Subscribe

Magazine • E-newsletter • Digital

Follow

Event Preview: Antiques at the Gardens 2025

By
BHG Staff
-
Guest mingling at Antiques at the Gardens 3

Antiques at the Gardens 2025

October 2 – 5, 2025

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to celebrate the 19th Antiques at the Gardens this fall. Presented by 1919 Investment Counsel and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC and featuring design sponsor Schumacher, Birmingham’s premier antiques show will once again welcome a prestigious lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers, interior designers, landscape architects, floral artists, and experts on gracious entertaining. 

The show will also include 25 celebrated dealers from across the U.S. and across the pond, offering exquisitely curated antique furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home décor, and garden accessories from both new and returning dealers. 

Tickets are on sale now. For tickets, show schedule, speaker bios, and dealer information, visit bbgardens.org/antiques. Follow show announcements and reveals on Facebook and Instagram.

Special Weekend Events

Stop the Show with Rudy Saunders

Friday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m., book signing to follow – Sponsored by Paige Albright Orientals
Join famed Design Director of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., Rudy Saunders for a special tour of the dealer booths as he shares recommendations and pieces of interest during this intimate walk-through. Based in New York City, Rudy is involved with all aspects of the firm, including designing colorful, bright, and fun residential interiors for discerning private clients across the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, he oversees the design direction of hospitality projects, such as The Greenbrier in West Virginia and Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. 

Stitch with Rudy Saunders: Needlepoint with Friends

Saturday, October 4, at 9 a.m. – Sponsored by Sarah Holbrook Slaughter
Rudy Saunders, a prolific needlepointer, returns on Saturday for a morning of fun and stitching for needlepointers of all skill levels. Participants receive kits outfitted with all the necessities needed to stitch an original R! by Rudy design as he shares his wit and expertise. Rudy launched his exclusive needlepoint collection, R! by Rudy, with Lycette Designs in 2020, featuring designs both creative and clever. He has taught needlepoint classes and is a co-founder of the Young Needlepointers of New York City.

2025 Antiques at the Gardens Speakers

Antiques at the Gardens welcomes these nationally and internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, landscape architects and furniture designers to the 18th annual show.

An additional ticket is required for each lecture. Limited seating. Free parking. Book signings hosted by Leaf & Petal at the Gardens

Show Ambassador

RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM
Alabama born and Manhattan based, Keith has been a force in the interior design world for more than 30 years. His keen eye and ebullient talent serve him well in assembling his signature rooms—those that speak to the past in a fresh way and are brimming with luscious color, pattern, and couture detailing. Perhaps no one summed up his aesthetics better than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who once proclaimed him to have “a sorcerer’s eye.”

Friday, October 3

Red Diamond Lecture Series

Sponsored by Red Diamond Coffee & Tea 

Designing with the Stars

Martyn Lawrence Bullard in conversation with Steele Marcoux, Editor-in-Chief, Veranda
11 a.m., book signing to follow

MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD
Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a multi-award-winning, Los Angeles-based interior designer and television personality renowned for his broad range of styles and eclectic yet sophisticated and inviting interiors. A-list celebrity clients include RuPaul, Kylie Jenner, Cher, Kourtney Kardashian, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ellen Pompeo, to name a few. His third book, Star Style, showcases his own globally-inspired properties, as well as his rooms for an array of glitterati from the worlds of music, fashion, stage, and screen. 

STEELE MARCOUX
Steele Thomas Marcoux is the editor-in-chief of VERANDA, where she oversees brand strategy and content across all platforms and writes about architecture, design, travel, jewelry, and gardening.

An English Village

Ben Pentreath
2 p.m., book signing to follow

BEN PENTREATH
Named one of the “best country house architects in Britain” and often described as the “go-to” designer to the British royal family, Ben Pentreath is an award-winning architectural designer and decorator whose work embodies the highest principles of traditional and classical architecture, as well as urbanism in contemporary society. Ben is also co-founder, with Bridie Hall, of Pentreath & Hall, one of London’s most distinctive interiors and decoration shops. He is the author of English Decoration, English Houses, and An English Vision, newly released from Rizzoli. He is a regular contributor to the Financial Times and runs the Pentreath & Hall blog.

Saturday, October 4

Glorious Gardens

Thomas O’Brien and Katie Ridder with Dara Caponigro, Editor-in-Chief, Frederic
Sponsored by Cobbs Allen and PURE Insurance 
11 a.m., book signings to follow

THOMAS O’BRIEN
Thomas O’Brien is an interior and home furnishings designer based in New York City. He is founder and president of Aero Studios and owns home design stores Aero Ltd. and Copper Beech. His style extends to his Thomas O’Brien home furnishings, with furniture, lighting, tableware and giftware, carpets, and plumbing fittings made for both fine and daily living. Thomas has created lighting for Visual Comfort & Co. He is the author of three design books: the best-selling American Modern, AERO: Beginning to Now, and Library House. 

KATIE RIDDER
With clients from Switzerland to Kentucky, Katie Ridder, lead principal at Katie Ridder Inc., has been commissioned to design the interiors of spaces as varied as Japanese pavilions, Palm Beach estates, Park Avenue apartments, and downtown lofts. Katie is the author of three books: Rooms; A House in the Country, co-authored with her husband, architect Peter Pennoyer; and More Rooms.

