On a mild spring evening in May, a stream of cars could be seen making their way to Dr. Billy and Elizabeth Cornay’s home for the Palettes of Spring art show—an affair that directly benefits Spring Valley School for children with special needs. Warm light spilled onto the lawn welcoming the guests to enjoy fellowship, libations, and art. Before long, artists and patrons were mingling together, learning about each artisan’s craft and selecting the perfect pieces for their homes. Throughout the evening, guests could be seen proudly showing off their new finds to friends, their voices brimming with enthusiasm as they mused about where to place the new art at home.
And through the clink of wine glasses, the “oohs” and “aahs” of the perfect piece found, and the boisterous trill of laughter, there ran a common thread of hopeful optimism. This evening was full of joy—the joy of lending a helping hand to Spring Valley School and the joy of investing in the great artists of our generation.
“These artists represent the best of Alabama, ” said Dr. Clair Barabash, Executive Director of Spring Valley School. “To have such talented individuals agree to participate in our inaugural art show is a testament to the importance of Spring Valley.”
And so the patrons mingled and talked and laughed with each other, confident in the knowledge that their evening was spent in building up the community and investing in the legacy of art—a gift for themselves now and a treasure to pass on to the next generation. springvalleyschool.org
Once again, Birmingham Botanical Gardens celebrates Antiques at the Garden this October (3 – 6), an event-filled weekend where some of Birmingham’s most esteemed tastemakers are celebrated, along with the region’s most respected antique dealers. This year, they proudly present and welcome home a few of our favorite artisans including featured lecturer and architect Bobby McAlpine, as well as interior designers Jane Schwab and Cindy Smith.
In anticipation of the event, we are giving away two tickets to hear Bobby McAlpine speak as the featured lecturer on Oct. 3 as well as one copy of his best-selling book “The Home Within Us: Romantic Houses, Evocative Rooms.” The beautiful collection of 25 stunning McAlpine-designed homes proves the architect’s pursuit of graceful modern living within historical influence of design. It is a rich addition to every home library.
To enter the giveaway, “Like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway photo. Be sure to choose “public” on your share option so that you’ll be entered into the contest without a hitch. The winner will be announced Friday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Bobby and have your (winning!) copy signed. Good luck!
2013 Calendar of Events
WHERE Birmingham Botanical Gardens WHEN Public Show Hours: Thursday, October 3, 1-5 p.m. Friday, October 4, 10-5 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 10-5 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 11-3 p.m. General Admission: $10 per person Members: $5 per person (Limit 2 per membership)
GALA IN THE GARDENS Black-tie Preview of the Show Friday, October 4, 7-11 p.m. Tickets: $150* per person
FEATURED LECTURER Bobby Alpine, Architect Thursday, October 3, 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $30* per person
*All proceeds from Antiques at the Gardens support educational programs at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Meet the Tastemakers
Local designers, architects, and style makers finders will showcase (and sell!) their curated items at booths during the show. This is a terrific opportunity to get design advice and great looks for your own home.
Welcome Home Bobby McAlpine, Jane Schwab & Cindy Smith
A Well-Edited Home Paul Bates & Jeremy Corkern with Betsy Brown
Return to Mecca Paige Albright
Fireside Chat Dana Wolter & Jeff Dungan of Dungan-Nequette
Weeks to the Ivory Coast Iris Thorpe
A Well-Traveled Life Andrew Brown
The Gallery curated by Laura Vogtle, Amanda Morrissette & Frances Nichols
The Jewel Box curated by Mallie Ireland Includes selections from Bromberg’s, Jordan Alexander Jewelry, Lavinder and Company, LLC
Defining Home Tish Fuller, Tom Adams & Adam Gerndt
A Year in Provence Ruth Gay of Chateau Domingue, Houston, Texas
Southern Comfort Mark Kennamer
Texture in Time Alex & Jeannie Krumdieck Lori Fine, Adrienne Retief & Erin Graves
The Winery Curated by Lydia Pursell & Kitty White
The Artisan Garden David & Holley Camp with Helen Harmon
Meet the Dealers
Antique Cupboard Sterling Waukesha, WI Our Specializing in rare patterns, one-of-a-kind pieces, museum quality figural silver, Tiffany sterling, and heirlooms
Alcott Interiors & Antiques Nashville, TN Specializing in high end residential interiors and antiques
John Dennison Fine Art North Myrtle Beach, SC 19th- and Early 20th-century American and European paintings
Evy McPherson’s Gracia Home Nashville, TN Jewelry tree with one-of-a-kind pieces using antique pendants, unique art and lamps
Thomas M. Fortner Antiques Memphis, TN 18th- and 19th-century English and continental furniture and porcelain, Asian ceramics, American cut glass, antique lamps, unusual estate finds
Patricia Mathews Designs Nashville, TN Jewelry made with precious metals cast into new and interesting organic shapes, dressed with perfectly cut, faceted stones
McDonough Fine Art Atlanta, GA Fine selection of antique maps and prints specializing in natural history, architectural and American Indian lithographs
Edwin C. Skinner Antiques Fairhope, AL 18th- and early 19th-century furniture, art and silver
Sonny Ideker Books Alpharetta, GA Fine selection of rare, antiquarian, leather and vellum bound books.
Whitehall Antiques Chapel Hill, NC Period 18th- and early 19th-century formal English and country French furniture with appropriate period art and accessories
A movie reference is not the usual reaction upon seeing a house. But that is exactly what came to the minds of decorator Patti Woods and architects Jeremy Corkern and Paul Bates as they walked through a to-be-remodeled Mountain Brook house.
“We looked around and said It’s Complicated, ” explains Patti. “This house had similar bones to the house that was featured in that movie.”
