Summer 2023

modern summer

INSPIRATIONS

12 MOOD BOARD

Soaking in the vibrant ambiance of this summertime season

14 ROOM TO GROW

Bringing the beauty of native flowers to the backyard space

16 MAKING MODERN, YOUR WAY

Contemporary pieces to curate a personal touch

ENTHUSIASTS

20 BESPOKE MARVELS

Dorian Small’s passion for craftsmanship comes alive in each unique build from Bluestem Builds

22 BERRY FORTUNATE

From humble beginnings to a booming success story — the incredible journey of Agape House Berry Farm

26 A SIMPLE START

Through art, Raasheda Burnett has empowered her life in amazing ways

GATHERINGS

58 MOMENTS TO SAVOR

Tips and tricks for a whimsical garden party tablescape

60 SIMPLE STARTERS

No-stress starters for a summer soirée

LIVING

64 AROUND TOWN

Come as You Are at Studio School

66 HOME AWAY

Classic charm meets modern luxury at Birmingham’s Elyton Hotel

70 FAVORITE SPACES

Memorable entryways to create an influential first impression

IN EVERY ISSUE

08 FROM THE EDITOR

72 LOOKING AHEAD

ON THE COVER

Photographer Kacey Gilpin captures Henderson Home Designer, Kirby Foster Hurd, skipping her way into summer.

PUBLISHER

Kaley Regas

kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sara Gae Waters

saragae.waters@405magazine.com

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Lisa Munson

Editorial MANAGING EDITOR

Evan Musil

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lillie-Beth Sanger Brinkman, Bennett Hill, Evie Klopp

Holzer, Greg Horton, Adi McCasland, Evan Musil, Julie Partin, Courtney Pryor

DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Raylee Lewis

Art

ART DIRECTOR

Cadence Ramos

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Meagan Matthews

CLIENT COORDINATOR

Leesa Neidel

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kacey Gilpin, Emily Hart, Charlie Neuenschwander, Hanna Runner, Brandon Smith

Advertising DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith

drew.smith@405magazine.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kendall Morgan

kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

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A SEASON OF NEWNESS AND NOSTALGIA

Idon’t think I speak out of turn when I say we are living in a hyper-modernized time. Technology abounds, not only in the functionality of how we live, but also in the composition of our homes. Whether it is the new stereo system we have piping in music throughout the house or cleverly hidden appliances or entertainment systems, there is so much to enjoy by way of contemporary design.

We do seem to be overtaken by “modernization,” so it isn’t surprising that there is also a yearning for simpler times. Ironically, that simplicity fits nicely into the mold of what a lot of people consider “modern” or “contemporary” design. Even though my tastes weigh heavily in favor of layering and color, I’m drawn in by clean lines, uncluttered spaces and the well-placed minimal details of this style … not to mention the calmness that neutral colors bring to our nonstop, overstimulated culture.

I’m also fascinated by the continued trend of mid-century modernism that seems to just get better and better with age. We all look for connection in life, and our surroundings are no exception. If they harken back to a time that brings nostalgia, even better. While this modern age can do so much to make us feel disconnected, of course we use our homes to nurture and connect with the ones with whom we choose to share them. While we look forward to new ideas and new trends, which can define this modern type of style, looking back is also extremely rewarding.

In this summer issue we feature two homes that do just that. Beautifully crafted and designed, these homes are full of light and beauty and bring such joy.

Beauty reigns in our Gatherings department, with some Art Deco-inspired tableware and an outdoor setting that is bright and welcoming.

Bennett Hill joins the team with his expertise in finding some inspired “modern” pieces for the home, and in Enthusiasts we have Raasheda Burnett and Dorian Small,

both talented artists in their mediums of choice. You will also find a story by Evan Musil about Pati and John Colston, owners of Agape House Berry Farm, where you can escape the chaos of daily life and wander through fields of berries, gathering some to enjoy at home.

While this is in no way a romance novel, this issue has left us with a modern summer love … and there is much more to peruse in between these stories mentioned. I hope you can find a minute of solitude to do just that.

SARA GAE WATERS Editor-in-Chief

Servicing Oklahoma City and surrounding areas for over three decades, Blind Alley is a premier choice for window treatments or for those who need a little extra help in redecorating their home. Their experts will help you create the perfect solution to complex design challenges. Familyowned and operated, Blind Alley exclusively offers a complete line of Hunter Douglas products.

Window coverings add beauty to a room, and consumers sometimes need guidance regarding current styles and trends, functionality, budgeting assistance, and the benefits of one model over another. “We recently worked with a couple that needed west-facing window coverings for their new home,” said owners Allyson and Joe Zupin. “They wanted energy-efficient shades that could help keep the record-breaking heat out of their home this summer. We recommended the Hunter Douglas Duette.”

An energy-efficient shade with an appealing aesthetic, the Douglas Duette is a creative window treatment that beautifies the home and helps insulate all year round. The Duette is the first cellular shade designed to provide energy efficiency in cold and warm climates. “The customers love the look and functionality of their new shades,” said the Zupins.

There are always cheaper options when it comes to window coverings. “With window coverings, you get what you pay for,” said the Zupins. “However, will someone else offer the same quality, selection, and customer service as Blind Alley? We will continue to be here for all your future window covering needs.”

INSPIRATIONS

Wild FOR COLOR AND ATTRACTION, WILDFLOWERS ARE THE ANSWER

Go

IN THE MOOD FOR SUMMER

Red, white and blue hues have us in the summer mood

BY SARA GAE WATERS

PHOTO BY BRANDON SMITH

STYLING BY MEG MILLER

THE BRIGHT HUES OF CHERRY red, rose, cerulean blue and turquoise were our guides for inspiration — not only for this mood board, but also for the tablescape on this issue’s “Gatherings” page (p. 57).

A juxtaposition of colors that feels fresh and modern, grouped together with nostalgic treasures, has us soaking in the bright merriment of the summer’s ambiance.

WILD AT HEART

Bringing your garden to life with native flowers

BY JULIE PARTIN

When it comes to lovely landscaping, few things have more appeal than a bright and beautiful low-maintenance garden. The added bonus, if not primary motivation, is supporting nature’s MVPs: pollinators. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are fun to watch and essential to the ecosystem.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, “Native blooms in gardens and fields make for a pollinator’s all-you-caneat buffet! Whether you only have space for a small patio garden or have a pasture that can be overseeded with native wildflowers, adding flowering plants to your landscape can give Oklahoma’s pollinator community a boost. A sunny location, a mix of perennial and annual native plants and a plant selection catering to both adults and larvae are key elements for pollinator garden success.”

In Oklahoma City, we have the privilege of being in the path of the monarch butterfly fall migration, which lasts from late September to early October as the orange, black and white butterflies stop along the way in various parks and gardens. Their route runs along Interstate 35, which is sometimes jokingly called “the monarch highway.”

