By Donna Cornelius One of the most eye-catching spaces at this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse was almost overlooked. Designers who want to participate in the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser are given a list of rooms and then present plans for the one they’d like to transform. Rick Griffith of Griffith Art Gallery said the first-floor hallway he wanted – and ended … [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...]
A House of Note: Letter Led to Thomson’s Purchase of Mountain Brook Dream Home
By Donna Cornelius There was something about the house at 3121 Brookwood Road that drew Kathy Thomson’s eye every time she drove past it. “The house just seemed so cozy and warm,” said Kathy, who as a teenager often passed the Mountain Brook house on her way to school. “I loved the big front porch.” She was so taken with the house that she eventually left a note in the … [Read more...]