Bradley Singletary 1/14/22 Bradley Singletary 1/14/22

Our Best of Birmingham: Designer Edition

Growing up, my father served in the Air Force which meant we traveled and lived all over the country. From Alaska to Arizona, my upbringing was filled with wonderful people and places all over the United States building my love for travel and change. Despite all the cities we lived in, Birmingham was always considered home, as this was where my parents had roots and family. Birmingham always felt like home to me and is ultimately the place where my husband and I decided to raise our children. As a Birmingham local and designer, I thought it fitting to share some of my and Bradley’s favorite home design/decor places in the Magic City. We’ve also included a few of our favorite dining spots because Birmingham is known for its fabulous cuisine. From our favorite places for all things interior design and decor, to some amazing food, you are in for a literal treat. Welcome to Birmingham!

Antiques

One of our favorite things to shop for other than shoes are antiques and Birmingham has some of the best. Two of our favorites happen to both be in downtown Homewood: The Nest, and Tricia’s Treasures. Tricia’s has a large selection and truly is a place where we have found personal treasure’s for ourselves, and our client’s homes. Tricia’s is a larger antique store and not a quick stop type of place as there is a wide and beautiful selection to look through, definitely requiring some time and a cup of coffee. Now let’s walk next door to The Nest. Owner Betty Margaret’s exquisite taste and eye for antiques is evident the moment you walk into her store. Though a smaller inventory, every single piece floor to ceiling is as lovely as Betty Margaret herself and the quality of pieces is excellent across the board. Both stores individually unique with beautiful selections and are two top places we recommend to anyone looking for antiques in Birmingham.

Art

One of the most sentimental and personal decor pieces one can put in their home is art. We always say that art is personal and is something that should be meaningful and invested in. Something that we think makes art exceptionally special is locality. Birmingham has some exquisite local artists and if you are looking for great local art, Liz Lane Gallery and Design Supply are home to some of the best. Design Supply is located downtown in Pepper Place and has a large variety of local art that has a modern and contemporary vibe. Liz Lane Gallery located in Homewood is owned by artist Liz Lane and houses her own beautiful art as well as a few other local artists. If you’re looking for colorful and/or custom pieces, Liz Lane Gallery is the place.

Rugs

For any of our clients looking for an Oushak rug, Olde Worlde Acquistions is the first place we go. We love to decorate with this style of rug because of their individuality and classic aesthetic. There is no one Oushak rug alike and we love the individuality it brings to each home. Owned by Sandra Deshazo and located in the right next to The Nest in Homewood, Olde Worlde Acquisitions has some of the best selections. From neutrals to vibrant colors, each rug is as equally beautiful as it is exquisitely unique.

Furniture

When it comes to furniture, there are several factors to consider: Aesthetics, functionality, style, and price point. The three places that have continuously delivered all of these qualities for our clients and for Bradley and I personally, are Richard Tubbs, At Home and Argent.

Richard Tubbs, located in Pepper place downtown Birmingham, has some of the most exquisite furniture pieces. Although a higher price point, every single piece is beautiful, high quality, and would last a lifetime. Everytime we walk into this store, we find inspiration for our own design and decorating work. The atmosphere in this store alone is an experience and it is such a treat to visit.

One of the most frequented furnishing stores we use in our design work is At Home. At Home has a wide range of style in their inventory and we have used them for a variety of projects from men’s offices and lofts, to living rooms serving family’s with young children, to empty nesters decorating a beautiful apartment overlooking downtown Birmingham. At Home serves a variety of our client’s needs and has the most excellent customer service. Not only does At Home have some of the best home decor and furnishing, it is also one of the best places to find a gift. Hostess gifts, candles, clothes and accessories, dish and serveware, you can find it all at At Home.

Another absolute favorite home furnishing spot is Argent. Argent is home to some of the best throw pillows, art, lamps, jewelry, pottery and furniture pieces. Owner Drew Parker’s fabulous taste is reflected in every piece of inventory in his store. If you’re looking for elegance with a punch, Argent is the place to go. Argent also has amazing customer service which makes every visit and purchase a pleasure.

Linens

One of our favorite things to help our client’s with is bedding. Bedding is what makes a statement in any bedroom and if you’re looking for the best, Three Sheets and White House Interiors have the most beautiful selections.

Located in downtown Homewood, Three Sheets has some of the loveliest bedding around. Dreamy, elegant and high quality, Three Sheets will make all of your “suite dreams” come true. Not only doesThree Sheets have some of the best bedding, but also is one of our favorite places for baby gifts, pajamas, accessories, bath linens and especially luxury bath products. Such a great place if you’re looking for a gift for someone or yourself.

White House Interiors is another favorite place for all your bedding needs. They have such a large selection from luxury bedding brands to other beautiful bedding at a little lower price point. Such a great place to look for any bedding budget without having to give up quality. The sales associates do such a beautiful job with staging beds that show off all the beautiful options and make putting an entire bed collection together so easy.

Lunch Spots

Lunch break anyone? We love a good lunch spot and Brick & Tin and Real & Rosemary are hands down our favorites. Both have seasonal menus, fresh ingredients, and so delicious. Brick & Tin has an in house bakery and a Summer heirloom salad that we dream about all year long. Be sure to order a glass of chardonnay with your lunch and sit outside if you can to enjoy the sights of quaint and charming Mountain Brook Village.

