and So So Spiffy furnishings, visit sosospiffy.com
As Jessica Prier knows all too well, working from home is great—until it isn’t. But giving up the comforts of it? That’s a narrative the interior designer wasn’t quite ready to embrace even though her design business, Birmingham Design House, was quickly outgrowing its designated work-from-home space. “When I started the company three years ago, we were working out of one room in my home, but soon I was searching for storage in every nook and cranny of my house,” Jessica says. “We had to go somewhere.”
That somewhere, however, was proving difficult to find. Jessica valued being at home—or at least near home—every day, but there were no commercial spaces available close to her neighborhood. To keep it within the community, the designer decided to get creative by turning her attention to a new option—a run-down rental house just down the road. She purchased the property, had it rezoned for commercial use, and adapted the space to serve as a studio. “It was the perfect decision for our business,” Jessica says. “It’s a place that fits what we do, offers office space for each of us, and is close enough for all our kids to drop by after school.”
Renovation Revolution While the location of the structure checked all of the boxes, its outdated design did not. But the circa-1957 abode did provide a promising canvas for Jessica to construct a creative space that speaks to her keen eye for design. To carry out her vision, she turned to friend and architect Richard Long of Long & Long Design, who helped put together an overall plan to turn the eyesore into a stunning studio.
Working with her husband’s company, Prier Construction, Jessica and the team started by raising the front gable to give it more of a presence, which also allowed for larger windows to be brought in to increase the amount of natural light inside. She also enclosed the front porch to make it more substantial and introduced a circular window in the space. Both choices enhanced the overall elevation.
“The studio really reflects what we do for clients every day, which is create spaces that are comfortable and inviting.”
—Jessica Prier
The conference room makes every client feel at home. A painting by Courtney Garrett, shelves and tables filled with antique jars, scented Trudon Candles, and collected accessories all represent the design aesthetic of Birmingham Design House. The art on a stand (image below) is by Birmingham artist Porter Rivers.
BEFORE
Commercial Conversion The structure didn’t need significant demo work—most of the spaces were left intact and just given a fresh coat of paint—but the journey of converting the residential abode into a commercial space required navigating some challenges. The biggest was making the structure ADA (American Disabilities Act) accessible. The first priority in doing so was eliminating the steps on the front porch. Then, to make the bathroom ADA compliant, Jessica moved the door slightly over to provide the proper clearance and also removed unneeded items from the room to allow for the required 5-foot turnaround.
Crafting Comfort Though the structure officially became a commercial space, Jessica didn’t want to lose the homelike aesthetic since it sits in a semi-residential neighborhood. To keep the studio feeling as comfortable as the homes she designs, she selected many of the same finishes her team often uses in residential spaces. On the outside, Jessica brought in reclaimed brick for the driveway and added gas lanterns to the front porch for a warm glow. For the landscape, she turned to Neil Couvillion of Forme Design Group to install a trim boxwood garden with a fountain from Elegant Earth.
BEFORE
Inside, the designer refinished the original red oak hardwood floors and topped them with Oushak rugs from Hazel House Collective. She also opted for natural materials wherever possible, including the Imperial Danby marble countertops from Alabama Stone Works, a wooden conference table by Manufacture Good, and brass fixtures from Brandino Brass in the bathroom and on cabinetry in the sample library. “The studio reflects my personal style, which is organic and earthy, while also mixing in a little unexpected moodiness and drama,” Jessica says. “My hope is that anyone who comes in feels relaxed and comfortable.”
