a b o u t t o w n . io
COMPLIMENTARY M AY 2 0 2 1
Inside Ashley Spann Kaple’s Pump House Rd. Home p.40
10
Our ANNUAL
p.24
What’s in Your Garden?
The
Most Expensive Homes for Sale in Bham
Contemporary Comfort
+
p.16
HOMES
Funky Fish Fry
ISSUE
Rosalie Pribbenow Baxter 205.777.1282
rosalie@arcrealtyco.com
Betsy Bell
205.229.1669
betsysbell@gmail.com
Megan Kincaid
Bob Kuykendall
kincaid.megan@gmail.com
realtorbobk@gmail.com
205.907.7441
205.413.0600
Joy Dill
Nicole Thomason Hardekopf
jdill@arcrealtyco.com
nicole@arcrealtyco.com
205.540.8538
205.835.4667
Cathy Pryor
Marc Scholl/Amy Stump
cpryor@arcrealtyco.com
marc@marcscholl.com amy@amystump.com
205.915.7227
205.969.8910
Bryant Turner Jr.
Patrick Warren
Allison West
Catherine Wilkes
btjrealestate@gmail.com
pwarren@arcrealtyco.com
awest@arcrealtyco.com
cwilkes@arcrealtyco.com
251.243.5259
205.835.1219
205.240.0464
205.266.7975
A Relationship Company
Y O U R NE I GH B O R S
Y OUR REA LT ORS
jbandcojewelry.com
S H O W H E R H O W T R U LY BRILLIANT YOU CAN BE.
Centered Old European Brilliant Diamond with flanking Bullet cut Baguette Diamonds
o n e o f f i c e pa r k c i r c l e
.
suite
201
Jo hn K B ro m be r g . Pro pri e t o r
mountain
. for inquiries .
j o h n b r o m b e r g @ j b a n d c o j e w e l r y. c o m
brook
.
alabama
35223
phone 2 0 5 / 4 7 8 . 0 4 5 5
May
abouttown.io
INSIDE 14 Funky Fish Fry - Benefiting MItchell’s Place 20 Backyard Leeds- Grand Opening 22 Getting Fit at Home - With Leslie Dobbins 24 Contemporary Comfort - Inside the Calma’s House 30 The 10 Most Expensive Homes - For Sale in Birmingham 34 Going Green Never Looked Better - The Season’s Hottest Color 40 Mediterranean Meets Mtn. Brk. - Ashley Spann Kaple’s Home 50 Home Masters - Special Advertising Section 62 Good Taste - Getting Better All the Time
COVER
Ashley Spann Kaple in front of her home photo: Madyson Chambers ABOUT
2 TOWN
Progress Looks Like Creating Memories That Make A New House
Home
Matt Bearden
VP | Mortgage Investor Relations mbearden@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1642 direct 205.533.5943 cell NMLS# 594920
Steve Odle
Mortgage Loan Officer sodle@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1668 direct 205.586.8456 cell NMLS# 543177
Woody Woodfin
SVP | Mortgage Division Manager wwoodfin@myprogressbank.com 205.705.1605 direct 205.229.2877 cell NMLS# 457100
NMLS# 401921
Vestavia
Birmingham
1360 Montgomery HWY Ste 100 Birmingham AL 35216
2121 Highland Ave S Birmingham AL 35205
myprogressbank.com
“Vance and B and B Construction never disappoint! They get the job done in a timely manner and are very pleasant to work with! I highly recommend them for all jobs big and small.” - Laura Vogtle “We adore Vance. I will say we have worked on many projects with him and always recommend him to others. He is detail oriented and very attentive to the customer and our needs. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious. He makes a tough job enjoyable.” - Elizabeth and Tom Jernigan
“B and B is great! I love when I get to collaborate with Vance on projects. When B and B is the contractor we are guaranteed an open line of communication, attention to detail and Vance’s willingness to make the client happy and bring our vision to fruition.” - Kacy Carroll
B&B Construction has shown me they can do it all! I can trust Vance to handle any challenge my house gives them! I really appreciate the maintenance they offer such as checking the Spanish tile roof yearly. It does make homeownership stress-free. It’s comforting to have a friend like Vance in the residential construction business! - Ashley Kaple
O U R S P E C I A L I T Y I S C O M M U N I C AT I N G W I T H T H E C U S T O M E R A N D A N AT T E N T I O N T O D E TA I L A S U N I Q U E A S T H E R E N O VA T I O N I T S E L F. A boutique business where meeting and exceeding the client’s expectations are paramount.
- Tr u s t e d R e n o v a t i o n s a n d H i s t o r i c R e v i t a l i z a t i o n s -
HOW MUCH DOES THAT COST?
(And is it worth the money?)
What’s Your Patio Style?
TWO STORY ADDITION NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $155,365 return on investment 71.8%
BATHROOM REMODEL
Social Butterfly
Boho Chic
Outdoor space boasts an indoor vibe. Couches, chairs, etc. most likely to own an outdoor bar.
Antique or vintage pieces. Garden art and flowerbeds. Controlled chaos. Most likely to own a cozy outdoor blanket in a basket.
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $16,798 return on investment 74%
BASEMENT REMODEL NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $62,834 return on investment 77.6%
WOOD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
Quiet Soul
Highly Organized
Simple plantings or none at all. Quiet spot to read. Most likely to own a single chair facing in toward the house or away from the sight lines from the street.
Neatly clipped hedges and an expensive rose garden. Green thumb. Ceramic planters, shears, potting shed. Type-A gardener. Most likely to own a bench on wheels for toting plants around the yard.
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $10,926 return on investment 79.3%
MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $18,856 return on investment 82.7%
GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT
Crafty
Country Charmer
Full of clever furnishings you’ve built from scratch or upcycled. Most likely to own a wagonwheel coffee table.
A split-rail fence, wild flowers, vines, rustic furniture, birdhouses. Most likely to own a garden gnome and a trellis.
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $1,534 return on investment 83.7%
ATTIC BEDROOM CONVERSION
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $49,438 return on investment 84.3%
FIBER CEMENT SIDING NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $13,378 return on investment 87%
WOOD DECK
FRED’S ADVICE Buy things that speak to you. The home items that have a story are the ones that will last a lifetime, and become heirlooms. Think about pieces that you like as opposed to items that ‘match’. You’re not looking to decorate a showroom. You’re looking to decorate your home, and the most important word is ‘your’. A one-of-a-kind is always more interesting than something that everyone else has. - - - Fred Dryss is the owner of AVONDALE ANTIQUES located at 4301 3rd Ave S.
ABOUT
6 TOWN
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $9,539 return on investment 87.4%
STEEL ENTRY DOOR
NATIONAL AVERAGE COST $1,162 return on investment 96.6%
I can’t wait to be a homeowner, too. She may not be ready, but with today’s low rates and many mortgage options from Synovus, now may be the time for you to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage. Start your homeownership conversation today. 1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com/mortgage
Synovus Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Loans subject to approval, including credit approval.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ask Candi
Preserving Your Family’s Future Candi Peeples has earned a reputation as a leader among family law attorneys in Alabama and the U.S. She brings her experience, focus and passion for excellence to each client she represents.
Handling Summer Plans After A Break-Up >>> With my divorce finalized, do you have any tips on how my children and I can have our best summer and make vacation planning a little easier? It’s almost here – SUMMER. Kids often dream of the lazy days of summer, and with the chaos of this year’s COVID-19 worries, they are likely looking forward to enjoying summer this year more than ever. Many times, the highlight of a child’s summer is being able to spend time with friends, go to sleep-away camp, or even have a family vacation. There’s no doubt that after you are divorce, family vacations can be more complicated as you have a Court Order to work around and a former spouse to deal with as well. Most children spend large chunks of time with their non-custodial parent over the summer. Whether your child is going across town or across the globe, if you follow these tips, they will help make your child’s summer one to remember for everyone.
