Wednesday, July 13, 2011

BILL INGRAM ~ DESIGN IN MOUNTAIN BROOK

Owner and architect Bill Ingram designed this 1400 square feet home in Birmingham, Alabama.  The home is in the Mountain Brook area, a prime real estate section in Birmingham. It is a block from Mountain Brook Village, which has great restaurants and shops.

Ingram removed the siding, roof, and windows.  He also replaced the fireplace with stone.  The house now dons cedar shakes and a heavier shake roof.  The doors are glass. 

He painted the hardwood floors with large and small stripes.  The kitchen has been turned into the master bath and walk-in closet.  A tiny kitchen with a built in counter resembling a campaign chest now occupies the space near the living room.  A tiny table sits in the dining room.  To make the home appear larger, Ingram painted almost every room white.  The guest room is a dark color.

Ingram has been collecting furniture for years, mostly English and American, and it fits beautifully into his home.  He added Belgian linen panels from Restoration Hardware on the tester bed. 

ENJOY!










BEAUFRONT CASTLE IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Ask Aidan Cuthbert what he thinks of the new roses of today, and you will hear an ear full. Cuthbert is Beaufront's owner, and he believes that the roses are worth fighting the rot and aphid attacks because of their beauty and scents. He began planting these roses in the 60's, never imagining what the gardens would become.

Cuthbert has no use for the modern tea roses. After walking through a door in the wall to reach this two-acre English garden, you will understand. The roses bloom during June and July, and they are stunning.

The turrets and towers of the castle evoke childhood thoughts. Add this to the beauty of this garden, perfection. ENJOY!