At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Celebrating

25 YEARS!

Timeless Style Collections, Color & Character

MARCH 2022

2022 Real Estate Agents to Love DISCOVER EUREKA SPRINGS & THE OZARKS

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

M Y L A GSissy’s O S M Y W AY

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

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 1

2 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

2022 | athomearkansas.com 3 H I S TO R I C D OW N TOW N C O N WAY April | 1011 OA K S T.

From TV personalities and pageant winners to your neighbor next door, Dr. Garner has perfected thousands of smiles around the globe.

SERVICES : Adult Alternatives to Braces | Mercury Elimination Wedding Smile Enhancements | Metal Free Dentistry Corrections for Short Teeth, Extreme Tooth Wear, Grinding, Spotty Enamel, Protruding Teeth, Overbite, and More

501.227.0112 • 800.671.0767 • SMILE-DOC.NET A L L PHOTOS A RE O F D R . GA RN ER ’S AC T UA L PAT I EN TS

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 5

We opened our doors in 1949. Our focus then and now, bring to our customers a quality product to match the quality of service we provide.

400 N. Magnolia St. NLR, Arkansas 72114 sales@pchdwe.com | 501-224-1724 6 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Thank you from The 20 T h C e n T u ry C l u b

for your ConTribuTions To

diamond SPonSorS

Angela & Arby Smith

emerald SPonSorS

Platinum SPonSorS

20th Century Hope Ball Gold SPonSorS

HEART INSTITUTE

Scott Davis, MD

Silver SPonSorS Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Eisai Becky & Jay Marks O’Dea Studios Southwest Power Pool Bank of England Mortgage Entergy Cindy & Doug McNeely Darren O’Quinn Law Firm The Dance Floor Man BMW of Little Rock First Community Bank Monk, Mitchell, Williams & Vincent Group Radiology Associates Unite Private Network BXS Insurance - Ken Estes Gateway Mortgage Group - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Radiology Consultants VCC, LLC Cantrell Design/Arnold Flooring Imageworks Commerical Interiors Tracy Norwood, Realtor - Aspire Realty Group SeaGen Laura & Allen Westlake Cost Plus Furniture Westlake Plumbing Co., Inc.

Bronze SPonSorS

Arvest Bank Bailey Construction Jenny Caldwell LCSW AC Designs Ace Glass Alliance Technical Group Aloft West Little Rock American Abstract & Title Company

Commerce Title Laura & Eddie Crow Flywheel Energy LLC Bosley Construction, Inc. Susan & Steve Bullington Centennial Bank Candi & Todd Curtis Kate & Carter Dalton

The Hughes Agency Light Innovations Dr. David McElreath - Premier Gastroenterology

CryStal SPonSorS T. Alvin Eanes Building Company, Inc. Family Leisure of Little Rock Farmers & Merchants Bank & The Bank of Fayetteville FCS/Sammie & Chris Dunkum Susan, Greg & Betty D. Fosburgh

Freeze Specialty Cleaners Mindy & Steve Harrison The Janet Jones Company/Debbie & Michael Teague Andrea & John Kelly PEPJ Kincannon Properties LLC

Right at Home Tricore Capital, LLC Emily & Wake Young RPM Group Scenic Hill Solar Paul Svoboda, MD, Premier Gastroenterology Jenny & Jason Waters Candice Whitlock, Realtor Coldwell Banker, RPM Group

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 7

C O N T E N T S

April 2022 | The New Traditional Issue

Style 15 Ahead of the Curve SHOP

19 23

DESIGN

Seeing Green REFRESH

Ready to Cook

Life 27 Southern Gems FASHION

35

DISCOVER

Eureka Springs & The Ozarks

Special Sections 26 61 LOCAL FINDS

2022 REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO LOVE

In Every Issue 12 80 WELCOME

END NOTES

On The Cover 48

The dining room of a Fort Smith family home. Design

by Stacy Sheid Interiors.

Photography by Rett Peek.

See page 39.

Home 39

48

CLASSIC & COMFORTABLE

FINDERS, KEEPERS

In Fort Smith, Stacy Sheid Epps updates a 1970s home with a livable look that will stand the test of time.

Designer Jen Bienvenu creates a storyfilled personal residence with a mix of treasured and thrifted pieces.

Vol. 27, No. 3 © 2022 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 | April 2022

CRAFTING MINDS THRIVE HERE

Recreate

CRAFT ROOM CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

We are honored to be a member of the trusted and celebrated ASID. Call (501) 907-7105 for a free in-home or virtual design consultation and estimate. Visit us online at closetfactory.com.

Showroom 2216 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202 ©2022 Closet Factory. All right reserved.

RE08PF April 2022 | 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 Photographer

Rett Peek Account Managers

Mary Kathryn Brengard marykathryn@athomearkansas.com

YOUNG. BEAUTIFUL. TIMELESS.

Isabella James (ext. 103) isabella@athomearkansas.com Brand Manager

Becca Moore (ext. 106) becca@athomearkansas.com

YYOU.

Billing

billing@athomearkansas.com

BECAUSE LIFE LOOKS BETTER WHEN YOU DO. BOTOX | FILLERS | FACIALS | DEEP MASKS | CHEMICAL PEELS MICROBLADING | DERMAPLANING | LASER SKIN RESURFACING ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS | PHYSICIAN-GRADE COSMETICS PERMANENT COSMETICS | ACNE TREATMENTS | COSMETIC SURGERY

EENGLISH PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER

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

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

SURGEONCOSMETIC.COM 10 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

HOVER WITH YOUR PHONE'S CAMERA TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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

A CELEBRATION OF FASHION, ART & MUSIC

APRIL 22, 2022

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild presents a one day event featuring fashion, art and live music. Our spring fashion show, hosted by Vesta’s, begins at noon with a luncheon and art show by local artists. Return in the evening for a dazzling night of art and live music. Tragikly White, Pat Becker and the Rex Bell Trio and the Betty Ward Combo will perform. Catering by Evette Brady. Food and libations included in ticket prices.

FASHION SHOW • NOON - 2 PM • $50 ART SHOW & LIVE MUSIC • 7 PM - 10 PM • $75

SCAN FOR TICKETS AND VENUE INFO

ART • FASHION • LIVE MUSIC • FOOD & LIBATIONS

ONE YEAR for $12.95

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 11

W E LC O M E

From the Editor I’ve loved stories since I was a girl.

From the simple dramas of early picture books to yarns spun around the dinner table, there’s something exciting about letting a tale pull you to a different place. Over the years, I’ve also come to appreciate the stories told by homes. You know that feeling when you walk into a house and want to know about every piece of furniture, picture, or object you see? The phrase “conversation piece” comes to mind. Some houses are so full of personality it seems the conversation could go on and on and on—just like all the best Southern stories. If you want to bring more character to your spaces, consider this issue permission to embrace what’s storied and old. Pull out that funky antique from grandma. Try mixing modern and vintage fabrics. Find a way to display your seashell collection. New traditional design is all about blending past and present, and when you do, you’ll fall in love anew with the story of your home.

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor

Designer Matt Morgan has moved his Fayetteville retail store, The Details, into a larger space at 1822 N. Crossover Road, Suite 1. Here, he has been able to expand his inventory, create a space to meet with design clients, and grow his team, which now includes an antiques consultant. Keep up with The Details on Instagram (@thedetailsyall).

