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Celebrating Mom

By
Leslie Byars Register
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Cucumber-and-Petal Tea Sandwiches

This makes a nice appetizer to serve before lunch.

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons grated cucumber, excess water removed
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 cup fresh dill
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 loaf very thin white bread
Garnish with radish and cucumber slices, edible flowers, and fresh herbs

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl. Trim crusts from bread to desired size. (I used a fluted pastry cutter. A cookie cutter will also work.) Spread cucumber mixture evenly on the bread, and garnish away! Makes approximately 36.

Celebration Shrimp Salad

The shrimp mixture and the dressing each can be prepared in advance, but wait to toss it together right before serving.

1 pound shrimp
1 cup finely chopped celery
3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons or 2-ounce jar pimiento, drained thoroughly
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion (reserve tops for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Sour Cream Dressing

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 teaspoon horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Place shrimp in a medium saucepan of boiling water. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Pour into a strainer, and rinse with cold water. Peel and place in a medium bowl. Add next 5 ingredients to shrimp. (Note: With a paper towel remove excess moisture from the pimientos and tomatoes before adding them to the shrimp mixture.) Prepare Sour Cream Dressing: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly. Immediately before serving, toss shrimp mixture with half of Sour Cream Dressing. Serve shrimp salad on lettuce cups with remaining dressing. Garnish with reserved green onion tops. Serves 4 – 6 (recipe can easily be doubled).

Overnight Cinnamon French Toast

“It’s the best of both worlds—French toast and cinnamon toast in one meal!”

6 pieces French bread, sliced 1 inch thick
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups whole milk or 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Maple syrup

Place French bread slices in a 2-quart baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl; pour over bread. Allow slices to soak in milk mixture overnight in the refrigerator. For a quicker method, soak for 30 minutes, turning once to ensure bread is saturated. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip slices into sugar mixture, evenly coating both sides, and place into nonstick skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes; turn to brown other side for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with warm maple syrup. Serves 3 – 4.

Learn from Leslie: For easy cleanup, immediately rinse skillet before the cinnamon sugar sets up on the pan.

Sweet Corn Pudding

6 ears fresh corn, kernels removed
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 1½-quart baking dish. Stir together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour into prepared dish. Place baking dish inside a larger baking pan; fill pan halfway up with water. This “water bath” will keep the pudding moist. Bake for 45 minutes or until set. Serves 4 – 6.

No-Churn Strawberry Shortbread Ice Cream

With strawberries at their peak, it’s a perfect time for this easy make-ahead dessert.

2 cups fresh strawberries, plus extra for garnish
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups whipping cream, chilled
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
12 shortbread cookies (Leslie likes Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies)
Fresh mint

Wash and hull strawberries, and place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle strawberries with sugar; set aside. Beat cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and combine thoroughly; set aside. Place strawberries in a food processor, and pulse 2 or 3 times. Place cookies in a ziplock bag, and pound until crumbly. Layer cream mixture, strawberries, and cookies in a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan, repeating twice. Swirl the layers with the blade of a knife after each layer. Top with remaining strawberry slices. Cover tightly with several sheets of plastic wrap. (Carefully press plastic wrap onto ice cream mixture to prevent any ice crystals from forming.) Freeze for 5 to 6 hours or overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes prior to serving. Garnish with strawberries and fresh mint. Serves 6 – 8.

Leslie likes: I love the idea of a fancy luncheon, but the cleanup can be overwhelming. Make it easy on everyone with these pretty paper plates (right) by Meri Meri. (Available at Table Matters.)

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Garden Presence

By
Paige Townley
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Photos by Jean Allsopp

Overgrown gardens are often full of surprises. Beneath spindly hedges, there’s usually a trove of heirloom plants, remnants of paths and walls, and a fabulous house as the backdrop. While there’s a romantic notion to uncovering the secrets of a hidden garden, homeowners Leslie and Rob Robinson knew it wasn’t a job for them. “It was obvious that it hadn’t been taken care of in a while, ” says Leslie. “It desperately needed to be cleaned up and planned out.”

To revitalize the tired landscape, the Robinsons called in landscape designer Rob Garrard, who put a plan together that blends the existing elements with new garden areas—all while creating an overall look reminiscent of an English country garden, a favorite style of the Robinsons. “The architecture of the house is timeless and simplistic, and we wanted to create surroundings to mimic that, ” the designer says.

Rob started by focusing on the front of the house. On the right side, he removed invasive nandina to open up the view of the home and allow its architecture to take center stage. He then added large boxwoods to match the ones on the left and unify the front elevation. To bring in more of an English feel, he incorporated a large dwarf oval boxwood parterre on the right side, which created interest without blocking the house. “The house has such a presence, ” Rob says. “We just simplified the front to let it be seen.”

For ornament, the designer added a limestone urn on a pedestal. “The urn is a small detail, but it creates dimension and is a focal point from the dining room window, ” he says.

