> at home
Cozy And Bright
Lynne Konstantin I Design Writer
Flea-market finds and
a passion for pale
bring chic comfort to a
Birmingham bungalow.
H
Blaine Rodin Keller loves a party. Even more,
she loves to throw a party. So the personal
trainer and group exercise instructor at
Birmingham's Townsend Street Pilates and her hus-
band, Mark Keller, often open their Birmingham
home to their large circle of friends for holidays, gath-
erings and just hanging out. As do their grown kids
— one in college and one a recent grad — who still
feel perfectly at home congregating here with their
own friends.
"I wanted it to be comfortable and inviting for
everyone says Keller. "I love to have friends over, and
my kids' friends hang out a lot." And she's worked
Brett Mountain I Photographer
"We've totally changed the entire house from when
we first moved in," says Helaine Rodin Keller of her
Birmingham home. "When Mark and I got married,
we had a black table with silver legs, and black and
silver leather chairs. Over time, I evolved into more
of a neutral style." A monochromatic palette allows
for a mix of textures — from fabrics to floors — and
lends an easy flow from room to room. The couple
had help from family friends Joel and Jane Levy
Mettler, designers and owners of Mettler Interiors
in Birmingham. "They've got amazing taste," says
Keller. "They really helped me tweak things. I bought
everything, and they helped me tie it all together."
Slabs of rough-hewn zinc on the kitchen counters
and backsplash lend an unevenness to the milky
fresh cabinets.
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