For the table
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
Flaky salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Zest of a lemon
Edible flowers
Fresh herbs of your choice
Chili flakes
Capers
Drizzle of honey
1 loaf warmed crusty French bread
Smear the softened butter on a small cutting board. Add any or all of the suggested toppings on top of the butter. Serve with warm, crusty French bread.
An ambitious renovation transforms a shell of a penthouse in Perdidio Key into a luxurious vacation home with panoramic views from the Gulf to the Bay.
With a perch on Perdido Key high above the Gulf of Mexico, this renovated condominium offers a bird’s-eye view of the wonders of nature. Sugar-white sand, sparkling emerald waters, and breathtaking sunsets are constant reminders of the joys of spending time along the beach.
Those vistas convinced an Alabama couple to purchase the condo and then informed the vision of interior designer Ashley Gallion of Ashley Ayer Interiors. “When the unit came onto the market, it had been gutted down to the structural walls and concrete floors,” Ashley says. “We were excited about the chance to start with a blank canvas.”
The interior space was sprawling. It begged for definition and a more intimate scale. “It’s a vacation home, so we wanted it to be open and casual, but the different areas still needed some distinguishing features and separation,” Ashley says. To accomplish that goal, the designer used furniture placement and focal points to create independent, yet harmonious, spaces in a sand-and-sea color palette.
In the living area, two distinct seating areas break up the expansive room. A matching pair of facing sofas and two comfy swivel chairs are flanked by Gulf views on one end and a contemporary fireplace on the other. A secondary seating area, further defined by the white-washed wood ceiling, features more swivel chairs that can turn to look out to the south and west through arched windows taking in vistas of both the ocean and Perdido Bay. Both areas enjoy easy access to the corner bar—an addition that creatively transformed an awkward curved recess into a stunning and functional focal point. “The curved wall was structural,” Ashley says. “We used it to our benefit and designed the bar and serving area.” The custom-designed cabinet is painted a subtle shade of blue. Above, glass tiles arranged in a vertical pattern conform to the curve and shimmer in the light from the clear glass pendants.
“There is no better place than Perdido Key to take long walks on the beach at sunset and pick up sea shells. It’s therapeutic for me, and it will always be one of my favorite things to do!”
—Ashley Gallion
An interior accent wall separates the formal dining area from the kitchen while creating a much-needed anchor for a sideboard. A mirror above ensures no light or reflection of the view is lost.
The tour de force of the space is the jewel box of a wine cellar. Glass walls, seamless hinged doors, and polished metal shelves allow the wine collection to be front and center within a climate-controlled space. “It’s a prefabricated kit that we assembled on site and added the complementary wood trim to hide the cooling system on the top,” says Ashley. “While the standout feature of the home will always be the drop-dead views in every direction, this is a sculptural feature that transforms the inside.”
Essential to any beach retreat is a family-friendly kitchen. A generous island designed for a casual, coastal lifestyle takes center stage. Brass hardware and light fixtures, counter-to-ceiling textured glass tiles, refined molding, and an ornate range hood add touches of sophistication. Sliding doors offer access to a rear balcony and flood the marble pedestal table in the breakfast nook with natural light.
In the master suite, a soft sky-blue color scheme instills a decidedly coastal mood. The chairs and shared ottoman have deliberate low profiles so all eyes can stay focused on the view.
“Our overarching goals were to capture the sensibilities of summer days at the beach, as well as the owners’ love of entertaining,” Ashley says. Judging from the spacious, light-filled rooms, as well as the views of the waterfront setting, the goals were more than accomplished.
Ashley Ayer Interiors
Ashley Gallion creates beautiful spaces that foster camaraderie and a sense of home, whether for a place at the beach or a full-time residence. Her firm, Ashley Ayer Interiors, is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and includes a team focused on creating personalized, beautiful spaces designed to be both functional and valuable. The firm offers comprehensive decorating from the floor up. It also includes a showroom and shop space featuring furniture, lighting, pillows, art, and more.
Formerly Ashley Gallion Interiors
Montgomery, Alabama
334.356.0599 / ashleyayerinteriors.com
IG: ashleyayerinteriors
More than two dozen specialty gardens comprise the nearly 70 acres that make up the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Explore five of our favorites.
