Point of View

By
Paige Townley
-

Finding everything desired in a home isn’t always easy. But when Kristin and Bill Ritter came across this five bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom retreat in South Ridge Harbor at The Ridge, a Russell Lands community on Lake Martin, they quickly realized that it checked all of the required boxes. For her: incredible lake views and plenty of space to host the entire family. For him: spacious outdoor living areas that keep the focus on the lake.

ABOVE Bedroom palettes are easy on the eyes, and furnishings throughout the house are casual—just what the lake calls for.

 

The almost 4, 000-square-foot home was designed for relaxed weekends with family and friends. That’s partly because it was built by Newcastle Construction’s Glenn Siddle, who has enjoyed his own lake retreat in the same community for the past 16 years. His unique perspective of being homeowner and homebuilder meant he was well versed in creating an inviting and functional home that also blended well with the natural landscape. Numerous elements were specifically used to unite the new home with its surroundings, from the dark green color of the siding to the stone columns to the cedar woodwork, railings, and porch ceilings. “You don’t want the home to look obviously brand new in a natural setting, ” Glenn says. “My goal was to work it into the site to make it seem as if it had been there for years.”

To maximize the lake views and outdoor living space, Glenn worked with designer David Smelcer—who has been drawing up Glenn’s designs for 15-plus years—to make the footprint wide, rather than deep, which meant more windows looking out at the lake and larger porches. In fact, the two-level home includes two spacious covered porches with an oversized swing, a grilling area, and even a nearby fire pit. “I always want to emphasize outdoor living, and this house is a prime example of that, ” Glenn says. “From the moment you walk in the front door, you are looking right out at the porch and on to the lake.”

Glenn and David incorporated some of the same natural elements inside to make sure the interiors lived up to the standard set by the exterior. They replicated the rough-cut cedar beams and repeated the same rock used on the exterior framing for the living room fireplace. A highlight of the home is the poplar walls and ceilings. Glenn and interior designer Nan Jackson chose not to stain the wood and instead opted for a semi-transparent paint that would show off the wood grain. To complement the wooden walls, they kept the trim color and bedroom walls simple with Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound, a soft white. Keeping the lake setting in mind, Nan turned to Seibels in Homewood for nature-themed interior accents. “Everything is lake-friendly while also having a comfortable elegance, ” Nan says. “The home is gorgeous but doesn’t overpower the incredible view outside.”

ABOVE Before putting pen to paper, Glenn Siddle and David Smelcer paid special attention to the topography of the lot, settling the home in among the trees so that it would be secluded instead of completely exposed to lake traffic. 
 

Why We Love It

OPEN SPACES A lake home has to be able to accommodate numerous—and sometimes unexpected—guests, so residential designer David Smelcer built in specific aspects to make it guest-friendly. He cut down space in less important second-home spots like bathrooms and closets and opted to put more space in the main living areas. A bunk bed downstairs provides an extra sleeping option.

WEEKEND READY When it comes to second homes, it’s important to make more time for fun and less time for work. This plan offers a lake-prep room—an entire space dedicated to storing accessories like inflated tubes and floats, life jackets, and skis. Homeowners can walk in, grab what they need, and go.

THE VIEWS The house was designed to take in lake views from most every room. To make sure nothing obstructed those views, interior designer Nan Jackson kept the seating low. She also incorporated swivel chairs in the main living areas to make lake viewing easier.

OUTDOOR LIVING With two porches, there is front row seating for boat watching, a shaded spot for grilling, comfortable lounges for reading, and an oversized swing for an afternoon nap. Nan also created multiple conversation areas with different types of materials including wicker and teak. “A common misconception is you can’t mix your outdoor furniture, ” she says. “To really make a home feel unique, don’t go with just one grouping.”

AMPLE AMENITIES While it has the feeling of a rustic cabin in the woods, the home is anything but remote. Nestled within the gated community are countless amenities—marinas, pools, trails, a restaurant, a market, and more—most within walking distance.

ABOVE To balance the soft poplar walls in the main living space, Glenn introduced color with the kitchen cabinets. The open layout and large island make entertaining easy.
 