The Birmingham Design House team, from left: Kate Magley, Jordan Elkins, Jessica Prier birminghamdesignhouse.com
Check out the following award-winning residential projects by some of Birmingham’s top remodelers as recognized in the annual Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards. Whether you are renovating or building new, this section can point you to a top professional in their field. For images of winning projects, visit remodelalabama.com
Whole House Remodel Under $250,000 Winner:Stockton Construction LLC, Baldwin County Runner-Up: Robert Dueitt Construction, LLC, Mobile Runner-Up: Superior Realty Group, Inc. Huntsville
Whole House Remodel $250,000-$500,000 Winner:j. fante studio, Birmingham Runner-Up: McDade House, Inc., Lake Martin, Montgomery Runner-Up: Emmy May Design & Construction Management, LLC, Baldwin County
Whole House Remodel Over $500,000 Winner:j. fante studio, Birmingham Runner-Up: Taylor Burton Company, Inc., Birmingham Runner-Up: L&M Design-Build-Furnish, Lake Martin, Lee County
j. fante studio, Birmingham
Kitchen Remodel Under $75,000 Winner:Selby Davis Builder LLC, Montgomery Runner-Up: J Manifold Construction, Lee County Runner-Up: Crosstek Construction LLC, Huntsville, Madison County
Kitchen Remodel $75,000-$150,000 Winner:j. fante studio, Birmingham Runner-Up: Selby Davis Builder LLC, Montgomery Runner-Up: L&M Design-Build-Furnish, Lee County Home Builders Association
Kitchen Remodel Over 150,000 Winner:Complete Home Specialties LLC, Birmingham Runner-Up: Oak Alley Design Build, Inc., Birmingham Runner-Up: j. fante studio, Birmingham
Complete Home Specialties LLC, Birmingham
Bath Remodel Under $35,000 Winner:Selby Davis Builder LLC, Montgomery Runner-Up: Avery Remodeling, LLC, Birmingham Runner-Up: Precision Homecrafters, LLC, Birmingham
Bath Remodel $35,000-$70,000 Winner:Mako Services, Baldwin County Runner-Up: Precision Homecrafters, LLC, Birmingham Runner-Up: Superior Realty Group Inc., Huntsville, Madison County
Bath Remodel Over $70,000 Winner:D.F. Hughes Construction, Birmingham Runner-Up: ELM Construction LLC, Birmingham Runner-Up: L&M Design-Build-Furnish, Lake Martin, Lee County
Additions Under $150,000 Winner:Pythoge LLC, Lee County
Additions OVER $150,000 Winner:Roddy O. Sample & Associates, Birmingham Runner-Up: SD Construction, LLC, Logan Martin Lake, Birmingham Runner-Up: Oak Alley Design Build, Inc., Birmingham
Roddy O. Sample & Associates
Exterior Remodel Winner:Emmy May Design & Construction Management, LLC, Baldwin County Runner-Up: J Manifold Construction, Lee County Runner-Up: Precision Homecrafters, LLC, Birmingham
Insurance Restoration Winner:ELM Construction LLC, Birmingham Runner-Up: L&M Design-Build-Furnish, Lake Martin, Lee County Runner-Up: Bret Slaton Homes, Huntsville, Madison County
Space Renovation/Residential Specialty Project Winner:Kade Laws Interior Design & Remodeling, Baldwin County Runner-Up: Crosstek Construction LLC, Huntsville, Madison County Runner-Up: Bret Slaton Homes, Huntsville, Madison County
Historic Preservation Winner:TLC Design/Build, LLC, Lee County Runner-Up: Pythoge, LLC, Lee County Runner-Up: Precision Homecrafters, LLC, Birmingham
Custom Home $500,000-$1 Million Winner:JKN Inc. dba Cornerstone Construction, Cullman County Runner-Up: Valere Homes, Baldwin County Runner-Up: Willow Homes, Birmingham
Custom Home Over $1 Million Winner:Taylor Burton Company, Inc., Birmingham Runner-Up: Westmark Construction Inc., Huntsville, Madison County Runner-Up: High Cotton Homes, Inc., Shoals Home Builders
To learn more about the AREA competition and to view photos of all of this year’s winning entries, visit RemodelAlabama.com.
The “Pineapple House,” located on Mountain Brook’s Canterbury Road and aptly named because of its prominent finial above the entry, has appeared in Southern Living and on an untold number of social media pages. Thanks to the charming transformation by previous homeowners Ragan and Brad Cain with the help of the former design team of Bates Corkern Studio and landscape designer Todd Dorlon, the home has gained icon status.
BEFORE
One aspect of the project that hasn’t reached the internet—yet—is the backyard. Todd Dorlon shares how he transformed the rear garden into an equally pretty space that repeats materials used on the front of the home but exudes character and style all on its own.
Getting Started
The traditional Cape Cod-style house had plenty of charms, great proportions, and the potential to become a real show-stopper. All it needed was a fresh paint color, a few architectural revisions, and new landscaping to push it in the right direction. Focusing on the landscape, Todd says, “The goal was to create something classic and simple.” In the front, he replaced existing plants with a bevy of American boxwoods that work in harmony with the curve of both the drive and the stacked-stone wall. “Out back, the garden maintains some of the same formality and structure, but it has a much more relaxed, playful vibe,” he says.
