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Clean & Modern

By
Lacey Howard
-

With a second child on the way, Katie Bee and Seton Marshall were ready to add on to their Mountain Brook home in late 2012. “We weren’t planning on much of any renovation to the kitchen, ” Katie Bee says, “but we really wanted a central counter where the family could congregate in the mornings and when we got home from work in the evenings.”

Enter architect Anna Evans. “The kitchen had a poor connection to adjacent spaces, ” Anna says referring to small doorways and a pass-through window to the dining and family rooms. “I wanted their kitchen to better relate to the rest of the house and become the center.” The Marshalls considered a number of options before landing right where Anna started. “We tried to avoid moving plumbing, counters, etc., but in the end we realized that Anna’s original design, which required a full remodel of the kitchen, was the layout that best fit our family’s needs, ” Katie Bee says.
 

THINGS WE LOVE

1. Room to Move A large opening to the family room, glass doors to the patio, and a new peninsula achieve the goal of making the kitchen the center of the home. “It is the heart of our house, ” owner Katie Bee Marshall says. “The key feature of the new layout is that it is centered around an island.  It allows us to all gather there together for meal time and for evening activities.”

Architect Anna Evans

2. Home Headquarters A desk with cabinets above and deep drawers below makes the most of a hallway between the kitchen and mudroom/laundry space. “We used the same cabinet design and countertops in this space to help it blend well with the kitchen, ” builder Chris Franks says. Katie Bee adds, “This space gives us a central command with a computer station, and it allows for easier loading and unloading of the car closer to the kitchen.”

3. Backsplash The marble backsplash on the range wall was a splurge for the Marshalls. “With our all-white color scheme and clean design, we knew that we needed an element for the eye to focus on, ” Katie Bee explains. 

4. Ceiling Katie Bee’s mother, Jeanne Rogers, is a Birmingham designer and weighed in on design decisions, including the wood-plank ceiling. “She suggested adding the pine ceiling in the mudroom and kitchen and painting it a high gloss to make it stand out, ” Katie Bee says. Chris adds, “Everyone liked it so much that we also installed it in the den.”

5. Less is More The compact kitchen is a mere 230 square feet, including the 45-square-foot office area. “We knew how small it would be so we planned everything according to what we used a lot and what we didn’t use a lot, ” Katie Bee says. The adjacent mudroom and laundry provide ample storage for lesser-used items. “The entire space is the perfect marriage of design and functionality, ” Katie Bee says.

  

The raised ceiling in the dining area features pine planks painted high-gloss white. In a home with 8-foot ceilings, this architectural accent makes a big statement and allows the small room to feel light and airy. Doors in the dining area and adjacent kitchen open onto the patio for easy flow when entertaining. 
 

RESOURCES

Architect: Anna Evans, Anna Evans Architect LLC, 205.879.5451; Builder: Chris Franks, Franks Building Company, Inc 205.966.6917; Cabinets: custom-made and built to Anna’s drawings by Alan Deal • Deal’s Cabinetry & Fine Woodworking, Inc.Montgomery, AL • 334.215.3600; Countertops, color is pure white: Ceasarstone, caesarstoneus.com

text by Lacey Howard • photos by Jean Allsopp

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Keep it Casual

By
Paige Townley
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To convert their home into a more functional, well-designed space, these owners turned to someone who knew them well: interior designer Jan Ware. A friend since school days, Jan was well acquainted with the owners’ personalities and overall sense of style. “They are very laid-back people so I knew they needed an organic space that was comfortable and easy, ” she says. “Nothing too dressed down or understated, but a place they could come home to at the end of the day that offered a serene environment.”

Before tackling the décor, however, the owners first had to rework the home’s impractical layout, which was very choppy and separated. “You couldn’t get from one side of the house to the other without walking through a bedroom, ” Jan explains. The homeowners worked with Jan and an architect to reorganize the floorplan. They also added three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms to create a much more open layout that’s ideal for easy living.

With a more convenient footprint in place, Jan created the owners’ ideal setting for a comfortable, inviting home by establishing a soothing color palette. In the master bedroom, she focused on neutrals with white and off-white quilted bedding, taupe draperies, and an ivory wall color. “Mixing in different shades of white and cream creates a much richer palette while still keeping the look very calm, ” Jan explains.