Date Book APRIL 1-3 Visit the Northwest

Arkansas Home & Outdoor Living Expo at Rogers Convention Center to meet vendors who can help your remodel or backyard vision come to life.

NWAHOMEE XPO.COM

APRIL 14 Little Rock Garden

Club presents “The Homes and Stories that Build Us,” a lecture and book signing at Chenal Country Club with Georgiabased designer James Farmer.

LIT TLE ROCKG ARDE NCLUB.ORG

APRIL 23-24 The Home Builders

Association of Greater Little Rock presents its 70th annual Home Show at the Statehouse Convention Center. Stop by its popular “Ask the Builder” booth for professional advice.

HBAGLR.COM/HOMESHOW

S T E P H A N I E @AT H O M E A R K A N S A S . C O M

APRIL 29-MAY 1 The Original NWA Home Show takes place at the NWA Convention Center in Springdale, offering ideas for home improvement and garden projects as well as prizes.

NWAHOMESHOW.COM

12 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Photo by Rett Peek

Latest

THE STATE’S LARGEST SHOWCASE OF HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCTS & SERVICES

OVER $10,000 in GIVEAWAYS

.Connect with Experts .Meet Professionals in the Industry .Gain Resources for DIY Projects

See Pro duct D isplays Ask the Builder s Ask the Design ers Registe r for Gi veawa ys NEW LOCATION -- NEW LAYOUT

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM For more information visit: hbaglr.com/homeshow LRHOMESHOW

LRHOMESHOW

Presented by: April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 13

W E LC O M E

Reader Responses Our January/February 2022 issue included advice from designers on everything from trends to rug sizes. Here's what you thought of the series.

“I’m loving this series!”

—@WICKEDLYWHISKED

“Good advice. Things we loved 50 years ago have stood the test of time because we were more interested in quality than what was trendy in the moment.”

—@SJW20A

“Green has always been awesome and doesn’t need to be the new anything. It always stood out on its own.”

—@COUNTRYLIFECITYWIFE

We couldn't agree more! See page 19 for ideas on incorporating this hue into your home.

BE READY FOR COMPANY!

THE ONLY SLEEPER SOFA YOU CAN SLEEP ON 1504 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock 501.28 0. 32 0 0 Tues - Sat 10a.m. - 5p.m.

www.mertinsdykehome.com

14 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

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, email stephanie@athomearkansas.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (@athomearkansas). Published comments may be edited for length and clarity.

UPDAT E YOUR SPACE

Style “Cascade” accent chairs.

Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock

Image courtesy of vendor

CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM

Ahead of the Curve PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK L IS S TTE SP THEAPNHI ES M MA I TXHW E L L N E W T O N P R O D USCT EY R

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 15

S T Y L E

S H O P

“Emmerson” upholstered chair (left) and “Aurelia” velvet accent chair with hammered iron legs (above).

Providence Design, Little Rock

“Wilde” club chair with leather detailing.

Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM

P R O V I D E N C E LT D D E S I G N . C O M

Barrel-back shapes take the edge off both trending and traditional seating options “Noella” barrel-back accent chair.

Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock K AUFMANLUMBER.COM

“Abbilyn” occasional chair in Watery Aqua (above) and “Clementine” occasional chair in Nectarine (below).

Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock

“Lyla” exaggerated tub chair in Kerbey Ivory.

Casey Sarkin Interior Design, Fayetteville 479.332.4404

16 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Images courtesy of vendors

COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM

INVENTORY ARRIVING DAILY!

HUGE INVE NTORY READY FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 • facebook.com/KenRashsArkansas • kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

SKIN HEALTH STARTS HERE DEEPLY NOURISHED SKIN FROM WITHIN

11125 ARCADE DRIVE | STE G LIT TLE ROCK, AR 72212 | REJUVENATIONCLINIC.COM | 501-228-4545 April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 17

CASEY SARKIN HOME CASEY SARKIN INTERIOR DESIGN

A curated collection for the home of art, vintage and new furnishings, lighting, antiques, gifts and accessories.

3945 N Vantage, Fayet teville AR caseysarkininteriordesign.com @shopcshome | @caseysarkindesign Mon - Fri 10 - 5 | Sat 10 -2

GREEN UP YOUR HOME OR OFFICE! We offer plant design, short-term rentals, leasing, and weekly maintenance. Our technicians have more than 90 years combined experience.

Call or email for a free consultation.

JANE L ANNING, OWNER • PL ANTSERVICENLR.COM • 501-256-6969 • THEPL ANTSERVIC7 724@AT T.NE T 18 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

“Garden Grove” Sherwin-Williams

“Agate Green” Sherwin-Williams

“Corn Stalk” Benjamin Moore

“Home on the Range” Benjamin Moore

“Fraser Fir” Benjamin Moore

Kingsley Bate “Avalon” rectangular teak dining table and “Lucia” dining chairs in Dove Rope.

Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com

Seeing Green

Everywhere we look, green is the new neutral. Find inspiration in these very verde paint picks

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

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 19

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Images courtesy of vendors

This year, paint company Benjamin Moore picked “October Mist” as its color of the year. They tout the selection as a “shaded sage that quietly anchors while encouraging creative expression through color.”

What Goes with Green?

“Mysterious” Benjamin Moore

“Shoji White” Sherwin-Williams

20 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

“Pool Tile” Valspar

“Hint of Violet” Benjamin Moore

So you love the look, but what's next?

Pick a neutral for balance or a contrasting hue to make your green sing

“Urbane Bronze” Sherwin-Williams

“Book Room Red” Farrow & Ball

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

A First-Class Time...

EVERY TIME.

870 - 464 -7738

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. Come fish in style and comfort as part of the Gaston’s family.

Upholstery | Pillows | Drapery | Headboards | Wallpaper | Home Accessories WE DO IT ALL

Heavenly Hues

• FIRST-CL ASS GUIDE SERVICE • LODGING • ONE OF THE SOUTH’S FINEST RESTAURANTS • PRIVATE CLUB • TENNIS COURTS • SWIMMING POOL • NATURE TRAILS • CONFERENCE LODGE • L ANDING STRIP FOR FLY-IN GUESTS

Discover The Legacy

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

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

Gastons.com April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 21

D E S I G N

More Greens to Love

These four hues were also chosen as the 2022 “Color of the Year” by their respective brands

“Olive Sprig” PPG

“Breakfast Room Green” Farrow & Ball

“Into the Wild” Valspar

“Evergreen Fog” Sherwin-Williams

Plays Well With These Finishes: Brass Black Gold Oil-Rubbed Bronze Champagne

“The familiar, comfortable nature of ‘Evergreen Fog’ shines as a reassuring backdrop and freshens up any space.”

—Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams

“Evergreen Fog” Sherwin-Williams

22 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Image courtesy of Stoffer Photography Interiors; design by Jean Stoffer Design

S T Y L E

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

BEFORE

Ready to Cook

An updated flow and charming accent color re-energize a 30-year-old kitchen

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

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 23

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

Glass-front doors paired with the same blue cabinetry create the look of a custom piece of furniture.

BEFORE

A

fresh look and a more spacious feel were top priorities when Gina and Dr. Roger Neal decided to update their North Little Rock kitchen. “Roger moved into this house brand new 30 years ago. We have been married for six, and I guess you could say I’ve been nesting in that time,” Gina says.

“The appliances, countertops, and cabinets were all original, and although it was very beautiful when the home was built, it felt cavernous now.”

