Designer Megan Houston believes a home should feel cohesive; however, her client’s Mountain Brook abode was anything but. More specifically, the kitchen felt out of kilter with the rest of the house. “It’s a very elegant home with an airy, feminine feel, ” Megan says. “But the kitchen was dark and dated with stained cabinets and deep green countertops.”

To remedy this, Megan spearheaded a floor-to-ceiling overhaul of the room that brought in more natural light at every turn. A spacious casement window was added above the sink, French doors leading to the patio replaced a small single one, and an entire wall was removed to create a 14-foot-wide opening between the kitchen and the sun-drenched living room. That last change also laid the groundwork for the kitchen’s new color scheme. “The homeowner is a collector, and her prized assortment of china (in the floral pattern Chateau Chantilly by Gorham) is prominently displayed in the living room, ” says Megan. “We pulled hues from those dishes to devise a palette of cream, gray-blue, and hints of coral.” The soft shades were paired with classic details such as honed marble countertops and glass-fronted cabinets for a kitchen that’s (finally!) as light and ladylike as the rest of the house.

Things We Love

1. GRACEFUL WINDOW TREATMENTS
The kitchen’s window treatments (an oversized Roman shade above the sink, along with voluminous panels flanking the new French doors) add visual softness to the space while also complementing the curve of the backsplash. The Kerry Joyce fabric’s subtle design features a hand-blocked motif in a soft coral.

2. CLASSIC ACCENTS
Trend-proof accessories are key. Case in point: The pewter cabinet hardware by Brandino Brass not only provides timeless style but also stands up to wear and tear. Another classic detail? The antique Oushak runner, purchased from Keivan Woven Arts, that beautifully incorporates the colors from the inspiration china.

3. A LACK OF BACKSPLASH
Counter-to-ceiling tile is nice, but sometimes less is truly more. For an understated vibe, Megan allowed the creamy white walls (Oyster Shell by Sherwin-Williams) to do the work of a backsplash. The one exception is behind the range, where a piece of Lincoln Calacatta marble produces curvy contrast to the rest of the kitchen’s clean lines.

4. BARELY-THERE BLUE
Patience is a virtue, and that’s especially true when selecting a cabinet color. Megan went through multiple rounds of soft gray paint colors—some too taupe, others too green—before landing on the winner: Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore. The shade’s faint blue undertones create a serene look on the custom cabinets by Birmingham-based Cotton Woodworks. (The firm also constructed the handsome walnut island.)

5. GREAT ORGANIZATION
Style shouldn’t stop at the cabinet fronts. To make the beautiful space equally efficient, Megan teamed up with local home organizers, The Amandas, to incorporate form and function. Storage consists of plenty of baskets, labels, and dividers in cutlery drawers, pantry shelves, and more.

Megan Houston’s Must-Have Kitchen Essentials

Can’t-beat item? A 12-inch-deep, apron-front sink. It’s not only beautiful but can hide dirty dishes.

Must-have accent? A gorgeous faucet. Cheap plumbing looks, well, cheap. A high-end fixture will elevate everything around it.

Favorite gadget? Small herb scissors. I use them to “chop” things at every single meal.

Best advice? You’d be surprised how many people finish a remodel and realize they don’t have enough storage. Before you start construction, label the plans with what pots, pans, etc., will go where.

Approved splurge? A Scotsman ice maker. Who doesn’t love pellet ice?

Go-to cost saver? A fresh coat of paint on cabinets instead of completely scrapping the old ones.

RESOURCES
Interior designer: Megan Houston, 205.834.5708, meganhoustondesign.com Builder: Chris Farren, Benchmark Specialties, 205.965.9645 Cabinets: Cotton Woodworks, cottonwoodworks.com Hardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.com Appliances: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, ferguson.com Countertops: Triton Stone Group, tritonstone.com

When Birmingham-based interior designer Marianne Strong and one of her loyal clients decided to collaborate on a third (yes, third!) kitchen renovation, they were ready to shake things up a bit. “She was adamant that she didn’t want a white kitchen this time, and I was completely on board, ” Marianne says. Rather than choosing cabinetry painted a bold color, they decided to buck trends and go with wood. After reviewing dozens of samples, the client landed on a white oak with a slightly-weathered finish. With the cabinetry checked off the list, other design elements easily fell into place. Chief among them, lightly veined Calacatta Vagli countertops and a graphic marble backsplash. The gleaming materials not only contrast the textured quality of the cabinets, they also set the stage for a chic assortment of finishes, including a brass faucet and cabinet pulls. “This kitchen was a down-to-the-studs reno, but the mix of materials helps it feel as though it evolved over time, ” says Marianne.