Plan Ahead Reaching out to your ex and discussing each other’s plans is always my best advice. This doesn’t mean you are asking for permission, but it helps so that everyone is on the same page from the planning stage through the summer schedule. In most cases, both parents are entitled to large chunks of uninterrupted time with children in order to allow for vacations. It’s essential that you plan and coordinate with each other before making firm (non-refundable) plans or arrangements. Making sure you clear the dates with your ex just provides an extra layer of insurance that both of you are reading the order correctly. The LAST thing you would want to do is for you both to pre-pay for expensive travel during the same time. If your ex is being evasive and won’t agree or confirm the dates with you, always put your request in writing (keep a copy and even send it by certified mail) so there can be no confusion. Give them several days to respond, and if you don’t hear back – plan you trip.
Remember Important Events You need to review your Court Order, but in most cases, holiday and summer visitation schedules take precedence over regular weekend visitation. It’s important to schedule out all of the holidays which will take precedence during the summer. It’s important to remember these important dates when trying to schedule your summer vacations. For example, planning your vacation over Father’s Day weekend OR one of the children’s birthdays may not only violate your Court Order, but will cause a great deal of emotion and hurtful feelings with your ex. Just as critical are things that are important to your children. Scheduling a trip during their favorite camp or during a baseball playoff tournament is also probably not your best option.
While your Order may not mandate that your child be allowed to do these things, they are very important to your child and you have to remember that they did not choose divorce and so compromises may have to be made.
EXPENSIVE
Celebrity Homes Bought & Sold So Far in
2021
-Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen $32.5 Million Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
-Matt Damon
Keep in Contact Whether your Court Order requires it or not, it is always a good idea to share travel plans with each other. This helps the parent at home feel more comfortable and connected to the child who is gone and is honestly just a good idea for safety reason as well. Even if you are not comfortable giving your ex exact locations of hotels, at least share general locations. While your child travels with you or your ex, it’s important to ensure that there is ongoing contact with the parent who is not on the trip. For young children, make time in your schedule to arrange phone calls or FaceTime. Older children may likely take the reins for themselves when it comes to staying in touch with the other parent, but sometimes even they may forget in the midst of the excitement of the vacation, so a few reminders are helpful. It’s also a nice idea to help your children send a postcard to a parent or grandparent, or even help them bring home a small souvenir
Keep Busy and Be Respectful of Your Ex’s Time Many custodial parents feel anxiety at the thought of their child going away with their ex for a week or more over the summer. Remind yourself that their time together will be good for them and will allow them to have fun together and share experiences. It’s a “sink or swim” moment, and almost all non-custodial parents are going to swim. Do your best to allow your ex to have a good family vacation. Get contact information, but do your best not to call more than once a day (or less). It’s ok to send a few reminders in a respectful way (if there’s a pool remind them to pack a life-vest, remind them how often you have to re-apply sunscreen, etc.). Most importantly, use the time while your children are away for “me” time to do all sorts of things you never have time to do. Go to a spa, get some cooking or gardening done, hang out with friends, clean your closet, or go on a get-away with a friend. If you are in doubt on legal issues related to dealing with your own summer visitation court schedule, it’s always best to seek experienced advice from a family law attorney to make sure you are protecting yourself and your children.
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ABOUT
THE MOST
10 T O W N
$21 Million Location: Los Angeles, California
-Greg Norman $59.9 Million Location: Jupiter Island, Florida
-Tony Gonzalez $28 Million Location: Beverly Hills, California
-Tim McGraw and Faith Hill $35 Million Location: Exumas, Bahamas
-Lily Collins $13.5 Million Location: Beverly Hills, California
-Pamela Anderson $14.9 Million Location: Malibu, California
-Tom Cruise $39.5 Million Location: Telluride, Colorado
-Dr. Paul Nassif $32 Million Location: Bel Air, California
Committed To Creating Beautiful Smiles We are offering complimentary virtual consults. Do you want to improve your smile? Or do you have a dental concern? Our online consults haven’t stopped! We are working hard to make sure your dental needs don’t have to wait! Connect with us today and get all of your questions answered for free in three easy steps. > Upload a photo of your smile, or area of concern.
Award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. J. Paul Koch, DMD, is passionate about creating beautiful smiles with treatments including dental implants, porcelain veneers, Invisalign and many more for our patients in the Mountain Brook and surrounding areas. Many patients who have had their smiles restored through our services have noticed increased self-esteem and enjoyed a more youthful and healthy appearance.
> Dr. Koch will create a personalized video with recommendations. > View your video and schedule an appointment! >>> VISIT: kochaesthetics.com Koch Aesthetic Dentistry – The Dental Spa 2311 Highland Ave S. Ste 323 Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 649-7537 www.kochaesthetics.com
Mind & Body
ADVERTISEMENT
Change is Tough
CELEBRITY
CRAZY HOUSES Robert Downey Jr.’s Zoo House
by: Amanda Traywick who is the owner of The Heights Fitness in Vestavia, a PN1 Certified Nutrition Coach and ACE Certified Personal Trainer.
O
nly you can decide if a change is worth the work and the likely result. Change is NEVER comfortable. And most people don’t change because who wants to be uncomfortable. Right? Life can be painful enough as it is. So why would someone selectively bring discomfort to their lives? Hang in there with me for a minute. I want to make sure and preface this next paragraph with a couple of statements. YOU ARE WORTHY! YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE! However, there is no adrenaline rush like showing yourself WHAT you are truly capable of. Becoming the next best version of yourself is thrilling. When we challenge ourselves, our lives, and our thoughts, we evolve. How many times have you set out to do something new and were sure you would fail? I do it all the time. And a lot of times, we do fail. That is part of life. We all fail. However, as you have heard a thousand time–you WILL NEVER succeed if you don’t try. So how do you decide to break through the status quo and start making changes in your life? 1. Decide on the change you want to see in your life. (diet, exercise, live a healthier lifestyle, etc.) 2. Write it down. 3. Come up with your why. Ask yourself many times WHY you desire to change. Get to the real reason that you seek to change. Peel back the layers of your why and dig deep to find the real reason. 4. Think of all of the obstacles that could stand in your way and write them down. I call these roadblocks. 5. List all of the actions you could take to combat or break through these roadblocks and have a plan in place for when they will occur. I promise you. THEY WILL OCCUR. 6. Tell a friend or family member of the change you seek and your plan to achieve it. Ask them to help hold you accountable. Make a plan to check in with them often.
7. Know you will fail. And be sure and have compassion for yourself when you do. Failure is not a reflection of your worth. If anything, it is a reflection of your strength because you seek to be better. Choose to pick yourself back up and get back on track quickly and stay on the path. The longer you wait to jump back in, the harder it will become. When I work with clients on their fitness and nutrition goals, I often use the analogy that we are going on a trip. I ask them to imagine that they are the driver. I am the navigator. They will decide the destination and how fast or slow we go to get there. Along the way, we will use a map. My job is to help read the map. I use different tools to decide the best route. However, they must collect the data. I let them know that we will encounter detours, and even at times, dead ends. Their job is to stay the course and trust the process. Choose to look at your failures as data. It can be so easy to quit. Often when we reach a roadblock or even a dead-end, we choose to see it through an emotional lens rather than what it truly is-just data. We tend to attach feelings or negative thoughts to it. At this point is where we often find it so very difficult to stay on track. When you hit one of these bumps in the road, take some time to look at the data objectively. Analyze the information and make a plan to circumvent the roadblock. Make a conscious choice not to allow yourself to look through the lens of emotion. It is ALWAYS cloudy and full of distortion. And lastly, don’t give up on yourself. Failure will not kill you. It will only make you stronger. That intense feeling you feel in your body when you fail, feel disappointed or discouraged, is just that; an emotion. Sit with it. Look at it objectively. Collect the data. Then be brave enough to possibly fail again. Remember, You will never succeed without failure and taking those steps toward success. If you are not failing, you are not truly living! If you’d like to know more, please call Amanda at (205) 915-8333, or visit at theheightsfitness.com
ABOUT
12 T O W N
Bob Hope’s Spaceship House
Naomi Campbell’s Eye of Horus House
John Travolta’s Airport House
Dick Clark’s Flintstone House
I’m having a baby. I’m also having questions. Whether you’re having your first baby or you’re an experienced mom, questions are natural. Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham is maintaining strict precautions to keep you and your baby safe. And now, you can attend many classes and appointments virtually, from home. No driving, no waiting rooms, just compassionate, personalized care delivered to you. Online appointments and classes include: •
Online prenatal classes
•
Virtual appointments with our Birth Designer
•
Virtual hospital tours
•
Virtual one-on-one lactation consultations
•
Virtual Baby Cafe (breastfeeding support group) meetings
•
No-contact baby weight check Wednesdays
•
Virtual counseling appointments with our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who specializes in treating anxiety and depression in pregnant and postpartum moms
Call 205-212-MOMS (6667) for more information or visit us at ascension.org/StVincentsALBaby Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham 810 St. Vincent’s Drive Birmingham, AL 35205
©Ascension 2021. All rights reserved.
