At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

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By Design st We

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Contents OC TO B ER 2018

54 Home

Style

Special Section

51 ESCAPE ROOM

11 FINDS

Great Heights

Designer Mara Malcolm transforms a catchall space into a chic, feminine living area.

Set the Table

39 FALL FASHION

14 LATEST

In Every Issue

Brandy and Richard Harp work with designer Tobi Fairley to blend traditional style with modern functionality for their on-the-go family.

17 DESIGN

8 WELCOME 72 END NOTES

64 THE SPACE BETWEEN

22 GET TO KNOW

54 THE EVOLUTION OF HOME

In Rogers, designer Debi Davis creates a family home with a practical-meets-pretty design.

Events, Openings & Launches Sleeping In

Life Woodworking with a Worldwide Influence

25 DISCOVER

Up & Down the Delta

30 ENTERTAINING

Spooky Meets Sweet

34 FLAVOR

A Taste of Riceland

4 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

On The Cover A Rogers family’s neutral-hued living room. Design by Debi Davis Interior Design. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 64.

Vol. 23, No. 9 © 2018 by Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Root Publishing, Inc., 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR 72202. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR.

FURNITURE • LIGHTING • ART • RUGS • INTERIOR DESIGN 2200 Cantrell Rd. | Little Rock | 501.615.8565 | 501.425.3776 | shadavari.com VISIT OUR NEW 7,500 SQUARE FOOT SHOWROOM

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The Shade Above Lighting Collection PUBLISHER Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com EDITOR Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany Adams (ext. 104) tiffany@athomearkansas.com ART DIRECTOR Lauren Cerrato (ext. 103) lauren@athomearkansas.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jessie Fuchs (ext. 107) jessie@athomearkansas.com

Lamp Shades • Lamp Repair • Custom Lamps • Accessories

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Nancy Nolan and Rett Peek CONTRIBUTING STYLIST Hope Johnstone SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Hay (ext. 105) jennifer@athomearkansas.com MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Debbie Tissue (ext. 100) debbie@athomearkansas.com

HOW TO REACH US 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510

athomearkansas.com AT HOME IN ARKANSAS SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Call 800.927.6847 or subscribe online at www.athomearkansas.com.

Annual subscription rate: $12.95.

Canada and Mexico add $24.00 per year.

Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling.

Thankful for 25 wonderful years!

FURNISHINGS | DESIGN | GIFTS | BEDDING

Little Rock • 501.664.4249 • cobblestoneandvine.com The Heights & Pleasant Ridge Town Center

THE HEIGHTS

6 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018 5100 Kavanaugh Boulevard | Little Rock | 501.664.4249

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SPECIALIZING IN draperies, shutters, blinds, Roman shades, valances, upholstery, custom bedding, wallpaper, slip covers, shower curtains, table skirts and more!

For a free quote, call (501) 256-6725 or visit www.laurasdraperies.com.

5910 R STREET, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72207 | LAURASDRAPERIES.COM | (501) 256.6725 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WORKROOM SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE TRADE

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 7

W E L C O M E

PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK

new again While we’ve published many issues focusing on updated classics over our 21 years, we only started publishing the New Traditional Issue annually in 2014.

When I realized this, I was surprised—though, in retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have been.

The fact that this issue has become more popular over the years speaks volumes to the enduring appeal of traditional homes: They are ordered, tailored, and, most importantly, comfortable. But like so much in life, design would be boring if we never took any risks; that’s where the “new” comes in.

When homeowner Brandy Harp started thinking about the design of her new house (page 54), she asked, “How can we make sure it feels homey?” Designer Tobi Fairley answered this by pairing pieces the family already owned and loved with elements like contemporary wallpaper, geometric-print rugs, and light hues. In our cover story (page 64), designer Debi Davis blended antiques and found objects with transitional elements for a home that feels “warm and cozy” amid a sleek, modern palette.

It’s all about balance. Because new traditional homes rely on a mix of old and new, no two will look the same. I suppose that's why this issue has become a reader favorite.

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com

PS – This issue marks my one-year anniversary with At Home. I’m thankful to a wonderful staff for making this an easy (and fun!) first year, and, of course, so grateful for you as a reader! I love hearing from you. Drop me a line (stephanie@athomearkansas.com) to let me know what you love or think might be missing from the pages of At Home.

8 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

DIGITAL EDITION

Take us with you anywhere.

Visit athomearkansas.com.

@ATHOMEARKANSAS

Follow along on social media for more home inspiration, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RETT PEEK

debidavisinteriordesign.com 2222 Cantrell Road • Little Rock • 501-221-2032 • Monday-Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-3 October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 9

OUR NEW

BRIDAL COLLECTION Featuring china, tableware, and decor from Anna Weatherley, Arte Italica, Beatriz Ball, Casafina, Herend, Juliska, Simon Pearce, Vietri, and more! Register with us in store or online at TiptonHurst.com and receive a special gift!

Little Rock | Conway | Pine Bluff

112 N. Spring Street • Downtown Searcy • 501.268.3434

Showroom 2314 Cantrell Road Little Rock | 72202 501.372.1886 providenceltddesign.com

10 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

Style

PRODUCER: STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON | PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK AND COURTESY OF VENDORS

T H E L AT E S T I N

DÉCOR & DESIGN

For more style inspiration from Debi Davis, turn to page 64.

DINING PRETTY

Set the Table Debi Davis Interior Design styled this festive tabletop with fresh florals and mix-and-match tableware from Tipton & Hurst. Turn the page for more inspiration and sources for creating an unforgettable tablescape.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 11

S T Y L E

F I N D S 4

2

5

1 3

PREVIOUS PAGE Juliska "Le Panier" cereal bowl and dinner plate and "Arabella" goblets, both in Delft Blue. Vietri "Drop" tumbler in blue. Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock, tiptonhurst.com

16

1 Casafina ceramic baguette basket. The Boutique, Searcy, searcyboutique.com

6

2 “Daphne” candle holder. Blu D’or, Jonesboro, bludorinteriors.com 3 Terrafirma Cobalt Chevron bowl. The Full Moon, Little Rock, thefullmoonlittlerock.com

7

4 & 5 Juliska straw Delft Blue placemat and “Forest Walk” 17inch platter. Winterberry Home, Rogers, winterberryhome.com 6 “Jouy” wide-neck vase. Sydney Murphy Design, El Dorado, sydneymurphydesign.com

15

8

14

9

7 “Avante” vase in Aged Graphite.

Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, ransominteriors.com 8 & 9 Scalloped bowl with blue and gold details and chrysanthemum candleholders.

Providence Design, Little Rock, providenceltddesign.com 10 & 11 Jan Barboglio “Capullo” flute and “Ramo” goblet, both on beaded iron stands.

Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock, cobblestoneandvine.com

10

11 12

13

12 & 13 Coton Colors “Cobble Plank Flare” pitcher and “Plank Column” salt-andpepper shakers. Full Sun Gifts, Jonesboro, (870) 972-8480 14 “Karma” water hyacinth table runner. Blue Goose Antiques, Furniture & Gifts, Fayetteville, bluegoosenwa.com 15 Juliska “Stonewood Stripe” salad server set. The Everyday Chef, Jonesboro and Little Rock, theeverydaychef.net 16 Pimpernel Spode “Woodland” handled melamine tray.

Sara Kathryn’s, Fayetteville, sarakathryns.com

12 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Olive jars filled with Brittany yellow garden mums surrounded by English ivy set behind a concrete planter full of fall crotons, bronze marigolds, and English ivy help anchor an antique park bench.

David tends to a custom planted container.

FALL IS HERE fall is my favorite time of year.

It’s the changing of seasons, which means it is the perfect time of year to change the plantings in your outdoor containers. If you want to set the tone for autumn in your outdoor living space, a container filled with colors of the season is the way to do it. Our team would love to walk you through the many ways to creatively transform your space for fall through the use of planted containers. We hope you enjoy your outdoor space in the beautiful Arkansas fall weather!—David Munsey

Better Lawns and Gardens | 501.454.9803 | betterlawnsar.com A glazed yellow container filled with fall garden crotons, maroon coleus, and variegated and green English ivy.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 13

S T Y L E

L AT E S T

ARRIVALS, OPENINGS & LAUNCHES NEWS FROM AROUND THE NATURAL STATE

INTERIOR DESIGN SOCIETY TO ESTABLISH ARKANSAS CHAPTER

INTERIOR DESIGN SOCIETY (IDS) is a national association of residential interior design professionals that offers continuing education, business resources, and networking opportunities for interior designers and vendors within the design community.

While members all over the country can join independent of a local chapter, Little Rock designer and IDS member Shayla Copas hopes to recruit more members in The Natural State with the establishment of an Arkansas chapter.

“I’ve been attending the convention for four years now,” Shayla says. “I went to a leadership seminar that first year and remember thinking this might be something I wanted to bring back to Arkansas. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in the organization, knowing that if I was going to encourage others to join, I wanted to make sure it was something I believed in.”

In partnership with At Home in Arkansas, Shayla will help

facilitate a KICK-OFF EVENT OCTOBER 25 for designers interested in joining IDS. The organization's national executive director, Jenny Cano, plans to be in attendance. “I’ve heard people say before, ‘I’m scared to join an organization because I’m self taught,’ but IDS is very inclusive,” Shayla says of the organization. “There are different levels of membership based on your experience and education, but they don’t exclude anyone. That's one thing I really love about it,” she adds.

JOIN US at 5:30 p.m. October 25 at the At Home in Arkansas offices to learn more about Interior Design Society. The event is open to all interior designers and those in related fields. Our offices are located at 2207 Cottondale Lane, Suite 3 in Little Rock. Email stephanie@athomearkansas.com with questions.

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ROYAL OVERHEAD DOOR 10725 Otter Creek East Blvd Mabelvale Sales: 501-943-3667 Service: 501-455-3667 October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 15

456 Southwest Drive Jonesboro, AR 870.336.1435 420 S. Grove Park Road Memphis, TN 901.207.4392

Jayson Cain Interiors 8202 CANTRELL ROAD • LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 501.960.4802 • 501.940.5411 • JAYSONCAININTERIORS.COM 16 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Sleeping In WHAT’S NEW IN BEDDING

WAKE UP YOUR BEDROOM WITH COMFORTABLE AND CHIC DUVETS, COVERLETS, AND SHEET SETS

P R O D U C E R : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: CO U R T E S Y O F V EN D O R S

Bella Notte’s “Rosalina” Euro shams (shown in Warm) feature a pattern of birds and botanicals and are paired with the “Luna” royal sham and coverlet in Rose Gold and the “Luna” Euro sham in Powder as well as the “Loulah” kidney throw pillow (seen in foreground). Blu D’or Interiors, bludorinteriors.com; Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; Daffodil Hill, daffodilhillshop.com; GW Lighting & Home, gwlightingandhome.com; Sara Kathryn's, sarakathryns.com October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 17

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

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1 Matouk’s “Malibu” collection mimics the serene scenes of Malibu Beach on 500 thread-count Egyptian cotton percale sheeting.

Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com 2 Annie Selke’s “Semplice” coverlet features slim ribbing, which gives the matelassé bedding a contemporary flair. Shown in Oyster; also available in White and Silver. The throw pillows shown in front and at the side are from the company’s “Medaglione” collection.

Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; GW Lighting & Home, gwlightingandhome.com; Sara Kathryn's, sarakathryns.com; The Boutique, searcyboutique.com; Winterberry Home, winterberryhome.com

18 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

3 The “Intreccio” collection is a part of Casa Branca for Sferra, a collaboration between Italian interior designer Alessandra Branca and Sferra. It is a modern interpretation of a classic basket weave pattern with an air of timeless beauty. Bear Hill Interiors, bearhillinteriors.com; Fresh i.d., (501) 478-6006; Goddard Design Group, goddarddesigngroup.com; Sydney Murphy Design, sydneymurphydesign.com; The Villa, (501) 318-4438 4 Yves Delorme’s “Ornement” bedding features a simple scrollwork motif. Here, the collection is accented with a “Berlingot” decorative pillow (shown in front). Jayson Cain Interiors, jaysoncaininteriors.com

S T Y L E

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1 The “Giamina” collection from Sferra has a textural design of petals in muted colors that blend with the background. Shown in Sky and Stone. Bear Hill Interiors, bearhillinteriors.com; Fresh i.d., (501) 478-6006; Goddard Design Group, goddarddesigngroup.com; Sydney Murphy Design, sydneymurphydesign.com; The Villa, (501) 318-4438 2 Bella Notte’s “Rosalina” Euro sham and comforter, shown in Cool, pair effortlessly with a “Luna” sham in Cenote and “Valentina” sham and kidney pillow in Winter White. Blu D’or Interiors, bludorinteriors. com; Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; Daffodil Hill, daffodilhillshop.com; GW Lighting & Home, gwlightingandhome.com; Sara Kathryn's, sarakathryns.com

D E S I G N

3 Lili Alessandra’s “Valencia” throw in Slate Blue linen featuring Fawn velvet baroque-style appliques is shown with the “Casablanca” linen duvet in Stone. Debi Davis Interior Design, debidavisinteriors.com; GW Lighting & Home, gwlightingandhome. com; Phoenix Interiors, phoenixlittlerock.com; Obsessions Interiors, obsessionsinteriors.com 4 The “Diamond Lattice” duvet cover and shams from Company C offer a contemporary, youthful take on a trellis pattern. Shown in Lake; also available in Blush and Pewter. Cobblestone & Vine, cobblestoneandvine.com; The Boutique, searcyboutique.com

Please note that while we have listed local retailers for each of the items shown here, vendors may only have these by special order.

