Stay focused. Lisa chose acrylic accent furnishings to keep the attention on the dynamic tile floor and standout fixtures. Photography by Jean Allsopp. Builder: Slate Barganier Building
The opportunity to build a brand new house offers endless possibilities. Wish lists are made, and the drawing board is the imagination’s playground. When Candi and Lloyd Peeples enlisted decorator Lisa Flake and architect Carey Hollingsworth to design their new Liberty Park home, they requested a pleasing blend of tradition and contemporary appointments with a little bit of glamour thrown in. Nowhere is this more evident than in the tile choices throughout the house, especially in the main bedroom and powder bath. “The metallics definitely take the baths to a different level,” says Lisa. “Candi and I both love a little glam. We knew we wanted some modern, shiny touches.”
Lisa designed the sink in the powder room. Working with Triton Stone Group and fabricator Epic Stone, she chose a White Thassos countertop and had it mitered to create the effect of a single, thick slab. A very slight slope in the stone leads to the slit of a drain.
On wall and floor tile, the patterns and contrasting mix of materials include metals and glass which beautifully highlight the stately, natural stones. To complement the dazzling selections in the main bath, Lisa brought in a drum- shaped, contemporary, mixed-metal chandelier from Hiltz-Lauber. A pair of gild-finished Hampton wall sconces by Aerin accentuate the bling in the powder room. Here, the well-dressed look is completed with a mirror trimmed in gold, along with the intricate barrel-key design on the faucet handles.
Heated floors, a heated towel rack in the shower, Smart mirrors, and a Smart toilet (Fixtures & Finishes) top off wish-list items for the ultimate in style and sophistication.
EXPERT Insights from Kitchen Wise
TOSS IT: Bath cabinets tend to become a graveyard for half-used beauty and hygiene products. Prioritize using up whatever products you have already opened before buying more. Get rid of any products that have been left open for a long time or that have expired.
SMART STORAGE: Keep beauty products such as cotton swabs and bath salts in clear jars or containers. Eliminate mismatched bottles or plastic bags that take up space.
EXPERT Insights from Triton Stone Group
MAKING A COMEBACK: Color—especially in warmer tones. Softer finishes such as antiqued, tumbled, and honed tile, as well as floral patterns, are making an entrance. Slab shower walls and full-height splashes are creating big statements. Vintage marbles in rose, green, and purple jewel tones are very current, along with bold veining patterns. And keep an eye out for square tiles.
Lisa’s Picks
SPLURGE: Tile always makes a statement! In the main bath, we splurged on the floors (Mosaique Surface Dominion Ludlow Blue from Triton Stone). In the powder room, the tile covers every wall (Terra Bella Arrows in Calacatta Gold, also from Triton Stone).
DESIGN LOVE: Upholstery that is not only functional but also visually stimulating.
READY TO SEE IT GO: Shiplap.
CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH: White paint. The main bath is Vanilla Milkshake by Benjamin Moore.
FAVORITE BATH PRODUCTS: I never tire of Issy Miyake parfums. In the 90s, I adored a scent called Rain. I have tried to find it or something similar for 20 years now. If anyone knows where I can get it, please contact me!
Designers Anna Still (sitting) and Marguerite Johnson of Still Johnson Interiors pose in the living room of Anna’s personal residence. The understated interiors keep the focus on original appointments such as the arched doors leading to the sunroom. Photos by Jean Allsopp
I think this house saved my marriage,” laughs Anna when talking about her 1927 Tudor home in Forest Park. “Perry and I had sold our house on 42nd Street and were living in a wreck of a rental on Conroy. Our boys were so young, and it felt so temporal. I wanted to set up a lasting family home.” Month after month, the design perfectionist could not find anything that was suitable and was feeling downright desperate. Then one day a very needy house that Anna had long admired on her neighborhood walks came on the market. It was one of those homes that only an interior designer or architect could appreciate, requiring the buyer to look beyond fluorescent lights and a tacky fruit wallpaper border in the kitchen; visible mold in the powder bath; and an enclosed sunroom with vinyl windows.
“I loved the architectural details, and honestly, I didn’t want a badly renovated home that I would need to undo” says Anna. The designer enlisted the aid of architect Jimmy Laughlin who, like Anna, appreciated the home’s intrinsic beauty and potential. “When we started working on a plan, Jimmy and I were on the same page about the importance of deciding what features of the house speak to its original character and should be kept and what we could lose in order for the house to work for the way we wanted to live,” says Anna. “If you get the architecture addressed first, then everything else follows its lead, and you will be set up for success.”
An added box bay takes a starring role in the modern kitchen framing views of Red Mountain. The marble-topped kitchen island was designed by Jimmy Laughlin. Gold Calacatta marble is from Surface One.
QUIET COLORS
Just like their mentor, Betsy Brown, Anna and Marguerite prefer a more neutral palette, but they know how to make it pretty and engaging. Here are some of their tips.
Include a diversity of textures to infuse neutral rooms with personality by incorporating a mix of finishes—ones with patina, ones with some shine, and a few iron pieces, then choose fabrics with textural and visual interest.
Bring unexpected touches to every room with things such as sculptural pottery and shapely lampshades that allow the eye to bounce around the room.
Select rugs with visual interest such as ones with graphic stripes or even a more neutral one with a noticeable design. Layering rugs also adds additional visual appeal.
Add a drop of black to every room. Whether it’s something large like the kitchen windows, a bookcase, or just a pillow, black serves as a punctuation mark and connector that unites adjoining rooms.
While the footprint of the home remained more or less intact, the interiors received a complete overhaul. The kitchen renovation was the most dramatic—the dark, cramped space that was formely filled with dated appliances is now flooded with stylish appointments and natural light. “I always wanted a view, and I had a vision that it could be realized in this house,” says Anna. To replace the existing tiny kitchen window—and open up the room to views—Jimmy designed a small box bay with multi-paned casement windows custom-fabricated by Bessemer Glass. The new windows match the originals, ensuring a seamless integration.