Making a Connection
“The rear courtyard was in rough shape,” says Todd. Most of the walls needed rebuilding, so he tweaked the original layout and made it slightly larger. He also opted for pierced brick to add interest in the section of wall between the two gates. “I love the look of old brick,” says the landscape architect. “Since the front patio flooring was Bessemer Gray, we repeated it in the courtyard walls.” The rear brick patio was replaced with bluestone. “Bluestone is my favorite, and its color plays much better than original red brick does with the gray walls,” he says.
Inside the Lines
BEFORE
Taking advantage of a border defined by an existing brick wall, Todd filled the space with perennials in varying shades of green and white. “The only two plants that we kept were the giant magnolia and the cherry tree,” he says. He framed the spaces with a Green Velvet Boxwood hedge and filled it with ‘Mine-No-Yuki’ White Doves Camellias, Lenten roses, hostas, Autumn ferns, and Dwarf Mondo grass.
For All Seasons
“Lenten Roses bloom in the late winter and have great foliage, so they are a nice filler plant, even when they are not in bloom,” Todd says. “Hostas bloom in summer, and the camellias bloom in the fall.” The potted dwarf Japanese maple just behind the bench and courtyard wall offers fall color and interest throughout most of the year. “Many times, I will carve out little pockets within these plants and along paths to mix in annuals such as impatiens and torenia in the spring or violas and snapdragons in the fall,” says Todd.
“Repetition in a garden is important. There needs to be a connection between the front and the back, but there also should be some differences to keep it interesting. Repeated materials include boxwoods, hollies, magnolias, and hydrangeas.”
—Todd Dorlon
Window Dressing
Todd designed the window box by filling it with lavender, cosmos, pentas, silver thyme, Creeping Jenny, coleus, and scaevola. “Right or wrong, I never follow the spacing instructions when it comes to planting flowers,” he says. “With shrubs and trees, I am very mindful of providing enough space for future growth, but when it comes to annuals, I don’t want to wait until the summer is half over before my containers and flower beds look full and lush. That’s why I always plant them close together.”
Focal Points
Containers, statuary, and artful design elements are key components of garden design. They can elevate the overall look and feel of a space and provide interest, as well as focal points around the garden. On the patio, one container features a boxwood underplanted with Creeping Jenny. Another planter hosts a Eugenia topiary underplanted with scaevola and Creeping Jenny. Eugenia will not survive winter in Birmingham, so it’s treated as an annual.
Outdoor Entertaining
“With access to three different rooms in the house, there is a great indoor/outdoor flow between the home and patio,” Todd says. To lure guests outside, a concrete outdoor dining table and teak chairs stand at the ready for any occasion. For everyday dressing, Todd centered the table with a container of Lemon Ball Sedum. “It’s a great option for areas that can’t be irrigated because it doesn’t require a ton of water,” he says.
A Textured Palette
Green-and-white gardens are timeless, but without variety, they can quickly become boring. “Different shades of green, as well as varying leaf sizes and textures, all play an important role in creating visual interest,” Todd says. “As a general rule, the majority of flowering trees and shrubs I choose have white blooms. This allows the seasonal plantings and perennials to really shine.”
Bring some buzz to your garden with native plants ideal for attracting pollinators.
Bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are drawn to bright blooms and the delicious nectar they produce. These creatures also flock to petals and leaves as sources of shelter, water, and nesting opportunities. By cultivating a pollinator-friendly environment, you are helping boost biodiversity, mitigate invasive garden pests, and support ecosystems near and far. The key is to choose plants that thrive in the warm, humid climate of Alabama and are found in native habitats across the state.
Lobed Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata)
Here are a few suggestions: In the family asteraceae, Lobed Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata) blooms from April through June and makes a lovely ground cover that easily attracts butterflies, moths, and bees. Deadheading the spent flower stalks encourages more blooms well into the fall. Coreopsis does well in partial shade and medium-moisture, well-draining soil. Songbirds such as cardinals and finches also love to make a meal of coreopsis seeds.
Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)
Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), also known as tall thimbleweed, produces wide, inviting blooms that are a beloved treat for bumblebees and other native bees. While “taller” than other anemones, it remains relatively low-growing and can easily be incorporated into a wildflower or native plant garden as a ground cover. Blooming in spring and early summer, thimbleweed grows best in medium-wet soil and partial-to-full sunlight. The seed heads become fluffy when they disperse their seed, offering a different texture to the garden when not in bloom.