DARA CAPONIGRO
Dara Caponigro is the creative director of Schumacher and editor-in-chief of FREDERIC magazine. Previously, she was editor of VERANDA, style director and a founding editor of Domino, and design director of ELLE Decor. She is the co-author of The New York Times bestseller Domino: The Book of Decorating and author of Decorate Like a Decorator and FREDERIC: The Last Word in Chic, both published by Monacelli. Her homes have been published in House Beautiful, ELLE Decor, VERANDA, Domino, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and FREDERIC. Her latest book is Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers.

Hospitality: Then and Now

Rebecca Gardner, Elaine Griffin and Jane Scott Hodges with Margot Shaw, Editor-in-Chief, Flower
Sponsored by Flower
2 p.m., book signings to follow

REBECCA GARDNER
Rebecca Gardner is the founder and creative director of Houses & Parties, an events, interiors, and retail collective based in Savannah and New York City. Named a top event designer by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, she has been published in Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, Town & Country, and more. Her first book is A Screaming Blast.

ELAINE GRIFFIN
Interior designer and tastemaker Elaine Griffin is a former contributing editor for Better Homes & Gardens. She designed for Oprah’s O at Home, was a special projects editor at ELLE Decor, and is a contributing editor at FLOWER magazine. Her design firm operates from Coastal Georgia and New York City. She authored Design Rules: The Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator.

JANE SCOTT HODGES
Jane Scott Hodges, founder and CEO of Leontine Linens, is known for her influence on couture linens for everyday use and establishing their relevance in contemporary life and entertaining. She is the author of Linens: For Every Room & Occasion. Her linens have been featured in House Beautiful, ELLE Decor, Traditional Home, Frederic, FLOWER, and Town & Country, among others.

MARGOT SHAW
Margot Shaw is the founder and editor-in-chief of FLOWER magazine, which inspires, educates, and entertains readers with a point of view that stems from seeing the world through a botanical lens. The magazine includes features on homes, gardens, entertaining, and lifestyle. Margot is author of Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers.

Sip and Clip: A Lesson in Floral Design

Jimmie Henslee
Sponsored by Heather Chadduck Textiles 
3:30 p.m.

JIMMIE HENSLEE
Gardener, floral designer, and collector Jimmie Henslee is a Ralph Lauren design alumni with extensive world travels. His brilliant displays of unexpected combinations of color, texture, and balance have appeared in VERANDA, FREDERIC, FLOWER, House Beautiful, and LUXE Interiors + Design. 

Sunday, October 5

Defining Elegance

Marshall Watson
Sponsored by Christopher Collection and LUXE Interiors + Design
11 a.m., book signing to follow 

MARSHALL WATSON 
New York-based Marshall Watson creates designs that have appeared on the covers of Architectural Digest, VERANDA, Traditional Home, and Hamptons Cottages & Gardens. His interiors have appeared in House Beautiful, LUXE Interiors + Design, The New York Times, Interior Design, and others. Marshall is the author of The Art of Elegance and Defining Elegance. 

Creating a Livable Home Inside and Out

Ray Booth, Jon Carloftis, Brooke and Steve Giannetti with Hadley Keller, Director of Editorial, Design Leadership Network 
Sponsored by River Brook Design & Construction, Visual Comfort & Co., and Southern Home magazine
2 p.m., book signings to follow

RAY BOOTH
Ray Booth is a principal partner at McAlpine. An Alabama native and alumnus of Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Ray nurtured his love of home in the South. He has collections for Hickory Chair and Visual Comfort & Co. An AD 100 Designer, Ray has designs that have graced the covers and pages of Architectural Digest, VERANDA, House Beautiful, Hamptons Cottage & Gardens, and more. He is the author of the Evocative Interiors and The Expressive Home. 

JON CARLOFTIS
Garden designer Jon Carloftis prides himself on his Kentucky roots and sincerely believes that the Bluegrass State is home to some of the world’s most enchanting and inspired gardens. He returned to Kentucky after creating rooftop gardens in New York City for over two decades. Jon’s work has been featured in many publications including Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Country Gardens, Country Home, Garden Design, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and more. He is the author of First a Garden, Beyond the Windowsill, Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky, and Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens. 

BROOKE AND STEVE GIANNETTI
Architect Steve Giannetti and wife Brooke, an interior designer, are known for their love of patina to create a sense of history and authenticity. Brooke’s design blog, “Velvet & Linen,” showcases Steve’s drawings and the architecture and interiors of homes they designed, including their own Patina Farm in California. They have relocated to Patina Meadow in the Nashville area. The couple also opened a shop, Patina Home and Garden, in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. The Giannettis have authored Patina Style, Patina Farm, Patina Living, Patina Homes, and recently, Patina Homes & Gardens.

HADLEY KELLER 
Hadley Keller is a longtime design writer and editor currently serving as director of editorial and community engagement at the Design Leadership Network, a community of top interior designers. Previously, she held positions at House Beautiful and Architectural Digest and was the founding editor of AD PRO. She is the author of Beachside: Windsor Architecture and Design. 