“Rob did an amazing job of working with some of the materials that were already there and adding to them, which created interest and freshened everything up, ” says Leslie.

The designer then turned his focus to the back of the property around the pool. To create a “lush, leafy, and verdant oasis, ” he flanked the pool with four windmill palms—a nod to Leslie’s childhood home in south Alabama—and covered the existing concrete wall in creeping fig. He also designed a cypress treillage lattice wall (which he painted a soft gray-green to blend in with the plant materials), featuring Bartlett espaliered pears fashioned in a three-tier candelabra pattern—another reference to an English garden. “The house had such good bones that simplifying and giving its landscape some detail brought it back to its grand feel, ” Rob says. “Now it all flows with a simple and classic design.”

  

Rob added a stacked-stone fountain to the pool deck’s koi pond to provide visual and auditory interest.

Rob Garrard’s Garden Favorites

HEDGE: Green giant arborvitae.“It has dark, lush greenery and a fine texture, which blends well with other evergreens—and it creates a lot of height without requiring a lot of space.”

FLOWERING SHRUB: Hydrangea. “This shrub has a long blooming season and a lot of varieties, so you can have different types blooming at different times to provide interest year-round.”

GROUND COVER: Asiatic jasmine. “It works so well in a sunny spot and has such a fine texture that meshes well together and creates a thick carpet.”

SHADE GROUND COVER: Pachysandra. “This ground cover has a courser texture and blends well with ferns, hydrangeas, and aspidistra—and it blooms too.”

NON-PLANT FEATURE: Urn on a pedestal. “It provides a great architectural element, which is helpful in creating a focal point. And it brings a vertical element other than a plant to the landscape.”

ANNUAL: ‘Dragon Wing’ begonia. “This is a foolproof plant that can take sun or shade.”

SUNNY MIX: ’Dragon Wing’ begonia, Cuban oregano, and angelonia. “It’s a thriller, a filler, and a spiller: One creates height, one creates volume in the center, and one cascades over the pot’s edge. That creates a lot of dimension and interest.”

SHADY MIX: Caladium, impatiens, variegated ivy, and asparagus fern. “This mix provides dimension as they have such different textures.”

Just off the home’s sunroom, the designer added a second wintergreen boxwood parterre and limestone urn filled with variegated ivy and ‘Dragon Wing’ begonia.

A secluded patio area just off the kitchen creates a cozy spot to sit among the hydrangeas and enjoy the garden.  

Steps lined with oakleaf hydrangeas and burford hollies lead from the front of the property to the back garden and pool area.

A bronze cherub graces the top of the fountain in the fish pond.

Two sweetbay magnolia trees flank the gate to the pool. Fig ivy will soon overtake the walls, turning the pool area into a green cocoon.

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Fine Finishes: South Cypress

By
Molly Lipski Powell
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Art galleries are a world unto themselves—the white walls  and quiet, almost muted surroundings lend a sober air to the canvases, prints, and sculptures to be marveled at. Being ushered in through the doors of the South Cypress showroom recalls the same sentiments, but instead of canvases and sculptures, the eye is drawn to flooring and tile. One after the other, glass, ceramic, stone, porcelain, concrete, vinyl, and wood tiles and slabs are arranged with precision to showcase an array of possibilities.

When WB “Tommy” Humphreys returned from WWII, artistic expression wasn’t top of mind. He needed a job, but wanted to try his hand at something besides the family farm. A local businessman, JB Stokes, was looking for someone to help franchise and run a new location of his flooring store in Mobile, and Tommy jumped at the chance. Of course, this didn’t come without obstacles: two other men had applied for the same position, so Stokes pitted them against one another. Stokes hired all three men for one week and promised that whichever of them performed best could have the job. Tommy won, eventually purchased his branch of the company, and the rest, as they say, is history. This history is a proud one, and one that employees and clients alike are greeted with in the showroom and office. CEO Drew Goneke, Tommy’s grandson, and his family have created a short timeline with pictures and key dates to highlight how far they’ve come and motivate them all to keep making progress in a business that can, at times, do anything but.

South Cypress’s forward-thinking business model has lead to an immense online presence, and the company now ships their range of South Cypress-branded products across the US using a network of carefully cultivated suppliers. Those suppliers, Drew notes, “value what we value, and we go through peaks and valleys together. Together, we do the right thing by our clients.” The South Cypress team knows that every tile and plank is representative of the company itself, so the design, sales, purchasing, and customer service teams monitor each aspect of the process from start to finish.

While the website doesn’t offer the gallery feel of the showroom, it does provide a simple, clean interface that meets the needs of almost any prospective client. The best feature? A Room Visualizer that allows users to upload a picture of their space and test out the spectrum of different flooring options. Clients can then order directly from the site, or visit the showroom to explore their options with designer Karen Royal.
 

