The island has become a mainstay in today’s kitchen designs. With both form and function, the island boasts endless possibilities from prepping and serving food, offers an abundance of cabinet storage, and creates a place to house appliances. And let’s not forget extra seating. If your island has become the catchall for stacks of mail and the car keys (we are all guilty of this!), take a look at these drool-worthy kitchen islands which may just ignite and inspire you to channel your inner Marie Kondo and toss things that don’t bring you joy.
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Our 2014 Birmingham Home and Garden Inspiration Home kitchen has plenty of things to love: custom cabinets with paneled door fronts, matching pendants from Inline Lighting over the island, marble countertops and a very cool backsplash from Triton Stone Group. Barstools from Stock & Trade conceal extra storage compartments. TOUR THE HOME
This Lake Martin home by Tom Adams and Adam Gerndt and Defining Home features a massive island topped with a single slab of marble creating a prep and eating surface that fits seamlessly with the kitchen’s clean, white palette.TOUR THE HOME
Photo by Jean Allsopp
The island in this house by Embassy Homes hosts a deep sink and the homeowner’s favorite touch: the X-design at the end of the island. “I saw one just like it in a magazine that featured Tom Brady’s kitchen and knew I had to have it,” she says. Backsplash: Trition Stone Group. Countertops: Premier Surfaces. Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson. Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group.TOUR THE KITCHEN
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Discreet appliances are a signature of Cantley & Company kitchens, and this one Cindy Cantley designed with Interior Designer Aimee Belden is no exception. A pair of freezer drawers is tucked conveniently into the island, along with two compactors, one for trash and one for recycling. The vent hood over the range is disguised behind a gentle archway, adding architectural interest to the space. As with all of Cantley & Company’s cabinetry, appliances don cabinet fronts to blend seamlessly into the design.TOUR THE KITCHEN
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Twin Construction and interior designer Shea Bryars teamed up to design this Homewood kitchen that offers plenty of space for a couple who love to cook. A single sheet of marble from Triton Stone Group covers the island in a beautiful, durable surface and provides the perfect contrast to the dark wood cabinets below. Large doors and deep drawers offer plenty of storage.TOUR THE KITCHEN
Architect Alex Krumdieck worked closely with the Rhodens to create a footprint that sacrificed as few trees as possible. The result is an unobtrusive structure that hugs the shoreline and blends in with the bosky surroundings. Photos by Rob Culpepper
Second homes can feel themey—fast. But not Cindy and Ken Rhoden’s. You won’t find campy plaids, canoe paddles, or any other played-out design tropes at the couple’s Lake Martin getaway. Yet the 2,500-square-foot home feels anything but out of place. Located in a Russell Lands community, its woodsy lot inspired the design decisions both inside and out. “I never really wanted a lake house until this spot came along,” says Cindy. “This property has everything you desire in a place by the water. It’s shaded, quiet, and has an ‘old lake’ feel. Still, it’s a quick drive to Catherine’s Market (the grocery at Russell Crossroads, the hub of the lake community), and that was a game changer for me. I’m not someone who can buy groceries for an entire week at the lake!”
The Rhodens enjoy logging screen time of the old-fashioned variety thanks to a spacious front porch (it measures 18 feet long) divided into different “rooms.” Four deep-seated chairs create a cozy conversation space, while a trestle table provides a dining area.
The prized location came with a unique arrangement—a shallow lot and ample water frontage that made designing a home tricky. To create their lake escape, the Rhodens teamed up with architect Alex Krumdieck of Birmingham’s Krumdieck A + I Design. After closely studying the terrain, Alex developed a modest footprint and striking, steep-pitched roof scheme. “The roof planes mimic the canopies of the trees and really nestle the house down to the ground,” he says. Along those same lines, he encouraged the Rhodens to try an unusual color on the exterior—all black. “The dark color lets the house all but disappear among the trees,” he says. “From the water, it’s a satisfyingly, seamless look.”
The Rhodens 7 ½-foot-long dining table was the winner of the 2017 Garden & Gun Made in the South awards. Handcrafted by Birmingham’s Alabama Sawyer, the bespoke table was created from downed Hackberry trees. Its wishbone-shaped iron legs were forged at Sloss Furnaces.Owner Cindy Rhoden’s penchant for eclectic artwork is best on display in the dining room, where she curated a dynamic gallery wall. Prized works include a fruit still life, (purchased years ago at Tricia’s Treasures), that inspired the home’s color palette and an illuminated, three-dimensional bird piece by Birmingham artist Sarah Heath (Gallery 1930).
