At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

The Great

Escape Live Outdoors!

Find your

garden style

Kaufman by Design West

HARDWARE | MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM • SATURDAY 8:00 AM - 1 PM SHOWROOM | MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM • SATURDAY 8:30 AM - 1 PM

501.673.3978 • 14900 CANTRELL RD. LIT TLE ROCK • K AUFMANLUMBER.COM

Where you live is everything – sanctuary, office, hangout space and more. So choose a neighborhood that makes the most of scenery, outdoor amenities and community connection, with beautiful options to build or buy.

Come discover the expertly planned communities of Chenal Properties. After all, you’re not just planning a home.

You’re building a life. chenalproperties.com 7 Chenal Club Blvd.

Little Rock, AR 72223 501-821-5555

PotlatchDeltic is an expert at selling quality real estate. Having established some of the most sought-after developments in Central Arkansas, including Chenal Valley in Little Rock and Red Oak Ridge in Hot Springs, the company also offers a wide variety of recreational properties for sale around the state.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 1

2 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

Historic Downtown Conway | 1011 Oak St.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 3

DesigningPossibilites the Best Smiles Infinite

Creating since Exquisite 1985 with The Smile Doctor ® Smiles Since 1985 The Smile Doctor ®

has designed countless gorgeous, life-like smiles.

Isn’t It Isn’t It Time?

Time?

• You look and feel decades younger.

• You feel more confident.

• You get the results you want.

• You choose one of the most experienced, reputable, artistic, nationally-recognized cosmetic and reconstructive dentists in America.

• Featured on Entertainment Tonight and Dateline NBC. Isn’t it time to meet the last dentist you’ll ever need?

Featured on Entertainment Tonight and Dateline NBC.

501.227.0112 • 80 0.671.0767 • w w w.smile-doc.net Like us on Faceboook!

ALL PHOTOS ARE OF DR. GARNER’S ACTUAL PATIENTS A L L P H OTO S A R E O F D R . G A R N E R ’ S A C T U A L PAT I E N T S

4 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 5

C O N T E N T S

March 2021 // The Outdoor Living Issue

STYLE 15 SHOP

Swirled and Burled

17 DESIGN

Find Your Garden Style

23 REFRESH

Perfecting the Puzzle

LIFE

27 TASTE

Connection Through Cooking

31 DISCOVER

23 35 44 31

Fort Smith

SPECIAL SECTION 62 TRENDSETTERS

Landscape & Pool Professionals

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 WELCOME 12 LATEST 72 END NOTES

ON THE COVER A Carlisle couple’s front porch.

Design by Katie Grace Designs.

Photography by Rett Peek. See page 52.

HOME 35 FOREVER FRENCH

European architecture and time spent abroad were the inspiration for Kim and Mark Brockinton’s Little Rock garden.

44 PLACES FOR RETREAT

Located in the heart of Fayetteville, this family’s outdoor living area offers multiple destinations to escape.

52 THE GREAT OUTDOORS

In Carlisle, Katie Grace Designs creates continuity between a home’s interior and its exterior while highlighting the natural setting.

Vol. 26, No. 2 © 2021 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.

6 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

SPRING INVENTORY available for

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

®

The Ultimate Cooking Experience

Arkansas’ LARGEST selection of interior barstools!

C A SUA L FURNIT URE • W ICK ER • BA RS TO OL S • GA S LO GS • GRIL L S • ACCESSORIES

P l e a s a n t Va l l e y P l a z a • 112 2 0 N Ro d n e y Pa r h a m, S u i t e 14 • 5 01. 6 6 3 .1818 ke n r a s h s o u t d o o r f u r n i t u r e.c o m L i ke u s o n Fa c e b o o k • Fa c e b o o k .c o m / Ke n R a s hMarch s A r2021 k a n|sathomearkansas.com as 7

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

Steph Smith steph@athomearkansas.com Graphic Designer

Taylor O’Dell graphicartist@athomearkansas.com Social Media Manager

Laura LaRue laura@athomearkansas.com Contributing Photographers

Rett Peek Molly Anne Sandefur Contributing Stylist

Lauren Cerrato Account Managers

T ogether

BETTER

Get ready to let your skin glow! This SkinCeuticals duo delivers all the antiaging goodness you want for gorgeous, younger-looking skin. Exfoliate dullness, purify pores, and intensely moisturize with Micro-Exfoliating Scrub. Then follow up with Retinol to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration for a beautiful glow! Purchase both and receive .5mL CE Ferulic (Vitamin C) serum free! Your skin will thank you with a lush luminosity – your best skin ever!

EENGLISH PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER

Suite 950, Medical Towers II 9501 Baptist Health Drive | Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 227-9556 | 1-800-390-3223

SURGEONCOSMETIC.COM

8 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

Stacey McClellan (ext. 105) stacey@athomearkansas.com Lura Clayton lura@athomearkansas.com Subscription & Billing Coordinator

Sarah Sutton (ext. 100) sarah@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 athomearkansas.com Annual subscription rate: $12.95 Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling

INC.

S E R V I N G

A R K A N S A S

S I N C E

1 9 9 5

C US T OM LU X U RY HOM E BU I L DE R , FO C USI NG ON N E W HOM E C ON S T RUC T ION A N D R E NOVAT ION S 801 South Rainbow Road, Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 273-2266 • info@prestonandco.net www.prestonandco.net

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 9

W E LC O M E

living outdoors Have you ever heard the phrase, “I’m outdoorsy in that I like to drink on the patio”? There are dozens of similar iterations, but you get the gist. The sentiment sums up how I like to spend my time outdoors. While I’ll take a pass on camping trips, I still enjoy taking in the fresh air, the quiet sounds of the neighborhood, and the rustle of wind through the trees—I’m just happier with a fan nearby and ice in my drink.

Photograph by Rett Peek Soon, I’m excited to report, I’ll have the perfect place to do just that! This time last year I wrote in my letter about my desire for a screenedin porch. I had no way of knowing then how much time we would be spending at home or how crucial an outdoor living space would become. After a couple of months getting used to 2020’s “new normal,” my husband and I put the wheels in motion on that screened-in porch. In July, we were getting quotes from contractors;

by November, demolition on our old deck had begun; and now, the porch is fully constructed, roofed, stained, and painted—all it’s missing are the ever-important screens, which should be installed by the time this issue comes out.

It’s hard to know if we would have made the project a priority without the pandemic to give us the push; COVID has changed so much in terms of how we think about our homes and how we use them. But now that it’s close to completion, I can’t imagine our little house without this whole extra outdoor room that we’ll soon put to use. While working on this issue, I found even more ideas to incorporate into the space, from furniture configurations to plants for our surrounding landscape (like elaeagnus, an evergreen bordering Kim Brockinton’s gorgeous European gardens, page 35). Whether you’re at the starting point of your project or nearing the finish line, I know you’ll find similar inspiration in our annual Outdoor Living issue. Happy spring!

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com

The At Home in Arkansas staff and the state’s design community were saddened to learn of the loss of Carolyn Lindsey Polk, architect and partner with Yeary Lindsey Architects, in late 2020. Carolyn’s excellent work has been featured numerous times in the pages of At Home, including this issue; her ingenuity and talent for problem-solving can be seen in the kitchen renovation on page 23. We know she will be deeply missed by family, friends, and colleagues alike.

10 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

DIGITAL EDITION

Take us with you anywhere.

Visit athomearkansas.com.

GET IN TOUCH!

We love hearing from our readers. If you have a question, correction, or simply want to share your thoughts on a story, get in touch on social media or email stephanie@athomearkansas.com.

@ATHOMEARKANSAS

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

CORRECTION

In the January/February 2021 issue, the maker of the wallcovering on page 52 was incorrectly identified.

