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BATHROOMREMODEL
ULTIMATE
NOHOUSEPLANTS
Fuss
10 PAINTINGBLUNDERS
TO AVOID
MAN CAVESMemphis
YOUR MID-SOUTH HOME AND GARDEN MAGAZINE
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 52
84 N. Main | Collierville, TN 38017 | 901.861.7111Monday-Friday 10:00-5:00 Saturday 11:00-4:00
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J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 54
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 5
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More for You!
Tell us what you think of [email protected]
EDITOR
Sara Patterson [email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Erinn FiggSarah Matheny Gordon
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brandon DillJason TerrellKyle Kurlick
Let’s FIX Our Environment!Recycle with city government 576.6851 ext. 1 or go online memphistn.gov.
FIX 495 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103901.529.6513 www.memphisfixmagazine.com
FIX is a bi-monthly magazine delivering essential local information on home design, remodeling, repair and restoration. It is published by E.W. Scripps Company. Opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors are not those of FIX. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.Copyright 2014.
Fix magazine is dedicated to providing local information about all things home and garden.
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10
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015
FEATURES13 Bill’s Garage17 Roy’s Sports Bar21 Jon’s Tuscan Retreat24 Ultimate Bathroom Remodel
DEPARTMENTS10 Artist Spotlight: Chuck Johnson11 Handyman: 10 Painting Blunders
to Avoid12 Garden Fix: No Fuss Houseplants26 Why We Love our Home: Mona
and Bill Sappenfield29 Hospitality Fix: Valentine’s Menu
for Two
MAN CAVESMemphis
From The Editor
The strongest home décor always includes a story. The unique bedside table
lamp picked up during travels overseas. The vibrant living room painting
from a local artist and friend. The heirloom china that’s been passed down
through several generations.
In this issue of Fix Magazine, we took a look at spaces with very individual
points of view. The three “man caves” featured inside all serve as reflections of the
journeys taken by their inhabitants, of the memories they have collected along the
way and of the personal treasures they hold most dear.
Also included is a spotlight on local artist Chuck Johnson, who brings his love
of gardening into his fine abstract works, and details on a total bathroom remodel
that transformed a dark space into a room of relaxation. We also have tips on how
to better approach your next painting project and a list of no-fuss houseplants that
will reinvigorate your space this winter. And because Valentine’s Day will be here
before we know it, hospitality guru Sarah Matheny Gordon serves up her recipe
for a delectable dinner for two. I hope you enjoy this issue and would love to hear
your feedback. You can reach me by email at [email protected].
Warm regards,
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More photos, stories, events, and
behind-the-scene info!
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The magazine is free thanks to all of our wonderful advertisers and sponsors. If you visit one of these local businesses, let them know you saw them in FIX!
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Chuck Johnson describes his backyard as his “own little utopia.” A fenced in garden behind his
Whitehaven home contains more than a
dozen beautifully cultivated bonsai trees,
the complexity of their extensive root
structures visible as they stretch from
their containers. A shed in the center of
the garden serves as Johnson’s fine art
studio, where he creates works described
as “botanical abstractions.”
Johnson, a nationally celebrated fine
artist who was recently commissioned
to create the 2014 River Arts Festival
poster, has a new show in February at L
Ross Gallery that is part of his “Paradise
Found” series.
In his work, Johnson uses foliage
and seedpods from his garden to create
stencils. He then layers organic forms on
wood or canvas with oil pants and heated
wax. His encaustic painting techniques
allow for the achievement of a glowing
quality in his work, which he describes as
a reflection of the “inner light” he finds in
his secret garden.
Johnson has been gardening, he said,
since he was old enough to live on his
own. He’s been drawing and painting for
even longer. In 1972, Johnson’s number
came up in the Vietnam War draft lottery.