Bones were actually all they had to work with as the design team embarked on a renovation project that involved taking the house down to its skeleton. “It was a ’50s ranch house that had been remodeled about 10 years ago in a vaguely Mediterranean style, ” says Jeremy. “We decided we needed to gut it down to the studs.”
Once the dated interiors were eliminated, the home’s true potential became even more evident. The design team then set to work creating the certain sunny clime that the homeowner had requested.
“He had lived in Newport Beach while growing up and loved it, ” says Patti. “He really wanted that California style—a sort of Malibu-like feeling.”
In order to transform the rancher into a California beauty, more light was needed. The original front of the home seemed to be weighed down with a heavy-looking wood door and exterior walls made of stucco. Inside, too few windows and too many dark wood accents kept the rooms in a constant state of semi-gloom.
By adding more windows, skylights, and a striking new bronze-and-glass entryway, the design team brought the house to life. Interior walls were painted white for a beach-bright ambiance. “We all love white, ” Jeremy explains. “We wanted the house to be a beautiful backdrop for gatherings.”
The back of the home was also opened up to continue the living space out of doors. As a result, the home’s flow—from room to room and to the outside—not only contributes to the West Coast flavor, it makes for an easy atmosphere for entertaining, something the homeowner loves to do.
The basic palette inside the home served as the team’s inspiration for the bleached, character oak flooring. Upholstered pieces in shades of brown and beige help to soften the surroundings, while a variety of rugs add subtle character to each area of the open space. “We had to carefully coordinate the rugs because they could all ‘see’ each other, ” explains Patti. “We didn’t want them to compete or take away from the bleached floors, so it was important that we find just the right combination. And we seemed to have succeeded”
Alfresco areas of the home also played a prominent role in the renovation. The original pool was strangely located in a covered area. Since guests don’t clamor for fun in the shade, the pool area had to be changed. Rethinking that space led to opening the house onto a graceful veranda offering outdoor dining with media and party space as well.
Now, the revamped California-casual house serves as the perfect venue for large parties as well as a serene escape for quiet at-home evenings. In short, it’s anything but complicated.
ABOVE LEFT A pavilion marks the end of the long pool, perfectly embodying the home’s theme of indoor/outdoor living. It offers a respite from the sun, as well as an impressive view.
ABOVE RIGHT A beautiful swimming pool is the center of entertaining in warm months, so even the pool house bath is dressed for company. Limestone flooring and glass tiles add luxury to the glass-walled shower. The view to Vulcan is part of the ambiance, but when privacy is needed, blinds can be operated by remote control.
ABOVE LEFT The airy foyer has a barrel ceiling, echoing the arch of the glass door. The console table repeats the metal of the door, with the marble top blending with the white walls. The Marilyn Monroe artwork, which the owner bought in South Beach, is actually a print on metal.
ABOVE RIGHT Clean lines mark the modern dining room. Anchored by a massive Holly Hunt walnut-and-stainless steel table, accompanying furnishings seem lighter than air, including the contemporary glass chandelier, chosen so as not to compete with the other elements but “to unify the room, ” says Patti.
ABOVE The kitchen area brings together the bleached wood and white backdrop to create a casual, functional space. A breakfast space is tucked into a box bay window. A waterfall-style island delineates the work area that was set at an angle, which Patti says was “a challenge but made it interesting.” The range hood was crafted to disappear. Similarly, cabinetry blends into the light floor and the light oak beams.
ABOVE All attention in this media room is directed to a large-screen television (right). A mix of new and vintage furniture provides comfortable viewing. Additional hospitality is afforded from a bar, complete with a dishwasher, ice machine, and wine keeper.
ABOVE In contrast to the palette of the rest of the house, the master bedroom is a deep-chocolate, masculine cocoon. A car collector, the owner fell in love with the Ralph Lauren bed that resembles the interior of a vintage automobile. A framed photo of a racecar over the headboard reinforces the theme.
RESOURCES
Architects: Jeremy Corkern and Paul Bates • Bates Corkern Studio 205.414.9939 Builder: Philip Woods Home Builder, 1102 20th Street South, Birmingham • 205.933.2373 Decorator: Patti Woods Interiors, 205.566.1173 Landscaping: Bates Corkern Studio and Green Landscaping, 205.933.0707 Oak Flooring: River Bottom Pine • 2336 F.L. Shuttlesworth Drive, Birmingham • 205.527.6848 Rugs:Paige Albright Orientals 2814 Petticoat Lane, Birmingham Marble countertops:Triton Stone, 4500 5th Avenue South, Bldg. G, Birmingham • 205.592.0202 Sink/faucet: Kenny & Company, 2500 2nd Avenue, Birmingham • 205.323-5616 Jeweler’s table: Circa Interiors & Antiques 2831 Culver Road, Birmingham • 205.868.9199 Foyer: Sconces: Niermann Weeks through Iris & co. Floral design: Sybil Sylvester • Wildflower Designs, 205.322.1311 Dining Room: Chairs: Lee Industries, 800.892.7150 Chandelier: R Hughes Showroom, 1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA • 404.607.8877 Master Bedroom: Bed: Ralph Lauren Home Custom area rug: Hiltz-Lauber, 2838 18th Street South, Birmingham • 205.879.0039 Audio Visual: Jared Lewis of avx
text by Lucy Merrill • photography by Jean Allsopp • floral design by Sybil Sylvester
Antiques dealers get started in a myriad of ways. For Staci Thompson, it was pure intrigue. For her business partner Pat Camp, it was a desire to edit her own home. Pat opened an antiques booth that allowed her to sell and upgrade. Appraiser John Jones’s interest began with his grandparents, both collectors. Regardless of how they became involved, their fondness for the hunt has grown, and along with it, their knowledge and circle of like-minded friends.
