Charlotte Wessel fondly recalls growing up in Anniston, Alabama, with a mother who had two green thumbs and garden clippers always at the ready. Making her corner of the world prettier with flowers was how her mom expressed creativity and love. Charlotte says her mother’s influence led to the development of her own passion for gardening. “I am so sentimental about flowers,” she says. “I love that fellow gardeners will share things they have grown that will then take root in your own garden. I call it the gardeners’ version of a potluck party.” As an example, Charlotte cites the irises in her yard that came from a dear friend who has since passed away. “Every year when they bloom, I am reminded of that person,” she says. “And when my Solomon’s Seal blooms, I think of my mother—it was her favorite.”
Charlotte recently attended a workshop with Katie Davis of @Ponderosa_and_Thyme where she found new inspiration and insight. Her biggest takeaway? “Figure out your style and keep creating. Never stop.”
Take a Second Look at Overlooked Nooks
Photo by Laurey Glenn
“I always love flowers in the powder room,” says Charlotte. “Since I don’t have a lot of counter space, a wreath works perfectly.” This boxwood wreath (top left) is studded with pepperberry sprays, ranunculus, and nandina berries, all in shades that play off of the fun wallpaper. “I love the linen ribbon,” Charlotte says. “It hangs beautifully!”
Showstopping Entry
Photo by Laurey Glenn
Holiday guests arriving at the Wessels’ front door are greeted with a stunning swag that Charlotte created entirely by hand (bottom left). “If you are short on time but still want to make an impact, dress up a purchased swag by using flower picks to wire berries onto it,” she says. “Insert the picks at random intervals until you get the look you want.”
Complement, Don’t Compete
Photo by Laurey Glenn
For the mantel above, Charlotte wanted her arrangement to enhance rather than detract from the deep green walls. To achieve this, she crafted something that could share the stage with the existing painting—and even highlight it. By creating an arrangement of considerable size and scale, she was able to draw the eye up to the art. Using greenery in varying shades of green adds to the vignette without overpowering it.
Photo by Laurey Glenn
Think Outside the (Color) Box
Charlotte strongly believes that holiday florals don’t have to only be red and green. “If you have a hot pink tablecloth you love to use, then by all means do so!” she says. “Likewise, don’t be afraid to use peach or other rosy shades indoors in the winter.”
Double Up: Put Up a Second Tree
If your holiday plans include hosting multiple parties, you may want to put up two trees—one for guests and one for family. On the previous page, Charlotte adorned a simple tree with pink berries and a giant coral-hued live amaryllis garland. “These fresh flowers may be short-lived, but guests will be oohing and aahing long after they’ve left the party,” she says. “Save your heirlooms and sentimental keepsakes for the family tree.”
The house that belongs to Molly’s in-laws was designed by Christopher Architecture & Interiors as a stylistic take on a rustic French cottage. However, it was built on a bigger scale to accommodate large family gatherings, especially at the holidays. TCC General Contractors handled construction of the home, and Dave Eyrich of Environmental Design Studio created the welcoming landscape design. Joanna Goodman of Christopher Architecture & Interiors worked with the homeowners to design the beautiful interiors. Photography by Chris Luker & Jean Allsopp
The Christmas that my now-husband and I got engaged, my mother-in-law-to-be presented me with a blank needlepoint canvas. In response to my puzzled look, she explained that she planned to needlepoint it herself and have it made into a stocking for my first Christmas as an official member of the family.
Looking up at their mantel that night, I examined the family members’ stockings, each handmade over the years by an experienced hand filled with love, and realized that this was only the start of the traditions in which I would now get to play a part. Traditions help make the holiday season a steadfast feature in our lives. Things change from year to year of course — new family members, new homes, and new schedules—but traditions always root us in memory and wrap us in the comfort of time-tested patterns, giving us a glimpse into the past as well as a peace about the future.
One of the most memorable traditions of any Christmas season is decorating day, or, as in my family’s case, decorating weekend. Luckily, my in-laws kept this particular weekend in mind when working with Christopher Architecture & Interiors to build their new home. They requested the addition of a custom feature—a Christmas closet— that now makes our decorating tradition a cinch. Located off the great room and through the loggia, the closet houses all of our favorite holiday decorations in one convenient, attic-free location. All we need to get the decorating started are some carols on the speakers and a step stool to grab the boxes on the highest shelf. In no time, the lights are strung, wreaths hung, and the stockings (mine included!) take their rightful place along the mantel.
The house itself offers the perfect canvas for holiday decorating. Light, neutral paint colors and calming fabric tones offset the rich wood flooring and an impressive stone chimney that runs the height of the structure, while floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the living room offer front-row views of the changing seasons. Building a fire in the wood-burning fireplace and lighting a few candles helps to cozy up the expanse connecting the great room to the kitchen.