ABOVE “I love color; it’s fun to pop it into a room in different ways, ” says Nan. In a guest bedroom, she went with bold blue bedding and a blue rug to pop against white walls.
 

ABOVE The oversized porch swing was custom-made by Seibels. Nan topped it with washable cushions and pillows in shades of blues and green that hint at the surrounding elements. 
 

“They did a great job of nestling the house into the trees and using the environment to make it feel like it’s a part of nature. The house seems so secluded yet is convenient to everything.” –Homeowner Kristin Ritter
 

Russell Lands

Russell Lands on Lake Martin encompasses approximately 25, 000 acres. This master-planned community includes 14 individual neighborhoods, including The Ridge, Willow Point, Trillium, and Willow Glynn. Each neighborhood boasts an incredible number of amenities. For example, The Ridge neighborhood features the country’s largest lakeside marina, a 10, 000-square-foot clubhouse, two-tier pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. 

Russell Crossroads, conveniently located in the middle of the neighborhoods, serves as the town center and is where the community gathers for events. Russell Lands frequently hosts everything from live music to wine tastings to yoga classes. Here you’ll find Catherine’s Market, the spot to purchase everything from locally-grown produce to gourmet goods. Or, opt for a night out at Russell Crossroads SpringHouse restaurant, which features the menu of executive chef Rob McDaniel, a James Beard Foundation Best Chef South semifinalist.

Resources

Builder: Newcastle Construction, Inc. • 205.326.7406 newcastle-homes.com Residential designer: David Smelcer Design • 205.229.3835 davidsmelcerdesign.com Interiors: Interiors Etc. By Nan • 770.664.5124 [email protected] Furniture and accessories: Seibels • 205.879.3558 Paint: Sherwin-Williams • sherwin-williams.com Countertops: Turkish Carrara Marble Backsplash: Lucente stone/glass mix (Ambrato Linear) • countertops: Ornamental Verona Granite Hardwood floors: Shaw’s Leesburg Cinnamon Wall stain: Pickled Poplar by Sherwin-Williams interior and exterior Light fixtures: Mayer Electric • 205.583.3500 mayerelectric.com

text by Paige Townley • styling by Melanie Grant • photos by Jean Allsopp

- Sponsors -

Living Legacy

By
Cara Clark
-

  

Once an avid painter, gardening devotee Linda Johnson of Mountain Brook channelled all of that creativity with a brush into tilling and planting, creating what her daughter, Catherine Pittman Smith, refers to as a canvas with her flowers. “I guess I’m an artist at heart, ” Linda says. “That spilled over into the yard. When I really got into gardening, I quit painting and stayed outside all the time.”

Linda’s garden is a vivacious tribute to her love of plants from anywhere and everywhere. She has several varieties of hydrangeas—some gifts from friends, some found at retail giants, and some salvaged from the wilderness. “I found a bride’s dream at Lowe’s that was pitiful looking, and it became so beautiful, ” Linda says. “I used to haunt those places looking for plants.” One of her favorites, an Everblooming hydrangea, is known for its seasonal color shifts: “It starts out pale green, then turns to white, then pale pink. Then fall comes and brings lime green and magenta colors.”

ABOVE Linda, part owner of The Nest antique shop, often discovers keepsakes like verdigris iron benches and lamb planters while collecting treasures. As a gardener, she meets many who share her love of plants. When one neighbor moved from his three-acre yard filled with beloved plants, he encouraged Linda and other gardeners to dig up shrubs, plants, and bulbs, safeguarding them for future enjoyment.

  

ABOVE LEFT Pots of herbs, such as chives and thyme (4), are handy for snapping off a bit here and there to season recipes.

ABOVE RIGHT Meyer lemons begin with scented flowers in spring before producing tart fruit in the fall.

A Gardener’s Quest

If you’ve ever driven down a country road and admired perfect oak leaf hydrangeas stalwartly emerging from a stand of brush and trees, or wildflowers determinedly blooming on a patch of sparse grass, you should know that Linda is someone who stops to propagate those blossoms.

“I’m always on the hunt for flowers, ” Linda says. “I particularly love heirloom rose bushes. And I love to find old bulbs.”

