At Home in Arkansas | April 2024

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Visit a place where the trees have knees, and the water keeps secrets.

The Natchez Trace Parkway has many scenic stops, but one stands out for its otherworldly beauty. Cypress Swamp takes visitors on a half-mile boardwalk tour of a fascinating wetland environment packed with cypress trees (and their mysterious knees), vibrant green algae-covered water, and, very frequently, juvenile alligators lurking just below the surface. There’s no need to bring hiking gear, as the swamp is located just a few steps off the roadway. Learn more at VisitMississippi.org/OutdoorAdventure.

#WanderMS

Cypress Swamp | Canton, Mississippi

Publisher

Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com

Editor in Chief

Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com

Art Director

Bailey Dougan (ext. 103) bailey@athomearkansas.com

Online Editor

Laura LaRue (ext. 104) laura@athomearkansas.com

Advertising Art Manager Taylor Evans taylor@athomearkansas.com

Contributing Copy Editor & Writer Tiffany Adams

Contributing Photographer Rett Peek

Contributing Writer

Rebekah Hall Scott

Account Manager

Laura Hilliard (ext. 105) lhilliard@athomearkansas.com

Account & Marketing Manager

Celeste Novak (ext. 100) celeste@athomearkansas.com

Billing billing@athomearkansas.com

15065

Hollywood, CA 91615-5065

From the Editor

I might be about 10 years behind the craze, but I finally read Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Those familiar with Kondo’s approach know she recommends evaluating each individual item in your house carefully to determine whether it deserves a place in your home. If it “sparks joy,” it’s worth keeping around. If not, get rid of it. Let me tell you: As an estate sale aficionado and collector with a sentimental streak, this is no easy feat. However, as I’ve sifted through my belongings, I’ve noticed a shift. The pieces I truly value— collectibles from my grandmother and mementos from my time abroad, for example—stand out more when they’re not outnumbered by the clutter of things I don’t.

I think about this while working on our New Traditional Issue because thoughtful collections are such an integral element of traditional décor. I hear time and time again from designers: Say yes to what you love, and don’t worry if it will all “go” together—it will. And in the end, you’ll have developed a style that’s both timeless and uniquely your own.

Reader Responses

In our January/February issue, we asked designers: “Which trends do you look forward to homeowners leaving behind in 2024?” Here are some of the responses to their answers.

“Oh man, so many good quotes in here! Especially for us colorful, vintage interior décorloving people!”

—@ANTIQUINGARKANSAS VIA INSTAGRAM

“I’m just ready for some color! Doesn’t matter if it's soft pastels or deep rich color, just bring it in your home.”

—@LLBINTERIORS VIA INSTAGRAM

“Leaving behind cheap, disposable furniture and everyone having the same aesthetic. Making resale hip and individuality cool.”

—@EARTHCOMPANYFURNISHINGSLLC VIA INSTAGRAM

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor in Chief STEPHANIE@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, email stephanie@athomearkansas.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (@athomearkansas).

Benton showroom GW Lighting and Home has moved to a new, more spacious location at 201 Edison Avenue. Originally opened in 2015, the store carries a large selection of indoor and outdoor lighting as well as furniture and accessories. Find a full list of brands and catalog at gwlightingandhome.com.

Want to hear more about what’s in each issue?

Tune in to KARK’s Arkansas Style as editorin-chief Stephanie Maxwell Newton goes in depth with host Nichole Niemann about the month’s features. Arkansas Style airs weekdays at 2 p.m. on Channel 4 (and online at kark.com/ arkansas-style). Follow At Home in Arkansas on social media (@athomearkansas) for updates on Stephanie’s upcoming appearances.

Photos

Just Espresso Yourself

From deep dark roast to milky café au lait, coffee browns are just the boost your home décor needs

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Squiggle ceramic planter and modern vase.

Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock TIPTONHURST.COM

Painted bowls and block-printed throw. Box Turtle, Little Rock

SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM

1 “Jurin” beaded pendant.

