Summer Whites

By
Lacey Howard
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ABOVE The home’s white stucco exterior conforms to Alys Beach’s design scheme.
 

“I want to walk in, say ‘ahhhhh…, ’ and feel my blood pressure drop, ” Barbara Ashford says of her new Alys Beach vacation house. With its sublime sense of escape, Alys Beach, a planned community along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A from developers Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ), wants all its residents and visitors to feel the same way. Its Bermuda-style architecture and courtyard-centered homes—all finished in dreamy white stucco—create intimate streetscapes that seem to transport you to another time and place, reminding Barbara and husband Leon of family vacations in St. Barts. “We used to go with two other families and take all the kids. We did that for years, ” she says. “That’s where I got my inspiration—all those great family trips with our friends.”

To help Barbara and Leon capture that breezy island vernacular, the couple turned to architect Gary Justiss, a regular contributor to 30A’s new urbanist developments. “They were looking for a simple, classic home, and my work tends toward simplicity, ” Gary says. The couple also asked for what might seem like contrasting ideas: an intimate getaway and a place that would welcome their entire family. 

ABOVE A styled bookcase displays groupings with a definite coastal theme.

 

To give the Ashfords the best of both worlds—a one-bedroom vacation home for just the two of them, as well as room for family and an abundance of open-air spaces for lounging, dining, playing, and cooking—Gary designed a 2, 600-square-foot structure with an additional 1, 000 square feet of open-air terraces, loggias, and courtyard. The main level of the home includes a great room with living, dining, and cooking zones, and a master suite. Inspired by the Ashfords’ Caribbean travels, Gary added an exterior staircase just inside the open-air entry to take the three grown Ashford children upstairs to guest suites—one for each—and a nook of built-in bunks for the Ashfords’ four grandsons. “The outdoor staircase totally gives the second floor the feeling of a separate house, ” Gary says, noting that it is heated and cooled separately from the first floor. “And it gives Barbara and Leon a one-bedroom home on the main level when they are here alone.”

On both levels, the new home is bathed in white, much like the community itself. Barbara, co-owner of Henhouse Antiques in Birmingham’s English Village, used her expert eye for design to choose a soft white for the walls, and she slipcovered her furnishings in white Sunbrella fabric. “It is the most practical thing, ” she says, adding that four grandkids and white upholstery doesn’t sound like a good idea. “But if they spill something, I don’t flip out. I just throw the cover in the wash with bleach.” 

The white hues also set a beautiful stage for antique pieces that pepper the property, providing visual texture and interest in each room. “I believe that even the most modern space needs one or two wonderful old pieces to give it a soul, ” Barbara says. “Antiques create warmth. You don’t need a whole house full, but a few pieces keep a house from feeling sterile.”

The Ashfords’ beach house is far from cold or sterile—more like a breath of fresh air. “To me it is tranquil, soft, soothing, and peaceful, ” Barbara says of her interiors. “This is our place to escape and get away from it all—a refuge. And a place to make wonderful memories with our family, much like those vacations to St. Barts. We can’t take everyone there, but we get that same wonderful feeling here. And it is much easier to get to!”

  

ABOVE LEFT Instead of hanging a traditional chandelier over the dining table, Barbara chose an oversize lantern from Portugal.
 

ABOVE Because of the open plan, architect Gary Justiss created two kitchen spaces—a show kitchen that is a part of the great room, and what he calls “the scullery, ” a pantry space tucked behind. “When you have a kitchen that is such a part of the living area, it has an aesthetic duty to be attractive. This design minimizes any mess, ” Gary says.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT The pairing of white with wood details continues in this bath.

ABOVE RIGHT In the master bedroom, the straight edges of the tester bed contrast detailed carvings of waves on the bench. 
 

ABOVE “Antiques can make rooms from catalog-order stores look like a million dollars. I love contemporary and modern pieces, but mix them with one old piece and it makes a big difference.” — homeowner/designer Barbara Ashford
 

  

ABOVE RIGHT Built as part of Barbara and Leon Ashford’s home at Alys Beach, this concrete banquette piles on the comfort with plenty of pillows. “That is one of the brilliant things about Alys Beach. It is as close to hurricane bunkers as you can reasonably get, but it looks really elegant, ” says architect Gary Justiss.
 