Her endless quest takes her on forgotten roads and to abandoned homesites—the sort where only old chimneys and flowers from bygone days remain. Some of her plant-foraging adventures are with her antiques business partner, while others have involved family, including daughter Catherine Pittman Smith, who vividly recalls being part of such adventures as a young child. “She used to drag us along as kids, ” Catherine says. “We were always gardening, antiquing, or digging up plants somewhere on the side of the road.”

  

ABOVE LEFT In Linda’s bungalow garden, reminiscent of a Monet masterpiece, dark blue clematis springs to life, adding a cool hue to the hot summer.

ABOVE RIGHT A drive lined with flagstones borders a colorful bed of native phlox and foxglove.

A Visionary’s Splendor

When the landscape isn’t perfect for planting, great gardeners envision the possibilities—they can even move mountains, which is precisely what Linda decided to do to her own yard, having a hill dug out and flattened. She built a wall and patio, and added a lawn space and steps.

“I also have a vegetable garden out back and find great joy in growing edibles, ” Linda says. “I love arugula, tomatoes, and herbs.”

Just outside her back door, Linda also keeps pots filled with herbs like silver and lemon thyme, dill, chives, and rosemary, all handy for seasoning special dishes with home-grown love.

  

ABOVE LEFT A climbing hydrangea blushes pale pink

ABOVE RIGHT Blue delphiniums,  difficult to grow in this part of Alabama, thrive under Linda’s care.

ABOVE Antique accents like this iron box,  a find at an Atlanta flea market, add a timeless note to the symphony of color.

Blooms for Every Season

WINTER “Camellias, with their waxy deep green leaves, bring bursts of color, ” Linda says. “They’re a wonderful green shrub—very healthy and very hardy, and they love this climate. Pansies in cool colors of whites, blues, and lavenders get you through the winter.” Linda adds that Irish moss in oversized square pots lends a spring-like element to even the bleakest winter day.

SPRING In early spring, phlox peeps out in preparation for a long summer showing, while Lenten roses add gentle color to the garden. Linda also likes wild ginger because it brings with it the scent of the season. And she is partial to native honeysuckle and winter honeysuckle for their strong fragrance.

SUMMER Bee balm comes out early, making a seamless segue to summer with purple blooms to attract tiny visitors. “Hummingbirds love bee balm. It was planted next to my window so I was eye-to-eye with these tiny birds, ” says Linda. Hydrangeas and herbs, Southern staples, are in their heyday during summer. “And when you plant zinnias, you’ll never need to plant them again, ” Linda adds. “They’re happy flowers that continuously reseed.”

Native plants are more of Linda’s favorites, including a keepsake quince plant that has been with four generations of her family, passing from her grandmother to her own children. Whenever Linda moves, the shrub moves with her, just like a treasured antique sideboard. “I’ve always loved quince—it’s not the prettiest bush to some people, but right after Christmas when everything gets gloomy, you can go out and cut it and force the blooms. It brightens everything, ” she says.

Photos by Catherine Pittman Smith

- Sponsors -

Showroom Style: Scandinavian Design Gallery

By
Molly Lipski Powell
-

What is Scandinavian Design & Leather Gallery?
We are a classic contemporary furniture store based on the clean, tailored lines of Scandinavian style. Located in the Riverchase area of Hoover, we service clients throughout the Birmingham area. Scandinavian Design Gallery distinguishes itself from other furniture and design shops by focusing on high quality, unique designs. 

I feel like I’m in an art museum when I enter your showroom. How do you blend such sophistication with clients’ homes and preexisting furniture?
Many of our clients want to change their home to a more tailored style yet have family heirlooms and antiques that they would like to have blended into their new home décor. Our design service offers everything from basic accessorizing to full remodels, so we can accommodate any combination of pieces. We add just the right touches to the interiors to bring out a simple sophistication that highlights all the best features of a room.

How many different lines do you carry, and can a client mix and match products?
We are the exclusive dealer for many Danish, Norwegian, American, and Italian furniture makers. Some of the world’s top furniture designers are featured in our showroom, including American Leather, Natuzzi, Calligaris, and Palliser. We offer a combination of modern, transitional, mid-century, and urban contemporary lines that can all work together to create one-of-a-kind interiors.