Many local nurseries sell prepackaged wildflower lists that will return year after year to bring a splash of sparkle to your outdoor space.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Plan for planting - Find out how much seed you will need for your selected area and plant at the right time of year for the OKC climate.

• Prep soil - Till the ground, remove excess debris and rocks and mix in some fresh fertilizer.

• Sprinkle the seeds - Gently coat the ground with the seed mix, but do not bury.

• Water - Keep soil moist with regular sprinkling of water or rain, not soaking wet, until seedlings are about 4-6 inches tall.

• Watch and enjoy - Sprouts will start in late spring or early summer and last until the leaves turn in the fall. Certain varieties of plants will have their largest blooms in the late summer or early fall.

COMMON OKLAHOMA WILDFLOWERS

• Bluebonnet

• Indian Paintbrush

• Canola

• Sunflower

• Lemon Mint

• Cornflower

• Evening Primrose

• Red Poppy

• Indian Blanket

• Coreopsis

MODERN YOU

Perfect pieces for an up-to-date look

BY BENNETT HILL

The word “modern” can encompass different interpretations — perhaps something we know and are comfortable with has been transformed to adapt to the times in an exciting way, or something new and revolutionary is introduced. Fortunately for those who don’t feel like parsing meanings, both concepts can work together. Finding pieces that radiate a mid-century feel, like a geometric pillow or structured mirror, paired with a plush chair and lightwashed console, can create a new and personal idea of design.

Tambour Cabinet urbaneokc.com

Michael Aram, Butterfly Ginkgo Sculptural Table Lamp bcclark.myshoplocal.com

Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury mehomecollection.com

AVF Accent Candy Bowl shop-caymans.com

Lane Mirror mehomecollection.com

Nord Chair urbaneokc.com

Aura Olive Pillow 3bhome.net

Eastminster Nesting Tables shopliveboho.com

ENTHUSIASTS

PEOPLE WHO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE LOVELIER

Color Crush

BESPOKE MARVELS

Dorian Small’s exquisite craftsmanship powers Bluestem Builds

BY GREG HORTON | PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Bespoke furniture company Bluestem Build’s owner Dorian Small grew up in El Reno, where his father started taking him to construction sites as soon as he was old enough to walk. The jobs weren’t difficult for him, as they mainly consisted of picking up construction scraps and straightening.

“Some of my earliest childhood memories were on residential job sites, cleaning up and harassing the various contractors,” Small said. “I started apprenticing with framers, brick masons and trim carpenters at an early age — mostly manual labor and summer work — but I was lucky enough to witness and absorb the concept of ‘grind’ and high standards, which have served me throughout my career. My father is an elite craftsman, and his discerning eye has been a great source of inspiration and collaboration.”

Small would eventually move to Norman to study anthropology at the University of Oklahoma, but his trajectory was always toward the construction trades. He spends most of his time running his small business that’s focused on new residential construction — when he’s not climbing mountains in Colorado, running trails in Oklahoma or just unwinding with his guitar — but the smaller volume of those projects (one or two at a time) gives him opportunities to create beautiful, bespoke furniture for clients.

The process from initial meeting to delivery of the product takes two to three weeks. Small said the scope of the work is wide open when it comes to residential needs; he creates pieces for kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc., but said he finds dining room tables “particularly fun and satisfying.” A few of his favorite and most commonly used wood species are white oak, black walnut and maple, but he’s gone more exotic on a few projects for exterior use, such as cumaru on decks and some outdoor furniture projects.

“Personally, I’m a bit of a minimalist, and American Craftsman-oriented,” Small said, “but every project of course requires a unique set of eyes. Every project is different. Respect the material. I think being accustomed to working with and sourcing different wood species and steel and fasteners and various finishing techniques opens up all sorts of directions that may not be obvious to most folks.”

Durability is also important to Small. After all, it’s a mark of excellent craftsmanship, so he builds furniture to take the wear and tear of everyday use. “Durability is a combination of choosing the right material and an understanding of the best fasteners and joinery techniques,” he said.

Bluestem Build operates out of a workshop in central Norman, and Small said he’s been fortunate to have a great word-of-mouth business. Potential clients can find more information about Small’s work at the company website, bluestembuild.com.

As for the process, Small said an initial meeting allows time to discuss the project with potential clients, and begin the process of developing a relationship. “I’ve had great success in situations where the client openly trusts my judgment to deliver something spectacular.”

Dorian Small in his workshop.

BERRY FORTUNATE

The blooming success story of Agape House Berry Farm

BY EVAN MUSIL | PHOTOS BY HANNA RUNNER

When Pati and John Colston purchased a 10-acre homestead from their friends in 2007, they didn’t have any plans besides having a place for their kids to play. They certainly didn’t plan to build a berry farm with little farming experience, even though they’re both avid gardeners.

“Learning to farm — we’re still on the learning curve,” Pati Colston said. But support, hard work and a little luck have turned the humble patch of land in Mustang into the bucolic, blooming Agape House Berry Farm.

Colston’s experience working with kids as a clinical social worker inspired her to cultivate the land. “I heard a lot of kids say they just don’t go outside very much anymore,” she said. “We have this whole great big world out there, and kids need to be exposed to it.”

The idea of using the property to teach plant growth and “the wonder of life” stuck with Colston, she said. She reached out to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, which suggested starting a U-Pick fruit farm.

Pati and John Colston turned their homestead to a farmstead, allowing visitors to pick their own berries.

The farm allows visitors to pluck as many berries as they like straight from the plant, then weigh their container to buy their pickings. Kids get an opportunity for hands-on learning about nature … though some come mainly to gather produce. “Sometimes we have some serious jelly pickers come out; especially (during) blackberry season, they really pick away,” Colston said.

The Colstons planted their fi rst blackberries in 2015, which yielded fruit the next spring, and have since added strawberry and blueberry plants to the farm. Blackberries and blueberries grow on bushes that last 10 to 15 years, but their strawberry plants require replanting every year, she said. In a typical season, strawberries ripen fi rst on the farm around May, and then blackberries and blueberries both arrive in the middle of June.

“Farming is year-round, but during the winter, it’s more maintenance,” Colston said. Although she has another job outside the farm, she fi nds farmwork to be a nice break. “You can get lost in it because it’s really enjoyable to trellis the blackberries in the fall … trimming up the blueberries and pulling weeds.”

What have the Colstons learned during their transition from gardening to farming? “To be patient,” she said. Results are not immediate, and Oklahoma weather and soil present many challenges for growing fruit, but the Colstons receive help and tips from other farmers, such as the Owasso Christmas Tree & Berry Farm.