The view continues on an elevated outdoor deck and entertaining area that flows from the interiors.
“Be patient in your search for things that speak to you. If you buy pieces you love, you will always find a home for them.”
Marguerite Johnson
The kitchen’s existing butler’s pantry was removed, allowing room for a more functional space. Tile floors were replaced with wood to match the rest of the home. Every bathroom was renovated with smart, respectful choices for the traditionally small spaces of the era.
In the sunroom, original vinyl windows that took away from the beauty of the façade were sent packing and replaced with beautiful, custom, multipaned steel windows. Central air-conditioning was added, making the room a perfect spot for a playroom for Anna and Perry’s two young sons.
“The playroom is open and close enough to feel like we are all together, but it has a separate, more colorful attitude than the main living spaces,” says Anna of the boy’s hideaway.
The original sunroom makes for a sunny, cheerful spot for Anna’s young boys, shot through with happy colors and a bold striped rug. The designers spray-painted the internet-ordered stools and floor lamp to replicate the colors in the accent pillows.
As far as the décor, the heavy window treatments also exited the stage, allowing the existing architecture to shine. Walls, trim, and the fireplace surround received a fresh coat of white paint. Anna commissioned Grant Trick to create the simple, white linen Roman shades throughout the house—something that softens the rooms and adds a finished look without swaths of fabric. “Historic homes have an innate character that can’t be duplicated, but the updates we made to this house make it work for modern family life,” says Anna.
Middle: The powder bath’s dark hue strikes a dramatic statement in the small space. Right: Minimal layers of black and white strike a symphony in the main bedroom. A striped vintage rug from Paige Albright Orientals plays well with the artwork by Kate Roebuck. The custom headboard is by Gary Childers. Anna found the midcentury bench on Chairish.
The house also works as a studio for the duo. They use rooms to create vignettes, try out design combinations, and practice floral arrangements— something Marguerite is particularly fond of as she prefers cut flowers and natural greenery over anything over-arranged. “I love that Marguerite pushes for the avant-garde when I would make a more conservative choice,” Anna says. “And I’m always happy she does.”
Top Right: A storage cabinet with bins keeps the playroom neat and tidy. The orange and red painting is by 6-year-old Perry Still, Jr. Bottom Left: The dining room doubles as a library, which makes for interesting conversation during dinner parties. Custom étagères from Artistic Birmingham Iron hold Perry’s collection of novels and Anna’s design books. Lee dining room chairs through Circa Interiors & Antiques pair with a shiny white table from Blu Dot and a budget-friendly (custom-sized, DIY) seagrass rug from Rush House. “This is a high/low room—the pricier pieces elevate the whole,” says Anna. Bottom Right: A custom table by Michael Morrow in the breakfast room suits casual meals. Chairs are Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet circa 1960.
Finishing Touches
A masss of blooms in the same palette makes easy but engaging arrangements.
Brighten dark stairhalls by painting bannisters and rails white. A rice paper lantern strikes a contemporary (and budget-friendly) note.
Painting mantels, the fireplace surround, trim, and walls the same color creates a modern, uniform look.
Cabinets by Cotton Woodworks showcase minimal detailing for the contemporary kitchen.
Children’s bedrooms are the perfect space to play with color and a mix of high/low finds. A vintage Kilim rug shares space with an Ikea bed.
Still Johnson Interiors
The graceful 1927 Tudor designed by architect Charles McCauley has a commanding presence at the end of a cul-de-sac in Forest Park. Large terra-cotta pots from Millhouse Howell add a crisp touch to the trim landscape. The original door and windowpanes received a coat of white paint, making them stand out against the red brick.
Interior designers and partners Anna Still and Marguerite Johnson of Still Johnson Interiors exemplify the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. They each bring talents to the business that complement each other even though some of those talents are in opposition. As Anna explains, “Marguerite is a true creative and risk taker, while I am more grounded and comfortable with the analytical and logistical challenges of running a business.” Marguerite adds, “Anna is also a perfectionist and really cares what people want in their homes instead of what she thinks they should want. We tolerate each other’s weaknesses and champion our strengths.”
The pair realized how compatible they were when working together at Betsy Brown for several years. At first, they worked side-by-side and then began to take on projects together. Soon, Anna thought they were ready to dive in together, and after meeting with Marguerite over coffee, Still Johnson Interiors was launched in June of 2021. Their style is modern, young, and fresh with accents of tradition. While the firm may be nascent, the talents are taking meetings with prominent local architects who know their reputations, and Betsy has handed off some projects as well. The pair uses Anna’s personal home to show off their approach to design as well as for a laboratory for trying new things. “It was a leap of faith to start our firm, and I have to pinch myself when I realize that we are well on our way,” says Anna.
Fresh Looks for Historic Homes
Anna and Marguerite shake up the interiors of a 1927 house with custom pieces, whitepaint, and carefully selected details that allow it to shine.
If you are living in a historic home with authenticity at every turn, Anna and Marguerite believe that you should invest in authentic décor. “Don’t feel like you have to get everything at once like so many young people think they should,” the designers advise. “Take your time and don’t settle on a placeholder piece. It’s better to have some emptiness than settling for something ho-hum,” says Marguerite. “And if you have young children, you need some open spaces for them to run around,” adds Anna. To give her Tudor a more modern attitude, the designers chose some edgier pieces. “We didn’t want anything to feel predictable, and we wanted the rooms to be dynamic and a bit quirky,” says Anna. “And don’t be afraid of some nicks or stains—they show life. If you live in an old that has seen a long life, you should embrace imperfections.” The duo’s curated mix of black accents, graphic fabrics, iron bookcases, stainless steel countertops, and organic pottery firmly plants this home in the 21st century.
