Birmingham Home & Garden - Jan/Feb 2021

A DECADE OF GUIDING BIRMINGHAM HOME

“Our goal is not to list or sell a certain number of homes, but to empower realtors with the knowledge to guide our clients along the way.”

— H E N RY

“Real estate transactions are complex.

Because of their knowledge of the transaction and the ability to guide a purchaser or a seller, realtors have a tremendous value for the consumer.”

R AY

—WILMER

In 2010, Henry Ray and Wilmer Poynor decided to form a real estate company where people were the highest priority. Their goal was to empower realtors with the knowledge and skills to be successful, and they emphasized placing client needs first.

Today, Ray & Poynor’s realtors are recognized for their expertise and their commitment to their clients. As a locally owned and operated company, Ray & Poynor knows the market.

The company’s office is located in Mountain Brook,

P OY N O R

and they work across the entire metro Birmingham area.

Many things have changed in real estate over the last 11 years. There are more licensed relators now than ever, and the majority of people are taking their home search online. However, the value a realtor can bring to the table hasn’t changed.

Because of their realtors’ dedication and attention to detail, Ray & Poynor now claims the highest average list and sales price of any real estate company

in Birmingham. The realtors at Ray & Poynor serve as a real estate resource, helping their clients navigate complex transactions and remaining available after they’ve left the closing table.

As we begin a new year, Ray & Poynor is excited about the future. Their realtors are available with any questions consumers may have about the Birmingham market or buying or selling a home.

For more information, please call 205.879.3036 or visit raypoynor.com.

River Bottom Pine specializes in reclaimed wide plank flooring.

We have the largest inventory of reclaimed oak in the southeast.

We mill and pine all domestic woods. Not only do we build tables, mantels, barn doors, beams, and other needs but we also have a large inventory of wall skins.

2336 F.L. Shuttlesworth Drive Birmingham, AL 35234 Contact Kim Turner: 205.914.4572 kimrbp@gmail.com

www.riverbottompine.com

FARMHOUSE TABLES • BARN DOORS • ISLAND TOPS • MANTELS • BEAMS • WALL PANELING • NEW WOOD

TOULMIN

DESIGN-BUILD KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING & CUSTOM CABINETRY S TUDI O :

5227 Whigham Circle Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 366-0807 Design meetings by appointment

toulmincabinetry.com

Your Style. Your Budget.

Our Expertise.

Barclay Butera’s Park City collection from Lexington Home Brands Highlighted by the elegant grain patterns of quartered white oak, designs in Park City boast clean architectural lines in a rich dark mocha finish. Custom hardware and metal accents are finished in burnished bronze. Upholstery silhouettes reinforce the modern look with clean lines and meticulous tailoring. The interpretation offers a warm, elegant, and inviting look that defines luxury mountain living.

FEATURING : Terra Sofa | Quarry Rectangular Cocktail Table | Willa Swivel Chairs | Meadow View Swivel Chair | Black Diamond Round End Table | Heber Drawer End Tables

2200 2ND AVE S | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 205.322.1687 | BIRMINGHAMWHOLESALE.COM

Whether you are building your forever home or planning a budget friendly refresh of your kitchen or bath, VW Gallerie consultants will help deliver the best solutions for your project.

VW Gallerie has the most knowledgeable consultants who are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service so that your experience with us is an enjoyable one.

It’s a short drive to one of our three convenient locations.

Call and schedule your appointment today.

BIRMINGHAM 3320 2ND AVENUE S 205.324.9521 PELHAM 221 INDUSTRIAL PKWY 205.663.1336 TUSCALOOSA 712 20TH AVENUE 205.758.8621

MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

vwplumbingsupply.com

DESIGN RENOVATION MAINTENANCE

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The Willows of Willow Point

The Willows is nestled in a serene cove among Lake Martin’s more than 40,000 acres of pristine water, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. With large, wooded and secluded homesites, this new neighborhood is the perfect place to enjoy refined lake living with Willow Point Golf & Country Club, dining, shopping, and recreation just moments away.

RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

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29 premier homesites just released

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Lake Martin, Alabama

MOUNTAIN BROOK 2814 Petticoat Lane Suite 2320 (205) 877-3232

CON T EN TS JA N UA RY/ FEB R UA RY 2021 { vol. 19 no. 1 }

style

16

For the Love of the Hunt

Meet these local seekers of history, charm, and style who scour the city

gardens

24

Birmingham Gardening Today

Gardening expert John Floyd offers tips on channeling your artistic side

fine finishes

31

Beautiful Baths

Treat yourself to a stylish sanctuary

homes

28

Inspiration Home 2021

38

Cozy & Collected

46

Family Style

54

Artistic Endeavors

Introducing our 20th Anniversary Inspiration Home!

Designer Fran Keenan maximizes every inch of a 1950s Hollywood rancher to create a functional home

71 62 Special Section:

A Hollywood couple utilizes their creative talents to design

New Year, New You! Artist Laurel-Dawn Latshaw uses her keen eye, along with help from Danielle Robin of Twin Interiors, to turn a spec house into her

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recipes

71

Heartfelt Celebration

Make any occasion more festive

favorite Finds

74

Treat Yourself

Start the new year off right with self-care tips and must-haves from

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birminghamhomeandgarden.com

Furniture • Rugs • Accessories • Lighting • Art • Interiors

Atlanta

Birmingham

Destin

Nashville

Spanish Fort

To-the-Trade Services • In-Home Design Consultation www.stockandtrade.com

FROM THE EDITOR

a

few years ago, minimalism was all the rage and trendsetters were advising us to declutter. And while we still don’t like a messy house, today’s trends lean toward holding on to certain treasures. Instead of tossing all of our stuff, we’ve become curators of our own design. Younger generations continue to inherit heirlooms, and they are finding that there are plenty of things worth keeping—even if it is sometimes just for sentimental reasons.

Just ask the new wave of treasure seekers beginning on page 16.

These savvy stylemakers are bringing back the things that remind them of HOME—specifically, their childhood homes and their grandparents’ homes. No, they aren’t trying to re-create their 10-year-old bedroom.

Instead, they are tapping into memories of treasured heirlooms and storied items and finding new ways to incorporate them into today’s interiors to help tell their personal narratives.

Our homes features are filled with this fresh mix. Turn to page 38 to see how designer Fran Keenan combined antiques with newer pieces to make a small home feel warm and welcoming—and larger, thanks to a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall of mixed-and-matched artwork.

On page 46, meet the Schuster family. You’ll love their Hollywood cottage full of beloved items gifted from family, along with other relics found while traveling. And thanks to the husband’s expertise in custom cabinetry, the home showcases many original designs.

Then flip to page 54, where you’ll be dazzled by how artist LaurelDawn Latshaw and designer Danielle Robin turned a spec house into a forever home for Laurel-Dawn’s family. The artist followed her own decorating instincts with creative displays such as a wall of memories filled with personal artwork, mementos, and family photos.

I hope this issue inspires you to unbox and rediscover your own beloved treasures and incorporate them into your design scheme.

What better way to start the new year than surrounded by the things you love?

e t i r o favthings

a few of my

passed down from my family This set of pink china is marked Myott Staffordshine England Old Chelsea Petite. It was my grandmother’s wedding china. I am lucky enough to have an eight-piece place setting.

This blue vase belonged to my other grandmother. It doesn’t have any grand markings. I just love it for the color.

My grandparents brought this rug back from the Panama Canal Zone after WWII. I’m crazy for the pinks and blues. The edges are tattered, but I think that only adds to its history and charm.

These tiny little bud vases belonged to my grandmother.

I especially like them because I have twin daughters.

My mother-in-law gave me this dainty piece of Creamware.

The porcelain insert is unglazed. The whole piece is only 3 inches wide. I’m always amazed at how something so delicate can survive the generations.

Birmingham Home & Garden is published bimonthly in addition to two special issues by PMT Publishing Inc. © 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Birmingham Home & Garden, 3324 Independence Drive, Homewood, Alabama 35209, 205.802.6363. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please query the editor before sending unsolicited articles or photographs. Moving? Please send the old label along with your new address to Birmingham Home and Garden, P.O Box 923773, Norcross, GA 30010-3373.

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birminghamhomeandgarden.com

Publisher / Walker Sorrell Editor / Cathy Still McGowin csmcgowin@pmtpublishing.com Art Director / Brittany R. Kenny PHOTOGRAPHER / Jean Allsopp WEB EDITOR / Abby Parrott Copy editor / Julie Gillis Contributors / Missie Crawford, Heather Durham, Mary Fehr, Zoë Gowen, Alec Harvey, John Floyd, Laurey Glenn, Lacey Howard, Leslie Byars Register, Christiana Roussel, Paige Townley, Vic Wheeler, Emma Williams Advertising / Sales Traci Owen 205.802.6363 ext. 110 towen@pmtpublishing.com Hope Roddam 205.802.6363 ext. 114 hroddam@pmtpublishing.com marketing / Elizabeth Yeilding 205.802.6363 ext. 106 eyeilding@pmtpublishing.com Director of Integrated media & events Sheila Wardy Administration / Office Manager Carol Ann Head accounting / Keith Crabtree Circulation / distribution Anita Miller Advertising Sales Office: 3324 Independence Drive Homewood, Alabama 35209 Office: 205.802.6363 / Fax: 205.802.6393 TO SUBSCRIBE OR FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, CALL 1-833-454-5060 or visit birminghamhomeandgarden.com T.J. Potts / President, PMT Publishing Inc. 3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609

Cover Photo: Jean Allsopp, Page 54

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STYLE

e v o L HUNT FOR TH E

OF TH E

If there is one thing we’ve all had a surplus of in the past 12 months, IT IS TIME... TIME TO NEST. TIME TO PURGE.

personal style.