What are some of the major trends going into 2017?
Mid-century modern remains on trend in a large way. Waves and pops of color are replacing a predictable neutral palette, and even neutrals are showing increasingly more flair. Channeling a more durable and decidedly futuristic inspiration, lacquer surfaces as well as molded plastic and acrylic are making their way to the forefront of home design—and we’ve got the selections to stay current with these trends.

Scandinavian Design // 3075 John Hawkins Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35224 // 205.985.4507
 

Interview by Molly C. Lipski // Photography by art meripol

- Sponsors -

Inside Out

By
Paige Townley
-

Sometimes the best homes offer almost as much meaningful living space outside as they do inside. That’s the idea behind many of the Alys Beach homes designed by Birmingham architect Gary Justiss, who frequently incorporates cozy courtyards into his sought-after 30A styles. Anne and Henry Strickland were wanting this type of outdoor space, so they enlisted Gary to design their new home in the Highland Crescent neighborhood of Birmingham. “Gary perfectly harmonized indoor and outdoor living, ” Anne says. “The outdoor courtyards practically beckon you to come relax.”

Make planning a priority. 

Well-designed outdoor space doesn’t happen by chance. “It’s important to think of outdoor space as a room and how that area is going to function, ” Gary explains. “That may change the actual shape of your house.” Here, the Stricklands were working with a fairly small lot, so instead of designing a typical rectangular house to sit in the center of the property, Gary made the house a “U” shape and pushed it closer to the edges, opening up some meaningful space for front and back courtyards.

Think like a room.

To validate the outdoor space as a living area, it must be given dimension that makes it feel like a room. “You must think in terms of a room rather than a yard, just one that happens to not have a ceiling, ” Gary says. Here, Anne created a sense of enclosure and definition by utilizing furniture groupings (like sofas, chairs, and coffee tables) that establish typical traffic patterns for a room.

Consider the materials.

The vast amount of outdoor space is meant for enjoying, not maintaining. To make upkeep hassle-free, the Stricklands went with an easy-to-use large concrete paver by FireRock in the front courtyard, which also makes the space feel more spacious. For the back courtyard, crushed oyster gravel was shipped in from the Gulf of Mexico. The gravel selection created continuity in the overall space by keeping it all one texture.

Design for privacy.

Gary used the “U” shape design to create much of the home’s private exterior space. In the back, he also used a retaining wall to his advantage for extra privacy. The challenge, however, was keeping the front courtyard from being too enclosed and disconnected from the street. To create the best of both worlds, he called for wrought iron railing that allowed for some sense of privacy without being totally enclosed.

Add natural appeal.

With space being tight, Dwight Brown of Father Nature Landscapes brought in plantings that would complement the home’s architecture and grow up rather than out. To soften the back retaining wall, he planted Boston ivy and creeping fig, which offer interesting textures and will eventually cover the wall. He also squared off the backyard with fastigiated hornbeam trees, which stay very contained. With little space between the front of the house and the street, Dwight went with a plant palette that was very durable to sun exposure, including Italian cypress and fastigiated hornbeam trees, green velvet boxwood, and adagio maiden grass.

  

Bring the inside out.

To blur the lines between inside and out, Anne incorporated “typical” indoor furniture arrangements into both courtyards. Wanting a contemporary, modern design and materials that were comfortable yet durable, she turned to favorites like Summer Classics and Frontgate for most of the sofas, tables, and chairs. For her outdoor covered dining area in the front courtyard—the home’s only “dining room”—she repurposed her existing glass-top dining table and simply added weather-resistant iron chairs.

Let the light in.

Gary was sure to incorporate numerous windows in the front of the home to take advantage of the view of Caldwell Park. He also included some in unexpected spaces like the staircase. “I like to bring in as much light as possible, ” he says. “To me, that gives a home character.” The staircase’s unexpected high, large window creates a nice view of the hillside behind the home and also brightens an area that tends to be dark and dismal.