Inside, Cindy took the décor in an equally natural, albeit brighter, direction. “I lean towards modern, clean interiors,” she says. “I wanted the house to reflect that but also spotlight the beautiful scenery.” To walk that fine line, she opted for creamy white walls (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) that wonderfully complement, rather than compete, with the floor-to-ceiling windows and the waterscape beyond. The white oak floors also add to the home’s organic feel. Rather than a traditional stain and polyurethane sealant, Cindy employed an eco-friendly oil coating (Rubio Monocoat) that seeps into the wood for a soft, feather-like finish. “They are heavenly to walk on,” she says.
While the home’s interior reads neutral, it’s anything but boring. Cedar beams and vintage-inspired lighting add a bit of nostlagia. Furnishings feature a number of antique and vintage items that have some sit-and-stay-awhile appeal. An avid art collector, Cindy further enlivened the white rooms with pieces full of color and texture. “I don’t have grandchildren—yet. But I filled this house with artwork that I love in hopes it will be imprinted in the memories of the children who will one day spend time here,” she says.
With the project complete, the Rhodens have just what they set out to achieve—a happy place to unwind with family and friends that is equal parts cabin and house. Indeed, the Rhodens find themselves relaxing the very moment they turn into the long red-dirt drive.
Worldly vintage pieces hold court in the living room, where items such as a Persian rug, Indian wedding table, and mid-century Spanish armchairs bring patina to the newly constructed home. Bertoia counter stools lend a modern edge.In the master bedroom, neutral bed linens and window treatments keep the focus on the picturesque scene just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.While Cindy has been known to buy artwork anytime and anywhere (“If it speaks to me, it usually comes home with me,” she says), she has a soft spot for Studio by the Tracks (studiobythetracks.org). With a gallery and studio in Irondale and a retail location in Homewood, the nonprofit offers works by artists with autism spectrum disorders. Pieces created by Studio by the Tracks artists can be found throughout the lake house, including many items displayed in a dining room gallery wall. “I love seeing how artists’ personalities blossom through their various mediums,” Cindy says.
A Good Plan
Architect Alex Krumdieck shares smart strategies for making the most of lake views and creating an ideal, laid-back atmosphere.
Prioritize the porch. “We took advantage of the home’s close proximity to the water with a screened porch that runs almost the entire length of the lakeside of the home. The result is a continuous connection between the house and the water.”
Keep it casual. “The Rhodens didn’t want any formalities at the lake. As a result, we went with a streamlined, open floor plan where the kitchen, dining room, living room, and porch work as a singular space.”
Make guests at home. “This isn’t a terribly large house, but it is an incredibly efficient one that was designed with guests in mind. Each of the four bedrooms has its own ensuite bath, giving company a boutique hotel experience.”
RESOURCES
Architect: Krumdieck A + I Design, 205.324.9669, krumdieck.comBuilder: Chad Calhoun, Classic Homes, 256.397.1003 or 256.675.6011 Tile and stone: Triton Stone Group, 205.592.0202, tritonstone.comTile and stone installation: Alabama Stone Works, alabamastoneworks.comSecurity/surround system: AVX, 205.871.7289, avxinc.comVarious pieces: Eneby Home, Nashville, enebyhome.comDining area chandelier: Workstead, workstead.com
Spring may feel like it has arrived as we enjoy warmer temperatures and more sunshine, but in reality, the cold snaps have not completely disappeared. The thermometer can still dip very low on some nights, resulting in early morning frosts. And while March 20th may be the official first day of spring, gardeners need to take notice of another important date—April 15th, which is considered the date of the last killing frost in our metro area. While the warmer days of March make us want to get out and plant our summer flowers, we need to wait until at least the third week of April to do so. But that doesn’t mean we have to wait to enjoy the beauty that spring has to offer.
Foxglove
March gives us much fulfillment with early blooming shrubs such as quince, forsythia, spirea, and the early flowering viburnums. In addition, between March and mid-April, most of our spring-flowering bulbs grace the garden. And favorite cold-tolerant bloomers like pansies, English daisies, sweet Williams, and foxgloves also contribute to nature’s palette.
