2020 HOMES OF THE YEAR
S TAY F I T AT H O M E
Inspired Design for Central Oklahoma
Fall 2020
The Little Home SWEE T FAMILY DIGS IN OKC
SETTING THE NEW STANDARD IN
STYLISH
LIVING
Wilshire Cabinet + Co is revolutionizing fine
cabinetry in Oklahoma. Working in close partnership with homeowners, homebuilders, designers, remodelers, and architects, we are your best source for custom, pre-finished cabinetry. Meet our expert team as we get to know you and your style of living in your home. Make the perfect choices to fit your design and budget with an unrivaled level of service. Complete your project with stunning selections from our hardware, Cambria Ž quartz countertop and accessory collections. Whether visiting our gallery in Oklahoma City, or exploring our newest location in Norman this fall – inspiration is always fun, fresh and lively at Wilshire Cabinet + Co . Come discover the difference!
GALLERY 320 W Wilshire Blvd Oklahoma City, OK wilshirecabinetco.com 405- 286 - 6282 @wilshirecabinet
ANNEX (Fall 2020) 226 E Main St Norman, OK
features
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ONE SWEET LITTLE HOME
Jason, Sara Kate and their kids live in a home that’s as old as it is new. Patterns, colors, tradition and whimsy are layered with offhand precision sure to inspire.
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HOMES OF THE YEAR
ELY FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY
Two homes, one by Huffman Custom Homes and the other by Adams Kirby Homes, are a celebration of Oklahoma’s most beautiful and original design. It’s our first Homes of the Year competition, but it won’t be our last.
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departments gallery 12 WE DREAM IN BLUE From bright sky to inky midnight, from upholstery to earrings, we’re loving blues for fall. 14 MOOD BOARD Tell your own beautiful story. Looking inward is the mood of the moment. 16 HAUTE POTLUCK Presentation can be the difference between a good meal and a great one. Turns out, same goes for casseroles. 17 PATTERN PLAY Pattern mixing has never been bolder and we love it.
makers 20 PICK A CARD Greeting cards are having a moment, and the brains behind Agreetable are making it an easy moment to meet. 22 FLOUR POWER Meet a trio of bakers whose beautiful bounty is sure to brighten your holidays, or your Tuesdays.
living 58 FOUR IN THE 405 Four homes, four neighborhoods, one price. See what you get, and where, for $375,000 or so. 60 SOUPED UP The most comforting of comfort foods, we love soup in all its forms: Hot, chilled, smooth or hearty, we can’t get enough. 62 THINKING OUTSIDE THE GYM See how local fitness coaches and yogis are helping you bring the studio experience into your home.
Carli Economy
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64 HOME AWAY: KANSAS CITY The 21c Museum Hotel in Kansas City is a hop and a skip away, and loads of new safety features make it feel just fantastic.
alfresco 68 OUTDOOR DINING: THE HARVEST Let autumn garden crops, perhaps woven into a garland, inspire your fall outdoor tablescape. 70 BULBS 101: A PRIMER An afternoon or two in the yard, a few key tips and viola! Spring will burst forth with low-maintenance blooms.
in every issue on the cover The Little family home is a playful, sophisticated mix of pattern and style. It’s family-friendly, a must for Sara Kate and Jason Little, whose three children are under the age of 3. Photos by Ely Fair Photography and story by Evie Klopp Holzer. Story on page 26. 4
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8 FROM THE EDITORS Home is more important than ever, and so is celebrating the little things that make life beautiful. 72 LOOKING AHEAD There’s nothing that makes us love fall more than summer, and when we’re in the throes of winter, we long for nothing more than spring. In Oklahoma, spring is porch season, and Bradford House is a porch lover’s dream.
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PUBLISHER
Jordan Regas jordan.regas@405magazine.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Christine Eddington christine.eddington@405magazine.com Editorial EDITOR-AT-LARGE | STYLIST
Sara Gae Waters COPY EDITOR
Steve Gill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Evie Klopp Holzer, Greg Horton, George Lang Art ART DIRECTOR
Christopher Lee CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR
Adrienne Wright CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
WHAT ’S ONLINE
Chris Castro, Carli Economy, Ely Fair Photography, Alyx Johnson, Rachel Maucieri, Don Risi SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
Emiley Sexton emiley.sexton@405magazine.com
Advertising EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING
Cynthia Whitaker-hill cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com
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When you walk through the door of your future house, you can feel it. That sense of memories yet-to-be-made. This isn’t a dream. This is home. We’ll help you get there. Our roots are in home financing, which is why we put so much care into providing comprehensive loan options, sound guidance and open communication. We’ve been financing dreams since 1905. We want to be your lender.
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LENDER
from the editors
RACHEL MAUCIERI
Embracing Maximalism
Home is Everything
W
ELL HELLO THERE. It’s been quite a year so far,
hasn’t it? We hope you and the people you love are healthy and well. We hope you are staying home as much as possible, masking up when you are in public and following distancing and other safety guidelines. Here at 405HOME we’ve always immersed ourselves in the everchanging concepts, nuances and functionality of the places we live. At this unique moment in time, the idea of home is undergoing a dramatic shift. Has undergone a dramatic shift. Continues to shift. Our home has always been our anchor, our refuge and the place our memories are made. We make big decisions around the kitchen table, we raise children and puppies and eventually, if we are lucky, our knees creak and our hair whitens as we age happily in place. Our homes, which have always been our sanctuaries, have become so much more these past months. At this writing, the shutdown has been going on in one form or another for six months. By the time you are reading this, it will be closer to seven. Many of us now office from home. Our children attend virtual school from home. We dine at home, either cooking more or picking up from our favorite locally-owned bistros. Happy hour now occurs on the porch. At our houses, we play more Scrabble and take more walks. With all that in mind, we’ve brought together a carefully curated mix for you this issue of inspiration and aspiration. We are madly in love
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with the Littles’ home, which you’ll tour on page 26. Sara Kate and Jason Little, the genius couple behind the stunning Bradford House boutique hotel, live in an equally stunning-yet-family friendly home they built in one of Oklahoma City’s classic neighborhoods. We hope you take your time and immerse yourself in its clever beauty. Something new this issue is our inaugural Homes of the Year competition. We’ve got some innovative and beautiful work to share with you, and we are thrilled with our judges’ choices. Of course, as always, we’re also bringing you a slew of interesting people and delicious ideas. You’ll meet three very different bakers on page 22, and we’ll explore our favorite fall comfort food on page 60. The creative partnership at Agreetable Cards will show us how to stay in touch, old-school, on page 20 and we’ll set a stunning outdoor table on page 68. We love the fall and winter months in Oklahoma, and we hope as you read through this issue you feel warm, connected and inspired. Until next time,
SARA GAE WATERS
CHRISTINE EDDINGTON
Editor-at-Large
Editor-in-Chief
Expect more.
At Sage Sotheby’s International Realty, we believe in setting industry standards and then exceeding them. Because when it comes to the investment of your life, we think you should expect more from your broker. We employ full-time, professional agents with a passion for excellence in customer service and unrivaled knowledge in the field. We are the vanguard of cutting edge marketing, backed by an iconic brand with the largest global share of voice in luxury real estate. The bare minimum is simply unacceptable to us. It’s time to be inspired by high expectations and limitless possibilities. For representation that speaks to integrity, proven expertise, and requires the very best from the very best, there is only Sage Sotheby’s International Realty.
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GA LLERY
Ideas, Objects and Life Hacks We Find Fascinating, Helpful and Beautiful
SINGING THE BLUES
CARLI ECONOMY
Pops of pretty, crisp shades of blue are making our hearts flutter this fall, like this Bridie Alphabet brush pot from Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC. Not enough blues for you? Turn the page for more.
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gallery color Chevron set of two verdigris mosaic boxes with brass studs: Henry Home Interiors, 3720 W Robinson, Norman, henryinteriors.com
We Dream in Blue SAPPHIRE, CERULE AN AND C O R N F LOW E R H U ES BY SAR A GAE WATERS PHOTO BY CARLI ECONOMY AND PROVIDED
S I M P LY P U T, there is no dreamier color than blue. Lucky for us all, just when we think we’ve seen the best variations, another hue comes along to surprise us. While this color (and shades lighter and darker) could frequently be found in grand drawing rooms of the past, it has now stolen our hearts anew. In the pursuit of this color, gems of every kind were discovered and each one is its own little, or big, treasure.
Porcelain teal longevity temple jar: ME Home, 2925 W Wilshire, OKC, mehomecollection.com
Astier de Villatte Grand Chalet incense: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com
Fabric by CR LAINE: ME Home, 2925 W Wilshire, OKC, mehomecollection.com
Crane engraved butterfly notecards: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com 12
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Vietri Incanto stone lace au gratin serving piece: Tulips, 570 Buchanan, Norman, tulipshome.com
Samser Design hand-woven turquoise raffia clutch: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com
Jill Rosenwald striped cafe au lait bowl: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com
Ippolita three-stone waterfall drop earrings in turquoise, Swiss blue topaz, and amazonite triplet: BC Clark Jewelers, 1901 Northwest Expy Ste. 1020, OKC, bcclark.com
John Derian & Astier de Villatte’s Moon saucer: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com
Tall round turquoise glassware by Craft Advisory: Fanny Bolen Interiors, 2761 W Country Club, OKC, fannyboleninteriors.com
Tile in various blues: Artisan Tile Studio, 7108 N Western, OKC
Vixen bench ottoman: ME Home, 2925 W Wilshire, OKC, mehomecollection.com
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gallery mood board
Inspiration Board: The Neverending Story BY SARA GAE WATERS | PHOTO BY CARLI ECONOMY
A
S W E C O N T I N U E to live our lives closer to home, with little to no travel and fewer social outings, there is no better time to look inward for inspiration. Home projects have been on the rise for many of us during onagain-off-again quarantine, but it’s also easy to get stuck, feeling flummoxed about what to tackle next or where to begin. Over the past few years, the inspiration board has appeared regularly in our pages. Current times seem to lend extra credibility to this form of creativity. Even if there is no project to be done, creating a palette of ideas can be relaxing and may spark an idea or push you toward thinking of a room, a tabletop, a home office or a wall differently. I believe your home is the story of you and the ones you share it with. We are all a work in progress, so let go of concerns about the finish line. Continue telling your story by adding, subtracting (just as important!) or simply rearranging. As we collectively hold our breath for the end of an uncertain season in our world, there is space to create and to breathe, even if it is in the simplest ways of laying out treasured keepsakes, samples of saved fabric and pictures of dreamy places. For fall, I am drawn to things I’ve collected and kept over the years. Warm hues of brown and beige, yellow ochre and raw sienna, with vibrant pops of raspberry, violet and sage, are found in the paints and watercolor color blocking, an old sketchbook, photos of zebra print and a Parisian bridge, yellow silk, striped fabric and purple trim, along with a favorite dried flower and branches, my dad’s camera and a vintage book with a sailboat sketch cover.