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) features large, multi-stemmed clumps of starry blue flowers. Growing up to 3 feet tall, it can provide a lovely architectural contrast in the pollinator garden. Hummingbirds, carpenter bees, moths, and a myriad of butterflies flock to this shrub-like plant. It grows best in medium shade to full sun with well-watered soil. The narrow leaves turn a striking yellow color in the fall.
Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
The Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) attracts long-tongued insects, butterflies, and hummingbirds especially adapted for reaching the nectar contained in its long tubes. Bumblebees, hawk moths, and other native bees also love this perennial. Growing best in moist yet well-drained soil and dappled shade, columbine can be propagated for years and increases rapidly by self-seeding. This beautiful flower can currently be found blooming in the Kaul Wildflower Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Lyreleaf Sage (Salvia lyrata)
Lyreleaf Sage (Salvia lyrata) is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant that performs well in garden beds but not in containers. Named for its distinctive lyre-shaped leaves, this sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Blooming throughout spring and summer, it makes a lovely addition to any pollinator garden. With few disease or pest issues, it does not attract deer or rabbits but is a favorite of honeybees and butterflies. The exposed lower lip of the vibrant blue flowers makes an excellent landing platform for bees.
To enliven the kitchen, Alison replaced the existing cabinets with custom ones painted in Benjamin Moore’s ‘Berry Bliss.’ “We added new appliances including a custom 36-inch Lacanche range in a rich chocolate brown,” Alison says. (Cabinet Design: Courtney Shearer of The Designery, Atlanta. Cabinet Construction: Kemp’s Cabinet Shop, Riverside, Alabama.) Photography by Jean Allsopp
BEFORE
My clients wanted something that you would find in a New York brownstone or on the Gold Coast in Chicago—something different, bright, and really outside their comfort zone,” says Alpharetta-area interior designer Alison Baker. She was happy to oblige by leaning into her longtime clients’ love of color, pattern, and art that extols both in spades. Inside the couple’s 1,900-square-foot Hallman Hill condo in Homewood, several notable pieces of their pop art collection shine, including the one hanging above the living room fireplace that inspired the home’s adventurous palette. Alison’s savvy use of hues, as well as several key changes in the floor plan and finish materials, gave her empty-nest clients a comfortable, simplified—yet personality-filled—place.
Preparing the Envelope
“My wife and I prefer bigger spaces, not more spaces,” the homeowner says. “Alison took this chopped-up place that reminded us of an apartment and gave it an open, airy feel by removing a kitchen peninsula and rethinking the primary bath configuration.” Other changes included installing hardwood flooring throughout, new custom kitchen cabinetry, and a cased opening over the sink. The 12-foot-long, wall-to-wall dining banquette and a new, limestone fireplace surround in the living room elevated the overall feel.
“The living room is a blend of new and old, from streamlined upholstery to an antique sideboard sourced through Tara Shaw in New Orleans. “I especially love the ottoman’s vivid ‘Libertine Tiger’ fabric by Schumacher,” Alison says. “It was a key part to the color scheme and fun vibe.” Rug: Paige Albright Orientals.
BEFORE
The primary bath was not only reconfigured but also received some major materials upgrades. “We re-tiled the shower and added niches and new fixtures with body sprays,” the owner says. “The suite’s large closet is now outfitted with custom cabinetry in the same quality as the rest of house.”
Perfecting the Palette
Favorite art pieces by New York artist Ashley Longshore drove the color scheme. “The living room piece with its crisp, citrus-orange backdrop and colorful butterflies was an easy launching ground,” Alison says. She then mixed modern silhouettes upholstered in faux leathers, velvets, and chenilles. To remedy the lack of windows in the kitchen, she added a custom, gold-leaf, mirrored wall to reflect light into the space. Along with bringing that much-needed infusion of light, the designer fulfilled the desires of her repeat clients with flying colors.
Alison designed a custom banquette covered in light-reflecting bronze vegan leather for the dining area. A custom walnut tabletop made by Against The Grain in Atlanta sits on a table base from Restoration Hardware. Modern History chairs and a pair of ottomans covered in striped velvet provide additional seating.