Shopping in Homewood? The best place to lunch is Real & Rosemary. From their Fig and collards salad, sweet potato fries with lemongrass dipping sauce, to burgers and their hot sandwiches, Real & Rosemary has something for everyone. Not only is every single menu item delicious, but the interior decor and atmosphere will make you feel instantly transported to a lovely lunch spot on 30A.

Coffee Break

Our favorite local Birmingham coffee spot is O’Henrys. The best flavored and seasonal coffee in town and a favorite spot for college students and business meetings makes O’ Henrys a Birmingham favorite. Their Christmas blend coffee is a Birmingham staple and something we purchase every year for ourselves, and as gifts for friends or clients. The atmosphere is everything you would want in a coffee shop and is such a fun spot to work, study, or meet up with a friend for coffee and cake.

If you’re at O Henry’s in Homewood and just got a cup of coffee then I highly recommend you head across the street to Cookie Fix. This spot is home to THE BEST cookies in town. This tiny but mighty cookie shop has become a household name in the city of Birmingham and there is usually always a line out the door. Along with their classic cookie flavors, they have a new menu everyday and such yummy seasonal flavors as well.

Hardware

For all things hardware, Brandino Brass stands above when it comes to top selections. Cabinet hardware, door hardware, speciality hardware, shutter & gate hardware, bath accessories, light fixtures and mailboxes Brandino Brass has it all and delivers top of the line products. This beautiful showroom located in downtown Homewood is sure to exceed all your hardware wishes. A designer knows details matter and Brandino Brass provides excellent products to take your home or office space to the next level.

Marble | Tile

Some of our favorite projects to date have been kitchen and bath remodels and that is largely due to the beautiful selections provided by the best marble and tile resource company in Birmingham, CR Home Alabama. Possibilities are endless as CR Home delivers marble and tile fit for any design, style or functionality needs required for your space. Specialty expertise combined with top lines of products makes this company our one and only chosen resource for all our client kitchen and bath needs.

Cabinets

When it comes to interior design, it truly does take a village as most large projects require the collaboration and expertise of many people. One design expert we’ve had the privilege of working with and who has become a dear friend is owner and senior designer of Creative Cabinets and Design, Jennifer Thompson. Jennifer is a certified Kitchen Designer and also has a degree in interior design. Along with her husband, Greg, Jennifer specializes in kitchen and bath design and is our number one resource for many of our bath and kitchen remodels requiring cabinetry.

Lighting

One of our favorite ways to elevate any space is with lighting and in Birmingham, Mayer Lighting and Showroom provides the best. Mayer has some of the best lines of light fixtures to fit any style or space of your home and the options are endless. Chandeliers ranging from glamorous glass, to more modern farmhouse style, sconces, semi flushes and everything in between, Mayer truly has it all. Their downtown showroom is beautifully displayed creating a lovely and pleasurable atmosphere to make all of your lighting selections.

We hope this post gave you a little taste of us, our style, and our beloved Birmingham.

xoxo

Beth and Bradley

Businesses listed

Tricia’s Treasures

The Nest

Liz Lane Gallery

Design Supply

Olde World Acquisitions

Richard Tubbs

At Home Homewood

Argent

Three Sheets

White House Interiors

Brick & Tin

Real & Rosemary

O’ Henrys

Cookie Fix

Brandino Brass

CR Home

Creative Cabinets

Mayer Lighting

Bradley Singletary 12/17/20 Bradley Singletary 12/17/20

Preparing your Home & Heart for the Holidays

My favorite time of year is here. The one month that encompasses all of my favorite things at once: Entertaining, cooking, decorating, and celebrating. With everything that’s happened this year in 2020, I think we have all (myself included) been in extra need of all things Christmas as soon as humanly possible. My family refers to me as,“The Christmas Fairy” this time of year and have officially made the song, “We need a A Little Christmas” my theme song. Hearing this song on the radio while driving around town getting my own home and client’s homes ready for the Holidays, the lyrics “For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute” was quickly followed by a chuckle and a nod YES!

As fun as the Holidays are, often there is a huge sense of urgency which can sometimes lead to unwanted stress. From trying to finish the year strong in work and school, to Christmas shopping, family and friend get-togethers, putting up the Christmas lights, hosting, and trying to fit in all of those beloved Christmas family traditions, the Holidays can be a lot. So in light of the Holiday season craze and this wild year we call 2020, this month’s blog post is all about prepping our homes and hearts for this Christmas season and what truly matters. My hope is that this post meets you wherever you are in this Holiday season and brings some inspiration, light, and permission to pause.

Preparing your Home: Entertaining

To start off, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Christmas home essentials & favorite traditions. All of these things have become Christmas staples in my home and are traditions and must-haves that make my home feel warm and inviting to my friends and family.

