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Modern Country Living in Mountain Brook

By
Rachel Burchfield
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The back of the house is the architect’s favorite elevation, and the back lawn is a favorite playground for the homeowners’ children. The country aesthetic is cemented with a raised vegetable garden, firepit, bee boxes, and sweeping trees with swings. Photos by Jean Allsopp. Styling by Cathy Still McGowin. 

Walker Renneker of Tent Shop Design is a third-generation architect and has worked on many houses—but he says if his wife could trade their personal home for any of the ones he’s designed, this modern farmhouse would be it.

This project allowed him to combine his two loves: architecture and his role as a father and family man. The icing on the cake? Reconnecting with an old friend from childhood and reminiscing on shared memories.

Taking advantage of the long, narrow lot, the architect set the house back from the street to emphasize its country setting. Farmhouse styling is evident in the vertical siding, metal roof, and stacked stone fireplace.
The entry is reminiscent of a historic dogtrot thanks to its enclosed steel-and-glass pass-through and covered breezeway.

For Walker and his clients, life came full circle through this project, and the dots from their pasts connected to the present serendipitously. It all started with a tired mom and a determination to lull her children to sleep. 

Like a lot of people, this parent knew that sometimes, the best way to help your children fall asleep is by fastening them into their car seats and taking a drive. On one such occasion when the wife was driving her young daughters around town, she was also using the outing as an excuse to look for houses. She discovered a “For Sale” sign on a property in the Abingdon area of Mountain Brook and told her husband about it. 

To give rooms in the open floorplan distinction, Walker varied ceiling heights and ceiling treatments. The kitchen and dining room feature lower ceilings with beams, while the living room’s ceiling peaks to the second story. In the kitchen, a half wall of cabinets next to the fridge shoulders the stairwell leading to the basement. This design decision allowed windows to continue across the back of the house to bring in natural light.
A round window opens the upstairs to the main floor, a design replicated in the master bathroom.

Ironically, the husband knew exactly where the land was located. The site had once belonged to the family of his childhood best friend. He fondly remembered the area known for its estate-size lots, small horse farms, and pastoral setting. “I shot BB guns and bow and arrows there as a kid,” he says. “We’d been looking for houses for two-and a half years, but we never thought we’d build—until we found this lot.” 

The couple knew right away that this find was meant to be. “I grew up having a big yard and a place to roam,” says the husband. “I am drawn to the outdoors and didn’t want to be elbow-to-elbow with our neighbors. So when we found a place with space, we jumped all over it.”

The dining room, just inside the entry, overlooks the expansive front lawn.
The breakfast nook offers a built-in banquette for casual meals. Walker designed the half wall of cabinets and counter-height door so it wouldn’t block light or backyard views.

The couple then brought Walker on board and asked him for a design with simplicity that offered functionality over bells and whistles. Walker’s answer was a modern farmhouse with the attributes of a historic dogtrot, including the classic, central breezeway. However, instead of keeping that space open to the elements, the architect added custom windows and doors to connect spaces yet allow the house to be closed tight when desired or opened up to fresh air at a whim. The breezeway also serves to separate the children’s rooms and task areas from the main house. “Looking across the house through the glass entryway, you can see through to the playroom from the kitchen and living area, but you don’t have to hear everything going on in there,” the wife says. “It works.”

A sliding barn door accesses the girls’ side of the house that includes bedrooms, baths, and a playroom, as well as task areas such as the mudroom, laundry, and powder bath. Walker imbued instant character through the cobblestone flooring (salvaged from Morris Avenue), timber accents, and custom doors and windows.

While Walker dislikes the term “open concept,” he did utilize the principle with shared living spaces that flow together comfortably yet stand apart in function. “The different spaces all have a design connection to each other,” Walker says. “And while it all feels close, the rooms each have a distinct purpose. For example, the homeowners have a somewhat detached space to enjoy once they put the kids to bed.”

To maintain the calm continuum within the interior spaces, Walker and the homeowners worked with interior designer Emory Ratliff on hard finishes. “We wanted to reflect the couple’s personal style and keep things pretty clean,” Emory says. 

The couple’s master suite is set in its own part of the home, an oasis after a long day of running around with kids. “Everyone needs to have their own space,” architect Walker Renneker says. “I know how valuable recovery time is for parents.”
One oversized sink serves the purpose of two separate sinks in the master bathroom, allowing for plenty of counter space.

The result is a family home with plenty of space to spread out. “I love coming home from work, pulling in the driveway, and seeing the girls running around in the yard,” the husband says.  “And we spend a lot of time in the backyard. We kind of feel like we’re in our own private, peaceful world.”

A pair of Adirondack chairs in the backyard offers the perfect spot for taking in views.

Resources

Architect: Walker Renneker, Tent Shop Design Builder: Chris Franks, Franks Building Company Interior finishes: Emory Ratliff Interiors Landscape design: Fletcher Smith, Curb Appeal Kitchen runner: Lilikat Rugs at Design Supply Kitchen cabinets: Alan Deal, Deal Cabinets Hardware: Brandino Brass Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group Countertops: Alabama Stone Works Tile/Backsplash: Cottage Supply Company Custom range hood and chandelier in living area: Jeremy Roegner, Artistic Birmingham Artworks Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson Custom steel doors and windows: Iron Horse Metal Works Interior paint color: White Dove, Benjamin Moore Exterior siding: James Hardie

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Summertime Chillers

By
Leslie Byars Register
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Paloma (Skinny Margarita) 

Kosher salt
Lime wedge, plus slice for garnish
2 ounces white tequila
2 ounces freshly squeezed Ruby Red grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits), plus wedge for garnish
2 ounces sparkling water (like Topo Chico)
½ ounce fresh lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup or 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Ice
Fresh mint leaves

Place kosher salt on a small plate. Rub lime wedge onto rim of glass, and dip glass rim into salt.

