The family den is a play of patterns in florals and stripes with punches of pink throughout. The homeowners collection of paint-by-numbers artwork is proudly displayed in vibrant groupings.
Thoughtful architectural renovations combine with peppy interiors to take a historic home in Vestavia Hills to a whole new level of stylish sophistication.
Resources: Interior design: Paige Sumblin Schnell, Tracery Interiors • 850.213.3216 traceryinteriors.comResidential design: Richard Long, Long and Long Design • 205.637.5777 longandlongdesign.comConstruction: Alan Simpson, Ruff Reams Building Company • 205.982.8002 ruffreams.comKitchen and bath fixtures: Fixtures and Finishes • 205.323.5616 fixturesandfinishes.comHardware: Brandino Brass Co. • 205.978.8900 brandinobrass.comAppliances: Ferguson • 205.254.3454 ferguson.com
Bright or dark color on walls in a small space make a room look even smaller. For a punch of color, paint the ceiling (Pink Blossom, Benjamin Moore). Walls: Balboa Mist, Benjamin Moore.
When interior designer Virginia Volman steps into a thrift store or browses an online trading site, amazing things begin to happen. Take a tour of her recently renovated home—all designed with a focus on budget and uncompromising style.
Resources: Interior designer:Virginia Volman Designs, [email protected] • 205.223.8881 Favorite shopping spots include:Hanna Antiques, Jimmy Hale Mission, Lovelady Thrift Store, curbsides, Mountain Brook Trading, HomeGoods, One King’s Lane, Overstock.com, King Cotton.Contractor:Frank Roberta of Lorino Construction, Inc., 205.365.0621 Art, Brannon’s Room:Carrie Pittman paintcaroline.com
Decorator Stephanie Lynton creates striking spaces that make escaping at home an everyday experience.
Resources: Design: Stephanie Lynton Home, IG: @stephanielyntonhomeArchitect: Poole & Company Builder: Saunders Bradford Building Company Lighting: Mayer Lighting Hardware: Brandino Brass Countertops: Triton Stone Fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes Rugs and Mongolian pillows: Paige Albright Orientals Pantry Pavers: Peacock Pavers Tile /Backsplash: Fixtures & Finishes Verellen Sofas: Patina Paint: Fine Paints of Europe / Benjamin Moore Custom finishes: Paintworks Design Studio, LLC Floor on Side Porch: Alabama Brick Topiaries: Shoppe, Leaf N Petal Pantry Cabinets: Southern Expression Kitchen and Bath Cabinets: Lane Woodworking LLC Table: Circa Interiors and Antiques
Kate Hartman and Kelly Neely, co-designers and co-owners of Chickadee Interiors, created a family home that stands up to little hands and big messes without sacrificing its savvy style.
Resources: Interior Designer: Kate Hartman & Kelly Neely of Hartman Neely Interiors, hartmanneelyinteriors.com
Interior decorator Iris Thorpe and her Homewood client have worked on this project for years—tweaking things slowly and collecting just-right antiques over time. But when the Hollywood home tour came around last April, the project went into overdrive, and Iris finished the job in one fast and furious month.
Resources:
Designer: Iris Thorpe irisandcompany.netPaint: Benjamin Moore Bedroom/Canopies/Linens: Iris & Co.
A study in all things white, her bath includes upscale, spa-like amenities. The spacious soaking tub and a built-in makeup vanity with upholstered seating encourage relaxation and retreat. Photo by Jean Allsopp.
Resources: Designer: Libby Greene Interiors, 205.807.2192. [email protected]; Contractor: Francis A. Bryant & Sons, 205.802.7700. fabryant.com; Architect: Pete Pritchard 205.803.3011. petepritchard.com; Tile: Kenny and Company 205.323.5616. kennycompany.com; Plumbing fixtures: V&W Supply, 205.324.9521. vwsupply.com; Marble vanity tops and tub surround: Fragments, fragmentstone.com; Cabinets: Michael Morrow of MDM Design Studio, 205.266.3905. mdmdesignstudio.com; Tile: Kenny and Company; Large window over tub: Francis A. Bryant & Sons; Lighting: Libby Greene Interiors
Resources: Builder, interior design, landscape:River Brook Construction and River Brook Interior Design, riverbrook.construction Flooring: Morton Flooring, mortonflooringllc.com Bathroom hardware:Brandino Brass Bathroom tile/backsplash: Floor & Decor, flooranddecor.com
The master bathroom is saturated in a turquoise-green (Bahama Green, Benjamin Moore) with white countertops, a freestanding tub from Fixtures & Finishes, brass fixtures from Brandino Brass, and warm wood floors. Photo by Jean Allsopp.
“The homeowner wanted blue cabinets with brass details,” says designer Danielle Robin of Twin Interiors. “I felt like the layout of the space also called for a tiled feature wall.” Curved, brass-framed mirrors mimic the curvy pattern of the tile.