TIME TO EDIT OUR OWN

C

ouple that with the time to engage in handiwork hobbies and it’s easy to see why the “grandmillenial” style has had such a surge. First coined by House Beautiful, grandmillennial style deftly combines antiques and vintage furnishings with modern décor. Think chintz paired with a sleek waterfall console table; an antique sideboard with a new, geometric-patterned rug; and framed needlepoint pastoral scenes with a backdrop of new Schumacher wallpaper. While finding the new items is as easy as flipping through design catalogs or working with a local designer, sourcing the vintage finds can be a little trickier.

Enter the new era of hunters and gatherers—the seekers who have their own sources for securing pieces with history and charm. These are the passionate stylemakers who aren’t content with cookie-cutter décor. And what’s more, they are inspired to share their finds via Instagram. The social-media monolith provides a unique vehicle for displaying these discoveries in a very shoppable format.

We caught up with a few of our favorite Birmingham-based hunter and gatherers to find out what inspires them, as well as to hear about the one find that made their hearts skip a beat.

By C H R I S T I A N A R O U S S E L / Portraits by M A R Y F E H R

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birminghamhomeandgarden.com

“Things that feel one-of-a-kind are key for me. I prefer items to be a bit distressed because I think it adds character.”

I found this vintage chair at a local antiques shop. I thought that it was cute and quirky. The low-slung style was unique, and I wondered how it had been passed up!

I collect antique olive jars.

I keep some, and I sell some. I think they are a great home accessory, whether you use them in a kitchen, by a fireplace, or even on a patio.

The Neutralist Caroline Davis @theneutralist.shop

Q: Where do you source your finds?

Mainly in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

I like to go on road trips and hit up small towns along the way. Some of my favorite finds have been in places I had really never even heard of until I started “the hunt.” It has made this endeavor somewhat of an adventure.

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

Q: Which do you love more— the hunting (searching high and low for pieces) or the gathering (curating and posting)?

I like both, but there is probably more of a thrill in the hunt for me. Finding that something you are sure will be a hit is why I love doing it.

Gathering can be a challenge, as I am a onewoman team with one small SUV.

I was drawn to the detail of this antique altar cloth and its pretty, distressed look. I think it would look great on a table, sofa, or chair.

I made the pillow myself after realizing how pricey custom pillows in luxe fabrics can be.

Q: What does it mean to you to be located in Birmingham?

Birmingham has the most loyal clientele. I have had followers reach out and say that a certain piece I posted wouldn’t work for them but that they sent it to a handful of their friends that might be interested. This may sound like a small thing but it really makes me appreciative of this city and its people.

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STYLE

Just a few of Elizabeth’s favorite things My mom and I found this gorgeous drop-leaf mahogany side table by Baker in a West Palm Beach consignment store. It was in near perfect condition. The simplicity of the drop-leaf design is so classic and would look beautiful in any home!

This vintage Henry Link nine-drawer, faux bamboo dresser is lacquered in high-gloss “Minty Green” by Benjamin Moore. The original hardware is painted gold.

I love this piece so much because it was raw when I found it under a pile of stuff in a secondhand store.

Hibiscus House Elizabeth Peelen Hutchinson @ HibiscusHouse

Q: How do you define your aesthetic?

I’m a 7th generation Floridian, born and raised in Winter Park, Florida. Thanks to my mother’s influence, my sisters and I developed an appreciation for antiques and vintage finds at a young age. I’ve always loved patterns and color, whether I’m wearing it or living in it.

Q: What makes you swoon?

Anything faux bamboo, items with classic lines, and color. My style is definitely traditional tropical chic: bold, bright, and loud! I hunt for styles that have that Florida feel, such as rattan, 18

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faux bamboo, Hollywood Regency, cane, Chippendale, chinoiserie, wicker, and more.

Q: Do you work with designers?

Yes! I offer interior designer discounts and have sold to quite a few designers in the Southeast.

I can source specific items and usually find anything they need.

Q: What’s the most unique thing about your business?

I offer a professional high-gloss lacquer service as a way to truly make each piece your own.

My painters can match any custom paint color to your fabric swatch, add wallpaper for sassy flair, and even install unique, custom hardware.

I have a passion for bringing new life to great pieces of the past. I love anything with that “Palm Beach Chic” style and have an obsession for finding and sharing it.

Q: What does being based in Birmingham mean to you?

One of the reasons I started Hibiscus House was because Birmingham didn’t have a store or anyone strictly selling Floridian and lacquered birminghamhomeandgarden.com

I love this classic Ficks Reed rattan lounge chair with custom Sunbrella fabric cushions. This would be the perfect addition to any den, sunroom, or porch.

I like to display smaller, Floridian finds on étagères in my booth inside Hoover Antique Gallery.

Anything chinoiserie, rattan, or blue and white always calls my name!

furniture. And most of the bigger cities within two or three hours of Birmingham don’t have any lacquer retailers, so there isn’t a lot of competition for what I’m selling.

Q: What does the Instagram presence mean for your business?

I wouldn’t be anywhere without it! I also have a booth at Hoover Antiques Gallery, as well as a warehouse/showroom in downtown Birmingham that is “by appointment only.” I’m building my Shopify website to offer all of my inventory in one location: ShopHibiscusHouse.com j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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STYLE

“The first find that made my heart skip a beat was a 1980’s brass coffee table with smoke-gray glass.

I came home, uploaded it to Instagram, and it was sold by the end of the day!”

Q: What makes you swoon?

Anything brass. Brass is hot right now and there are so many fun pieces out there—trays, planters, animal figures, sconces. I also think aged silver is beautiful. It is so much fun to polish it up and bring it back to life. And I love old books for décor; I look for pretty colors, titles, and spines for display. It is interesting to look through them and see the dates published and even the handwritten messages in the inside cover.

Q: Care to share your haunts?

Along with antiques stores, I shop thrift stores and estate sales. There is a plethora of treasures to be found in this city for the sheer fact that Southerners have everything you can think of to entertain and make our homes feel welcoming.

Many of my shoppers are younger clients who are decorating their first apartment or home.

Q: What has surprised you most about this venture?

White Elephant Refined

I was amazed at how fast a social media-based business can grow. About a week in, I had a request to ship to New Jersey, as well as to several other states. I quickly had to learn about shipping! It is so cool to make connections with people all over the country. I am shipping everywhere from Brooklyn to Fort Myers!

I also have my regular customers right here in Birmingham who I have enjoyed getting to know.

Mary Lee Braswell @whiteelephantrefined

Brass is pretty easy to find right now, and my followers love a good planter. This spittoon is a fun one.

Vintage glasses, especially from the Regency era, are big sellers. I love the glam details on this set.

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I love anything that looks like it could found in an English cottage.

I enjoy creating vignettes with my treasures.

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

DECORATING with Antiques

By E M M A W I L L I A M S

Brown furniture is back in a whole new way. Sure, we still don’t like matching sets, but an antique will always be an anchor and a statement maker. We talked to some of the top dealers in town to get their advice for collecting and designing with antiques.

Where Should You Start?

Mimi Montgomery, of Lolo French Antiques suggests that “adding a wonderful case piece or table is a great place to start.” She tells people new to the antique world to invest in an antique table, chest, buffet, or mirror.

Another way to begin is by collecting smaller items.

“Start with French confit pots, breadboards, or copper pans for your kitchen,” she says. Mimi also believes that decorating with antiques is more reliable than modern furniture. “An antique trestle table will continue to last for hundreds of years, while poorly made new tables might not even hold up during shipping,” she says.

ROMAN BRANTLEY ART & ANTIQUES

2790 B M Montgomery St. Homewood • (205) 460-1224

Tues - Sat 10:30am - 5pm Sun & Mon Closed

How Should You Decorate?

Henhouse Antiques owner Barbara Ashford says to steer clear of uniformity. “People don’t do ‘matched sets’ anymore,” she says. Instead, Barbara advises homeowners to mix pieces of different styles and origins. “Combining English with French, Italian, and Swedish makes a room so much more interesting,” she explains. Barbara also says to remember the accessories. “Old French breadboards are big right now, as well as interesting objects of art to put in shelves.” She adds that these small pieces bring character to any space. “You can’t beat a bunch of beautiful crystal decanters on a big silver tray.”

What Are the Benefits?

Barbara Adkins, a dealer at Black Sheep Antiques, is a strong advocate for decorating with antique furniture. She explains that when antiques are paired with modern pieces, your space takes on a fresh yet thoughtful look. Her advice?