Planning for the house to be their forever home, the Neals were ready to invest in a kitchen renovation that would be functional—and bring them joy—for years to come. With inspiration in mind, they visited designer Charlotte Lefler of Kitchen & Bath Ideas. “We wanted to remove a peninsula that divided the cooking and eating spaces, and Charlotte assured me that was possible,” Gina says.

24 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

The homeowners were also taken with the idea of mixing colored cabinetry with neutral walls. “There will always be a place for white kitchens but it was fun to get to work with color,” Charlotte says of the new, blue-stained cabinetry that extends to the perimeter of the vaulted ceiling. “I’ll never forget the first day I walked through and saw the cabinets and the tile up, I was sort of speechless— which is rare,” Gina says with a laugh. “I loved it.”

Throughout the room, details bring both practicality and personality. At one end of the space, a dining table was updated with new upholstered cushions, while a custom hutch stores both everyday dishes as well as cherished pieces. Similarly, shifting the sink from the former peninsula to a wall allowed for a patterned backsplash, picture light, and open shelving to be incorporated in the design.

S T Y L E

R E F R E S H

“There will always be a place for white kitchens but it was fun to get to work with color.”

—Charlotte Lefler, designer

1

PATTERN & POLISH

A Delta touch-style faucet and soap dispenser in Champagne Bronze stand out against the patterned backsplash tile. “The backsplash has a little bit of a European flair, and it tied everything together for me,” Gina says.

2

FREE FLOW

1

2

3

4

Charlotte notes she loves the movement in the classic Taj Mahal quartzite countertops.

“Natural stone is always going to be my first choice, and I particularly like the variation in this pattern,” the designer says.

3

SHINING THROUGH

Over the breakfast table, Gina chose an open-style light fixture that would not obstruct the view outside the nearby window. Its design and finish bring a transitional feel to the space.

4

NATURAL BLUE

A light blue stain allows the beauty of the wood grain on the cabinetry to subtly show through the hue. Brass hardware coordinates with the variations of the finish found throughout the room.

Design Resources CONTRACTOR Robert Austin, RA Remodeling KITCHEN DESIGN Charlotte Lefler, CKD, Kitchen & Bath Ideas APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY AND HARDWARE Kitchen & Bath Ideas COUNTERTOPS, LIGHTING, AND TILE Triton Stone Group FABRIC AND UPHOLSTERY Cynthia East Fabrics FLOORING Kaufman By Design West PAINT Benjamin Moore

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 25

Spring is the season to dine al fresco! Set the scene with these must-haves for outdoor entertaining

“Classic Harvest” outdoor table handmade from reclaimed cedar, redwood, and treated pine with mortise and tenon joinery, $575.

Weathered Goods, Fayetteville

Juliska "Isabella" acrylic glasses, $20 each, and pitcher, $54.

The Full Moon, Little Rock

W E AT H E R E D G O O D S . C O M

THEFULLMOONLIT TLEROCK.COM

Arkansas 16-inch melamine platter, $34.

Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock CY NTHIAE ASTFABRICS .COM

26 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Melamine dinner plates with bamboo rim (set of 4), $69.

Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock

“Hadley” teak and natural rope dining chair by Kingsley Bate, $635.

Ken Rash’s Arkansas, Little Rock

T I P T O N H U R S T. C O M

KENRASHSOUTDOORFURNITURE.COM

Images courtesy of vendors

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Life

M A K E YOURSEL F AT HOME

Baroque freshwater pearl necklace and 18K yellow gold, sea pearl, and aquamarine faceted earrings.

Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, and Conway SISSYSLOGCABIN.COM

Southern Gems

Whether styling a casual look or a night out, pearls never go out of style

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

FA S H I O N

Diamond cluster pendant on 14K yellow gold and sterling silver chain; 18-inch pearl, gold, and sterling silver necklace; and lever-back pearl earrings, all by Vahan Jewelry.

Jones & Son Fine Jewelry, Little Rock JONESANDSON.COM

10mm band bracelet and ring by Vahan Jewelry.

Jones & Son Fine Jewelry, Little Rock JONESANDSON.COM

28 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

L I F E

FA S H I O N

March 2022 | athomearkansas.com 29

L I F E

FA S H I O N

“The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.”

—Grace Kelly

Marco Bicego 36-inch necklace from the “Africa Pearl” collection.

Romance Diamond, Fayetteville ROMANCEDIAMOND.COM

30 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

L I F E

Marco Bicego flat-link bracelet from the “Marrakech Onde” collection and yellow gold hoop earrings from the “Lunaria” collection, and pearl ring.

Romance Diamond, Fayetteville ROMANCEDIAMOND.COM

FA S H I O N

L I F E

FA S H I O N

Lagos “Caviar” 18K yellow gold stretch bracelet, South Sea baroque pearl station necklace, and 18K yellow gold oval dangle earrings.

Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, and Conway SISSYSLOGCABIN.COM

32 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

L I F E

FA S H I O N

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

4 1

Say Hello to Spring Color!

Add a touch of vibrance with gemstone jewelry from Sissy’s Log Cabin

1 Green Tourmaline Ring Ring of 14-karat yellow gold with 3.55-total carat weight green tourmaline and 0.11-total carat weight diamond, $2,795

Sissy’s

2

2 Pear-Shaped Sapphire Stud Earrings Studs of 14-karat yellow gold and 1.04-total carat weight sapphire with a 0.20-total carat weight diamond halo, $1,495

5

3 Sky Blue Topaz Pendant on Paperclip Chain Pendant necklace of 18-karat yellow gold and 13.69-total carat weight blue topaz with 1.08-total carat weight of diamonds on a paperclip chain, $6,195 4 Golden Beryl Earrings Earrings of 18-karat yellow and white gold with 10.79-total carat weight pear-shaped golden beryl and 0.60total carat weight diamonds, $4,995

3

5 Diamond and Sapphire Halo Ring Ring of platinum with a 3.59-total carat weight sapphire center stone surrounded by a 0.92total carat weight sapphire halo and 0.68-total carat weight of diamonds, $43,295

6

6 Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring Fashion ring of 14-karat yellow and white gold with 1.07-total carat weight ruby and 0.20-total carat weight diamonds, $2,495

Shop these designs and more at Sissy’s Log Cabin in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro, Memphis, Conway, or online at SissysLogCabin.com | Images courtesy of Sissy’s Log Cabin

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 33

Photos by Nate Friend Photos, Fayetteville, AR

The Getaway

480.707.3627 | stayozark.com | relax@stayozark.com @the_getawayintheozarks @thegetawayozarkvacationrental 34 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point

Discover Eureka Springs & the Ozarks Travelers from near and far find respite in the state’s northern mountains WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 35

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

A kayaker explores a cave on the Middle Buffalo.

Downtown Eureka Springs

A

rkansas is the sort of place you can live your whole life and still find surprises; at least, that’s how Prairie Grove resident Brenda Black felt when she started spending time in the Ozarks. As the owners of Westwood Gardens, she and her husband, Russell, found themselves invited to a secluded property in Newton County by a customer who soon became a dear friend. “He bought a large load of trees and wanted us to deliver them. When we finally got to the property and saw the view, we said, Oh my gosh, this is incredible,” Brenda says. Perched on a ledge overlooking the Little Buffalo River, the home is aptly named Star’s Edge.