Meghan Sharp, Meredith Thomas, Caroline Gordy
Audrey Torkar, Julia Key
Hampton Stephens, Celie Cowin
FUNKY FISH FRY Mitchell’s Place and the Autism Society of Alabama were able to hold their 11th Annual Funky Fish Fry at Avondale Brewery! They had live music from Drennan Brothers, Automatic Slim, and Livewire. Plus, delicious catfish from Ezell’s Fish beer from Avondale Brewery. To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.
Phillip Provost, Ashley Whitsett, Megan Wheeler
Kelsey Blakney, Cody Nall, Hannah Giddings
Lauren Van Wezel, Julia Downs ABOUT
Jake Faundez, Elsa Pool
14 T O W N
Alexis Deal, Casey Roethler, Nicole White
Haleigh Hanson, Nicole McKee, Heather Campbell, Miranda Casey
Emily Thomas, Shannon Rice, Katie Seale, Olivia Hamilton, Liz Maddux
Kensley Bankston, Amber Bankston, Ashten Legg
Angela Watkins, Vila Fisher, Floresha Woodall
Trina Swindle and Ashlee Swindle
Lesley Thomas, Scarlett Silvani
Samantha and Matt Sadler
Cameron Dowling, Megan Earl
Annie Morgan, Austin Ferrer ABOUT
Amanda Shackleton, James Barth
15 T O W N
Doug Corey, Vance Ballard
Lea Breithaupt, Macy Vintson
s page out, and refernce all year! Cut thi
WHAT’S IN YOUR GARDEN?
GET
WHAT’S IN SEASON MARKET AT T H E
EVERY
SAT. RAIN OR
SHINE
W H AT ’ S I N S E A S O N W H E N > WINTER
> SPRING
Oranges/Grapefruits Nov. - Jan. Avocado Jan. - Mar. Stawberries Feb. - April Spinach Feb. - April
Asparagus Cauliflower Pineapples Apricots
> FALL
> SUMMER Tomatoes Melons Plums Okra Cherries (sweet)
Mar. - June Mar. - June Mar. - June May - July
June - Sept. June - Sept. July - Aug. June - Aug. May - Aug.
Collard Greens Nov. - Jan. Figs Aug. - Oct. Pistachios Sept. Pears Aug. - Oct Mangos Aug. - Oct.
ABOUT
16 T O W N
PEPPERPLACEMARKET.COM
BEAUTIFUL HAIR IS OUR PASSION 3705 4th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 205.582.FOLK (3655) | hairfolk.com | @hairfolk
Amy Davis, Caroline Norris
Travis Gann, Laysea Chasteeen, Susanne Moore, Kendall Gann, Eric Turner
THE BACKYARD LEEDS GRAND OPENING Need a fun place to hang out on a Friday afternoon after work with good beer and food? Well you’re in luck because Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s BBQ opened in Leeds at The Backyard! They had beer on tap with food, mini golf, giant tic tac toe, music, cornhole and more! Be sure to stop by and see what all the hype is about! To see the rest of the pictures visit abouttown.io.
Nairobi Cutts, Kenya Cutts, Elam Cutts, Ezra Cutts
Tina Grimes, Corey Dailey, Cooper Stewart
Hunter Lake , Amy Hicks
Reese Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, Rudi Quarles, Morgan Quarles
Garland Shorter, J. White, J. Turnbloom, C. Eagan
ABOUT
18 T O W N
NMLS 582857
BEYOND a house. Every goal, every effort put forth throughout your day is vital to creating the life you envision for yourself and your family. At Bryant Bank, we’re here to help you get into that home you’ve been dreaming of and exceed every expectation along the way. Let one of our experienced local mortgage professionals walk you through every step of the mortgage process - and beyond. Banking beyond expectation.
Connect with a Bryant Bank Mortgage Lender today. BryantBank.com/mortgage-lenders
Thank You Birmingham
for voting us one of our city’s BEST REALTORS 3 years in a row!
- Top 1% in Sales Volume - RealtySouth - Statewide - Recipeients of Zillow’s “Best of” Award 2019 & 2020 - Bham’s Most Reviewed 5-Star Agent Couple - Zillow & Trulia
GETTING FIT AT HOME Reclaiming a Fit and Healthy Routine by: Leslie Dobbins
Spring has sprung and your home deserves a makeover! Cleaning and decluttering your house will enable you to stay organized, as well as invoke feelings of a fresh start and mental well-being. Your kitchen counters will thank you, along with that treadmill that is being used as impromptu storage for clothes. With the days growing longer, there are so many activities that can be done in or around your home to simultaneously promote both cleanliness and fitness goals!
8
4) FAMILY STROLL Take the whole family, including the pets, on a walk around the neighborhood. Make it more of a challenge with the addition of skates or bikes. After your excursion, enjoy a backyard picnic to celebrate exercising as a family. 5) NO YARD, NO PROBLEM Children love sidewalk chalk, and the driveway or street is the perfect place to allow them to get extremely creative without a permanent commitment. Hopscotch and four square can easily be drawn and played for hours. 6) TURN ON THE HOSE Whip out the slip-n-slide, water guns, and water balloons! Surprise your children, friends, or neighbors with a bucket full of water balloons that are ready to be catapulted. Leave a note saying, “Mom and Dad are hiding with our ammo…Good luck!” This will get the family running without even realizing it!
1) YOGA UNDER THE STARS: Gather the family and head to the front or back yard for a late afternoon or evening of yoga. If you have a projector, find an online yoga class and project it onto the house. Another option is to have each family member lead everyone in a few poses. No mat? No problem! A beach towel will be perfect!
7) TIME TRAVEL Take a cue from “Back to the Future”, start running, and don’t stop until you reach eighty-eight miles per hour! If life works like the movies, this will allow you to travel back to the 80’s and play some classic outdoor games. Even if it doesn’t, you can still gather the neighbors and play hide and seek, kick the can, or capture the flag!
2) GARDENING Gardening offers numerous health benefits such as walking, squatting, stretching, lifting and bending. All of this movement increases oxygen flow to the muscles and brain, and increases a sense of well-being and calm. Detach from electronics for a day and connect with nature in your own yard. Along with growing plants and flowers, growing fruits and vegetables is a wonderful way to get the entire family involved in healthy eating. For those with a smaller yard or limited time, herb gardens are an excellent option. They require less space and maintenance while still providing a positive experience for the entire family. Children will love picking the basil that they grew to put in the spaghetti dinner!
8) SPRING CLEANING Declutter the house with a family scavenger hunt! See who can gather items to donate or throw away the quickest. After you’ve finished decluttering, clean the house as a family. Just think of all the leg muscles that will be used washing the baseboards! This is also a great time to recommit to healthy eating as a family. Go through your refrigerator and pantry to discard unhealthy foods and snacks. Follow up with a family field trip to restock on nutritious replacements.
3) OBSTACLE COURSE Turn the yard into field day with an obstacle course! The family can rotate between game stations to add a fun competitive spirit to your fitness routine. Some ideas for game stations are corn hole, horseshoes, ladder toss, Twister, sack races, Spikeball or Slammo.
> LESLIE DOBBINS Birmingham native Leslie Dobbins is an Elite Fitness Instructor for Life Time Fitness. When she’s not chasing after her 3-year-old son, she enjoys teaching a range of classes based in weights, dance, boxing, cycle and ballet.