The glass-paneled shower wall in the master bath relates back to the door at the front entrance, giving a design point of reference in the home. Photo by Jean Allsopp.
Resources: Interior designer: Laura Vogtle, Design Supply • 205.910.5369 [email protected]Builder: Trey Goldstein, Cotton Construction Inc. • 205.413.1962 cottonconstructioninc.comMaster bathroom chandelier:through Design Supply
In the master bath, Jenny used square marble tiles from Triton Stone, rather than an expensive slab, to create a shapely backsplash behind the tub. Photo by Jean Allsopp.
Powder rooms get plenty of use so they need to be attractive and durable. A Fusion quartzite countertop and backsplash perfectly meet both requirements. In this space the curvaceous patterns in the marble was the starting point for the room’s design. The custom cabinet offers complementary curves. Accessories and fixtures in unlacquered brass along with the gold tones in the wallpaper underscore the glamour.
Architect: Sissy Austin of Austin & Co Fixtures and Accessories: Fixtures & Finishes Wallpaper: Schumacher, “Queen of Spain”
Simple & Focused
Simple & Focused
Black and gold accents and a mirror-mounted faucet keeps the focus on the fluted, limestone sink in this narrow bath. A lively, yet traditional wallpaper doubles in size thanks to the mirrored wall. Above, a gold fixture is a stand out against a dark ceiling.
Designer: Doug Davis of Douglas C Davis & Associates Faucet: Fixtures & Finishes Wallpaper: Nina Campbell, “Pavilion Garden” Light Fixture: Visual Comfort, “Tilden”
Bold & Brilliant
Bold & Brilliant
Big pattern on the tiled wall makes a statement in this powder room. The backsplash tile (Simone tile, a waterjet mosaic in honed Calacatta Gold, honed Thassos, and brushed brass by New Ravenna) runs all the way to the ceiling for extra effect. York wall sconces by Hudson Valley in aged brass, along with a Dryden widespread faucet in brilliance champagne bronze, echo the tile’s metallic tones. For added texture and to complement the warm hues, the vanity features custom reeded drawers made of quarter-sawn white oak.
Robert F. Henry Tile shares what’s new and what’s next in tile: Color, shape, and texture!
Gray- Gray has been the neutral of choice for the last several years however we’re seeing neutral beiges come in with a mix of warm and cool tones.
Blue- Very popular last year, blue is here to stay. This year, look for brighter blues and and the use of blue in patterns and interesting shapes.
Green- Green is the color of nature and a mood lifter all around.It’s also a safe color direction to dapple in if you want to venture into the crayon box.
Pattern- Although subway is classic and will not go out of style, we are now seeing hexagons, triangles, circles, elongated hexagons, and squares coming back to the play book.
Other considerations: installation and grout- Subway tile, for instance, can be installed in lines or patterns. And when it comes to grout color, grout choices can make individual tiles stand out or offer a seamless finish.
This gorgeous listing by Ray & Poynor is a must- see.
With the privacy of more than four acres and a convenient location in Cherokee Bend, 3928 Rock Creek Drive is an exceptional home. This listing by Katie Crommelin at Ray & Poynor is ideal for a family looking for space both indoors and out.
High ceilings and a fireplace in the formal living space off the kitchen.
The soaring ceilings and large windows create a bright and elegant entrance. The main level has several areas for friends and family to gather, including a great room with a fireplace, a sitting room and a den that also serves as an office. Three levels of living area means there’s more than enough room for everyone.
The sitting room with wood detail at the entrance of the home. Lounge or work in this bonus space.
The kitchen is bright and cheerful with tons of natural light. It has ample counter space, stainless steel appliances and a dining area overlooking the backyard.
The spacious master suite on the main level boasts its own seating area as well as a large, updated bathroom and walk-in closet. Four additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms are located upstairs.
“We’re all home more than ever these days,” said Ray & Poynor realtor Katie Crommelin. “There is plenty of room for the family throughout this home, from the living spaces on the main level to the home theater, office, craft room and workout room downstairs. Whether you’re looking to spend time together or escape to your own space, this home has it all.”
Explore the more three acres of trails at Rock Creek Drive.
With care and cultivation from the current owners, the grounds at Rock Creek Drive are special in their own right. The trails behind the home serve as a private nature preserve. “The family enjoys walking on the numerous trails and taking in the natural landscape,” said Crommelin. It’s not uncommon to spot a deer or other wildlife on a walk or from the porches off the main room and kitchen.
To schedule a showing of this beautiful home, call Katie Crommelin with Ray & Poynor at 205.901.3730.
Fran dialed up the existing pieces in the room with a subtle-yet-shiny paint finish on the ceiling. “It adds some warmth and relates better to the fabrics we brought in,” she says, referring to the Schumacher pinstripe linen draperies that feature a beautifully detailed black-and-white edging. Two Audubon prints make a bigger statement than four smaller prints. A mismatched pair of antique chests offers storage. Photography by Jean Allsopp
Warm, welcoming, and lived in—those were the criteria Sara Beth and Sam Wilcox had for updating the design of their 1954 rancher in the Hollywood section of Homewood. And because the abode is under 2,000 square feet, the couple also knew the must-have list needed to include maximizing every bit of space. “We both really liked the idea of having a smaller home, and we chose this house because it had really good bones,” says Sam. “But we needed to make it not only cozy for us but also functional for entertaining friends and family.”
