LEFT: White Dove (Benjamin Moore) RIGHT: Snowbound (Sherwin-Williams)
1 – Lighten up
Whether you need a few touchups or a whole new scheme, a coat of paint will do wonders. Get a fresh look with go-to whites such as White Dove (Benjamin Moore) or Snowbound (Sherwin-Williams). Always remember to consider undertones. Some skew warm, some cold. Take advantage of sample cans, and test them in various rooms, being mindful about light shift.
2 – Paint it all
Designer Laurie Fulkerson swathed the walls, trim, and ceiling of this dining room in Farrow & Ball De Nimes. “I love the depth it brings into the space and the undertones of just enough blue, gray, and green for a very sophisticated look,” she says.
3 – Wallpaper
From classic chinoiserie to oversize botanicals to graphic metallics, wallpaper makes a big punch. Intimidated about the thought of covering an entire room? Try using it in a small connector space such as a foyer or powder bath like this one by Doug Davis. Be sure to cue colors from adjacent spaces.
4 – Reframe and rehang artwork
Shop your home and reorganize and rehang some of your favorite pieces and finds to create a stunning salon wall. Designer Fran Keenan is a pro at creating gallery walls. Her advice? Vary scale, and use prints and artful objects of all sizes and shapes.
5 – Take it up a notch
8-foot ceilings? Raise drapery to ceiling height to elongate the view. Seeking a custom look? Edge store-bought drapes in designer trims.
6 – Introduce a rug
Antique rugs bring in flair, color, and interest. If you can’t afford that 11 X 14 you’ve been eyeing, layer a smaller one on top of a natural woven rug. Birmingham natives Liz Strong and Page Mullins’s affordable rugs come in traditional sizes but with the benefit of customization. Order extra squares to go bigger, or cut them down to suit your size. Shoprushhouse.com
7 – Restyle your bookshelves
Go ahead and take everything down— everything. It’s time to dust anyway. Reorganize by color and shape using only the things you truly enjoy looking at.
8 – Set your table
Your china is way too pretty to keep in the cabinet – especially if you own this Haviland pattern (Syracuse Green Dinnerware) from Table Matters. Make every day feel like a special occasion. We won’t tell anyone you aren’t entertaining.
9 – Upgrade lighting
Save energy and get tech savvy by changing to LED bulbs, smart light bulbs, timers, motion sensors, and dimmers on overheads and lamps. Mayer Lighting is a pro at helping you select stylish fixtures and a lighting plan to suit your style.
10 – Replace dated hardware
Oversized pulls are in. They make a bold statement, and their streamlined look helps to add a sense of spaciousness to any room. We’re partial to these handles from the new Ashley Norton collection available at Brandino Brass.
11 – Get organized
Whether it’s your closet, your garage, or a junk drawer, these essential spaces are oft used but regularly neglected. It’s time to enjoy the daily tasks. Need some tips? Call Space Cadets or Closets by Design.
12 – Reupholster
Give new life to an antique chair with a fun, funky pattern. It’s the ultimate way to bridge old and new, and it will likely become the statement piece you’ve been looking for. Here, designer Alison Smith reinvented dining chairs with two fabrics. (Top: Kravet; Seat: Brunschwig & Fils)
To hear Drew and Megan Templeton tell the story, it was pure destiny that Rosie, the Wild Honey Flower Truck, would one day be theirs.
When he came upon a flower truck parked outside the Pizitz Food Hall a few years ago, Drew stopped by to purchase blooms for his bride.
As soon as Megan learned where he’d bought the flowers, she researched the business, fell in love with the concept, and set her sights on making it her own. Fast-forward to 2020 when that dream came true as Drew and Megan purchased the 1963 Ford Econoline and flower business for themselves. The couple takes “Rosie” and her locally-sourced blooms to public and private events around town. Don’t worry—if you can’t catch Rosie, you can visit their new brick-and-mortar store (Wild Honey Flower Studio) in Avondale for flowers, gifts, and more.
Located on Chestnut Street in Vestavia Hills, our next Inspiration Home will be a beautiful addition to the tree-filled neighborhood. Adam Gerndt designed this family-friendly plan with master on main, three bedrooms and three baths upstairs, and an open-concept living space. Other features include a wet-room shower (the bath will be in the shower), two fireplaces, beamed ceilings in the den, and a two-car garage beneath a screened outdoor room. There’s also a full basement with bath that could serve as guest quarters or a media room. “The house brings authentic scale to the neighborhood,” Adam says. “It’s not overblown, but it’s not a small cottage. It’s designed to grow with the family.”
Meet the Team
BUILDER: Mitch Bradford Saunders Bradford Building Company Mitch Bradford, owner and operator of Saunders Bradford Building Company, strives to provide the best in the business for quality, organization, and customer experience. Custom construction is what he knows, and working together with talented team-oriented people is what he desires. He has been in the business for over 18 years helping customers build the homes of their dreams.
DESIGN: Adam Gerndt | Adams Gerndt Design Group Adams Gerndt Design Group has completed lake houses, farmhouses, mountain houses, hunting camps, beach houses, and primary residences. With every project, the firm strives to maximize investment, select materials and processes that will ensure longevity, and develop innovative designs. The team’s use of regional materials and vernacular forms, along with a sensitivity to the site lead to timeless designs.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Craig Smith & Fletcher Smith | Curb Appeal From landscape design/build projects to landscape management services, Fletcher Smith and his team’s business was built on repeat customers and referrals because of their commitment to excellence. Whether clients are looking for a tranquil backyard retreat, a play space for kids, or professional property maintenance, Curb Appeal can help.
