Spanish Revival Soars in Southern Hollywood

Vintage Mediterranean-style architecture always makes me think of California, where old Spanish missions inspired movie-star haciendas.

But handsome Spanish Revival houses were built all over the country -- including this 1927 example set in a neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, known (naturally) as Hollywood.

Owners John-Bryan Hopkins and Terry Finley loved its thick walls, tile roof and arched openings, but the interior was tired, with too many small rooms. So they decided to renovate. It took 24 months, and the result, published in B Metro magazine, preserves the best of the original design while updating it for contemporary living.

Working with ace architect Louis Nequette, they opened up the floor plan and added lots of natural light with new window walls.

"I wanted everything to be tactile and real," says John-Bryan, who applied his own years of experience as a designer (he now stirs the pots at his popular blog, Foodimentary).

Since so many people knocked on their door to get a peek at the striking house, John-Bryan decided to share it with the world, via another blog, 11 Bonita Drive.

A wide Moorish arch frames the angular living room fireplace (set off by new walnut paneling), creating a cozy seating nook. "I think a house comes alive when you have a wood fire in the fireplace and good seat to sit next to it," John-Bryan observes.

Another sitting area was enhanced with framed art and newly added walnut paneling. "It has a lot of Barbara Barry furniture that was acquired a few houses ago," John-Bryan notes. "The symmetrical placement of the seating group gives the space order, while accessories break up the formality."

Typical of the way "servant spaces" used to be treated, the original kitchen was isolated and remote. The new one, centrally placed and open to the dining area, is a foodie's dream.

It reflects the kitchen's role today as a prime gathering spot. Beneath a huge copper skylight, a long counter of reclaimed walnut allows guests to nibble, chat with the hosts and watch the bubbling action on the LaConche range.

Set beneath a brass-riveted metal surround that echoes the house's arches, the massive French range and its brass handles "add authenticity," John-Bryan says. "I love the way the range looks like it sits in an old fireplace."

Cool idea: the pass-through Traulsen refrigerator, which opens on the other side to the pantry. Walnut panels conceal other appliances.

A new addition, the "glass box" contains the master bedroom. The room features fabricated-on-site window walls (and matching pivoting doors), wood beams reclaimed from an old church, and flooring of limestone-like Peacock Pavers. Stucco walls make an alcove for the bed, which floats on a lush fur rug.

In the master bath, stained-plank walls embrace the striking Waterworks .25 tub (in ivory). " It's a thing of beauty, with strong, sculptural lines and a delicate 'eggshell' profile," says John-Bryan, adding that the tub provides a "womblike" bathing experience. Recessed shelves keep towels at the ready.