All items from the author’s personal collection 14
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Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up. – TATE LINDEN
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gallery serve in style
Haute Potluck THE DISH ON CASSEROLES BY SARA GAE WATERS | PHOTO BY CARLI ECONOMY
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H I L E L AY E R I N G
up all the patterns may be our daydream in overall home design, we find that in our culinary musings, fall beckons us toward comfort food and casseroles and the delicious possibilities in layering sauces and pastas, sliced homegrown vegetables with cheeses, or stacks of tiramisu. A nice baker or serving piece can make the presentation just as appealing as the meal itself, and we’ve got a tower of beautiful pieces to satisfy your craving.
Top to bottom: Arthur Court Pyrex holder: Christmas Expressions, 2214 W Lindsey, Norman Juliska baker: BC Clark, three locations, bcclark.com Deep baker by Calaiso: Fanny Bolen Interiors, 2761 W Country Club, OKC, fannyboleninteriors.com Wheat casserole serving piece by Michael Aram: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com Beatriz Ball Vento Pyrex casserole holder: BC Clark, three locations, bcclark.com Cavernoso casserole by Jan Barboglio: Bebe’s, 6480 Avondale, OKC, shopbebes.com
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gallery fall beauty
Pattern Play LU S H L AY E RS FO R FA L L BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTOS BY CARLI ECONOMY
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HILE IT’S HARD
to argue with the simplicity of a pristine white wall with a thoughtfully placed piece of art, we have to confess the layering of bold colors and artfully appointed patterns mingling cohesively is becoming an obsession. Autumn encourages such patterns of play. As leaves lose their deep green pigments and give way to the crimson, amber and golden yellow...these rich fabrics and wallpapers seem to embody the season. Who can resist chinoiserie, flamestitch, floral or damask in such glory? Clearly, the answer is who would want to?
All Fabrics and Wallpaper from Ketch Design Centre, ketchdesigncentre.com
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M A K ERS
Meet the People Who Make Life a Little Lovelier.
SUGAR SUGAR
RACHEL MAUCIERI
Aaron and Rhonda Smith, founders of Signature Bakery, turn out some of the prettiest, most delectable pastries in the 405. Learn more about them, along with two more exceptional bakers on page 22.
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makers the write stuff
Pick a Card LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS LOOK TO DISRUPT THE INDUSTRY WITH GREETING CARD COMPANY BY GEORGE LANG PHOTOS BY ALYX JOHNSON
P
EO P L E S W E A R T H E Y will get it right someday and buy
those birthday, anniversary or holiday cards in a careful, methodical way every time – maybe even all in one outing – but it almost never happens. The process of buying cards might be the most panicked and hurried of all retail transactions, done on the way to birthday parties or at 6 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, when only the cheesiest cards tend to remain. “I feel like every time, you know, my wife, and I have to go to a birthday party or whatever party ... not only we’re not running right on time, but we’ve got to stop and get a card; you didn’t get a card with a bottle of wine, you know?” says Ryan Johnston, who co-founded the new greeting card service Agreetable with Christopher Cohenour and Mike Hearne. Agreetable is an Oklahoma City-based greeting card service that ships quality cards to its customers at a reasonable price: 10 cards for $25, or $2.50 per card, with 250 cards currently available. Cohenour said the com-
pany’s immediate goal is to have 500 cards in stock, with new titles showing up in regular rotation. In 2013, Derek Thompson of The Atlantic reported that the average card cost around $5, but now the high-end cards are priced upward of $8. The profit margins on card stock for those products is staggering, which is why Johnston thought Agreetable could work wonders. “And the way he pitched this was to me, he said, ‘This could be the Dollar Shave Club of greeting cards,’” Cohenour says. “And that struck a chord with me: quality, convenience and price.” Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s emerged in the early 2010s as a response to ever-surging prices for mainstream retail razor blades. Harry’s was so successful that Schick’s parent company, Edgewell Personal Care, attempted to buy the company for $1.4 billion before the purchase was blocked by the Federal Trade Commission earlier this year. The three partners agreed that a similar strategy could positively disrupt the greeting card industry, and they started working on Agreetable in December 2018. For Cohenour, the shocking aspect of a possible online greeting card service was that no one was doing it. “I mean, we started researching it,” he says. “And so when I realized that this was a great idea, my next thought was, ‘OK, surely somebody’s doing this.’ And frankly we were shocked when we looked, and there’s not really anybody doing it. I mean, there’s kind of one or two similar companies overseas that aren’t really doing anything. But yeah, it was shocking to us.”
But Agreetable has another social mission: Restore the fine art of writing cards in a text message world.
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All three Agreetable partners have day jobs: Johnston and Hearne work as real estate agents, and Welsh immigrant Hearne also hosts the popular podcast “This Is Oklahoma.” Cohenour is a marketing and advertising consultant, so coining a name that could stand out was his top priority. When Agreetable started nearly two years ago, it was because its founders identified a need in the marketplace, Hearne said, but with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, the process of buying greeting cards became more complicated. Thumbing through 3,000 cards at Target or CVS became less of an option as people began to socially distance, and delivery services such as Instacart and Shipt can do many things, but choosing the right card for your nephew’s bar mitzvah probably falls outside their purview. “The reason we started this two years ago was because it was a need,” Hearne says. “And now, I mean, it seems to be that sometimes it’s not safe to go out now.”
With Agreetable, an array of cards for different occasions, including non-traditional card holidays such as Halloween, are available for purchase at a time when traditional trick-or-treating or costume parties might not be on everyone’s to-do list. But Agreetable has another social mission: Restore the fine art of writing cards in a text message world. “We have some work to do on it, but we want to create awareness of the handwritten card, and you know, kids now don’t send cards — it’s all text,” Johnston says. It’s all… what, Chris?” “It’s all cold,” Cohenour replies. Agreetable hopes to warm up the discourse. Another secondary mission the company hopes to launch is to encourage people, and especially children, to use Agreetable cards to communicate with other children who are encountering devastation in their lives: children faced with grass fires in Australia or Gulf Coast children whose families are recovering from hurricane damage. “In a world of internet trolls and everybody saying horrible things to one another,” Hearne says, “there’s never been a better time to walk out to your mailbox and have a great surprise for somebody who can never understand what you’re going through, who can never put themselves in your shoes, but can make you feel better; to make their day by simply receiving a greeting card.” FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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makers bespoke baking
Flour Power A TRIO OF BAKERS ON THE RISE IN THE 405 BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI
A
INA ROBINSON STARTED
Clockwise from top: Veggie frittata, a selection of tarts and blue corn blueberry cake, all from Flora Bodega. Edible flowers from Tesa Linville.
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thinking about being a baker full time on a girls’ trip. “We went to Memphis, and I fell in love with Cheesecake Corner,” says Robinson, owner of The Cheesecake Lady. “There was nothing like it in Oklahoma City. You could get cheesecake on a dessert menu, but you couldn’t find a place that was about cheesecake.” On the way home from Tennessee, she started building a Pinterest page for ideas. After developing some signature cheesecakes, testing them on friends and coming up with a line of products, she launched The Cheesecake Lady in August 2019. “It was always my favorite dessert,” she says, “but I never planned on being a baker. I had a regular 9-to-5 gig in a data job, but encouragement from my friends, and some help from the home baking legislation this year, made a full-time baking job possible.” Robinson bakes from her home, like many small bakery businesses, and she delivers custom orders the same business day. She only works with custom orders; she receives enough that making batches doesn’t yet work for her business model. Her line includes mini bites, bundt cakes, bars, small and large pans – nearly any way you can picture a cheesecake. The crusts run the spectrum from graham cracker to brownie to gluten-free walnut, and all her fillings are made from scratch. The Cheesecake Lady’s customer favorites are classic strawberry cheese-
Aaron and Rhonda Smith, Signature Bakery
Aina Robinson, AKA The Cheesecake Lady
cake and a hybrid sweet Georgia pecan pie-cheesecake mashup that’s a wonder to taste. It’s also a perfect holiday option, as are the other flavors she makes throughout the holiday season: carrot cake, peach cobbler and peppermint bark. For Robinson, the secret to perfect cheesecake is the bain marie (water bath) that gives the center time to cook without browning the top. “It’s a delicate product, so you have to treat it right,” she says. “I also deliver in cooling bags, so it’s fresh and cold; that’s really important in Oklahoma heat.” Like Robinson, Aaron Smith didn’t start out to be a baker. His grandmother taught him to bake, and he describes his mother as a “decent cook.” He showed no interest in either until he was 20. “I’d been out of school for two years, and decided to give culinary school a try,” he says. “I wanted to be a master chef at first, to be good at all aspects, but I gravitated toward baking.” After finishing Platt College, he and his wife Rhonda launched Signature Bakery. Their breads and pastries are available at the Paseo Farmers Market and Scissortail Farmers Market this year. Thanks in part to the Food Freedom Act, they’ve invested in a commercial oven that will allow Signature to increase its volume. “We’re doing about 350 pastries and 20 loaves of bread a week currently,” Smith says. “We’d like to do more. Our bestseller is the
The real challenge is finding all the quality ingredients you need. The finished product is only as good as the ingredients you start with.