“Pair a gilded antique mirror with a contemporary console to add light and soul to your modern space.” When asked about other ways to decorate, Barbara says, “Antiques have always been a smart choice both aesthetically and as an investment.” As she likes to tell her customers, “Using antiques in your home is the ultimate form of recycling.” j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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Media Relations • Strategic Planning • Digital Communications • Brand Messaging Social Media Management • Community Engagement • Crisis Communication • Event Public Relations

www.kcprojectspr.com @kcprojectspr

STYLE

“I have a weak spot for chinoiserie! I am always on the hunt for timeless, classic pieces. I love things that bring back memories from my childhood visits to my grandmother’s homes.”

Q: How did you get started?

I have always loved visiting antiques shops, estate sales, and thrift stores. After starting my shop, I no longer had to leave good finds behind.

Q: Where do you source?

Any secret haunts?

Birmingham is a treasure trove of sources. There are fabulous estate sales offered weekly. When traveling for my full-time job, I love to stop at small antiques stores I find along the way. I am constantly looking up estate sales and making stops around town throughout the week. The South is known for having historic old towns and fabulous antiques.

I love that I can find unique items while supporting shops throughout Birmingham and beyond. The hunt never ends.

Q: How do you incorporate the new with the old?

I’ve always loved the old pieces because of the memories and feelings of nostalgia they can spark. I’ve had multiple customers message me to say that the pieces they purchased were something their mother or grandmother had in their homes. But I didn’t want to limit myself to just antiques, chinoiserie, or the grandmillennial style. My goal is to offer thoughtfully chosen antique and vintage items as well as some new pieces for your home. I chose the name “Curated” because I like to combine the best of all those categories.

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Curated Birmingham Kristen Scroggins @shopcuratedbham

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE

hunters & gatherers Mary and Wilma @maryandwilma

Owner Beth Hubrich’s cheeky-fun classic Floridian style comes through in her wares, but it is in her IG stories that her personality really shines. Come for the stuff, stay to be entertained and inspired.

Beezies Birmingham @BeeziesBham

The slogan says it all—Antique & Vintage Interiors Buzzing with Personality. Beezies Birmingham is co-owned by three Cherokee Bend women: Haisley Smith is a sucker for antique etched stemware and ice buckets, while Lura Denson will brake for all things silverplate and sterling, and Leah Patterson is known to strap twin bed frames to the top of her car.

Tricia’s Treasures ANTIQUES & ACCESSORIES

Birmingham Secondary @BhamSecondary

2700 19th Place S. Homewood 205-871-9779 Tuesday - Friday: 10:30 - 5:30 Saturday: 11 - 4:30

The digital side of Anna Claire Interiors, this IG site showcases a variety of gently used fine furniture and antiques. @annaclaireinteriors Found Birmingham @FoundBham

This site touts itself as offering “Antique, Vintage, and Contemporary Finds for the Home.” Think dropleaf tables that can be used anywhere, vintage faux bamboo trays, and antique framed prints and mirrors.

Parris Flea Market Jess Parris and Katherine Gould @Parrisfleamarket

Self-described as maximalist and eclectic, these friends and business partners based in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa swoon over anything French, Eastern antiques, bamboo furniture, and handpainted ceramics.

Vintage Linens Birmingham @VintageLinensBirmingham

The name sums up the offerings that include household staples like vintage tea towels, embroidered pillowcases, handmade quilts, and yards of vintage fabrics.

HENHOUSE ANTIQUES 1900 Cahaba Road • English Village 205.918.0505 • henhouseantiques.com

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BIRMINGHAM GARDENING TODAY... with

JOHN FLOYD

Perfectly Pruned

Japanese Maple Tree

Flowering Crabapple Tree

Bring a sense of artistry to your garden with a variety of sculptural trees and shrubs. All you need is some creativity, a little elbow grease, and these tips from gardening expert John Floyd.

t

he cold months for gardening are here. This is the time of year when the small things in the garden become more noticeable. Any plant that blooms in winter stands out among the deciduous landscape and gray skies in the background.

The blooms display a brightness you don’t often see in other seasons. And while winter’s floral landscape may be limited to only a few annuals, perennials, and shrubs, the sculptural qualities of our shrubs and trees also take center stage in this period.

One of the most sculptural small trees—and a favorite of mine—is the Japanese maple. The tree must be pruned regularly in order to maintain its beautiful shape.

Excellent examples of sculptured Japanese maples in all stages of development can be found in the Japanese Gardens at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. If you want to start sculpting yours at home, keep in mind that it takes time—and a bit of artistry—to get them to look like the ones in the Japanese Garden. First, I remove all

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John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-today experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

the crossing branches in the plant. If this severely prunes the tree, that may be enough for this season. If not, this is the time to tap into your artistic side by imagining what you want the tree to look like when finished. I have been working on one that I pictured with a multi-stem look. In order to achieve that, I thinned the canopy and removed all the limbs up to 6 feet high.

In the canopy, I removed all the tiny limbs. Going forward, my work each year will be to remove dead branches and “hand-shave” all the leaves and small shoots. While my example is a simple one, the beauty of the Japanese maple is that it allows you to be as creative as you desire. Other trees that are good for sculpting include Japanese magnolia, crepe myrtle, flowering crabapple, flowering dogwood, southern sugar maple, and live oak.

Some of the most overlooked winter plants are the minor bulbs. They are generally less than 6 inches tall and therefore need to be planted in a mass for any type of effect. Start looking to buy these in early January as you might find them marked down.

The most well-known minor bulb is the crocus. There are over 10 species of crocus, so make sure you select types that bloom in January and February. Selections I like include Snow Bunting, Cloth of Gold, and any of the tommasinianus selections.

Muscari is another great minor bulb for our area. I have not grown all the selections, but the clumps at my house have started blooming as early as midFebruary. Anemone blanda selections, while technically not bulbs, also enjoy our climate.

Of all the minor bulbs, my favorite is the early-flowering dwarf daffodil. Once established, it can grow in large clumps to create carefree winter color. Tête-àTête, Rip van Winkle, and Petticoat j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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BIRMINGHAM GARDENING TODAY... with

JOHN FLOYD

DON’T MISS...

Have you visited the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens?

Muscari

Rip van Winkle Daffoldils

Anemone Blanda

Snow Bunting Crocus

Floyd’s To-Do List: January/February Remove burned, damaged, or dead leaves from small plants like Lenten roses, Nippon lilies, Japanese ardesia, and any of the ornamental grasses that are broken or just look tired. I also like to cut back liriope, which I do yearly, as well as mondo grass if needed. A string trimmer or hand clippers work well for this chore.

First, make sure the cut back is even. For liriope, the leaves that have fallen on the ground and those that the trimmer missed need to be removed too. After I trim these plants, I like to use a leaf rake to get all the winter material out of the cut plants.

When finished, you may mulch the area if desired, but it is not necessary.

Don’t forget that your pansies, violas, sweet Williams, English daisies, and other spring-flowering plants need some winter care. Pinching off dead flowers helps keep the plants attractive and encourages new flowers. I like to apply a light application of half-strength liquid fertilizer about every three weeks in winter until it warms up and you see new foliage. And finally, water the plants if there is an extended dry period or before a hard freeze is expected. This is especially important if the plants are in pots.

Common camellias will show off when temperatures eventually start to warm up. To ensure they are in good shape for spring, now is the time to inspect the plants for any problems that need to be treated. To prevent camellia petal blight, remove the flowers that are covering the ground. Another common problem is camellia tea scale, which is the white fuzzy-looking stuff under the leaves on 26

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the plant. Treat the plant with Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. Apply according to label directions. Finally, add fresh mulch when the flowers finish and then fertilize lightly with 15-0-15.

Twigs are a major focal point in our house when there are few flowers available to cut from the garden. One of our favorite plants to cut twigs from is winged elm. I cut ours along old neglected fencerows or in abandoned lots. If you are not that adventurous, you can always purchase corkscrew willow, fantail willow, or pussy willow at your local flower source and allow them to dry in place. Other things we like to cut are red-stemmed dogwood, sweetgum, crepe myrtle, locust (with the thorns on), and Japanese magnolia (with big buds).

Rose care is vital this time of year. The classic rose garden selections are to be cut back in late February, but the more common Knockout and various ground cover roses, such as Drift, need pruning differently. For Knockout roses, you can do as little or as much as you want. The one thing I always do is remove all the dead wood. Oftentimes the plants have outgrown their space and need to be cut back, which is fine. Also, this is a good time to reshape the plant if it has grown awkwardly. The cottage-type roses like Drift, which are low growers, need to have fresh mulch put under the plants after the old mulch has been removed. Then remove all the dead leaves and shoots that are out of character for the plant. Finally, remove all the dead clusters of blooms left over from the last season.

Wait to fertilize until the danger of frost has passed. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

White are the selections I prefer.

I like to do a major pruning of my shrubs (except for mophead hydrangeas) in February. If you are wanting to severely prune a really large shrub, it’s important to think about what your goal is for the plant. If it’s just too big for the space, you might want to simply remove it and select another plant that will not grow as big. But if you choose to prune the shrub you have, be sure to look at the internal branch structure to see if the plant has a main trunk or one that is multi-stemmed from the ground. If it is a single-trunk plant and you cut the top out of it, the new growth will come from that spot with multiple new shoots. In this case, I would not prune to the height you ultimately desire.