ABOUT
20 T O W N
UNDER CONTRACT
807 Kingsbury Avenue
3 bedroom / 1 bathroom - Crestline Gardens $299,000
3951 Crest Landing
3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Grants Mill Valley $322,000
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
229 Bush St
3 Bedroom / 2 bathroom - Crestdale Gardens $254,900
UNDER CONTRACT
6028 Hidden Way Lane
4 Bedroom / 2.5 bathroom - Hidden Trace $295,000
3308 Cheval Circle
4 bedroom / 3.5 bathrooms - Tanglewood $574,900
UNDER CONTRACT
414 Windsor Drive
3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Hollywood $459,900
UNDER CONTRACT
1183 Grants Way
3 bedroom / 2 bathroom - Grants Mill Crossing $299,900
UNDER CONTRACT
327 Sterrett Avenue
4 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom - Edgewood $649,900
SOLD
4000 Cahaba Lake Circle
4 bedroom / 2.5 bath - Waters Edge Bent River $351,500
SOLD
the jamie goff team 205.296.2323
2305 Black Creek Crossing
4 bedroom / 3 bathroom - Lake Wilborn $618,000
www.JamieGoff.com
welcome home!
NEW LISTING
follow us
on Instagram @HomeBham
Home Hunting
UNEXPECTED ADDITIONS We also lost a lot of services we were used to having access to last year, including groomers for our pets. We’re seeing a lot of in-house dog baths installed in our remodels and new builds. This way our furry friends can continue to look their part! STORAGE Storage became a huge need for many last year. More groceries, more cooking at home, more supplies (except for toilet paper!) were needed. Finding a place to house these things, not just beautifully but functionally, was a big part of design in 2020. Kitchen remodels are still a main request due to people being home more. Consider adding cabinetry and stealing closet space for better storage.
HOME OFFICES One major change was the addition of home offices. Whether turning a guest bedroom, a basement or a closet into a work space, we all needed a place to get away and get things done.
Creating Function in Your Home Getting the most out of your space. BY: SHEA BRYARS PHOTOS BY: JEAN ALLSOPP
A
The world changed a year ago, forcing us all to stay home much more than we were used to. The pandemic made it a priority for us to use every square foot of our homes. Moms and dads were on Zoom calls, while kids were homeschooling on their laptops. That open floor plan we had all been wanting suddenly became a little chaotic. It made us pause and ask “do I really like these four walls I’m living in?” Many changes came about in the design world due to this as we were forced to reevaluate and make our homes more meaningful and functional.
SMALLER SPACES Create smaller places to gather in, such as in the master bedroom or a keeping room off of the kitchen; for kids to be able to get away from the main living spaces, or for adults to have a place to decompress.
Hopefully, our world is slowly beginning to open up again. Maybe we will all be at church, and concerts, and have dinner parties and lots of reasons to dress up and go out again. But perhaps, many of these design changes will also encourage us to stay slowed-down in some ways - intentionally using these spaces that we have created with the ones that mean the most to us.
For more of Shea’s decorating ideas, see her work at sheabryarsdesign.com or follow her on instagram @sheabryarsdesign.
ABOUT
22 T O W N
2020
SPECIALISTS IT ’S TIME TO GET BACK TO YOU.
Dr. Robert Oliver Jr. & Dr. Jason Jack Our practice specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. Numerous facial plastic surgery patients are treated by us because our practice is known throughout Alabama as one of the premiere facial plastic surgery facilities, backed by board-certified expertise. BOTOX® and dermal fillers are also expertly utilized for our patients who may not be ready for surgery, but want to improve their appearance to remain fresh and youthful.
We stay current with the latest techniques and technologies in all areas of body contouring surgery, and are experts in post-bariatric body contouring after massive weight-loss.
PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS
205-298-8660 birminghamspecialists.com @plastsurgspec
To learn more visit birminghamspecialists.com, or to book your consultation please call 205298-8660 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us with any questions or comments that you might have.
Home Hunting
ABOUT
24 T O W N
Home Hunting
Contemporary Comfort by Ju n e C la rk
PHOTOS: MADYSON CHAMBERS
Jenni and Shawn Calma share a keen appreciation for unique home design, particularly contemporary styles that stand in significant contrast to the traditional dwellings embraced by most homeowners in the South. The Birmingham natives met at Auburn University, where each earned undergraduate degrees in architecture.
ABOUT
25 T O W N
A
s Vice President and Partner with Lathan Architects, Shawn has worked on commercial projects including recent upgrades and additions to K-12 schools in Vestavia Hills and throughout the state. Jenni often finds herself channeling her expertise into home renovation projects, and the two enjoy collaborating to bring her visions to life. In 2019, after completely renovating a more traditional house in Crestline over twelve years, the Calmas found themselves out of projects to satisfy their creative impulses. A unique contemporary home in the Mountain Brook suburb of Dunbarton presented an opportunity they couldn’t resist. Built in the International style of LeCourbusier, part of the mid-twentieth century Bauhaus movement, the home is a squared, white stucco-clad L-shaped dwelling with expansive common spaces and soaring windows.
The home hit all of the right marks for the couple so when Jenni came across it and the time was right, they made an offer. The Calmas believe it is one of the original homes constructed in the neighborhood around 1985. They say most areas have strict covenants that prevent homes like theirs from being built. Dunbarton was unique in the developer’s ability to permit a variety of home styles built to suit the owners’ wishes without the conventional constraints of other areas. “It definitely was a custom home, I haven’t seen one similar to it in Birmingham,” says Shawn. “The kind of house that Jenni and I gravitate towards is the modern house other people would buy, tear down and rebuild. That’s just not our jam. There’s a very small percentage of people that really appreciate this style.”
”What’s funny is I had come across this house a while back because it was on and off the market over a couple of years,” Shawn shares. “When I saw it, I said ‘Wow, that’s just something you don’t see every day. At the time we weren’t really looking. I told myself, ‘I’m not telling my wife about this.” ABOUT
26 T O W N
Home Hunting
Home Hunting
“Next is hopefully the kitchen,” says Jenni. “It has been in the works. We have been going back and forth between drawings and talking about it and making decisions about what we want.” Shawn says it can be hard for an architect to design for their own home when they are so accustomed to drawing up projects to meet other people’s specifications. “Jenni does most of the designing. We consult, obviously, and we talk about the materials, but her ideas and her thoughts are really what drive most of what’s done.” “We’ve always worked really well together,” Jenni adds. “We’ve just sort of always played well off of each other’s ideas. We usually have a project going, a running to-do list. Our daughter will come in and add something like ‘sit down.’” Up an open stairway lined with metal railings are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bedroom features a custom inset wall covered in matte black crocodile textured wall covering positioned behind the king-sized bed. Downstairs is a huge area that runs the length of the house. It features a music room, a craft room, a spacious den and plenty of storage. “It was all open, and after the first weekend we were here, Shawn put a door to the basement because we have teenagers, and they are loud,” Jenni says. In addition to the architectural features, the Calmas enjoy elements like the intentional way the home is situated on the property. “We don’t know who the architect was—we’ve never been able to lay our hands on a set of plans. I think they were really thoughtful about space and how to site the house. I suppose only architects would pick up on that. The front of the house faces east, so in the morning we get a nice diffused light through the glass block wall,” Shawn points out. “In the evening, the clear glass that looks out to the backyard pool area doesn’t get a direct western blinding sun because it goes down behind the trees.”
The couple laughs about dated design choices, some of which have been remedied and others they plan to address over time. “We jokingly refer to it as the Miami Vice house,” Jenni says. “There’s a cove in the dining room that had fluorescent lights. We took those out and behind the lights, it was pink. All the closets were pink.”
The Calmas were excited to find a home well-suited to entertaining, and they look forward to being on the other side of the pandemic so they can host gatherings. One of the first upgrades in order was a pool that is impeccably placed in the hardscape to look as though it was always there. “I wanted a place where the kids could invite their friends and everybody could hang out,” says Jenni. With that idea of entertaining, the Calmas tasked Sphere Audio Visual with installing a state-of-the-art home audio/visual system.
When asked if they will stay in the home forever, the Calmas hesitate. “I think we would,” Jenni says, “Unless we build something on our own from scratch. I think that’s always sort of the architect’s dream.”
Guests step into the home through a heavy, custom wood door and into an entryway with a unique office nook above that opens to a balcony. The main level features a big open den with two-story ceilings. Behind the marble tile-covered fireplace is a spacious dining room that features a distinctive geometric mural chosen by the couple using happywall.com. Behind the dining area is the kitchen—the next project on the couple’s list. ABOUT
“If you were to see our bathroom now, you would want to put on your sunglasses and get behind the wheel of a Ferrari with the sleeves rolled up on your blazer,” says Shawn. “It’s pink and black, very dated, still from that era.”