Flora Bodega Founder Angela Chase and her feathered friend Oatmeal
pain au chocolat, but the cruffin (a croissant-muffin hybrid) is close.” Baking in Oklahoma has its challenges, including heat, humidity, more humidity and more heat. Smith said a good baker can create microclimate in the kitchen to combat those factors. “The real challenge is finding all the quality ingredients you need,” he says. “The finished product is only as good as the ingredients you start with.” As a result, the couple spends a good bit of the week scaring up ingredients from farmers, Whole Foods, farmers markets and fruit stands. Baking is now an everyday job, and the couple is preparing for the holiday rush. “This is the first year we’ll do holiday offerings,” Smith says. “We’ll obviously do breads and pastries, but we’ll also offer cakes, pies and dinner rolls.” Pies are the wheelhouse of Angela Chase, founder and owner of Flora Bodega, and it was an unlikely career path for the baker who’s cooked since she was a child. “I didn’t like pies as a kid,” she says. “I’ve since learned it was because my family made mediocre pies. I make them a lot now because I started by making a crust that I want to eat.” Whether it’s lost skills or inferior products due to mass production, baking is definitely not what it used to be. All the bakers we talked to referenced their grandparents as the keepers of the traditions, not their parents – almost as if baking decided to skip a generation and take a break in the 1980s and ‘90s. “Home cooking was flavorful when I was a kid,” Chase says. “My grandparents in Durant cooked from a garden; it was country cooking. Lots of butter.” FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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makers bespoke baking
Cheesecake Lady’s cleverly named cheesecakes clockwise from top: a loaf of Naked Banana Wafer Pudding cheesecake, Crunch Time (topped with Crunch ‘n’ Munch, Strawberry MMM Glaze, Peach MMM Glaze, and Lemonheadz.
THE STATE OF KELLY’S COOKIES Kelly Lisenbee started Bright Spot Baking during the COVID lockdown after experimenting with reverse-engineering famous cookie recipes. It started with the Doubletree Cookie. “It has lemon juice in the recipe, and I was wondering why, so I started riffing on it,”says Lisenbee, who works in administration in public schools. “My friends and family like the results, so in June, I really leaned in.” When she started, she was unaware of legislation like the Oklahoma Home Bakery Act of 2013 (amended 2017), and how it helped cottage industry in the state. “I didn’t know that expanding to be a fulltime business was even an option,” she says. “My husband is in radio, so he’s not 9 to 5, we have a son who plays sports and our youngest has autism, so we’re always looking for ways to create flexibility and generate more money.” What she didn’t expect was the $20,000 cap on revenue allowed under the legislation. While it made it possible for bakers to advertise their businesses and sell from their homes – as well as farmers markets and the internet – the act limited their potential revenue, a frustrating reality for young parents trying to support a family. Requirements such as labeling and ingredient transparency aren’t onerous, but the revenue cap seems arbitrary. “We have legislation that will be filed for next session to deal with many of the issues home kitchens face,” says Representative Garry Mize (R – Dist 31). “The Food Freedom Act, which didn’t pass last session, attempted to remove the cap, but I think we’ll have a compromise next year with a higher cap. I just don’t see the cap being removed completely.”
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Butter was the key ingredient for her crust. Like many in the 30 to 50 age range, Chase went from eating real butter to Crisco or margarine. It was one of the principal sins of the 1970s, and it ruined baking. Crisco crusts taste like dry bread and synthetic grease. (Honestly, that’s a pretty accurate description of what it is.) “I switched to cultured butter – European butter,” Chase says. “The flavor difference is obvious.” Cultured butter is just what it sounds like: cream with bacteria cultures added to make butter. The A tray of pain au chocolate from Signature Bakery all rolled up and ready for the oven
cultures add wonderful tangy, nutty notes, and those notes come out in the baking. Chase does savory and sweet pies, and the buttery crusts work for both, accentuating different notes in each category. Scones and frittatas are other popular offerings. Flora Bodega pies are available at the Paseo Farmers Market, and Chase also makes them to order. Her goal is to showcase the best ingredients and keep the product affordable. She’s making more cakes now, too, including an organic blue corn cake. Editor’s note: To order goods from The Cheesecake Lady, visit facebook.com/ theofficialcheesecakelady; for Signature Bakery, visit facebook.com/signaturebakeryokc; Flora Bodega goods are available at angelareneechase.com; and cookies from Bright Spot Baking are at brightspotbaking.com.
100 N. Classen Blvd //
@youngbrosinc // Photographed by Isaac Harper // Designed by Marissa Adler Designs
ONE HAPPY LITTLE HOME A New Old Masterpiece By Evie Klopp Holzer Photos by Ely Fair Photography
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Colorful and welcoming: step into the Little home, a brand-new construction with an old soul.
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In the dining room, antique china used at the Littles’ wedding was hung on the walls, some facing forward and some facing backward because Sara Kate found their backsides just as pretty.
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construction and design, one project often leads to another. This concept could not be truer for Sara Kate and Jason Little, especially with the recent completion of The Bradford House, a boutique hotel they fashioned from a century-old mansion along Classen Boulevard. This was not their first build-and-design collaboration – not by a long shot. Home improvement is a common thread weaving throughout the Littles’ past, present and future.
T H E B AC H E LO R PA D Sara Kate and Jason Little first met in 2012, when she designed his second-floor-walk-up condo in Crown Heights. The two would often compare dating stories, and through the laughs, paint samples and fabric swatches, they became good friends. Two months after they wrapped up that one-year project, they started dating… and never stopped. Jason attributes their compatibility to their differences balancing each other: Type A meets Talent. “Her talent is easy for me to celebrate,” he says. “I feel like I have my own level of taste, but her ambition and drive are so remarkable on their own.” Fast forward to 2014: They’ve married. Sara Kate moved into the bachelor pad, after shuffling the design a bit to incorporate her belongings and unique aesthetic. “Jason loves really simple, beautiful lines,” Sara Kate says. “He loves things very orderly, whereas I’m a collector. I love a clean shape, but I also love something kind of unexpected and crazy.” The combined result – evident in every project the Littles complete – is a clean, crisp backdrop with layers upon layers of patterned upholstery, colorful cabinetry, vintage light fixtures, reclaimed hardware, playful artwork and travel mementoes. Soon after they merged their styles, they found out Sara Kate was pregnant. The newlyweds tweaked the condo (again) to welcome home a new baby. When baby number two entered the picture, they realized the need for a more accommodating space. Carrying two car seats up a flight of stairs from a detached garage wasn’t ideal.
THE ALMOST HISTORIC HOME In 2018, the Littles found their dream home in the historic Cleveland neighborhood. Unfortunately, it had a sold sign in the yard. But the neighborhood was right. The landscaped boulevard was right. And the looming, 75-year-old tree in the front yard seemed to be beckoning them to make this house their home. “We liked the bones of the house, from what we could see outside, and I loved-loved-loved the sycamore tree,” Sara Kate says. “The house was in sad shape, so I was really excited about restoring it and making it something special.” That was on a Wednesday. On Thursday, they had contacted the buyer, someone Jason knew from high school. Come Friday, they were buying his contract for the house – a house they’d yet to see inside. Turns out, the inside presented its own challenges. “It was full of junk – and not in a charming way – with parts of it you couldn’t even walk in,” Jason says. “We developed the plans and started demolition on the interior. When we got it down to the studs, it was evident there was termite and water damage. We are drawn to the fixer-upper, but we ended up with a fixer-upper that necessitated building new.” 28
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Behold! The Lacanche French oven and range. It’s the centerpiece of the kitchen, and as Jason says, a family heirloom in the making.
Exuberant sophistication in the family’s entryway. It takes a deft hand to wrangle a multitude of color and pattern to create such a harmonious, welcoming tableau. Classic Sara Kate.
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In the girls’ room, whimsy and cheer rule the roost. Design elements remain consistent with the rest of the home, including patterned upholstery and playful art, but here exuberance is queen.
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After weighing all the options, the Littles decided it was more prudent financially to tear the house down and start over. However, they loved the existing floor plan and architectural lines of the 1940s house, so their “new” plans applied the same lot placement, dimensions, roof pitch and window placement of the original home. “The floor plan is the original plan,” Sara Kate says. “We’re nostalgic people, and we wanted a historic home for the way the spaces transitioned to one another,” says Sara Kate. “The living-kitchen-dining transitions easily and keeps us within sight and earshot of the kids.” The Littles only made minor changes, like raising the ceilings from eight to ten feet and extending the front porch. “We were really sensitive to putting back what was there the best we could, rather than building a ‘90s Dallas-style home, out of context in a historic neighborhood,” Jason says. From the street, nestled behind a large sycamore tree, the Littles’ new family home today looks like it’s been there for decades.
THE HEART OF THE HOME The Littles moved into the Cleveland home in 2019, and their life there continues to evolve. Three children keep the place active: Edith (Edie) is three. Matilda (Tilly) is two. Baby Linus joined the family in January 2020. “We’ve been really intrigued to see the way we’re using the space as a family,” Sara Kate says. “Pre-design, when we were brainstorming about all of it, and even during construction, our kids were still so little. The space has really worked for us in ways that we didn’t anticipate.” Most activity occurs in the kitchen, and the Littles planned the space to accommodate their young family and most cherished activities. Instead of tall barstools, a wooden bench – designed by Ilse Crawford
The sweet Little family: Jason, Linus, Edie, Tilly and Sara Kate.
The Littles’ master suite is a soothing, happy cocoon. Kelley Wearstler Linden table lamps, often topped with neutral, spare shades, get the Sara Kate treatment here and the imperfect perfection of the sofa beckons you to settle in for a catnap.