Instead, prune the shrub much lower and let it grow to the desired size. As for the side shoots, remove those with this same thought in mind.

Remember that severe pruning of these plants usually leaves them looking like a bunch of sticks. If the plant has all of its stems coming from the base, you have two options. One is to cut every limb within a foot of the ground and let it regrow into its natural form. The other option is to simply reduce the height or width by taking the tallest (or widest) limb and chasing it back to twice the height (or width) you desire. Cut as many branches as needed to reduce the size. The plant may still look skimpy until new shoots and foliage appear.

Follow these steps to reduce the size of most shrubs (except boxwood) in your garden with good results. Keep in mind that boxwood may not recover from a severe pruning.

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WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

Social SocialMedia Media

For daily tips and more garden information, visit birminghamgardeningtoday.com or birminghamhomeandgarden.com. j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

Children born into all kinds of circumstances have dreams and dreams are powerful.

L O LGOOG CO OCL OL E L LC ET CI OT N ION

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inspiration

Birmingham Home & Garden and River Brook Design & Construction can’t wait for you to experience our 20th anniversary Inspiration Home! Stay tuned for updates on our pages and in social media. Opening Fall 2021.

Introducing our 2021 Inspiration Home

Welcome to

HOLLYWOOD

O

ne of the first Over the Mountain developments, the historic district of Hollywood was built by developer Clyde Nelson on the charms and dreams of Hollywood, California. Street names are pure L.A.: Bonita, La Prado, Poinciana, and, of course, Hollywood Boulevard. Architect George P. Turner designed many of the homes in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, which had become fashionably linked with the glamour of Hollywood in the early days of the motion picture industry there. Turner also nodded to the English Tudor style which was already widespread in Birmingham and Over the Mountain. In 2002, The Hollywood Historic District was registered with the National Register of Historic Places. With homes that have only become more charming with age, and new homes that honor the community’s history, Hollywood remains one of Birmingham’s favorite communities.

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Benefitting

MAGIC MOMENTS For ticket and tour information, please visit birminghamhomeandgarden.com Tickets available online and at the door.

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

DESIGNER & BUILDER: River Brook Design & Construction Owners Kevin and Leigh Misso launched River Brook Design & Construction as a husbandand-wife team in 2017. Since then, River Brook has expanded to include custom luxury new builds, renovations, and additions, as well as residential and commercial design. The River Brook team of talented designers and experienced project managers is committed to working with each client to identify their unique needs and expectations while delivering a beautiful project that is on-time and in-budget.

Bringing style into your home 3912 2nd Ave So. Birmingham, AL (205) 510-4232 800-277-8888

DESIGN LIAISON: Caylee Stefanek Part of the River Brook Design & Construction team, Caylee Stefanek serves clients by helping them through the decisionmaking process and guiding them with design solutions that reflect their lifestyle. For this Inspiration Home, Caylee will work with Birmingham Home & Garden and River Brook Design & Construction to help create a palette for local designers to showcase their take on style.

schedule your appointment with a design consultant today

CHARITY PARTNER: Magic Moments Magic Moments was founded with the sole purpose of providing happiness to children throughout the state of Alabama who are diagnosed with chronic life-threatening illnesses. To date, Magic Moments has provided close to 5,000 special experiences. Not only does Magic Moments provide children with non-medical opportunities such as a family trip to Disney World, meeting a celebrity, or going on a shopping spree, they provide events to enhance the relationships between the staff and families, as well as relationships with other families.

LARGE CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY

ART

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VickiDenaburg.com IG: @vickidenaburgart FB: Vicki Denaburg Art Studio •

B E L L A V I TA , G E R M A N T O W N

If you’re looking for the most extensive selection of tile and stone in Birmingham, including decorative, domestic and imported products, we’re here to help. Since 1933, we’ve provided the most stunning materials to enhance the quality of your home. Make a design appointment to visit our showroom and work with our design team on your next project.

COLLABORATING TO CREATE THE BEAUTIFUL SPACES YOU LIVE IN EVERY DAY.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 4500 1st Ave N Birmingham, AL 35222 205-592-8615 ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS Montgomery • Huntsville Tuscaloosa • Pensacola • Memphis Nashville • Baton Rouge

FINE FINISHES

B EAUT I F U L

Baths

Create your own blissful getaway this winter by upping your style statement in the bath.

Whether you prefer new trends or classic designs, you’re sure to find plenty of ideas and inspiration on the following pages.

Make a Statement

Large-format porcelain tile creates a dramatic backdrop for this freestanding soaker tub. Polished nickel finishes and an oversized pendant with a silver leaf finish add a bit of glamour.

Architect and Designer: Ellis Architects / Designer: Toulmin Cabinetry

Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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FINE FINISHES

Big Style, Small Spaces

These powder baths prove you don’t need a lot of space to pack a powerful punch.

Pretty & Durable

Powder rooms get plenty of use so they need to be attractive and durable. A Fusion quartzite countertop and backsplash perfectly meet both requirements. In this space, the curvaceous patterns in the marble were the starting point for the room’s design. The custom cabinet offers complementary curves. Accessories and fixtures in unlacquered brass, along with the gold tones in the wallpaper, underscore the glamour.

Architect: Sissy Austin of Austin & Co. Fixtures and Accessories: Fixtures & Finishes Wallpaper: Schumacher, “Queen of Spain”

Simple & Focused

Black and gold accents and a mirror-mounted faucet keeps the focus on the fluted limestone sink in this narrow bath. A lively, yet traditional wallpaper doubles in size thanks to the mirrored wall. Above, a gold fixture is a standout against a dark ceiling.

Designer: Doug Davis of Douglas C Davis & Associates Faucet: Fixtures & Finishes Wallpaper: Nina Campbell, “Pavilion Garden” Light Fixture: Visual Comfort, “Tilden”

Bold & Brilliant

Big pattern on the tiled wall makes a statement in this powder room. The backsplash tile (Simone tile, a waterjet mosaic in honed Calacatta Gold, honed Thassos, and brushed brass by New Ravenna) runs all the way to the ceiling for extra effect. York wall sconces by Hudson Valley in aged brass, along with a Dryden widespread faucet in brilliance champagne bronze, echo the tile’s metallic tones. For added texture and to complement the warm hues, the vanity features custom reeded drawers made of quarter-sawn white oak.

Architect and Designer: Ellis Architects Cabinets: Toulmin Cabinetry 32

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birminghamhomeandgarden.com

TREND WATCH Robert F. Henry Tile shares what’s new and what’s next in tile: Color, shape, and texture!

FIXT URES & FI NISH ES 2500 2nd Avenue S. • Birmingham 35233 • 205.323.5616

GRAY

Gray has been the neutral of choice for the last several years. However, we’re also seeing neutral beiges come in with a mix of warm and cool tones.

BLUE

Very popular last year, blue is here to stay. This year, look for brighter blues and the use of blue in patterns and interesting shapes.

GREEN

Green is the color of nature and a mood lifter all around. It’s also a safe color direction to dapple in if you want to venture into the crayon box.

PATTERN

Although subway is classic and will not go out of style, we are now seeing hexagons, triangles, circles, elongated hexagons, and squares coming back to the playbook.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: INSTALLATION AND GROUT

STREET ORIENTALS

Subway tile, for instance, can be installed in lines or patterns. When it comes to grout, your color choice can make each tile stand out individually or offer a seamless look.

old | new | modern | traditional 1829 29th Avenue South • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.870.3838 www.18thStreetOrientals.com

Robert F. Henry Tile Company

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FINE FINISHES

A MASTER PLAN Fixtures & Finishes offers everything from tile to lighting to sinks and tubs.

We asked owner Mary Louise Choate to put together a palette for a master bath that would make anyone swoon.

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Q: You offer so many options. Tell us about your choices for this particular design.

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We chose this layout to show that your bathroom can tell a story with the different patterns and colors. The palette is sophisticated with classic elements and a few trends added in.

Q: Tell us more about what’s classic and what’s trendy?

Green is on trend for the upcoming year. You’ll be seeing more green marbles coming back into patterns.

Unlacquered brass is also on trend now but it’s timeless as well. It will never go out of style.

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Q: That console is gorgeous!

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Isn’t it great? It’s a perfect statement piece. I can see it used singularly or in pairs. The metal legs give it the feel of a washstand but the storage gives it the functionality of a cabinet.

Pairing it with the handmade sink with decorative overflow holes gives it another touch of sophistication.

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Q: How do you marry curves and shapes?

I love playing with shapes and making them work together while still offering some differentiation. Here, the geometric pattern in the green tile contrasts the soft curved lines of the tub and fixtures. At the same time, the circle border tile repeats the shape of the mirror and rounded edges of the fixtures.

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Fixtures & Finishes 2500 2nd Ave S Birmingham, AL 35233 205.323.5616 fixturesandfinishes.com @fixturesandfinishes

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1 CONSOLE Made from solid brass tubing, “Winston” from Furniture Guild features fully welded details, sculpted corners and a working bottom drawer for storing bathroom essentials.

2 SHOWER BORDER TILE 7¾ Connecting Circles border, a waterjet mosaic shown in polished Calacatta Tia and Nero Marquina, is part of the Silk Road® collection by New Ravenna.

