If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a powerhouse group of food and hospitality professionals turns their talents toward philanthropy, look no further than the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. With just the clink of a Champagne flute and the irresistible crunch of a fried chicken thigh, these women have quietly—and deliciously—raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars since their inception.
For the uninitiated, Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international nonprofit organization of women in food, wine, and hospitality whose mission is to mentor and support others in those fields. The Birmingham LDEI chapter awards a number of entrepreneurial grants and educational scholarships each spring, with funds raised from their must-attend fall fundraiser, the Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic.
What started as a humble gathering at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in 2017 gained real momentum during the pandemic when the event pivoted to a drive-through model on the streets surrounding Pepper Place. That shift not only broadened its reach but also gave the Dames space to dream bigger.
This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, will still feature that drive-through model for supporters wanting to grab-and-go. But guests are also invited to park their cars, settle in at picnic tables, enjoy live music, and have their flutes refilled all in the name of supporting the next generation of female chefs, food writers, caterers, photographers, stylists, sommeliers, and restaurateurs.
And the menu? It’s just as stellar as the women producing it. Rounding out the fried chicken, the picnic includes a vegetarian Tomato Pie option from Tre Luna, a Fall Root Vegetable Salad with Lemon Walnut Vinaigrette from Sorelle, Crudités with Dill Ranch from Feast BHM, Watermelon ‘Carpaccio’ with Shallot Vinaigrette and Feta from Bitty’s Living Kitchen, Pimento Cheese and Crackers from Ashley Mac’s, Fire Chex Mix from Tina’s Market, Bronnie’s Brittle, and a French Chocolate Cake from Telia Johnson Cakes. Pardis Stitt has worked with International Wines to secure an incredible Champagne Veuve Doussot Brut Selection. In addition, a number of signature cocktails will be available, curated by Sol Y Luna, Sloan’s, and FoodBar.
Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic 2025
October 19, 2025 // 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. // Pepper Place BUY TICKETS
How Dames Entertain at Home
Whether personally or professionally, this group of women know how to entertain and have a good time. Here are some of their best tips:
“I always have something on hand that I can serve when an impromptu get-together happens—some great cheeses, some smoked trout, nice crackers.” – Leigh Sloss-Corra, LDEI Birmingham past president and Executive Director of The Market at Pepper Place
“When I host at home, I’m thoughtful about who I invite. I love bringing together people who may not know each other but share common interests or could really hit it off. That kind of compatibility makes the night flow effortlessly, and it’s so fun to watch new connections spark and grow even after the party’s over.” – Gia McCollister, Fork Voyager
“I always have a playlist going before the first guests arrive. The right music helps set the tone for the whole night.” – Lindsey Noto King, Feast Birmingham
“My advice is to not overdo it so you can enjoy your guests. I always say to prepare as much as you can ahead of time so that you aren’t spending the whole evening in the kitchen.” – Anne Born, Certified Spirits Specialist (ret.)
“If it looks like I didn’t lift a finger, then I’ve done it right. Great entertaining is part magic trick, part dance party—and always comes with good bubbles.” – Colleen Duffley, owner Andiamo Lodge
LDEI Birmingham
This year alone, LDEI Birmingham awarded a record-breaking $47,000 in scholarships and grants to women across Alabama pursuing careers in food, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality. That includes six scholarships of $4,000 each, three grants at $5,000, and one at $3,000—all painstakingly reviewed by a devoted team of Dames who volunteered to score a record number of applications. “We had an exceptional group of applicants this year,” says scholarships chair Anna Theoktisto.
The chapter’s giving has always been thoughtful and mission driven. One standout: a scholarship awarded in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, earmarked for a woman tackling food insecurity in her own neighborhood. Another $5,000 award is slated to be given this fall in collaboration with Fiesta, celebrating Alabama’s Hispanic community. Since that very first $1,000 grant to WE Community Gardens in Birmingham’s West End, the Dames have awarded 70 scholarships—including five to teachers—and 26 grants, several to nonprofits. ldeibirmingham.org
On the front entry, a new portico frames the glass front door. Photos by Laurey Glenn, Styling by Matthew Gleason
“The house immediately caught our eye. The natural light was incredible, and the yard was expansive,” the homeowner says. “It had so much potential.” The U-shaped contemporary construction had very little architectural ornament among its concrete floors, white walls, and tall ceilings spanned by steel beams—everything one might imagine a stark, modern home to be. But the homeowners and designer Amanda Hickam of Birmingham’s Harper Harris Design were not deterred. They knew it was the perfect envelope for creating a backdrop for living.
With the help of landscape architect John Wilson of Golightly Landscape Architecture, Amanda added pavers with grass in between to create a tile-like pattern that sets off custom-made planters, bench, and fountain.
