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At Home with Babbie Styslinger

By
Paige Townley
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Babbie Styslinger’s eclectic, almost flea market style has catapulted her 18th Street shops into customer favorites when it comes to finding the latest home décor options. For more than 20 years, she has influenced the interior design of homes across Birmingham and beyond—even if that means traveling to the other side of the world to find just the right item.

Babbie also strives to create just the right experience for customers. That means showcasing a diverse range of offerings that you can’t find anywhere else. It also means designing a space that isn’t just about shopping—it’s about exploring, finding a little happiness and, hopefully, something you just can’t live without.

Here, Babbie shares the secrets behind her success and her sought-after style. 

Q: What led to the establishment of At Home Furnishings?

A: After growing up in Birmingham, I did a lot of traveling and saw so many cool furniture stores. I realized there were really no privately owned furniture stores here. That was the beginning of At Home Furnishings. Three Sheets started out of a need to dress the beds we were selling. There were no bedding stores in Birmingham that encompassed baby to adult, mid-range to high end.

Q: Can you describe the style of At Home?

A: There really isn’t a word for it. Eclectic. Modern. Traditional. We refer to it as flea market style a lot. Because we have such a diverse customer range, we try to have a mix of products to appeal to all of those customers. We want to create an experience. To me, that comes with different textures of products, the music, and smiling faces greeting and helping you.

Q: What’s your design philosophy?

A: Buy what you love. That’s how I feel about what’s in my own home. Buy the piece you love and find a spot for it. You should buy what tugs at your heart and makes you smile. And that’s what we try to do in our shops—help customers find things that make them happy. That’s what makes it so fun.

Q: What is your approach to selecting products for your shops?

A: I have no fear when it comes to bringing new stuff into the stores. I honestly buy what I love. I’m a very high-energy person so I’m always on the lookout for new things. On a trip to Vietnam, we found ponchos and some jewelry for the store. Carrying clothes and jewelry was entirely new for us, but it was so well received that we decided to expand the section, and now we have scarves, purses, and faux fur as well. That all started as an experiment with just a few items.

Q: Any design tips?

A: I like things to change and look sparkly and fresh. You can change the look of a bookshelf with simply a rock, a book, or a small piece of art.

Q: Any new developments going on with the stores? 

A: We are working on a website that will include the best of At Home and Three Sheets. Hopefully, this will bring the essence of the stores together so customers anywhere can shop easily for items make them happy. We have so many customers who live out of town. I want everyone, regardless of where they live, to be able to bring happy changes into their homes.

At Home Furnishings • 2961 18th Street South,  Homewood. 205-879-3510

Three Sheets • 2904 18th Stree South,  Homewood. 205-871-2337

Interview by Paige Townley • Photos by Art Meripol

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House & Garden

By
Paige Townley
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ABOVE Nature takes center stage in the family room as sweeping views seamlessly blend inside and outside spaces together. 
 

When interior designer Beth Dillard first laid eyes on this mid-century modern home in Mountain Brook, it was quite evident that its original look was lost and the décor was anything but modern. It also lacked any continuity—the style, flooring, and fixtures changed from room to room. “I couldn’t get a feel for what the décor was supposed to be at all, ” she explains. “The home had beautiful bones to work with. We just had to figure out how to make it flow.”

ABOVE The formal living room boasts two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views of both the front and backyard garden and the pool. An oversized slipcovered sofa and curvaceous coffee table allow  ample room to take in the views. Playing off the sofa color, Beth painted the interior of the antique cabinet lilac.

 

Beth’s mission was to update the late 1960s/early 1970s abode while staying true to its roots. To start, she focused on the basics and brought consistency to the entire home with simple but strategic changes. Embracing the existing heavy wooden beams, Beth lightened up the walls of the lofty spaces with a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace. (Trim is Benjamin Moore Super White.) She changed all of the hardware and updated bathrooms with new tile and fixtures. 

In each room, the designer played to modernism with a singular thread of color that ranges in tones and shades from eggplant to merlot. In the formal living space, a bold purple sofa grounds the room while a touch of lilac fills the back wall of the bookcase. The purple hues spill over to the family room as accents in the patterned upholstery and velvet aubergine pillows. In both places, Beth leaned towards standout pieces with interesting lines such as the Verellen sectional sofa, oval coffee table, twiggy floor lamps, and linen club chairs. Here, and throughout the house, she contrasted white walls and upholstery with black finishes and pattern. 

Bedrooms showcase custom upholstered headboards and purposeful furnishings. In these private spaces, Beth put the focus on contrast with strong punches of one color such as the mustard yellow against almost-black walls. “Black is always great to bring into a space because it gives a room depth, ” she explains. “It can also span across any design.”

  

ABOVE LEFT Original paneled wood walls in the kitchen’s dining area were painted white to refresh the space. A niche holds a built-in console—perfect for serving or display. Beth shopped her client’s existing collection for the interior furnishings. The breakfast table originally sat in the living room. Two white leather office chairs, redressed with nailhead trim, became head chairs. A new industrial chandelier completes the modern look.

ABOVE RIGHT The dining room furnishings are important family heirlooms, so Beth found a way to modernize the room while adding interest and contrast. Chairs, originally whitewashed, now sport a black finish with reupholstered white leather seats. Gray and cream floral-patterned wallpaper from Osborne & Little lends a softness to the room’s hard edges.
 

ABOVE To create a dramatic mood, Beth painted the bedroom Sherwin Williams 6005 Folkstone and accented the dark hue with sunny yellow on the headboard, chair, and artwork. Organic textures such as the sheepskin rug and rattan basket add softness.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT In a guest bedroom, a pop of pattern and color in the pillows and upholstered headboard creates just the right amount of contrast against the otherwise serene, all-white surroundings. 

ABOVE RIGHT A custom steel bookshelf showcases clean lines and a variety of personal items including artwork, photos, books, and accessories. Beth continued the modern theme with the bubble chandelier.
 

Get to Know Beth Dillard

Beth Dillard focuses on creating ethic-chic interior environments, a design style she fell in love with through years of traveling to the south of France. “My inspiration also comes from the simplicity of nature, ” says the Rosemary Beach, Florida-based designer. “Nature is the best example of great design. Its beauty is in its imperfections, scents, and texture.” In addition, Beth feels a home should be multi-sensual with visual refinement and texture in fabrics, rugs, and furniture. She works closely with clients to make sure this ambience fits perfectly into their specific house plan and lifestyle. “For me, it’s essential that the finished design is a beautiful family home, but it really goes beyond just that, ” she says. “The design should be the reflection of the personalities that inhabit the home.” 