Embracing Alys Beach

The Ashfords were drawn to Florida’s new urbanist mecca, Scenic Highway 30A, when their children were small. After decades of vacations, they were smitten enough to make their vacation place permanent.

 

A WORLD AWAY “The first thing I noticed was how beautiful it is—the architecture and all the white, ” explains Barbara. “It doesn’t feel like Florida. It has a European feel like Greece or the Mediterranean or St. Barts.” 

INSIDE OUT Houses in Alys Beach are built to their property lines, with no space—save the 16 inches of concrete wall—between them. Rather than front porches or backyards, each house has a walled courtyard as private alfresco space. “The idea of zero lot lines is very counterintuitive, ” architect Gary Justiss says. “You might think it would result in a loss of privacy, but it is the exact opposite. You create truly private outdoor space.” 

DIVE IN “The Caliza pool at Alys is pretty special. I can see it from my window, ” Barbara says. “Alys is still in an early stage of development so it just has a few things right now but the pool is amazing!” Gary adds, “The Ashfords are an easy
walk to the amphitheater, town center, George’s Restaurant, and the beach.” 

RESOURCES
Interior design: Barbara Ashford, Henhouse Antiques • 205.918.0505 henhouseantiques.com Architect: Gary Justiss • garyjustiss.com Builder: Alys Beach Construction alysbeach.com/real-estate/construction Community: Alys Beach, FL, 866.732.1760 alysbeach.com

TEXT BY Lacey Howard • PHOTOs BY JEAN ALLSOPP • Styling by Lynn Nesmith

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12 Colorful Rooms We Love

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
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ABOVE A soothing custom-mixed blue covers the walls while the poster bed sets a casual cottage tone. Featured in “The Grown-Up House, ” Sept/Oct 2015. 
 

  

ABOVE LEFT For a punch of color, designer Virginia Volman likes to paint the ceilings an accent color. Bold patterned pillows and colorful art pop against the clean white bedding. Featured in “Finder's Keepers, ” May/June 2015. 

ABOVE RIGHT A rug from Paige Albright Orientals makes a statement in the orange foyer. The wallpaper is Thibaut—on the splurge side—but since it was used in a little room, the cost was practical. Featured in “Spirited Style, ” January/February 2014. 
 

ABOVE To create a dramatic mood, Beth painted the bedroom These bedroom walls (painted Sherwin Williams 6005 Folkstone) create a dramatic mood. Sunny yellow accents on the headboard, chair and artwork add contrast to the dark hue. Organic textures such as the sheepskin rug and rattan basket add softness. Featured in “House & Garden, ” Jan/Feb 2016. 
 

  

ABOVE LEFT AG Designs chose to make a strong statement in this formal living room with a navy lacquer wall covering. The red secretary provides the perfect pop of color against the navy walls. Featured in “Modern Makeover, ” Jan/Feb 2015. Photo by Sarah Arrington

ABOVE RIGHT White accents such as the duvet and end tables offer a quiet spot among a kaleidoscope of color. Featured in “Sunny Delight, ” Jan/Feb 2016. Photo by Emily Followill
 

ABOVE Lavender upholstered furniture makes a statement in this library with his and her bookcases. Featured in “On the Flip Side, ” May/June 2013.
 

  

ABOVE LEFT This bedroom’s red, white, and blue palette brings in the Americana style of the Hamptons with a nod to Morocco in the bed design and fabric. Wall color: Benjamin Moore ‘Americana.' Featured in “On Holiday, ” March/April 2016. 

ABOVE RIGHT Gray walls and furniture provide a neutral backdrop for bold artwork and accessories. Featured in “Inspiring Spaces, ” May/June 2014. 
 

ABOVE Bold cabinets,  a pre-finished choice from Twin Construction’s Classic Cabinets By Design dubbed “Mount Etna, ” give this kitchen a French café look. Featured in “Family Adventure, ” May/June 2015. 
 

  

ABOVE LEFT Designer Laurl Self transforms a cool white condo with bright artwork and accessories to fill the space with color and personality. Featured in “Custom Color, ” Jan/Feb 2014.

ABOVE RIGHT The drama of black walls perfectly balances the bright, bold pillows and a painting by artist Bill Yeager. Featured in “Color Theory, ” Jan/Feb 2012.
 