RESOURCES
Architect: Gary Justiss Architect garyjustiss.com Landscaper: Father Nature Landscapes 205.956.3030 fathernaturelandscapes.com Paint colors: exterior brick paint: Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint “Glacier White” benjaminmoore.com; Exterior arched doors: Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint “Downpour Blue”; Exterior French doors and trim: Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint “Black Tar” Concrete pavers: FireRock firerock.us Front courtyard: iron sofas, dining chairs, and sofa cushions: Frontgate frontgate.com; coffee table: Summer Classics summerclassics.com Chandeliers: Pottery Barn potterybarn.com Back courtyard: concrete coffee table: Richard Tubbs Interiors richardtubbsinteriors.com pillows: Pottery Barn chairs: Restoration Hardware restorationhardware.com

Photography by Jean Allsopp

- Sponsors -

10 Amazing Garden Spaces

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

ABOVE By taking design cues from existing structures and the land itself, Peter Falkner creatively integrates a saltwater pool, outdoor room, and fireplace into a backyard garden footprint. Featured in “Terraced Delights, ” May/June 2016. 
 

  

ABOVE A wooden gate, designed by Brent Donaldson, adds character to the winding paths that connect numerous outdoor gardens and gathering spots. The dreamy pool and fountain set the standard for the rest of the outdoor space. Featured in “Garden Party, ” May/June 2015.
 

ABOVE Club Place, a gated neighborhood in Mountain Brook, is surrounded by weathered brick walls. While the walls create wonderful parameters for the garden, landscape designer Kelly Hulsey implemented several methods including vertical plantings and climbing vines to make them a seamless part of the garden. Featured in “Beyond the Gate, ” September/October 2016. 
 

  

ABOVE A playhouse and cottage garden atop Red Mountain revels in fairytale notions. Featured in “Garden of Small Delights, ” March/April 2016. 
 

ABOVE With the help of Chad Bryant Architecture, Brenda and Howard Chapman were able to blend the design of their home into their garden. Featured in “Nature by Design, ” July/August 2016. 
 

  

ABOVE Using precise design elements and carefully selected plantings, landscape architect David Brush creates a serene garden portrait framed by an extraordinary view. Featured in “Landscape Artistry in Tuscaloosa, ” September/October 2013. 
 

ABOVE Landscape designer Rob Garrard designed a chic, yet relaxing fire pit in this Mountain Brook garden. Featured in “House & Garden, ” January/February 2016. 
 

  

ABOVE Through a savvy use of space, Cynthia Massey's small backyard was transformed into a tranquil outdoor retreat. The Massey Garden received the 2013 Alabama State Merit Award from The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Featured in “Small-Scale and Saavy, ” May/June 2014. 
 

ABOVE Blending a combination of contemporary and traditional styles, architect Tom Adams and landscaper Pratt Brown create a perfect recipe for seasonal entertaining. Featured in “Piquantly Poolside, ” July/August 2013. 
 

  

ABOVE Nestled into Lace Bark Elms and boxwoods, the pool’s open-air pavilion, designed by architect James Carter, reflects the formal style of the Georgian home’s exterior with its clean lines and very few features so as not to detract from the elegant appeal of the overall project. The inviting deep blue of the rectangular pool was achieved by using a darker shade of plaster. The Luce garden won a ‘Merit Award’ for design from the Alabama Chapter of the ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) in 2013. Featured in “Grand Scheme, ” March/April 2014. 
 

Photography by Jean Allsopp

- Sponsors -

Bring on the Drama

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

One glance into this new master bathroom and you can’t help but notice the floor. “It’s rather dramatic, ” says designer Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors of the chevron-patterned tile. “It was our starting point for the whole space.”

Laurie’s goal was to create a relaxing and calm retreat with classic style and a little edge. “The homeowners lead hectic lives with work and small children, ” says Laurie. “They needed a place to escape.” The galley-shaped bath and it’s linear layout offered a stretch of space to situate convenient his-and-her vanities on either side of a soaking tub—just right for daily life and taking a break. 

  

Why we Love it

1. DRAMATIC FLOOR Laurie wanted to bring something unexpected into the mostly traditional space. She decided to start with the chevron tile floor and then build the room around it. The strié of the dark and light colors create a unique pattern underfoot and perfectly complement  the rest of the room’s clean lines. 