Chris Reebals and Joanna Goodman in front of the showroom’s Eighteenth Street entrance. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Christopher Collection offers luxury home goods such as upholstery, furniture, lighting, bedding, antiques, art, accessories, and rugs. Lines include Janus et Cie, Verellen, Matouk, Pom Pom linens, and Montes Dogget. Customers will find art and photography from Paige Bradley, David Yarrow, and Simon Bull, as well as lighting by Visual Comfort, Currey & Co, Jamie Young, and LowCountry Originals. “These brands are not exclusive to Birmingham, but all together, they create an elegant presentation,” says Joanna Goodman of Christopher Architecture & Interiors. Serving both the retail and design community, Christopher Collection sells directly off the floor for immediate delivery. Custom orders are also available. “We continue to keep the collection fresh, interesting, and ever evolving,” says Joanna.
Homewood’s design district is expanding thanks to Christopher Architecture & Interiors (CAI). Sited on Linden Avenue, Christopher Collection is housed in a newly-designed building that represents Birmingham’s distinctive blend of industrial and classic architecture. See more of Christopher Architecture here.
“By combining traditional and modern designs, we were able to break the building up into separate yet continued spaces that allow us to stay within the scale of Homewood,” says Chris Reebals, president and principal architect of CAI. One street off of Eighteenth Street, the building was carefully cited so it would naturally extend into the fold of Homewood’s main thoroughfare. Two entrances, one on each side of the building, offer visitors completely unique experiences. The Eighteenth Street side opens as an art gallery before segueing into an airy showroom that feels like a sophisticated, downtown loft. The opposite side opens to the downstairs area filled with more welcoming vignettes of home.
“It’s an excellent resource for us (CAI designers) and our projects, as well as a creative outlet for the whole team,” says Joanna Goodman, vice president and director of interiors. “Birmingham has a large design presence with a vast amount of talent. We wanted to share a collection of products that inspire us and perhaps offer another layer of décor options for other designers, our clients, and friends.”
We encourage our designers and architects to design products to add to the collection. I created a line of mirrors and coffee tables that will be available soon.
Joanna Goodman
ISABELLE BUETTNER
Designer
FAVORITE THINGS:
I love the antique butcher block table in the Annex. If I were building a home, I would use this as a kitchen island and then design the room around it. Other favorite pieces are the photographs by David Yarrow on the wall behind me. They are edgy, cool, risky, and fierce.
PERSONAL STYLE:
I believe that your home and the items that fill it should tell a story through the tiny imperfections that make their marks over time. My heart strings get pulled towards anything that has the boldness to stand alone with no formality holding it up. And while I don’t gravitate towards formal, traditional pieces, I can appreciate them.
LEAH MANN
Lead Visual Designer
FAVORITE THINGS: In this corner, each item is elegant enough to stand alone, yet everything works together. The Verellen sofa easily transistions to classic or contemporary. The iron cocktail table offers distinctive details. “The Girl on The Train” by David Yarrow is a collaboration of the human and animal world in a creative, authentic gesture.
PERSONAL STYLE: I find inspiration in fashion, interiors, and architecture. I love the sustainable power of classic design and the simplicity of minimalism.
INSPIRED BY: Powerful women such as American architect Julia Morgan and Danish architect Dorte Mandrup.
SHERRI JOHNSTONE
Creative Director
FAVORITE THINGS: I love everything about the Verellen dining banquette— from the shape, size, and hide upholstery to the upholstered legs. It’s a great brand to work with. Everything they offer is truly customizable, down to the height of the seat back.
PERSONAL STYLE: I’m drawn to mid-century modern architecture and furniture. My true passion is photography. I spent a lot of time in the darkroom when I was an art major at UAB.
“I hope people come in and feel inspired. We want to be a place for them to explore new ideas and encounter pieces they have never seen before.”
AUDREY SCOTT
Samford Interior Architecture Student and Retail Associate
FAVORITE THINGS: I love how the modern chaise and the 17th-century mirrors create such a beautiful juxtaposition in this corner. The soft neutral bouclé upholstery is so sharply contrasted by the loud Simon Bull painting.
PERSONAL STYLE: My aesthetic centers around boldness and balance. I prefer a more eclectic approach. I love designing around statement elements and using light to create spaces that invigorate and intrigue.
INSPIRED BY: Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill’s La Fábrica project near Barcelona. It is the embodiment of contrast, scale, and inventive renovation.
(Right) In this bath, Laurie repainted the existing cabinets (from Twin Construction’s cabinet company) Mindful Gray (Sherwin-Williams). Walls and trim are Pointing by Farrow & Ball. Hardware is from Brandino Brass. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Ten years ago, Twin Construction co-owner William Siegel and his wife, Kim, renovated a cottage in the Edgewood neighborhood of Homewood. At the time, neutral interiors were all the rage, so the couple’s bedrooms and baths were placidly serene. But over the years, as trends and tastes started to change, the Siegels craved color and pattern. For help with a new look, the couple turned to trusted designer Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors for a refresh. Bringing in colorful fabrics, wallpaper, and paint, along with new surfaces in the bath, Laurie injected the rooms with cheerful pattern that still offered a soothing vibe but with a lot more interest. “William is my boss so I am pretty picky when it comes to designing for him and his family,” says Laurie. “I always have favorite selections that I have saved in my mind, and I used a lot of those throughout the home.”
Laurie’s Picks
The powder room doubles as a guest bath, a growing trend for homeowners that desire one-level living, according to Laurie. “Because it is seen from both the bedroom and the living areas, this space needed some personality,” she says. “The bold pattern in the wallpaper repeats the blues, grays, and golds used in other rooms throughout the house.” The antique cabinet, converted into a vanity during the original renovation, is from Scott Antiques Market.
