At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Makeover Magic

THE STATE’S TOP RENOVATION PROFESSIONALS

Discover

EL DORADO & MAGNOLIA

THE LATEST IN COUNTERTOPS

KAUFMAN

By Design st We

FREE Interior Design Services!

New Construction Design Consultants Flooring Specialist | Lighting Specialist 14900 Cantrell Rd. | Little Rock, AR | 501.673.3992

kaufmanlumber.com Hardware: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Flooring-Lighting-Furniture: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 1

2 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 3

FEELS LIKE HOME. LOOKS LIKE HOWSE.

4 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

HOWSE is a business founded on purposeful design, functional living, and individualized service, featuring expertly curated collections of reclaimed wood dining tables, custom upholstery, original artworks, and more.

Find us in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and online at thehowse.com.

LITTLE ROCK 11525 Cantrell Rd Suite 105 Little Rock, AR 72212

BENTONVILLE 2714 SE Otis Corley Bentonville, AR 72712

FAYETTEVILLE 427 N College Ave Fayetteville, AR 72701

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 5

C O N T E N T S

May 2019 // The Before & After Issue

STYLE 15 SHOP

Serious Citrus

19 DESIGN

Counter Culture

LIFE

25 GATHER

Something Old, Something New

31 GROW

Spring Picks

35 TASTE

25 43 35 31

Let’s Kick It

39 DISCOVER

El Dorado & Magnolia

SPECIAL SECTION 63 TRENDSETTERS

Renovation Professionals

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 WELCOME 12 LATEST 72 END NOTES

ON THE COVER A laundry room design by Jill White Designs. Photography

by Rett Peek. See page 54.

HOME 43 ROOM FOR A CROWD

The kitchen of a 1920s Little Rock home receives an upgrade that honors its original character.

46 TRADITIONAL, TRANSFORMED

Designer Tobi Fairley works with longtime clients to give them a dream home in the capital city.

54 MODERN COTTAGE COMFORT Designer Jill White and Yeary Lindsey Architects team up to renovate a Little Rock home in a contemporary yet cozy style.

Vol. 24, No. 4 © 2019 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 | May 2019

PARADISE IN YOUR BACKYARD

501.847.6990

2019 | athomearkansas.com 7 | JEFFSELFPOOLSANDSPAS.COM | 21941 I-30, BRYANT, May ARKANSAS

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 Contributing Illustrator

Will Echols Contributing Photographers

Nancy Nolan, Rett Peek, and Jonathan Stiers Contributing Stylists

4306 S. THOMPSON SPRINGDALE, AR 479.750.7300 • HARPERHOWEYINTERIORS.COM

Hope Johnstone and Jonathan Stiers Account Managers

Stacey McClellan (ext. 105) stacey@athomearkansas.com Brittany Teague brittany@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 athomearkansas.com Annual subscription rate: $12.95 Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling

CHANDLER@B-INTERIORSLR.COM 8 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Q&A with

SHAYLA COPAS How are you celebrating the launch of your book, Four Seasons of Entertaining?

I’m officially kicking off a book tour of 20 states on May 9 at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion with a dinner and book signing. A portion of the proceeds from book sales that night will go to Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.

What is Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas?

Children’s Advocacy Centers work with children who may be victims of abuse to advocate for the child’s health and well-being. This organization is very close to my heart. In fact, part of my inspiration to be an author was to have another outlet and way in which I could help raise money for this cause.

How can I buy tickets to attend the book signing dinner at the Governor’s Mansion?

You can visit tickettailor.com/events/ shaylacopasinteriors to buy tickets.

Where can I find a copy of the book and information about future signings?

If you are not able to attend the kick off dinner, you can order the book (with the option of a signed copy!) and find out about additional events at shaylacopas.com.

Shayla Copas Interiors • Shayla Copas, IDS • Little Rock • (501) 258-7396 • shaylacopas.com •

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 9

W E LC O M E

make it your own How’s this for an understatement: Renovations take a lot of work. Whether you’ve tackled a small project recently or completely transformed a whole house, you know the time, money, and energy that such an undertaking can cost. However, Photography by Rett Peek there are few things more satisfying than comparing the “before” and “after” images and thinking, Wow, I can’t believe it used to look like that!

This is why we always love The Before & After Issue—we see it as a celebration of all that hard work.

The whole point of a renovation is to help you feel more at home in your house. That might mean moving walls to open up kitchen or living areas and make them more functional and comfortable, like in the stories on pages 43 and 54. Or it might involve more cosmetic updates that pack a punch, such as removing built-ins that don’t suit your style and covering surfaces in colors, patterns, and textures that do (page 46).

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about an upcoming remodeling project, here’s my advice: Keep that future “after” picture at the front of your mind. You’re crafting a home that will be an even more beautiful and happy place, and that’s what it’s all about, right?

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com

10 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

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.

CORRECTION

The spring fashion section in our April 2019 issue was printed without credit to the following creative team: Alexis Broderick (model), Brennen Johnson, Sculp Agency (model), Hope Johnstone (stylist), Rett Peek (photographer), and Kristy Pruitt (hair and makeup). This section is a special promotion and was shot on location at The Fitzroy Chenal.

richardharphomes.com | 501.690.4277 facebook.com/RichardHarpHomes May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 11

L AT E S T

SHOP LOCAL

What’s New? ART BY DESIGN

RUBY: A SOUTHERN TRADITION

MEMPHIS

SPRINGDALE

Now in its fourth year, Art by Design returns to the Liberty Bowl Stadium in Memphis May 8-12 to showcase vignettes by 22 area design firms. The event is a fundraiser for ArtsMemphis, a nonprofit organization that gives grants to individual artists and arts organizations in Memphis and throughout Shelby County.

“We encourage designers to include work from local artists and ArtsMemphis grantees,” says Sarah Watkins, coordinator of Art by Design. “We also ask them to truly be creative and think ‘outside the box.’” Last year, the event welcomed 1,200 attendees and raised $150,000 for ArtsMemphis; as it continues to grow, Sarah says she hopes more Arkansans will visit the show, making it more of a regional event, as well as consider participating as featured designers. Tickets for general admission and five special events are available now online. artsmemphis.org/art-by-design

This spring, Angela Sullins transitioned careers from an elementary school teacher to owner of Ruby: A Southern Tradition, a new boutique in Springdale near Tontitown. While the store is most directly named after Angela’s great-grandmother Ruby, her inspiration for the shop includes all of the special people in her life, such as her mother, stepmother, aunts, grandfathers, husband, and children. “What excites me most about opening this shop is that people feel at home here,” she says. “Women come shopping together and, before you know it, the room is filled with laughter and ‘small world’ meetings.” Ruby is located at 246 S. Maestri Road, Building 5, Suite 1 in Springdale. facebook.com/ rubyasoutherntradition

A vignette by Elizabeth Malmo Interior Design at Art by Design in 2018.

Photography by Selavie Photography.