Beth Dillard • notremaisondesigngroup.com • [email protected]

Garden View

The beauty of the home extends well beyond its interior charm. With numerous floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight the exterior views, the homeowners also wanted an updated outdoor retreat to complement the home’s textural modern architecture. For that, they looked no further than landscape designer Rob Garrard. 

Rob designed a plan to create a sense of order that would blur into the surrounding natural environment. In the backyard, he utilized clean lines with a series of geometric concrete cubes. Closest to the house, he placed the cubes on an axis with the front walk, keeping the living room views of the front and back yards balanced. The cubes are anchored by a series of squared boxwoods. “The cubes draw you down the pathway and soften up as you get closer to nature, ” Rob explains. “So we start with concrete, relating the texture to the home, and then change to flora.”

In addition to creating this progression from man-made materials to shrubs, Rob also changed up the textures. The concrete cubes sit on a base of coarsely textured Mexican beach pebbles that create a contrast to the more delicate clipped boxwoods. He also transitioned the plants from small to large as they move away from the house, starting with varieties such as Asiatic Jasmine and continuing to hydrangeas and then taller trees like the Hawthorn Winter Kings. “All of the elements and textures create interest. There is no singularity to it, ” Rob explains. “Your eye can pick up on the textures, colors, and layers much better than if all of the elements were similar. You really want that separation of all of the components.”

    

Get to know Rob Garrard

Landscape designer Rob Garrard has been changing the gardens of Birmingham homeowners for almost 30 years. Rob enjoys working with clients to select plants that have unique branching, texture, and color to make a statement. “I love renovation projects where a client wants to add new life to a dated landscape while incorporating as much existing plant material as possible to create new garden rooms, ” he says.

Rob blends classic, traditional style with modern influences of geometry, pattern, and texture. He uses his background in landscape architecture to pay special attention to each individual site, ensuring that the resulting landscape is not only beautiful but also fits its surroundings. “An effective landscape should meld the architecture with the surrounding environment, creating spaces that serve the client’s uses and needs, ” Rob says.

RESOURCES 
Landscape designer: Rob Garrard Landscape Design • 5412 11th Avenue South, Birmingham. 205.541.0408,  [email protected] • robgarrard.com Outdoor furniture: Summer Classics • 3140 Pelham Parkway, #600, Pelham. 205.358.9200

Text by Paige townley • Photography by jean allsopp

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Meet the Tastemakers

By
Art Meripol Photography
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Fran Keenan Design

Fran Keenan deftly blends eclectic pieces with tradition, adding in just enough of a modern touch for personal, inspiring, and current style. 

ART It is hard not to overthink a salon wall, but it never looks right jumbled together on the floor. The common backdrop of the wall color and texture validates each piece and enables them to work together. I also like to think that the client is the common denominator—all chosen by or for that person specifically. One of my favorite parts of working with a client is choosing the art and finding what works.

HOW ABOUT THAT NEW STUDIO? At times, it can be a beautiful mess! But we are so grateful to have a space where we can be so productive. We love our studio days. We bring in coffee, turn up the music, light a great candle, and find our decorating mojo. I also think it has been fun for our clients to see how we work and how we pull things together. We do have things for sale, but we are moving targets during the day, so right now we do not have retail hours. I tell people that if you see something you like in the window, just email us.

FAVORITE LINES? Oh wow! Where do I begin? We pull from everywhere. I am partial to antique chests, tables, and most other case goods. I am devoted to so many local antique dealers in the area. For upholstery, I love MCJ Interiors (205.458.2700), where I can customize the frames and use fabrics specific to each project. I adore all things from Quadrille (NYC, D&D showroom: quadrillefabrics.com), Jasper Collection by Michael Smith (michaelsmithinc.com), and Peter Dunham from Hollywood at Home (hollywoodathome.com). Of course I adore all of the the wonderful, established fabric houses—all found at Birmingham’s very own DSR showroom (to the trade).

ACCESSORIES Simple and strong are my two favorite accessory adjectives. And every accessory needs to try out as if it is fighting for a part in a Broadway production. I love to teach clients how to be fierce editors in their own homes. Things can rotate, but everything doesn’t need to be out all of the time or it gets lost in the competition.

FAVORITE COLOR COMBOS We are currently working on bedrooms for three sisters, and we are having a blast with their off-the-radar color palettes and how they relate to each girl’s personality. Olive green and fuschia is just one of the combos. I might want to live in that room when we are done.

SPLURGE? SAVE? An antique chest is tough to beat. I believe you really do get what you pay for when it comes to upholstery. If your budget is tight, splurge on your sofa and choose a natural fiber rug. I also have a hard time with cheap lampshades. It doesn’t matter what you pay for a lamp—$5 at the thrift store or over $2, 000—a well-made lamp shade can elevate an entire room.

UTILITARIAN LUXURIES Beautiful pantries, lavish laundry rooms housing kids’ craft corners,   and moms’ command centers have become priorities. It makes sense because we spend so much time in these spaces. We need a place to hide all the gadgets and gizmos. Stylish, beautifully decorated storage for the aspiring cook, diligent laundress, or organized homemaker is a necessity. I ripped out the powder room in my own house for a walk-in pantry. Having a place for things is the ultimate luxury.

THE CLASSICS Good bones are your friend. Decorating is too expensive to be trendy. I always enjoy working with antique rugs, especially in newer houses. They bring authenticity to any project. A simple drapery with tailored hardware and simple, small pleats is always timeless.

EMERGING TRENDS? We are hearing that people want their homes to be more personal than ever. It’s not just what looks good; things need to have a story. The all-white, tonal house is lovely, but for those that love color, they will never feel finished until they add that colorful layer. Some people say wallpaper is out of style. Ha! I didn’t get that memo. And don’t be afraid of trying new things such as metallics. I’m all for using these in subtle ways.

ARTIST TO WATCH? Birmingham has such a wonderful art culture. Catherine Jones is my newest art crush. We just commissioned her to do a seven-foot abstract piece that is absolutely exquisite. I also love her graphic silhouettes.