Splurge: Tile! With so many styles to choose from, it’s easy to make a statement on floors, walls, and backsplashes. A marble herringbone creates a classic look, while an interesting pattern brings in a contemporary element.
Weekend Upgrade: If tile isn’t in the budget, opt for new mirrors and lighting. Wallpaper and fresh paint always make a difference. And you can never go wrong by replacing dated hardware.
Here to Stay: Natural stone and unlacquered brass are timeless. These appointments look equally good in kitchens and baths.
Favorite bath products: I love Aveda’s Shampure shampoo and conditioner. When I’m short on time, I like to use the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer—it’s a brush and dryer in one. One of my favorite shower mists is Eurospa Aromatics Pure ShowerMist. I’m also a big fan of Jo Malone products.
Expert Insights from Brandino Brass
Staying power: Unlacquered brass and other living finishes, along with black and polished nickel.
Look for: Contemporary designs mixed with classic finishes, as well as textured hardware. (Think knurling and coining.)
CURRENTLY TRENDING: More color on cabinets! Favorites are seafoam green and cornflower blue.
Lighting: Clients love a beautiful chandelier centered over a soaker tub. Remember to coordinate lighting styles and finishes with your hardware.
Knobs or pulls? Small knobs (¾-inch) offer a classic look, especially on wider drawers. The choice between pulls or knobs is a personal preference.
Mixing finishes: Each room can be treated as its own entity. Your kitchen cabinets do not need to complement your built-in den/office cabinets.
Statement makers: Crystal or acrylic knobs and pulls are definite favorites! Brass and crystal ring pulls are also popular.
Bedroom walls are painted Oval Room Blue (Farrow & Ball) to repeat the hallway wallpaper’s calming hue. The trio of Euro Shams, with their brush strokes of watery blues, golden yellows, and soft pinks, meets the color requirement the Siegels requested for their formerly neutral room. Laurie found the artisan fabric and had it custom-ordered in velvet. The golden-hued bolster offers a layer of texture. A subtle silver-and-cream pattern on the draperies brings in more texture. Drapery fabric: King Cotton. Art: Argent. Bed: Gabby Home.
Andrea C Kirkland, MS, RD, Owner & Founder of Culinary Med Ed
Healthy Cooking with Andrea Kirkland
Instead of looking at food as an enemy, learn how to improve your nutritional intake and cooking skills for a sustainable lifestyle change.
Whether you’re seeking to expand your contextual skills in the kitchen because of a new diagnosis or simply to improve your current cooking knowledge and recipe repertoire, Andrea Kirkland can help. Registered dietician, content creator, and owner and founder of Culinary Med Ed, Andrea has a mission to help those living with chronic conditions discover delicious cooking solutions that will bring joy to their mealtimes. We asked Andrea to tell us about culinary medicine—a relatively new field in nutrition—and to share some of her tips, tricks, and philosophies when it comes to food and cooking.
Whether you’re seeking to expand your contextual skills in the kitchen because of a new diagnosis or simply to improve your current cooking knowledge and recipe repertoire, Andrea Kirkland can help. Registered dietician, content creator, and owner and founder of Culinary Med Ed, Andrea has a mission to help those living with chronic conditions discover delicious cooking solutions that will bring joy to their mealtimes. We asked Andrea to tell us about culinary medicine—a relatively new field in nutrition—and to share some of her tips, tricks, and philosophies when it comes to food and cooking.
What is culinary medicine, and how did you find your way into it? There’s no formal definition for culinary medicine because it’s a relatively new practice. But I like to tell people that it integrates education about food selection, meal planning, and meal preparation into patient treatment plans to empower them to follow their special diets so food can do its part in improving their health. It also takes into account patients’ personal needs while offering practical, everyday advice for sustainable behavior modification.
What is a common misperception people have about “healthy” eating? People often think that the words healthy and delicious can’t coexist. The truth is that when you know how to combine specific ingredients with specific techniques that mutually benefit each other, the results can taste pretty amazing! Take pineapple, for example. When it’s roasted, its natural sugars caramelize, producing so much sweetness and depth of flavor that it can then be used as the key ingredient in a fresh salsa to dress up lean chicken or fish.
Is cooking at home really better for you? Yes! Eating home-cooked meals helps you incorporate more nutrient-dense, health-boosting fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Plus it gives you control over the amount of salt, fat, and sugar you consume, which are often more abundant in convenience items and foods served at restaurants. Sticking to your healthy diet when eating out isn’t impossible, though. The only catch is that you must be more selective about where you dine and the foods you order.
Quick dinner idea? Sheet pan dinners are in regular rotation. The prep and cleanup are easy. There’s an endless combo of ingredients I use to keep it interesting. My favorite combines a Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon recipe with fresh asparagus or green beans.
Kitchen Essentials
Without a doubt, a handheld Microplane zester is a must. It makes quick work out of removing the zest from lemons, limes, and oranges. I often stir that zest into homemade salad dressings, marinades, rubs, and roasted or grilled vegetables. A little zest adds so much aroma and zing to foods that you may not even need to use a saltshaker at the table. – Text by Carol Ann Head
Image courtesy of Culinary Med Ed
Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary ½ teaspoon honey, strained or extracted ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper 3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 (1 pound) farmed Atlantic salmon Pam butter cooking spray Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Directions: Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine mustard, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, honey, salt and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Combine Panko, walnuts, and oil in another small bowl. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mustard mixture over the fish, and sprinkle with the Panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Andrea Kirkland teaches cooking classes at the Samford Wellness Kitchen. Open to the Birmingham community and run by Samford’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in the School of Public Health, the kitchen offers participants opportunities to learn from registered dietitians and chefs, garnering skills and knowledge that will help them prepare healthy and delicious meals.
Classes take place in the College of Health Science’s Food Production Labs, which were formerly the Southern Living Test Kitchens. A participant notebook with all recipes and nutrition information is provided for reference.