INTERIOR DESIGN LIAISON: Britney Bradford | Neylan Design Britney Bradford is the owner of the interior design firm Neylan Design. Helping her clients curate an environment that meets their needs, reflects their lifestyle, and inspires them daily is her greatest passion.
Outdoor entertaining is a warm-weather pleasure. It’s even better when you have an inviting space that seems to naturally cultivate fun. When Melissa and Randy Goggans renovated their Vestavia Hills home, they imagined an outdoor living area that would serve their love for entertaining while also providing a respite for them. “We are a total outdoors family,” Melissa says. “We don’t spend much time indoors, especially if the weather is nice.”
“People love tobe outside, but youhave to make itattractive enough tokeep them there.”
Peter Falkner
BEFORE: The backyard offered an ample lawn, but a retaining wall too close to the house cramped the patio area. AFTER: Pushing the retaining wall back into the yard allowed 15 feet for a new patio. Instead of being purely utilitarian, the wall was transformed into a design element.
The couple engaged good friend Peter Falkner of Falkner Gardens to realize their vision. They tackled the house and front yard first, gaining some much-needed curb appeal. Then they transformed the backyard into the oasis they desired.
The first step was to reconfigure the space by moving some dirt—something Peter did by pushing an existing concrete block retaining wall further into the yard. This reallocation divided the yard into two distinct spaces that provided ample room for a lawn and a new patio.
The retaining wall is an improvement on the former cinder block material. The new wall, clad in moss stone, features curves topped with a trim hedge of winter gem boxwood and Korean boxwood globes. Bluestone pavers step up to the lawn, an area that the family’s yellow lab, Honey, particularly enjoys. “The patio needed to be big enough for entertaining, but we didn’t want just a large expanse of concrete or stone,” says Peter. To add interest and soften the bluestone pavers, he created an expanse of stone and Zeon Zoysia. Seating areas are poised for relaxing here and there, and the space allows plenty of room for a dining table.
Adding to the ambiance, a fountain from Elegant Earth nestles into a corner, its copper scupper directing water into a massive oil jar. Rosemary creates an evergreen element with a heavenly aroma and seasonal diminutive purple flowers.
“We love to entertain and to have people stop by,” Melissa says. “It’s fun to now be able to call friends at the last minute on a Friday when the weather is nice. We have everything we need to sit outside, cook out, and entertain.”
Creating an Outdoor Haven
MATERIALS MATTER Peter Falkner says if you’re putting in a wall to define an area of your yard, pay special attention to materials. Natural stone softens a space.
GO GREEN It’s important to include evergreen elements. Blooming plants, such as hydrangeas, lose their leaves in the winter, but plants like boxwoods and hollies are attractive year-round.
DRESS IT UP Utilizing pots allows you to easily change out seasonal flowers and keep a garden fresh—even if you don’t have much going on in winter. “It gives a breath of life,” says Peter.
GRILL MASTER Incorporate an attractive grilling area into the landscaping rather than hiding it away. “It’s my pet peeve for someone to be on the grill and exiled from the party,” Peter says. “You can make the space attractive so that it flows well.”
BEFORE: Privet growing too close to the driveway often scratched cars. The side entrance was uninviting and hidden by an overgrown maple. AFTER: Removing the tree allowed room to show off the Dutch door. Sweetbay magnolias replaced privet for a trim border. “They have small trunks but provide cover, and they have beautiful small blooms,” Melissa Goggans says.
Stick to a Scheme
Peter included large pots so that Melissa can change flowers seasonally. “I love greens and whites with punches of purple or pink,” Melissa says. Her favorite mixes include salvias, Scaveola, Angelonia, caladiums, variegated ivy, Pentas, Cuban oregano, and lamb’s ear. Border gardens feature limelight hydrangeas and French hydrangeas. For privacy, she added Nelly Stevens hollies and Sweetbay magnolias. In her raised beds, Melissa is more expressive with palettes and enjoys planting multicolor dahlias and zinnias.
Anyone who has ever stepped inside Hiltz-Lauber knows that the lofty retail space feels more like a visit to a good friend’s home than a showroom. Yes, it’s beautifully appointed—even more so with a recent renovation—but mostly it’s due to the warm welcome from Joe and Nick Lauber, brothers and co-owners. The duo purchased the 1905 building 30 years ago, quickly turning it into a magnet for designers and retail shoppers alike thanks to their curated wares of fine carpets, lighting, furniture, and antiques. To celebrate their company’s anniversary, the Laubers enlisted the help of husband-and-wife architects Mark and Christy Pledger to make their interiors even more indicative of the homes they love to help appoint.
“We wantedto stay true tothe originalcharacter andintegrity of thebuilding whilemaking it morebeautiful andaccessible.”
Joe Lauber
Implementing classic design profiles, the Pledgers sought to recall a Southern-mercantile-meets-London-library feel. A paneled entry hall with black-and-white antique marble floor and English lanterns sets the sophisticated tone. The foyer segues to a design studio on one side, while a new arched opening over the front stairs invites guests to the second floor. Transoms run throughout, bringing in more natural light for viewing samples and swatches. Vignettes offer inspired designs through an old/new mix of antiques, furnishings, carpets, and lighting. The store also gained a new garden area reminiscent of a Charleston courtyard. “We wanted to make this space beautiful and inviting for our customers,” Joe says.
In the Showroom
Downstairs, well-organized aisles display hanging and stacked carpet samples. “We’re always here to help, but this makes it easier for anyone who wants to take their time and shop by themselves,” Joe says. Carpet lines include Stark, Stanton, Prestige Mills, and the complete line from Knot & Co. Upstairs, Hiltz- Lauber expanded the Visual Comfort showroom and brought in more antiques and upholstery. Additional square footage made space for rugs and remnants from Rugko, Hiltz-Lauber’s warehouse that is also open to the public.