The owners had purchased the Vestavia house, built in 2015, after decades in a traditional-style abode they’d custom-built, raised their children in, and thought would be their forever home—until it wasn’t. With their young-adult kids out of the house, the couple realized they were ready for something different.
Enter Amanda. “The homeowner liked idea of a modern home, but she wanted it to feel warmer,” Amanda says. “She was into a more organic, approachable look.” So the designer set her sights on a modern aesthetic that was less stark and more gentle, balancing sleek lines and functionality with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. “I leaned into that idea by incorporating natural wood tones, unorthodox stone species, textural textiles, and lots of art throughout the home,” she says. “Each of these offer a bit of imperfection that can make a space like this more approachable.”
RIGHT The dining room is a study of contrasting materials. “The chandelier made of cocoa beads doesn’t feel harsh or heavy. It’s relaxed and interesting,” says Amanda. The marble-and-steel table, however, is decidedly rigid but is balanced by chairs with soft leather slipcovers. The room’s standout is an Arthur Price tapestry painting from Design Supply Shop. Art in entry, opposite, by William McLure. Abstract by Amee Calloway.Amanda reimagined the entire kitchen, relocating appliances and designing a unique prep island and dining table combo. Reeded white oak perimeter cabinetry is topped with Alabama white marble. The island shines with Portoro Gold marble, a bold choice that puts the waterfall design in the spotlight. RIGHT Texture reigns in a guest bedroom. A custom bed from Wesley Hall is upholstered in a rich, moss-green mohair. Walls are dressed in Thibaut grasscloth, and a batik print from Thibaut forms pillows and drapery. Pressed botanicals tie into the natural palette.
The addition of streamlined architectural details also softened the spaces, “but we had to be thoughtful about adding to a house at that level of pared down,” Amanda says. The homeowner adds, “I’ll be honest—when we first saw the house, it seemed too industrial. The kitchen looked cool, but it just didn’t feel like somewhere you’d want to relax with a cup of coffee. Now it’s full of natural light, which just makes everything more open and uplifting. And we were able to bring in some softness for a more balanced look. It still has that cool, modern edge, but it feels like home now.”
In both the entry and the primary bedroom, Amanda added recessed nooks to flat walls for displaying art pieces, books, and other treasures. In the kitchen and primary bath, glass-front, apothecary-style built-ins with steel frames appear both modern and antique. Those additions, Amanda says, “add another level of interest and detail.”
“This is the vibe the homeowner was after—natural, organic, modern but approachable, serene, and relaxing,” Amanda says of the main living area. Art above fireplace by Wellon Bridgers. LEFT To bring interest to the primary bedroom, Amanda designed built-in, arched bookshelves and created a nook for the brass four-poster bed which she then framed with drapery panels. In lieu of bedside lamps, pendant lights that resemble strands of pearls are suspended from the ceiling. “It all adds warmth and texture, making this once-cavernous space feel chic but cozy,” Amanda says. RIGHT A painting on raw canvas by Chelsea Fly (through Design Supply) is tacked to a wall above a bouclé chaise longue. The primary bath is a showroom for Alabama white marble. Just inside the door, Amanda created a showstopping vertical marble installation that frames a soaking tub and chandelier. Lighting by Visual Comfort. The vanity showcases walnut cabinetry and brass legs topped with Alabama white marble and a steel-and-glass apothecary cabinet—an interesting mix of modern materials and classic styling that echoes the kitchen. The closet offers enviable style and storage.
The designer’s lighting selections act in concert with materials and furnishing choices to give each space a layer of personality. Thanks to the home’s high ceilings, there was space to go big and bold with fixtures—and larger pieces helped fill the volume of space overhead. “I was able to get really creative with scale,” says Amanda.
Putting creativity on display was the driving force behind the remodel. That not only included Amanda’s imaginative updates to the floorplan, courtyard, pool house, and interiors, but also the creation of a gallery for the homeowners’ art collection, along with two new commissioned pieces. “The homeowner is a talented photographer herself, so she has a true understanding of how art completes a space,” Amanda says.
After two years of renovations, Amanda has come up with the perfect description of the home. “It’s an example of how classic Southern elegance can be reimagined through contemporary aesthetics, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated.”
The exterior offered Amanda the opportunity to create a Palm Springs-inspired oasis with varying points of interest. “The pool house was completely reimagined with a cantilevered roof and strong horizontal lines,” she says. John Wilson of Golightly Landscape Architecture transformed the backyard tennis court into a green space with stairs that recede into the rise of the distant lawn. LEFT ”The custom penny-tile-and-brass-striped wall in the dining room really catches your eye,” Amanda says. RIGHT “The classic black-and-white cabana stripe adds a sophisticated but playful element to the pool deck’s furnishings,” says the designer.