Lacquered black wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries puts the focus on the black-and-gold-leaf sink and graphic vanity from Ferguson.BEFORE
“Your home should be part of the storybook that tells about you. It amazes me when I complete a home to see how my clients’ personalities flourish. They seem happier, and they tend to entertain more.”
— Interior designer Alison Baker
LEFT: The scheme in one guest room is based on a rug from Paige Albright Orientals. The room’s other furnishings are repurposed from a previous house and “are rather quiet in color, so we went for it with bolder pillow fabric and the vintage Suzani at the end of the bed,” Alison says. RIGHT: “The original layout in the primary bath was dark and gloomy,” says the designer. “We shifted some doors, moved the vanity area, and infused the space with lighter materials to offset the lack of windows.”
Meet Alison Baker
Design background: “I was born and raised in Southern California. When I was young, I would rearrange my bedroom about every six months and ask for a new wall color and bedding. As I got older, I started moving all the living room furniture around. It was always a surprise when my parents came home from work. I followed my passion and graduated from Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach in 1992. My husband and I moved to Atlanta in 1993, and I opened up a retail store (Accentrics) with my mom and sister-in-law a year later. My design business is located within our brick-and-mortar store.”
Best advice: “Choose what you love, not what Instagram or Pinterest suggests. Don’t be swayed by trends, ever! Your home is where you start and end your day. If you are not surrounded by all things beautiful, then your life will reflect that.”
How to make it yours: “I always look to my clients’ personal style and personality and to colors that they look and feel good in. This is what makes each job unique as I tend not to repeat palettes or selections.”
Favorite product: “I love all of the performance fabrics available now. That industry has grown leaps and bounds. It’s difficult not to use it everywhere because it is so practical.”
Favorite place to shop: “Easy—my family-owned retail store, Accentrics Design in Johns Creek, Georgia.” accentrics-home.com; IG: @accentricsdesign
Lighten up: In a room or along a wall without windows, mirrors bounce light into dark spaces. Consider a wall covered in tile-like mirrors like the one in the kitchen. (Mirror tiles from Mirror-tique, Birmingham.)
“In all my houses, I’ve never had such a cozy space, so the study is a favorite,” says Jane. Ellie used shades of blue for the settee and the back of the bookcase. “We have been collecting antique books for years,”Jane says. Ellie also added artwork, a clock/mirror, porcelain pieces, and other special finds to the shelves. Photography by Mary Margaret Smith, Styling and Florals by Kathleen Varner
Not every interior designer would relish the opportunity to have her mother as a client, but that certainly wasn’t the case with Ellie Christopher. Her mother, Jane Christopher, possessed an enviable collection of antiques and décor that Ellie grew up with, some of which she helped her mother choose. The challenge was how to incorporate and update everything for Jane’s new Cherokee Bend residence in Cross Creek after her move from Columbus, Georgia, where she had lived for 30 years.
Architect Hank Long added the welcoming portico with a copper roof based on a historic house in Virginia. Window shutters were also added, and the plain red brick was painted a fresh creamy neutral color (Benjamin Moore’s Stone Hearth).
Ellie understood her mother’s decorating style, which is similar to her own. “I’m fairly traditional, but I like things to be a little offbeat,” says Jane.
“I don’t want anything to feel too stuffy or for everything to match.” Keeping that in mind, Ellie introduced a little tension and contrast throughout the design. For example, in the living room, she placed quirky antique mismatched lamps on one wall and a pair of more modern smoky glass lamps on the other. Jane’s fine case goods are also mixed—a leggy table on one side of the sofa and a heavy chest on the other.
“My art collection is so important to me and so personal; I’m a bit of a storyteller and each piece has one to tell. Ellie helped me find the perfect placement to enjoy them.”
—Jane Christopher
Ellie balanced the feminine with more buttoned-up, handsome elements such as the plaid stairway runner in the entry and the selection of fabrics in the study—leather for an ottoman, a nubby textural material for an armchair, and a solid blue linen on the perfectly scaled sofa topped with stylized floral and plaid pillows. Even though the dining room leans more fanciful, Ellie chose to paint a mural on the walls featuring muted branches instead of a fussy floral pattern.
