Fayetteville, AR March 2025 by City Lifestyle

Home is Where Fayetteville Is

When I first set foot in Fayetteville back in 2012, I had no idea this town would eventually become my home. At the time, I was just visiting my brother, who was attending the University of Arkansas. Coming from Kansas City, I expected a charming college town—but what I found was something so much more. Fayetteville had an energy, a warmth, and a sense of opportunity that immediately captured my heart.

It was the people, more than anything, that made the strongest impression. There’s a kindness here that feels rare, a thoughtfulness in the way neighbors help one another, support local businesses, and take pride in their community. It’s the kind of place where you can strike up a conversation with a stranger and walk away feeling like you’ve made a friend. I knew, even back then, that this was a special place—one I wanted to be a part of.

Now, years later, it’s a privilege to not only call Fayetteville home but also to be in a position to share its stories. Through Fayetteville City Lifestyle, I have the opportunity to connect with the incredible people, places, and businesses that make this community so unique. Every month, I get to learn more about the heart of this town and celebrate the creativity, resilience, and generosity that define it.

That’s why I’m so excited to bring you this March Home issue. Home is more than just four walls; it’s a feeling, a connection, a reflection of the people who fill it with love and purpose. This month, we’re celebrating everything that makes home life in Fayetteville special—from stunning interiors and local makers to the stories of people who pour their passion into creating beautiful, welcoming spaces.

As we step into spring, a season of renewal and fresh starts, I hope this issue inspires you to embrace all the things that makes Fayetteville feel like home. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space, discover new local businesses, or simply find joy in the everyday moments, this month is all about celebrating the heart of where we live.

Welcome home, Fayetteville!

GAVIN MAGEE, PUBLISHER

March 2025

PUBLISHER

Gavin Magee | gavin.magee@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Anna Vanhorn | anna.vanhorn@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Clay Ridgeway | clay.ridgeway@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kate Gryder | kategryder@outlook.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Sydney Johnson | sydney.johnson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sydney Johnson, Hailey Smith, Will Newton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Meredith Mashburn, Andrea Pruitt, Emily Hendrick

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

city scene

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN

Potter's House Team

If you’ve driven down North College Avenue, you’ve probably noticed a large building with “Potter’s House” in bold red lettering. What may appear as a thrift store offering everything from clothing to furniture actually a place that is part of a much larger mission. When you peek behind the curtain, this nonprofit organization has created a mission of life change, unity, and impact reverberating through Northwest Arkansas and beyond.

For over 20 years, Potter’s House has been working to build a different picture of community by providing space for all kinds of people to gather on a more intentional level. The vision of Potter’s House began with two Junior High Sweethearts, Shawn and Anita

Schwartzman, who first met at Woodland Jr. High in Fayetteville. As they dove deeper into their community, they realized the power of diverse relationships to impact the city. What started as a ragtag group has since formed into small groups, after-school tutoring, a part-time pre-K, and more. Around 10 years ago, an involved community member named Alex Stewart threw out the idea for Potter’s House to start a thrift store, believing it would financially support the Potter’s House mission. This was a game changer, and has now grown into 3 locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Siloam Springs. The thrift team is comprised of volunteers and around 130 employees.

2703 N Drake Street, Fayetteville

“WE

EXIST TO EMBRACE THE POWER OF DIVERSE RELATIONSHIPS TO CONNECT AND CHANGE OUR COMMUNITY.”

The values Potter’s House is founded upon include: Relationships First, Dignity & Value, Holistic Health, Unity Through Cultural Diversity, and Jesus at the Center. These are not merely aspirational buzzwords, but principles that describe who they are and how they work, day in and day out. Relationships are the pinnacle of everything. Without true care for the individuals involved in the programs, they would cease to exist. Everyone is treated with dignity and value, never defined by mistakes or misfortune, only uplifted for who they are and the character they uphold. Wellbeing is examined holistically from a mental, physical, and spiritual lens, and they aspire to be involved in strengthening each of these areas. There is beauty in

cultural differences, and they lean into this by celebrating diversity. Jesus sits at the center of it all, and they credit everything they have built by mimicking his character. Another remarkable initiative Potter’s House has been developing since acquiring the old Jefferson Elementary School building in February 2023 is called “Jefferson Renewed.” This project seeks to honor the building’s history while looking forward to the future. Jefferson has been a core place of education and community in South Fayetteville since 1930. With the size and location of this property, it makes an excellent hub for Potter’s House to host their many programs and expand their support services of legal and social work. The Potter’s House team has been investigating