The Wilcoxes sought out the design expertise of Fran Keenan to curate the interiors and make sure every room felt as comfortable as it was collected. Fran started with a crisp, clean white palette for the walls—a simple backdrop that would “hold hands with the textiles and art in each space,” she says. To play with the smaller scale of the rooms, the designer went big in unexpected areas such as the floor-to-ceiling gallery wall of heavily mixed-and-matched artwork and prints in the living room. “People often think that in a smaller space you need smaller things, but bringing in bigger items adds a lot of impact,” she says.
Georgie, the family’s Goldendoodle, is right at home in every room of the house.Fran created a sidewalk café moment with a small Tulip table, French chair, and a bench from Tricia’s Treasures that fit the narrow nook perfectly. She dressed up the stair hall with a Lucite console from Wisteria and an antique mirror from Roman Brantley Antiques.
Details were key in finishing out each space, and Fran layered in lots of them with plenty of custom pillows, draperies with delicate trims, and a mixture of new and antique pieces. She incorporated more interest by intermingling feminine and masculine patterns and textures, such as the velvet and tweed pillows on the sofa. A geometric Turkish Oushak rug from Paige Albright Orientals enlivens a traditional seagrass rug, while a portière adds separation between the living and dining areas and offers another element of softness.
“Fran’s cozy interior design made it feel like we added on square footage. We couldn’t have asked for more,” says Sam. “We were able to have the smaller, comfortable home we wanted but one that’s also completely functional for both daily life and entertaining.”
Fran flanked the bed with a pair of Biedermeier nightstands. The finish on the tables plays to the caramel hues in the vintage screen. Leontine Linens bedding trimmed in navy complement the dark hue (Benjamin Moore’s Gray Shower) on the walls.Tip: To add dimension to the home’s 8-foot ceilings, Fran painted the dining and living room ceilings Pratt & Lambert’s Carbonite. “With lower ceilings, doing something interesting with them really elevates the room,” she says. Wall color is Seapearl by Benjamin Moore.
Salon Style
Fran Keenan’s tips for creating the perfect salon-style gallery wall.
Play with Scale A gallery wall is much more interesting when the scale is varied. Choose prints and paintings of all sizes and shapes, and be sure to spread out those shapes and sizes instead of grouping them together.
Mix the Mediums For a collected feel, choose a variety of mediums, styles, and periods. Here, framed and unframed prints mix with oil paintings, lithographs, architectural drawings, and even antlers in a European mount.
Tell Your Story Just starting your collection? Find pieces that speak to you or that carry personal significance. Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive to be interesting and meaningful.
Use Your Space A traditional decorating rule says that you should always hang artwork at eye level. That’s fine for displaying an individual piece, but for a gallery wall, you’ll want to vary heights and hang pieces from floor to ceiling.
More is More Whether you use paper templates to lay out your wall or just opt to freehand it, consider your display fluid. Spacing between art doesn’t have to be exact, which makes it easy to add and take away as you collect new pieces.
Outdoor Living
Landscape designer Peter Falkner demonstrates his philosophy that goes well beyond just creating beautiful gardens. “It’s also about giving the homeowners a reason to stay outside and enjoy the space,” he says. In this backyard, Peter designed a gracious courtyard with fireplace and dining courtyard. To define each space, he framed a brick wall with low-growing Korean boxwood hedges and used Selma brown pea gravel underfoot. Tree-formed hollies provide privacy without taking up much ground space. “Using big scrubs can overcrowd a small area as they grow,” he says. To soften the space—and make the white-painted fireplace pop—he covered the patio wall with creeping fig.
Around the House
Peacock-shaped andirons are an example of perfectly-picked accessories that give the home a collected feel.Fran decked out the nursery with black-and-white French ticking striped wallpaper and matching window treatments. The rug is from Hiltz-Lauber. Fran found the chest at Chelsea Antique mall.An obelisk rests on a stack of antique books next to a painting by William McLure. In the master bedroom, a custom bench sits beneath a painting by Lindsey J. Porter.In the downstairs den, Fran cued the dramatic styling of Bar Hemingway in Paris. Here, walls are painted deep burgundy (Farrow & Ball Brinjal #222 ) . A leather wingback chair from Roman Brantley Arts & Antiques and 1960s Italian chairs covered in an Irish plaid fabric from 1stDibs add to the room’s rich tone.A souvenir from Bar Hemingway in Paris.
3 tablespoons butter, divided 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces fettuccine noodles (dry) ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, finely grated 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
In a sauté pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once it’s melted, add shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until opaque. Transfer to a plate or a bowl, and cover to keep warm.
Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring to make sure not to burn the garlic.
Add broth, cream, and fettuccine noodles, stirring to separate the noodles. Once mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat slightly, and stir often for about 11 minutes or until noodles are al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add shrimp and cheese, stirring to combine. Remove from the heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Easy Asparagus
This is a quick green vegetable that I make often, especially when I can find the “fat” asparagus. I like the added crunch.
Serves 4 to 6
1 pound fresh asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 lemon, zested and cut in half Kosher salt and black pepper to taste Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus. Place in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and butter, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with lemon zest, and squeeze the juice from lemon over asparagus. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
Bake 15 minutes, tossing once during cooking time. (I usually reach in with a potholder and jiggle the pan while it’s still in the oven.)
Top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Learn from Leslie: I use a vegetable peeler for shaving cheese. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on the crowd.
Greek-Style Baked Feta
Serves 4 to 6
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 cloved garlic, minced 1 cup assorted cherry or grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup red pepper, diced ½ cup red onion, chopped ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved ½ teaspoon ground oregano 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped Salt and pepper 8-ounce block feta Crusty French Bread Crostini
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium-size skillet until hot. Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds; add tomatoes and next 6 ingredients. Heat until onion is tender and tomatoes are beginning to soften.
Place three-quarters of the tomato mixture in a 1-quart baking dish. Top with block of feta and then remaining quarter of tomato mixture.Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly and cheese begins to brown slightly.
Serve warm with Crusty French Bread Crostini.
Crusty French Bread Crostini
Slice a French bagette into ¼-inch slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes or until golden. Serve alongside the dip.
Truly Decadent Brownies
Makes 9 (2½-inch squares)
Parchment paper 1 (4-ounce) good-quality semisweet chocolate baking bar ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup good-quality semisweet chocolate baking chips Strawberry ice cream Assorted berries Fresh mint (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with 2 sheets parchment paper (8-inch by 12-inch pieces), allowing a couple of inches to overhang on all sides. (This will make for easy removal and cutting.)
Melt the chocolate bar and butter in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth. Set aside to come to room temperature. Stir brown sugar and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and mix well.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture, mixing well until blended.
Stir in the chocolate chips, and pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting.
Serve with strawberry ice cream, and garnish with fresh berries, and if desired, mint.
Prior to this house, I had purchased and decorated a house on my own,” says artist Laurel-Dawn Latshaw, “But when Michael and I got married, it was important for us to make our own home together.” Finding that home would prove easier than expected, despite the couple’s long list of wants: a new housewith old-house charm in Homewood, a basement, a garage, alley access, and within walking distance to schools and shops.
Out for a drive one day, Laurel-Dawn passed an empty lot on a leafy corner. She knew her friend (and architect) Jared Bussey was working with Twin Construction on plans for the property, so she gave him a ring and asked to see the design. “The list of items we were looking for were all there,” she says. “We knew that wouldn’t likely happen again.”
Laurel-Dawn began working with Jared and Twin Construction’s interior designer, Danielle Robin, to tweak the home into what she and Michael had envisioned, “I had been saving inspiration ideas for as long as I can remember, but since this was supposed to be a spec home, Danielle had already been coming up with design concepts,” says Laurel-Dawn. “It was funny to see how similar our visions were. We only made a few changes so that the home fit our specific needs.”
Then came the need to factor in Michael’s aesthetic into the interiors scheme, which could have proved frustrating for a creative like Laurel-Dawn. Instead, she welcomed her husband’s input. “He loves hidden rooms and charming spaces, so we incorporated his ideas. One of his favorites is the wall in the kitchen that has a secret door,” she says.
Like a yin to a yang, Laurel-Dawn’s talents with color, painting, arranging, and sewing complemented Michael’s penchant for small cozy rooms, a voluminous library of To Kill a Mockingbird editions, and Native American art. According to Laurel-Dawn, the duality actually created a more dynamic and interesting look that perfectly reflects both of them.
Yards of scarlet fabric sewn into curtains by Laurel-Dawn herself bring drama and cohesion to the dining room’s mix-and-match furniture and accessories. Michael’s collection of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ editions is proudly displayed on living room shelves. “He started collecting them after a trip to Monroeville,” Laurel-Dawn says. “We have too many to count. There are even copies in several different languages.”New but vintage-looking chandeliers from CB2 hang over the Calcatta select marble-topped island. Danielle chose Black Mist granite for the perimeter counters. It looks like soapstone but is more durable.Michael didn’t think he could agree to the yellow paint color in the mudroom just off the kitchen—despite Laurel-Dawn and Danielle telling him that the hue was was the best accent to the wallpaper (GP & J Baker Nympheus). A showdown of various paint samples ensued, and he evenually admitted defeat. Now he loves it.
Tip: Laurel-Dawn prefers vintage, gilt frames to display her photos and artwork. “They are a little wonky and chippy but have a lot of character,” she says.