Antiques at the Gardens 2025 Dealers

Amy Heinrich Home • Antique Cupboard • Beth Poindexter Luxe • Black Sheep Antiques  • Blackwell Botanicals • Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs • Dawn Nakamura Interiors • Edwin C. Skinner • Galerie Brut • Gray Antiques • Gum Tree Farm Designs • Hedgerow Antiques • Justin Westbrook Antiques • Kevin L. Perry, Inc. • Marta Gualda • McDonough Fine Art • The Pigeonniere • Piggy Kitchen • Recreo Jewelry • Relic Interiors • Right Proper • Roger D. Winter, Ltd. • Romi Gold • Thomas M. Fortner Antiques  • Whitehall Antiques

- Sponsors -

Past Meets Present in a Timeless Abingdon Renovation

By
Alice Welsh Doyle
-
Exterior view of large stucco home in Abingdon
Photos by Jean Allsopp // Styling by Kathleen Varner

“We wanted to bring our home into the here and now—to make it feel more current but also respectful of the past with a curated blend of the old and new,” says Mary Wyatt Crenshaw when talking about the design hopes for she and husband Jay’s 1992 French-style Abingdon home. Mary and Jay were merging their families, bringing everyone together in a house that already held a lot of memories, so it was imperative that the design honor those treasured moments while getting an update for their next chapter. 

To help with this vision, Mary enlisted interior designer Farris Ann Crace, who was quick to align with the couple’s goals, appreciate what was already there, and offer a path to move them forward. The custom, French-inspired home had compelling curb appeal and a good floor plan, but the interiors had not been updated in 20 years. “We didn’t need more space. We just wanted to rework what we had,” says Mary. “We especially wanted the kitchen to embrace the backyard and pool and to be more functional.”

The designer replaced the foyer’s green granite floors with classic tumbled black-and-white marble—a timeless choice that felt original to the French-style home. The tableau includes a Lee Industries bench through Circa Interiors, a David Iatesta table, and Urban Electric sconces. Painting by Wellon Bridgers.
The home’s original kitchen was updated with steel windows and doors from Bessemer Glass that welcome the verdant backyard and pool views. A seating island instead of a traditional table makes better use of the space. Revised finishes, including marble and granite from Triton Stone Group, a new color palette, and contemporary overhead light fixtures, give the kitchen modern appeal. 

Since updating the kitchen was top priority—and the biggest renovation endeavor—the Crenshaws called the home’s original architect, George Israel with Israel & Associates, and invited him back for a second take, with Farris Ann weighing in on flow and finishes. The original design included an L-shaped island with all the appliances grouped together.

“It was hard to maneuver around without everyone feeling crowded and bumping into each other, especially when we were at capacity,” says Mary of the now-combined family of seven (plus extended family and friends). The solution was two stylish islands—one for prep and one for dining and other activities like homework and art projects. To make the connection to the back of the home, the architect and designer replaced the kitchen’s existing windows with a series of large steel ones and French doors. 

To celebrate the new indoor/outdoor reveal, Mary decided to depart from the more expected white kitchen. The solution? Farrow & Ball’s “Studio Green” for the cabinet color and trim to impart a more sophisticated, chic vibe. “The reimagined kitchen also called out for some refined but slightly edgy additions, so we used more contemporary light fixtures and brass hardware,” says Farris Ann. “And the chairs are polished but still highly functional because we upholstered them in performance velvet.”

The adjoining dining room took color cues from the kitchen and showcased Farris Ann’s prowess in balancing the masculine and feminine elements throughout the downstairs. The original, ornate crystal chandelier was kept while updates included Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper with rivet detailing, plush green velvet dining room chairs, and a custom Michael Morrow buffet. 

The dining room’s original chandelier remained while more streamlined pieces were added in, such as the Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wall covering with rivet detailing and a buffet crafted by Michael Morris of MDM Design Studio. A Holland MacRae round table expands to seat 12 for the large, blended family. 


“I we found balance in the design—the interiors are refined but approachable and classic with notes of modernity.” — Farris Ann Crace, designer

For the family room, the layout was top of mind. “It’s not that large, so my main request was to be able to sit as many people as possible to watch football and to celebrate Christmas while also being cozy enough when it’s just the four of us hanging out,” says Mary. To accomplish that goal, Farris Ann created two areas—one for large gatherings and the other more intimate. 

The family room needed to contract or expand depending on the number at home, so Farris Ann created two separate seating areas with multiple options to perch. In this one, she included a custom neutral O. Henry House sectional, club chairs in shades of blue, and a plaid Elizabeth Eakins rug. A collection of framed garden landscape prints provides additional pattern.
Opposite the sectional, Farris Ann situated a sofa upholstered in a Zak & Fox green velvet met with a pair of easy-to-rearrange coffee tables. A painting by Jennifer Gibbs from Design Supply unites the room’s blue and green hues.

Everything is pulled together color-wise with a subtle plaid rug, window panels in a Holland & Sherry floral motif fabric, and a large oil painting by Jennifer Gibbs. “Farris Ann really understood how we wanted our house to live in this stage of our life and beyond,” says Mary. “It’s refined but comfortable for every day—and it has that desired timeless quality for making memories.”

Jay’s children are grown but Mary’s two are still at home, so making them feel comfortable in an already-established house was important. To bring the kids into the fold, Mary and Farris Ann included them on the design for their bedrooms and baths. Blue was the unifying color in this one, while pink was first choice opposite.

