When architect Alan Madewell’s clients showed him their newly purchased property, he discovered a classic 1929 Donald McCormick Art Deco design with a series of additions that had occurred over the decades. While the existing home wasn’t large enough for the couple’s growing family, it sat on a spacious lot that provided plenty of opportunity to meet their needs.

“We took the original structure back to the studs and started from there,” says Madewell, founder of Alan Madewell and Associates, Inc. Madewell was the principal architect on the project and collaborated with interior designer Megan Deyoe of Madewell Interiors on furnishings and finishes.

While it is typically easy to identify new construction in Tulsa’s Midtown area, Madewell’s result is a rambling brick-and-wood shingle Colonial that appears as if it has been there for decades. The details are impeccable – even the shutters are functioning with classic iron hardware.

One step inside and it is apparent the attention to details did not stop with the exterior. Unlike many new homes with towering entry hall ceiling heights, Madewell remained true to the traditional scale of a colonial home built in the early part of the 20th century. The walnut pattern in the oak floors is mirrored in the ceiling above, and the classic staircase could have been lifted from a vintage home.

The living area is comfortable yet elegant and spans what was originally two rooms and is complete with two marble clad fireplaces. Behind the custom curved bar is an antique cabinet previously owned by the family but now accented by a unique span of green granite with a leather finish. Leaded glass doors flank the main fireplace.  

Anticipating the family’s various entertaining options, the home has an integrated sound system, and the living room is wired for a flat screen television above each fireplace, hidden behind original artwork.

The centrally designed kitchen and family room, blending comfort and function, is the hub of the busy family, providing the parents with views onto the pool and outdoor living room. Nearby, the children’s play area, includes a craft room and numerous closets of dress-up clothes in an area that can be transformed into a stage.

Downstairs is a party room complete with spinning disco ball. “We considered utilizing the original root cellar for a wine cellar,” explains Madewell. Instead, the family opted to renovate it into a miniature playhouse.

The old basement is now a billiards room with all the appeal of an authentic English pub complete with a curved oak bar. Nearby is the cozy family home theater. The walls are upholstered and feature leather welting with nail head trim.

“We wanted it to be relaxing and comfortable, so we included a large lounging sofa,” says Madewell. A bank of custom leather reclining arm chairs with built-in drink holders line the back of the room.

Despite the traditional style, 21st century components are blended into the home, including a certified weather safe room and a state-of-the-art geothermal energy system and well as energy efficient windows and insulation.

Throughout the home, finishes and details were historically referenced. Many of the furnishings, including the dining room table and chairs, were custom designed and fabricated. Door hardware includes gleaming white porcelain knobs, and the expansive master bath features Carrara Marble, the classic white and gray Italian marble used exclusively in early East Coast Colonial homes. Yet Madewell’s goal was to create a traditional interior with a young attitude, so some selections, from drapery fabrics to the dining room area rug, have a more neutral simple style. “It’s not your grandmother’s traditional home,” Madewell says.

Want to know who makes the best margarita? Which is the best furniture store? Where’s the best place to have a spa day? Who has the best shoe selection? Who has the freshest seafood?
You get the idea.

Every year we turn to our readers to answer these questions and many more – 148 this year, to be exact. Turns out you folks have strong opinions, and you’re not shy about sharing. Each year, we’re inundated with thousands of votes and lots of interesting spelling variations. When all is said and done, what we have are not only your opinions, but also a handy guide to The Best of the Best in Oklahoma.  

Without further ado, we proudly present The Best of the Best 2012.

Results of The Best of the Best were determined by online voting conducted from Jan. 1 – March 15, 2012.* Separate ballots were provided for readers in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. The top three entities receiving the most votes in each category for each city were named The Best of the Best.

*This is not a scientific study, and results should not be viewed as an official endorsement or statement of quality on behalf of Oklahoma Magazine.