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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Mapping an Artistic Path

By
Lynn Nesmith
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I want to preserve things that are disappearing, ” says Jules Smith. “Of course, I use Google maps like everyone else, but I love the idea of creating something more permanent—a record that is beautiful.” 

An Alabama native, Jules grew up in Montgomery and graduated with a degree in architecture from Auburn University, where she enjoyed the benefits of studying under professors Bobby McAlpine and the late Sam Mockbee. Jules crafted her first map more than 25 years ago. At the time, she was looking for direction, not in a literal sense but in a spiritual way. “I drew a visual map of my mind and asked myself, ‘Where do I go from here?’” she recalls.  

As a young practicing architect, Jules had seen her projects published in Southern Living and Architecte Magazine. “I was afraid I had peaked early, ” she laughs. “But I knew there was a big world out there that I wanted to explore.” This desire inspired her next cartography creation—a nearly 2- by 3-foot rendering of the earth with historic coastal cities highlighted on every continent.  

Jules’ work did bring travel, but to Tennessee, Georgia, and Scenic 30A in Florida rather than far reaches of the globe. Several years ago, a chance meeting at a frame shop in Columbus, Georgia, turned into one of her most ambitious cartographic projects. “A couple was looking for a unique map of Lake Martin—but not the typical topo or fishing map, ” recalls Jules. After six months of meticulous research layering more than 73 existing maps, including Alabama Power and Corp of Engineer charts from the 1920s and the Congressional Land Description Method for scale, she created an engaging and beautiful rendition of what the region looked like before the dam was completed. She even noted abandoned hamlets and cemeteries that were relocated. 

Next came other locales, both near and far, that Jules drew as either commissions or labors of love. Covering destinations such as the South Pacific, Mobile Bay, the Greek Isles, and Scenic Highway 30A, her maps show the precision and accuracy of an architect in each and every stroke. But the beauty of these renderings resides in Jules’ personal interpretation of history and her artistic expressions in the overlays of textures and colors.

Although Jules loves creating works of art large enough to hang on a wall, she acknowledges the realities of digital work. “Everyone is always looking at their smart phone, me included, and we can’t get enough of these small-screen photographs, ” laughs Jules. “There’s something very appealing about a 2½-inch-square image.”  

With that format as a guide, Jules embarked on her collection of Petite Paintings, starting with the Seaside Post Office. “It’s the most photographed building in town, so it seemed like a natural, ” she explains. Each view is slightly different. Always playing with scale and proportion, Jules also paints single architectural details from other iconic 30A landmarks. On the last day the Seagrove Village Market served lunch before it was scheduled to be demolished, Jules set up her easel in front, painting dozens of original views to freeze the moment in time. 

“I use old drafting tools like inking pens and lead holders that one finds in antique shops rather than in an architect’s office, ” she says. In this way, Jules is doing her part to preserve the things that foster the unique appeal of such beloved places, from Lake Martin and Scenic 30A to the far reaches of the earth. 

For more information about Jules Smith, visit watercolormapco.com.

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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On Holiday

By
Alice Welsh Doyle
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The living room shows off its mix of comfortable upholstery, fine antiques, and surprise accents like the striking photo over the mantel by Birmingham photographer David Hillegas. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Even the front door is doused in a blue hue, indicative of what’s inside. “I believe in mixing all shades of blue—like wearing blue jeans with a navy blazer, ” Ware says. Exterior door color: Benjamin Moore ‘Polo Blue’

Ware Porter believes in happy rooms. He decorates with a sense that the serious should be paired with the whimsical and that stuffy is most definitely passé. In his former Forest Park Colonial, that message speaks in spades while also giving a nod to some of Ware’s favorite vacation locations in the U.S. and abroad.

“I had a vision of a Hamptons cottage in the middle of Forest Park. I was doing a project up there at the time, so I was inspired by that Americana feel. I wanted red, white, and blue, ” explains Ware. “But I was also working with clients on the Amalfi Coast, so the saturated blues of the Mediterranean were an influence as well.” 

Ware’s deft handling of color sings throughout the interiors, beginning with the foyer. Vintage black Baker chairs and a large-scale lantern offer a casual introduction to the home. A zebra rug takes center stage, adding an exotic touch.