The designer carried the same idea into the kitchen with white marble countertops and ivory cabinets. The home, however, isn’t without some pops of color to provide that unexpected element. Sea-glass green draperies grace the windows of the den. One daughter’s bedroom features a hot pink ceiling and the other’s showcases green and moss-gray bedding and drapes. “The home has a great fusion of soothing tones with just enough color mixed in to maintain a relaxed environment, ” Jan says. “By doing so, we kept everything upscale casual. Now it’s not only spacious and functional enough for the family’s everyday life but it is also comfortable and relaxing.” 

The original structure not only had a tiny kitchen, but it was also totally separated from the rest of the house. During the renovation, the owners chose to utilize some of the original deck space to triple the size of the kitchen. In addition, they added numerous windows to create a bright, comfortable space. Soothing neutrals take center stage in the kitchen with ivory cabinets, white marble countertops, and varying shades of ivory and taupe subway tile. The hardwood floors and wooden beams around the stove keep the look clean and simple.
 

THINGS WE LOVE

1. Natural Light Before the renovation, the kitchen was very dark with just a couple of windows. Now, a wall of windows above both the sink and the built-in banquette allows natural light to freely flow in. On a nice day, the windows and screens can be rolled out to let in even more sunshine.

2. User Friendly The proximity of the oven, sink, and refrigerator makes cooking a joy instead of a chore. Thanks to this new layout, the owners can effortlessly glide around the kitchen to prepare a meal while visiting with family and friends situated at the island or in the adjacent living room.

3. Old English Feel The marble countertops and farmhouse apron front sink are reminiscent of a casual English cottage. 

4. Wooden Elements Jan included natural wood accents such as the eat-in kitchen table and the cabinets underneath the island. The same wood used around the range creates the look of an old-fashioned cooking hearth. 

5. Old Meets New The kitchen combines favorite antiques, such as the Belgium chandelier above the island, with more modern pieces. “I love to mix it up and bring in newer elements to work alongside antiques, ” Jan explains. “Combining the two keeps the look from getting too heavy one way or the other.”

ABOVE With two teenage daughters, the homeowners needed a mudroom that could collect and store basic everyday items. Designer Jan Ware used pecky cypress paneling and pegs to create a wall where family members and guests can hang coats and handbags. Cabinets on either side of the paneling serve as catch-alls for other essentials.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT A favorite gathering spot in the house is the built-in banquette in the kitchen. “The table really set the stage for the entire house, ” Jan says. “We built so much of the rest of the house around it.” Large enough to seat at least 10, the table is an antique French piece with iron strapping. To counterbalance the table’s size, Jan chose to include it in a breakfast nook and add upholstered banquette seating around it.

ABOVE RIGHT In the powder bathroom, the rustic look of the paneled wood mixes with the timeless elegance of the Italian sconce, English soapstone sink, and Calcutta gold marble.
 

ABOVE One of the most beloved pieces in the home is the hand-carved Italian bed in the master bedroom. Dating back to the 1880s, the bed features the original owners’ wedding date carved into the wood. To offset the piece’s formal look, Jan covered it with casual quilted bedding and flanked it with modern marble side tables.
 

RIGHT With the renovation, the owners were determined to bring in natural light by adding more windows. In the master bath, the result is a serene and tranquil space.
 

RESOURCES

Interior design: Jan Ware Designs, LLC, janwaredesigns.com

Powder bath: Waterworks faucet: Kenny & Co. kennycompany.com

Master bedroom: Duvet: Marguerite’s Conceits, 205.879.2730

Custom paint finishes: Paint Works, 205.296.5638

Love this look? Leave us a comment below or share these photos on your inspiration board on Pinterest!

text by Paige Townley • photography by Jean Allsopp

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Tradition with a Twist

By
Lacey Howard
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In late 2011, Chris Reebals of Christopher Architecture & Interiors, consulted with a couple on the purchase of a 1960s Vestavia Hills home. “The kitchen was a dark, outdated mess, ” Chris says. “It was very cold and uninviting.” But the views, Chris says, are “tremendous and we really wanted them to be a focus.”

Less than a year later, the couple, with their young family, moved into the renovated home that had the kitchen of their dreams. “Our vision for the kitchen was built around the family’s deep desire to create profound life memories while sitting around the table eating meals, playing cards, or watching the sunset, ” Chris says. The room’s large windows and doors capitalize on the views, while an eating area with butler’s pantry welcomes guests. The kitchen’s island and work triangle allow the whole family to participate in each meal. “Kitchens are where people tend to congregate because it is where things happen, ” Chris says. And in this well-designed space, family life happens every day. 