Christmas Cookies

What better way to prep for Holiday guests than with Baking? Once the pumpkin pies from Thanksgiving are no more, I immediately start baking Christmas cookies. I love to make three or four different kinds of cookies starting the first of December to have ready to go for family gatherings and fun impromptu friend drop-ins. Just keep them in the fridge and pop a few out to get room temperature when guests come over! Nothing is quite as welcoming as a homemade seasonal baked good and this is such an easy way to make people feel at home. This is also such a fun activity to do with children and grandchildren and a great opportunity for Christmas memory making. I remember making Christmas cookies with my mother growing up and this is a tradition I have loved continuing with my own daughter and granddaughters. Below is one of my personal favorite Christmas cookies and a Southern Living recipe I’ve used for years. These are easy, lovely and a great option to include on your Christmas cookie platter. Happy Baking!

Sand Tarts

Yields 3 dozen. Prep: 20 minutes., Bake: 14 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon ice water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Powdered sugar

Instructions: Beat butter at medium speed with and electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add flour and next four ingredients, beating well. Stir in pecans. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on uncreased baking sheet. Bake 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on wire racks. Dredge cookies in powdered sugar.

Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole

To my fellow host and hostesses responsible for a Holiday meal, I’ve got you covered. This beloved recipe is another Southern Living recipe (shocker) and I promise is a crowd pleaser for any crew. I came across this recipe in a December issue a few years ago and not a Christmas season has gone by since without this dish making an appearance. My grown children still request it every year and it is delicious and comforting, with a few twists that make it special and elegant.

Makes 10-12 servings, Hands-On Time: 30 minutes, Total Time: 1 hr., 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (2.25 oz) package sliced almonds

2 (6.2 oz) boxes fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice mix

1/4 cup butter

4 celery ribs chopped

2 medium onions chopped

5 cups chopped cooked chicken

2 (10 3/4 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup

2 (8 oz) cans chopped water chestnuts drained

1 (8 oz) container sour cream

1 cup milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

4 cups (16oz) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

2 cups soft, fresh breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 4 to 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Prepare rice mixes according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add celery and onions. Saute’ 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken, next 6 ingredients, rice, and 3 cups cheese. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 15 x 10 inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese, and top with toasted almonds. Bake 5 minutes. Enjoy!

**My top Christmas Home Essentials**
Now that we’ve got the food covered, let’s talk about some of my favorite Christmas home decor essentials that will give your home a little extra holiday cheer.

**Nest “Holiday” scented candle**All that needs to be said about this candle is that it is absolutely divine and if I could buy a lifetime supply I would. Go buy yourself one and you won’t use any other holiday candle. Promise. Also makes a great gift idea! (Already asked my family for another one). If your are local to Birmingham, I buy mine at White House Interiors on 280.

Christmas stovetop Potpurri

This Christmas hack is inspired by Elisabeth&Butter (a favorite baker and blogger-go give her a follow!) and is such an easy way to make your whole home smell like Christmas using things you probably already have on hand. Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water, 3-5 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of cranberries, 1 sliced orange, cloves, and a few trimmed Christmas tree branches and bring to a slow boil. Turn back down to low or simmer and that’s it. Can re-use 2-3 times and so easy to have prepped ahead of time for hosting guests.

Paper whites

My absolute favorite December blossom. I use them for my own dining room center piece, in my client’s homes, and is another wonderful holiday gift idea. You just can’t beat the freshness of this elegant winter white flower.

**Preparing your Home: Decor and Traditions**

The best thing about family Christmas traditions is how they often seem to occur organically. When both of my children were little, I fell in love with Old World Christmas ornaments. Colorful, beautiful, and timeless, these beloved ornaments quickly became my favorite tree decor. One year I decided that I would begin gifting one ornament each year to my husband and children, each ornament reflecting the receiver. This soon became a favorite tradition and such a sweet way for our tree to reflect the special attributes that encompasses my family. Sports, hunting, ballerinas, college mascots, beloved pets, and countries traveled, our tree each year reminds us of some of our favorite memories.

**Needlepoint Stockings**

My other favorite Christmas decoration in my home is our needlepoint stockings. I bought both my son and daughter theirs when they were little and it has been so sweet to continue adding stocking after stocking as our family has grown. I love how classic these stockings are and the fact I can continue ordering them after 30 years speaks to their timeless aesthetic. Each stocking is monogrammed and has a different Christmas scene which adds a sweet personal touch and makes each one special. You can find these at Lands’ End online.
What really makes a tradition special is not the tradition itself, but what makes it unique and special to your and your loved ones. From my home to yours, I hope some of my Christmas favorites have given you inspiration and that your Christmas season is filled with loving memories old and new.

Preparing our Hearts for the Holidays

I don’t need to remind anyone how difficult this year has been for us all. We’ve faced challenges as a country and individually none of us could have ever foreseen. As a result, the need for Christmas and the joy this season brings has been large and wide, causing most of us to dive head first into the Holidays. While the traditions, music, and decorations are all magical, they fall short next to real joy behind Christmas that is found in the gift of Christ. If there is one thing I’ve learned this year, it is where my hope and joy is truly found and that is in Christ alone. What hope and peace we have in the Lord that no matter what is happening in the world around us, His love, promises and faithfulness conquers all. My prayer for myself, my family, and all of you is that this Christmas season the love of Christ manifests itself in our lives in a way it never has before and that we all find true stillness to rest in His love.

“For unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.

Isaiah 9:6

From my home and heart to yours, Merry Christmas!

