The Return of Café BMA

There’s a certain kind of light that lives inside the Birmingham Museum of Art—soft, filtered, almost reverent. It’s the kind of light that invites pause, providing a moment to look a little closer and linger longer. In recent years, however, something was missing from that experience. Not the art certainly but rather the exhale that comes after taking in a world-class exhibition—a place was where conversation continues and impressions are shared between visitors. With the recent arrival of Café BMA by Kathy G & Company, that experience feels complete.

The café has always been a part of the vision for the Birmingham Museum of Art as a true community gathering place,

Graham Boettcher, the museum’s director and CEO

For many in Birmingham, Kathy G has long been synonymous with polished Southern hospitality—thoughtful without being fussy, elevated without losing warmth. Her return signals not just continuity but a reawakening of a space.

The Experience of Art and Food

Step inside the café now and you feel the energy immediately. As Graham says, “A museum visit should engage all the senses. Art sparks conversation and reflection and food has the power to extend that experience. It transforms a visit into an occasion.”

Photo by Beau Gustafson, Big Swede // Many longtime fans of Kathy G may know that she suffered serious injury in an early December car accident that left her with several broken bones and a long road to recovery. But if you know anything about Kathy G, you know her indomitable spirit, fortitude, and sheer gumption have her well on her way to a full recovery and eager to be back directing social occasions of all shapes and sizes.

A Familiar Name, A New Momentum

Kathy G & Company previously operated within the museum for years, building a loyal following and a reputation for consistency. The reentry into the space brings both memory and momentum.

That balance—between what was and what’s next—is part of what makes Café BMA feel immediately at ease with its surroundings. It doesn’t compete with the art, it complements it. Graham sees the café’s future not as an accessory to the museum but as an integral part of its identity. “A vibrant café does exactly that,” he says. “It lowers the threshold and invites people in.”

While the art on the walls may be timeless, the life of a museum is always evolving—shaped by the people who move through it, the conversations that unfold within it, and the moments that happen just beyond the frame.

Kathy G thrives on the energy her clients bring and returns it twofold. And she is grateful to have the support of her son Jason and a talented staff to ensure all Kathy G events represent her signature style and excellence. Look for her at Café BMA this summer and give her a well-deserved (gentle) hug.


Bring the Café BMA Experience Home With These Signature Recipes

For the current show, Monet to Matisse: French Moderns, 1850-1950, the café menu includes several classic French dishes—pan-seared herbed chicken Niçoise salad, chicken & crepes, and a quiche du jour.

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Creamy Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Photography by Mary Fehr

Bring a taste of the Birmingham Museum of Art to your kitchen with this comforting, creamy classic. This recipe from Café BMA by Kathy G & Company is the ultimate French dish.

Ingredients

YIELD: 6 Quarts

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped (about 6 cups)

5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces

7 cups vegetable stock

2 bay leaves

6 sprigs fresh thyme (pulled from the stem)

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. white pepper

3 cups heavy cream

Chives finely chopped for garnish


Melt butter in large stockpot on low heat. Add leeks and garlic, and cook, stirring regularly, until mixture is soft and wilted and there is no color on the leeks.

Add the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes, vegetable stock, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15-25 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

Remove the bay leaves, blend the soup with a handheld immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Add the heavy cream to the puree, and bring to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives.

NOTE: The soup will be good to store in the fridge for the next three days. If it’s too thick, just add more broth to reheat.


Click here for more of Kathy G and Company’s French dishes.

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Jambon Beurre & Comté Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Photography by Mary Fehr

Bring a taste of the Birmingham Museum of Art to your kitchen with this elevated Jambon Beurre & Comté Cheese Sandwich. Perfectly toasted and served warm, this recipe from Café BMA by Kathy G & Company is the ultimate French lunch.