2. “TELEPHONE” SHOWERHEAD The polished nickel shower fixture not only looks beautiful, it also offers the benefits of a shower without the need for a glass enclosure or curtain. The couple also uses it to bathe their young children.

3. UNIQUE LOCATION The homeowners wanted the master suite to be located on the second floor, a unique request in today’s home market. “The parents wanted to be near their small children for convenience, ” says Laurie. They did include a downstairs guest suite as well in order to easily accommodate aging parents.

RESOURCES
Designer: Laurie Fulkerson/Twin Interiors • 205.802.3920 twincompanies.com Architect: Joe Ellis/Dwelling Architecture • 205.790.1389 dwellingarchitecture.com Builder: Twin Construction • 205.802.3920 twincompanies.com Cabinets: Twin countertops: Mystery White Marble from Surface One • 205.621.1125 surface1.com Sinks & fixtures: Brizo Virage from Ferguson • 205.254.3454 ferguson.com Master tub: Vintage Tub & Bath • 877.868.1369 vintagetub.com Shower tile: gloss tile from Triton Stone Group • 205.592.0202 tritonstone.com Floors: Venatto Marble laid in herringbone from Triton Stone Group Hardware: Brandino Brass • 205.978.8900 brandinobrass.com Lighting: Visual Comfort • 713.686.5999 visualcomfort.com Paint color: White Dove by Benjamin Moore benjaminmoore.com 

Photography by Jean Allsopp / Styling by Melanie Grant

- Sponsors -

Living Large

By
Cara Clark
-
Photos by Jean Allsopp

When Dawn and Brett Turnbull bought their Mountain Brook home, remodeling was definitely on the agenda, but first they wanted to try it on for size and determine how they would live in it. As they settled in, Dawn sifted through magazines, pulling out pictures of what she liked best. The common denominator was green, a favorite color of hers and the basis for many choices made by interior designer Melanie Pounds when the renovation began after more than a year.

“I thought about the function inside the house, and Melanie is really great at using every inch of space, ” Dawn says. “I knew we weren’t trying do a grand job. That’s really not our style. And we didn’t know we would end up having four kids here.”

Designing for an unknown future, Melanie, owner of Patina in Mountain Brook Village, created versatile spaces for a young family that frequently entertains, keeping in mind that the family might grow. “This house lives big, even though it’s rather small, ” Dawn says. “It’s not closed in, and we have a lot of entryways. When we were planning, we wanted to think about how the kids could get in and out, and I needed to be able to see them from inside the house. It’s neighborhood living, and that’s really what we wanted.”

The first step was creating a flagstone courtyard in the front, easily visible through the entry’s French doors, as well as from the den and kitchen windows. The kitchen underwent a complete transformation to open up the space and make room for family and friends. A stained wooden island with a hammered-finish zinc countertop adds an Old-World ambiance with understated iron barstools to give the kids an easy-access breakfast or homework area. Stitched leather knobs add texture and interest on the cabinets beneath the cooktop and counter. Eschewing the traditional stove hood, Melanie added a soffit across the top as a better fit in the 8-foot ceiling space. “The kitchen needed to be warm and humble instead of stately and proud, ” Melanie explains. “The house has an overall cottage feel in the design on the inside, and we wanted to be honest to that.”

What was once a sunroom became the formal dining room where, instead of using a rug, Melanie stenciled the original oak floor with octagonal accents to accompany a custom-made table of bluestone with iron legs. The rough-hewn piece draws out the green hues so prevalent throughout the home. Above the table, an antique chandelier with faceted crystal pendants adds an elegant aura to the space, while linen-covered benches are designed to slide beneath the table when not in use, creating more space. “Just because the space is small doesn’t mean it can’t be higher in style, ” Melanie says.

In the living room, a slip-covered sofa and comfy Verellen linen club chairs offer plenty of lounging space for the family. A soft cowhide atop the sisal rug adds a bit of sophistication. The neutral-themed room allows Dawn’s love of green to show through in the pillows ranging from olive to kelly as well as in the botanical prints above the sofa.