Bradley Singletary 10/26/20 Bradley Singletary 10/26/20

A Charcuterie fit for your best Entertaining

We have all fallen under the spell of a good Charcuterie board. There is something elegant and chic about this specific type of hors d’oeuvre that can make any gathering a special one. Charcuterie is a French term that means collection of meats and if there’s anything I know about the French, it’s that they know how to dress, eat, and entertain. The French and European culture in general, take dining and entertaining very seriously. Dinner is typically the largest meal of the day and usually lasts 3-4 hours as each bite and conversation is savored to the fullest. I love the origin and tradition behind this French way of eating as well as the endless possibilities of how to curate your own Charcuterie board to best fit your entertaining needs.

Christmas Eve, our annual Halloween party, Sunday sips and apps, a casual Tuesday night, you name it we have done a Charcuterie board for any and every occasion big or small. My family loves to eat and gather and as the hostess for most of our family get-togethers, I started to incorporate Charcuterie as it is as elegant as it is accommodating. The variety of a Charcuterie is a host or hostess dream because there is something for everyone. No matter age, specific tastes, or dietary restrictions, it is easy to accommodate any range of guests you welcome into your home to dine.

With October kicking off Fall and Winter holidays, we thought it was the perfect time to show you some of our tips and tricks for building the perfect Charcuterie board. We hope this inspires your own creativity with entertaining this holiday season, and fosters many gatherings filled with memories, good food, and of course a good time.

I have found that the easiest way to make the perfect Charcuterie is to consider three things: your guests, the occasion, and the current season. For this particular occasion I was hosting a small family get together to celebrate my newest granddaughter. I knew I wanted something Fall themed, delicious, and easy to assemble before my guests arrive. After thinking through the type of event I was throwing, I then began the process of selecting the food to go on my board. Going along with my Autumn themed Charcuterie board Trader Joes was my one stop shop for just about everything I need as they have a great selection of seasonal favorites but you can use any grocery store of choice. Here is my Charcuterie outline I use to create the perfect board:

-3 types of cheese (one soft, one hard, and one “sweet” ex. honey goat cheese)

-2-3 types of sliced meat

-Hummus or some type of dip

-Fruit (my favorites are sliced strawberries and grapes)

-2-3 types of crackers of mixed textures (I used water crackers and pretzel thins here)

-Veggies (carrots, cucumbers etc.)

-Sweets (ex. dried fruit such as apricots or figs, and something chocolatey like chocolate covered nuts or pretzels. In this particular board I used dark chocolate pumpkin spice granola from Trader Joes which was delicious)

-Nuts

-Condiments (my favorite part of any meal) ex. sliced banana peppers, pickles, wickles, mustard

Now comes the fun, assembling your board! I always start with my meats and cheeses since they are the star of the show and because all the other goodies naturally fill in accordingly. I like to spread my meat evenly across the board usually with one meat diagonally across the center, another arranged differently at the top, and then another at the bottom. I then begin to fill in with the cheese and depending on where my cheese is placed I strategically add everything else. For example, I placed the honey goat cheese, water crackers and dried figs, and strawberries close together as those flavors pair nicely together. The easy part is there is no wrong way to put a Charcuterie together and you can arrange and re-arrange as many times you want until you’re happy with the presentation. One final trick I think always ties a Charcuterie board together nicely is to add some fresh greenery. Here we tied lemon thyme bundles together and layered them last to add a pop of fresh color. Rosemary, Thyme, Mint, any fresh herb works great and adds a lovely detail.

Have some cocktails ready or a bottle of wine out and I promise your guests will be thrilled. I love to place my Charcuterie board on the back patio on a cool evening or at the kitchen island so I can enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles with my guests as I place final touches on the main course. Where there is good food, good conversation is sure to follow making whatever event you host a savored one.

**Local Birmingham Charcuterie Favorites**

If you need a beautiful Charcuterie board in a pinch and you are local to Birmingham, our favorite places are Ollie Irene in Crestline Village and Petal and Platter. Every spread is beautiful and delicious perfect for hosting or to give as a gift.
Looking for the perfect board to display your spread? At Home by far as the largest and best selection from large wooden boards fit for a crowd, to smaller wood and marble boards perfect for two. Be sure to check them out!

Bradley Singletary 8/31/20 Bradley Singletary 8/31/20

A Designer’s Guideline Fit for Every Room

As an Interior Designer I am often asked, “What are the basic steps to updating or decorating a room?”. Let me start by saying that in the last several years, fashion and design “Rules” have been pushed, bent, and in some cases thrown out completely. White no longer is confined to Labor Day, pattern on pattern and tone on tone is chic, and mixing metals is not only approved but encouraged. Of course there is a certain finesse to skillfully putting these things together and that’s where my job comes into play. So if the “rules” are more lax and in some cases don’t even apply anymore, where does one begin to design or update a room? After years of working with different styles, generations, and spaces, I’ve come up with a few basic guidelines I feel make every space aesthetically pleasing, functionally comfortable, and always warm and inviting.