Years later, when their friend was ready to put the mountain home on the market, Brenda and Russell jumped at the chance to call this retreat their getaway.

Now, the Blacks and their family enjoy holidays

36 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

and long weekends at the lodge, but you don’t have to have a beloved home base of your own to explore this beautiful landscape. Spanning approximately 13,000 square miles and 25 counties across the northern part of the state, it’s a region that calls for repeat visits. And whether your destination is the Victorian ambience of Eureka Springs or waters of the Buffalo River, getting there is half the fun. “The journey itself just de-stresses you,” Brenda says, describing the winding drive from her home to Star’s Edge. “The miles and miles of rolling hills, the green farmland, the rivers you pass over—it’s different every time you go. It kind of harkens you back to a slower pace with fewer people around and a simpler way of life. It’s a very special place to have right here, just a couple of hours away from our major cities.” Read on for a few of our favorite ways to discover Eureka Springs and the Ozarks.

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

STAY & EXPLORE

THE GETAWAY (stayozark.com) in Madison County is an escape like no other. With accommodations for four, a fully stocked kitchen, and arrangements available for private catering or spa treatments, this modern mountain home has it all. Your hosts can even arrange kayaking and hiking tours, offer recommendations for nearby Eureka Springs, or book a day trip to Branson via helicopter.

For those seeking to float the Buffalo River, let BUFFALO RIVER OUTFITTERS (buffaloriveroutfitters.com) be your guide. Located conveniently on the Middle Buffalo, they offer canoe and kayak rentals, organized float trips, shuttle service, and accommodations for groups large and small; they’re also an excellent resource for those hoping to use national park campgrounds.

GASTON’S WHITE RIVER RESORT (gastons.com) near Mountain Home can’t be beat for world-class trout fishing. Book a guided fishing trip, rent a boat on your own, or fish from the banks of the resort’s 400-acre property. Accommodations include cozy bedrooms and large cottages suitable for family gatherings—meaning there’s something for everyone.

Part of the Rush Historic District in Marion County

FIND YOUR PLACE ON THE BUFFALO

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April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 37

479. 750. 73 0 0 | H A R PE R H OW E Y I N T E R I O RS.COM 4 3 0 6 S. T H OMP S O N • S PR I N G DA L E , A R

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38 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Photo: Rett Peek

THE NEW TRADITIONAL ISSUE

Classic & Comfortable

Home

Designer Stacy Sheid Epps updates a 1970s family home with practical pieces and well-placed patterns

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

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 39

ROOM TO UNWIND

Just a step down from the hub of the kitchen is the family’s main living area. “There’s a giant sectional with a zillion pillows so teenagers can hang out here, but it’s also polished,” Stacy says. “We opted for no draperies because the light is so fabulous,” she says of an existing set of windows that were “too pretty to remove.” To complement these, she added transoms and sets of French doors that lead to the backyard.

40 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Attending furniture market in the sixth grade was just one of the defining moments that led Stacy Sheid Epps to a career in design.

“Growing up in Mountain Home, I spent afternoons in my family’s home store, Sheid’s Furniture,” she says. “When you grow up like that, it’s in your blood—and you don’t get away from it,” she says with a laugh. “I think I probably appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of pieces a little more than the average person.”

When the store closed in 2010, Stacy seized the opportunity to launch her own design business, and the owners of this Fort Smith home were taken with her aesthetic. “My style is traditional, and we wanted our home to be traditional but also to have a clean and welcoming feel,” says one of the owners. Having known the family for almost a decade and worked with them on their previous house, Stacy had a sense of what they wanted to achieve in this new space while keeping the soul of the home intact—especially since the owners had always admired its charm.

“We had wanted to be on the golf course for years, and I had even written a letter to the previous owner of this house to see if she was interested in selling,” the owner says. While there was not interest at the time, years passed and the home became available. “I came down and we walked through this house, and we were all like, This is the one,” Stacy says of the fateful property that had not been updated since the 1970s.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 41

Stacy called on her friend, Birmingham, Alabamabased architect James B. Laughlin, who helped revamp the half-century-old floor plan. “He has the flair we were looking for, and we had seen what he’d done with other clients,” Stacy says. “When we gave him our wish list, we didn’t have a clue if it could be accomplished,” the homeowner adds. However, James opened up the entire home with a key choice to relocate the kitchen to the home’s center. Despite these changes, Stacy notes the architect also “really kept the integrity of the home,” a feature that was key in giving it a better-withage appeal.

The same approach was taken with the interiors.

“They are not really formal people, but we wanted to create a house that will not go out of style,” Stacy

says. This thought took root in their previous home’s design, prompting them to select furnishings they still loved when it came time to move. “While they were renovating, we were also constantly hunting for pieces,” the designer says, touting trips to Round Top as well as local antique stores as part of the process. “I’m not at all trendy; some of my design comes from finding new and interesting ways to use pieces,” she adds.

“This house was such a collaborative effort. Some projects are just me working to achieve what the client wants but we worked so well together,” Stacy says. “We feel so fortunate to have loved this property for so many years and for it now to be our home,” the owner says.

“It was a long process to get here, but I’m so happy with how everything turned out.” AH

“Alabaster” Sherwin-Williams

CENTER OF IT ALL

When architect James B. Laughlin came on board, making the kitchen a larger focal point was one of the goals, and he suggested relocating it to a central, radiating position elevated a few steps above the family room. “I love that I can be cooking dinner and the kids or my husband can be watching a show on the couch; we can interact, but you don’t see the mess of the kitchen from there,” the homeowner says. Dual islands with drawers rather than doors take the place of perimeter cabinetry, keeping the feel open and uncluttered.

42 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

The former galley-style kitchen was transformed into a polished butler’s pantry. A Robert Kime medallion motif covers the walls and ceiling while open-front drawers allow for easy access to kitchen and entertaining essentials.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 43

“Metropolis” Benjamin Moore

Natural light spills into the formal living room.

Stacy notes the walls take on a blue or green hue depending on the time of day. A linen sofa and striped chairs give a refined yet relaxed feel.

44 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

PATTERN PLAY

The dining room abounds with details that dress the space but don’t make it too fussy. Chairs upholstered in a bright Sister Parish fabric invite guests to linger around the table. The neutral drapery fabric—“Grande Fronde” by designer Heather Chadduck, a friend of Stacy’s—also speaks to this sense of poised-yet-laid-back style. “I like the unexpectedness of these prints together,” Stacy notes. Overhead, a pale pink ceiling has a delicacy that plays off of the chandelier that is composed entirely of coco beads. The works on the wall are from Mary Maguire Art.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 45

ELEGANT & FRESH

In the primary bedroom, Stacy wanted to create a space that was “soothing and pretty but not too feminine.” A former bath and laundry area was transformed into a closet and dressing space with a vanity for applying for makeup. Small, wall-mounted lights can be directed toward the bed for nighttime reading.

46 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

“Alabaster

by SherwinWilliams is my favorite white paint, and we used it as the main color throughout the house.”

—Stacy Sheid Epps, designer

CLEAN SLATE

After finding an inspiration picture of black metal doors in a bath, Stacy and the homeowners decided to go all in with a series of three—two of which lead to the shower with the third opening to the water closet. Space was borrowed from an adjoining guest bedroom to allow room for a soaking tub. Floating vanities and a limited palette of white, gray, and black create a clean, sophisticated feel that will remain relevant for years to come.