During this period of high color, take a few minutes to evaluate the design of your garden. Does it appear as a haphazard blob of color, or is it more of a soothing palette of blooms that coordinate and flow into each other? These observances can help you plan better next year. The most effective garden colors do several things: They accent the beauty of the garden along with the flowering and evergreen shrubs and trees, they move the eye throughout the garden by creating a pleasing composition, and they do not compete with each other.
While March is a time to enjoy these early spring bloomers, it is also a time to handle certain chores that will improve the quality of your garden. And as you start your mid-April plantings, pay attention to which ones need warm soil to grow. I have a favorite list of outstanding plants that I treat as annuals and that generally give me lots of color. In sunny areas, these include lantana, marigolds, pentas, sun-loving impatiens, coleus, and zinnias. For the shady portions of my garden, I prefer impatiens, caladiums, wax begonias, torenia (also called wishbone flower), and sweet alyssum. I also have certain “wow” perennials that I keep adding to my garden as needed. The entire group of coneflowers flourishes in a variety of hot colors. Goldsturm coneflower reseeds heavily, but it’s very tolerant of our summer conditions. You also can’t beat hostas and their unbelievable leaf variations. Another fun plant is the native butterfly weed that, once established, just keeps enlarging its bloom show every year. And I never tire of the spark of color that a mass of daylilies offers with very little work on my part.
Finally, this is the time of year that I get really excited about my vegetable garden plantings, which are a mix of seeds and transplants. Most summer vegetables in the South don’t grow much until the soil temperature is above 50 degrees, so don’t plant too early. This year, Good Friday will be an excellent time to start sowing garden green beans (pole or bush), butterbeans, hills of squash (all types), and sweet corn. It’s also okay to add transplant tomatoes. Plant peppers and eggplants in pots since the ground soil is not warm enough until May. And if you grow okra, wait until May to seed. With a little forethought into the timing of all of these plantings, you’re sure to be feasting on the most delicious fresh vegetables all summer.
Daffodils
Floyd’s To-Do List: March/April
Divide daffodils If your established daffodil beds are not blooming like they should, they are probably too dense and need to be separated. Once the foliage yellows divide, separate and reduce the number of the bulbs in the beds by 50%. Allow the ones not replanted to dry out for planting in the fall, or replant in a new location now.
Prune As your spring-flowering shrubs finish blooming, decide whether they need severe pruning. If that is the case, do it now. Most need to be cut back within 6-12 inches of the ground. Fertilize with 5-10-10 when you finish pruning. If they only need shaping or a light pruning, wait until the first flush of growth, and then prune as needed.
Amaryllis
Plant amaryllis bulbs If you have been growing these for indoor blooms and they just have foliage now, you can plant them outdoors. To keep them blooming year after year, plant them deep in a well-drained location with good soil. Make sure the top of the bulb is covered with at least 2 inches of soil. I have some in my garden that are 10 years old.
Start tomatoes from seed The key to growing tomatoes is warm soil. I start mine in clean, old plant flats filled with a damp seeding mix and placed in a sunny location. The trick to success is bottom heat. If you do not have a plant heating mat (mine was $12), use a waterproof heating pad turned down very low and placed under the seeded flat. Keep soil moist, and when the plant’s true leaves appear (they look like little tomato leaves), transplant to pots and grow a sturdy plant before putting in your garden.
Add a shrub or two When planting shrubs, remember that you need to dig a hole at least 1 ½ times the size of the container or root ball in depth and width. Remove the plant from the container, and loosen the roots if they are growing in a circle at the pot’s edge. Backfill with good fertile soil around the positioned plant, making sure the finished planted shrub will be level with the top of the soil of the shrub’s container. Water thoroughly, and mulch with a product like pine straw. Remember that newly planted shrubs need to be watered more often than those that are established. Water at least weekly if there is not a good soaking rain.
Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Plant Sale April 11-14 to shop for all kinds of annuals, vegetable plants, shrubs, and trees. The Members-Only Preview Sale is 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. April 11. Public sale hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. April 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 13, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 14. The sale takes place in the Macy’s upper parking lot at Brookwood Village. bbgardens.org
John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living. For daily tips and more garden
information, visit birminghamgardeningtoday.com.