Shawn Schwartzman, Founder

how to revamp the building, in the best way possible. Shawn Schwartzman, Founder and President states, “We don’t think we’re doing a new thing here. We believe the future of this building will meld education, community, and family through what it offers.” Their ideas include expanding the preschool from part-time to full-time, creating a community outdoor space with a playground, renovating the cafeteria into a community space, and providing legal services, medical social workers, after-school tutoring, and a warming shelter when it gets below 15 degrees. If this project sparks your curiosity, tours are available to see the space in person.

When asked about the life changes he’s witnessed as a result of Potter’s House, Shawn shares, “Those who are financially

well-off and choose to get involved are deeply impacted by their participation, individuals working at the thrift store are often able to move onto better job opportunities, and volunteer students gain valuable lessons about Jesus and how to make a positive impact in their world.” Through its many programs, accessible social workers, small groups, and thrift stores, Potter’s House serves the community in a multitude of ways. Whether you feel called to donate financially towards the Jefferson Renewed project, donate physical items to the thrift store, or donate your time to one of the programs, they invite you to join the mission to better our community.

For more information on how to get involved or to tour the Jefferson building, check out https://www.phnwa.com/

Jefferson Elementary School Building

THE ART OF Entertaining

STEPHANIE BOWEN’S PHILOSOPHY TO CREATING PERSONALIZED, LIVABLE LUXURY

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN

Stephanie Bowen, founder of Elle & Ivy Interiors, is known as the queen of hosting her close-knit community over craft cocktails, heart-warming meals and intimate conversation. Nicknamed “Lake Steph” by her friends, she’s the ultimate entertainer, orchestrating unforgettable girls’ weekends every summer at Beaver Lake. It’s no surprise that her passion for bringing people together inspired her to launch a business focused on creating homes that are both beautiful and functional, designed with hosting in mind. Through Elle & Ivy, Stephanie helps create spaces where memories are made, and every gathering feels like a celebration. Her personalized, detail-driven approach has earned her a reputation as an award-winning designer who’s redefining the art of home entertainment in Northwest Arkansas.

Stephanie’s journey into interior design was non-traditional. Originally a Tax Director in the corporate world, she developed a passion for interior design as she worked on the build of her own home. From picking out tile to designing custom furniture, these decisions sparked a greater curiosity of the craft. As an avid host, her friends fell in love with her completed home, and she began getting requests to help on projects while still in the corporate world. Quickly, she realized where her true passion lay, and that she could monetize her work. Slowly but surely, Stephanie gained enough confidence to take a leap of faith and launch Elle & Ivy Interiors in 2021.

Stephanie Bowen, Interior Designer

Type A by nature, it’s no wonder that Stephanie’s strengths are in the details. When asked about her philosophy on this, she states “it’s all in the details, because all the details matter.” Stephanie understands that interior design is full of decision fatigue and that it is a very personal financial splurge. That is why she intentionally gets to know her clients to understand what’s important to them, what’s working and not working in the home, as well as what brings them joy. Every member of the household plays a vital role in this process, because so much of life unfolds within the walls of a home. “I aim to create liveable luxury. This is where people spend the majority of their life. I want them to be excited to come home and feel like the space was made just for them.”

From the initial design vision to the final reveal, Stephanie has perfected her process. In Phase One, the client shares the vision of their home. If they are unsure or facing a case of analysis paralysis, she suggests utilizing a tool like Pinterest to identify and share with her their wish list, likes and dislikes.

Once the vision is clearly defined, Phase Two begins with finalizing the scope of work, building out the design plan and identifying the specifications for the project. Involvement varies as some clients like to be involved in making the selections, and others provide her the creative freedom to fully develop the design. This process is tailored to the client and their desired level of involvement.