Ingredients

YIELD: 1 Sandwich

For Sandwich:

1 French baguette (cut 8 inches then slice the bread in half)

Filling for Sandwich:

6-8 oz. thinly shaved ham (Boar’s Head)

2 Tbsp. butter

2-4 thin slices of Comté French cheese

3-5 crispy sliced rounds of kosher pickles

Dijonnaise Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise

¾ cup dijonnaise mustard

3 Tbsp. clover honey

1 tsp. salt and white pepper to taste


Use a flat-top griddle on medium heat for the stovetop. Brush both sides of the French baguette with melted butter, and toast the bread for 5 minutes, just enough for the bread to get a good sear. Remove bread from griddle. Keep bread open face.

On the other side of the flat-top griddle, place the shaved ham on top of 2 tablespoons butter. Let warm for 5 minutes. Add the sliced Comté cheese, and cover for 2 minutes until cheese is melted.

Mix all ingredients for the Dijonnaise sauce, and brush sauce on both sides of the toasted French bread. Add the warm ham and cheese to the bottom of the French bread, and top with sliced pickle rounds. Place the top of the toasted French bread. Cut sandwich on a diagonal and serve warm.


Click here for more of Kathy G and Company’s French dishes.

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Quiche Lorraine with Apple-Smoked Bacon

Photography by Mary Fehr

Bring a taste of the Birmingham Museum of Art to your kitchen with this savory masterpiece of bacon, Gruyère, and silky custard. This elevated recipe from Café BMA by Kathy G & Company is the ultimate French brunch staple.

Ingredients

YIELD: 1 (9-inch) Quiche

1 (9-inch) deep-dish, frozen piecrust

8 oz. thick-cut apple-smoked bacon

3 Tbsp. chopped shallots

1 thinly sliced sweet yellow onion

6 large eggs

2 cups heavy cream

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. white pepper

Pinch of grated nutmeg

7 oz. grated Gruyère cheese


Preheat oven to 400° F. Remove the piecrust from freezer to just slightly thaw. With a fork, prick on the bottom of the dough and up the sides of the pan. Place on a baking sheet, and let bake for 10-15 minutes.

In a medium sauté pan, cook the bacon, stirring while cooking. (Do not let it burn or stick.) Render the bacon to about 80% crispiness. Remove the bacon from the pan, and place on a plate with a paper towel. Set the bacon grease aside. Add shallots and sliced sweet onion, and cook on low to medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring the onions until translucent with a hint of color. Remove from the stovetop.

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs. Add the heavy cream, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, and whisk together until evenly combined.

Spread the onions and shallot mixture on the bottom of the pre-baked piecrust. Top with half of the bacon, all the grated Gruyère cheese, and the remaining bacon. Pour on top of the egg custard.

Place the piecrust on baking pan, and cook at 325° F for 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set and slightly golden on top. Slice the quiche into 6 equal portions, and serve with a side salad.


Click here for more of Kathy G and Company’s French dishes.

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10 Garden Favorites for Birmingham Summer Blooms

Summer in Birmingham brings long, hot days and plenty of sunshine. That’s great for gardeners, but it can be tough on pollinators if nectar and pollen sources dry up. Choosing summer-blooming plants that are heat-tolerant, long-flowering, and rich in nectar and pollen helps sustain bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects when they need food most. They also make for a great cutting garden. Here are a few easy-to-grow options to get you started.


Prolific Perennials

Plant them once, and these returning bloomers provide an excellent framework for a pollinator garden.

Purple Coneflower

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving coneflowers

(Echinacea purpurea) This native favorite blooms June through August offering sturdy, nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Black-eyed Susan

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Black-Eyed Susan

(Rudbeckia hirta/fulgida) Enjoy prolific sunny yellow blooms that will shine all summer and into fall. Black-eyed Susan is great for bees, butterflies, and later seed-eating birds.

Bee Balm

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Bee Balm

(Monarda spp.) The fragrant red, pink, or purple blooms show their colors from June-September and are beloved by bees and hummingbirds.

Blazing Star/Gayfeather

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Blazing Star

(Liatris spicata) These tall spikes of purple flowers show best in mid- to late summer and are irresistible to butterflies.