Amanda Hickam| Harper Harris Design
Harper Harris Design is a luxury firm founded in Birmingham in 2019. Thanks to architecture and design backgrounds, Amanda and her team offer a unified approach consistently yielding spaces that radiate effortless elegance. The balanced aesthetic feels both inviting and timeless. “We produce construction drawings and also select furnishings, textiles, and décor for our clients,” says Amanda. “We work on new construction, renovations, additions, and decorating projects.”
The designer explains that her firm is known for being incredibly approachable with clear communication. “The level of professionalism and detail in our drawings allows us to work well with contractors, millworkers, countertop fabricators, plumbing vendors, and any other team member needed to successfully achieve each client’s desired outcome.”
In her new book, The Elegance and Comfort of Home, interior designer Dana Wolter delves into the importance of curating your home to reflect and honor a well-lived life. Growing up in a large family brimming with love and spirited unpredictability, Dana quickly learned the importance of cultivating a home that offers comfort and respite. From an early age, she sought order and a personal retreat to call her own. Today, she designs homes that are as functional as they are refined, seamlessly blending craftsmanship with joy and timeless elegance. Photos by Alison Gootee
Interior designer Dana Wolter believes that the places in which we live should provide beauty and comfort to support well-being.
The homes featured in The Elegance and Comfort of Home are places of sanctuary where families, however large or small, come together to recharge and create memories. Whether it’s a warm, inviting kitchen designed as a gathering spot or a gorgeously appointed bedroom where one can retreat, the spaces are gracious and nurturing.
“Birmingham has such a wealth of talent and creativity, and I am incredibly proud to call this city home. It’s a hub for some of the best design shops, interior designers, creatives, writers, and artisans in the country.” —Dana Wolter
Dana’s homes support the rituals of daily living in deeply meaningful ways. Timeless furnishings and classic design elements instill a sense of permanence and longevity, while clean lines and neutral palettes evoke calm and serenity. These interiors reflect understated elegance that is approachable and welcoming.
Dana believes a connection to nature is essential to health and happiness; she brings outdoor elements indoors as part of her signature style. From incorporating natural light into rooms to using materials such as stone, wood, and organic fabrics, her designs connect to nature in a myriad of ways. The beautiful interiors in Dana’s book will inspire readers who seek homes of beauty and refuge.
Swathed in midnight blue, this library offers a cocoon of comforts. LEFT This former pass-through area became a welcome spot for returning home thanks to the addition of a sofa and graphic wall covering. RIGHT This Birmingham dining room features airy draperies and elegant brass and gold accents.
Interior designer Dana Wolter believes that the beauty of the spaces in which you live should be mirrored in the life you lead. Her work is rooted in both well-being and ageless authenticity, and this book—a true testament to her craft—is not just a captivating read but also offers a lasting reminder to embrace the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings.
“The Elegance and Comfort of Home represents much more than a culmination of my work, both past and present,” Dana says. “It’s a part of me. Reflecting on my journey, both personally and professionally, has allowed me to create a composition that is a unique fusion of where I’ve been and where I’m headed.”
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to celebrate the 19th Antiques at the Gardens this fall. Presented by 1919 Investment Counsel and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC and featuring design sponsor Schumacher, Birmingham’s premier antiques show will once again welcome a prestigious lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers, interior designers, landscape architects, floral artists, and experts on gracious entertaining.
The show will also include 25 celebrated dealers from across the U.S. and across the pond, offering exquisitely curated antique furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home décor, and garden accessories from both new and returning dealers.
Tickets are on sale now. For tickets, show schedule, speaker bios, and dealer information, visit bbgardens.org/antiques. Follow show announcements and reveals on Facebook and Instagram.
Special Weekend Events
Stop the Show with Rudy Saunders
Friday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m., book signing to follow – Sponsored by Paige Albright Orientals Join famed Design Director of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., Rudy Saunders for a special tour of the dealer booths as he shares recommendations and pieces of interest during this intimate walk-through. Based in New York City, Rudy is involved with all aspects of the firm, including designing colorful, bright, and fun residential interiors for discerning private clients across the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, he oversees the design direction of hospitality projects, such as The Greenbrier in West Virginia and Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Stitch with Rudy Saunders: Needlepoint with Friends
Saturday, October 4, at 9 a.m. – Sponsored by Sarah Holbrook Slaughter Rudy Saunders, a prolific needlepointer, returns on Saturday for a morning of fun and stitching for needlepointers of all skill levels. Participants receive kits outfitted with all the necessities needed to stitch an original R! by Rudy design as he shares his wit and expertise. Rudy launched his exclusive needlepoint collection, R! by Rudy, with Lycette Designs in 2020, featuring designs both creative and clever. He has taught needlepoint classes and is a co-founder of the Young Needlepointers of New York City.
2025 Antiques at the Gardens Speakers
Antiques at the Gardens welcomes these nationally and internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, landscape architects and furniture designers to the 18th annual show.