With renovations complete and daily life back in full swing, this family of six has had time to again try their home on for size. And this time it’s clear that the result is a perfect fit.

“My husband and I didn’t grow up in a neighborhood atmosphere, it was important to us to that our kids have that.” —Dawn Turnbull, homeowner

Twin iron lanterns above the bar and double farmhouse kitchen sinks flanking the cooktop create symmetry in the kitchen. Handsome appointments fill the renovated space: quilted stainless steel, a wooden countertop, oil-rubbed bronze pulls, and shades of gray-green.
A custom banquette gets a style boost from nailhead accents that draw attention to its angles and curves.
Dawn’s favorite hue shows up on hallway walls as well as the plank wood walls of the powder room. Gold fixtures make this little jewel box shine.
In the bedroom shared by the oldest girls, Melanie custom-designed twin headboards, affixing sculptures of birds in the center of each.
In the master bathroom, Melanie designed demilune cabinets to make it easy to move around the space without clipping a corner. To create much-needed storage, she included medicine cabinets behind the custom-designed mirrors.

RESOURCES
Interior design: Melanie Pounds, Patina • 205.802.9805 Builder: Chris Franks, Franks Building Co. • 205.966.6917 franksbuildingcompany.com Landscape: Gardens by Griffin • 205.965.3607 gardensbygriffin.com Sound system: Creighton Mason, Anything Audio & Video • 205.538.3228 Backsplash & tilework: Triton Stone of Birmingham • 205.592.0202 tritonstone.com Hardware: Brandino Brass • 205.978.8900 brandinobrass.com Dining room chandelier: Beverly Ruff Antiques • 205.871.7872 beverlyruff.com Kitchen curtain fabric: Galbraith & Paul galbraithandpaul.com Living room club chairs, banquette, master bedroom headboard: Melanie Pounds, Patina

- Sponsors -

Making a Splash

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

Everyone loves an all-white bath. It’s a classic that never goes out of style—especially when the appointments and fixtures are fine. Designer Katrina Porter knew that she needed to stay true to the character of this 1932 house when she set about renovating the bath so she turned to the timeless palette to create a roomy, sophisticated space that would blend seamlessly with the traditional Federal architecture. “My goal was to give the space some charm, ” she says of the earlier update that was trapped in the decadent 1980s. To undo the prior renovation, Katrina stripped the space down to its bones. Tile floors were replaced with hardwood and white Alabama marble and penny tile redressed the shower. “It’s a material in keeping with the time period of the house, ” she says. Trim new vanities and a free-standing tub add to the enduring appeal.

Why We love it

1. HIS-AND-HER VANITIES There’s no bumping into one another while getting ready in the mornings with separate vanities that face one another. Plenty of storage below keeps the beautiful marble countertops uncluttered.

2. ROOMY SHOWER With dual showerheads and benches, there is more than enough room for two. One side offers a handheld showerhead as well, perfect for bathing young children or even the family dog.

3. NATURAL LIGHT The sloped ceiling follows the roofline offering built-in character. Two windows flood the space with light. A glass shower wall and door helps maintain the room’s open and airy feel.

4. BOLD ARTWORK “The homeowners are young with small children, so I wanted to brighten the space a bit and add some fun, ” says Katrina. “The vibrant artwork by Carrie Pittman was the perfect way to accomplish that.”

5. BALANCING ACT Dual vanities and a double shower create a pleasing symmetrical look despite the askewed window—a remnant of the original architecture. A freestanding tub offers counterbalance to the walk-in shower and provides a place to relax.

RESOURCES 
Designer: Katrina Porter Designs, LLC katrinaporterdesigns.com Builder: Chad Lynch • 251.242.1267 [email protected] Countertops: Alabama White Marble from Triton Stone Group • 205.592.0202 tritonstone.com Tile: shower walls: Alabama White Ceramic from Triton Stone Group Shower floor: White Penny Rounds from Triton Stone Group Paint color: Carrington Beige by Benjamin Moore benjaminmoore.com Art: Carrie Pittman Art • 205.266.7444 carriepittman.com

Photography by Jean Allsopp / Styling by Melanie Grant

- Sponsors -

Fine Finishes: Brandino Brass

By
Molly Lipski Powell
-

What should someone expect when walking into the store for the first time?
First-time customers tend to have a ‘wow’ moment when seeing our wide array of collections. After offering a friendly greeting and asking a few questions regarding style, finish, and budget, we help customers narrow down the options. We take their ideas and show them how to make them a reality. We also encourage customers to touch and feel products they will be using daily. 