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Simple shapes in classic finishes in the master bath. Marble, velvet and bamboo, alongside bright gold, handhewn tiles and dark wood. Luxe, yet relaxed.
The cheeriest bathtub you ever did see.
I want it to reflect us, to feel unusual and special. 32
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A cheeky collection of family photos, books and layers of colorful visual texture feel elegant thanks in part to the use of slender, monochromatic frames in various patterns.
and discovered while vacationing at Ett Hemm hotel in Stockholm – backs up to the kitchen island. The kitchen table hosts family meals, small gatherings with friends and messy craft projects, with chairs covered in Quadrille’s Arbre de Matisse indoor-outdoor fabric. The kitchen is where Jason and Edie bring in the latest harvest from their vegetable garden and cook dinner together. The Lacanche French oven range may be Jason’s favorite feature of the home. “I joke with Sara that if we ever have to move, this range is not included with the house,” Jason says. “I do consider it like an heirloom.” Sara Kate hung vintage pendants – rescued from a Norman restaurant – over the kitchen island. She mixed in salvaged hardware discovered on eBay, including the two pairs of large
storefront door handles used on the fridge and cabinets. Sara Kate only shopped catalogs for filler, when she needed large quantities of matching knobs. Most hardware in their home was found on eBay. “I want it to reflect us, to feel unusual and special,” says Sara Kate. In the living room, layers of differently textured rugs sit under a tiger-striped sectional, and the back doors slide open to create a fluid indoor-outdoor living space when the weather is nice. Blackout drapes, in Schumacher’s Sepiessa pattern, are pulled shut on movie nights. The light fixtures are mid-century modern Stilnovo and delicate Venini glass, the same Italian designs placed throughout the Bradford House. Two vintage Italian chairs and a floor lamp were actually destined for the Bradford House, but Jason and Sara Kate couldn’t part with them after bringing them home. The wall displays several quirky Hugo Guinness linocuts – a collection they plan to keep building. Wall-to-wall bookshelves hold an FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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A collection of Hugo Guinness linocuts anchors the wall above a pair of chairs originally destined for Bradford House but which the Littles couldn’t quite let go of.
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KItchen seating is beautiful and practical, done in Quadrille’s Arbre de Matisse indoor-outdoor fabric.
Cozy nooks stacked with books dot the home. Says Jason, Sara Kate is apt to pull all the books off the shelves and rearrange as the fancy catches her.
impressive stash of books, with many procured from weekly visits to Commonplace Books, Sara Kate’s former client. “We are book people,” she says. “When building the house, a big question was ‘Where are the books going to go?’ because at the condo they were stacked on the floor.” Sara Kate adores arranging (and rearranging) books, accessories and artwork throughout the home. “It’s not uncommon for me to come home and she’s got all the books pulled off shelves,” Jason says. “It is this constant shuffle, but she enjoys the process and is inspired by outcomes.”
THE DESIGN LAB Sara Kate likes to try new ideas, materials and methods inside her home first before sharing with clients.
“My style has evolved as I learn and travel,” she says. “I’ll go down rabbit holes of new designers or applications I’m finding.” Unique applications – like a plaster-and-paint mixture that changes patina over time, or a marbleized wrapping paper cut into squares and used as wallcovering – can be spotted in various rooms. Glazed terra cotta Zellige tiles were chosen for the living room fireplace and the master bathroom floor for their “organic and imperfect” nature. “We like things that look like someone was involved in the production of them,” Sara Kate says. “We discovered this tile during a trip to Morocco. It’s everywhere there.” If you look at the white plates arranged in the dining room – antique China purchased and used on the Littles’ wedding day – you’ll be drawn in for closer inspection. “I love the stamps on the back,” Sara Kate says, as she explains why some are hanging backward. The white plates are clustered elegantly on the Farrow and Ball Dix Blue walls. Projects come and go as the Littles settle into their home. Jason is completing a garden shed in the back, with a greenhouse addition to come. Bedrooms upstairs were just wallpapered. Their collection of French rattan mirrors, clustered in the stairwell, will grow until it touches the ceiling. Pictures continually get rearranged, changing configurations as they move from room to room. “Both of our tastes have been evolving since we started working together,” Sara Kate says, “but also, we’re trying to figure out what is our style together, and also what works for the kids.” “We’re still doing projects,” Jason adds. “Sara always has something in mind she could enhance, but every day it feels more lived in, both inside and outside.” For the Littles, the creative process is as enjoyable as the final product. Design is ever-changing – as life tends to be. FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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By Christine Eddington
H O M E S O F
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Y E A R T H E B E A U T I F U L R E S U LT S O F O U R I N A U G U R A L C O M P E T I T I O N
This 3,800 square foot modern home, created by Huffman Custom Homes, was a departure from the firm’s typical style, and the result is breathtaking.
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S 4 05HOM E Magazine has immersed itself in all things “home” in central Oklahoma, it occurred to us that celebrating the talents of our local builders and designers would be a great way to showcase the best of the best...and it would be a lot of fun. We owe a special thanks to our trio of independent judges, Valerie Settles, Adrienne Wright and Dr. Ben Bigelow. Bigelow is an associate professor and director of the construction science division at the University of Oklahoma. He has worked for a production homebuilder and has owned and operated his own small contracting business. Bigelow has been at the University of Oklahoma since 2017; prior to that he spent six years in the construction science department at Texas A&M University. He has published 21 articles in peer reviewed journals, and is also an associate editor of the International Journal of Construction Education and Research. Settles is director of the interior design program and assistant director of the school of design at the University of Central Oklahoma. She holds master’s degrees in industrial engineering and interior design, and a Ph.D. in human environmental sciences. Her research interests include fostering historic preservation in Oklahoma and the interface between interior design and preservation in communities. Settles has professional and teaching experience in commercial interior design, residential interior design, materials and textiles, history of interior design and interior design practice. She is an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Interior Design Educator’s Council (IDEC). Wright, assistant professor of interior design at University of Central Oklahoma, is an educator, designer and artist in Oklahoma City. Her professional background consists of practice in landscape architecture and she holds an MFA in interior design. A lifelong artist, she views her work as an opportunity to visualize concepts inspired by surrounding built and natural environments. Her primary concentration is painting, with an emphasis in acrylic and other water-based media. Her methodical approach to painting mirrors her process as a professional designer. In fact, you’ll find some of her work on page 70.
Huffman Custom Homes - When entering the home, the wine bar beneath the staircase serves as a visual showcase and encourages gathering in this area.
Huffman Custom Homes - The color palette throughout the home is sophisticated without being cold. Plenty of visual texture warms the home, creating coziness without sacrificing style.
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The Huffman home’s open concept is conducive for entertaining without sacrificing the intimacy of the space. The team achieved this by setting the ceiling at 12’ high and creating focal points to draw guests into each area
Huffman Custom Homes - Saturated color and a striking yet subtle pattern add visual drama in the home office.
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T H E A R T I SA NS B E H I N D H U F F M A N CUSTOM HOMES Acme Brick ANA Custom Millwork Anissa Fowler Designs Bryan’s Flooring C. Ford Electric Caldera Contractors Consolidated Builders Supply Dunn’s Overhead Doors Expressions Home Gallery Glazing Concepts Inc. Great Choice Audio Video Ground Zero Shelters Just Do It Plumbing Laird Cabinet & Trim Martinez Custom Granite Metro Appliances & More Pacific Shores Stones Pella Windows & Doors (p.52) Richburg Stone Van Dyck Mechanical, LLC (p. 53)
Two categories were judged, homes listing for $500,000 - $999,999 and homes listing for $1 million to $1,999,999. Our winner in the first category is Huffman Custom Homes. Founded by the Huffman family nearly 15 years ago, the Newcastle-based firm specializes in innovation, gorgeous artisanship and small-town customer service. “A new home is the largest investment many of us will ever make and we believe that the process should be easy, transparent and fun. Our clients don’t build cookie-cutter houses, they build beautiful homes that fit their family’s needs. Everyone’s needs and wants are unique. This is why you’ll never see our company advertise to build your home for a certain cost per square foot,” Huffman says. Collaborating creatively with clients is one of the company’s hallmarks, but for this home, which was featured in the Gallery of Homes at Rivendell, Huffman opted to work sans client initially. “This was super fun. We don’t get to do a lot of modern style homes, and we love how it turned out. It’s modern but we were able to keep the hominess and warmth,” he says. Though it began with no owner, the home’s high style quickly drew attention, and was sold as the drywall was being installed. There was a caveat, though. “We were willing to sell the home, but only if our vision was left intact. The buyer agreed that they would not be allowed to pick anything out. And it worked beautifully.”
Adams Kirby Homes - A custom pivot door crafted by Monte Cristo Ironworks adds drama from the moment you see it, and floods the entry with beautiful natural light.
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Adams Kirby Homes - The master bath is a sanctuary. Luxurious, beautiful and calming.
Adams Kirby Homes is easily set apart from other area homebuilders. Here, neutrals harmonize to create an upscale warmth and inviting tableau.
Adams Kirby Homes - Form meets function meets exquisite beauty in this chef-quality kitchen.
T H E A R T ISA NS B E H I N D A DA M S K I R BY H O M E S Artisan Tile Studio (p. 45) Bāsik Correcto Mundo Electric Fireplace Place, LLC Harry’s TV, Video & Appliances Hardware Concepts Integrated HVAC Jetta Corporation KC Millworks LifeStyles Lighting & Furniture Mill Creek Lumber Molinas Tile Natural Stone Design Newave Technology, Inc. Norwalk Furniture (p. 55) Premier Blinds Treed You RIght Landscape Womble Company/Pella of Oklahoma Western Door & Plywood Inc.
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The Adams Kirby Homes family values integrity and meticulous attention to detail. The scale of this room is impeccable, with an unstudied elegance that can only be achieved by artists.