Native Milkweeds

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Milkweeds

(A. tuberosa), (A. syriaca), (A. incarnata) These varieties are essential caterpillar host plants. Monarchs migrate through Alabama from spring to late fall, relying on these host plants to survive.

Coreopsis

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Coreopsis

(Coreopsis spp.) Plant these cheerful daisy-like flowers for blooms all summer long with minimal fuss.


Fast Bloomers

Worth replanting year after year, these annuals provide season-long color to keep nectar flowing:

Zinnias

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Zinnias

(Zinnia elegans) Showing a profusion of colors, zinnias are butterfly magnets that offer a rainbow of vibrant blooms from June until frost.

Lantana

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Lantana

(Lantana spp.) Producing clusters of tiny flowers, lantana draws butterflies and bees. Once established, they are very drought-tolerant.

Pentas

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Pentas

(Pentas lanceolata) Hummingbirds adore the star-shaped flowers in pinks, reds, and whites.

Sunflowers

 Birmingham Alabama heat-loving Sunflowers

(Helianthus annuus) Available in a variety of heights, sunflowers are a cheerful addition that nourishes bees and later birds


Want tips for heat-tolerant blooms?

Learn about sun requirements, watering schedules, and how to support local pollinators in Birmingham (HERE).

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Hot Tips for Summer Pollinator Gardens


Full sun equals best blooms.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Most top pollinator plants thrive with six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

Water consistently.

Even heat-tolerant plants need established watering early in the season.

Stagger blooms.

Milkweeds (A. tuberosa), (A. syriaca), (A. incarnata)

Aim for a mix of plants that bloom early, mid, and late summer so there’s always food available.

Check dimensions.

Additionally, be sure to check height and width of full-grown plants before laying them out in your beds.

Skip double petal varieties.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

These often produce less nectar/pollen than single-flower forms.

Mix shapes and colors.

Different pollinators prefer different flower forms.

Let some plants go to seed.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta/fulgida)

Pollinators feed on seeds and seed heads; they support birds too.

Mulch and protect.

Keep soil cool and moist during summer droughts.


Ready to Start Planting?

Top Summer bloom picks (HERE).

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Refresh Your Radiance at Village Dermatology

Village Dermatology Beauty in Bloom event 2026 floral promotion for May 4-8.

As the seasons shift and warmer days approach, it’s the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine and invest in treatments that help you look and feel your best. This year, Village Dermatology invites you to experience Beauty in Bloom—an annual skincare event designed to help you achieve radiant, summer-ready skin while enjoying exclusive offers, expert care, and exciting brand pop-ups.

Beauty in Bloom is more than just a promotion—it’s a celebration of renewal, confidence, and personalized skincare. Whether you’re a long-time patient or just beginning your skincare journey, this event offers something for everyone looking to enhance their natural glow ahead of the sunny season.

Exclusive Injectable Offers

Some of the most anticipated highlights of the week is the $13 tox special and 20% off Filler, available all week long! It’s the perfect opportunity to smooth fine lines and refresh your appearance at an exceptional value.

With expert injectors and a commitment to natural-looking results, Village Dermatology ensures that every treatment is tailored to your individual goals.

Savings on Advanced Beauty Treatments

In addition to injectables, Beauty in Bloom features 20% off some of the most sought-after skin treatments, available through convenient prepayments so you can plan your glow-up on your schedule.

Texture and Tone Enhancements

Patients can take advantage of savings on treatments like SkinPen and DiamondGlow, both known for improving texture, tone, and overall skin health. These treatments are ideal for addressing concerns such as:

  • Dullness
  • Uneven skin
  • Fine lines

No-Downtime Revitalization

Also included in the event is 20% off PRX treatments. PRX is a revolutionary, no-downtime skin revitalization treatment that stimulates collagen and improves skin firmness without peeling. It’s a favorite for those looking to achieve smoother, brighter skin without interrupting their busy routines.

