How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I’m a lot more traditional than most designers, and I especially like working with antiques. Through my design process, I strive to create timeless interiors.

What is it you love about antiques?
Why do they drive the soul of your designs? Each antique has its own history and story to tell. The patina, nicks, scratches, and faded colors are what make it unique and also what provides warmth, depth, and nostalgia to a room. I enjoy the hunt to find that one-of-a-kind piece, and I love making it the focal point of a room. I am always looking for those standout pieces.

How do you keep antiques feeling fresh and relevant?
You should definitely mix antiques with new pieces. Timeless is not the same thing as dull and outdated!

How can people use antiques in fun, unexpected ways in their own homes?
When it comes to antiques, you are only limited by your imagination. An antique chest can be transformed into a powder-room sink. Old architectural fragments can be repurposed as lamps. One of the coolest things that I have done recently is turn a beautiful 18th-century chest into a hidden TV cabinet. The TV emerged out of the top of the chest with the push of a button.

Any designer secrets?
I feel like there really are no secrets in the design world. The most important thing is to stay true to what you like. Don’t buy something just because it is “in style.” If you find a piece you love, purchase it now and then find a spot for it later. This is the way to ensure that you’ll always love your house.

Any advice for how to best build your antiques collection?
Buy one piece a year. Don’t look for stuff just to fill up a room. If you can’t afford to decorate your whole house at one time, which is the case for most people, just focus on finding one really nice piece of furniture every year. Over time, you’ll create a complete room with beautiful, quality items.

What is your major antiques no-no?
The only no-no is if you never buy antiques. Antiques are always a good idea!

All About Cameron

Interior designer Cameron Mobley shares her favorite spots and current goings-ons.       

Favorite Boutique
Birmingham has a lot of great shops. My favorite local shop is Maison. The owner, Pam Evans, always has the perfect piece for my clients.

IG Obsessed
I love Danielle Rollins and her interiors! I feel like I could sit down with her, have a glass of wine, and chat all night. She never takes anything too seriously, and her interiors are amazing—and who doesn’t love a bit of daily laughter?

Excited About
We recently moved into a new house, and I am so excited to renovate and furnish my own home. I have a basket of fabrics I have been saving for years to use for myself, so it’s finally time.

Local artist to watch?
Mckenzie Dove is one of my good friends, and I love working with her on custom pieces. She can look at my fabric choices and create the perfect piece to finish a room.

Favorite fall activity
We love to visit local breweries during the fall.  And, of course, we enjoy watching football games with friends.

Fashion go–to’s and why?
I have an 18-month-old, so my daily fashion go-to seems to be anything from Athleta. I’m a full-time mom and a full-time designer, so some days workout clothes are the best I can do.

Travel Getaway
We love to run up to Chattanooga for quick weekend getaways. Two years ago, we went to Blackberry Farms and it was amazing. I’m ready to go back!

Cameron Mobley
Cameron Mobley Interior Design, LLC
205.820.0101
cameronmobley.com

Meet Montgomery-based architect, Scott Torode of Pfeffer Torode Architecture, who was tasked with designing this year’s Inspiration Home.

Tell us a little about the home you designed for the 2019 Inspiration Home and from where you drew your inspiration.
ST: Steve Arnberg with Russell Lands came seeking a sort of aesthetic reset for this phase of The Willows. It’s not something that can be done in one house, but we hopefully started something by referencing more closely styles of American recreational architecture (shingle style, the Adirondacks, and mountain houses of North Carolina). The house is rendered in rough-sawn cedar siding, timber and rafters details which Chad Calhoun’s team does very well.

Do you have a favorite finish or design detail that you like to incorporate in your work that we can expect to see here?
ST: I always go back to materials of integrity, so I love wood planking wherever possible, dressed up or down, painted or stained, anyway that I can get it.

The most important details to me are in planning. We always think through the process of loading and unloading the house, where one enters and sets things down, and where to accommodate all of the groceries, coolers, luggage, pets, etc. that come with you to the lake.  Having a second entry through the mudroom gives opportunity to sort that stuff  away so it doesn’t end up cluttering the kitchen. It’s an important point with open kitchens.

The porch is always important to me. Here we’ve oriented it away from the house to capture cross breezes and views. The porch defines one side of the terrace which makes it more amenable as a hangout. I’m also fond of the separate grilling porch. It’s close but not smoke in everyone’s eyes close.