In the living room, rich cobalt-velvet club chairs cozy up to a traditional pleated pouf. Ware likes taking something classic and shaking it up a little with fabrics and finishes. In the same vein, the designer scattered leopard- and Ikat-print pillows on the more traditional muted turquoise sofa. 

The Hamptons vibe spills into the master bedroom, which is anything but quiet. A vivid blue—Benjamin Moore’s ‘Americana’—wraps the room, and the same bold hue extends to the pillow fabric and throw. The shade is a perfect backdrop for the red-and-white upholstered headboard and bedskirt in a distinctive Peter Dunham print. 

Although the home contains some impressive 17th- and 18th-century antiques, the rooms remain welcoming and, quite frankly, fun. In fact, friends enjoyed Ware’s home so much that they dubbed it the “clubhouse”—a place where every guest felt like a member. “I love to entertain. I wanted my home to be where everyone felt comfortable enough to dance on the furniture if they desired, ” Ware says. 

The dining room, where Ware held numerous dinner parties, is the one space that takes a more understated approach to color. “I want the personality of my guests to be the center of attention, not the décor, ” he says. An 18th-century console with blue undertones is topped with a gold mirror and surrounded by antique Haviland china. Subtle contrast is seen in the palm tree mural, painted in a tone-on-tone color against gray walls and inspired by Lyford Cay in the Bahamas—another of Ware’s favorite destinations. It’s just one more example of a happy place in this decidedly happy home.

The foyer gets maximum use because it doubles as an additional dining space during large dinner parties. “Four guests can sit at the round tilt-top table, and its adjacency to the dining room makes it a natural area for expanding the entertaining space,” says Ware. Wall décor, including the hurricane sconces by John Rosselli, is kept minimal to allow the dramatic zebra rug to serve as a focal point. Arched openings connect the spaces to each other and the living room.
Dressed in neutral shades, the dining room has plenty of engaging twists with the painted palm tree mural, 18th-century mirror, and ornate console table, as well as the large-scale brass chandelier.
Dressed in neutral shades, the dining room has plenty of engaging twists with the painted palm tree mural, 18th-century mirror, and ornate console table, as well as the large-scale brass chandelier.
The living room’s blues and whites flow throughout, accented with touches of yellow and lively patterned prints. Ware balances classic items like the étagère and oil paintings with edgier pieces such as the contemporary coffee table, hand-painted by Birmingham artist Jan Roberts. “I don’t think rooms should be too serious,” says Ware. “I’m not a stuffy person and need some aspect of whimsy in my rooms.”

The bedroom’s red, white, and blue palette brings in the Americana style of the Hamptons with a nod to Morocco in the bed design and fabric.

RESOURCES
Interior designer: Ware Porter,  Ware & Co. • 2718 Cahaba Rd. 205.874.9800 waremporter.com Foyer: zebra rug: Paige Albright Orientals • 205.877.3232 paigealbrightorientals.com Dining room: palm tree mural: Jan Roberts • 205.902.3644; Living room: ginger jars: Ware & Co.

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Lake Season

By
Lynn Nesmith
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Enlivened with a mix of native stone and dark woods, this new house at Willow Glynn takes advantage of its prime spot along the shore of Lake Martin. “There are lots of ways to engage the water from a property like this, ” explains architect Jeff Dungan. “You should always be aware of the lake and arrange porches and rooms based on the views they will command.” Photos by Jean Allsopp

A place at the lake should be a departure from one’s house in town. On vacation, it’s all about good times with family and friends. Interior designer Paige Schnell and architect Jeff Dungan joined forces to create just such a getaway for a Birmingham family.   

Located on a prominent point, the home offers commanding views out to big water. With such a setting comes an inherent mandate to defer to nature. Accordingly, the architecture is extremely site specific and animated as it follows the gently sloping landscape and rambles along the shoreline, allowing nearly every room in the house to enjoy views of the lake. “There is an energy and power in the contours of certain natural places, ” says Jeff. “If you listen closely, these forces will help guide you.”   

An antique dining table adds a touch of sophistication. The kelly green nailhead banding on the upholstered chairs echoes the colors of the adjoining living room.