Things we Love

1. CUSTOM CABINETRY
Montgomery craftsman Guy Goulet built the cabinetry and gave it a whitewashed look using a process called cerusing. It involves a lime paste that is hand-applied with a wire brush to open up the wood grain. And these cabinets offer more than just a pretty face—they feature savvy storage, including a floor-to-ceiling pantry, under-the-window drawers, and a handsome appliance garage.

2. A SINK WITH A VIEW 
Marianne was confined to the kitchen’s existing window orientation. (The kitchen is located at the front of the historic house, which meant windows were subject to preservation regulations.) That limitation forced her to place the sink directly beside the range. The upside of that somewhat unusual placement? An in-front-of-the-window orientation that makes the apron-front sink, from Kohler, a scenic spot to tend to chores.

3. A HARDWORKING ISLAND
Marianne delivered on the client’s wish for an island, complete with a secondary sink, in the space-restricted kitchen with one that abuts the wall opposite the range rather than floats in the center of the room. It functions as a food-prep space as well as an eating area, thanks to a quartet of Serena & Lily barstools. The island also packs in ample storage below with shelves for the homeowner’s collection of cookbooks. Pottery Barn photo ledges on the wall create a streamlined spot to display collectibles.

4. A SEAMLESS MIX OF MATERIALS
Marianne originally envisioned panel-front appliances but ultimately opted for stainless steel items from Wolf and GE. The look helped to cast eye-pleasing relief on the expanse of wood grain that envelops the kitchen. To prevent the appliances from taking the space in a utilitarian direction, she incorporated brass cabinet pulls and faucets for a collected finish.

5. A GRAPHIC BACKSPLASH
It was easy to fall for the mod, tessellating marble backsplash (Rubicon by Diana Royal for Marble Systems from Triton Stone Group). Marianne placed it only above the range to ensure the design is a true focal point.

6. VERDANT TEXTILES
The earthy cabinetry called for lush accents, such as the billowing floral fabric (Bermuda Blossoms by Mary McDonald for Schumacher) on the window valances. The scrolling blooms provide a sense of movement among the kitchen’s many hard edges, while the slate background keeps the look from feeling too precious for its surroundings.

Marianne Strong’s Must-Have Kitchen Essentials

Can’t-beat item? Seating—people will inevitably gather where the food is.

Must-have accent? A beautiful backsplash—there’s more than white subway tile out there!

Favorite gadget? A coffee maker of any sort, preferably with a freshly brewed pot ready to go.

Best advice? Every family uses a kitchen differently. Spend time thinking about how much cooking will take place, how many people will typically be in it, and how this may change at certain times of the year or in the future.

Approved splurge? Clients who love to cook should definitely spring for a top-of-the-line range.

Go-to cost saver? Final accents, while important, can wait. The perfect rug, the fancy espresso machine—these things can add up quickly. Use the initial budget for the big items.

RESOURCES
Interior designer: Marianne Strong Interiors, [email protected], 205.222.8876, mariannestronginteriors.com, IG: mariannestronginteriors

When something is meant to be, there’s no denying it. Just ask Ginger and Jeffrey Nix, who were not in the market to move when multiple friends texted them about one specific house for sale in Hollywood. “I have always loved the Hollywood area with its historic homes and established green spaces, ” Ginger says. “We finally decided to look at the house, and when we walked in, we just loved it.”

And what wasn’t to love? The historic Tudor Revival home, which was built in 1926, sat on a cul-de-sac street alongside numerous neighbors with young children. Another perk was that the previous owners, contractors Kristi and Dan Logan, had already done extensive renovations with designer Shea Bryars. While they didn’t change the home’s original footprint, they had reconfigured the floorplan, moving the kitchen to what was once the dining room, turning the original kitchen into a mudroom, and rearranging some of the upstairs bathrooms and closets, as well as modernizing and updating the fixtures and general design. White marble, wood finishes, and open shelving, along with a La Cornue range, nod to European farmhouse style. Windows open onto the backyard, allowing Ginger to keep an eye on her children at play.