The palette is especially brightened by the reds from a well-placed poinsettia or the orangey hues of an amaryllis in full bloom during the holidays. The deep greens of fresh garlands and wreaths are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the nose, as the scent of pine lightens the air from room to room. Fresh decorations are always a must at this time of year, but the decorations that have been passed down from generation to generation hold a special place in our hearts and homes. The hand-crafted chrismons showcased on our family tree and the decades-old manger scene in its place of prominence on the antique chest in the foyer are nods to loved ones old and new. These cherished items create unmistakable conversation starters with holiday visitors.
Just like favorite ornaments, the home’s everyday décor has its own story to tell. The sofa table, for example, features a wooden remnant from a country church and a bespoke iron frame topped with Alabama limestone. At Christmas, the table serves as home to treasured items such as birch bark deer and rabbit figures and hand-cut oak rounds. Though each element is unique and beautiful in its own right, the combination of antique and modern, soft and bold, emphasizes the importance of remembering the past while sharing its traditions—and ourselves—in new ways and with new friends and family. It’s something that this home—and especially the Christmas closet—reminds me to do, not just during the holidays but year-round.
RESOURCES:
Architect: Christopher Architecture & Interiors, 205.413.8531, christopherai.com Builder: TCC General Contractors, 256.392.4115 Interior Designer: Joanna Goodman of Christopher Architecture & Interiors Landscape Architect: Dave Eyrich of Environmental Design Studio, 205.582.2052, environmentaldesignstudio.com
Landscape Installation:Rob Davis of Daviscapes, 205.453.5275
Great Room
Sofa Table: Maison de France Antiques, 205.699.6330
Chandeliers:Village Firefly 205.870.4560
Floor Lamps: Wisteria, wisteria.com
Paint: Natural Choice by Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com
The Cain family (left to right): Edward, Jill, Lyle, George, Sarah and Virginia. Photo by Laurey Glenn
There was a time when having your own place at college was something of an experiment in adulthood. The décor skewed toward thrift store shabby chic and probably included cast-offs from your parents’ basement or furniture that didn’t work at the lake. Sure, you still needed to wear shower shoes to walk in the kitchen after a big party the night before, but at least there were no resident advisors to remind you to clean up the hallway. That is all so 1990.
Fast-forward to the college living experience of today. Freshmen girls decorate their dorm rooms with hyper-elevated beds, upholstered step stools, matching poofy pillows, and coordinating throw rugs. The walls may be cinderblock but the vibe is far from jailhouse chic. Custom valances, Parsons chairs, and gallery-wrapped canvases with inspirational quotes are the norm. These same kids will eventually move to apartments, condos, or single-family homes, and the décor will only get better with more wall space.
Sisters Sarah and Virginia Cain live off campus at The University of Alabama in a home their parents, Jill and Lyle Cain, purchased in the Capelwood Drive Historic District earlier this year. As team orthopedist for the Crimson Tide, Lyle knew that homes this close to campus don’t come on the market very often. And while rental property is lucrative in Tuscaloosa, being landlords is not what the Cains had in mind with the investment. Regarding the historic 1914 home, Jill says, “The immediate intent is for all four children (including sons Edward and George) to live there while studying at Alabama, but ultimately, it will become a game-day house for our family and friends.”
Even before the existing tenants’ lease ran out in May, the Cains enlisted interior designer Jenny Edwards, a longtimefriend and neighbor, to help transform the property into something they could enjoy for many years. Jenny herself is an Alabama fan and her daughter is a cheerleader at the school, so this project felt personal to her as well.
The house was completely gutted to gain as much interior square footage as possible. Extra-wide hallways typical of the era were made slightly narrower to afford each of the five bedrooms a more significant closet. Exposed brick was left untouched to add inches
here and there, and an exterior area that held the washer and dryer was enclosed and attached to the back of the home. “Because the house is in a historical neighborhood, we had to have approval for various aspects of the process, like removing a storage unit in the back and adding more parking,” Jill says. “Our overall goal was to update the house but keep as much of its original charm as possible.”
In terms of décor, there was a lot of input from each family member, but everyone had the same end goal in mind—a comfortable and functional home. “We knew we wanted to keep it high style (you’ll only find a couple of elephants in the elegant black-and-white décor) but also authentic,” says Jenny. “The home is pretty, but we added practicality.” Outdoor-rated fabrics throughout the home still have a luxe look. An upholstered side chair that appears to be high-end suede can literally be wiped down if someone spills a drink. Finishes in the powder room look like marble but are actually tile, and the kitchen counter is a thin porcelain laminate that also appears to be marble. In addition, brass fixtures will age with a timeless patina.
Sarah, working on her MBA and chemical engineering degrees, and Virginia, a junior studying speech and language pathology, share the home with three fellow sorority sisters. Each girl has a keypad lock on her bedroom door to ensure safety—and perhaps to keep friends from borrowing shoes without asking first. An enhanced security system alerts the girls to visitors at the front door, even if they are in the middle of class or home on break. Most bedrooms also have a desk, but the girls prefer to study at the island in the kitchen. And that is where you’ll find perhaps the best art in the whole home: a series of framed tickets from every National Championship game the Tide has won while Lyle has been with the team. Good thing Jenny left plenty of extra wall space there.