Southern Living Garden
Designed by Southern Living magazine, this area recalls an intimate Southern home garden. Plantings are inspired by the magazine founder’s love for native plants. Surrounding the pinecone fountain are Piedmont, Florida flame, and Alabama native azaleas. Beyond the lawn, an iconic gazebo looks out to the Native Azalea Walk.
Conservatory
Built in 1962, this stately Lord & Burnham conservatory has been a symbol of the Gardens since its opening. The light-filled structure is made up of three greenhouses: the tropical house, the desert house, and the citrus house. Each showcases a collection of unique plants from across the world.
Bruno Vegetable Garden
From winter vegetables and cover crops to spring plantings for a vibrant summer harvest and on to the bounty of fall, the Bruno Vegetable Garden is a wealth of knowledge for all levels of gardeners, as well a community resource.
Kaul Wildflower Garden
Established in the early 1960s by a group of passionate wildflower advocates and Mrs. Bobbe Kaul, this garden boasts more than 200 different species of native plants and celebrates the biodiversity of Alabama, as well as the variety of roles natives can play in our gardens. Landscape architect Zenon Schreiber of New York created the garden from the rubble of a former rock quarry. The collection continues to inspire stewardship of Alabama’s native treasures.
Japanese Garden
Enter through the torii, or “gateway to heaven,” and discover seasonal delights that invite you to appreciate the elements of traditional Japanese garden design. From the bold winter structure of thoughtfully pruned shrubs and trees to the delicate spring cherry blossoms and the brilliant fall color of Japanese maples, there is always something new to experience in the Japanese Garden.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a gateway to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. Admission is free. Plan a visit, become a member, take a class, and explore the opportunites. bbgardens.org
A backyard guest house offers college-age children close-to-home comforts with just enough privacy to maintain their newfound independence.
Once kids become college age, they want—and need— a little privacy when they come home. Sure, they are happy to see mom and dad, but they have been enjoying their freedom (and frankly, mom and dad have been too). So how do you welcome your kids home while giving everyone a little space? For this homeowner, the answer was filling in the backyard pool and replacing it with a guest house. “This provides a sort of dorm-like solution for the two college-age daughters to call home,” says architect Wayne Hester. “It allows a degree of separation from the family in the main house. And the living area gives them a spot for socializing with friends in the privacy that they have become accustomed to at school.”
The lot line didn’t allow for much—only 625 square feet. But college kids are used to minuscule dorm rooms, so a small floorplan suits their needs just fine. Architecturally, Wayne wanted the guest house to complement the main house—a traditional Colonial-style home—but he also wanted it to have a personality all its own. To accomplish that goal, he repeated an “X” motif throughout, inserting it in doors, cabinets, and windows.
“When the kids were little, they all wanted to come over for the pool. Now, the guest house entices them to come home.”
—Sandra Lynn, interior designer
Designer Sandra Lynn dressed the interiors in bright, happy colors to reflect a youthful attitude. “I chose one wall color to keep the space clean and bright,” she says. “This, along with all the natural light, makes the space feel larger.” Furnishings and accessories are budget-oriented consisting of catalog finds and pieces from At Home in Homewood. Space-saving built-ins, bookshelves, and cabinets in the kitchen and bath, as well as a generously-sized walk-in closet, were critical to the plan. “The girls could even live here full time after college if needed,” says Sandra. “It’s so much nicer than a lot of first apartments.”
Architect: Wayne A. Hester, Hester & Associates, Inc.
Interior Design: Sandra Lynn, Lynn Allen Design
IG: Lynnallendesign
GEORGIA
VACATIONS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. You may be looking to fill a week, or perhaps you just want to get away for a few days. Some folks crave limit-pushing, adrenaline-rushing exits from the mundane while others simply want to lollygag near the water, be it a beach or a lake. But no matter which type of trip you choose, the goal is always to come away renewed, recalibrated, and recharged. And if you’re lucky, you’ll bring home new memories that last longer than the trip itself. These three destinations promise
to do just that.