In the world of antiquities, it’s hard for the untrained eye to discern value. “Staci and I didn’t go to school to learn how to be antiques dealers, ” Pat says. “We’re pretty much self-taught.”
Their curious nature is sated through an antiques class at Samford After Sundown taught by Dan Brooks, the former curator of Arlington. “The classes are a wealth of information, ” Staci says. “Dan’s knowledge is so varied.”
Additionally, both dealers are members of the Friends of American Art through the Birmingham Museum of Art. “Curator Graham Boettcher has become a good friend. We travel with him to museums and shows. Our new love is the Antiques Roadshow.”
Also a fan of the show, Roadshow guest expert and appraiser John Jones rounds out the group of friends with his accreditation as an appraiser and consultant for Pall Mall Art Advisors. “We all learn from each other, ” Staci says. “Pat and I may find something at a private sale that we think is great, but we all love to discover the real value of a piece, and we can help each other with that.”
Their interest and desire to find those very special treasures only increases as they attend more estate sales and more Antiques Roadshows. The trio of experts is more than happy to share their knowledge—and if they don’t know the answer, they have plenty of friends who do.
ABOVE LEFT A collection of Antiques Road Show passes shows the friends’ enthusiasm for the show and for the sport of antiques.
ABOVE RIGHT Staci found this pair of pewter candlesticks in an estate sale for $40. Research revealed their authentication in a Pewter resource book. Experts Leigh Keno and his brother Leslie Keno priced them at the Antiques Roadshow and placed a value on them that well-exceeded their modest asking price. Since this story, the candlesticks are on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art in the 17th-century collection.
STORY MAKERS Appraiser John Jones has the good fortune of being first in line to see many of the South’s private collections. His career calls him to place value on art, antiques, and interesting objects—and, if the client desires, he works with auction houses to broker a sale. His degree in the Appraisals Studies Program from NYU, along with his private work and professional affiliations, have taught him more than a few things about determining value. Here’s some of his favorite advice.
Staci displays smaller collections in a glass-topped table. This case includes her father’s baseball memorabilia.
1. Do your research ahead of time. If you are seeking a particular piece, learn everything you can about it before you start shopping. That way, you can arm yourself with smart questions. The internet is an amazing resource, but it can be tricky. Never underestimate the power of books.
2. Buy from a reputable shop and ask to meet the dealer. There’s always more to a piece than meets the eye, and they will be able to give you the full story.
3. Save all of the receipts and ask for any existing documentation. Save any research material that you discover. The more history you have on a piece, the more valuable it is.
4. Never buy what you don’t love for yourself. The antiques and art market can ebb and flow. There is a lot of money to be made in this industry, but it can be as tricky as playing the stock market.
5. Pay attention to repairs and imperfections, but don’t let them stop you from a purchase if it is something you love. “People love to see evidence of a piece’s age. It has no story to tell if it is perfect, ” John says.
6. If you have a large collection, have it appraised. “The majority of the time, pieces and collections are horrendously under insured, ” John says. “When you have a professional appraisal, there’s no question about legal binding if something should ever happen.” And, he says, an appraisal is surprisingly inexpensive.
WHAT IS IT? WHAT'S IT WORTH? Dealer Staci Thompson’s own home is filled with her personal collection of treasures. A walk through reveals just how intimately she knows her stuff. “I like things that have meaning, ” she says. Some her favorite items are as follows:
ABOVE A plate rack in the kitchen displays a mix of contemporary pieces by NALL and antiques. “I love the mix of colors and genres, ” Staci says.
ABOVE LEFT The Thompsons’s gallery is a curated collection of museum-qualtiy pieces, personal portraits, and a sketch from Petru Botezatu, the Romanian artist who spent five years (beginning in 1994) painting the Dome of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University.
ABOVE RIGHT A collection of rare books includes some documented authentication. “Any paperwork that comes with a piece to let you know where it came from makes it more valuable, ” Staci says.
ABOVE A collection of silver Victorian spoon warmers reside under a portrait of hands—a Road Show scene stealer.
ABOVE LEFT Appraiser John Jones splays the pages of a fore edge book (circa 1823) to reveal the hidden illustration.
ABOVE RIGHT A collection of Coin silver shows a variety of hand engravings. Most Coin silver (composite is 90% silver) was made in the 1800s from actual coins due to a lack of raw material. Sterling pieces had all but replaced Coin Silver by 1870.
ABOVE Staci’s living room is filled with her favorite collections. “I never buy anything that I wouldn’t want to keep for myself, ” she says. “Pat is always trying to edit me. I love color, and I love having lots of interesting things.”
ABOVE The Thompsons’s 1922 home is one of the few one-story Warren Knight Davis homes located atop Red Mountain.
RESOURCES
John C. Jones, USPAP Appraiser and Broker of Fine Art, Exclusive Appraiser and Consultant for Pall Mall (Birmingham and Nashville) 877.850.3878, [email protected]
Pat Camp and Staci Thompson, Thompson House, a shop located in Interiors at Pepper Place (owner Grace Bentley), 2nd Avenue South, 205.323.2817
text by Cathy Still McGowin • photography by Jean Allsopp • produced by Missie Neville Crawford
Pulling into the driveway of this Abingdon neighborhood residence, it’s impossible to guess what is hidden just behind the ivy-covered walls. But once past the wall and inside the inviting garden, it’s hard to leave. A flood of green spills over the thresholds, forming a canopy with the trees, while manicured grass and shrubs bring order to the sanctuary.