Starting in the entry/living room, designer Jenny Edwards gave the entire interiors of the home a neutral backdrop using Seapearl by Benjamin Moore on the walls. A painting of Bear Bryant by Meredith Keith makes it clear this is a house for Crimson Tide fans. Photo by Laurey Glenn
To position the bed appropriately, Jenny created a visual wall with curtains. Photo by Laurey Glenn
The Craftsman-style exterior of the home received a coat of paint in Ballet White by Benjamin Moore. Photo by Laurey Glenn
The kitchen island, painted in Onyx, stands out against the surrounding cabinets in Seapearl, both colors by Benjamin Moore. A porcelain laminate island countertop from Triton Stone mimics the look of marble. Brass hardware from Brandino Brass adds a bit of shine to the space. Photo by Laurey Glenn
The table can be pulled away from the sofa to create more of a sitting room rather than a dining space when needed. Photo by Laurey Glenn
The powder room features a unique stone pedestal from Synergy Stone. Photo by Laurey Glenn
RESOURCES: Designer: Jenny Edwards, J. Edwards Interiors, 205.870.5100, jedwardsinteriors.com • Builder: William Blakeney, William Blakeney Building Company, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, 205.345.8880 • Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets: Livingston Cabinets, Coker, Alabama, 205.339.3846 • House & Kitchen Hardware including custom kitchen shelving: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.com • Porcelain Stone Countertops and Backsplash in Kitchen, All Tile and Exterior Bluestone, Plumbing Fixtures: Triton Stone, 205.592.0202, tritonstone.comSecurity and AV Systems: Corona Integrated Technologies, Inc., 205.314.8958 Powder Bath Stone Pedestal: Synergy Stone, Cottondale, AL, 205.556.8115 • Art in Bedroom: Kristin Blakeney Fine Art, 205.239.6458, kristinblakeney.com
1 (6- to 7-pound) beef tenderloin, trimmed Olive oil Kosher salt and coarsely ground pepper 3 to 4 tablespoons Montreal Seasoning, optional 12 (6-inch) sprigs rosemary Heavy-duty aluminum foil Horseradish and Sour Cream Sauce
Place beef tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap on a baking sheet. Coat completely with olive oil, salt and pepper, and Montreal seasoning, if desired; rub into meat on all sides. Cover with sprigs of rosemary; wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill 2 hours or overnight.
Allow beef to come to room temperature before cooking.
Light one side of gas grill, heating to 400 to 450 degrees (high) heat; leave other side unlit. Sear tenderloin over heated side of grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side; transfer to unlit side, and cook, covered with grill lid, 10 to 12 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. (If using a charcoal grill, do the same with the hot coal side and the opposite side without coals.)
Remove from grill, and wrap tenderloin in 6 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (one at a time). Roll up foil-wrapped tenderloin in a heavy beach towel. Let rest for 3 hours at room temperature. Serve with Horseradish and Sour Cream Sauce.
Horseradish and Sour Cream Sauce
Makes approx. 1 cup 4 tablespoons horseradish 4 tablespoons sour cream 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Combine all ingredients. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. This can be done up to three days in advance. (This recipe can easily be doubled for a large crowd.)
Holiday Haricot Verts
1½ pounds fresh haricot verts (thin French green beans) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 3 garlic cloves, sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced 1 red pepper, sliced into strips 1 orange pepper, sliced into strips Zest from 1 lemon 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ to 1 teaspoon salt
In a medium-size Dutch oven, blanch trimmed green beans in a pot of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Immediately place cooked beans in a bowl of ice water. Allow to cool; then place on a paper towel to dry.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallots, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add peppers and remaining ingredients. Sauté until thoroughly heated. Serve immediately.
Parmesan Puff Pastry Breadsticks
1 (17.3-ounce) box puff pastry 1 egg 1 tablespoon water Flour for dusting 1½ cups shredded Parmesan 1 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Parchment paper
Allow the puff pastry to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or follow counter thawing directions on package. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Beat egg and water in a small bowl.
Place puff pastry one sheet at a time, onto lightly floured surface, rolling it to be slightly bigger, about 10 by 12 inches. Brush pastry with egg mixture, covering the entire surface. Top with half of the Parmesan and salt, then sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Gently press the cheese into the pastry with your fingers.
Cut into ¾-inch to 1-inch strips. (I use a pastry wheel, but a pizza cutter will work too.) Twist each strip several times, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven, turn each breadstick, and bake another minute or two.
Frozen Brandy Alexander
1 cup vanilla ice cream 1½ ounces brandy ¾ ounce white crème de cacao White chocolate curls for garnish, optional
Place ice cream, brandy, and crème de cacao in a blender, and process until smooth. Top with white chocolate curls, and serve immediately.
Mock Cheese Soufflé
4 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed 2 to 3 tablespoons softened butter, plus extra for greasing dish 4 eggs 2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon dry mustard ¼ teaspoon hot sauce 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese Dash paprika
Spread softened butter on both sides of the bread; cut into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs and next 5 ingredients, whisking to combine.