Additionally, many of these lines are also available to the trade through your favorite interior designer.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 19

VISIT OUR NEW I know MidSouth hasn't signed SHOWROOM! yet- he said he was out of the 870-520-6370 office some today but would be able to later today or tomorrow; however, I wanted to go ahead and give you artwork info. 1/4 page and he is wanting to use an image from Jason International since he is pushing Jason tubs in his new showroom. He asked if we could help pick out an image and get a proof together for him and he trusts our (your) judge-

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“Where small town experience meets big city expectations.”

HOME DECOR, GIFTS, CREATIVE CLASSES & MORE 50 Antique Way, Keo, Arkansas • 501-842-0081 • theorchardsatkeo@yahoo.com Located in the former Morris Antiques building Visit facebook.com/theorchardsatkeo to see what’s in store.

Fall Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Holiday Hours (beginning in November): Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12:30-5 p.m.

20 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

Life

C E L E B R AT I N G YO U R L I F E S T Y L E

PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK

FALL FARE

Stack It Up When it comes to waffles, the Riceland Mobile Café thinks beyond breakfast. Turn to page 34 to get the recipe for their Cheesy Rice Waffles, which pair perfectly with a bowl of chili.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 21

MEET MARY KIM

Woodworking with a Worldwide Influence

WEARING MULTIPLE HATS AND WORKING ALONGSIDE HER FAMILY AT C BY M CREATIVE, THIS SILOAM SPRINGS RESIDENT HELPS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPOVERISHED PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE WHILE OFFERING UNIQUE PRODUCTS TO HER CUSTOMERS

I N T E R V I E W : T I F FA N Y A D A M S | P H O T O G R A P H Y : R E T T P E E K

22 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

L I F E

G E T

T O

K N O W

Connect with Mary and learn more about C by M Creative (including where to find the shop and how to purchase their wares) at cbymcreative.com or on Instagram (@cbymcreative). You can learn more about IBCD at ibcd.net.

Q. Tell us how you got the name C by M Creative.

A. C by M stands for Captured by Mary, the original

business I started for my photography. I then created C by M Creative to act as the umbrella company that features photography, artisanal woodworking (which we sell in our shop), and other creative collaborations, such as workshops and classes.

Q. You still operate the photography business, but we understand you spend much of your time at the C by M Creative store, which offers a number of wood pieces.

Who creates these? A. Yes, you can find me at the store most days. My dad, Dr. Young Kim, is the director of the Institute for Biblical Community Development (IBCD). The main goal of this organization is to train missionaries to go overseas to impoverished areas and help facilitate community development, as well as to share the gospel. He started IBCD Woodwork as a way to help raise money to support this ministry, and this is where we get the pieces we sell in the store. In addition to my dad, there are several IBCD staff members who do the majority of the woodworking. Also, my brother Andrew works directly with me at the shop in Siloam Springs, selling the pieces they make.

Q. Why did your dad feel woodworking in particular was a good path to bring this ministry to life? A. They first got interested in woodworking when they noticed how many unique trees we had on our property.

Also, some friends of ours had donated a sawmill as well as woodworking machinery to us while other people we knew had donated fallen trees and logs that they did not want, so we decided to look into woodworking seriously to see if we could start a business from it.

Q. What types of wood-based pieces do you make?

A. We make all types of products from home décor and kitchen items to furniture, such as coffee and dining tables

and countertops. We often have customers asking for custom products such as porch swings, cutting boards, or monograms.

Some of our current projects include custom dining tables, barn doors, butcher-block countertops, and fireplace mantels. Pretty much anything you can think of that’s made out of wood!

Q. Where does the team create the pieces that are sold at C by M Creative? Tell us a bit about the process. A. My parents’ farm is currently the main headquarters for IBCD and is where our woodwork comes from. One of the things

that makes our woodworking products so unique is that from tree to finished product, all of the work is done by us. The wood is either harvested on our own property or has been donated to us.

The majority of the wood we harvest from our property is from trees that have already fallen. We then mill the logs by hand and process the wood using eco-friendly techniques, such as using our own solar-powered kiln, to dry the wood. We also don’t leave anything to waste; any leftover wood is recycled as firewood, and the ashes and sawdust are used as fertilizer in our organic garden or as beds for our goats and chickens.

Q. What’s on the horizon for C by M Creative? A. One of the things we are looking forward to this year in the store is acquiring some new home décor and apparel products

in addition to our handcrafted woodworking products. As for the overall business, we are hoping to move into doing more large custom items for homes and businesses that are looking for clean, modern woodworking.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 23

lAmpS

AccEnT FuRniTuRE

RugS

AccESSoRiES

3708 E Highland Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 • 870.819.3213 Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday 10 am - 3 pm facebook.com/shopoddsends @shopoddsends 24 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

giFTS

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

DISCOVER EASTERN ARKANSAS

Up & Down

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ARKANSAS PARKS AND TOURISM AND AT HOME IN ARKANSAS FILE PHOTOS

THE DELTA TAKE IN THE SOUNDS, TASTES, AND SIGHTS OF THE REGION TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THIS AREA’S RICH HERITAGE

If you were to paint a portrait of the Delta, you could go a long way with just three hues on your palette.

You would need a pure, cloudless blue for the sky, which goes on for miles and miles uninterrupted by anything taller than a silo. An earthy red would capture the sun bouncing off the side of a barn, rusted siding and abandoned farming equipment, and the ruddy tone of soil near the Mississippi. And then, of course, a vibrant green for the stalks of cotton, rice, soybeans, and other crops that grow in endless rows along state highways winding around the eastern edge of the state.

But that would be only one facet of the Delta— and an image will never do the place justice. What you really need to do is close your eyes and pick a spot on the map—Helena, Stuttgart, or Jonesboro maybe—as a starting point, and then hop in the car and hit the road.

Explore. Between the many miles of farmland are mom-and-pop diners, local legends, and preserved pieces of history that help tell the complicated story of the Delta, and some of those places you’ll only find once you go looking.

S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 25

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

WHAT TO DO

What else, but take in the region’s best blues and country tunes? >>>

Boogie to the Blues King Biscuit Blues Festival // Helena // October 3–6

Since 1941, Helena-based radio program King Biscuit Time has aired five days a week on AM 1360. While much has changed since then—wars fought, presidents elected, a man on the moon—the station acts as a time capsule, forever playing the blues in the early afternoon thanks to host “Sunshine” Sonny Payne, who has been at the helm since 1952. Eventually, organizers decided the radio show, which had hosted the likes of blues greats Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, and Ike Turner, needed a festival of its own—hence the creation of the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Now in its 33rd year, the weekendlong festival features local and global acts on five stages across historic downtown Helena as well as street performers, food vendors, and artisans posted up and down the street. This year’s headliners are Bobby Rush, Dave Mason and Steve Cropper, and Blackberry Smoke. kingbiscuitfestival.com

Celebrate Delta Heritage Johnny Cash Heritage Festival // Dyess // October 18–20

While the Johnny Cash Heritage Festival is very much a music fest (with a name like Cash’s attached, what else would you expect?), its history and mission are not quite so straightforward.