The Oklahoma Agritourism program, part of the state’s department of agriculture, provides frequent coaching for the family and awarded a grant to the farm to plant its fi rst strawberries in 2016. The state department also runs Oklahoma Farm to School, which supplies educational materials and coloring books to the farm.

Education is core to Agape House Berry Farm. The Colstons routinely host field trips for schools, daycares and camps, as well as classes and an annual ladybug festival to teach the agricultural use of the bug as a pest control.

For the farm’s future, the Colstons plan to open more classes and a food truck, although they are just grateful for successful growth. “You try to do all the right things, but you’re still just hoping you’re going to have a season,” she said. “So, when you go out, and you have lots and lots of blooms, it’s amazing. It’s just the miracle of how things grow.”

You can get lost in it because it’s really enjoyable to trellis the blackberries in the fall … trimming up the blueberries and pulling weeds.”

A SIMPLE START

Art empowers life for Raasheda Burnett

BY ADI MCCASLAND | PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

IT STARTED SIMPLY: with a pencil.

Raasheda Burnett was the middle of nine children being cared for by her grandmother. “My father was absent and my mother was an RN and a home health aide. She’d work four 12-hour shifts at the hospital and spend the other three days with her home health clients,” Burnett explained. “My grandmother was busy, busy, and she bought me a pencil kit to keep me entertained.” A passion ignited.

Burnett recalls sketching her grandmother’s house and backyard on repeat, unknowingly building her own foundation for life as an artist and art as a tool for life. “I was four or five when my dad left, and my mom had a stroke a few years later. I got put in the system, put under kinship care,” she said.

Burnett didn’t realize that art was healing for her. She didn’t understand her love of creating, but she leaned into it — expanding into jewelry making, evolving into poetry. “Sometime after my dad left, I began connecting to him through art with my poetry,” she said. Eventually, she came back to drawing, though. “I discovered that drawing was emotion-

ally more palatable. Rather than saying ‘You’re gone,’ I could draw it.” She found solace operating in the blank spaces between the words. Burnett used her paintbrush to process her emotions, but she didn’t realize that art was healing for her.

Then she graduated.

“My mother had always encouraged me not to go into arts when I graduated. She urged me to do something more practical, and when I started OU’s nursing program, I realized that it was not what I should be doing,” Burnett said. “But I was there, and my second semester, I enrolled in an arts class.” It was there that she learned perspectives and color-mixing. She lived like this — practicality and passion competing for space within — for two years before dropping out.

To pay bills, Burnett took a position in the tech industry, continuing to use art as therapy. “I used art to journal, to figure out my next steps. I used it to process. People would see my stuff and wanted it,” she said. Those same people would soon make monetary offers, and over time, Burnett developed a collector base. “I remember when I actually put

Artist Raasheda Burnett

‘artist’ on my resume because I wanted to take a chance on myself.” Instagram paved the way for her first installation at the Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design in Des Moines, Iowa.

These days, Burnett primarily works with acrylic and mixed media on canvas, and locals have been lucky enough to see her work live at shows coordinated by Allied Arts OKC and the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. When asked who inspires her now, she’ll say swiftly that it’s her four children … including her youngest daughter, who has also started with a pencil.

New-fashioned family Home

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

two life-changing events came upon Kim and Jed Ferguson in a matter of days. Their newly renovated home had just reached completion when their youngest son decided to come into the world in August 2021. While Kim Ferguson hunkered down at her parents’ house to tend to a newborn, Jed Ferguson — with the generous help of friends — undertook the ultimate nesting project at their new residence. They worked long days, unpacking boxes and organizing rooms, so his family could move into a somewhat-settled home.

“It was a special time for Kim to see it all put together — the final vision of everything,” Jed Ferguson said. “We still had a few loose ends, but it was a nice, clean, organized space for her to come home with the new baby.”

The Fergusons’ dream home, a contemporary house in Edmond’s Arrowhead Hills neighborhood, came on the market in spring 2021 when they were expecting. The timing wasn’t ideal, but the home was. So, they embarked on a quick-turn renovation with their growing family in mind.

“Multiple times throughout the process, we thought, ‘Are we crazy for doing this?’” Ferguson recalled.

Trotter Construction and interior designer Sherree Ulrich with Chamberlain Interior collaborated to make the tight timeline possible.

Custom floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the dining room accommodate the family's record collection and more.

The living room features a Roly Poly Chair by Faye Toogood for Driade and built-in fireside seating, original to the home but with new cushions by Ketch Design Centre.

The kitchen is lined with floating shelves, Cedar and Moss sconces and captivating artwork, including a wood block print by John Moreland (left) and a small oil painting from Ukraine (right).

Interesting textures, such as the Ann Saks "Renata" fluted tile in the wet bar, were incorporated throughout the Edmond home.

Ulrich paired "Taj Mahal" quartzite — used for the backsplash and countertops — with counter stools in the style of early modernist designer Dorothy Schindele.

Bedroom highlights include the vintage dresser, Little Design Co. blue velvet bolster, arched mirror by Rejuvenation and "Phoebe" stacked lamp by Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort.

The Anna Saks "Renata" countertop and Rejuvenation sconces make this earthy bathroom shine.

“To do basically a full-gut renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms, painting everything … stripping and staining the concrete floors, fully furnishing the home, [and] moving in completely within eight months was a feat that I am not sure I could recreate,” Ulrich said with a laugh.

The Arrowhead Hills home only had one previous owner: a couple who worked in construction and designed and built it in 1969 as their family home. The Fergusons were drawn to the lot’s hilly topography and the house’s thoughtful layout.

“One of my favorite parts is the main area of the home has these clerestory windows,” Ferguson said. “The house runs north and south, so you get this fantastic light that kind of floods into the main area of the house, both in the morning from the east, as the sun comes up, and then in the afternoon in the west, as it is setting.”

The charming windows and dark cedar beams lining the flat-roof ceiling were kept intact, while the kitchen and bathrooms were overhauled. In addition, a kitchen wall was removed to open up the area to the living room.

Ulrich kept it all on track by sourcing materials in stock, but post-pandemic supply issues forced her to pivot a time or two. For example, the green tile selected for the primary bathroom wasn’t available, so Ulrich found a rosy-hued substitute. It turned out to be “a

happy accident,” she says, as the new selection shines radiantly in the natural light.

Mid-century modern themes are carried through collectible items — such as the living room’s Isamu Noguchi paper lantern and Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood — as well as custom woodwork, like the dining room’s 12-foot modular bookshelves. Ulrich brought in architect Josh Hogsett and carpenter Matt Iseman to fashion shelves to accommodate the Fergusons’ records, turntable and vintage speakers.