In a buttered 1½-quart baking dish, layer bread then cheese, repeating twice. Pour in milk mixture, and top with paprika. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake in a water bath at 300 degrees for 1½ hours.
Learn from Leslie: To make a water bath, use a baking dish slightly larger than the one used for baking Mock Cheese Soufflé. Fill water in larger dish to about 1 to 1½ inches. Put smaller dish in larger dish, and bake as directed.
Tucked into the heart of the Homewood community, the 2018 Inspiration Home nestles beautifully alongside its Edgewood neighbors thanks to its appropriate scale and classic character. “A little restraint can go a long way,” says architect Richard Long, who partnered with builders Kevin Gann and John Bryant of Francis Bryant Construction and design liaison Jan Ware of Jan Ware Designs for this project.
Though it appears humble at first glance, the home showcases grand style in materials and finishes. “You would never know this house offers three levels of living space and more than 4,500 square feet,” says Kevin. “That is exactly what we were striving for in this design.” Adds Jan, “This is not a fussy house at all. With the main living areas all located on one level, it’s an ideal home for a young family or for empty-nesters.”
Dormer windows up top and floor-to-ceiling windows below (all from Southern Sash) add to the cottage feel of the house, along with red cedar, hand-split roofing shakes from Emack Slate Co. In keeping with the quaint exterior, the surrounding landscape, designed and installed by Falkner Gardens, includes FireRock pavers placed in the beautifully manicured lawn.
Along with the design team, local sponsors and vendors worked to create timeless spaces filled with the latest in furnishings and accents, a well as the newest technology innovations. The home also offers plenty of outdoor entertaining options on the front porch, back porch with outdoor fireplace, and grilling porch. In addition, the house includes a daylight basement, a rare and much desired feature in Homewood. Consisting of a media room, bedroom, bathroom, and carport, the basement completes the floorplan with plenty of room for overnight guests, game nights, and football-watching parties.
Entry by Stock & Trade
Media Room by At Home Furnishings
Master Bedroom by Pam Evans of Maison
Bedroom by Three Sheets
Kitchen by Long & Long Design, Francis Bryant Construction, and Jan Ware Designs
The impeccable facade of the 1906 Greek Revival gem shows off another gem in the driveway, a vintage 1976 Triumph TR6 convertible, owned by the Hopkins family since that year. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Serendipity was definitely in play when John-Bryan Hopkins and Terrance Finley toured the historic Jordan House in Highland Park. That’s because they really weren’t looking to buy it initially. While totally infatuated with the home, the pair thought owning a property of this age and size was a daunting prospect—especially because they had recently downsized to a condo. But once an architect and inspector did an examination and found the house remarkably well maintained, the doubts turned into action. Three hours later, the Greek Revival home, overlooking Rhodes Park and designed by the prominent Birmingham architect William Weston, was theirs.
Beautiful arched windows play a starring role in the sunroom where John-Bryan paired antiques with a Warhol print cleverly placed on the window itself.
Weston put his stamp on the city with buildings such as City Federal, Quinlan Castle, and Temple Emanu-El in Southside, as well as additional private homes. Fortunately, the prior resident of Jordan House, nightclub owner Al Pilkington, had lovingly taken care of the place for decades and had made some quality choices. “I call it the ‘accidental’ house,” says John-Bryan, a designer. “We couldn’t believe the shape it was in. Al hired the best people to maintain it.”
Working with the home’s beautiful architectural details and to-die-for chandeliers, John-Bryan made it his first order of business to blow some fresh air throughout the rooms. The existing decor appeared heavy with dark colors and voluminous window treatments. “I needed to neutralize it,” says the designer. Because they sold their condo furnished, John-Bryan and Terrence arrived in their new home with very few pieces. This meant John-Bryan could start with a blank slate.
On the main floor, the designer gave the oversized rooms a very livable vibe. Walls in light beige combine with sisal rugs and grasscloth to help absorb the echo effects in the house. But nothing is too stark or modern—John-Bryan knows how to keep the balance. Beautiful antiques bring a sense of history. Artwork from Warhol and Basquiat adds a liveliness to the rooms, while an original Tiffany lamp brings a sense of warmth.
The second order of business involved reclaiming some forgotten spaces. Al had a habit of boarding up parts of rooms that he didn’t want to deal with, such as extra kitchens and baths that remained from when the house was divided into apartments in the 1950s. “As long as we had a living room, kitchen, and a place to sleep, we were fine with it at first. That’s about as much as we were thinking at the time we bought the house,” says John-Bryan. “Now I find my days are filled with planning how to bring the home back to its original state.” Another stroke of good fortune involved finding the home’s original doors, trim, and cabinets in storage. “We are working to resurrect the original footprint, including the lower level which was likely a real speakeasy,” says John-Bryan. “There is evidence of a dance floor, bar, secret exit, and faded robin’s-egg blue walls with murals of 1930’s dancing girls.”