THINGS WE LOVE

1. White One might assume that white is not the finish a young family should embrace. “We selected a neutral color palette because the thought is that the area is a backdrop for the most important fixture in the space—the people, ” Chris says. The crispness of the color also makes the room feel clean, even when it’s not. Large windows over the sink bathe the kitchen area in light, while more windows in the dining area do the same.

2. Island Chris’s clients wanted an island big enough for food prep and cooking to happen on one side and homework or snacks to happen on the other. A bonus to having such a large island: hidden storage. Cabinets behind the bar stools are the perfect hiding place for less-often used items such as Christmas china and small appliances.

3. Cabinets “The fabrication of inset doors is a custom detail. The insets provide a crisp line which, to me, transforms the aesthetic, ” says Chris. “It is a simple detail we set off with a small bead just before the cut opening between the face of the cabinet and the doors, ” Chris says. The end result is reminiscent of high-end furnishings.  

4. Natural Materials Chris’ design philosophy tends toward the natural and local. “The ceiling is 1- x 6-inch, center-match pecky cypress milled in Maplesville, Alabama, and the floors are heart pine, ” he says. “The countertops are Alabama White marble and the kitchen backsplash is the same marble in 3- x 6-inch tiles.”

5. Butler's Pantry A run of cabinets fills a niche near the dining table with hardworking storage. “It is meant to be both aesthetic as well as functional, ” Chris says. The honed Indiana limestone countertop is convenient to both the kitchen and the outdoor area, Chris says, “so that serving pieces could be set out. And when it is just the family, it could be used for a buffet.” Glass doors on the upper cabinets show off barware and everyday dishes. A chevron-patterned backsplash gives the space a personality all its own. 

  

Architect Chris Reebals says his clients are “very family-oriented, and they love to host guests.” So he designed a large kitchen and breakfast area to create a space where family and friends can gather in this newly rebuilt home. “We really wanted this to read as two separate spaces which flow into one another, ” Chris explains. 
 

RESOURCES

Architect and interiors: Christopher Architecture & Interiors, Chris Reebals, AIA, ChristopherAI.com • 205.413.8531; Cabinets: A-1 Cabinets, Boaz, AL • 256.561.4675; Tile and countertops: Triton Stone, tritonstone.com • 205.592.0202; Appliances: Ferguson, ferguson.com • 800.638.8875

text by Lacey Howard • photos by Jean Allsopp

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Inspiration Home 2014

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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Located at the Preserve in Hoover, the 2014 Birmingham Home and Garden Inspiration Home is a two-story painted brick home featuring a porch and second story balcony. In keeping with the traditional feel of the community, the home exhibits traditional Southern style, but with modern amenities.

Once inside, a grand hallway leads to a welcoming, open floorplan that brings together an expansive living room and kitchen. Look for details such as the built-in banquette, beamed ceiling, and large mudroom. Other interesting design treatments include the arched double shower in the master bath, covered outdoor kitchen, and pool overlooking the valley beyond.

This year, our home will feature the styles and designs from some of Birmingham’s top retailers and manufacturers. Each room will showcase the best of what’s in store and creative ways for displaying and arranging. Shop the interiors for dressing your own home (Yes! Everything is for sale!).

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Oh Honey!

By
Paige Townley
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For George and Brittany Stegall, beekeeping was never really part of the plan. It all started while trying to develop a garden in their backyard. After one successful year, they started having trouble growing tomatoes. George also realized they didn’t have the space needed to cultivate the garden of his dreams. “I always had this romantic  thought of farming, but I can’t do that in Homewood, ” he explains. “But beekeeping is a similar thing, and you can do that in a much smaller space.”

After first getting the approval of Brittany—who pleasantly surprised George with loving the idea—George signed them up for a beekeeping class, purchased two hives from a local beekeeper, and got to work. Soon, the Edgewood Bee Company was born. “We never anticipated that we would sell the honey; we really just wanted it for ourselves, ” George says. “But we were gathering more honey than we needed, so we started giving it away to friends and family. Then it just naturally grew from there.”

While it remains just a hobby for the couple, George would like to eventually grow their beekeeping to 10 hives. In the meantime, he’s content with enjoying the sweet substance, whether it’s a dollop in his morning coffee or drizzled over baked Brie. “I’m hoping to encourage others to keep bees, too, ” he says. “One of our neighbors now keeps them after she saw us having so much fun with it.”