For more information: Wellness Kitchen Director – Clara Darling – [email protected] – 205-726-2930
Lori R. Ennis, MS, RDN, Owner of Food4Thought
Intuitive Eating with Lori Ennis
Break the diet cycle by learning how to be mindful of hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues. It’s possible to reject diet mentality and food rules and simply be kind to your body.
You’ve probably heard that diets, in fact, often do more harm than good. Not only do people tend to regain lost weight, but they can experience significant psychological and emotional fallout from the weight fluctuations that come with yo-yo dieting.
Lori Ennis is a registered dietitian, yoga instructor, and owner of Food4Thought, a nutrition counseling practice specializing in intuitive eating. The mission of Food4Thought is to change the conversation to focus on the “can” instead of the “can’t” and offer guidance that will bring a greater understanding of the connection between your mind, your body, and your relationship with food.
What is intuitive eating, and why should we do it? First and foremost, intuitive eating (IE) is not a diet. Unlike dieting, which tends to be about restricting foods and trying to override our bodies’ instincts, IE is about self-compassion and trusting our bodies much like we did when we were children. We are born knowing to eat when we are hungry and to stop when we are full, but our culture and learned behaviors distort these cues. There is a profound amount of research showing the act of dieting not only does not work long term but can cause biological and psychological harm, increasing the risk of eating disorders and weight stigma. The process of learning how to intuitively eat helps unravel the diet mentality and negative thoughts about the body leading to healthy behavior changes that are sustainable.
Does the time of day you eat really matter? Prescribed diets, even those that claim they are “non-diets”, tend to focus a lot on the timing of meals. The clock becomes the external parameter that you use to control your food intake instead of allowing your body to be your guide for hunger and fullness. All human bodies generally need to eat within the first few hours of waking up and then every 2-4 hours. However, there are a lot of things that can interrupt, disrupt, and disconnect you from your hunger cues.
What’s the best way to be successful about changing your eating behaviors? Patience and self-compassion, hands down! Most of us live in a plugged-in, fast-paced world with an expectation that things happen quickly. To begin a journey to healing and cultivating your relationship with food, you have to accept that changing a lifetime of learned behavior will take time. It is important that you be kind to yourself as you move through the process of rediscovering how to trust that your body will guide your eating behaviors.
Are there really “good” and “bad” foods? Once you have a “don’t eat” sign on a food, you will only want it more. One principle of intuitive eating is making peace with food. This means giving yourself permission to eat with no judgment. There is no “good” food or “bad” food. I’m sure a lot of people may read that sentence and shudder, but the truth is that finding peace with what you perceive to be your “bad” food will end its power over you. While all foods are not nutritionally equivalent, you can learn to make them emotionally equivalent. You do not have to feel guilty or bad about eating certain foods.
What is a nutrition myth you love to bust? Many people believe the myth that if they allow themselves to eat anything they want, they are certain to overeat. Our brains drive our behaviors, including eating. The development of the human brain has a lot to do with how we decide what to eat and how much to eat. Our brains have the instinct to survive, the ability to have feelings, and the mechanism to put thoughts and feelings into words. Intuitive eating focuses on a combination of instinct, emotion, and thought. If you truly have made all foods emotionally equivalent, you won’t experience feelings of deprivation that come with restricting certain foods. Your instincts will tell you when you are hungry or full, you will know intuitively what tastes good, and you’ll use the rational part of your brain to comfort any fears you may have about eating. By practicing intuitive eating, all foods will become part of your eating life. Text by Carol Ann Head
Dr. Sarah Sawyer – owner and president of Dermatology & Laser of Alabama. Photo by Daley Snell
Your Best Face Forward with Dr. Sarah Sawyer
How young is too young for face products? Until kids hit puberty, don’t worry about any products except sunscreen. Use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens for babies and young children. Blue Lizard Baby and Aveeno Baby sunscreen stick are good options.
Once puberty hits, it may be necessary to use acne products. Try Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with a Clarisonic brush for early blackheads and whiteheads. If pink acne bumps arise, use a diluted benzoyl peroxide or a prescription product.
What do you recommend for skin care regimens as you age? Many choices actually reverse gene expression to that of younger skin cells. This includes intense pulsed light, retinoids, and TNS growth factor serums.
In your 30s: Try a mild salicylic acid if acne prone. Use a Vitamin C product, a growth factor product, bleaching agents, and retinoids as you reach mid to late 30’s.
In your late 30s/early 40s: Use Vitamin C, growth factors, and retinoids. Hydroquinone (the world’s most popular bleaching agent) should only be used a few months per year, not year-round. Retinoids should be matched to the person/skin type.
In your 50s: Reduce the use of retinoids and hydroquinone as skin becomes more sensitive. Maintain Vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as growth factor serum. A less aggressive skin brightener should be used full time. I recommend Skin Medica products.
What procedures do you recommend as the skin ages? For your 30s: Try intense, pulsed light; light doses of Botox; fillers for particular skin conditions; and light resurfacing such as Clear and Brilliant.
For your 40s: Try the resurfacing or intense pulsed light and/or Botox. By late 40s, try a deep volume restoration such as Sculptra or Voluma, or try tissue tightening with Ulthera or Exilis.
For your 50s: Try tissue tightening plus resurfacing or intense, pulsed light. Add light doses of Botox. – Text by Alison Lewis and Dr. Sarah Sawyer
Emily Lassiter (left) and Lauren Pearson (right), financial planners and founders of The Wealth Edit. Photo by Mary Margaret Chambliss
Wealthy and Wise with Emily Lassiter and Lauren Pearson
You are both financial planners with HighTower Somerset. What do you do for them? And who do you serve? Our practice, Somerset, is a full-service wealth management firm. That means we do complex financial planning, investment management, portfolio construction, and asset allocation, in addition to financial coaching. Financial planning is the framework for financial health; asset allocation is how we structure the investments in your portfolio; portfolio construction is how we select the investments; and financial coaching gets to the behavior behind spending habits. For example, Lauren says she is a “sad spender,” which means when she is sad, she has a tendency to spend money. Knowing behaviors like this can be very helpful as you are develop financial health.