Balance

A good foundation of any room starts with balance and this begins with furniture placement. Let’s start with symmetry. Symmetry is the first thing my eye notices if absent in a room. When I talk about symmetry in a space, I’m referring to the balance of numbers. For example, placing two end tables on both sides of a sofa or bed. Typically a bed or sofa is the largest piece in the room so anchoring it with the right size matching end tables and lamps instantly makes a room look polished. Another example of good symmetry with numbers in a space is having a well balanced ratio of singles and pairs. For a living room, if the space allows, I love to have one pair of matching chairs on one side and another pair of two different His and Her chairs on the other. This gives the room interest and balance. Another design tip I love to incorporate is to combine a larger coffee table with two smaller tables or ottomans which is not only pleasing to the eye, but gives everyone a place to set a drink or a place to sit when entertaining a large group.

Another important part of the balance formula is to have a good mixture of textures and shapes. Wood and acrylic, silver and gold, solids and prints, the juxtaposition of classic and trendy and depth and light really can make a room sing. It’s also important to select a variety of shapes for a room. For example, if you have a round coffee table, select some square side tables. The goal is to create a room that combines different pieces that work together to make one look at the space as a whole in it’s warmth and lovely aesthetic.

Rugs

Selecting a rug can be daunting. Not only are you working with endless options, but one also has to take into consideration functionality if working with a high traffic room, small children and pets. For this I have an answer that is functional, timeless, and a great price point: Seagrass. This natural fiber option instantly brightens any room and is truly classic. Bedroom, living room, dining room, it looks great wherever placed. Seagrass is what I categorize as a, “Warm Neutral” and creates the perfect base layer to build on for any style. My favorite way to style Seagrass is to layer it with a smaller Oushak rug. This is where you can add your color and texture. For example, I love to layer a Seagrass rug with a small Oushak rug underneath the coffee table in a living room that compliments the space’s color palette. This adds a polished collected look that adds warmth to any space.

Investment Pieces

One of the most common questions asked when designing a room is, “What pieces should I invest my money in?”. Taking into consideration longevity, aesthetics, and sentiment, my answer to this question is the following: Lighting, drapery, an antique piece, and upholstery. Let’s start with lighting. One of the easiest ways to instantly update a room is with your lamps and overhead lighting. Lighting is what I like to think of as the jewelry of a room and one of the most fun accessories to select. We’ve all heard the phrase “It’s all in the lighting” and with interior design, it most certainly is true. Interior lighting creates a warm ambiance and sets the stage for the room’s atmosphere.

Next on the list of places to invest in is drapery. Drapery is the framework of a room and is a great place invest money when decorating as window treatments are strictly “eye candy” and there is no fear of wear and tear. Whether it be beautiful sheers, or bold and bright prints, this is an important but fun place to express your personal style and bring a room together in it’s entirety.

Now let’s talk antiques. My personal favorite. This to me is truly what can set a room a part and brings memories and sentiment into a home. Whether it be a beloved antique piece of your great grandmothers or a French antique found in your favorite local antique store, this element of a room is what makes a space truly special. I love to hear the traditions and memories associated with antiques and the true individuality it brings. Multiple people can have the same style sofa, but no one is going to have your great aunt’s china cabinet passed down for three generations. These pieces to me are what make a home truly special.

Lastly, let’s discuss upholstery. When selecting fabric for your beloved furniture, aesthetics and functionality are equally important here. Quality fabric will last you years and is an important place of investment as you certainly don’t want to frequently recover a sofa, headboard, or dining room chairs. Quality is key here and not the place to cut corners financially. In addition to functionality, fabric selection in a room is what brings a space to life. Personal tastes in colors and patterns are expressed here and such a fun part in the decorating process.

Personal Touches

While every home needs the same basics, it’s the personal items, collections, and display of memories that make a house a home. Invest your money on pieces that mean the most! Art, antiques, family photos, these things are what make your home stand the test of time in it’s individuality. One of my most favorite parts of my job is the relationships built with my client’s and finding out what is special to them. I love to creatively display pieces that daily remind my clients of sweet memories and traditions. Looking around my home, I have art from overseas travels, pictures of children, grandchildren, and generations before me, antiques from mine and my husbands family, photography by my daughter, and proud hunting displays from many a hunting trips taken by my husband and son. These are the things collected over the years that make my house my home. Everyone has sweet memories and traditions unique to them and their family. The most important guideline to follow when decorating your home is to fill your home with what you love!

Bradley Singletary 7/24/20 Bradley Singletary 7/24/20

Summer Recipes to inspire your Southern Hospitality

One of the things I love most about being a Southerner is the reputation of having Southern hospitality. Especially in the summertime when the days are longer and generally slower paced, it is definitely a season of gathering big or small. As Southern hosts and hostesses, we know that the best hospitality results from a lovely environment, sweet company, and often good food.

Those who know me well know my passion for entertaining. Feeding people is my love language and if I’m cooking a delicious meal, “why not make it into a party?” has always been my motto.

To celebrate the Summer season and hopefully inspire your own inner host or hostess, Bradley and I are sharing our family’s favorite Summer meal. You have our word that each recipe is easy, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Happy hosting!

Jack Rudy Cocktails

With any gathering, we are huge fans of a fabulous cocktail to start off the night. But often when hosting a party, it can be difficult to find a cocktail that suits everybody’s tastes. Grenadine, Bourbon soaked cherries, lime, and of course Bourbon make this cocktail a friend and family favorite of ours and the most requested drink for happy hour.