  

FOR THE BEES
Honey bees seek out the nearest floral source to gather nectar and pollen, but they aren’t attracted to just any flowering plant. Bees actually prefer flowers of certain colors—yellow, blue, purple, and sometimes white—as well as flowers with light scents, according to Sallie Lee, extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension and the beekeeper who maintains the hives at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. “Blooms also have to be a certain size because if it’s too big, the bee can’t get in far enough to get the nectar, ” Sallie adds. Three good floral sources that bees tend to go for are flowering herbs, goldenrod, and aster.

HEALTH BENEFITS
A good energy source, local honey can help alleviate allergy problems, according to some research. “Honey bees collect pollen and nectar from local flowers. If you eat their honey, you are building up immunity to the allergens that irritate your system, ” says Sallie Lee, extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension.

  

GETTING STARTED
While it may seem daunting, beekeeping is actually easy to start and manage, George says. “My best advice is to let YouTube be your best friend, ” he says. “Watch videos about it and that will break down the barriers so that you won’t be scared of the bees.” George also recommends joining your local beekeepers association, such as the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association (jeffcobees.org), as well as checking out beesource.com, an online forum for helpful tips and advice. Typically, honey is harvested twice a year: the largest harvest takes place around the Fourth of July and a smaller harvest is in late September or early October. George and Brittany’s bee hive sits just about 10 feet from their back door. Every year, they harvest enough honey to produce about 500 to 1, 000 jars, which they jar themselves. The Stegalls also make lip balm and beeswax candles.

Brittany and George’s Favorite Treats

Baked Brie with Edgewood Bee Company Honey

1 package pillsbury crescent rolls
1 triangle French Brie
Edgewood Bee Company honey

1. Lay one half of the crescent roll dough flat on greased baking sheet. Cut Brie into medium-sized chunks, and place in a pile on center of dough. Lay other half of crescent roll dough over the Brie, and seal up all sides by pinching dough to encapsulate.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 13 minutes (or according to the baking instructions on the crescent rolls package).
3. Take out of oven and drizzle or douse with honey. Serve as an appetizer or snack with or without crackers.

Apple with Cheese & Edgewood Bee Company Honey

Slice a green apple. Top with a slice of Manchego cheese. Drizzle with honey.

Edgewood Bee Company • edgewoodbeeco.com
 

text by Paige Townley • photography by Jean Allsopp

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Character Counts

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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When Barry King found his modest 1952 house twelve years ago, he knew the house would be just fine for himself and his two dogs. But what really sold him was the lot size and the potential.  “I had lived in different areas of Homewood, but I had no idea that you could find a lot with this much land, ” he says of the three quarter acre lot in Lakeshore Estates.

When he moved in, most houses were of the mid-century era. But slowly, like most old neighborhoods, new owners moved in and houses were updated. With a marriage—and a few years later—a baby on the way, Barry and his wife, Dallas-Shea decided to update too.

“When I moved into this house it was Barry’s. When we came back, it became our family home.” — Dallas-Shea King

Seeking an architect, they looked no further than their own street. “A house across the street had recently been renovated by architect Chris Reebals and we loved the look, ” Dallas-Shea says. Chris met with the Kings and listened keenly to their laundry lists of ideas. “We told him we wanted a clean, cottage feel and showed him pictures of other houses we liked, ” Dallas-Shea says. The Kings asked for livable, uncluttered rooms with just-enough storage for neccessary things. They wanted character that would complement and enhance their neighborhood while staying true to traditional styles. “We wanted a comfortable home—nothing trendy, ” Dallas-Shea says. “He came back after an hour with a sketch. It was exactly what we were looking for.”

Tuning into homeowners’ wants and visions is something Reebals does well. He’s a good listener that can quickly translate ideas into tangible spaces—whether it’s a single kitchen or an entire renovation. Fulfilling their requests, the home’s interior exudes graceful design elements. Though the footprint of the home stayed (almost) the same, existing walls came down so they could raise ceiling heights to 10-feet. Interior doors are capped by custom leaded glass transoms (replicating the design in the bookcases).