Design Resources ARCHITECT James B. Laughlin (Birmingham, AL) CONTRACTOR Gateway Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Stacy Sheid Epps, Stacy Sheid Interiors ACCESSORIES, ART, BEDDING, FABRICS, FURNITURE, HARDWARE, MIRRORS, RUGS, AND WALLPAPER Stacy Sheid Interiors APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY AND MILLWORK Spahn Cabinets CARPET D&D Flooring COUNTERTOPS Monk’s Granite and Marble Countertops and Verona Marble Company FLOORING Smith Hardwood Floors LIGHTING J&B Supply and Stacy Sheid Interiors PAINTING Gateway Construction TILE (BATH) Acme Brick Tile & Stone and C&D Interiors UPHOLSTERY Joe Ellis Upholstery WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Doug Moore WINDOWS WeatherBarr Windows & Doors WINDOW COVERINGS Selah Design Studio, Sewing by Sheryl, and Stacy Sheid Interiors

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 47

Finders, Keepers WRITER & STYLIST STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK

SOUTHERN WELCOME

Jen fell in love with one of the home’s original features as soon as she set foot in the front door: the black-and-white checkered floor. She and Ben made the entry their own with a Japanese screen hung as art. “It fills a large wall and gives the feel of a mural without the expense,” Jen says. While this home does not have a front porch overhang suitable for a haint blue ceiling, the Bienvenus brought that Southern tradition indoors to the foyer.

48 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Family collections and thrifted finds bring meaning and style to a central Arkansas designer’s home

Patterned and fringed tablecloths layered over one another give a dining room side table the look of a custom skirt.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 49

SITTING PRETTY

As in the dining room, a sisal-blend carpet provides neutral ground in the living space. “We collect a lot of plates and traditional furnishings, so the sisal tones down the more traditional aspects,” Jen says, noting a pair of coral velvet arm chairs from Anthropologie have a similar effect. On the coffee table, an antique typesetter drawer holds a growing assemblage of natural wonders gathered by the family.

50 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

J

en and Ben Bienvenu were not looking to move from their downtown Little Rock residence when they found a stately property for sale in Cammack Village. The couple initially considered it too much square footage for their family of four; however, as the house sat on the market and the price continued to drop, they started to imagine the possibilities.

“I love puzzles, whether that’s arranging a shelf or piecing together a floor plan, and I think this home wasn’t selling because people had a hard time seeing past that moment in time when it was last remodeled,” Jen says. “When you’re buying a house, you either get to renovate yourself or you pay for someone else’s renovation. My dad worked in construction, and Ben’s parents are an architect and interior designer. We’ve always been on the same page that if it’s got four walls, you can do anything,” she says.

The Bienvenus are typically drawn to the high ceilings and character of older homes, and this

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 51

one—built in the 1950s, with a kitchen renovation and second story addition in the ’90s—is the newest they’ve lived in. So when Jacob White Construction Company came on to make updates, it was important to keep a sense of the home’s history. Starting in the main living spaces, they replaced pocket doors and walls with cased openings, which maintain separation of the rooms while improving the flow.

They also addressed the function of each room. For example, the Bienvenus designated the original dining room as a casual lounge. Its crystal chandelier moved

52 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

to the former living room to create a large, open dining space perfect for entertaining. A custom mix of “Peach Brandy” by Benjamin Moore coats the walls and plays off the terracotta flooring in the kitchen.

Here and throughout the rest of the house, the décor is imbued with personality thanks to Jen and Ben’s unique collections—many of which are tied to places they’ve lived or visited together. With an updated floor plan, classic finishes, and mix of new and old furnishings, the home embodies historic charm in a whole new light. AH

KITCHEN STATEMENT

In the kitchen, the pièce de résistance is a stunning French La Cornue range. “Had we not had the chance to renovate, it wouldn’t have been a possibility,” Jen says. The countertops are ‘Black Mist’ granite in a leathered finish, a practical choice that mimics soapstone at a more economical price point. The couple’s copper collection stands out against marble tile laid in a traditional subway pattern.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 53

ORIGINAL INSPIRATION

In the kitchen, Jen and Ben wanted a new layout but were taken with the warmth of the terracotta underfoot. There were many discussions about how to match the tiles that would inevitably be missing when the existing U-shaped island was removed, but as luck would have it, the flooring underneath was completely intact. “Of course the tile that was under the original island did not age, and if you look closely you can tell, but that’s part of what we love—being able to see traces of what was before,” Jen says.

“Louisburg Green” Benjamin Moore

54 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Thrill of the Hunt Jen shares a retail space with John Bell of Sweet Home Furnishings and Chris Clement of clement in Little Rock’s SoMa neighborhood. Whether shopping for home or store, here are her tips for finding true gems RETHINK HEIRLOOMS

Before shopping, consider what you already have.

“Sometimes you can get hung up on an item’s intended use. We try to think, What do we have and how could we repurpose it?” the designer says.

Jen’s find: A collection of her grandmother’s stoneware pottery, pictured at left SEARCH THE SALES

Estate sales are well-known founts of vintage finds.

Jen’s advice? “A lot of people don’t take the time to go through the garage, and there are lots of treasures there that get missed because people want to see the swanky furniture.” Jen’s find: Dried gourds from Roy Dudley Estate Sales, page 52 BE PERSISTENT

Searching takes perseverance. When visiting charity shops, you might need to spend more time looking, but the price is always right. “You never know what you’re going to find or why someone might have been getting rid of something.” Jen’s find: Framed still-life painting, $3 from Goodwill, page 53 and opposite FOLLOW THE LEADERS

Vintage malls and antiques stores have curated their selections, meaning what you find has already been vetted for quality. Jen’s favorites, of course, are Sweet Home Furnishings & clement. “Our decorating and style is so influenced by them; every room has a piece of their touch in it.” Jen’s finds: Antler mount from Sweet Home Furnishings and magnolia painting from clement, pages 50-51 PLACE A BID

Look to local online auctions, eBay, and even Instagram for flash sales, and keep an open mind.

“When you’re buying something vintage, it might not always be perfect, but ask yourself, Can I live with this? If you can, it’s a great find.” Jen’s find: Thibaut drapery panels from eBay, pages 49-52

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 55

“I love being a part of a property’s history— part of the story of all the renovations that take place over a century or so.”

—Jen Bienvenu

With access to the backyard and kitchen and two stories of windows, the back stairwell is the perfect location for a potting station.

STYLE REMIX

Originally the home’s dining space, a small room between the front and back entries now serves as a casual lounge with midcentury appeal. “Having a record player in this room set the vibe, and it made sense to use a more modern style of chair and pay homage to that time,” Jen says. In selecting paints, she followed Jacob’s advice to “pick five colors and stick to them.” The muted green of the kitchen cabinets is repeated here and in the office for continuity.

56 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

CHARACTER STUDY

In the office, Jen and Ben’s collections of natural wonders make the room feel like a cabinet of curiosities. “We’ve always been fascinated by specimens and the outside world; it was just a natural progression to start collecting those things ourselves,” Jen says. She brought home the zebra-print wingback from a local antique mall as a reminder of Ben’s time in Uganda.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 57

In George’s bathroom, the existing cabinetry was retained and the rest of the space updated with coordinating marble tile, classic brass hardware, white ‘Cararra’ countertops, and the same light blue paint color as his bedroom.