A Bison print by George Catlin hangs over the bed in the master bedroom.Look closely at the tile in the master bathroom to see pencil molding worked into the subway tile to mimic the wood paneling in an old house. The success of the install took close collaboration between Danielle and the tile workers. 7-year old Lochlan graduated to a big bed, a hand-me-down from his mom. The walls, Privilege Green by Sherwin-Williams, continue the home’s green color scheme.The bedroom’s bird theme is continued in the wallpapered bathroom.
Forging Your Own Design Path
Laurel-Dawn and Michael Latshaw with children Shepherd and Lochlan. Photo by Heather Durham
Laurel-Dawn follows her instincts when it comes to decorating.
Find a way: Laurel-Dawn loves the large, mural floral patterns popping up all over Instagram these days, but she didn’t want to spend the money for fabric for draperies in her bedroom. Instead, this determined and clever seamstress purchased a chinoiserie-printed duvet cover from Williams-Sonoma and sewed it into deliberately unmatched curtains and shades.
Get Nostalgic: Laurel-Dawn recalls childhood visits to her great-grandmother’s home in Madison, Wisconsin. “She had the most amazing style. I remember, even as a little girl, appreciating her furniture and wallpaper,” she says. “She had this incredible floor-to-ceiling collection of family photos going all the way up her stairwell. I loved to sit on those stairs with my sister staring at each photo every time we went to visit. I knew this was something that I wanted for my home—a place to stop and appreciate moments and people in our life.”
Make it Personal: Laurel-Dawn’s art collection is “mostly kid art and art that has a story—pieces that I painted for my husband while we were dating,” she says.
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 • 205.918.0190Exterior 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
Ivy inherited the art above the sofa from her mother. “Growing up, I lived in a house filled with color,” Ivy says. “My mother especially loved all the color and movement in this piece. Photography by Jean Allsopp.
Ivy Schuster comes by her interior design talents naturally. “Growing up watching my mother and grandmother pursue their artistic endeavors certainly inspired me to pursue mine,” she says. Her husband, Josef, also benefitted from growing up with his craftsman father who started a home-remodeling business 47 years ago.
Today, father and son work together creating custom cabinetry and designing renovations in the family business called Kitchen Potential. “My husband is incredibly talented,” Ivy says. “A lot of the features that set our house apart, such as millwork pieces designed to look like high-end furniture, were specifically made by Josef.”
“The original kitchen was in this one space!” Josef says of the corner now occupied by the kitchen banquette. “From a barely 8 x 8 room to what we have now is a ginormous leap.” Josef designed the bench with drawer storage below, and his crew built it. “It is usable space for stuff you don’t need all the time,” he says. The X-brace end pieces on the kitchen island were also designed by Josef.
The Schusters’ home is a cottage in the Hollywood enclave of Homewood. When the couple first married, they felt comfortable in the small home of 1,900 square feet. But once their first child was on the way, they began a renovation to enlarge the tiny 8- x 8-foot kitchen.
“Then it developed further to add a master suite on the ground floor and playroom on the second floor,” Ivy says. “One thing led to another, as most renovations do, and now almost no room has gone untouched.”
The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home includes a large, open kitchen, as well as formal living and dining rooms and a master suite on the main floor. “The kitchen is the room Josef and I felt the most passionate about,” Ivy says. “He is the cook in our family, and he studied every aspect of the space to get the layout just right.”
Cabinets and appliance panels are a beaded inset Shaker style painted slightly darker than the walls. “This look is one of our specialties,” Josef says. “The bead and the frame are one piece.” Countertops and backsplashes consist of a honed quartzite that looks like marble. “For the ceiling where the new and old rooflines come together, Josef had the idea of covering it with 6-inch, tongue-and-groove, white oak planks,” says Ivy. A contemporary drum light fixture adds the perfect, simple silhouette that complements the more complex ceiling transition.
Thanks to architect Michael O’Kelley, the addition melds seamlessly with the original structure. “I think the best renovations make it difficult to tell where the new structure begins, so we thought carefully about how to achieve that,” Ivy says. ”I love that we were able to maintain the historic feel of our home while modernizing it to be more livable for our family’s lifestyle.”
“The whole house is concrete,” Josef says. “The construction is very unique and offered a bunch of opportunities for creative thinking.”
The added square footage gave the Schusters room to grow, but, Ivy says, she and Josef were diligent about how they outfitted both the new and the old. “I wanted to do this right and know that we had thought through everything in great detail,” she says. “We also wanted to avoid any trends so that our home would stand the test of time.”
“Our dining room has a Serapi rug that was a gift from my grandmother, and she also gave me the tapestry that hangs on the wall,” Ivy says. “The table and chandelier were gifts from my mother.” The Brno chairs were designed by famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. “I found them in a warehouse and had a fit over them,” says Ivy.
To that end, the couple chose neutral finishes—plaster walls with a venetian-like texture, wood floors in a warm custom stain, and accents of stained white oak for warmth. “All of these elements can go with anything, allowing the space to evolve over time as each room takes on its own personality through the furniture and art.”