The innovation of South Cypress doesn’t stop at the web browser, though. Keeping the newest middle-to-high end products available at value prices allows the team to monitor every advancement and new trend as it hits the market. “We’re seeing a movement from urethane finished hardwoods to oiled, engineered hardwoods, which is perfect for the Alabama humidity, as oiled pieces are more resistant to moisture levels. There’s also a push for porcelain tile instead of marble—it’s more durable and cost-effective.” To be sure, South Cypress has its history and experience melded seamlessly with its vision for the future.

South Cypress // 800.891.2623 • southcypress.com
 

Text by Molly L. Powell // Photography by art meripol

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Historic Hollywood Homes Tour 2018

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
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Nestled within the city of Homewood, the Hollywood neighborhood feels like a step back in time. Winding, tree-lined streets feature an array of stately homes, most dating back to the 1920s. To add to its appeal, the community is located within minutes of restaurants, shopping, award-winning schools, and even downtown. As a result, houses are in high demand and hard to come by. But don’t worry—you can still experience the charm of this historic neighborhood during this year’s homes tour.

Historic Hollywood Homes Tour 2018 | Sunday, April 22 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

The Pearson House

9 Bonita Drive

One of the first streets in Hollywood, Bonita Drive consists of many highly sought-after homes originally owned by prominent Birmingham businessmen and their families, including Clyde Nelson, the developer of Hollywood, and Clarence Lloyd, the mayor of Hollywood. The original owners of this 1926 Spanish Mission-style home were Laura B. and Fay B. Belt, who lived here with their children until 1947. Two more families resided in the house until Mary Scott and Blake Pearson purchased it in 2010.

Though the house underwent a significant renovation in 2006 that included a second level and a new den on the back, the Pearsons undertook another update in 2017. They moved a bathroom and mudroom to form a spacious butler’s pantry and also created an outdoor living area with a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and separate dining porch. In addition, the upper-level master bedroom gained a covered balcony with a fireplace.

The Davis House

116 Bonita Drive

This home, originally a simple seven-room, brick structure with a carport, was built in 1960 by Mary and W. S. Wengel. Its style was typical of many ranch homes built in Hollywood in the postwar era. The house was sold in late 1960 to Caesarina and J. D. McKinstry, who resold it in 1961 to Anna and Arthur Abrasley. The Abrasleys owned the home from 1961 to 1987. The house had at least two additional owners before 2015.

LeeAnn and Paul Davis purchased the home in 2015 and embarked on a major transformation designed by architect Richard Long of Long & Long Design and constructed by Ruff Reams. Stucco walls and wood rafter tails and corbels brought Spanish style to the exterior. Three sets of French doors now lead into an open-concept kitchen, living room, and dining area. The design team reconfigured the entire interior of the house and added 1, 000 square feet to accommodate a new powder room, laundry room, and master suite.

The Beasley House

239 La Prado Place

This Tudor-style house was originally built in 1928 as a six-room, one-story bungalow with an open porch and a detached two-car garage. Like many other houses in this section of Hollywood, it featured a brick veneer exterior, steep roof, front gable vents, tiled porch, and recessed arched entryway typical of the Tudor Revival style.

The home’s first known owners were Mabel G. and Grady M. Beasley, who purchased it for $14, 000 in the 1930s and lived there until 1972. According to letters from Mr. Beasley to the Jefferson County Board of Equalization, there were no major improvements made to the house until at least 1960.

During 2007 and 2008, the home underwent a significant remodel that involved the addition of a second floor with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a playroom, and a laundry room. The first floor was completely reconfigured to include an open kitchen and den, as well as a main-level master suite.

The current owners purchased the home in 2015. Although the interior has undergone significant renovations, the house still occupies it original footprint and has retained its exterior charm.

The Nix House

306 English Circle

This Tudor Revival home, known as the Bodeker–Woodson–Lang House, was awarded a Jefferson County Historic Marker in 2015. The two-story brick veneer structure with an asphalt roof and a decorative stucco front gable was built in 1926 in the Granada section of Hollywood. It boasted a recessed entrance bay, two porches, and a two-car detached garage. The first owners, Elizabeth and John B. Stratford, sold the home to Norine and Fred J. Bodeker in 1935. The Bodekers resided in the home until its sale to Mary and Lewis Woodson in 1953. Later, the Lang family lived in the home from 1971 to 2014.

Kristi and Dan Logan purchased the home in 2014 and embarked on an extensive reconfiguration of the floor plan. They moved the kitchen to what was once the dining room and turned the original kitchen into a mudroom. On the second level, the couple created a new bathroom from an existing closet in the master bedroom and renovated the hall bathroom. Even with all of these changes, many of the home’s original elements were preserved. The windows and floors, with the exception of the tile floor in the new mudroom, are original. In addition, the chandelier in the powder room once hung in the original dining room.

Virginia and Jeffrey Nix purchased the home in 2016 and began their own renovations by creating a dining porch off the kitchen. The project included rearranging the upstairs floor plan and adding a playroom in the basement.