PERSONAL FAVORITE? I have an oval Victorian table that my grandparents purchased. I have been told that it was one of the first pieces they purchased together. I get inspired by mixing curvy pieces such as this table with modern accessories and textiles.

Fran Keenan Design • 1739 Reese St., Homewood. 205-821-8183 Instagram // Facebook

Hannon Douglas

With offices in Birmingham and Chattanooga, Hannon Kirk Doody and Doug Davis, the talent behind Hannon Douglas, are making design waves nationally and across the Southeast.

FAVORITE SOURCES We love upholstery from Lee Industries and Verellen (verellenhc.com), lighting from Barbara Cosgrove and Visual Comfort. For antiques, we shop Circa Antiques and Interiors and Henhouse Antiques. In Chattanooga, we like Revival. For antique rugs, we call on Paige Albright Orientals.

GO-TO PAINT COLORS White Dove and Coastal Fog from Benjamin Moore and Pale Powder, Down Pipe, and Strong White from Farrow & Ball.

SPLURGE? SAVE? We really love Cole & Son patterned wallpaper in small spaces like powder rooms. It’s relatively expensive but worth it! While we love fine oriental rugs, we often start with a simple grass or wool base when working with a tighter budget. It’s easy to come back and layer a smaller patterned rug later.

TREND SPOTTING We try to look to classical principles more than trends, but luckily we’re seeing a lot of ‘old school’ elements like wallpaper, big traditional patterns in fabric, blue and white china, and brass and silver finishes. Using established styles make a space feel timeless.

THE CLASSICS We select upholstery with classic arm and leg details like Chesterfield sofas or English arm club chairs. These pieces work well in almost any space.

ARTIST TO WATCH Clara Blalock’s pieces are great. She shows at Beverly McNeil Gallery in Lakeview.

ACCESSORY OF THE MOMENT We love footed cutglass hurricanes for fresh flowers or fruit or as candleholders.

Hannon Douglas • 1904 Cahaba Rd. Facebook

From left: Celeste Russell, Pelham showroom manager; Chris Hutchens, creative director; Robin Jones, Pelham design consultant

Summer Classics and Gabby

Covering both interiors and outdoor living, these Birmingham-born brands have grown to become one of the essential lines in home furnishings. 

ACCESSORIES Once large pieces are placed for functionality, appeal, and performance, then accessories can be brought in to complement the pieces that surround them. They add texture, color, and ambiance. Right now, we are using garden pieces such as urns and statuary inside.

GO-TO COLORS Black and cranberry; navy and gray; and Benjamin Moore’s Ballet White.

SPLURGE? SAVE? Invest in antiques, lighting, and rugs. You can save by selecting and placing existing pieces that are transitional or have sentimental value. Personal pieces help make a space uniquely your own.

TREND SPOTTING The great thing about today’s design is the eclectic mix of pieces. It’s easy to create a signature look. Mix new pieces with antiques, add hot pops of color, and use wallpaper to define your space and make it yours.

THE CLASSICS Twice a year, Gabby designers shop European markets to seek unique finds and antiques to give patina and extra character to their showroom vignettes.

Summer Classics and Gabby • 3140 Pelham Parkway,  Pelham. 205-358-9400.
Summer Classics – Instagram // Facebook Gabby – Instagram // Facebook

Cyndy Cantley partnered with Marjorie Johnston Interiors to layer on the patina in their at the Tastemaker’s Event last fall.

Cantley & Company

Designer Cyndy Craig Cantley knows what makes the kitchen the heart of the home. Mixing bespoke English cabinet designs with antiques and fine finishes, the designer creates spaces that are at once purposeful, beautiful, and lived in.

THE WHITE KITCHEN We have done varying shades of white kitchens for 20 years. I do not believe in kitchen trends. I think you should do what you love. Kitchens are expensive, so have fun with the accents. If you love gray, paint your walls gray. Slip-cover your chairs in a fun color, or do a crazy wallpaper. These are all easy projects that are relatively inexpensive to change in a few years. Cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes are not. 

DESIGN INSPIRATION My inspiration comes from my clients. I have to find out what they are expecting. Maybe their kitchen is rarely used but they still want it to be beautiful. Or perhaps the kitchen is the main gathering space where everything happens. I also get a tremendous amount of inspiration from traveling. I go to New York and New Orleans several times a year and visit as many museums, restaurants, and old hotels as possible. 

DESIGN APPROACH Some kitchens are easy to design while others take time. Until I can see it in my mind, it does not get put on paper.  I had a boss years ago that taught me to design a kitchen on a calculator. It doesn’t sound very romantic, but it works. A kitchen has many rules and must fit into the space. I still hand-draw everything to help develop the details.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE When I began designing kitchens years ago, I worked with factory cabinets. Although this is a great way to learn the basics of kitchen design, it limits your creativity because you are just working with a lot of boxes. I was so excited when I first worked with custom cabinetry. If I could draw it, they could build it. It is still exciting to visit a job site and see everything that has been planned in my head and on paper coming to fruition. Details come from many aspects, including the homeowner’s style, the architecture of the home, the neighborhood, and even the style of clothing the homeowner wears. After just one or two meetings with clients, I usually know what they want. (I have been doing this a long time!)

FOCAL POINT Hoods can be an incredible focal point. A wall of cabinets with glass doors helps you see the personality of the china, crystal, and silver. Always leave a space for art. Nothing is worse than just lining the walls with a bunch of cabinets.

SPLURGE? SAVE? Splurge on your cabinets, countertops, and appliances. These things are all rather permanent, and you should get the very best you can afford. Save money on things that are easier to replace over the years.

THE CLASSICS I love leaded glass, marble countertops and backsplashes, mullion doors,  unlacquered brass, and European pewter hardware. Wainscot panels and clean, simple English door designs are things I like to incorporate.

Cantley & Company • 2821 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham. 205-324-2400 Facebook

Heather Chadduck Hillegas & David Hillegas

She’s the designer, he’s the photographer. Together this husband and wife design duo combs the globe seeking inspiration for inspired photography and relaxed interiors.  

ON COLLABORATING David’s work is a collection of our travels together and it was amazing to see his work in large format. My fabric line has been in the works for a few years, and the timing was right to see it carefully sewn in to decorative furnishings for the home.

HOW MANY LINES/ COLORWAYS DO YOU HAVE? There are two designs, each in five colorways, all hand-printed on 100% linen in the USA. I decided to take an authentic and domestic approach to ensure that quality would be the priority.  