GW Lighting and Home, Benton GWLIGHTINGANDHOME.COM

2 Brown dragon temple jar and fish jar. Home, Holidays, and More, Batesville 870.569.8037

3 “Truxton” table lamp. Lighting Emporium, Springdale LIGHTINGEMPORIUM.COM

4 Two-tone faux leather woven boxes. Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock KAUFMANLUMBER.COM

5 Visual Comfort “Elkins” sconce in Hand-rubbed Antique Brass and Chocolate.

Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM

6 “Kandor” chocolate brown velvet sofa. Presley Paige, Fayetteville

PRESLEYPAIGE.COM

7 Loloi “Hamilton” rug in Beige (available in multiple sizes).

Abide Furniture, Springdale ABIDEFURNITURE.NET

8 “Milos” woven-rope ottoman. Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock

COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM

Photos courtesy of vendors

Featured Furnishings

Enough of that tired sofa you’ve been meaning to replace forever find pieces you truly love in this round-up

PRODUCER BAILEY DOUGAN

Image courtesy of Universal Furniture

1 Chelsea House “Milford” chest in White, Blue, Fish Scale Pattern. 2 “Pivot” side table in White by Ashley Childers for Global Views. 3 “Coco” tête-à-tête conversation sofa by Fairfield. 4 “Hewn Trestle” extension dining table from Uttermost. 5 “Moraine” accent chair from Hooker Furniture. 6 “Sequoia” chairside table from Fairfield. 7 Chelsea House “Nido” cocktail table in Gray and Natural White. 8 “Cape May” swivel chair in Breeze by Fairfield.

Historical Preference

Antiques, pattern, and color don’t sleep in this primary bedroom makeover

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

An antique secretary serves as a bedside table as well as a place for the homeowner to take work calls or pay bills without dedicating a full room to an office.

“W

e have an appreciation for older homes but not the patience,” admits the owner of this Little Rock residence. After recently purchasing a home built in 2021, she and her husband were eager to give the spaces—notably their bedroom—a curated-over-time feel. Seeing designer Jen Bienvenu’s work in the home of friends prompted them to reach out for her help. “Her style is different yet familiar at the same time,” the homeowner says. “I wanted our bedroom to be comfortable and warm but not feel cluttered.”

Jen found an almost blank slate on her visit to the site, with the couple wanting to replace furniture they had accumulated in earlier years. “For homeowners, the primary bedroom is often last on the list because it’s a private space that guests don’t see,” Jen says. For this reason, the room had become a catch-all. “It’s fun to walk into a project like this but also a big challenge because there were no drapes or artwork to pull from to get the design started,” she notes. To get things rolling, Jen and the couple created a furniture wish list that included a new king-

sized bed, a chest, and bedside tables. Jen suggested sourcing the furniture through auction, allowing them to access antiques as well as a vintage mahogany four-poster bed. They were especially drawn to the bow-front highboy chest and opted for a small secretary rather than a table for one side of the bed. “We went through several iterations of finding things and then seeing it go to someone else,” Jen says of their hunt. “It’s a matter of finding the right estate that has all the pieces you need, so you aren’t spending an exorbitant amount on shipping,” she adds in regard to the process.

To offset the brown furniture, Jen covered the walls in a classic yet fresh pattern filled with blues and greens. Accent fabrics as well as the rug play to this palette without overwhelming the room while thoughtful artwork brings a personal touch. Jen notes that a number of local artisans—the portrait painter, furniture repairman, wallpaper hanger, and even antique dealers—played a role in creating the symphonic space. “Jen really listens,” the homeowner says. “I’m not naturally an interior design person, and I don’t have the vision, but throughout the process we trusted her and are so happy with the end result.”

ALL IN THE DETAILS

As the room’s design came together, the homeowners were eager to add more art. An oil painting by Tennessee artist Alice Caudill (below) was brokered through Well and Wonder Artist Collective, which represents Southern female artists. The crisp, white Matouk bedding is accented with a scallop detail.

B, the family’s beloved Sheepadoodle.

“We were not drawn to antiques before working with Jen, but I think she has a gift for using them in her designs.”

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COURTLY CANINE

Local artist Molly Shirrell painted the family dog, affectionately known as B, in the style of the Old Masters. “It’s a focal point, not just something we put there,” Jen says. “Hopefully, it’s one of the things their kids will fight over,” she adds with a laugh.

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SOLID FOUNDATION

With pattern on the walls and in the accent fabrics, a solid color was a natural choice for the pleated draperies that hang on a French return rod. Jen intentionally selected a brown Kravet fabric that is the same tone as the furniture, which leads the eye and elongates the room.

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UP THE WALLS

Jen selected the wallpaper, Schumacher’s “Front Waltz” in Sage, to be a focal point that also provides balance between new and old. “It has a historical feel, but the blue-green colors are on trend,” she says.

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PATTERN PLAY

Speaking to the room’s curated feel, the skirted bedside table features a Thibaut suzani fabric with bullion fringe while the durable, high-traffic-friendly rug’s color was pulled from the wallpaper. Jen kept the teal-andgold silk fabric that was on the side chairs when she found them at an estate sale.