It’s no secret that a Ritz-Carlton property anywhere is always a good idea. Renowned for their level of service and attention to detail, Ritz-Carlton hotels offer the gold standard in hospitality. Reynolds Lake Oconee is not only an easy drive from Birmingham, it also offers amenities such as a pristine lake, world-class golf, a shooting range, equestrian activities, multiple pools, and a bevy of kids’ activities. It’s truly one of the best turnkey getaways around.
Extend that vacation for a lifetime…
Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee is one of those properties guests return to again and again. Those who’ve decided they never want to leave should consider owning a home at the adjacent community, nestled into 12,000 acres of pristine lakeside property. Your new neighbors might just be tech titans, SEC championship-winning coaches, entrepreneurial leaders, and others who also crave an elevated life in the middle of lush Georgia countryside.
We love a spring visit to Reynolds when the Southern landscape reawakens as the dogwoods bloom and the azaleas begin to get showy. The property has events planned year-round, making it a fantastic spot for groups. For a couple’s weekend, book a romantic lakeview room. The Club Suite with premium access to the Club Lounge is perfect for celebrating special occasions. And if you bring the family, one of the seven on-site cottages offers room to spread out.
Complimentary bikes, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks mean lots of time outdoors for everyone. And when the temps rise and the lake calls, Jet Skis, wake boats, and a double-decker TriToon with a water slide are available to rent.
For complete relaxation, reserve a private cabana by the infinity pool. Or save time for a facial and massage at the spa.
Golfers will want to book a day (or more) at one of the five signature courses. The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee includes private instruction and custom club fittings. You can also have clubs built on-site in the TaylorMade Tour Trailer.
Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds offers guests the opportunity to hone their shooting skills on the sporting clays course or the five-stand. Air rifles, archery, and fishing are also offered.
Staying in a cottage? Consider booking a personal chef for the evening to make this vacation truly memorable.
Check the website before your visit. The property is always adding special events like bourbon tastings and concerts under a canopy of stars.
ritzcarlton.com
reynoldslakeoconee.com
IG: reynoldslakeoconee
“When I was a child, our outdoor dining area was just a simple table with a bench and chairs to fit our family and a few friends,” Daniel says. He remembers gathering with everyone after dinners in comfortable seating around a chimenea. “Outdoor living areas are defined by their features and function,” he says. “I have seen a mulch terrace join people together in the same way a terrace made of material at $100 a square foot does. It all depends on how well it is planned.”
“Growing up, the grill was located just outside the back door, close to the indoor kitchen. That way, my dad was more likely to use it after a long day at work,” says Daniel. Today, his favorite features for an outdoor kitchen include a simple gas grill, a ceramic grill (he prefers Primo), and a pizza oven.
“Lighting brings mood, protection, and focus to a garden,” Daniel says. “It guides views and highlights features and plantings, much like lighting a piece of sculpture.” He uses wash lights to illuminate pathways in a soft glow. “I also love a well-placed pendant or lantern hanging over an intimate pathway,” he adds. “For something more unique, we use inset core lighting to illuminate a home’s walls and patios.” Lighting up pools and fountains is also important. “You need to think about outdoor lighting as early as possible in the design process,” Daniel says. “You have to build it into the hardscape.”
“The putting greens we have installed make my heart melt when I think of how they’ve changed a few particular clients’ lives,” Daniel says. “They are like a magnet that brings people closer together. The greens are the perfect playground for a large family, as well as for smaller groups.” He suggests adding sports lighting to keep the putting tournaments going into the evening.
Another key gathering spot? Firepits. “They provide warmth and aesthetic beauty,” says Daniel. “And who doesn’t love the movement of a fire?” Wood-burning firepits require more involvement and attention, Daniel admits, but some people enjoy the process and the scent of real wood. Firepits with gas or a gas starter are quicker, cleaner, and easier. Think fireballs, synthetic logs, or a lava-type gravel. Daniel recommends firepits from Montana Fire Pits and Restoration Hardware.
As a second-generation Lebanese American, Daniel McCurry says he learned early on that spending time together was key to keeping his family close. Now his projects include spaces designed to help facilitate gatherings and get-togethers for others.