Over ice combine:

1.5 oz Bourbon

.50 oz Jack Rudy Grenadine

.50 oz Lime juice

Shake; double strain into glass. Add bourbon soaked cherries to garnish.

Pimento Cheese Spread

What Southern dinner party isn’t complete if pimento cheese isn’t part of the line up? When I say only the good stuff goes into this Southern Staple, I’m not lying. This might be the easiest appetizer recipe I have and one that makes my Southern girl heart happy.

Spicy Chicken

This spicy chicken recipe is has been a favorite of ours for years and we never get tired of it. The spicy kick is just enough to make this far beyond your basic grilled chicken marinade, yet perfectly subtle enough to pair with any side dish.

Three Cheese Pasta Bake

My son loves carbs more than any other food group and is a die hard pasta lover. This three cheese pasta bake was what he most often requested for any birthday dinner or special celebration. If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food dish that will impress any dinner guest and is secretly easy to make, this recipe will not disappoint.

Strawberry Summer Salad

I love adding some sort of fresh greens to lighten up a big meal and over the years I’ve come up with a few easy tricks to dress up any basic salad. I love how versatile salads can be with endless possibilities and modifications to your own liking. Feel free to modify to your tastes and be sure to share with us your own creations!

**Strawberry Salad**

Makes 8-10 servings
2 (6 ounce) packages fresh baby spinach
2 pints fresh strawberries slice
Dressing
The dressing recommended for this salad is Poppyseed which you can buy or make homemade. A little trick I like to do to save time without compromising flavor is to combine a few salad dressings to create my own. For this particular salad, I combined store bought poppyseed and strawberry dressing.
Toppings: chopped cook bacon, chopped fresh broccoli, blanched sugar snap peas, sliced red onion, *brown sugar pecans
**Brown sugar pecans**
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter
Brown sugar (enough to lightly coat pecans)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a small roasting pan, combine pecans, butter and sugar. Place in oven for 5 minutes, then take out and stir to evenly coat pecans. Bake for another 5 minutes until pecans are roasted and sugar is caramelized. Such an easy way to dress up any salad.
Combine baby spinach and strawberries in a large bowl; toss with 1/2 cup of dressing just before serving. Serve with remaining dressing and desired toppings.

Blueberry Crisp

This blueberry crisp recipe is one Bradley came across when she was in college and has become one of our family’s favorite desserts. Surprisingly healthy and ridiculously easy, this is the perfect light treat to end your dinner on a sweet note that’s not too rich. This dish would also be great to bring to a brunch, or to eat for breakfast.

A true host or hostess knows that the heart of hospitality lies within the manner we make those we invite into our home feel welcome. Wether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party, or getting the family together for a cook out, every gathering big or small is an opportunity to make others feel special, welcome, and a sense of being at home in your home.

We hope some of these recipes inspires your next dinner party and becomes a favorite in your household! Cheers to good food, a good time, and Southern hospitality.

Southern Hospitality

“Not a tangible thing, but an attitude which has been ingrained in southerners forever. As a feeling of being sincerely welcomed as a guest or long lost friend; a way of life that lets’s people be as warm as the climate. It’s an easiness in speaking with total strangers or anyone, a unique friendliness encompassing the whole way of life in the deep South.

It’s not something one does, it’s the way one is”.

-Dee Jackson

Annika Best-Wittenberg 4/30/20 Annika Best-Wittenberg 4/30/20

4 Interior Design Tips for your Emotional Health

Is your home a space that makes you feel warm and happy? Or when you walk in the door do you automatically feel anxious or irritated? Your home is where you spend most of your time and it should always be a place of rest and refuge. So if you are like the latter, and home doesn’t feel like home, then we need to decide what is and isn't working! Here are 4 tips to make your home feel like it was created just for you and improve your emotional health.

Interior Design for your Emotional Health

Organization

According to interior designer Tobi Fairley, finding that balance in making your home feel restful is “about designing both for visual cues and to remove visual clutter.”

For many people, their homes are unorganized or cluttered and this can make coming home (especially after a long day of work) feel exhausting. All you can do is see all the things that need to be picked up, put away, or you just can’t even find what you need. I know for me personally, having things in their place makes me feel peaceful and recharged.

Interior design is meant to be just as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personal with different pieces to use for organizational purposes. This is a great way to not only improve emotional health but also to express your own style and set your home apart.

Colors

Color is one of the biggest elements that has a huge impact on emotions. Color has the power to create feelings of calm, it can take us back to a favorite place or memory, and brings warmth to any home. Whenever I get asked the question by a client, “What is the least expensive change I can make to my home to make the biggest impact?”- the answer is always to do something with color. New paint color for the walls, a throw pillow or two, or some fun wallpaper.

What are your favorite colors? What feelings do they evoke? The answer to this is different for everyone and what works in your home will be unique to you!

I personally love warm colors such as green, navy and corals. These colors make me happy, calm, and full of life! Colors that reflect nature will always stand the test of time.

