Pottery has always been that thing that kind of grounds me,” says artist Katherine Tucker of the pieces she creates for her Civil Stoneware line. Classically trained, Katherine began with an inky-black clay body, turning out bowls, cups, plates, and serving pieces which are stunning in their simplicity. Next she added pieces in white (which she calls “blanc”), adding sand and then some colorful super-matte finishes like lime green and cobalt blue. “All the pieces play well with each other and with other ones many people already own,” she says. “They are great to mix and match.”
Katherine is drawn to working in clay, as it feeds her sense of grounding and connection. “I heard a saying once that the frequency of the maker can be found and felt in each piece,” she says. “I like thinking about that bond I have with someone who drinks their morning coffee from one of my cups.”
Beyond platters and mise en place bowls, Katherine has recently started producing ceramic pendant lights and sconces. You can see these locally at June Coffee Roasters.
“This is such a receptive community, open to fine arts and supporting creativity. I feel honored that my work resonates with so many.”
– Katherine Tucker, founder, Civil Stoneware
What & Where To Buy
In addition to her tabletop wares and culinary pieces, Katherine creates special works each Christmas—ceramic ornaments that sing and miniature creches nestled into matchboxes. She also offers private lessons in her downtown studio space, where individuals or groups can learn the basics of pottery, fashioning their own heirloom-worthy vessels. Find Civil Stoneware online and at Table Matters in Mountain Brook Village, Still-Johnson on Morris Avenue, and the Mentone Market.
Homewood-based designer Julie Terrell has always had a thing for the holidays. “When you think about it, your holiday décor is usually up for about six weeks of the year,” she says. “Why not incorporate your personal style into those details too?”
When her children were younger, Julie created a refined version of the traditional Advent Calendar, one her family still pulls out each December. Her design clients started asking for them as well, which got her thinking about how each particular client might celebrate the holidays. “I decided to create custom stockings for them as housewarming gifts based on their individual styles,” she says. And MERRY by Julie Terrell was born.
Julie’s line of handcrafted Christmas stockings in luxe fabrics can be made unique with the addition of personalized elements, including the porcelain charms she creates. “I encourage buyers to add family pieces like cufflinks or brooches,” she says. When asked if there is a sentiment that underpins her work, Julie adds, “My life goal is to be MERRY! Prioritize the things you value most and let the rest go.”
“What does it mean to be a maker here in Birmingham? I’d say that as a Southern city, there is a great appreciation for creativity, quality, and craftsmanship—all of the small things that make a home beautiful. I enjoy being a part of the tradition of creating timeless pieces that can be passed down for generations.”
— Julie Terrell
What & Where To Buy
Julie’s entire MERRY line can be found on her website (julieterrell.com), where buyers can choose their stocking fabrics and add an array of adornments. Her tabletop Advent calendars, a sophisticated take on this Christmas tradition, are also available. And her ceramic snowflake ornaments make great additions to any gift. Julie promises there will be holiday pop-ups too, which she’ll share via social media: @julieterrelldesign
Many of us know that God works in mysterious ways, putting up obstacles one day, clearing hurdles and opening doors the next. Camilla Moss can attest to the veracity of that statement firsthand. When her youngest child was born with Down Syndrome, the rhythm and pace of life in the Moss household shifted. There was a pause that gave space to tapping into her creative side. She discovered solace and focus in painting—and even more joy in sharing her work with a wider audience. The colors she is drawn to—pinks, blues, sunny yellows, and corals—are naturally light and uplifting. These hues find their way onto scripture and affirmation cards, bite-sized notes that are perfect for tucking into backpacks, lunchboxes, briefcases, or a well-loved family Bible. Recently, her artwork has found a home in wallpapers and textiles.
“Being a maker in Birmingham means there are so many outlets to express yourself. I am especially proud of the relationship I have with United Ability, helping this organization raise funds while introducing my work to a larger audience.”
– Camilla Moss
What & Where To Buy
Beyond the scripture cards she is known for, Camilla also creates botanical prints and simple Southern scenes of familiar landmarks. Her cards can be found at Rocky Ridge Drug Co. in Vestavia and at The Children’s Edit in English Village. Her custom textiles are available to-the-trade. On December 7th, you can meet Camilla at her holiday pop-up at Henhouse Antiques in English Village. She will offer gift tags, scripture cards, hand-painted ornaments, silk scarves, and pillows, as well as original artwork.