This custom modern masterpiece includes exquisite details: an indoor/outdoor living space, a walk-in wine room off the entry that serves as a visual showcase, soaring 12’ to 14’ ceilings throughout, pretty natural light and the most innovative advances in audio visual/automation system technology. Our winner in the $1 million to $1,999,999 range is Adams Kirby Homes, whose entry, dubbed the Modern Haven, was featured in the 2018 Street of Dreams in the northeast Oklahoma City neighborhood, The Falls. Adams Kirby Homes is a family-owned business managed by the father-daughter team of Richard Adams and Michelle Kirby. This family has been building quality homes for three generations and takes pride in their experience and knowledge of the home construction process and their dedication to each homeowner. Kirby’s sister, Amber Adams McCullough, rounds out the dream team, offering Adams Kirby clients exceptional interior design services. This home was designed from scratch, from the
ground up, allowing the team to flex its design/ build muscles. The home’s high style literally greets you at the front door. “Our custom front door is a pivot door, created in collaboration with Monte Cristo Ironworks,” Kirby says. “The custom stair railing inside is white, with handwrapped leather. We worked with bāsik metalworks on that piece.” Kirby calls her company’s style “eclectic yet timeless,” and credits their quality craftsmanship to two key practices. First, there are no middlemen. The core team at Adams Kirby supervises all jobs. “And we use smaller companies for different components. We work with skilled craftsmen.” Huffman Custom Homes and Adams Kirby Homes are two Oklahoma companies leading the way in quality and innovation in the custom design/build space. It’s been our pleasure to showcase them in the inaugural 405HOME Homes of the Year. We’re obsessed with the beauty and style of our winning homes and hope you love them as much as we do.
We believe the process of building your home should be just as rewarding as the result.
HUFFMANCUSTOMHOMES.COM
KITCHEN SOCIETY DESIGN, OKC ELEVATED & TIMELESS DESIGN + TRUE CUSTOM CABINETRY KITCHENSOCIETYDESIGN.COM | 405.589.1993
We’ve compiled the ultimate resource guide. Meet the best of the best in construction, design, home furnishings and more. The experts featured in Behind the Build bring unparalleled quality, vision and service to every project they touch.
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Artisan Tile Studio SYD NYE ST EEN B ELI EVE S in the potential of quality tile to elevate the design of any home, and that philosophy is on fuller and more vibrant display this fall inside the expansive new showroom for Artisan Tile Studio. The 7,000-square-foot facility on Wilshire is an exceptional place to find ideas, inspiration and top-tier products from sinks to range hoods to luxury tiles in a spectrum of colors, patterns and styles. “The new showroom has been arranged with the design community in mind,” she says. “It’s very designer-friendly, with plenty of extras to make the design and selection process easy.”
The space also includes a broader selection than ever before – Steen calls the expanded offerings “the absolute best selection in Oklahoma City when it comes to tile.” Steen said the extensive options from around the world are only part of Artisan Tile’s success; the other is customer service. “We provide one-onone consulting and sales, and we go the extra mile on every project to fulfill special requests and get customers exactly what they need,” she says. “We work with interior designers, homeowners and builders, and offer exclusive custom lines that can be tailored to meet the needs of the clients.”
Artisan Tile Studio
405-242-2227 300 W WILSHIRE BLVD OKLAHOMA CITY PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: LAUREN LEDFORD, DONNA MESIGH, SYDNYE STEEN, OWNER, MICHAEL FIELD
Homes of the Year Winner Adams Kirby Homes
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DESIGN BY: RICH YOUNG DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION COLLABORATION: JEFF CLICK | FLORALS: HOWARD BROTHERS FLORIST 46
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Rich Young Design RIC H YO UN G SPEN T years working for a major airline, traveling and living around the world, but during those years the lure of design, his major at Oklahoma State, was ever-present. He started doing projects in Southern California. At first it was his home that led to a magazine shoot, which drew the eye of a wealthy family who asked them to help design the interior of their new home. “My phone just started ringing after that,” Young says. Today, he’s back in Oklahoma leading Rich Young Design. And his most recent project, a 2,400-squarefoot home in Edmond he calls his own, is an example of his style and attention to detail. Exposed ductwork, a large living room, 21-foot vaulted ceiling, polished concrete floors and modern sleek finishes are part of the looks Young combined in his new home. Outside, there’s plenty of living
space including a built-in barbecue, expansive patio and lap pool. “My vision for this particular home was to be more modern that felt a little like California, that still fit into an Oklahoma neighborhood,” Young says. “It has a clean, contemporary vibe but it’s a comfortable place to live that showcases a fun art collection, and is great for entertaining.” Young said designers help those building homes or diving into remodels articulate a clear vision of what they want. They can also leverage relationships with suppliers to help the client save money. “Nobody wants to live in a museum,” Young says. “It’s about creating spaces that are functional and feel like a home, first and foremost meeting the needs of the client. That’s done by working closely with client and builder. Through those relationships, the end result is something that can be incredibly rewarding.”
Rich Young
760-333-7417 RICHYOUNGDESIGN.COM
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Triple Diamond Construction W HEN T R I PLE DI AMO N D Construction founder Greg Derr sees a home that needs a new roof or has been damaged by one of Oklahoma’s storms, he sees a chance to make something whole again. The Moore-based firm that started in 2010 specializes in roof replacement and restoration work. And the harder the job, the better. “I got into this because I like helping homeowners put things back together,” Derr says. “It’s a unique and fun way to help people.” While roof replacement is one of the company’s primary focuses, it offers an array of services including window and gutter replacement, siding installation and interior remodeling. One of Triple Diamond’s most recent clients saw
the company replace their multi-gabled roof in a process they found rewarding and easy. “We highly recommend Triple Diamond as a roofing contractor,” Jacob said. “We are very happy with the quality of work and excellent customer service that were provided by their team. They worked closely with our insurance company to obtain approval for the exact type of high-quality roofing material we requested, and we are so delighted with the overall cosmetic outcome, as well.” And a part of their profits goes right back into the community. Triple Diamond has donated funds to more than a dozen organizations during its history, ranging from Serve Moore to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Triple Diamond Construction 405-895-9972 2306 N. MOORE AVE OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
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Carousel Consignment ONE OF J OYCE SPUR G EO N ’ S favorite events in the two years since she opened Carousel Consignment in Edmond is the first Thursday of every month, when she hosts the store’s Red Carpet Sale. For those looking for a deal, the event is a good first stop. Everything in the store is on sale, and the discounts get progressive the more people buy. “It’s a really good sale,” Spurgeon says. “It’s a good way to do a whole room, or if you’ve just purchased a new home, multiple rooms – which can save people a lot of money compared to buying new furniture.” Carousel Consignment also has a layaway program for those interested in a furniture piece or an antique, but either don’t have the space or the money to pay the entire cost up front. “We see a lot of people who are in the middle of 50
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closing on a new house and want to have somewhere to put their item until they get in their new home, and layaway is a good option for that,” Spurgeon says. “It’s not like we have six more in the back just like it.” Carousel Consignment will also deliver items to buyers for a small fee. And for those who might have attended a previous Red Carpet Sale, or visited the store a few months ago, it’s worth taking some time to visit again, given the ever-revolving state of the store’s inventory. “We have new arrivals every day,” Spurgeon says. “Our inventory can really change over a month or two. There’s a lot of variety, from contemporary furniture to antiques. I wouldn’t say we specialize in any one thing.”
Joyce Spurgeon
405-285-1250 SHOPCAROUSELCONSIGNMENT.COM 2201 W EDMOND RD. EDMOND OK
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California Closets FOR MO R E T H AN 20 years, husband and wife team BJ and Jerrie Lynn Miller, along with their talented crew of six artisans and three designers, have been hand-crafting custom closets, offices, pantries, garages and organizational systems of all kinds for clients statewide. The duo became a California Closets franchisee after seeing a classified ad in the newspaper. “We visited the California Closets offices in San Rafael, California, and loved the concept,” Jerrie says. “We manufacture most of the structural components locally in our Edmond production facility, taking on projects of all sizes. People have the misconception that we only do large projects, but many of our installations are smaller spaces such as reach-in closets and pantries. In fact, the smaller the space, the more important it is to try and utilize all areas. “We love collaborating with our clients. Most people start with a closet. That’s their gateway project,” she laughs. After enjoying the
MA DE I N OKLA HOMA
transformative effect of having a place for everything, clients soon begin reworking other parts of their home. “People are staying home so much more; they really appreciate and value the improved organization. “A collateral benefit of our California Closets operation is that we can enjoy many of the accessories and concepts offered by California Closets. We have something from California Closets in every room. We try hard to avoid doing something for the first time in a client’s home. So, we will often practice on our own home,” Jerrie says. California Closets offers a range of materials and styles. Jerrie said they offer a collection of core classic colors such as white, black and gray, but there’s also a more on-trend color palette that changes year to year. The Millers’ Edmond showroom is the perfect place to see for yourself. As Jerrie puts it, “Once people see how easy it is, and how much fun, the ideas just start flowing!”