Favorite space/stress-free space

While your home as a whole should feel calming and welcoming, it’s very important to make sure you have a specific place that is stress-free to you. A space you can go to with no distractions. Peter Walsh wrote in his book “It’s all too Much” that everything in our homes should be beautiful and functional because it is a metaphor for our life. When our house is a mess, we feel like we are a mess. This is why having a dedicated space is so important.

In my home, my favorite stress-free space is my office or bedroom- the places I work and rest. Because interior design is a passion of mine, my office is a place of inspiration for me. I love getting to work and finding the perfect designs for clients.

My bedroom is obviously a stress-free place because it is where I can simply relax.

How do you create a stress-free space in your home? Start with the two tips above! Declutter and color.

Tackling your entire house can be quite a task, but on a weekend you could organize your things and paint a small room. If you don’t have time to paint, maybe you could add decorative throw pillows or an updated accent piece such as a side table or accessory.

Small details can make a big impact when it comes to interior design. What changes have you made lately that helped, or what changes do you plan to make?

If you are entering a new phase of life or are just ready to redesign your home to make it more beautiful and functional for you, then send us a message! I want my clients to love being home, to anticipate the joy of their space, be it for personal peace or the warmth of company.

Make sure every room has a purpose

When I think about the fundamental reasons for what creates a home you want to retreat to, the words that come to mind are beauty, rest, memories and purpose. Each room in my home has been designed with these four elements at its foundation: What is this room's purpose? What pieces, materials, and colors do I want to use to make it beautiful? What memories do I want to create in this space? These are the questions I ask myself when designing my own home as well as each of my client's homes.

What rooms in your home are not being utilized to their full potential? Do you have extra space you could dedicate to work? Having a space that is decorated and designed to help you be productive could help you get in the right mindset to finish projects.

Other ideas could be a playroom for children or grandchildren- photos and passed down toys so that everything is in one place for them.

An updated master suite that makes you want to retreat and rest.

Making your dining room more functional for weeknight dinners instead of just holiday festivities.

These are all great examples of making the spaces in your home have a purpose and feel useful. You can maximize your room's potential as well, which will, in turn, will make you subconsciously feel better.

After reviewing a few of these tips, it's easy to see how the design of your home can greatly affect your emotional health. Try implementing these tips to see what helps! If you are ready to make your home a place of solitude, I’d love to help. Just use the contact page to leave me a message!

References:

Fairley, Tobi. Design You: February Workbook. 2020.Pages 8-11

Walsh, Peter. It's All Too Much: Live a Richer Life with Less Stuff. Read How You Want/Accessible, 2012.

Annika Best-Wittenberg 4/30/20 Annika Best-Wittenberg 4/30/20

An Interior Designer's Guide to Creating Your Perfect and Efficient Home During COVID-19

And just like that, everything we know changed in a week due to the Coronavirus. We’ve had to change the way we work, the way we shop, the way we socialize, and more.

I know I’ve personally felt the effects- lots of facetime to parents, children, and grandchildren, thinking outside the box as to how to serve my clients, and much-needed downtime to think and plan.

So in an effort to provide some kind of relief to all of us, I thought I would share my ideas on how to make our homes (that we are now spending way more time in) serve us in new ways as we adjust to the current time, and perhaps return to the foundation of how I believe our homes were meant to serve us.

Creating Your Perfect and Efficient Home During COVID-19

During this challenging time, our home has suddenly taken on many different roles. It is now our office, our children's school as well as our place of rest and relaxation. It may take a little creativity to design these needed spaces to serve us.

A Place for Work- Creating a Home Office

For those of you who aren’t used to working from home, it can be quite a new concept! I

have always worked from home and wanted to share with you what I have found to really be

helpful for me...even more so now that my husband is working from home as well. When creating a space for work, try:

Making it free of distractions in a designated place that you enjoy, perhaps a favorite spot in your home...next to a window if possible.
Add good Lighting
Comfortable Seating
Try to surround yourself with a few of your favorites: books, art, and accessories to beautify your space.
Getting dressed for the day. Dressing always makes me feel better and helps me tackle the tasks at hand (especially when I throw on my favorite lipstick!)
Planning your day/your week and try your best to stick to your plan. Try tackling your hardest task first. It’s always such a great feeling to be able to scratch that one hard task off the to-do list!
Have a time every day to start and a time to stop.

A Place for Refuge-Creating a Peaceful Environment

Up until recently, we had multiple places to escape, whether that be the gym, the office or social gatherings. Despite this, I have always felt that one's true place of refuge should be our home.

With this worldwide pandemic before us, now more than ever, each one of us is realizing where our true place of restoration is.

What makes a home a place of refuge?

Is your home aesthetically pleasing? Giving you "all the feels" of rest, refuge and relaxation?

If you're currently not feeling like your home is your haven, here are some ways to change this:

Start with your bedroom. Your bed. The simple task of making your bed every day, since it's the biggest object in the room, will alleviate stress as well as providing you with the feeling of accomplishment.
Pretty sheets, blankets, and a few lovely throw pillows can turn an entire bedroom into a beautiful space you can't wait to escape to.
Pick up in the morning and the evening. There are few things in life we can control but one thing we can control is the order of our homes. Making it a priority to keep our house picked up and organized can help to reduce so much unnecessary stress especially with what's going on in the world right now.
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make a big difference. Think about what is most calming to you or what makes you happy. For me, I love meaningful, pretty accessories, books, fresh flowers from my yard and the scent of my favorite candles. Small details can make your space clean, fresh and relaxing.

