At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Sweet

Summertime

Must-haves

for the season OUR DESTINATION: RELAXATION GUIDE www.athomearkansas.com

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

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 NJuly T , 2021 AR K ANSAS | athomearkansas.com 1

2 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Historic Downtown Conway | 1011 Oak St.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 3

Infinite Possibilites Designing the Best Smiles

Creatingwith Exquisite The Smile Doctor ® Smiles Since 1985 The Smile Doctor since 1985

®

has designed countless gorgeous, life-like smiles.

Isn’t It It Time?

Time?

Isn’t

• You look and feel decades younger.

• You feel more confident.

• You look and feel decades younger.

• You get the results you want.

• You feel more confident.

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

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 O T O 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 | July 2021

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 5

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

GET TO KNOW

Graham Smith Construction & Nxt Gen Homes Founded in 1994, Graham Smith Construction has been a leading name in homebuilding in Arkansas for almost two decades. Now, the namesake leader of the company, Graham Smith, and his team are looking forward to the next generation of homebuilding with Nxt Gen Homes. While Graham remains the visionary behind the brand—looking at the big picture to find future developments—co-owners Zack DeYmaz and Scott Hurley are heading up Nxt Gen Homes.

6 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

A Detailed Approach “We are custom home builders, focusing on quality and luxury as we build local communities,” Zack says. “We’re also very team-oriented, and everyone is very creative. We’ve developed a unique system to build homes completely catered to the client.” Part of their innovative approach to the process is in helping you every step along the way, from finding a lot to fit your needs to choosing the final details to suit your personal style. “We have two full-time

interior designers on staff who will dive deep into your Pinterest or Houzz boards and basically act as your personal shoppers.

Their job is to shop within your budget for lighting, finishes, and bring to life the vision in your head. That way, each house is a fingerprint of who you are,” Zack says.

Additionally, “personal builders” bring clients on walk-throughs to update them during the building process, talk through progress, and allow them to make small changes as needed.

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

“We put a heavy emphasis on creativity, design, and organization.”

— Zack DeYmaz

15100 Pride Valley Road, Little Rock | 501.217.8400 grahamsmithconstruction.com | @graham_smith_construction

Developments Ahead Some of the up-and-coming neighborhoods Graham Smith Construction and Nxt Gen Homes are excited to launch are Woodlands Park, Woodlands Hills, and Woodlands Valley, all at the edge of Woodlands Edge in the heart of west Little Rock. “We have something for people in every season of life in this area, from baby boomers looking for a place where their

grandkids can come play to members of Gen Z and Millenials buying their first homes, we reflect different price ranges and square footage to accommodate the needs of our wide range of clients.”

has a farmers market and olympic-sized swimming pool, but never really got off the ground. We’re taking all the remaining lots over and trying our best to bring light to the neighborhood,” Zack says.

Breath of New Life The team is also working to revitalize older communities, such as Midtown Bryant in Saline County. “That community

To find out more about Graham Smith Construction, its developments, and the team behind Nxt Gen Homes, visit grahamsmithconstruction.com.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 7

C O N T E N T S

July 2021 // The Summer Living Issue

STYLE 15 SHOP

Shelling Out

19 DESIGN

Take the Floor

23 REFRESH A New Shine

LIFE

27 GATHER

Lakeside Entertaining

30 RETREAT A Match Made Outdoors

33 DISCOVER

Little Rock & North Little Rock

SPECIAL SECTIONS 37 SEASON OF FUN 69 DESTINATION: RELAXATION

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 WELCOME 14 LATEST 72 END NOTES

ON THE COVER

27

Rachel and Buddy Harding’s Lake Ouachita living room.

Photography by Rett Peek.

See page 50.

HOME 41 WATER COLORS

Designer Debi Davis and Carriage Custom Homes build a retreat inspired by the views of Lake Hamilton.

50 FAMILY ESCAPE

Childhood memories inspire Rachel and Buddy Harding to create a lake house their boys will enjoy for years to come.

60 LIFE ON THE WATER

Pam and John Morton update their Heber Springs home to reflect their love of nature as well as current design trends.

Vol. 26, No. 6 © 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.

8 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

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

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 9

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 and Molly Anne Sandefur Account Managers

Isabella James (ext. 103) isabella@athomearkansas.com Stacey McClellan (ext. 105) stacey@athomearkansas.com Billing

billing@athomearkansas.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Call 818.286.3115 or email subscribe@athomearkansas.com for customer service Annual subscriptions: $12.95 Single copy: $3.95 plus shipping and handling ADVERTISING

For information about advertising in At Home in Arkansas, call 501.666.5510 or email kelly@athomearkansas.com

Editorial & Advertising Office 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510

10 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Find More Information and Available Homes CarriageCustomHomesAR.com

“This home exceeds my expectations.

Thank you, Doug and Lain”

Carriage Custom Homes

Are you looking for a Move-In Ready Home ?

“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.” John Ruskin One of the many reasons that clients choose us is we are not limited to architectural style, complex designs or size of the project.

We have Completed Homes Ready to Purchase.

We have a selection of completed homes in several neighborhoods in Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village. Each home is on a hand-picked lot with a design that compliments the location and natural features. We have some waterfront homes and neighborhood homes that are Move -In Ready!

Our team of architectural and interior designers complete the home with the perfect fixtures and hand -crafted trim work to give you a home you will be proud of and will treasure for years to come.

You can be confident our fine homes bring consistent value in the market.

Many homeowners ask to see our Floor Plans. We have many of our most popular plans on our website for you to view.

Each of our homes for sale are completed by our Build team and marketed by our Marketing Team.

Lain Rodgers, Realtor Handcrafted Homes of Style and Distinction since 1971

501-282-4830 Ron Pardue, Realtor 501-282-6547

“First Class Service during and after the sale.”

Website: www.CarriageCustomHomesAR.com | 501-623-4095 | Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CarriageCustomHomesAr/

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 11

W E LC O M E

Magazines make the best reading material for travel. They’re lighter than books, more pliable than e-readers, and shorter in content, which means they’re easy to digest on the go. As a teenager, I’d camp out in the back seat of my parents’ car with one in hand, bending back the corners of pages featuring clothes I coveted or stories about girls like me. That habit has stayed with me today, and I can hardly leave Little Rock without tucking the newest issue of my favorites into my backpack or carry-on.

While whatever you’re reading might get tossed to the side when you reach your destination, some travel plans invite a more leisurely pace. For me, nowhere is this more true than at the lake.