An additional ticket is required for each lecture. Limited seating. Free parking. Book signings hosted by Leaf & Petal at the Gardens
Show Ambassador
RICHARD KEITH LANGHAM Alabama born and Manhattan based, Keith has been a force in the interior design world for more than 30 years. His keen eye and ebullient talent serve him well in assembling his signature rooms—those that speak to the past in a fresh way and are brimming with luscious color, pattern, and couture detailing. Perhaps no one summed up his aesthetics better than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who once proclaimed him to have “a sorcerer’s eye.”
Friday, October 3
Red Diamond Lecture Series
Sponsored by Red Diamond Coffee & Tea
Designing with the Stars
Martyn Lawrence Bullard in conversation with Steele Marcoux, Editor-in-Chief, Veranda 11 a.m., book signing to follow
MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a multi-award-winning, Los Angeles-based interior designer and television personality renowned for his broad range of styles and eclectic yet sophisticated and inviting interiors. A-list celebrity clients include RuPaul, Kylie Jenner, Cher, Kourtney Kardashian, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ellen Pompeo, to name a few. His third book, Star Style, showcases his own globally-inspired properties, as well as his rooms for an array of glitterati from the worlds of music, fashion, stage, and screen.
STEELE MARCOUX Steele Thomas Marcoux is the editor-in-chief of VERANDA, where she oversees brand strategy and content across all platforms and writes about architecture, design, travel, jewelry, and gardening.
An English Village
Ben Pentreath 2 p.m., book signing to follow
BEN PENTREATH Named one of the “best country house architects in Britain” and often described as the “go-to” designer to the British royal family, Ben Pentreath is an award-winning architectural designer and decorator whose work embodies the highest principles of traditional and classical architecture, as well as urbanism in contemporary society. Ben is also co-founder, with Bridie Hall, of Pentreath & Hall, one of London’s most distinctive interiors and decoration shops. He is the author of English Decoration, English Houses, and An English Vision, newly released from Rizzoli. He is a regular contributor to the Financial Times and runs the Pentreath & Hall blog.
Saturday, October 4
Glorious Gardens
Thomas O’Brien and Katie Ridder with Dara Caponigro, Editor-in-Chief, Frederic Sponsored by Cobbs Allen and PURE Insurance 11 a.m., book signings to follow
THOMAS O’BRIEN Thomas O’Brien is an interior and home furnishings designer based in New York City. He is founder and president of Aero Studios and owns home design stores Aero Ltd. and Copper Beech. His style extends to his Thomas O’Brien home furnishings, with furniture, lighting, tableware and giftware, carpets, and plumbing fittings made for both fine and daily living. Thomas has created lighting for Visual Comfort & Co. He is the author of three design books: the best-selling American Modern, AERO: Beginning to Now, and Library House.
KATIE RIDDER With clients from Switzerland to Kentucky, Katie Ridder, lead principal at Katie Ridder Inc., has been commissioned to design the interiors of spaces as varied as Japanese pavilions, Palm Beach estates, Park Avenue apartments, and downtown lofts. Katie is the author of three books: Rooms; A House in the Country, co-authored with her husband, architect Peter Pennoyer; and More Rooms.
DARA CAPONIGRO Dara Caponigro is the creative director of Schumacher and editor-in-chief of FREDERIC magazine. Previously, she was editor of VERANDA, style director and a founding editor of Domino, and design director of ELLE Decor. She is the co-author of TheNew York Times bestseller Domino: The Book of Decorating and author of Decorate Like a Decorator and FREDERIC: The Last Word in Chic, both published by Monacelli. Her homes have been published in House Beautiful, ELLE Decor, VERANDA, Domino, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and FREDERIC. Her latest book is Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers.
Hospitality: Then and Now
Rebecca Gardner, Elaine Griffin and Jane Scott Hodges with Margot Shaw, Editor-in-Chief, Flower Sponsored by Flower 2 p.m., book signings to follow
REBECCA GARDNER Rebecca Gardner is the founder and creative director of Houses & Parties, an events, interiors, and retail collective based in Savannah and New York City. Named a top event designer by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, she has been published in Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, Town & Country, and more. Her first book is A Screaming Blast.
ELAINE GRIFFIN Interior designer and tastemaker Elaine Griffin is a former contributing editor for Better Homes & Gardens. She designed for Oprah’s O at Home, was a special projects editor at ELLE Decor, and is a contributing editor at FLOWER magazine. Her design firm operates from Coastal Georgia and New York City. She authored Design Rules: The Insider’s Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator.
JANE SCOTT HODGES Jane Scott Hodges, founder and CEO of Leontine Linens, is known for her influence on couture linens for everyday use and establishing their relevance in contemporary life and entertaining. She is the author of Linens: For Every Room & Occasion. Her linens have been featured in House Beautiful, ELLE Decor, Traditional Home, Frederic, FLOWER, and Town & Country, among others.