The Shade Above Lighting Collection

Lamp Shades • Lamp Repair • Custom Lamps • Accessories

theshadeabove.com 2208 Cantrell Road, Little Rock • 501.374.3555 theshadeabove@gmail.com •

12 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Arkansas’ leader in no-mess roofing ARKANSASROOFINGKOMPANY.COM

501-513-9119

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501-205-0411 ARKANSASOUTDOORCONCEPTS.COM EXIT 125 OFF HWY 40 NORTH, 1 MILE ON HWY 65 RIGHT CORNER/WALKERS TRAIL May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 13 1915 WALKERS TRAIL • CONWAY

14 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Style

U PDAT E YO U R S PAC E

JUICY FINDS

Serious Citrus Find decor and styling inspiration in all the shades of sweet and sour summer fruits

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK & COURTESY OF VENDORS STYLIST HOPE JOHNSTONE

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 15

S H O P

S T Y L E

3 1

2 4 PREVIOUS PAGE Round boxes with magnifyingglass top. White Goat, Little Rock, facebook.com/whitegoatstyle Vintage flower-shaped dish and Nicholas Newcomb orange treat plates. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com Linen tea towel, natural rope-top tray, and Dior three-book set with slipcase. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock, cobblestoneandvine.com

10 5

1 “Man in Hat” canvas print

by Prince & Rebel. Core iD, Little Rock, coreidhome.com 2 “Upbeat” orange table lamp. Art of Design, Little Rock, facebook. com/shadavari 3 Mid-century style nine-light chandelier. Light Innovations, Little Rock, light-innovations.com 4 Mini glass sea urchin bowl.

Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com

6

5 Laura Park faux-hide pillow in “Under the Sea.” Providence Design, Little Rock, providenceltddesign.com

9

7

6 “Marley” ceramic vases.

Paul Michael Co., Lake Village, paulmichaelcompany.com 7 Orange “Alden” chest with cane doors. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock, cantrellfurniture.com

8

8 Cleobella “Mexicana” yellow clutch. Remedy Road, Bentonville, shopremedyroad.com 9 “Freesia” natural jute rug.

Embellish Interiors, Little Rock, facebook.com/embellishinteriors 10 Muuto “Oslo” chair. Core iD, Little Rock, coreidhome.com

16 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

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

EXPERT ADVICE

Home Renovation: Where to Start?

Do you find yourself daydreaming about a new kitchen or a master bathroom remodel? Or maybe you’re wondering if it’s time to add on a new family room. Do you walk through your house and have so many great ideas, but just aren’t sure where to start? If so, you are not unlike most people I talk to on a weekly basis.

Once you have your idea, here are some other things to consider. Start by thinking of how much you would like to spend on the project. Try to be realistic, and know that most things cost more than we would like. Next, contact a reputable contractor to see if your ideas and budget match what it will cost to complete the job. This might be accomplished through a phone call, or they might need to set up a time to meet you. To find a reputable contractor start by talking to your friends and family, contacting the local homebuilder association, or even asking a local real estate agent. If your budget matches their estimate, you’re off and running. This would be a good place to get another bid or two, check the contractor’s references, have them develop a detailed plan and cost analysis, and work toward getting a signed contract. An experienced contractor should be able to walk you through these steps and into your new renovation. —Nathan Cooper, Owner River Valley Builders | 501.658.9114 | nathancooperhomes.com

AFTER

BEFORE May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 17

WE DO IT ALL

1774 DENTECH DRIVE SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS

479.756.0093

Upholstery | Pillows | Drapery | Headboards | Wallpaper | Home Accessories

NEWCENTURYCOUNTERTOPS.COM

10:00-5:30 Mon-Fri, Sat 10:00-4:00 • 1523 Rebsamen Park Rd • Little Rock • 501-663-0460 • cynthiaeastfabrics.com

Love Your Kitchen Again

Before 18 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

UPGRADE YOUR SURFACES

Counter Culture Give your kitchen or bath a refresh with the latest offerings in countertops

“Arga” from Dekton’s Stonika collection.

Advanced Bath & Kitchen, advancedbk.com; Countertops of Little Rock, countertopsoflittlerock.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHY RE T T PEEK & COURTESY OF VENDORS

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 19

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

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1 Caesarstone “Empira White.” Arkansas Granite & More, agm-design.com; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; New Century Counter Tops, newcenturycountertops.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com 2 & 3 Cambria “Huntley” and Cambria “Clairidge.” Barton’s of Monticello, bartons-lumber.com; BMC Design Center, buildwithbmc.com; C&D Interiors, (479) 445-6062; Carr Plumbing, carrplumbinginc. com; Countertop Concepts, (870) 8920086; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths,

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1

2

3

4

6

kitchensofarkansas.com; Kitchen and Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz; Kitchen Distributors, kitchendistributorsinc. com; Lumber One Home Center, lumberonehomecenter.com; ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com; Stubbs Home Center, stubbshomecenter.com; Superior Floors & Design Center, (870) 231-6901; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com 4 Formica “Istanbul Marble.” Floors and More, floorsandmorear.com; Gilmore’s Custom Kitchens, gilmoreskitchens.com; Kaufman

7

8

By Design, kaufmanlumber.com; Leigh Lusk Interiors, leighluskinteriors.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com; Townzen Tile & Laminates, townzentile.com; Vore’s Kitchen & Bath, voreskitchenandbath.com 5-8 Corian Solid Surface “Basalt Terrazzo,” Corian Solid Surface “Domino Terrazzo,” Corian Quartz “Dove Gray Leather,” and Corian Quartz “Venetia Cream.” Kitchen Distributors, kitchendistributorsinc.com; Leigh Lusk Interiors, leighluskinteriors.com; Vore’s Kitchen & Bath, voreskitchenandbath.com; Woodunique, woodunique.com

OVER 20 YEARS DESIGNING KITCHENS AND BATHS IN ARKANSAS

OWNER: BILL WRAPE, CKBD FULL SERVICE DESIGN & REMODELING - KITCHENSOFARKANSAS.COM NEW SHOWROOM: 2218 CANTRELL ROAD - LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202 - 501.666.7756

Your local window and door experts.

Pella Window & Door Showroom 8740 Maumelle Boulevard, North Little Rock, AR

Windows & Doors

501-758-5050 | PellaLittleRock.com © 2019 Pella Corporation May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 21

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

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9

10

11

12

14

9 Caesarstone “Excava.” Arkansas Granite & More, agm-design.com; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; New Century Counter Tops, newcenturycountertops.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com

11 Dekton “Korso” from the Stonika collection.

Advanced Bath & Kitchen, advancedbk.com; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas. com; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; Kitchen Tune-Up, kitchentuneuplittlerock.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com

10 Cambria “Bentley.” Barton’s of Monticello, bartons-lumber.com; BMC Design Center, buildwithbmc.com; C&D Interiors, (479) 4456062; Carr Plumbing, carrplumbinginc.com; Countertop Concepts, (870) 892-0086; Kitchen and Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz; Kitchen Distributors, kitchendistributorsinc.com; Lumber One Home Center, lumberonehomecenter.com; ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale. com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com; Stubbs Home Center, stubbshomecenter.com; Superior Floors & Design Center, (870) 231-6901

12 Silestone “Eternal Noir.” Advanced Bath & Kitchen, advancedbk.com; Arnold’s Flooring America, arnoldsflooringlittlerock.com; BMC Design Center, buildwithbmc.com; C&D Interiors, (479) 445-6062; Carr Plumbing, carrplumbinginc. com; Countertop Concepts, (870) 892-0086; Countertops of Little Rock, countertopsoflittlerock. com; Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com; Hoffman Kitchen & Bath, hfccountertops.com; Inside Effects, insideeffects. com; Kitchen & Bath Concepts, kbc1.biz; Kitchen and Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz; Kitchen

22 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

15

16

Tune-Up, kitchentuneuplittlerock.com; Leigh Lusk Interiors, leighluskinteriors.com; ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com 13-16 “Fusion” quartzite, “Dark Emperador” marble, “Tiphony Border” granite, and “Carrara” marble. Available through a number of the retailers listed in this section, including Acme Brick Tile & Stone, acmebricktileandstone. com; All Natural Stone, allnaturalstoneinc.com; Arkansas Granite & More, agm-design.com; Countertops of Little Rock, countertopsoflittlerock. com; Holmes Tile & Marble, holmestile.com; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; Pacific Shore Stone, pacificshorestones.com; The Countertop Store, thecountertopstorear.com. Special thanks to All Natural Stone for use of these samples for photography.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 23

let there be

light

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YOUR LANDSCAPE, HARDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, & DESIGN INSTALLATION SPECIALISTS

SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE 501.454.9803 | www.betterlawnsar.com

24 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

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

Life A PLACE AT THE TABLE

Something Old, Something New Inspired by Mother’s Day gatherings, Lilias & Olive’s JoBeth McElhanon pairs timeless china patterns with contemporary finds for a fresh spin on setting the table

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST HOPE JOHNSTONE

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 25

L I F E

G AT H E R

As the owner of Little Rock’s event styling company Lilias & Olive, JoBeth McElhanon uses her background in both nonprofit management and clinical nutrition to create events tailored to her clients’ preferences. “Our mission is to live beautifully and love extravagantly,” she says.