Father Nature Landscapes
Fathernaturelandscapes.com
IG: @fathernaturebirmingham
Set among Lake Martin’s nearly 900 miles of shoreline surrounding more than 40,000 acres of pristine water, The Heritage from Russell Lands will present roughly 240 waterfront homesites and 130 beautifully wooded interior lots spread across 1,500 acres on 12 miles of shoreline. The centerpiece of The Heritage is Wicker Point Golf Club—the only Coore & Crenshaw-designed private golf course in Alabama. The 18-hole course is projected to open fall 2023 and is defined by its pine plantations, meandering creeks, and unprecedented lakefront holes.
Beyond world-class golf, a signature amenity in The Heritage community is The Benjamin—the waterfront, resident-owned lake club. The clubhouse will include a large, indoor event space with a catering kitchen and event bar, a fully equipped fitness facility, and gorgeous lake views from covered verandas. The club grounds feature a luxurious saline pool with a grill facility, eight tennis courts, a premier tennis pro shop, and eight pickleball courts.
Last summer, Russell Lands debuted the first collection of 52 waterfront properties in The Heritage, with 47 of those properties selling in the first two weeks and only four remaining. With stunning designs from renowned lake home architects and designers, The Heritage offers distinctive plans perfect for each family. The second phase of spectacular waterfront homesites in The Heritage is scheduled to release this spring.
Owning in The Heritage offers incredible lake views, large lot sizes for privacy, and all the wonderful amenities where memories are made season after season. Don’t miss this exclusive life that will rewrite your family’s heritage for generations. Opportunities are available now.
CONTACT INFO:
Russell Lands
www.russelllands.com/neighborhoods/the-heritage/
256.215.7011
111 Benson Mill Road, Lake Martin, Alabama
[email protected]
GREENOUGH, MONTANA
Yellowstone Fever. It’s real. Symptoms include an insatiable need to be immersed in the American West, an affinity for refined-but-elegantly-rustic living spaces, and an untapped desire for adventure. While the creators of the Paramount+ series may be responsible for putting Montana into the present-day zeitgeist, the owners of The Resort at Paws Up—and now green o—in Greenough have been inviting guests to partake of this dream since opening in 2005.
This all-inclusive private property, situated on roughly 37,000 acres, is home to both resorts and offers unrivaled luxe hospitality, as well as more than 50 bucket list-level outdoor activities.
Put down your phone. Inhale. Look out the window. Marvel. Exhale, and soak it all in. Once you touch down at the airport in Missoula, a member of the resort staff will collect you and your luggage for the short 40-minute drive to the property.
Take your pick.
The Resort at Paws Up features luxury home sites, some of which accommodate up to eight guests. In warmer months, sleep under the stars in one of the covetable glamping sites adjacent to the stunning Blackfoot River where Brad Pitt filmed “A River Runs Through It.” Appointed with safari-style luxury tents, these camping sites often play host to multi-generational groups of travelers and families looking to reconnect without the distraction of the modern world. Get lost—or maybe find yourself again—in this glorious, screen-free setting.
There are multiple dining options, even more so in the warmer months. Not to be missed: the famed s’mores setup that’s totally next-level.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway, or even solo travelers seeking a mindful reset, may prefer one of 12 accommodations on the green o property, which is for adults only. Nestled into the forest, these homes are more intimate with every detail considered, including fireplaces and private hot tubs.
The property’s central Social Haus serves as the culinary hub where Chef Brandon Cunningham wows guests with his multi-course evening tasting menus. The restaurant also serves wood-fired pizzas, simple salads, and Wagyu burgers at both lunch and dinner. Want to stay in? The owners thought you might. Meals can always be delivered straight to your room.
As luxe as your abode is, Montana’s vast expanses are like a siren’s call to spend your time outdoors. The hardest part might be narrowing down your options. In cold months, take advantage of all the snow with a snowmobile trek into the backcountry where you can explore Garnet Ghost Town, an abandoned mining village which dates back to 1895. You can also go dogsledding, mountain tubing, and cross-country skiing. One activity that should top your list is MoonBiking. This property is the first of its kind to offer guests a fleet of these French-designed, electric-powered, powder-loving, adventure vehicles. Serious fun is guaranteed.
Activities in warmer months include fly-fishing that famed Blackfoot River, whitewater rafting, fat tire electric bikes, go-karts, a high-ropes course, and more.
