By Donna Cornelius Interior designer Perry Umphrey has been a part of the Decorators’ ShowHouse for almost two decades. “I participated for two years as a student and then did my own room for the first time in 2001,” Umphrey said. This year, he has a new role in the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser. He’s co-chairing the event with Molly Bee Bloetscher. The … [Read more...]
Not A Chance
By Sue Murphy I was picking up Easter goodies for my grandchildren and came across basket-sized boxes of teeny tiny fairies and action figures. The problem was, the teeny tiny question mark on each box indicated that you couldn’t be sure of which figure you would get. This kind of uncertainty isn’t good for a 4-year-old. It isn’t good for their grandma, either. “Here you … [Read more...]
Gathering Place: Birmingham Wholesale Furniture Creates ShowHouse Keeping Room
By Donna Cornelius Keeping rooms can be traced back to 18th century America. But they’re almost as popular today as they were in Colonial times. Originally, keeping rooms – spaces built as part of or adjacent to the kitchen – took advantage of the heat created by wood stoves and provided a warm place to eat, do chores and even sleep. Today, these rooms are still hot spots. … [Read more...]
Hollywood Fan Club: House Tour Opens Doors Into Historic Homewood Neighborhood
By Donna Cornelius It didn’t take Dana Garvin long to become a firm fan of one of Homewood’s most popular neighborhoods. “I’ve lived in Birmingham most of my life but just moved to Hollywood about four years ago, and I absolutely love it,” she said. “This neighborhood is the perfect combination of charm and history while being close to the newest … [Read more...]
Heading for State: John Carroll Girls Soccer Sets Sights on Recapturing Title
By Rubin E. Grant Listen to the stories of any fishermen or hunter and inevitably you will hear about the one that got away. The John Carroll Catholic girls soccer team can talk about something similar. After winning three consecutive state championships, one in Class 5A in 2014 and two in Class 6A in 2015 and 2016, the Cavaliers’ streak … [Read more...]