This mission is carried out in a variety of creative forms, but JoBeth admits to having a particular penchant for tabletop entertaining. “A history of hospitality was handed down to me from my mother and grandmothers, and I just think there’s something so wonderful about coming to the table,” JoBeth says. “I really want to encourage that everyday connection.”

JoBeth received her mother’s wedding china when her parents decided to downsize, and was inspired to find ways to use the beloved dishes while making them reflect her own style. “I’ve noticed a trend of people not keeping some of the things they have inherited,” she says. “I think it’s because they feel like the pieces don’t look like their taste.”

She hopes to change this by encouraging those lucky enough to have received a vintage pattern not to be afraid to mix those dinner plates, chargers, or bowls with more contemporary counterparts. “For me, it’s a great way to honor the legacy of our family.

There are ways to make them look more modern and fit with our lifestyle,” she says.

Here, she created four settings to pay tribute to classic patterns while also celebrating a new generation of style.

26 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

PROPER POSIES

Dusty rose and teal pair in this grouping, which features a Noritake “Tiffany” dinner plate as its vintage piece. An Anna Weatherley scalloped salad plate and charger along with gold flatware, iridescent glasses, and The Lilias Collective’s “Sarah” napkin complete the look. “I typically haven’t used gold flatware, but I think it’s a way to make this pattern look very modern and coordinate with the charger and salad plate,” JoBeth says.

L I F E

G AT H E R

“So many things are a mix of high and low in fashion. Why wouldn’t we do the same thing at our table?”

—JoBeth McElhanon

Together with her friend and business partner, Hillary Reeder, JoBeth has started The Lilias Collective, which is the boutique side of Lilias & Olive and offers table linens. The collection is fabricated

by Syrian refugee women through a nonprofit organization in Dallas, thus furthering JoBeth’s desire to empower women and bring the world to the table.

ENGLISH GARDEN

In this grouping, an English Coalport salad plate sits atop a new pink Herend “Princess Victoria” dinner plate nestled inside a Mottahedeh “Blue Lace” charger. Monogrammed flatware is an unexpected way to incorporate your family initial.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

G AT H E R

ASIAN INFLUENCE

“These were my grandmother’s everyday plates,” JoBeth says of the Franciscan “Desert Rose” dinner plate that is paired with a new Anna Weatherley charger and an Asian-motif salad plate. The napkin is The Lilias Collective’s “Elizabeth” and features a coordinating bamboo monogram. JoBeth says the stems of the roses on the dinner plate reminded her of bamboo, and thus both of the contemporary pieces are meant to lend an Asian flair to the design. “This pattern also looks beautiful with classic majolica or lettuce ware pieces,” she adds.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

The Lilias Collective’s colorful microprint napkins are available for order via Instagram (@theliliascollective).

Design Resources DESIGN JoBeth McElhanon, Lilias & Olive Fine Events LINENS The Lilias Collective TABLEWARE Anthropologie, The Everyday Chef, Tipton & Hurst, and Williams Sonoma

28 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Starting with dinner plates from her mother’s wedding china (Noritake “Whitehall”), JoBeth layered in Herend “Platinum Edge” bowls and Paul Revere silver bowls (which also hold individual blooms) alongside a raffia placemat and the “Louise” napkin from The Lilias Collective.

Design by JIll White Designs | Photo by Rett Peek

Specializing in:

Drapery Bedding Pillows & Cushions Roman Shades Solar & Woven Shades Wedding & Event Linens

Photo by Rett Peek

501-425-3154 callie@drapedandtailored.com @drapedandtailored

Yeary Lindsey Architects

501.372.5940 | yearylindsey.com

BRITTANY NIXON CREATIVE

501.247.7828 | brittanynixoncreative@gmail.com May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 29

Relax and Unwind Outdoors

Huge selection of furniture to choose from for immediate delivery. arkansas’ largest selection of interior barstools casual furniture | gas logs | grills | accessories

Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 • www.kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

facebook.com/KenRashsArkansas

RECLINER SALE

June 7th-17th | Save at least $350 on leather Comfort Recliners and $270 on leather Re-Invented Recliners

The Re-Invented Aston Recliner by

1504 Rebsamen Park Road • Little Rock • 501.280.3200 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

www.mertinsdykehome.com

30 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

L I F E

G R O W

IN BLOOM

Spring Picks Hannah Taylor of Fayetteville’s Fleurish Floral Studio brings spring indoors with bouquet inspiration

IDYLLIC INSTALLATION

“Installations are a trend in the floral design world,” Hannah says. “They look as though they are grown in a place naturally.” Here, the arrangement appears to have sprouted upward from the mantel and continued, working around the frame of the mirror, leaving an opening in the center. The design includes lilacs, lavender delphiniums, sweet peas, garden roses, quince, privet, and carnations, which Hannah notes are making a comeback in “pretty antique shades.”

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

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 31

L I F E G TA RS O TWE

BEDSIDE MANNER

Sweet peas, ranunculi, and snowdrops combine for an arrangement in the bedroom. “With smaller arrangements, especially ones by the bedside or that you are in close contact with, I love to do things that are more delicate and softer on the eye,” Hannah says. “I also like these arrangements to have a light fragrance. It’s so nice to be laying in bed and get a soft whiff of the sweet peas.”

“I do a little bit of farming, a little bit of design, and a little bit of events. It ’s a fun mix,” H annah Taylor says. After opening her Fayetteville boutique flower farm and floral design company, Fleurish Floral Studio, two years ago, the Northwest Arkansas native is finding her niche in multiple areas.

“I’ve always loved flowers, but I never knew flower farming was a thing,” says Hannah, who was a registered veterinary technician for 15 years before making a career transition. “Flower farming was my first jump into this realm, and then floral design followed after having all these flowers to play with,” she says of the evolution of her business, which now includes both weddings and the aforementioned

32 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

events. “Doing the bigger installations and arrangements has been my jam!” And while she uses her own flowers when the application is fitting, she also works with a West Coast supplier to provide clients with an array of options.

Locally, her harvest finds its way into the work of florists and is available to consumers through pop-up shops and farmers markets. “I like to grow flowers in specialized colors and things that won’t travel easily from wholesalers,” she says. “I want people to be able to buy beautiful flowers, no matter the budget.”

Here, we asked her to bring a spring day to the interior of this home with three arrangements. Read on to learn more about her creations.