Year-round guests can try their hand at sporting clays, archery, horseback riding, and Cow Croquet. It is nearly impossible to list every activity, especially since more are being added each season (like those MoonBikes!). Whatever you don’t get to do in this trip just means you have to come back soon.
The versatility of this menu makes it perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Serve it straight off the stove, or plate it on a formal table in your dining room.
The deviled eggs and asparagus roll-ups can serve as appetizers or accompany the salad. The cake starts with a cake mix (my kind of baking!), can be made a day or two ahead. It just gets moister!
For the Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, I buy my shrimp peeled and deveined to save time. Be sure to have all the vegetables chopped and the remaining ingredients measured out and ready to go. It helps this recipe come together quickly.
Have fun with this menu. It’s a very doable feast that welcomes spring in the most delicious way.
1 box moist yellow cake mix
1 small package instant lemon pudding
4 large eggs
¾ scant cup salad oil
¾ cup water
Preheat oven to 325°.
Beat all ingredients on low speed in an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Pour batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven; with a wooden skewer, punch 100 holes through to the bottom. Pour icing (recipe below) over cake, and unmold when almost cooled.
ICING:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 ounces orange juice concentrate
In a small saucepan, melt butter; then add sugar and orange juice. Stir until warmed and thoroughly combined.
SERVES 4
For the dressing:
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1½ teaspoons honey
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 small shallot, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
¹⁄³ cup extra-virgin olive oil
In a medium bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add olive oil in a slow stream, and whisk to emulsify quickly. Set aside.
FOR THE SALAD:
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
3 cups lightly packed arugula, about 3 ounces
3 radishes, very thinly sliced
2 teaspoons pink or rainbow peppercorns, lightly crushed
½ cup salted and roasted Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, combine the butter lettuce (tear any extra-large pieces into bite-size pieces), arugula, radishes, and half of the peppercorns, almonds, and cheese. Drizzle half of the dressing around the sides of the bowl, then use tongs to lightly toss the salad. Do not overdress this salad.
Transfer salad to a large platter, drizzle with remaining dressing, and top with remaining half of peppercorns, almonds, and cheese. Serve immediately.
MAKES 12
6 large eggs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce
Garnishes: pickles, capers, radishes, bacon, cheese, jalapeños, fresh herbs, celery, and olives (or whatever you have on hand). Get creative!
Bring a medium-size saucepan to a boil. Gently place the eggs into the pan. Boil for 15 minutes; remove from the stove, and run cold water into the pan. Remove eggs, and allow them to cool for 15 minutes. Peel eggs, discarding the shells. Cut eggs in half lengthwise; remove yokes, and place in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients, and fill each egg half with mixture. Garnish and chill until ready to serve.
SERVES 4 TO 6
FOR THE CHEESE GRITS:
2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup stone-ground yellow grits
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Bring water and milk to a boil over high heat. Add salt to the water, and stir in grits. Lower heat to medium-low, and simmer until cooked, stirring frequently. Refer to the package directions for cooking time. Remove from the heat, and stir in butter and cheese.
FOR THE SHRIMP MIXTURE:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, divided
4 tablespoons butter, divided
8 ounces Conecuh sausage, sliced
½ small onion, diced
½ red pepper, diced
½ green pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.Add the sausage to the skillet, and cook until browned on both sides. Remove to plate.Add the remaining butter to skillet, along with diced onion, pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened.Add in garlic, flour, and remaining Creole seasoning. Stir until well combined. Gradually add in chicken broth, continuously stirring. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Taste gravy, and add additional salt and pepper, if desired. Stir in the shrimp and sausage, along with the cream. Cook everything together for a minute or two, then serve over grits.
MAKES 60 BITE-SIZE PIECES
20 medium-size stalks fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
1 (20-ounce) loaf white bread, crusts removed, discarding end pieces
1 (7.5-ounce) container chive-and-onion cream cheese spread
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
In a large saucepan, bring ½ inch of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Set aside. Flatten bread with a rolling pin. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each slice of bread. Top with an asparagus spear. Roll up tightly with seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut roll-ups into thirds, and brush with melted butter. Place baking sheet into freezer for about an hour until butter coating is chilled. Place in a zip-top plastic bag until ready to bake. If roll-ups are not frozen, bake at 400° for 10 to 12 minutes.