Is the Wealth Edit separate from HighTower Somerset? How does it work? While the Wealth Edit is wholly separate from Somerset, the best practices we share through the Wealth Edit come from our private practice. We have seen trends among women and their financial trajectories, and we have studied these trends over time to create Glidepaths (see more about Glidepaths on the following page!) which is our name to describe the financial trajectories we see women typically walk through during their lifetimes. At Somerset, we do complex planning and have a very small number of clients. The Wealth Edit is a comprehensive toolkit to become, as we like to say, “Good with Money.” But it doesn’t offer individual financial advice like Somerset does.
Most financial advisors need a pretty good nest egg for you to work with them. Is this true for The Wealth Edit? At HighTower Somerset, we do have a minimum for our current client base. But The Wealth Edit is a place for any woman to come and connect with other women around issues of financial health, entrepreneurship, and family. Often, women who join The Wealth Edit have a financial advisor already but want to connect with other like-minded women. There is no asset requirement to join.
You have a passion for helping women. Why? Do you only serve women? We both have a heart for serving women because women are largely underserved by the financial services industry. It was built for men by men, and it’s like fitting a round peg in a square hole. Adequately serving women through Somerset or The Wealth Edit involves a complete overhaul in the way you think about serving families. We love creating a place where families feel comfortable. We do intentionally try to serve women, but we have an equal amount of male clients at Somerset.
What are some of the main reasons people come to you for help through The Wealth Edit? And what are some first questions they have about money? Most women who come to The Wealth Edit are coming for either content or connection—or both. Women want to know if they are going to be okay financially, but often the first thing we hear is a statement rather than a question: “I don’t know anything about money!” This is why we built The Wealth Edit. Women make financial decisions all the time. For example, when you hire an interior designer, that’s a financial decision that may be five to seven figures.
Your website and IG actually make money management look like a lot of fun. Tell us a little about how you came up with Glidepaths—and explain what they are. Are they based on a psychological/personality test? Do I have to join if I just want to take the test on your site? We really do think money can be fun! Through dozens of roundtable discussions in 2019—and by working with women for over 15 years—we were able to identify financial trajectories which are common paths women take throughout their lifetime. We wanted to make it fun, so the quiz is like your financial personality. Go take the quiz! We think it will tell you a lot about yourself.
So this is a club where you actually hang out with other members? How does that work? It is community over content for sure. Women learn best through the sharing of stories and ideas, so most of our content is live. This gives you the opportunity to connect with like-minded women. Not only do we connect you through your Glidepath, but we offer Wealth Edit Wednesdays featuring some truly talented women who are making a difference in their chosen fields. Right now, we’re running a six-week series called “Mindfulness and Money,” where we teach participants how to be more mindful about personal finance. This is especially helpful around the holidays when we all get the urge to spend excessively. We also offer pop-ups and meet and greets. And in addition to our content—which is educational, informative, and fun—we are so proud of the relationships built as a part of this community.
What are WealthPods, a Slack channel, and wealth circles? These are all benefits if someone joins, but what are they really getting? All of these are various ways you can connect once you are a member of The Wealth Edit. We know women are busy, especially in middle age, so there are opportunities to meaningfully connect through The Wealth Edit. We’ll never waste a member’s time; all of our offerings are meaningful.
In addition to money management, you do some fun events. Tell us about the social side of things. Through Somerset, we manage money and have live events for our clients. Through The Wealth Edit, we have pop-ups all over the Southeast. We have popped up in Birmingham, Atlanta, Charleston, and New Orleans. We are here to prove that talking about money to become good with money does not have to be boring. We’re having the time of our lives.
How many members do you have? We have right at 200 members and growing. We also have gift cards available so you can join or buy a membership for your friend or your daughter. It’s the perfect gift for the girl who has everything—because being financially savvy is a gift for life.
5 smart moves to make now
1. Figure out how much you spend each month. 2. Begin working towards maximizing your retirement savings. 3. Check your bank account/credit card/Paypal account for any unused subscriptions or memberships, and delete the ones you do not use. 4. Double-check that you have named beneficiaries on your retirement accounts. 5. Join The Wealth Edit!
Home design by architect Richard Long, builders Kevin Gann and John Bryant of Francis Bryant Construction and design liaison Jan Ware of Jan Ware Designs.
Honoring Warren Knight & Davis, the venerable architectural firm that helped shape the look of our city, local design pros refresh a 1920s Tudor without sacrificing its integrity. // Text by Lacey Howard
A new home in the lush Shoal Creek community embraces a transitional look that gives off a chic but relaxed vacation vibe inside and out. // Text by Alice Welsh Doyle
With three generations of stylemakers on her side and two generations of craftsmen on his, this couple filled their Hollywood cottage with a curated selection of family talents and treasures. // Text by Lacey Howard
We started 2021 off with this photo and it seems poetic to end with it. This was the Jan/Feb cover photo and a year later it still looks fantastic! You can’t go wrong with a timeless style like this one.
Peter Falkner II creates a series of outdoor rooms for homeowners to spend more time outside. Featured in “Backyard Beauty,” March/April 2021 // Photo by Jean Allsopp
We’re Birmingham Home and Garden and the gardens deserve just as much love! Seeing this garden from an aErial view is a perspective we don’t see often. The size of this garden makes it perfect for entertaining plus Peter Falkner II (Landscape designer and owner of Falkner Gardens) is amazing at what he does!