Ah, the lake! There are plenty of reasons so many Arkansans live at the lake in the summer, and the slower tempo is certainly one of them. With the to-do lists left back at home and no agenda except to relax, I feel lighter after a weekend there.

And, after one of these trips, it’s likely the magazine I’m reading is a little bit waterlogged from all that time on the dock.

This month, our Summer Living issue features three stunning retreats with ideas you can incorporate into any living space—it doesn’t have to be a lake house.

Along with tips for entertaining on the water and must-haves for the season, it’s a perfect issue to pick up while soaking in the slower pace of summer.

Photo by Rett Peek

by the water

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.

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com

12 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

A F T ER

SEE OUR FEATURE ON PAGE 30

BEFOR E

NATHAN COOPER, OWNER

NATHANCOOPERHOMES.COM • L I T T L E ROCK • 5 01.658 .9114 facebook.com/RiverValleyBuilders

@rivervalleybuilders

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 13

L AT E S T

Reader Comments If you like Southern Living, go subscribe to @athomearkansas!

Such a great shelter magazine for just $13/ year. (And no, not affiliated. I just really love getting pretty mail and this brightened my mailbox this week!)

ORGANIZATION INSPIRATION

BEFORE & AFTER COMPARISONS

What a lovely, creative workspace!

This inspired me to arrange my own art supplies in my art room and it is so much more enjoyable to paint when I can find things. Thank you Shayla Copas and Leslie Marshall!

Why are the before pictures always black and white? Let’s compare apples to apples!

—@VERLADAVIS VIA INSTAGRAM

—@CEDARMOON1828 VIA INSTAGRAM

Thanks for sharing with your followers all the way from Virginia! We love hearing from readers all over the country. Visit athomearkansas.com/subscribe to receive the new issue in your mailbox every month.

—@DYANACONEY VIA INSTAGRAM

Good question. In our annual Before & After issue in May and monthly Refresh sections, we typically show the before photo in black and white so as not to compete with the after images on the same page. We agree that sometimes a color comparison would be helpful and appreciate your feedback!

We welcome your questions and comments. Email our editor at stephanie@athomearkansas.com to share. Published letters and comments may be edited for length and clarity.

MAY 2021

VACATION IN YOUR OWN

backyard

H UG E I N V E N TO RY RE A DY F O R IMME D I AT E D E LI V E RY A RK A NSAS’ L A RG ES T S E LEC T I O N O F I N T E RI O R BA RS TO O L S C ASUA L FU RN I T U RE | GAS LO GS | G RI LL S | ACC ES SO RI ES

KenRashsArkansas

kenrashsar

Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 • kenrashsoutdoor furniture.com • kenrashs@sbcglobal.net 14 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Photos by Rett Peek

VIRTUAL LOVE FROM AFAR

Style

U PDAT E YO U R S PAC E

SHORELINE CHIC

Shelling Out

Iridescent finishes and scalloped shapes make a splash in décor and accessories PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 15

S T Y L E

S H O P

1

2

PREVIOUS PAGE Abalone shell boxes. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com

3

“Cecilia” handbag. Blythe, Fayetteville, buyblythe.com Mother of pearl centerpiece bowl and inlaid tray with polished chrome handles. Phoenix Interiors, Little Rock, facebook.com/ phoenixinteriorslr

6

1 & 2 “Janelle” chair in Viridian fabric and “Indi” chandelier.

GW Lighting and Home, Benton, gwlightingandhome.com

4

3 14k gold-plated hoop earrings with cowrie shells. Remedy Road, Bentonville, shopremedyroad.com 4 & 5 Juliska shell sticks napkin rings and shell-shaped appetizer server. The Everyday Chef, Jonesboro, theeverydaychef.net

11

6 & 7 “Margate” oyster shell mirror and “Marchmont” shell-encrusted chest.

Lighting Emporium, Springdale, lightingemporium.com 8 & 9 Paua shell occasional table and “Cici” large kabibe shell obelisks. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com 10 Capiz shell entertainment console. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock, cantrellfurniture.com 11 “La Peregrina” table lamp.

Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, ransominteriors.com

5

Images courtesy of vendors 7

9

10

8

16 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Waterproof flooring starting as low as $2.49 a foot!

Little Rock 11121 N Rodney Parham 501-224-1364

North Little Rock: 5500 Landers Rd 501-955-1000

Maumelle: 10 Maumelle Curve Ct 501-753-1163

Find us on Facebook and Instag ram @akels_carpetone July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 17

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 so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

Call for a free review!

C A N D F C A R P E T.C O M | 5 01 - 3 9 9 - 9 9 0 9 2 3 2 2 C A N T R E L L R D. L I T T L E R O C K , A R 7 2 2 0 2

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

479-668-4474 709 SW A St., Suite 3 Bentonville, AR 72712

MORE THAN FLOORS ExecutiveFlooringInc.com 18 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Photo (rugs) Rett Peek; All other images courtesy of vendors

Oriental rugs, available in various sizes and colorways. Rugs 1, 3 and 4 are from Hadidi Rug Gallery, hadidiruggallery.com. Rugs 2 and 5 are from Martinous Oriental Rugs, martinous.com.

FLOORING UPDATE

Take the Floor Explore new options for rugs, carpet, tile, and more

4

1

3

5

2

PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 19

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Classic Carpets

1

2

arnoldsflooringamerica.com; C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Centerton Flooring America by Carpet Smart, flooring-americabycarpetsmart.com; Gold Medal Flooring, (501) 492-8273; Holmes Tile & Marble, facebook.com/holmestile; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; Kaufman By Design West, kaufmanlumber. com; Lumber One Home Center, lumberonehomecenter.com; Peter’s Flooring, petersflooringandpaint.com; Tom January Floors, tomjanuaryfloors.com

1 Karastan’s “Handcrafted Delight,” nylon carpet. Available in 10 colors; shown in Tapestry. Akel’s Carpet One, akelscarpetone.com; Arnold’s Flooring America, arnoldsflooringamerica.com; Carpet One, carpetoneofnwa.com; Martinous Oriential Rugs, martinous.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com 2 “Crafted Embrace” high-performance, pet-friendly carpet from Shaw Floors. Available in 12 colors. Arnold’s Flooring America,