58 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

SMALL WONDERS

Bold colors and vintage furnishings bring storybook charm to 2-year-old George’s bedroom. With the red-and-blue palette, Jen was able to incorporate Euro shams from her own childhood bed, and a cat-shaped footstool plays to George’s love of felines.

“I saw that in a booth at Fabulous Finds and knew he needed it,” Jen says. “It’s a great size because he can also climb up onto it. The elementary teacher in me is always thinking about what we can put in kids’ rooms that they can interact with.”

“Yarmouth Blue” Benjamin Moore

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 59

SWEET DREAMS

A palette of pink, green, and yellow brings a cheerful air to 5-year-old Jane’s bedroom. “She’s so full of life and energy, and she was very adamant about painting her room pink,” Jen says. “We chose a lighter shade that could serve as a backdrop for changing décor when she’s a teenager.”

The scene over the bed is a 1970s piece purchased from South Main Creative.

Design Resources CONTRACTOR Jacob White, Jacob White Construction Company INTERIOR DESIGN Jen Bienvenu, J. Bienvenu Interiors ACCESSORIES, ART, AND FURNITURE Fabulous Finds, J. Bienvenu Interiors, Midtown Vintage, Roy Dudley Estate Sales, Sweet Home Furnishings & clement, South Main Creative CABINETRY, MILLWORK, AND PAINTING Jacob White Construction Company CARPET, FLOORING, AND TILE ProSource of Little Rock COUNTERTOPS Triton Stone Group FIREPLACE A-1 Chimney Pro, Inc. FIXTURES J. Bienvenu Interiors HARDWARE Kaufman By Design West LIGHTING J. Bienvenu Interiors, Kaufman By Design West, Roy Dudley Estate Sales, The Shade Above, and Sweet Home Furnishings & clement MIRRORS J. Bienvenu Interiors and West Little Rock Glass PAINT Benjamin Moore RUGS J. Bienvenu Interiors, ProSource of Little Rock, and South Main Creative WINDOW COVERINGS Budget Blinds of West Little Rock and J. Bienvenu Interiors

60 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Illustration: iStock.com/diane555

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

2022 Real Estate Agents to Love Looking to buy or thinking of selling? Use this guide to find a pro who can help you through the process

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 61

:ii u

0 II::

Defining a culture of excellence to serve our clients wherever they are and wherever they want to be.

V) ...I <( l-

a.

u <(

Nothing compares.

FRONT ROW - LEFT TO RIGHT

Cara Hazlewood, Kris McKenzie, Margaret Bell Hughes BACK ROW - LEFT TO RIGHT

Robert Klein, Maradyth McKenzie, Hannah Howe

62 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Photo by Meredith Mashburn

Gina Swanson Having spent the first 17 years of her real estate career in Texas, Gina Swanson knows firsthand what clients want and need when making a move. She opened Urban Cottage as a realty resource for those who are not able to shop for homes in person as well as those who are looking to make a local move with the help of a knowledgeable agent.

In either instance, Swanson and her team are known for their availability and flexibility, which allow them to execute contracts and secure dream homes for their clients. She notes clients continue to return and refer friends to Urban Cottage because of the relationships created.

“Perhaps the most important part of being an agent and broker is that no matter the cost of the home, every client deserves our attention to detail and the confidence that we are with them every step of the way, far beyond closing,” Gina says.

SERVICE AREAS

ACCOLADES

AFFILIATIONS

Northwest Arkansas from Fayetteville to Bella Vista, Fort Smith, and the River Valley

Grown from one agent with $200K in sales to a five-agent firm with $15M in sales in just 5 years.

Licensed broker in Arkansas and Texas; certified real estate associate instructor; certified property tax arbitrator; completed CEO Global USA Leadership program through the University of Arkansas

3159 E Mission St., Suite 2 Fayet teville 479.313.3245 urbancot tagear.com @urbancot tagear

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 63

READY TO MOVE | |

REGARDING RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

teamerage /tēm(ə)rij/

Definition of Teamerage:

Noun: a group of workers forming one side Verb: come together as a team to leverage maximum advantage and achieve a common goal At RE501 Realtor Partners, we work as a team, leveraging its key resource to meet our clients' goals. We are YOUR first choice TEAMERAGE for all things Residential Real Estate!

64 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

RE501.COM • 501-225-0501 • 6020 RANCH DRIVE, C-7, LITTLE ROCK

Photo by David Yerby

Pixel Properties Realty Thank you to our clients and friends who nominated us as At Home in Arkansas “Real Estate Agents to Love.” We love you too!

From the late-night calls negotiating your offers; to the sellers leaving for a weekend so your home can be shown nonstop for days; to all the moms keeping the house spotless while

kids and dogs run wild; to all the dads waiting to come home from work later so another buyer can see it; to all the group texts, electronic signature fails, paperwork; and to the lenders, title companies, inspectors, and appraisers behind the scenes who make our job possible: we appreciate YOU so much!!

5600 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Suite 10, Lit tle Rock 501.255.5855 pixelproper ties.com @pixelproper ties

Agents listed left to right: Francesca Tolson Joanna White Ana Bridges Sarah Bailey Ray Ellen Lindsey Blaylock Barbara Jordan

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 65

8 Real Estate Terms First-Time Buyers Should Know

1 2 3 4

COMPS

Known more formally as comparables, this refers to similar properties within a nearby or neighboring area, which help to determine the value of a property.

PMI

An acronym for private mortgage insurance, which many lenders require on a conventional loan. It is added to your monthly mortgage statement and protects the lender if you default on payments. Avoid having a PMI payment by putting down at least 20% on a property.

EARNEST MONEY

A deposit that shows you are committed to purchasing a home.

EQUITY

The value of your home less the amount you owe on it.

Terry Quinn (501)960-5432 terry@jonunderhill.com jonunderhill.com 66 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

5 6 7 8

CLOSING COSTS

The fees charged to obtain a mortgage loan.

These may include a loan origination fee, title and insurance, survey, attorney’s fee, and an escrow account deposit.

PITI

Simply put, principle, interest, taxes, and insurance. These are the four components of a monthly mortgage.

ASSESSED VALUE

A dollar value assigned to a property for tax purposes. This is often a percentage of fair market value.

ESCROW ACCOUNT

An account established by a mortgage service that has a reserve of funds to pay taxes, insurances, and other premiums related to the home. A portion of each mortgage payment goes into this account.

Call Catherine Young for a complimentary market analysis!

(972) 897-9786 | catherine@jonunderhill.com | jonunderhill.com

Photo by Jason Masters

Brandy Harp Founded in 1994, Jon Underhill Real Estate is a fullservice firm distinguished by its longstanding reputation and commitment to deliver unparalleled service to clients. As the firm’s principal broker, Brandy Harp provides an exceptional customer experience to ensure clients succeed with their real estate investment. She is a leader in residential real estate and recognized as a topproducing Realtor in Little Rock selling over $44 million in sales in 2022. Harp says customer service is the heart of the company’s mission.

“We work to not only meet, but exceed our clients’ goals.

We listen, we communicate efficiently and effectively, and we pay special attention to every single detail from the beginning to well past the closing.” With proven results in customer service, financial management, marketing, and advertising, Harp develops and employs unique strategies for her clients. “I am not pushing clients to buy or sell a home,” she says. “I provide them with the information and professional guidance to help them make the best investment for their family and their future.”