Ashley Gilbreath gives an Orange Beach condo a refresh. Featured in “Rivaling the View,” March/April 2021 // Photo by Laurey Glenn
This photo embodies everything we love about summer… the ocean, beautiful design, and indoor/outdoor living.
Leslie Byars Register makes company-ready cocktails for summer. Featured in “Summertime Chillers,” July/August 2021 // Photo by Leslie Byars Register
This photo is so bright and colorful, and different than most of the covers we run. As a home and garden magazine it makes sense to shoot beautiful interiors for most of our covers, but we thought this was a nice departure for midsummer. Looking back at this photo makes us want to be wherever that is, wearing shorts, and sipping that skinny paloma!
The Petro family’s new build in the lush Shoal Creekcommunity. Featured in “Fresh Start,” May/June 2021 // Photo by Jean Allsopp
There is something very special about the exterior of a home. It’s the first thing people see when they drive by. Homes with large double doors always seem extra inviting to visitors.
Outdoor spaces aren’t exactly the photos we expect to be blown away by in a January/February issue but this creeping fig covered patio feels so warm and welcoming.
First of all… Jason Isbell! Secondly, we are big fans of the photography of Josh Weichman. He can shoot anything, but his concert photos are spectacular!
There’s so much to like about this whole home. We love the warmth of the wood paneling surrounding the fireplace and the way the blue velvet sofa pairs with the green drapes. This is such a great representaTion of the modern classic style and we can see a family living in it comfortably.
Hatton Smith II making a Campesino Honey Rum Old Fashioned. Featured in “Meet the Man Behind Campesino Rum,” Web-exclusive story 2021 // Photo by Kat Bell
Our whole staff fell in love with Campesino when Hatton bartended our 2021 Inspiration Home party! The drinks were amazing and the beautIful Campesino branding and bottles didn’t hurt either.
Summer Starling & Anne Hurley’s rendition of a wet bar/laundry room. Featured in “2021 Inspiration Home Resource Guide,” 2021 Inspiration Home Resouce Guide // Photo by Jean Allsopp
This photo is extra special because only those of you who follow us on Instagram or got a copy of our limited run of the 2021 Inspiration Home Resource Guide saw this one. You know you’ve struck gold when everyone wants to hang out in the laundry room!
In the south Christmas decor tends to lean red, green or neutral, but there is something so incredibly eye catching about a bright and colorful Christmas table like this one!
Home remodel done by interior designer Meredith Sherrill just in time for Christmas. Featured in “A Second Renovation Just in Time for Christmas,” November/December 2021 // Photo by Jean Allsopp
We love when we can share people / the homeowners in the magazine. There is something very special about getting to see who lives in the beautiful homes we share!
I had a flashback while I was making the Kentucky Eggnog recipe for this issue. I was reminded of Christmas Eve day in Kentucky in my childhood home—my mom scurrying around the house setting the table for Christmas Eve dinner and my dad in our small kitchen making eggnog. It was a standing tradition that we invited all of our neighbors to come by Christmas night for a light bite and my dad’s famous eggnog. I can still see the empty eggshells in the carton on the counter, smell the bourbon, and hear the shrill of the mixer throughout the entire house.
This month, I wanted to share a few favorites that have been in my family for a long time. Southern Cashew Crescents is a modern twist on my grandmother’s Pecan Crescent recipe. I found it in her recipe box, so I had to use it. I simply replaced the pecans with cashews. The delicious Holiday Coconut Cake is also at the top of my list. I’m not a baker, so if I can make it, anyone can. Pretzel Wands will dress up any dessert bar and can be a great party favor.
Enjoy your family togetherness, make some memories, and spend some time in the kitchen—it’s a pretty awesome place.
Southern Cashew Crescents Recipe
Makes about 2 dozen
2 sticks unsalted butter
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cup cashews, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, salt, flour, and cashews.
Shape into crescents. Bake crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 20 minutes or until firm. Do not brown. They will crisp up as they cool.
Roll baked crescents in powdered sugar to cover completely.
Kentucky Egg Nog Recipe
Makes about 9 cups
6 large eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup bourbon
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Separate eggs, reserving whites for later.
Beat egg yolks in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add sugar very slowly (about 10 minutes), beating on medium-low. Add bourbon very slowly (about 5 minutes). Add milk, and continue mixing, about 2 minutes, until thoroughly combined. (Place mixture in a large bowl to free up mixer bowl for the next step.)
Beat egg whites until stiff, not dry, and fold into egg and bourbon mixture. Rinse out mixer bowl, return to mixer, and beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into the egg and bourbon mixture. Chill for several hours or overnight.
When serving, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Be sure to stir or shake before serving. (The Egg Nog will settle overnight in the fridge.)
This recipe can easily be doubled for gifts or for a larger crowd.
Pretzel WandsRecipe
Makes 40 to 45
2 (10-ounce) packages white chocolate melting chips
1 bag of old-fashioned pretzel rods
Assorted sprinkles
Paper plate
Melt chips in a microwave-safe bowl (50% power) or in a double boiler over low heat. Dip pretzels halfway into melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off, and apply sprinkles to each one over a paper plate. Place immediately on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, and chill. It will take about 30 minutes to set up.
Learn from Leslie: For smaller wands, break them in half and dip the broken end.
Holiday Coconut Cake Recipe
Makes 1 (9-inch) cake
For the cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature – 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature – 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1/4 teaspoon almond extract – 1 pound (16 ounces) powdered sugar, sifted – 1 to 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Note: 1 [14-ounce] bag of shredded coconut will be enough for the cake and frosting, as well as for decorating.
Prepare the cake:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans and then line them with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper, and dust lightly with flour.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and coconut. Set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together buttermilk and oil.
In the bowl of an electric mixer with paddle attachment, beat sugar, butter, and vanilla on medium-high speed until mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well blended. Continue beating until the mixture is very pale and nearly doubled in volume, another 4 minutes.