3 SHOWERHEAD Henry Gooseneck Wall Mounted 8” Shower Rose, Arm and Flange, Waterworks.

4 SINK Self-rimmed, handcrafted sink, Marzi Sink Factory.

5 WALL-MOUNTED SINK FAUCET UNION Widespread Wall-mount Basin Faucet with Round Handles in unlacquered brass, Crosswater.

6 BATHTUB Freestanding Acrylic Oval Bathtub, Waterworks 7 SHOWER TILE 3×6 Bricks in pillowed and honed Calacatta Radiance from the Studio Line by New Ravenna.

8 TUB FILLER UNION Floor-mount Tub Filler with Round Handles in unlacquered brass, Crosswater.

9 TOILET Neorest Dynamax Tornado Flush dual flush smart toilet, TOTO. 10 SHOWER & BATHROOM FLOOR Nero Marquina Black Marble 5/8 x 5/8” Square Honed Mosaic, New Ravenna

Kathryn Dorlon

11 VALVE TRIM UNION Thermostatic Valve Trim with Round Handles, Crosswater.

Todd Dorlon

Ray & Poynor

TMD Landscape Design

(205)281- 8914

(205)515-6643

12 TILE ON TUB WALL Zachary Grand, a hand-cut mosaic shown in polished Kay’s Green, Plumeria, and honed Orpheus Black, is part of the Semplice™ collection by New Ravenna.

13 MIRROR Latchet Wall Mounted Round Mirror, Waterworks.

14 SCONCE Erna Wall Mounted Single Arm Sconce with Fabric Shade, Waterworks.

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tmdlandscapedesigns.com raypoynor.com

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FINE FINISHES

Great Lengths

Jonathan Lambert of Triton Stone travels far and wide to bring back beautiful marbles for clients in Birmingham and across the Southeast. Here, he tells us about his recent trip to Italy. His finds begin arriving in January.

Q: You just traveled to Italy.

Lucky you! Where did you go?

Yes! I was fortunate enough to be able to get into the country on a special work permit. It was so good to be back! We visited Carrara, Italy. This is where you’ll find dozens of quarries.

This trip felt a little different (obviously not as many tourists), but I was on a journey to find the most beautiful marbles. We purchased many blocks of gorgeous white marble, but color is so on trend right now that we took some risks and we have color coming back to the states! Pinks, purples, and greens are the most prevalant. Some of these are antique stones, and we made some new discoveries as well. We purchased about 18 containers of slabs.

Q: Where else does stone come from?

Many people think of Europe when they think marble, and yes, Italy, France, Greece, and Spain are known for their beautiful stone. But it also comes from India, Africa, China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, and even the USA. We are lucky to have the Alabama White marble Quarry right in our own backyard in Sylacauga.

Q: We love our white marble, but what if someone wants to be a little more daring?

White marble will always be a go-to choice. It is classic in design, and everyone loves a white kitchen. We are starting to see some risk takers who are using more moody tones of grays, browns, and blues in kitchens, whether it be on cabinets or countertops. Pinks, purples, greens, and jewel tones are extremely popular right now.

Q: Do I have to use the same surfaces everywhere?

Absolutely not. The mix and match scenario is ever changing. Many will use different color cabinets on the island or base cabinets.

Sometimes they will use different materials on the island countertops, maybe a different stone or wood or metal. Tile is a way that many are accenting as well. Some designers are opting for a simpler countertop material and then making a statement with hand-painted tiles or geometric designs.

Triton has 21 locations across the Southeast. For the Birmingham location (and to schedule an appointment), visit tritonstone.com or call 205.592.0202 36

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DID YOU KNOW? Carrara marble quarries have been in business for centuries. Most are familyowned and passed down through the generations.

Carrara marble was used in Ancient Rome. You can find it at the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column.

STONE • TILE • FIXTURES Inspiring creativity while providing exceptional products and delivering an unparalleled customer service experience.

4500 5TH AVENUE SOUTH • BUILDING G • BIRMINGHAM • 35222 205.592.0202 • WWW.TRITONSTONE.COM tritonstonegroup • Triton Stone Group of Alabama

at home in every

COZY & COLLECTED Designer Fran Keenan takes a 1950s Hollywood rancher from simple and small to functional and fabulous with a French edge.

Text by P A I G E T O W N L E Y

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Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

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w

arm, welcoming, and lived in—those were the criteria Sara Beth and Sam Wilcox had for updating the design of their 1954 rancher in the Hollywood section of Homewood. And because the abode is under 2,000 square feet, the couple also knew the must-have list needed to include maximizing every bit of space. “We both really liked the idea of having a smaller home, and we chose this house because it had really good bones,” says Sam. “But we needed to make it not only cozy for us but also functional for entertaining friends and family.”

The Wilcoxes sought out the design expertise of Fran Keenan to curate the interiors and make sure every room felt as comfortable as it was collected. Fran started with a crisp, clean white palette for the walls—a simple backdrop that would “hold hands with the textiles and art in each space,” she says. To play with the smaller scale of the rooms, the designer went big in unexpected areas such as the floor-to-ceiling gallery wall of heavily mixed-and-matched artwork and prints in the living room. “People often think that in a smaller space you need smaller things, but bringing in bigger items adds a lot of impact,” she says.

Details were key in finishing out each space, and Fran layered in lots of them with plenty of custom pillows, draperies with delicate trims, and a mixture of new and birminghamhomeandgarden.com

in progress: Fran worked with

the owners’ dining table and chairs, as well as their beautiful Oushak rug.

final layers: Fran dialed up the existing pieces in the room with a subtle-yet-shiny paint finish on the ceiling. “It adds some warmth and relates better to the fabrics we brought in,” she says, referring to the Schumacher pinstripe linen draperies that feature a beautifully detailed black-and-white edging. Two Audubon prints make a bigger statement than four smaller prints. A mismatched pair of antique chests offers storage. j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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TIP: To add dimension to the home’s 8-foot ceilings, Fran painted the dining and living room ceilings Pratt & Lambert’s Carbonite. “With lower ceilings, doing something interesting with them really elevates the room,” she says. Wall color is Seapearl by Benjamin Moore.

salon style Fran Keenan offers tips for creating the perfect salon-style gallery wall.

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Play with Scale

Mix the Mediums

Choose prints and paintings of all sizes and shapes, and be sure to spread out those shapes and sizes

Here, framed and unframed prints mix with oil paintings, lithographs, architectural drawings, and even

A gallery wall is much more

For a collected feel, choose a variety

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

in progress: In the living

room, Fran knew she had to give the eye more to look at than just a television.

final layers: To add interest, she designed a gallery wall. Coral hues in the fabrics and in the art unite the space with the adjoining dining area.

Tell Your Story

Use Your Space

have to be expensive to be interesting

individual piece, but for a gallery wall, you’ll want to vary heights and hang

Just starting your collection? Find pieces that speak to you or that carry

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

A traditional decorating rule says that you should always hang artwork at

More is More

Whether you use paper templates to lay out your wall or just opt to freehand it, consider your display have to be exact, which makes it easy to add and take away as you collect j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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“Every room has its own charm, and that really gives the house such a strong feeling of home.”

— Sara Beth Wilcox

outdoor living

Landscape designer Peter Falkner demonstrates his philosophy about giving the homeowners a reason to stay outside and enjoy

he framed a brick wall with low-growing Korean boxwood

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in progress: The kitchen,

though previously renovated, didn’t appear to leave room for an eat-in breakfast area. In addition, a short stair hall leading to the basement den needed a bit of style (after photo: opposite page, bottom right).

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

final layers: Fran created a sidewalk café moment with a small Tulip table, French chair, and a bench from Tricia’s Treasures that fit the narrow nook perfectly. She dressed up the stair hall with a Lucite console from Wisteria and an antique mirror from Roman Brantley Antiques. j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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before: The master bedroom was a blank slate except for one piece the couple picked out themselves: a four-poster bed handmade by Andrew Reid of Reid Classics in Dothan, Alabama.

after: Fran flanked the bed with a pair of Biedermeier nightstands. The finish on the tables plays to the caramel hues in the vintage screen. Leontine Linens bedding trimmed in navy complement the dark hue (Benjamin Moore’s Gray Shower) on the walls.

antique pieces. She incorporated more interest by intermingling feminine and masculine patterns and textures, such as the velvet and tweed pillows on the sofa. A geometric Turkish Oushak rug from Paige Albright Orientals enlivens a traditonal seagrass rug, while a portière adds separation between the living and dining areas and offers another element of softness.

“Fran’s cozy interior design made it feel like we added on square footage. We couldn’t have asked for more,” says Sam. “We were able to have the smaller, comfortable home we wanted but one that’s also completely functional for both daily life and entertaining.”

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before: The downstairs den was a great bonus living space for the family—and a great man cave for Sam—but it’s long, linear shape made it tough to decorate. after: Fran divided the linear

space into two distinct areas. She added more seating to create a comfy living area for watching TV. A larger work area and wall shelves gave prominence to the office area. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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around the house (clockwise from top left):

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1. Peacock-shaped andirons are an example of perfectly-picked accessories that give the home a collected feel. 2. Fran decked out the nursery with black-and-white French ticking striped wallpaper and matching window treatments. The rug is from Hiltz-Lauber. Fran found the chest at Chelsea Antique mall. 3. An obelisk rests on a stack of antique books next to a painting by William McLure.