“It’s rare to walk into a home that has been renovated and to like all of the finishes and changes, but that’s exactly what happened, ” Ginger says. “It felt like it was meant for us from the moment we stepped in the door. We are so grateful that the previous owners brought this house back to life. It’s amazing what they did.”

The only issue that had to be dealt with was the space—or lack thereof—in certain places. “Overall it was great, but we just needed to make it a little more practical for us, ” Ginger says. To suit the family of four, the home’s square footage needed to be creatively maximized wherever possible. Accepting that challenge was interior designer and family friend Marianne Strong, who merged fun and functionality throughout the interiors. That included creating a defined eating space, which she did by transforming an enclosed porch into a dining room. To make the narrow room work, Marianne installed a custom banquette. “We couldn’t have chairs on both sides of the table, so the banquette was an ideal option, ” she explains. The designer also created storage options wherever possible, such as in the living room, where she added custom bookcases to each side of the fireplace. In addition, the mudroom had to become multifunctional and highly organized as it housed many things in one small space, including a laundry area, Ginger’s office, a second sink, a coffee bar, and a pantry. To organize and maximize the room, Marianne placed custom cubbies by the door with a bench seat and shelving to provide more storage for the kids. “It’s a lot of different things happening in one spot, but now it’s my favorite room in the house, ” Ginger says.

Three bedrooms fill the upstairs, including the master suite, which received a new Restoration Hardware bed, new linens, and draperies with embroidered trim. “Because it has so many windows and is on the second floor, it feels like we sleep in a sleep in a treehouse, ” says Ginger. Despite all the pretty, the room was in need of creative storage, and Marianne solved that by adding an entire wall of built-ins—essentially creating a second closet. The original too-tiny clothes closet now holds shoes and accessories.

A small basement was transformed into a playroom, a place Ginger says the kids especially love thanks to a little niche carved out from beneath the stairs. “Inside and out, we’ve made this home as functional as possible while keeping it beautiful, ” Ginger says. “Simplifying your space is really freeing, and I think that is part of the appeal of this house.”

Lasting Impressions

Since moving into the home, Ginger has spent a lot of time simplifying and organizing things, and that includes priceless family photos. She uses Chatbooks, an app that does the hard work of selecting photos and putting albums together for you. The app automatically pulls photos from your phone or social media accounts, chooses the best ones, and creates beautiful bound albums. “Most of us just have photos stored electronically, ” Ginger says. “This is a great way to save those memories so that you can really enjoy them.”

Left: The dark walnut-stained wood cabinets in the kitchen create a pleasing contrast to the white marble countertops. Right: The original porch became the family’s dining space. “Marianne (Strong) convinced us to paint it the dark charcoal color for drama, ” Ginger says of her designer. “I wasn’t sure at first, but now we love it!” A custom banquette (covered in kid-friendly faux leather) lines one side of the table to save space in the narrow room. A new glass-top table (to keep it airy) and a new chandelier combine with antique chairs and Ginger’s great grandmother’s sideboard, striking a happy balance of styles.

RESOURCES
Kitchen renovation: Shea Bryars Design, 205.533.2268, sheabryarsdesign.com Builder and kitchen cabinets: Daniel Logan, Blackstone Restoration, 205.919.6716, IG: black_mountain_restoration Hardware: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.com Countertops and backsplash: Surface One, Matt Webster, 205.621.1125, surface1.com Interior designer: Marianne Strong Interiors, 205.222.8876, mariannestronginteriors.com Antique rugs: 18th Street Orientals, 205.870.3838, 18thstreetorientals.com Living room furnishings: At Home, 205.879.3510, athome-furnishings.com Paint colors: Main living spaces: Sherwin-Williams Silverplate; Dining porch: Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn; Master bedroom: Benjamin Moore White Dove Cut flowers: Fig & Fern Flowers, figandfernflowers.com

Photos by Jean Allsopp

When twin brothers Brandon and Brad Davis were fresh out of college, they followed the path to corporate America. Brandon, an insurance broker, and Brad, a CPA, put on their suits, went to their offices, and did the things they were supposed to do. As a side investment, the brothers started renovating fixer uppers and flipping houses. They began small, learning as they went. As they took on more projects, the brothers found themselves leaving their desks more and more to check in with their subcontractors and make site visits. They soon realized it was time to trade in their suits for steel-toed boots. That was 13 years ago.