INSPIRATION I’ve been drawing botanical images for years. I studied screen printing in art school and fine art at the Sorbonne in Paris with emphasis on painting.

HOW ABOUT THOSE GREAT BEDS? I ordered these custom twin beds as a way to display the fabrics. Everyone seemed to love them! I have sold 10 of them since the show.

ARTIST TO WATCH William McLure is a creative genius. He hand painted the walls in our space. William works as an interior designer for architect Bill Ingram in Birmingham, Alabama.

GO-TO SOURCES For fabrics and wallpapers, I love Quadrille. It’s timeless and cheerful. I never tire of it. I love anything grasscloth, woven, or natural. For bedding, I prefer Matteo and Peacock Alley. For rugs, I opt for Starck carpets. For paint, I choose Farrow & Ball paints. 

ACCESSORIES As a photo stylist for Southern Living, I love to finish out a project with accessories. I think that the last 10% percent of layering a room is the most important piece of design. Collections are an authentic way to accessorize. 

PERSONAL FAVORITE Our dining room table! My father bought it for us at an auction in Virginia. He completely restored it himself, with layers and layers of varnish, loaded it up and drove it here from Virginia in a Uhaul. It was a perfect wedding gift and a total labor of love.

THE CLASSICS I like to think of my projects as timeless. Great art and photography are the next wave of finishing touches. Antiques and color are making a comeback. Classic English sofas and chairs, vintage rattan, and sisal rugs are here to stay.

ARTIST YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON My husband! David Hillegas. He shows at Ware & Co. in Mountain Brook Village and Shaun Smith Home in New Orleans. Anna Wunderlich represents David in Memphis, Tennessee.

Heather Chadduck Hillegas • [email protected],  214-215-4260. Instagram

David Hillegas • [email protected],  214-215-4260. Instagram

Daniel McCurry,  Father Nature Landscapes

Believing that great landscapes begin with a great design, Daniel McCurry seeks to enhance the environment through respect of architecture, native plants, and the organic flow from home to garden.

GARDEN STYLE Most of our clients fall more on the traditional side of design. At the same time, no one really wants a classically-designed formal landscape. They want to be taken to a different place that makes them feel a certain way—like the French countryside. I select native plants to add a more organic feel. These things, in combination with a little bit of my own flair, seem to equal a fresher, modern look.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS 1. Architecture. The outdoor space should be an extension of the house, like another room, so that the flow from inside to outside is natural and smooth. 2. Existing features. Whether dealing with natural topography, beautiful existing plants, drainage patterns, structures, etc., it is crucial to know about all of these things before you begin a design. 3. Orientation and exposure. This pretty much boils down to the direction the house faces, which affects any features we design, such as fireplaces. Knowing this will help us figure out the sunny spots and shady spots so that we can make better plant selections.

GARDEN ACCESSORIES Sometimes garden accessories can be the very thing that pulls it all together. They can also be strategic in terms of transition from space to space or creating a sense of invitation or mystery.

FAVORITE COLOR/PLANT COMBOS? The combination of boxwoods and white hydrangeas is pretty classic, but I love adding ornamental grasses to the mix for intense contrast. I also love mixing different shades of greens such as Autumn Fern, Hellebore, and Hosta or Mondo.

SPLURGE? SAVE? If you fall in love with something, splurge on it,  especially, if it is an accessory or feature. You will love it so much that in time you probably won’t care about the cost. An easy way to save is on plant size and quantity. Lots of folks initially want a garden to look full grown when installed—and then they get the project estimate. We take care to pick healthy plants and keep them healthy. All you need to do is be patient. After a couple of growing seasons, you won’t even remember what they looked like! Never cut corners on hardscapes, drainage, irrigation or soil preparation; you will forever regret it.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN HOME? Comfortable, low key, beach dwelling-ish. It’s a place to lay our heads. My wife and I travel a good bit.

ARTIST YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON? Marguerite Andrews used to work for Father Nature years ago. Her garden illustrations were impeccable and from time to time I try to convince her to do a design or two for us. Now, she is transitioning into an artist, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with.

Father Nature Landscapes • Birmingham, Alabama. 205-956-3030 Instagram // Facebook

Shaun Smith Home

New Orleans shopowner and interior designer Shaun Smith joined Birmingham tastemakers to display his talent for mixing vintage, modern, and antique pieces paired with clean upholstered furnishings.

LOVES Fabric: My all-time favorite drapery fabric is Lily Pulitzer’s Rip Roaring White (leejofa.com). It’s a silk linen blend that’s elegant yet effortless. Seating: I really love the Lee Industries Moyen Lounger (leeindustries.com). It’s the perfect combination of feminine and masculine lines wrapped up in a comfy chair. Lamps: Christopher Spitzmiller lighting. Once you see it in person, nothing else will ever compare.

PAINT TIPS I am a big fan of the Fine Paints of Europe lacquer paint (finepaintsofeurope.com). I just painted a client’s sitting room in Benjamin Moore’s Dove White in this laquer paint. It is stunning. Benjamin Moore’s Blue Note is the perfect blue for an office or boy’s room. Go bold when it comes to a powder room.

SPLURGE I tell all of my younger clients to splurge on one good antique every year. Look for classic pieces such as a Louis-style chest or a beautiful Trumeau mirror. In a few years, your house will be filled with timeless pieces that tell a story. 

TRENDS A trend that has become less trendy and is here to stay is wallpaper. The wallpaper industry has changed so much because of the technology available now. I always suggest starting small with a bathroom or hallway if you are iffy about it. However, once you do it you will get the bug and want to put it everywhere! I am wallpapering two guest bedrooms in my own home with classic twigs patterns. 

ARTIST TO WATCH Mallory Page in New Orleans. The colors and movement in her pieces are breathtaking. 

COLLECTIONS I really enjoy collecting unique antique boxes. I also think they make the perfect gift. I love that people have been tucking away personal letters, collections,  etc., in these boxes throughout time and now they are living in my home. 

Shaun Smith Home • 3947 Magazine St.,  New Orleans. 504-896-1020 Instagram // Facebook

Amanda Morrissette (left) and Sara Claire Ballard

Gallery 1930 

Curating a collection of contemporary and traditional art by established and emerging artists, Gallery 1930 in English Village and its sister gallery, SCENE, in Pepper Place, is a place for first-time buyers and collectors alike.