MARGOT SHAW Margot Shaw is the founder and editor-in-chief of FLOWER magazine, which inspires, educates, and entertains readers with a point of view that stems from seeing the world through a botanical lens. The magazine includes features on homes, gardens, entertaining, and lifestyle. Margot is author of Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers.
Sip and Clip: A Lesson in Floral Design
Jimmie Henslee Sponsored by Heather Chadduck Textiles 3:30 p.m.
JIMMIE HENSLEE Gardener, floral designer, and collector Jimmie Henslee is a Ralph Lauren design alumni with extensive world travels. His brilliant displays of unexpected combinations of color, texture, and balance have appeared in VERANDA, FREDERIC, FLOWER, House Beautiful, and LUXE Interiors + Design.
Sunday, October 5
Defining Elegance
Marshall Watson Sponsored by Christopher Collection and LUXE Interiors + Design 11 a.m., book signing to follow
MARSHALL WATSON New York-based Marshall Watson creates designs that have appeared on the covers of Architectural Digest, VERANDA, Traditional Home, and Hamptons Cottages & Gardens. His interiors have appeared in House Beautiful, LUXE Interiors + Design, The New York Times, Interior Design, and others. Marshall is the author of The Art of Elegance and Defining Elegance.
Creating a Livable Home Inside and Out
Ray Booth, Jon Carloftis, Brooke and Steve Giannetti with Hadley Keller, Director of Editorial, Design Leadership Network Sponsored by River Brook Design & Construction, Visual Comfort & Co., and Southern Home magazine 2 p.m., book signings to follow
RAY BOOTH Ray Booth is a principal partner at McAlpine. An Alabama native and alumnus of Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Ray nurtured his love of home in the South. He has collections for Hickory Chair and Visual Comfort & Co. An AD 100 Designer, Ray has designs that have graced the covers and pages of Architectural Digest, VERANDA, House Beautiful, Hamptons Cottage & Gardens, and more. He is the author of the Evocative Interiors and The Expressive Home.
JON CARLOFTIS Garden designer Jon Carloftis prides himself on his Kentucky roots and sincerely believes that the Bluegrass State is home to some of the world’s most enchanting and inspired gardens. He returned to Kentucky after creating rooftop gardens in New York City for over two decades. Jon’s work has been featured in many publications including Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Country Gardens, Country Home, Garden Design, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and more. He is the author of First a Garden, Beyond the Windowsill, Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky, and Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens.
BROOKE AND STEVE GIANNETTI Architect Steve Giannetti and wife Brooke, an interior designer, are known for their love of patina to create a sense of history and authenticity. Brooke’s design blog, “Velvet & Linen,” showcases Steve’s drawings and the architecture and interiors of homes they designed, including their own Patina Farm in California. They have relocated to Patina Meadow in the Nashville area. The couple also opened a shop, Patina Home and Garden, in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. The Giannettis have authored Patina Style, Patina Farm, Patina Living, Patina Homes, and recently, Patina Homes & Gardens.
HADLEY KELLER Hadley Keller is a longtime design writer and editor currently serving as director of editorial and community engagement at the Design Leadership Network, a community of top interior designers. Previously, she held positions at House Beautiful and Architectural Digest and was the founding editor of AD PRO. She is the author of Beachside: Windsor Architecture and Design.
Antiques at the Gardens 2025 Dealers
Amy Heinrich Home • Antique Cupboard • Beth Poindexter Luxe • Black Sheep Antiques • Blackwell Botanicals • Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs • Dawn Nakamura Interiors • Edwin C. Skinner • Galerie Brut • Gray Antiques • Gum Tree Farm Designs • Hedgerow Antiques • Justin Westbrook Antiques • Kevin L. Perry, Inc. • Marta Gualda • McDonough Fine Art • The Pigeonniere • Piggy Kitchen • Recreo Jewelry • Relic Interiors • Right Proper • Roger D. Winter, Ltd. • Romi Gold • Thomas M. Fortner Antiques • Whitehall Antiques
Photos by Jean Allsopp // Styling by Kathleen Varner
“We wanted to bring our home into the here and now—to make it feel more current but also respectful of the past with a curated blend of the old and new,” says Mary Wyatt Crenshaw when talking about the design hopes for she and husband Jay’s 1992 French-style Abingdon home. Mary and Jay were merging their families, bringing everyone together in a house that already held a lot of memories, so it was imperative that the design honor those treasured moments while getting an update for their next chapter.
To help with this vision, Mary enlisted interior designer Farris Ann Crace, who was quick to align with the couple’s goals, appreciate what was already there, and offer a path to move them forward. The custom, French-inspired home had compelling curb appeal and a good floor plan, but the interiors had not been updated in 20 years. “We didn’t need more space. We just wanted to rework what we had,” says Mary. “We especially wanted the kitchen to embrace the backyard and pool and to be more functional.”