The home is encircled by numerous courtyard designs and includes lots of windows to integrate the structure into its setting. Leah Quarles of Landscape Workshop, along with the owners, successfully created the tranquil surroundings by working with the already established landscape design by Nimrod Long and Associates. But much of that landscape was wiped out just two years ago.
“You wouldn’t know it by looking, ” Leah says, “but this whole area was torn up by the 2011 tornadoes.” Once the uprooted plants were cleared out, Leah turned the mess back into its original state of beauty, full of hydrangeas and other thoughtfully chosen shrubs.
The pool is tucked into a U-shaped courtyard surrounded by brick pavers and dotted with seating areas. A checkerboard-patterned lawn adds a fantastical touch to one end of the pool deck. Every turn within the garden reveals blooming perennials and elegant statuary. Fountains splash against brick walls covered in fig ivy, and an outdoor shower—a warm-weather delight—is strategically hidden behind a wall. Other features include a Koi pond in yet another courtyard and carved niches filled with olive jars.
Instead of fighting against the shade created by the house and large trees, Leah worked with it by adding hostas, shrubs, vines, and grasses that actually enjoy the shade. The result is a lush environment that thrives without much sun—the perfect combination for this outdoor retreat.
“Working in a shaded garden is always challenging because your plant choices are limited. The key is to take your time and have fun exploring new options and textures.” —Leah Quarles
She’s the cook. He’s the mix master. Together Lillian Israel and her architect husband George can whip up a pretty tasty menu—especially now that they have plenty of room to move around in their brand new kitchen. Stemming from a desire for a larger kitchen that would serve the couple’s individual culinary styles, George set about finding space for expansion. The house, a 1960s Crestline structure, had already received one addition in the 1970s. That new wing had left behind an awkward spot in the landscape—but a perfect spot for George to set up his new kitchen. “I dreamed about converting this space for years, ” George says. “Our old kitchen was a bottleneck between the two wings of the house. With three kids, friends of kids, and a dog, it was like trying to prepare dinner in the middle of Highway 280.”
Reclaiming the space was easy enough, but George was then faced with the challenge of integrating exterior walls with interior spaces. “I really enjoy finding a design response to a unique set of circumstances, ” says George. “The design process was driven by the blending of existing and new materials and colors that complimented the kitchen aesthetic. The existing walls had windows, and transparency needed to remain in those location—hence the glass shelves and glass-door cabinets. The masonry and stucco walls became the appliance and cabinet locations.”
Cabinet and fixture choices and architectural details give the room a contemporary, downtown loft feel. “In my mind, it was not so much about style but about a design challenge—how to create an interior space where an exterior deck with three exterior walls of different materials and details existed, ” explains George.
Sleek design details (with function always at the center) lend more creative innovation to the room. Countertops vary in accordance with use. Quartz was chosen for general prep/cleanup areas, while maple butcher block was installed for chopping space. Concrete surfaces are for serving and socializing.
“Well-designed appliances, faucets, and adequately-sized sinks are important to serve the different functions of a kitchen, ” says George, who also favors specialty items like large drawers for base cabinets. “Lillian cooks with fresh vegetables/fruits, so having the in-counter compost bin has been great and makes for efficient cleanup, ” he adds.
Other areas are just as organized and include a cocktail bar, a morning coffee set up, and even an electronic docking station. With the multi-functional aspects of the space and the added square footage, the kitchen is truly custom-made for this couple.
Fresh From the Garden Salad
Try one of Lillian’s favorite dishes. The recipe can be made with purple hull peas, lady peas, fresh butterbeans, crowder peas, or a mixture of all of these:
1 lb shelled peas, rinsed and sorted 1 small onion, cut into chunks 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed 2-3 large sprigs fresh thyme 2-3 large sprigs fresh marjoram or thyme, or some of each Salt Extra-virgin olive oil
Place the peas in a large pot and cover with water. Tie the onion, garlic, and herbs into a piece of cheesecloth to make a bouquet garni. Toss into the pot with the peas, and bring to a boil. (Watch carefully as it tends to boil over.) Lower heat and simmer until peas are done, 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the peas. Add a generous tablespoon of salt during the cooking. When done, remove the bouquet garni and drain the peas. Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil. Make a dressing by combining the following in a large jar or bowl:
1 clove garlic, mashed in a pestle with 1 tsp kosher salt 2 Tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 large shallot, finely chopped Grated peel of ½ lemon (optional) 1/4-1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Pour all ingredients except the olive oil into the jar and shake well, or pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Drizzle in ¼-1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Pour over the peas, and then add :
½ cup chopped parsley, chives, and basil in whatever proportions you prefer 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
Stir all together well, and add salt and pepper to taste
Tips from Lillian: “I use this delicious mixture in a variety of ways. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats, but I like to serve it on a bed of lightly dressed mixed baby greens. (I like to use lots of arugula in the mix.) You can reserve a couple of tablespoons of the dressing for this purpose or simply a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper. I usually top the greens with grilled fish or chicken and then add the pea mixture.”
George's Summer Gimlet
Adjust proportions according to individual tastes. George says such variations of the drink make it a favorite throughout the summer.
3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice 3/4 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) 2 ounces Plymouth Gin Enhancements (optional):
2 dashes Angostura bitters or Celery bitters, and/or…
3 slices seedless cucumber, muddled with a pinch of kosher salt, or…
3-4 basil leaves, lightly muddled
Strain into chilled glass. Enjoy with friends.