Everything about a second home is typically more casual. Although this house nods to the familiar forms and romantic notions of the lake’s historic Russell cabins, its refined proportions and handcrafted materials establish a commanding stature and sense of permanence. 

In addition, the house possesses an all-important interchange between indoors and outdoors with a generous screen porch. “In that moment when you screen a porch, the space is completely changed, ” explains Jeff. “It’s not transparent anymore. It becomes translucent. And that makes a big difference.”  

Reflecting the best of both worlds, this gracious outdoor room repeats the stone of the exterior and the living room fireplace. The flooring consists of the same Peacock Pavers used in the foyer and kitchen. Measuring nearly 20 by 20 feet, the porch is large enough to include both a congenial conversation area and a dining space for 10. “We chose the sofa and chairs for comfort and the Sunbrella fabrics for durability, ” explains Paige. “Lamps on the end tables and colorful accent pillows enhance the feeling of a real room.”  

Striking a balance between the drama of the landscape and the finesse of the architecture, interiors spaces marry the best aspects of a modern open plan with traditional details and thoughtful furniture placement. And every room capitalizes on the stunning views. “This is a house that never lets you forget where you are, ” Paige says. “When you are here, it’s almost impossible to turn your back on the lake.”         

With sunlight flooding into the porch, doors swung open, and the boat tuned up for action, this weekend house exudes an invitation to kick off your shoes, unwind, and make some memories. And it’s the reason this Birmingham family waits anxiously to make the trek to Lake Martin at the first hint of warm weather.

RESOURCES
Location: Willow Glynn,  Lake Martin willowglynn.com Architecture: Jeff Dungan,  Jeffrey Dungan Architects • Birmingham,  205.447.5952 jeffreydungan.com Interiors: Paige Sumblin Schnell, Tracery • Rosemary Beach, FL,  850.231.6755 Traceryinteriors.com Builder: Marbury McCullough, TCC Contractors • Alexander City, AL,  256.392.4115 TCCContractors.com

ABOVE The open kitchen, featuring limestone counters and a butcher block island, is designed for family gatherings and casual entertaining.

To instill the master suite with a feeling of a true retreat, designer Paige Schnell chose a soothing palette of purples and lavenders against a neutral background. A pair of nubby linen chairs with patterned silk pillows anchor a sunny reading nook. “A little silk goes a long way in adding a touch of elegance, ” says Paige. Two mirrored bedside tables round out the ensemble.

The screen porch is both the physical and philosophical heart of the house. A natural stone fireplace and dark wooden walls add texture and warmth. The language of the details and the choice of materials are consistent inside and out. “Pretense is at a minimum, ” says architect Jeff Dungan. “Ease, comfort, and relaxation are the essence of this lake home.”

Great New Neighborhoods from Russell Lands

Willow Glynn (Featured Above)

As the sister neighborhood to Willow Point, Willow Glynn has made a name for itself due to its Craftsman-style architecture and beautiful lakeside setting. Since its establishment in 2008, two phases have been completed, and a new section opened last year. Like the first two phases, the latest neighborhood is situated on the southern banks of Pitchford Hollow, an area fed by the Parker and Oakachoy Creeks and known for its sandy lake bottoms and spectacular blue waters. Waterfront and water-access lots, each densely wooded with a mixture of mature hardwoods and pines, are currently available.

Willow Glynn already boasts miles of sidewalks and forest trails, as well as a secured, gated entry and a neighborhood park. In addition, residents enjoy walking across lovely wooden bridges and along soft mulch paths that meander through the forests. 

Many residents of Willow Glynn enjoy the proximity to the private Willow Point Golf and Country Club. The centerpiece of the country club is the beautiful 18-hole championship golf course. Willow Point also offers members access to a clubhouse and restaurants, tennis center, lakeside pool, courtesy boat docks, cabana, and fitness facility. Homeowners in Willow Glynn have the opportunity to apply for membership at the Willow Point Golf and Country Club.

Russell Cabins at The Ridge

The very first Russell Cabins were built in the 1930s. These attractive-yet-humble homes offered families an authentic lake lifestyle experience. But for years, these popular cabins were only available to rent, although many desired to own them. That all changed recently with the development of Russell Cabins at The Ridge. Proper land planning would not allow for random ownership of cabins, so the concept of creating an enclave of cabins was born. And the perfect piece of land, with beautiful water views, mature trees, and deep water lots was selected just inside the entry of The Ridge.