(Left & Center) During quarantine, Ellie painted (freehand) the mural on the dining room walls, something her mother had long urged her to do. “I mimicked the private park behind her house,” says Ellie. Dining chairs from her own collection were customized in a soft blue leather. Jane’s black curvaceous marble-topped pastry table doubles as a bar when she entertains. The tole clock, silver container, and chandelier are from Adams Antiques in Northport, Alabama. (Right) Antique marble-topped demilune tables from prior residences flank the front door. In addition to being an interior designer, Ellie is also an artist; she crafted the plaster vases and put glass containers inside to hold water. “I’ll attempt to make almost anything!” says Ellie.
While the mother-and-daughter collaboration was mostly seamless, there were occasional moments when Ellie had to gently put her foot down. “My mother is like many of my clients,” says the designer. “She studies all these shelter magazines and wants to do certain things because she think that’s what she should do. But that often leads her astray from what she really loves.” Jane kept showing her daughter tear sheets and making suggestions, especially regarding the palette. Ellie would then bring over fabric swatches based on her mother’s ideas, but Jane usually said no unless it was brown, coral, aubergine, green, or blue. “I finally said, ‘Mom, your favorite color is brown,’ ” laughs Ellie. Adds Jane, “At first I thought that was terrible; brown is not really a color.” However, she changed her mind when she saw how her daughter mixed it with her other favorite hues to create a chic look.
Hickory Chair swivel chairs, along with a Paige Albright Orientals Suzani, emphasize the room’s palette of browns and creams. Coral tones add a dose of color while curvaceous Lucy Cope table lamps bring an edgier note. Ellie created the four abstract pieces as a foil to the classic floral painting.
(Left) In this guest bathroom, the handsome palette of blue and brown started with the Thibaut wallpaper. The revamped vanity is topped with a mirror from Architectural Heritage. (Right) In the primary suite, an antique dressing screen-turned-headboard is met with layers of luxury. The bed skirt and shams in floral Michael Smith/Jasper fabric (Hibiscus Morning) inspired the color palette. The painted English chest, formerly used in a living room, makes an ideal bedside table in the space thanks to its blue notes.
In the living room, the swivel chairs show off a brown print called ‘Indian Zag’ from Lee Jofa, while a subtle chocolate plaid graces a French armchair. “I trust Ellie, so when she suggested painting the living room ceiling a coral shade, I didn’t hesitate,” says Jane. “She has had professional training of course, but she also has an innate gift. I recognized that when she was three years old and turned her Fisher Price kitchen into her art studio!”
(Left) Ellie designed the guest room’s campaign-inspired twin beds and dressed them in Chelsea Fabrics coverlets dripping with fringe. Shams are in Classic Cloths’ Lismore print. (Center) A bamboo mirror with display shelves makes a charming addition to the twin bed guest room along with porcelain flowers from Vieuxtemps Porcelain. Quirky monkey lamps topped with pleated shades are from Village Firefly. (Right) Updates in the guest bathroom include new cabinet fronts with reeded detailing, a white marble vanity top, a lively wallpaper from Jasper (Indian Flower), and a rug from Paige Albright Orientals.
(Left) The primary bedroom’s chaise lounge is covered in a vintage French embroidered fabric with a ruffled skirt. The ottoman is from Lee Industries through Circa Interiors, and the floor lamp with shade is from Village Firefly. (Center) In the foyer, a plaid carpet runner adds a masculine note to the design while a coral-hued striated glass finial brings a touch of whimsy. (Right) Ellie updated the powder room with a soapstone-topped vanity (Surface One), chinoiserie wallpaper (Osborne & Little’s ‘Palais Chinois’), brass sink and faucets from Fixtures & Finishes, and antique sconces. The art pieces (reflected in the mirror) are overscaled intaglios with bright-blue mats in snakeskin frames purchased at Antiques at the Gardens.
Ellie transformed the interior of the elevator into a virtual library with Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper, a Paige Albright Orientals rug, and a two-armed brass sconce.
Speaking of art, Jane has an enviable and disparate collection that she has collected over the years. To highlight it, Ellie selected neutrals for the walls. “I didn’t want the pieces to get lost,” she says. In fact, every decorative element is edited to perfection to draw the eye in so that each one can be appreciated. “My mother doesn’t like too much busyness or for things to be out of place,” says Ellie. “It’s almost as if her home is always ready for a photo shoot.” Mission accomplished.
Ellie Christopher’s Tips To Shake Up Your Antiques
Give an antique lamp a new shade to keep it out of the dowdy camp and impart a whole new attitude. It doesn’t have to be custom; there are so many options that are very special and look custom.