ART Alice Caudill Art (Tennessee) and Molly Shirrell Art LIGHTING Roy Dudley Estate Sales UPHOLSTERY AND WINDOW COVERINGS Simply

Charming Window Works & Design WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Aesthetics Wallcoverings

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Discover the Ozarks

Nature photographer Tim Ernst shares memories and insights from a career spent exploring his favorite region of the state

WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

PHOTOGRAPHER BAILEY DOUGAN

The Daisy Queen Hi-Boy on Arkansas Highway 7.

Since he started photographing the Arkansas Ozarks in the early 1980s, Tim Ernst has published 20 coffee table books and more than 15 guidebooks detailing the region’s wilderness. Originally from Fayetteville, he followed his camera lens to Newton County, building a log cabin outside Jasper where his favorite subjects—the hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenery of the Ozarks—are just steps outside his front door.

Alongside his remarkable career, Tim is also known in the hiking world for his work developing the Ozarks Highlands Trail with fellow volunteers. This 270-mile trail stretches from Lake Fort Smith Park to Woolum, with plans to eventually extend to Norfork Lake and into Missouri. We spoke with Tim about his career, his relationship with the outdoors, and what makes the Ozarks such a special region of Arkansas.

Q: TELL US HOW YOU GOT INTO NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE OUTDOORS.

A: I grew up kind of on the outskirts of Fayetteville and spent a lot of my childhood just running around in the woods in the summertime. My dad always took my brothers and I hunting and fishing, so we sort of grew up outdoors. It wasn't until I was in college that I bought my first camera; I was a teenager at the University of Arkansas and the first lens I bought was a “girlwatcher lens,” a $50 special out of a

photography magazine. The very first thing I did was drive to the highest point in town that had a view to the west and photograph the sunset—and the view, that was pretty much it for me. I realized at that time that was what I wanted to do.

Q: WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE OZARKS THIS TIME OF YEAR?

A: I’ve always called April in the Ozarks one of the greatest seasons on the planet. This is speaking as a photographer. Springtime is just really magical. As the leaves are coming out in the trees, they have a very special color to them; it's almost a fluorescent green. You have dogwoods maybe still blooming all over

the place and redbuds from March, too. Our spring is a little bit later than, for instance, the Ouachitas down in central Arkansas, so when spring starts to wash away down there, up in the Ozarks it’s just getting started. There are lots of waterfalls, too. It’s beautiful to be hiking and see some of the waterfalls along the trail with dogwoods and redbuds all around.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SECTION OF THE OZARK HIGHLANDS TRAIL?

A: Well, right now it's a section that my wife and I help maintain, which is actually down on one of the newest sections along the Buffalo River between

Clockwise from top left: Neighbor's Mill Bakery & Café in Harrison. An order of French toast and bacon at Neighbor's Mill. Outside Scenic Point Gift Shop on Highway 7. Tim Ernst, Ozarks-based author and photographer.

Grinder’s Ferry and Dillard’s Ferry. It's one of the few sections of hiking trail that is in virtually pristine condition. I'll bet there haven’t been two dozen people who have seen that piece of trail in the past several months. That area has some of the best views of the Buffalo River, and earlier in the season, you’ll hardly see anyone. It’s not like hiking in places like Colorado or in the Appalachian Mountains; you get a feeling of solitude. A lot of the Ozarks are still like that.

Read on for a few more of our favorite ways to discover the Ozarks, and find the rest of our interview with Tim on our website (athomearkansas.com).

SHOP

In Harrison, BENTON HOUSE DESIGNS (bentonhousedesigns.com) is a clothing and gift shop as well as an Aveda Concept Salon and Spa and yoga studio, all under one roof. Shop their selection of women’s fashion, accessories, and home décor while awaiting your next salon treatment. For a curated selection of handmade and artisan wares, head to THE LITTLE HILL SHOP (skylarkforever.com) in Leslie, operated by the owners of beloved Skylark Cafe.

DINE

While taking U.S. Highway 65, RYAN’S MAIN STREET BAR & GRILL (870.447.2264) in Leslie is the perfect spot for a steak, cheeseburger, or slice of homemade strawberry pie. In

Harrison, NEIGHBOR’S MILL BAKERY & CAFÉ (neighborsmill.com) is a local favorite for fresh-baked breads as well as a lunch menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads.