We’re wild about wallpaper this season! Walls need love and these days wallpaper can be found in every imaginable color, texture, print and design. Use a little or use a lot, but don’t be afraid to try your hand with this savvy tool of the trade. For inspiration, here are seven ways to decorate walls like a pro with examples from some of our favorite rooms.
Photography by Jean Allsopp
CREATE DRAMA “I love a ‘wow factor’ in each space, so I am drawn to at least one bold fabric or print in the room mixed with solids and neutrals,” says designer Lisa Flake. In this dining room, the designer papered the walls in an oversize Victorian damask and layered on more prints with custom draperies, a diamond patterned rug, and dining chairs covered in a chic python print. See more of this home here.
WALLPAPER AS ART Hand-painted wallpaper from de Gournay appears as art in this dining room. Framed by wall mouldings, the paper covers paneled doors that open to reveal storage for china and glassware. See the rest of this gorgeous homehere.
GO FOR THE GOLD This may not be wallpaper, but the free hand design painted on the walls of this foyer have the same effect. “The walls in the foyer are one of my favorite design features in the house—especially at night, ” says homeowner and designer Kate Hartman, owner of Chickadee Interiors. See more of this fabulous home here.
MAKE A STATEMENT “In a smaller space a larger-print wallpaper is a good choice because it actually makes the room feel bigger,” says designer Rebecca Hawkins of the bold pattern she chose for this powder room renovation. See more of this beautiful homehere.
WARM WELCOME This wallpaper is Thibaut – on the splurge side – but since it was used in a little room, the cost was practical. See more of this home designed by Alison Smith here.
MAKE A SPLASH “The powder bath is the best place to really make a statement, “ says Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Interior Design. “It’s a small room that everybody sees.” Annie and her business partner Ginny Monheit Maguire created impact in this powder bath with a playful wall covering. They kept the rest of the selections simple – such as the white cabinet and countertop and the glass ball cabinet pulls – so as not to compete with the pattern. Read more about this home here.
Photo by Beth Hontzas
GO BOLD Highlighting a wall creates just the right amount of drama in this playful girl’s bedroom. See more lively kids’ rooms here.
A tudor rose-shaped medallion designed by John Golightly Wilson pours water into the hexagonal-shaped basin. Hanging on the wall to the right of the fountain is a garden mask originally designed by George Gambrill. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Set back from the road and up a wooded slope resides a sublime, decades-old garden that has been meticulously maintained. In the mid-80s, as the homeowner was collecting ideas for the house she was building on a 2-acre plot in the Mountain Brook neighborhood of Shook Hill, she saw George Gambrill’s show garden at the Junior League of Birmingham’s Antique Show (now Antiques at the Gardens at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens). Soon after, she contracted the designer to replicate his formal show garden behind her house, along with landscape architect Nimrod Long to help with the site planning.
George aligned the central garden with the main center rooms of the home. The view from inside the house looks out to a manicured, stepped lawn that leads the eye up to an antique statue. To emphasize this garden focal point, the designer crowned it with Lady Banks roses trained over an arbor amassing into a billowing array of blooms. Unfortunately, George passed away before he could complete his work on the grounds. The owner then brought in garden designer Mary Zahl, who created a 20-foot by 24-foot courtyard that flows out from the living room.
In 2014, landscape architect John Golightly Wilson finessed the existing courtyard into a retreat better suited to the owner’s lifestyle. “I was inspired by the tone of the Gambrill-designed garden,” says John, who managed to both animate and soften the hard space at once. “I re-created similar elements here with a central area and one strong focal point surrounded by green.”
Pennsylvania bluestone and Alabama limestone create interest in the courtyard and help differentiate the entry walkway from the seating area.
By leaving the existing walls alone and reworking the flooring into a paved rug woven of Pennsylvania bluestone and banded with Alabama limestone, John brought depth and interest to the overall space. He then built a fountain into one bank of the wall to create the necessary main point of interest. A low boxwood hedge inside the walls provides lush, year-round greenery. During the spring and summer, confederate Jasmine clings to the walls, white Baptisia springs up from behind the boxwood, and clematis vines hang over the doorways in the walled garden. Through John’s straightforward-yet-elegant approach, the courtyard complements George Gambrill’s grander garden without copying or competing. And for the homeowner, it’s the perfect place to host a cocktail party or simply slip outside to take in the soothing sound of the fountain.