The wallcovering is by Schumacher.

We regret the error.

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 11

L AT E S T

SHOP LOCAL

A stylish dining space from Joshua Plumlee’s personal home as featured in the April 2017 issue of At Home in Arkansas.

BLYTHE

RANSOM INTERIORS

Alexis Cox and Elizabeth Poynter celebrate the opening of their new womens apparel shop, Blythe, in Fayetteville on March 1. The pair have been friends for decades; in fact, they have their hometown, Blytheville, to thank for inspiring the shop’s name. “I’ve worked in retail for about 10 years, and Alexis and I have always talked about doing something of our own,” Elizabeth says. While she is based in Little Rock, Alexis lives in Fayetteville, and the two decided to locate Blythe in Northwest Arkansas to fill what they describe as a void in the shopping scene. “So many stores here cater to the college demographic. Blythe will be for all ages and all price points,” Elizabeth says, noting shoppers can expect to find brands like Olivia James, STARKx, Farm Rio, and The Shirt in store. Their location at 2914 N. College Ave. is shared with Glitterbox, a boutique for children from infants to tweens, making it a destination for moms. The collection will also be shoppable online at buyblythe.com. Watch Instagram (@buyblythe) for updates.

Designer Joshua Plumlee’s Little Rock store, Ransom Interiors, made the move earlier this year from the Heights to the arts district of South Main Street. Joshua cites more square footage, better parking, natural light, and proximity to the growing neighborhood as motivations for moving the store, which opened in 2016. “We have always offered a livable mix of transitional furnishings, accessories, and original artwork, and the new space will give us the opportunity to provide a wider array of products and services,” he says. “We offer everything from paint consultations, drapery treatments, reupholstery, and furniture placement to full-scale remodels. We are finishing out the new space completely on our own terms, making everything clean, crisp, and bright,” Joshua says. “There is so much going on in SoMa; it’s a very hip area, so we’re excited about it.” Ransom Interiors is located at 1501 S. Main St. Follow along on Instagram (@ransominteriors) for updates.

FAYETTEVILLE

THE ONLY SLEEPER SOFA YOU CAN SLEEP ON

1504 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock 501.28 0. 32 0 0 Tues - Sat 10a.m. - 5p.m.

www.mertinsdykehome.com COMFORT SLEEPER SALE M A RC H 5 - M A RC H 29 Save at least $365 on fabric versions Save at least $575 on leather versions

12 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

LITTLE ROCK

Photo by Rett Peek

What’s New?

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

2 1

The Jewelry Trend Report 3

The biggest trends in jewelry for 2021 are in! Look no further than Sissy’s Log Cabin, Arkansas’s premier jewelry destination, for looks suited to the year’s top 6 jewelry trends

4

1 Pearls The resurgence of pearls will continue to grow in the new year, both through timeless classics, like elegant strands of pearls, and in unexpected, modern styles.

2 Chains Chain jewelry is here to stay in 2021.

From necklaces to bracelets, liquid gold to paper-clip styles, this style is the new staple for every woman’s jewelry box.

6

3 Colorful Necklaces In 2021, embrace color.

One way to do so is with layers of vibrant necklaces featuring gemstones in every color of the rainbow.

Images courtesy of Sissy’s Log Cabin

5

4 Diamonds This year, your diamonds are for more than special occasions. Make every day glamorous with your favorite diamond studs, necklaces, and tennis bracelets.

5 Textured Materials Chunky, textured metal pieces are making a big splash in 2021.

These can be paired with formal and casual ensembles alike.

6 Long Statement Earrings When you want to make a statement, turn to shoulder-grazing earrings. Experiment with different styles, gemstones, and metals.

1 White gold and pearl pendant necklace with a diamond halo, $1,410. 2 Robert Coin 18K yellow gold and diamond “Soie” ring, $3,500. 3 Yellow gold and diamond leaf-shaped earrings, $13,495. 4 18K rose gold pendant featuring rubies, fancy sapphires, and black diamonds, $3,495. 5 John Hardy classic chain 5mm reversible bracelet in silver and 18K gold with diamonds, $2,400. 6 Rahaminov 18K white gold fashion ring with pear-shaped diamonds, $35,000. All available from Sissy’s Log Cabin in Little Rock, Conway, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, and Memphis, and shoppable at sissyslogcabin.com.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 13

Fu l l I nter ior Desig n Ser v ices & Show r oom Accessories, Architecturals, Art, Home Furnishings & Lighting

Mon - Fri | 10AM - 5PM or by appointment: 2314 Cantrell Road Little Rock, 72202 501.372.1886 | providenceltddesign.com

Antique Brick

BRICK | STONE | HARDSCAPE | PAVERS FIREPLACES | GRILLS & APPLIANCES CASUAL FURNITURE | HOME DECOR

14 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

16 0 9 E . 9 T H S T. L R , 7 2 2 0 2 5 0 1 - 37 5 - 0 0 6 0 A N T I Q U E B R I C K I N C .C O M

Style

U PDAT E YO U R S PAC E

INTO THE WOODS

Swirled and Burled

Natural elements take on a trending twist with the knotty grain of burled wood

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 15

S T Y L E

S H O P

PREVIOUS PAGE Small teak burl trays and “Savoir” picture frame in Burnt Brown. Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock, cobblestoneandvine.com

1

Scarf and salad tongs.

Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com Olive wood spoons.

Remedy Road, Bentonville, shopremedyroad.com 4 1 & 2 “Orwell” mirror by Bunny Williams Home and “Newbury” waterfall cocktail table with burl veneer. J. Parkey, Little Rock, jparkey.com

3

2

3 Empire-style Theodore Alexander lamp with poplar burl base and silk shade. Phoenix Interiors, Little Rock, facebook.com/ phoenixinteriorslr

5

4 “Lindsey” three-light triangular pendant in Satin Nickel finish. Lighting Emporium, Springdale, lightingemporium.com 5 Olive ash veneer and stainless steel tray table.

Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock, cobblestoneandvine.com

6

6 “Everett” arm chair in walnut ash veneer.

Art of Design, Little Rock, shadavari.com 7 “Plymouth” three-drawer chest with acrylic and brass hardware. Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, ransominteriors.com

7

8 “Timber” vase in burl wood finish, available in two sizes.

Pottery Barn, Little Rock and Rogers, potterybarn.com 9 Burl wood picture frames, available in three sizes.

CB2, cb2.com 10 Rootworks wooden bowl.

The Full Moon, Little Rock, thefullmoonlittlerock.com

9

Images courtesy of vendors 10

8

16 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

OUTDOOR LIVING LOOKS

Find Your Garden Style

Whether you like clean and classic or frilly with flourishes, these distinctive pieces offer inspiration for everyone

“Kenzo Sling” chaise lounges by Tropitone. Jack Wills Outdoor Living, jackwills.net; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 17

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Boho blend

3

Natural elements, relaxed patterns, and an eclectic feel are hallmarks of this look 2

1

4 5

6

1 Summer Classics “Raised Ikat” rug in Dove.

Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Dean’s Furniture, deansfurnitureco.com; Metro Appliances & More, metroappliancesandmore.com; Nest Home & Outdoor, nesthomeandoutdoor.com

7

2 O.W. Lee “Forma” fire pit. Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurniture.com; Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com; Gamble Home Furnishings, shopgambles.com; H3 Home+Decor, h3homedecor. com; Jack Wills Outdoor Living, jackwills.net; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com 3 Gloster “Cradle Day Bed” with a Meteor frame covered with Poolside Coal fabric. To the trade, gloster.com 4 Large cement planter. Paul Michael Co., paulmichaelcompany.com 5 Summer Classics “Newport” barrel swivel chair.

Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Dean’s Furniture, deansfurnitureco.com; Metro Appliances & More, metroappliancesandmore.com; Nest Home & Outdoor, nesthomeandoutdoor.com 6 Hinkley “Alder” pendant. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, fergusonshowrooms.com; GW Lighting & Home, gwlightingandhome.com; H3 Home+Decor, h3homedecor.com; J&B Supply, jandbsupply.com; Light Innovations, light-innovations. com; Lighting Emporium, lightingemporium.com; Sanders Supply, shopsanders.com; TEC Electric, tecelectric.com; The Lamp Outlet, thelampoutlet.com 7 “Savannah” sofa by Kingsley Bate. Jack Wills Outdoor Living, jackwills.net; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

18 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

8

9

11

12

10

14

13

Preppy picks Tailored pieces pair with punchy hues and prints to enliven your space

8 Santa Barbara “Cirque” umbrella. Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

lightingemporium.com; Sanders Supply, shopsanders.com; TEC Electric, tecelectric.com

9 Summer Classics “Bordeaux” side chair. Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Dean’s Furniture, deansfurnitureco.com; Metro Appliances & More, metroappliancesandmore.com; Nest Home & Outdoor, nesthomeandoutdoor.com

13 Kingsley Bate “Essex” teak 50-inch round table. Jack Wills Outdoor Living, jackwills.net; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

10 Napa Home & Garden “Paris” planter. Nest Home & Outdoor, nesthomeandoutdoor.com 11 Surya “Greenwich” rug. C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Gamble Home Furnishings, shopgambles.com; Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances, tuckertime.com 12 Kichler “Tollis” wall light. Elliott Electric Supply Lighting Showroom, lighting.elliottelectric. com; Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, fergusonshowrooms.com; J&B Supply, jandbsupply.com; Light Innovations, lightinnovations.com; Lighting Emporium,

14 PK Grills “PKTX” grill and smoker. Ace Hardware Home Centers, acehardware.com; Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com; Eggshells Kitchen Company, eggshellskitchencompany.com; Fort Thompson, ftthompson.com; Fuller & Son Hardware, fullerandson.com; JT White Hardware & Lumber, jtwhitelumber.com; Kaufman By Design West, kaufmanlumber.com; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com; Luxury Pool & Spa, luxurypoolarkansas.com; Mack’s Prairie Wings, mackspw.com; PK Grills, pkgrills.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com; Sweet Smokie Joe, sweetsmokiejoe.com; Town and Country Hardware, (870) 247-3412; Townsend Spice & Supply, townsendspice.com; Treemendous, treemendouslg.com

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 19

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Traditionaltake Scrollwork details and subdued palettes transcend time

15

19

16

18

17

15 & 17 OW Lee “San Cristobal” chaise and settee. Arkansas Furniture, arkansasfurniture. com; Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com; Gamble Home Furnishings, shopgambles.com; H3 Home+Decor, h3homedecor.com, Jack Wills Outdoor Living, jackwills.net; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com 20

16 Surya “Bodrum” polypropylene rug. C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Gamble Home Furnishings, shopgambles. com; Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances, tuckertime.com 18 Hinkley “Clifton Park” wall light.

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, fergusonshowrooms.com; GW Lighting & Home, gwlightingandhome.com; H3 Home+Decor, h3homedecor.com; J&B

20 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

Supply, jandbsupply.com; Light Innovations, light-innovations.com; Lighting Emporium, lightingemporium.com; Sanders Supply, shopsanders.com; TEC Electric, tecelectric. com; The Lamp Outlet, thelampoutlet.com 19 “Carolina” 12-inch concrete garden urn.

Paul Michael Co., paulmichaelcompany.com 20 Surya “Rain” pouf. C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Gamble Home Furnishings, shopgambles.com; Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances, tuckertime.com Many of the items featured in this section are available through special order at the retailers listed above.

Images courtesy of vendors

A R K A N S A S’

PREMIER HEARTH & PATIO Show Room

FIREPLACE & PATIO 19650 1-30 • BEN TON • 800 - 421- 4 4 47 MONDAY - S AT URDAY • 8 A M - 6 PM W W W.CONGOFP.COM

S E A N L EC RO NE

ARTGROUPARKANSAS.COM 501.529.2995

HEAT | COOL | PLUMBING | ELECTRICAL | APPLIANCE REPAIR | GENERATORS | CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 21

SAY GOODBYE TO CLOGGED GUTTERS!

You are the proud owner of a beautiful home. This home will probably be the largest investment you’ll ever make. You and your home deserve the right insurance coverage at the most affordable price. Rely on Shelter to help you build a plan.

Call for a free review!

Get LeafGuard gutters, a unique patented system designed to stay clog free. LeafGuard is the only seamless, one-piece leaf protection gutter system on the market.

Parker Fraiser - Agency Rep. Matt Steele Agency 21941 1-30 Ste 8 Bryant, AR 72022 501-943-1140

501.508.6474 • 479.234.4147 501.508.6474 • 479.234.4147 877.848.2422 877.848.2422

leafguardandmore.com leafguardandmore.com

LIVE MUSIC

WEEKLY! + pizza • DRINKS • BREAKFAST • COFFEE • & MORE!

2158 N Jackson, Magnolia, AR 71753 (870)-562-2600 www.mulekickmag.com 22 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

ONE YEAR for $12.95

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

BEFORE & AFTER

Perfecting the Puzzle With space at a premium, a Little Rock kitchen is transformed to get the most out of every inch while infusing style

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK

aving lived in her home since the late ’90s, Anne Mourning felt it was time to update its cozy, galley-style kitchen. She looked to Little Rock firm Yeary Lindsey Architects to help her reimagine its design and was introduced to the late Carolyn Lindsey Polk, a beloved local architect and coowner of the firm, and interior designer Brittany Nixon Brun of Brittany Nixon Creative. “I just fell in love with both of them,” Anne says. “I considered myself so lucky to have happened upon these two intelligent women.”

However, she wasn’t immediately convinced their design would work. “When Carolyn came back with the plans, I was a non-believer,” Anne says. “I just thought, This is never going to happen in my kitchen. There’s just no room and no way.” But thanks to thoughtful space planning and careful consideration of details, it was possible. “Carolyn was absolutely wonderful and kept it moving forward. If I texted her, she would be here in five minutes to talk through what should happen with the contractor,” Anne says.

H

Several decisions were integral to bringing the space to life, including trading what Anne calls a “giant” refrigerator for a counter-depth model, opting for a bistrosize table and chairs, and taking the cabinets all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage. Situating the key components around the perimeter also allowed space in the center for a built-in island to replace a furniture piece. Additionally, the team enclosed an underused covered porch to create circulation through the kitchen and back into the adjoining dining room. “That changed everything because I now have more than one way in and out of the kitchen; it’s no longer a dead end,” Anne says.

Focusing on the style, Brittany streamlined the space with neutral hues and added interest through materials, including the marble backsplash, window treatment fabric, and a mix of silver and gold, while also incorporating the hardworking pieces of a kitchen. “You look in magazines for inspiration, but this was all so far over my head. I hadn’t looked at ovens or stovetops in years, so I really relied on Brittany,” Anne says.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 23

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

BEFORE

ON DISPLAY

The wall where the range was previously became home to a built-in cabinet, which allows Anne to store her collection of china and entertaining wares. The seeded glass door fronts give texture and are more forgiving when it comes to keeping the contents of the piece perfectly organized.

BEFORE

24 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

“I just couldn’t believe all of this could happen in this same amount of space.”