Places and Faces

Home

Services

 Shopping

 Entertainment

 Dining

There are just as many ways to celebrate Independence Day as there are firecrackers sold out of roadside fireworks stands. To be sure, a few attractions are apt to lure the big crowds. From June 28-July 4, the City of Edmond throws LibertyFest, a multi-day event fitting a car show, kite fest, pageant, parade and more into a week ending with fireworks on July 4. Oklahoma City also flocks to the 2012 Bethany Freedom Festival, Bethany’s annual extravaganza at Eldon Lyon Park. Tulsa has ONEOK FreedomFest at the Tulsa River Parks on the big day as well as Sooner Boomfest at Jenks’ RiverWalk Crossing. Looking for something different? The city of Nowata throws its annual turkey “drop” at the Independence Day Wild Turkey Fest; Grove offers a taste of Louisiana with the Arts, Crafts, Music & Cajun Festival; Stillwater’s Boomer Blast catches the waves with wake boarders and skaters at Boomer Lake Park; the cities of Tishomingo, Pawnee and Pauls Valley go old-fashioned with turtle races, apple pies, watermelon seed spitting and picnics on the lawn. For details and more, check out the Community listings in the calendar.

This 5,500 square foot, three-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home was designed to blend into a Midtown neighborhood. But the traditional façade masks an explosion of space once inside the front door.

“The homeowners were downsizing from a large, traditional home and wanted an open, livable floor plan with lots of light,” says Scott Pohlenz, AIA, owner of Pohlenz Cucine Moderne. Architect Pat Fox created the initial floor plan with conceptual elevations for developer Hal Tompkins. During the planning process, the couple sought insight from Pohlenz on the kitchen design.

“Once they started working with us on the custom kitchen, it led to us providing the design work for the rest of the interiors,” explains Pohlenz whose company offers an array of modern building and furnishings predominantly imported from Italy.

Tyson Tompkins, owner of TT Construction, built the U-shaped structure that wraps around a back courtyard featuring an outdoor fireplace and spa. Ceilings in the entry, living and dining areas are 22 feet high and provide a constant flood of light into the space. The base is recessed, creating a unique shadow detail along the floor, contrasting the clean white wall paint with the rich, deep Santos Mahogany flooring throughout. Limestone was utilized in the bathrooms.

Just inside the dark mahogany and glass entry door, Pohlenz specified a custom Edilco stainless steel and glass stairway imported from Italy that is both functional and a piece of art. To the left of the airy entry, the living room, dining room and kitchen merge as entertaining and living spaces. In the living room, the classic sofa is accented by a silk area rug from the Armani/Casa collection. A glass door in the dining room offers the option for privacy or continuous flow for entertaining.

“The kitchen is the anchor point of the entertainment zone,” says Pohlenz, pointing out the French doors that open out onto the courtyard and the lower 12-foot ceiling. “The horizontal lines of the kitchen provides an interesting transition between the very vertical space of the entry, living and dining areas,” he continues.

Pohlenz utilized Italian high-tech, eco-friendly Valcucine cabinetry. The one-centimeter-thick tempered white glass countertops are fingerprint proof, impact resistant and anti-bacterial. The doors and drawers are glossy white glass. Providing a strong contrast is the cantilevered dark oak bar that also offers a comfortable place to eat.

Designed as a gourmet kitchen, there are three integrated refrigerators, a wine cooler, built-in coffee maker, four warming drawers and three ovens, including a steam oven and speed oven. The prominent hood above the 42-inch Miele gas cooktop feels more sculptural than functional. The sink is from Blanco and the faucet is by Italian designer Armando Vacario.

Downstairs, the right side of the home is dedicated to the study, utility room and master suite. The master bedroom’s modern bed has a leather headboard, and nearby is the Sventola armchair and ottoman in charcoal and chromed metal designed by Mauro Lipparini. The mirror above the master fireplace is a Philippe Starck design for Fiam Italia. French doors provide private access to the outdoor living area and spa.

Upstairs a catwalk, featuring a metal banister from Edilco connects the two distinct wings of the house. The gameroom – a favorite location for the family’s older children – overlooks the kitchen and showcases vintage Mies van der Rohe Barcelona furnishings. On the other side are two bedrooms and private bathrooms.

Kim Fonder of Exhibit by Aberson worked with the homeowners to procure all the art and sculpture throughout the home. Since the completion of their custom home, this family has enjoyed their transition to modern life nestled in Midtown tradition.
 

Philbrook Museum of Art’s next exhibit sounds as if it should be displayed in a science lab instead of sharing a roof with Picasso. Welcome to the wonderfully inventive world of Brazil’s Campana brothers.