The festival was founded in 2011 as the one-day Johnny Cash Music Festival in Jonesboro as a means for the Cash family to raise funds to acquire and restore their father’s boyhood 26 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

home. After successfully doing so in 2014 (read on for details on visiting the home!), organizers took a break to transition the festival from Jonesboro to Dyess, expand it into a weekend festival, and bring in a focus on the New Deal—the 1930s government program meant to help communities like Dyess bounce back after the Great Depression—and the effects it had on the region. Money raised will be used to recreate the outbuildings at the former Cash residence. This year’s lineup includes Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, John Carter Cash (the only son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash), and Ana Cristina Cash, singer-songwriter and wife of John Carter Cash. johnnycashheritagefestival.com

Hear a Honky-Tonk Hero

Dwight Yoakam: Live in Concert // Jonesboro // October 27

Dwight Yoakam is not your average country artist. In fact, he’s hard to pin down in that genre—he’s been described as hillbilly and honky-tonk, but also as skirting the boundaries of rock ’n’ roll and even punk. He’s been making music since the 1980s and his fan base has continued to grow steadily since then, citing an authentic sound akin to that of Merle Haggard (whom Yoakam called a friend) and Johnny Cash (who allegedly named Yoakam as his favorite country singer). Catch him at 8 p.m. at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro. (Editor’s note: At time of publication, no opening act had been named.) astateconvo.com/events

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

Clockwise from top left: Wilson Cafe opened in 2013. Bailee Mae’s in downtown Helena has become a go-to for coffee and cocktails alike.

Queen Anne architecture is prevalent in Helena, as seen here in the Perry Street Historic District. Opposite, clockwise from top left: The boyhood home of Johnny Cash. A festivalgoer in Dyess wears the event’s namesake on his T-shirt. Rodney Block performs at the 2017 King Biscuit Blues Festival.

WHERE TO GO

This region offers countless cultural centers and museums—just be sure to stop for a tamale or two on your tour of Delta history >>>

Eat & Drink

WILSON CAFE, WILSON A trip to Wilson is not complete without a meal at the eponymous Wilson Cafe. For lunch, we recommend the Chubby Vegetarian’s Sweet Potato & Chipotle Burger (what a name!) with a serving of their mouth-watering Doughnut Bread Pudding. eatatwilson.com RHODA’S FAMOUS HOT TAMALES, LAKE VILLAGE While the exact history of tamales’ popularity in the Delta is varied and mythic, there’s no denying their position alongside pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes as a staple of the South. Pop into this storied hole-in-the-wall to try a couple of tamales paired with Rhoda’s equally famous sweet potato pies.

(870) 265-3108

420 & TURNROW COFFEE, DEWITT While 420 & Turnrow’s mission is to offer “coffee and community”—which it does through book signings, children’s events, and local get-togethers—it also offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos, and nachos with ingredients sourced from local farms, meaning that it in turn supports the community it serves. facebook.com/420turnrow JTOWN’S GRILL, JONESBORO This Jonesboro favorite doesn’t serve just any ol’ pub grub— there’s a level of creativity in the menu’s fried, cheesy, and delicious creations. Take for example the Gas Station Corn Nuggets (served with fries and ranch) or the Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Fries (topped with both bacon and bacon slaw). jtownsgrill.com BAILEE MAE’S, HELENA Sky-high windows (meaning lots of natural sunlight) along with exposed brick and ductwork give this coffee shop/restaurant/bar a cozy yet open atmosphere that makes you want to linger. The shop is located in the recently renovated Lewis Supply Building, a century-old warehouse in downtown Helena. baileemaes.com October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

D I S C O V E R Actor George Takei (right, best known as Sulu from Star Trek) visits the museum in McGehee for its dedication in 2013. Takei and his family were interned at Rohwer in 1942.

Shop

WHITE’S MERCANTILE, WILSON This is the fourth location of Nashville darling Holly Williams’s “general store for the modern-day tastemaker” (and the first in Arkansas). The shop’s specially curated collection includes home and kitchen wares, candles, apparel, and gifts—all inspired by life in the South. whitesmercantile.com ODDS + ENDS, JONESBORO Looking for statement furniture and accessories to liven up a living space? Odds + Ends has it all, from conversationstarting lamps to sleek consoles and side tables. facebook.com/ ShopOddsEnds HANDWORKS HELENA, HELENA Ask any Helenian for shopping recommendations and they’re bound to mention Handworks. It’s a go-to destination for locals’ wedding registries, yes, but it also offers a wealth of art and goods that make the perfect gift for any occasion (even if it’s a gift to yourself). handworkshelena.com DARLING’S FINE THINGS, NEWPORT Named for owner Jamie Darling, Darling’s carries on-trend clothing and accessories from some of today’s most popular brands, including Free People, Kendra Scott, and Arkansas’s own G. Spinelli jewelry. Don’t live in this area? Shop their Instagram feed and have packages delivered to your door. darlingsfinethings.com

See

DELTA CULTURAL CENTER, HELENA If you’re looking to learn more about the Delta, this is perhaps the best starting point. Permanent exhibits detail the region’s complex history, from Native American settlements to plantation life, the Civil War, economic growth and hardship, and an enduring musical legacy. deltaculturalcenter.com HISTORIC DYESS COLONY: BOYHOOD HOME OF JOHNNY CASH, DYESS The Man in Black’s childhood home is only one part of the Historic Dyess Colony, an agricultural community established in 1934. Tours of the attraction (offered Monday through Saturday) begin at the Dyess Colony Museum and end with a shuttle to Johnny Cash’s restored home. dyesscash.astate.edu BRADBURY ART MUSEUM, JONESBORO This museum, which is located on the campus of Arkansas State University and offers free admission, presents rotating exhibits of contemporary art across all forms of media and plays host to the annual Delta National Small Prints Exhibition.