—Anne Mourning, homeowner

1

HELLO BIRDIE

With the help of a friend, Anne picked what she calls the “happy bird” fabric from a number of choices Brittany had selected. “The colors really complement her McCarty pottery and art collection,” Brittany says. “It’s classy without being too modern.”

2

FRESH FAUCET

“Of all the neat stuff in here, this is my most-favorite thing,” Anne says of the pull-down faucet. “I can have things in my hands and still work with it, and it’s attractive.”

3

1

2

3

4

GOLDEN TOUCH

A pair of traditional yet current pendants over the island provide secondary task lighting. “When she entertains or works here in the evening, these act as lamp lighting to cast a really warm, soft glow,” Brittany says.

4

NATURAL PATTERN

Brittany took the marble backsplash tile, which is laid in a herringbone pattern, all the way to the ceiling. The continuation not only provides visual interest but also makes the space appear larger.

Design Resources ARCHITECT Carolyn Lindsey Polk, AIA, Yeary Lindsey Architects CONTRACTOR Bill Sneed, Bill Sneed Construction KITCHEN DESIGN Brittany Nixon Brun, Brittany Nixon Creative and Carolyn Lindsey Polk, AIA, Yeary Lindsey Architects ACCESSORIES, FABRICS, AND LIGHTING Brittany Nixon Creative APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY AND MILLWORK Custom Cabinet Creations COUNTERTOPS AND TILE Inside Effects GLASS Soos Stained Glass PAINT Sherwin-Williams PAINTING Kevin Sisson RUGS Hadidi Oriental Rug Gallery WINDOWS Pella WINDOW COVERINGS Brittany Nixon Creative and Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 25

6

65

H 5T

ANNIVERSA

RY

your invitation

YRS

Future Skin Cushion

Every cushion feeds an orphan baby elephant rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

1 Cushion = 1 Bottle of Milk

AD_21US_POUTLITTLEROCK_CUSHION_MARCH.indd 1

1/21/21 6:56 PM

to serenity.

Mountain Harbor Resort

501-224-8222 • POUTOFLR.COM | 11525 CANTRELL RD. SUITE 903 | LITTLE ROCK

TH

65

IV.

ANN

Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita 870-867-2191 • 800-832-2276 • MountainHarborResort.com Premier Lodging • Full Service Marina • Lake View Dining • Turtle Cove Spa

26 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

COGITATION - 60 X 48

SHELLEY GENTRY ART

ARTGROUPARKANSAS.COM 501-681-2652

Life

M A K E YO U R S EL F AT H O M E

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Connection Through Cooking With the launch of her cookbook, this Northwest Arkansas blogger continues to inspire togetherness through milestones large and small WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

TA S T E

Find more of Abby’s approachable recipes as well as information on how to pre-order The Living Table at atabletopaffair.com.

or Little Rock native Abby Turner, food is a way of building community. Now a resident of Rogers and marketing professional at Walmart, Abby developed this philosophy as she moved across five cities in four states while establishing her career. “I was living in Birmingham, Alabama, about five or six years ago and was the loneliest I had ever been,” she recalls.

“I was having a really hard time finding friends. I was working all the time, and I felt that I needed people and community. My mom threw out there, You need to invite people over, you need to cook! So I did.” Abby made dinner for three guests, squeezing everyone around her two-top table, and soon she found she had a circle of friends. “I made cheese tortellini—and it was terrible,” she laughs, “but they wanted to come back over and do it again.”

The symbol of the table—no matter the size and no matter how many people are gathered around it—is central to Abby’s blog, A Table Top Affair, which she started soon after taking her mother’s advice. “I want to

F

28 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

empower people to know that the kitchen doesn’t have to be scary, and recipes don’t have to take all day,” she says. “It’s about inviting people into the everyday moments. I want to provide the kind of inspiration that is really approachable and anyone can do.” This spring, Abby celebrates the release of her cookbook, The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers, which builds on this belief. The recipes inside are meant to mark everyday moments, such as game nights and coffee dates, and make them just as special as holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Devotions based on some of her favorite scriptures about “the table” are also included at the beginning of each chapter. “I’ve learned if you put food on the table and invite people over, they’ll be there. It doesn’t have to be a big moment; it can be a random Tuesday night,” she says. “People want connection and they want to be around other people. Food is just that natural conduit.”

Here, Abby shares a couple of easy recipes for your next everyday get-together.

L I F E

TA S T E

RECIPE

Monte Cristo Roll-ups SHOP 1 egg ¼ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 12 slices brioche bread 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup raspberry jam 1 pound of deli ham, sliced thin 12 slices Gruyère cheese powdered sugar, for garnish

PREPARE Whisk together egg, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl and set aside. With a rolling pin, flatten all 12 slices of bread; thickness should resemble that of a tortilla. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on one side of the bread, then layer a slice of ham and cheese on top in the center.

Roll tightly to create a roll-up. Repeat for all bread slices.

Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and melt butter. Dip each roll-up in egg and milk mixture and move immediately to the heated pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes while turning. Sprinkle with powdered sugar as desired and serve warm.

“I feel like Instagram and Pinterest have conditioned us to think we have to start from scratch, and that’s not always the case. I’m not a studied chef, and I’m not an expert— I’m more like a friend sharing her favorite recipes. If I can do it, you can do it.”

—Abby Turner

FRENCH INFLUENCE

“I am a huge fan of taking French food and making it accessible to the everyday table,” Abby says. One such recipe in The Living Table is a croque monsieur casserole, which deconstructs the classic French sandwich in a way that easily feeds a crowd. “This falls under the section of my book called The Table That Serves. There are ideas for newborn meal trains, housewarming goodies, and bridal brunches— all those moments of life that make you ask, How can I help?”

The Monte Cristo roll-ups recipe (shown above), an exclusive for At Home, is another variation on a classic.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 29

L I F E

TA S T E

RECIPE

Blackberry Lemonade SHOP 2 cups fresh blackberries 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ cup of sugar 2 tablespoons honey 52 ounces lemonade 12 ounces pomegranate juice ice, for serving fresh blackberries and pomegranate arils, for garnish

PREPARE In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine blackberries, lemon juice, sugar, and honey to create a blackberry syrup. Stir until sugar has dissolved and blackberries are muddled. Strain if desired. Place in fridge to cool. When ready to serve, spoon 2 tablespoons blackberry syrup into glass, fill with ice cubes and lemonade, and top with 1 ounce pomegranate juice. Garnish with fresh blackberries and pomegranate arils.

Pro tip: To simplify this recipe further, Abby suggests substituting canned blackberry jam for homemade syrup.

Want to try it as a cocktail? Add 1 ounce of your favorite spirit; Abby recommends bourbon to complement the berries’ tart flavor profile.

COOKBOOK FAVORITES

One of the tenets of Abby’s recipes is that most, if not all, can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. The Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp dish (right) is one such easy-to-replicate meal.

The Brie, Pesto, and Pepper Jelly Sandwich (above) is her goto for unexpected guests. “These are ingredients I always keep in my fridge and pantry for just this reason,” she says. Find recipes for both in The Living Table.

30 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Discover Fort Smith Shops, restaurants, and attractions in Fort Smith innovate with an appreciation for the city’s past W R I T E R S T E P H A N I E M A X W E L L N E W T O N P H O T O G R A P H E R M O L LY A N N E S A N D E F U R

Art, furnishings, and faux florals are mixed in with accessories and gifts at Waite & Co.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 31

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

Mexico City artist Hilda Palafox painted the silos at The Bakery District. Inside (right), plentiful plants, hammock chairs, and a mural by local artist Stacy Bates give the venue character.

Jo Waite, owner and namesake of Waite & Co.

Bookish has a satellite location inside The Bakery District. For book recommendations from the founders, check out their podcast, The Bookish Life.