Five well-known designers, Bill Farshee, Bill Ingram, Taylor Dawson, Alex Krumdieck, and Jonathan Torode, were selected to create seven plans for this very special neighborhood. The resulting designs are modest in size but generous in modern features, while utilizing a blend of rustic materials and timeless architecture—all in keeping with the simple, modest look demanded by lovers of Russell Cabins.

South Ridge Harbor at The Ridge

Located at The Ridge’s southernmost point, South Ridge Harbor offers a collection of 36 homesites with an array of views—from sunrise and sunset to quiet coves and open water. Longtime lake lovers will remember this beautiful piece of land as the former home of the Dixie Sailing Club. Today, this land is set to become home to those who treasure the beauty and joy found only on Lake Martin. Each property has been carefully designed to offer the best house site and waterfront positioning possible. Approved designers and builders have performed studies of each site in order to provide the best possible advice for prospective property owners considering a new lake home.

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Garden of Small Delights

By
Jean Allsopp Photography
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When Jill Evans found the 1920s English manor atop Red Mountain, she was immediately charmed. Sure the house needed restoration and updating, but its stately architecture looked like it had just been plucked from the European countryside. 

Weathered and darkened by soot from decades of exposure, the stone exterior showed scars from wind and pollution from Sloss Furnace’s heydays. Terraced gardens and paths were overgrown, but inside, the home showed the imprint of a happy family who lived well and played well. For Jill and her husband, Gary Crowder, it was easy to imagine the life the house had enjoyed and the future they wanted to give it.

Jill and her husband spent three years restoring the home and outdoor garden rooms to their full glory. The process took skilled craftspeople and a lot of patience. Rooms—inside and out—were opened, reassigned, restored, and filled with period-appropriate furnishings and art. Completed, this labor of love reflects the couple’s dedication to authenticity.

Despite the manor’s grandeur, Jill’s favorite part of the property’s history was found not in the home itself, but on the ridge down below. Tucked under the home’s view of the city lay the most perfect playhouse designed for the daughters of the previous owners. “I loved the house, ” Jill says. “But what I loved most was the playhouse.” Though the playhouse is not original to the estate, the prior owners took great care to replicate the design of the main house by using a slate roof, stone exterior, and limestone accents such as the Quatrefoil above the arched, cottage-style Dutch door. 

The playhouse’s charms bring to mind every little girl’s fantasy of finding an undiscovered getaway—much like the main character in Mandy by Julie Andrews or The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Just like the playhouses in storybooks, this is a place to imagine, dream, plan, and escape. It’s a place to play house, plant a garden, pick flowers, and lie in the grass and let the clouds go by. It’s a place for tea parties. It’s a place to be quiet. 

The garden’s plantings allude to fairytale notions with a weeping willow, fruit trees, ivy trained to drape as garland, and a carefully tended climbing rose that is slowly making its way above the cottage’s door. Neat beds are filled with blooming perennials, hydrangeas, and shade-loving greenery.

While Jill keeps the garden and playhouse well-maintained, it’s still just a place for dreaming­—for now.  When it’s time, a new generation will find their way to this garden of small delights.

  

Photography by Jean Allsopp

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Showroom Style: Urban Home Market

By
Christiana Roussel
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Q. What types of furnishings do you offer?

A. We carry affordable home furnishings and accessories that offer a unique blend of modern, antique, and vintage with a twinge of European influence. We are actively involved in buying our pieces by the whole container, which allows us to share the savings with our clients. We also have chandeliers, wall sconces, and outdoor fixtures, along with designer table and floor lamps.

Q. Who is your customer?

A. Our clients are to the point in their lives where they are able to focus on themselves, their style, and how they will live in the home they created. Our designers are interested in working with what you have while also helping you invest in pieces you will enjoy for years to come. (Our design services are complimentary.)