Resources: hiltzlauber.com / 2838 18th St. South, Homewood, AL 35209 / IG: @hiltzlauber Rugko: 3328 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35222 / IG: @Rugko Flooring: 205.879.3455 Furnishings & Lighting: 205.879.0039 See Hiltz Lauber’s past showroom.
Mary Catherine Folmar has been drawing for as long as she can remember. She credits much of her artistic sensibilities to her creative mother. While she majored in industrial design at Auburn, Mary Catherine always had a penchant for the world of interiors and fashion. After working in Atlanta and then at her husband’s company in Birmingham, she launched Cotton & Quill 10 years ago.
“At first we were just offering finished products like pillows and hand towels, but then people starting asking for cut yardage,” Mary Catherine says. “That’s what we’ve become known for the most.” (Cotton & Quill also added wallpaper in 2014.)
Mary Catherine’s Southern roots, along with her extensive travels including study abroad in Taiwan, inform her designs. Her experience in Asia resulted in a love of chinoiserie that is reflected in several patterns, such as one of her first ones—the popular foo dog Shi Shi design—as well as the bamboo print Bambusa. She takes tradition and pokes holes in it, which is evident in the bold, often-unusual color combinations and a sense of whimsy in many of her patterns.
Mary Catherine’s unique style is certainly getting noticed—a collaboration with Hive porcelain started in 2019, and one with Jaye’s Studio on pajamas, trays, ginger jars, lamps, and cachepots debuted in March this year. She also has a collection of placemats and coasters with Holly Stewart Home.
On the horizon are additional partnerships, including one for archival prints with Urban Garden Prints. While the development into a lifestyle brand keeps her busy, Mary Catherine also enjoys time on the family farm in South Alabama, where she and her husband relax and recharge. “But after the last couple of years, I wouldn’t mind a trip to Italy,” she says. “Maybe Spain and France for some inspiration as well.”
“I really lean towards classical motifsinterpreted in fresh ways throughscale and color.”
Mary Catherine Fomar
Influences & After Hours
Most Memorable Meal: A picnic of sandwiches my husband Tyler and I made and enjoyed while sitting on the ruins of Pompeii while honeymooning on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Wellbeing Touchstones: Coffee, red lipstick, perfume (I love Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle or Valentino Donna Born in Roma Eau De Parfum), books, and flowers.
Go-to Outfit: Distressed casual jeans, a loose-fitting shirt, Birdies sandals or slides, diamond earring studs, watch, and an Ex Voto simple brass cuff.
Inspired by: Michelle Nussbaumer, James Farmer, Mario Buatta, and the late Gloria Vanderbilt
Meaningful Aha Moment: Changing from pre-med to studying industrial design at Auburn University my sophomore year. Without that change, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and Cotton & Quill would not be here either!
Happy Places: At our farm or the beach with the hubs and our pets, Butters and Mr. Kitty
Favorite Food Indulgence: Blackberry cobbler
Favorite Things About Birmingham: The culinary scene, history, Sloss Furnace, Oak Mountain, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Three Favorite Movies: Twister, Home Alone, and Christmas Vacation
UP NEXT: Heather has been appointed designer-in-residence at Colonial Williamsburg where she will decorate the circa-1695 Nelson-Galt House. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she says. “I’m so excited to delve into the archives of this historic place I’ve visited since childhood and return to my roots in rural Virginia. And the fact that it’s my house for the next two years, and my husband David and I can live there when we want, makes it all the more meaningful.”
Heather Chadduck Hillegas spent many years as a stylist and magazine editor before putting out her design shingle and dipping into fabrics. In the 1990s in Dallas, she created dreamy retreats for luxury bedding manufacturers such as Peacock Alley, Yves Delorme, and Neiman Marcus. She moved to Birmingham in 2004 after accepting the style editor position at the nascent Cottage Living magazine. She then spent time at Coastal Living and Southern Living. Readers enthusiastically reacted to her editorial work, and soon Heather was inundated with requests for her talents. As a result, she opened her own interiors firm in 2008.
Heather first came to fabrics when she found a lack in the market for elegant hand-blocked prints on linen, but it wasn’t exactly a stretch for the designer. “I had studied screen-printing in studio work at college, so I had the knowledge to develop the pattern and look I wanted.”
Her initial desire involved a specific botanical print. She debuted Lillieberrie in 2014, which continues to be a go-to for designers. Instead of always launching new patterns, Heather likes to play with her existing ones by introducing unexpected colorways, like shrimp, paprika, apricot, melon, and chocolate. She also varies the scale. “I am very intentional about adding a new print,” she says. “I want our textiles to speak to each other and keep the focus on what we do best—classics reinvented.” All textiles are printed on luxurious imported Belgian linen and produced in U.S. mills.
In 2021, Heather also created a limited edition collection of towels with Weezie, showcasing her Grand Fronde.
“Every yard is hand-screened with artisan tech- niques that date back to 1937. I am so drawn to the result—there’s beauty in the imperfections just like in theantiques I so frequently use in my work.”
Heather Chadduck
Influences & After Hours
Ideal Saturday: Sleeping in, then a visit to the farmers market followed by a hike with my husband and dog on one of the beautiful hiking trails around Birmingham. My current favorite is Turkey Creek Preserve.
Happy Places: At Round Hill in Jamaica or on an installation. It’s all about the yin & yang of relaxation and work, I guess.