On the westernmost edge of the state, Fort Smith— the second-largest city in Arkansas—is a place that embraces the juxtaposition of old and new. Just look at some of its most popular hangouts, such as THE BAKERY DISTRICT (bakeryfs.com), which has repurposed a former baking facility into a new multi-use space.

Opened in summer 2020, this gathering place allows the bones of its past life to shine while creating a new venue to meet, study, work, and support local businesses.

Another such example is WAITE & CO. (waiteandco. shop). Here, designer/contractor Jo Waite has transformed an old service station into not only a must-stop shop for local gifts and fresh home décor, but also a headquarters for her design business. It makes you wonder: If this is what Jo can do with a service station, how might she be able to transform a home? If you want to find out, check out the fabric samples, idea books, and more housed in her studio that can inspire your next project.

To feel like you’ve truly stepped back in time, head to ED WALKER’S DRIVE-IN (edwalkersdrivein.org) for a

32 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

classic American diner experience. Founded in 1943, Ed Walker’s evolved over time from a gas station with a burger stand into the drive-up diner you see today. The menu claims to have the only curbside beer service in Arkansas, as well as the state’s only 5-pound burger, though it also boasts an array of diner favorites—including blue plate specials, patty melts, onion rings, and milkshakes. For this and more, the restaurant was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame in 2020.

Just a block from Ed Walker’s is WASTED REPURPOSE MARKETPLACE (@wastedrepurposemarketplace), a muststop for vintage lovers. Angie Littleton’s shop is packed with wares seeing a resurgence in current trends, including midcentury pieces, wicker, and ’70s furniture and décor. If nosing around curated antiques is up your alley, REMEMBER WHEN ANTIQUE MALL (@rememberwhenar), about a 15-minute drive south of downtown, is worth the trip, too. Ready to visit a place that embraces history while looking toward the future?

It might be time to plan a trip to Fort Smith. Read on for more of our favorite places to shop, dine, and visit.

Ed Walker’s offers indoor seating in addition to its retro-era drive-in service.

P H O T O G R A P H E R :

M I T C H E L L

WA I T E

CUSTOM W I T H T H E U T MOST CH A R ACT E R & I N T EGR I T Y

JO WAITE | INTERIOR DESIGNER RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR

SHOP

479.262.6232 | INFO@ JOWAITE.COM 1719 S. GREENWOOD AVE., FORT SMITH

For the latest looks in women’s apparel and accessories, don’t miss CLOTHOLOGIE (shopclothologie.com). Visit the flagship store of BOOKISH (bookishfs.com) at Brunwick Place to peruse an array of new and used titles. And THE GALLERY ON GARRISON (thegalleryongarrison.com) is the perfect place to check out works by local artists.

DINE

501- 589-2025 | MONDAY- FR IDAY 6AM -2PM 629 0 HEBER SPRINGS RD W, QUITMAN, AR 72131

Steak, tapas, and an extensive wine list are on the menu at UNCORK’D (uncorkthefort.com). Speaking of wine: Fort Smith’s very own winery, JKC CELLARS (jkccellars.com), offers tasting flights in addition to wine by the glass. If you’re deciding where to go for authentic Vietnamese food while in the Fort, PHO VIETNAM (479.782.3227) is a favorite among locals.

VISIT To fully appreciate the city’s role in state and national history, plan a visit to the FORT SMITH MUSEUM OF HISTORY (fortsmithmuseum.org). At the FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM (fsram.org), the exhibit “Exploring Mindscapes: An Artist’s Reflection” is open through May 16. And, since 2015, one of the best ways to explore Fort Smith has been through a walking tour of THE UNEXPECTED (unexpectedfs.com), the world-class collection of murals gracing walls across the city.

LIKE & FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 33

KATIE REES | 479.466.1069 w w w.katiegracedesigns.com KatieGraceDesign@yahoo.com @katiegracedesigns

www.kimbrockintoninteriors.com 34 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

THE OUTDOOR LIVING ISSUE

Home

ROOMS FOR GROWING

Forever French

Inspired by their home’s architecture, a Little Rock couple enlists the help of P. Allen Smith to create a classic European-style garden

W R I T E R T I F FA N Y A DA M S P H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 35

ASCENDING ORDER

An oddly shaped lot with an incline that fell from north to south presented a design challenge. “We had to be clever about traversing the steep grade to make it feel like gentle landings,� Allen says, noting how steps break up the climb. A mix of deciduous and evergreen trees complemented by winter jasmine and boxwoods provide visual interest year-round.

36 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

aving built a home in west Little Rock, Kim and Mark Brockinton thought they had put down roots that wouldn’t easily be moved.

However, a call from their builder led them to look casually at a property in the capital city’s Heights neighborhood, which led Mark to purchase it as a surprise for Kim. “I think Mark must have sensed I was up for taking on another home,” says the designer and owner of Kim Brockinton Interiors. Working with New Orleans-based architect Davis Jahncke, who had also overseen their previous home, plans began to take shape for a French country residence. “I instinctively knew I wanted to keep it French, but much less formal than the home we were living in—something that evoked the passion I felt when traveling in rural France,” Kim says.

Knowing French gardens are held in almost as high a regard as the homes, Kim wanted to make the outdoor spaces exquisite. Working with a blank slate, she sought the help of landscape designer P. Allen Smith. “I’ll never forget my first day with Allen. He’s a wonderful storyteller, and by the end he had painted a picture of what the garden could be: structured yet informal,

H

inviting yet private, and, most of all, creating that intimate and romantic notion one feels when traveling through the small villages in Provence,” she says. “I told her the garden always bows to the house,” Allen says of the European-inspired design.

The plan called for a series of old world-style garden rooms connected by steps and pathways that seem to meander one to another. “You never see the garden fully from any one point of view, so your curiosity is piqued and you’re drawn into it,” Allen says. Plantings were selected with the intention of providing yearround visual interest and were incorporated around the property’s existing trees. “This garden is a stage with different actors coming on and off,” Allen says.

For example, in the spring, French tulips play a vibrant role, dotting the landscape with tones of coral, peach, and pink that stand out against the home’s exterior and hardscaping. “A garden is dynamic, always moving, always growing, and always needing care.

Kim and Mark have followed the plan for this space so closely,” Allen says. “Whether it’s seasonal color, pruning, or maintenance, they’ve helped it stay true to the original design.”

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 37

38 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

COTTAGE CABANA

Kim refers to the pavilion near the garden pool as a “summer cottage.” The partially covered structure provides respite from the sun and has comfortable chairs for reading and relaxing. ‘Lady Banks’ climbing roses, a thornless full-sun variety, were chosen as the crown for the cabana because their cornmeal-hued blooms match the exterior color of the home.

A bed featuring a cherry tree, boxwoods, and seasonal herbs bookends the pool.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 39

SECRET GARDEN

“I wanted the garden to be complementary in style, but I also wanted it to lure us, if you will, outside,�

Kim says. An existing stone wall was enhanced with wooden doors for privacy from the street. Over the entry, Virginia creeper provides year-round texture as well as seasonal color in the fall.

40 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

AL FRESCO DINING

Allen notes he likes clients to create a wish list before beginning a project. A space for entertaining was at the top of Kim’s. The dining area was designed to be on an axis with a statue at the edge of the house, so there is a sense of order even if it doesn’t register fully with the eye. Having lived in the home for 20 years now, Kim recently completed a refresh of the interiors and brought some of the bold, lively colors into the garden through fabrics and linens.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 41

“This garden is a stage with different actors coming on and off.”