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Diamond View

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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DESIGN TIP: Clear the decks! Consider alternative materials for deck railing. Code calls for a certain height, but blocky wood slats impedes the view. Here, the designers chose cattle wire for its airy attributes. A bonus? It’s more budget-friendly than stainless steel and offers a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
 

If you were to put together a wish list for the perfect lakehouse, it might go something like this: Must have a view from every room, tall ceilings, room to entertain, bedrooms with private baths, a huge porch for taking in the sunsets, a dock with a really cool boat—oh! and plenty of storage for all of your lake toys. Russell Lands On Lake Martin hears you. And, with a multitude of communities under their belt—from the earliest cabins built in the 1930s to the grand homes at Willow Point—the team at Russell Lands is well versed in creating the dreamy getaways that have long attracted area residents to the shores of one of the state’s most popular recreational lakes.

DESIGN TIP: Think linear when it comes to a stairwell. Nan added visual interest above with the iron chandelier, mid-level with the wood-and iron-railing, and below with a collection of antique paddles and folk art angels.

 

Russell Lands On Lake Martin welcomes its newest introduction: Diamond View. Located at South Ridge Harbor at The Ridge, this home perches above a wide open view of the big water and embodies all the must-haves and more. Together, residential designer Larry Furlong and interior decorator Nan Jackson designed a place that will welcome families and friends for generations with ease of living and plenty of space for creating memories. A step inside the front door reveals the two-story living room that soaks in expansive views and offers comfy, cozy furniture for relaxing and taking it all in. The open floorplan segues into a kitchen with island seating and dining area for laid-back evenings with lake views. Two bedrooms with baths, a laundry, and powder room complete this level. Downstairs, more bedrooms await with bunk beds ready to accommodate kids and weekend guests.

The covered, L-shaped porches upstairs and down are the most coveted living spaces outside the house. Here, Nan has situated a seating area, complete with cushy sofas and rocking chairs, a bar, and a dining table. Mom and dad can enjoy the shade while the kids hang out on the dock below.

Throughout the house, the decor is lakey without being kitschy. Nan chose tabletop designs from Table Matters and artwork and organic accents from Design Supply, both in Birmingham. “I like to pull from a lot of places to create a collected look, and leave room for someone to make their own mark, ” the designer says of the many spec homes she creates.

The place for all those toys? There’s a garage for the golf cart, and underneath the house, there’s room to go organization-crazy with a lake-level laundry room; plentiful closets; and a gear room sizable enough to fit water mats, kayaks, canoes, and more. Better start shopping and stock up at one of the lake’s several marinas. Warmer weather is on the horizon, and with this view, you can see it coming from a mile away.

DESIGN TIP: Durable and dual-purpose furnishings are key to easy lake living. Some of the decorator’s must-haves? Easy-care fabrics and leather (for all those wet swimsuit bottoms!), swivel chairs (for taking in the room or the view), lots of little gathering spots (for encouraging conversation), and game tables.
 

  

ABOVE RIGHT Artwork by Arthur Price from Gallery 1930 and a table setting from Table Matters showcase woodland scenes.
 

DESIGN TIP: Take inspiration from the great outdoors when planning your interior palette. Wood floors, walls, and  a dark stained island—along with a copper light fixture above the dining table—add that warm, cozy lake feel everyone craves. For a punch of color, tune in to the blues of the lake and sky.
 

  

DESIGN TIP: Everyone loves a well-made bed, but everyone also loves a bed that’s easy to make. Choose cotton coverlets and no-iron sheets to keep guest-changeover time to a minimum.
 

Why the Ridge will always be the perfect spot

Located in the very heart of Lake Martin, The Ridge was planned in an intentional way. And still, its evolution and growth feel organic and natural. “The Ridge is a huge piece of property and we will eventually develop this into 800 waterfront units. We are about two-thirds of the way through our plan, ” says Steve Arnberg, Vice President of Real Estate at Lake Martin Ridge. Residents have access to year-round amenities: a two-tiered swimming area, tennis and fitness center, children’s play park, multi-purpose athletic fields, and more. Over 100 miles of trails that wind their way through the vast Russell Forest connect at The Ridge. Additionally, the 9, 000-square-foot clubhouse is perfect for hosting larger gatherings such as weddings, company retreats, retirement parties, and graduation get-togethers. And if all that was not enough to lure you, remember that from The Ridge, you’ll almost always have time to get to Chimney Rock for one last jump before the sun sets.