In a mixing glass or small pitcher, combine tequila and next 4 ingredients, stirring to combine well. Pour over ice in prepared glass. Garnish with grapefruit wedge, lime slice, and fresh mint, if desired. 

“It doesn’t take much to make this freshly squeezed, skinny margarita. It’s so light, you’ll be able to enjoy a few!”

French 75

2 ounces gin
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces Champagne
Lemon spiral and nasturtium

Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice; cover and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold, about 30 seconds. 

Strain cocktail through strainer into a Champagne flute or coupe-style glass. Garnish with lemon spiral and nasturtium.

Everything Dilly Bloody Mary

Everything but the Bagel seasoning salt
Lemon wedge
1½ ounces vodka
½ ounce lemon juice
3 ounces bloody Mary mix
½ ounce dill pickle juice
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Celery stalk or dill pickle wedge

Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of Everything but the Bagel seasoning salt into a small plate. Moisten the rim of a glass with lemon wedge. Dip to coat the rim of the glass in the seasoning. Carefully add ice to the glass, being careful not to knock the salt off the rim. Add vodka and next 5 ingredients, and, if desired, hot sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly. 

Garnish with a celery stalk or a dill pickle wedge. 

“The secret ingredient in the Bloody Mary recipe is the dill pickle juice—don’t skip this step!”

Leslie’s Cocktail Tips

  • Buy the good Champagne and liquors—you’ll be glad you did. For the best spirits, try the ones from Birmingham’s Redmont Distilling Company. They won’t look too shabby on your bar either. For tequila, I like Blanco Casamigos tequila.
  • Use freshly squeezed juices whenever possible. If you need a substitution, though, try Natalie’s Juice Company.
  • Garnish like a pro. Think lemon and lime twists, fun olive picks, and edible flowers. 
  • Chill the glasses when you can. Serve with pretty cocktail napkins, straws, and stirrers. (Glassware is from A’mano in Mountain Brook Village.)
  • No one wants the bar to run dry. Be sure you are stocked with plenty of everything—including mixers and ice!
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On the Market: The Wofford Villa, an Iconic Mountain Brook Estate

By
BHG Staff
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Originally built in 1927 by George Wofford and designed by Charles McCauley, The Wofford Villa is one of the most esteemed homes in Birmingham. Expertly situated on a 3.64-acre lot, Mr. Wofford spared no expense when building this masterpiece. He brought in Italian artisans to paint murals on canvas walls and frescos inset with precious stones. The finest craftsmen hand carved the coffered ceilings and doors. This special home is exquisite and offers all the modern amenities to be comfortable. The Villa was updated in 2006 when it was used as the Decorator’s Showhouse.

The estate boasts almost 11,500 square feet and 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and two half baths, a six-car garage, pool house and back house. Take a tour of the Wofford Villa below, listed by Margaret Camp and Susannah Camp with Ray & Poynor.

A hand laid, brick driveway which leads to the Grand Veranda invites guests inside the spacious Italian Villa. The original solid, hand-carved front door opens to an elegant Foyer reminiscent of the time period in which the home was built. The jeweled and gold leaf painting by Italian artist Henri G. Courtais depicts the genealogy of Christ in the images of four of the apostles, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, framing the doorway into the office.

The casual but elegant den provides a gathering space just off the kitchen and breakfast area. The coffered ceiling and soft-colored wall tones add to the warmth provided by the ambiance of the double fireplace. The den is a lovely place to gather with friends and family, read a book, or watch a movie.

The updated kitchen and breakfast area is bright and spacious. Two islands with beveled, Calacatta marble countertops add distinction and lightness. The distressed wood ceiling completes the authentic Italian feel of this creative space.

To the left of the foyer sits the exquisite dining room. The hand-carved, wood ceiling and Italian marble fireplace make this space warm and inviting to enjoy a magnificent meal and conversation.

After a gathering for a meal, adjourn to the Great Hall. The original hand-carved, hand-painted ceiling is sure to be a conversation starter alongside the grand fireplace and beautiful view.

Through the hand-carved double doors sits the elegant library. Wooden bookshelves, complete with sliding ladder, add comfort and are reminiscent of a former time. Another elegant fireplace adorns this room, and French doors lead to the outdoor terrace. At the opposite end, a music alcove with fountain exhibits an original mural on canvas depicting the art of the period.

The grand stairs with iron banister are a work of art on their own while also serving as a display for other pieces on the large walls. The gallery hall at the top of the stair is another dramatic space perfect for displaying timeless works.

The master bedroom is spacious and inviting with large windows and views of the rear terrace, pool and lawn.

The outdoor terrace and pavilion are open and livable. Twelve stone piers support the decorative iron balustrade. Each pier provides a perfect place for displaying planters with seasonal flowers making this space ideal for outdoor entertaining and al fresco dining. The formal stone architecture of the pavilion provides a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the views of the surrounding acreage and pool.

The pool and pool house are more recent additions to the estate that enhance the ambiance of this spectacular private retreat. The poolside terrace is an open invitation to relaxed outdoor living. In the pool pavilion, enjoy the cooking station and outdoor fireplace during any season.

The pool house is equipped with a full kitchen, bath, den, and theater room. The coffered ceiling provides a connection to the elegance of the main house. An ideal location for some afternoon or evening fun after a relaxing day at the pool.

For more information on this magnificent Birmingham home, visit this link or call Margaret Camp (205.567.6091) or Susannah Camp (205.243.3510) with Ray & Poynor to schedule a showing.

