By Ana Good
Nestled among the Appalachian ridges of Oak Mountain in the picturesque Highlands Lakes neighborhood, Page Stabler and her husband, Alan, embarked on a transformative journey to remodel what they call their “final home.”
With their children grown and out of the house, the couple sought to create a space that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their trusted partner in this endeavor was Robert F. Henry Tile, a family-owned business that has been serving the Alabama tile market since 1933.
Stablers’ connection with the tile company dates back to 2004-2005, when she was selling advertising for Birmingham Home and Garden magazine.
“They became one of my clients, and that’s how I got to know them on the professional side,” she recalled. “On the customer side, a house we bought in Vestavia Hills needed some remodeling, so I worked with them to redo two bathrooms and a kitchen.”
After moving from Vestavia to their current Highland Lakes residence three years ago, Stabler once again recognized the need for updates.
The Stablers’ home, built in the late 1990s, had undergone previous renovations, but not to their satisfaction.
“There had been an attempt by the previous owner to redo the master bathroom, but the shower had such horrible craftsmanship that we felt it was something that really needed to be done,” Stabler said. The kitchen, too, was outdated with a Tuscan, orange style that did not appeal to her.
“We knew when we bought the house that it was something that we were going to do eventually,” she said.
Stabler’s previous experience in home remodeling, coupled with her exposure to various design trends through her work with Birmingham Home and Garden and later with Hoffman Media, helped her formulate a clear vision for her space.
“I wanted something that was classic, clean, timeless, would age well but also had warmth and some color,” she said.
The Stablers enlisted the help of Robert F. Henry Tile for their kitchen and master bathroom renovations, using the company’s expertise to craft a vision that blends modern functionality with classic design. Their vision was brought to life with the help of Paula Robbins at the company.
The work began last fall with the bathroom renovation. Rather than completely redo the bathroom, Stabler worked with the company to elevate the space and correct the previous owners’ missteps. The renovation included an overhaul of the shower area, as well as installation of a tile rug to dress up the space and replace previously broken tiles in the center of the room.
“What we love about the bathroom is I wanted that classic look that is easy to clean,” Stabler said. Large panels of porcelain tile that look like marble were used, installed in the shower including on the ceiling to ensure water drainage and prevent moisture issues.
“We even trimmed the door and window in tile, making it look clean and classy,” Stabler said.
Kitchen Colors and Function
In the kitchen, Stabler trusted Robbins’ expertise and eye to perfect the look she wanted.
“She helped me find the color palette that I was looking for,” Stabler said. She’s so talented and helped me create a beautiful and functional space.”
Stabler’s design philosophy emphasizes warmth and color, a departure from the stark white aesthetics that recently dominated trends.
“I was very tired of the all-white, no softness type of look that was happening in the market,” she said. “That’s now going away. We are going back to natural wood and putting color in.”
With Robbins’ guidance, Stabler selected a rich color palette inspired by a rug she owned, harmonizing elements throughout her kitchen.
The kitchen backsplash features imperfect, glossy tiles laid in a striking herringbone pattern that catches the light. This design choice, combined with top lighting from the vent, creates a stunning visual effect.
“It’s gorgeous,” she exclaimed.
Another highlight is the custom coffee station, inspired by an Instagram post.
“It is a painted floor-to-ceiling cabinet with the actual coffee part matching the perimeter cabinets,” she said. “It has glass doors that open, and the coffee pot rolls out on a shelf. It’s really beautiful and unique.”
The Challenges of Renos
Like any renovation project, the Stablers faced a few challenges.
“Balancing the cabinet design and the electrician to make sure I had plugs and lights where I wanted them, or where they didn’t show, was challenging,” Stabler said.
She emphasized the importance of communication with the contractors, particularly when coordinating electrical placements for appliances such as the microwave, which was strategically designed to enhance functionality in the kitchen. Clear communication and the ability to be present during the work helped the Stablers prevent time and money surprises.
The design process was remarkably swift, thanks to Stabler’s preparation and Robbins’ expertise.
“We actually picked out the tile and the countertop the first day,” Stabler said. “The more you can go in with things that you already like or desire, the easier it is.”
The Stablers’ neighbor recommended Roman Martinez for the tile work, who then brought in SD Construction for the general contracting.
“All of his subs are quality work, polite, show up when they are supposed to,” Stabler said.
Reflecting on the timeline, Stabler said the kitchen project took about eight to nine weeks, slightly longer than expected due to minor delays in material arrivals.
“We were only out of the kitchen for about three weeks since we re-fronted our cabinets instead of replacing them,” she explained. “It was inconvenient, but we managed well.”
Now, with the renovations complete, Stabler describes her kitchen as a joyful space where she can truly enjoy cooking.
“My kitchen is a happy place now. It’s a fun place to cook. I no longer stare at orange and black granite,” she said, referencing the outdated elements that once dominated the room. The new design features, such as deep drawers for pots and pans and a big deep sink, have made the kitchen more convenient and enjoyable.
“It’s pretty, light, and inviting. I’m looking forward to entertaining in this kitchen,” she said.
With modern lighting, ample storage and a welcoming ambiance in their kitchen and bathroom, the Stablers are eager to host gatherings, including their annual neighborhood Christmas party.
Stabler’s long-standing relationship with Robert F. Henry Tile has been a cornerstone of her renovation projects.
“I’ve known Fred Henry and Paula for 20 years. I’ve worked with them on five projects,” she said. “It’s not only about the great selection; it’s about how much they really care about your project and the years and years of experience that they have to pull projects together.”