Photo by Justin Clayton 

RESOURCES
Interiors: Nan Jackson, Interiors Etc. By Nan • 780.664.5124 Residential Designer: Larry Furlong Builder: Classic Homes, Russell Lands • 256.329.0835 Fixtures, Flooring, Finishes: Russell Home Decor • 256.212.9877 Landscaping: Tim Price, Lake Martin Landscaping • 256.234.3970 Flowers: Susie Kelley, Gracie’s Flowers • 256.234.7538 Plants: Shoppe • 205.224.4450 Furniture and upholstery: Johnson Furniture • 334.541.3195 Monogrammed Towels: In Stitches • 256.749.7700 House Listing: Emily McDaniel and Rhonda Watson • 256.215.7011

Text by Cathy still mcgowin // Photography by jean allsopp

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Front Row Seats

By
Lynn Nesmith
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The window wall folds away, inviting one to leap into the pool or simply swim in the luxury of the panoramic views. Photos by Jean Allsopp

A front-row seat along the Gulf guarantees maximum exposure to the wonders of nature. The water is a constant presence no matter the season, whether obscured by morning fog, sparkling in the midday sun, or lapping on the shore at sunset. Its sounds and scents instill a calm for those who live nearby.

The pool terrace offers relaxed seating and endless views.

For a Birmingham family, all this and more inspired the design of their recently completed beach house. Although they already owned another place in Seagrove, the family was drawn to this property’s secluded feel and loved the fact that it was conveniently located halfway between Seaside and Rosemary Beach. It was the perfect spot to build their retreat.

Hoping to capture both the splendor and fun of living on the beach, local architect Cameron Hughes of Chancey Design Partnership and designers Paige Schnell and Anna Kay Porch of Tracery teamed up to craft a refuge in step with the majestic setting. To maintain the contours of the existing dunes while making the most of views, Cameron angled the structure and positioned the main living spaces on the second floor. “When living areas are elevated, it’s important to create a welcoming entry and procession up through the house, ” says Cameron. A sheltering vestibule outfitted with a wooden day bench and a seascape painting offer an  introduction of things to come. But only when one climbs the elegantly detailed stairway and “arrives” does the magic of this home become apparent.

Twelve-foot-tall ceilings and a seamless interchange between indoors and outdoors create a great room that more than lives up to the name. Traditional architectural details and a gracious furniture arrangement offer a comfortable and familiar formality, but the real focal point of the space is just past the pool terrace. “We wanted to make sure we didn’t do anything to distract from the stunning views of the ocean and the nearby state park, ” says Paige.

The designers established a tranquil mood with a palette of whites and sandy neutrals layered with rich textures. Upholstered pieces in durable cottons and linens combine comfort with practicality. Unexpected accents, such as a mirrored cocktail table, a whimsical furry ottoman, and a polished chrome arc floor lamp, add a bit of modern chic to the space, while seagrass rugs atop natural coral stone flooring encourage laid-back living.

The center of social living is one grand space, where the kitchen and gathering areas offer flexibility and clearly signal a spirit of hospitality. A sunny corner nook accommodates a round table, perfect for small gatherings, games on rainy days, or a spot to work on a laptop.

In a beach house, the kitchen should always be open for business. With this goal in mind, the design team placed the beautiful aspects of the kitchen front and center while the less attractive, hard-working elements are relegated to a large pantry—out of view but still close enough for efficiency.

On the third floor, the master suite also defers to the view and enjoys its own private porch. The bed faces a trio of tall windows, and a pair of facing chairs creates a cozy conversation area that cleverly frames the view.

Overall, the home exudes an open invitation to unwind and enjoy life along the water. With their coastal retreat complete, the family jumps at every chance to head to 30A, whether for a weekend, a week, or longer.

In the master bedroom, colors nod to restful grays and soft blues. A pair of silver coral lamps on the chest and a seascape by a local artist acknowledge the coastal setting.

RESOURCES
Interior Design: Paige Sumblin Schnell and Anna Kay Porch, Tracery, Rosemary Beach, FL shop.traceryinteriors.com Architecture: Cameron Hughes, Chancey Design Partnership, Seagrove, FL chanceydesign.com Select Upholstered Furniture: Lee Industries, leeindustries.com Pool Deck: FireRock firerock.us

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Dreaming in Color

By
Alice Welsh Doyle
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Photos by Jean Allsopp

While totally committed to their Edgewood neighborhood and still in love with the charm of their 1934 home, the Lyntons were seeking more space, especially larger-scaled rooms to spread out in and entertain. Instead of moving, they settled on an addition that cleverly joins to the original home and encompasses the backyard carriage house footprint. The project also provided the perfect opportunity for Stephanie Lynton to show off her innate talent for creating bold rooms full of surprises and color.

Stephanie Lynton

Meet the multi-talented native Texan who, despite 30 years in Birmingham, maintains some of that independent Lone Star State spirit. When it comes to her decorating aesthetic, Stephanie is writing her own music, a tune that’s filled with zesty color, a mix of styles, plenty of personality, and a well-honed eye for detail. Her passion for design took root as a child when, instead of playing with Barbie, she was constantly decorating the doll’s three-story Dreamhouse. “I used everyday things I found around the house, ” says Stephanie. “Patterned paper towels were wallpaper and drapes, and big matchboxes—don’t get me started—they made great dressers, sofas, etc.” While practicing law for 25 years, Stephanie pursued her early passion on the side. And once she had her own home, she began studying design in earnest. As any successful attorney would, Stephanie made sure she was well-versed and prepared before starting every project. She eventually traded in her legal briefs for paint chips, and the result speaks for itself in her Homewood home—a collection of chic rooms beyond even Barbie’s wildest dreams.