Trendsetting Options

1

1 “Dazed” from the Unearthed Beauty collection in Karastan’s LuxeCraft vinyl line. Akel’s Carpet One, akelscarpetone.com; Arnold’s Flooring America, arnoldsflooringamerica.com; Carpet One, carpetoneofnwa.com 2 Emser's "Heksa" glazed porcelain hexagon tile; available in a range of colors. C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Carpet Barn, carpetbarn.net; Creative Carpet Co., (501) 315-5252; D&D Floor Covering, ddfloorcovering.com; Encore Flooring and

20 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

2

Building Products, encoregroupusa.com; Executive Flooring Solutions, executiveflooringinc.com; Floors & More, floorsandmorear.com; Law’s Flooring, jonesboro.abbeycarpet.com; Lumber One Home Center, lumberonehomecenter.com; Peter’s Flooring, petersflooringandpaint. com; ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale.com; River City Flooring, rivercityflooringinc.com; The Carpet Center, thecarpetcenter. net; Triton Stone Group, tritonstone.com; Tom January Floors, tomjanuaryfloors.com; White River Flooring, whiteriverflooring.com

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Durable Wood-Look Choices

1

2

3

4

1 Debuting later in 2021, Pergo’s “Elements Original,” shown in Visionaire, has water and antimicrobial technology. Akel’s Carpet One, akelscarpetone.com

3 Pergo’s “Extreme” collection is dent-, kid-, and pet-proof, as well as waterproof. Shown in Brunette, available in numerous other colors. Akel’s Carpet One, akelscarpetone.com

2 Shaw Floor’s “Celestial” Repel Hardwood, shown in “Cordova,” is a water-resistant engineered wood option. Available in four other colors. Arnold’s Flooring America, arnoldsflooringamerica. com; C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Centerton Flooring America by Carpet Smart, flooring-americabycarpetsmart. com; Gold Medal Flooring, (501) 492-8273; Holmes Tile & Marble, facebook.com/holmestile; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; Kaufman

By Design West, kaufmanlumber.com; Lumber One Home Center, lumberonehomecenter.com; Peter’s Flooring, petersflooringandpaint. com; Tom January Floors, tomjanuaryfloors.com

4 Coming in late summer 2021, Mohawk’s RevWood Plus “Bellente Collection,” shown here in Vintage Villa Oak, is scratchresistant and waterproof. Akel’s Carpet One, akelscarpetone. com; C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com; Carpet Barn, carpetbarn.net; Centerton Flooring America by Carpet Smart, flooring-americabycarpetsmart.com; Encore Flooring and Building Products, encoregroupusa.com; Lumber One Home Center, lumberonehomecenter.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com; Ron Pack’s Carpet Center, ronpackcarpetcenter.com

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 21

R I S E

T O G E T H E R. R O C K

F O R E V E R.

501.562.9994 | tritonstone.com | 10 Clearwater Drive, Little Rock, A R 72204 | TritonStoneGroup

501-ONE-CALL 6

6

3

-

2

2

5

5

AdvantageSer viceCo.com

Need a plumber?

Need an electrician?

SPRING FORWARD INTO

SUMMER!

Need a whole house generator?

Need appliance repair?

Need a sprinkler system repaired or installed?

Need HVAC repaired or replaced?

Need an ionizing air purifier that kills mold, bacteria, and viruses?

GET ALL OF THIS WITH JUST ONE CALL!

All ASC technicians are COVID-19 trained and health checked every morning.

OVE R 4 0 YEARS

OF SERVICE AND ALWAYS PUTTING OUR CUSTOMER FIRST.

24/7 with Free Estimates! Please call Advantage Service Company to handle all of your residential and commercial needs!

22 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

BEFORE & AFTER “Alabaster”

by SherwinWilliams

A New Shine Katie Grace Designs updates a master bath with pattern, polish, and practicality

BEFORE

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 23

BEFORE

aking a room feel larger doesn’t necessarily have to be about added square footage.

When designer Katie Rees came to this project, the owners wanted their bathroom to feel more spacious and open but knew it still had some functionality that worked well for them. “We were able to keep the footprint of the bath, but open it up to make it feel like a completely new space,” Katie says.

For starters, she tackled a formerly dark and seemingly cramped shower. “The homeowners said they felt like they were showering in a cave,” Katie laughs.

Without changing its size or shape, she knocked out the existing sheetrock and installed frameless glass to

M

24 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

invite light into the space. She also added a second showerhead along the back wall, creating a true double shower. A bench and handheld shower nozzle with a slide bar also improved functionality.

At the vanity, a single sink and step-down surface for applying makeup were traded for dual sinks. This change not only gave each homeowner a designated space but also simplified the overall appearance, allowing the backsplash tile to become a focal point.

“This accent tile was the starting point for the entire design,” Katie says, noting it is paired with three other BEFORE gray-and-white marbles in the room to create separate areas, all with a cohesive flow. Classic polished nickel fixtures and shapely mirrors complete the design.

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

“The tile is the star of the show, and we kept everything else understated to allow it to stand out.”

—Katie Rees, designer

1

UP THE WALL

A marble geometric tile was the starting point for the entire bath and delivers instant style to both the vanity and shower.

2

TRADITIONAL TREND

Brizo’s “Tresa” bridge-style faucet brings a classic, feminine shape to the vanity that complements the oval motif in the backsplash.

3

EASY ON THE EYES

A double sconce offers extra task lighting at the dual vanity. Its clear arms adhere to the design and give an unobstructed view of the backsplash.

1

2

3

4

4

SLIDER SOLUTION

A slider bar in the shower allows the user to adjust the spray nozzle to his or her preferred height, a feature that also proves to be useful when bathing pets and cleaning the space.

Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Katie Rees, Katie Grace Designs ACCESSORIES, LIGHTING, AND MIRRORS Katie Grace Designs COUNTERTOPS AND TILE Inside Effects HARDWARE AND MILLWORK Duke Custom Cabinets PAINTING G&G Painting

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 25

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

L A N D S C A P E + O U T D O O R L I V I N G D E S I G N • B U I L D • M A I N TA I N

SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE

W W W.B

26 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

ETTERL

.COM AWNSAR 803 5 01.4 5 4.9

Life

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

OUTDOOR SOIRÉE

Lakeside Entertaining Jonathan Parkey shares his recipe for a chic, laid-back weekend on the water WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

G AT H E R

“This is a real reflection of how our family lives at the lake. We are very social and love to have people over, and from time to time we even break out the china when we’re entertaining.”