“That bookshelf was an example of Sherree knowing us, knowing our personalities, and then bringing several different elements together to create a really unique and special piece that fit us,” Ferguson said. “People come over and they flip through the records… [They] can pick out a favorite and put it on. It sparks interesting conversation.”

Ulrich agreed that her close relationship with the Fergusons enhanced the end design. She said they also partnered well because their visions aligned.

“Even though we tried to keep most of the house fairly restrained and minimal, it was important to us that everything that we incorporated had interesting shapes and quality textures,” Ulrich said. “We were trying to figure out the best way to introduce some new textures, new materials to make it feel updated, while staying true to the home.”

Typically, planning and executing such thoughtful designs takes time — years, even. This home didn’t have that luxury, but each detail was still carefully considered, creating rooms that would function efficiently while bringing more beauty into the home.

“Sherree was always looking at things as a homeowner, not just a design professional. She and the Trotters both were looking at things that we wouldn't have even considered but that made total sense once you put the whole picture together,” Ferguson said.

In the end, two timelines overlapped: Construction ran a bit long and the baby came a bit early. But after a few days of chaos, the “whole picture” settled into view — and it was just as pleasant as the Fergusons had imagined. A new family. A new home. Life forever changed.

The primary bathroom combines "Tumbleweed" tile by Fireclay Tile with custom white oak cabinetry.

A marbled-top dining room table by the Canadian company Nuevo is surrounded by Bernhardt Furniture chairs from Henry Home Interiors in Norman. Flowers by Kendall Hancock of Artfully by Kendall.

Ideal in Every Detail

THE HENDERSONS

EMBRACE RESORT LIVING AT HOME

BY LILLIE-BETH SANGER BRINKMAN

PHOTOS BY KACEY GILPIN

The striking front doors that welcome people to Michael and Carey Henderson’s Oak Tree home hint at the love, care and attention to detail that went into remodeling the home from top to bottom.

Noted California architect Sherrill Broudy designed the doors specifically for the home when it was built in the early 1980s. They have a sunburst pattern, are hand-dipped in bronze poured over wood and stand 10 feet tall with a 5-foot transom.

At one point, designer Kirby Foster Hurd of Kirby Home Designs and contractor Jordy Acklin of Acklin Construction weren’t sure the doors could be restored because they were in such bad shape.

“We brought them back to life,” Hurd said. “The detail in those doors — you just don’t see anything like it these days.”

The door project reflects how the entire renovation progressed, with Hurd, Acklin and the Hendersons working in sync to transform the three-bedroom, five-bathroom home into a modern, eclectic one that unearthed its original beauty. For them, it is perfect for family living and entertaining.

“How cool it was to bring something like that back to life and having a customer that saw the value in it,” Acklin said. “It was quite the process, but it really turned out great.”

When visitors walk through the front doors, through the foyer and into the living space, the home’s bay windows showcase sweeping views of the Oak Tree National golf course, including ponds and sand traps.

They can even watch golf tournaments from a deck area off the second floor, and a putting green is installed on the side of the house, reflecting the owners’ love for golf and their work in the golf business.

Carey and Michael Henderson own The Golf Club of Edmond, and Michael was a PGA tour member. Their 15-year-old son, Colt, is also an avid golfer. They love to entertain and host friends, as well as just relax and enjoy the views.

Overall, the home now has a mid-century, Palm Springs-inspired design, painted white in front to reflect the coastal look, Michael Henderson said.

“We wanted to take it back to the way it was” when it was built, he said. “We wanted to maximize the views, maximize the light and add a very contemporary feel. But we also wanted it to be one with the golf course, one with the environment.”

The Hendersons wanted to give their home a luxury resort and spa feel. They travel a lot and named two specific hotels that inspired some of their home’s style: The Dominick in New York’s Soho District and ARIA Resort in Las Vegas.

“Our main vision was that when you walked in, it was kind of like a vacation,” Carey Henderson said. “It's just an extremely peaceful, beautiful space.”

The entrance to Michael and Carey Henderson’s home welcomes visitors with a striking 15-foottall, sunburst-patterned doorway that has been painstakingly restored to its original shine.

Designing the vent hood from a slab of heavy Italian marble and getting it in place required a group effort involving Hurd, Acklin and Young Brothers. Backsplash is the same Italian marble, and countertops are quartz because of their durability. Cabinets are prefabricated by Classic Kitchens. Range and stove are by Thermador from Hahn.

The sleek modern bar features Cambria quartz (Myddleton stone color) on the backsplash, which is backlit in lights that can change colors depending on the mood. Both the backsplash and quartz countertop came from Young Brothers. Chairs are from Henry Home Interiors.

LEFT: A sleek wine rack sparks interest in the pantry. BOTTOM: The dining room features a round cowhide rug by Kyle Bunting, and the gray color in this rug inspired the color of the cowhide on the fireplace. Walls are covered with vinyl snakeskin wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries and accented with candleholder sconces from Z Gallerie. Chandelier came from Houzz. Table is by Bernhardt from Henry Home Interiors. Chairs by Global Views from Houzz.

Throughout the remodel, each area presented challenges that made the project fun for Acklin and Hurd to work on with the Hendersons. These creative challenges in turn added interesting and beautiful features to the finished home and included:

• A fireplace in the living room that runs the entire height of the two-story house. They hung porcelain tile and cowhide from the Austin, Texas, rug company Kyle Bunting on the fireplace sides.

• A wide, metal spiral staircase that required some brainstorming to make it design-friendly.

• A backlit bar backsplash made from Cambria quartz in the Myddleton stone color. The light panel behind it has about 12 panels, each with around 1,000 light bulbs that can change colors and brightness, depending on the mood.

Hanging a giant piece of stone and getting it to light up was “incredibly complex,” Acklin said, but that made it fun for both Hurd and Acklin as they worked together to turn their wild design ideas into reality.

• A kitchen that needed work to correct sagging and slope concerns due to heavy upper floors and issues with the original design. Previous owners had fixed the stability, but not the slope, Acklin said, so the ceiling needed leveling. Also, the marble-covered floating vent hood custom-made by Young Brothers weighs about 500 pounds, which required additional teamwork to design and hang it.

“It took a while and a lot of problem-solving. But we made 500 pounds float,” Acklin said.

The second story deck provides views beyond the pool where the Hendersons can enjoy a view of golf tournaments on the Oak Tree National Golf Course.

The Hendersons’ resort vision continues outside with plenty of deck space for lounging around the pool. Edmond Deck and Patio did most of the work on the patio and deck, Studio Simmons designed the pool and Pleasant Pools installed it.

Another fun part for Hurd in designing the home was working with the two powder bathrooms, which she referred to as light and dark. The light powder bath includes battery-powered custom roman shades, marble floors in a triangle pattern and marbled wallpaper from Kasa Wallpaper in Oklahoma City. For the dark one, she went with a moody and angular look that included geometric wallpaper.