L I F E

G R O W

CENTER OF ATTENTION

The breakfast table’s centerpiece is comprised of stock, lisianthus, sweet peas, poppies, garden roses, ranunculi, nandina, and bleached fern. “Bleached foliage is a new thing happening on the coasts in floral design,” Hannah says of the peachy-hued addition seen on the right side of the grouping. “It adds this really beautiful lightness to arrangements. It’s fun and unexpected.” A custom handmade compote by Northwest Arkansas ceramicist Faith Whittle holds the arrangement. “I love compotes because they add elegance without height,” Hannah says, noting the importance of being able to converse across the table.

Special thanks to Rachel Fox for the use of her home for this shoot.

“I group similar flowers together in clusters in my designs because that’s how they grow in nature, and thus the design alludes to that.”

—Hannah Taylor

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 33

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L I F E

TA S T E

SEASONAL COCKTAIL

Let’s Kick It Northwest Arkansas native and all-around taste aficionado Jonathan Stiers shares his recipe for a sweet-and-spicy concoction perfect for Cinco de Mayo

P R O D U C 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 & S T Y L I S T J O N AT H A N S T I E R S

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 35

L I F E

TA S T E

Q. What was your inspiration for this cocktail?

A. I’m a huge fan of pineapple, so any cocktail with it in the mix is a winner in my book. A vodka pineapple makes me think of summer—of being on the beach or by the pool. I love the addition of jalapeño here; it brings some nice heat to this fruity drink.

Q. If you’re not at the beach (which is obviously preferable!), where would you sip this drink?

A. I love enjoying a cocktail in my living room. It gets so much light, and it’s great to enjoy cocktails with friends while listening to music—one of my favorite cocktail playlists is “French Pop Radio” on Apple Music.

Pineapple Jalapeño Smash SHOP

5-6 fresh pineapple chunks, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 slices jalapeño ½ lime, juiced 2 ounces vodka 3 ounces pineapple juice Ice cubes

PREPARE

(Makes 1 cocktail) In a cocktail shaker, combine pineapple, jalapeño, and lime juice. Muddle together until completely smashed.

Add vodka, pineapple juice, and a few ice cubes.

Cover and shake. In an old-fashioned glass, add a few ice cubes and pour cocktail over them. (If preferred, you may strain to remove pieces of fruit.) Garnish with pineapple or jalapeño slices as desired.

36 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Q. Do you have any advice for people at home trying their hand at mixology?

A. I think if you’re just starting out, you have to play around with your portions. An extra half ounce of alcohol can really change the taste of your drink. The same can be said for additives.

If the Pineapple Jalapeño Smash is too spicy, try starting off with one or even half of a jalapeño slice. It’s all about finding the right balance that tastes right to you.

Jonathan shares more mouthwatering recipes year-round at jonathanstiers.com and on Instagram (@jonathanstiers).

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38 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

I L L U S T R AT O R W I L L EC H O L S

Cole’s Jewelers

Founded in 1974, Cole’s Jewelers is operated by original owner Gail Cole, Cindy Leverette, and Lindsie Leverette.

Their selection at two El Dorado locations includes fine jewelry for engagements and special occasions, designer bracelets and watches, and—a recent addition—the latest by Kendra Scott. colesjewelersonline.com

Griffin Restaurant

This farm-to-table restaurant is part of El Dorado’s Murphy Arts District, with a stage that features live entertainment every Thursday evening. The lunch and dinner menus offer Southern classics such as fried chicken and barbecue beef brisket. eldomad.com/ griffinrestaurant

Jefferson Street Books

Mina Rea’s Antiques & Embroidery

This El Dorado shop is a can’t-miss if you’re keeping your eyes peeled for something truly unique—from antique rugs to funky furniture, Mina Rea’s has it. Enjoy shopping an assortment of vintage books, glassware, and collectibles at the shop’s new location on East Main. facebook.com/ minareantiques

Right on Union Square in El Dorado is this quaint bookstore where you can get lost in titles for all ages. Have little ones in tow? They will love the extensive collection of children’s books and toys. facebook.com/ jeffersonstreetbooks

JavaPrimo Coffee House, Café & More

In addition to a wide range of single-origin and blended brews, this Magnolia coffeehouse has an extensive menu that includes everything from brick-oven pizza to fresh pies and cakes. javaprimo.com

Flying Burger & Seafood

While Flying Burger now boasts restaurants in El Dorado as well as throughout the ArkLaTex region, the original location of this 1950s-inspired burger joint is in Magnolia. The menu features fried catfish and poboys in addition to diner staples like cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes.

(870) 234-3701

The Loft on the Square

Looking for a place to lay your head in Magnolia? This boutique hotel on the downtown square provides accommodations just steps from local shops and restaurants in the town’s historic district. A shared kitchen and business center make this a good choice for longer stays or business trips. facebook.com/theloftsq

Murphy’s Jewelers

Murphy’s Jewelers has been providing jewelry repairs and engraving services in downtown Magnolia since 1939. In addition to fine and casual jewelry, you can shop gifts, decor, and entertaining pieces at their showroom on the square. murphysjewelers.com

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 39

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40 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

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L I F E

D I S C O V E R

TOAD SUCK DAZE May 3-5 // Conway This free, family friendly festival has been a Conway tradition since 1982. Don’t miss the Championship Toad Races on Sunday at 3 p.m. toadsuck.org

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

PJs Coffee

Locals and visitors alike head to PJs Coffee when in need of caffeine in downtown El Dorado. In addition to its regular menu of coffee classics, PJs has decadent drink specials, like the Honey Crème Brûlée Iced Latte. facebook.com/pjseldorado

South Arkansas Arts Center

This arts center encompasses both visual and performing arts and offers rotating gallery exhibits, community theater productions, and classes.

Its next theater production is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which opens July 18. saac-arts.org

Spa on Main

Treat yourself at Spa on Main with a with a massage, facial, or pedicure. In addition to these services, the El Dorado storefront stocks a range of luxurious hair and makeup products. spaonmain.com

May 4 // North Little Rock The American Idol winner known for “Inside Your Heaven” and “Before He Cheats” visits Verizon Arena as part of The Cry Pretty Tour 360. verizonarena.com

BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL May 7-11 // Bentonville In its fifth year, this fest’s mission is to highlight underrepresented voices in all forms of media. The six-day event includes an “Inclusion, Research and Content Summit” in addition to film screenings. bentonvillefilmfestival.com

SOUTHERN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL May 9-11 // El Dorado Chefs and sommeliers from around the world gather at Murphy Arts District to share their knowledge and favorite flavors with attendees through ticketed workshops and tastings. eldomad.com/ southernfoodandwinefest

MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

South Arkansas Arboretum

Spudnuts

Spudnuts—a breakfast pastry kin to the doughnut—are a South Arkansas staple. Locations in El Dorado and Magnolia are two of the only Spudnuts shops still open in North America. spudnutshop.com

Take a stroll across this 12-acre wooded site in El Dorado featuring walking trails as well as flora and fauna native to the area. The system, which is Arkansas’s 50th state park, is maintained by the South Arkansas Community College. arkansasstateparks.com/parks/ south-arkansas-arboretum

Union Square Guest Quarters

This charming guesthouse in El Dorado offers 31 comfortable suites, plus accommodations at the Mason House just a block away. If you happen to be in town for performances at the Murphy Arts District, show your key at the box office for a 10 percent discount on your ticket. usgq.net

May 17-18 // Magnolia This annual gathering boasts live music, a 5K race, and the World Championship Steak Cook-off. Buy a ticket to the Saturday night dinner to taste ribeyes cooked as part of the competition. blossomfestival.org

SOUND OF MUSIC May 24-26 // Little Rock Join Maria and the von Trapp family for this Rodgers & Hammerstein favorite on the Robinson Center stage. celebrityattractions.com

“NATURE’S NATION” May 25 - Sept. 9 // Bentonville Crystal Bridges’ newest exhibit examines the connection between nature and art through 100 paintings, photographs, and installations about the environment. crystalbridges.org

CATS May 28 - June 2 // Fayetteville Andrew Lloyd Webber’s recordbreaking musical about a tribe of felines hits the stage at Walton Arts Center. waltonartscenter.org

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 41

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42 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

THE BEFORE & AFTER ISSUE

Home

HUB OF THE HOME

Room for a Crowd Architect Carolyn Lindsey and designer Brittany Nixon Brun reconfigure a Little Rock kitchen, adding modern amenities without compromising character

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST HOPE JOHNSTONE

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 43

SherwinWilliams’ “Creamy”

BEFORE

Moving from Austin, Texas, to Little Rock, the owners of this house fell in love with its

1920s Tudor-style charm; however, its kitchen left something to be desired. “The original kitchen was a traditional servant space located in a remote corner of the house,” architect Carolyn Lindsey explains.