Advanced Resurfacing with Pixel8

For those seeking advanced resurfacing solutions, Pixel8 is also available at 20% off. This clinically proven radiofrequency microneedling treatment targets deeper layers of the skin to improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and refine overall texture. It’s an excellent option for patients who want noticeable, long-lasting results.


Important Booking Information

Appointments are limited for this seasonal event, and prepayments must be used by August 31st, so now is the ideal time to book your visit and step into spring feeling confident and refreshed!

Shop LABL Studio: 20% Off Beauty Essentials

Beyond treatments, Beauty in Bloom extends into our LABL Studio with 20% off everything for the week. This is the perfect chance to stock up on your favorite skincare essentials or discover new products recommended by skincare experts who understand your skin’s unique needs.

Maintaining results at home is just as important as in-office treatments, and Village Dermatology makes it easy to build a routine that works for you.

Why Choose Village Dermatology?

At its core, Beauty in Bloom is more than a curated experience, it’s about confidence, self-care, and building a relationship with a team that truly cares about your long-term results. Village Dermatology is dedicated to growing with you and supporting your skincare goals through every season of life. Their approach combines medical expertise with a personalized touch, ensuring that each patient feels seen, heard, and empowered.

As summer approaches, there’s no better time to invest in yourself. Whether you’re preparing for vacations, special events, or simply want to feel more confident in your own skin, Beauty in Bloom offers the perfect blend of value, expertise, and experience.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this annual celebration.

With limited-time pricing, exclusive brand experiences, and treatments designed to deliver real results, Beauty in Bloom is your invitation to step into the season with confidence and radiance. Let Village Dermatology help you bloom into your best skin yet.

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The Timeless Story of Triton Stone Group

Triton Stone Group quarry

From Nature’s Source to Your Living Space

There is something timeless about stone. Formed over millions of years beneath the earth’s surface, each slab carries with it a quiet history of pressure, transformation, and endurance. At Triton Stone Group, that journey doesn’t end when the stone is quarried. It continues into homes, into gathering spaces, and into the everyday moments that define how we live.

From the heart of the mountain to the heart of the home, every stone has a story, and Triton Stone Group exists to help bring that story to life.

A People-First Approach to Stone Distribution

Headquartered in New Orleans, Triton Stone Group has grown into a leading distributor of slabs, tile, sinks, and fabrication tools and supplies, with more than 25 locations across the country. But growth has never been the defining measure of the company. Instead, it is their purpose–rooted in people, relationships, and meaningful spaces–that continues to guide everything they do.

Family-owned and women-run, Triton Stone Group stands apart in an industry often defined by materials rather than meaning. For Triton, the materials are just the beginning. Their mission is centered on creating spaces where people gather, connect, and build memories–whether that’s around a kitchen island, in a bustling restaurant, or within a thoughtfully designed commercial space.

Curating One-of-a-Kind Foundations

They believe the surfaces people interact with every day should not only be beautiful, but also intentional. This philosophy begins at the source. Every slab of stone tells a story that started long before it reached a showroom floor. From marble formed under intense heat and pressure to quartzite shaped by natural metamorphic processes, each material carries unique veining, coloration, and character. No two pieces are exactly alike. Triton embraces this individuality, helping designers, builders, and homeowners see each slab not just as a product, but as a one-of-a-kind foundation for a space.

But the story doesn’t stop at selection–it evolves through collaboration. Triton works closely with fabricators, designers, and industry professionals to ensure that every material is thoughtfully chosen and expertly installed. Their expansive offering of slabs, tile, sinks, and tools allows customers to bring an entire vision together in one place. It’s not just about supplying materials; it’s about supporting the full creative process from concept to completion.

Committed to Integrity, Quality, and Connection

What truly sets Triton Stone Group apart, however, is its people-first approach. As the company has expanded its footprint across multiple states, it has remained deeply committed to maintaining a culture grounded in respect, integrity, and care. Employees are not just team members; they are partners in the mission. Customers are not just transactions; they are relationships built over time. Many of Triton’s clients have been with the company for years, a testament to the trust and consistency that define the brand.