4. In the master bedroom, a custom bench sits beneath a painting by Lindsey J. Porter 5. In the downstairs den, Fran cued the dramatic styling of Bar Hemingway in Paris. Here, walls are painted deep burgundy (Farrow & Ball Brinjal #222 ) . A leather wingback chair from Roman Brantley Arts & Antiques and 1960s Italian chairs covered in an Irish plaid fabric from 1stDibs add to the room’s rich tone.

6. A souvenir from Bar Hemingway in Paris.

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Ivy inherited the art above the sofa from her mother.

“Growing up, I lived in a says. Her husband designed the built-in bar.

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FAMILY

Style

Text by L A C E Y H O W A R D

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With three generations of stylemakers on her side and two generations of craftsmen on his, this couple filled their Hollywood cottage with a curated selection of family talents and treasures.

Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P

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8- x 8-foot room to what we have now is a ginormous

Meet the Schusters:

Designers at Home and at Heart Josef Schuster (above with wife Ivy and daughters Julia and Milly) and his dad, Mike, are the designers/renovators behind longtime local business Kitchen Potential.

“He’s a craftsman,” Josef says of his father who learned construction growing up. “He doesn’t cut corners and is inspired to do things the right way.” Josef grew up helping in the backyard cabinet shop and later worked summers and school breaks with his dad. “I stayed the course after graduating and worked my way up to do framing, trim work, and installations,” he says. “Then I moved into the shop and, most recently, to the position of design and sales. Because I enjoy cooking and being in a kitchen, I have a good grasp of what’s functional.”

Ivy Schuster’s background is in commercial design, but recently she has started doing more residential work. In 2006, Ivy joined Rebecca Hatcher, one of Birmingham’s first commercial designers, in the firm that Rebecca founded in 1979. In 2015, Rebecca offered Ivy the opportunity to buy the business, and Hatcher Schuster Interiors was born. “Rebecca continues to be a great mentor and friend,” Ivy says. “I am grateful to her for trusting me with the business she created.”

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“I think our generation really values having space that is not only beautiful but also functional.”

—Ivy Schuster

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“My grandmother was very creative and artistic.

I have many great memories of her. She was always up for an adventure!”

—Ivy Schuster

i

vy Schuster comes by her interior design talents naturally. “Growing up watching my mother and grandmother pursue their artistic endeavors certainly inspired me to pursue mine,” she says. Her husband, Josef, also benefitted from growing up with his craftsman father who started a home-remodeling business 47 years ago. Today, father and son work together creating custom cabinetry and designing renovations in the family business called Kitchen Potential. “My husband is incredibly talented,” Ivy says. “A lot of the features that set our house apart, such as

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millwork pieces designed to look like high-end furniture, were specifically made by Josef.”

The Schusters’ home is a cottage in the Hollywood enclave of Homewood. When the couple first married, they felt comfortable in the small home of 1,900 square feet. But once their first child was on the way, they began a renovation to enlarge the tiny 8- x 8-foot kitchen. “Then it developed further to add a master suite on the ground floor and playroom on the second floor,” Ivy says. “Eventually, one decision led to another, as most renovations do, and now birminghamhomeandgarden.com

almost no room has gone untouched.”

The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home includes a large, open kitchen, as well as formal living and dining rooms and a master suite on the main floor. “The kitchen is the room Josef and I felt the most passionate about,” Ivy says. “He is the cook in our family, and he studied every aspect of the space to get the layout just right.”

Cabinets and appliance panels are a beaded inset Shaker style painted slightly darker than the walls. “This look is one of our specialties,” Josef says. “The bead and the birminghamhomeandgarden.com

frame are one piece.” Countertops and backsplashes consist of a honed quartzite that looks like marble. “For the ceiling where the new and old rooflines come together, Josef had the idea of covering it with 6-inch, tongue-and-groove, white oak planks,” says Ivy. A contemporary drum light fixture adds the perfect, simple silhouette that complements the more complex ceiling transition.

Thanks to architect Michael O’Kelley, the addition melds seamlessly with the original structure. “I think the best renovations make it difficult to tell where the new structure begins, so we thought carefully about how to achieve that,” Ivy says. ”I love that we were able to maintain the historic feel of our home while modernizing it to be more livable for our family’s lifestyle.”

The added square footage gave the Schusters room to grow, but, Ivy says, she and Josef were diligent about how they outfitted both the new and the old. “I wanted to do this right and know that we had thought through everything in great detail,” she says. “We also wanted to avoid any trends so that our home would stand the test of time.”

To that end, the couple chose neutral finishes—plaster j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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bathroom has swan wallpaper from

personality with dark green tile

a shield-shaped mirror—bathe the

walls with a venetian-like texture, wood floors in a warm custom stain, and accents of stained white oak for warmth. “All of these elements can go with anything, allowing the space to evolve over time as each room takes on its own personality through the furniture and art.”

Atop that neutral canvas, Ivy created a masterpiece for her young family. “I think interiors are essentially a work of art that you get to live in,” she says. “The best ones are not only beautiful but also extremely well-planned and functional.” The home’s furnishings reflect both Ivy and Josef ’s personalities and influences. “We’ve incorporated pieces that hold great memories from our travels and from our families,” Ivy says. “I think mixing our more modern design aesthetic with these items that remind us of people and places we love makes the interiors one of a kind.”

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birminghamhomeandgarden.com

RESOURCES: Builder: Kitchen

Potential • kitchenpotentialcom 205.870.8467 Interior Designer: Hatcher Schuster Interiors hsinteriordesign.com • 205.324.3442 Architect: O’Kelley Architecture okelleyarchitecture.com • 205.637.1124 Landscaping: Brown Pratt Landscapes Inc. • 205.965.0391 Millwork: Kitchen Potential Plumbing Fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes • fixturesandfinishes.com 205.323.5616

in white oak separates the master bedroom from the ensuite bath. nightstand save tabletop real estate on either side of the upholstered, button-tufted headboard.

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Endeavors Artistic

A spec house became a forever home thanks to the keen eye of artist Laurel-Dawn Latshaw and the talents of Danielle Robin with Twin Interiors.

The green front door sets the tone for

Text by Z O Ë G O W E N / Photography by J E A N A L L S O P P Portrait by H E A T H E R D U R H A M

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“I typically fall in love with colors, items, pieces of furniture, and patterns.

If I love something, there’s no way to convince me that it won’t work—no matter how outlandish it may seem.”

— Laurel-Dawn Latshaw

birminghamhomeandgarden.com

TIP: Saving a college drawing project proved valuable as artwork in the dining room. Laurel-Dawn created this set of 12 works while she was at Auburn.

p

rior to buying this house with my husband, I had purchased and decorated a house on my own,” says artist Laurel-Dawn Latshaw, “But when Michael and I got married, it was important for us to make a home together.” Finding that home would prove easier than expected, despite the couple’s long list of wants: a new house with old-house charm in Homewood, a basement, a garage, alley access, and within walking distance to schools and shops.

Out for a drive one day, Laurel-Dawn passed an empty lot on a leafy corner. She knew her friend (and architect) Jared Bussey was working with Twin Construction on plans for the

property, so she gave him a ring and asked to see the design.

“The list of items we were looking for were all there,” she says.

“We knew that wouldn’t likely happen again.”

Laurel-Dawn began working with the architect and Twin Construction’s interior designer, Danielle Robin, to tweak the house into the home she and Michael had envisioned, “I had been saving inspiration ideas for as long as I can remember, but since this was supposed to be a spec home, Danielle had already been coming up with design concepts,” says LaurelDawn. “We only had to make a few changes so that the home fit our specific wants.”

To Kill a Mocking Bird

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agree to the yellow paint

him that the hue was the

samples ensued, and he evenually admitted defeat.

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Forging

Your Own

Design Path Laurel-Dawn follows her instincts when it comes to decorating FIND A WAY

Laurel-Dawn loves the large, up all over Instagram these days, but she didn’t want to spend the money for fabric for

TIP: Laurel-Dawn pefers vintage, gilt frames to display her photos and artwork. “They are a little wonky and chippy but have a lot of character,” she says.

Instead, this determined and clever seamstress purchased a chinoiserie-printed duvet cover from Williams-Sonoma and sewed it into deliberately

GET NOSTALGIC

Recalling childhood visits to her great-grandmother’s home in Madison, Wisconsin,

even as a little girl, appreciating

ceiling collection of family photos going all the way up her stairs with my sister staring at each knew this was something that to stop and appreciate moments

MAKE IT PERSONAL family’s art collection is

for my husband while we

laureldawncornerstudio.com

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RESOURCES: Builder and

the master bedroom.

Then came the need to factor in Michael’s aesthetic into the interiors scheme, which could have proved frustrating for a creative like Laurel-Dawn. Instead, she welcomed her husband’s input. “He loves hidden rooms and charming spaces, so we incorporated his ideas. One of his favorites is the wall in the kitchen that has a secret door,” she says.