The home’s compelling symmetry includes a charming eyelash dormer and welcoming portico. The front door is painted a historic shade of blue (Fine Paints of Europe #GC656). Photos by Jean Allsopp
After 12 years in a condo in Highland Park, interior designer Mark Kennamer was more than ready for a grownup house, and he knew exactly where he wanted it to be. “I have always loved this particular street in Forest Park and had actually looked at another house here before I bought my condo, but it would have been a huge project,” says Mark. “However, this house checked all the boxes. I love colonial architecture, and I’m a huge fan of symmetry.”
The living room exudes stylish comfort and warmth. A sofa from MCJ Company upholstered in performance velvet makes for easy cleanup of spills and protects against the antics of the couple’s three cats. Drapery is Schumacher. A reproduction Oushak from 18th Street Orientals keeps things cozy underfoot.Original architectural features include a pair of alcoves where Mark placed Swedish demilune tables and an early 19th-century English armchair covered in a Scalamandré tiger print.
As expected in a home almost 100 years old, the inside had been tinkered with over the years and needed some attention to live and look like the designer desired. Blessed with compelling architectural details such as arches, niches, and high ceilings, the interiors were primed for Mark’s design prowess. His first decision was to paint everything Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore throughout, then fill it with his mix of collections and antiques. “While the home is formal in some spaces, it really presents a welcoming ‘come on in’ feeling,” says the designer.
The British-influenced dining room features a custom table created by Ed Greer of The Nest. With the addition of leaves, the table can seat up to 14 guests. The silk grass cloth wallcovering from Thibaut has a shimmery finish that glows by candlelight.LEFT: A custom shell-encrusted mirror by Houston artist Sheema Muneer brings a glamourous note to the circa-1790 demilune serving table topped with gilded mini-Christmas trees and a pair of Christopher Spitzmiller lamps. RIGHT: The festive table shows off holiday spirit with an antique iron urn from Architectural Hertitage. Mark filled it to overflowing with pinecones, ilex, and greenery. Clusters of roses with sprigs of bright cedar join in the celebration. Holiday china set atop Annie Glass chargers features toy soldiers and Christmas trees. Stemware is Union Street amethyst and William Yeoward crystal from Table Matters.
In the dining room, Mark set a scene for entertaining with a custom round table and curved antique demilune sideboard. “I like a fancy dining room. It’s the perfect space to go big!” he says. A luxurious Holly Hunt silk fabric covers the window panels. With the basics in place, the layering commenced. The walls shimmer with silk grass cloth wallpaper, while antiques fill the room imparting a British allure. An antique china cabinet from Scott Antiques Market, filled with antique blue-and-white china, was purchased primarily for scale and storage. A reproduction chandelier with crystal facets feels right at home. Ceramic lamps, a custom shell-encrusted mirror, and a settee topped with Fortuny pillows add glamorous notes.
The foyer shows off a 19th-century Italian chest with a bleached finish (Henhouse Antiques). On top, an engaging vignette includes an antique Dutch mirror, a Christopher Spitzmiller lamp, and small crèche. The lantern is original to the house. A classic swag with red velvet bows on the stairway feels in keeping with the traditional architecture.
The living room opposite the foyer sings with more layered prettiness in blues, greens, and neutrals. Mark confesses to a love of many styles, so this space is rife with studied pairings, including antique Swedish demilune tables, a contemporary iron-based coffee table with white cowhide top from Circa Interiors & Antiques, and a vintage landscape oil painting from Henhouse Antiques. “I can never commit to a certain look; I am an equal opportunity designer,” laughs Mark.
In the powder room, a Zoffany fern wallcovering extends to the ceiling, while a brass-legged marble vanity (Triton Stone Group) is outfitted with brass fixtures (Fixtures & Finishes). Mark relocated the original dining room chandelier to this space. “It’s the perfect scale for this room,” he says.LEFT: A gilded French armchair reupholstered in silk with a B. Viz pillow is a favorite spot for Mark’s relatives to take pictures of their children for portraits. Art above is by Caroline Boykin. RIGHT: The centerpiece of the primary bath is a soaking tub (MDI through Triton Stone Group) surrounded by a handpainted de Gournay wallcovering.LEFT: A bedroom reveals a buttoned-up masculine allure with the streamlined bedside tables paired with sumptuous classic Greek key window panels and pillows from Kravet. RIGHT: While bigger plans for the kitchen are in store, in the interim, Mark added a herringbone marble wall and backsplash from Triton Stone for a quick textural update. Kumquats wired into mini boxwood wreathes decorate the windows. The rug is from 18th Street Orientals.
When it comes to holiday decorating, Mark and husband John Paul lean traditional. “We love magnolia garlands and swags, red velvet ribbons, and boxwood wreaths,” says Mark. And the finishing touch is their tree—an amalgamation of ornaments and decorative accents that reflect the compelling mélange exhibited in every inch of the house.