Well Being Touchstones: Green juice from Whole Foods; a kaftan; comfortable wedge shoe; an empty SUV; and a deep tissue massage
Type A or B: For a creative person, I am incredibly goal oriented. Other than that I am pretty laid-back, so I would have to say I am a hybrid.
Most Memorable Meal: This one is difficult, but having dinner on a small island in Maine at the summer home of Sister Parish is at the top. Three generations—Apple, Susan, and Eliza—made a wonderful Thai dinner, and my boyfriend (now husband) was in attendance as well. The home is decorated as Sister left it— colorful, timeless, and inspiring.
Inspired by: Suzanne Rheinstein, Amelia Handegan, Charlotte Moss, and the late Nancy Lancaster
Go-to Outfit: A kaftan—I have a bedroom-turned- into-a-closet dedicated entirely to them.
Relaxation: I love to cook, but true relaxation is staring into a fire at the end of the day.
TRIED AND TRUE: While Jane introduces new collections each year, some patterns have entered the iconic category, including Quentin (a faux bois linen stripe) and Chestnuts & Lilacs (a subdued botanical chintz).
When reflecting on her years in the fabric business, Jane says she is content with where the line is today. “It took us years to develop the relationships that we have in the fabric world,” she says. “I am proud of what we’ve built, and I’m not interested in straying from our distinct point of view that our clients expect from us. They didn’t leave us during the neutral decorating trends of seasons past, and we want to keep them happily in the fold.”
As an interior designer in Memphis, Tennessee, Jane Shelton frequently met with fabric reps to see their collections— and she couldn’t help but offer her opinions. “I’ve always been outspoken, and I gave out unsolicited comments about how patterns could be changed or what was missing,” she says with a laugh. Eventually, Samarkand took those asides seriously and asked Jane to help on an upcoming line. “We traveled to fabric shows in Paris, London, and Frankfurt,” says the designer. “It was a wonderful introduction to and education in how the fabric world worked.”
Soon after, Jane Shelton Fabrics debuted at Travis & Co. in Atlanta where the line is still represented, now expanding to seven more design trade showrooms in the U.S. as well as one in London.
While the company was originally based in Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi, for 35 years, it was Jane’s son Tom who took the reins in 2016 and moved the operations to Birmingham. “Tom owns the business, but I still serve as a consultant,” she says.
Jane considers herself an editor, not an artist. “I take existing fabric documents that I source from everywhere and I rescale them, recolor them, or add to or eliminate from them,” she says. “There’s a lot of trial and error before we eventually settle on the final fabric.” All the fabrics are screen-printed and hand-blocked, although the company has dipped its toes into the digital world as of late with mixed results.
When putting together a collection, Jane also includes related wovens and trims to accompany the prints. This allows designers to have a one-stop shopping experience.
Jane’s fabrics are firmly rooted in tradition but with subtle and sometimes more pronounced variations from the expected. This makes them fresh while keeping that timelessness that is so important to her devotees.
Influences & After Hours
An Ideal Saturday: Reading the The New York Times in bed with my coffee, vising local plants shops, and dinner with friends
Dream Dinner Guests: Deborah Mitford, Bunny Mellon, and Vita Sackville West
Favorite Restaurants in Birmingham: Chez Fonfon, Hot & Hot, Gianmarco’s, Gilchhrist, and Gus’s with my grandchild.
Inspired By: John Fowler, Sister Parish, David Hicks, Tom Scheerer, Mark Sikes, and the late Nancy Lancaster
Go-to Outfit: White blouse, black pants, and a scarf for color plus some gold bracelets and earrings—a layered look with chunky and delicate styles.
Favorite Places To Stay: The Lombardy in New York—a lot of people don’t know about it, but it used to be an apartment building; Villa d’este in Lake Como; Villa Saint Louis in Lourmarin, France
Favorite Movies: From the sublime to the ridiculous – Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Rebecca (the Joan Fontaine version), My Cousin Vinny; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Why I Love Birmingham: I love the villages of Mountain Book and not having to drive my car all the time. I enjoy the distinctive character of the neighborhoods. It has a small town feel with the amenities of a city—botanical gardens, fine dining, symphony, museums, and the like.
And I always have fun cooking Italian at home. The best part is that it only takes a handful of ingredients to feed a lot of people and not break the bank. Start by following a few basic techniques to master all these recipes in no time. You may even find yourself giving them your own accent.
The Melon River Caprese Salad has the wow factor and is light and refreshing. Both the Tomato-Basil Risotto and the Cacio e Pepe make wonderful side dishes for steak or grilled chicken. And the Chicken-Artichoke Pesto Pizza serves as the perfect main- course dish for summer dinners. I even opted for a good-quality, store-bought pizza crust to make the recipe even easier—and it was delicious! Plus, we have so many wonderful pizza places in town, so I think it’s best to leave the homemade crusts to them.
Melon River Caprese Salad
SERVES 14
14 cantaloupe balls 14 watermelon balls 14 honeydew balls 1 English cucumber, sliced into 1⁄4-inch slices 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes 1 (8-ounce) package Pearls mini-mozzarella balls or snacking-size mozzarella balls Fresh basil and mint leaves Extra-virgin olive oil Good-quality balsamic vinegar Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Decorative skewers
On a large white platter, arrange melon balls, cucumber, and tomatoes. Place mozzarella, basil and mint leaves, dipping sauces, and salt and pepper in small bowls. Serve with decorative skewers for each person to make his or her own.
Tomato-Basil Risotto
SERVES 8
2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup Arborio rice 1⁄2 cup chopped yellow onion 3 garlic cloves, chopped 5 vine-ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped 20 basil leaves, cut into thin strips 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Garnishes: shaved Parmesan cheese andsprigs of basil
Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce and simmer.
Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add rice, onion, and garlic. Sauté, stirring constantly, 5 minutes. The rice will begin to look clear. Reduce heat to medium.
Add 1⁄2 cup warm chicken broth to Dutch oven; cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is absorbed (about 5 minutes). Stir in tomatoes. Continue stirring constantly. Repeat procedure with remaining broth, 1⁄2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until all liquid is absorbed, adding fresh basil midway through.
Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately, or let stand for 5 to 10 minutes covered. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh basil sprigs.
Cacio e Pepe
SERVES 4
12 ounces dry spaghetti Kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper(preferably from a pepper mill) 1⁄2 cup grated Pecorino-Romanocheese, plus more for serving 2 tablespoons good-quality extra-virginolive oil, plus more for serving
In a pan just wide enough to hold the pasta, add water to fill pan up to 1 inch. Season water with a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Spread the pasta in the pan, and cook over medium- high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Allow the pasta water to reduce; do not add more, as you want the starchy water to be minimal when the remaining ingredients are added. (If the pasta becomes al dente before most of the water has evaporated, simply remove the extra with a ladle.) Note: All pasta brands cook slightly differently.
Meanwhile, add the ground black pepper to a separate small pan over medium heat. Toast it a minute or two until fragrant.
Once the pasta is al dente and the pasta water has reduced so only a slight coating remains at the bottom of the pan, turn off the heat and add the toasted ground black pepper and the Pecorino-Romano. Stir and toss quickly and vigorously (to avoid any clumping) until both ingredients are well incorporated in the pasta. Add the 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with salt. Serve immediately.
Serve with more black pepper, Pecorino- Romano, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Chicken-Artichoke Pesto Pizza
MAKES 2 (10-INCH) PIZZAS
2 thin-crust pizza crusts Leslie’s Pesto Pronto (see recipe below) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest 1⁄2 pound chicken tenders, seasoned,baked, and cut into bite-size pieces 1 (12-ounce) jar artichoke quarters 1⁄2 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, butencouraged!) Olive oil for drizzling
Preheat oven to 425°.
Assemble pizza in this order: crust, pesto, mozzarella, lemon zest, chicken, artichokes, onion, and jalapeños. Do not overtop. (I know it is tempting because you might have a few extra ingredients, but don’t do it.) Lightly drizzle with olive oil.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly and crust is golden brown and crisp. Turn oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately, or cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh basil sprigs.
Leslie’s Pesto Pronto
MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP
2 cups fresh basil leaves, gently packed 1 to 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped 1 (2-ounce) jar pine nuts, toasted 1⁄2 cup freshly grated ParmesanReggiano 1⁄4 cup olive oil, or more if needed 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a mini food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add extra olive oil if needed for desired consistency. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Perfecting Italian at home:
1) Buy high-quality ingredientsincluding olive oil. 2) Use fresh herbs and fresh garlic. 3) Serve with Italian wine. (I love agood Chianti.) 4) Serve with delicious, freshbreads. 5) Let everyone help in the kitchen. 6) Serve family style.
Photography by Jean Allsopp – Styling by Kathleen Varner
When architects Richard and Lynielle Long met with clients looking to build a house for the empty nest chapter of their lives, their mandate was simple. “They wanted a cozy home with charming details that could accommodate both family hangouts and social gatherings,” Richard says. They also had a special request. “They asked that we incorporate ‘grandkid magnets’—hence the swimming pool and the bunk beds in the playroom.” The pool, with sight lines from the den, porch, and outdoor kitchen, is the nexus of the home. “The master suite and garage wings embrace the pool area, helping provide a sense of privacy,” says Richard. Landscape architect Paul Lell created a green swath between the wings anchoring it in place.
The entryway greets visitors with warmth before opening into the bright living areas. The architects added detail to the ceiling to distinguish the living room from adjacent spaces. Bookshelves display of favored accents.
Inside the house, the floors, paneling, and some ceilings are white oak with varying stains to customize each space. The architects sought to distinguish the open kitchen from the family room with different ceiling treatments—waxed oak over the kitchen and painted trim over the family room.
For her part, designer Katherine Melvin, along with associate Sellers Gully, met with the couple to create a narrative for the new house. “We spent time at their previous home, talking about what they liked about it and what the new house could offer while still carrying the thread of their family’s journey,” she says. “We usually start our projects by putting together an overall scheme using fabrics, tile, paint, and flooring samples. We throw it all on the table and then start to break it down into rooms until the character of the house becomes clear.”
Left: The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together seamlessly thanks to the neutral palette. Furnishings and architectural details create distinction. Walls are painted Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. Middle: The architects designed the cabinetry and millwork for the cozy study. Katherine chose Cadet Gray by Pratt & Lambert for the cabinetry and a wash for the ceiling.
For this brand new house, all new upholstery was in order. With the help of Circa Interiors & Antiques, the owners chose classic silhouettes, all skirted for a casual attitude. Katherine helped her clients select fabrics in pale shades and then added a variety of textures. In the living room, sofas wear a performance fabric for durability. Pillows are velvet, and the ottoman is covered in leather. Steel blue lumbar pillows add a touch of dimension.
We used a mix of washed finishes on the paneling. White oak is such a lovely wood that we didn’t want to hide the grain with too much stain.
DESIGNER KATHERINE MELVIN
“The home was built so that the couple could live and entertain all on the same floor while still having space for children and grandchildren to stay,” Katherine says. The upstairs bunk room, clad in all white, received pops of color from pillows and artwork, giving the youngest guests a room tailored just for them.