No Ordinary Kitchen 

The kitchen has all the dreamed of items for preparing family meals and for lots of baking,  including a convection wall oven, a standing mixer lift, and a Lacanche range with a custom hood designed by Stephanie that’s evocative of a pagoda. But the area also houses a La Mattina (Italian for “the morning”) and contains everything the Lynton family and guests need for breakfast collected together along one wall—built in refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher drawers; an espresso maker; a sink, and storage for cereals and the like.

  

French-inspired Foyer

The entry area in the addition resembles a conservatory with a variety of topiaries and containers filled with boxwoods from Shoppe in Forest Park. A demilune table (part of a pair) sits prettily under a recessed circular window that was on Stephanie’s must-have list. The tableau includes an antique stone statuary of a rabbit family from one of her favorite resources for French antiques in Charleston.

Storage & More

Stephanie says that calling this space a pantry really does it a disservice because it’s so much more—storage and display for days, including an antique pine hutch-turned-bar and a place for guests to gather. “We had a party recently, and our friends moved right through the kitchen and into the pantry, ” she says. “I think it’s a pretty and cozy place to hang out.”  The custom mint shade, based on the signature box from Ladurée—the Paris confectionary known for its delectable macarons—is just one of the many color surprises throughout the home.

A Place for Everything

An extension of the pantry provides a hardworking space for projects and gift-wrapping with its ‘Colorado Gold’ marble countertop (also used in the kitchen). The area is decorated with whimsical teapot brass lanterns and a mounted “long-horned steer head” made out of a mix of materials that gives a nod to Stephanie’s Texas roots. Even the family pet, Jack, scored in the pantry with a built-in custom dog bed that blends in with just the right amount of style.

Master Class

“I just had to have a canopy bed, ” laughs Stephanie. “It was a childhood dream of mine!” The fabric treatment hangs directly from the ceiling, creating a dramatic focal point in the space. The hotel suite-like room is wrapped with lacquered walls and built-in bookcases in Benjamin Moore’s ‘Polo Blue.’ An English antique chest, a Swedish settee, and pillows in a checked print bring in a casual note.

  

Distinctive Bath

The master bathroom emits a cool vibe with stained and glazed white oak cabinetry expertly finished by Daniel Whitsett of Paintworks Design Studio. The zigzag floor treatment adds unexpected character to the room balanced out by the sophistication of the paneled walls. While the room offers a bit of restraint, it also included doses of glamour with ornate curvy mirrors, shapely gold sconces, and gold pulls on the drawers. Stephanie’s artistry is evident in this seamless blend of masculine and feminine elements.

Stairway Surprise

No space is left unconsidered, as this vignette at the top of the stairs demonstrates. “This is my homage to the British 19th-century architect Sir John Soane, who collected all types of architectural artifacts, especially plaster casts, ” says Stephanie. An antique console table holds her collection—19th-century French stone finials; a 19th-century plaster cast from Bruges, Belgium; and other antique plaster fragments.

  

Library Versatility

It’s not surprising that Stephanie would include a head-to-toe red room in her colorful home. The library’s liveliness comes not only from those lipstick-red walls, but also from a festive mix of fabrics—leopard prints, stripes, and portieres in a Brunschwig & Fils print—and a collection of antique rugs. “The sofas are on casters, so they can be shifted to face the television, ” says Stephanie. “And the wall with the Zendek weaving houses a Murphy bed, so the library can double as a guest room.”

A Dream-Come-True Closet

Closet space—something seriously lacking in the original house—is abundant in the addition. Stephanie made sure that the master closet—a decidedly glamorous room—would have a place for everything. It’s full of black pocket doors with gold trim hand-applied by Stephanie. The inside of her closet is a custom red tone, which makes a pretty backdrop for her shoes and handbags. This area is spacious enough to hold a French armchair and side table.

Punchy Guest Room

“This room was about creating a happy space full of color and pattern, ” says Stephanie. “I was inspired by portraits of a Tibetan man and woman and the colorful, layered clothing and accessories they are wearing.” In that vein, the walls are painted a vivid saffron orange like the robes of Tibetan monks. A Clarence House tiger-print fabric (aptly named ‘Tibet’) in a cinnabar colorway makes up the window panels, while the varied patterned fabrics for the bedding work together against the bright walls.

Party-Ready Courtyard

The original stone courtyard has been “Stephanized” with plenty of bright color paired with comfort. Deep cushioned chairs and a large table invite guests to  linger over meals. The orange-and-blue combination speaks to the interiors, creating a sense of continuity inside and out. A stone console table serves as a buffet with a giant clam shell for chilling the wine. To make the space feel more like a room, Stephanie hung a piece of artwork over the console.

