By Blake Ells Dr. Thomas G. Amason Jr. is a gardener. Well, Amason is a lot of things. He served in the Navy, he’s a pediatrician, he’s a philanthropist and he’s a Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens trustee who served as chairman of the board of directors in 2008-2010. He was a gardener when he was 12 years old and he’s a gardener in semi-retirement. But “gardener” … [Read more...]
Mediterranean Medium: Mountain Brook’s Donna Jernigan Calls on Her Pup to Add to Her Art Collection
Story by Emily Williams • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.A pet has always been among the most prized fixtures of the household in Donna Jernigan's life. The pitter-patter of paws has been a constant throughout her childhood and adulthood. Her 91⁄2-year-old Pomeranian, Sampson, is the compan- ion in residence at her home in Mountain Brook. “He’s just my little companion,” she … [Read more...]
Opposites Attract: Jeff and Deanna Pizitz Mix Classic and Contemporary in Mountain Brook Home
Story by Emily Williams • Photos by Lee Walls Jr. When Deanna Pizitz married her husband, Jeff, 3 1/2 years ago, she said "I do" to more than a man. She said yes to his home on Southwood Road, as well as his devotion to Cavalier King Charles spaniels. With her kids well into adulthood, Deanna said the addition of their spaniel, Kingston, has made the transition into her … [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...]