He served in the United States Army
and was deployed to West Germany,
where he worked as an illustrator. After
an honorable discharge two years later,
he came home to Memphis and enrolled
at Memphis State University (now the
University of Memphis). He studied
painting and drawing and graduated
in 1975. For a few years immediately
following graduation, Johnson taught at
nearby Shelby State Community College
(now Southwest Tennessee Community
College) and Southwestern at Memphis
(now Rhodes College).
Johnson said that he felt as though
he needed to get out of Memphis to
be a “serious artist,” so he moved to
Washington D.C. in the early 1980s. He
took a job with the Dept. of the Navy
in the Pentagon as a visual information
specialist and traveled throughout
Europe, South America, Australia, Africa,
the Middle East and other parts of Asia.
He procured all kinds of art along the
way, with his collection of African masks
being especially impressive. After the
Sept. 11 attacks, Johnson retired and
returned to Memphis.
These days, Johnson gardens and
paints and teaches. His artwork, as he
puts it, “is an ongoing effort to reconcile
disparate elements: painting and drawing,
structure and chance, dimensional space
and flatness, personal information and an
aesthetic connection to the viewer.”
Artist Spotlight story by Sara P. Shirley • Portrait by Jason Terrell • Artwork photos courtesy of L Ross Gallery
CHUCK JOHNSON
“Where the River Bends,” oil/mm/paper, 44” x 30”
“Seeds of Promise,” oil on paper, 44” x 30”“Cool Blue,” oil on panel, 48” x 48”
“Earthly Delights,” oil/mm/paper, 44” x 30”
1 1
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Interior painting is a popular do-it-yourself home improvement activity, but there are some common pitfalls that can turn this seemingly simple task into a sustained nightmare. Fix consulted with local handyman Jody Tate of A Head Above Home
Repair to pinpoint some of the most common problems household painters run into. With
just a little preparation, you can avoid these blunders and ensure that your next painting
project goes off without a hitch.
• Mistake No. 1: Skimping on your brushes. “Buying a cheap brush is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make,” said Tate. “I recommend a good nylon polyester brush, and I personally use the Purdy brand. If you buy a good roller, it will put the paint on evenly, and it’s washable so you can reuse it.”
• Mistake No. 2: Using an over- or undersized brush. “Find a brush that fits well in your hand, so that you don’t have cramps when you’re done,” said Tate. “The size of the brush all depends on what you’re comfortable with, but you want something that’s not too big, not too small. I use a 3-inch brush, but my wife needs one that is about 1 ½ inches, for example.”
• Mistake No. 3: Forgetting primer. “If you ever do repair to a wall, where you put up some sheet rock, you MUST prime before you paint,” said Tate. “If you don’t, you’re going to get flashing, which means that you’ll end up with a mix of bright and dull spots.”
• Mistake No. 4: Starting without painter’s tape. “For the average homeowner, I strongly suggest using painter’s tape,” said Tate. “And a kind I love is called FrogTape. It gives you a better line, and paint won’t bleed behind it like it sometimes will with the blue tape.”
• Mistake No. 5: Painting with the wall plates on. “Always take the wall plates off,” said Tate. “Even if you put tape around them, you’ll still get paint on them. “
• Mistake No. 6: Losing your screws. “When you take your wall plates off, place your screws in the outlet or somewhere you know you won’t lose them,” said Tate. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done this or seen this happen.”
• Mistake No. 7: Buying the wrong amount of paint. “On average, one gallon will cover 300 square-feet,” said Tate. “I actually plan for 250 square-feet per gallon, so that when I go back for touch ups I won’t have to remix any paint, which could end up being off-tint.”
• Mistake No. 8: Lacking air circulation. “In Memphis, there’s nothing you can do about the humidity,” said Tate, “but if you want to help the paint to dry more quickly, put an isolating fan in the room to keep the air moving.”
• Mistake No. 9: Brushing on large surfaces. “I always cut in with a brush and then roll over any large surface area,” said Tate. “For something like an interior door, I will use a micro mini roller—those are really small and great to paint doors with.”