—Jonathan Parkey

White flowers fill colorful vases, available at J. Parkey, for a simple centerpiece that spans the table.

uring the months of June, July, and August, you don’t need to look far to find Jonathan Parkey and Chris Marsh. The couple head to Chris’s parents’ waterfront home on Lake Hamilton every chance they get. “Chris grew up coming here, and it’s a special place for us,” Jonathan says. “His mother, Janice, is a wonderful hostess, and his dad, Randy, loves to fry up catfish for a crowd. It’s fun.”

While their weekends here are all about relaxation,

D

28 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

the designer and owner of Little Rock’s J. Parkey storefront notes they still enjoy hosting a gathering. “We love to spend all day playing out on the water. Then we’ll come back in the afternoon, change into dry clothes, and tool around the lake for another hour with a board of snacks,” Jonathan says. “Then, we’ll finally head home for the night to eat dinner. This setup is so typical of how we spend our time there.” Read on for easy ideas for your own lakeside or backyard gathering.

Above: With a tray of cheeses, crackers, and fruit, sunset cruises around Lake Hamilton are a favorite spin on cocktail hour. Below: Janice’s “Indian Tree” pattern and a monogrammed napkin are dressier pieces of this dinner's place setting that are balanced with a rattan charger and rope-covered napkin rings. This juxtaposition is indicative of Jonathan’s design philosophy for both homes and gatherings.

For the main course on the back porch, the couple serves Arkansas tomatoes, corn on the cob, Chris’s summer succotash, and slaw salad alongside Randy’s famous fried catfish and French fries. For dessert, guests are served a slice of Chris’s homemade lemon icebox pie, a refreshing treat after a day on the lake.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 29

L I F E

R E T R E AT

AL FRESCO UPDATE

A Match Made Outdoors A team of central Arkansas professionals reimagine a couple’s backyard while adhering to the style of the existing home

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH

30 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

L I F E

R E T R E AT

HEAT RETREAT

During the peak of an Arkansas summer, the couple and their guests can seek refuge on a covered porch near the pool’s entry. The interior of the structure is multi-functional for the Fleshers, offering a bathroom for pool guests as well as a bar area for serving along with an exercise room for the owners to enjoy throughout the year.

hen Dora Jane and Greg Flesher purchased this Little Rock home in 2019, they knew the backyard could become a dream space for both relaxation and entertaining. It just needed a bit of vision and work to get there. “It was kind of unlivable because it was one sheet of concrete, and it got so hot. We love to entertain but there was no shade,” Dora Jane explains.

With seemingly endless options available in terms of both structures and landscaping, the couple turned to architect Ellen Yeary, builder Nathan Cooper, and landscape designer Sarah Burr to formulate a plan that would not only meet their needs but also complement the home’s existing exterior features.

“When we do a remodel project—indoors or outdoors—it’s always super important to us that you can’t tell where the old stops and the new begins,”

W

Nathan says. In this case, the new areas include a breezeway, carport, and pool house, all of which were built in the style of the home and painted to match seamlessly. Even new brick planters, which line the walkway, were created to mimic those seen against the back of the home.

This same thought process carried to the pool, one of the yard’s only existing features away from the house. Its interior was a shade of white surrounded by a pad of concrete. The concrete was traded for natural stone and the pool’s interior received a refresh in the form of a dark charcoal stain. “Sarah encouraged us to go darker on the stain to give it a lagoon feel, and she really got that right,” Dora Jane says. “The entire space is so usable now. We pinch ourselves sometimes because it turned out so awesome.”

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 31

L I F E

R E T R E AT

MATURE DECISIONS

“This was our first time to do a big landscape project, and we wanted it to be something we could enjoy right now—not years down the road when things grew in,” Dora Jane says. To achieve this, landscape designer Sarah Burr sourced a number of fully mature trees and shrubs that appear as though they’ve been in place for years. In thinking of the future, architect Ellen Yeary specified a steel structure for the breezeway that will withstand the elements and stay strong should any component be compromised. “We use that area as a turnaround for our cars, and Ellen was mindful of a design that wouldn’t be shaken, even if we accidentally bumped a column,” Dora Jane says.

Design Resources ARCHITECT Ellen Yeary, Yeary Lindsey Architects CONTRACTOR Nathan Cooper, River Valley Builders LANDSCAPE DESIGN Sarah Burr, Ozark Design Studio LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION Chris Smith, C. Smith Garden & Horticultural Care DOORS AND WINDOWS Pro Window & Door HARDSCAPING AND STONE Stoneworks MILLWORK Tony Carmack PAINTING Finishing Touch Painting PLANTS C. Smith Garden & Horticultural Care

32 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Discover Little Rock & North Little Rock Experience the walkable neighborhoods of the Capital City and its neighbor to the north 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

Open for 14 years, M2 Gallery moved to SoMa in 2018 and recently expanded to include a second floor. The gallery features paintings, photography, drawings, and sculptures by artists from all over the country.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 33

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

Dandelion Home & Garden is a new addition to Hillcrest’s lineup of local boutiques.

The past decade has brought renewed interest in walkable urban spaces across the country, and Little Rock and North Little Rock are no exception. With shops and restaurants returning to Main Street on both sides of the river, it’s easier than ever to fit more of the city into a day trip—just find a place to park and hit the pavement.

In Little Rock, one of the biggest areas of growth downtown is the South Main Street district, also known as SOMA (somalittlerock.com). Beginning at the junction of Main Street and Interstate 630, this area is buzzing with local restaurants, bakeries, bars, specialty shops, and photo ops in front of murals by Arkansas artists. If visiting on a Sunday, stop by BERNICE GARDEN (thebernicegarden.org) for the weekly farmers market (held mid-April through November), where you can buy produce and artisan goods.

34 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Across the Arkansas River, ARGENTA (argentaartsdistrict.org) in North Little Rock is similarly popular, especially for a night out. The Argenta Outdoor Dining District has recently become the place to be for eating out as well as live music and revelry; and while many of the area’s restaurants and bars have reopened with indoor dining, the pop-up district remains a draw on Friday and Saturday nights.

Back in Little Rock, HILLCREST (hillcrestmerchants. net) and THE HEIGHTS (facebook.com/intheheightsLR) are beloved for their small-town feel. Take a stroll along either side of Kavanaugh Boulevard, the thoroughfare that winds its way from one neighborhood to the other, to visit abundant coffee shops, eateries, boutiques, and galleries that make these areas so unique. Read on for more of our favorite places to shop, design, dine, and visit.