“Our houses have always been palettes,” says Shawn. “We’ve never had the chance to do exactly what we want to do. This house has a lot of qualities that, if we’d never seen it, probably would have been integrated into what you’d call our ‘dream home’. It’s a good palette, a good place to start. If we built a home one day, it would probably have to be in an area outside of Birmingham without any covenants because it would be very contemporary. We’d buy a whole bunch of acreage and have a garden and build a big, white box in the middle of it. The idea of that is kind of nice.”
To see more of the Calma’s house visit abouttown.io
28 T O W N
205-835-9787
sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com
10 Home Hunting
Most Expensive Homes For Sale in Bham
Take a look inside the highest priced homes in the local market.
$6,300,000 Spring Valley Ct
4 Bedrooms, 5 Full, 1 Half Baths
1
What to Know: This exquisite contemporary home in Mtn Brook has 8.574 acres of wooded property. Have your own little private gated community for friends and family with the several buildable plots throughout the property. The main level living area has 20+ ft ceilings & floor to ceiling windows to create wide open space perfect for parties with 200+ people! Outside includes a heated infinity pool, 18 hole putting green, kitchen, and multiple lounging spaces.
Greenbrier Ridge
4 Bedrooms, 5 Full, 6 Half Baths
2 ABOUT
$5,500,000 30 T O W N
What to Know: One of the finest estates in the area! This house is for those who want to be more privacy as it is amidst a quiet forest with gardens, fruit trees, and overlooking several lakes. Amenities include an artist’s studio, elevator, 5 fireplaces, theater, his & her libraries and more!
Home Hunting
3
Salisbury Road
$4,995,000
5 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 2 Half Baths
4 $3,395,000
5 $3,200,000
Greystone Crest
Shook Hill Parkway
7 Bedrooms, 6 Full,3 Half Baths
What to Know: This home was designed for entertaining and comforbale living. Which is perfect considering the 4 garage spaces, main level parking, and even basement parking. Each room has its own breathtaking view. The front entrance opens to massive columns and double iron doors. The foyer has Italian Marble flooring that is carried up the floating staircase. Downstairs has additional living quarters with a 2nd kitchen, gym and theater. Walk outside, and there is a 13,500 sq/ft putting green, fountains, heated pool, and sauna. What more could you want in a golf course adjacent home?
Wakefield Road 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full, 2 Half Baths
6 Bedrooms, 8 Full, 1 Half Baths
What to Know: This 3 level magnificent house has unique architectural accents purchased in Europe which offer added refinement. Each of the five bedrooms has their own private baths all on the second level. The outside features a gorgeous pool area with bluestone decking and a pool house designed by a renowned architect with fireplace, built-in grill, fridge & ice maker.
6
$2,950,000
What to Know: 6,000 sq/ft, almost 6 acres, of privacy and tranquility. Outstanding and one-of-a-kind describe this house. The great room has built-ins and floor to celing windows. The master suite has a study with bookcases, a screen porch, and walk in closets. One of the bathrooms upstaurs has its own kitchenette! Imagine making breakfast upstairs in your bedroom. The outdoor terraces & pool are perfect for entertaining and plenty of parking with a 6 car garage. This custom home truly is an expression of quality & warmth. ABOUT
31 T O W N
What to Know: Built in 1927, this Wofford villa located in Mountain Brook is one of the most esteemed homes in Birmingham. It was updated in 2006 for the Decorator’s Showhouse. It boasts modern amenities alowing for comfortable livingl while enjoying the elaborate artistic features of its original design. The doors are all French. Inside architecture gives a Roman and Greek feel as well as some of the murals painted inside the home while also including modern amenities such as a home theater.
Home Hunting
Lake Colony Pointe 6 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 2 Half Baths
7 $2,850,000 8 $2,695,000
9 $2,550,000
Sterling Road
Abingdon Road
4 Bedrooms, 4 Full, 2 Half Baths What to Know: This 1929 Tudor home is elegant, but comfortable for family living in one of the most desirable locations in Mountain Brook. The vaulted ceiling with wood beams in the living room opens to a large dining room and sun room. These rooms have beautiful leaded glass windows and leaded glass French doors. Each bedroom has its own private bath! The lower level and attic are both spacious and are perfect for storing anything at all. The grounds around the house are truly one of the most beautiful features. What to Know: Spectacular entertainer’s paradise & luxury living at its finest. At 11,030 sq ft there is 6,864sqft above surface and 4,166sqft below. Guests are greeted by one of three fountains on the property at the front as well as a grand foyer and a 12’ custom wood door. You walk through stunning two-story arches throughout marbled hallway. The finished daylight basement is a perfect entertaining space for playing pool, private lounge bar, two sitting areas, and your own dance floor.
What to Know: Rustic, cozy, and simply stunning! Not a detail was left undone on this gorgeous, executive home, offering all of the fantastic features you would expect in a luxury property. This home was completely remodeled in 2016 in a project that lasted more than one year. Custom light fixtures, Wolf appliances, arched brick entryways, and reclaimed wood island are some of the features that stand out. Upstairs is a teen’s paradise, featuring a study, kitchen, 4 bedrooms (one has a loft), a huge play/ rec room, and a Juliette balcony.
4 Bedrooms, 5 Full, 1 Half Baths
What to Know: This custom designed and built home is a one-of-a-kind property. The original home, built in 1928, was totally renovated and added on to starting in 2002, and renovations continued through 2019! Every square inch has been thoughtfully designed, sourced, and created. The square footage gives it an open feel with natural light. Marble, imported from Italy, adds elegance and character throughout the home. There are 3 firepits as well as dreamy walkways but the crown jewel is definitely the La Cornue range.
Greymoor Road
5 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 1 Half Baths
10 $2,200,000 ABOUT
32 T O W N
CLIENT TESTIM ONI A L
Imagine letting Scott Open the Door to your Real Estate Dreams... “If I had the option of more stars, I’d give Scott 100 at the minimum. Scott is a dear old friend, and I knew he would be the perfect person to call when I was looking for a new home. His background in law might be one of the reasons he is so meticulous, organized, and well prepared. He made sure nothing was overlooked on every appointment and always had all the information I needed on every listing we viewed. Aside from being smart, kind, honest and a true gentleman; Scott is knowledgeable about the Birmingham market, and was patient with me as I was shopping for something very specific. I would highly recommend Scott to you whether buying or selling because he makes it a fun experience and he gets the job done - to put it simply, ‘He’s on it!’” Lindsey Porter
S C O TT W E LLS F O RD
(205) 531-1965 sford@realtysouth.com scottwellsford.com
Home Hunting
Going Green Never Looked Better
THINK GREEN
Not everyone can afford the time or expense of a major renovation, but most can handle a color refresh, and one of our favorite colors of the moment is green in all of its beautiful shades. Both dynamic and calming, green comes in many different hues from more neutral sage to deep emerald or playful teal. Whatever your taste, you have a broad range of green to choose from. From entire room make-overs to accessory changes, here are a few ideas about how to incorporate green into your home.
Try these home decor ideas with one of the year’s hottest colors. BY: CATHY NAGI
A
fter the chaos of 2020, we’re all trying to find ways to bring calm into our lives as we go through 2021. Interior designers understand how our emotional state can be influenced by
GREEN KITCHEN CABINETS
our environment and are able to use color to create a specific
One of the most exciting trends of the past several years is colorful cabinetry. And while grays and blues have dominated the design landscape for the past few years, green is making headway. Green cabinetry in a satin finish is sure to make an impact in any kitchen.
mood. If we’ve learned anything from the last year, it’s how important our homes are for our peace of mind.
ABOUT
34 T O W N
The
REALtor
TOM Brady
WALLPAPER
Maximalist decor is on trend in 2021, and there’s no easier way to add layers to a room than there is with wallpaper. We love bringing the outdoors in with floral wallpaper for a showstopper in any room. BE BOLD: PAINT AN ENTIRE ROOM
For those that want to make a big impact but not a big money commitment, paint is your best design friend. If you’re feeling brave, choose an entire room to paint green. There’s a reason Benjamin Moore chose Gray Cashmere as part of their 2021 Color Trends Pallette. For those that want a more subtle green, this misty, greengray is sure to please. ACCESSORIES
Having trouble committing to a full-on green color scheme? Take baby steps and refresh with green accessories. Choose your favorite pillows or throws to spruce up a neutral couch or chair. Or better yet, jump on the houseplant bandwagon and enjoy the health benefits of fresh greenery.