• Mistake No. 10: Painting with a dirty brush. “Here’s a fun tip—if you are painting a room and it gets to be 8 or 9 o’clock and you aren’t going to finish that night, put your brush in a Ziploc bag and put it in the freezer,” said Tate. “The next day let it thaw out, and go back to work.”
Handyman story by Sara P. Shirley
Painting Blunders to Avoid10
Expert advice from a professional local handyman
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 51 2
HOUSEPLANTSBEST PLANTS FOR THE FORGETFUL GARDENER
No Fuss5H
aving some greenery in the home
is a wonderful way to bring life
into your space during the winter
months, but not everyone who loves plants
loves to care for them. Fix consulted with
horticulture director Rick Pudwell of the
Memphis Botanic Garden to come up with
a list of easy-keeper houseplants. You can
find the following beauties at the Mem-
phis Botanic Garden “Green Your Home”
plant sale Feb. 13 and 14, and admission
is free. The selection will include a variety
of houseplants, custom potting and con-
tainer arrangements (you can bring your
own pots, if you like), as well as handmade
artisan and gift items. Master gardeners
and MBG staff will be on hand to assist
with your selection and offer advice.
Here are a few of Pudwell’s general
houseplant care tips to keep in mind when
thinking about your next plant purchase:
“Most house plant care centers on
proper watering, keeping foliage clean of
dust and having a little humidity, which can
be accomplished with a simple daily mist-
ing with an atomizer and an occasional
shower in the kitchen sink or bathtub.
“All plants need light and even foliage
plants (which are usually understory plants
in the jungle) must have enough light that
you can cast a shadow where the plant is
expected to survive. Blooming plants need
sun and of course there are different con-
dition for each species.”
No. 1 – Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)This plant has bold, good-looking foliage
and is tolerant of a wide variety of
temperatures and growing conditions.
No. 2 – Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)This durable, multicolored beauty comes
in many variations.
No. 3 – Golden Pothos (Epipremnum)This easy-care vine comes in many
variations and is touted for its air-
purifying qualities.
No. 4 – Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)Probably the most popular houseplant in
America, Peace Lilies are hardy and will
tell you when they need water – just look
for the droop.
No. 5 – Snake Plant (Sansevieria)These are known for their resilience, have
attractive, upright leaves and are also
recommended as air purifiers.
12
3
45
GREEN FIX story by Sara P. Shirley
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 1 3
Memphis Man Caves
Bill Cunningham’s Lakeland garage transports guests decades into America’s automotive past.
Story by Sara P. Shirley • Photos by Brandon Dill
GARAGEBill’s
Bill Cunningham has always loved
cars, Mustangs in particular. He
remembers sitting in the backseat
of his family car as a child and becoming
captivated by a Springtime Yellow 1966
Mustang curving along Goodlett Road
near Walnut Grove.
Cunningham purchased his first
Mustang in 1976 for $250. The
transmission was in pieces in the trunk,
but he used a parts car to get the
Mustang running and, as he writes on his
website, “gain automotive independence.”
When a Mustang club cropped up in
Memphis a few years later, Cunningham
immediately joined and has remained
a member. The Lakeland resident is
also a member of the Shelby American
Automobile Club and the Crosley
Automobile Club.
And man, you should really see his
garage.
Walking through the door feels
like walking back in time. In addition
to a beautifully restored 1949 Crosley
Hotshot and a 1966 Shelby Mustang,
Cunningham’s collection of automotive
Bill Cunningham spends time in his garage relaxing, restoring old cars and thinking of “better times.”
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 51 4
memorabilia is extraordinary.
Thousands of well-organized and
maintained collectibles line the walls,
shelves and display cabinets. He’s
got vintage toy trains and planes and
matchbox cars and a vast assortment
of petroliana, or antiques related to gas
stations and the oil business.
“This just brings on a lot of nostalgia,”
said Cunningham. “I’ve picked up a lot of
these things over the years at antique
malls and swap meets.”
One of Cunningham’s most unique
possessions is that of a still-functional
“Merrymobile” ice cream delivery truck.