SELECTING ARTISTS We always have an eye out for artists whose works feel fresh and current yet timeless. Whether figurative or abstract, the work needs to express the individuality of the artist.

WHAT BUYERS WANT Art buyers in Birmingham seem to want a blend of classic and modern styles.

YOUR SERVICES We love helping our buyers select art. There is never a charge for a consultation, and we encourage customers to take pieces home on approval. Everyone needs to see how the art works in their own space before purchasing it.

ON MATCHING ART You should never try to match art to other pieces or to your furniture. Your art should simply reflect your personal style. If you’re eclectic, then let your space reflect that. If you are strictly traditional or modern, then the same thing goes. Art gives your home or business life and personality.

APPROACH TO FRAMING Framing depends on the piece of art and the space. At the same time, changing a frame on a painting that feels dated or tired can totally transform the work. A frame can make you love a painting, but it can also have the opposite effect. 

UPCOMING SHOWS Gallery 1930 is currently featuring the dramatic photography of Arden Ward Upton. SCENE has a beautiful installation right now with a number of new pieces by an assortment of artists. We also have monthly group shows that are held at both galleries. Our shows always feature amazing art that draws a fabulous crowd. You can sign up for our gallery emails to receive updates. Upcoming shows include Maralyn Wilson, Meredith Keith, Arthur Price, visiting local artist Thomas Andrew, and acclaimed Cuban artist Harold López Muñoz.

Gallery 1930 • 1930 Cahaba Road, English Village. 205-870-1930 Instagram // Facebook

SCENE • 2801 2nd Avenue South, Pepper Place. 205-703-8811

Photography by Art Meripol

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Fixtures & Finishes

By
Christiana Roussel
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Q. You have been with Kenny & Co. for years; it has always been such a respected name in town for being a real niche in plumbing, tile, and lighting fixtures. Why the name change?

A. Kenny & Co. was a division of Kenny Pipe & Supply out of Nashville. The owner, Bill Kenny, decided to pursue some other opportunities and very graciously offered to sell me this location. The new name, Fixtures & Finishes, states what we do but doesn’t limit us. The fixture part is pretty obvious, but the finishes part refers to anything that might be on an architectural schedule of finishes—tile, hardware, cabinet accessories, lighting.  

Q. Where do the latest trends come from? 

A. Like fashion, plumbing and tile trends are so design-driven, but the annual Kitchen & Bath Show (KBIS) doesn’t always do our industry justice in what we have to offer. Some of the lines that we support aren’t always shown there, such as Waterworks or THG or some of the more specialty items that we use.

Q. Who shops with you? 

A. The designer/builder/architecture/plumbing sectors are so important. But the client is more educated today and cares more—they see that a TOTO Neorest toilet or a special tile or a beautiful faucet is an asset to their home’s value. 

Q. What are some of the trends and changes you have seen over time? 

A. Before the market crashed, there was not a sense of commitment to design. Now, people are coming in and saying, “This is my home. I want to stay here and enjoy what I have. But if I choose to sell, the next owner will enjoy this (faucet) as much as I have.” Boutique showrooms like ours help clients find the beauty in the design of the products.

Q. What are some favorite products you have in your own home? 

A. We splurged on the TOTO Washlet seat (similar to a bidet). The Washlet seat requires an electrical outlet just next to the toilet, so when customers are remodeling, we encourage them to add that outlet then—even if they wait on the purchase. We also have the TOTO SanaGloss finish, which is amazing. It means toilets and sinks stay super-clean. 

In our master bathroom, we installed a rainhead shower (in addition to the regular Speakman head). I use it when I want to really relax in the shower or to warm up before jumping into bed. It offers a totally different experience.

In our laundry room, we installed 6- x 12-inch Asian Statuary marble tile on the floor. We don’t worry about what will happen if we spill something or drop something on it; we just enjoy it for the beauty of it.

Q. What is one design trend that you hope never returns?

A. Colored-plumbing! I’m glad pink toilets and pink tile in a bathroom and avocado-green kitchen sinks have gone by the wayside. I also hope we don’t go back to cookie-cutter choices. I always want people to consider their choices from a design perspective, choosing fixtures that bring them joy—that’s an investment they can live with.

Trend Watch

• CHOOSE PIECES THAT LAST People are planning on aging-in-place and are making choices they can be comfortable with as they get older. For instance, choose classic white toilets (comfort height: 16.5”).

• MAXIMIZE SPACE If there isn’t room for a tub, I really encourage customers to make their shower larger and to add additional shower heads or steam units.

• SPLURGE Heated floors are not that expensive and are just a wonderful luxury that makes your life better six months out of the year.

• ARTISTIC TUBS We are seeing a rise in requests for more air jets as well as free-standing or custom hand-painted tubs. Waterworks makes a free-standing tub called the Candide with a burnished nickel exterior that is so pretty.

• FINISHES Silver tones—nickel and chrome—are always in fashion. Nickel is a little dressier so you see it more in kitchens, powder rooms, and master suites. Chrome is timeless and great for all over, but particularly in children’s baths. Uncoated brass has staying power too. People are using it as an accent in a specific room in the house, like just in the kitchen or powder room. Rustic finishes remain popular. Waterworks has a carbon finish that is oiled-rubbed but with more black. It has a great industrial look. 

• TILE Subway tile has staying power, but look for new treatments, sizes, and patterns. We also do custom mosaics for clients that are really pretty. For instance, choose a traditional black-and-white tile and add in a gold accent piece or signature motif such as a honeybee. We do a lot of exposed (bathroom) consoles with brass, glass, metal, or acrylic legs. The console wall is a fun place to tile and add pattern.

• BAR SINKS AND KITCHENS Mix metals. The all-stainless look is still nice, but we see designers pairing traditional apron sinks with sleek uncoated brass faucets for a very different look. 

Fixtures & Finishes • 2500 Second Avenue South,  205-323-6616
 

Interview by Christiana Roussel • Photos by Art Meripol

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Sunny Delight

By
Cara Clark
-

The casual passersby of Martha and Robert Haley’s Crestline home see a traditional white exterior that perfectly fits in with its charming neighborhood. Inside, however, a vivid mix of colors spills into every room portraying vivacious personalities and a lifestyle that embraces family and friends with an open-door policy. 