This sense of connection is especially meaningful given the company’s roots. Born out of a desire to serve and rebuild communities, Triton has always understood the importance of the spaces people call home. A countertop is not just a surface–it’s where meals are prepared, conversations unfold, and milestones are celebrated. A backsplash is not just a design element–it’s part of the backdrop to everyday life. Triton approaches every project with this perspective, recognizing the role their materials play in shaping real experiences.

As a women-run organization, Triton also brings a distinct perspective to leadership within the industry. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and long-term growth, the company continues to evolve while staying true to its core values. This balance of strength and adaptability has allowed Triton to scale its operations without losing the personal touch that defines its identity.

Today, with locations spanning across the country, Triton Stone Group continues to expand its reach while staying grounded in its mission. Each new showroom, each new partnership, and each new project represents another opportunity to connect the origin of a material with the life it will eventually become a part of. From the mountains where stone is first formed to the intimate spaces where it is ultimately placed, the journey is one of transformation. Triton Stone Group serves as the bridge between those two worlds–honoring the natural beauty of the material while helping shape the environments where life happens.

Because at the end of the day, stone is more than just a surface. It is a storyteller. And with every slab, Triton Stone Group is helping write the next chapter–one home, one space, and one gathering at a time.


Sponsored by Triton Stone Group. If you are looking to build a space defined by quality and enduring beauty, our experts can help you navigate our global collection to find a stone that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Visit www.tritonstone.com to learn more.

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What Designers Notice About Your Windows

There is a moment in every well-designed home when everything feels right.

The furniture fits. The colors flow. The lighting is warm and intentional. And yet, in some rooms, something still feels slightly off.

Often, it is the windows.

It is not always obvious at first glance. The space may look good, but it does not feel finished. That is usually where a trained eye starts to notice what others miss.

If you have ever wondered why some homes feel effortlessly polished, this is part of the reason.

Start with What Draws the Eye

When designers walk into a room, they do not just look at what is in it. They notice how the room is framed.

Windows play a major role in that.

Step 1: Look at the height.
Are your window treatments mounted high enough to complement the ceiling height? Hanging too low can visually shorten the room, even if everything else is well scaled.

Step 2: Look at the width.
Do the treatments extend beyond the window frame, or do they stop short? Narrow coverage can make windows feel smaller and limit both light control and overall impact.

Step 3: Notice how the room feels at different times of day.
Morning light, afternoon glare and evening privacy all change the experience of a space. A well-designed window solution accounts for all three.

The goal is not just coverage. It is proportion, balance and function working together.

Where Most Rooms Fall Short

  1. Scale is slightly off.
    This is one of the most common issues. Panels that are too narrow, shades that feel undersized or hardware that does not match the room’s proportions can quietly throw everything out of balance.
  2. The room relies on a single solution.
    One layer rarely does it all. A shade may control light but leave the room feeling flat. Drapery may add softness but not provide enough flexibility throughout the day. The most comfortable spaces use a thoughtful combination.
  3. Function was treated as an afterthought.
    A room can look beautiful at noon and feel unusable by late afternoon. Glare on screens, fading fabrics and lack of privacy tend to show up after the design decisions are already made.
  4. Installation details were overlooked.
    Even high-quality materials can fall short if they are not installed with precision. Clean lines, proper alignment and smooth operation all contribute to a finished look.

What Designers Do Differently

They think beyond the window itself.

If the goal is a taller, more open feel:
Mounting treatments higher and allowing fabric to fall with intention can visually lift the entire room.

If the space needs both softness and control:
Layered solutions bring flexibility. Shades handle light and privacy, while drapery adds warmth and completes the design.

If the room connects to other spaces:
Consistency matters. Treatments should relate to one another, even if each room has different needs.