From the 1950s to the early 1970s, ice
cream was sold in Memphis from this
round, three-wheeled vehicle that looks
like a cross between a circus tent and a
cupcake.
Another interesting piece with local
history is a 20-inch gauge amusement
park train that was built in the 1950s and
installed at the Memphis Fairgrounds
Amusement Park. In 1975, the train was
refurbished and moved to the Memphis
Zoo, where it was operated until the early
1990s.
Wide interest in Cunningham’s
collection led him to create his website,
billsgarage.com, detailing the history of
many of his items.
His family supports Cunningham’s
hobby for finding and restoring old items.
His love of car restoration came from
his dad, his mom collects dolls, and his
brother created the “Bill’s Garage” logo
seen on signs in his space.
Bill’s wife, Laurie, enjoys repurposing
old items and the couple has recently
begun working together on more and
more of those sorts of projects.
“We just have a lot of fun with it,” said
Cunningham. “I always tell people I was
out ‘pickin’ before that term was coined
on television. Back then, we called it,
‘junkin.’”
Bill Cunningham’s collection includes interesting pieces of local lore such as these pit passes from Lakeland’s old raceway.
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 1 5
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J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 1 7
The walls in Roy Adams’ East
Memphis home are the talkative
sorts. Hundreds of framed photos
hanging on them tell the story of a
teenage Senate page from Memphis,
of a local restaurateur, and more than
anything, of one man’s all encompassing
love of college football.
Adams, 76, is known as the Great
Gatsby of football watch parties, and
he has outfitted his 7,000 square-foot
home with all the trappings of a serious
entertainer. A poster in the entryway
breaks it down by the numbers: five
viewing rooms, 36 televisions, 16
refrigerators, four freezers, a full wet
bar with more than 100 bottles behind
the counter, game rooms with two pool
tables, a library and a commercial kitchen.
Adams, a 1963 graduate of the
University of Tennessee and longtime
booster, began hosting his Saturday
parties in the late 1990s. Friend Tom
Clayton, who has been hanging out at
Adams’ house on Saturdays since the
beginning, said the parties began pretty
modestly—several televisions in one room
and a few friends gathered around to
watch games throughout the day.
By 2007, the parties had grown so
Story by Sara P. Shirley • Photos by Brandon Dill
SPORTS BARRoy’s
In 2007, Roy Adams filled in his backyard pool to make room for an addition to his house, which would include a commercial kitchen and theater room.
Memphis Man Caves
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 51 8
Chef Henry Marton prepared more than 50 dishes for a recent Saturday football party at Roy Adams’ East Memphis home.
Roy Adams and friend Tom Clayton watch multiple screens from the comfort of theater seating in the living room.
The theater room off the kitchen contains five big-screen televisions, 12 leather theater chairs and a pedestal table with four stools. The bathroom off of the kitchen has its own big-screen television, as well.
large that Adams decided to fill in his
backyard pool and build an addition to
his house. The addition made room for
a commercial kitchen and theater room
containing leather theater seating, five
big screen televisions and a projector
screen. Adams also installed a urinal off
of the kitchen and placed a flat-screen
television overhead. Attendance on a
good game day can hit 100, and the
guests are a diverse group including local
politicians, lawyers, judges, principals,
coaches, and former ball players. Friends
refer to Adams’ home as “Roy’s Sports
Bar” and even posted a video by the
same name on YouTube describing the
uniquely Memphis experience.
A chef begins preparing food around 7
a.m. each Saturday of the football season,
and the buffet offerings range from fried
chicken to crawfish etoufee to sushi. On
a recent Saturday, chef Henry Marton
offered up more than 50 dishes including
meatloaf, pork chops, shrimp creole, corn
bread, macaroni and cheese, greens,
tamales, deviled eggs, a smattering of
dips and a delectable banana pudding
for dessert. Marton credited his mother,
who worked for Adams in his chain of
family-style restaurants, for his talents in
the kitchen.