Holiday Traditions
Mark Kennamer and husband John Paul Bruno enjoy all the traditional trappings of Christmas by blending high style and pop culture fun. Here, Mark shares a few of the fun ways they celebrate.
Sentiments: We like to include pieces from our families. The gold reindeer in the living room were on my great aunt’s mantel. The “flocked forever” Frazer fir tree from Balsam Hill includes a melding of collections. We recently added spun-glass globes for a unifying look. And we are not fans of orchestrated Christmas trees. We like to pile on everything we love.
For the Furballs: All of our pets have their own monogrammed stockings. We give them their holiday treats on Christmas Eve.
Treats: We like all the “bad” stuff—especially the sweets. My mother still makes the classic Chex mix from my childhood. John Paul goes to his mother’s house and helps her make Italian Christmas cookies. We also like to drink Barber’s eggnog from the Piggly Wiggly. We keep it real.
Easy Listening: One of John Paul’s favorites is “Carol of the Bells”, and I love Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Movie Night: We like the same movies as most of the country! Home Alone and Christmas Vacation are our two favorites.
Hearth and Home: We love a roaring fire during the season, and so do our three cats who relax in front of the flames every time it’s lit.
Cotton & Quill may be best known for the bright ebullient patterns and colors in its fabrics and wall coverings, but owner and creative talent Mary Catherine Folmar also offers a line of wreath and topiary forms. Here, she shares her step-by-step creation for a topiary centerpiece with persimmons. For more tutorials, visit cottonquill.com.
Photography by Jean Allsopp
Supply List: Cotton & Quill Topiary Form Charger, plate, or container to use as a base Persimmons (Fuyu or Hachiya; approximately 27) Clear spray sealant Boxwood or cedar for filler Fresh flowers Water picks
Step 1: Clean the persimmons, and spray with sealant.
Step 2: Let the clear coat dry, rotate the fruit, and repeat.
Step 3: Add fruit to the nails on the topiary form. Tip: Start from the top and work down, rotating the topiary as you go to keep fruit balanced.
Step 4: Fill in gaps with boxwood or cedar.
Step 5: Fill water picks and insert flowers into the picks. Insert the picks at an angle into the greenery.
Step 6: Enjoy your new centerpiece.
Pro Tips:
Keep it fresh: Replace fruit and blooms as needed. Topiaries tend to last longer when used in a cool, dry place. If a piece of fruit softens or begins to mildew, replace it immediately to keep it from spreading. Use plenty of greenery: Snip from your own backyard. Boxwood, cedar, shrubbery, and magnolia all make a beautiful impact. Add an extra flourish. Weave in a cranberry garland for added color. Work with a lazy Susan. A rotating lazy Susan makes filling the topiary form easier.
In addition to her fabric and clothing line, Mary Catherine has topiary and wreath forms available through cottonquill.com. Topiary forms are $108, and wreath forms are $160. She also offers custom, finished creations. Cottonquill.com
It doesn’t take much to stir Buffy Hargett Miller’s imagination. A color in nature or a pretty roll of ribbon is enough to ignite a creative musing that allows her to transform everything from a ballroom to a dining room table or empty wall into a captivating canvas.
Buffy Hargett Miller stands by two of her creations in her dining room—an abstract painting and a floral arrangement. “I like to keep the room colors light and sunny to showcase the bold colors I use on the table,” Buffy says. For this floral display, she started with a low ceramic bowl filled with chicken wire to hold stems of ranunculus, local dahlias, chocolate Queen Ann’s Lace, scabies, dogwood branches, and persimmons. Photography by Jean Allsopp
“All of my creative projects use the same elements, whether it’s a painting, a mosaic, a flower arrangement, or a vignette. For me, good composition is all about an asymmetrical balance of color, texture, movement, and depth, as well as a little unexpected twist.”
–Buffy Hargett Miller
Put a flower stem, green plant, branch, or paintbrush in Buffy Hargett Miller’s hands and something extraordinary is bound to happen. The floral designer, artist, magazine stylist, and creative director for Buffy Hargett Flowers is a magician when it comes to creating everything from over-the-top romantic weddings, beautiful magazine covers, abstract pieces of artwork, or seemingly simple vignettes in her own home.
In the fall, Buffy adorns the front entry of her townhouse with a wreath from Vine & Branch and a variety of pumpkins.
Full of energy, Buffy orchestrates up to 25 weddings and events a year, both in Birmingham and at destination locales, working with a team of helpers to bring her visions to life. She also styles magazines (find her work in Veranda, Southern Living, and Country Living, just to name a few). If that isn’t enough, Buffy has recently picked up her paintbrushes again and sells directly to interior designers.