The designer’s passion for the provenance of Jordan House is palpable. Sounding almost like a curator at times rather than the owner, he understands his position as a steward of a grand dame appreciated by many. “Our condo was located so close to the house, and we admired it over the years as so many others have done—and still do,” says John-Bryan. “This home will only get better with age and hopefully, with its next caretakers.”
The house serves as a perfect gallery to showcase works like this large diptych by Alabama native Zachary Titford.
Above Left: The original staircase maintains its elegant air. Above Right: With so many bedrooms, it was easy to turn one into a wonderful walk-in closet/men’s lounge with plenty of space to hold all the Louis Vuitton.
The inherent formality of an upstairs den is tempered with simple burlap curtains and a seagrass rug.
John-Bryan Hopkins’ collection of copper pots and cooking accoutrements adds patina to the kitchen.
The owners enjoy spending time in the quieter back end of the house which offers a more casual setting with plank walls and a simpler stairway.
John-Bryan created a striking tableau in the front entry hall with antiques and a 17th-century Belgian tapestry. “I walk the rooms over and over and let them speak to me,” he says. “I consider where the eye is drawn to in each space and think about what’s missing and what the house needs.”
Above Left: An engaging vignette of stacked art next to a Tiffany lamp resides in a bay window. Above Right: The family dog, Salie, enjoys shade from the black-and-white-striped awning on the upstairs terrace.
Classic antiques meet bold new style as the 12th annual Antiques at The Gardens returns to Birmingham Botanical Gardens October 4-7, 2018. Don’t miss these four days filled with events designed to fuel inspiration and creativity. From presentations and book signings to workshops and curated retail spaces, the event offers opportunities for attendees to engage with some of the country’s top designers, writers, floral designers, architects, and tastemakers.
Taste Buds
Thursday, October 4 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by FLOWER magazine (additional ticket required) Speaker: Bettie Bearden Pardee Moderator: Kirk Reed Forrester Panel: Mimi Brown, Mary Hayward Spotswood Eudailey, Catherine B. Jones, Margaret Zainey Roux
Bettie Bearden Pardee is the author of Private Newport: At Home and in the Garden and Living Newport: Houses, People, Style, as well as editor of PrivateNewport.com, a luxury lifestyle blog.
Mimi Brownbegan her career in Birmingham in floral design and event production. After arriving in New York City in 2009, she transitioned to fashion public relations and worked with leading designer Zac Posen. She continues to work on special events in the industry.
Mary Hayward Spotswood Eudailey is a Birmingham native. After graduating from Ole Miss, she moved to New York to work at One Kings Lane. She’s currently a consultant for the west coast vintage furniture and accessories purveyor, Chairish.
Catherine B. Jones is an abstract artist who employs a variety of mediums to create her fairly minimalistic pieces. Based in Birmingham, Catherine has had her pieces featured in Coastal Living, domino, and other national publications.
Margaret Zainey Rouxis a New Orleans-based lifestyle journalist and stylist. She serves as a contributing editor for Traditional Home, Southern Home, and Flower magazine.
Martha Stewart & Kevin Sharkey
Featured Speakers: Martha Stewart & Kevin Sharkey
Friday, October 5
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (additional ticket required)
Introduction: Richard Keith Langham Martha Stewart and Kevin Sharkey will take the stage on Friday, October 5, to share stories and excerpts from their newest book, Martha’s Flowers (Penguin Random House). In the book, Martha shares her experiences in gardening at her 150-acre farm about 50 miles north of New York City. Kevin joined Martha Stewart Living, the magazine, in 1996, and the duo became fast friends. In Martha’s Flowers, Martha writes, “Over the last two decades, we have learned a lot about each other—and flowers. Together we often plan the types of flowers we will plant in a new garden, and we have concocted beautiful gardening glossaries and articles for the magazine. The bouquets and arrangements in this book resulted from our close planning and envisioning—and luck—in growing spectacular blooms that combine well with one another, or with foliage, to bedazzle a room or call one’s eyes to attention.”
Taste in Spades
Saturday, October 6 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Shop the Show with Meg Braff (additional ticket required)
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Taste in Spades Panel Moderator: Richard Keith Langham Panel: Meg Braff, Suzanne Kasler, Nick Olsen, Keith Summerour (additional ticket required)
2 p.m.
Gold Finch Longleaf Bouquet Workshop by Erin Weston of Weston Farms (additional ticket required)
Meg Braff was raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, before her design career took her north. She owns a shop in Locust Valley, New York—Meg Braff Antiques and Decoration—and has published a book, The Decorated Home: Living with Style and Joy, from Rizzoli. Her work has been featured in House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Coastal Living, Southern Living, and Hamptons Cottages & Gardens.
The work of Suzanne Kasler has been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Veranda. She has been named to Architectural Digest’s AD100 and Elle Décor’s A-List. Her award-winning interiors have been captured in two books from Rizzoli, Inspired Interiors and Timeless Style. Her third book from Rizzoli will be published this fall.