Like a yin to a yang, Laurel-Dawn’s talents with color, painting, arranging, and sewing complemented Michael’s penchant for small cozy rooms, a voluminous library of To Kill a Mockingbird editions, and Native American art. According to Laurel-Dawn, the duality actually created a more dynamic and interesting look that perfectly reflects both of them. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

Interior Design: Wayne Smith (Construction Manager) and Danielle Robin (Interior Designer) of Twin Construction twincompanies.com • 205.802.3920 Architect: Jared Bussey, Architectural Cooperative, architecturalcooperative.net 205.533.3563 Landscape Design: McDaniel Land Designs • mcdaniellanddesigns. com • 205.918.0190 Exterior Lighting: Brandino Brass • brandinobrass.com 205.978.8900 Windows: Holcomb Doors and Windows Appliances: AllSouth Appliance Group • allsouthappliance.net 205.942.0408 Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson, fergusonshowrooms.com • 205.254.3454 Countertops: Surface 1 • surface1.com 205.621.1125 Bathroom tile: Triton Stone tritonstone.com • 205.592.0202 j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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SPECIAL SECTION

30 TIPS FOR A

NEW YEAR,

new you Produced by A L E C H A R V E Y

2020

has been a year– a year most people would just as soon forget.

And while we can’t completely put it behind us, yet, as 2021 dawns, we can look forward. We can make resolutions, and we can try our best to keep them.

We’re here to help.

We’ve gathered experts in five categories, and they’re serving up advice on what you can do right here, right now—or at least early in the new year—to be on your way to a new you.

Whether it’s your health, your finances, your nutrition, your organization or just your overall wellness, we’ve got 30 things you can do to get on your way to a new you in the new year.

6 STEPS TOWARD

GETTING ORGANIZED EXPERTS Kim McBrayer, owner, Space Cadets, spacecadetsorg.com

1 2

Prepare, prepare, prepare. “Prep three things for the coming week every Sunday,” Thayer says: Your schedule, your food and your clothing.

Make a plan and determine the purpose of an area or how you will use each space. “Without a plan, organizational products simply become part of the clutter themselves, and that can be quite defeating,” McBrayer says.

3

Create a drop zone. “You don’t have to have a fancy mudroom, but you do need a space for your family’s items (such as coats, backpacks, and shoes) to go,” Thayer says.

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TOP PHOTO LAUREY GLENN AND AG DESIGNS BOTTOM PHOTOS: KEMPT PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING

Carrie Thayer, owner, Kempt Professional Organizing, kemptprofessionalorganizing.com

WHEN YOU NEED COVERAGE...

DO IT WITH TRUITT! Kim McBrayer

BIRMINGHAM 205.254.3005 DAPHNE 251.625.2600

Carrie Thayer

TRUITTINSURANCE.COM

“I always tell my clients to start with a small project, like a junk drawer.

Completing something fairly quick and easy will give them a sense of accomplishment, as well as the confidence to tackle a larger project that will make a difference for the entire family.”

– Carrie Thayer

4

Set up a family command Center. “This is the centralized place for the family calendar, notes, invitations and other papers,” Thayer says.

“These can be purchased, or you can create one using a corkboard, a calendar and letter file bin.”

5

Ask yourself three questions when cleaning out items. “Ask, ‘Do I use it? Need it? Love it?’,” McBrayer says. If the answers are no, they should go.

6

Find the right storage system.

“These can include custom closet systems, bins, baskets, Lazy Susans, and drawer pullouts,” McBrayer says. j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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TALLASSEE 334.991.4688

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6 TIPS TO

BETTER NUTRITION EXPERTS Beth Kitchin, Ph.D., RDN, assistant professor and director of media & community engagement, UAB Nutrition Sciences, thekitchinsink.com Dr. Beth Kitchin

Meredith Mann, CPT, Holistic Nutrition Consultant, thepeachiespoon.com

7

Meredith Mann

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Eat more fiber. “Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber a day,” Kitchin says. “If you haven’t been getting enough, just this one thing could help you take off a few pounds over the next year.”

8

Try to be done with food about three hours before bedtime. “In the evening, when we naturally release melatonin, our bodies slow down preparing for rest, so our digestion slows too, leaving that food to sit and not get used for energy,” Mann says.

9

Move more. “Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand,” according to Dr. Kitchin. “I find that when people start to move more—whether it’s walking or taking an online exercise class —that desire to take care of your body spills over into eating better.”

10 11

Use your slow cooker. “There’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of an already cooked dinner ready to go,” Mann says.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. “I know this is such a boring message but it’s just true,” Dr. Kitchin says. “You don’t have to be a vegetarian but making sure that you’re getting lots of these nutrition-packed foods is just so important.” Mann suggests washing and cutting veggies in advance so they’re ready for you when you need them. “If they’re ready to go, you’ll be quicker to choose these when you open the fridge,” she says.

12

Don’t think of food as “good” or “bad.” “No single food will kill you or save you,” Dr. Kitchin says. “I like the 80/20 mindset for eating. If 80% of the foods you eat are nutrient-packed (think whole foods that are less processed) and the other 20% not so nutrient packed, you’re doing pretty well.” birminghamhomeandgarden.com

13 PRIMARY CARE LOCATIONS. SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS. 205-971-DOCS.

Grandview Medical Group makes it easier to see a primary care provider in Birmingham – quickly. Just call 205-971-DOCS. Most calls will result in a same-day appointment with a physician or a nurse practitioner at one of our 13 primary care locations. Walk-ins are older needs to see a doctor fast, think Grandview Medical Group.

Visit GrandviewMedicalGroup.com or call

205-971-DOCS to schedule

your same-day appointment.

Chelsea • Columbiana • Grandview Physicians Plaza • Greystone • Homewood Hoover • Lee Branch • Liberty Park • Springville • Trussville • Vestavia Hills

Look Forward.

SPECIAL SECTION

6 STEPS TO

BETTER HEALTH

13

Get your physical.

“This is helpful because we screen for heart disease and check things like your liver and kidney function as well as vitamin levels,” says Dr. Tobe-Donohue. “If you have a family history of medical issues, they are worked up and evaluated to see if you are at risk. This is good prevention.”

14 Dr. Colleen Tobe-Donohue

Be very cognizant of balance and do what is necessary to prevent injury falls. “In general, this means keeping living spaces picked up and free from trip hazards, floors and stairs in good repair and well lit, and not being afraid to use a walking stick outside on uneven ground, especially if it has been raining,” says Dr. Duxbury, who specializes in elder care.

15 Dr. Andrew Duxbury EXPERTS Dr. Colleen Tobe-Donohue, FAAFP, Grandview Medical Group Dr. Andrew Duxbury, UAB Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care

Get your eyes and ears checked regularly and wear your glasses and hearing aids. “If you have trouble affording hearing aids, a low-cost personal amplifier or pocket talker may work in a pinch,” Dr. Duxbury says.

16

Get your vaccinations.

“Staying up to date on flu vaccines, as well as

pneumonia and shingles for adults, can prevent a lot of complications down the road,” says Dr. Tobe-Donohue.

17

Find a primary care doctor. “This is so important in general,” Dr. Tobe-Donohue says. “It’s good to have someone that knows you and your history in order to make sure that you stay healthy. If there are problems, this is someone that you already have a relationship with,” Dr. Duxbury adds, “If you have a chronic condition or two, find a provider you can trust and stick with them.”

18

Get good sleep. “Sleep is such a powerful thing,” says Dr. Tobe-Donohue.

“When you get sufficient rest, your immune system is stronger. We have seen people with poor sleep habits have issues with concentration as well.

Sleep will also help with maintaining a healthy weight.” Older adults shouldn’t fret about waking up in the middle of the night. “Most older people are designed by nature to wake up at night at least once and for their brains to be active for a while before settling down again,” Dr. Duxbury says. “If you do that, you’re normal and shouldn’t take medication to try and eliminate it.”

6 TIPS FOR

BETTER WELLNESS EXPERTS Sally Stewart, MS, RD, wellness coordinator, Brasfield & Gorrie Jenny Williamson, Certified Personal Trainer, jennywilliamsonfitness.com 66

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19

Set an alarm to remind you to move once an hour.

“Scheduling a micro-break to move around—whether stretching, walking around your space or holding a plank— can help you stay energized and focused throughout the day,” says Stewart. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

For a closet that is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Custom Closets & Garages | Professional Organizing | Retail Shop

Check out our Retail & Design Center in Brook Highland Plaza 5287 Hwy 280 South Suite 261 | Birmingham, AL 35242 |

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Begin your day with a healthy, healing task/ activity. “Instead of rolling over to check your phone as soon as you open your eyes, spend time lying on your back in bed counting 10 deep breaths, write a list of gratitudes, or sleep with your yoga mat beside your bed so you can roll out and do some stretching or sun salutations,” says Williamson.

21

Sally Stewart

Begin a meditation practice. “Start with one minute,” Williamson says.

“Sit tall, be still and practice keeping your mind focused on whatever you want to focus on—counting your breaths, listing gratitudes, repeating a mantra.”

22

Jenny Williamson

Plan your exercise routine. “Apps like Down Dog are inexpensive and offer guidance for at-home movement,” Stewart says. “Setting a daily step goal is

6 TIPS TO

BETTER FINANCES

25

another way to ensure that you’re getting off the couch and putting down the phone. iPhone users can track steps using the health app that’s built into the phone.”