How do you design a home today that will continue to be relevant in the years to come?
ST: I’m not much for predicting trends, and seeking them out usually results in some future fashion hazard. Relevance depends on time and place, and comes from listening to the vision and desires of our clients. Our clients often come to us with the long view of what the house will be to their family in the future, and that’s the ideal place to start.

Favorite travel destination and why?
ST: I love the Blue Ridge mountains, so the nearer to the mountains the better. I’m usually there in my mind.

Favorite restaurant?
ST: The Vintage Year in Cloverdale is a great neighborhood restaurant for us. Chef Eric’s menu is always a step above and the service excellent.

Hobbies?
ST: Anything that involves design and a pencil in hand. I’m truly fortunate to have a profession that I cannot wait to start every morning.

Learn more about Pfeffer Torode Architecture by visiting their website here.

Click here to learn more about the 2019 BHG Inspiration Home.

Meet President of Classic Homes Chad Calhoun. Classic Homes is a member of the Russell Lands, Inc., family of businesses that specializes in building lake homes in Russell Lands On Lake Martin neighborhoods, as well as the 2019 Inspiration Home.

Do you have a favorite finish or design detail that you like to incorporate in your work that we can expect to see here?
We really like to incorporate the use of natural stone and  heavy timbers in our designs whenever we can, as the they really work together to enhance the overall look and feel of the home. Those materials really help bring the outside in, and give the home a feeling that it belongs there. We also really emphasize the outdoor spaces in our homes, as that is where most folks will spend their time. The screened porch on this particular home is my personal favorite, with its vaulted ceilings, heavy cedar beams, fireplace, and connection to the lakeside terrace.

How do you create a lake home today that will continue to be relevant in the years to come?
One thing we really try to do in our homes is try and capture the purpose of a “true” lake home. Lake homes are places for families to come together, enjoy each other, and make lasting memories. To that end, we emphasize the spaces where people traditionally gather – living spaces, porches, and other outdoor areas. We try and include features that help make these spaces more accommodating, but in the end, it’s the interaction between friends and family that really make them come alive – and that is timeless. We try and use classic, neutral colors as much as possible but also introduce some unique features that really bring the design to the next level, yet are not as “trendy” as you might see in a more urban setting. We spend a little more time on the fine details, keeping the longevity of the home in mind – again, we like to think that these homes can be passed down through the generations, and we build them with that in mind.

Favorite travel destination and why?
I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Alaska a number of years ago, and still talk about the experiences I had during that trip. Being able to experience the outdoors in that environment, with its beautiful mountains, abundant streams, and vast landscape is something I will never forget.

Favorite restaurant?
I would have to say that the SpringHouse restaurant at Lake Martin is hard to beat.  The food is great and the atmosphere/building is truly one of a kind. I’m a fan of big wood beams and rock walls, and that place has them all!

Learn more about Classic Homes by visiting their website here.
Click here to learn more about the 2019 BHG Inspiration Home.

We talked with Christopher Rankin, gallery manager of the home furnishings and design business, Stock & Trade, for an inside look at the living room design of the 2019 Inspiration Home at The Willows, a new Russell Lands On Lake Martin neighborhood.

Tell us a little about the space you designed for the 2019 Inspiration Home and from where you drew inspiration.
CR: Elegant Serenity – Inspired by the beautiful tranquil lakeside view, we focused on creating a space where form meets function, rustic meets sophisticated, and comfort meets style…an elegant space, casual enough to relax and enjoy time spent with family and friends.  We began with a neutral color pallet using textures in linen and leather to compliment the natural architectural elements of the wood ceilings and stone fireplace.  Accents of art and textiles, in soft blues and greens, add further visual interest, and help create a seamless visual transition from the view outside into the home.  Metal finishes on occasional tables and decorative accents in bronze and gold tones add additional texture and warmth to the space.

Do you have a favorite finish or design detail that you like to incorporate in your work that we can expect to see here?
CR: We love warm metals in tones of bronze and a soft golds. We use them a lot in occasional tables, lighting, and accessories. We love antiqued mirror finishes as well. Both add another element and texture to the room that’s clean and elegant, without being cold.

IG accounts you follow?
CR: Our design team’s personal IG lists are pretty extensive.  We follow several of the vendors that we source product from, as well as, our favorite local designers, architects, artisans, and design publications. We have an incredible amount of talent in Birmingham and all of the cities we’ve expanded into. These lists grow larger with each new location we open. On a regional and national level, we are drawn to those whose work is a mix of casual elegance, clean lines, sophisticated style, and a serene comfortable aesthetic.  We love the work of Bobby McAlpine, Ray Booth, Darryl Carter, Suzanne Kassler, and Susan Ferrier, just to name a few.