There’s beer in the fridge and
liquor behind the bar, though Adams
encourages his guests to keep to a five-
drink maximum. There are a few other
rules: guests must be cordial to one
another, they should eat everything they
put on their plates, and they can’t come
into the house with any tattoos showing.
Police friends are a constant
presence on game days, ensuring that
ruckus is kept to a minimum.
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 1 9
Roy Adams’ collection of miniature football stadiums are on display in one of the game rooms.
More than 500 framed photos line the walls of Roy Adams’ home.
In one of the game rooms, a display
cabinet features an interesting collection
of miniature stadium replicas. A signed
jersey from friend and Seattle Seahawks
Hall-of-Famer Cortez Kennedy hangs
prominently on the wall in the living room.
After decades of hosting parties,
Adams has the art of entertaining down
to a science. He flutters from room to
room checking on guests, making sure
they have enough to eat and drink and
that he’s playing whatever games they
want to watch. Fans of all stripes attend
the parties, and more than 20 games are
played in the home on a given Saturday.
It’s evident that Adams prides himself
on providing for others. He talks freely
about his penchant for spending money
on local high school players who promise
to attend SEC schools, and he spends
about $1,500 each week on his parties
yet refuses to accept any monetary
contributions from his guests.
“I just want people to leave here
full and happy,” he said. “The group that
comes here watches football for the love
of the game, and that’s what brings us all
together.”
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 52 0
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J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 2 1
Memphis Man Caves
Story by Sara P. Shirley • Photos by Jason Terrell
TUSCAN RETREATJon’s W
hen Jon Thompson and his wife,
Susan, decided to build a new
home in Germantown, plans for
a stand-alone office space were part of
the design. Thompson’s old home office
was located in the barn of the previous
residence, but the couple wanted the
new space to fit in with the Italian style of
their new home, which is currently under
construction.
The plans resulted in a rustic two-
story office/garage located across the
piazza from the home. The building has
ample storage for Thompson, the former
director of the City of Memphis Wonders
Exhibitions and avid adventurer, to display
collectibles he has picked up on his many
explorations.
Thompson is perhaps best known for
bringing parts of the luxurious sunken
ocean liner, the Titanic, to Memphis, in
1997, as part of the Wonders series, and
he has a few personal pieces on display
in his new space.
At the center of any cave should be the facilities to relax and this mini bar and leather chair allow for just that.
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 52 2
Thompson’s fascination with the
Titanic is upstaged only by his “first love
of aviation,” he says, and his ongoing
search for Amelia Earhart’s lost airplane.
Thompson is a West Point graduate
and he holds a master’s degree in
aerospace engineering. The nameplate
on his desk is made from pieces of railing
taken from a Westpoint dormitory and
dates back to 1802.
Thompson’s garage contains an
antique car of Susan’s and a piano bar
that the couple created together. The bar
has full service capability, with space for
a bartender to stand in the center. The
storage cabinets in the garage feature
a wall-sized panel of canvas coverings,
a unique style element that Thompson
first noticed during travels in Europe.
Thompson’s were made in Germany and
give a nod to Thompson’s past ownership
of Taylor Machinery Co., which distributed
Caterpillar equipment.
A spiral staircase leading up to the
office has local ties—it came from the
old Memphis Firestone factory. One of
Jon Thompson’s office/man cave has all the necessities including a well appointed bathroom.
No man cave is complete without a meeting space and Jon Thompson’s space is filled with natural light from large windows. It’s also yet another place to display his vast collection of items he’s picked up in his many journeys.
A reminder of his days with Taylor Machinery Co., which distributed Caterpillar equipment, Thompson commissioned a paining of a Caterpillar truck on the inside wall of the garage below his office. Also found there are an authentic piano bar and a car given to his wife, Susan, by her grandfather when she was a teenager.
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 2 3
By far some of his most prized possesions displayed throughout the man cave is his collection of trench art made from used ammunition shells. Both Thompson and his father were veterans.