Antibodies: The Works of Fernando & Humberto Campana, 1989-2009 opens July 15 in Tulsa and runs through Oct. 7. The collection features furniture design by the pair. Humberto was a self-taught artist with a law degree, and Fernando had trained to be an architect. Right away, their furniture sculptures stirred the art scene in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Chairs are hand woven, and plush seating bears resemblance to sea anemone and other creatures subterranean or subcutaneous. Simple tables and ottomans look capable of locomotion via means seen but through a microscope. This retrospective show of the Campana brothers’ work across two decades was created by the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein in Germany.

Two years ago, Philbrook announced a partnership with the Vitra Design Museum. Since its beginnings in 1989, the design museum has become one of the most renowned cultural institutions recognized for its research and promotion of design and architecture. The arrangement means Philbrook is the only place you will experience the exhibit for more than 200 miles.

Antibodies is the first of three Vitra collections planned for exhibit in Tulsa through 2016 and a fine complement to Philbrook’s own efforts to expand its collection of contemporary design pieces in addition to its fine art holdings.

The exhibit, divided into nine modules (Fragmentos, Hibridos, etc.), brings an exciting visual language in color, shape and unexpected materials to the ordinary.

For more, go online to www.philbrook.org.

Quinoa is a delicious, super-nutritious food that suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. Neither a pasta nor a grain, it is actually the seed of the goosefoot plant that is related to beets, spinach and Swiss chard. Native to areas around the Andes Mountains, including Chile, Bolivia and Peru, quinoa was first eaten by the Incas some 5,000 years ago. Instead of serving regular rice pilaf as an accompaniment to chicken or fish, try this tasty version using quinoa. Prepare as directed below or experiment with different vegetables, depending on personal taste.

As architect Jack Arnold reviewed the design requirements of his Tulsa clients, a challenge quickly emerged.

“They wanted their two teenage children to have a sense of ‘ownership’ in their new home,” says Arnold.

“It was important to us that they get a chance to live in the house before going to college,” added the homeowner.

Soon they recognized the design and building process might take too long. So when the couple discovered a friend was selling his Midtown Tulsa home, designed by Jack Arnold in the mid-1990s, they wondered if it could be adapted with their plans.

The homeowners assembled their design team including Arnold, interior designer Charles Faudree and builder Brian Jordan of Tony Jordan and Sons. They credit the overwhelming success of the project to interaction from each of the professionals. “It was truly a team effort,” say the homeowners.

The stately country-style home needed a significant addition to meet the new owners’ goals. “But we didn’t want it to overpower the existing home,” says Arnold.

Some of the existing space worked perfectly without changes. Faudree was the original interior designer, and the living room furnishings were purchased with the house. The kitchen was updated, creating an Old World style with a hint of modern detail. The cabinets were painted black and updated appliances added, from a built-in coffee system to warming drawers. A stainless steel countertop accents the Viking stove and glass, and copper and aluminum tiles sparkle from the backsplash beneath the custom designed hood.

Two different wings of the house – the existing family room and the bedrooms – were transitioned into two bedroom suites, one for each child. “We wanted them to feel comfortable coming back and staying here whether it is with their college friends or even after they have families of their own,” says the homeowner.

While the couple does some entertaining, it is typically smaller, more intimate gatherings. The predominate focus was on creating an inviting family home for children and friends, so a spacious family/media room was imperative. According to Arnold, there was only one option on the lot where the new construction could occur and it required a walkway transition from the existing structure.

“We’d been planning a wine cellar in the design for a new house,” says the homeowner, so the wine hallway was created leading to the family room and is visible from several different locations within the home. Steel and glass design details were replicated from the home’s front doors. Arnold designed and had custom-fabricated a wine display system that makes the bottles appear to float in front of the rock wall. Arnold credits Brian Jordan and his construction crew for the tedious and impeccable installation. The bottles sparkle beneath the LED ceiling lights, and a special wine refrigeration unit keeps the collection at the perfect temperature.

A new master suite – including a sitting room, office, exercise room and sauna – was also added. “When we travel, we love spa amenities and wanted that resort feel,” the homeowner explains. One of the most intriguing uses of space is the inclusion of a certified tornado safe room that doubles as a massage room.

Faudree worked with the clients to create a restful, quiet bedroom area of casual elegance. Walls are a painted panel mold below with upholstered aqua linen above. The draperies are bordered with contrasting silk. As in other areas of the house, existing and new furnishings were blended. “The homeowners are the nicest people,” says Faudree. “Plus they have great taste.”