Layers of textiles soften the master bedroom, from the heavy blackout curtains to the sumptuous wool rug underfoot. A feathered African headdress over the bed offers a burst of texture
The master suite is all indulgence, with layers of softness contributing to a cocooned effect. To create interest in the monochromatic palette, Katherine used textures like the velvet headboard, embroidered pillows, a wool rug, and an African headdress hanging over the bed. A pale blue check on the bench and chair pillows adds a dose of pattern. In the spacious bathroom, marble tile floors and wainscoting lend an old-world vibe.
With so many spaces for both privacy and entertaining, the owners have found the perfect balance—a place to call their forever home.
n the powder room, Katherine created a jewel box effect with a pretty wallpaper by Sanderson, a pair of whimsical sconces by Circa Lighting, and durable quartzite countertops. Built-in bunk beds in the playroom give the youngest guests a space of their own. Pops of red energize the space.
I love fabrics and textiles. I’m very drawn to color, pattern, and texture. That’s always the launching point for any project.
DESIGNER KATHERINE MELVIN
The back of the house encloses the pool area, with a covered porch flanked by the master bedroom (left) and the garage (right). Pavers set into the grass lend softness to the scene. Multiple, steeply-pitched gabled roofs; tall, vertically-proportioned shuttered windows; and the arched entryway are among the home’s English influences. Indiana limestone frames the custom white oak door front.
RESOURCES: Architect: Richard and Lynielle Long; Long & Long Design Inc. • longandlongdesign.com • 205.637.5777 • IG: @longandlongdesign Interiors: Katherine Melvin; Katherine B. Melvin Design • katherinebmelvin.com • 205.767.6436 • IG: @katherinebmelvin • More work by Katherine Melvin Vessel on kitchen island: The Nest Kitchen table: Holland & Co. Upholstery: Lee Industries Hardware: Brandino Brass Custom headboard, pillows, drapery, main bedroom and living room rugs: Katherine B. Melvin Design Oriental rugs: Paige Albright Lamp and table in living room: Bunny Williams Lighting: Circa Lighting Paint: Walls: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore. Cabinets: Cadet Gray, Pratt & Lambert • Exterior: Amazing Gray, Sherwin-Williams Pool: Performance Pools
Abbey Roy will be the first to tell you that she never saw herself as a farmer. She just knew she loved flowers. Today, the McCalla, Alabama, farm that has been in her husband’s family for more than a century is home to a thriving floral business.
How did you get started?
I didn’t really think that much about it. I just wanted to grow something beautiful. During the pandemic, we were able to slow down and return to our farm more often. Before I knew it, we (husband Denson and children Olivia and Keller) pulled out the old tractors to till up the ground. I filled the rows with hundreds of seeds and a few bulbs.
Who are your customers?
Wholesalers, florists, and floral designers—many here in Birmingham. By planting in bulk and selling in bulk, I can keep business development costs low while we build out the farm. We do offer floral-design workshops where we share growing information and create bouquets for guests to take home.
Favorite flower?
The peony has an heirloom elegance and layers of ruffled petals that just make my heart swoon. Many people think that we can’t grow them in Alabama because of our climate, but I am determined to find all of the best varieties that can flourish here so that we can all have fresh Alabama-grown peonies in our homes in April and May every year. To date, I have planted over 1,000 peonies and hope to add another 1,000 this season.
Best advice?
Good garden shears and a floral frog are must-haves! Floral frogs let you create arrangements with stability while still showing the natural movement of the flower stem.
“I plant whatI love becauseflower farmingis veryhard work.”
At any given time, Allison and Kirk Creel’s Shelby County farm might have 30 to 40 varieties of flowers growing. In addition to supplying florists and event designers with blooms, they sell directly to customers through farm pickup and home delivery.
How it all began:
A strong connection with the land is at the heart of Blue Rooster Farms, a place where my (Kirk) grandfather grew boxwoods and other ornamental plants. While I grew up tagging along on deliveries to places like Plant Odyssey and Hanna’s garden shop, Allison took a bit longer to fall in love with horticulture, only associating time in the yard with the dreaded task of pulling weeds as a kid.
Why flowers?
There is nothing else that so easily or so simply brings joy to other people. Everyone has a memory of picking a flower and bringing it to a parent, teacher, or friend. Growing local flowers also means our flowers will last longer, with most harvested less than 24 hours before delivery. And because they don’t need to be shipped in from other places, we can grow varieties that you don’t typically see in stores.
Flower power:
Flowers absolutely have individual personalities! Some are bold, sassy, and in-your-face while others are shy and have to be coaxed to bloom. Zinnias look at the summer sun and laugh at it. They thrive in the heat, and their flowers get bigger the more you harvest. Coral Fountain Amaranth has the coolest flowers that drape to look like waterfalls. And to make sure you don’t forget them, they reseed everywhere!
Flower Favorites?
Kirk: I can’t wait to see snapdragons bloom. They come from the same seeds and we grow the same variety each year. Allison: I love the anemones. They are ordered in February, arrive in October, are planted in the hoop house in November, and usually bloom in March.
May we visit?
Of course! Throughout the summer months, we offer “Flower Walk and Bouquet Build” workshops. Guests walk the fields with us and learn about the flowers we grow. Then everyone has a chance to create their own bouquet as we guide you with simple tricks and tips.
“Flowers are an effortless way to share a smile. We keep a vase at markets just for the kids who come by because they all want to touch the flowers, smell them, and usually pick them apart, onepetal at a time.”
Leah Quarles moved back to her family’s farm, bringing with it her love of horticulture, design, and growing flowers—fresh bouquets for any reason and every season.