At the base of the spiral staircase leading to his office, a small sign next to the red banner reads “Tiananmin Square Student Protest Banner July 2, 1989. Give me Liberty or Give me Death. Presented to Jon K. Thompson by students on site in Bejing.”
Thompson’s most prized possessions –
a homemade flag handed to him by a
protestor in Tiananmen Square in 1989–
hangs next to the staircase.
The interior colors in the office and
garage are warm reds, and yellows,
keeping with the Tuscan-style of the
space. The office includes a sitting
area for meetings, a kitchenette and
bathroom. The office has wood flooring
and a fireplace mantel holds some of
Thompson’s collection of World War I
trench art.
Thompson, who served with
distinction in the Vietnam War, said he
began collecting trench art after his
father brought a couple pieces home
from World War I. Thompson’s father
served as a stretcher-bearer in the
medical corps during the war.
“He brought back a helmet that had
been decorated, and his mess kit, and
that’s what got me interested in trench
art,” said Thompson. “I’ve been collecting
ever since.”
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 52 4
Builder John Heard and interior
designer Patty Zerilla recently
transformed an oddly shaped
corner master bathroom with beige
walls, floors and appliances into a bright,
uncluttered rest area with a spa-like
atmosphere.
The remodel involved a complete
gutting of the room, the addition of a large
window and an extension of the adjacent
master closet. Once the structural work
was complete, the L-shaped space was
fitted with custom cabinetry, a gorgeous
cast iron tub and a separate walk-in
shower with raised pebble flooring and
blue glass tiles.
The floor was tiled with Travertine
and Zerilla painted the ceiling one of
her signature blues. The new tub-side
window contains a low-emissive (low-e)
glass pane, which reduces energy
consumption and the amount of harsh
ultraviolet light that can enter the room.
“We wanted to bring the outdoors
in,” said Zerilla. “More and more of my
clients are asking for a natural, clean
look. For this project, we wanted to create
something very mellow and relaxing.”
The countertops are covered with
a leathered stone, and the sinks are a
square contemporary design. Above the
sinks, a painting from local artist Harvey
Middleton adds style while also blending
in with the overall look of the room.
Zerilla decorated with a mix of old and
new pieces, such as the client’s heirloom
silver containers and new mercury glass
containers. The custom cabinetry located
behind the bathtub, under the sink and
above the toilet provides ample storage.
The East Memphis client praised
Heard and Zerilla for their excellent work,
noting that the sweeping transformation
of the space has resulted in an overall
quality-of-life improvement.
Story by Sara P. Shirley • Photos by Jason Terrell
BATHROOM REMODEL
Ultimate
Square sink bowls rest on a woodsy, beautifully patterned leathered stone countertop in this East Memphis bathroom.
Custom cabinetry behind the bathtub contains a laundry hamper underneath and space above for folded spa towels.
During Construction
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 2 5
Builder John Heard installed a large low-emissive glass window above the cast iron tub to open up the space and bring warmth into the room.
The walk-in shower features a texturally interesting pebble stone flooring, and designer Patty Zerilla included a teak spa bench for ultimate relaxation.
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 52 6
During the 16 years Mona Sappen-
field has lived in her classic South-
ern-style house in the Greentrees
subdivision of Memphis, she’s never had
one particular decorating goal in mind.
She just wants people to feel at home
there.
“A big part of why I love the house is
because it’s so easy to entertain there
and it’s very colorful,” said Sappenfield
of the approximately 4,300-square-foot,
three-story home, where she lives with
her husband, Bill, and dogs, Emma and
LelaRose. “We have a mix of antiques
and contemporary pieces. It’s very eclec-
tic and blended and not one particular
style at all. People mainly compliment it
for the color and the art.”
Although the house has evolved over
the years with the
addition of a new
driveway, a recre-
ational area in the
back and other
modern updates,
the atmosphere
has remained the same: welcoming, cozy
and full of memories, Sappenfield said.
