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...]
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...]
Come Play!: Plenty is Happening This Summer in the Magic City
By Lynn Grisard Fullman Summertime. Ah, summertime! The living definitely is easy. The days are (mostly) sunny. The pace is slower. The possibilities are as abundant as thestars in the night sky. In Birmingham this summer, you will find festivals and special events of all sorts. “This is a great summer to stay right here in Birmingham,” said Dilcy Windham Hilley, … [Read more...]
Room With a View: Perry Umphrey Puts the Living Room in Perspective
Story By Donna Cornelius • Photos by Lee Walls Jr. The living room at this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse is a room with a view in more ways than one. Architecturally, the expansive space has a two-story-tall wall of windows that provide a stunning perspective of the patio and gardens. Design-wise, Perry Umphrey has injected the room with his own brand of creative energy. The … [Read more...]
Simply Stunning: Mother-Daughter Team Blends Old and New in the Dining Room
Story By Donna Cornelius • Photo by Lee Walls Jr. The dining room at this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse lends weight to the saying that less is more – especially when the pieces are carefully chosen by designers Kathy Harris and Heather Hill. The mother-daughter team created a serene and stylish space with a thoughtful blend of European antiques and modern pieces. “We like to … [Read more...]