RESOURCES
Design: Stephanie Lynton Home, IG: @stephanielyntonhome Architect: Poole & Company Builder: Saunders Bradford Building Company Lighting: Mayer Lighting Hardware: Brandino Brass Countertops: Triton Stone Fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes Rugs and Mongolian pillows: Paige Albright Orientals Pantry Pavers: Peacock Pavers Tile /Backsplash: Fixtures & Finishes Verellen Sofas: Patina Paint: Fine Paints of Europe / Benjamin Moore Custom finishes: Paintworks Design Studio, LLC Floor on Side Porch: Alabama Brick Topiaries: Shoppe, Leaf N Petal Pantry Cabinets: Southern Expression Kitchen and Bath Cabinets: Lane Woodworking LLC Table: Circa Interiors and Antiques Security / Surround System: Sphere Home Technologies / Tamburello Protective

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Make-Ahead Made Easy

By
Leslie Byars Register
-

Shake-and-Bake Parsley Potatoes

Do your prepping in the comfort of your own home, and place in bags ready to go. When you arrive at your destination, simply quarter the potatoes, toss, and bake. This simple, crowd-pleasing dish tastes delicious with steak and also pairs well with shrimp and chicken.

3 pounds red potatoes
1 (1-gallon) ziplock bag
1 (snack-size) ziplock bag
2 tablespoons garlic cloves, minced (about 4 to 5)
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash red potatoes, pat dry, and put in 1-gallon ziplock bag. Refrigerate potatoes until ready to bake. In snack-size ziplock bag, combine minced garlic and next 3 ingredients. Remove potatoes from bag, cut into quarters, and return to the bag. Add seasonings and ¼ cup olive oil to bag. Seal and shake until thoroughly coated. Preheat baking sheet for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, and pour potato mixture out of bag onto the hot baking sheet. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown, stopping halfway through to flip potatoes. Serve immediately. Serves 8.

Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

It’s one less step when the marinade and sauce are the same. You can easily transport the flank steak in a ziplock  bag. If there is any leftover chimichurri sauce, pour it over grilled chicken or pasta for another meal.

6 garlic cloves
2 large shallots
1 jalapeño pepper
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
3 cups fresh cilantro
1 1/2 cups parsley
3/4 cup oregano
1 1/4 cups olive oil
1 (2-pound) flank steak
Garnish with cilantro and grilled mini sweet peppers

Roughly chop the garlic, shallots, and jalapeño, and place into the bowl of a food processor. Add vinegar and salt; pulse 3 to 4 times (max) until evenly chopped. With a knife, roughly chop next 3 ingredients, and add to food processor. Add oil, and pulse 2 times; stop and stir mixture to ensure even chopping. Pulse 2 to 3 more times until coarsely and evenly chopped. In a large ziplock bag, evenly coat flank steak with 1 cup of the chimichurri sauce. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove flank steak from marinade, and pat dry. Grill at medium-high for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining 2 cups chimichurri sauce. Serves 6.

Learn from Leslie: Grill the mini sweet peppers for 10 minutes while grilling the steak.

Wild Rice Chicken Salad

For this recipe, I like to poach the chicken in water with a dash of salt and a drizzle of olive oil instead of baking it. This method helps it stay moist and white. This recipe makes an easy supper or a quick lunch. I often use the dressing on a green salad too. It’s that good!

1 (6-ounce) box Uncle Ben’s Long Grain & Wild Rice
4 chicken breast halves, cooked and diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 medium avocados
1 cup pecans, toasted

Dressing:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Mix all salad ingredients, except avocados and pecans, in a large bowl. Set aside. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, and shake until combined. Toss salad mixture with dressing. Serve on a bed of leaf lettuce, and garnish with chopped avocado and toasted pecans. (The salad will keep several days once tossed.) Serves 5 – 6.

Make-Ahead Hot Artichoke Dip

The lemon juice brightens up the canned artichokes to give them a fresher taste. This dip can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container. For a smaller crowd, bake half at a time, keeping the remainder in the refrigerator until needed.

1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 (4-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
8 ounces good-quality feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup light mayo
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of half lemon
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish with basil (optional)
Assorted crackers

In a medium-size bowl combine first 7 ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to bake. (This can be done up to 48 hours in advance.) Place in a lightly greased 1½-quart baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Garnish, if desired. Serve with crackers. Makes 4 cups.

Refreshing Lemonade Tea

I always have these ingredients on hand to whip this up the night or two before a trip. It’s a nice alternative to soft drinks. In the summer, I like to drink this with breakfast!

10 regular-size tea bags
8 cups boiling water
1 cup sugar
1 (12-ounce) can lemonade concentrate
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Place tea bags in a 2-quart measuring cup or heat-proof bowl. Pour boiling water over tea bags, and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Remove tea bags, and pour tea into a 1-gallon container. Add sugar, and stir until dissolved. Add lemonade concentrate and water to fill container. Stir to combine. Chill and serve over ice with lemon wedges, if desired. Makes 1 gallon.