Comprised of a configuration of rooms, including a butler’s pantry, walk-in pantry, and the small kitchen, the space was choppy, lacked an eating or lounge area, and had limited traffic flow.

Eager to remedy this, the homeowners reached out to contractor Scott Greenwood, who in turn introduced them to Carolyn and interior designer Brittany Nixon Brun, and the trio began working to create a more userfriendly kitchen that also matched the owners’ style.

“Their life is centered around friends and family, and the kitchen is a magnet for them—a true gathering spot,” Brittany says. To make it roomy enough for everyone, the walls came down, creating one large room with storage, prep and cooking space, a bar, and seating.

The open layout solved a number of issues but did not afford them the dedicated space for a walk-in pantry.

44 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

“We tried multiple times to keep a walk-in pantry, but it didn’t work—so I proposed a wall of cabinetry with pull-out shelves and even a countertop for using small appliances,” Carolyn says. Brittany notes the addition not only allowed them to have a pantry close at hand, but also made good use of what otherwise might have been a blank wall.

When it came to the look of the kitchen, many of the design elements are reflective of the owners’ desire to retain the home’s integrity while making it practical for the way they live. For example, stained wood, leaded glass, bell-style pendants with a mercury glass finish, and the mosaic flooring all echo and honor the home’s original era. Other features, such as the chef-grade appliances (including a 48-inch range, which allows for large volume cooking and is also proportional to the kitchen size), massive 10-foot island, and a custom range hood speak to both classic form and contemporary function. “We designed every detail of the hood down to the rivets,” Brittany says, noting they chose the antique copper finish as a nod to the European and culinary influences throughout the space.

Want to see the floor plans for this home before and after the renovation? Visit athomearkansas.com for more.

BEFORE

On the walls and perimeter cabinetry, SherwinWilliams’ “Creamy” is a neutral choice offering a clean yet not stark hue that is offset with a wood island and bar cabinet. More color and pattern appears in an often under-utilized space: the floor.

“Not often is the floor a focal point in the kitchen, and I thought the color and pattern of this porcelain tile was so complementary to the house’s style,”

Brittany says. Additionally, it’s a tie-in with an existing mosaic tile found in the foyer of the home.

The end result is a spacious yet grounded room reflective of the home’s design as well as its inhabitants.

“There’s an open-door policy at this house, and the kitchen really feels that way,” Brittany says. “You can just walk in, sit down on one of the barstools, and have a cocktail with the owners. You’re always welcome here.”

Design Resources ARCHITECT Carolyn Lindsey, AIA, Yeary Lindsey Architects CONTRACTOR Scott Greenwood, Scott Greenwood Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Brittany Nixon Brun, Brittany Nixon Creative ACCESSORIES Brittany Nixon Creative and Cobblestone & Vine APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY C. Louk Fine Carpentry & Millwork, Inc. COUNTERTOPS Gold Medal Flooring FIXTURES Southern Kitchen & Bath FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND RUGS Brittany Nixon Creative GLASS (LEADED IN CABINETRY) Soos Stained Glass MILLWORK Scott Greenwood Construction PAINT Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams PAINTING Chuy’s Painting, LLC TILE ProSource of Little Rock WINDOWS Kaufman Lumber

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 45

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER NANCY NOLAN S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO

Three well-appointed guestrooms often play host to the Murphys’ trio of grown daughters.

BEFORE

46 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Traditional, Transformed BEFORE Sherwin Williams’ “Leisure Blue”

A MOV E TO THE CA PITA L CIT Y P R O M P T S A C O U P L E T O R E N OVAT E A 1930S RESIDENCE WITH THE HELP OF DE SIGN E R T OBI FA I R L E Y

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 47

m

D r.

Vent Murphy are artha and

no strangers to

home renovations.

Having raised three daughters in a 1929 home in Fort Smith, they had built an addition and done a partial renovation through the years, not to mention completed an update to their lake house—all with the help of longtime designer and friend Tobi Fairley. “Tobi and I just clicked. I have worked with her for years, and 90 percent of the time she can bring me something, and I love it immediately,” Martha says.

When the Murphys decided to downsize and move to Little Rock, they knew just the person to call. “We had Tobi look at the house and she said, Yes, we can definitely make this work, so we went for it,” Martha recalls. Built in the late 1930s, the home had just the square footage the Murphys desired without being overwhelming. “They didn’t want to have more house than they needed,” Tobi says.

Top priorities were bedrooms for each daughter to return home to for holidays and family gatherings, areas for entertaining (including a wet bar), and a spacious master suite. “They liked the traditional feel of the Heights area, but it can be hard to find a home with spacious closets and a master suite there, so we knew a renovation was likely,” Tobi says.

Structural updates such as extending the footprint of the kitchen and the master bath afforded them more room in the spaces where they needed it without losing the classic character of the home. Similarly, Tobi took the furnishings and interior design in a traditional trajectory while infusing fresh finds to keep the look current. Their previous home was full of color, but Martha says she “wanted more of a monotone palette” in this house with lots of variations of blue. “I wanted it to feel grown-up and serene,” she adds. “This house is classic but still fresh,” Tobi says. “I always say they’ll get tired of it and want to update before it goes out of style.”

48 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

BEFORE

ROOM FOR A CROWD

The den, located adjacent to the wet bar and kitchen, is a spacious gathering place with plenty of seating for guests— as well as close access to drinks and dinner—when the Murphys entertain. The far wall previously had a built-in media unit. After removing this, Tobi created a focal point with a large abstract work by Kansas City artist Jane Booth.

“We wanted this space to be sophisticated but fun, a place where they can relax and put up their feet,” Tobi says.

FUNCTIONAL & FRESH

Two of the hardest-working rooms of the home, the kitchen and the laundry (seen opposite), received large-scale makeovers. In the kitchen, the back wall was moved outward to gain space, while a breakfast nook was transformed into a part of the workspace. An island with barstools offers eating space, while chef-quality appliances and timeless gold finishes complete the design. In the laundry, new cabinetry offers concealed organization of household supplies, while a palette of white and gray adds to the clean look.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 49

WELCOME HOME

In the formal living room, the Murphys’ beloved piano found a home among a slightly more polished infusion of deep blues.

A large abstract work from Zoe Bios Creative hangs over a traditional sideboard, thus setting the tone for the blend of contemporary and classic seen throughout the house.

STEPPING OUT

The staircase and landing received structural and style updates. Upstairs, a long window was exchanged for a round option when the roofline changed with the kitchen addition. The nook is an overflow space where the Murphys’ daughters can convene or enjoy quiet time outside of the three guest bedrooms. In terms of style, plain walls were given character thanks to a molding treatment and grasscloth wallpaper. A Stark Carpet patterned runner, which Tobi says “might be my favorite thing in the house,” lines the steps.