Confederate Jasmine climbs up the walls beside the fountain, while white Baptisia shoots out above the boxwood hedge.
John Golightly Wilson’s Courtyard Must-Haves
Design the floor. “Have fun with the paving. It’s easy to use different materials to create ‘rugs.’ Here we used limestone and bluestone, but any combination of surfaces can work as long as they complement the house. For a softer touch, use grass like an area rug set into a stone or brick border.”
Take chances with plants. “In a courtyard, you have a limited amount of garden beds. Be adventurous with your selections. This doesn’t have to mean exotic though. I used a Virginia Sweetspire that pops over the hedge and provides seasonal color and a graceful shape.”
Edit, Edit, Edit. “You don’t want to get too complicated in a small space. I chose materials that coordinate with the home. And I paid close attention to the smallest details. Even the drain grates became an asset to the overall look.”
Install a fountain. “Water features can be a blessing and a curse. They can be as simple or as complicated as desired, but they do need regular maintenance. In this one, we are always pulling out acorns.”
Intricate iron gates designed by Mary Zahl lead into the courtyard. The courtyard walls are painted the same color as the exterior of the home to create a seamless connection with the architecture.An expanse of lawn framed by boxwood hedges unites the courtyard to the original garden designed by George Gambrill.Shaded by a Japanese maple and surrounded by George Tabor azaleas, a sitting area by John Golightly Wilson overlooks the garage court where the homeowner likes to watch her grandchildren play basketball.Lady Banks Roses ‘Alba Plena,’ originally selected by George Gambrill, still climb over the trellis. An antique statue beneath the trellis serves as the garden’s focal point.Ginger jars, set among Baptisia alba, along with blue and white throw pillows provide colorful accessories in the mostly neutral courtyard.
Don’t be afraid to eat the grilled lemon halves. Not only do they flavor the chicken while grilling, but they’re also delicious. Platter by Earthborn Pottery; earthbornpottery.net
Moroccan Lemon Chicken Kabobs
2 pounds chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
The Marinade: ¼ cup olive oil Juice from 2 lemons 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon turmeric ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Pinch of cinnamon Lemon slices, halved
Place chicken pieces in a ziplock bag; set aside. Combine marinade ingredients, except lemon slices, in a small bowl; mix well. Pour over chicken, and evenly coat. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
Thread chicken onto 6 skewers, alternating occasionally with lemon slices. Grill kabobs on medium to medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked. Serves 4 – 6.
Colorful Vegetable Kabobs
2 green peppers 2 red peppers 2 orange peppers 2 yellow peppers 1 large purple onion 1 large sweet yellow onion Olive oil Salt and pepper
Cut each pepper and onion into uniform 1-inch-square pieces. Place on 6 skewers in order of ingredients list. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill on medium to medium-high heat until slightly charred and tender. Serves 6.
Casablanca Couscous
Simply remove the broth from the heat, add the couscous, cover the pot, and it’s done. All of the cooking happens off the burner. Golden raisins, mint, and Marcona almonds add flavor and texture.
4 tablespoons butter 1 cup shallots, chopped 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1½ cups couscous ½ cup golden raisins ½ cup Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped, extra for garnish ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped, plus extra for garnish ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper
Melt butter in a medium-size saucepan. Add shallots, and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and add couscous. Cover and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in raisins and next 4 ingredients. Garnish with extra almonds and mint. Serve immediately. Serves 6.
Warm Citrus and Rosemary Olives
Add a little boost of flavor to everyday olives with this quick-and-easy appetizer.
1½ cups assorted olives, without the pit ¼ cup olive oil Peel of an orange, about ½-inch thick 2 to 3 fresh rosemary sprigs Dash of red pepper flakes
In a medium nonstick skillet, warm olives and remaining ingredients. Serve immediately with toothpicks or picks. Makes 2 cups.
Dessert
For an easy after-dinner treat, pick up a bag of ginger snaps or a carton of mint-chocolate chip ice cream—or both!