VISIT

If you’re headed to the region to float the Buffalo National River, BUFFALO RIVER OUTFITTERS ( buffaloriveroutfitters.com) is your go-to resource for canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle service, and accommodations ranging from outdoor camping to cabins. Avid anglers suggest STETSON’S ON THE WHITE RIVER (stetsonsresort.com) for easy access to some of the best trout fishing in the world along with boat rentals, lodging, and guided trips.

Clockwise from top left: Hotel Seville in Harrison. Jasper Pizza Company, The Cliff House Inn, and Ozark Cafe, all in Jasper.

110-day

Grand Reopening | April 18-19, 2024

The newly renovated Williams Library, located in the historic Dunbar Neighborhood, features a new Teen Center, Multipurpose Meeting Room with a Kitchen, Podcasting Room, Makerspace, and more Study Rooms.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

FOLLOW YOUR ART

INTRODUCING OUR SEMI-ANNUAL ARTS GUIDE HIGHLIGHTING THE STATE’S CULTURAL OFFERINGS—INCLUDING VISUAL ARTS, MUSIC FESTIVALS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

ARTIST TALK: NATASHA BOWDOIN

MAY 9

Installed in time for the grand reopening of ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (arkmfa.org) a year ago, Natasha Bowdoin’s “Spring Song” beckons visitors before they even step foot on the DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK institution’s campus. As part of a two-year installation in the Art Perch, Bowdoin’s work is visible from East Ninth Street, its bright and bold formation of flowers springing forth from the wall and inviting patrons passing by to come experience it up close. On May 9, the Houston-based artist visits AMFA to discuss this larger-than-life gardenscape. Catch this FREE ARTIST TALK from 6-7:30 p.m. in the museum’s Glass Box.

Photo by Iwan Baan courtesy of Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

BALLET ARKANSAS (balletarkansas.org) presents “BRAVO ,” a showcase of classical ballet and contemporary dance with live accompaniment by world-renowned pianist Fei-Fei Dong. This production takes place in the Performing Arts Theater of the ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS in Little Rock. Tickets are $25-$45, and the May 2 performance includes a pre-show talk.

CATCH ECLIPSE FEVER

ARTFUL EVENTS PLANNED AROUND THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8, FOR WHICH MUCH OF THE STATE WILL BE IN THE PATH OF TOTALITY

“MYSTIC PARALLAX”

MAY 19-OCT. 13

An exhibition of photography, film, paintings, sculpture, and installations by Ethiopian artist AWOL ERIZKU opens at Bentonville’s THE MOMENTARY (themomentary.org) on May 19. In his work, Erizku references influences from African and African-American culture, from images of Egyptian queen Nefertiti to current Black figures such as Amanda Gorman and Pharrell Williams. “MYSTIC PARALLAX” is a free exhibit.

“BRAVO” MAY 2-5

LITTLE ROCK

ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (arkmfa.org) offers a week of special programming leading up to the event. Of special note are “Native Americans and the Eclipse,” a free talk with Erin Fehr about the eclipse as it relates to Indigenous storytelling (April 5), and screenings of Fantasia and 2001: A Space Odyssey (April 7). The week culminates with a family-friendly Eclipse Viewing Party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 8, which is free for members and children 10 and under and $10 for non-members.

HOT SPRINGS

Online travel magazine Atlas Obscura and Valley of the Vapors have teamed up for ECLIPTIC (ecliptic.atlasobscura.com), a festival featuring national musical acts, astronomy speakers, writers, and more. The event is April 5-8 at Cedar Glades Park, and tickets start at $70 for a Friday-only day pass.

DYESS

The 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE FESTIVAL AT THE

JOHNNY CASH BOYHOOD HOME (dyesscash.astate. edu) offers on-site camping, a 30-mile cycling ride, the annual Arkansas Roots Music Festival, a lunch and learn with a NASA scientist, and tailgating for the eclipse, all happening April 5-8 at the historic site. Prices vary, with separate event tickets and weekend packages available.

BENTONVILLE

In collaboration with Amazeum, CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (crystalbridges.org) has planned a familyfriendly “Pre-clipse Party” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 7. Enjoy hands-on crafts, science demonstrations, and more at this free event.

LITTLE ROCK

ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (arkansassymphony.org) presents Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” a seven-movement orchestral suite performed in honor of the celestial wonder that is a total solar eclipse. Performances are April 6-7 at Robinson Center with tickets starting at $35.