50 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

BEFORE

REDEFINED DINING

The dining room was designed with the couple’s existing table and chairs in mind. Blue, a favorite of Martha’s, flows with the rest of the home’s palette, finding its way onto the recovered seats of the chairs, the draperies, and rug. “This room is fresh and updated but not trendy,” Tobi says.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 51

BEFORE

NEUTRAL SHIFT

One of the biggest structural changes came in the master bath, where 8 feet were added to the tiny, galley-like room to create a spacious design. Enclosed walls and limited light were traded for big windows that look out onto the backyard from the soaking tub. The soft, neutral palette, which carries to the connecting master bedroom, adds to the airy feel. “I always want these spaces of the home to feel like the client is away at a favorite hotel,� Tobi says.

52 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

BEFORE

STUDY IN BALANCE

Wood-covered walls and a brick fireplace were traded for sisal wallpaper and a marble surround in Vent’s office. A sleeper sofa allows the space to double as a guestroom when needed, while a television and comfortable seating make it a cozy gathering spot as well. Patterned wall-to-wall carpet, a gold pendant from Visual Comfort, and a quartet of “Bulls Eye” prints from Tobi’s collection for Soicher Marin lend a current vibe.

Design Resources ARCHITECT Carolyn Lindsey, AIA, Yeary Lindsey Architects CONTRACTOR Scott Greenwood, Scott Greenwood Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design ACCESSORIES, ART, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, MIRRORS, AND TILE Tobi Fairley Interior Design CARPET AND RUGS C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery HARDWARE PC Hardware UPHOLSTERY 12th Street Upholstery and Robby Chism Upholstery WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Beard Breeding Painting Co. WINDOW COVERINGS Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 53

Modern Cottage Comfort Dimensional gold grout and vintage-inspired sconces lend an air of luxury to the master bathroom. Jill worked with Soos Stained Glass to develop a custom treatment on the window that mimics the pattern on the window coverings in the master bedroom and provides privacy.

54 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

BEFORE

Yeary Lindsey Architects and Jill White Designs team up to convert cramped quarters into a stylish family abode WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST HOPE JOHNSTONE

When the owner of this recently renovated Little Rock home approached architects Ellen and Jim Yeary of Yeary Lindsey Architects, he didn’t foresee a full-scale remodeling job in his future. “He said, Hey, I need y’all to come look at this house—I just need to do a little work to it,” Ellen recalls. “A little work” evolved into a lot of work, and eventually, the house was hardly recognizable from the disjointed duplex it once was.

In the home’s original configuration, the downstairs was an entirely separate apartment that could only be

accessed from the exterior. Combined with the rest of the upstairs as well as a separate den over the garage, the house had plenty of potential, but didn’t make sense for family living.

“The owner wanted to hang on to as much as he could of the original house,” Jim says. “We were able to keep the plumbing from the kitchen fairly close by, and the master bathroom plumbing and bathroom downstairs intact. The rest of it was either re-assigning the space or blowing a wall out and building something new.”

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 55

The re-assigned spaces include the master bedroom, which is now where the original living and dining rooms were; the original master bedroom is now the master closet. In the kitchen, a wall was removed and space borrowed from the old office and closet to create an open-concept dine-in kitchen and living room.

“He also wanted to put a two-car garage in, and he wanted space for all the kids downstairs; I can’t recall ever doing this before, but we ended up putting the garage above the bedrooms,” Jim says. “It was a jigsaw puzzle, it really was. It was one of the more radical transformations we’ve worked on.”

After plans for the renovation were secured, the owner brought Jill White of Jill White Designs on board to create spaces that would mix contemporary sensibilities with cozy, traditional materials. “They wanted to use a lot of wood elements and more natural tones,” Jill says. “That was a huge part of this design— the exposed beams, the kitchen island, the knotty pine—that all brings in a few of those French country elements. But mixed with more contemporary art, light fixtures, iron doors, and modern hardware, it’s all more updated.”

56 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

Along with Jill’s signature blackand-white palette, the bold green of the master bedroom headboard and window coverings is a recurring accent throughout the home.

BEFORE

Benjamin Moore’s “Chimichurri”

SUITE UPGRADE

In the master bathroom, the locations of the water closet and vanity were two of the only pieces of the house to remain unmoved. The architects borrowed room from the original master bedroom to enlarge the bath, adding a soaking tub, larger shower, and walk-in closet. Jill carried the green found in the master bedroom onto the cabinetry in this space; the pocket door is stained to match other wooden elements found throughout the house.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 57

BEFORE

Benjamin Moore’s “Moonshine”

STARTING POINT

“The homeowners gave me an image of a kitchen that had this La Cornue range and a wooden island,” Jill says of the inspiration for these rooms. “Tommy Farrell built the island based off of that, then we ran with the whole house from there,” she says, noting the mix of traditional and contemporary styles in these rooms.

58 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Because the remodel expanded the upstairs so much, one of the challenges Jim said their team faced was getting enough sunlight into the downstairs rooms. “The battle was to get light down in there so it didn’t feel like a cave,” Jim says. The remedy to this was in the placement of the stairwell. “This creates a tower that allows daylight to come and penetrate the downstairs and filter into some of the other interior spaces,” he explains.

Contemporary iron doors on either side of the hearth lead to the outdoor living area.

NATURAL DESIGN

On the other side of the deck, an outdoor kitchen features a pizza oven, grill, and built-in dock for a Yeti cooler.

Early on, the homeowner and design team decided to add a deck to the back of the house to allow the family to take full advantage of the home’s view. Modern furnishings surround an outdoor fireplace and give the space an elevated appeal, while organic elements are a nod to the surrounding environment.

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 59

BOHO BUNK ROOM

The lower level of this house is all about the kids.

In one of the daughters’ rooms, Jill worked with Troy Turner of Turner Custom Millwork to design an L-shaped bunk bed, then decorated the room with Bohemian accessories and a neutral palette that the pre-teen can grow into.

MOVIE NIGHT DONE RIGHT

Because of the increased footprint upstairs, the family ended up with lots of extra square footage downstairs for a game and media room. “This room has black-out shades for watching movies, a pool table, space to play games—it’s really just a place for the kids to chill,” Jill says. French doors open out to the backyard and make better use of the indoor-outdoor flow than the home’s previous configuration.

BEFORE

60 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

TWO OF A KIND

In the daughters’ shared bathroom, penny tile covering the walls and the floor makes a big impact, and gold and bronze finishes give the room an element of sophistication while balancing out the cooler tones of the cabinetry. “We used just about every finish you can imagine throughout this house,” Jill says. “One bathroom has matte black, and in here, we used Delta’s ‘Champagne Bronze.’

We were very eclectic with our finishes. If it all matches, it’s boring.”

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 61

FORM & FUNCTION

The home’s original garage and the den above it had to be removed entirely to build out the space underneath and make room for a two-car garage on top. Adjacent to the new garage is this multipurpose laundry room, which not only houses the washer and dryer, but also functions as a mud room, office, and craft station. Jill used hexagonal tiles—another recurring motif throughout the home—on the floor in a non-repeating pattern, one of Lindsey Cowles’s bright wallcoverings, and a happy teal paint on the cabinets to make the workroom a joyful respite.

SherwinWilliams’ “Jasper Stone”

Want to see the floor plans for this home before and after the renovation? Visit athomearkansas.com for more.