SAY GOODBYE TO CLOGGED GUTTERS! ONE YEAR for $12.95

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.

501.508.6474 • 479.234.4147 501.508.6474 • 479.234.4147 877.848.2422 877.848.2422

leafguardandmore.com leafguardandmore.com

SALE AMERICAN LEATHER CLASSIC COLLECTION 10% OFF ~ 10 STYLES JUNE 25 - JULY 12

1504 REBSAMEN PARK ROAD LITTLE ROCK 501.28 0. 32 0 0 Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm www.mertinsdykehome.com

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 35

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

Rock N Roll Sushi opened two Little Rock locations in 2020, including one on South Main Street.

Take in the natural beauty just west of the city center at Two Rivers Park, a 1,000-acre preserve where the Arkansas and Little Maumelle rivers meet.

Here, you can walk or bike the pedestrian bridge that connects to the Arkansas River Trail.

SHOP

DINE

PYRAMID ART, BOOKS & CUSTOM FRAMING

CERTIFIED PIES (certifiedpies.com)

(pyramid1988. com) was founded in 1988 with a focus on Black art, culture, and education. Owned by Garbo and Dr. Archie Hearne, the bookstore-meets-gallery also hosts signings, storytimes, and virtual events. At ART GROUP GALLERY (artgrouparkansas.com) in Pleasant Ridge Town Center, browse works in a range of styles and mediums, all created by the studio’s 19 artist owners. Shopping for that special someone? If you’re looking for fine jewelry or gifts, stop by SISSY’S LOG CABIN (sissyslogcabin.com) for service and selection that can’t be beat.

DESIGN

When shopping for your home, the Riverdale Design District is a must; don’t miss DEBI DAVIS INTERIOR DESIGN (debidavisinteriordesign.com) for sophisticated yet livable furnishings and décor. Nearby is MERTINSDYKEHOME (mertinsdykehome.com), which features a mix of transitional and contemporary styles in furniture and accessories. KAUFMAN BY DESIGN WEST (kaufmanlumber.com) offers 10,000 square feet of flooring, lighting, hardware, and décor for any stage of your home project, and KEN RASH’S ARKANSAS (kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com) is your resource for everything outdoors, from firepits and grills to everything you need to outfit your back deck.

36 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

is quickly becoming a favorite for pizza and wings among locals. Operating out of Arkitchen’s commercial space, the pies are currently available for curbside pickup. A Southern menu of seafood and steak as well as a sleek, indoor/outdoor atmosphere makes CYPRESS SOCIAL (cypresssocial.com) a must-visit near Maumelle. In Argenta, stop by BROOD & BARLEY (facebook.com/ broodandbarley) for well-crafted pub grub and local beers on tap.

VISIT When visiting the area with little ones in tow, stop by THE WONDER PLACE (thewonderplace.com) in west Little Rock to let their imaginations run wild.

Interactive play spaces include a water table, musical treehouse, air maze, art studio, and more—all handson activities to encourage learning and fun. ESSE PURSE MUSEUM (essepursemuseum.com) makes a great girls-trip destination, with its permanent exhibit displaying a century of women’s history through purses and their contents. Don’t forget to book a relaxing massage or facial at REJUVENATION CLINIC DAY SPA (rejuvenationclinic.com) and head home feeling refreshed and renewed.

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Season of Fun

Photo by Rett Peek. Styling by Steph Smith

From the beach to the backyard, we’ve got your summer must-haves covered–turn the page for local finds

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 37

For Your Beach Trip

Scout “Original Deano” bag in Good Vibrations, $45 (includes custom monogram). Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock, mrspolkadot.net

“Greetings from the Gulf Coast” beach towel, $46. Freckled Hen Farmhouse, Fayetteville, freckledhenfarmhouse.com

For Your Lake Days Stainless steel “Hydrate” wine bottle, $25. Ruth Britt Interiors, Fayetteville, ruthbinteriors.com

Supergoop! “Cloud 9” 100% mineral sun balm SPF 40, $26. Belle & Blush, Little Rock, belleandblush.com

For Your Backyard Party Janus et Cie “Quinta” teak and woven rocking chair in Limestone/Natural, $2,421.

Antique Brick Outdoor, Little Rock, antiquebrickoutdoors.com

2XL Big Green Egg grill with intEGGrated Nest+Handler, $2,348. Ken Rash Arkansas, Little Rock, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

38 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

A FIRST-CLASS TIME ...

EVERY TIME.

501.661.1776 | domesticdomestic.com 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd, Suite C., Little Rock, AR 72207

There’s one name in trout fishing, and it is Gaston’s. America’s #1 trout fishing resort is legendary, luring anglers from coast to coast for the ultimate White River experience. First-class guide service, lodging and one of the South’s finest restaurants continue to over-deliver every time. There’s also a private club, tennis courts, swimming pool, nature trails, conference lodge and landing strip for fly-in guests. It’s a special place that makes you feel special. All you do is fish – in style and comfort and as part of the Gaston’s family.

1777 River Road Lakeview, AR 72642 870-431-5202 • Email gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20’ 55” N Long 92 33’ 25” W

Follow Us!

5501 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207 eggshellskitchencompany.com

Gastons.com July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 39

Debi Davis | Debi Davis Interior Design | 2222 Cantrell Road | 501.221.2032 | debidavisinteriordesign.com

40 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Home

THE SUMMER LIVING ISSUE

ON THE LAKE

Water Colors

Inspired by the view, shades of blue and white fill this recently completed waterfront home

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 41

LIGHT AND LIVABLE

An all-white kitchen adheres to the couple’s desire for a clean, unfussy design. A geometric-shaped backsplash and bamboo barstools keep the look visually interesting, while glass-front cabinets give a place to display blue-and-white pieces, tying the room to the home’s overall palette. Quartz countertops are a durable option that will stand up to the wear and tear of family dinners and weekend gatherings.

42 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

aterfront homes have always been popular for their ability to offer an escape, and that was never more prized than last year when travel was limited. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that as 2020 played out, the owners of this newly built Hot Springs home on Lake Hamilton were looking for a getaway close to home—and fast. To make it happen, they turned to local design professionals Debi Davis of Debi Davis Interior Design and builder Doug Rodgers of Carriage Custom Homes.

“This house has a great plan for outdoor living— which is what everyone who builds on the lake wants.