So where does all this inspiration come from? “I grew up around the flower ladies of Birmingham,” Buffy says. “My mother, Betty Drennen, had a flower business and worked alongside some of the city’s early master floral designers.” Buffy also honed her eye during her 28-year tenure as a stylist at Southern Living magazine, opening her floral business on the side. She credits her sister, Phyllis Lyons, and her two nieces, Allie Nielson (a forever flower designer) and Kacy Carroll (an interior designer), for their continued influences. “We are a family of creatives,” Buffy says. “We love to collaborate on projects.”
Buffy admits to being busy with her design career year-round, something more doable thanks to the townhouse where she and husband David Miller downsized. A smaller home means less maintenance and a simpler day-to-day lifestyle.
LEFT: The guest room doubles as Buffy’s dressing room, where her signature scarves, hats, and shopping bags make a fashionable and artistic display. RIGHT: The galley kitchen is a study in contrasts. White cabinetry and shiny black floors are met with a gallery wall of framed ink drawings.
In the main living areas, Buffy set a serene, uncomplicated palette of neutrals and black accents, adding color through art and flowers. Clean-lined upholstery cozies up to the fireplace in the living room with views accessible through French doors to her patio and stone garden wall outside. The dining room, adjacent breakfast area, and kitchen focus on function while edging towards modern. Her personal artwork makes a graphic statement throughout, whether it’s a single abstract painting or a grid of pen-and-ink drawings.
The downstairs presents a different story. Yes, it’s still organized, but only in the way a creative can do it. In the garage and studio, Buffy has stacked her shelves with containers grouped by size, as well as rolls of ribbon sorted by color. There are also her paints, along with a worktable, for nurturing creativity in her grandchildren. “I’m always doing something and trying something new, so this home is perfect for us,” Buffy says. “Downsizing made more time for family, travel, and creative endeavors.”
Inside & Out
In the living room, shelves hold a collected mix of ceramic, wood, paper-mache, and metal containers. “I love combining textures, sizes, and shapes,” Buffy says. On the coffee table, she arranged a vignette using a pewter tray, candles, and vases. “These are my go-to vases at home because they only hold one stem, but when filled, they add instant beauty and life to a room,” says Buffy. The low vessel with the dried pods is a design by her niece, Allie Nielson with Vine & Branch.
A branch with fall foliage creates a simple but impactful focal point in the breakfast area.
West Elm pillows and a blue coverlet add graphic appeal and color to an upstairs bedroom. Favorite books and blue abstracts by Buffy repeat the vibrant hues.
A ranunculus bloom shows the simple beauty of using a single stem.
The living room opens to a back patio with a stunner of a living wall of greenery. “I like to entertain in the fall or spring because we can open the French doors onto the patio to double the size of our house,” Buffy says. Outside, she has created a rockwall garden filled with autumn ferns, grasses, succulents, and begonias propagated from her mother’s garden. “Using dark purples against the greens give it contrast and movement,” Buffy says. “I add in annuals such as coleus, Mexican sage, and yellow lantana for more color.” A path connects Buffy’s home to her sister’s townhouse next door. Topiaries are from Shoppe.
Buffy’s uses her eye for composition to create a beachy look in the entry. An oversized glass vase holds bleached manzanita branches. The mosaics, created by Buffy, use dyed, handmade papers in shades of blue.
A home should be designed to withstand the test of time—structurally and aesthetically. So when architect Chris Reebals embarks on a new project, he thinks beyond the move-in date. “I contemplate how the design will mature over time and how the architectural elements will weather,” he says. Here are a few materials with a track record of aging gracefully.
Copper. When exposed to the elements, the orangey metal oxidizes and develops an aqua green patina widely known as ‘verdigris.’ The rich finish is not only striking, it naturally strengthens the metal against corrosion.
Natural stone. Over time, a velvety moss can develop on porous stone to produce an enchanting, fairy tale effect. The hint of color also helps highlight the green shades in the landscape.
Unlacquered brass. Without its protective coating, the shiny yellow metal can dull and form a brown patina that is often desirable to those seeking a lived-in look. Unlacquered brass is also lower maintenance than its coated counterpart. It doesn’t require the amount of polishing, and fingerprints are welcome.
“Messy” mortar brick. A “messy” mortar helps new brick mimic the splotchy look of brick and stone on centuries-old European castles.
Reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood has major eco-friendly benefits, but its knots, scrapes, and nail holes are also character-building. They give it a special, storied quality that can be traced to its origin—often a deconstructed barn, ship, or building.