The designer replaced the foyer’s green granite floors with classic tumbled black-and-white marble—a timeless choice that felt original to the French-style home. The tableau includes a Lee Industries bench through Circa Interiors, a David Iatesta table, and Urban Electric sconces. Painting by Wellon Bridgers.The home’s original kitchen was updated with steel windows and doors from Bessemer Glass that welcome the verdant backyard and pool views. A seating island instead of a traditional table makes better use of the space. Revised finishes, including marble and granite from Triton Stone Group, a new color palette, and contemporary overhead light fixtures, give the kitchen modern appeal.
Since updating the kitchen was top priority—and the biggest renovation endeavor—the Crenshaws called the home’s original architect, George Israel with Israel & Associates, and invited him back for a second take, with Farris Ann weighing in on flow and finishes. The original design included an L-shaped island with all the appliances grouped together.
“It was hard to maneuver around without everyone feeling crowded and bumping into each other, especially when we were at capacity,” says Mary of the now-combined family of seven (plus extended family and friends). The solution was two stylish islands—one for prep and one for dining and other activities like homework and art projects. To make the connection to the back of the home, the architect and designer replaced the kitchen’s existing windows with a series of large steel ones and French doors.
To celebrate the new indoor/outdoor reveal, Mary decided to depart from the more expected white kitchen. The solution? Farrow & Ball’s “Studio Green” for the cabinet color and trim to impart a more sophisticated, chic vibe. “The reimagined kitchen also called out for some refined but slightly edgy additions, so we used more contemporary light fixtures and brass hardware,” says Farris Ann. “And the chairs are polished but still highly functional because we upholstered them in performance velvet.”
The adjoining dining room took color cues from the kitchen and showcased Farris Ann’s prowess in balancing the masculine and feminine elements throughout the downstairs. The original, ornate crystal chandelier was kept while updates included Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper with rivet detailing, plush green velvet dining room chairs, and a custom Michael Morrow buffet.
The dining room’s original chandelier remained while more streamlined pieces were added in, such as the Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wall covering with rivet detailing and a buffet crafted by Michael Morris of MDM Design Studio. A Holland MacRae round table expands to seat 12 for the large, blended family.
“I we found balance in the design—the interiors are refined but approachable and classic with notes of modernity.” — Farris Ann Crace, designer
For the family room, the layout was top of mind. “It’s not that large, so my main request was to be able to sit as many people as possible to watch football and to celebrate Christmas while also being cozy enough when it’s just the four of us hanging out,” says Mary. To accomplish that goal, Farris Ann created two areas—one for large gatherings and the other more intimate.
The family room needed to contract or expand depending on the number at home, so Farris Ann created two separate seating areas with multiple options to perch. In this one, she included a custom neutral O. Henry House sectional, club chairs in shades of blue, and a plaid Elizabeth Eakins rug. A collection of framed garden landscape prints provides additional pattern.Opposite the sectional, Farris Ann situated a sofa upholstered in a Zak & Fox green velvet met with a pair of easy-to-rearrange coffee tables. A painting by Jennifer Gibbs from Design Supply unites the room’s blue and green hues.
Everything is pulled together color-wise with a subtle plaid rug, window panels in a Holland & Sherry floral motif fabric, and a large oil painting by Jennifer Gibbs. “Farris Ann really understood how we wanted our house to live in this stage of our life and beyond,” says Mary. “It’s refined but comfortable for every day—and it has that desired timeless quality for making memories.”
Jay’s children are grown but Mary’s two are still at home, so making them feel comfortable in an already-established house was important. To bring the kids into the fold, Mary and Farris Ann included them on the design for their bedrooms and baths. Blue was the unifying color in this one, while pink was first choice opposite.
Resources
Interior design: Farris Ann Crace, Farris Ann Interiors; Architect: George Israel, Israel & Associates; Builder: Brooke Russell, Russell Building; Landscape design: Gary Mitchell Select artwork:Design Supply
The natural attractions in South Walton County showcase a diverse ecosystem. Stretching along a 26-mile shoreline with inland reaches towards lakes and pine forests, the landscape is filled with rolling sand dunes, 15 coastal dune lakes, endless Gulf views, and state parks with wooded trails waiting to be explored.
The 16 neighborhoods and the architecture of each are equally distinct—from the white Bermudan homes in Alys Beach to the coastal-colored houses in Watercolor to the European colonial style of Rosemary Beach. Book your fall getaway and explore everything the area has to offer. For starters, check out our recommendations of what to see, where to stay, and where to dine.
Where to Stay in South Walton
South Walton offers everything from boutique hotels to rental houses and cottages to larger resort-style properties. We’re partial to Camp Creek Inn’s hotel accommodations with access to the Watersound community’s Beach Club. On site, you’ll find club amenities including golf, pools, and a variety of fine and casual dining restaurants. For a more intimate feel, book a room at The Pearl at Rosemary Beach. You can’t beat the centrally located, walk-and-bike friendly neighborhood; the rooftop pool and bar; or the Hemingway-inspired Havana Beach Bar & Grill.