Reduce speed to medium-low, and add a third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk mixture, and mix just to blend. Add another third of the flour mixture and remaining buttermilk mixture; mix just to blend. Add remaining flour mixture.
Divide batter among the cake pans, and smooth the tops. Bake in the middle racks until they are lightly browned and begin to pull away from the sides, about 35 to 37 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes; invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare frosting
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and almond extract on low speed. Add powdered sugar, and mix until just smooth. Do not whip.
To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. To decorate the cake, sprinkle the top with coconut, and lightly press more coconut onto the sides. For best results, chill for 30 minutes before slicing. Cake also can be served at room temperature.
The Sylvesters’ halls are typically decked a little later in the season than most homes. “It’s the cobbler/shoe situation,” says Sybil Sylvester, a beloved Birmingham floral designer. Only after her many clients’ homes and businesses are dressed in their Christmas finery does her personal holiday décor come out to celebrate. And celebrate it does! The Sylvesters opened their home for the 71st annual IPC Holiday House Tour last year, and even though the event was virtual, Sybil and her husband, Bill, did not skimp on a single ornament or decoration. Every inch of their 3,500-square-foot townhome was festooned with fresh greenery and intriguing magical wonderlands incorporating bright color, sweet treats, playful patterns, and fanciful collectibles the couple has amassed over the years—a perfect expression of Sybil’s own artistic creativity and joyful persona.
A Festive Welcome
Dramatic black-and-white wallpaper creates a festive atmosphere year-round in the home’s entry. With Christmas décor layered on top, the space feels like it’s holiday party-ready 24/7. Garlands wrapped in twinkle lights swag both handrails along the stairs leading to the second floor. A variety of ornaments tuck into each garland and also peek from the top of the Sylvester family’s handmade stockings. “They are embroidered and beaded on velvet—each one unique,” Sybil says. “Whenever a new member joined our family, my close friend and longtime colleague, Joyce Hudson, would lovingly stitch a new stocking.”
All Aglow
Sybil’s tree is exuberant with Christmas joy. “I always top it with my petit-point angel tree topper,” she says. “The topper is then surrounded by a whole choir of tiny, wooden, painted German angels that I have collected for over 50 years. There has never been a Christmas without these angels celebrating the season.”
Sybil hangs wreaths on doors, windows, and art, and swags garlands on walls, chandeliers, and stair rails. “The majority are a heavy mix of spruce, cedar, fir, and pine—all fresh and fragrant,” she says.
“To me, it’s all about layers of traditions, along with their accompanying memories. This is the spirit of Christmas.”
“Incorporating a tree is always tricky,” Sybil says of squeezing the holiday must-have into an already fully furnished room. “Last year, we had to shift furnishings around.” A recurring holiday tradition involves adorning the living room mantel with flowers—peach amaryllis blooms with branches of red Ilex berries mixed with other colorful blooms and greenery, arranged each year in Sybil’s favorite A’Mano vases. “They complement the Dale Chihuly painting,” she says, adding that the artwork is the famous glass artist’s impression of his glorious ceiling installation at the Bellagio Hotel. A colored glass-ball garland echoes the painting and acts as a literal connection between the flower arrangements. “Sybil is always working to create an ‘Art in Bloom’ moment,” Bill says.
Gnomes Gone Wild
On the Sylvesters’ screened porch, multi-color twinkle lights, garlands, wreaths, and more encapsulate the space in childlike wonder and cheer. “The gnome village is an example of me letting my imagination come out to play,” she says. Personifying the little elves, she continues, “They built and planted a cabbage farm on my porch table and then invited all of their elf and mushroom friends to bring their trucks and crash the party. And they kept on with their celebrations until there wasn’t a surface left to decorate.”
“A gang of gnomes came in and took over my porch as if it was their own. They strung lights in every direction, creating the effect of looking into a snow globe.”
SYBIL SYLVESTER
When Work is Play
Tartan plaid slipcovers (created by Sybil’s lifelong friend Jennifer Given) envelope the contemporary white-and-mirrored kitchen’s chairs, counter stools, and even the light fixture in traditional red-and-green holiday pattern. “Jennifer stitched and installed the slipcovers, and they add so much cheer to the kitchen, just as I’d hoped,” Sybil says. She then placed a “bonnet” of Christmas greenery on top of the light fixture, creating the look of a floating gift box overflowing with fresh greens. “Tucked around are favorite Christmas vignettes and collections, including Santas, stuffed animals, angel orchestras, antique children’s cars and trucks, and red-and-white polka-dot mushrooms,” says the floral designer. Gabby, the Sylvesters’ 8-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “rules the roost and moves from one comfortable perch to another,” Sybil says.
Festive and Fun
Floral designer Sybil Sylvester offers her tips for filling your home with Christmas cheer.
Timing. Sybil usually decorates her home around December 15th to ensure everything is still fresh on Christmas morning. However, to make the deadline for the IPC Holiday House Tour, she had to decorate by December 1st. “When it comes to hanging fresh greenery, later is always better,” she says. “Last year, it was a struggle to keep it looking good. By Christmas Day, the tree was raining needles.”
Say “Yes.” Sybil lives by a single rule when it comes to choosing what to decorate with: “Use the things you love and that are meaningful to you. Period.”
The Bare Minimum. “If nothing else, be sure to dress your front door, the mantel, and your dining table,” Sybil says. “These three places will always make your home feel festive.”
Accessorize. “Think of pairing your holiday décor with your home’s year-round look, just like choosing the right pair of earrings for a dress,” says the floral designer. “You want everything to work together.”
Fresh Ideas. “Seek creative ways to use smaller wreaths inside your home,” Sybil says. In the kitchen, she hangs boxwood wreaths from tartan ribbons on white cabinet doors.