Annie & David Colquitt have poured their love of hospitality into fully renovating and updating Cataloochee Ranch, a resort adjacent to The Swag, in nearby Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Set to reopen at the end of 2023, the property offers guests the same level of service and dining they’ve experienced at The Swag in an equally relaxed and approachable atmosphere. While The Swag often attracts couples (like the Colquitts themselves, who honeymooned there in 2011), Cataloochee Ranch aims to be a destination for multi-generational get-togethers, corporate retreats, and group events. Horseback trail rides, hiking, music events, and plenty of outdoor entertaining space come standard. Future development plans include a spa, pool, pickleball courts, a ropes course, and a zipline. Ranch guests will also enjoy the option of booking spa appointments and dining reservations at The Swag, further enhancing their stay. theswag.com
A lot goes into creating a timeless lake home that can be enjoyed for generations to come. Home designer Adam Gerndt shares his expertise.
Let it Flow “A top consideration when designing a lake house is the flow of spaces, especially when considering the indoor/outdoor living,” says Adam. “You have to consider how the house will be used and how people will move through it.” Questions he considers: Is there a bathroom convenient to lakeside so people don’t have to go far into the home if they are wet? What is the relationship between the kitchen and outdoor cooking area?
Food for Thought Put care and planning into the design when it comes to extra refrigeration and large pantries. Most lake homes are not conveniently located near grocery stores, so make sure there’s plenty of space to stock up on food, drinks, ice, and other items.
Space Plan The plan for a lake home can be counterintuitive to how someone may design an everyday home. “At the lake, it’s best to keep bedrooms and bedroom closets small,” Adam says. “People don’t spend much time in the bedroom and rarely actually use the closet space. We are designing more built-in storage with a place for luggage versus true closets now.”
The Real Deal Rustic finishes not only honor the landscape but also create a sense of place. Adam’s favorites include western red cedar, brown sandstone, solid beams, stone, and cedar shingles. “Authenticity adds to the experience,” he says. “Yes, there is added cost, but there is also added value. I rarely see a client regret doing things the right way or using legitimate materials when the project is complete.”
Natural Appeal For a timeless look that will never go out of style, bring natural elements inside when possible. Finishes like pine paneling for the walls, a limestone surround for the fireplace, and marble countertops not only speak to the environment, they also are durable and will patina beautifully with age.
Smart Siting Windows bring in light and lake views, but it’s important to consider how much direct sunlight will be coming into the space and at what time of day. “We love natural light, but if people have to wear sunglasses inside, that may be an issue,” Adam says. “Being thoughtful with roof overhangs can add to the design of the home and keep the light levels at an optimum level inside.”
Mary Clayton Jones cannot recall a time when her mother’s signature hot mustard was NOT on the table. “It was a staple in our house growing up,” she says. “Trueheart (‘True’ for short) was always making it while we were spooning it into gifting jars for friends and family.” Mary Clayton inherited her mother’s passion for entertaining and feeding people, channeling her personal creative spirit into a career in prop styling and photography.
Inspired by a lifetime of enjoyment, True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard is an homage to the woman who inspired Mary Clayton’s culinary creativity. “Even at 89, my mom is very involved in this business. She recently told me she wants to work on fulfillment, but I think we’ll let her stick with ‘quality control,’” Mary Clayton jokes.
The original recipe may hold her mother’s DNA, but there is a whole lot of Mary Clayton in each jar. Years of working with chefs and restaurateurs helped her perfect the recipe for large-scale production without compromising on the familiar flavor. At home, Mary Clayton and her husband Paul like the mustard with a bigger kick, so there is an extra-hot version is in development—one she promises will be “True-approved.”
Readers can find True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard at Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook, The General in Forest Park, Catherine’s Market at Lake Martin, Chelsea Antique Market, and Alabama Goods in Homewood, as well as online at TruesGourmet.com.
“I like things to feel special, even everyday things. That’s how this mustard seems: a little sweet, a little tangy, with some nice heat in the finish.”
—Mary Clayton Jones
True’s Gourmet Ham and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders
24 Hawaiian Rolls ½ cup True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese ½ cup melted unsalted butter 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1 small onion, finely diced
Preheat oven to 350°. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, separating the tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves in two 9- x 13-inch baking dishes. Spread a generous layer of True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard on the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls. To assemble the sliders, simply layer the thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese on each bottom half. Place the top halves of the buns back on to complete the sliders. In a small bowl, combine True’s Gourmet Hot Mustard, the melted butter, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, and finely diced onion. Mix well, and then evenly drizzle the mixture over the assembled sliders. Cover the baking dishes with aluminum foil, and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sliders are golden and the cheese is melted. Carefully, remove the sliders and let cool for a minute or two. Then enjoy!