What kinds of things can we expect to find in your shop?
CR: Our showrooms are filled with pretty much everything one would need to furnish their entire home. We stock a wide selection of upholstery, case goods, linens, rugs, lighting, art, accessories, etc. If we don’t have it in stock, we have an almost limitless list of items available to order.

Aside from your own store, where do you shop locally for your own retail therapy?
CR: We love to shop our local fellow home interior stores. Birmingham has some beautifully curated showrooms to explore and find inspiration. We also love shopping for art, antiques and unique finds in shops like Roman Brantley, Lolo French Antiques, and Architectural Heritage.  On a larger scale, a trip to Scott’s in Atlanta is definitely a great reason to take a weekend road trip. We love a Saturday morning adventure to Pepper Place. It’s a great way to spend several hours. And, perusing the shops and galleries in the loft district downtown usually provides some great retail therapy as well.

Learn more about Stock and Trade by visiting their showroom in Homewood, AL or visiting their website here.

Click here to learn more about the 2019 BHG Inspiration Home.

We sit down with Kelly Seibels, of Seibels Cottage, whose team designed the guest cottage of the 2019 Inspiration Home.

Tell us a little about the space you are designing for the 2019 Inspiration Home and from where you are drawing inspiration.
KS: Seibels was tasked with laying out the upstairs guest cottage, as a casual living, sleeping area, perfect for a guest family with kids to stay for a weekend or a group of teenagers to hang separately. We designed all new pieces built in our shop, just for Haven and it’s architectural concept. It’s fun, comfortable, and inviting…just the way we like it! We strive to make our spaces admirable yet functional with two twin beds, a daybed, a centerpiece for floor lounging, lots of pillows and a desk for reading or getting work done while relaxing with a lake view. This space even has a kitchenette and a dining table for a quick lunch in-between boat rides! We kept it fun by adding color through accents and pillows that can be thrown on the floor and still put to use! The rest of the house may be more formal, whereas this room you can’t mess up! All adults, kids, teenagers and dogs welcome!

Do you have a favorite finish or design detail that you like to incorporate in your work that we can expect to see here?
KS: The rug we chose for this space is from Annie Selke, and is one of their brand new items! We love Dash and Albert rugs, and pride ourselves with a great display and wonderful options allowing clients and designers to check them out and see them in their space before purchasing. We believe it to be some of the best rugs on the market, and use them in most projects we do, as they have something for everyone!

IG accounts you follow?
KS: @sugarcanejane, @thelakesidelife_smithlake, @relyfhealth and @backfortybeer, just to name a few

What kinds of things can we expect to find in your shop?
KS: In our shop you’ll find everything from our popular Swinging Beds, Bunk beds and an array of custom built pieces, to casual sofas and swivel chairs. You can always find great gifts customized for the area lakes, the beach or mountains. Our designers are always here to help lay out your special place, from upholstery lines to lighting, linens and accessories. Most of all, we want you to relax and enjoy the experience. We hope you feel like you’re at the lake or mountains overtime you come through the door, and if not we hope you are inspired to be there! Bring the kids, bring the dog, and get a free cold drink and popcorn grown and harvested in Mississippi.

Aside from your own store, where do you shop locally for your own retail therapy?
KS: At Home, Three Sheets, Marks Outdoors, Caliber and Orvis

Learn more about Seibels Cottage by visiting their website here.

Click here to learn more about the 2019 BHG Inspiration Home.

Meet Pandy Agnew of Pandy Agnew Interiors, who is designing the master suite of our Inspiration Home. Pandy has over 30 years experience designing interiors and her shop is packed with a diverse array of unique home decor finds.

Why do you do what you do?
PA: I’m an interior decorator because I truly love what I do. I can’t turn it off, it comes from my mind’s eye. Whether it’s indoors or outside, I’m constantly seeing what could be done, how the space could be made better. It’s just what comes naturally to me.

Favorite local design resources?
PA: Our own shop is obviously where I do most of my shopping. But all my suppliers shops/warehouses give me great inspiration and new ideas. I really concentrate on each client, they are all so very different. Where they want to go with their personal wants and needs to achieve the look we are after is where I take them.

Go to paint colors?
PA: I have found that Sherman Williams Alabaster is a beautiful warm white that works with everything. Urbane Bronze is a warm dark chocolate that I love. These two make beautiful backgrounds for shots of rich color in art and accessories. I’m really attracted to texture, woven anything gives another layer to warmth and feeling of coziness. Wooden beams, floors… natural colors from nature would be my favorites.