Resources
Architect George Israel, Israel & Assoc • 205-803-0075 General/Framing/Painting John Parker, Village Remodeling • 205-991-0662 Cabinets Alno From European Kitchen Of Alabama • 205-978-5629 Appliances Allsouth Appliances • 205-942-0408 Concrete Countertops Brian Maloy, Fusoform • fusoform.com Quartz Countertops Robert F. Henry Tile • 205-592-8615 Plumbing Fixtures Kenny & Co. • 205-323-5616 Light Fixtures Illuminations Lighting • 205-322-2176 Electrical Tortorici Electrical Services • 205-424-2698 Lighting Controls/Sonos Jayson Berger One Button Magic • 205-588-6898 Hvac/Plumbing Fixtures Standard Heating & Air Conditioning • 205-322-2679 Floor Tile Surface Solutions • 256-506-6861
Text by Cathy Still McGowin • Photography by Major Adam Colbert
Decorating over time takes a lot of patience, especially when most homeowners want it done “right now!” But that’s when mistakes can happen and spur-of-the-moment decisions become costly regrets. “So many young people want to go out and buy everything at once, ” says decorator and shop owner Iris Thorpe. “I always advise homeowners to buy one really nice piece of furniture (or art) per year, ” she says. “You can build a collection quicker than you realize.” Working with this particular Homewood client, Iris says she did it right and the decoration evolved over several years. “Of course you always need to start with a plan, ” Iris says. “When approaching an individual room or whole house, I work with my client to choose all the pieces at one time. First we shop their house and evaluate the items they already have. Then, we pull fabrics and colors and lay it all out.”
When Iris started this project, the home needed a major renovation. Cyndy Cantley of Cantley & Co. tranformed the kitchen and Twin Construction helped with the nuts and bolts of the building process. And an abundance of white paint (Cotton Ball, Benjamin Moore) instantly brightened the circa 1920s home, setting the scene for the owner’s pretty assembly of antiques.
Most furnishings are French or English—investment pieces that will move well with the family to their next home. Rooms are uncluttered and accents are deliberate. The owner’s collections include pretty silver and equestrian art.
“We worked quickly to finish the project for the homes tour, ” says Iris. And, thankfully, Birmingham had plenty of local resources willing to lend a hand.
The kitchen is splendid in its classic styling. The timeless look of Alabama white marble countertops, white cabinets, a subway tile backsplash (custom matched to the paint color by Kenny & Co.), and stainless steel appliances complement the traditional home.Iris designed the custom banquette (notice the drawers beneath) in the kitchen. A gray blue buffalo check fabric offers soft seating and ties in to the colors of the adjacent dining room. Cottage charm comes through in beaded board and French cane-back chairs. The dining table is a local find from King’s House Antiques.“In design school, they teach you that you should always start with the rug, ” says decorator Iris Thorpe. “You do have to have a starting point, but you should begin with what you love most, ” For the dining room, Iris started with the antique French Trumeau mirror from King’s House Antiques. “This was one of the first pieces the homeowners bought, ” says Iris. “We later found a rug that would play off the mirror’s gray-blue finish.” The dining table and chairs are antiques. The sideboard and lamps are from Robert Hill Antiques. “I love to buy locally. We have a great community of shop owners and antiques dealers, ” Iris says.In the renovation phase, Iris opened up door frames on either side of the fireplace to bring in light and add symmetry to the living room. When the owners purchased the house, they knew this wouldn’t be their “forever home.” Iris kept that in mind—investing in antiques over architectural enhancements or an addition. Most everything here will translate easily to their new home, she says.A French commode resides in the hallway. This transitional piece would work just as easily in a dining room or bedroom. The mirror is a French antique.A downstairs powder room exhibits the only wallpaper in the house.The master bedroom features a custom upholstered bed and custom monogrammed linens. Iris also customized a chandelier that came with the house. “We took the vintage chandelier and painted the whole thing white—crystals and all, ” Iris says. The inexpensive, easy update gave it just-enough of a modern look.The house is a basic rectangle. Public spaces extend from a grand entry hall downstairs, and bedrooms mark the four corners upstairs. In a daughters’ room, Iris situated twin beds beneath canopies of pale blush.In the nursery, an antique Murphy bed is both pretty and functional. Opened, it’s just enough room for mom or dad to catch a few winks between nighttime feedings.
Meet Iris Thorpe
A Huntsville, Alabama native, decorator Iris Thorpe opened her shop, Iris & Co., five years ago. Stemming from her passion for work as a decorator with a need for retail, her small storefront in Cahaba Heights exhibits just a snippet of her sense of style. Filled with a curated mix of Southern artists, African artifacts, antiques, and dazzling furniture and lighting by Niermann Weeks (she’s the only dealer in Alabama! You can skip the trip to Atlanta!), her designs are classic with just the right balance of old and new. Fifteen years of living in New Orleans honed Iris’s knowledge of divergent cultural influence, not limited by era or origin. “I fell in love with the mixing of genre within the same room, ” Iris says. “I love contrast and the element of surprise. I learned to make formal antiques more approachable by mixing them in to a casual setting.”
Stop by the shop. You don’t want to miss her one-of-a-kind finds, art, and fantastic resource room. Need more of her goods to peruse? Iris is the only Birmingham shop on Taigan.com—and she’ll be one of the Tastemakers this fall at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD HOMES TOUR Every other year, the Holly Oak Garden Club selects historic homes to feature for the Hollywood Homes Tour. The next tour will be 2015. Ticket sales help maintain plantings and flowers in public medians, as well as holiday greenery and bows. Other proceeds benefit Shades Cahaba Elementary School.