—P. Allen Smith, landscape designer

Several of the garden’s additions were planted with the idea of cutting stems to enjoy in vases, including a Chinese snowball viburnum shrub, which produces hydrangea-like blooms in early spring.

Near an outbuilding, a dogwood tree is surrounded by a hedge of boxwoods and elaeagnus, which has a chalky gray coloring and texture that complements the home’s exterior.

42 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

PART DEUX

After finishing their initial garden, the couple bought an adjoining lot to build a guest house, which includes Kim’s design studio and an office for Mark as well as a continuation of the garden. Even though they were completed almost 15 years apart, Allen’s design focused on the repetition of materials and plantings to unite them seamlessly. An iron gate opens to azaleas flanked by a pair of cherry trees and a pebble pathway, which leads down to a lawn and then into the structure. “It is its own garden room of sorts,” Kim says.

In the spring, containers at the main entry and throughout the garden hold bevies of French tulips. This blooming season is a favorite time for the Brockintons as bold splashes of color come alive in almost every direction.

“Allen says it screams, Stop the car, and I love that,” Kim says.

Design Resources ARCHITECT Davis Jahncke, Jahncke & Burns Architects (New Orleans) CONTRACTOR Jack Hartsell Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Kim Brockinton, Kim Brockinton Interiors LANDSCAPE DESIGN P. Allen Smith, P. Allen Smith Fine Gardens & Landscapes LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Wes Parsons, Parsons Landscaping OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS Kim Brockinton Interiors POOL Brooks Pool Co. Inc. STONE Bennett Brothers Stone Company TILE (POOL SURROUND) The Tile Shop

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 43

PLACES FOR

At the front entry, a pair of limestone planters, which Daniel notes will age gracefully, coordinate with the structure and hardscape materials. Each is filled with a classic planting of boxwoods and ivy.

RETREAT

W R I T E R T I F FA N Y A DA M S P H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO

44 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

Repairs were made to an existing rock wall that dates back to the late 1800s, and a new complementary gate was designed by Studio MH. Seasonal plantings

by Simply Meticulous Landscape Co. include coleus, ‘Sunpatiens’, and angelonia.

In Northwest Arkansas, DK Designs creates an outdoor living area with multiple destinations for enjoyment and relaxation childhood spent in New England drew the owner to purchase this early 1900s home in Fayetteville’s sought-after Wilson Park neighborhood. “It reminded me of the homes where I grew up,” she says, “and I wanted to stay true to that when it came to the outdoors.” Having worked with outdoor designer Daniel Keeley in the past, she was eager to have him personalize this new space.

Daniel came to the project with the benefit of not only knowing the owner’s preferences, but also being well-acquainted with the space, having worked on the garden with the home’s previous owner. “I have always loved this house and the property, and I’ve been lucky enough to work on it twice,” he says.

Drawing on the homeowner’s childhood experiences, plantings like boxwoods, hydrangeas, and lilacs came to the forefront of the design, while features like crushed gravel walkways adhere to her desire for a traditional aesthetic that looks like it has been in place for decades.

“I am not someone who knows the names of plants, so

A

I lean on Daniel and trust him when it comes to those selections. I like to let him be inspired by the yard and topography,” the homeowner says.

While Daniel had worked to define some of these spaces with the previous owner, new elements were added and refined to tailor it to this family. Case in point, the loggia, fire pit, and pool received design refreshes while new areas, including a parterre garden and fountain, a meditation lawn for the owner and her clients to practice yoga, and a green rooftop garden were all additions. “Especially now during the pandemic, we have lived in this outdoor space,” the owner says of the time she and her two teenage children spend here.

In particular, a favorite of both Daniel’s and the owner’s is the fountain and parterre garden, a space that was carved out after an addition to the home.

“I especially love the fountain because you can hear it all over the garden,” the homeowner says. “It buffers noise from the street and really takes you away to another place.”

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 45

A space over the loggia was transformed into a green rooftop with a variety of plantings created

by Ozark Green Roofs, a company that specializes in these types of garden installations.

46 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

“We created clean lines in the structure of the garden and balanced this with pockets where the plantings are softer.”

—Daniel Keeley, landscape designer

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 47

A BALANCED APPROACH

Symmetry reigns in the rectangular-shaped front yard where identical benches surrounded by ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas sit opposite one another on each side of the lawn. Cold-rolled steel planters are filled with ‘Kimberly’ ferns and purple scaevola. “These vignettes cap off the sides of the lawn and make it feel like it’s the first room of the house,” Daniel says.

48 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

DINE & UNWIND

During the home’s interior renovation, which was helmed by Studio MH, Peacock Pavers and limestone columns were added to the loggia to upgrade its presence.

The spacious retreat, located off the home’s main living area, has enough room for both dining and lounging and gives views of a number of the outdoor area’s other attractions.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 49

SENSORY EXPERIENCE

A parterre-style garden was created between the original house and a recently completed addition. “I love little spaces and didn’t want this one to get lost,” Daniel says of the nook. Here, ‘Limelight’ hydrangea trees are surrounded by boxwoods with a central fountain, which can be heard throughout the outdoor living area.

SWIM & SUN

The pool, which was installed by a previous owner, is a central spot for relaxation in the backyard. A low wall separates this space from the back of the home. Boxwoods are planted around its base, while lavender can be seen along the top.

50 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

DESTINATION FIRE PIT

The previous owner had installed a simple fire pit in a back corner of the yard. Daniel and his team expanded on this with the addition of a native stone ring to border the space, crushed gravel, and large-scale planters filled with ferns and scaevola. “This has been such a big hit with the kids during COVID,” the owner says. “We have started cooking s’mores and even full dinners over the fire.”

Design Resources CONTRACTOR Preston Bacon, Preston & Company INTERIOR DESIGN Melissa Haynes, Studio MH LANDSCAPE DESIGN DK Design GREEN ROOF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION Ozark Green Roofs IN-GROUND SEASONAL PLANTINGS AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE Simply Meticulous Landscape Co. FOUNTAIN, LANDSCAPE LIGHTING, OUTDOOR FURNITURE (BENCHES), AND PLANTERS DK Design LIGHTING AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE Studio MH POOL/SPA Luther Stem Pools

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 51

Stylish loungers offer a view of the pool as well as a lake beyond, where the homeowners and their family take boat rides and fully enjoy the natural setting of their property.

52 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

Designer Katie Rees helps a Carlisle couple make the most of their outdoor living space while connecting its style to their recent renovation

W R I T E R S T E P H A N I E M A X W E L L N E W TO N P H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 53

efore this home’s outdoor living areas were remodeled, its owners had a problem: The spaces were only usable for a few months of the year. Now, thanks to a renovation that included enclosing an open cabana to create a pool house and furnishing the front porch, one of the happy homeowners describes a more welcome dilemma: “It’s hard to pick a place to sit!” she laughs.

“We have so many favorite spots now. It’s all so relaxing and inviting.”

For this transformation, she and her husband have designer Katie Rees to thank. They started working with Katie on their interiors (featured in the May 2020 issue of At Home), then gradually worked their way outside.

“After working together to lighten all the home’s dark, rustic cedar interiors, we quickly moved on to update the exterior, as well,” Katie says. One of the biggest challenges was turning the pavilion into a true indoor/ outdoor space. “It had gone through two or three different phases, but until Katie got her hands on it, we were never quite satisfied,” one of the homeowners says.

“It was originally open on both ends, but that limited it to really about two months out of the year. Then we tried to close it in with curtains; we just knew it had

B

54 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

more potential.” When enclosing the space, the team added not only walls and windows, but insulation and air conditioning units as well to make it comfortable, no matter the season.