Resources

Interior design: Farris Ann Crace, Farris Ann Interiors; Architect: George Israel, Israel & Associates; Builder: Brooke Russell, Russell Building; Landscape design: Gary Mitchell Select artwork: Design Supply

- Sponsors -

Travel Guide: Fall in Love with South Walton, FL

By
Cathy Still McGowin
-
The beach in South Walton
Photos courtesy of South Walton Tourism

The natural attractions in South Walton County showcase a diverse ecosystem. Stretching along a 26-mile shoreline with inland reaches towards lakes and pine forests, the landscape is filled with rolling sand dunes, 15 coastal dune lakes, endless Gulf views, and state parks with wooded trails waiting to be explored. 

The 16 neighborhoods and the architecture of each are equally distinct—from the white Bermudan homes in Alys Beach to the coastal-colored houses in Watercolor to the European colonial style of Rosemary Beach. Book your fall getaway and explore everything the area has to offer. For starters, check out our recommendations of what to see, where to stay, and where to dine.

Where to Stay in South Walton

South Walton offers everything from boutique hotels to rental houses and cottages to larger resort-style properties. We’re partial to Camp Creek Inn’s hotel accommodations with access to the Watersound community’s Beach Club. On site, you’ll find club amenities including golf, pools, and a variety of fine and casual dining restaurants. For a more intimate feel, book a room at The Pearl at Rosemary Beach. You can’t beat the centrally located, walk-and-bike friendly neighborhood; the rooftop pool and bar; or the Hemingway-inspired Havana Beach Bar & Grill. 

What to See in South Walton

Aside from long walks on the beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and biking (go farther and see more with an electric bike) are among favored outdoor activities. No need to reserve ahead of time; you’ll find plenty of outfitters along 30A. For evening entertainment, do plan ahead for a beach bonfire with 30A Blaze Beach Bonfires. They can accommodate parties large and small with any à la carte add-on you may need, including s’mores and live music. All you have to do is show up before the sun goes down. 

Where to Eat in South Walton

Start your morning with a cup of coffee and a homemade pastry from Amavida in Rosemary Beach. For lunch, drop by Cowgirl Kitchen to dine in or grab-and-go. For dinner, don’t miss the sunset from the beachfront deck at Bud & Alley’s. The establishment (founded in 1986) continues to serve classic Gulf offerings with Southern flair and locally sourced ingredients.  

Check the Calendar

From farmer’s markets to wine tastings to live music and theater, entertainment is plentiful in South Walton. There’s certainly more than enough to do, so check out visitsouthwalton.com to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

- Sponsors -

Form and Function Shine in a Liberty Park Kitchen Renovation

By
Paige Townley
-
The homeowners wanted a classic white kitchen, so Leigh selected two complementary shades—Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak for the cabinets and Cloud Cover for the walls—to add subtle warmth and depth while keeping the space bright and timeless. Symmetry was key to the design—carefully crafted arches flank the range, echoing the balanced layout of the twin islands. Photos by Laurey Glenn

The laundry list of challenges in Blake and Rachel Thomas’s Liberty Park kitchen was long—no windows, tight quarters, minimal prep room, and a layout that made cooking with company nearly possible—but it was nothing River Brook Design & Construction couldn’t handle. With a little imagination and a few out-of-the-box ideas, Leigh Misso and the team turned the once-cramped space into a light-filled, family-friendly kitchen that checks every box—and then some.

To solve the square footage issue, Leigh relocated the kitchen into a light-filled, seldom-used living room with generous proportions and beautiful backyard views, giving the family ample space and a front-row seat to the backyard pool. The larger footprint also allowed her to incorporate two islands, a large range, a scullery, and a hidden walk-in pantry.

A 48-inch Wolf range anchors the kitchen, while a custom, monolithic-style hood conceals the vent in a sleek, architectural frame. Leigh chose a slab of Danby marble to draw the eye upward, letting the materials—and the thoughtful details—take center stage.

The next priority was bringing a sense of cohesion and balance to the kitchen. To achieve that, Leigh focused on symmetry—framing the range with arched openings on either side, centering a pair of matching islands in the middle of the room, and flanking the kitchen with mirrored sink vignettes that give the entire space a polished, intentional feel.

“Besides being beautiful, the kitchen is now incredibly functional,” says Rachel. “We have plenty of room to cook together and all of the counter space and storage we need. We love how the kitchen is filled with natural light and offers the best views of our backyard—it has easily become our favorite room in the house.”


LEFT An apron-front sink carved from Danby marble ties seamlessly into the countertops and backsplash. Leigh created visual interest through material and detail, extending the marble to form a ledge for display. The painting is by Birmingham-born artist Joe Turner. CENTER What appears to be just another cabinet door in the scullery quietly conceals a walk-in pantry. The push-to-open design keeps the facade clean and uninterrupted, preserving the room’s refined, furniture-like feel while offering everyday practicality just steps away. RIGHT The home’s original kitchen provided space for both the scullery and expanded laundry room. Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue adds a bold, unexpected pop. 

Making an Impact

River Brook Design & Construction’s Leigh Misso unites form and function with timeless style and smart solutions. Here are her top kitchen must-haves. 

  • Cabinet design. Thoughtfully planned custom or semi-custom cabinetry—with features like spice pull-outs, appliance garages, and hidden pantries—boost function.
  • Stone selection. Surfaces make a statement. Choosing impactful materials—like a marble slab backsplash—can elevate the entire aesthetic.
  • Layered lighting. A well-balanced mix of recessed lighting, table lamps, and standout fixtures adds warmth, depth, and functionality.
  • Integrated appliances. Panel-ready and built-in appliances contribute to a clean, cohesive look while offering high performance.
  • The right flow. A smart layout, including a well-placed work triangle and smooth circulation paths, makes the kitchen intuitive and easy to use.