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Step Inside this 1970s Home Makeover in Vestavia Hills

By
Zoe Gowen
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Fresh paint, new windows and doors, and a crisp new color scheme make this room worthy of its vistas. For architectural interest, Richard Long added curved details to the kitchen’s formerly squared openings. Photography by Jean Allsopp.

“We absolutely love the location, but the house is only likable.” That’s the all-too-familiar quandary for many Birmingham families on a quest for their forever home, including these Vestavia Hills homeowners. “We had been living in the neighborhood for 15 years and didn’t want to give up our friends, the bike riding, or the walk to school,” says the wife. Luckily the couple was paying attention on one of those bike rides and saw the potential behind the overgrown shrubbery climbing this 1970s home. “The thought of renovating was a bit overwhelming, but we did like that the house backs up to the Vestavia Hills Country Club golf course,” the wife says.

In the den, Anne Turner Carroll skipped window treatments and instead painted the windows and muntins Benjamin Moore French Beret (1610). “If you had this view, you wouldn’t hang curtains either,” she says. 

Deciding to go for it, the couple made a call to their friend and interior designer Anne Turner Carroll. They also enlisted the expertise of residential designer Richard Long of Long and Long Design and builder Nikolaus Mimikakis. “Teamwork makes the dream work, and this was really the best team I’ve ever worked with,” says Anne Turner.

“The home’s architecture had a lot of character and charm,” Richard says. “We wanted to maintain the scale and as many of the Arts and Crafts details as we could. Our plans started with preserving those details while adding the modern amenities and efficiencies that people want today.”

A bigger window, white cabinets, and new tile and countertops, along with an island to accomodate seating, allow the kitchen to feel and live larger.

Richard drafted a two-story, steeply-gabled addition to mimic the existing roofline on the front right exterior. Bringing symmetry to the design offered a more cohesive and updated look and allowed space for the new garage that the homeowners wanted. 

Inside, Richard reconfigured the floorplan to maximize living spaces. Rooms without much purpose were eliminated to allow for larger, hardworking areas such as the laundry and office. Newly widened halls welcome an abundance of natural light while discreet but amply-sized built-in closets and cabinets hide quietly between rooms and beside doorways. And when the team discovered the house had originally been framed for 9-foot ceilings, Richard elected to restore them to make the house seem bigger. 

Removing a partition that divided the living room and kitchen improved circulation.

For the interior scheme, Anne Turner made light-handed decorating choices. “It was really hard at first,” she says. “The husband likes minimal, modern designs while the wife prefers bright color. I was nervous about how to make it all work, but then I realized that the answer is exactly what I like myself—a neutral backdrop with a consistent pop of color and some black accents for contrast.” she says.

White bathroom walls allow punches of color and pattern to take center stage.

To start, Anne Turner painted everything a classic white (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove) and then threaded a blue theme throughout. Pops of teal, Tiffany blue, navy, and aqua appear in fabrics and fixtures. The color palette includes a range of dark and light hues in solid applications, as well as graphic prints and soft florals. “There’s also a liveable mix of modern and traditional, like the funky wallpaper paired with the wife’s grandmother’s chandelier,” says Anne Turner. “It’s a comfortable combination that allows the family to live beautifully and fully in all of the spaces.” 

In the master bedroom, the husband wanted to wake up feeling like he was at the beach. Anne Turner obliged with a raffia Oly Studio bed from Design Supply dressed in Matouk bedding with aqua accents from Suite Dreams.

Richard created a built-in cabinet in lieu of a traditional sideboard while Anne Turner selected a whimsical wallpaper from Quadrille.

Richard retained the home’s original eyebrow dormer and widened the front doorway by 6 inches while adding a second gable. A fresh gray-and-white palette (Sherwin Williams Grecian Ivory and Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain) gives it a 21st-century spin.

A sweep of bluestone pavers runs across the new patio on the back of the house and descends easily into the lawn.

Meet Anne Turner Carroll

An Auburn design school grad with a stellar resume, Anne Turner Carroll started her career in New York City working under industry heavy hitters like Diamond Barrata and Hable Construction. She later held positions at Cottage Living and Southern Living magazines. Now she’s the owner of ATC Interiors + Designs. 

Personal Style: Traditionalist with an edge. Warm, elegant, and elevated are the buzzwords running through my head when I’m scheming for clients. I try to avoid anything saccharine or trendy. You should invest in your home with timeless and elegant pieces.

Design Inspiration: Sounds cliché, but it’s travel, textiles, and photography. My mom, also a decorator, and I went on the went on a trip of a lifetime to Paris to celebrate her 70th and my 40th. The city is over flowing with design inspiration.

Dream Project: Whether I’m working on new construction or a renovation, my dream is simple: I want to work with a client that trusts me to create a beautiful, functional home that exceeds their expectations.

RESOURCES
Residential designer: Richard Long, Long & Long Design, longandlongdesign.com Interior designer: Anne Turner Carroll, ATC Interiors + Design, anneturnercarroll.com Builder: Nikolaus Mimikakis, Mimikakis Construction, mimikakisconstruction.com Landscape design: Peter Falkner, Falkner Gardens, falknergardens.com Art in entry hall: Carrie Carlton through Design Supply, designsupplyshop.com Green botanical photograph in living room: David Hillegas, davidhillegas.com Art above mantel in den: McKenzie Dove through Gallery 1930, artgallery1930.com Most light fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes, fixturesandfinishes.com Den upholstery and floor lamp, dining table and chairs, living room sofa and chairs: Design Supply Den chairs: Lee Industries, leeindustries.com Most rugs: Billy Brown Flooring, billybrownflooring.com Living room accent rug: Nashville Rug Gallery, nashvilleruggallery.com Hardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.com Living room pillows and kitchen stool fabric: Heather Chadduck Textiles, heatherchadducktextiles.com Custom kitchen cabinets: Southern Grain Woodworks, southerngrain.net

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Embracing Change

By
Madison Pincombe
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To create a more spacious kitchen and open up the floorpan, the Missos moved the kitchen to the former living room and vaulted the ceilings. A walk-in pantry took the place of a hall closet to make up for lost storage. Photography by: Laurey Glenn.