Cathy Austin of Catherine M. Austin Interior Design in Charlotte, N.C., knew the Haley family well enough to convey their sense of style with panache. “Martha and her husband are bursting with personality and charisma, ” Cathy says. “They’re lovely people at the center of activity with family or friends.” The designer’s insight into Martha’s tastes began with a surprisingly simple question. “The first time we worked together in Charlotte, Cathy asked me, ‘What is your favorite thing to wear?’ I said an orange shirt, and everything revolved around that, ” Martha says.

ABOVE Children’s bedrooms are always a fun place to infuse color. In this already brilliant house, the designer layered on more hues in patterned fabrics, lamps, and walls. Here, as in the master bedroom, white accents such as the duvet and end tables offer a quiet spot among the kaleidoscope of color.

 

Using Martha’s color preference as inspiration, Cathy commissioned artwork from North Carolina artist Windy O’Connor to express the exuberant spirit they wanted to exemplify in the home. “The overscale diptych sets the tone for the house and commands a presence in the two-story entrance hall, ” she says.

Beneath the paintings, ultra-modern curved chests are accented with lamps in an eye-catching blood orange hue—the sort of serendipitous splash of color saturating the rest of the house. 

The dining room off the entry hall reasserts the color pops, adding an underlying silver-gray pattern in the chinoiserie drapery that teams perfectly with an 18th-century Italian sideboard and a pair of architectural sconces. Silver gray walls (Pratt and Lambert Silver Mink in high gloss) create the perfect foil for vivid tangerine-hue chairs surrounding the round wood table. Playing to contrast, Cathy chose chairs with a white finish to stand out against the dark wood table.

Martha’s desire for vibrant colors in the kitchen and keeping room led to kiwi green bar stools and bold accents. “Every window in the house looks out onto something green, so we made sure to incorporate green touches throughout the interior, ” Cathy notes. Roman shades in a subtle burnt orange pattern bring additional color into play in a kitchen dominated by a central limestone island. 

The adjacent spaces of the media room and keeping room create a hub for entertaining. “This is the house that everyone wants to go to—kids, athletic teams, friends, ” Cathy says. Furnishings center on an oversized wood coffee table accented with a Greek key pattern and burlap-look linen fabric. “It anchors the space where they do most of their living.” Off-white sofas and russet velvet club chairs enhance a cozy atmosphere. Above the sofa, a sunburst mirror underscores the cheery interior.

Throughout, the design tends toward contemporary but reflects Martha’s preference for a mix of traditional and modern and Cathy’s proficiency in repurposing furnishings. “I loved that she could take some pieces from our Charlotte home and make them work here, ” Martha says. “Cathy is so practical and has such an amazing eye. She has kids herself and knows my family so well. She knew what we could do and what wouldn’t work. I love the open, comfy feel of this home. It’s perfect for our family.”

ABOVE The art in the entry hall sets the tone for the entire home. The designer comissioned the pieces and cued the bright oranges and greens in rooms throughout the house. A vibrant rug brings the color underfoot.
 

ABOVE Furnishings center on an oversized wood coffee table accented with a Greek key pattern and burlap-look linen fabric. Off-white sofas and russet velvet club chairs enhance a cozy atmosphere. Above the sofa, a sunburst mirror underscores the cheery interior.
 

ABOVE “I always like to mix a combination of old and new, high and low, and glossy with rough finishes, ” Cathy says. In the kitchen, sleek leather barstools and stainless appliances contrast the rough-cut beam above the range.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT  “Mixing modern pieces with antiques is a must for creating a layered, lived-in-look, ” Cathy says. Here, a new dining table and chairs reside comfortably beside an 18th-century console from Circa Interiors and Antiques.
 

ABOVE The master bedroom employs strong pattern and color in custom pieces such as the upholstered headboard and draperies. A white duvet trimmed in orange embroidery is a cool clean contrast to the rich hues.
 

RESOURCES
Interior design: Catherine M Austin Interiors • Charlotte, N.C.,  704.517.8622 
[email protected]. Foyer: art: Windy O’Connor; Hidell Brooks Gallery • Charlotte, N.C.,  704.334.7302  hidellbrooks.com; Chests: Studio A Vestavia Hills,  205.969.8998; Lamps: Bungalow 5 • 201.405.1800 bungalow5.com; Keeping room: starburst mirror and lamps: Darnell and Company 704.376.6497 darnellandcompany.com; Sofa and club chairs: Lee Industries leeindustries.com; Coffee table: custom by Catherine M. Austin Interior Design; Pillows: Cowtan and Tout • 212.647.6900 cowtan.com; Dining room: console: Circa Interiors & Antiques • 2831 Culver Rd. 205.868.9199; drapery fabric: Mary McDonald for Schumacher 800.523.1200 • [email protected]; chairs: Hickory Chair Furniture Co. • 800.225.0265 [email protected]; chandelier: Visual Comfort visualcomfort.com; Kitchen: bar stools: Lee Industries leeindustries.com; Roman shade fabric: Lee Jofa 800.453.3563 leejofa.com; pendant lights: Visual Comfort visualcomfort.com; Master bedroom: headboard design: Catherine M. Austin Interior Design; fabric for bedskirt and headboard: Raoul Textiles raoultextiles.com; window treatment: Norbar Fabrics • 561.997.0800 norbarfabrics.com; Faux Bois gilded lamps: Made Goods • 626.333.1177 [email protected] 

Text by cara D. Clark • Photography by Emily Followill

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A Brush with Color

By
Alice Welsh Doyle
-

Remember when elegant rooms were full of reds and golds, and ornate antiques ruled? And it looked so great…10 plus years ago, that is. Tastes change, and now that style feels a little too heavy and dark for most of us. We long for a lighter attitude and more generous and comfortable furnishings.

When interior decorator Dana Wolter faced that dated style and palette in Suzie and Jim Link’s Tuscaloosa home, she gave heavy the “heave ho” with paler shades and brushes of color while still incorporating some of her clients’ choice antiques throughout.

ABOVE “The goal was to lighten up the space from the ornate, heavy furniture they had. I wanted to make it beautiful with a little edge, but still practical and durable, ” says Dana. Instead of replacing the cabinets on either side of the fireplace, she added a panel to one side and mounted a flat screen TV on the front.