From October 4 to November 7, see the temporary exhibit Eclectic, which features paintings and works on paper among neon-light installations, videos, and other non-traditional forms. bradburyartmuseum.org 28 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

WORLD WAR II JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT MUSEUM, MCGEHEE The Rohwer Relocation Center was the site where more than 8,000 Japanese Americans were interned from 1942–1945. Visit the Museum for context about this mass relocation and stories of the families interned here before visiting the memorial cemetery at the camp, one of the only physical structures still standing on the site. rohwer.astate.edu

Stay

EDWARDIAN INN, HELENA Although it was constructed in 1904, the Edwardian Inn stands as an example of the grand architecture of the antebellum South found in Helena (visit the nearby PillowThompson House for a peek at another turn-of-the-century architectural wonder). The Inn features nine suites and a standout daily breakfast. edwardianinn.com CRAIGHEAD FOREST PARK, JONESBORO If an autumn camping trip is your speed, Craighead Forest Park offers all the amenities needed for tents and RVs plus access to biking and running trails, fishing at Craighead Forest Lake, disc golf courses, and playgrounds for the little ones. facebook.com/CraigheadForestPark

This section is made possible by support from Arkansas Delta Byways, Arkansas State Heritage Sites, Darling’s Fine Things, Full Sun Gifts, Mid-South Plumbing, Odds + Ends, Reclaimed by Hurd Customs, and The Orchards at Keo.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 29

L I F E

E N T E R TA I N I N G

Trick or treaters are greeted at the Fairleys’ front door by a grapevine wrapped with orange lights and a skeleton applique ribbon—along with plenty of gourds, mums, and corn husks that Tobi notes will last well beyond October 31 into the Thanksgiving season.

HALLOWEEN FUN

DESIGNER TOBI FAIRLEY CONTINUES HER HOSPITALITY SERIES WITH IDEAS FOR AN ALL HALLOWS’ EVE GATHERING THAT’S ALL TREATS AND NO TRICKS “I love an excuse to entertain,” designer Tobi Fairley admits, “and there’s a magical element about Halloween for kids; it’s always been one of my daughter, Ellison’s, favorite holidays.” However, you won’t find ghoulish or gory goblins gracing the Fairleys’ front foyer. Instead, Tobi opts for a classic combination of sweet treats and cheerful décor.

“You’ll see skeletons in my house, but they’re always smiling skeletons,” she laughs. “For me, fall is my favorite season so I want this to be a time to get together with friends and neighbors and enjoy

all the things I love about the season—crisp air, wearing sweaters, having a pot of chili on the stove, and baking in my kitchen.” Read on to see how she complements her existing décor with colorful, fun pieces and good-enough-to-eat (or drink!) concoctions for Halloween.

Left to right: Witch’s Brew—a mix of green gelatin, lemon/lime soda, unsweetened pineapple juice, and vodka (for the guests of age)—complete with “floating eyeballs”— makes for a chilling potion. Tobi topped traditional caramel apples with black, superfine sugar for an effect that she says is reminiscent of Snow White and the Evil Queen. Ghostly chocolate cupcakes are a staple sweet at the whimsical celebration.

30 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: N A N C Y N O L A N

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 31

“You could easily recreate the look of the Halloween tree by spray painting sticks black and arranging them in a container,” Tobi says.

FRONT ENTRY FUN

“When I decorate for a holiday, it’s all about enhancing what I have, so the pink chair that lives in my foyer stayed, and we paired it with a black kitty who has a matching pink bow,” Tobi says. Similarly, the green table skirt is a signature piece of the entry that was topped with spiderthemed netting and skeleton ribbon for the occasion. The “Halloween tree” is a piece Tobi has had for years and enjoys decorating with classic Christopher Radko pumpkin and black cat ornaments.

In the center of it all sits a cheerful skeleton who greets guests with a grin.

32 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

L I F E

E N T E R TA I N I N G

QUICK TIP >> Use plastic apothecary-style jars for little hands to scoop treats without the worry of breaking glass.

TREAT YOURSELF

Kids love a variety of treats, so don’t limit your offerings to pre-packaged candy to fill their bags. Offer guests (both young and young at heart) a mix of favorites. Here, Tobi filled apothecary jars with everything from traditional candy corn and gumballs to gummy worms, which she notes add a creepy, crawly effect that seems to match the demeanor of the holiday.

White cake stands hold iced cookies, while black and orange items were dispersed into separate containers for a color-blocked look. Decanters of wine (see above) are mixed with vessels that hold the Witch’s Brew drink as well as colored water for a mad scientist vibe.

Design Resources DESIGN Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design FLORAL DESIGNER Felecia Pleis, Cabbage Rose Florist COOKIES Ann Potter Baking CUPCAKES Cupcakes on Kavanaugh

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 33

A Taste of

RICELAND

RICELAND’S MOBILE CAFÉ BRINGS SOUTHERN, LOCALLY GROWN FARE—LIKE THIS CHEESY RICE WAFFLES AND CHILI DISH—TO VENUES AROUND CENTRAL ARKANSAS S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK

34 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

Arkansas has a storied history when it comes to rice. In fact, we lead the nation in rice production, with more than 1.1 million harvested acres in 2017, according to the USDA. While some of the rice grown accounts for one of the state’s most profitable exports, many Arkansans enjoy locally grown rice here in The Natural State.

Riceland Foods, a farmer-owned processor and marketer of rice with Arkansas mills in Stuttgart, Jonesboro, and Waldenburg, sells a variety of locally grown foods, including rice and soybean products. A year ago, they expanded their reach with the introduction of the Riceland Mobile Café, a food truck that makes rounds throughout the Grand Prairie and central Arkansas serving up rice-based dishes.

“Everything we serve has rice incorporated. Our staple items include red beans and rice, creole, chicken fried rice, and fried catfish (which features Riceland’s gluten-free whole-grain fish breading made from crushed brown rice),” says DJ Horton, who works in Riceland’s marketing department. “We have the same base menu but rotate new items in and out based on demand. Our goal is to create gluten-free menu items with bold flavors and a tie to traditional dishes people know and love,” he adds.

CEO Danny Kennedy came up with the idea for the mobile eatery. “He wanted to create a fun environment where people could enjoy rice in multiple ways,” consumer marketing team member Ashten Adamson says. “We love the idea of utilizing a food truck to share Arkansas rice with people across the state. For us, the food truck trend is the perfect way to create awareness about Riceland and its family farmer members and to serve up delicious meals that highlight rice as the versatile grain it is.”

L I F E

F L AVO R

Get the recipe for chef Louis's Smoky Beef Chili on our blog (athomearkansas.com/blog).

GET THE RECIPE PHOTO: SARA REEVES

Cheesy Rice Waffles Makes 4 Waffles

The truck is helmed by chef Louis Cole, who has worked with Riceland for 14 years while running a catering side business. Louis became the full-time chef when the mobile café idea came to fruition. “We all thought Louis would be a great fit for serving our customer base. He is a fun-loving guy with a great attitude, and he’s a true foodie,” DJ says.

For this issue, we asked chef Louis and his team to create a dish to ward off the chill of fall months and satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

“Rice is great paired with numerous soups and stews, but especially chili,” DJ says. “We felt like the Cheesy Rice Waffles were a great complement to the hearty chili. The waffle has a crispy crust on the outside thanks to the cheddar cheese, but the rice stays soft and cheesy on the inside,” he adds.

Try your hand at the recipe or visit the Riceland Mobile Café during the month of October to sample this and other dishes from their rotating menu.