Martha and Robert Haley’s previous home was big enough to fit their family of five (plus two dogs), but as their kids got older and started leaving the nest, it began to feel cavernous. They found themselves searching for a cozier home that would serve their needs long term.

After meeting Leigh and Kevin Misso of River Brook Design & Construction, the Hayleys knew the duo would be the team to call when (and if) they found the perfect property. 

While a partial wall provides separation between the living room and kitchen, it also offered an opportunity for the Missos to create a stylish and functional vignette. The new kitchen pantry is located directly behind the drapery-covered wall.

As soon as a new listing popped up in a neighborhood the Haleys liked, the couple invited the Missos to tag along for the showing. “We immediately started dreaming about what it could be,” Leigh says. The Haleys made an offer that day, and soon the house was theirs—but not everyone was excited.

Create drama with contrasts. Here and in the adjacent pantry, walls, ceiling, and trim are all painted Black Fox (Sherwin-Williams), while furnishings and fabrics take on a lighter tone.

Because they had loved their old house so much, the Haley kids were understandably reluctant to embrace change. “I think they were all kind of worried about it,” Martha says. Before renovations even began, they gave their son, Peyton, a tour, including the windowless basement which would become his bedroom and hangout space. “He took one look and walked out of the house,” Martha says. Needless to say, there was a lot of work—both construction and convincing—to be done before everyone would feel at home. “We all wanted the house to have a lot of charm,” Leigh says. “And we wanted it to fit into the neighborhood. There’s a new custom build around most every corner, and we wanted the same level of detail applied to this house.”

The home had good bones, but the square footage wasn’t used to its best advantage. In addition to cosmetic updates, the Haleys desired an open floorplan to encourage family time. They also wanted to add purposeful task areas such as a butler’s pantry and half bath. And because they planned to include a den in the basement, they decided they had no use for both a formal living room and casual family room on the main level. 

For continuity, the Missos opted for the same dark color in the dining room and butler’s pantry. Mirrored walls visually expand the narrow hallway. Vermont Danby marble countertops (Surface One) showcase custom fabricated curves.

The solution was a major overhaul, and renovations began by gutting the house until only the foundation and exterior framing remained. The previously closed-off kitchen moved to the space once occupied by the formal living room. The master suite gained a raised ceiling, as well as a larger, more functional bathroom and closet. “We used all of the square footage we possibly could,” Robert says. “I don’t like wasted space. If you’ve got the room, you might as well use it.”

For one-of-a-kind touches, the design team chose antique doors and ceiling beams, antiqued glass mirrors, marble countertops, and elegant gold fixtures.

Even though the children would be leaving the nest (and some had already flown), the Haleys and Missos made sure to include plenty of comforts for them. The upstairs was converted into a suite for the girls, complete with private bedrooms and baths. (In their former home, the girls shared a bathroom.) 

French doors open to the new, 400-square-foot covered porch, creating even more space for entertaining and easy flow between indoors and out.

Tip:
To visually increase the height of a room, hang drapery rods at ceiling height and allow drapes to just barely graze the floor. 

For all the kids, the basement garage was finished to create space for an epic media/entertainment room complete with a pool table, ping pong table, wet bar, and two ginormous TVs. Custom glass doors that accordion-fold replaced the original garage doors to allow for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Previously a “dungeon” as Martha called it, her son’s room on the lower level now features windows and four built-in bunk beds ready for his college friends to visit and stay the night.

Removing cabinets and superfluous trim allowed for a crisper finish, a place for artwork, and consistent 9-foot ceilings in the family room. The fireplace received a new, modern surround.

During the seven-month renovation, Leigh also worked with the Haleys on furnishing selections, deciding what to keep from their previous house and what they needed to purchase new. When construction was complete, the Missos convinced the Haleys to let them move their furnishings in “Property Brothers”-style and have a big reveal. “There was a wow factor when we saw it all finished,” Robert says. And their son, once a skeptic, immediately wanted to have people over—especially after seeing the basement renovation.

Previously dark and windowless, son Peyton’s bedroom now includes room for him and his friends.

Since settling in, the Haley family has used and enjoyed every inch of their house. Even with all of the kids at home during the pandemic lockdown, everyone had separate and communal spaces to spend time in without being on top of each other. Thanks to creative planning, the Haleys now have an “empty nest” home that also works when their nest is full.

Built-in bunk beds accommodate overnight guests. For architectural interest, the entire room is wrapped in shiplap, but the inside of the bunks are painted Black Fox (Sherwin-Williams) for contrast. Each bunk has its own wall-mounted sconce for late-night visibility. Stairs were chosen over a ladder for added stability.

The master bedroom offered plenty of natural light but the low ceilings felt oppressive. Dated cornice boards and clunky shutters crowded the wall space.

Tip:
Consider tapping into unused attic space to raise ceiling heights. The Haleys’ ceilings went from 9 feet to 14 feet in the master bedroom and kitchen.

Dormer windows punctuate the expansive roof. Louvered shutters and a new front door offer custom details. A new pair of windows replaced the bay window to bring symmetry to facade. (Benjamin Moore paint colors: White Dove (brick) and Revere Pewter (shutters and trim).

To convert the patio into an inviting outdoor living room, the Missos designed a covered, open-air porch with double-sided fireplace and large TV.

The Haleys gained 1,600 square feet of additional living space by finishing the basement and closing in the garage. Accordion-fold glass doors open onto the driveway.