Once enclosed, Katie set to work updating finishes and furnishings to coordinate with the main house’s style while maintaining poolside durability. For example, flagstone flooring was replaced with tile to give the pool house a more interior feel, and both the tile and outdoor furnishings ensure the space is family, dog, and swimmer friendly. Original cedar beams complement the pool house’s new white paint color, while industrial elements—including the star of the show, a glass-front garage door—tie the space’s modern farmhouse feel to the main home. “We came up with the idea of the garage door because it’s aesthetically appealing, but you can still see the beautiful view outside,” Katie says.

The updates extend to the front porch as well as various seating and dining areas around the pool, all of which flow seamlessly with the overall design of the home. “It’s become our family gathering room now, especially during these times,” one of the homeowners says. “It’s made it possible to have get-togethers with our extended family while keeping our distance.”

MEANINGFUL PLACE

Seating around a fireplace in the pool house offers a cozy hangout in the cooler months of the year, while the mantel provides a connection to the home’s history.

“The story goes that this was an old homestead before we built out here,” an owner says. “Neighbors tell us that across the pond in front of the house was the county road, and travelers would pass by here in covered wagons and stop by the pond.” When the owners lost one of their huge black walnut trees near the pond to lightning, they saved some of the wood and were able to make this mantel as well as several others for friends.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 55

“The comfort and ease of use is what really makes this fit our style.”

—homeowner 56 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

ROOM WITH A VIEW

A dining area allows for spillover seating from the pool house as well as the screened-in porch off the back of the house. “The screened porch is a favorite for me. You’re higher up so you can see the pool and the lake, and it’s a wonderful morning coffee spot,” one of the homeowners says. Stafford Fine Gardening landscaped the beds around the house using native grasses and seasonal color that connect the house to the natural beauty of the property.

KITCHEN UPGRADE

One of the most-loved areas of the pool house is an expansive kitchen with all the bells and whistles for entertaining a crowd.

A pizza oven and smoker were original to the outdoor pavilion kitchen, while the commercial range was replaced during the renovation, this time with a charbroiler perfect for cookouts.

“The homeowner is such a good cook—he does these amazing gourmet pizzas,” Katie says. “He has said he uses this kitchen even more than the one in his house.”

Over the range, industrial-inspired sconces complement the Currey & Co. chandelier that is a focal point for the structure.

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 57

58 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

“There were so many special spots around their land with opportunities for different hangout zones. It’s such a fun and happy farmhouse that fits their surroundings so well.”

—Katie Rees, designer

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 59

PORCH PERFECTED

Across the house’s wide front porch, Katie created two seating areas, including one with a custom swing bed. “We love sitting out there in the evenings and having a glass of wine on the porch looking out over the pond,” the homeowner says. “You can also walk through this house, from outside to inside to out again, and never feel like you’ve left the house. Katie made it all flow so well.”

Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Katie Rees, Katie Grace Designs LANDSCAPE DESIGN Stacey Stafford, Stafford Fine Gardening ACCESSORIES Katie Grace Designs and Tanarah Luxe Floral DOORS Arkansas Custom Iron Doors FLAGSTONE Stevens Stone Supply FLAGSTONE (INSTALLATION) Roberts Masonry FLOORING (POOL HOUSE AND PORCH) First Quality Tile FURNITURE Antique Brick Outdoor and Katie Grace Designs GARAGE DOOR Royal Overhead Door POOL Grindley Pool Co.

60 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

MH Design Inc. is now Studio MH

www.studio-mh.com @studio.mh.design

5 01.613 .76 6 0 | 47 9.4 4 3 . 9 0 0 2 | D K D ESI G N O U T D O O R . com March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 61

T R E N D S E T T E R S

trendsetters T URN TO ONE OF THESE LOCA L L ANDSCAPING AND POOL PRO FES S IO N A L S TO U P G R A D E YO U R O U T D O O R L I V IN G A R E A A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Photography Rett Peek 62 At Home inby Arkansas | March 2021 Design by Daniel Keeley, DK Design

T R E N D S E T T E R S LITTLE ROCK

Hocott’s Garden Center For Hocott’s, creating the perfect backyard oasis starts with communication with the client. “I love the whole process of the horticulture industry, but my favorite part is the collaboration with my clients to create a custom work of art in their outdoor spaces,” says landscape designer Scott Simmons.

Opened in 1939, Hocott’s was the first garden center in Little Rock. Since then, the company has provided landscaping services to clients large and small, from design and installation to maintenance. Shoppers can visit the nursery to find plants and garden supplies, as well as knowledgeable staff members available to answer gardening questions or set up a time for a consultation. “I love incorporating elements that appeal to all senses, making the garden interesting all year long,” Scott says. “Hardscapes can transform a dysfunctional yard and it’s important to establish a flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces,” he says. “Water features can give a great sense of calm and relaxation. And incorporating color and texture in the plantings is vital to the aesthetic beauty in any space.”

trendsetters Photo by Sarah Oden

A S O N E O F T H E O L D E S T G A R D E N C E N T E R S I N T H E S TAT E , H O C O T T ’ S G A R D E N C E N T E R H A S A R E P U TAT I O N F O R C R E AT I N G O U T D O O R L I V I N G A R E A S T H AT S H I N E Hocott’s Garden Center | 3612 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 501.663.8376 | hocottsgardencenter.com | @hocotts

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 63

LIVE THE LIFE OF LUXURY

LUXURY POOL & SPA is an award-winning, 3rd-Generation, locally-owned business ready to introduce you to the life of luxury.

We specialize in providing our customers luxurious pools and

Contact us today and let us introduce you to the life of luxury.

spas along with impeccable service and maintenance after the install.

Luxury Pool & Spa specializes in custom gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl pools. As one of the most experienced Hot Spring (Russellville) and Caldera (Conway) spa dealers in the state, we also offer only the best to satisfy your spa needs.

www.luxurypoolarkansas.com 2665 Donaghey Ave, Ste 103 Conway AR • (501) 327-1772

64 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

510 South Arkansas Russellville AR • (479) 968-7772

T R E N D S E T T E R S

LITTLE ROCK

Better Lawns & Gardens Whether you want to update your landscaping or plan for an outdoor living area, fireplace, kitchen, or pool, the team at Better Lawns & Gardens is ready to help. Founded in 2002, owner David Munsey, Jr., and his son David, III, work along side a team of professionals equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help achieve your dreams. “We work with our clients all the way from establishing a vision to design and execution of the project, and then we have the ability to follow up with a comprehensive property maintenance package if they want continued care,” David, III, says.

“We understand you are trusting us with your money to create a dream space that is a reflection of your style—and we don’t take that lightly,” he adds. He also notes the team works hard to ensure there is good communication throughout a project and to provide you with a beautiful, built-to-last project you’ll enjoy for years to come.

trendsetters Photo by Rett Peek

B E T T E R L A W N S & G A R D E N S B R I N G S A G E N U I N E PA S S I O N F O R E N J O Y I N G T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S T O C L I E N T S A L L OV E R T H E S TAT E Better Lawns & Gardens | 501.454.9803 | betterlawnsar.com | @betterlawnsar

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 65

T R E N D S E T T E R S

Take Cover 9 plantings for underfoot, overhead, and in between your hardscaping

Creative Climbers CLIMBING ROSES These blooming beauties are perfect for softening trellises, arches, and other structures. Most require full sun.

CLEMATIS Often called the “Queen of Climbers,” cultivars range in color from red and bright pink to lavender and deep purple. Try one on your mailbox to boost curb appeal.

BOSTON IVY Similar in appearance, Boston ivy gives all the beauty of a true ivy yet is much easier on the structure to which it attaches. In fall, this vine turns to attractive autumn hues.