SERVICE AREAS Little Rock ACCOLADES Sold over $44 Million in residential real estate in 2021 AFFILIATIONS Community Supporter of Home for Healing (2022 Chair), Junior League of Little Rock Member, and Heart Ball (2023 Chair)

501.580.4277 jonunderhill.com/brandyharp @jonunderhillrealestate

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 67

Congratulations to

Our Agents to Love

Name Here,

Front Row, left to right: Sheryl McKelvey | Mandy Jackson | Meredith Melody | Emily Young | Jonie Burks Anna Kaye Roehrenbeck | Michelle Miller Back Row, left to right: Jordan Roehrenbeck | Lauren Clark Jill Childers | Amber Gibbons | April Findlay | Erica Ibsen | Emily Barnes McCarty | Melissa John

5813 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock, Arkansas | 501-664-5646 | charlottejohn.com | @thecharlottejohncompany

68 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Photo by Meredith Mashburn

Juliana Carlton and Emily Noetzel

Emily Noetzel (lef t) and Juliana Carlton

Juliana and her licensed assistant Emily have worked together in residential real estate sales for over a decade.

“We have complementary skill sets that fuel each other’s resourcefulness and creativity,” Juliana says.

Because both agents got their start in new construction, they also have experience selling land, home plans, and new builds. “Together, we excel in project management.

We love to organize the details of a buyer’s search

or a new listing, then see it through to the finish line.”

The duo has a combined 18 years in the industry growing their local network of colleagues, contractors, and clients, which helps them bring buyers and sellers together more efficiently. “We love our work. It is a privilege to help our clients with their investments. We provide a full-service experience: we conceptualize, strategize, implement, and, most importantly, produce results.”

SERVICE AREA

ACCOLADES

AFFILIATIONS

Northwest Arkansas

2021 Diamond Sales Award Recipient

Affiliate Committee, Professional Development Committee, and Young Professionals Committee at the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors, as well as POA Board Member

479.595.9041 | w w w.juliana.homes @juliana_carlton

Photo by Meredith Mashburn

Michelle Dearing Michelle Dearing, Principal Broker of Engel & Völkers NWA, is proud of her in-depth knowledge of Northwest Arkansas, an area she has called home for over 30 years. Michelle believes buying and selling your home is personal. That is why she tailors her service to meet each client’s specific needs and delivers service with ultimate care. Michelle and her company use both art and music to help

211 S. Main Street, Bentonville 101 W. Johnson, Suite C, Springdale | 479.268.5170 nwa.evrealestate.com | @engelvolkersnwa

connect clients to the area.

The Downtown Bentonville location has an art gallery known as 211 South that features local artists. The Downtown Springdale location has a stage for live music events. Michelle believes the atmosphere that both art and music create helps break down barriers and bring people together.

She is passionate about Northwest Arkansas, and it shows in all that she does.

SERVICE AREA

ACCOLADES

AFFILIATIONS

Northwest Arkansas with offices in both Bentonville and Springdale

2017-2020 NABOR Triple Diamond Award (Team); 2021 NABOR Diamond Award (Individual); 2021 Engel & Völkers Diamond Award

Downtown Bentonville Inc (Board Member); Bentonville Rotary; Bentonville Public Library (Former Board Member); Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter (Former Board Member)

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 69

Here’s the Plan Whether you’re a newbie or a more seasoned homeowner, advice on buying a home can make all the difference.

Follow this handy guide for tips from start to finish

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Experts agree a home can be up to three times your annual salary with a mortgage payment that is not more than 25% of your take-home pay. Look at your finances and decide on a price range before starting your search. If this is your first home, you should also look at the cost of renting versus buying.

GET PRE-APPROVED FOR FINANCING

There’s nothing like finding something you love only to be slowed down by paperwork. Get a pre-approval letter from your lender before you fall for a house. Not only will this eliminate added time later in the process, it also makes you an attractive buyer.

DETERMINE YOUR STYLE

While some parts of the homebuying process may seem tedious, identifying your style shouldn’t be. Pick up magazines and search Pinterest and Instagram to find inspiration you can share with your Realtor—and remember that renovations are always an option to tweak a home’s look.

WORK THE ONLINE LISTINGS

Rather than relying solely on in-person showings, take stock of the online resources your Realtor shares as well as those you find on your own. Glean as much info as possible from these listings to help decide if you want to see a home in person. And, don’t worry if you aren’t sure—that is what showings are for!

FIND A REALTOR YOU LOVE

Hire a Realtor who can walk you through the entire process. Look for someone you have a good rapport with and feel you trust. He or she can take a lot of the guesswork and headache out of finding and buying a home—making it much more enjoyable!

DO A DRIVE BY

ZERO IN ON A LOCATION

KNOW WHERE YOU’LL COMPROMISE

While you’ve probably had a city or town in mind all along, knowing which neighborhoods you do and don’t want to scout can narrow your search. Keep factors such as school districts, walkability, commutes, and nearby amenities in mind.

70 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Visit the neighborhood or homes you like at various points throughout the day. This may reveal traffic patterns, whether or not neighbors are out and about, and what the house looks like in different lights.

Make a list of must-haves and a list of like-to-haves so you are clear on what’s negotiable when it comes to the house, neighborhood, price, and move date. For example, you may be willing to do a full-scale kitchen renovation down the road but need to move within six weeks.

7915 Cantrell Rd. | 501.224.3201 | JanetJones.com

Congratulations to our Agents to Love!

Front Row: Margaret King, Debbie Teague, Dawn Scott, Sarah Beth Lowe, Donna Dailey, Shannon Treece Back Row: Shawn Clark, Jennifer McCarty, Susan Reynolds, Bob Bushmiaer, Casey Jones, Catherine Langley, Conley Golden, Kevin Newcomb

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 71

72 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Dos and Don’ts of Making the Move Ready to put your house on the market? Find out where to focus your resources and efforts to get the biggest return

DO CREATE A COHESIVE PALETTE

If your walls are in need of a fresh coat of paint, pick a limited palette and stay within it. A unified color scheme will give your home a cohesive look, and light or neutral walls will give a clean, clutter-free impression.

DON’T GIVE EACH ROOM TOO MUCH PERSONALITY Trying to make each space stand out can actually be a turnoff for buyers. While you don’t want the space to feel sterile, too much color, an overabundance of wallpaper, or cluttered personal belongings can make it hard for them to imagine living in the home.

Continued on page 75

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 73

74 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Dos and Don’ts of Making the Move continued

DO MAKE A GOOD EXTERIOR IMPRESSION

Think neat, tidy, and welcoming when it comes to the outdoors. For example, make sure your lawn is mowed, the porch is swept, and add a planter or fill beds with cheerful blooms. If any repairs need to be made here, address these first as a home’s exterior is its first impression.

DON’T GO WILD WITH OUTDOOR FEATURES

While swimming pools and spas may be the ultimate point of relaxation for some, others can only see the upkeep and maintenance they require. The same goes for a major landscape overhaul with a vast array of plantings. Save this budget until you find your forever home where you can be the one to enjoy it.

DO UPGRADE THE KITCHEN

Whether it’s new appliances, an improved workflow, more storage, or new countertops, it’s no surprise kitchens are one of the best places to spend your time and money before selling your home. Buyers are looking for spaces that are both functional and attractive.