Resources

Design and construction: River Brook Design & Construction; Appliances: AllSouth Appliance; Marble: Surface One Hardware: Brandino Brass; Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes 

- Sponsors -

Before & After: A Historic Kitchen Remade for Modern Living

By
Paige Townley
-
Photos by Jean Allsopp

Jamey and Susan Davies’ 1920s Mountain Brook home is full of charm, but the kitchen’s cramped corners, awkward flow, and lack of hosting space were no match for their family-centered lifestyle. With a love of entertaining and a need for a space that could keep up—yet a desire to preserve the soul of the historic home—the couple turned to architect Paul Bates and designer Sumner Starling to strike the right balance.

Paul began by tweaking the kitchen’s layout, crafting a new floor plan that brought better function and flow to the existing footprint without requiring an expansion. He created a niche in the wall for the Wolf range, making it appear recessed and seamlessly integrated. The refrigerator was relocated to the butler’s pantry, freeing up wall space for windows that breathe new light into the room and connect the kitchen to the outdoor patio.


LEFT A walnut table by MDM Designs anchors a custom banquette upholstered in wipeable faux leather by Mark Jordan. RIGHT To connect the interior with the backyard, the original window above the sink was replaced with a trio of larger ones, more than doubling the natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor feel.

To preserve the integrity of the century-old home, Sumner chose every design detail with intention. She opted for Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White on both the walls and cabinetry to create a cohesive backdrop. Against that soft, neutral canvas, antique oak brings warmth and character to both the custom cabinet and island. A beam of reclaimed wood subtly defines the custom banquette’s dining nook, offering a sense of place without interrupting the kitchen’s natural flow. Olympian Danby marble countertops and backsplash add a layer of elegance, while unlacquered brass fixtures lend a timeless, lived-in feel. 

“The result is a beautiful kitchen that flows effortlessly and functions seamlessly for everyday living,” says Sumner. 

Before
After

Resources

Architect: Paul Bates Architects Builder: Nikolaus Mimikakis, Mimikakis Construction Designer: Starling Interiors: Sumner Starling & Anne Hurley Cabinets: Jeff Clemons, Alabama Woodworks Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes Hardware: Brandino Brass

- Sponsors -

A Timeless Kitchen Renovation for a Historic Hollywood Tudor

By
Cathy Still McGowin
-
Relocating the sink in the island allows whoever is in the kitchen to feel more connected to the rest of the house. The blue La Cornue range, set off by an arch, became a focal point in the kitchen. While the tongue-and-groove ceiling with wood beams is not original to the house, it’s perfectly suited to the style. // Photos by Jean Allsopp, Styling by Morgan Stephenson

When it comes to retrofitting a kitchen in a historic home, it’s critical to let the architecture lead.

Before

“The whole team really wanted to maintain the integrity of the house,” says designer Jessica Prier with Birmingham Design House. “If a client doesn’t prioritize quality and craftsmanship, the charm and character that we all love in a historic home can easily get lost in the value engineering.” Fortunately, owners Kate and Donnie Smith and their team’s mindset aligned.

To maintain these goals, it was essential to commit to high-end finishes and appointments. Kate leaned into authenticity and high-quality selections, choosing a La Cornue range, unlacquered brass hardware and fixtures, and leaded-glass windows in the scullery that replicate originals in the house.

“Of course there are always budget compromises,” Jessica says. “For example, Kate and I loved Calacatta gold marble for the kitchen, but the Imperial Danby marble was less costly.” Similarly, they opted for alder for the island in lieu of walnut. “The expensive items that we did choose were intended to make a larger impact in the overall design,” Jessica says.

LEFT Eliminating an existing pantry allowed for a wall that houses refrigerator appliances, drawers, and display cabinets. RIGHT A blue La Cornue range adds a pop of fun color to the otherwise neutral palette.
Architectural Cooperative designed a bump-out in the original house to create a scullery and convenient side entrance that runs along the back of the range wall.

Resources

Architect and space planning: Architectural Cooperative; Interiors and finishes: Jessica Prier, Birmingham Design House; Builder: Alan Simpson, Highland Construction & Preservation; Cabinets: Millstone Cabinets, collaboration with Architectural Cooperative; Rugs: Hazel House Collective; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Tile, countertops, backsplash: Surface One; Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes

- Sponsors -

Fresh-Cut Blooms: 5 Unique Flowers to Grow at Home

By
Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
-
Gladiolus

There is nothing quite as satisfying as gathering bouquets of fresh-cut flowers from your own garden. Growing flowers at home ensures you will have the freshest blooms for your arrangements. And you’ll get the chance to experiment with plants and seeds to cultivate varieties that you may not be able to find at the florist. You can also avoid pesticides and preservatives that often come with mass-produced flowers.

Here are a few prolific plants that will transform any floral design, with flowers that bloom from spring through fall. 

Gladiolus

The elegant gladiolus, also known as a sword lily, produces tall spikes of ruffled flowers opening from the bottom of the stem, ideal for adding spectacular vertical interest to a bouquet. These plants can grow as high as 5 feet. Gladioli grow from corms, a bulb-like base of the plant’s stem, and will come back year after year. They also are a perfect choice if you want to attract hummingbirds.