Brilliant Borders LIRIOPE Also known as “monkey grass,” this plant

is popular for borders along walkways, steps, and flower beds. It’s heat-tolerant and most are evergreen, making it an attractive choice in the Natural State.

HOSTAS These easy-to-care-for perennials thrive

in gardens with partial sun or full shade. With a variety of leaf patterns and sizes available, they’re a versatile option.

ROSEMARY This fragrant evergreen is a good choice where you desire height. Bonus: Clippings can be taken year-round for the kitchen.

Photographs by Rett Peek

Gorgeous Ground Cover AJUGA Also known as “carpetweed,” this leafy ground cover can take any light conditions, from full sun to full shade. Expect to see light purple or blue blooms in the late spring.

CREEPING JENNY Because of its low, fast-

growing stems, this hardy plant works well in between steps, stones, and other hardscaping.

SEDUM Low-growing varieties, like Chinese

sedum and blue carpet, spread into even the smallest nooks and crannies for lush coverage.

66 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

T R E N D S E T T E R S

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Seaside Pools & Spas

Founded in 1967 and now in its third generation as a familyowned-and-operated business, Seaside Pools & Spas is a trusted destination for design, service, and all things pool- and spa-related.

Their team has constructed nearly 5,000 pools and can help you design and install a new pool or renovate an existing one, in either a residential or commercial setting.

Seaside Pools & Spas wants to create a place where your family can make lasting memories and enjoy time together. And they’ll be with you through the years to ensure it continues to operate at peak performance. Following installation, they can assist with opening and closing your pool, all necessary maintenance, equipment repairs, and more. In addition, their two retail stores, located in Springdale and Bentonville, make it convenient to pick up supplies and accessories.

The Seaside team notes many customers want their backyard to be the destination for fun, thus it needs to be outfitted to host everything from barbecues to swimming parties. They meet with each individual to hear his or her wants and needs, then create something they know will give the homeowners years of enjoyment.

Additionally, they are designing or renovating pools to include tanning shelves, swim-up bars, benches, and lighting, keeping them at the forefront of design.

trendsetters KNOWLEDGE OF TODAY’S TRENDS AND MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE MAKE SEASIDE POOLS & SPAS A TRUSTED SOURCE

Seaside Pools & Spas | 4686 N. Thompson St., Springdale, 479.756.6543| 1301 S.E. Walton Blvd., Bentonville, 479.271.9933 | seasidepools.com

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 67

PARADISE IN YOUR BACKYARD 5 0 1 . 8 4 7. 6 9 9 0 | J E F F S E L F P O O L S A N D S P A S . C O M | 2 1 9 4 1 I - 3 0 , B R YA N T , A R K A N S A S

68 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

ARKANSAS LEADING POOL BUILDER | IN BUSINESS SINCE 1978 (5 01)75 8 -76 65 | elit epoolsbyaloha .com

FORT SMITH AND SPRINGDALE

Burton Pools & Spas Brothers David and Dan Burton opened Burton Pools & Spa in 1978.

Since that time, what started as a humble business has grown into one of Pool and Spa News’s “Top 50” building and service companies in the United States.

Today, they say seeing families use their pools and spas and truly invest in spending quality time together continues to excite them as they strive to bring the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas areas the best in both pool design and service. As a

one-stop shop, they build every type of pool imaginable and work with their clients to find features to best suit their design goals and needs.

Burton Pools & Spas’ goal is to see their customers enjoy their products to the fullest with little inconvenience. To accomplish this, they have two full-service retail locations to provide the customer with everything needed after installation and to make maintenance simple and less time consuming.

trendsetters T O P- R A T E D D E S I G N A N D A C O M M I T M E N T T O S E R V I C E M A K E B U R T O N P O O L S & S PA S A N A M E T O K N O W I N T H E FORT SMITH AND NORTHWEST ARKANSAS AREAS

Burton Pools & Spas | 6121 S. Zero St., Fort Smith, 479.648.3483 | 725 S. 48th St., Springdale, 479.756.5511| burtonpools.com | @burtonpools

March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 69

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

LATE NIGHTS CALL FOR

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

PATHWAYS

FIXTURE WHEN YOU PURCHASE $50 OFF PER A NEW SYSTEM OF 8+ LIGHTS

For over 20 years, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has been transforming homes with expert design, impeccable installation, and thoughtful maintenance.

Add beauty, safety, and security to your home for years to come.

COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION Virtual Consultations Available

70 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021

479-282-0877 OutdoorLights.com/NW-Arkansas

BISTRO LIGHTING

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

GET TO KNOW BOTANICA GARDENS

Landscape Designs with Style

Bowman Pointe Apartment Homes, LR

Chris’s personal home, the Edgemont House, has been restored to its original splendor.

He welcomes guests and organizations to rent the home and grounds for events.

Chris H. Olsen has been an award-winning landscape designer in Arkansas for almost 30 years. “My goal has always been to out-do myself. I am inspired by color and design, so it made sense to become a landscape designer who not only specializes in plantscaping, but also hardscaping ,” Chris says. Botanica Gardens, his main company, is headquartered in central Arkansas, though his projects reach to all corners of the state. Botanica Gardens strives to lead the market with inspiration and designs that have not been seen before in Arkansas.

Chris’s eclectic experience and personality show through his projects, both residential and commercial. “Botanica Gardens’ designs are colorful, fun, flirty, sometimes funky, and always functional,” he says. “I love to experiment with my surroundings, and Botanica Gardens’ goal is always to lead and never to follow. My ultimate aim is to make your neighbors jealous—in a good way, of course!”

Botanica Gardens offers different divisions to suit every need, from landscape and hardscape design to installation, maintenance, and even holiday decorating. “Plants are just part of the equation,” Chris says. “Pools, water features, walkways, and design walls help make breathtaking landscapes.”

Additionally, Botanica Gardens is committed to always putting clients first. “I am a person who listens to what my clients really want. My job is to make their dreams become a reality.”

Chris’s second nursery, Plantopia Home & Garden Center, opened to fill the need for a nursery with a “balance between quality and price.”

Customers can shop a huge variety of plants, containers, fountains and more over five acres. For more information about Botanica Gardens, call (501) 614-3000 or visit botanicagardens.com.

“Chris H. Olsen is a master at combining traditional and modern elements that bring our developments to life. His designs set a dynamic and beautiful first impression for our residents and the community. He has an intuitive knowledge of space and color, taking our properties to the next level.”

—Keith Richardson, Richardson Properties

“Chris H. Olsen and Botanica Gardens have overseen our residential landscaping and lawn maintenance for over 20 years. Chris’s attention to detail and dedication to clients have enhanced the quality of our own landscaping and the quality of landscaping in our community.”

—Terri and Chuck Erwin March 2021 | athomearkansas.com 71

E N D

N OT E S

Photograph by Rett Peek

PATTERNS WE LOVE

Chintz Prints From the halls of European royal residences to Dorothy Draper’s rendition of The Greenbrier and the popular Laura Ashley trend of the 1990s, chintz fabric is a design icon that transcends continents as well as time.

Conceived in India in the 17th century, the pattern takes its name from the Hindu word chint, meaning variegated or multicolored. The pretty and practical prints featuring nature made their way to Europe quickly thereafter; in fact, they caused such a stir they were banned for a time period so as not to put French and English mills out of business. Printed on a cotton fabric with a polished coating, the colorful botanicals are ideal for everything from drapes and bedding to upholstery, and they are often used in repetition throughout a room. With the rise of grandmillenial style and a new interest in maximalism, chintz is experiencing a resurgence.

Multicolored fabrics available through Designer Effects, Little Rock, designereffects.net.

Green-and-white fabric and pink trim available through Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com.

72 At Home in Arkansas | March 2021