The master bath features a striking tub—its contemporary lines accented by its black exterior—as a focal point.
Atop that neutral canvas, Ivy created a masterpiece for her young family. “I think interiors are essentially a work of art that you get to live in,” she says. “The best ones are not only beautiful but also extremely well-planned and functional.” The home’s furnishings reflect both Ivy and Josef’s personalities and influences. “We’ve incorporated pieces that hold great memories from our travels and from our families,” Ivy says.
“Julia’s bathroom has swan wallpaper from a textile line by artist Lulie Wallace that provides a playful aesthetic,” Ivy says. The guest bathroom has a distinctive personality with dark green tile walls juxtaposing black-and-white floor tile. “The floor is a nod to the room’s original tile,” says Ivy. Other elements—a vanity that echoes a desk, black-and-gold sconces, and a shield-shaped mirror—bathe the room in mid-century modern vibes.
“I think mixing our more modern design aesthetic with these items that remind us of people and places we love makes the interiors one of a kind.” And while she admits that the project was certainly not easy, Ivy explains that it was very fulfilling to use their professional skills to do something for their own family. “This house will always be special to mebecause Josef and I got to create it together.”
A floating wall paneled and trimmed in white oak separates the master bedroom from the ensuite bath. Sconces suspended over each nightstand save tabletop real estate on either side of the upholstered, button-tufted headboard.
Meet the Schusters
Designers at Home and at Heart: Josef Schuster (below with wife Ivy and daughters Julia and Milly) and his dad, Mike, are the designers/renovators behind longtime local business Kitchen Potential. “He’s a craftsman,” Josef says of his father who learned construction growing up. “He doesn’t cut corners and is inspired to do things the right way.” Josef grew up helping in the backyard cabinet shop andlater worked summers and school breaks with his dad. “I stayed the course after graduating and worked my way up to do framing, trim work, and installations,” he says. “Then I moved into the shop and, most recently, to the position of design and sales. Because I enjoy cooking and being in a kitchen, I have a good grasp of what’s functional.”
Ivy Schuster’s background is in commercial design, but recently she has started doing more residential work. In 2006, Ivy joined Rebecca Hatcher, one of Birmingham’s first commercial designers, in the firm that Rebecca founded in 1979. In 2015, Rebecca offered Ivy the opportunity to buy the business, and Hatcher Schuster Interiors was born. “Rebecca continues to be a great mentor and friend,” Ivy says. “I am grateful to her for trusting me with the business she created.”
The cold months for gardening are here. This is the time of year when the small things in the garden become more noticeable. Any plant that blooms in winter stands out among the deciduous landscape and gray skies in the background. The blooms display a brightness you don’t often see in other seasons. And while winter’s floral landscape may be limited to only a few annuals, perennials, and shrubs, the sculptural qualities of our shrubs and trees also take center stage in this period.
One of the most sculptural small trees—and a favorite of mine—is the Japanese maple. The tree must be pruned regularly in order to maintain its beautiful shape. Excellent examples of sculptured Japanese maples in all stages of development can be found in the Japanese Gardens at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. If you want to start sculpting yours at home, keep in mind that it takes time—and a bit of artistry—to get them to look like the ones in the Japanese Garden. First, I remove all the crossing branches in the plant. If this severely prunes the tree, that may be enough for this season. If not, this is the time to tap into your artistic side by imagining what you want the tree to look like when finished. I have been working on one that I pictured with a multi-stem look. In order to achieve that, I thinned the canopy and removed all the limbs up to 6 feet high. In the canopy, I removed all the tiny limbs. Going forward, my work each year will be to remove dead branches and “hand-shave” all the leaves and small shoots. While my example is a simple one, the beauty of the Japanese maple is that it allows you to be as creative as you desire. Other trees that are good for sculpting include Japanese magnolia, crepe myrtle, flowering crabapple, flowering dogwood, southern sugar maple, and live oak.
Flowering Crabapple Tree
Some of the most overlooked winter plants are the minor bulbs. They are generally less than 6 inches tall and therefore need to be planted in a mass for any type of effect. Start looking to buy these in early January as you might find them marked down.
Muscari
The most well-known minor bulb is the crocus. There are over 10 species of crocus, so make sure you select types that bloom in January and February. Selections I like include Snow Bunting, Cloth of Gold, and any of the tommasinianus selections. Muscari is another great minor bulb for our area. I have not grown all the selections, but the clumps at my house have started blooming as early as mid-February. Anemone blanda selections, while technically not bulbs, also enjoy our climate.
Anemone Blanda
Of all the minor bulbs, my favorite is the early-flowering dwarf daffodil. Once established, it can grow in large clumps to create carefree winter color. Tête-à-Tête, Rip van Winkle, and Petticoat White are the selections I prefer.