Since opening his firm in 2010, Nick Olsenhas become known for creating comfortable interiors that nod to the past while maintaining a sense of humor and whimsy. Never one to shy from bold color, pattern, or an overscale gesture, he mixes antiques and modern artwork with signature style. His work has been featured in domino, Architectural Digest, Veranda, House Beautiful, British Homes & Gardens, The Wall Street Journal, and Traditional Home. He is on the Elle Decor A-List.
Keith Summerourleads Summerour Architects. With his dedicated staff, he has been designing beautiful homes for 20 years. Keith is an Alabama native, now based in Atlanta, Georgia. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Garden & Gun, and Coastal Living.
Julia Reed
Southern Sunday featuring Julia Reed
Sunday, October 7 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Brunch & Book Signing with Julia Reed (additional ticket required) Julia Reed, a native of the Mississippi Delta who now resides in New Orleans, is a contributing editor at Elle Décor and Garden & Gun magazine, where she writes a regular column, “The High & Low.” She also contributes to The Wall Street Journal’s WSJ Magazine and writes a bimonthly column on entertaining for Southern Living. She is the author of six books. Her most recent book, South Toward Home: Adventures and Misadventures in My Native Land, was published in July.
Meet the Tastemakers
Sunday, October 7 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Moderator: Robert Leleux NOTE: Tastemaker vignettes will be on display throughout the weekend of the show.
Dallas-based interior designer Amy Berry combines her passion for creating beautiful homes with an intuitive understanding of her clients’ needs. She has worked on a variety of projects encompassing everything from traditional to contemporary.
Since 1998, Blackjack Horticulture, Inc. has served residential and commercial clients throughout Birmingham. With 20 years of experience, Blackjack strives to achieve complete client satisfaction by building relationships and guaranteeing excellence, integrity, and reliability.
Birmingham-based designers Janie Jones and Elizabeth Miles of Hundley Hilton Interiorswork with each individual client to create a unique story. They use family heirlooms, vintage and contemporary lighting, and custom furnishings with beautiful lines, color, texture, and pattern to create fun, livable interiors that honor the history of a structure and its location.
The work of Sean Andersonreflects a blend of fresh and functional, classic and contemporary styles. Sean offers a just-right mix of old and new for a look that’s treasured and timeless. With residential and commercial clients throughout the southeast, he has had his work published in Elle Décor and Architectural Digest.
Tippett Sease Baker Architecture, a residential architecture firm, was formed by friendship and a desire to create beautiful spaces. Chris Tippett, John Sease, and David Baker received their architectural degrees from Auburn University and later became business partners with Bobby McAlpine. During that time, the architects had projects published in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Veranda, the Los Angeles Times, House Beautiful, and Milieu. The trio currently has projects in California, Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama.
The Antiques Dealers
Edwin C. Skinner • Black Sheep Antiques • Blackwell Botanicals • Hedgerow Antiques • Ann Williams Antiques and Design • McDonough Fine Art • Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs, Inc. • Whitehall Antiques • Smith van Osdelle Antiques • Thomas M. Fortner Antiques • Vieuxtemps Porcelain • Kimball & Bean • Antique Cupboard • Very Vintage Villa • Beth Poindexter Luxe • McKenzie Dove • Beverly McNeil Gallery • Weston Farms • Gum Tree Farm Designs • Madison James • Nashville Rug Gallery • D.R. Grissom Collection Estate & Fine Jewelry
Event Details
LOCATION
Birmingham Botanical Gardens | 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
TICKETS Daily General Admission | $15 per person Additional event tickets prices vary. Available at bbgardens.org/antiques or by calling 205.414.3950
*Tickets for all events are available for pickup at the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens office or at Will Call.
A Lee Industries sofa and chairs, purchased at Circa Interiors, make cushy counterpoints to stately items such as the antique hutch. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Many women shudder when they recall the furniture their husbands brought to the marriage. Not Leslie Brooks. Her husband Michael’s late father, Terry, hailed from Charleston and spent his retirement days acquiring antiques and artwork in the Holy City. Michael was the recipient of his refined collection—a wedding jackpot for Leslie if there ever was one. The problem? A move to a Crestline rancher, which the couple has called home for the last 11 years, meant a lack of space to show off the prized pieces. Worse yet, the house was feeling increasingly cramped as their four sons approached teen years.
“This is a rare pocket of Mountain Brook where the lots are spacious and children can walk to both elementary and middle school,” Leslie says. “The location was everything we could ask for, but the boys were sharing bedrooms, and our guest bath was also the master bath. We definitely needed more space.”
Yes, it was once a rancher! Gabled dormers and a creamy white paint job top off the reconfigured home with classic touches that make it feel like it has always looked this way.
Enter architect Dean Robinson and interior designer Fran Keenan to help the couple reimagine the low-slung ranch home. The result is a two-story abode with an expanded kitchen and master suite downstairs and four boy-approved bedrooms, anchored by a duo of Jack-and-Jill baths upstairs. The overhaul, which took the house from 2,000 square feet to a little over 5,000, also presented the family with the opportunity to raise the downstairs ceiling height from 8 to 10 feet. “It gave the house less of a bowling alley effect and also made way for taller furnishings and more artwork,” Leslie says.