California Closets
405-844-4880 CALIFORNIACLOSETS.COM 111 S. BROADWAY AVE. EDMOND, OK 73034 PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MARLA COOPER, DESIGNER JERRIE LYNN MILLER, OWNER MICHELLE WOFORD, DESIGNER INSTAGRAM: @CALIFORNIACLOSETSOKLAHOMA FACEBOOK: CALIFORNIA CLOSETS - OKLAHOMA CITY FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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Pella Windows & Doors of Oklahoma P EL L A OF O KLAH O MA, a family-owned company for four generations, is nearing its 100th anniversary, and its team’s commitments to quality, service before and after the sale and the importance of community remain unchanged. “The company philosophy has always been service above self,” says Kathryn Nash, the marketing and advertising coordinator. “Being part of the community, serving the community and giving back are still important values, and something that is paramount for our owners, Andy and Ainslee Crum.” Pella of Oklahoma doesn’t just talk about service – they have donated product to benefit Pivot, Inc., Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City, and has supported other local charities such as Infant Crisis Services, Genesis Kids, Allied Arts, Lyric Theatre, among others, as well as local schools. 52
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Customer service and quality remain top priorities, and Pella has a huge selection of windows and doors at multiple price points, for everything from modest starter homes to luxury homes of the kind you see in Heritage Hills or Oak Tree. “We want our customers to feel we have a variety of options for their specific project and budget,” Nash says. “I believe in this company and our work. My parents built their house more than 40 years ago, using Pella, and the windows and sliding glass door still work perfectly.” The Womble Company began meeting Oklahoma’s needs for construction products nearly a century ago, and has continued its legacy of outstanding customer service in partnership with Pella Window and Doors since the early 1970s. There’s no better choice for adding trusted quality to OKC homes than Pella of Oklahoma.
Pella Windows & Doors PELLABRANCH.COM/OKLAHOMA 537 E. BRITTON RD, OKC, OK 405-478-4350
Homes of the Year Winner Huffman Custom Homes
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Van Dyck Mechanical C L AR K VAN DYCK started his company with one truck in 2016. The Chickasha native launched Van Dyck Mechanical after many years of experience with heavy commercial and eclectic residential HVAC projects, and the company has grown to include HVAC, plumbing and electric under one roof. “It’s definitely one of the things that sets us apart,” Van Dyck says. “I like to say we’ve been keeping people cool and the toilets flushing since I started in the business in ’08.” Van Dyck services all of central Oklahoma, and his crews are in the metro on a near-daily basis. In fact, the company is planning a metro location within the next two years. They employ technicians who possess some of the highest levels of certification in the industry, and all have formal training in their fields. “We take customer service very seriously,” Van
Dyck says. “I don’t send anyone into your home or business who I wouldn’t trust in my home, even if I was out of town. Security and privacy are incredibly important to me, and we believe our customers care about it, too.” All three trades in Van Dyck Mechanical have unlimited size licensing, so there is no legal limit on the size of a project. They really can do anything: chemical manufacturing plants, shopping centers or family homes. Van Dyck said they do a lot of work with custom homes, too, so they are experts in the more technical aspects of projects, like duct system design, load calculations and equipment sizing. “We’ll tell you exactly what we are able to do given the parameters of the house using solid science and math,” Van Dyck says.
Van Dyck Mechanical
VANDYCKMECHANICAL.COM 1228 S 3RD CHICKASHA, OK 73018 405-224-2665 PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: STEFAN GRANGER, CLARK VAN DYCK, SHANNON KEEF
Homes of the Year Winner Huffman Custom Homes
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Traditions Fine Furniture & Design UNDER T H E LEADER SH IP of registered interior designer J. Mark Taylor, Traditions stands out as one of Oklahoma City’s top design firms — small enough to give clients outstanding personal service but large enough to produce some of the metro’s finest residential and commercial interiors. From contemporary to traditional, or anywhere in between, the designers at Traditions provide innovative solutions to fit their clients’ personal style and taste. In their showroom, you will find unique, upscale furnishings and décor, as well as a team ready to tackle your new construction or remodel project from floor plans to finishing touches.
J. Mark Taylor, Assoc. ASID, RID
405-608-8899 WWW.TRADITIONSEDMOND.COM 3409 S. BROADWAY, SUITE 100 EDMOND, OK 73013
Oklahoma Design Company Linda McAllister
405-000-0000 OKLAHOMADESIGNCOMPANY.COM
A X I MP OR ER U M QU E N ECA ERUM faceatus mos dolorrum evel mos as aut faccus. Rum acia doluptatur alit erum ipsant escietur, optur, ea verum conet erestia venet lat laciatis siminciet oditaquia prepera consequiam, consedis mollam autet aliberibus, optas eaquassi consequas vellaut litiossim rem resti offici aut que sandae nullorese dolores sintiur sandae et fugia vel everibus sitis audi suntiore sit, il ium facea dolores et veniscient a doluptat magnimp oratiunt, coreriam verum doluptio et everum sed et atusam re nis arciis dolorehent que sa ent volupta sincidio. Optio quos excea con nonessinvel elit quis errorae non esto cus aut aperiberorum quam alia idi. 54
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AS SEEN IN 405HOME 2020
ADAMS KIRBY HOME / PG 40
Interior Design for Every Aspect of Your Home 4 0 5 .74 8 . 5 7 74 • N O R WA L K F U R N I T U R E O K C . C O M
Dream Home? And now, Dream Rates!
Yes! Rates have drifted down to historic lows once again. If you financed a home in 2017 or later, you might discover that NOW is the time to refinance, take on that home improvement project, or buy that new house. And, we are here to ensure you have a loan experience that is more than a great rate. From application to closing, we don’t just give you a loan, we give you the right loan. Kirkpatrick Bank. Conventional Mortgage, FHA, VA and Jumbo Loans.
BARBARA DRAKE
CONSTANCE LADD
GINA BRITT
KATHY FRANKENFIELD
405.241.0831 bdrake@kirkpatrickbank.com
405.241.0832 cladd@kirkpatrickbank.com
Construction Lending 405.715.8914 gbritt@kirkpatrickbank.com
Director Private Bank 405.241.0810 kfrankenfield@kirkpatrickbank.com
kirkpatrickbankhomeloans.com
LI V ING
Each Day, Give Yourself the Gift of Living Well
SAFE GETAWAY!
PHOTO PROVIDED
Kansas City is a car ride away, and the 21c Museum Hotel is a destination filled with galleries and a safe place to stay. Check out our latest installation of Home Away on page 64.
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living four in the 405
8801 NW 110th Oklahoma City, OK 73162
925 NW 21st Oklahoma City, OK 73106
$374,500 Property taxes: $328/mo $100 per square foot
$345,000 Property taxes: $302/mo $180 per square foot
Built just eight years ago, this spacious five-bedroom, four-bath home in the Piedmont School District is only seven miles from the nearest schools and comes wall-to-wall with fashion-forward designs in every bright space. Featuring a massive kitchen with an island and generous counter area, this 3,748-square-foot home will satisfy both dinner parties and family breakfasts. The checkered tile in the kitchen and bathrooms sets off the airy feel of every room.
Just 110 years old, this two-story bungalow in the historic Mesta Park neighborhood is completely remodeled with a modern floor plan, three bedrooms and two baths. Each room features custom details, including exposed brick, a built-in nook for breakfast and a kitchen appointed with high-end, energy-efficient appliances. The restored wood floors and giant deck will be a hit with both friends and family.
Agent: Kristie Wirth, METRO FIRST REALTY kwirth68@hotmail.com
Agent: Courtney Waugh, METRO FIRST REALTY PREMIER courtney.waugh@yahoo.com
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PHOTOS PROVIDED
A Quartet of Home Possibilities for the Right Price
BY GEORGE LANG
O K L A H O M A C I T Y ’ S M E T R O has a reputation for offering a high standard of living for a relatively low cost
of entry, and there are great homes on the market for almost any price point. Throughout the city, a wide variety of amenities, styles and locations can be found that will meet the needs of your family’s next home. This month, we explore homes listed for between $300,000 and $400,000 in four different areas of the metro.
3801 N Hiwassee, Spencer, OK 73084
10701 Woodridden Oklahoma City, OK 73170
$365,000 Property taxes: $319/mo $87 per square foot
$339,000 Property taxes: $293/mo $93 per square foot
A quick commute from nearby Spencer, this 4,184-square-foot home built in 2007 includes a grand entryway, four bedrooms and four baths, along with an external “man cave” featuring bright natural light and an outdoor kitchen for comfortable al fresco dining. With plenty of outside parking space, this home offers plenty of room in a quiet suburban setting.
This French villa-style 1977 home in the established Greenbriar Kingswood addition combines classic style with bracingly new updates, including a fully modernized chef ’s kitchen and stunning new bathroom treatments. With its luxurious 3,645 square feet, this home offers both bright interior living spaces and indoor-outdoor elegance through its spacious sunroom.
Agent: Jacquelyn Rollins, TREE HOUSE REALTY TransitionsBR15@gmail.com
Agent: Kimberly Spencer, CHURCHILL BROWN & ASSOC. 405.795.3363 FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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living comfort food
Souped Up
Served chilled, the avocado and cucumber soup at the Metro, 6418 N Western, is a savory seasonal classic. Not available year-round, but that makes it even more special.
’TIS THE SEASON FOR SOMETHING COZY BY GREG HORTON
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city’s few restaurants to take soup seriously. It’s a light, flavorful, refreshing way to start a summer meal, or combined with a freshly baked roll, to be a meal. “It’s salsa you can drink,” Able Blakely said, offering the other take on gazpacho. Blakely owns Savory Spice on Western Ave., and he’s an evangelist for chilled soups. “Soup is comfort food,” he said. “We sell seasoning for a lot of chicken noodle, and then beef stew in winter, and two weeks a year I can’t keep enough chili powder in stock. Is chili soup?”