SHOP >>> 2 cups cooked Riceland rice (of your choice) 2 large eggs 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (you may substitute regular paprika) ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper oil or nonstick spray to grease the waffle iron PREPARE >>> 1. Preheat a Belgian waffle iron. Other waffle irons will work just fine, although serving sizes may vary.

2. In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until well combined.

3. When the waffle iron is preheated, grease it well.

4. Press the rice mixture into the wells of the waffle iron as evenly as possible.

5. Close the lid and allow the mixture to cook until golden brown and bubbly, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Carefully remove the waffles.

CATCH A BITE AT THE RICELAND MOBILE CAFÉ

The food truck makes weekly stops in Stuttgart and DeWitt and more recently has set up shop at the Little Rock Air Force Base as well as other mobile-farefriendly venues in central Arkansas. Their schedule is posted on Twitter and Instagram (@ricelandcafe) as well as Facebook (facebook. com/ricelandmobilecafe) at the start of each week.

In addition, they also offer customized catering.

7. Enjoy hot with a bowl of Smoky Beef Chili (see our blog for the recipe, athomearkansas.com/blog).

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 35

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36 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

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L I F E

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Marco Bicego 18k rose gold “Marrakech� collar necklace, 18k white gold earrings with imperial topaz and diamonds, 14k rose gold diamond ring, and 14k diamond and rose gold bracelet. Romance Diamond Co., Fayetteville, (479) 443-9289, romancediamond.com.

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L I F E

FA S H I O N

Box Turtle

Silky kimono top and side-slit pant in Macchiato with layered gold necklaces. Box Turtle, Little Rock, (501) 661-1167, shopboxturtle.com

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Bell & Sward

Johnnie-O shirt with Coppley plaid sport coat, Ballin navy pant, Johnston & Murphy “McClain� monk-strap shoe, J.Z. Richards tie, and Bell & Sward private label pocket square. Bell & Sward, Conway, (501) 504-6880, bellandsward.com

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 41

L I F E

FA S H I O N

Tulips

ASTR The Label “Jolene� wrap dress in Cinnamon and beaded necklace with tassel. Tulips, Little Rock, (501) 614-7343, instagram. com/tulipsinlittlerock

42 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

L I F E

FA S H I O N

Accessory Gallery

Lisette L Montreal “Sophia” printed pant and navy shirt, Fly London bootie, and brown suede satchel with Betty Carre “Pyramid” necklace and drop-stone earrings. Accessory Gallery, Hot Springs, (501) 321-9168, facebook.com/shopag

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 43

L I F E

FA S H I O N

Must-Have Accessories

Rebecca Ramos “Wren” necklace. The Full Moon, Little Rock, (501) 663-4367, thefullmoonlittlerock.com Matisse “Berlin” mule.

Darling’s Fine Things, Newport, (870) 523-5887, darlingsfinethings.com Vilagallo “Lucca” bag in red. In Season, Bentonville, (479) 273-6685, inseasonbentonville.com Clothing provided by Tulips.

44 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

Mr. Wicks

Peter Millar “Woodville” plaid sport shirt and quarter-zip pullover in Rosewood with DL1961 “Avery” jean. Mr. Wicks, Little Rock, (501) 664-3062, mrwicks.com

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 45

L I F E

FA S H I O N

Ropa Boutique

Rag & Bone “Lavinia” V-neck and “Lexington” wool-blend blazer with Frame “Le Mini” boot-cut jean and Tory Burch “Brooke” bootie in Perfect Brown. Ropa Boutique, Rogers, (479) 273-0022, instagram.com/ropaboutique

46 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

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50 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

Home THE NEW TRADITIONAL ISSUE

ROOM RE-DO

The Perfect Pair

PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK

Orchid and cobalt create a striking color combo in a Little Rock home’s living space. Turn the page to read the full story.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 51

Escape Room

DESIGNER MARA MALCOLM USES A BOLD COLOR COMBO, MIX OF PATTERNS, AND ECLECTIC ACCESSORIES TO TURN A CATCHALL ROOM INTO A CHIC, FEMININE SPACE

ill lives in a house full of boys,”

designer Mara Lamb Malcolm says of her client, on-the-go real estate agent Jill Childers. “As the mother of three young men [as well as stepmother to a daughter and son], she needed a space that was only hers, a place to get away from the guys to simply read, watch TV, or enjoy a glass of wine with girlfriends,” Mara says.

Luckily, Jill and her husband, Joe, already had the space in the form of a catchall room, where Jill says she often folded laundry. The area had been a porch at one time but was enclosed in a previous renovation.

Jill and Joe turned to Mara—who also happens to be responsible for introducing the now-married pair—to help revive the aesthetic and breathe new, inspired life 52 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S | P H O T O G R A P H Y : R E T T P E E K

into the room. “It was pretty bleak but had such potential because of its location right off the kitchen and the fact that it had its own adjacent half bath,” Mara says.

A palette of orchid and cobalt set the tone for the makeover. “Joe had given me a blue lapis ring for Christmas, and I had just gotten my nails painted the prettiest shade of lavender,” Jill recalls. “I looked down, saw the two together and thought, ‘That’s it!’” She also notes that her mother, who passed away six years ago, loved purple, which helped to sway her palette choice.

“Jill loves color and isn’t afraid to use it,” Mara says. “Her mother, Donna, was larger than life and passed along her love of color and fun and fashion and style to Jill. I thought about her the entire time we were working on this project. I knew it had to be bright, happy, and inspiring—and thankfully, it is. I have never received a sweeter compliment than when Jill said, ‘OMG, Donna would love it!’”

Pieces such as the two-drawer chest and bar cart mix practical with pretty.

“Because this is a small space, every item

needed to be beautiful (of course!) but still functional,” Mara says. The cart serves as a side table for the armchair as well as a bar. “Because of the room’s location right off the kitchen, it’s also the perfect place to locate a signature cocktail station when the family entertains,” Mara adds.

“Now, I drink my coffee in here in the mornings and wine at night,” Jill says. “I love to have girlfriends over because we have a space of our own to sit and visit.

And, I still fold laundry in here, but it’s just so much nicer now,” she laughs.

Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Mara Malcolm, Lamb’s Interior Design ACCESSORIES A Shade Above, Lamb’s Interior Design, and Obsessions Interiors ART, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND RUGS Lamb’s Interior Design WINDOW TREATMENTS Linda McNeill, Decorative Home Accessories

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 53

As a realtor and a builder, respectively, Brandy and Richard Harp are constantly surrounded by home design ideas, trends, and innovations. So, it may come as no surprise the pair had plenty of inspiration—and even a rough floor plan—when the opportunity to purchase the last lot in a highly sought-after west Little Rock subdivision presented itself.

However, they both seemed to know this home would be different from their previous residences. With two active children, Isabella, 12, and Nicholas, 10, as well as fastpaced careers, the two focused on not only style but also convenience and comfort. “We tried to design a house that was very low maintenance,” Brandy says. “We asked ourselves, ‘How can we ensure we are living efficiently and effectively but make sure it feels homey?’ We wanted it to feel authentic and be a reflection of our personalities,” she adds.