The newly expanded house meant all those precious family heirlooms could at long last come out of storage. “As a designer, I always find it inspiring to work with what a client already has—pieces with pedigree that bring instant memories and stories to a space,” says Fran, who, as Leslie’s first cousin, was especially equipped to spotlight the items. Since many of the pieces were rather formal, the designer helped make them feel more family friendly by bringing in a healthy dose of pattern and color. Intricate designs on rugs, wallpaper, and textiles worked to take the edge off of the stately items.
For the palette, Fran used various shades of blue, often in unexpected spots such as window sashes, built-ins, and even the pantry door, to liven up the abundance of antiques. “We went with hues that don’t scream at you but still offer personality,” the designer says. “And I made sure they were all a bit ambiguous—not quite blue, not quite green, not quite gray. They have a bit of mystery and timelessness to them that way.”
Room by room, Fran worked her magic by pairing old with new to create inviting layered spaces where the entire Brooks family feels completely at home. “This seems like the house that was always meant to be here,” Leslie says. “And the fact that we have included our family treasures now makes it even more special.”
In a house full of antiques, an overly modern kitchen wouldn’t do. To give the new kitchen a bit of old-house charm, architect Dean Roberts designed an inset range, flanked by shelving alcoves, that feels reminiscent of an old-fashioned kitchen hearth. The breakfast nook features a trio of antique gems—the oak dining table, perfectly-weathered leather chairs, and a brass chandelier scooped up at Tricia’s Treasures.
Left: The head-turning upholstered pantry door, complete with nailhead trim, belies its durability. It’s crafted from a virtually indestructible marine-grade vinyl. Middle: The handsome powder room takes the home’s blue streak to the hilt by coating every last surface, save the curvy marble countertop. Right: The master bedroom’s daring wall color is softened with plush textiles, including the velvet-upholstered bed frame, knubby white bedding, and perfectly puddled curtains.
From the multi-colored grass cloth wallpaper to the arrangement of the salon-style wall, the study was designed to mimic the look and feel of a home office that once belonged to Michael’s father.
Meet Fran Keenan
Fran Keenan
Design Philosophy Each project should inspire and reflect the passions and personality of the client. My work begins and ends with lots of listening.
Designing with Antiques It’s all about the mix! My favorite hashtag is #oldbreaksthemold. The market can be saturated with the same look, but antiques bring the needed integrity for timeless appeal.
Working with Collections
There’s strength in numbers. It’s as true in decorating as it is in anything else. Gather like items and display them in one place. The abundance instantly elevates any item.
Worth Keeping
I try to make any and all family pieces work. That’s especially true when there is an original patina, finish, or texture that only comes with age.
Favorite Accessory A room isn’t complete without ambient lighting and books to infuse a space with soul.
RESOURCES Designer: Fran Keenan, frankeenandesign.comArchitect: Dean Robinson, 205.229.0377 Builder: Mark Williams Landscape: Vision Landscapes, Inc., visionlandscapesinc.comKitchen cabinets: Shaun Haddock of Deep Fried Southern Cabinetry, deepfriedsoutherncabinetry.comHardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.comFaucet: Ferguson, ferguson.comCountertops: Pacific Shore Stones, pacificshorestones.comTile backsplash: Robert F. Henry, henrytile.com Rugs in family room: Hiltz Lauber, hiltzlauber.com Powder bath: Cabinets – Shaun Haddock, 205.224.0097 Kitchen: Runner and kitchen table –The Nest, thenestbham.comHand towel: Suite Dreams, shopsuitedreams.netEntryway: Runner – The Nest, Asian urn – Defining Home, defining-home.comOffice: Lampshades – Village Firefly, thevillagefirefly.comMaster bedroom: Bed – At Home, athome-furnishings.com Lamps–Hiltz Lauber, Bench – The Nest Family room: Rug – Hiltz Lauber Pillows – Suite Dreams; West Elm, westelm.comRug pillow – Olde World Acquisitions, oldeworldacquisitions.comCoffee Table and marble top side table – The Nest White chairs – Richard Tubb, richardtubbinteriors.comSofa table – Argent Antiques, argentantiques.comLampshades – Village Firefly Vintage lamps – Urban Suburban, 205.592.0777 Chandelier – Antiquities, 205.870.1030 Chest –Tricia’s Treasures, triciastreasures.us
Forty years in the making, Shoal Creek is still growing, attracting a whole new set of golfers, equestrians, and homeowners to the lake-studded forests and wide-open vistas. Here are just a few reasons to make the move.
• A clubhouse community. Shoal Creek is both a private club and a community. No, you don’t have to live there to apply for membership, but resident members certainly enjoy convivial gatherings and amenities such as the pool, clubhouse restaurant, and championship golf course right in their backyard.
• Room To explore. Shoal Creek covers 1,500 acres of unspoiled land featuring walking and hiking trails, stocked lakes, and more than enough spots to enjoy a picnic under a shade tree.