The Metro owner LaVeryl Lower and Chef Gigi Lujan
PHOTOS PROVIDED
S
oup finds its culinary home in a broad space between afterthought and entrée. The space and intentionality between “let’s clean out the fridge” and “don’t forget to pick up truffles” is enough room for just about everyone’s idea of soup: humble to complex, practical to indulgent, and starter to entrée. But for all of us – surely – our relationship to soup begins at home, as a kid, where soup is served up with a sandwich on the side or as a side to a sandwich, and in Oklahoma that usually means tomato soup and grilled cheese. When an editor asks for a story about soup, you can spend a lot of time thinking about something that never occupied much mental territory. What is soup? What has to be present for it to be soup? How many varieties are there? Is chili soup? How do you make stock? Roux or no roux? It’s a subject far larger than seems reasonable given that it’s soup. You likely don’t give soup much thought, not like chips and salsa or cheeseburgers or tacos or pizza. It’s just soup. Yet… Soup has been part of the culinary history of humans as far back as prehistory. That makes a sort of sense when you consider the practical aspect of its flexibility: it makes a little go farther, be it meat, vegetables or starches. A pot of stew (Is that soup? More on that in a bit) is a meal for a family, whereas a few ounces of meat and a bowlful of vegetables might only feed one or two individuals. Beyond the practical side, though, is the pleasant reality that soup done well can be elegant or comfort food, or some magical blend of both categories. Take gazpacho for example. The chilled, Spanish soup is presented beautifully at The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro, one of the
IS C H I L I S O U P ? “No,” Chef Kurt Fleischfresser says. “It’s served like soup, but if you’re thinking chili soup, just go with pozole.” Fleischfresser was not the only chef who said no, but chili as soup has its defenders, too. Elena Farrar at Elemental Coffee said, “Yes! You eat it with a spoon, so it’s soup.” Chef Loretta Barrett Oden said something similar: “If you have to eat it with a spoon, it’s soup.” We talked to dozens of people, and many of them weren’t having it. For them, chili is a category and stew is a category, but arguments like this exist only for the sake of argument, not because something important is at stake. Dictionaries and encyclopedias both describe soup as food cooked in liquid, so by that definition, and for the sake of this project, chili is soup. The great surprise of this part of the soup project was that Metro owner and soup savant LaVeryl Lower outed herself as a closeted Texan when she declared that chili should not be made with beans, ever. T H E STO C KS Good soup starts with good stock, much like good pie begins with good crust. When the container is also the ingredient that defines the meal, the container has to be delicious for the dish to be successful. We asked Chef Kurt Fleischfresser and Elena Farrar for some best practices when it comes to making stock. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that the longer you cook stock, the better it is,”
Fleichfresser said. “Really, it’s about cooking it for the right amount of time. Doesn’t matter if it’s fish or beef, the stock is done when the connective tissues in the carcass are broken down.” The simplest way to determine this? Lift the bones with a fork, and if they fall apart, the stock is done. Cooking it longer will make it “muddy,” according to Fleischfresser. “If
tiny chunks of meat were childhood companions. What makes chicken and noodle work? Seasoning that matches the soup, including parsley, bay leaves and sage. Change the seasoning, and you change the flavor, complexity and tone of the soup. Chef Oden said Native American soup dishes from this region were usually seasoned with crushed juniper berries (“They’re perfect with bison or veni-
Beyond the practical side, though, is the pleasant reality that soup done well can be elegant or comfort food, or some magical blend of both categories. you’re looking to add depth of flavor, cut an onion in half, roast one side over an open flame until it’s burned, and then drop that in the stock pot,” he said. Farrar works with vegetarian and vegan soups more than most places at Elemental, and she starts with Parmesan rinds for vegetarian stock. “I add a few to the pot, with garlic, onions and seasoning appropriate to the soup I’m making,” she said. For vegan stock, she starts with flavorful vegetables and garlic, and then will work with miso or garlic (or both) to add savory notes. T H E S E AS O N I N G M ATC H ES T H E ST Y L E Chicken noodle is still the archetypal soup for many Americans. The overcooked noodles and
Cream of fresh mushroom soup from Elemental Coffee, 815 N Hudson Ave
son”), sage, Mexican oregano and salt. “No pepper, though,” she said. “They wouldn’t have had pepper.” Figuring out which spices and herbs go with what style is a simple matter of research, and Blakely’s team is ready to help, too. Savory Spice keeps spice blends on hand for different styles of soup, as well as a large selection of single spices. T H E ST Y L ES Cream soups dominate Oklahoma menus, and that’s largely because a cream soup can sit in a hot pot all service, but a pasta-based soup would overcook. Cream-based soups are rich and flavorful, but are nutritionally equivalent to liquefied donuts. Broth-based soups or even pureed vegetable bases without cream are much healthier, and with the right techniques, can be delicious. Oklahoma is dominated by a few styles, but a wide variety exists if you know where to look. Pozole and Caldo de Mariscos from Mexico, Capoon from Laos, chowder from Boston, Pepper soup and Ogbono from West Africa, Minestrone from Italy, Gazpacho from Spain, Vichyssoise from France, and Bun bo Hue from Vietnam – we have them all, and so many more. We asked chefs from around the metro to give us recipes for some of their favorite styles. You’ll find them online, including a version of The Metro’s chilled avocado-cucumber; the original recipe was developed by the late Chef Chip Sears and still used by The Metro. The beauty of recipes is that they allow us to continue to share in someone’s life – mother, grandparent, chef – even after they’re gone. The recipes are designed to be doable at home for cooks of all talent levels. FA L L 2 0 2 0 4 0 5 H O M E
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living staying fit
Thinking Outside the Gym FITNESS EXPERTS MAKE THEIR WORKOUTS MORE PANDEMIC-ACCESSIBLE VIA VIRTUAL AND OUTDOOR CL ASSES BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY DON RISI
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N OT H E R DAY… A N O T H E R R U N … down the same streets, past the same houses, with neighborhood views you’ve completely memorized. If your workouts are feeling all-too-predictable these COVID days, a new class guided by a skilled instructor could add more variety and challenges to an otherwise monotonous routine. Lucky for you, local fitness coaches are increasingly connecting with exercise enthusiasts through virtual training sessions, on-demand videos and park meet-ups. With safety at the forefront and small studio spaces being shunned, they’ve initiated innovative ways to keep you – and their small businesses – moving forward.
Shannon Stephens, owner of This Land Yoga, in the studio’s new space at 405 NW 30th
Tribe
This Land Yoga
When the quarantine forced Tribe OKC gym to close abruptly, Owner Tiffany Whisman amped up her already popular online program, Wildfire. She added a new series of bodyweight workouts for people who don’t have equipment at home, incorporating everyday household items like a coffee table, pantry goods, books and gallon water jugs to stand in for gym equipment. “We offer classes designed to teach you how to lift weights safely, properly and effectively with results-focused programming,” Whisman says. The bodyweight series includes strength movement, hypertrophy and cardio workouts. Additional online classes – three years’ worth of Tribe OKC content – cover strength training, body building, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and explosive movement. Tribe OKC is offering the first month free. Then the program costs $39 a month. Each workout begins with a “coach chat” and positive thoughts for the day. Whisman is quick to recognize the opportunities to learn and grow, especially during this pandemic. “Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures – but even better than that – unprecedented revelations about who and what we are deep down at our soul’s core,” she says.
Yoga develops strength, balance and an inner sense of calm – coveted attributes during times of uncertainty. “We can take refuge in the simplicity of breath and movement, the moment that’s right in front of us,” says Shannon Stephens, owner of This Land Yoga. Stephens launched a Vimeo channel at the beginning of the pandemic to stay connected to the This Land Yoga community. The channel has grown both in popularity and content, with new videos uploaded almost daily. Today, it showcases a variety of yoga disciplines, kids’ classes and three workshop-style programs: Creating Calm in the Midst of Change, Relieve Low Back Pain and Vinyasa Foundations (to perfect your Chaturanga). For $18 a month – and the first month half off with the code “PRACTICE” – online subscribers get unlimited access to all sessions, ranging from just a few minutes to 75 minutes long. Stephens believes even a few minutes of practice every day can have a lasting impact. “There’s no doubt that the way we care for ourselves informs the way we view and interact with the world,” she says. “Stress, pain, grief and hardship are inevitable, but when we take time to connect to our bodies in a healthy way, we become more resilient, kinder and compassionate. The ripple effect is immeasurable.” This Land Yoga also offers yoga classes in-studio with mandatory masks and social distancing. Visit the website for a schedule.
WEIGHT TRAINING www.tribeokc.com/wildfire
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YO G A www.thislandyoga.com
The team at This Land Yoga films adds new content to its Vimeo channel and online offerings weekly, so students can safely stream from home.
EVOLVE
Jill Jordan Fitness
With EVOLVE, it’s hard to find an excuse not to work out. “Money, feeling alone, being intimidated in a group class setting – my main goal is break down those barriers to get people moving,” says owner Jamie Crone. To prove this goal, Crone leads free community classes at Stars and Stripes Park every Saturday, weather permitting. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids and make exercising a family affair. The weekly workout is an interval-type class – adaptable to any age and fitness level – with Pilates techniques mixed into the workout. Another approachable option: EVOLVE On Demand, a “onestop virtual training shop.” For $47 a month, you can access all of the Pilates and strength training classes recorded in the Evolve studio. The latest series, Back to Basics, is a six-to-eight-week program that focuses on mastering foundational moves, like squats and push-ups. Additionally, Crone preforms every physical challenge, right along with you, while cheering you on. “These are fully guided workouts,” she says. “I am moving and sweating with you throughout the entire workout. It helps when you feel like you have a workout buddy.”
This one’s for the ladies. Jill Wallace, owner of Jill Jordan Fitness, specializes in personal and small group training for women. The goals, location and (if you want to invite friends) small group are all determined by each client’s unique wants and needs. A FaceTime workout session is nothing new for Wallace – she has a roster of clients who travel, live outof-state and have children at home. “I was so thankful to have virtual training in place during the quarantine,” Wallace says. “It was a simple transition for many of us – and a way to keep my clients accountable, healthy and fit from their living rooms.” Monthly costs vary, and packages can be customized to fit all budgets and workout goals. For personal training, a one-hour private session is $75 and 30 minutes is $40. Group sessions are $35 per person per hour, available five days a week, with each day drilling a different target area. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the small groups work the upper body. Wednesdays and Thursdays focus on lower body, and Fridays cover a total body workout. “I believe in functional training and target training to get the best and fastest results,” Wallace says. “I also add HIIT in for weight loss and cardio on some of the lower body and total body days. I do a wide variety of workouts to keep the body from plateauing – and to keep it fun and challenging.”