Tom Brady, Legacy Home Realty 205-910-6963 www.soldbytombrady.com tbrady@soldbytombrady.com
PROMOTION
Botox & Dentistry by: Dr. Paul Koch at Koch Aesthetic Dentistry
A skilled dentist is highly trained in all aspects of the face’s function and anatomy, not just the teeth. Coming in for a Botox and dermal filler appointment at your dentist’s office could help address your aesthetic needs and provide pain relief from a condition like TMJ.
Online video conferencing has produced a Botox surge in 2021. If you’re like most, you’ve spent a lot of time on some form of video calls over the past year. The incredible rise of online conferencing has taken the world by storm with 76% of employers reporting some sort of remote communication. And as convenient as that has been, it’s also got a lot of us staring at our own faces more than we ever would have imagined. Medical professionals are seeing a huge rise in demand for injectable cosmetic procedures such as Botox and Juvaderm in 2021. It might seem like spending extended amounts of time at home would make people less interested in their appearance, but the opposite appears to be true. With so much video face time, many have decided that this year is the perfect time to refresh their faces. Want to give Botox or fillers a try? We spoke with Birmingham dentist, Dr. Paul Koch of Koch Aesthetic Dentistry about the benefits of these cosmetic procedures.
If you have any questions for Dr. Koch, please visit kochaesthetics.com or call (205) 933.0323. Dr. Paul Koch has been a practicing dentist since 1989. For the
past ten years, he has maintained a private Birmingham dentist office dedicated to aesthetic and implant dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama. The practice is locally known as “The Dental Spa.”
BEFORE
AFTER
NOTICE THE REDUCTION IN THE JAWLINE. ACTUAL KOCH AESTHETIC DENTISTRY PATIENT
There are two main aspects to a Botox or dermal filler treatment that are instrumental in understanding its benefits. > Volume: Over time, our skin loses both collagen and elastin. These two substances are responsible for the fullness and elasticity of the skin. Their gradual loss is the direct cause of most wrinkles and loose skin. Dermal fillers replace that volume. > Tension: Botox has a natural effect on the tension of muscles and tendons. It actually restricts the nerve signals that travel back and forth between the muscles and the brain. This allows those muscles to relax dramatically. All of this results in a fuller, more youthful look. The most important thing to consider if you’d like to try these procedures is choosing a trained, professional with proven results. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Koch are trained in the anatomy and function of the whole face, not just teeth, and can therefore provide expert results. And while you’re at it getting Zoom-ready, treat yourself to an enjoyable experience. Known locally as the “Dental Spa”, Dr. Koch’s calm and serene office also offers paraffin wax hand treatments, cool or warm eye masks, warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, nitrous oxide and warm towels after treatment.
We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do. W E D O W H AT W E D O B E C A U S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .
JULIE HARRIS Congratulations to my buyers and sellers! 1 6 0 0 7 TH AV E NU E SO U TH BI RM IN GHA M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 ( 2 0 5 ) 6 3 8 -9 1 0 0 Chi l d rens AL.org
NEW LISTING 3 INNISBROOK LANE
SOLD
5000 8TH TERRACE S
SOLD
SOLD
3832 ROCK CREEK TRAIL
SOLD
1227 CONCORD AVE
SOLD
3908 MONTEVALLO RD
4613 ROUND FOREST DR
SOLD
UNDER CONTRACT
4137 SHARPSBURG DR
3940 GRAHAM DRIVE
SoldByJulieHarris.com cell: 205-563-5049 office: 205-969-8910
PROMOTION
Ready for Seasonal Sun Dr. Holly Gunn’s advice on getting your Summer skin ready.
> DIFFERENT SUNSCREENS FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES?
The pool vs. a sports outing vs. day-to-day Yes. You need a good day time sunscreen that isn’t sticky or greasy and looks great on the skin for day to day activities. We love Neocutis MicroDay for daily use. For the pool or sports you need a waterproof sunscreen for face and body like our Gunn Dermatology Vital Mineral sunscreen.
> BETTER THAN WAXING
The best way to treat the irration of shaving more. Laser hair removal is absolutely the best way to treat unwanted hair because it permanently reduces the amount of hair you have with each treatment. With successive treatments you can decrease the pain and irritation from waxing or shaving. After 6-12 laser hair removal treatments shaving, becomes a once every three to four months event rather than daily. Some patients never have to shave again.
Dr. Holly Gunn MD FAAD at Gunn Dermatology in Crestline Village offers Dermatology care for all ages and specializes in medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser Dermatology.
> IS GLYCOLIC ACID THE BEST?
Confused about the different face acids? There are two types of mild acids that we use for making the skin glowy, smooth and healthier. Alpha Hydroxy acids that include citric and sugar acids like glycolic acid and Beta hydroxy acid like salicylic acid. All of them could be considered to be the best depending on what result or improvement you are trying to receive. Glycolic acid is great for improving dark marks and brightening the skin. Salicylic acid is great for acne. All of the other mild acids can be mixed together for great results. Our Gunn Dermatology AHA BHA cleanser is one of our best selling products because it helps with acne, dark marks, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and glowy.
> HOW TO REPAIR AND PREPARE
Transitioning into getting more sun exposure After the shower is the best time to moisturize. Do it every single day even if you do not feel dry. Not over using soap is important too so I’m alway telling patient to only hit “dirty areas” with soap. The arms and legs can skip the soap. We love CeraVe SA, VMV Re Everything lotion and the Gunn Dermatology AOX and glow lotion for everyday moisturizing without feeling greasy.
Home Hunting
ABOUT
40 T O W N
Home Hunting
Mediterranean Meets Mountain Brook by C athy Nag i
PHOTOS: MADYSON CHAMBERS
How this family home manages to blend fun with formal.
The columns, arched doors, and vaulted ceiling give this room an intimate and unique feel.
Ashley wanted an expansive living space taking advantage of the room’s natural light.
W
hen businesswoman and mother of three, Ashley Spann Kaple, decided to renovate her home on Pump House Road, she knew exactly where to start - her friend of 20 years, Vance Ballard of B&B Construction. Knowing that Vance would provide the kind of attention and customer care that B&B is known for, made a project of this scale achievable for Ashley. Ballard has been able to make a boutique business of renovating larger houses and restoring historic homes to their former glory. “I just knew that Vance would give this home the attention that it deserves,” says Ashley. “The original owners did a wonderful job building the house with a distinct European influence. From the first time I walked into the foyer and saw the cupola and spiral, iron staircase I was drawn to the home,” recalls Ashley. And indeed, the foyer provides a stunning entrance to a home that is both grand in scale but is also comfortable and welcoming. The great room, with its large beams, imported chandelier, and refinished bar, has been the entertaining heart of the house with baby showers, cocktail hours, and parties over the years. From the great room, guests can easily move to an expansive back porch and yard complete with a pool. “My girls love the pool and have turned the column planters into diving boards!” For Ashley, the home also allows her to balance her work and family life. Perhaps an unexpected choice, one of her favorite rooms is her home office off of the kitchen. “In everyday life, it’s where I start my day. It allows me to constantly go back and forth between being a mom, while my girls are in the kitchen, to being a business owner. It’s all a balance.” To see more of Ashley’s house visit abouttown.io
The cupola and spiral, iron staircase are what initially grabbed Ashey’s attention when she first visited the home.
Pretty in pink. This bedroom is the stuff little girls’ dreams are made of. ABOUT
43 T O W N
Home Hunting
Cherish Chinoiserie
Vintage Victories
Trade in you’re the boring concrete planters or wicker baskets holding your fiddle leaf figs for elegant East Asian-inspired pots. They look beautiful by the hearth, in front of a window or atop an elegant sideboard.
How to Incorporate Classic Finds into Your Home. BY: JUNE CLARK
After a long stretch of home décor ruled by white, neutral and plain palettes, color is making a striking comeback. And with color, comes pattern and texture and the risk of incorporating items previously turned down because they didn’t match the trends. It’s time to dust off the keepsakes you sent to the attic, because what’s old is new—or at least renewed—again. Try these tips to expertly blend vintage items into spaces throughout your home.