Q. What are two trends we should look for this spring?

A. Mixed Metals: Platinum, gold, copper, steel—as long as they’ve got metallic sheen, they go together. It’s bling like you’ve never seen before. While gold is not a brand-new trend, there are a lot of people who are still trying to get used to the idea of using it again in decorating. Texture: This was really big at market, including lots of faux fur—especially white fur. We saw it used on chairs and ottomans. It’s so cozy and comfortable to relax in. We also are seeing chunky textures such as heavy knits and crocheted pillows and throws.

Q. If you could only redo one room in the house, what would it be? 

A. It would have to be the place where family gathers. I have always advised clients on a limited budget to spend it in the one room where you will spend time together. Young couples will often spread out their purchases from room to room and never finish one space. This makes their home seem sparse, cold,  and uninviting.

Q. The store really IS incredible. How else are you using this space?  

A. We have started offering the showroom for special events on Thursday evenings. (We stay open later on Thursdays.) We’ve had book signings, women’s groups, informal business presentations, decorating 101 classes, and tutorials on how to change the fabric on a dining room chair. Our customer’s imagination is the only limit.

Urban Home Market showcases furnishings and accessories in 17, 000 square feet of retail space.

Design Tips

PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS A few well-thought-out architectural details or accessories can turn a bland room into a grand room. 

DON'T TIP THE SCALE Nothing makes a big space look out of scale more than a room full of tiny furnishings and accessories. For large walls, try grouping a collection of nicely framed art and a statement mirror. Remember to keep accessories focused and in proportion to the size of the room. Always group collections. A lot of small things scattered around can quickly become clutter rather than points of interest.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE The right (or wrong) lighting can instantly change the mood of a space. Ideally, a room should have at least three sources of lighting: natural, ambient, and task or accent lighting to add interest. 

MIX IT UP A blend of eclectic furnishings and accessories makes a space look lived in. When using a palette of creams and grays, it is important to use a few pops of color.

Urban Home Market • 1001 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 101 205.980.4663 

Interview by Christiana Roussel • Photos by Art Meripol

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4 Coastal Seafood Recipes

By
Leslie Byars Register
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​Miso-Glazed Grouper

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup sake or mirin
1 tablespoon honey
3 green onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon miso paste
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
4 (6-ounce) grouper fillets
Garnish: sliced green onions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, honey, green onions, garlic, miso paste, and ginger. Brush both sides of fish with marinade; let stand 15 minutes.
2. Coat a grill rack with cooking spray. Preheat grill to medium-high (350°F to 400°F). 
3. Grill fillets 5 to 6 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with green onions, and serve. Yields 4 servings

Grilled Crab, Mango & Avocado

12 ounces fresh crabmeat, drained    
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice    
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper    
8 slices French bread (½-inch-thick slices)
¼ cup butter or margarine, softened
2 avocados 
1 mango, thinly sliced    
4 ounces Muenster cheese, thinly sliced

1. In a medium bowl, combine crab, lime juice, and pepper.
2. Brush one side of each bread slice with butter. Place on a work surface, buttered side down. Slice avocados. Top 4 bread slices equally with crab mixture, avocados, mango, and cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, and press together gently.
3. Place sandwiches on preheated panini grill or in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook, turning once if using a skillet, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Yields 4 servings.

Marinated Shrimp

3 pounds peeled, jumbo cooked shrimp with tails
½ medium red onion, sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
4 bay leaves
1 cup white balsamic vinegar
½ cup canola oil
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon crusted red pepper flakes
Chopped fresh basil (optional)

1. Layer first 4 ingredients in an airtight container. Whisk together vinegar and next 8 ingredients; pour over shrimp. Cover and chill 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon and toothpicks. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, if desired. Yields 12 – 15 appetizers.

Salmon and Kale Pasta

1½ pounds salmon fillets
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice,  divided
Kosher salt and pepper
3 cups fresh baby kale
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
8 ounces rotini pasta,  cooked
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
¼ cup chopped fresh chives
Grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Season salmon with 1 tablespoon each olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Bake salmon 12 minutes or until desired degree of doneness; let cool and remove skin.
3. In a large skillet, cook kale, tomatoes and pine nuts in 1 tablespoon hot oil over medium heat until kale is slightly wilted, about 3 minutes. Set aside. Add pasta, salmon, remaining lemon juice, remaining olive oil, vinegar, and chives. Cook, until heated through, 2 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Yields 4 servings.

Recipes and photos by Alison Lewis

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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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