“Every angle in the bathroom I wanted to be interesting,” Hurd said.

In fact, interesting features grab attention throughout the whole house.

“There’s so much to this house. It’s so unbelievable that they had the vision of what this house could be,” Hurd said of the Hendersons. “This is an unbelievable transformation.”

The Hendersons are “a testament to trusting the process, trusting the team that you have,” Acklin said. “So much of what you're looking at is on-the-fly decisions and harebrained ideas on site together … We were a team.”

Carey Henderson said she and her husband had fun with the project and working with Hurd and Acklin. “They were great at implementing our vision and taking it full circle,” she said.

The back wall, covered in a textured, rock-like, shimmery wallpaper, reminded Hurd of "The Starry Night" painting by van Gogh.

A striking marble slab wows in the primary bathroom.

METHODOLOGY & DISCLAIMERS

Summary. To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate a multifaceted research campaign. Datajoe conducted a massive research effort comprising a.) firm roster requests, b.) an online survey delivered directly to real estate professionals and consumers, and c.) A Media Analysis campaign. DataJoe starts with information obtained from primary government sources, and then expands on this information using firm rosters, survey submissions, and data collected from the Media Analysis campaign. In the firm roster request campaign, DataJoe reached out to a high percentage of the firms in the region, requesting rosters and sales performance information from our firm contacts. In the professional survey, real estate professionals were asked to nominate their peers who excel. We also invited readers to nominate realtors who exemplified excellent service.

In the Media Analysis campaign, DataJoe conducted Internet research to isolate criteria associated with top performing agents. This algorithm factors in individual agent listings and sales as available to the public, awards, and other criteria to establish indicators of high performance.

DataJoe then factored in the above components to create an aggregate score, with confirmed sales performance as the most weighted metric. Winning realtors were those with the highest composite scores.

DataJoe acknowledges that not every top performer in the region made the list. However, our research yielded a high volume of data that enabled us to pinpoint a large number of top performers.

DataJoe checked for license and disciplinary action as available to the public. If we found any disciplinary action against an agent by the state regulatory board, that agent was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Final note. We recognize that there are many good real estate agents who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on our research campaign and the opinions of responding professionals in the region. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective real estate agents may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at nominations@datajoe.com.

Peggy Absher

Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Misti Aduddell McGraw Realtors

Edmond

Craig Ahrens Dean Lemons & Associates

Oklahoma City

Reagan Akin Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Travis Alexander Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Rob Allen

Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Shana Allen Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Jarod Armstrong Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Beth Atkinson Metro Group Brokers LLC

Midwest City

Rebecca Avey Sage Sotheby's International Realty Oklahoma City

Patricia Ayling Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Robert Baker RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Allison Bales Heather & Company Realty Group Oklahoma City

Lesley Ballinger Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Diedra Barber

RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Joy Baresel

Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Melissa Barnett Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Carol Bass

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Eric Beard Loxwood Real Estate

Oklahoma City

David Belyeu RE/MAX Kinect Realty

Shawnee

Denita Bennett Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kittie Blasingame 405 Real Estate Solutions Oklahoma City

Brett Boone The Brokerage Real Estate Edmond

Rachel Boone Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Bradley Boone Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kara Bowes 405.361.4079

KBBREALESTATE.COM KBB Real Estate Oklahoma City

Kate Brennan Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Paul L. Brooks RE/MAX Preferred

Oklahoma City

Kermit Brown

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

Nichols Hills

Leah Brown McGraw Realtors

Yukon

Kermit Brown Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Shari Brunt Epic Real Estate

Chickasha

Arlicia Bryles Heather & Company Realty Group

Oklahoma City

Nikki Buckelew Buckelew Realty Group

Oklahoma City

Seth Bullard Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Charli Bullard Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Alexis Hefner Burckart Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Jo Burleson Loxwood Real Estate Oklahoma City

Tyler Burns Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Theresa Canup RE/MAX Cobblestone

Midwest City

Jarrett Carter ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Grady Carter Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Sarah Casey Coldwell Banker Mike Jones Company

Oklahoma City

Sharon Castles Castles & Homes Real Estate

Edmond

Kandi Challis Coldwell Banker Select

Oklahoma City

Joseph Chambers Stiles Realty Group Norman

Katie Chapman Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Aquilino Chaves Ariston Realty LLC

Oklahoma City

Wendy W. Chong RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Ryan Chyzy ClearPoint Realty

Edmond

Susan Citty RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Ally Clark ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Cindy Clemishire RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Kim Branch Exit Realty Premier Oklahoma City

Briana Bratton Lime Realty Warr Acres

Natalie D. Bratton RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Bryce Butler Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Richelle Byrne RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Sarah Bytyqi Verbode

Oklahoma City

Stephanie Clinkenbeard-Clowdus Century 21 First Choice Realty Moore

Amber Coble Real Broker LLC

Choctaw

Wrenda Cockrell Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Norma Cokeley

RE/MAX Preferred

Oklahoma City

Amber Cook

Platinum Re Co

Newcastle

Christian Council

Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

TJ Courtney

Flotilla Real Estate Partners Oklahoma City

Aimee Crossland

Crossland Real Estate Oklahoma City

Shelby Cummings

Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Alice R. Dahlgren RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Christie Davis Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Karrie Davis

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices

Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Kyle Davis

Keller Williams Realty Mulinix

Norman

Heather R. Davis RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Leisa Davis

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Mac Deal

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Danny Dekinder

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Diane Denison

1st United Realtors Oklahoma Inc

Mustang

Thad Dobson

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

David Dobson RE/MAX At Home Oklahoma City

Vada Dwaileebe Exit Realty Premier Oklahoma City

Brian Eddins 405.887.7000

DILLARDCIES.COM

Don Cies Real Estate Inc Norman

Joe Forrest RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Kathleen Forrest Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma Edmond

Bonnie Fortune RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Terry Fox Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Ryan Francis Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Amy Groves

Century 21 Goodyear Green

Midwest City

Mandy Gulley

Century 21 Goodyear Green

Harrah

Logan Hagan

Heather & Company Realty Group

Oklahoma City

Joanna Haley Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Tom Hall Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Bailee Edwards Bailee Company Real Estate Oklahoma City

Dawna Elmore Gateway Realty Guthrie

Andra Erbar Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Shavonne Evans

Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Teresa Favors Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Dylan Ferrell

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Jennifer Fields RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Amy Forbes

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Wendy Foreman eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Keesty P. Forney

Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma

Norman

Regan Marie Forrest RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Kadee French Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Jilian Gardner ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Chris George 405.627.0801

CHRISGEORGEHOMES.COM

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Oklahoma City

Ginger Halsrud Coldwell Banker Select

Mustang

Connie C. Hamilton RE/MAX First

Oklahoma City

Jessica Hamilton Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Linda C. Haneborg RE/MAX First