 

“We wanted to give the house a fresher and more simplified look that is elegant and inviting to family and guests, ” says Dana. Whites and grays replaced the tired palette, but more subtle color is still evident in the art, accessories, and fabrics. “Making a drastic change was really scary for me because I wanted to use several of the antiques and other pieces I already had, ” says Suzie. “I was fearful that the more modern look I desired would not work well with my existing furniture. Dana was able to use many of my pieces in different ways, and I really appreciated that.” 

Dana also reworked the rooms so that the largest one is where the family of seven and friends now gather. “I noticed that no one used this gorgeous room filled with natural light and an incredible view because it was full of furniture that was simply not comfortable, ” says Dana. “Instead, they were all crowding in a small room off the kitchen to watch TV and hang out.” She filled the room with comfortable upholstery, huge ottomans, and lots of occasional tables pulled together by a seagrass rug and topped with an Oushak that Suzie already owned. “We pulled colors for the room from that rug, so you see shades of blue, soft grays, greens, and even some yellows, ” says Dana. “We feel as though we’ve added on to the house now that we have so much more usable space, ” says Suzie. “Dana took a room we never used and made it a room we never want to leave.”

Dana’s deft hand extended to the master bedroom as well where gold had reigned supreme. “I wanted to create a serene space with just a touch of glamour. The bedroom used to appear darker due to the heavier style furniture, ” says Dana. “We lightened the space through fabrics, furniture, and bedding to make it feel more cozy and intimate.” 

  

ABOVE LEFT The new dining room table, upholstered in faux leather and topped with glass, adds a glamorous note. The existing buffet and wooden chairs were refinished to soften strong orange tones in the original finish. The ceiling is painted gray to add dimension.

ABOVE RIGHT Skirted parsons chairs soften the dining space and were added in the redesign. Framed agate prints from Table Matters carry blue touches into the space. “I try to incorporate a mirror in every room whenever possible. Just be sure it reflects something worth seeing, ” advises Dana.
 

ABOVE The kitchen’s update is purely cosmetic. Dana simply resurfaced and repainted, adding furniture and accessories in complementary hues.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT “When you choose a color scheme for a room, keep your colors cohesive throughout the home (with the exception of children’s rooms), so each room flows from one to the next, ” Dana says. “What may be a dominant color in one room can be used as an accent in another.” In this bedroom, a Greek key trim adds an extra pretty detail to this window wall. Club chairs in gray velvet enhance the quiet but luxurious atmosphere.

ABOVE RIGHT “The old bedroom was a tired shade of gold with many dark wood furniture pieces. The new master is exactly what I wanted. It’s light and white, comfortable, and beautiful, ” says Suzie. “I wanted a bedroom that made me happy when I walked in, and this one does.”
 

RESOURCES 
Interior design: Dana Wolter • 205.907.7758 danawolterinteriors.com Master bedroom: mirrors: Richard Tubb Interiors in Pepper Place • 205.324.7613; chairs: Lee Industries; floor lamp: Visual Comfort visualcomfort.com Dining room: custom table, framed agate prints: Table Matters, Mountain Brook • 205.879.0125 Living/family room: Lee Industries sofa and matching chairs; curtain fabric: Clarence House; citron pillows: Circa Interiors & Antiques Mountain Brook • 205.868.9199; other pillows and curtains: custom made by Dana Wolter Interiors Sitting room: chaise lounges: Lee Industries; Regina Andrew white table lamp,  floor lamp: Visual Comfort; custom ottoman in fabric from Schumacher; art: Laura Beers laurabeersart.com.

Text by Alice Welsh DoylE • Photography by Graham Yelton

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Great Escape

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

When this Liberty Park couple embarked on a home renovation, they realized the time was right to add square footage as well—especially with three kids in the house. With the help of builder Clark Parker of Embassy Homes, Burgin and Chris Vernon designed an elegant master retreat that seamlessly blends with the original house yet offers an escape from the hectic pace of daily life. “This is my escape from the world, ” Burgin says.

A coffered ceiling allows for oversized windows and sweeping views of the neighborhood lake. A Restoration Hardware headboard resembling salvaged doors creates a focal point in the bedroom. In lieu of table lamps, a pair of shades flank the headboard. The adjoining bath offers luxurious touches, including dual vanities, a dressing table, fireplace, and wall-mounted television over the soaking tub. Designer tile treatments on floor and walls add a customized sophistication to the space.

  

WHY WE LOVE IT

 

 

1. Oversized Shower – The Kohler “Vinatge” Soaking Tub is not the only place to relax. The spacious shower offers bench seating, dual Brizo showerheads in Brillance Brushed Nickel from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery, and polished marble tile walls.

2. Fireplace – While a fireplace is often the norm in newer master suites, a fireplace in the bath is pure luxury. This Heat & Glo fireplace warms the room with a click of the remote and adds a mesmerizing glow for relaxation.

3. Custom Tile – Working with Robert F. Henry Tile Co., the Vernons opted for a clean, classic look with lots of custom designs. On the floor, custom-made Talya marble tile mimics a floor runner. A mix of three tiles forms a pretty band of detail around the perimeter of the room.

4. Good Form – Architectural archways are designed to frame the two anchors of the room—the shower and the tub–creating a sense of balance. Similarly, matching his-and-her vanities in a dark finish add symmetry.

5. Stunning View – The suite’s second floor location meant no need for window coverings. A picture window over the soaking tub allows for open views of the neighborhood lake without compromising privacy.

6. New Meets Old – Burgin’s affinity for antique doors is evident in the bedroom and throughout the house. The double door that opens into the master bedroom displays a weather-worn patina with original hardware and textured glass for privacy. The new Restoration Hardware headboard nods to Burgin’s old-door obsession.

  

RESOURCES 
Architect: Chuck Frusterio • 205.533.9993 frusterio.com Builder: Clark Parker of Embassy Homes • 205.981.3363 Interior design: Bee Little of Set To Sell LLC • 205.504.1862 Bath flooring and wall tile: Robert F. Henry Tile Company Inc. • 205.592.8615 henrytile.com Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson ferguson.com Vanities: Restoration Hardware restorationhardware.com Countertops: Arabescato Carrara marble from Triton tritonstone.com Bathroom fireplace: COSMO gas insert from Alabama Fireplace and Construction Specialties • 256.885.3588 afcsfireplaces.com Headboard: Restoration Hardware; Bedroom rug: Issis & Sons issisandsons.com

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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The Valentine's Hook Up

By
Caroline Gidiere
-

>> Follow Caroline Gidiere at STYLEBRIEFS.com

Text by Caroline Gidiere

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4 Easy (and Healthy!) Smoothie Recipes

By
Alison Lewis
-

Kiwi and Kale Smoothie

Kale is low in calories and high in fiber with zero fat. In fact, one cup of kale has only 36 calories yet offers 5 grams of fiber. It’s also filled with so many other nutrients and vitamins, including folate and magnesium. This smoothie recipe packs a flavorful punch that is high in fiber, potassium, manganese, B6, and vitamins A and C.