Note: These can be made two weeks ahead and frozen. When baking from the freezer, allow roll-ups to thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes before baking per directions above.
Learn from Leslie: For a filling option instead of the chive and onion, use ½ plain cream cheese and ½ blue cheese.
“Rustic refinement was our focus, using quiet, reflective colors to enhance the spectacular views of the window-filled rooms. The interior design needed only to enhance, not detract, starting its reveal slowly after the initial, serene feeling of taking in the views.”
Ashley Gilbreath
Location is always a consideration when starting a project, but it’s especially critical when the surroundings are the ultimate reason for the home’s existence. Some people call them second homes and some vacation homes. To me, the homes where we go to get away could be described as “journey homes.” Life is a journey, not a destination.
My father-in-law always says it’s important to enjoy the journey, and if we are to enjoy the journey of life, we must set aside the time it takes to reflect and appreciate. My childhood family never owned a journey home, but I remember trips to the Grand Hotel on Mobile Bay in Point Clear, Alabama, and the rustic feeling of the lobby. There was a grand, three-sided fireplace where we used to wait eagerly for another log to be thrown on the crackling fire. No matter the reason for the visit, I always felt like our family left there happier with each other and generally happier to return home to everyday life.
To me, lake living is peaceful and still, enlivened by the humming chorus of crickets and grasshoppers. Owned by the family for decades, this lake property was transformed by architect Chris Tippett of Tippett Sease Baker into a welcoming retreat and a cradle of priceless memories. The house slips seamlessly and respectfully into the landscape and incorporates the surroundings into the living space.
The home is understated and comfortable, yet sophisticated. We used a varied mix of new and vintage furnishings to create a sense of place without being cliché on the lake theme.
Harmonious neutrals—browns, grays, and olives—along with textures of linen, leather, and wood are all at home here. Additional inspiration was drawn from the use of stone and white oak in several noteworthy architectural details. Both the architecture and design refrain from complexity, allowing Nature’s beauty to carry the day.
While we wanted this design to feel relaxing and casual, we didn’t shy away from using a few understated antiques and vintage pieces to create a sense of history, personality, and sentiment. An antique armoire in the master bedroom, perfectly worn leather chairs in the family room, and an outstanding old bench in the side entry all serve as key characters in the story we created. While we always love incorporating antiques, mixing in new upholstery and some of the owners’ existing sentimental pieces creates balance.
I was deliberate when choosing the art so as not to compete with God’s natural palette. Not wanting any pieces to overpower a space, I eschewed boldly colored works in favor of botanical prints and nature-inspired designs in partnership with the exterior. Restrained choices blend in while still adding interest and texture— Italian olive oil vessels, woven baskets and trays, and antler sheds are sparingly used decorative touches.
Practicality informed our choices as well. Treated fabrics allow for wet swimsuits, and family-friendly sisal and striped wool rugs can withstand lake life. Yet, for the inevitable entertaining of family and friends, an unobtrusive elegance shines through in graciously lined furnishings, iron chandeliers, and lamps with noteworthy gravitas. Everything is in harmony with nature and living in rustic refinement, ready to capture a host of new memories while enjoying the journey.
For Ashley Gilbreath, re-creating the positive emotions of your favorite places is crucially important in her design. In her debut book, The Joy of Home, Ashley welcomes readers home with casually elegant decor and an eye for tradition and warmheartedness.
Whether it’s in town, at the beach, or in the mountains, each featured home exhibits thoughtful planning and attention to detail in harmony with the client’s vision. Ashley’s signature design strategies include mixing old and new pieces and incorporating custom treatments, such as banquettes and dressmaker details on chairs. Every space is influenced by her passion for gracious, everyday living.
Ashley is a Southern-based interior designer who studied at Auburn University and the New York School of Interior Design. She is known for creating casual, elegant spaces where family can gather to celebrate everyday living. She lives in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
Interior Design: Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design + see more of Ashley’s work here
Architect: Chris Tippett, Tippett Sease Baker
Builder: TCC Contractors
Location: The Ridge, Russell Lands on Lake Martin
Project Consultant: Sarah Stewart Consulting
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