Ceilings are exposed planks with a light wash. In the kitchen, paneling covers the refrigerator and cabinets extend to the ceiling for a streamlined appearance. Built-in, leaded glass-front shelves flanking the fireplace in the living room recall bungalow style and offer storage for books and electronics. In the dining room, Chris designed a niche for a chest of drawers—a family heirloom. The laundry room tucks neatly off the kitchen for convenience.

The exterior is perhaps the greatest transformation. Chris turned a flat-roofed house into one with peaks and gables. Painted Sherwin Williams Snow White helps define inset brick details. A cedar shake roof and eyebrow dormer underscore the cottage feel. A new entry—a wide set of stairs in bluestone pavers—ascends to a sheltered front porch. “I never even realized we had a view before, ” Dallas-Shea says. “Now, we have a place to sit and enjoy it.” 

  

Upgrades to the back porch and master bathroom were key aspects of the home renovation plan.
 

An earlier renovation to the kitchen updated the 1950s plan. But when the King’s overhauled the whole house, Chris Reebals and interior designer Angel Davis created a more cohesive look that woud visually connect the public spaces. For instance, cabinetry in the living room and kitchen In the kitchen are similar styles—both painted Sherwin Williams Nantucket Gray. Walls throughout are Elmira White by Sherwin Williams.Ceilings are pine planks with a wash of Elmira White.
 

  

Homeowner Dallas-Shea King worked with designer Angel Davis on the interior design scheme. Working with a budget, she asked for “good, ” “better, ” and “best.” scenarios based on quality and price. This approach allowed her to splurge on some items and save on others. “We put most of our money in the kitchen and master suite, ” she says. “Bianca Carerra marble tile exudes timeless appeal and makes a connection to both spaces.” Similarly, she splurged on hardware and fixtures. Upstairs, in guest bedrooms, Dallas-Shea opted for more conservative options. 
 

“It was great to work with a designer from the beginning. I had never built a house before. Sometimes it’s just best to leave it to the people who do it all the time rather than try to figure it out myself.” — Dallas-Shea King
 

RESOURCES
Architect: Chris Reebals, Christopher and Associates, Homewood, 205.413.8531 • christopherarchitects.com; Interiors: Angel Davis, 205.413.8531 • christopherarchitects.com

text by Cathy Still McGowin • photography by Jean Allsopp

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The Value of an Expert Opinion

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
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Why do I need an architect?
Building or renovating a home is a process that takes time and can be extremely stressful. Having a talented and experienced professional to guide you is always beneficial. It should be a rewarding experience that creates a place that inspires and delights.

Can’t I just get a drawing and floorplan and work with a builder on my own? Wouldn’t that be less expensive?
It might seem cheaper, but it rarely is in the end. Our documents are the legal contract between you (the owner) and your builder. They hold the builder and all of his subcontractors accountable to provide the materials and quality you expect. In the beginning, when everyone is excited and ready to start work, those details may seem trivial, but in the end they are incredibly important communication tools.

Architect David Blackmon

What can an architect do for me besides draw my houseplan?
So much more! We can help determine if your existing home can be transformed into your dream home. We can help shop for a new home that meets your needs or can be adapted to your needs. We can even suggest changes that will make your existing home more energy efficient and comfortable. And, we can help evaluate different sites (or lots) for a new home. As architects, we are designers and problem solvers. Our first step is always asking questions and listening to you. Understanding your needs and desires enables us to offer inventive and appropriate design solutions.

How do architects charge for their different services?
All architects provide professional services which equate to selling time. Three ways we typically charge are: (1) an hourly rate, (2) a percentage of construction cost, or (3) a lump sum fee based on a defined scope of work.

I have always heard that you should count on spending 30% more than the original estimate for any project (new or renovation). Is this true?
I haven’t met anyone yet who didn’t want more than their budget would allow. A big part of what we do on the front end is help you prioritize your dream list and adjust your expectations or budget—oftentimes both. Proper planning goes a long way to avoid surprises. It’s always less expensive for us to draw it until it’s right than for you to build it wrong.

Do I need an interior designer too?
I’m only buying a few new things for my house. It’s money well spent. Interior designers are an integral part of the design team, and we value the collaborative process this creates. Even if you aren’t planning on purchasing many new items for the interior, a designer can assist in the selection of interior finishes, as well as in editing and placing your existing furniture and art.

What about a landscape professional? Can’t I worry about that when I’m finished building?
My favorite homes are the ones that are thoughtfully integrated into the land. A well-designed landscape is inseparable from exceptional design, and you benefit greatly by having this work done in collaboration with the design of your home.