When Amy and Hallett Johnson settled into their 1970s-era home, they knew it would be the ideal place to raise their family—with a few adjustments. The couple needed a space to retreat from the hustle of everyday life. And Amy, a west coast native, craved an airy bath that would open to the outdoors and take in garden and pool views. Enter architect Walker Renneker, who twisted and turned the existing floorplan into one befitting Amy’s California dreams. By taking in a guest bedroom and reconfiguring the existing bath, the architect created a larger bath with soaking tub and separate shower, his-and-her vanities, a spacious closet, and doors that fold open to a courtyard—the perfect finishing touch.
Things We Love
That Folding Door! What could be more luxurious than a bubble bath with a view? How about one that actually becomes a part of that view? To give Amy her wish for a connection to the outside, Walker installed an operable wall system that easily opens to the courtyard.
Those Curves The curved design of the vanities provides extra storage while allowing plenty of circulation space. Designer Sarah Peinhardt repeated the curves in the shiplap wall accents behind the mirrors.
The Floating Shower By placing the shower in the room’s center, Walker maintained the garden views. “The shower is snug enough to offer a sense of enclosure without hindering the flow of natural light,” he says. “I appreciate that the Johnsons were willing to stretch the norm just a bit.”
The View The site line allows for the openness and view of the garden that Amy requested yet still maintains a level of privacy and separation between the spaces. “The entire space, including the master closet, captures natural light from three sides,” says Walker. “The most prominent north-facing opening is on access with a beautifully mature Japanese maple.”
So Much Closet Space Walker worked with the existing floorplan to carve out room for a spacious closet. “We created the closet from the original master bath, which gave us a lot of room for the design,” says the architect. Sliding barn doors open to reveal plenty of shelving and cabinetry, as well as seating and even a lantern light fixture.
RESOURCES Architect: Walker Renneker of Tent Shop Design, 205.957.6524, tentshopdesign.comDesigner:Sarah Peinhardt of Sarah Peinhardt Design Studio, 205.901.5067Builder: Matt Cross of Cross Construction , 205.365.4088 Hardware: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.comFixtures: Fixtures & Finishes, 205.323.5616, fixturesandfinishes.comCountertops, Tile/Backsplash:Synergy Stone, 205.556.8115, synergystoneinc.comFloors: Fire Rock, firerock.usFolding doors/wall system: Nanawall, nanawall.com
Loft living seems synonymous with chic industrial style—think tall ceilings, exposed pipes, brick walls, and sleek finishes. When designer Jessica Conner stepped into her client’s English Village loft, she found all those things, with the exception of the baths that didn’t fit the overall contemporary vibe. Moulded tub/shower combos; basic, boring tile; dinky fixtures; and dull lighting filled both spaces, taking the loft from wow to, well, in great need of help. Stripping the baths to their bones, Jessica fulfilled the rooms’ potential by turning the spaces into modern baths with a cool edge and plenty of stylish appointments.
Things We Love
That TUB! The homeowner wanted a luxurious floating tub, but there wasn’t space for a separate shower. “We combined the two with a pedestal tub that includes a shower fixture with both handheld and overhead options,” says Jessica. An “old school” wraparound shower enclosure keepsthe space waterproof without the need to cover up the original brick wall.
That Tile Wall For contrast to the brick, Jessica created a beautiful wall of Carrara marble tile behind the tub. A spacious ledge keeps bath and shower necessities organized and close at hand.
Tile Treatments “The rug design in the tile flooring of the brick-wall bath helped the small space feel a little larger and took the place of a run-of-the mill bath mat,” says Jessica. To make the other bath feel more spacious as well, she used larger-format pattern tile in a bold color palette.
Plenty of Personality Jessica’s client wanted each bath to make its own unique statement. “He wanted the shower bath to be his everyday space that was more modern and clean and energizing,” says Jessica. “The brick bathroom is his Turkish bath getaway, where he can relax after long days at work.”