What to See in South Walton
Aside from long walks on the beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and biking (go farther and see more with an electric bike) are among favored outdoor activities. No need to reserve ahead of time; you’ll find plenty of outfitters along 30A. For evening entertainment, do plan ahead for a beach bonfire with 30A Blaze Beach Bonfires. They can accommodate parties large and small with any à la carte add-on you may need, including s’mores and live music. All you have to do is show up before the sun goes down.
Where to Eat in South Walton
Start your morning with a cup of coffee and a homemade pastry from Amavida in Rosemary Beach. For lunch, drop by Cowgirl Kitchen to dine in or grab-and-go. For dinner, don’t miss the sunset from the beachfront deck at Bud & Alley’s. The establishment (founded in 1986) continues to serve classic Gulf offerings with Southern flair and locally sourced ingredients.
Check the Calendar
From farmer’s markets to wine tastings to live music and theater, entertainment is plentiful in South Walton. There’s certainly more than enough to do, so check out visitsouthwalton.com to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
The homeowners wanted a classic white kitchen, so Leigh selected two complementary shades—Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak for the cabinets and Cloud Cover for the walls—to add subtle warmth and depth while keeping the space bright and timeless. Symmetry was key to the design—carefully crafted arches flank the range, echoing the balanced layout of the twin islands. Photos by Laurey Glenn
The laundry list of challenges in Blake and Rachel Thomas’s Liberty Park kitchen was long—no windows, tight quarters, minimal prep room, and a layout that made cooking with company nearly possible—but it was nothing River Brook Design & Construction couldn’t handle. With a little imagination and a few out-of-the-box ideas, Leigh Misso and the team turned the once-cramped space into a light-filled, family-friendly kitchen that checks every box—and then some.
To solve the square footage issue, Leigh relocated the kitchen into a light-filled, seldom-used living room with generous proportions and beautiful backyard views, giving the family ample space and a front-row seat to the backyard pool. The larger footprint also allowed her to incorporate two islands, a large range, a scullery, and a hidden walk-in pantry.
A 48-inch Wolf range anchors the kitchen, while a custom, monolithic-style hood conceals the vent in a sleek, architectural frame. Leigh chose a slab of Danby marble to draw the eye upward, letting the materials—and the thoughtful details—take center stage.
The next priority was bringing a sense of cohesion and balance to the kitchen. To achieve that, Leigh focused on symmetry—framing the range with arched openings on either side, centering a pair of matching islands in the middle of the room, and flanking the kitchen with mirrored sink vignettes that give the entire space a polished, intentional feel.
“Besides being beautiful, the kitchen is now incredibly functional,” says Rachel. “We have plenty of room to cook together and all of the counter space and storage we need. We love how the kitchen is filled with natural light and offers the best views of our backyard—it has easily become our favorite room in the house.”
LEFT An apron-front sink carved from Danby marble ties seamlessly into the countertops and backsplash. Leigh created visual interest through material and detail, extending the marble to form a ledge for display. The painting is by Birmingham-born artist Joe Turner. CENTER What appears to be just another cabinet door in the scullery quietly conceals a walk-in pantry. The push-to-open design keeps the facade clean and uninterrupted, preserving the room’s refined, furniture-like feel while offering everyday practicality just steps away. RIGHT The home’s original kitchen provided space for both the scullery and expanded laundry room. Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue adds a bold, unexpected pop.
Making an Impact
River Brook Design & Construction’s Leigh Misso unites form and function with timeless style and smart solutions. Here are her top kitchen must-haves.
Cabinet design. Thoughtfully planned custom or semi-custom cabinetry—with features like spice pull-outs, appliance garages, and hidden pantries—boost function.
Stone selection. Surfaces make a statement. Choosing impactful materials—like a marble slab backsplash—can elevate the entire aesthetic.
Layered lighting. A well-balanced mix of recessed lighting, table lamps, and standout fixtures adds warmth, depth, and functionality.
Integrated appliances. Panel-ready and built-in appliances contribute to a clean, cohesive look while offering high performance.
The right flow. A smart layout, including a well-placed work triangle and smooth circulation paths, makes the kitchen intuitive and easy to use.
Jamey and Susan Davies’ 1920s Mountain Brook home is full of charm, but the kitchen’s cramped corners, awkward flow, and lack of hosting space were no match for their family-centered lifestyle. With a love of entertaining and a need for a space that could keep up—yet a desire to preserve the soul of the historic home—the couple turned to architect Paul Bates and designer Sumner Starling to strike the right balance.