The guys at the local home improvement store said they could help me. What can you do that they can’t?
One key difference is that architects want to find the very best design solution for our clients, and we don’t limit ourselves to any specific inventory or brand. We also stay focused on the big picture of how each individual decision relates to the overall home.

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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Roses & Rosé

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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“After a glass or two of wine, the creative juices just start flowing and the floral designs take shape, ” says wine expert Scott Jones of pairing wine with the art of flower arranging.

When the english village garden club members gathered recently, they were in for a double treat as well-known wine expert Scott Jones teamed up with local artist and floral designer Buffy Hargett. Through his Jones Is Thirsty Wine Education business, Scott, a former executive food editor at Southern Living and a celebrated author and chef, enjoys sharing his “no-snobbery” wine knowledge. Buffy, a senior photo stylist at Southern Living for 20 years, uses her floral arranging talents for weddings and other special events. The talented duo shared tips with the garden club on summer wine selections and do-it-yourself floral arranging that will make any hostess seem like a professional party planner.

Fun Wine Wisdom From Scott Jones

• Sutterhome White Zinfandel was a happy accident. Love it or hate it, it’s still one of the most successful wines ever made, says Scott.

• Rosé is a color, not a grape. The color of a wine comes from the skin of the grape rather than from the juice.

• European rosés are dryer than US varieties, which tend to be sweeter.

• The lightest—and sweetest—wine is Moscato d’Asti.

• Rosés should be enjoyed right away rather than aged. Serve at room temperature. (Cold mutes the flavors.)

• Serve champagne as cold as possible. If the champagne froths when you open it, it’s not cold enough. While all that bubbly looks festive, to serve properly, you should allow only a little of the bubbly (called perlagé) to make a topping in your glass.

• Open bottles of wine may be stored in the  refrigerator for 2-3 days. To bring red wine to serving temperature after it has been in the refrigerator, Scott suggests placing it in the microwave for 15 seconds. Seriously.

• Wine—especially red—IS good for you in moderation. It can help lower your blood pressure and is filled with healthy antioxidants.

• Take a laid-back approach when serving wine. You don’t need all the different size glasses to enjoy it.

Arrange Like a Pro

With a few tips from floral designer Buffy Hargett, you can master the basics in no time.

• Buy your flowers a couple of days before an event, cut the stems immediately, and store in a cool space. This will allow the blooms time to open up.

• Combine several shades of one color for a monochromatic effect that still has a wow factor. Mix in a variety of textures, such as delicate blooms with heavier succulents.

• Floral arrangements at a dinner table should include only blooms without scents so as not to compete with or distract from the aromas of the meal.

• Find a container that works for your table and learn how to create an arrangement to fit it. Then stick with that design—your own signature arrangement—for every event.

 

Above left to right Finding inspiration in artwork, Buffy brought the colors in this particular piece to life through flowers. A pretty place setting from Table Matters complements the floral designs.

The English Village Garden Club Delicacies

Garden club food captain Patti Vines, along with a committee that included Marjorie White, Leigh Millican, Liz Weber, and Vicki Chandler, created a stunning spread complete with a charcuterie board. “Charcuterie” is a French word that refers to cooked meat products, primarily pork, served cold. The food committee mixed in a variety of cheeses as well to balance out the meats.

Charcuterie Board Menu

Suppressatta salami
Assorted olives
Dried fruit
Almonds
Pecorino Crackers (recipe from the cookbook, Giada’s Kitchen)
Fresh baguette (from Continental Bakery)
Cheeses: Robusto, Pavé du Nord-Hervé Mons,  Cypress Grove Chevre,  red Devon cheddar,  red wax Gouda, Port Salut, and a blue cheese log rolled in pecan (from Homewood Gourmet).

Arrange sliced meats on a cutting board. Add cheeses and cheese knives. Fill small bowls with fruit and olives. Arrange crackers and bread on board or serve in a basket. For a garnish, Patti made tomato roses to complement the roses and rosé-themed program.

Marbled Brownies

“This marbled brownies recipe has been in my family for so long that I couldn’t tell you the original source!” — Garden Club Member Patti Vines

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 sticks butter (softened)
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup flour (all-purpose)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt chocolate, and cool. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, and beat well. Add flour, melted chocolate, and vanilla, and stir. Add walnuts. Pour into a greased 9- x 13-inch pan.
2. Drop Cream Cheese Mixture by spoonfuls on top of brownies. Swirl with knife.
3. Bake for 45 minutes. May store covered in refrigerator. The brownies also freeze well.

