Birmingham Magazine April 2018 Issue

BIRMINGHAM HOMES I Kitchen Goals
BEFORE
THIS PAGE: The back of the home features a large pool and ample outdoor area for entertaining.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Clockwise: The home during renovations. The home’s brick was painted
white and the front entrance is adorned with gas lanterns and greenery. The landscaping around
the pool is comprised of synthetic turf with pavers. A sunroom off the kitchen offers great views
of the pool. An outdoor kitchen was on Russell’s wishlist for the renovation.
always wanted.
“Before it was small right before a
massive window,” Joanna says of the
former kitchen. “It kind of isolated her.
No one wanted to come in there. Now, it’s
the axis.”
The kitchen is now open to the dining and
family rooms, as well as the new back porch
and pool. There, Courtney also had some
ideas that Christopher brought to fruition.
The pool is a relaxing getaway,
complete with an in-water tanning
lounge. The landscaping around it is
comprised of synthetic turf with pavers
to give a sophisticated look that’s also easy
to maintain.
The pool addition was something for
the whole family to enjoy, but when it
came to Russell’s special space, it was all
about an outdoor kitchen and basement,
complete with a wine cellar renovation.
“That’s the only thing I think I really
wanted,” he says. “It’s really great, and
we’ve really enjoyed it.”
As for Stella, she got her space, in the
small third floor that was added to the
house as her domain.
The focal point of the third-floor space,
Russell says, is the chimney that’s flanked by
built-in bookshelves, creating the perfect
cozy reading nook where Stella can enjoy
her books.
Russell admits that it wasn’t easy living
in their house as it was being transformed
around them, but he’s quick to add that it’s
now a home that the whole family adores.
“If you asked me during…I’m not
sure what I’d say,” Russell laughs.
“But now that I’m living in it and
enjoying it, it was worth it. Not sure
I’d do it again as for living in it, but I’d
definitely use Christopher Architects and
Joanna again.”
RESOURCES:
Architecture & Design: Christopher
Architecture & Interiors
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