While inspiration and resources abounded for the Harps, they knew they wanted to work with a professional designer to help bring their vision to life.

“This was our second time to work with Tobi [Fairley] on one of our homes. We’ve gotten to know her really well because I also did the renovation of her house,” Richard says. “In the past, I would say Brandy’s style was more traditional,” Tobi says of the goals for the new-construction project. “As we have worked together, it has evolved. I think she and Richard both wanted something clean, simple, and really comfortable.”

54 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

The Evolution of

HOME S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: N A N C Y N O L A N

AS BRANDY AND RICHARD HARP SETTLE IN TO THE SIXTH HOME THEY’VE BUILT TOGETHER FOR THEIR FAMILY, THEY REFLECT ON HOW THEIR STYLE AND NEEDS HAVE EVOLVED October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 55

BEST LAID PLANS

Richard admits to drawing the plan for the home multiple times. “When we build one house, all those unused ideas that we really like but don’t have a place for in that house, we put toward the next house,” Richard says. “We were only in our previous home for a couple months when we drew the plan for this house and pocketed it— and it stayed pocketed for many years.” When the time was right, the draft for this home was reopened and finished to match the family’s current needs and tastes. Originally, the design included stonework on the front façade; however, stone was traded for painted brick, and a pool and pool house were installed at the back of the home’s multi-level lot.

These desires led to a timeless design in terms of both architecture and interior furnishings. “You can’t look at this house and tell when it was built.

We kind of patterned it after homes from the 1930s and ’40s. The architecture in here is what builders would’ve been capable of in the ’30s and ’40s; For example, the trim is not overstated, the cabinets are fairly simple. Nothing is period specific but everything is clean,” Richard says.

Being in the home industry, it’s inevitable the couple’s residence serves as a model home for many of their clients. “We were able to build this house because we have a great group of vendors who we

56 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

work with on a daily basis, and we are incredibly grateful for them,” Richard says. “When clients come here now, almost invariably, they will find some aspect of this house they want to replicate in their own: from paint color on the exterior to the floors to the layout of the master bath, or something in the kitchen or on the back patio. Things that are generally nondescript but that they pull out and want to use,” he adds.

As for their own plans to reinvent the place they call home once more, Brandy says, “Before kids we were pretty mobile. Now we have a cocktail napkin agreement that we’re going to stay here until our kids graduate—but we’ll see.”

MADE FOR EVERYDAY USE

Equally chic and comfortable, the living room is the home’s number one hangout— whether for just the family of four or when they are entertaining a crowd. Brandy notes the room also includes personal touches, such as a pair of paintings on either side of the mantel by artist Ashley Jones Schwander, a friend of the Harps.

“We wanted a piece of her art in our home and commissioned her to create these two,” Brandy says.

Sherwin Williams’ “Neutral Ground”

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 57

PREP SPACE

A butler’s pantry connects the kitchen and dining room, providing storage for entertaining wares and additional countertop space for preparing party bites and cocktails. Glass-front cabinetry featuring a fretwork motif echoes the streamlined design of the kitchen while offering a functionally stylish way to display favorite glassware.

“We used a lot of traditional shapes and motifs in this house, because a really modern or transitional style wouldn’t fit them. But we made it monochromatic to keep it light and relaxing.”

—Tobi Fairley, Designer 58 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

GREEN WITH BEAUTY

A small home office, located just off the kitchen, serves as a homework space for the Harp children. “We wanted this space to have energy and feel light-hearted,” Tobi says.

A geometric-print wallpaper covers the ceiling while Thibaut’s “Nemour” floral print, seen on the Roman shade and tack board, softens the room. Doors conceal files and supplies, while vintagelook, green glass knobs and modern chairs adhere to the home’s mix of old and new.

A mudroom, the perfect drop zone for backpacks, connects the kitchen and homework station.

CHERISHED PIECES

“The Harps’ home is the perfect marriage of pieces they already had blended with new,” Tobi says. Case in point, the dining room where a table and chairs Brandy and Richard bought shortly after they were married was updated with a coat of paint and new fabric. “It’s nothing special … but it represents a piece of our family. It’s where our holidays are spent. Lots of memories that we’ve built over the years have been made around that table,” Brandy says. “Richard lost both of his grandparents—who played a pivotal role in his life—recently, and we remember his grandfather saying grace over that table,” she adds. Contemporary yet warm faux bois-style wallpaper envelops the room while a geometric print rug and a piece of art from Tobi’s collection with Soicher Marin complement the design.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 59

ALL TOGETHER NOW

“We entertain a fair amount, so part of our wish list was a working area that we can still live in,” Richard says of the kitchen that opens to both the living room and breakfast nook.

“People always want to congregate in the kitchen but this invites the kitchen into so many other public areas of the space, so you can have a fair number of people in this house and not run into each other,” he adds. For the design, Tobi paired quartzite countertops and a glazed ceramic tile backsplash with brass finishes for a layer of polish that blends with slightly more contemporary elements such as the barstools, which feature a geometric print—a design element that is repeated throughout much of the home. “Again, it’s that mix of traditional and new,” Tobi says. “The brass gives it a warm feel, but the gray feels updated and current.”

60 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

The open floor plan allows conversation to flow from the kitchen to the living room with ease and means the family can go straight from dinner to game night (Monopoly is a favorite pastime!) with little transition.

DINING IN

Richard worked with local furniture maker Tommy Farrell on the design for the family’s breakfast table. Bamboo chairs are covered in a vinyl fabric for easy cleaning. Tobi notes the addition of the feminine shade and drapery panels soften the kitchen and dining table’s hard surfaces.

October 2018 | athomearkansas.com 61

CALMING TREND

The bed and bedside tables were pieces the Harps already owned and Tobi had painted in the cream, white, and gray palette to work in the new master bedroom. The designer notes the mix of scale and motif (as seen in the patterns on the linens and carpet) is a nod back to the couple’s traditional roots, while the choice of a geometric-print carpet is another example of the home’s modern influences.

Buddy, the family dog and a frequent visitor on many of Richard’s jobsites, approves of the master bedroom’s serene hues and comfortable linens.

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HER DOMAIN

Richard designed the master closet as a special gift for Brandy, and it has become a concept he repeats in many of his new builds for clients. Tobi helped to finish out the space with the same neutral hues seen in the master suite along with a pop of feminine fuchsia seen on the two side benches. “Everything is concealed behind doors, so it never feels cluttered or messy—it’s all streamlined and organized,” Tobi says. Roman shades allow natural light into the room—a helpful addition for selecting and matching clothing—but pull down easily to close for privacy.

SPACIOUS SPA

“Richard loved playing with the design of the columns,” Tobi says. “Their last bath had columns but it was a different, very traditional look with capitals.”