A Place for Play-Creative Outlets

As much as we need to work and rest, we also need to spend time having fun and being creative. It can be quite difficult being confined to our homes and having to practice social distancing. However, that doesn't mean we can't get creative and use our home for play and creativity.

Think about what is enjoyable to you and your family:

Love to cook or bake? Grab your cookbook and try a new recipe. Share with neighbors or those in need.
Create a craft room or designated play area just for children. Set up in the garage or patio and let them get messy with purpose.
Now that the weather is nice and Spring is here, it's a great time to plant and freshen up flower boxes, beds, and pots. Being creative with plants and flowers outdoors can liven our moods, give a sense of accomplishment and freshen up the exterior of our homes.

Projects that you always wanted to tackle can be a great way to work together as a family and build memories- it one of the best things we can do at this time.

This Coronavirus crisis is revealing much about where and how we prioritize our home's environment. I hope this post has offered some encouragement and tools to make your home a haven not just in the midst of a global crisis, but always.

If you have any helpful tips on how to make your home serve you during this time, share it with us in the comments!

Annika Best-Wittenberg 4/30/20 Annika Best-Wittenberg 4/30/20

Springtime 2020: A Designers Favorites For Fashion and Home

Quarantine has left springtime 2020 feeling a little gloomy.

That’s why we thought it would be a great time to share our favorite spring items for your home and more- to help you get back in the warm weather feels. Bringing a little fun and design can help perk us up and get us ready for the months ahead.

All the designer favorites are brought to you by Bradley Singletary, our junior designer. I asked Bradley to put together some of her favorite pieces for home, clothing, and accessories to showcase her beautiful style and also showcase our wide range of styling abilities here at Beth Singletary Interiors!

Bradley’s personal comments on her style choices for springtime 2020:

"Hi everyone, I’m Bradley- daughter of Beth and Junior Designer here at Beth Singletary Interiors. As we are now finally in the full swing of Spring, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce myself with some of my Spring favorites."

The words classic, light, sophisticated, and fresh with a little edge is how I would describe my personal style when it comes to fashion and home decor.

I love to add seasonal pops in my closet and in my decorating that are new and relevant but beautifully complement a classic foundation to my wardrobe or home. In fact, you'll notice a theme of similar materials both in some of the home and fashion accessories listed below.

I had so much fun putting together some of my current Springtime Must Haves and I hope this will give you some inspiration and a lighthearted read during all this uncertainty. Enjoy!

A Designer Favorites for Springtime 2020

Home Decor

Obviously, home decor is an easy one for us! We love these to help you transition your home right into springtime for 2020.

Studio McGee accent table- This super versatile accent table is perfect for spring! The rattan material is classic and easy to incorporate with a variety of home styles. Studio McGee has a new collaboration with Threshold which means you can find this cute table at Target. Not only is it great quality, but also affordable. I also love this table because of its versatility as it could be used in a living room, bathroom, or bedroom.

Laura Park Sea Grass throw pillows and blanket: My love for abstract art makes this next item one of my favorite Springtime accessories. Laura Park, an artist/interior designer turned her fabulous abstract art into designs for wallpaper, fabrics, pillows, bedding, and accessories. This combo is a lovely way to add some spring color to a bedroom or living room while keeping it cozy.

Williams Sonoma Ginger jar: I’m a sucker for blue and white chinoiseri, which made this a really fun find from Williams Sonoma Home. This classic blue and white ginger jar is great for a mantel accessory, as a flower vase, or table centerpiece for springtime 2020. Such an easy and classic way to add color to your home.

Clothing

Lake Pajama short set: My favorite Spring and Summer pajamas! Everything about this brand screams Spring- from the branding, the pastel colors, classic simple style, even the name for each collection (this set is called “Hydrangea”). Super cute and comfy- what more could you ask?

Anthropologie Floral dress: Floral is obviously a springtime go-to. That's one reason why this dress is at the top of my list. It’s delicate floral detail, perfect classy midi length, and fun cut out detail in the front makes this stand out from your typical spring floral dress.

Accessories

Bobbi Brown lip gloss- One of my favorite things about the change in season is an excuse to update my lipstick. This particular tint is called “Wild Card.”Obviously a colorful lipgloss is a must for Spring so this one is my new favorite!

Anthropologie shell earrings- Anthropologie again because you just can’t go wrong with them! love the different shape for a statement along with the shell detail that makes it such a spring/summer earring. It could go with anything ( especially the cute floral dress above) and would be so easy to dress up or down.

Target woven Sandals- rattan material (like the Threshold table I mentioned) is so popular and for good reason. It also comes in other Spring pastels, but love the neutral natural woven texture of these. These would pair perfectly with a pair of shorts, white denim skirt, light wash jeans or to slip on at the beach or pool.

Madewell rattan box bag- More rattan! I told you I loved this for springtime. The classy shape of this smaller handbag is so adorable and makes it a classic staple for your springtime 2020 wardrobe.

We will be showcasing more springtime style we love on our Instagram, so join us over there if you haven’t already!

Also, share with us any spring favorites you are loving right now!