If ease is part of the lifestyle:
Motorization simplifies daily use, especially in larger rooms or homes with multiple gathering areas. It is less about technology and more about making comfort consistent.

A Simple Way to Evaluate Your Own Space

Stand back and ask:

Do the windows feel like part of the design, or an afterthought?

Do the treatments enhance the room’s proportions, or compete with them?

Does the space feel just as comfortable in the afternoon and evening as it does in the morning?

The answers are usually clear once you look for them.

Great design is not about adding more. It is about making the right decisions in the right places. When window treatments are thoughtfully planned and properly installed, they do more than cover glass. They frame the room, support the way you live and bring everything together.


Sponsored by VanGogh Window Fashions. If your space looks good but still feels unfinished, a consultation can help refine the details and create a solution that fits both your style and your daily life. Visit www.vangoghwindowfashions.com to learn more.

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Field of Dreams

Large Hamptons style rectangular pool and expansive level lawn in a luxury backyard designed by Millhouse Howell Landscape Company.
The completed project achieves the “uninterrupted expanse of lawn” and “Hamptons aesthetic” that homeowner Robbin Sorrell envisioned for her family’s new outdoor living space. // Photography by: Jean Allsopp

The vision was to incorporate a pool into the backyard with a Hamptons aesthetic—a large rectangular pool, wide pool coping, and an uninterrupted expanse of lawn.

Adam Millhouse

“When we bought the house, it had a great backyard,” says homeowner Robbin Sorrell. “But that’s all it was—a backyard.” Robbin and her husband, Robert, had loftier goals for the lawn, plans for a space that could be enjoyed together and with their adult children and grandchildren. Top of the list was a pool. “The Sorrells had a pool at their former home, so for their new home, creating a pool and entertaining area was a must to keep their family– including young grandchildren– visiting throughout the year,” says Adam.

Before the renovation, the property featured a significant cross-slope and mixed plantings that limited the useable square footage of the backyard.
A view of the original lawn prior to the installation of the L-shape retaining wall and the destination pool.

The Structural Transformation

In addition to a well-conceived plan, hardscaping was also required. “Originally, the property had a cross-slope with an open lawn surrounded by mixed plantings and pinestraw,” says Will. “In an effort to create a level lawn on all four sides, we designed and built an L-shape retaining wall to define and increase the useable space.”

Luxury white lounge chairs with umbrellas on a manicured lawn next to a backyard pool featuring wide stone coping.
This view highlights the wide pool coping and the seamless transition from stone to turf, illustrating the technical precision required to create a level, Hamptons-style aesthetic within the backyard.
Hamptons-inspired backyard retreat featuring a rectangular pool, white sun loungers, and professional hardscaping.
By building an L-shape retaining wall, Millhouse Howell successfully leveled the property’s original cross-slope, transforming the grade into a functional, manicured area that perfectly frames the new pool.

Year-Round Entertaining

With that flat expanse also came an extended bluestone terrace, with outdoor fireplace and dining area—a place where the Sorrells spend time almost year-round. “Even in the cooler months we can dine outdoors when we light the fireplace and turn the outdoor heaters on,” says Robbin. The dining space features a large limestone table by Tracery Stone and the living space is anchored by four large containers from Elegant Earth planted with Olive Trees.

Grey flagstone slab walkway cutting through a lush green backyard lawn toward a hidden pool destination.
To transition between the expanded terrace and the new pool, Adam and Will chose large grey flagstone slabs to complement the bluestone.

The Destination Pool

Beyond, the pool is just within reach while still maintaining separation. “We decided against building a large pool deck,” says Adam. “This intentionally pushed the pool further from the home, resulting in a destination beyond the terrace.”

Upscale backyard living area featuring a bluestone terrace, designer lounge chairs, and a custom wooden gate.
The extended bluestone terrace provides a sophisticated space for the Sorrells to enjoy their backyard almost year-round.

Meet the Designers

Adam Millhouse (left) and Will Howell, landscape horticulturists and designers, millhousehowell.com


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