The columns here create a grand entrance to the open shower, which harks back to the couple’s desire for a low-maintenance home because it requires no glass cleaning. The entire space is wrapped in white subway tile. “It gives it the room the feel of a Manhattan apartment,” Tobi says of the application. “I never get tired of subway tile; it can instantly create a spa-like atmosphere and makes this bath feel very clean and fresh.”

Design Resources CONTRACTOR Richard Harp, Richard Harp Homes DRAFTSMAN Jim Johnston INTERIOR DESIGN Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design LANDSCAPE DESIGN Better Lawns & Gardens APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Ashley Jones Schwander and Tobi Fairley Interior Design BEDDING Laura’s Draperies and Blinds and Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies CABINETRY Capitol Custom Cabinets CARPET AND TILE (KITCHEN BACKSPLASH) ProSource of Little Rock FIREPLACES Royal Hearth and Home FABRICS, FIXTURES, AND WALLPAPER Tobi Fairley Interior Design FLOORING (HARDWOODS) Champion Wood Floor Design FURNITURE Tommy Farrell Custom Furniture and Tobi Fairley Interior Design HARDWARE PC Hardware MILLWORK Victor Rivera PAINT Sherwin-Williams POOL Elite Pools by Aloha RUGS ProSource of Little Rock and Tobi Fairley Interior Design WINDOW COVERINGS Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies WINDOWS Windows, Doors & More

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THE SPACE BETWEEN DEBI DAVIS STRIKES A BALANCE BETWEEN NEW AND OLD, MODERN AND RUSTIC, AND FORM AND FUNCTION IN THIS HOME BUILT FOR ENTERTAINING

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S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK

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Custom pieces, such as the acrylic and glass coffee table in the living room, bring this house into the transitional realm.

“I like invisible coffee tables because then the room looks even more open,” Debi explains.

“I’m never afraid to use the word ‘pretty.’

Pretty doesn’t mean something can’t be functional,” designer Debi Davis says. “A home can be beautiful and still be functional.” It was with this mindset that Debi approached the design of this family home in Rogers, a project where she deftly wove antiques and curated collections throughout the modern bones of a new-construction home.

The practical side of the design needed to take into account several factors: First, the couple has young children, pets, and an active lifestyle. Second, they have a penchant for entertaining. “We love our home best when it is full of friends or when kids’ shoes are piled at the bottom of the stairs, signaling that the upstairs is full of our children’s friends,” the homeowner says. “Our home is not a museum. Everything that we chose is just as comfortable and practical as it is beautiful.”

Debi started out with her signature airy neutral palette, weaving in glints of gold and rustic touches—like exposed

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wooden beams in the vaulted living room and a stacked-stone fireplace—to suit the homeowners’ style.

“The colors we used in here are soft,” Debi says. “Her walls are Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Gray, so we did a ‘silver drop’ color on all her furniture—a very soft, soft gray—then all her curtains are a soft mineral color.”

Perhaps the most significant piece of this home’s design is in its combination of styles. “I’ve always loved mixing old and new pieces,” the homeowner says. “I think new homes especially need a little hint of the past to help them feel warm and cozy. My 240-yearold antique doors are my favorite—they were from a church in the Mediterranean,” she says of the doors to the study. “In the built-ins, we have family pictures, environmental and earthy items, and we have old objects,” Debi says. “It’s a very eclectic mix, so not everything is shiny and brand new.”

Sherwin Williams’ “Repose Gray”

LIGHT & BRIGHT

In the breakfast room, an antique table with original iron detailing (found in Round Top, Texas, a famous antiques destination) was updated with a coat of patina-look white paint, while four antique dining chairs were re-upholstered in a soft paisley pattern. Transitional elements like a sculptural Lowcountry Originals chandelier and abstract painting by Katherine Watts complement the room’s more traditional dining area.

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Besides the refrigerator, which is disguised by cabinetry panels, all appliances are artfully hidden below eye level of the island to keep the kitchen light and airy.

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BUILT FOR A CROWD

An oversized kitchen island is a perfect gathering place for large groups of friends who fill the home on weekends and after school. The room’s Shaker-style cabinetry, warm fixtures, and modern lantern-style lighting give it a present-day sensibility, while a grand range hood makes a statement that echoes what Debi calls a “slight French country influence” throughout the home.

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“Our home is not a museum.

Everything that we chose is just as comfortable and practical as it is beautiful.”

—Homeowner

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SOPHISTICATED GLAM

The mirrors and chests in the master bedroom are a few of many pieces in the home by Reborn Relics, Debi’s line of furniture and accessories inspired by antiques and made at her shop in Little Rock.

“She wanted her bedroom to be glam, glam, glam,” Debi says, noting the recurring gold-leaf details and a crystal-encrusted chandelier. A faint blush hue, seen in the ceiling, lamps, and fabrics, softens the room. “I’m a big texture person,” Debi says. “I’ll layer canvas with fur, chenille with cut velvet … when you have all these different textures, it makes the room so lush.”

Design Resources ARCHITECT Kevin Canada CONTRACTOR Mark Melton, Mark Melton Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Debi Davis, Stephen Garrett, and Jo Butts, Debi Davis Interior Design ACCESSORIES Cobblestone & Vine, Debi Davis Interior Design, and Providence Design ART, BEDDING, FABRICS, FURNITURE, AND LIGHTING Debi Davis Interior Design CABINETS Morgan Millworks COUNTERTOPS Verona Marble Company MILLWORK Quality Millwork PAINT Sherwin-Williams PAINTING M&L Painting

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E N D

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“The guys were doing a barbecue competition and we needed a name.

They wanted ‘Aporkalypse Now,’ but it was already taken for this particular event,” Brett laughs. “It’s goofy, but everyone remembers it, so we kept it when we opened the food truck.”

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WHEN KELLY LOVELL AND WALT TODD STARTED BARBECUING TOGETHER OVER A DECADE AGO, they didn’t necessarily see it turning into a fulltime gig. “They started out at tailgates, barbecuing whole hogs, serving at weddings and competitions—it was just a hobby with a little bit of pocket change,” says Walt’s wife, Brett, who also handles the business’s marketing and sales. “If you would’ve asked us then if we’d be here now, having a food truck and doing this full time for two years, we’d be like, ‘What?’” This year marks 10 years for the Count Porkula food truck. In September, the business hit another milestone when it opened a permanent location at The Rail Yard, the newest addition to Little Rock’s budding East Village.

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“Our house sauce isn’t super vinegary, and it’s got a little kick at the end.

It’s definitely sweet. You get a little bit of everything when you taste it,” Brett says.

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72 At Home in Arkansas | October 2018

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The Rail Yard is a beer garden and food truck venue at 1212 E. Sixth St. in Little Rock. While Count Porkula is a permanent fixture in the kitchen, the venue will offer a lineup of rotating food trucks outside as well.

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what’s the rail yard?

PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK

Learn more at countporkulabbq.com.

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