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces cream cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Beat cream cheese, egg, sugar,  and vanilla.

Lemon Blossoms 

These bite-size beauties won’t last long on your party platter.

18 1/2 -ounce package yellow cake mix
3 1/2 -ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Glaze:

4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray miniature muffin tins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend well with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour a small amount of batter, filling each muffin tin half way. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn out onto a tea towel.
3. To make the glaze, sift the sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix with a spoon until smooth.
4. Spoon the glaze over the warm cupcakes, coating completely. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set thoroughly, about 1 hour. Garnish the treats with whipped cream and a sliver of strawberry for a pop of color.

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New Dawn

By
BHG Staff
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With its stunning mountain views and secluded location, this wooded niche seemed ideal for a backyard retreat. The homeowners, however, were unsure of exactly how to create such a space. So they turned to landscape designer Brent Donaldson and gave him carte blanche to do what he wanted with the project. The result is a hand-built arbor with a pair of wooden bed swings and piles of  plush pillows—the perfect combination for relaxation. But the icing on the cake is the splay of New Dawn roses spilling over the arbor. “The structure is stained a very dark color and has a rather cathedral-like look to it, ” explains Brent. “We needed something to soften up the pergola and create more of a soothing environment. New Dawn roses were a good choice because they grow fast and bloom like crazy.” 

  

Like all roses, New Dawn roses do require a bit of maintenance. “They need the typical care of any type of rose, ” explains Brent. “And they are very susceptible to black spots, so it is important to find a good preventive spray.”
 

Brent Donaldson, Donaldson Landscape & Design,  205.337.2473 • donaldsonlandscape.com 
 
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An Eye for Style

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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It took three years for this homeowner to finish the design board for her 1934 Homewood cottage—Why so long? She wasn’t about to start a renovation without having a complete plan in mind. That plan included new colors, finishes, and furnishings—along with a complete kitchen remodel. “I wanted to make sure that I would be happy with my choices, ” she says. “I had made mistakes before.”

Keeping her design board close at hand, she added and deleted magazine tearsheets as inpiration took hold. After pinning and repinning, she came up with a plan. “I’m not a designer. But I love reading about it and learning about it. All you have to do is pay attention to good design and see what is available.”

Game trophies are a part of the home décor. Elk horns make a statement on the wall in the main living room. The rug is an Axis deer.

Insisting that “anyone could do this, ” the homeowner says her interiors are simply replications of rooms and fashions from her favorite designers.

In some spaces, her interpretations of a designer’s aesthetic are dead-on. “Look at this photo, ” she says, pointing to her design board. “I have Stephen Shubel’s living room.” Certainly the Hermes-orange draperies are similar, as are the strong punches of black and the animal prints—but the savviness to put it all together on a budget with local resources is a talent in and of itself.

Part Shubel and part pure homeowner, the living room’s accessories are truly personal. Above the sofa hangs a silk botanical—picked up years ago at a Junior League antiques sale. The intertwined dolphin mirror becomes whimsical with the addition of butter plates arranged to look like bubbles coming from the fishes’ mouths.

Aside from new décor, the home received a brand new kitchen thanks to help from Mitch Bradford of Saunders Bradford. Taking inpiration from the kitchens of Jill Sharp Brinson (Creative Director, Ballard Designs), and Pamela Pearce (Milieu magazine), the owner replicated beams, the vaulted ceiling, swing arm lamps, the large glassed door and window across the back, and the herringbone floor. The builders worked with the owner to hand-place each piece of wood to match grains and create the perfect design. “It was great to work with someone who could understand my ideas, ” she says.

Now complete, the house reflects this owner’s fashion and design favorites—with a sensibilty all her own. 

Before

  

After

Design board aka “Old-Fashioned Pinterest”
 

The kitchen boasted original casement windows from Hopes Windows in England, the owner says. “We tried to get them to build us a window wall to match, but it would have taken months. Thankfully, Mitch found a great resource in town.”
 

  

Taking inpiration from the kitchens of Jill Sharp Brinson (Creative Director, Ballard Designs), and Pamela Pearce (Milieu magazine), the owner replicated beams, the vaulted ceiling, swing arm lamps, the large glassed door and window across the back, and the herringbone floor.
 