Resources: Design, construction, interiors: River Brook Design & Construction, riverbrook.construction Landscape: Millhouse Howell Landscape Company, millhousehowell.com Dining chandelier: Visual Comfort from Mayer Lighting, mayerlighting.com Ceiling Beams: Evolutia, evolutiamade.com Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group, allsouthappliance.com

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Home Exteriors We Love

By
BHG Staff
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Featured: Artistic Endeavors 

What started as a spec house became a forever home thanks to the keen eye of artist Laurel-Dawn Latshaw and talents of Danielle Robin with Twin Interiors.

Resources: Builder and Interior Design: Wayne Smith (Construction Manager) and Danielle Robin (Interior Designer) of Twin Construction twincompanies.com • 205.802.3920 Architect: Jared Bussey, Architectural Cooperative architecturalcooperative.net, 205.533.3563 Landscape Design: McDaniel Land Designs mcdaniellanddesigns.com • 205.918.0190 Exterior Lighting: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.com 205.978.8900 Windows: Holcomb Doors and Windows Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group, allsouthappliance.net 205.942.0408 Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson, fergusonshowrooms.com • 205.254.3454 Countertops: Surface 1, surface1.com 205.621.1125 Bathroom tile: Triton Stone, tritonstone.com •205.592.0202

Featured: Antique Remix

For many homeowners, a new house means totally new décor. But for this Mountain Brook couple, the right mix was found in the architecture and a treasured antique collection.

Resources: Architecture: Shepard and Davis Architecture, 205.322.7770 shepardanddavis.com Interior design: Jane B. Hodges Interiors, 205.871.0220. Design assistant: Jo Anna Cassady Landscape designer: Scott Gilchrist, 205.586.0669 Interior wall color: Pratt & Lambert / Seed Pearl Hardware: Brandino Brass • 2824 Central Ave. 205.978.8900 • brandinobrass.com Sofa and white chair: Richard Tubb Interiors, 205.324.7613 Living room antique lamps: Village Firefly • 2816 Culver Road, 205.870.4560 • thevillagefirefly.comLiving room chests: Circa Interiors & Antiques • 2831 Culver Road,  205.868.9199 • circainteriors.com Living room chandelier: Toro-Cordes Iron Arts,  205.365.3593 Entryway and dining rugs: Paige Albright Orientals • 2814 Petticoat Lane,  205.877.3232 Custom bedspread: Jim Barnes, 205.616.7579 Mirrors in living room: Paintworks Design Studio • 1665 28th Avenue South, 205.879.2751 Sunburst mirror in master bedroom and mirror in garden: Henhouse Antiques • 1900 Cahaba Road, 205.918.0505; Exterior front lantern: Bevolo Lantern with custom iron bracket: Wade Bradberry, 205.391.8539

Featured: A Family Friendly Renovation in Mountain Brook

A young family takes their home from good to great with a savvy renovation, new addition, and floor-to-ceiling refresh.

Resources: Architecture: Christopher Architecture & Interiors, christopherai.com, 205.413.8531 Interior Design: Chickadee Interiors, chickadeeinteriors.com, 205.969.3138  Construction: Cotton Construction, cottonconstructioninc.com, 205.413.1962 Landscape Design: Dave Eyrich of Environmental Design Studio, environmentaldesignstudio.com, 205.582.2052

Featured: Two Renovations, One Stunning Vestavia Hills Home

Looking to make a family-friendly Vestavia Hills neighborhood home, landscape designer Peter Falkner and his family endured two renovations and installed a wow-worthy garden and entertaining area to complete their forever house.

Resources: Landscape design and installation, outdoor lighting, and grilling terrace: Falkner Gardens, falknergardens.com Designer: Doug Davis, Hannon Douglas, hannondouglas.com Builder: Franks Building Company, franksbuildingcompany.com Chairs on porch: Summer Classics, 205.358.9200, summerclassics.com

Featured: Standout Style

Laura Vogtle brings a blast of fresh air, perhaps channeling decorating mavericks of the past, to help her clients make their new homes into something a bit extraordinary.

Resources: Interior designer: Laura Vogtle, Design Supply • 205.910.5369  [email protected] Builder: Trey Goldstein, Cotton Construction Inc. • 205.413.1962 cottonconstructioninc.com Landscape design: Curb Appeal • 205.942.5200 curbappealonline.com

Featured: Family Matters 

Onwards and upwards could well have been the motto for a renovation that made a beloved home more family-friendly. Adding a floor and creating a combined kitchen and living space allow the owners to live in every square inch.

Resources: Interior designer: Shea Bryars, Shea Bryars Design, 205.533.2268, sheabryarsdesign.com Architect: Joe Ellis, DWELLing Architecture, 205.790.1389, dwellingarchitecture.com Builder: David Siegel, Twin Construction, Inc., 205.802.3920, twincompanies.com Select fabrics: King Cotton, kingcottonfabrics.com Landscape: Ramon Perez, 205.296.7706 Kitchen cabinets: Twin Cabinets, twincompanies.com Countertops, tile, and backsplash: Triton Stone Group, tritonstone.com Plumbing fixtures and appliances:Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, ferguson.com Barn door: Charles Phillips Antiques and Architecturals, charlesphillipsantiques.com

Featured: A Modern Masterpiece in Homewood

Architect Mike Gibson crafts a contemporary family house that seamlessly blends modern design with its Homewood neighbors.

Resources: Mike Gibson, Founder of Appleseed Workshop, VP of design at GoldenConstruction

Featured: Chic College Living

You won’t find any tacky beer posters or bean bag chairs in this home where Jill and Lyle Cain’s daughters live while attending The University of Alabama. Outfitted by interior designer Jenny Edwards, this is way more than just a game-day destination.