Even when you’re inside you can see the water and enjoy its beauty,” says Doug. He and his wife, Lain, have specialized in the Hot Springs area for more than a decade, he as a builder and she as a Realtor, selling both their spec homes and other lakeside properties.

Their knowledge of the area helped them make this custom build a success on a tight schedule. The home was constructed and fully furnished in just five months, a feat even during a normal building climate. “I went every other weekend to see the progress in person,” Debi says. “And the Carriage team was amazing, calling

W

and Facetiming me to keep the process going.”

While the timeline seemed to flow quickly and effortlessly, no detail was sacrificed. “We do high ceilings, vaults, and lots of windows in everything we build because it’s so great for the lake,” Doug says of the architectural features. Debi had worked with the couple on previous projects, which gave her a good sense of their style and allowed her to keep decisions moving when it came to building materials as well as furnishings. “They have grown children, grandchildren, and three dogs, so it needed to be comfortable and practical,” she says, noting family-proof fabrics and treated rugs are a constant throughout the house.

“I don’t ever want people to feel like they can’t walk around or sit down on the furniture in my projects,” she adds.

“Here, the homeowner also said she didn’t want a design that was busy, busy,” Debi says, pointing to the restrained palette of blue and white. “This house is very cohesive, and there’s nothing dark or heavy about it.”

The result is a retreat that feels as relaxing as it does airy and sophisticated, a perfect reflection of both the natural setting and those who are there to enjoy it.

“Dover White”

by SherwinWilliams

The dining space adjoins the kitchen and looks out to the outdoor living area and the lake beyond. The traditional-style table and mirror are from Debi’s Reborn Relics line.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 43

ROOM FOR A CROWD

Since lake houses are often a gathering place for extended family as well as friends, it was key to have plenty of seating. Two sets of swivel chairs make it easy to converse with the cook in the kitchen, while a pair of oversized ottomans and stools provide additional seating for a crowd. The coffee table is from Reborn Relics and complements the dining room’s similar pieces that can be seen in the open floor plan.

44 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

“This is a great plan for outdoor living—which is what everyone who builds on the lake wants.

Even when you’re inside you can see the water and enjoy its beauty.”

—Doug Rodgers, builder

With home offices currently a priority, Debi created a nook off the front entry with a sleek desk for returning emails and attending online meetings.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 45

The outdoor kitchen has everything the homeowners need to make a meal on the patio, including a grill, prep sink, and wine fridge.

46 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

THE PLACE TO BE

A covered patio offers protection from wind and rain as well as a comfortable spot for relaxing or entertaining. Outdoor furnishings from Serena & Lily carry a variation of the home’s palette to the space while lending a natural, light feel. A swing that hangs outside the master bedroom is a favorite spot to catch the afternoon breeze.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 47

Twin beds and a lively Serena & Lily wallpaper create a fun guest room for the couple’s grandkids.

MASTER MIX

“When you do tone-on-tone rooms, which I do a lot, you have to use a ton of texture to keep it interesting,” Debi says. Here, she points to the rustic vibe of the bedside tables alongside the casual chair fabric and more luxurious bedding. In the mornings, the homeowners can pull back the floor-to-ceiling drapes to reveal a view of the water.

48 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

In the master bath, a double walk-in shower, separate his-and-hers vanities, and a soaking tub are outfitted with fixtures and hardware in a current antique gold finish. Porcelain tile gives the look of marble and carries up the wall around the tub to act as a backsplash.

Design Resources BUILDER Doug Rodgers, Carriage Custom Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Debi Davis, Debi Davis Interior Design APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Amelia Ray, Carlley Riggan, Ashley Saer, and Laura Watts BEDDING, FABRICS, AND LIGHTING Debi Davis Interior Design CABINETRY AND MILLWORK Carriage Custom Homes FIXTURES Falk Plumbing Supply FLOORING AND TILE ProSource of Little Rock FURNITURE AND MIRRORS Debi Davis Interior Design and Reborn Relics Home PAINT Sherwin-Williams RUGS Debi Davis Interior Design and Martinous Oriental Rugs

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 49

WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

50 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Family

ESCAPE Following family tradition, Rachel and Buddy Harding create a Lake Ouachita getaway perfectly suited for generations of gatherings or Rachel Harding, a trip to the lake is about more than getting away. Having spent time growing up on Lake Ouachita at her father’s cabin—affectionately dubbed Parker Pointe, after his surname—she dreamed of having a place of her own one day. “Some of my most cherished childhood memories were coming out here,” she says. “There was no city water, so you were literally washing your hair off the back of the boat. There were no phones, no televisions here; we would just play games and be with family. It is a place I’ve always felt so connected to and happy about.”

When Rachel and her husband, Buddy, were expecting their second child, they found the perfect spot for a place to call their own: A lot with two cabins had become available just down the road from Parker Pointe. Having designed their primary residence in Little Rock, Rachel already had a vision for the vacation home, and she called on the late Matthew Sarver, a local builder, to help bring it to life. Together, they decided the best route was to knock down and

F

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 51

WALK RIGHT IN

The entry was the starting point for the home’s design. “I’d been thinking about having my own lake house my whole life, and as I started to get out graph paper and draw it, I could see this walkin entry dividing the spaces,” Rachel says. The welcoming foyer separates the master suite and a guest bed and bath from the living spaces and bunk rooms on the other side of the house.

Across from the front door is an exit to the back deck and a short trail leading to the water’s edge.

rebuild the main house while remodeling the smaller cottage nearby. “He was such a calm, go-with-the-flow, fun guy, and the whole process of remodeling and building with him was that way,” Rachel says.

The end result is as much inspired by her father’s lake house as her own down-to-earth style. For example, the eat-in kitchen, white-washed knotty pine walls, and its name—Harding Hideaway—are all callbacks to those childhood memories, while the airy palette and comfortable furnishings help the family of four feel right at home.

52 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

LIVING BIG

Harding Hideaway’s great room is centered around two-story windows with a view out over the treetops. Here, the roofline accentuates the ceiling’s exposed beams, and décor plays off the different wood tones in the space. Because Rachel and Buddy love to entertain, she kept the palette neutral to serve as a backdrop for colorful flowers and party decorations. The furnishings and their arrangement were also chosen with these gatherings in mind; a daybed and large leather ottomans provide seating without closing off conversation areas. Near the windows, four comfortable armchairs are perfect for family game nights as well as morning coffee.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 53

TWO FOR ONE

Because the home’s only indoor dining space is in the kitchen, the homeowner was mindful of ways in which the room could truly function as both. Rolling chairs with low backs that tuck neatly out of the way allow the long dining table to also serve as a prep space and buffet. Cabinet-front panels on appliances like the dishwasher, ice maker, and refrigerator keep the design seamless. Overhead, an antler-inspired chandelier from Pottery Barn calls to mind the rustic furnishings of Rachel’s father’s lakeside home.