Add some edgier pieces of art to spice up an existing collection. If you are working with a lot of oils, for example, add in some different mediums such as collages, photography, pen and ink, charcoal works, gouache, etc.
Consider what’s underfoot. If all the rugs in a house are patterned and antique, slip in some neutrals with natural, textural finishes such as sisal, seagrass, jute, or abaca to bring down the formality in the space.
Introduce a little tension in the room. You don’t want everything to be too perfect. For example, if you have a fine chest, you can create a vignette on the surface that brings some surprise. Use items such as bright lacquered trays, quirky lamps, and books in punchy colors.
School’s out for summer—yay! I can remember the last day of school when I was growing up like it was yesterday. The feeling of pure freedom for three whole months! I couldn’t wait for the endless days of hanging out at the swimming pool, running barefoot, and having no schedule. Life was pretty easy then.
For this issue, I’m keeping that mindset with these easy summertime recipes that take advantage of all of summer’s bounty—and are quick to prepare.
Roasted Tomato and Burrata Spread uses two of my summer favorites—tomatoes and basil. The burrata takes it over the top. I highly recommend that you make it the night before or at least give it several hours to chill so the flavors will meld. The updated Shrimp Cocktail Dip can be assembled a couple of hours in advance. It has all the familiar flavors of a shrimp cocktail but in a dip form—great for a crowd. Easy Tzatziki Dip not only is healthy but also will add a bit of summer to your typical charcuterie board. If any is left over, drizzle it on a grilled chicken breast. Summer Salsa, with its unique combination of cantaloupe and vine-ripe tomatoes, perfectly fits this warm-weather season. Be sure to use the scoop-shaped corn chips for dipping—the saltiness of these pairs nicely with the fruit. If I had to pick, my favorite of all the recipes would be the Cheesy Corn Queso. After serving it, I felt worthy of opening a Mexican restaurant. This recipe makes a full quart and doesn’t break the bank. I doubt I will ever buy pre-made again. It’s that good!
Roasted Tomato and Burrata Spread
Roasted Tomato and Burrata Spread Recipe
Serves 8
1 pint cherry or small vine-ripe tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 garlic cloves, sliced ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Pinch of red pepper flakes 2 (4-ounce) balls burrata cheese ½ cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish Toasted French bread slices
Preheat oven to 375°. Place tomatoes on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil, and add sliced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, tossing to coat evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tomatoes burst and begin to soften. Place roasted tomatoes, burrata, and ½ cup basil in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until creamy and thoroughly combined. Add additional salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Spread on warm toasted French bread slices. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Easy Tzatziki Dip
Easy Tzatziki Dip Recipe
Makes 1¾ cups
½ cup grated cucumber* 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1½ teaspoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint Pita bread and assorted vegetables for dipping
Stir together first 8 ingredients in a medium bowl. Chill for several hours before serving. (The dip will keep for 2 to 3 days.) Serve with pita bread and assorted fresh vegetables. *Remove excess water from the grated cucumber by squeezing it in several paper towels.
Cheesy Corn Queso
Cheesy Corn Queso Recipe
Makes 4 cups
2 cups fresh corn (3 to 4 ears) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped ½ cup water ½ cup whole milk 1 pound white American cheese, cut into (1-inch) cubes ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapeños 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice 2 tablespoons green chiles ½ teaspoon cumin Tortilla chips
Remove kernels with a sharp knife. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or small Dutch oven; add corn and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Add water, milk, and next 5 ingredients. Simmer until the cheese is melted and the mixture is thoroughly heated. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Learn From Leslie: White American cheese is available at the deli counter at the grocery store. Just ask for several thick slices.
Summer Salsa
Summer Salsa Recipe
Makes about 6 cups
½ cantaloupe, seeded and diced 1 large vine-ripe tomato, diced 1 green pepper, finely chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil Juice of 1 lime 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper Fresh mint for garnish Scoop-shaped corn chips
In a large bowl, combine cantaloupe and next 4 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper; whisk to combine. Pour over cantaloupe mixture, tossing to coat thoroughly. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh mint. Serve with corn chips.
Leslie Likes: Summer Salsa over grilled chicken or fish.
Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Shrimp Cocktail Dip Recipe
Feeds a crowd!
½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced, divided 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 cup cocktail sauce Lemon wedges Saltine crackers
