Birmingham, Alabama has often been referred to as the “Magic City” due to its rapid growth and industrial development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The burgeoning metropolis became a major industrial center, particularly known for its metal production, epitomized by Sloss Furnace – a historic iron-producing blast furnace that operated from 1882 to 1971 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Drawing inspiration from Birmingham’s historical role as a steel production hub, designer Betsy Brown seamlessly fused elements reminiscent of the Sloss Furnace’s rust hue and robust industrial materials into this home’s aesthetic, creating magic of her own within the historic Redmont neighborhood residence.
The structure underwent a major renovation to accommodate an extensive photography and art collection, as well as vintage furniture. The redesign began with the main level, where a spacious living hall features a dual-purpose center table and a cozy seating area around a fireplace. The terrace offers sweeping views of Birmingham’s cityscape, while the main level includes a kitchen, sitting area, and primary suite with a study. “I wanted the house to be a joy for its collector-owner, with spaces he could continue to fill as his collections grow,” Betsy Brown says.
The home’s design thoughtfully incorporates elements inspired by the Sloss Furnace, with lush green surroundings blending the interior with the scenic outdoor backdrop. Brown recalled the design process beginning with the discovery of a time-worn Persian rug, which set the tone for the home’s palette. Cypress floors and pecky cypress paneling established a clear guideline for the wood colors used throughout the house.
Finding the perfect stain for the cypress floors proved to be a challenging yet rewarding process, involving weeks of testing and fine-tuning to achieve the desired look. The floors now beautifully complement the home’s vintage mid-century furniture. And the entire renovation, from concept to installation, was completed in just one year.
To see this and other projects from the designer. visit betsybrowninc.net.
Photography by Haris Kenjar.