Resources
Designer: IRIS THORPE, IRIS & CO. Vestavia Hills, Alabama · 205.969.5727 • irisandcompany.netDining room: vase: NIERMANN WEEKS through IRIS & CO. painting: McDONOUGH FINE ART Atlanta, Georgia • mcdonoughfineart.netrug: PAIGE ALBRIGHT ORIENTALS Mt. Brook, Alabama • 205.877.3232 • paigealbrightorientals.commirror: KING’S HOUSE ANTIQUES Birmingham, Alabama • 205.877.3232 • kingshouseantiques.comsideboard/lamps: ROBERT HILL ANTIQUES Birmingham, Alabama • 205.326.0088 • roberthillantiques.comKitchen:design: CYNDY CANTLEY, CANTLEY & CO. Birmingham, Alabama • 205.324.2400 builders: TWIN CONSTRUCTION Homewood, Alabama • 205.802.3920 • twincompanies.comcountertops/cabinets/subway tile: KENNY & CO. Birmingham, Alabama • 205.323.5616 • kennycompany.com appliances: ALL SOUTH APPLIANCES Birmingham, Alabama • 205.942.0408 • allsouthappliance.nethardware: BRANDINO BRASS Homewood, Alabama • 205.978.8900 • brandinobrass.com paint: BENJAMIN MOORE banquette cushions: custom through IRIS & CO. table: KING’S HOUSE ANTIQUES Living room: candlesticks: ROBERT HILL ANTIQUES vessel: JULIE SILVERS through IRIS & CO. coffee table: CIRCA Mt. Brook, Alabama • 205.868.9199 • circainteriors.comupholstery: custom through IRIS & CO. Bedroom:canopies/linens: IRIS & CO
The satinwood-banded dining table and gilded dining chairs create a sense of luxury as the centerpiece of the room. Castle Creations • Robin McCorquodale • 5th Avenue Antiques • 205.320.0500 • 205.970.8863
2. BREAKFAST ROOM (above, left)
The chandelier makes for a beautiful focal point in the breakfast room and contrasts nicely with Kendall Charcoal (Benjamin Moore) walls. Distressed wood furniture reflects the comfort of the room while accessories maintain elegance in the space. E Homewood Interiors • Barbara Williams, Christopher Rankin, and Christopher Magidson • 205.783.1350 • ehomewood.com
3. ENTRY (above, right)
A simple yet artistic grouping in the foyer is poised on a stairwell. Jay Howton & Associates • 205.966.3938
4. GARDEN ROOM (above, left)
Blown-glass flower sculptures above the windows add pops of unexpected color. The crystal chandelier brings a touch of glamour to the room. Scandinavian Design Gallery • Theresa J. Thornton 205.985.4507
5. MASTER BEDROOM (above, right)
Neutral walls and flooring allow color to play out in furniture and accessories. A bold purple hue in the bedframe and shades of green in the pillows add liveliness while also accentuating the dramatic painting. Mantooth Interiors • Lynette Mantooth • 205.879.5474 • The Curtain Exchange • Lynette Mantooth, Ansley Turncliff, Caroline Hutchinson, Lori Jack, Brenda Hillman, Lynn Rush 205.871.7575
6. KITCHEN TABLE SETTING
Moss placemats and coastal-themed dinnerware create a sense of relaxation and escape.
A natural color palette lightens up the sophisticated family room, making it a welcoming space for guests. A mixture of casual and formal textures in the furniture and accessories keeps the room both beautiful and liveable. Birmingham Wholesale Furniture • 205.322.1687
9. MASTER PORCH
Accents of blue unify furniture pieces in the spacious porch. Floor-to-ceiling curtains allow for privacy without hindering the elegance of this Southern staple. Summer Classics Home • James Allen Westbrook • 205.620.6660
10. FORMAL LIVING ROOM (above, left)
A combination of velvet and silk brings a softness to the formal pieces in this space. The small tray table serves as a coffee table, in keeping with the more delicate appeal of the room. Castle Creations • Robin McCorquodale • 5th Avenue Antiques • 205.320.0500 • 205.970.8863
11. FAMILY PORCH (above, right)
Fashionable, functional seating perfectly suits this family gathering spot. Unique side tables and a bold rug add an element of whimsy to the space that seems to draw guests in for lively get-togethers, while deep-seated cushions and comfortable throw pillows suggest quiet afternoons for napping and reading. Blackjack Gardens Frances Gorrie • 205.836.2933
SHOWHOUSE 2013 DECORATORS
Entry: Summer Classics Home, 205.620.6660| Foyer and Stairwell: Jay Howton Associates: Donald Jay Howton, 205.966.3938 | Formal Dining Room: Castle Creations: Robin McCorquodale 5th Avenue Antiques, 205.320.0500 | Breakfast Room: E Homewood Interiors, 205.783.1350 |Kitchen: Kathy’s Kreations, 205.663.3854 | Kitchen Porch: Blackjack Gardens: Frances Gorrie, 205.836.2933 | Garden Room: Scandinavian Design Gallery: Theresa J. Thorton, 205.985.4507 | Family Room: Birmingham Wholesale Furniture 205.322.1687 | Library: Bill Aroosian Designs: Bill Aroosian, 205.835.8471 | Formal Living Room: Castle Creations: Robin McCorquodale, 5th Avenue Antiques 205.320.0500 | Landing: Donald Jay Howton & Associates, Jay Howton & Associates 205.966.3938 | Master Bath: Baker Lamps & Linens, 205.981.3330 | Master Bedroom: Mantooth Interiors/ The Curtain Exchange, 205.879.5474| Master Porch: Summer Classics Home, 205.620.6660 | Bed & Bath 1: G&G Interior Designs: Ramona Griffin, 205.243.4344 | Bed & Bath 2: Umphrey Interiors: Perry Umphrey, 205.422.6969| Bedroom 3: Virginia College, 205.802.1581 | Bedroom 4: Lynne Coker Interiors, 205.999.9046 | Third Floor Bath: Umphrey Interiors: Perry Umphrey, 205.422.6969
Produced by Rachel Moore • Photography by Jean Allsopp and Lindsay Allen
FOR THE GOURMET, a bland dish needs new flavor to imbue it with verve. For the architect, the same rule applies to a nondescript structure. Architect Tom Adams of Adams Gerndt Design Group teamed up with landscaper Pratt Brown to add just the right amount of seasoning to a pool house in need of some zest.