Glam it up with Glass Swap out your heavy wooden coffee table for a light, airy glass-topped table. Brass legs with stylized details bring instant glamour and sophistication to any room in your home.
Mirror Mirror Make a statement above his & hers sinks with a stunningly ornate pair of filigreed mirrors. While the patina of foxed mirrors may add character to a living space, the silvering can be restored if function is important to your use.
Raise the Bar Consider all the exquisite touches you can add to the standard bottles and glasses on your home bar. Mix in crystal decanters, a silver tray and coasters, linen napkins and colorful vases for a spot you’ll look forward to prepping cocktails at the end of the day.
Designing Dining Don’t Forget About This Often Ignored Room. BY: JUNE CLARK
W
e’re guessing your dining room rarely looks like it belongs in the pages of a design magazine and more like a homework station, home art studio or even worse—a storage area. Take inspiration from the elevated design local decorator, Leeanne Cates created in this dining area.
Winsome Walls Wallpaper is having a moment and this dining area is no exception. The subtly repeated design evokes the image of a pineapple, which is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. Skip the Matching Table and Chairs Choose a table in the perfect style and find complementary seating that doesn’t necessarily come in a packaged deal.
ABOUT
Mirror Magic A large mirror can make even the smallest space feel larger. The mirror’s brass frame echoes the metallics on other design elements, neatly tying the space together. Framed Florals Select images you love, such as pressed gold leaves in matching frames, and position them in a tidy grid to lend sophistication to your space.
Perfect Plants An exquisite orchid potted in a stunning vessel is a perfect finishing touch atop a blue-hued sideboard. A green plant brings vibrant color and life to the center of the table. 44 T O W N
DR. HAROLD WEHBY is a member of the Birmingham District Dental Society, the Alabama Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Refresh
Offering Botox®, Juvederm® and Restylane® to achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance, while still having freedom of expression.
Relieve
Suffering from TMJ/Migraines? Find out how Botox® can help with some headaches and a wide range of facial pains.
Renew
Our advanced training in facial and dental treatments can give you a confident smile. NOW LOCATED IN HOMEWOOD 3351 Old Montgomery Highway, Suite 202 Homewood, Alabama 35209 Tel: 205-637-6018 www.wehbydental.com
OUR ANN U A L RE ADE RS POL L ‘
IT’S BACK, BABY!
2021
VOTE NOW FOR THE BEST OF 2021 AT ABOUTTOWN.IO
Never Miss An Issue.
abouttown.io/subscribe
Spring Intro Special! $76= 1 Private Lesson, 2 Semi-Private Classes - Classical Pilates Private & Duet Lessons - Prenatal / Postnatal Expertise - Distanced Small Group Classes -
AL’s Premiere Classical Studio Aero Joe Pilates 2805 2nd Avenue South (Pepper Place) info@aerojoepilates.com www.aerojoepilates.com
HOME
MASTERS
HOME Special Advertising Section photography by Madyson Chambers
ABOUT
48 T O W N
HOME
ALKMY
205-332-1302
Imagination meets design defines the philosophy of ALKMY, a Birmingham shop of many dimensions. We offer out-of-the-ordinary furnishings, decorative accessories and gifts, unique items for children, and art from around the world. If you’re looking for design help, ALKMY offers top to bottom interior design, from a single bookshelf to your entire home. The founders include a mother-daughter duo and a best friend with an architecture and interiors degree. We have much to offer to those with a discerning eye and a sense of adventure. Please stop by our location in Mountain Brook or visit us online at www.shopalkmy.com shopalkmy.com
HOME
GABE HULBERT, PROGRESS BANK 205-822-5500
When it comes to new home builders, having a lender on the team is key to successful construction and eventual sale. At Progress Bank, our goal is to create a positive experience and build lasting relationships with each of our customers. “We take the time to truly understand what is important to our clients, respond with insightful solutions tailored just for them and deliver uncomplicated banking and excellent customer service,” said Gabe Hulbert, SVP, Commercial Banking. “Communication and guidance each step of the way, beginning with the initial planning process and continuing to the completion of the project, creates trust between us.”
With competitive loan terms and pricing for acquisition and development of building lots as well as homebuilder financing, our experienced lenders are prepared to help you determine the best products and services to meet your needs. And as people become cautiously optimistic in 2021, combined with historical low interest rates and a lack of inventory, the housing market looks to remain strong for the rest of the year. “Not only do we work with builders, but we also offer personal mortgages,” Hulbert said. “We want to make the lending process fast, easy and friendly, so contact us today.” myprogressbank.com
HOME CHRISTEN CROSBY, CC REALTOR RAY & POYNOR PROPERTIES 205.612.9432 ccrosby@raypoynor.com
An associate broker at Ray & Poynor Properties, Christen’s experience extends across all local neighborhoods and property types, giving her the distinct ability to present accurate, real-time market information to her clients. Real estate runs in Christen’s DNA. Her grandfather has a long history in real estate and development, and both of her parents work in real estate, development, and home construction. Committed to going above and beyond her clients’ expectations, she believes in the power of patience, integrity, and reliability. She knows a realtor’s essential role is to listen to her clients’ needs and keep things calm throughout the process. Her sense of humor and positive attitude go a long way when finding the home of her clients’ dreams. ccbrealtor.com
HOME
GUIN SERVICE, LLC
205-595-4846 info@guinservice.com
Guin Service, LLC is a family owned Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Generator company that has been in business since 1958. We strive to be the best at what we do, and we always put customer service and quality work above profits. We want to be the company that you trust and want to be the company the Birmingham business and homeowners look to for all of their Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Generator needs. guinservice.com
IIIGUINIII 205-595-4846
www.guinservice.com Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Generators
HOME
THE FRED SMITH GROUP, REALTYSOUTH 205-368-2280 soldbyfred@gmail.com The Fred Smith Group, RealtySouth’s #1 team! Our knowledge and expertise has led to a record number of homes sold. - 2,200+ homes sold - 185 in 2020 - $74 million just last year!
This is NOT your typical housing market experience. Our agents are seasoned, experienced and well versed in marketing our listings and have been successful in winning many multiple offer situations for our buyers. If you are ready to sell or purchase a new home, then let us go to battle and win the war for you! Call The Fred Smith Group today or visit our web-site at FredSmithGroup.com. FredSmithGroup.com
In today’s market, most homes are receiving multiple offers with few or no contingencies. Therefore, it is more important than ever, to have an EXPERT Agent working for you. Our six tips and tricks that we have utilized to win in multiple offer situations have been wildly successful! Fred Smith, Ashley Lewis, Stephanie Knight, Langston Hereford, Jen Stinson, Amanda Dabbs, Danza Paulovich, Donna Savage, David Crane, Cindy Hodges, Liza Roitman, Hannah Reilly & Brandy Herschbach
HOME
MAYER LIGHTING SHOWROOM 205-583-3400
Since 1930, Mayer Lighting has been the “Go To” place in Birmingham. Building a new home? Remodeling? Updating old fixtures? #MLS + Generation Lighting offer the most up to date lighting experience. GL designers include Kelly Wearstler, Ellen DeGeneres, and Thomas O’Brien. #MLS is committed to offering smart, beautiful & design forward lighting. mayerlighting.com
HOME
CLOSETS BY DESIGN 205-777-4000
Quality, beauty and commitment are built in. Since 1982, we’ve built a reputation of integrity as the industry leader in customer service and total customer satisfaction. From our no obligation in-home consultation, custom tailored designs and the highest quality product construction, our products simply offer the best value in the industry.