I like to do a major pruning of my shrubs (except for mophead hydrangeas) in February. If you are wanting to severely prune a really large shrub, it’s important to think about what your goal is for the plant. If it’s just too big for the space, you might want to simply remove it and select another plant that will not grow as big. But if you choose to prune the shrub you have, be sure to look at the internal branch structure to see if the plant has a main trunk or one that is multi-stemmed from the ground. If it is a single-trunk plant and you cut the top out of it, the new growth will come from that spot with multiple new shoots. In this case, I would not prune to the height you ultimately desire. Instead, prune the shrub much lower and let it grow to the desired size. As for the side shoots, remove those with the same thought in mind.
Remember that severe pruning of these plants usually leaves them looking like a bunch of sticks. If the plant has all of its stems coming from the base, you have two options. One is to cut every limb within a foot of the ground and let it regrow into its natural form. The other option is to simply reduce the height or width by taking the tallest (or widest) limb and chasing it back to twice the height (or width) you desire. Cut as many branches as needed to reduce the size. The plant may still look skimpy until new shoots and foliage appear. Follow these steps to reduce the size of most shrubs (except boxwood) in your garden with good results. Keep in mind that boxwood may not recover from a severe pruning.
Rip van Winkle Daffoldils
Floyd’s To-Do List: January/February
Remove burned, damaged, or dead leaves from small plants like Lenten roses, Nippon lilies, Japanese ardesia, and any of the ornamental grasses that are broken or just look tired. I also like to cut back liriope, which I do yearly, as well as mondo grass if needed. A string trimmer or hand clippers work well for this chore. First, make sure the cut back is even. For liriope, the leaves that have fallen on the ground and those that the trimmer missed need to be removed too. After I trim these plants, I like to use a leaf rake to get all the winter material out of the cut plants. When finished, you may mulch the area if desired, but it is not necessary.
Don’t forget that your pansies, violas, sweet Williams, English daisies, and other spring-flowering plants need some winter care. Pinching off dead flowers helps keep the plants attractive and encourages new flowers. I like to apply a light application of half-strength liquid fertilizer about every three weeks in winter until it warms up and you see new foliage. And finally, water the plants if there is an extended dry period or before a hard freeze is expected. This is especially important if the plants are in pots.
Common camellias will show offwhen temperatures eventually start to warm up. To ensure they are in good shape for spring, now is the time to inspect the plants for any problems that need to be treated. To prevent camellia petal blight, remove the flowers that are covering the ground. Another common problem is camellia tea scale, which is the white fuzzy-looking stuff under the leaves on the plant. Treat the plant with Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. Apply according to label directions. Finally, add fresh mulch when the flowers finish and then fertilize lightly with 15-0-15.
Twigs are a major focal point in our house when there are few flowers available to cut from the garden. One of our favorite plants to cut twigs from is winged elm. I cut ours along old neglected fencerows or in abandoned lots. If you are not that adventurous, you can always purchase corkscrew willow, fantail willow, or pussy willow at your local flower source and allow them to dry in place. Other things we like to cut are red-stemmed dogwood, sweetgum, crepe myrtle, locust (with the thorns on), and Japanese magnolia (with big buds).
Snow Bunting Crocus
Rose care is vital this time of year. The classic rose garden selections are to be cut back in late February, but the more common Knockout and various ground cover roses, such as Drift, need pruning differently. For Knockout roses, you can do as little or as much as you want. The one thing I always do is remove all the dead wood. Oftentimes the plants have outgrown their space and need to be cut back, which is fine. Also, this is a good time to reshape the plant if it has grown awkwardly. The cottage-type roses like Drift, which are low growers, need to have fresh mulch put under the plants after the old mulch has been removed. Then remove all the dead leaves and shoots that are out of character for the plant. Finally, remove all the dead clusters of blooms left over from the last season. Wait to fertilize until the danger of frost has passed.
Don’t Miss
Have you visited the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens?As part of the Public Libraries in Jefferson County, it is the only public horticultural library in the United States. The library offersa selection of new gardening books, as well as a children’s section and more than 65 different circulating gardening and horticulture magazines. Curbside service is available 9 am- 4pm Monday-Friday. Call 205.533.6062 for assistance and to set a pickup time.
John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living. For daily tips and more garden information, visit birminghamgardeningtoday.com.
Rustic Sophisticate
Floral designer Buffy Hargett Miller decked this mailbox with an arrangement of magnolia, mixed greenery, and foraged ligustrum berries.
Lake Season
Architect Jeff Dungan designed this glorious house at Lake Martin in Willow Glynn. The mix of native stone and dark woods make this house a show stopper.
Resources: Location: Willow Glynn, Lake Martin willowglynn.com Architecture: Jeff Dungan, Jeffrey Dungan Architects 205.447.5952 jeffreydungan.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
A Fresh Start
A cedar-shake roof, white tones, and lots of glass make this Edgewood home unforgettable.
