By Loyd McIntoshPhotos by Jordan WaldIn just a few short months since opening in December 2024, Miss Astrid’s Tavern has established itself as a part of Cahaba Heights’ heartbeat, a community spot for a great meal and conversation in a setting that is at once relaxed, funky, upscale and homey. Owned and operated by Denise Boley, a longtime Cahaba Heights … [Read more...]
Classically Eclectic: Marianne Strong relies on bold colors and rich textures to achieve her signature style
By Barry Wise SmithMarianne Strong grew up in Nashville a nascent designer. “I loved design growing up. I was that kid who constantly rearranged her room,” Strong says. “My parents were very supportive and encouraged my creativity. They gave me free reign to paint and do what I wanted to do. But Strong also knew that she wanted to own her own business. She went to business … [Read more...]
Tradition with a Twist: Designer Julie Terrell puts her unique spin on classic interior design
By Barry Wise SmithPhotos by Joan AllsoppJulie Terrell never planned on being an interior designer. She graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in Art History and went on to get her master’s degree from the University of Alabama with plans to get her PhD and be a professor. “But I saw how limiting that could be,” Terrell says. “You might spend your … [Read more...]
A Legacy of Good Taste: Caroline Gidiere’s new book captures the joyful patterns and colors of her interior design work
By Madoline Markham KoonceOne of Caroline Gidiere’s earliest memories growing up in Florence, Ala., was going to a wallpaper store with her mother while her sister was in preschool. Her mom would set her down in front of a wallpaper book and ask her to pick out a pattern for her room. No matter if they were at home or out in the world, Gidiere saw how her mom … [Read more...]
The Cook Store Turns 50: An Interview with proprietor Wesley Lassen
By Lee HurleyIt’s official, The Cook Store is now qualified to join AARP. Opened by Sam Franks in 1975, he later sold it to Betty Knight who changed the name to The Cook Store and, in 1999, sold it to Wesley Lassen, where our story begins. Wesley was born and raised in Mountain Brook, the daughter of well-liked and respected Fred Powell a lawyer with Burr & Forman. Her … [Read more...]