Oklahoma City

Jenna Harper Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Terry Harris Loxwood Real Estate Oklahoma City

Brandon Hart eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Brandi Glover

Oklahoma Elite Realty Select Norman

Stormi Goodspeed Aria Real Estate Group LLC

Edmond

Keri Gray KG Realty

Yukon

Chelle Greene RE/MAX First

Oklahoma City

Michael J. Gregg RE/MAX Realty Plus

Chandler

Rachel Hartless Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Iman Hefner-Dangora Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Dora Hernandez-Maness Flotilla Real Estate Partners

Oklahoma City

Maci Hickman

Block One Real Estate

Edmond

Niki Higgins Lifestyle Realty

Oklahoma City

Nick Hilton

RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Otis Himes

Whittington Realty

Oklahoma City

Sarah Hites

Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma

Edmond

Julie Hoff Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Matthew Hogan Aria Real Estate Group LLC

Norman

Melissa Hooper

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Nikii Hubbs

Prestige Real Estate Services

Midwest City

Ryan Hukill ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Jennifer Ingle Chamberlain Realty LLC

Oklahoma City

Becky Ivins Movers Real Estate Company

Oklahoma City

Erika Jackson Flotilla Real Estate Partners Oklahoma City

Kelly Jenner ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Cameron C. John

RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Cathy Jones

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Cassi Justiz

Spearhead Realty Group LLC

Oklahoma City

Alisha M. Kaighen Morgan

RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Kaci Kaiser

Solas Real Estate Oklahoma City

Mariah Kalhor

Kalhor Group Realty

Norman

Joey Keck

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Joanne Keeter Coldwell Banker Select

Oklahoma City

Brenda Kennedy

Keller Williams Realty Green

Meadow

Shawnee

Wally Kerr Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty

Edmond

Karen King King Real Estate Group Midwest City

Tasha Kinney ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Kacie Kinney Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Wayne Kirby Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Phillip Kitchen Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kathrine Kosmala ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Laura Kosters Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Lina Koutzev

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Jennifer Kragh

Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Rick Lashley Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Clinton Lawson Pioneer Realty LLC

Oklahoma City

Laura Lechtenberg RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Anthony Lee eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Alaina Legendre Dillard Group Real Estate

Norman

Tara Levinson Levinson Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Jon-Michael Littleton ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Ryan Litz Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Kim Llewelyn Stellar Realty

Oklahoma City

Breann Llewelyn-Green Hamilwood Realty

Oklahoma City

Jeffrey Logan Integrity Oklahoma LLC

Oklahoma City

Maria Logan Integrity Oklahoma LLC

Oklahoma City

Tiffany Logsdon Spearhead Realty Group LLC

Oklahoma City

Nikki Longoria

Horizon Realty Choctaw

Laney Martin Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City

Trish Martin Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Krista Martin Exit Realty Premier

Oklahoma City

Danny Marx

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Sarah Mathes

Milk & Honey Realty LLC

Edmond

Kerri Mathew Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Emily Mathews ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Angela Matlock Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

Keith May Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Ryan McCaleb

RE/MAX Preferred

Oklahoma City

Kevin McCaleb

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

LaRonda McCarther Downtown Realty Group

Chickasha

Sarah McCoin

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Rick McCormick eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Mark McCurdy

McCurdy Group Real Estate

Norman

Mel McGowan RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Chad McKamie

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Abby McLaughlin

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Whitney McNair eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Tamela McSwain Coldwell Banker Select

Mustang

Shea Mead

KG Realty

Yukon

Doug Miller Metro Brokers Of Oklahoma

Norman

Jim Miller

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Amy R. Miller

RE/MAX Realty Plus

Chandler

Jennifer Miracle-Hodge ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Lisa Mollman Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Monte Monroe Keller Williams Realty Platinum Oklahoma City

Audra Montgomery ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Chris Moore Century 21 Goodyear Green

Edmond

Stephanie Morris-Clark Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Whitney Moss

Leah and Whitney Real Estate

Oklahoma City

David Murphy

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Colette Naff Keller Williams Realty Green

Meadow Oklahoma City

Marsha Nation

Century 21 Goodyear Green

Harrah

Matthew Neill

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Tanner Nelson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesAnderson Properties OKC

Shawnee

Ashley Nettleton ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Jane O'Toole

RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Peggy Oberfield

Providence Realty Oklahoma City

Sonny Ojeda

ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

David Oliver Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Mark S. Osterman

RE/MAX At Home Edmond

Becca Owens

Downtown Realty Group Chickasha

Barbie Parker

Metro Group Brokers LLC

Midwest City

Kathy Parker eXp Realty Oklahoma City

Michelle Patraw Keller Williams Realty Elite Yukon

Jo Ann Patterson Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Lauren Patton Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Jason Phillips NextHome Central Real Estate Oklahoma City

Kelcie Pickard

Chamberlain Realty LLC Oklahoma City

Wyatt Poindexter 405.417.5466

WYATTPOINDEXTER.COM Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Kay L. Pratt RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Stacia Ranallo Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Tracy Ratcliff Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Kim Reed Coldwell Banker Select Oklahoma City

Brad Reeser Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Steve Reeser Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Victory Reneau Whittington Realty Oklahoma City

Mandy Renee Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Edmond

Angela Richards Weichert Realtors Norman

Aubrey Roberts The Real Estate Lab Oklahoma City

Greg Roberts Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Janet Rose Fidelity Real Estate Brokers

Edmond

Tami Rudd Kalhor Group Realty Norman

Tracy Ruffin-Richardson Thunder Team Realty Oklahoma City

Della Runnels 803.322.1455

dana.runnels@exprealty.com eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Brian Rush

Keller Williams Realty Platinum Oklahoma City

Jennifer Rush

Keller Williams Realty Mulinix Norman

Cassie Saldívar

Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Oklahoma City

Jackie Saxon Saxon Realty Group Norman

Rob Schaerer Dillard Group Real Estate Norman

Heather Schleeper

Heather & Company Realty Group Oklahoma City

Troy Schroder

Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Denise Schroder

Keller Williams Realty Elite Oklahoma City

Frank J. Schuster RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Lauren Schwartz

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Kevin Scoggin eXp Realty

Oklahoma City

Becky Seda

Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow Oklahoma City

Gina Setticerze

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Melissa Sharp

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Blake Shelton

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Simon Shingleton

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Sheena Sigman Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Floyd Simon

Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Hannah Smith

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Markus Smith

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Kevin Snow

RE/MAX At Home

Edmond

Sierra Snowden Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City Oklahoma City

Alicia Speck ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Carla C. Splaingard

RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Briana Steelman Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Justin Stephens