Resources: Designer: Jenny Edwards, J. Edwards Interiors, 205.870.5100, jedwardsinteriors.com • Builder: William Blakeney, William Blakeney Building Company, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, 205.345.8880

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First Impression

By
BHG Staff
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What dates a landscape—particularly this one?

Overall, the biggest issue making this yard look tired was not the plant choices. Instead, it was the lack of thought that went into designing this space on the front end, paired with years of being poorly maintained. If you invest in a design, it’s critical to invest in upkeep. 

How did you manage all of those boxwoods?

In smaller spaces like this one, repeating the same plant in varied shapes and sizes helps provide a cohesive look while still adding visual interest. Boxwoods are a great tool for achieving that and are one of my favorite plants. Here, we removed some of the larger boxwoods and replaced them with smaller ones that have now grown together to form a low hedge along the retaining wall and around the large containers. 

How did your client’s needs shape this new design?

The owners needed additional parking, so a pad was added on the side connecting to the alley. Doing that required the addition of a retaining wall, so the courtyard idea evolved out of a functional need. In this particular project, the brick used on the original sidewalk was one of the only elements I felt made sense to carry over into the new design. We kept the existing sidewalk layout and expanded on it by adding another walkway that runs perpendicular to the original sidewalk, connecting all points of entry to and from the courtyard space.  

Any tips for great-looking border gardens?

I have a pretty relaxed approach when it comes to flower beds. I worked for a larger landscape company for a couple of years after graduate school, and they had very specific rules regarding flower bed layouts. In my opinion, the end result fell short when following those guidelines. I prefer not to worry as much about what the tag says as far as plant heights and proper spacing. I do pay attention to those things to some degree, but I have found that sometimes working taller plants into the front of a border or crowding annuals closer together than recommended can yield very successful results.

Do you have a favorite color scheme?

I do have seasonal favorites and tend to gravitate toward a combination of purple, blue, and white, mixed with multiple shades of green. However, beds at my own house are never the same twice. Whether it be a revised layout or a change in plant material and/or new color combinations, something is always different with each seasonal planting.

What are some other plants you use to balance out formal structure?

Even though I like the clean, simplistic look of large hedges or rounded boxwoods, the looser, sometimes messy elements are what can really bring character and interest to a garden. Vitex trees have a number of redeeming qualities and can be found on many of the properties I’ve had a hand in designing. They are low-maintenance and fast-growing with a fairly long bloom period. The biggest reason I gravitate toward them, though, is the fact that as they age, their knarled, sometimes disheveled appearance provides a nice balance to other neat and tidy plant material.  

Why are containers important in this design?

The combination of the containers and trees in each corner of this courtyard adds a vertical element and frames the view of the beautiful front door. The trees, ‘Winter King’ Hawthorn, soften the look of the house from the street. Because they are in such a visible spot, the tree selections needed year-round interest. These bloom white in the spring, show red berries in the fall, and have an attractive bark and an interesting branching pattern that’s most evident in winter.

How important is landscape lighting?

Aside from the fact that it can help you navigate safely through the garden when it’s dark, it also adds interest and ambience to a space and can highlight the best features of a home and garden.

Tell us about the front parking pad.What an amazing transformation!

Originally, there was asphalt in that space which made it read as part of the street since it was the same material. It caused the yard to feel even smaller than it actually is. Working with such a small space, I had to think through every little detail to maximize impact and elevate the look of the front yard. The new parking design certainly provides additional visual interest over what was there before, but additionally, the white pavers tie in to the color of the house. Plus, the use of sod (Emerald Zoysia) in the joints helps connect the parking pad to the lawn.

Todd Dorlon

Dorlan has been designing exquisite landscapes in the Birmingham area for past 18 years.  He graduated from Birmingham-Southern College and went on to receive a degree in Enviromental Design from the school of Architecture at Auburn University. When developing outdoor spaces, he works closely with clients, integrating the landscape and the architecture of the home to create a space that is both timeless and customized to each client’s needs.  Todd lives in Vestavia Hills with his wife, Kathryn, and their two children.

Resources: Landscape Design: Todd Dorlon, TMD Landscape, tmdlandscapedesigns.com Architect for renovation: Long & Long Design, longandlongdesign.com Exterior color selection and door design: Jan Ware, janwaredesigns.com Renovation construction: Francis Bryant Construction, francisbryant.com

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Satisfying Sandwich Suppers

By
Leslie Byars Register
-

Turkey Caprese Wrap

Serves 4 

1 (3.5-ounce) jar pesto
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 (8-inch) whole-wheat tortillas
8 ounces thinly sliced turkey
2 (4-ounce) fresh mozzarella balls, thinly sliced
2 heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
24 fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper

In a small bowl, combine pesto and mayonnaise. Spread a thin layer on tortillas. Add layers of turkey, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 

Starting from one side, roll tortillas, and secure with a wooden picks. Slice on the diagonal in between picks. (These can easily be cut smaller to be an appetizer.) They also can be warmed in a 300˚ oven until cheese melts. 

BBQ Sweet Potato Chips

Serves 4

2 sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
2 tablespoons BBQ rib rub
Parchment sheets

Preheat oven to 400˚. 

Thinly slice sweet potatoes (peel on), and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat both sides thoroughly. Add rib rub, and toss until well coated. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing plenty of space between slices. (You will probably need two baking sheets.) 

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crisp. 

Zesty Fridge Dill Pickles

Makes 1 pint

3 to 4 pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced horizontally
2 garlic cloves, halved
1 jalapeño or other hot chilepepper, halved
3 to 4 sprigs fresh dill
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Place cucumber slices, garlic, pepper half, and next 3 ingredients in a pint-size jar. (I like to arrange them so they are pretty on all sides.)