Once the design is complete, Phase Three is initiated and construction, if applicable, begins. This is where things get really exciting as the client begins to see their dream come to life! After the construction is complete, Phase Four begins and all the beautiful furniture, fixtures and accessories are installed, followed by the big reveal! One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is seeing the response of a client when the final space is revealed, and the client gets to see their initial inspiration become their new reality.

As a potential future client of Elle & Ivy, Stephanie believes that you deserve the best when it comes to your home. If a renovation is on your 2025 bingo card, Stephanie invites you to reach out and brainstorm your Pinterest-perfect dream with her. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy retreat, a sophisticated gathering space, or a place to host loved ones in style, she’s ready to bring your vision to life.

Stephanie encourages anyone embarking on the interior design journey to think of it not as a marathon, but as a series of intentional, thoughtful steps, each one bringing you closer to a space that truly feels like home. “There’s so much joy and life to be found in the spaces we call home,” she says, and with her expertise, your home will become not just a sanctuary, but a place where every moment is treasured. If you’d like to learn more about her story, and bring your vision to life, reach out to Stephanie at sbowen@elleandivyinteriors.com.

How Bowerbird Design is Pioneering Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Homes in Fayetteville

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN

Magnolia House, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Bowerbird Design leads the way in sustainable living, specializing in energy-efficient homes that blend comfort, style, and environmental responsibility. Their focus on Passive House certification and Net-Zero Energy status ensures each project minimizes environmental impact while reducing energy costs, making them as kind to the planet as they are to your wallet.

The visionary behind Bowerbird Design, Michael Cockram, grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas. A musician at heart, he was drawn to Fayetteville’s vibrant music scene and a strong sense of community. His passion for sustainable architecture led him to the University of Oregon, where he earned a master’s degree in its renowned design program. After returning to Fayetteville, Michael honed his skills through an internship at the office of the legendary architect, Fay Jones. He later returned to Oregon to teach and write for architecture magazines, advocating for the beauty and practicality of sustainable design. Michael’s mission is clear: to prove that energy-efficient homes can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Designing a net-zero energy home goes beyond adding solar panels; it involves smart design choices that maximize energy efficiency. At Bowerbird Design, the approach is rooted in Passive House principles. These homes focus on extreme energy efficiency, airtight construction, super-insulated walls, and high-performance windows to reduce energy needs. Advanced ventilation systems with heat recovery maintain a comfortable indoor climate year-round without traditional heating or cooling. These strategies drastically reduce energy demand, allowing homes to be all-electric and powered by renewable energy sources, with no reliance on fossil fuels. A prime example is the Elkins project, a 3,500-square-foot home built for three generations. The home is net-energy positive, producing 108% of its energy needs. Although built to Passive House standards, it wasn’t formally certified because the owners opted out. This project marked Bowerbird’s first Passive House system, showcasing their ability to combine efficiency, beauty, and sustainability.

Michael Cockram

For those interested in designing a netzero energy home, Michael offers practical advice. Start by ensuring your home is as airtight as possible, with super insulation and triple-pane windows that maintain a stable temperature year-round. Airtight membranes and special tape seal every joint, preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Efficiency is key—opt for LED lighting, heat pump water heaters (3-4 times more efficient than traditional models), and heat pump dryers, which keep warm air inside the building. To maximize energy savings, orient the home to capture passive solar energy by placing windows to the south and using thermal mass, like concrete floors, to store and release solar heat. While these energy-efficient features may add 5-10% to construction costs, they save thousands in energy bills over time as utility costs rise. Moreover, these homes offer superior air quality due to an efficient ventilation heat exchanger, temperature stability, and overall comfort, making them healthier and more enjoyable to inhabit.

Creating a high-performance home requires attention to materials, weather conditions, and system integration. Bowerbird Design’s commitment to sustainable architecture ensures that each project isn’t just about building a home but creating a long-term solution to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. With the right balance of passive design, efficient systems, and renewable energy, sustainable living is achievable and beautiful.

MICHAEL COCKRAM

Michael encourages everyone to explore the Passive House Institute’s requirements to understand the benefits of this building standard. This information can be found at: https://www.phius.org/. By diving into these resources, you’ll gain valuable insights into how Passive House principles can transform the way we build and live sustainably.

ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON |

BY EMILY HENDRICK

International Voices, Fayetteville Stories

THREE INTERNATIONAL PH.D. STUDENTS STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS SHARE HOW FAYETTEVILLE HAS MADE THEM FEEL AT HOME

Tell us about yourselves.

LARISSA: My name is Larissa Rocha, and I’m from São Paulo, Brazil. I’m a second year Ph.D. student studying public policy with a concentration in social justice.

IZEHI: I’m Izehi Oriaghan, and I’m from Lagos, Nigeria. I’m in my third year of my Ph.D. studying public policy with a concentration in policy management.

STEPHANI: My name is Eva Stephani Caroline, I’m in my second year of my Ph.D. in public policy with a concentration in agricultural policy, and I’m from Indonesia.

“I love how many things there are to do here. If I’m going to be anywhere in Arkansas, it’s going to be in this area.”

Izehi, Stephani, Larissa

Why did you choose to study at the University of Arkansas?

LARISSA: I had already finished my master’s of arts in political science here, and I went into my Ph.D. back-to-back with that. I initially chose the U of A because it was so affordable. My mom was paying out of pocket for me to go to school, and then, halfway through my M.A., I received a graduate assistantship. I also just really love it here. I love Fayetteville, and how small it is, but also I love how many things there are to do. If I’m going to be anywhere in Arkansas, it’s going to be in this area.

IZEHI: I was already in the university system. I had attended the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service at Little Rock. After that program, I stayed in Little Rock for a bit, but I knew I wanted to continue graduate school. I was considering schools in other parts of the country, but I had been to Fayetteville in the past and I really liked how different it was from Little Rock. I was accepted here and also granted funding, so I decided to attend.

How has Fayetteville welcomed you into the community?

STEPHANI: In all circumstances! That’s why I chose to study my Ph.D. here after completing my master’s degree. I have a family here, a family of five, so Fayetteville is very fitting for us. We are also members of a church, and the people in the church, they have really welcomed and supported us. No matter where you are from, they let us come visit their house to eat food, enjoy their festivities and offer the support we need. That’s something that we really love.

LARISSA: The people have made me feel at home. I love my little community that I have here. But also, the university. It’s so different from the university life of Brazil. I started undergrad there, and actually finished it at Arkansas Tech in Russellville. It was just such a different experience from the outset into just how the professors care about the students, not just in class but outside of the class and their wellbeing. In Brazil, I would just breeze through school without really anybody knowing my name – other than my peers, my classmates – but my professors, it was hard to get a hold of them, no office hours. But here, being able to go to office hours, cry in a professor’s or mentor’s office, and receive their guidance is invaluable. In my M.A., I had made good friends but I didn’t really make a connection to the faculty, and then, when it was time to start writing my thesis, I went to a mentor, and he said, “You can’t do it alone. You need people.” He guided me to resources, and I ended up finding my advisor. There are things such as getting out to events that may be school-related and that get you out of your shell.

IZEHI: I realized that a lot of international students get welcomed into the community through church. I found the first place that I stayed here through a church connection. Some of these churches work with the international office at the university to get information out to the students. I was still weighing my options between Little Rock and Fayetteville at the time, but I felt that if this was a community that has this kind of connection to the school, I can trust them. There is also a network of community resources shared in religious groups. Sometimes they invite students for Thanksgiving or Christmas, just so those people who can’t travel home have a place to go for the holidays.

“ The people have made me feel at home. I love my little community that I have here.”

Larissa

LARISSA: There is also a program called Furniture Friends. As international students, we don’t know how long we’re staying, no idea if I need to buy my own furniture. Furniture Friends gives you free furniture that is donated from different churches. Not only do they give it to you, but they bring it to you and put it inside your house for you. When you’re done using it, you just call them back, and they take it back to give to other students. People donate their old furniture, and it’s incredible. It may not match, but I don’t think twice about it. It helps you build a home away from home.

What aspects of the Fayetteville community do you hope to bring back with you to your home countries?

IZEHI: Learning to deliberately build a community of people, trying to go out and explore what public spaces are out there. I’ve been pulled out of my shell to do that in Fayetteville. Just learning to deliberately invest your time to connect with people in a community. Even when you leave, you might be able to fall back on such connections in the future, for some kind of support. I have learned from people not giving up on me around here and pulling me out of my comfort zone.