Veterans Realty Moore

Gina Stephens

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

David L. Sterling

Metro First Realty

Oklahoma City

Sherry Stetson

Stetson Bentley Real Estate

Edmond

Jenifer Stevenson

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Shannon Stiger

Buckelew Realty Group

Oklahoma City

Lisa Talley

Aria Real Estate Group LLC

Norman

Sarah I. Taylor RE/MAX Preferred Oklahoma City

Theressa Taylor

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Kingsley Tazinya

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma Edmond

Pamela Teague

Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Juliann Strange Test RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Tracy Thomas Jungels Keller Williams Realty Central Oklahoma

Edmond

Lindsey Thompson ERA Courtyard Real Estate Oklahoma City

Traci Thompson RE/MAX First Oklahoma City

Britta Thrift

Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City

Paula Thurman

Metro First Realty

Oklahoma City

Julie Tibbs

Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Matt Tilley

Keller Williams Realty Platinum

Oklahoma City

Linda Tracy-Ryburn

SellingOKC

Oklahoma City

Mary Tran

Lime Realty

Warr Acres

Casey Trejo

Cultivate Real Estate

El Reno

Benjamin Tubbs

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Brandi Turley

Saxon Realty Group Norman

Jaclyn Tyler

Cultivate Real Estate

El Reno

John Upshaw

Whittington Realty

Oklahoma City

Pam Vallandingham

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Benchmark Realty

Shawnee

Alan Van Horn

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Ramiro Vargas

Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Matthew Vaughan Engel & Volkers Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City

Crystal Wagoner Metro First Realty Shawnee

Shawnee

Sandi Walker

Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow

Oklahoma City

Emoly Walters

Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Allison Wanjon

Flourish Real Estate Group

Edmond

Amber Waswo

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Gordon Watson

Hamilwood Realty

Oklahoma City

Steve Webb

Keller Williams Realty Mulinix

Norman

Jenny Whitten

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Shane Willard

Century 21 Goodyear Green

Midwest City

Leesa Williams

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Jennye Wilsey

ERA Courtyard Real Estate

Oklahoma City

Anne Wilson Keller Williams Realty Central

Oklahoma

Edmond

Amy Wilson

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Yukon

Steve Wittrock

Metro First Realty

Oklahoma City

Hansom Wong Keller Williams Realty Mulinix

Norman

Brooke Wood Sage Sotheby's International Realty

Oklahoma City

Nicole Woodson

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Brian K. Woodward

RE/MAX Energy

Yukon

Susan Woodward-Owens RE/MAX Preferred

Oklahoma City

Darian Woolbright

Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Grant Wortman Chamberlain Realty LLC

Oklahoma City

Lauren Wright Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

Makinsey Zacker Keller Williams Realty Elite

Oklahoma City

PROMPTS TO ENHANCE YOUR EVERYDAY OCCASIONS

MOMENTS TO SAVOR

The makings of a simply marvelous garden party

BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH

WE’VE ARRIVED IN SUMMER, and what could be more romantic than a garden party? Find a small nook in your backyard (or front, for that matter!) under a tree, on the patio … really anywhere will do. If you don’t have an actual garden, you can create one on your table. As a matter of fact, that’s something you should do even if you are in a garden. Wild, unruly flowers are perfect for this type of setting. Use flowers with “bendy” stems like anemones or poppies, and long varieties like delphinium or larkspur will add height. Simple tulips can add interest by (very carefully!) turning the petals inside out. Layer in your tabletop — the more whimsical, the better. Pick a color scheme and stick to it, coupling the flowers and the wares. Try a monochromatic look for a more contemporary feel, and if you have a blue tabletop, lean into the blue and violet hues of flowers.

Of course, food is important as well, and a light menu accompanied by lambrusco is the perfect pairing. Courtney Pryor’s bruschetta hits the mark for a simple, but beautiful, starter.

Also, lingering at the table under the stars is the best way to end the evening, so be sure to have candles at the ready … and don’t forget to look up and take it all in.

Table and chairs from Mister Robert in Norman (misterrobert.com) Table top from Buzz in OKC (buzzbybebe.com) Napkins from Fenwick and Fields (fenwickfields.com) Marbleized taper candles from No One Alike (no1alike.com)

SIMPLE STARTERS

Make it easy and fresh for your summer soirée

BY COURTNEY PRYOR PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH

FOR SUMMER GATHERINGS, I love to prepare simple, fresh food for guests. Having avocado toast and fruit bruschetta is always a great duo. Pairing sweet nectarines with fresh mozzarella is such a tasty combination. I also like how the vibrant colors from avocado toast toppings can match any summer vibe. Your family and guests will love these sweet recipes to enjoy on the patio!

For the fruit bruschetta, cut the french baguette bread into slices. Brush a thin layer of butter onto each slice. Toast the sides of the baguette in a skillet on the stove to give it a toasted and rustic look.

After the bread is cooled, layer slices of fresh mozzarella, nectarines and fresh herbs on top. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra touch of flavor.

INGREDIENTS FOR FRUIT BRUSCHETTA:

• French baguette bread

• Butter

• Mozzarella slices

• Nectarines

• Fresh herbs

INGREDIENTS FOR AVOCADO TOAST:

• Rye sandwich bread

• Avocado (mashed)

• Red pickled onion

• Sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Red pepper flakes

Exceptional Entries

THE PERFECT WAY TO ENTER INTO BEAUTY AND BEYOND PAGE 70

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF LIVING WELL

ONE COOL STUDIO SCHOOL

A welcoming place to try your hand at art

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

If you find the idea of forming a lump of clay into something that resembles a pot intimidating, you are not alone. Most Studio School newcomers are nervous during their first class, says director Anna Cox, whether it’s in ceramics, drawing, painting, writing or the fiber arts.

“These are all classes that are geared towards utter beginners,” said Cox. “I’ve kind of made it my mission to make people feel comfortable here.”

Housed in a former lightbulb factory, located behind the Oklahoma Contemporary museum at 11 NW 11th St. in OKC, Studio School offers a rotating schedule of art classes for adults. Cox encourages students — people of all ages, many of whom are successful professionals — to leave any notions of perfectionism at the door.

“I think people get on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram and they see artists making things, and they think that it should be quick and easy — and you should get it right the first time. But, I mean, that’s not indicative of what an artist’s process actually is. It’s really the opposite of that,” she said.

Studio School classes come in all shapes and sizes. There are quick, one-and-done classes like “Date Night on the Wheel” where couples spend a few hours creating a piece together, inspired by scenes from the movie Ghost For more in-depth instruction, Studio School also holds four- and eight-week sessions. Area partnerships often bring live animals, locally sourced wool (from Mollie Spencer Farm) or baked treats (from Quincy Bake Shop) into the curriculum mix. Watercolor painting and sewing instruction are popular choices, and ceramics — Studio School’s flagship program — often has a waitlist.