Life on the farm:
Located in Sardis, Alabama, our farm is about halfway between Birmingham and Huntsville. It has been in our family for over 100 years. We’ve grown cotton, soybeans, and field corn, and we even raised hogs and cattle in my childhood. That is why our name “Deep Roots” means so much to us.
Getting started:
When I moved back in 2017, I started growing flowers for myself but soon had local people ask if they could buy them. I have a background in horticulture and landscape design so I figured flower farming could be a fun, successful business. When planning what I’ll plant and grow, I research trends. For a time, I grew gladiolus which fell out of favor in the flower world for a time but are starting to see a comeback.
For all seasons:
In the early spring, you’ll find daffodils, lenton roses, tulips, ranunculus, anemones, snapdragons, dianthus, foxgloves, and a few other cool season annuals growing in our fields. Then along come zinnias in the summer when it’s also time to harvest vegetables. The zinnias always remind me of my grandmother and childhood summers on the farm. Fall brings celosia, gomphrena, and sunflowers, as well as dahlias. I think dahlias are the most exquisite and beautiful flower I have ever laid eyes on. Each bloom is so different and unique, and the colors are just amazing.
Sharing joy:
In 2020, when nursing home visits were nonexistent, I posted on social media that customers could sponsor a flower delivery to local residents. It was fun to see how that brightened the spirits of both the sponsors and the residents.
Clients:
We do not have a storefront or regular hours of operation, but we do sell to wholesalers, designers, and direct to customers. We are open only by appointment, but on occasion, we set up our flower cart and offer bouquets on the weekends. (Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see when “Daisy” will be out and about.) We also do small-scale weddings, prom bouquets, and vases for special events. It’s especially fun when a client just gives me a color palette and lets me work with that.
“Customers canpick up flowersat our farm, theoriginal homeplace. There isquite a bit offamily historyin every flowergrown onthis farm.”
This 4,200 square foot custom build was designed with a European feel to fit into its historic neighborhood, with a cedar roof, copper gutters and locally-cut natural fieldstone to add to its charm. To give the interior an open feel without being TOO open, a large entry way was created to separate the kitchen, living and dining rooms. With outdoor views a priority, the kitchen was situated in front of a bank of windows. To keep the view open, a traditional vent hood was eliminated, and a Wolf vent installed that pulls air up from the cooking surface of the LaCornue French range. Keeping outdoor entertaining in mind, a butler’s pantry was created near the outdoor living space. It does double duty as a laundry room, with the washer and dryer hidden behind casework and cabinets designed to conceal full size laundry baskets. The owners’ suite continues the home’s European influence with marble slab fronts on the vanity and full marble slabs in the shower. Outdoor living spaces, including a covered patio with a large fireplace, help the owners take full advantage of their surroundings.
RUNNER-UP:
Surrey Oaks WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL $250,000-$500,000
This home, built in the late 1990s, had recently been purchased and the new owners wanted it redesigned to suit their family. The interior was fully gutted and work began on a design that marries the husband’s more modern and masculine design aesthetic with the wife’s more traditional, classic style. New trim was installed on the dining room walls to add dimension and a sense of formality, which is balanced out by the modern furnishings. All new custom cabinets were installed in the kitchen and marble was used on the countertops and backsplash. A center island was created with a waterfall edge for dramatic effect. The separate breakfast nook features banquette seating in front of a large picture window.
RUNNER-UP:
South Forrest WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL UNDER $250,000
This home was originally built as a split-level, with the main level housing a basement and garage and the living and sleeping areas on the second level. A faux balcony went across the front elevation and split the first and second levels. To give the home a more traditional Colonial feel, custom columns were installed on the front elevation, along with custom shutters, a new third story dormer, and solid wood French doors to accent the entry. The interior was fully gutted and the layout reconfigured. The living room was moved to the main level, as was the dining room. The outdated, cramped kitchen was relocated to the main level as well.
Now greatly expanded, it features custom cabinets, stainless appliances, and a large center island.
J. Fante Studio
(205) 810-6600 – jfantestudio.com
WINNER:
Hollywood Kitchen KITCHEN REMODEL $75,000-$150,000
Set in a 1930s home in a historic neighbor- hood, this kitchen required serious overhaul with the plumbing, electrical and gas systems before the transformation could really begin.
RUNNER-UP:
Sunset Bath BATH REMODEL $35,000-$70,000
Although it had a good layout, it was time to bring this dimly lit bathroom with dark finishes out of the 90s. A full demo of the existing tile, cabinets and countertops gave a clean slate for all new finishes. The design used a clean palette of white marble floor and shower tile. A flush tile inlay floor register was installed for a clean look.
RUNNER-UP:
Sunset Kitchen KITCHEN REMODEL OVER $150,000
The homeowners of this kitchen wanted to stay within the original footprint while getting rid of the dark, outdated finishes, not to mention saying goodbye to the wood columns. The double island and columns were replaced with a single oversized island with seating for five.
Precision Homecrafters
(205) 733-9583 – precisionhomecrafter.com*
WINNER:
Hollywood Addition ADDITIONS
The owner of this 1928 Tudor-style home wanted to expand the breakfast nook into the garden area and create a new dining room, covered porch, and grilling area
*This information was misprinted in the May/June issue of BH&G. This is the correct phone number and website for Precision Homecrafters.
WINNER:
Bear Trace Bath BATH REMODEL $35,000-$70,000
These homeowners were ready to exchange their poorly lit builder-grade bathroom with an awkward layout for new cabinetry and lighter finishes. The old bathroom was demo’ed and the unused jacuzzi tub was removed, enabling the shower to double in size. In place of the previous large shower threshold was built a zero-entry shower with a bench and several niches.