What began as a remodel project to make the structure more appealing for owners Doree and Tony Nelson soon became a total makeover that changed the relationship between the house and its environment. “The original pool house was an enclosed structure with a small living room and not a lot of space for entertaining, ” Tom says. “We gutted it so we could start over.”
He began by adding sliding pocket door systems, pictured below, so the pool house can be opened up in the warmer months. “Now they have a space that relates to the outdoors, ” Tom explains. “You can slide all the doors open and feel as if there’s no difference between the inside and outside.”
On the north side of the structure, a solid panel of English ivy rises from the boxwood hedges, hinting to its traditional origins. However, the plan for the interiors was extremely different. “The main house is very traditional on the inside, ” Tom says. “We wanted the pool house to be much more contemporary and playful—a breath of fresh air.”
The pool house interiors include custom furnishings in bright colors to create a fun atmosphere for entertaining. Custom cabinetry, Italian barstools in white leather, and polished chrome create a sleek, contemporary design and a light atmosphere.
As part of the makeover, Tom replaced the flat roof with a pitched slate roofs to echo the main house. Inside, he chose custom pieces such as a designer sofa upholstered in lime green and Italian chrome-and-white-leather bar stools. A white wool rug with 2-inch nap adds a soft, luxurious touch. “I credit Doree with helping make the project a success, ” Tom says. “She wanted to tie in colors of the furniture with the colorful garden.” To create more entertaining space outside, Tom laid paver slabs interwoven with grass to anchor a rectangular table, chairs, and a market umbrella. The area offers a panoramic view of Red Mountain. Nearby, loungers by Barlow Tyrie combine brushed aluminum with vanilla-colored mesh, a perfect complement to the blue-gray water in the pool and the changing hues of the sky and landscape.
“Birmingham has beautiful private gardens, and when people from all over the country tour them, they’re amazed at the scale and color they see. When you incorporate color in a garden, you’re giving people a show in the landscape.” —Pratt Brown
When the Nelsons moved into their home several years ago, landscape contractor Pratt Brown began work on the new surroundings. “Behind the house, we changed out everything except the large Burford hollies, ” Pratt says. “They are majestic specimens and are probably original to the house.”
To the existing pool and patio, Pratt added modular panels of boxwood hedges—kept crewcut short—to line the red-brick steps and complement the traditional boxwood-and-flower borders. He continuously keeps the garden alive with color, changing the mix of annuals and perennials twice a year with different plants so the garden is never the same.
When Pratt Brown reworked the landscape of the Nelson home, he added modular panels of boxwoods, in keeping with the traditional style of the house.
“I like tall and short flowers and having flowers spilling over the wall, ” Pratt explains. “It looks like more of a border than just a bed. We’ve used 50 or 60 different flowers, incorporating different textures with the foliages as well.”
At the top of Pratt’s priority list was opening up a view which had been obscured by trees and brush. He earmarked select trees to remain to create a visual effect, with the vista unveiled between the trunks of those trees. For Tom, the reward from the project is its timelessness. “It could have been built 50 years ago, because it fits its environment so well and fits the proportions of the space.”
The space around the existing pool deck wouldn’t allow for a table and chairs. Instead, Tom used Peacock Pavers in slabs to make a fitting place for the teak-top table, interweaving the grass between and “creating a relationship to the pool, but more to the view.”
RESOURCES
architects and custom furnishings: TOM ADAMS AND ADAM GERNT OF ADAMS GERNDT DESIGN GROUP • adams-gernt.com • 205.939.1113 • landscape: PRATT BROWN of Pratt Brown Landscapes, Inc. • 205.951.3384
Text by Cara D. Clark • Photography by Jean Allsopp
It may come as a surprise to visitors of the Magic City that Birmingham chefs regularly nab some of the nation’s most-esteemed culinary accolades, but locals know good food abounds beyond the restaurant scene (and mom’s kitchen too). From the butcher and baker to chicken coop maker, Birmingham is home to a diverse and ever-growing marketplace of passionate foodies offering generous helpings of handcrafted and curated selections that put Birmingham on the Southeast’s gastronomic roadmap. This year “The Foodies” list showcases producers who are lending incomparable interest and flavor to our hometown—and they share some of their favorite finds too.
More information Visit the Alabama Biscuit Company’s Facebook page.
A sign hangs in the window of a red brick building in Cahaba Heights promising that the Alabama Biscuit Company is “Rising Soon.” If you’ve already had a taste of their offerings at the Pepper Place market, you’re probably as anxious as we are to see the “Now Open” sign.
“The farm-to-table/local/pasture-based movements are here to stay, and what tastebud could complain? People want real, honest, full-flavored food. They want fresh food and to know its source and the methods used to prepare it.”