After 18 months of renovation, the family has settled in their new home although they continue to make a few changes. “It’s a work in progress,” says the homeowner.
 

Sangria is a wine punch, historically credited to Spain and Portugal, and traditionally served at informal get-togethers. It’s never too late to begin your own tradition with refreshing, summery sangrias.

Most sangrias are made with red wine and different fruits, usually berries, limes, apples and peaches. A sweetener such as honey or orange juice is also added. The ingredients usually are chilled for an entire day, before ice is added and the sangria is served.

For those who want to experiment this summer, try some simple variations. If red wine is not a favorite, then use white wine to make sangria blanca. Changing the fruits can make a big difference too. If someone loves mango and pineapple, make a tropical sangria. If someone is allergic to berries, keep them out. Lower calorie sangria can be sweetened with agave nectar.  

For a stronger kick, add some brandy or rum. Some people may wish to add club soda for carbonation. Ginger ale provides spice and a sweeter flavor. Since alcohol content depends on what recipe you use, take care to enjoy safely. Above all, make enough for a summer party, or just for one on a patio.

Finding a home to accommodate the newly blended family of five children, ranging in age from middle school to college, was a challenge until the homeowners discovered this Midtown two-story, four-bedroom residence with a pool house that had languished abandoned for many months.

Although it was in the process of being renovated by a builder, the couple called interior designer Rick Phillips to see what could be done to make this house work for them. Since they were still living between two homes, it was imperative to complete the renovation quickly so the two families could be together. And because both homeowners are busy professionals, they relied on Phillips to fast track the design and construction.

“They wanted it to look like an old New England farmhouse that had been added onto a few times,” says Phillips. So the living room, foyer and kitchen walls were clad with limestone, providing a stunning backdrop for the owners’ art collection. The existing wood floors were refinished with a Scandinavian natural color in a commercial satin, dog-proof finish and showcase an extensive rug collection.

Phillips focused first on the spacious kitchen area that is the hub of the family’s activities. “We removed a small island and replaced it with one 14 feet long, adding a sink, second dishwasher and tons of storage,” explains Phillips. The homeowners selected extra thick, double-pitched edge granite countertops, and Phillips designed the end-grain walnut counter that cantilevers over the island at one end. “It’s a great gathering place for the kids to eat, do homework and keep the cook company,” Phillips adds.

LED lights highlight the pillowed walnut tiles on the backsplash of the custom bar area. Having worked with Phillips previously, the homeowners knew his penchant for lighting design and wanted plenty of light throughout the home. Trough lights gleam from above the island, while task and ambient lighting creates a warm environment.

In the adjoining living area, Phillips designed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, ceiling coffers and beams from locally milled knotty alder to blend with the existing knotty alder kitchen cabinets. A motorized roller shade blocks the harsh sun and provides privacy.

The second floor master bedroom has a great view across the backyard but was a builder’s beige palette ready for some personality. Phillips chose a dark chocolate, embossed alligator wall covering that creates a quiet softness. Multiple coats of silver satin metallic paint enhance the coved ceiling. Motorized sheers and draperies with blackout lining offer various controls for tempering the southern daylight. The antique desk and chest used as bedside tables are from the owner’s grandparents.

The master bathroom is an unusual shape, carved from attic space years previously. The decision was made to keep the builder’s beige flooring, but Phillips incorporated a rich green marble for the base material as well as for the countertops and trim. Pieces of textured marble tile were meticulously applied to the wall above the large bathtub and near the shower, creating a luxurious appeal.

“I love the ability to see my children in the backyard from my master bedroom and bath as well as the kitchen and family room,” says the homeowner. “It is open and cozy.”
But as much as she enjoys these areas, “the backyard is my favorite,” she says.

 Comfortable seating and a dining area surround the stone fireplace and flat screen TV. Just beyond the outdoor living area is a custom saltwater pool with an integrated spa. A swim jet was installed so the athletic couple can minimize trips to the health club. And this newly blended family went together to the stone yard to pick the perfect diving rock installed at the deep end. The inviting backyard is a popular place to gather with an activity for everyone in the family.

“I have one word – awesome,” says the homeowner of the backyard.