23

Spend time outside.

“Getting fresh air is a great way to clear your mind and get a healthy dose of vitamin D,” Stewart says. Williamson recommends getting outside at least 10 minutes a day.

24

Once a week, go through the contacts on your email/texts and reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. “ It can be so healing to connect with others and practice being a thoughtful, caring human, and you never know when your casual check-in could really help someone else with something they are going through,” Williamson says.

EXPERTS Stewart Welch, founding and managing member, The Welch Group Wealth Management, welchgroup.com Jenny Sneed, partner, Bridgeworth Wealth Management, bridgeworthfinancial.com

Start the process by doing something to help others. “Realizing that others in the world are less fortunate than you can help provide perspective when you begin to look at your finances,” Sneed says. “It can be a cash donation or cleaning out your closet or pantry and donating items you already own to help someone less fortunate. You can also volunteer your time.”

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Stewart Welch

Jenny Sneed birminghamhomeandgarden.com

Healthy Smiles

26

Review/realign your investments. “If you are uncertain of your best strategy, consider meeting with a professional advisor,” Welch says.

for your fresh start in 2021

27

Review your bank accounts and credit card statements for recurring charges and make sure you are using all of the services. “If you find $50 of unneeded expenses each month, you will amass $600 of savings by the end of the year,” Sneed says.

GENERAL DENTISTRY COSMETIC DENTISTRY CLEAR ALIGNERS

Morgan B. Taylor, DMD 3284 Morgan Dr., #104 Vestavia Hills (205) 822-7224

28

Review your mortgage interest rate. “Just when we thought interest rates could not go lower, they dropped to historical lows,” Welch says. “If you plan to stay in your home five years or longer, compare your existing interest rate to these current rates.”

“All of the best financial decisions start with accurate and objective data. You have to track your income and your expenses.”

— Jenny Sneed

29

Automate your savings.

“If you are saving for a large purchase, such as a car or a vacation, set up a systematic deposit to a savings account,” Sneed says.

“Setting up recurring deposits also works for establishing an emergency fund or saving for annual expenses.”

30

Decide what you want your retirement lifestyle to be. “Start by determining your retirement ‘number’ (how much in investments you’ll need in addition to Social Security and company pension), then develop and implement an action plan for success,” Welch says.

“If you need help, consider hiring a Certified Financial Planner professional (www.CFP.net).” j a n u a r y.f e b r u a r y 2 0 21

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vestaviasmiles.net

Helping women achieve a

healthy

relationship with food & body.

Meredith Mann CPT, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Consultant For details and services visit

thepeachiespoon.com

Follow us for wellness tips and recipes

WINDOWS

BY PELLA

Designed and built just for you.

RECIPES

heartfelt Celebration IT’S ALWAYS BEEN EASIER FOR ME TO ENTERTAIN when there is a holiday or theme involved. One idea leads to another, and before you know it, you have created the makings for a memorable event. And since most of us have been spending a lot of time cooking at home over the last year, this menu should be a piece of cake for treating a special guest or two. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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RECIPES

One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo SERVES 4

3 tablespoons butter, divided 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces fettuccine noodles (dry) ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, finely grated 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish In a sauté pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter. Once it’s melted, add shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until opaque. Transfer to a plate or a bowl, and cover to keep warm.

Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring to make sure not to burn the garlic.

Add broth, cream, fettuccine noodles, salt, and pepper, stirring to separate the noodles. Once mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat slightly, and stir often for about 11 minutes or until noodles are al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add shrimp and cheese, stirring to combine.

Remove from the heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Recipes and Photography by L E S L I E B YA R S R E G I S T E R

For more recipes and fun entertaining ideas, visit dearpartydiary.com or birminghamhomeandgarden.com

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Greek-Style Baked Feta SERVES 4 TO 6

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup assorted cherry or grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup red pepper, diced ¼ cup red onion, chopped

¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved ½ teaspoon ground oregano 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped Salt and pepper 8-ounce block feta Crusty French Bread Crostini

Preheat oven to 375°.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium-size skillet until hot. Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds; add tomatoes and next 6 ingredients. Heat until onion is tender and tomatoes are beginning to soften.

Place three-quarters of the tomato mixture in a 1-quart baking dish. Top with block of feta and then remaining quarter of tomato mixture.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly and cheese begins to brown slightly.

Serve warm with Crusty French Bread Crostini.

Crusty French Bread Crostini Slice a French bagette into ¼-inch slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes or until golden. Serve alongside the dip.

Easy Asparagus SERVES 4 TO 6

This is a quick green vegetable that I make often, especially when I can find the “fat” asparagus. I like the added crunch.

1 pound fresh asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 lemon, zested and cut in half Kosher salt and black pepper to taste Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 375°.

Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus. Place in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and butter, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with lemon zest, and squeeze the juice from lemon over asparagus. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.

Bake 15 minutes, tossing once during cooking time. (I usually reach in with a potholder and jiggle the pan while it’s still in the oven.)

Top with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Learn from Leslie: I use a vegetable peeler for shaving cheese.

NOTE: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on the crowd. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

Truly Decadent Brownies MAKES 9 (2½-INCH SQUARES)

Parchment paper 1 (4-ounce) good-quality semisweet chocolate baking bar ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup good-quality semisweet chocolate baking chips Strawberry ice cream Assorted berries and fresh mint (optional) Preheat oven to 350°.

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with 2 sheets parchment paper (8-inch by 12-inch pieces), allowing a couple of inches to overhang on all sides. (This will make for easy removal and cutting.)

Melt the chocolate bar and butter in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth. Set aside to come to room temperature. Stir brown sugar and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and mix well.

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture, mixing well until blended. Stir in chocolate chips; pour batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting.

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FAVORITE FINDS... with

Meet my go-to’s for treatment services:

MISSIE CRAWFORD

PRETTY & POLISHED. Speed Spa technician Lavon Battle offers the newest nail color trends for winter: Essie: No time for Local, OPI: Malagi Wine, and OPI: Taupeless Beach. ULTA Beauty, ulta.com

WRAP UP. These towels by Matouk are supremely soft. The textured fringe and waffle weave make them perfect for guests or everyday use. Three Sheets. threesheetslinen.com

BROOKE LAUER Oak Street Hair Group BRIGHT EYES. These Vitamin C gel Compacts by Peter Roth Thomas work wonders for brightening the thin skin under the eye. peterrothtomas.com

With the new year in full swing (thank goodness!) I wanted to share my tips, favorite products, must-have treatments, and providers for self-care.

TREAT YOURSELF

REST EASY. If you have never slept in a sleep mask, I highly recommend it! I adore this silk eye mask by Slip, and I love knowing that I am doing something to help me get the best night’s sleep possible. Saks Fifth Avenue, The Summit

205.879.3222 • oakstreethairgroup.com Brooke offers dermaplane treatments and facials for all skin types and all ages. Be sure to try her Oxygen DOME skin hydration service, or stop by to shop products from one of her favorite companies, Jan Marini.

LAVON BATTLE Speed Spa 205.515.5907 • speedspa.io This go-getter is not about speed but about quality.

You’ll love Lavon’s manicures and pedicures. Book an extra 15 minutes for a foot or calf rub!

MICHELLE ALVIZ Dermatology & Laser of Alabama 205.870.3303 • birminghamskin.com With over 14 years of experience in skin care, Michelle is a pro at treating dark spots and reducing fine lines. I highly recommend an IPL treatment (Intense Pulsed Light). It has very little down time, shows optimal results, and serves as a great anti-aging tool.

CALM DOWN. The earthy, woodsy, clean scent of the Sandalwood Vetiver Amber wood Candle No. 4. also comes in a perfume and a room scent. youngbloodboutique.com

SLEEP IN. Red Land Cotton grows their own cotton for their linens and bedding in nearby Moulton, Alabama.

The fabric is crisp, cool, and breathable. You’ll love the heirloom-inspired hemstitching on the hem of the pillowcases and top sheets. redlandcotton.com

MISSIE CRAWFORD has over 25 years of experience styling fashion, lifestyle, tabletop, and interiors. She began her career working for clients such as J. Crew and Cindy Crawford. Currently, her styling expertise can be seen in images for Chick-fil-A, Food and Wine, All Recipes, and Edible Arrangements. With a client-first attitude, Missie creates a look that is clean, fresh, simple, and focused without sacrificing style.

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DANA LEVENBERRY The Retreat Day Spa 205.834.8349 • theretreatbham.com Dana has the gift of touch. She immediately caters to those trouble spots and allows you to relax with just the right amount of pressure. birminghamhomeandgarden.com

With its tree-lined streets, broad sidewalks, and plentiful green spaces, Mt Laurel is a sustainable neighborhood that offers residents a relaxed pace of life. It’s a place with a unique identity, formed by three core values: community, respect for nature, and a commitment to the future.

For more information, contact: ARC Realty Laurel 76 BH&G | j| a nMt u a r y.f e b r u a rOffice y 2 0 21

205.408.8696

mtlaurel.com

birminghamhomeandgarden.com