54 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

“I wanted it to be warm and natural and comfortable, but still look pretty. I also thought it should feel like a lake house.”

—Rachel Harding

BE OUR GUESTS

Part of Rachel’s inspiration in building Harding Hideaway was to share it with as many friends and family members as possible. Thus, an abundance of guest beds was a top priority. “The more beds, the better, so I tried to tuck in as many as I could in this house,” she says. In the tower, a builtin bunk (complete with a trundle underneath) is where the Hardings’ sons—Five, 8, and Wilder, 4—spend their nights.

Downstairs, built-in queen beds are just right for grown-up slumber parties. “We have Galentine’s Day parties up here, and I’ve had reunions with my college roommates; I just love a good girls trip,” Rachel says. The plaid wallpaper is an ageless accent that can transition over time as the Harding boys use this space for their sleepovers.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 55

RELAXED & REFINED

The master suite is a calming retreat for Rachel and Buddy. In the bedroom, an industrial four-poster bed is juxtaposed with soft linens. “I love my bedroom at home, but this one is cozier,” Rachel says. In the adjoining bathroom, a “massive shower” was one of the things on the homeowners’ wish list. The rainfall shower head and window give the feeling of being outdoors, while a mix of ceramic and marble tiles carry the home’s warm neutrals into the space.

56 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 57

COTTAGE LIFE

Just steps from the main house is the smaller structure original to the lot. In keeping with tradition, Rachel christened this house, too: Critter Cottage. “It was already in great shape. It needed updating, but with the knotty pine and rock fireplace, it was exactly what a lake house should be,” she says. Here, Matthew’s team enclosed the lofted bedrooms upstairs, redid the flooring, and installed new cabinetry in the kitchen. While the walls were given a refresh with white paint, the ceilings were left in their original stain.

58 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

COOKING WITH STYLE

Rachel fell in love with a Caitlin Wilson wallpaper (“Soft Blue Chinoiserie,” a pattern also seen on throw pillows here and in the main house) and used this to bring an air of whimsy to the cottage.

She pulled a deep green hue (“Essex Green” by Benjamin Moore) from this pattern for the cabinetry color, which also references the green exterior on the windows for a cohesive design.

Design Resources BUILDER Matthew Sarver, Sarver Construction DRAFTSMAN Nathan Alderson, Alderson Design Company APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETS Mike Abernathy Custom Cabinets COUNTERTOPS Pacific Shore Stones FIREPLACE Royal Overhead Door & Fireplace FLOORING AND TILE ProSource of Little Rock LIGHTING AND FIXTURES Sanders Supply Co. MILLWORK AND WINDOWS CJ Horner MIRRORS Todd Davis Glass PAINT Benjamin Moore PAINTING Chris Cox

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 59

A Murano glass chandelier, found on a trip to Italy, is the star of the great room.

60 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

Life on the

WATER Pam and John Morton create a timeless retreat on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST STEPH SMITH

G

reers Ferry Lake has always been a special place for Pam and John Morton. “John grew up in nearby Higden, and we have played on this lake together for 37 years,” Pam says. It was during their early years of marriage when they happened upon a peninsula with uncleared lots. Situated on the edge of town as well as the edge of the water, they were taken with the location. “John’s uncle was able to tell us a man from California owned the property. We tracked him down, and he said he wasn’t interested in selling; but two weeks later he called back, and the rest is history.” In 1998, the couple built what was then their primary residence on the pristine lots.

As the owners of central Arkansas’s Lumber One Home Center, they had some ideas in mind for the house, but hired architect Sallie Overbey to draw the original plans. These included plenty of space for houseguests in the home’s five bedrooms as well as a

common entertaining area that flows graciously. After more than 10 years in the home, they embarked on a style renovation to refresh the interiors. “Because of our line of business and the fact that we had decided this would again be our house full-time at some point, we felt it was time to update,” Pam says.

“The design world went from dark, warm, and heavy to light and bright,” she says of their inspiration. “For this house, it was an easy transition to make because of all the windows.” To complement the new scheme, one of the biggest changes came in painting the interior walls a lighter version of their original dark taupe color. They are now covered in Benjamin Moore’s “Collingwood.” The furnishings also received a refresh with favorite antiques being paired with contemporary accent pieces and lighting as well as upholstered goods.

“I hope it feels beautiful when people walk in, but more so I hope it feels inviting—a place where you can put your feet up and make yourself at home,” she says.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 61

BOLD MEETS BRIGHT

The hues and veining in the kitchen’s countertop (Roman Imperial quartzite) were the starting point for the entire remodel. “This was such an easy choice for me. It demanded that I bring in some color throughout the rooms, and the house just flowed from there,” Pam says. “I believe natural stones are jewelry in a house, and I like ones that really speak to a home’s style.” In an effort to bring in more natural light—and give a better view of the outdoor living area and lake beyond—the Mortons traded a small window over the sink for three larger ones that span the wall.

62 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

“We don’t need a lot of art because of the beautiful, ever-changing view out of the windows.”

—Pam Morton

A space formerly used as a breakfast nook is now a keeping area adjoining the kitchen.

Comfortable sofas and chairs, as well as a view of the lake, make it a favorite hangout.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 63

CONTEMPORARY TWIST

In the dining room, Pam departed from the home’s neutral wall color, choosing a blue-gray she pulled from the veining in the kitchen countertop. The color not only highlights the modern light fixture and table, but also speaks to the home’s natural setting.

“Boothbay Gray” by Benjamin Moore

64 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

A desk and faux fur-topped chair create a glamorous workspace outside the master bedroom.

A STEP UP

During the renovation, the Mortons’ brother-in-law, ironworker Kenny Cartwright, updated the railing on the front entry’s stairway to lend a more contemporary feel. “He is an incredible artist and such a creative force,” Pam says. “I often consult with him on design projects.”

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 65

MASTER PLAN

In the original plans for the home, the master bedroom was located on the ground floor.

However, Pam climbed a ladder with a contractor to check out a space designated as a workout room, and immediately called her architect. “I saw the view and knew this had to be our master bedroom,” she says of the change to the blueprint. Comfortable chairs offer a place to relax and look out on the water while heavy drapes draw closed at night for sleep.