RESOURCES Designer:Jessica Conner Design & Interiors, jessicaconnor.comBuilder: Saunders Bradford, 205.871.1717, saundersbradford.comCabinets: Shower bath vanity and bench: Lovewood Studio, Dave Hayes, 205.601.5412, lovewoodstudio.comBrick bath vanity and bench: Restoration Hardware, restorationhardware.comVanity hardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.comShower bath fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes, 205.323.5616, fixturesandfinishes.comBrick bath fixtures and tub: Fixtures & FinishesShower bath countertops: CR Home, 205.943.0680Brick bath countertops: CR Home Tile/backsplash in shower bath: Henry Tile, 205.592.8615, henrytile.comTile/backsplash in tub bath: Fixtures & FinishesShower bath rug: At Home, 205.879.3510, athome-furnishings.com Lighting: Mayer Lighting, 205.583.3400, mayerlighting.com
The living room’s roofline and surrounded-by-glass openness is original to the house, although all the windows have been replaced. The fireplace wall, however, said goodbye to its rock facade and hello to a neutral grasscloth wallcovering. “The house is mostly white,” says Lucy. “I have a hard time committing to color and wanted to at least start with a clean palette.” The living room opens up to the patio and waterfall. “Just crack the door and let the sound rush in while enjoying a cup of coffee and a book,” Lucy says. “It clears your head.” Photos by Jean Allsopp
Anybody who grew up in Anniston in the 80s and 90s knows about the “Hillyer Hilton.” The moniker was attributed to a sprawling mid-century home on Hillyer High, a street stretching along one of the city’s mountaintop neighborhoods. Over the years, area kids heard stories about the house, and grownups coveted invitations to the chic residence that was made for entertaining. When the home’s architectural style eventually waned in popularity and the original homeowners downsized, the house went quiet and sat vacant for several years. “It was in need of attention, but it had potential,” says designer Lucy Smith. “It had once been quite a home, and it deserved—and was begging for—someone to bring it into the present.”
Lucy and husband Henry bought the home with the intention of giving the under-appreciated structure a new story. She had a vision of what it could be despite the faded wallpaper and the yellow faux-marble vinyl tile on every room’s floor “except for the staircase which had wall-to-wall olive green shag carpet,” Lucy laughs. The home had a soaring A-frame living room with what she refers to as “a 14-foot-tall, floor-to-ceiling, rappel-worthy rock wall.” In addition, it had loads of privacy (despite being mostly glass), breathtaking views, five bedrooms and three baths, and a huge rock waterfall on the back patio. Lucy even fell in love with that carpeted staircase. “It’s acrylic and brass and original to home—beyond groovy!” she says.
For the exterior, Lucy explains that after getting some initial suggestions and sketches from a couple of different architecture firms, she and Henry decided to keep it simple and handle those updates on their own. But when it came to the interiors, she gives accolades to contractor David White. “His attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are astounding and admirable,” she says. “He patiently gutted this house and put it back together with a two-man crew, taking all of my wild requests and ideas in stride and almost always saying ‘Yes, we can do that.’ ”
While the home’s footprint gained just 3 feet on a portion of the front, the interior’s main floor was totally reimagined by Lucy and made into reality by David. “The kitchen was a small, closed-in space—as expected in homes of this era—so we knocked out walls and made room for a butler’s pantry,” says Lucy. “That space is where we make smoothies, lunches, and cocktails.” Open shelves feature her collection of new and vintage glassware.
To further open the floorplan, David took out the formal dining room and made the kitchen one large space with a banquette. Lucy designed the fluted kitchen cabinets and the range hood. “Henry handled the fabrication of the hood,” she says.
Opening up the floorplan allowed for a new kitchen with dining area and large island. “The swivel barstools are my favorite,” Lucy says. “They were from some sort of 80s hospitality situation.” Banquette seating welcomes a crowd. “This is our main dining table, and I didn’t want anything too heavy feeling because it’s so large,” the designer says. Old Wood Co., owned by friends of Lucy’s in High Point, created a custom top for her own metal base. The chairs, upholstered in velvet, add a vintage feel.
For interior finishes and materials, Lucy called on her close friend and Birmingham interior designer Lisa Flake. The two women collaborated, one room at a time. “We would talk over details and fabrics and which crazy ideas were actually possible,” Lucy says. “Lisa is a marvel at making decisions, and I tend to have a harder time. She is courageous and confident in her design style, and that makes us a good team.”
While the house now boasts a designer aesthetic, its beauty belies the fact that it is also a bustling family home—Lucy, Henry, and their three teenagers live in every room. “We hang out at the big island in the kitchen and in the sitting area, but we also spend lots of time playing cards or games at the dining table,” says Lucy. “During football season, we gather in the den. And, of course, we enjoy sitting outside by the pool.” With all of this activity under one roof, it’s clear that this mid-century architectural gem has reclaimed its extraordinary status.