Celosia

Celosia

Cock’s comb (celosia) produces a gorgeous variety of bright red, pink, or gold flowers throughout the summer and into the fall. The feathery architecture of the flower, resembling a rooster’s comb, is a striking visual feature both in the garden and in floral arrangements—whether fresh or dried. It can also be used as a source for natural dyes. Cock’s comb thrives in full sunlight and moist, well-draining soil. Be sure to deadhead the flowers so the plant will produce more blooms all season long. 

Ageratum

Ageratum

Floss flower (ageratum) produces a proliferation of purple pom-poms and can grow up to 30 inches. It adds texture and color in fresh bouquets. The plants reseed themselves freely, but deadheading the flowers before they go to seed will help control the spread. Floss flower grows well in full sun and can tolerate dry conditions. 

Anemone

Windflower (Anemone) 

With delicate, showy blooms that come in all colors of the rainbow, anemones make exhilarating additions to a flower garden. Related to buttercups, they are one of the easiest flowers to maintain and do well in full sun. Plus, they can last over a week in a vase.

Allium

Allium

Onions may not immediately come to mind when planning a flower garden, but they’re not just for eating. Ornamental onions (alliums) produce blue and purple flowers that add whimsy to bouquets. The plants come in a variety of heights, colors, and bloom times, so you can enjoy different types. They’re also pollinator magnets and resistant to deer and rabbits.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens • bbgardens.org

- Sponsors -

Inside a Homewood New Build with Storybook Charm

By
Lacey Howard
-
Tracery Stone provided the most noteworthy exterior features—random-pattern, split-face Indiana limestone and a custom limestone trim around the front door and porte cochere. // Photos by Jean Allsopp

It’s a tale as old as time: A young family was outgrowing their home on a small Homewood lot but didn’t want to give up their beloved neighborhood. Enter Twin Construction, a princely character, who had worked with the family on their first home. In what felt like a moment of fate, the family reached out to Twin just as the company acquired a unicorn of a lot a few streets from the their home. “Property like this in Homewood is uncommon—a larger than usual parcel neighbored by a pocket park with a charming split-rail fence and meandering walking path,” says plan designer Crystal Tucker. “There was a nostalgic essence about it. We wanted to create a residence that would harmonize with that.”

Crystal, along with interior designer Danielle Robin and Twin co-owner/project manager David Siegel, embarked on what was destined to become a happily-ever-after project. “The homeowners have three boys and wanted more yard for the kids to stretch out,” says David. Plenty of green space and the inclusion of a pool fit the bill. “And because the lot flares in the back, it gave us an opportunity to build a pool house, which provides privacy from the public park next door.” The home’s exterior also includes a porte cochere—a rarity in Homewood. “That detail and the stonework are very custom. They really set the house apart from its neighbors.”

RIGHT The courtyard, formed by the screened porch (to the left), the den (behind), and the dining room (to the right), nestles into its protected space surrounded by glass. 
“The backyard is an entertaining oasis,” Crystal says of the pea gravel courtyard, pool, and green space. “We were careful to create screening from the adjacent park with the pool house and covered porch without totally diminishing those view corridors.” 
Sumptuous curves frame the den’s wall of windows with its view of the courtyard and pool beyond. “This is a focal point seen from the foyer,” Danielle says. “Crystal and I came up with this curve and repeated it a few times.” A Hazel House rug anchors the conversation area.

Danielle and Crystal collaborated on custom touches and charming details to set the interiors apart as well. One extraordinary feature is visible from the front door—a curvilinear arch that encases a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows in the den, creating a seating nook. The arch also beautifully frames a view of the pea gravel courtyard and pool beyond. “A pool is about more that just swimming,” says David. “It’s also about the calming presence of water. You can definitely sense that from here.”  

The view is also enjoyed from the kitchen, where an expansive, custom-designed island topped with a single slab of Calacatta Viola divides the space from the den. “We were instantly drawn to it,” Danielle says of the marble from Triton Stone. “It has deep purple tones in it, and I pulled that color for paint, wallpapers, and upholstery. It really created the tone for the whole house.” 

“A dramatic marble slab from Triton Stone tops the kitchen island and inspired the color scheme for the whole house,” Danielle says. The same Calacatta Viola appears as the shapely backsplash behind the range. 
LEFT Just inside the front door, a textured, concrete-look round table pairs with a rug from LillieKat and an art piece from the homeowners’ collection. RIGHT “The plum-colored dining room is a stunner—unexpected and dramatic!” says plan designer Crystal Tucker. Designer Danielle Robin coated the walls, trim, and ceiling in the same Farrow & Ball hue inspired by the kitchen’s marble. The homeowners’ existing furnishings, including orange velvet-covered host chairs, gather with the family’s goldendoodle Lola beneath a chandelier from Perigold.
The den’s stone fireplace echoes the exterior materials. Arched niches flank the fireplace and echo the shape of the great room’s doorways. Commissioned pieces from artist Wellon Bridgers hang in the grasscloth-papered spaces “for another layer of texture and detail,” days Danielle. A Billy Brown rug brings a sense of coziness to the expansive space.

While the marble may be the monarch of the home’s color palette, it’s the storybook details that are the architectural royalty. Arches abound, giving shape to almost every doorway on the main level and to the built-ins that flank the den’s fireplace. Arches also frame the library bookshelves upstairs. Stone—the same as on the exterior—dresses fireplaces, while wood beams span the great room ceiling. 