Resources: Designer: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors of Twin Construction Plan Designer: Crystal Tucker, Twin Construction, 205.802.3920, twincompanies.comBuilder: Twin Construction,twincompanies.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
The Next Generation
Chickadee co-owners Kelly Neely (left) and Kate Hartman stand on the front steps of Kate’s renovated home. Kate credits architect Scott Torode with designing “an exterior elevation that incorporates the windows without losing the cottage charm of the house.”
Resources:Interiors: Kate Hartman, Chickadee 3138 Cahaba Heights Rd. 205.969.3138 chickadeeinteriors.comArchitect: Scott Torode, Pfeffer Torode 334.513.1976 pfeffertorode.com
Photo by Hector Sanchez
Pretty as a Present Floral designer Lisa Bailey frames this gorgeous holiday entry with garlands of cedar and magnolia, while swags of sugar pine cones and satin gold ribbon adorn gas lanterns.
Christmas Classic
Renowned architect James Carter designed and built a home for himself that takes its interior and architectural cues from days gone by. During the holidays, timeless decorating echoes his love of Southern traditions.
Resources:Architect: James F. Carter Architect, Inc., 205.871.7873 jamesfcarter.comDesigner (in collaboration with James Carter): Jane Hawkins hoke/Hawkins-Israel Company, 205.879.3406 Floral Design: Carole Sullivan/Lagniappe Designs, 205.870.5061 Landscape architect: Norman Kent Johnson, 205.960.8902 Christmas decor/floral design (in collaboration with James and Jane) and installation: Lagniappe Designs, 205.870.5061 lagniappe-designs.com
Photo by Laurey Glenn
Full of Potential Leigh and Kevin Misso of River Brook Design & Construction transformed a Homewood property into their personal home with a contemporary exterior that has coastal influences.
Resources: Builder, Interior Design, Landscape:River Brook Construction and River Brook Interior Design, riverbrook.construction
Photo by Justin Clayton
Life is Better at the Lake
Designer Lisa Flake chose an exterior palette of greens and grays for this incredible home that boasts magnificent lake views.
Well Positioned
Architect John Carraway helped these homeowners design a classic French country look with a shake roof and stately white-painted brick.
Resources: Architect: John Carraway, Carraway & Associates 205.933.2114 Builder: David Camp, Camp Construction
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Fresh Take This laundry room is anything but boring. Farrow & Ball “Light Blue” paint transformed the cabinets, and eccentric peacock wallpaper gave the walls new life.
Resources: Designer: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors of Twin Construction Construction:Twin Construction Cabinets: Parsons Custom Cabinetry
Photo by Laurey Glenn
Small Wonder An ambitious first time homeowner painted her metal awnings a cheerful two-tone stripe in Sassy Green and Creamy from Sherwin-Williams.
Resources: Interiors: Zoe Gowen Porch Addition Architecture: Ebee Tullos, 404.931.6889 Styling, plants, floral arrangements, containers: Mark Thompson of Shoppe Birmingham, shoppebham.com, 205.224.4450 Front exterior: Jeld-Wen, jeld-wen.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Pretty & Polished Blue hues make a wood chest and fur-topped ottomans stand out against the soft color palette.
Resources: Interior Design: Lisa Flake of Caldwell Flake Interiors 205.222.9139 caldwellflake.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
The Grown-Up House Formal meets casual with gold marble countertops, custom cabinets, and a backsplash of brick pavers in a herringbone pattern.
The Defining Style of Peter Falkner Landscape designer Peter Falkner worked with designer Alleen Neighbors and builder Chris Franks, to make an outdoor kitchen that looks like it’s a part of the landscape.
Photo by Chris Luker // Photo styling by Holly Carlisle
Field of Dreams
Clean and modern meets rustic sophistication for this Oneonta lodge.
Resources: House & Barn Exterior and Interior Design; Landscape design: Adam Gerndt Design Group, 205.939.1113 Landscape Contractor:EarthWorks Landscape Supply, earthworkslandscapesupply.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Memories in the Making
A classic white paint job makes this former ranch style home one to remember.
Resources:Designer: Fran Keenan, frankeenandesign.comArchitect: Dean Robinson, 205.229.0377 Builder: Mark Williams Landscape: Vision Landscapes, Inc., visionlandscapesinc.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Rustic Sophisticate
This covered patio decked in garland is the perfect place for holiday guests to relax.
Field of Dreams This stunning patio of an Oneonta cabin, looks down towards the homes’ seperate party barn.
Resources: House & Barn Exterior and Interior Design; Landscape design: Adam Gerndt Design Group, 205.939.1113 Landscape Contractor:EarthWorks Landscape Supply, earthworkslandscapesupply.com
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Living Large The first step in remodeling this Mountain Brook home was creating a flagstone courtyard in the front, easily visible through the entry’s French doors.
Resources: Interior Design: Melanie Pounds, Patina 205.802.9805 Builder: Chris Franks, Franks Building Co. 205.966.6917 franksbuildingcompany.comLandscape: Gardens by Griffin 205.965.3607 gardensbygriffin.com