On your site, you mention one-on-one service. How personalized is each client’s experience?
Each client’s experience is different. We always meet one-on-one with our clients, as well as with any architect or designer that may be involved, to ensure that we’re getting all the details about the project. We’ll even do site visits and go over plans and blueprints to guarantee that every last element is perfect.

What other services do you provide?
Aside from selling our in-house selections, we can make special orders that aren’t displayed in the showroom. We also install and repair hardware and locks, make keys, and restore vintage hardware.

  

Brandino Brass offers a vast array of products: cabinet and door hardware, exterior and interior lighting, bathroom accessories, barn door hardware, mailboxes and posts, fireballs, and more.
 

Besides brass fixtures, what other finishes and styles do you offer?
We carry more than 30 lines of hardware, fixtures, and accessories. You’ll find modern, traditional, industrial, and antique-inspired in just about any finish you could want. In addition to brass, we have silvers in chrome, platinum, pewter, aged silver, and polished nickel, along with bronzes and coppers. We even carry crystal, Lucite, and acrylic knobs.

Tell me more about the “Brandino Patina.”
The “Brandino Patina” is our trademark finish. We use a chemical process that essentially speeds up the aging process of brass by darkening the finish and warming up the undertones for a beautiful time-worn look. We can apply it to most any brass item in the store, as well as to pieces that customers bring in.

Do you offer design assistance?
Yes we do. We have trained interior designers in-house that are available for any design help needed. Whether you are embarking on a DIY mission or working with an architect or designer, we will happily offer our assistance.

What are some of the biggest trends for 2017?
We are seeing a lot of unlacquered brass, which has a “living finish” that will change (or patina) over time, wearing and aging with the house itself. Another trending style across the board is satin (matte) brass, which will not age or wear and promises consistent, unchanged beauty for its lifetime.

Brandino Brass • 2824 Central Ave., Suite 100 • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.978.8900
 

Interview by Molly C. Lipski // Photography by art meripol

- Sponsors -

Bathed in Beauty

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
-

This Italian-inspired renovation of this master bath resulted from a thoughtful collaboration between interior designer Jan Ware and architect David Blackmon. “One of our goals was to create a clear division between the dressing area and the wet area, ” says Jan. The duo accomplished this with an arch that visually separates the two spaces while maintaining a sense of openness. The deep soaking tub serves as the focal point on one end. Above the freestanding tub, subtle color comes through in the artwork by French artist Claude Garache. Gilded accents and gauzy window treatments add to the sophisticated, romantic appeal.

Why we love it

1. UNLACQUERED BRASS Jan chose the understated beauty of unlacquered brass for the fixtures in the bathroom. To complement the finish, she added gilded touches as seen in the light fixtures, mirrors, cabinet hardware, and even the petite, easy-to-move side table next to the tub.

2. ELEGANT LIGHTING A gilded iron-and-glass sconce in the shape of a palm frond offers ambient lighting next to the tub. The curvaceous fixture from Niermann Weeks brings a touch of high style and vintage Hollywood glamour to the room.

3. TEXTURE Antiqued mirrors take the place of clear glass to fill custom cabinet doors offering Old World appeal while hiding personal items from daily view. Fluted cabinet fronts on custom vanities introduce modern styling.

RESOURCES
Interior designer: Jan Ware janwaredesigns.com Architect: David Blackmon blackmonrogers.com Custom cabinets: Daniel Whitsett, Paintworks Design Studio paintworksdesignstudio.com Tile: Finishes & Fixtures finishesandfixtures.com Hardware: Architectural Heritage Supply architecturalheritage.com Triton Stone Group Paint color: Huntington White by Benjamin Moore benjaminmoore.com

- Sponsors -
1...697071...102Page 70 of 102