Ceramics instructor David Stevens says he is thrilled about the opportunity Studio School creates, an opportunity he says didn’t exist in the community even five years ago. Personally, he is eager for everyone to learn about working with clay.

“I’m all about education,” Stevens said. “I’m gonna give you all the knowledge I have. You’re not going to absorb it all — but I’m going to give it to you, because if you can understand this material, you can do anything you want with it. That’s my goal.”

Though it may seem intimidating at first, students soon realize that Studio School is a friendly, laid-back community. It’s a place where people can come, create and “be themselves,” according to Cox.

“I want people to know that they’re welcome here, that we don’t expect anybody to have any kind of skill and that it’s a very judgment-free space,” Cox said. “We’re here when people are ready, when people feel like they want to do something like this. We’re going to hold space for you.”

For current course offerings, go to oklahomacontemporary.org/learn/studio-school.

MODERN HISTORY

Old and new converge at Birmingham’s Elyton Hotel

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER

Birmingham, Alabama’s iconic 1909 Empire Building overflows with Southern hospitality and charm, welcoming guests as Elyton Hotel. One of the city’s oldest skyscrapers, the 16-story building underwent a $27 million renovation five years ago. Today it pampers guests with modern amenities and design.

Ornate Classic Revival architectural details — like the granite Doric columns and molded terra-cotta facade — cause passerby to pause outside. Intricate designs in various patterns, colors and shapes draw your gaze up, and if you look closely, you’ll spy carvings of faces at the very top. Upon completion, this impressive structure was the tallest building downtown. The name “Elyton” is a nod to Elyton, Alabama, a historical town that predated Birmingham and was named after federal land agent William Ely, who played an instrumental role in developing the area.

History buff s may also appreciate the curious marker on the corner of 20th Street and First Avenue, just steps away from the Elyton Hotel entrance, reading “Heaviest Corner on Earth.” Th is commemorates the massive amount of marble and stone that went into the Empire Building, combined with the adjacent buildings of the Woodward Building, Brown-Marx Tower and the John Hand Building. All were completed in the early 1900s.

The Elyton Hotel entry is fl anked in various marbles and features a rising staircase, original to the building, and antique chandeliers to amplify the aesthetic — but the lobby’s modern interior design is both refreshing and well-balanced against all of the hotel’s historical elements. Oversized sconces and blended blue-and-white walls evoke a feeling of floating through the clouds. Playful decor and contemporary furniture enhance the room’s bubbly personality, and while a large oriental rug grounds the space in tradition, its bold pattern and colors seem to suggest, “There’s something new happening here.”

Modern themes continue throughout the hotel’s 111 rooms and six suites, with black, white and chartreuse being the colors of choice. The Presidential Suite includes a luxurious sunken tub and chartreuse glass doors in the bathroom.

Food and drink at the Elyton celebrate fl avors of the South. The Yard restaurant rotates a seasonal menu, although the popular Cornish hen and fried okra are almost always available. On a breezy summer eve, head upstairs and outside to fi nd Moonshine, the rooftop bar that serves up small plates and craft cocktails. Try the signature cocktail, “The Lady in the Moon,” inspired by the female faces incorporated into the Empire Building’s architecture; they’re easy to admire from patio seats. Sip this pleasing mix of rosemary, prosecco, lemon, simple syrup and gin while you soak in the downtown Birmingham skyline. It’s a great way to top off your visit — and it just may have you toasting to the Elyton Hotel, where new and old live together beautifully.

MAKING AN ENTRANCE

Thoughtfully designed entry areas will welcome and wow

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

PRESENTING A CLASSIC

“Entryways are like an immersive experience, evoking an initial tone of grandeur when stepping through the front doors of a home for the first time,” said Ashford Thomson with Thomson + Thomson Designs.

When the doorbell chimes, the entry takes center stage; it’s time to shine. When designing the forefront of your home, local designers advise, don’t shy away from making a statement. Impressive lighting? Interesting wallpaper? Irresistible rug? Yes, please.

Homeowners Stephanie and Faustino Kazenske worked with Thomson on an entry that would complement their historic Heritage Hills home, built in 1925. Thomson sourced period appropriate antiques from dealers worldwide, jump-starting the Kazenskes’ collection of heirloom-quality pieces to pass down from generation to generation.

“We wanted a space that we could enjoy right away, but that would also leave room for us to slowly acquire art and antiques,” Stephanie Kazenske said. “I wanted the entry to be both unique and timeless, representing the home well while also feeling special for us.”

The room’s archived wallpaper, “Kanchou” by Brunschwig & Fils, encapsulates that special feeling, and thoughtful details such as this were incorporated into the entry design to honor the timelessness of the home.

Carefully sourced antiques are complemented by the Brunschwig & Fils “Kanchou” wallpaper in this 1925 home.

A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH

Sometimes new construction inspires a new design direction. Fanny Bolen of Fanny Bolen Interiors recently helped longtime clients achieve a contemporary aesthetic within their newly built home, a departure from styles adopted for their previous residences.

“The entry has a very European feel, but with a newer twist to it,” Bolen said regarding the Nichols Hills home. “We incorporated some of the antique pieces they had, but then we incorporated some newer things with them.”

Heightening the drama of the space, Bolen combined a beautiful bronze and jewel chandelier with black, gray and white marble floors. A French contemporary lamp and new artwork bring a fresh feel to the design, while a magnolia-themed Vivienne Westwood rug adds intrigue.

“The rug is really important because it makes a statement, to me, of Southern [design] with the big magnolia branch and blossom but with a real contemporary feeling. The colors are beautiful, and it’s just large enough to make the whole entrance kind of magical,” Bolen said.

Bolen recommends adding furniture to make your entry functional for greeting and hosting, and for this home, a mid-century commode and soft bench seating did the trick.

Magical and contemporary, or traditional and timeless — when it comes to entry design, experts encourage homeowners to play up their own personalities. In addition, it can carry an unspoken statement to all who enter: Welcome to our home.

The light fixture, with its branch-like design, is a show stopper in this Nichols Hills home.

Even this hallway, connecting the entry to the dining room, received the royal treatment by Thomson + Thomson Designs.

Interior designer Fanny Bolen mixed traditional and modern elements to achieve a European design with a twist.

WHAT WE HAVE COOKING

BY SARA GAE WATERS

PHOTO BY EMILY HART

OUR SECOND ANNUAL Kitchen Issue is coming to you this fall. This hub of the home continues to delight us, and we have found many designers flexing their talents through their work in this very important part of the home.

Another thing catching our eye this fall? Copper. The warm tones of this metal bring us into the spirit of the season, and we plan on showing you a few things that might add some shine to your home inside the kitchen and out.

Fall is coming. We will see you there!