Inspiration for the dining room is pure Giorgio Armani. A Pinterest search for “Giorgio Armani Dragon Dress” reveals the fashion designer standing next to a model in a vibrant green dress adorned with a jeweled serpent. Here, the look is translated into chartreuse draperies and Chinese-inspired blue porcelains. Slipcovers pay tribute to dressmaker details. Shhh…. the table is a plastic folding restaurant table covered in Hobby Lobby fabric. And the chairs are second-hand from an estate sale.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT An antelope hangs in the dining room above a pretty assembly of blue-and-white porcelain.

ABOVE RIGHT A painting by Melanie Morris hangs above a bureau in the dining room. Depicting fields of lavender on a lush green background, the art perfectly complements the room’s chartreuse draperies and shades of blue.
 

The Chinese theme carries through to the master bedroom. Here, Scalamandre’s Chi’en Dragon from King Cotton covers a custom headboard. With little space, the owners added bookshelves above the windows that wrap the exterior perimeter of the room.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT Fresh hyacinths perfume the living room with their sweet scent.

ABOVE RIGHT A nature lover, the owner purchased these antique staddles because of their resemblance to mushrooms. (Staddles were designed to support hay and grain bins so they didn’t sit directly on the ground and air could circulate and keep the contents dry. The tops of staddles were rounded to prevent rodents from climbing into the hay or grain stored above.)
 

Resources

Kitchen: general contractor: Mitch Bradford, Saunders Brafdord 871.1717 • saundersbradford.com; Floor [100-year-old white oak]: KMAC Greenworks 320.0940. Iron window wall: Shea Scully 322.2651. Cabinetry: Chris Ryan, Village Woodworks 965.7949. Finishes: Daniel Whitsett, Paintworks Design Studio 296.5638. Countertops [Alabama White marble]: Susan Vise & Will Casey, Fragments Inc. 458.0002 • fragmentstone.com; Appliances: Allsouth Appliance 942.0408 • allsouthappliance.net; Sconces: Ashley Lawrence, Mayer Lighting Showroom 583.3400 • mayerlighting.com; Outdoor lantern: Architectural Heritage 322.3538 • architecturalheritage.com; Draperies: Lori Jack, The Curtain Exhange 871.7575 • thecurtainexchange.com; French poles: Fay Bailey 428.3520. Painting: Melanie Morris, [email protected]; Light fixture: Suzanne Kasler for Circa Lighting (Note: The fixture comes with glass inserts, bu the owner opted to leave them out for an airy look.) 404.233.4131 • circalighting.com; Tablecloth fabrication: Fay Bailey. Slipcover fabrication: Mei Wang 837.8818. Garden stool: Christopher Glenn, christopherglenninc.com; Flowers & plants: Hall's Birmingham Wholesale Florist 322.4627 • hallsbirmingham.com; Living room: floor covering [Sisal, Veracruz]: Sandra Deshazo: Olde World Acquisitions 868.2832 • oldeworldacquisitions.com; Drapery and pillows construction: Fay Bailey. Shades: Lori Jack: The Curtain Exchange. Chandelier & wall light: Circa Lighting LED. Lighting in the beams: Ashley Lawrence, Mayer Lighting Showroom. Fireplace paint (SiLazur): Elizabeth Richards, Eco-House Inc. 506.366.3529 • eco-houseinc.com, Banquette & couch: Verellen, verellenhc.com; Upholstered chairs: Restoration Hardware, restorationhardware.com; Entertwined dolphin mirror (antique): Betsy Homan Interior Design 210.824.1959 • betsyhomandesign.com; Antique butterfly print:  Campbell's Melange, campbellsmelange.com; Hall bath: tile floor [custom design of homeowner]: Lori Scott, Kenny & Co. 323.5616 • kennycompany.com; Fixtures: Waterworks through Lori Scott, Kenny & Co. Orchids and centerpiece: Hall's Birmingham Wholesale Florist. Master bedroom: floor covering (Sisal, Veracruz): Sandra Deshazo, Olde World Acquisitions. Custom fabrication for draperies, bed linens, & pillows: Fay Bailey. Headboard fabric: Scalmandre Chi'en Dragon through King Cotton 322.5878 • kingcottonfabrics.com; Shelves/woodwork: Pribyl Works 215.1445.

text by Cathy Still McGowin • photography by Jean Allsopp

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