Paul began by tweaking the kitchen’s layout, crafting a new floor plan that brought better function and flow to the existing footprint without requiring an expansion. He created a niche in the wall for the Wolf range, making it appear recessed and seamlessly integrated. The refrigerator was relocated to the butler’s pantry, freeing up wall space for windows that breathe new light into the room and connect the kitchen to the outdoor patio.
LEFT A walnut table by MDM Designs anchors a custom banquette upholstered in wipeable faux leather by Mark Jordan. RIGHT To connect the interior with the backyard, the original window above the sink was replaced with a trio of larger ones, more than doubling the natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor feel.
To preserve the integrity of the century-old home, Sumner chose every design detail with intention. She opted for Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White on both the walls and cabinetry to create a cohesive backdrop. Against that soft, neutral canvas, antique oak brings warmth and character to both the custom cabinet and island. A beam of reclaimed wood subtly defines the custom banquette’s dining nook, offering a sense of place without interrupting the kitchen’s natural flow. Olympian Danby marble countertops and backsplash add a layer of elegance, while unlacquered brass fixtures lend a timeless, lived-in feel.
“The result is a beautiful kitchen that flows effortlessly and functions seamlessly for everyday living,” says Sumner.
Relocating the sink in the island allows whoever is in the kitchen to feel more connected to the rest of the house. The blue La Cornue range, set off by an arch, became a focal point in the kitchen. While the tongue-and-groove ceiling with wood beams is not original to the house, it’s perfectly suited to the style. // Photos by Jean Allsopp, Styling by Morgan Stephenson
When it comes to retrofitting a kitchen in a historic home, it’s critical to let the architecture lead.
Before
“The whole team really wanted to maintain the integrity of the house,” says designer Jessica Prier with Birmingham Design House. “If a client doesn’t prioritize quality and craftsmanship, the charm and character that we all love in a historic home can easily get lost in the value engineering.” Fortunately, owners Kate and Donnie Smith and their team’s mindset aligned.
To maintain these goals, it was essential to commit to high-end finishes and appointments. Kate leaned into authenticity and high-quality selections, choosing a La Cornue range, unlacquered brass hardware and fixtures, and leaded-glass windows in the scullery that replicate originals in the house.
“Of course there are always budget compromises,” Jessica says. “For example, Kate and I loved Calacatta gold marble for the kitchen, but the Imperial Danby marble was less costly.” Similarly, they opted for alder for the island in lieu of walnut. “The expensive items that we did choose were intended to make a larger impact in the overall design,” Jessica says.
LEFT Eliminating an existing pantry allowed for a wall that houses refrigerator appliances, drawers, and display cabinets. RIGHT A blue La Cornue range adds a pop of fun color to the otherwise neutral palette.Architectural Cooperative designed a bump-out in the original house to create a scullery and convenient side entrance that runs along the back of the range wall.
There is nothing quite as satisfying as gathering bouquets of fresh-cut flowers from your own garden. Growing flowers at home ensures you will have the freshest blooms for your arrangements. And you’ll get the chance to experiment with plants and seeds to cultivate varieties that you may not be able to find at the florist. You can also avoid pesticides and preservatives that often come with mass-produced flowers.
Here are a few prolific plants that will transform any floral design, with flowers that bloom from spring through fall.
Gladiolus
The elegant gladiolus, also known as a sword lily, produces tall spikes of ruffled flowers opening from the bottom of the stem, ideal for adding spectacular vertical interest to a bouquet. These plants can grow as high as 5 feet. Gladioli grow from corms, a bulb-like base of the plant’s stem, and will come back year after year. They also are a perfect choice if you want to attract hummingbirds.
Celosia
Celosia
Cock’s comb (celosia) produces a gorgeous variety of bright red, pink, or gold flowers throughout the summer and into the fall. The feathery architecture of the flower, resembling a rooster’s comb, is a striking visual feature both in the garden and in floral arrangements—whether fresh or dried. It can also be used as a source for natural dyes. Cock’s comb thrives in full sunlight and moist, well-draining soil. Be sure to deadhead the flowers so the plant will produce more blooms all season long.
Ageratum
Ageratum
Floss flower (ageratum) produces a proliferation of purple pom-poms and can grow up to 30 inches. It adds texture and color in fresh bouquets. The plants reseed themselves freely, but deadheading the flowers before they go to seed will help control the spread. Floss flower grows well in full sun and can tolerate dry conditions.
Anemone
Windflower (Anemone)
With delicate, showy blooms that come in all colors of the rainbow, anemones make exhilarating additions to a flower garden. Related to buttercups, they are one of the easiest flowers to maintain and do well in full sun. Plus, they can last over a week in a vase.
Allium
Allium
Onions may not immediately come to mind when planning a flower garden, but they’re not just for eating. Ornamental onions (alliums) produce blue and purple flowers that add whimsy to bouquets. The plants come in a variety of heights, colors, and bloom times, so you can enjoy different types. They’re also pollinator magnets and resistant to deer and rabbits.