Heat water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan on medium-high about 1 minute or until salt and sugar dissolve. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Pour over cucumber mixture in jar. Allow to cool at room temperature, and then place in the refrigerator. Cucumbers will be lightly pickled after 1 day but best after 4 to 5 days. They will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator—if they aren’t eaten up quickly! 

Oven-Fried Shrimp Po’boys

Serves 4

1 egg
4 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons beer
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons water
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
4 French po’boy rolls, or one long baguette cut into fourths
2 heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
Jalapeño Tartar Sauce (recipe below)
Cocktail sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; set aside,

In a small bowl, lightly whisk egg; add flour, beer, garlic powder, salt, and water. Continue to whisk until batter is thoroughly combined and smooth.

In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Cajun seasoning.

Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Holding shrimp with a pick, dip shrimp into batter and then into breadcrumb mixture, and place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining shrimp. Spray coated shrimp with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake for 10 minutes, flip shrimp over, and bake another 8 to 10 minutes.

To assemble po’boys: Lightly broil bread halves. Spread Jalapeño Tartar Sauce on bottom half of each roll; add 2 tomato slices, shrimp, and shredded lettuce evenly. Spread the top of each roll with a thin layer of cocktail sauce. Top and dive in!

Learn from Leslie: For the Po’Boys, cut the bread almost in half, but not all the way to create a hinge-like side. This will help hold in the shrimp and extra toppings. 

Jalapeño Tartar Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño
Dash or 2 of hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, at least an hour in advance of serving if possible. It will keep for several days in the refrigerator.

Cuban Sliders

Makes 8 sliders

8 slider buns, halved
½ cup yellow mustard
6 slices Swiss cheese, quartered
8 (1/2-ounce) thin slices ham
8 ounces pulled smoked pork
16 dill pickle slices
1 tablespoon butter

To assemble sandwiches, spread a thin layer of mustard on the top and bottom of each bun. To the bottom bun, add a cheese quarter, ham slice, another cheese quarter, pork, another cheese quarter, pickles, and then top of bun. Repeat process with remaining buns.

Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and add assembled sandwiches (in batches if necessary for fit). Lightly spray the top of the sandwiches with cooking spray. Heat another cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat until warm. Place on top of sandwiches, and gently press. Cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sandwiches are heated through. Serve immediately.

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A Fresh Start at Shoal Creek

By
Alice Welsh Doyle
-

The elegant but charming entrance is duplicated on the back of the house, making both places equally welcoming. Photography by: Jean Allsopp

“I don’t think we brought anything from our former home when we moved to Shoal Creek!” laughs Lynne Petro. “Tim and I were ready for a new home and updated interiors that would reflect how we wanted to live and entertain going forward.” The couple had been members of the Shoal Creek golf club for years and were willing to live further from Birmingham’s center in order to enjoy the nature-filled setting, vacation attitude, and nonstop golf, one of Tim’s passions.

Because of the golf course view, it was important that the back be as special as the front. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room, amazing outdoor entertaining spaces, and a striking back entrance fit the bill. One of the many advantages of living at Shoal Creek is the privacy of the properties, allowing plentiful large-scale windows to bring in light throughout the rooms.

When their youngest child was a junior in high school, they saw how quickly lots were being snatched up in the community and decided to act. The timing could not have been better. “We moved in one week before the COVID lockdown,” says Lynne. 

In the dining room, the glamour of the oval table with its apron detailing and gloss coating contrasts the industrial, iron-hammered chairs. A crystal chandelier and gilded mirror, along with a collection of framed intaglios, introduce Old World elegance.

Early in the process, the Petros called on architect Robert Thompson to draw on influences from European cottage architecture when designing the house. Robert worked with Shoal Creek’s design review board to site the home to its best advantage. “The entire design really came down to capturing the views,” he says. “While most plans call for a great room in the middle of the home, this one has it encompassing the far right side where it’s wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the most compelling views.”  

“The great room ceiling is one of our favorite features. It was a bit like putting a difficult puzzle together but was worth the effort. The waxed white oak adds warmth and certainly makes a statement in the large space.” — Kate Hartman

For the overall floorplan, Lynne knew exactly what she wanted—spaces that allow for intimate family time as well as ones for larger gatherings. Her wish list also included a designated dining room. “After years of living with an open floorplan, I had a strong desire for a large, elegant dining room that was more of a destination within the home,” she says. The couple also requested a basement hangout for their college-age son, an upstairs bunkroom for current and future grandchildren, and space for guests. “Given that we are further from town, we wanted to give our close friends the option of staying the night if they desired,” says Lynne. 

To imbue these rooms with an updated and light-filled look, the Petros engaged Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely (now of Kate Hartman Interiors and Kelly Neely Interiors). Given that Lynne was ready to embrace a new style, the designers were operating with a blank canvas. “While we love incorporating our clients’ treasures into the design, there’s a real luxury to starting from scratch and selecting pieces that fit in perfectly with the design and scale of the home,” Kate and Kelly agree.

One reason Lynn left everything behind during the move was that the needs of the new house were different. “Here, the scale of the rooms called out for some new statement-making pieces in keeping with the larger dimensions and higher ceilings,” says Kate. “Proportion was definitely key.”

The bathroom’s focus is the soaking tub. “It’s the star of the show,” says Kelly. “All the other things in the space are supporting characters.”

For continuity between spaces, the designers repeated certain finishes such as the waxed white oak on the great room ceiling that appears on the kitchen island. “We also put black into play in every room, including the outdoor spaces,” says Kate. “And we strived to balance feminine elements with masculine ones.” Examples include the black iron dining room chairs upholstered in a blue botanical print, as well as the more contemporary black side tables that flank the floral print headboard in the primary bedroom. 