For staffing, the brothers looked no further than their own wives for help. Brandon’s wife Tasha is their designer, and Brad’s wife Lauren is the bookkeeper. The team credits their success to smart, well-timed decisions and some lucrative projects in neighborhoods near Overton Park. “That area of Mountain Brook still has so much opportunity for renovations and new construction, ” Brandon says. “We have actually been able to find a few empty lots along the way.”

Long talked about by real estate agents as the next big thing, the neighborhood was ripe for some excitement, and the Davises decided to jump in. They purchased a teardown on the corner of Halbrook Lane and Overton Road and began construction in 2014. “We built two houses on that corner, and the visibility that came with those homes is really what got us going, ” says Brad.  “Sometimes you have to bring the vision.”

While the Davises do work all across the city, it’s the wooded and windy hillside off Overton Road that they call home. The brothers and their families both live in the area, having renovated and built four homes between them. “We like it. The lots are big, there’s plenty of privacy, and our family is right around the corner, ” Tasha says. Adds Brandon, “We want to raise the bar and raise the ceiling in this neighborhood.Sometimes you have to be willing to start something yourself to give other people the confidence to jump in.”

Working with local architects for each project, the Davis family has created a custom home-design business that is making neighbors cheer. “We drive by these houses every day coming and going from our own homes, ” says Brad. “We want something nice to look at too.”

Lauren and Brad’s Home

Gathering spots are key to family living. At Lauren and Brad’s home, an expansive front porch is situated with plentiful seating and a corner fireplace.

“We want to raise the bar and raise the ceiling in this neighborhood. Sometimes you have to be willing to start something yourself to give other people the confidence to jump in.” — Brandon Davis

Lauren and Brad’s kitchen showcases the team’s commitment to creating individual style. Here, a pecky cypress island, heart pine floors, and a custom table from Evolutia combine with classic white cabinets and a Carrara tile backsplash for modern farmhouse appeal.

Tasha and Brandon’s Home

Tasha and Brandon tore down a tired house, replacing it with a new, two-story home and pool. Bluestone pavers from Triton Stone, Bessemer gray brick salvaged from the old house, dormers, a cedar shake roof from FireRock, and copper gutters give instant character—something the Davises strive for in all of their builds.

The living room opens onto a covered porch and outdoor fireplace for casual afternoon gatherings.

Tasha and Brandon maintain home offices. Open doorways show his office (left) and her office (right). A center workroom behind the bookcase houses a shared copier, filing cabinets, and office supplies. “Having a home office is great with young kids, ” Tasha says. “It’s also a good way to keep business overhead low.”

Tasha and Brandon’s home is more transitional in style with its lantern pendants, fluted island, and crisp hood above the range. The expansive kitchen window overlooks a pool in the backyard that welcomes all of the Davises.

Resources

Construction and Interiors: Davis Construction Services, davisconstructionservicesllc.com Landscaping: Brent Donaldson, Donaldson Landscape & Design, 205.337.2473, donaldsonlandscape.com Tasha and Brandon’s Home: Kitchen cabinets: Hamm’s Custom Woodworks, 256.232.1924 Hardware and Appliances: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, ferguson.com Countertops: Surface One, surface1.com Glassware on island: Micah Simpson, Alabama Hot Glass, alabamahotglass.com Art: Wellon Bridgers (living room), IG: wellonart, and Renée Bouchon (kitchen), reneebouchon.com Casement windows: Southern Sash Supply, southernsash.com, 334.265.3521 Pool service: Kelco Service, LLC, 205.447.4598 Lauren and Brad’s Home: Kitchen cabinets: Wentzell Cabinets, wentzellcabinets.com Countertops: Premier Surfaces, premiersurfaces.com