66 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

SLEEK SOAKER

In the master bath, a built-in deck tub was replaced with a more contemporary freestanding option. The flooring carries up the wall to create a functional and attractive splash guard around the tub while built-in niches provide storage for shampoo and soap. Pam notes the mix of neutral tones throughout the space and how they complement each other to keep the design visually interesting yet calming.

Design Resources ARCHITECT (ORIGINAL) Sallie Overbey INTERIOR DESIGN Pam Morton REMODEL CONTRACTOR John Hope, Hope Construction LANDSCAPE DESIGN P. Allen Smith ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, AND FURNITURE Cobblestone & Vine APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY, CARPET, COUNTERTOPS, FIXTURES, FLOORING, HARDWARE, LIGHTING, MILLWORK, MIRRORS, PAINT, RUGS, AND TILE Lumber One Home Center FABRICS AND UPHOLSTERY Cynthia East Fabrics IRONWORK Kenny Cartwright

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 67

CLOSETS • GARAGE • HOME OFFICE • ENTERTAINMENT • WALL UNITS • WALL BEDS • PANTRY • CRAFT • LAUNDRY • MUD ROOM • WINE ROOM

At Last, Organization Made Simple.

WALK-IN CLOSET

OFFICE

LAUNDRY

WALL BED

FREE Virtual or In-Home Design Consultations Available Call (501) 907-7105 for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom: 2216 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202 68 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

©2020 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

the art of organization

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

SELF-CARE IDEAS

Destination: Relaxation

iStock.com/dimid_86

The ABCs of taking care of your skin and body

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 69

A / ACUPUNCTURE

F / FACIAL

J / JUICE CLEANSE

An age-old alternative therapy that originated in China. Thin needles are inserted into targeted areas to improve flow and overall health.

Any treatment for skin on the face, which can include cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliation, moisturization, or even massaging.

A short, usually three- or five-day, regimen where you drink only fruit and vegetable juices to detoxify the body.

B / BOTOX

G / GEL MANICURE

This injectable drug cosmetically removes wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles; often used on the forehead and eyes.

A manicure using acrylic nail polish and a UV light. The popular treatment can produce a chip-free look that lasts up to two weeks.

A hair treatment using the protein nutrient keratin, which can reduce frizz and strengthen hair, making it sleek and shiny.

C / CHEMICAL PEEL

H / HYDRAFACIAL

A chemical exfoliation treatment that can improve the look and feel of skin by removing top layers and revealing new growth.

A registered trademark facial treatment that involves cleansing, extractions, and hydrating the skin with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

K / KERATIN TREATMENT

L / LASER SKIN RESURFACING

A procedure where concentrated pulsating beams of light are directed at skin irregularities, thus removing skin layer by layer to correct and improve imperfections.

D / DERMAPLANING

A process to remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth.

Can also lead to smoother makeup application and allow skincare products to penetrate more deeply.

M / MICRONEEDLING I / INFRARED SAUNA

A sauna using light to create heat that is then absorbed by the skin, allowing it to produce results (sweating, increased heart rate) at a lower temperature.

E / ESTHETICIANS

Skilled workers who provide beauty treatments such as facials, pedicures, manicures, hair removal, and more.

Similar to laser skin resurfacing, this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure uses tiny needles to prick the skin, producing microscopic wounds. As these wounds heal, they cause you to make more collagen and elastin, which can help you to look younger. This is also called collagen induction therapy.

g n i x a l e R Book your getaway at Oaklawn.com.

Gambling problem?

Call 1-800-522-4700.

A NEW LEVEL OF TRANQUILITY OAKLAWN.COM • 1-800-OAKLAWN

RACING • CASINO • HOTEL • SPA • EVENT CENTER • DINING 70 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021

N / NATUROPATHY

R / REFLEXOLOGY

W / WRAPS

Based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself, this holistic approach focuses on prevention and the treatment of underlying causes rather than symptoms. Herbal medicines, lifestyle changes, and diet regimens are often prescribed.

The application of pressure to specific points on the hands and feet that correspond to and help alleviate pain in other areas of the body.

Body wraps using ingredients such as seaweed, clay, or honey are popular to detoxify or hydrate the skin.

S / STONE MASSAGE

The ancient Hindu practice that combines meditation, deep breathing, and physical poses to strengthen both the body and mind.

O / OXYGEN THERAPY

Purified oxygen administered into the nostrils through a tube and intended to boost energy, reduce stress, increase alertness, and relieve headaches.

Y / YOGA

A massage technique where smooth, heated stones are placed on targeted parts of the body to aid in relieving pressure and stress.

Z / ZEN T / TINT

A semi-permanent dye for your eyelashes or brows that lasts approximately three to four weeks.

Founded in Buddhism, a state of calm and serenity associated with mental and physical well-being.

P / PARAFFIN TREATMENT

A wax byproduct used during massages to soothe muscles, remove dead skin, and leave your body feeling soft.

Q / QI

A central underlying principle in Chinese traditional medicine that refers to energy. The word is pronounced “chee” and translates literally to mean air.

U / ULTRASOUND

Facial Ultrasound imaging is used as a noninvasive solution for increased collagen production, leading to tighter, more youthful-appearing skin.

V / VICHY SHOWER

As with any medical procedure, self-care routine, or exercise regimen, consult a doctor or skilled professional before beginning the practice or receiving treatment.

Named for its origin in Vichy, France, this shower includes five to seven shower heads positioned over a cushioned table. The effect is a relaxing feeling as if floating on water.

July 2021 | athomearkansas.com 71

N OT E S

Photo by Rett Peek

E N D

Photograph by Rett Peek

PATTERNS WE LOVE

Tick in Time Classic and practical, we have mattresses to thank for the origin of ticking stripe fabric. The thick canvas twill was heavy enough to cover and corral loose pieces of straw and feathers, which comprised the earliest mattresses.

These coverings not only contained the mattress’s inner contents but also kept them from irritating the bed’s inhabitant. Thus, it’s not surprising the simple yet striking fabric takes its name from the Greek word theka, meaning case or covering. Both then and now, the pattern’s stripes consist of a white or linen-hued background with black, blue, or red stripes—making it a natural, understated choice for summer décor.

Fabrics available through Designer Effects, Little Rock, designereffects.net

72 At Home in Arkansas | July 2021