The Twin team took its time to get every detail just right—from plum-hued paint to unlacquered brass plumbing and cabinet hardware, as well as cedar-shake roofing and custom limestone trim on the front door alcove. Clearly, the results reveal a charming, real-life fairytale, indeed. 

At the top of the stairs, the library is a dramatic departure from the surrounding spaces. “We sampled a bunch of blues before we painted everything in this Benjamin Moore color,” Danielle says. 
LEFT The vanity’s custom cabinetry features tilt-out hampers that masquerade as reeded drawers, along with unlacquered brass hardware. RIGHT Patterned pillows add a pop of color to the otherwise tranquil primary bedroom.
Floor-to-ceiling windows usher in abundant natural light in the primary bedroom.

Twin Construction • twincompanies.com

- Sponsors -

Cooking up a Feast with Chef Lindsey Noto King

By
Christiana Roussel
-
Lindsey Noto King chops peppers in a commercial kitchen
Chef Lindsey Noto King at Feast Catering and Culinary Kitchen // Photos by Mary Fehr

It’s no secret that we eat well here in the Magic City.

We like our fancy sit-down spots, our hole-in-the-wall joints, the mom-and-pop restaurants, and everything in between. We’re spoiled by James Beard Award-winning lunches, dinners, and cocktail programs that rival any big-city scene. While we’re experts at dining out, there’s still a growing hunger to re-create that magic in our own kitchens.

Enter chef Lindsey Noto King of Feast Catering and Culinary Kitchen. As a Food Network regular (Guy’s Grocery Games, Ciao House), former Sysco corporate chef, and cofounder of Croux (an app connecting hospitality workers with on-demand opportunities), Lindsey is a culinary powerhouse. Her latest venture? Cooking classes that empower home chefs to expand and elevate their skills.

At Feast’s Crestline Corners location, Lindsey teaches small, hands-on workshops on everything from pickling and preserving to preparing fresh seafood. “It’s the pasta-making classes that are the biggest hit,” she says. In sessions offered Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, participants learn to turn simple ingredients—flour and eggs—into delicate fettuccine, orecchiette, or lasagna sheets. Each session includes perfectly paired sauces and wine, making it as much about savoring as it is about learning.

Lindsey Noto King helps clients make homemade pasta

The intimate classes attract everyone from date-night couples and mother-daughter duos to friends seeking a fun, wine-filled outing. “It’s not just about food,” Lindsey shares. “It’s about connection—both to the skills learned and to each other.” Additional space is available for larger groups—think corporate team-building and birthday celebrations.

For Birmingham’s food lovers, Feast is a delicious way to bring the city’s rich culinary culture into their own homes—one handmade dish at a time.

Feast • 81 Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. 205-563-4513

Feast Egg Dough Pasta Recipe

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

3 cups 00 flour (Lindsey prefers Caputo or Bob’s Red Mill)
2 to 3 large eggs
2 to 3 egg yolks (pasture-raised eggs tend to have  the deepest orange yolks for a richer color and flavor)

Step 1) Place flour in a mound on a clean work surface. Using the bottom of a bowl, create a small well in the center of the flour. Pour the eggs and egg yolks into the center of the well. Use a fork to slowly whisk in the eggs until the yolks and whites have completely come together. Begin incorporating small amounts of flour at a time using the fork, whisking quickly, until you have a custard-like consistency. 

Step 2) Use a bench scraper to begin scooping up some of the flour from the edges, and flip it into the center. With a chopping motion, combine the remaining flour into the egg custard. Work your way around the flour mound, continuously chopping the flour into the eggs, until you’ve combined the majority of the flour. 

Step 3) Once you have a shaggy mound of dough, begin forming a ball using your hands. It will be crumbly at first, but the warmth from your hands will soften the dough and allow it to work into itself. Keep pressing all of the stray bits of dough until you have formed a rough ball. 

Step 4) Knead the ball of dough with the base of your hand, folding the dough over on itself, then rotating the ball of dough. Continue this process of kneading, folding over, and rotating the dough ball for at least 5 to 7 minutes. Then place the dough in a bowl and cover loosely with a towel. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes. (This allows time for the gluten to relax.)

Step 5) After resting, continue kneading for another 5 to 7 minutes; you will feel the dough become smooth and elastic. If it’s still sticky, you may add a small amount of flour to your work surface or hands. Cover the dough again, and let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature. Now you are ready to roll and shape, using a rolling pin, handheld dough roller, or stand mixer attachment.

Feast Bolognese Sauce

MAKES 4 QUARTS

2½ pounds ground beef
2½ pounds mild Italian sausage
2 cups diced yellow onions
2 cups peeled and diced carrots
2 cups diced celery
3 cups red wine
2 cups tomato paste
5 bay leaves
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (Lindsey’s grandmother’s secret ingredient!)
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 cups chicken or beef stock
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon kosher salt

Step 1) In a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat.

Step 2) Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; continue to sauté for 10 minutes or until onions are softened.

Step 3) Add red wine, and reduce until wine is almost completely evaporated, about 15 minutes. Stir as needed to keep meat from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4) Add tomato paste, bay leaves, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté 5 minutes. Add stock and milk, stirring to combine. Simmer over low heat for 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld. Season to taste with salt. Leftovers may be frozen in an airtight container. 