Imagine your home totally organized! Custom closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Office, Pantries, Laundry Rooms, Wall Beds, Wall Units,Hobby Rooms, Garage Flooring and more. Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate. closetsbydesign.com
HOME
CRISSI WATERS, Bradley Perlis Group of LAH 205-792-2520 crissi@lahrealestate.com
The current market is very fast and competitive. Having a knowledgeable real estate agent is advantageous. If you’re buying or selling, agents can negotiate the best scenarios for clients. I have experience in managing multiple offer situations, strict deadlines, and also have an excellent rapport with other agents proven to be most effective for my clients. In real estate, putting your clients first is the only way to achieve success. bradleyperlis.com
SPHERE AUDIO VIDEO
HOME
205-777-5626
Sphere Audio Video was founded on the ideals of providing architecturally friendly, easy-to-use engineered electronics systems. We use only the best proven manufacturers and are here for you before, during, and after installation. The residential market has changed dramatically since March of 2020. Homes are flying off the market at record pace and the owners of the homes are focusing on how they will make use of their space. We are spending more time at home and in a lot of cases we are needing systems more robust that allow us to work and study from home. In times past, technology was used primarily for security and entertainment. Those are still a primary focus, but now it is even more important to see how technology can bridge our lifestyles to today.
Choose a company to advise you that has your best interest at heart, will listen, and can help you navigate life’s constant changes. Trust is something that is earned every day. It is not a one-time thing. A trusted person or business must show up every day and operate with core principles. sphereav.com
Showroom Grand Opening June 19th
Your Home, As Smart As You
Sphere Audio Video, Inc. in Birmingham, AL designs and builds custom home automation and business automation for our clients. We focus on offering specialized, cutting edge technology products and impeccable customer service. We install Home Theater Systems, Automation Systems, Lighting Control Systems, Motorized Window Treatments, Hi-Fi & Distributed Audio Systems, Audio & Video, Surveillance Systems, and Security Systems.
Call Sphere Audio Video today!
205-777-5626 | Email: info@sphereav.com | sphereav.com
Home Automation
Biophilic Design &Natural Audio
Audio Distribution
Water Control Systems
Board & Conference Rooms
Home Theater Design
Safety & Security Systems
Lighting Control Systems
S p h e r e Au d i o V i d e o | 5 0 4 C a h a b a P a r k C i rc l e | B i r m i n g h a m , A L 3 5 24 2
HOME
JULIE KIM, REALTY SOUTH
205-222-9000 jkim@realtysouth.com
Having been in the Real Estate industry for over 40 years, I provide the best customer service and knowledge to all my customers and clients with family like love, care and prayers. Additionally, I have a degree in Interior Design and I can stage and prepare my listings in a way that will ensure they are shown in their very best light. My best advice for buyers right now is to get pre-approved. Having this information allows them to make a stronger offer. As for sellers, it is imperative that you hire an agent that can depersonalize and stage your home for showings and can provide maximum advertising of your home on social media platforms. I take this to heart and have come to look at my clients as an extension of my family. Many of my dearest friends began as clients, and for that I am so grateful. I am the agent who works the hardest for my customers and clients. juliekim.com
HOME NICK HOFFMAN, ABLAZE PLUMBING
CODY COTHRON, CC BEDSWINGS
CHRIS GROBAN, FIRE AND LAWN RESCUE
At Ablaze Plumbing we bring the same commitment and integrity, which we provide as a firefighter, to your home when you need plumbing services! We strive to exceed expectations by ensuring each customer is given options for repair or replacement and that all plumbing, sewer, and gas work meets the highest standards.
Based in Alabama, CC Bedswings is a custom woodworking company who specializes in bed swings and has been bringing comfort to the outdoors since 2013! We love creating a space for you to nap and relax with friends and family. Our craftsmanship is backed by a lifetime warranty. It would be an honor to build a bed swing for you and your family.
Firefighter owned and operated business specializing in gutter cleaning, window washing and all exterior house washing needs. We are dedicated to the highest level of integrity, customer service and communication. We consider our customers to be friends.
ablazeplumbing.com
ccbedswings.com
205-977-0088
205-837-0103 facebook.com/ccbedswings
Photo taken at the Southern Vintage Fire Apparatus Association Warehouse in East Avondale.
205-527-2733
facebook.com/fireandlawnrescue
GOOD TASTE
PROMOTION
By: Scott Atkinson, Wine Manager at PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE
A Little Better All The Time The weather is getting better and better. The news is getting better and
LAURENT PERRIER BRUT CHAMPAGNE
better. It is a cliché to use the words of Lennon and McCartney, but “I’ve
Not only do we have big bottles of real French Champagne, we have really big bottles of real French Champange! Our availability on Laurent-Perrier runs the gamut. We have lots of sizes! Read more for a fun lesson in wine bottle naming. Ok, maybe not a “fun” lesson, but a good education nonetheless.
got to admit it’s getting better (better), a little better all the time.” We finally get to have folks over for dinner, drinks, barbeques, hangouts, shindigs, and soirees. Finally! With that wonderful reality in mind, check out these crowd pleasers! A big party calls for big bottles. Celebrations call for bubbles. We have you well and truly covered on the big, bubbly bottle front!
187ml – Piccolo or Split 375ml – Demi or Half 750ml – Fifth or Stnd. 1.5L – Magnum 3.0L – Jeroboam 6.0L – Methuselah 9.0L – Salmanazar
NAVERAN CAVA BRUT ROSÉ
Bringing a big, beautiful bottle of pink bubbles is the best way to show up to a party. We have empirical proof. This bottle, which is twice the size of a standard bottle, is only $29.99. You really are hard pressed to find a more delicious value out there when it comes to pink bubbles. There are so many great reasons to buy this exceptional bottle. Is it organic? Yes. Yes it is. Is it from old vines? Yes, going back to as far as 1901. Is it made using the same traditional and intensive practices as they do in Champagne? Yes, and at a fraction of the price! We at the Pig love to take this wine to shindigs. It is always a great way to start the event!
BILLECARTSALMON BRUT CHAMPAGNE
Yessireebobtail, that is a big mammerjammer bottle of Champagne. We brought this bottle in last year because we knew the pandemic would end, and we wanted to make certain that we had a suitable bottle to celebrate the return to normalcy. This, friends, is a 15 liter bottle of Champagne. The correct name for a 15 liter bottles is “Nebuchadnezzar.” He was the longest-reigning and most powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This bottle, like all majestically oversized bottles of Champagne takes its name from the Old Testament. No one knows exactly why Champagne producers chose to name magnum bottles after ancient, Jewish kings and patriarchs. But that is what they did. Oh, it is also a fantastic bottle of wine! Billecart-Salmon is regarded as one of the most esteemed producers in Champagne, and the grapes from this bottle come from their best vineyards. So come on down to the Pig and get the Nebuchadnezzar! ABOUT
62 T O W N
B I R M I N G H A M O W N E D A N D L O C A L LY O P E R AT E D S I N C E 1 9 9 4
Easy as 1-2-3
•
1. ONE YEAR Lowest Price Guarantee on all mattress purchases. 2. We add TWO YEARS to the manufacturer’s warranty on all premium mattress sets. 3. We allow you up to THREE FULL YEARS to exchange your mattress.
bedzzzexpress.com
Last Look See if you can spot the 10 differences in these two Birmingham pictures!
PUBLISHER Hunt Gillespie ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cathy Nagi DIGITAL DIRECTOR Emily Pickens CONTRIBUTING DESIGN Clint Cabiness MARKETING Shannan Beasley Jennifer Lyles Dowdle PHOTOGRAPHERS Jean Allsopp Madyson Chambers Jade Hollaway ADVERTISING For advertising information, please contact Hunt Gillespie at 205.821.4106 EVENTS To request your event to be featured, please send an e-mail at least one month prior to: info@abouttown.io WEB To see all the features & party pictures, visit: abouttown.io For a list of distribution points visit abouttown.io
10. The white road line over the girl is whiter 9. All the windows on the left building are mint green
4. The ONLY is flipped 180
8. The UAB building is taller
3. The yellow shirt is now neon green
7. The building poking out on the right is gone
2. There is a missing white crosswalk block
6. UAB is now yellow
1. The double light has a darker green on the right
Can You Spot The Ten Differences?
hunt@abouttown.io
5. The kid in all black is missing his shadow
10
For detailed info on our readership contact
About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc. P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213 Copyright © 2021 Gillespie, Inc.
EAT • PLAY • DRINK • FETCH
Home to the Grand River Drive-In, Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s BBQ Leeds Discover the endless fun with a drive-in movie theatre, pool room & arcade, backyard games, dog park & so much more!
OPEN EVERY DAY 10am - 10pm ALL AGES WELCOME www.backyardleeds.com