BEFORE

Design Resources ARCHITECT Ellen Yeary, AIA, and Jim Yeary, AIA, Yeary Lindsey Architects CONTRACTOR Don Horton Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Jill White, Jill White Designs ACCESSORIES AND ART Cobblestone & Vine and Jill White Designs BEDDING, FABRICS, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, MIRRORS, RUGS, AND WALLPAPER Jill White Designs APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETS Duke Custom Cabinets and Kimberly Cabinets COUNTERTOPS (BATHROOMS) Linco Countertops COUNTERTOPS (KITCHEN) Advanced Bath & Kitchen and Linco Countertops DOORS Manhattan Iron Doors, Pella, and Turner Custom Millwork DOORS (STAINING) AND KITCHEN ISLAND (FABRICATION) Tommy Farrell Custom Furniture FIREPLACE Mike Ballard Fireplaces FIXTURES John W. Martin Plumbing FLOORING AND TILE Burris Flooring FLOORING (RUNNER INSTALLATION) C & F Flooring and Rug Gallery GLASS Soos Stained Glass HARDWARE PC Hardware MILLWORK EW Ray Construction and Turner Custom Millwork OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS Antique Brick Outdoors, Jill White Designs, and Ransom Interiors PAINT Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams PAINTING Dan Henry Painting UPHOLSTERY Brockington Upholstery WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Becky and Butch Hardin WINDOWS Pella WINDOW COVERINGS Draped & Tailored

62 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

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

trendsetters T U R N T O A T R U S T E D R E N O V AT I O N P R O F E S S I O N A L T O H E L P Y O U R M A K E O V E R P L A N S B E C O M E A R E A L I T Y.

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 63

T R TERNEDNSDE ST ET TE TR ESR S

LITTLE ROCK

Elite Pools

by Aloha Elite Pools by Aloha can make your pool makeover dreams a reality. In business for 37 years, owners Scott Girner and Don Young serve the entire state of Arkansas, designing and updating pool areas and bringing outdoor living spaces to life. They work with both vinyl and concrete pools, and their in-house employees handle almost all aspects of the job to ensure quality.

Scott notes the firm creates renderings of their designs to give clients a visual concept.

“Our completed designs turn out to be remarkably close to these renderings,” he adds. Elite Pools

by Aloha can address structural issues with older pools and also update features such as adding a hot tub or sun shelf to make the space more enjoyable.

Scott also notes that Elite Pools by Aloha is the only Arkansas pool company to be active in Genesis, the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Scott and the staff continue their education with courses on pool engineering, hydraulics, and structural concepts. “This knowledge often allows us to take on tricky or complicated projects and achieve the client’s desired result,” he says.

BEFORE

AFTER

trendsetters Y E A R S O F E X P E R I E N C E A N D C O N T I N U E D E D U C AT I O N M A K E S E L I T E P O O L S BY A LO H A S TA N D O U T W H E N I T C O M E S T O C R E AT I N G THE OUTDOOR LIVING AREA OF YOUR DREAMS Elite Pools by Aloha | 4721 Hillard Road, North Little Rock | 501.758.7665 | elitepoolsbyaloha.com

64 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

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

LITTLE ROCK

Parkinson Building Group, Inc. Bill Parkinson founded Parkinson Building Group in 1999 with a focus on remodeling work in Little Rock. Through the years, his company’s work has evolved to include new-construction homes, large-scale renovations, and home additions all over central Arkansas.

“As a custom homebuilder, we take the approach that we are here to advise and be a resource for our clients.

Ultimately, we are here to serve them in whatever fashion they need on the project,” Bill says. “We try to make sure we understand what the goals are for the renovation, and we always discuss return on investment with the client to make sure they understand what they are spending versus how that will affect the value of the home after the work is complete.”

To this end, Parkinson Building Group starts each project by gathering information and creating a plan to meet the client’s goals.

“We follow proven methods developed over the years to create the best result we can offer based on desire and budget,” Bill says.

trendsetters

Photo by Michael Baxley

B U I L D I N G E X P E R T I S E G A I N E D F R O M Y E A R S O F L A R G E- S C A L E R E N OVAT I O N E X P E R I E N C E M A K E S PA R K I N S O N B U I L D I N G G R O U P A L E A D I N G CONTRACTOR IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS Bill Parkinson | Parkinson Building Group | 501.954.8570 | parkinsonbuildinggroup.com | @parkinsonbldggrp

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FAYETTEVILLE

MH Design Specializing in large renovations as well as new-construction homes, designer Melissa Haynes and her team at MH Design tailor each project to the needs and individual styles of their clients. “We want to change the way our clients live in their homes— the way they feel, see, and experience life practically, functionally, and aesthetically,” Melissa says.

To accomplish this, they collaborate with the client from the start, curating a vision for the project and cultivating a sense of the client’s style. They have the capability and talent to draw custom homes and fully design them down to the accessories in a room.

What’s more, they have experience in a variety of residences, from historical renovations and rural farmhouses to urban condos.

The full-scale residential and commercial design firm has more than 12 years of experience in bringing their modern approach to traditional design. “What sets us apart is our knowledge of the construction process, materials, and an overall understanding of how things are built,” Melissa says. She and her team also manage all the day-to-day aspects of projects, eliminating worry for the client and helping to adhere to the timeline.

trendsetters FROM DRAFTING CUSTOM HOMES TO DESIGNING THE INTERIOR OF Y O U R D R E A M S , M H D E S I G N C A N A R T F U L LY H A N D L E E V E R Y A S P E C T O F YO U R R E N OVAT I O N Melissa Haynes | MH Design | 24 E. Meadow St., Suite 1A, Fayetteville | 479.435.6990 | melissahaynesdesign.com

LITTLE ROCK

Curtis Contracting, Inc. Frank Curtis of Curtis Contracting, Inc. has more than 30 years of experience building and remodeling homes. He specializes in mid- to large-scale remodels including home additions, whole house renovations, and kitchen and bath makeovers.

Before tackling any renovation, Frank suggests that homeowners take a look at the big picture involving costs and future plans for the home. This can help them come up with a reasonable budget to determine if the renovation is a wise one.

As a contractor, Frank believes basic communication is the key to successful projects. He uses the latest apps to make conversing with homeowners, suppliers, and subcontractors as simple as texting, all while saving everyone time.

Frank notes that in today’s market, he continues to see the trends of updating and expanding kitchens and baths, enlarging or adding on master suites, and gaining square footage for young adults and aging parents—all projects he and his team can make a reality for you.

trendsetters Photo by Sarah Oden

E X P E R I E N C E I N T H E I N D U S T R Y PA I R E D W I T H S T R O N G C O M M U N I C A T I O N AND FORETHOUGHT MAKE CURTIS CONTRACTING A TRUSTED NAME F O R H O M E R E N OVAT I O N S Frank Curtis | Curtis Contracting, Inc. | 501.868.8900 | curtiscustomhomes.com | @curtiscontracting

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trendsetters

Photo by Molly Anne Sandefur

KNOWN FOR THEIR LIGHT AND LIVABLE STYLE, DEBI DAVIS INTERIOR DESIGN USES M O D E R N A M E N I T I E S A N D T H E C L I E N T ’ S P E R S O N A L T A S T E W H E N U P D A T I N G S PA C E S Debi Davis | Debi Davis Interior Design | 2222 Cantrell Road, Little Rock | 501.221.2032 | debidavisinteriordesign.com

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LITTLE ROCK

M.N’Teriors It didn’t take long for Miguel Newberg to realize she wanted to pursue a career in interior design.