DON’T MAKE INVISIBLE UPDATES

While it may seem like the time has come to finally update those windows, replumb the bath, or fix a broken electrical outlet, these are not things buyers will notice—at least not at first glance. Get more bang for your buck by paying attention to the things that catch the eye and will entice buyers to see themselves in the space. Anything functional will be addressed in a home inspection.

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 75

Photo by Connor North Goad

The Honea Team Mother-daughter team Lolly Honea and Michelle HoneaFrueauff bring more than 30 years of personal experience to their clients. Both Lolly and Michelle’s husbands play an active role in referrals as well. Ross, Lolly’s husband, owns a successful insurance business, and Michelle’s husband, David, is the CEO of the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation. Additionally, Michelle brings more than 20 years of IT experience to the duo, allowing them to

12814 Cantrell Road Lit tle Rock Lolly 501.960.4277 Michelle 501.837.9189 lollyhonea.com

Front Row, left to right: Clark Marshall | 501-680-7653 Amy Glover Bryant | 501-993-6448 Allison Pickell | 501-920-2392 Lynn Pangburn | 501-352-2284 Kim Robbins | 501-353-4264

Back Row, left to right: Jessie Kelly | 501-580-8478 Amanda Elrod | 501-680-1744 Allen Myers | 501-681-9840

76 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

market your home quickly and effectively through multiple social media platforms in addition to newspapers and other mediums. Their firm, Keller Williams, offers the most highly advanced technologydriven marketing and communication applications to its clients. They are extrememly grateful for the customers and clients that have entrusted to them one of their most valuable assets, their home.

SERVICE AREAS

ACCOLADES

Lit tle Rock and West Pulaski County

Double Diamond Status for over t wo decades with the Lit tle Rock Realtors Association and a Lit tle Rock Soirée Best Realtor

Photo by Connor North Goad

Chase Rackley As Principal Broker and Owner of the Rackley Team, Chase Rackley champions the legacy of his renowned mentor, retired Little Rock Realtor Roddy McCaskill. Chase and his team pair these best practices with their own brand of personable creativity to get results for clients. Follow them on Instagram (@RackleyTeam) and you’ll quickly appreciate their impressive passion, authentic personality, and alluring professionalism.

Aside from these foundations, Chase credits his team—which includes 15 Realtors, two marketing masters, a staging specialists, and a client concierge trio, all of whom match the company’s high-energy, servant-heart culture—for their success in the industry as well as their continued growth. He also touts executive broker Ramsy Shuffield with leading with inspiring integrity and a commitment to serving every client. Chase shared, “I’m so encouraged by Ramsy and each person on our team. They all contribute to this winning and loving culture—and, we’re just getting started.”

SERVICE AREAS

ACCOLADES

AFFILIATIONS

CERTIFICATIONS

Statewide in Arkansas and Florida

#1 Agent in Central Arkansas 2019, 2020, & 2021

Little Rock Christian Academy Alumni Board Member and Worship Leader at New Life Church

Real Estate Negotiation Expert© and C2Excellence Award™️

1 Chenal Village Circle, Suite 101, Little Rock 501.519.4889 rackleyteam.com @chaserackley

April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 77

Kristen Boozman As the principal broker and owner of Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty, Kristen Boozman is proud to serve the growing Northwest Arkansas market. “I was born and raised in Rogers and I have over 18 years of real estate brokerage experience,” she says. “My knowledge of our market combined with the relationships I have fostered over the years has really helped set me apart.”

Kristen also helps clients looking for larger properties, having brokered several

Photo by Molly Anne Sandefur

3712 Pinnacle Hills Park way, Suite 101, Rogers 479.273.6697 | por t foliosothebysrealty.com @por t foliosothebysrealty

SERVICE AREA

ACCOLADES

AFFILIATIONS

Nor thwest Arkansas

More than $120 million in sales closed in 2021

Licensed broker

Staci Medlock For more than 15 years, Staci Medlock has been helping clients find their dream homes and sell their current residences.

From first-time buyers to repeat customers, much of her business is based on referrals. Staci is backed by the staff and co-agents at Re/Max Elite, whom she describes as a “family-style” support system. “I am a

2411 McCain Blvd.

Nor th Lit tle Rock 501.944.8687 stacimedlock.com

78 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

homes over 15,000 square feet. For clients who are looking to sell, the boutique firm has their own in-house marketing and photography team who work to produce results. “Our firm doesn’t just sell houses; often we work with developers to help create communities, and I am really proud of that.”

Kristen serves on the boards for the Northwest Arkansas Council, Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce, City of Rogers Public Art Commission, and the UAMS Northwest Advisory Board.

very hard worker and put my all into every aspect of what I do,” Staci says. “The current market is more competitive than ever, and I’m competitive negotiating for my clients. I also have experience with the building process, renovating old homes, and helping my clients find the perfect investment properties. I genuinely love what I do!”

SERVICE AREAS

ACCOLADES

Central Arkansas, and statewide per client request

2016 President of the Nor th Pulaski Board of Realtors (NPBR), 2016 NPBR Realtor of the Year, Diamond level multi-million dollar producer for past 15 years

HOLLY DRIVER 501.912.5231 MITSY THARP 501.944.7147

Mary Hannah Madigan 501.772.5701 | maryhannahmadigan.evrealestate.com

congratulations MELANIE GABEL

SOMER ADAMS

ME A HARRIS

KENDALL RIGGINS

SENIOR VP

SENIOR VP

SENIOR VP

SENIOR VP

MARTHA HAG E OOD

JOHN CARPENTER

TERESA ANDERSON

SENIOR VP

SENIOR VP

SENIOR VP

Fayetteville Office

1200 E Joyce Blvd | Fayetteville, AR

479-521-6611

Rogers Office

3801 W Walnut St. | Rogers, AR

479-636-2200

Visit us online to see all NWA Real Estate!

(5 01) 4 5 4 - 8 9 8 4 | j e n n i f e r. i r e a l t y a r. c o m April 2022 | athomearkansas.com 79

N OT E S

Photo by Rett Peek

E N D

MEET THE ARTIST

Tanya Sweetin Her Art

Favorite Subject

Tanya started with chalk pastels and has since moved to oil and acrylic on canvas works.

“I love creating happy abstracts. I’m inspired by color, design, fabric, and nature. My mind is constantly spinning creative ideas to put on canvas.”

A New Hue Terracotta touches have been showing up in her pieces recently. “I love that it warms up the painting and might feel a little unexpected.”

Creative Must-Have “I listen to 103.7 while I paint. I love sports and like to cheer on the Razorbacks and Kansas City Chiefs.”

Her Dream Piece “My dream piece would be placed in a cool boutique hotel.

What an honor that would be.”

Arkansas Inspiration The people. “I love that you can travel all corners of the state and run into people you know. Arkansas is full of creative artists and designers, and there is inspiration everywhere.”

GIVEAWAY Watch our Instagram (@athomearkansas) in the month of April for a chance to win “Patchwork Pink,” a 16by 20-inch acrylic on canvas piece by Tanya.

80 At Home in Arkansas | April 2022

Find Her Work Tanya’s art is available at Cobblestone & Vine in both Bentonville and Little Rock. You can also follow along on Instagram (@tanyasweetinart).

After

E ENGLISH

ACTUAL PATIENT Images have not been retouched

PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER

BECAUSE LIFE LOOKS BETTER WHEN YOU DO.

To schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. English, call us at 501.227.9556.

BEFORE

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