PI L AT E S www.evolvefitnessokc.com
TA R G E T T R A I N I N G www.jilljordanfitness.com
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living getaways
Home Away HEADING NORTH TO K ANSAS CIT Y’S 21C BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON
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EELING COMFORTABLY at home while still
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Ken + Julia Yonetani’s work was introduced at the2013 Singapore Biennial. Now glowing beneath the historic dome in the lobby of 21c Kansas City, this work references nature, artifice, technology and various manifestations of power, expressing the artists’ interrogation, “In the future, what should we wish for?”
The suite life at 21c Kansas City includes spacious sitting areas.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
getting away is a tough row to hoe these days. We’re adapting, though. Nowadays, we are more likely to drive to our destinations, and we’re generally sticking closer to home – which makes Kansas City an excellent choice, and its 21c Museum Hotel the obvious place to call home while there. Bonus: Its 8,000 square feet of galleries, dazzling art collection and slate of exhibitions mean you’re staying in a destination. Another bonus: The hotel has waived its pet fee for the rest of the year, so Fido can come, too! Before we got too excited, we wanted to be sure that the pandemic safety measures were to our liking, and after a great conversation with General Manager Tim Roby, we are packing our car. Says he, “We have reimagined the way our entire property operates and partnered with top experts to implement new standards of safety and enhanced operational protocols and procedures which are among the most stringent in the hospitality industry.” Expect to see mandatory screening for all guests and employees, masks on everyone, physical distancing markers in public spaces and increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, with a focus on high-touch points. Rooms are unoccupied for 48 hours between guests, and the hotel uses EPA registered disinfecting chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Dining in-property is as safe as possible. “The Savoy is open for dinner 5:30-9:30 p.m. and there are similar safety procedures and protocols, including team members who are masked and gloved. We health screen our team and our guests, seating is socially distanced, menus are disposable or provided via a QR code and we have increased the frequency of cleaning both in the front and back of house.” Room service is available via touchless delivery. When you’re ready to venture outside the hotel, you’ll find it’s well situated, a few blocks from the Power and Light district and The River Market. Catch the KC Streetcar, a short walk from the hotel, which connects guests to the KC River Market, Crown Center and Union Station. We’ve pulled together a couple of itineraries and information about the museum-hotel’s current exhibition, OFFSPRING: New Generations – check them out online at 405magazine.com.
A King Studio Suite
The Savoy showcases Kansas City native Joe West’s take on modern Midwest cuisine and the gorgeous bar is roomy enough to socially distance
Nowadays, we are more likely to drive to our destinations, and we’re generally sticking closer to home – which makes Kansas City an excellent choice, and its 21c Museum Hotel the obvious place to call home while there. Luftwerk (German, American), Linear Sky, 2018. Powdercoated aluminum, LED lights. Part of the exhibition LIMITLESS: Site-Specific Art at 21c Kansas City.
Nearly every space has been transformed into galleries, including a once-utlitarian corridor.
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Before
SERVING OKC FOR 29 YEARS. SHOWROOM HOURS Monday - Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4. Interior design by appointment | info@winterhouseinteriors.com ( 40 5 ) 6 0 7 - 1 1 9 9 | 6 4 1 1 A VO N D A LE D R I VE N I CH OL S H IL L S OK 7 3 1 1 6 | W W W . W INT ER H OUSEINT ER IO RS.C O M
A LFR ESCO Enhancing Your Corner of the Great Outdoors
BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN
Carli Economy
Dining outdoors is lovely when the infernal summer sun has softened to a hazy golden glow. Set a stunning table and stay awhile. We’ll tell you how on page 68.
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alfresco outdoor dining
The Waters family’s harvest table is a well-worn treasure. 68
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Flower placemats in mixed gray from Vera, Arte Italica dinner plates, Bodum Rivera napkins, Royal Pacific flatware from Fortessa and Zaffglass tumblers.
The Harvest A COOL WAY TO DINE BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTOS BY CARLI ECONOMY
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N C E FA L L T E M P E R AT U R E S start to show themselves, entertaining outdoors can be a welcome relief after months of blistering summer heat. Ready to move on from summer themes and colors, I wanted to highlight the surge in popularity of the backyard garden as people began looking for projects to help pass the time and soothe their souls in their newfound normal. After a quaint dinner with dear friends, starring their freshly picked greens as part of the menu, garden vegetables became the inspiration for this autumnal al fresco piece. I commandeered my family’s harvest table quite a few years ago, and as a result, it is consistently moved to the patio or backyard for gatherings. I adore it. A harvest table is by definition a narrow, long table with hinged drop leaves, but for this idea any large table will do. One can’t help but think of lush vegetables, garlands and flowers strung down the center, showing off the literal fruits of your labor for a gathering. The well-worn patina of my harvest table is the perfect backdrop for a composition of golden orange beets, multi-colored carrots with long stems, green gourds and deep purple eggplants. Adding to that, foraged magnolia branches give the arrangement some depth. While I didn’t personally pluck these vegetables out of the ground, the organic feel of the centerpiece is unmistakable: informal but full of texture and eye-catching color. White plates, fiery orange linens and gorgeous glass and flatware make the setting sing. Pillar candles in gray-toned terracotta bowls are a crowning touch. The setting is meant to conjure feelings of simplicity and grounding, as well a gratitude for nature and the things we nurture … be they our relationships or surroundings. Both require care and attention, and the result is bountiful.
All tabletop from Culinary Kitchen, 7222 N Western, OKC, culinarykitchen.com.
Rustic crockery makes a perfect candle holder.
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alfresco growing
Bulbs 101
A PRIMER FOR YOUR PALETTE BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADRIENNE WRIGHT
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A R D E N I N G I S H AV I N G a moment. All summer long, Instagram was filled with outstretched palms bearing tomatoes and announcements of each day’s harvest. It’s no wonder: Gardening is a well-documented booster of mood and a mental balm, and while the vegetable growing season may be winding down, home gardeners can now turn their attention to the double-gratification of planting bulbs. “Bulbs are easy to work with because they are tough,” says Adrienne Wright, professor of design at the University of Central Oklahoma, who holds an undergraduate degree in landscape design. “Throw them into your garden and don’t overwater them. They’re a great way to add color; you can plant a range to get color for most of the seasons. I’m surprised more people don’t do more with bulbs.” Wright’s career highlights include working as a project lead for a large landscape
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architecture firm, designing everything from large streetscapes to small residential projects. She continues to create garden designs for a handful of clients each season. There are two optimal bulb-planting times a year, fall and spring. “For fall planting, when the daytime temps average 75 degrees, you can plant. Some will wait to plant until January or February, but that’s not enough lead time,” she says. Wright suggests starting with “staple bulbs” such as crocus, daffodil, tulip, hyacinth and early snowdrop, and doing a dab of prep work. “Bulbs need drainage - they can’t be put in a spot that holds water, because they’ll rot.” She suggests you amend your soil, which really just means to add some compost and mix it all up to a depth of eight to 12 inches. “Cotton burr compost will help neutralize clay and make the soil more loamy and soft, which makes drainage better,” Wright says. “There are so many bulb varieties to choose from in our zone. It’s fun to choose, just go to a garden store
and look around. It’s also a good idea to get a bulb auger attachment for your drill. Bigger bulbs need to be planted six to eight inches deep, and smaller ones three to four inches deep,” she says. Bulbs are meant to be planted in large masses or drifts. No precision needed! Mixing multiple colors of daffodils into one drift adds interest, as does planting assortments of bulbs that flower at different times. “I like to plant lilies, like naked lady lilies, in ground cover like juniper, and get a little architectural,” Wright says. Some lesser-used bulbs Wright loves are freesias and lilies. Late spring is another prime bulb-planting time, and this is when gardeners can add gladiolas, caladium, hostas (technically a perennial tuber), lilies and dahlias, the latter of which will bloom into August and September. “My only caution with dahlias is that they’re a little bit out of our zone, but they will work,” Wright
says. “They need to be planted among other plants to keep their roots cool. For example, you can plant dahlias with daylilies, and the dahlias will come up as the daylilies are spent.” Wright’s assertion that bulbs may be underappreciated extends especially to one variety: the canna. “It’s one of those plants that gets a bad rap. It can seem dated, but don’t sleep on cannas! They come in tall varieties and shorter ones with wide-petaled blooms. They love heat, and they attract hummingbirds.”
Don’t underestimate the mental and physical benefits of a little puttering in the garden, either. As Wright so rightly says, “Little boosts are so important, and fresh flowers in the home are terrific for our mental health.”
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looking ahead
A Look Ahead BY CHRISTINE EDDINGTON | PHOTO BY DWELLING TABLE
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P R I N GT I M E I N O K L A H O M A was made for whiling the day away on a wide, gracious porch, glass in hand. The ne plus ultra of porches, in our opinion, wraps languidly around the eye-candy confection and indulgent perfection that is Oklahoma City’s brilliant boutique hotel, Bradford House. Of course, we’d be just as happy ensconced in this luscious dining room, sampling everything on the
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expertly curated menu. The food? Exquisite. The accommodations? Divine. Open for business last summer, the joint has been jumping ever since. In our spring 2021 issue of 405HOME, we’ll tell you all about it. Of course you already know more than you think. You met Bradford House’s proprietors, Sara Kate and Jason Little, and toured their sweet home in this issue. Wait ‘til you see what they can do on a larger scale!
The OKCMOA Store is now the exclusive vendor for Jonathan Adler furniture and lighting in Oklahoma. C O N TA C T U S
S TO R E @ O KC M OA .CO M
Need help? We can help haute your home with a free design consultation. (405) 278-8233
T H E O N E . T H E O N LY.
A LEGACY OF FINE FURNITURE FOR 62 YEARS
Keven Calonkey Carl Professional Member ASID NCIDQ Certified
Est. 1958 • 109 East Main • Norman • 405.321.1818 • MisterRobert.com •