- Sponsors -

Beautiful Kitchens Contest 2025: Meet the Winners!

By
BHG Staff
-

For the 2025 Beautiful Kitchens Contest, we partnered with V&W Supply Company to showcase some of the best local kitchen designs in the area. Entries came in from across the city and beyond, and you—our readers—had the final vote. The following entries brought home the most votes, and it’s no surprise why. Step inside these stunning winning spaces and find some inspiration for your own kitchen.

Photos by Laurey Glenn

1st Place: Sunny Delight

Homeowner: Julie Keith
Location: Homewood, AL
Designer: Meg Wallace, Meg Wallace Design
Builder: Brad McCormack, McCormack Construction

The kitchen in this 1926 Edgewood bungalow was expanded and remodeled in 2000, but the large space wasn’t fully utilized and the design did not fit with the architecture of the home. With a fresh renovation, homeowner Julie Keith aimed to preserve the cottage’s historic charm while updating it for modern needs. 

Enter designer Meg Wallace, a close friend of the family who knew exactly how to execute Julie’s vision. The William Morris fruit wallpaper set the tone for the space, accentuated by the cheery Farrow & Ball “Straw” paint color chosen for the cabinetry. Brass fixtures, brick floors, quartz countertops and a large farmhouse sink rounded out the design.

Brad McCormack, with McCormack Construction, took the cabinetry all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage capacity and built custom sliding doors for the laundry space. Brass knobs on the new sliding doors and in the bar area coordinate with the brass of the plumbing fixtures.

The charm and character of the decor give the space a warm, lived-in feel. In the breakfast nook, the oak table was passed down from family, and an antique church pew from Lowndes County, Alabama, was cut down to fit beneath the window. Julie made and embroidered the cafe curtains above the sink and painted the small landscape hanging on the stove hood. Despite all of the fresh new finishes, the space now feels like a country kitchen that has been there for a century or more.

Resources

Countertops: Alabama Stone Works; Reclaimed Brick: Robert F. Henry Tile; Lighting: Visual Comfort, Schoolhouse; Plumbing and appliances: Ferguson; Paint: Farrow & Ball, “Straw”; Wallpaper: Morris & Co.; Rugs: Etsy; Velvet Pillow: Three Sheets; Cowhide: Tricia’s Treasures

Photos by Jack Gardner

2nd Place: Coastal Oasis

Homeowner: Stacie and Kevin Haynes
Location: Seagrove Beach, FL
Designer: Whatley-Haynes Interiors
Builder: Chase Green Built
Architect: Geoff Chick and Associates

As empty nesters with adult children and grandchildren on the way, the goal for Stacie and Kevin Haynes was to create a spacious kitchen where their growing family could comfortably gather. They envisioned a clean, bright, yet visually interesting space that would feel just right for casual dinners. 

They collaborated with their builder, architect and CDC Woodworking to design arched niches that seamlessly integrate the paneled appliances and pantry, creating a streamlined, custom look. Refrigerated drawers under the pantry offer easy access to beverages, while ample cabinetry beneath the island provides valuable storage.

Natural wood beams add warmth and patina, striking the balance between refined and relaxed. The homeowners took full advantage of the large bay window by commissioning a custom, full-length banquette from Mark Jordan, making it a cozy and inviting focal point for meals and conversation. 

The spacious waterfall island reflects the breezy, coastal feel of the kitchen while elevating even the most casual gatherings. The kitchen opens directly into the living area, where interior furnishings were thoughtfully selected to complement both spaces. This connection creates a natural flow throughout the home, tying together textures, tones and finishes for a cohesive coastal feel.

Just off the main kitchen is a butler’s pantry that houses small appliances, a coffee bar and wine fridge. This area helps keep the morning routine close at hand but neatly tucked out of sight.

Every detail was chosen with both beauty and functionality in mind—perfect for a new season of life surrounded by family.

Resources

Appliances: Ferguson; Countertops: Honed Calacatta Belgia Marble from Florida Bath; Cabinets: CDC Woodworking; Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” (Walls); Farrow & Ball “Down Pipe” (Cabinets); Lighting: Chandelier by Made Goods, Sconces are Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort; Custom Banquette: Mark Jordan; Hardwood Floors: 850 Tile

3rd Place: Classic Beauty

Homeowner: Melissa and Mark Campbell
Location: Birmingham, AL
Designer: Katie Fisher Design
Builder: John Hillhouse, RMI Construction

With a solid foundation to start with, homeowners Melissa and Mark Campbell partnered with Katie Fisher Design to give a thoughtful refresh to the kitchen of their historic English Tudor in Birmingham. During the renovation, they were able to preserve the travertine flooring, most of the original appliances and the original layout of the room.

They updated the existing cabinets with a charming coat of Farrow & Ball De Nimes Blue paint. This serene blue hue was carried into the connected dining nook, creating a cohesive flow. The adjacent laundry room coordinates with a William Morris wallpaper in the same color palette.

The addition of Rhino White marble countertops, updated lighting and new cabinet hardware gave the kitchen a beautiful update while still honoring its English heritage and classic beauty.

Resources

Paint colors: Farrow & Ball, “De Nimes Blue”; Countertops/Backsplash: Rhino White marble; Hardware/Pendant Lighting: Rejuvenation

- Sponsors -
1234...93Page 3 of 93

Thank You to Our Sponsors

© 2025 PMT Publishing