hearsay ➥ You might not expect to find garden inspiration at RHEA DRUG STORE, but the Hillcrest pharmacy and gift shop carries plenty of accessories to dress up your green space. We love the quirky flowers made from recycled soda cans, which can be propped up in a garden or potted plant to add an unexpected element. Customers will also find great entertaining items for the season, plus tons of cute gifts. ➥ Brides, don’t forget: PROPOSALS BOUTIQUE welcomes Avant Bride for a special trunk show this week. Score some gorgeous bling from the jewelry line on Friday, April 27 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call (501) 661-4696 to schedule an appointment. ➥ The PROMENADE AT CHENAL has a big week planned! Endurance athlete Jason Lester begins a 4,800mile journey across the United States as part of Nike’s Journey for a Better World tour, and he’ll make a stop at the LITTLE ROCK NIKE STORE at the Promenade on Wednesday, April 25. Meet Lester and hear his story at a welcome party from 4-7 p.m. The openair shopping center is also accepting entries for a MOMMY MAKEOVER GIVEAWAY in honor of Mother’s Day. One lucky mama will win a prize valued over $1,000 that includes a relaxing massage, shopping spree, new ‘do and more. Visit chenalshopping.com for details on how to enter. ➥ Support Our House, a local shelter and resource center for the working homeless, when you scope out exciting new couture fashion at WINE & DESIGN: RUNWAY EDITION. The event will be held at the Clinton Presidential Center Thursday, April 26 from 7-10 p.m., with Project Runway alum Korto Momolu hosting. The evening’s runway show will feature intricate garments created out of products typically used by local interior designers and architects. Tickets are $40 at the door and $30 in advance. Call (501)224-1900 for information. ➥ Ready your taste buds for an explosion of delight—the third annual FOOD BLOGGER BAKE SALE will set up shop for one day only this Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Curious foodies can stop by 6th and Main Streets in the Argenta Arts District to purchase items made by local bloggers, as well as a few professionals like Dempsey Bakery, Brown Sugar Bake Shop and Blue Cake Company. The event will raise funds for Share Our Strength, an organization that aims to end childhood hunger. 68
APRIL 25, 2012
APRIL 25, 2012
Little Rock outdoor furniture retailer Ken Rash’s is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year.
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Great Outdoors BY BLAIR TIDWELL
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home isn’t quite complete without an outdoor space to kick back and enjoy a gorgeous day. And these days, a simple chair or two won’t do for your deck, patio or porch. Local retailers of outdoor furniture have seen a rise in the popularity of outdoor “living spaces,” with homeowners putting just as much effort into decorating their front porches and backyards as their family rooms and bedrooms. “There are so many beautiful places in Arkansas that people want to spend more time outdoors enjoying their views of nearby lakes and mountains,” says Lauren Roberts, a buyer and sales associate at Arkansas Furniture in Hot Springs. “We have also seen that many people are placing televisions and kitchens outside on their patios. With all of the extra time spent outdoors, it is important to have a comfortable, cozy place to sit and relax.” Roberts has seen a move away from traditional dining sets and pinpoints deep-seating couches, group-friendly sectionals and especially “chat groups” as the strong trends in recent years. Lawrie Rash of Ken Rash’s in Little Rock agrees and explains the concept: “A chat group consists of four really comfortable chairs—club chairs, swivel
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or spring—and a table in the middle. A chat table is usually higher than a coffee table but lower than a dining table; the idea is that it’s the perfect set-up for comfort and conversation, and you can still enjoy a meal there.” Besides the improvement of comfort in outdoor furniture—which Rash says has become as good as those made for indoors—more options have made it easier to create a lovely area for living. Arkansas Furniture carries mostly wrought iron, aluminum and synthetic wicker pieces, including the eco-friendly Breezesta line which is made from recycled milk jugs and water bottles and has a lifetime warranty. Ken Rash’s also offers synthetic wicker, wrought iron and aluminum furniture, as well as items made from teak and ipe wood. Plus, choices in style have grown: “The outdoor industry used to be decades behind, with hunter green as the main player for years,” says Rash. “But those days are long gone. We see Tangerine Tango, the color of the year, primarily as pops of color on throw pillows or an umbrella or accessories. We also continue to see all shades of bright green. Plus, yellow and red remain strong.”
Guide to green After crafting a comfy seating space, your next step is to spruce up the actual green area. Depending on budget and commitment, homeowners may want to start small. Try grouping varieties of potted plants on a patio or deck to add some greenery. Jennifer Gibson, who has been helping The Good Earth Garden Center customers for seven years, suggests placing a foliage plant such as a Palm in a large planter, Hibiscus or Sweet Potato Vine in a medium container and Lantana in the smallest. After dabbling in plotted plants, it’s time to tackle the rest of your space. Gibson explains that cleaning up an outdoor area should be no different than spring cleaning indoors. “It’s basically clean, organize, decorate!” she says. “Take a good look at what you have, and what can be utilized by transplanting and re-grouping. Many perennials, shrubs and even some trees respond well to transplanting if done correctly. Then, create spaces for annual color in order to add visual interest and focal points—it’s amazing what a difference some bright color can make!” If you’re ready for an overhaul, Gibson says it is important to evaluate your budget and priorities. You’ll also need to determine your vision and idea for the space, and then step into The Good Earth Garden Center’s beautiful park-like “showroom,” which is sure to provide inspiration for your own plant-filled paradise.
And cushions aren’t the only way to show some personality, though Rash recommends replacing outdated ones as a way to quickly freshen up existing furniture. She also says that adding throw pillows, durable area rugs made for the patio and other accessories can instantly create a cozier space. “Candles and lanterns are also nice and add ambiance, as well as keeping the bugs away,” Rash says. Both Rash and Roberts agree that in addition to finding furniture that suits the consumer’s style, durability should be the main focus; “The focus of our store is all about fashion with durability and comfort,” Roberts says of Arkansas Furniture. “The furniture will need to withstand rapidly changing weather, especially here in Arkansas. The additional dollars spent on quality outdoor furnishings are ultimately offset by the added life-span and comfort.”