Trends vs timeless – where do you fall?
PA: Well, since I’ve been doing this for such a long time, it makes me so happy to visit homes I did 20-25 years ago and they still look almost the same. Ever so often I’m asked to refresh a worn rug or add new artwork, so basically I would definitely put myself into timeless.

IG accounts you follow?
PA: My Instagram accounts vary. I have a lot of French post/ blogs I follow…love the peaceful style of Sharon Santoni, the quirkiness of “Midlife in Paris.” Velvet and Linen always are great for home and garden. Our own architects from Birmingham are also some of my favorites. We are so fortunate to have such a wealth of talent right here at our doorstep.

What is your favorite space to design?
PA: I don’t really have a favorite room to decorate. The home all becomes one to me when working on an entire house, vary and repeat… I say that a lot. I love a room with a view. Trying to compliment the beauty of nature through large open windows without overpowering Mother Nature ‘s beauty is the key. Creating a comfortable, complimentary area is my job.

Tell us a little about the space you are designing for the Inspiration Home.
PA: I’m designing an eclectic master suite bordering on contemporary. It’s more of a sophisticated, serene, comfortable space that compliments the view of the lake from the house. A mix of timeless styles, a warm inviting atmosphere, pulled together with pieces that feel like home, and the unique characteristics of a wonderful resort.

Do you have a design motto you live by?
PA: Motto, hmmmm . I listen to my clients… I truly just build a space around function and beauty…and making it so comfortable one would rather stay home.

Learn more about Pandy Agnew Interiors by visiting her website here.
Click here to learn more about the 2019 BHG Inspiration Home.

Georgia Carlee, of GCI Design, offers a uniquely custom experience with the knowledge, experience and resources to implement all phases of the design process. With locations in Alexander City and Santa Rosa Beach, GCI Design creates beautifully curated getaway homes with timeless appeal. Georgia will be designing the sitting room of the 2019 Inspiration Home.

Why do you do what you do?
GC: I have been moving furniture around in my room since I was in third grade and I drew house plans in seventh grade math class. This has always been something I have loved to do, even before I knew it could be a job. I have been fortunate enough to work in an industry that I have dreamed about since I was very young. I realize not many people truly get that chance in life to make a living doing what they love. I think it is important for everyone to have a home and have a space that they want to be in that reflects who they are. A home is where memories are made. Being an Interior Designer, I get to be included in that very personal process of creating a home where people spend a majority of their life. I also get the opportunity to meet some of the most unusual people from all over. My job is interesting, challenging at times, but always rewarding in the end.

Favorite local design resources?
GC: I always try to shop local and support shops and artists wherever the project may be. I love to scour antiques stores for something unexpected that is primitive and architectural.

Go to paint colors?
GC: I really want to say something very unusual, but the truth is I ALWAYS fall back on Benjamin Moore White Dove. I have tried so many other shades, but that white is too good. It is milky, warm, works with every color and never looks sterile.

Trends vs timeless – where do you fall?
GC: I definitely lean more timeless because I’m too sensible to waste money on costly pieces that are trendy. For trends, add smaller, inexpensive objects or accents that can be easily changed. Furnishings, fixtures and finishes that are good quality last a long time and are worth the expense. I always start with the main furniture pieces that are timeless and have good lines then add in more trendy accents to keep the space feeling current and fresh.

What is your favorite space to design?
GC: Ironically, I love small spaces. I feel like they are the most challenging because they typically have multiple functions and every single thing counts in that space. The finishes, the furniture, the function…everything is important, so I really love that challenge of trying to maximize small spaces while creating something beautiful for the end user.

Tell us a little about the space you are designing for the Inspiration Home.
GC: I am designing the sitting room. I am hoping this space comes across as multifunctional and comfortable. It is on the second floor off of three bedrooms. I’ve had to think about how I think most people would use this space. I have considered it to be a secondary living/media space with room to sit and watch tv, play games, read a book, have some quiet time, visit with family and also to be a space for working and studying. The overall feel I’ve tried to convey is comfortable, collected, unique and current.

Do you have a design motto you live by?
GC: Less is more. I am not a fan of visual clutter. Everything should have a place. It’s calming in this busy world. I always leave an opportunity for my clients to add personal touches in their homes as they collect memories. However, I often find myself going back and editing for them!

Find out more about GCI Design by visiting the website here.

Click here to learn more about the 2019 BHG Inspiration Home.