She and her husband raised their two
now-grown daughters, Jessica and Jac-
quelyn, there, and photographs through-
out the home reflect the family’s favorite
moments. The couple also has traveled
extensively and try to bring back special
pieces of art from their favorite destina-
tions.
As CEO of Mona Spa and Laser
Center, Sappenfield strives to help her
customers feel beautiful by accentuat-
ing their best qualities and fostering re-
laxation and wellness. At her home, this
passion also is evident in the beauty of
her art collection, which also includes
Mona and Bill Sappenfield love their Southern-style home in the Greentrees subdivision of Memphis.
Story by Erinn Figg • Photos by Kyle Kurlick
A
ofplace
peace
why we love our home
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 2 7
Mona and Bill Sappenfield enjoy the cozy atmosphere of their home, where they live with pups Emma and LelaRose.
The kitchen is one of spa owner Mona Sappenfield’s favorite places of relaxation. She turns to her collection of cookbooks to unwind, she said.
The large red sofa in the living room provides a comfortable area to watch the football game with friends.
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 52 8
local artists’ works purchased to benefit
Memphis charities; the sauna, hot tub and
pool where family and friends love to re-
lax; and the pride she takes in the scenic
landscape.
“The property is surrounded by trees
and flowering shrubs from season to
season, and everyone in our neighbor-
hood takes such care to keep their lawns
beautiful,” she said. “To me, it’s just so
lovely and indicative of Memphis.”
Like many homeowners, she says
the kitchen is one of her favorite spaces,
both for its ease in entertaining guests,
which she thoroughly enjoys, and for the
memories it evokes.
“My mother and I always cooked to-
gether, and I’ve collected cookbooks for
years. That’s a lot of my relaxation read-
ing – just reading cookbooks and plan-
ning new ideas for entertaining friends,”
she said.
“The kitchen flows into an entertain-
ment area with a big red sofa we love,
and we’re big football fans, so we host
a lot of football parties. We’ve also built
friendships all over the world, so we enjoy
hosting and cooking for my business col-
leagues, as well as our friends who travel
to Memphis. They love staying at Casa
Mona and Bill,” she laughed.
For reading, daydreaming or just un-
winding and spending time with the dogs,
the home also has a sitting room off the
kitchen that Sappenfield calls her “quiet
place.” Meanwhile upstairs, her husband
– also an avid reader – has his own “typi-
cal man cave,” as she describes it – com-
plete with a large television, comfy couch
and plenty of books, although she said
he’s consolidated much of his collection
on his Kindle now, which helps reduce
the former stacks of them. Most import-
ant, Sappenfield said, the house is very
dog-friendly.
“I love living with my dogs; they’re my
buddies. We have beds all over the house
for them. It’s just a really casual, cozy
house. It’s a happy place, full of love.”
Mona Sappenfield has decorated her home with local artwork purchased to benefit Memphis charities.
A floral light fixture in the dining room immediately draws interest and is complimented by the table arrangement and wall art.
A
ofplace
peace
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 2 9
MENU
HOSPITALITY FIXRecipes by Sarah Matheny Gordon
Memphis has many fantastic
restaurants, but dining out on
Valentine’s Day is a challenge.
Between crowded restaurants and steep
prices, it can be difficult to fully relax and
enjoy the experience with a significant
other. This Valentine’s Day, savor a
sophisticated meal with a loved one in the
comfort of home. Prepare Filet Mignon
with Peppercorn Pan Sauce and Sauteed
Mushrooms.
This menu is perfect for celebrating
Valentine’s Day or any special occasion,
and it does not require reservations made
a month in advance! The ingredient
list is simple and the whole dish comes
together in about a half hour, but it is sure
to impress. Even with wine and dessert,
the total cost of this menu amounts to a
fraction of a restaurant bill.
How to prepare a special Valentine’s
Day menu at home:
A couple of days in advance, review
the following recipe and gather the
necessary ingredients.