1 banana, peeled
2 cups fresh cubed pineapple
2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1½ cups fresh kale leaves
1 (6-ounce) container nonfat plain Greek yogurt
½ scoop protein powder (optional)
¼ cup water
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup crushed ice
1 cup frozen mango chunks

In a blender, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Prep: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 172 • Fat 0.5 g • Sodium 43 mg • Potassium 847 mg • Carbohydrates 38 g • Fiber 4 g • Protein 8 g

Strawberry-Avocado Smoothie

Boost your immune system with this healthy (and delicious) breakfast. With plenty of B12, B6, and vitamin C, this smoothie helps protect against colds and the flu. And with 8 grams of protein per serving (without any added protein powder), you’re sure to be fueled with energy for the day ahead. If you want to include a scoop of protein powder, add it right after the yogurt so it gets mixed and blended well.

1 (6-ounce) container light strawberry yogurt
1 cup fresh strawberries
½ ripe banana
½ avocado, pitted and sliced
1 teaspoon liquid honey
Crushed ice

In a blender, combine yogurt, strawberries, banana, avocado, honey, and ice. Process until smooth, and serve immediately.

Prep: 5 minutes 
​Yield: 1 to 2 servings
Calories per serving: 200 • Fat 10 g • Sodium 42 mg  Potassium 581 mg • Carbohydrates 26 g • Fiber 6 g Protein 4 g

Banana-Oat Smoothie

This is my daughter, Leigh’s absolute favorite breakfast smoothie recipe. If you like a sweeter smoothie taste, add 2 teaspoons honey.

¾ cup milk of your choice
1 banana, peeled
1 packet plain, dry oatmeal
1 tablespoon protein powder
1 to 2 teaspoons honey
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Ice

In a blender, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Prep: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Calories per serving: 300 • Fat 2.2 g • Sodium 100 mg Potassium 820 mg • Carbohydrates 42 g • Fiber 7 g  Protein 11 g

Three-Ingredient Coco-Pineapple Smoothie

Full of vitamin C, versatile pineapple is a favorite smoothie ingredient for its health benefits and its refreshing taste. This recipe is high in vitamin C, B6, and fiber yet very low in fat and saturated fat.

¼ to ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
Ice cubes (optional)

In a blender, combine coconut milk, banana, and pineapple. Process until smooth. If a thicker consistency is desired, add ice, one cube at a time, and blend until smooth.

* To save money, purchase a whole fresh pineapple to cut into chunks and freeze. Cutting up a pineapple is easy. Lay it down on a cutting board, and trim about 1 inch off the bottom and top. Stand it upright, and slice off the sides, including the dark spots (often called “eyes”). Lay it down again, and quarter it lengthwise. Cut out the hard core, and cut the pineapple into chunks.

Variation: *Add 1 scoop protein powder for additional protein and thickness. Blend it with the coconut milk before adding the remaining ingredients.

Prep: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Calories per serving: 186 • Fat 0.6 g • Sodium 3 mg • Potassium 602 mg • Carbohydrates 45 g • Fiber 6 g • Protein 2.2 g

Smoothie Tips

• Pour liquids into your smoothie blender first as this will help the blades move easier.
• Choose ripe produce and be sure to wash it thoroughly.
• Use frozen fruit to add to the slushy or creamy consistency of your smoothie.
• Add ice last to create better blending.
• Use frozen bananas to create a colder, thicker smoothie. Slice peeled ripe bananas into pieces, and freeze in individual portions in resealable plastic bags.
• Winter is a good time to make smoothies. Winter greens, citrus, and avocados are great smoothie add-ins.
• Use honey instead of sugar to sweeten smoothie recipes.

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Classic Charm

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

In the 1950s, suburban baths were pretty standard fare—small, functional spaces with pink, blue, or yellow square tiles. Today, there’s plenty of ways to maintain a classic look that won’t carry the stigma of avocado green in 20 years. In this Knollwood bath, designer Megan Houston brought tradition to the forefront, designing an elegant space that will remain relevant no matter what the trend. 

WHY WE LOVE IT

1. Room for Two – Borrowing space from a closet offered room for his-and-her Waterworks Belle Epoque washstands as well as the Kohler Tea for Two airbath tub. Because it is cast iron, the 6-foot tub holds heat longer. That means more time to enjoy the massage from thousands of bubbles.

2. Custom Design – The tub’s curved backsplash  creates an elegant focal point for the bath wall. Nestled just under the window moulding, the pretty Carrara marble also extends to the top tub surround, making a neat ledge for sitting or for holding bath items.

3. Medicine Cabinets – Utilizing wall space adjacent to the sinks, Megan tucked in his-and-her storage cabinets to keep the sink surrounds neat and clean. For daily items, a glass shelf hangs above each sink.

4. Color Palette – Gray is that wonderful in-between color that offers a soothing, relaxing setting. According to color experts, the elegantly timeless color evokes calmness and relaxation—just what anyone wants when they wash a work day away.

5. Shine – Playing to the grays,  Megan used Waterworks fixtures (Highgate) in a nickel finish. Gray veining in the marble further complements the soft palette. Traditonal English fittings with white porcelain accents offer a timeless look well suited to classic style.

RESOURCES
Design: Megan Houston • 205.834.5708 meganhoustondesign.com Contractor: Chris Farren with Benchmark Specialties • 205.965.9645 Architect: Eric Dale • 205.599.6949 All plumbing: Fixtures and Finishes • 2500 Second Avenue South. 205.323.5616 [email protected] Mirrors: Restoration Hardware (Rectangle Pivot mirror) Sconces: Urban Electric (Melissa Sconces) urbanelectricco.com Shades: Circa Interiors and Antiques • 205.868.9199 circainteriors.com Hardware: Brandino Brass • 205.978.8900 brandinobrass.com

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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