WHAT SETS APART AN ALABAMA BISCUIT COMPANY BISCUIT FROM A TYPICAL BISCUIT? A traditional Southern flaky favorite would probably contain Crisco or some other hydrogenated vegetable oil, bleached, nutritionally-stripped, flavorless flour. Ours are gluten-free, stone-ground, healthy, organic, and nourishing. We use organic sprouted spelt flour, real organic butter, and local buttermilk, and offer a variety of natural toppings.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY A PIPING HOT BISCUIT? Definitely almond butter and wild blueberry jelly. It takes me back to simpler days in my life every time I eat it. The best part is that you don’t have to cut the crust off like a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
IF WINE GOES WITH BREAD AND CHEESE WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED LIBATION AND PAIRING WITH BISCUITS? I’d say the biscuit with our blueberry cobbler sauce, fresh whipped cream, and a glass of Moscato d’ Asti is a pretty strong suitor.
The de Jong family moved from Holland to Florida in the mid-1980s to escape the cold weather and start a dairy farm. At the time, organic wasn’t a big buzz word, though most of their dairy practices were headed that way. In 1991, the family relocated Working Cows Dairy to Slocumb, Alabama. In 2009, they became branded as Alabama’s Organic Milk—the first in the state.
DID YOU KNOW? Cows consume 40 gallons of water each day. • Dairy farmers work from early in the morning until late at night. Working Cows Dairy milks 151 cows 2 times a day on a 48-stall carousel milking barn every day of the year. • Cows average about 25 pounds of milk per day. Most cows are milked twice a day at 12 hour intervals. • Working Cows Dairy cows eat, grass, haylage, dry hay and sea salt minerals. • Cows spend approximately 20 hours a day eating grass. • There are 5 breeds of dairy cows: Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and Guernsey. We got a mix of all of them • Organic milk is produced with out any chemicals on feed or genetic modified seed.
“We like to treat the ladies good. We start with our ‘open gate’ policy. Most conventional dairies run what’s called a confinement operation, but we simply open the gates and let our cows graze like they are naturally meant to. All our cows are 100% grass fed, using no type of concentrated grain ration. And yes, the ladies have it better than we do. They all have waterbeds. But hey! The ladies come first.”
WATERBEDS? REALLY? Really. Waterbeds for cows (made from rubber and water) create a stable cushion and floating effect that helps circulation to the udder and takes stress off of pressure points. Comfortable, happy, healthy cows produce more milk.
WILL YOU START PRODUCING INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED CONTAINERS OF ORGANIC MILK FOR ALABAMA’S SCHOOLS? We are getting the labels printed now, but the public can help. We need their support by showing interest in having our products available at Birmingham and Alabama schools.
WHERE ARE YOUR MILK PRODUCTS SOLD IN THE BIRMINGHAM AREA? Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Fresh Market, Piggly Wiggly (Homewood, Liberty Park, Clairmont Ave, and Crestline Village), Western supermarkets (Mountain Brook, Rocky Ridge, and on Highland Ave), V. Richards, Freshfully, and Organic Harvest in Hoover. For other locations in Alabama, visit workingcowsdairy.com. Visitors are welcome to the farm in Slocumb any time. Milk and milk-based products such as soap and lotion are available at farm prices.
What goes better with milk than cookies? Try this classic cookie recipe made with fresh butter churned from cream from the farm.
3/4 cups butter 1 egg (click here for Coop and Caboodle Foodie’s story) ½ cup sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla 12-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Mix butter, shortening, egg, and sugar. Add flour and baking soda. Stir in vanilla and chips. Drop rounded teaspoonfulls on cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 7 minutes.
What is one fact about coffee and/or its production that would most surprise people? The average wage a coffee farmer receives for a pound of coffee versus the average amount a cafe in America sells a pound of the same coffee is significantly different. Also, coffee is technically seeds not beans.
For Taylor McCall and his business partners, peaching the Gospel is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee. He sees the simple seeds as a universal bond and a way to reach a diverse group of people—from Birmingham to countries across the globe. Whether you need a little soulful advice or just a good cup of Joe, Seeds serves up a fine brew, message on the side.
“Countries that grow coffee have more than climate and farmland in common. These countries are some of the most deprived nations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. One of the missions of Seeds is to impact local, indigenous coffee farmers with the truths of the Bible and empower the farmers to make disciples of Christ in their own cultural contexts.”
HOW DID THE SEED GET PLANTED TO BECOME COFFEE ROASTERS? One of our partners started roasting his own seeds in a popcorn popper in his kitchen. He perfected the flavor and we decided we could make a mission through his roasting efforts. It really serves three purposes for us. It’s a resource generator to help provide for some of the things we’re trying to do missionally. Through the cafe we’re hoping to connect more and more with people and their stories. And through the farming initiative we hope to build connections and relationships with farmers overseas so that we can plant churches and help improve their coffee growing and trading processes.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST WAY TO BREW A CUP OF COFFEE? The worst way to brew coffee is to be careless with the method you are using. Coffee can taste good in any brew style if you pay attention to detail (grind size, ratio, water temp, etc)—Our current preference is the pour over method and the press pot. However, if we were to throw out any method, it would definitely be the pod. It’s hard to get a great cup out of that. But you can definitely get a consistent average cup.
ARE THERE WAYS YOU LIKE TO ENJOY SEEDS COFFEE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP? Coffee actually makes a great marinade rub for meats. Also, it makes a great topping when ground finely and sprinkled over chocolate cream pie or similar desserts.
For a live music schedule and full list of merchandise, stop by the Seeds Coffee shop or visit seedscoffee.com. 174 Oxmoor Road • Homewood, AL 205.259.6405
Text by Katherine Cobbs • Portrait Photography by Major Adam Colbert
Fresh From the Garden Salad
Meet Iris Thorpe
Alabama Biscuit Co.
Working Cows Dairy
What goes better with milk than cookies? Try this classic cookie recipe made with fresh butter churned from cream from the farm.
Seeds Coffee Co.