“As a teenager I did an immersion program one summer and worked with a design firm, and I basically fell in love with it,” she says. Following that experience, Miguel graduated with a degree in interior design and worked for Ethan Allen. “After four and a half years, I decided to venture out on my own,” she says. This year, Miguel celebrates 20 years in business as M.N’Teriors.

Miguel describes her personal style as transitional because of her love of pairing traditional furnishings with contemporary art. “I like clean lines, and I like for all of the spaces I design

to be functional,” she says. “Every project is unique and should reflect the client’s personality and needs.”

There are a few design trends that Miguel is excited to see make their way back into homes: “I like that color is being used more in homes, instead of everything being monochromatic. And I’m loving that wallpaper has made its way back.”

When it comes to working with clients to assess their needs and desires for their home design, Miguel says the most important thing is that she listens. “I cater to my clients as I would want to be treated,” she says.

“I strive to give each client my utmost attention when it comes to their home.”

trendsetters Photo by Michael Baxley

F R O M S I N G L E R O O M S T O F U L L- H O M E R E M O D E L S , M I G U E L N E W B E R G O F M.N’TERIORS HAS THE EXPERIENCE TO MAKE ANY HOMEOWNER’S DESIGN DREAMS COME TO LIFE Miguel Newberg | M.N’Teriors | 501.993.2766 | mnteriors.com | @mnteriors

Eric Ward Construction

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5 Kitchen Updates Refresh the hub of your home with one (or more!) of these ideas. room a new polish. Need more storage?

Consider adding open shelving to a blank wall to stow barware and accessories.

Sherwin-Williams’ “Olive Grove”

3

19 for inspiration!), a statement-making backsplash tile, or even new flooring can upgrade both your kitchen’s function and style.

UPDATE APPLIANCES

1

Photography courtesy of vendors

ADD SOME COLOR

New appliances can provide instant gratification—not only will they look great, they might even inspire you to spend more time in the kitchen. Upgrade in stages to avoid breaking the budget.

Painting your walls or cabinetry can give the room a whole new look. Want to create an interesting accent wall? Call on a pro to bring in both a new hue and texture with a distinctive finish or wallpaper treatment.

A wall sconce above the sink is as practical as it is beautiful.

DuPont’s Corian in “Ash Aggregate”

5

LET THE LIGHT IN

2

4

EVALUATE YOUR CABINETRY

Paint isn’t the only way to dress up your cabinetry. Update the hardware to give the

RETHINK YOUR SURFACES

New countertops (see our feature on page

Call on a lighting professional or contractor to help you evaluate the lighting needs in your kitchen. Sometimes adding task lighting or a chandelier can help you see the space in a whole new light.

SAY GOODBYE TO CLOGGED GUTTERS!

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.

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leafguardandmore.com leafguardandmore.com

WEST LITTLE ROCK GLASS LLC. 1903 Hinson Loop Rd. • Little Rock • 501-223-3034 May 2019 | athomearkansas.com 69

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Bathroom Renovation Ideas Reap big benefits with these small-scale makeovers Photography by Rett Peek Bathroom design by Christine and Jay Howard, HOWSE

THINK ABOUT THE SINK

While pedestal sinks have a small footprint, they don’t make the best use of space in a small bathroom. Install a floating vanity and stow baskets underneath with fresh towels and toiletries for guests.

to store hairdryers and shaving accessories.

SHOWER POWER

Consider a shower style with a sleek glass panel; while it may not take up less physical space, it can give you more visual space within your alotted square footage.

COUNTER OFFER

More counter space and storage can instantly change the functionality of your bath.

A renovation professional can help you find ways to maximize space, such as extending a countertop or installing a cabinet equipped with outlets

WALL FLOWERS

Use mirrors that span the height and width of a whole wall to reflect light (and make it easier for multiple people to use them at once!), and use light paint colors on the other walls to open up the space.

LITTLE ROCK

Embellish Interiors

by Alisa With more than 20 years of experience, Alisa Herron has tackled every possible remodel challenge and enjoys making the process fun and stress-free for her clients, whether it’s freshening a living room or completely overhauling a hardworking room.

“Kitchens and baths add the most value to a home—whether a remodel or new construction,” Alisa says of the latter spaces. “I love designing those areas for both function and enjoyment.”

“The kitchen is always the hub, so it needs to provide areas for seating, food prep, and a functional work triangle,” she says. On the opposite

end of the spectrum, she feels “the bath should be a sanctuary space to relax and rejuvenate.”

To make these spaces work for clients’ needs, she employs durable materials and functional design plans, and then adds personalized style. Alisa also enjoys designing custom cabinetry and accenting it with hardware, which she describes as “jewelry.” In her bath projects, she customizes showers to clients’ heights and style, creates stunning focal points with pedestal tubs, and offers the latest amenities. For all rooms, she finishes with the latest accessories and art, all suited to her client’s style.

trendsetters A WILLINGNESS TO EMBRACE NEW IDEAS COUPLED WITH YEARS OF INDUSTRY E X P E R I E N C E M A K E E M B E L L I S H I N T E R I O R S B Y A L I S A A T R U S T E D PA R T N E R F O R R E N OVAT I O N S I N A N Y R O O M

Alisa Herron | Embellish Interiors by Alisa | 5619 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock | 501.223.6965 | myembellishinteriors.com | @embellishinteriors

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LITTLE ROCK

Providence Design Sisters Mona Thompson and Talena Ray parlayed their love for all things beautiful into an antiques and interior design business in 2002.

Their growing love of interior design prompted them to shift the focus of the business to residential design in 2013, when they opened their first studio and retail store in Little Rock. Since then, Providence Design has continued to grow in square footage and selection since its inception, making it a destination shopping experience for customers in and out of state.

Mona and Talena’s experience in a varied range of styles is why clients seek them out, and scouring varied markets and venues throughout the country for unique furnishings is what sets them apart. While they consult daily on projects of all size, Mona says she and Talena have a “real passion for working with clients from the ground up” on remodel and new construction projects.

They work closely with architects and draftsmen to develop livable floor plans and suggest distinctive features to personalize clients’ homes.

Their schematic designs and concept boards give clients a clear visual to help them make confident decisions from conception to installation.

Follow Providence’s blog to go behind the scenes of their store, client homes, and more.

trendsetters

Photo by Myranda Randle

A N E Y E F O R O N E - O F - A - K I N D F I N D S PA I R E D W I T H R E M O D E L I N G A N D BUILDING EXPERTISE MAKES PROVIDENCE DESIGN A SOURCE FOR PROJECTS OF ALL SIZES Mona Thompson & Talena Ray | Providence Design | 2314 Cantrell Road, Little Rock | 501.372.1886 providenceltddesign.com | @providenceltddesign

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UNWIND

for the birds While bird-watching—or birding, as it’s called by serious enthusiasts—can be done all over the country, there are several reasons The Natural State is an especially good place to spot specific fowl: Our central location gives a new meaning to the term “flyover country,” as species from other parts of the nation tend to stop along the way on migration routes. Plus, the state’s varied geographic regions offer habitats for diverse species, from hummingbirds to egrets and all manner of shapes and sizes in between. The great thing about this hobby, though, is you can enjoy the songs and sights of many fine-feathered friends (like the female house finch, pictured here) from the comfort of your own home.

All you need is a pair of binoculars, a window, and a little patience.

72 At Home in Arkansas | May 2019

a fabulous space for your fabulous wardrobe

CALL FOR YOUR FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION CLOSETFACTORY.COM 2216 CANTRELL ROAD | LITTLE ROCK | 501.907.7105 |

866.833.2105

Proudly Organizing Arkansans’ Homes for Over 17 Years!