WINNER:
Powder Bath at the Lake BATH REMODEL UNDER $35,000
A lack of counter and storage space, meager lighting, and dark, drab paint colors made this powder bath feel small and uninviting. To create a better functioning and updated space, an adjacent coat closet was demo’ed and incorporated into the bath.
Willow Homes
(205) 206-6121 gowillowhomes.com
WINNER:
From Condemned to Custom Craftsman CUSTOM HOME UNDER $500,000
The original structure on this lot was not only an eyesore, but it was also in complete disrepair and had been condemned by the city.
RUNNER-UP:
FixingUp 59th Street CUSTOM HOME UNDER $500,000
This lot was previously occupied by a dan- gerous and dilapidated house that had been abandoned years ago. In its place was built a new 2,100 square foot home with an open living concept. The home blends traditional Craftsman design with modern-day features such as a flex space for a home office, a limitless tankless water heater, and custom built-ins in the owner’s bath.
RUNNER-UP:
Movie Theater Man Cave BASEMENT REMODEL
Several years after building their house, the homeowners were ready to expand their living space by building out their unfinished basement. There was room to add a full bathroom, additional bedroom, safe room and kitchenette while still leaving room for parking cars.
Congratulations to All the Winners of the 2022 ALABAMA REMODELING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
BEST IN SHOW
River Brook Design & Construction (LaPrado Custom Home), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL UNDER $250,000
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Hawksbury Lane), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up: River Brook Design & Construction (South Forrest), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Ray Kennamer Construction, Inc. (Manor on Martling), Marshall County Home Builders Association
WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL $250,000- $500,000
Winner:J. Manifold Construction (Waterfront Dream Home), Lee County Home Builders Association
Runner-Up:River Brook Design & Construction (Surrey Oaks), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Taylor Burton Company, Inc. (Great Location Whole House Renovation), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL OVER $500,000
Winner:R & R Construction (Shandwick Place), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:j. fante studio (Hollywood Whole House), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:J. Manifold Construction (Restored Southern Charm), Lee County Home Builders Association
KITCHEN REMODEL UNDER $75,000
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Modern Transformation), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Stockton Builders (The Open Up Job), Baldwin County Home Builders Association
Runner-Up:TLC Design/Build, LLC (The G Kitchen), Lee County Home Builders Association
KITCHEN REMODEL $75,000-$150,000
Winner:j. fante studio (Hollywood Kitchen), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Precision Homecrafters (McGee Kitchen), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Highland Design Build (Kitchen with a View), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
KITCHEN REMODEL OVER 150,000
Winner:Taylor Burton Company, Inc. (Chef’s Kiss), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:j. fante studio (Sunset Kitchen), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:j. fante studio (Forest Park Update), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
BATH REMODEL UNDER $35,000
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Powder Bath at the Lake), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Crosstek Construction LLC (Floating Shower Project), Huntsville Madison County Builders Association
Runner-Up:River Brook Design & Construction (Dolly Ridge Bathroom Remodel), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
BATH REMODEL $35,000-$70,000
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Bear Trace Bathroom), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Crosstek Construction LLC (Midtowne Bath), Huntsville Madison County Builders Association
Runner-Up:j. fante studio (Sunset Bath), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
ADDITIONS
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Hollywood Addition), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Precision Homecrafters (Hall Avenue), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders Runner-Up: Oak Alley Design Build (Family Home to Forever Home), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
EXTERIOR REMODEL
Winner:R & R Construction (Shandwick Place), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Crosstek Construction LLC (Sweet Bungalow Alabama), Huntsville Madison County Builders Association
Runner-Up:Cornerstone Construction (Cunefare Home Remodel), Cullman County Home Builders Association
OUTDOOR LIVING
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Porch with a View), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Precision Homecrafters (Backyard Retreat), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:j. fante studio (Polo Downs Screen Porch), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
INSURANCE RESTORATION
Winner:BMR Homes, Inc. Remodeling & Restoration (Blue Haven), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
SPACE RENOVATION/RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY PROJECT
Winner:Precision Homecrafters (Lake House Laundry Room), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:D.F. Hughes Construction, Inc. (Springhill Road Garage Conversion), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Highland Design Build (Game Room Bar), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Winner:Trick Construction & Remodel (Historic Duplex), Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa
Runner-Up:The Builders Group (Sam Jackson’s Emporium), Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa
COMMERCIAL RENOVATION
Winner:The Builders Group (Sam Jackson’s Emporium), Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa
Runner-Up:TLC Design/Build, LLC (The 19th Hole), Lee County Home Builders Association
Runner-Up:Crosstek Construction LLC (New Office), Huntsville Madison County Builders Association
CUSTOM HOME UNDER $500,000
Winner:Willow Homes (Condemned to Custom Craftsman), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Willow Homes (Flipping 59th Street), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Willow Homes (Fixing Up 59th Street), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
CUSTOM HOME $500,000-$1 MILLION
Winner:Valere Homes (Eggers Residence), Baldwin County Home Builders Association Runner-Up: Pythoge LLC (Beautifully Crafted Farmhouse), Lee County Home Builders Association
Runner-Up:Willow Homes (Infill on Firefighter Lane), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
CUSTOM HOME OVER $1 MILLION
Winner:River Brook Design & Construction (LaPrado Custom Home), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
BASEMENT REMODEL
Winner:J. Manifold Construction (A Tight Squeeze Reno), Lee County Home Builders Association
Runner-Up:Taylor Burton Company, Inc. (Back in Black), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Runner-Up:Willow Homes (Movie Theater Man Cave), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
To learn more about the AREA competition and to view photos of all of this year’s winning entries, visit www.RemodelAlabama.com.