Packing List

When going to the lake or beach, especially if you are in a rental, don’t forget to pack these essentials:

1. Music source (Bluetooth portable device)
2. Scented candle
3. Paper products, tissues, soap, detergents
4. Condiments
5. Fresh flowers
6. Garbage bags,  ziplocks, plastic wrap
7. Cocktail provisions—napkins, wine,  alcohol, lemons, and limes
8. Puzzle and cards for a rainy day
9. Matches or a lighter
10. Your pillow

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Elegant Escape

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

  

What’s more luxurious than a beautifully renovated master bath? Two of them—one for her and one for him. “Logan and Drew Mouron’s original master suite already had his and hers baths, ” says designer Mary Lauren McBride. “The existing footprint of Drew’s bath worked well, so we just gave the shower and vanity a facelift. But for Logan’s bath, we tore everything out and started from scratch.” The result is pure elegance.

  

ABOVE “Logan wanted a dramatic yet cozy pocket of space in her home, ” says Mary Lauren. “The wall covering in the powder room really drove this look. A large damask pattern paired with a deep charcoal background and gilded bronze fixtures packs a punch in tight quarters.”
 

Why We Love It

A BATH FOR HER With two spacious master baths, Logan and Drew have plenty of room to spread out. “They love their separate spaces, ” says Mary Lauren. “The layout functions very well for this couple’s busy lifestyle. They each have a retreat, complete with its own closet.”

STUNNING LIGHT FIXTURE The striking, oversized fixture adds the right amount of drama without detracting from the softness of the room. Its curved lines, aged patina, and intricate detail add feminine appeal to the space while casting a soft glow.

SOAKING TUB WITH A VIEW Logan truly takes a bath every single day in her soaking tub. With the addition of a picture window and beautiful view, the experience becomes even more luxurious.

DRESSING TABLE DETAILS Cabinets with insets and overlays create the look of custom furniture rather than built-ins. The vanity includes a spot for a small bench and space for makeup products.

Resources 

Design and layout: Mary Lauren McBride, Mary McBride Interiors [email protected] Sconces, fixtures, tile, tub, and sink: Fixtures & Finishes · 205.323.5616 Counters: Surface One · 205.621.1125 surface1.com Wallpapers: through Mary McBride Interiors Custom mirror: Arceneaux Gallery · 205.802.5800 arceneauxgallery.com Oushak rugs: Suite Dreams · 205.414.1922 shopsuitedreams.blogspot.com Light fixture: Tricia’s Treasures · 205.871.9779 triciastreasures.us Art: Gallery 1930 · 205.870.1930 artgallery1930.com Cabinets and marble splash: Mary McBride Interiors Cabinet hardware: Architectural Hardware Supply · 205.910.4893 Cabinet color: Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams sherwin-williams.com

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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Timeless and Tranquil

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

When Lorrie and Glenn Robinson began building their new home, the master bathroom was of utmost importance. “We wanted a spacious retreat with timeless design, ” says Lorrie of her wish list for her ensuite bath. Working with builder Kyle Murphy of Murphy Home Builders, the couple started from the ground up in choosing materials and finishes. “Carrera marble and chrome were at the top of our list, ” says Lorrie. “We also wanted separate vanities, and I wanted a comfortable place to apply makeup.” The couple got everything they asked for and more, including a vanity with dual sinks centered by a recess Lorrie can use as a dressing table and a separate shower and soaking tub. An adjacent closet and a connected laundry room offer added convenience. “This truly is our haven, ” says Lorrie.

Powder rooms are the places to go bold. After all, these rooms are small which means it’s not costly to take chances and mistakes are easy to remedy (think one roll of wallpaper or a quart of paint!) Here, the homeowner’s chance to do something different was just right. She chose wallpaper for an accent wall and a blue, curvy vanity for a little something different. The result is a little bitty room with a whole lot of punch.

Why We Love It

TILE SET ON THE DIAGONAL Carrera marble is beautiful no matter how it is laid, but placing it on the diagonal in a staggered brick pattern gives it even more prominence.

ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST Large panels behind the tub add interest to the expanse of wall. They also eliminate the need for artwork.

NATURAL LIGHT A row of windows brings in plenty of light to the oversized space. Kyle strategically placed the windows high enough to allow for privacy.

COLOR CONTRAST Gray tile in the shower offers a pleasing contrast to the mostly white space. The color is also picked up in the rug, as well as in the subtle swirls of the marble.

Resources

Builder: Murphy Home Builders murphyhomebuilders.net Tile: Acme/Jenkins Brick & Tile, 205.988.3913 Plumbing fixtures: GLS Supply glssupply.com Lighting: Inline Lighting inlinelighting.com Wallpaper: through Davis Design, 205.991.2929

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