LARISSA: I think being open to getting to know people. Like, when I get back home, I already know everyone, and I have my circle formed. But, when I got to Fayetteville, it was a new space and I was desperate to get to meet people, and it can be lonely until you find people. I would like to be someone for somebody that just got to Brazil and to be the one to show them around.

Stephani

SPRUCE UP YOUR YARD

ARTICLE BY HAILEY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA PRUITT

FROM A HOUSEPLANT, A SMALL GARDEN, OR YOUR DREAM, GARDENING IS POSSIBLE FOR ANYONE

In Fayetteville’s climate, finding the right time of the year to garden can be tricky. Luckily, our local Nursery, Westwood Gardens, is here to help. Recently celebrating 50 years, Westwood has four locations - two in Fayetteville, as well as branches in Rogers and Springdale. Like a well-tended plant, the family business has grown and matured over the years thanks to the Black family and a special team of employees. “Spring is such an exciting time in the plant world. You get to see many plants coming out of their winter respite and start blooming in the warmer weather,” says Rebecca and Stephen Black. Having the highest quality is a priority for the team.

Gardening is a beloved hobby that also contains many mental health benefits. Plant responsibility gives you a chance to slow down and connect with nature. Gardening is also a physical activity that requires muscle and gets you in the sunlight. Research has also shown that “happy hormones” are released from soils and houseplants.

For someone new to the plant world, the team at Westwood Gardens has provided some tips to help, starting with visiting their storefronts and talking with their staff. When considering what plants to use, there are three main components:

1. Light- how much sunlight does your yard receive?

2. Water- make a plan for how you are going to hydrate your garden. (While summers can get hot in Fayetteville, consider using “drought tolerant” plants.)

3. Design- is there a certain look or symmetry you are going for?

These are the first basics to ask yourself while getting started. Another good rule of thumb is to add in a mix of annuals, which have one growing season, and perennials that come back each year. Houseplants are another option to choose from, and ones that Westwood loves to offer. Some of their most featured items are Golden Pothos, Snake, ZZ Plant, and Calibrochoa.

Are you already a gardening expert? Try something new this spring to elevate your skills, such as attracting pollinators with bee houses and landscape designs unique to you. Springtime in Fayetteville is the perfect place to start your horticulture journey, and Westwood Gardens can be your first stop toward success.

Westwood Gardens Team

Golden Pothos

Creating Affordable Housing in Fayetteville

ARTICLE BY WILL NEWTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY HENDRICK

Northwest Arkansas is growing rapidly. With new inhabitants moving into Fayetteville every day, it can be a challenge to find a living situation for yourself or your family. Partners for Better Housing is a local nonprofit on a mission to create a mixed-income residential neighborhood in Fayetteville, working diligently to add more housing stock and plant seeds of hope for those looking for a place to call home.

“Our mission is driven by a commitment to fostering purpose filled collaborations that support housing opportunities for individuals and families alike” said Tenisha Gist, Chief Executive Officer of Partners for Better Housing.

A local nonprofit is working to create harmonious, affordable and mixed-income housing in Fayetteville.

Tenisha Gist, Chief Executive Officer

The nonprofit was founded in 2007 with the goal of developing affordable housing. Shortly after its genesis, the nonprofit purchased 9 acres in the Walker Park neighborhood utilizing grant funds from the Fayetteville Housing Authority and loan funds from Community Resource Group. The land would be used as the location of Partners for Better Housing’s first grand-scale project: Homes at Willow Bend.

Homes at Willow Bend is a residential neighborhood in Fayetteville designed as a case study for thoughtful infill, sustainable infrastructure, and community-oriented design.

“The premise of a mixed-income neighborhood is to cultivate a sense of belonging and shared purpose,” said Gist. “We promote people from diverse backgrounds and experiences living in close proximity to each other to create better communities.”

Homes at Willow Bend is conveniently located within biking distances to several popular Fayetteville areas and community resources. There are 15 single-family home designs featuring 1 to 3 bedrooms with front porches, street parking, a trail connection and sidewalks.