The bathroom’s focus is the soaking tub. “It’s the star of the show,” says Kelly. “All the other things in the space are supporting characters.”

Ultimately, each inviting room in the home seems to engage in conversation with the others, creating a welcoming flow eager to receive a myriad of Petro family and friends and ready to capture a new chapter of lasting memories.

The William McLure painting in the foyer was purchased while the house was being built. The dramatic contrasts and cool blue accents served as inspiration for the home’s color palette. The entry table hosts an eye-catching bust/flower container filled with a mix of garden greenery, limelight hydrangeas, and spiky yellow foxtail lilies. 

Scale Up

Custom-built homes often require new furnishings, art, and décor to match the more modern proportions and higher ceilings. While interior designers love to incorporate existing pieces, there sometimes is a need for larger scale pieces to join in the mix. Kate and Kelly share some ideas in play for this project.

Think big. When it comes to light fixtures in spaces with high ceilings, bigger is better. “They make such a difference,” say the designers. “An overscaled fixture demands attention to the room and also draws the eye up if the ceilings are high.”

Create multiple seating areas. Alarge great room needs more than one seating area to make it feel inviting. In this house, the designers included a pair of high-backed chairs and a coffee table in front of the fireplace. The other side holds two sofas and a settee.

Draw attention to the details. Mirrors can work wonders to bring interest to a wall in a spacious room or to draw attention to an architectural feature. The designers placed one over the mantel in the great room that leads the eye up to the spectacular ceiling detail.

Resources:

Architecture: Robert Thompson, thompsonarchitecture.com Interior design: Kate Hartman Interiors, katehartmaninteriors.com  & Kelly Neely Interiors, kellyneelyinteriors.com Contractor: Harris Coggin, Harriscoggin.com Landscape design and installation: Richter Landscape Company, Richterlandscape.com Interior and exterior paint color: Sherwin-Williams “Alabaster” Bound carpets: Billy Brown Flooring, billybrownflooring.com Audio: Audio Visual Excellence (AVX), avxinc.com Kitchen and bathroom hardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.com Kitchen and bathroom cabinets: RTS Construction, rtsconstruction.net Countertops and Backsplash: Surface One, surface1.com Kitchen appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group, allsouthappliance.net Bathroom finishes and tile: Fixtures & Finishes, fixturesandfinishes.com

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Poolside Paradise

By
BHG Staff
-

Featured: Classical Reflections

Landscape architect David Brush extends the refined style of this Tuscaloosa home to the outdoors.

Resources: David N. Brush, Landscape Architecture, Inc. 205.408.2214 • [email protected], davidnbrush.com

Featured: Raising the Roof

Architect Bill Moore takes a low-slung, one-story house from sad to sensational with some much needed height and plenty of space for entertaining.

Resources: Architect: Bill Moore, Carlisle Moore Architects, Inc., carlislemoorearchitects.com Interior designer: Emory Ratliff, Emory Ratliff Interiors, 205.807.6586 Builder: Trey Goldstein, Cotton Construction, cottonconstructioninc.com Landscape architect: Doug Travis, Liberty Environmental Contractors, landscapesbyliberty.com Realtor: Bradley Perlis Group, LAH Real Estate, bradleyperlis.com Pool: Shoemaker Pool Service, shoemakerpools.com Security/sound: Andy Evans & Matthew Estes, 205.266.7983

Featured: California Cool

The stunning modern architecture of this Brookwood Forest home was appealing to its new homeowners looking for a cool L.A. vibe. With the help of designer Lisa Flake, they created a true showstopper.

Resources: Interior Design: Lisa Flake, Caldwell Flake Interiors, caldwellflake.com Remodel architect: Brian Jernigan, wmbrianjernigan.com Fireplace design: Gary Justiss, garyjustiss.com Fireplace insert: Southern Fireplaces, southernfireplaces.com Kitchen backsplash: Crossville Studios, crossvillestudios.com Kitchen barstools: Details, 205.870.8005. Rugs:Hiltz Lauber, hiltzlauber.com Wall color throughout house: Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com Glass stair railing in entrance and mirrors in master:Birmingham Glass Works, birminghamglassworks.com Pool: Swimrite Pool Services, swimritenow.com, GreenGo Aquatics, greengoaquatics.net

Featured: Mid-Century Made Modern

When Lucy and Henry Smith acquired a long-admired architectural gem in Anniston, Alabama, they dedicated themselves to polishing the home’s dulled shine.

Resources: Interiors: Lucy Smith, Lucy Smith Designs, lucysmithdesigns.com; Lisa Flake, Caldwell Flake Interiors, caldwellflake.com Contractor: David White Construction, 256.239.5558 Art over mantel: William McLure, williammclure.com Kitchen Cabinet Color: Repose Grey, Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com Butler’s pantry walls: Dovetail, Sherwin-Williams Chandelier in bath: Anthropologie, anthropologie.com

Featured: Backyard Beauty 

Garden designer Peter Falkner pulled out all the stops in this garden by creating a series of outdoor rooms for backyard bliss at every turn.

Resources: Garden design and construction: Peter Falkner, Falkner Gardens, 205.447.1069, falknergardens.com; Design participation by interior designer Lindsey Hene of Elle and Vreeland Design House, 470.709.4146, elleandvreeland.com. Outdoor kitchen builder:Daniel Harper of Renew Properties LLC, 404.435.0644, renewpropertiesllc.com.

Featured: The Defining Style of Peter Falkner

From narrow courtyards to pocket gardens to grand estates, Peter Falkner brings sophistication, style, and enchanting vistas to landscapes in Birmingham and across the South. Take a look at these highlights from some of our favorite spaces.

Resources: Landscape Design: Peter Falkner, falknergardens.com

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