Purchase filet mignon and produce as
well as any other ingredients not on-hand
in your pantry. Select fresh steaks with a
USDA “Choice” rating. With filet mignon
there is not a noticeable difference in the
flavor, juiciness, or tenderness between
cuts labeled as “Choice” or “Prime.” So,
do not feel tempted to splurge for USDA
“Prime” cuts. Choose two steaks that are
the same thickness, between 1 ½ and 2
inches, and weigh about 6 ounces each.
Ask the butcher for guidance if necessary.
Chef’s note: Pick up a meat thermometer
as well. This is a key tool for perfectly
cooked steaks.
Select a bottle of wine to complement
the menu, such as a merlot, Bordeaux, or
cabernet sauvignon. When ordering wine
at a restaurant, the price of a bottle of wine
is marked up as much as 100-300% of
the cost of the identical bottle purchased
at a wine store. Wines available by the
glass are typically marked up even more.
Use the special occasion as an opportunity
to try a new wine or one at a higher price
point. If the idea of choosing one bottle
from among hundreds on shelves at the
store is daunting, visit a reputable wine
merchant (Memphis has many!) and ask
an employee for recommendations. The
right wine pairing makes this delightful
meal even more enjoyable.
Finally, keep dessert simple. A meal
this delicious does not require a decadent
or complicated dessert. Instead, go with
a Valentine’s Day classic: Chocolate. Visit
a locally owned candy store and select
a variety of chocolates to sample for
dessert.
Continue the wine pairings into the
dessert course by pairing wine with
chocolate based on the darkness of the
chocolate. Choose wines that are slightly
sweeter than the paired chocolate.
Valentine’sDay
2for
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 53 0
DirectionsPat each steak dry with paper
towels. Sprinkle with salt on all
sides. Heat oil in a large, heavy-
bottomed skillet over medium-high
heat until beginning to smoke.
Rub 1 teaspoon black pepper onto
the top and bottom of each steak.
Cook steaks until well-browned on
each side* and internal temperature
reaches 125 for medium rare or
130 for medium. This will take
about 5 minutes per side. Remove
the steaks to a plate and tent
loosely with foil. The residual heat
will continue cooking the steaks.
(Note: after browning the top and
bottom of the steaks, use tongs to
sear on each side.)
Add butter to the pan. When
it is melted, add shallots and cook
until fragrant and softened, about
two minutes. Add garlic and cook
another minute. Stir in wine and
broth and simmer, scraping up
browned bits from the bottom of
the pan. Stir in half-and-half and
bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in
accumulated steak juices. Season
with salt and freshly cracked
pepper. Spoon sauce over steaks
and serve immediately.
HOSPITALITY FIX
FILET MIGNON WITH PEPPERCORN PAN SAUCE
INGREDIENTS2 filet mignon steaks, 1 ½ - 2
inches thick, about 6 ounces
each
4 tsp. freshly ground pepper,
plus more to taste
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. butter
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ c. white wine
½ c. chicken stock
½ c. half-and-half
1 Tbs. chopped fresh rosemary
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 3 1
SAUTEED MUSHROOMSDirections
While the steaks are searing,
in a separate 10-inch or larger
skillet, heat olive oil and butter
over medium heat until the butter
foams. When the foaming begins to
subside, add mushrooms to the pan,
spreading into one layer as much
as possible. Sprinkle with salt and
pepper. Cover and cook for about
four minutes until the mushrooms
begin to soften. Remove the cover
and turn each mushroom over,
maintaining one layer in the pan.
Cook for an additional four minutes
until nicely browned on both sides.
Add garlic and rosemary. Cook,
stirring or tossing, until fragrant,
about one minute. Remove from
heat, squeeze in lemon juice, and stir
again.
INGREDIENTS1 lb. sliced white mushrooms
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
About 2 tsp. lemon juice, from ¼ - ½ of a lemon
salt and freshly ground pepper
J A N U A R Y • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 53 2
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