“Neighborhoods that are well-connected to amenities enhance quality of life,” said Gist. “Transportation costs can turn a home into a burden; true affordability includes the price of getting from point A to point B.”

Alongside the development of Homes at Willow Bend, Partners for Better Housing offers personalized guidance, resources, and educational workshops focused on equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of homeownership whether the outcomes are financial stability or homebuyer preparedness. Aspects of services vary based on individual need.

“It is our goal to serve as a liaison between people, the resources and opportunities that they need to explore steps toward homeownership successfully”, said Gist. “We want people to be informed and grow their financial well-being and resilience.”

Although Homes at Willow Bend resides in Fayetteville, the nonprofit’s impact extends to individuals and families across Northwest Arkansas.

“As we strive to create affordable housing in Fayetteville, we envision a future where the ripple effect of our efforts uplifts individuals and families and communities throughout the entire region,” said Gist.

There are several ways to help support Partners for Better Housing in their efforts to create more attainable homes in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. The nonprofit accepts in-kind and monetary donations. Both methods of support may be accessed at partnersforbetterhousing.org .

Homes

Partners for Better Housing Team

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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 8TH

Fayetteville Gallery Coalition "Spring Gallery Hop"

Multiple Gallery Locations in Fayetteville | 10:00 AM

The Gallery Hop is a self-guided tour of Fayetteville’s top art galleries, featuring diverse exhibitions, free admission, refreshments, and raffle prizes. Eight galleries include: Community Creative Center, Walton Arts Center, Fenix Gallery, Mt. Sequoyah, Local Color, Pond Gallery, The Gallery at NWA Mall & Faulkner Museum Gallery.

MARCH 15TH

I Love Fayetteville

Big Party - JCL

George's Majestic Lounge | 7:00 PM

The I Love Fayetteville Big Party is Fayetteville Junior Civic League's biggest annual fundraiser, supporting nonprofits for women and children in NWA. Join us March 15th at George’s Majestic Lounge for a ‘90s throwback with live music from Collin Kidd and The Mixtapes! Tickets: fayettevillejcl.org

MARCH 29TH

Spring Fling on the Square - Fayetteville Farmers Market

Fayetteville Downtown Square 9:00 AM

Get a sneak peek of the 2025 Fayetteville Farmers Market at Spring Fling on the Square! Join us downtown from 9 AM–1 PM for fresh produce, plants, flowers, meats, cheeses, artisan crafts, and more. Enjoy our pre-season markets before Opening Day on April 5th!

Want to be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ FAYETTEVILLE

ARTICLE BY WHITNEY ROMANOFF, MEET WEST STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMILLE DELAUNE & RETT PEEK

How to Add Soul to Your Home

Three ways to make your space feel more ‘you’

A space with soul feels warm, lived-in, and authentic to the people who call it home. Whether your home is new construction or historic, at Meet West, we work with clients to give their space that electric spark that grounds it in personality and a story all their own. If your space feels a little flat, here are three tried and true ways to bring it to life:

1/ Mix It Up

Blend materials—think warm woods, cool metals, lush fabrics, and natural stone. Layering textures makes a space feel collected over time rather than straight out of a catalog. Bonus: materials like unlacquered brass and leather age beautifully, adding even more character as they wear in.

2/ Collect Handmade & Vintage

Handmade and vintage pieces—whether it’s artisanal tile, a woven rug, or pottery—add depth and patina to your home. They come with the little imperfections that make them feel human and tell a story. Plus, supporting skilled makers helps keep these beautiful traditions alive!

/ 1 / 2 / 3

3/ Switch Up Your Lighting

Lighting can totally change the vibe of a room, and swapping out basic fixtures is one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch. Ditch the outdated or cookie-cutter fixtures and swap for dimmable wall sconces, statement pendants, or a funky table lamp (extra points for vintage!). Not only will they make your space more unique to you, but layered lighting also makes everything feel warmer and more inviting.

A soulful home isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality. Mix what you love, add meaningful pieces, and don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s how you create a space that truly feels like you

Whitney Romanoff, OwnerPrincipal Designer

Whitney is the owner and principal designer of Meet West, a full-service interior design studio based in Fayetteville specializing in soulful spaces that help you live your best life every day.

Source: Rett Peek