Nine years ago, armed with a degree in interior design and a husband in the sheet metal business, Lucy started her metal furniture company, Lucy Smith Designs. Since her debut show at Gallery 1930 in English Village, Lucy has expanded her reach to High Point market and now has showrooms and designers representing her product across the U.S. and beyond.
Mad for Modern
A rarity in Anniston, this mid-century modern home would have made Mad Men set designers swoon. For homeowner and designer Lucy Smith, it reminded her of her grandparents’ Birmingham home. “I have a sense of nostalgia for that style,” she says.
That Staircase! “Honestly, the staircase is one of the main reasons I bought the house,” Lucy says. “The clear acrylic panels are all original and in amazing shape considering their age. Just a few not-so-noticeable scratches.” The runner is a flatweave seagrass from Hiltz-Lauber Furnishings.
The Views Upstairs, Lucy says she reconfigured the space to accommodate her three children. “We removed a literal dark room where the previous owners developed photos. Now it’s part of the kids’ den, which overlooks the city. The kids have the best views,” she says. The upstairs bedroom belongs to 16-year-old Hadley.
A Streamlined Exterior Even with a small bump-out added to the front of the house, updates to the “Hillyer Hilton” exterior were minimal. “We kept the same long, skinny mid-century brick but updated it with a white coating,” Lucy says. “And all the windows and doors are new.”
Water Features The pool was also an original feature of the home. Landscape architect Hilary Ross drew up a plan to give it a contemporary, squared-off feel by incorporating more grass to soften things. “The shape of the pool stayed the same, but we resurfaced it with a dark bottom,” Lucy says. “And we were able to use some of the original bluestone surround.”
The home’s casual, wide-open, take-a-deep-breath attitude is epitomized by the waterfall just off the back patio, which can be enjoyed from the living room, kitchen, and master suite.
RESOURCES Interiors: Lucy Smith, Lucy Smith Designs, lucysmithdesigns.com; Lisa Flake, Caldwell Flake Interiors, caldwellflake.com Contractor: David White Construction, 256.239.5558 Art over mantel: William McLure, williammclure.com Kitchen Cabinet Color: Repose Grey, Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com Butler’s pantry walls: Dovetail, Sherwin-Williams Chandelier in bath: Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
When Lynn and David Clanton decided to downsize, the one thing they didn’t want to give up was a spacious, luxurious bath. “I still wanted each of us to have our own, separate areas for getting ready in the mornings and for storing things,” says Lynn. With that request in mind, Twin Construction designed a symmetrical plan with his-and-her vanities flanking the freestanding, soaking tub. “The space used to be a bedroom, so we had plenty of room to create this custom layout,” says designer Danielle Robin.
Things We Love
Natural Light and Privacy “We placed windows up high above the tub to bring in plenty of sunlight without sacrificing privacy,” says Danielle. “Lynn especially liked the fact that she would not need to cover the windows with shades.”
Classic Materials Used in New Ways
Nothing ups the luxe quotient like marble, and this bath offers plenty of it. To add some visual interest, Danielle used the material in unique ways, starting with the herringbone pattern of the floor. A marble backsplash behind the tub takes the place of adds a feminine touch with its sculptural curves.
Polished Nickel Finishes
”I wanted this space to have some warmth, soI chose polished nickel finishes,” says Danielle. “They not only work well with the warm, wood stain of the cabinets, but they also add a classic feel to the room.”
RESOURCES Designer:Danielle Robin of Twin Construction, 205.802.3920, twincompanies.comBuilder, Architect, Cabinets: Twin Construction Hardware and bath accessories: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.comFixtures and tub: Ferguson Showrooms, 205.254.3454, ferguson.comCountertops and tub backsplash:SurfaceOne, 205.621.1125, surface1.comTile: Triton Stone, 205.592.0202, tritonstone.com
Architect Alex Krumdieck shares smart strategies for making the most of lake views and creating an ideal, laid-back atmosphere.
Colorful Vegetable Kabobs
4 tablespoons butter
1½ cups assorted olives, without the pit