• Inanda Stables. This equestrian boarding and training facility offers boarders enjoy top-notch facilities and services. The property includes a lighted indoor arena, a jumping arena, and an Olympic-size dressage arena, along with lush pastures and miles and miles of winding trails.
• Service and security. Homeowners enjoy a staffed gatehouse to ensure privacy and peace of mind. Onsite services are available to help with home and landscape maintenance.
• Growth. Troon Hamlet, the newest neighborhood, features custom homes designed by architect Louis Nequette and built by Francis Bryant Construction. Each home sits on a large lot along a beautiful streetscape so residents can enjoy both community and privacy.
When Alice and Bob Schleusner decided to build a new home in Southside, they had a checklist of exactly what they wanted: enough space to entertain friends and visiting family, very little maintenance, and the charm of a home that looks like it has been there for decade yet has all of the modern conveniences. To achieve that perfect trifecta, the couple called on the same architect they had turned to twice before—James Carter. “James knows us and how we like to live,” Alice says.
To attain the timeless look, James designed a Tudor-style exterior, which was enhanced by brick salvaged from a building downtown. “The old brick makes the house look very settled right off the bat,” the architect says. He also designed the house in a “U” shape around a courtyard to allow natural light to cascade in from many directions. “Some spaces are only one-room deep, so there are windows on both sides of the room,” James says. “We took advantage of these design aspects to bring in plenty of light.”
With a little help from designer friends (like Marjorie Johnston for fabrics and Paige Albright for rug placement)—not to mention her own incredible eye and amazing oriental rug, antique, and art collections—Alice continued blending old and new inside. Throughout the house, she mixed classic heirloom pieces with unexpected, modern elements. The great room features old leather chairs and Biedermeier chairs, along with custom end tables designed by Bob, atop an antique Tibetan rug. “My passion for antiques and history started years ago, and it was fueled by discovering and learning about oriental rugs,” says Alice. “There’s something special about things that are made by hand.”
In the dining room, James dropped the ceiling—“he often does that to cozy up the space,” Alice says—and went with poplar-paneled, waxed-wood walls. This spot showcases two of Alice’s favorite antique rugs—a Persian Heriz rug under the dining table and a Caucasian rug in the seating area. An eye-catching, modern chandelier illuminates the Chippendale dining chairs and the antique sideboard, adding to the delicate balance of yesterday and today. The room also unexpectedly features one of Alice’s favorite pieces of art, a colorful work by New Orleans artist Ida Kohlmeyer. “A lot of my art is modern, and I like how that blends on the walls with older antique pieces,” she says. “Without the modern surprises, this house would be entirely too traditional.”
Built-in bookshelves in the dining room offer plenty of space to display Alice’s collections. The dining room table holds one of Alice’s favorite pieces, a classic Frank Fleming sculpture that was given to her by her family about 15 years ago for her birthday.
While many rugs throughout the home are antique, Alice chose a new Tibetan rug for the main seating area in the living room. “The colors blend seamlessly with everything else going on,” she says. To complete the space—which she made sure had enough seating to accommodate plenty of friends and family—she dropped in a playful pattern with zebra-print pillows on the sofa.
Alice (left) with longtime friend and fellow rug expert Paige Albright.
PASSING ON THE PASSION
Alice Schleusner’s infatuation with oriental rugs began more than 50 years ago while she and her husband, Bob, were living in Europe, where he was stationed during his time in the Army. Before moving back to the United States, the young couple took a trip through the Holy Land, and while at a port in Lebanon, Alice saw oriental rugs for sale. “The handmade aspect of the rugs really caught my attention,” she says. “They are one of a kind and seem to tell a story. And they aren’t perfect. I have always appreciated antiques, so I like the rugs’ imperfections and irregularities.”
While Alice didn’t leave with a rug, she did come back to America with a serious interest in the topic and began studying about the unique rugs. In 1973, she launched her own oriental rug business, Kings House Orientals, and ran the shop for more than 35 years. During that time, Aliceshared her love of textiles and a good handmade weave with Paige Albright, who worked with her for many years before opening her own shop, Paige Albright Orientals, about 11 years ago. “I learned so much from Alice,” Paige says. “Hands-on training is the best form of education in this business.”
RESOURCES Architect: James F. Carter Architect, jamesfcarter.com Contractor: Slate Barganier Building, slatebarganier.com Landscape: Norman Kent Johnson, 205.960.8902 Landscape maintenance: Pratt Brown Landscapes, Inc., 205.951.3384 Living room mirror: Henhouse Antiques, henhouseantiques.com Living room chandelier: Williams-Sonoma,williams-sonoma.com Surround system: Kevin Likis, likisaudio.com Art framing: Beverly McNeil Gallery, beverlymcneilgallery.com Interior and exterior trim color: Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com Outdoor sconces in courtyard: Mayer Lighting, mayerlighting.com Furniture in courtyard: Blackjack Horticulture, blackjackhorticulture.comBluestone exterior tile: Tracery Stone Company, tracerystone.com Front entrance fountain: Jim Elbert, 205.540.8551
Frozen Brandy Alexander