“Arrangement for the Historians Who’ve Recasted Egypt In An African Context” by Awol Erizku

Clockwise from top left: Images courtesy of The Momentary, Ballet Arkansas, and Central Arkansas Library System

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN MONTHLY

In 2023, RON ROBINSON THEATER (cals.org/ron-robinson-theater), the Central Arkansas Library System’s 315-seat theater and event venue, introduced an addition to their regular monthly programming: Exhibition On Screen. These films bring the works of famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Salvador Dalí to the big screen, immersing audiences in the world of the painter and each masterpiece. Upcoming screenings include Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse on APRIL 20, Leonardo: The Works on MAY 11 , and Cezanne: Portraits of a Life on JUNE 22 . Tickets are $10 and films begin at 4 p.m. at the Little Rock theater.

MORE CULTURE CRAVINGS

APRIL 1-30: Arts in April, a month-long series of arts events in El Dorado hosted by South Arkansas College

AP RIL 6: “Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth” by the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas in Fayetteville

APRIL 13-SEPT. 30: “Space Makers: Indigenous Expression and a New American Art” at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville

APRIL 16-21: To Kill A Mockingbird at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville

APRIL 17-MAY 12: Fat Ham, a Southern take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville

APRIL 20: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert hosted by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at Robinson Center in Little Rock

APRIL 26-28: Pretty Woman: The Musical at Robinson Center in Little Rock

MAY 1-23: Artosphere at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville

MAY 3-5: Hairspray at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville

MAY 16: CALS Speaker Series and NEA Big Read presents author Tommy Orange, author of There There and Wandering Stars, at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock

MAY 17-18: FreshGrass, a bluegrass and progressive roots music festival, at The Momentary in Bentonville

JUNE 1: An Evening with John Legend at The Momentary in Bentonville

JUNE 3: Arkansas Country Music Awards at Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway

JUNE 10-16: Bentonville Film Festival at various venues across Bentonville

JUNE 14: An Evening with James Taylor and His All-Star Band at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock

JUNE 18-30: Pride & Prejudice at Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock

JUNE 21-JULY 19: 2024 season of Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs

“Bravo” is a highlight of Ballet Arkansas’s 2023-2024 season.

APRIL 7

OASIS ARTS & EATS FEST (oasisfest.org) was established in Jonesboro seven years ago to showcase the visual, performing, and culinary arts in Northeast Arkansas. From 12-4 p.m., artists, craftsmen, and local restaurant vendors line Main Street, offering visitors first-hand introductions to the creatives who call the region home. Live music and kids activities are also on the schedule.

OASIS ARTS & EATS FEST ARTS & THE PARK

APRIL 26-MAY 5

This 10-day festival of the arts celebrates the culture of creativity that runs deep in HOT SPRINGS. Now in its 11th year, ARTS & THE PARK (hotspringsarts.org) offers opportunities for all ages to experience visual arts, dance, poetry, and music through workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits at various locations throughout the city. The theme for this year’s festivities is “Celebrate Imagination,” so look for participants to explore the many ways art can expand the mind and encourage creative thinking.

THROUGH APRIL 14: “Path to Abstraction: Picasso, Braque, and Cubism’s Impact on Modern Art” at Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock

THROUGH APRIL 28: “Prism” at MIXD Gallery in Rogers

THROUGH APRIL 21: “Empoderado” and “Faces and Figures of the Permanent Collection” at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum in Fort Smith

THROUGH MAY 19: “Kristen Tordella-Williams: Precipice” and “Charcoal Visions” at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum in Fort Smith

THROUGH MAY 26: “Action/Abstraction Redefined: Modern Native Art, 1940s to 1970s” at Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock

THROUGH JULY 29: “Exquisite Creatures” at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Arts in Bentonville

Photo courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

“Inspectrum II” from the “Exquisite Creatures” exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Melissa Hall Simmons

True Reflection

Garry Mertins breathes new life into a Heights home with structural updates, meaningful pieces, and an infusion of color

CONVERSATION STARTER

Opting for a quartet of chairs rather than the formality of a sofa, Garry created a comfortable area that invites guests to sit and relax. A new, traditional-style mantel pairs with gas logs for ease of use. The work over the fireplace is by local artist Patrick Phillips.

CREATING COZY

Having lived in her Heights home for 20 years, Dawne Vandiver knew the time to renovate had come. “I almost decided to sell, but I talked with Garry and he had a vision,” she says of local interior designer Garry Mertins. “He is unique in that he knows as much about building and the mechanics of a home as he does decorating,” she adds.

With three children and eight grandchildren, Dawne’s home is often a revolving door of family—a fact that she relishes. “I wanted this to be a place where all my family can come—a happy house filled with love and a place where we can make memories,” she says.

To accomplish this, updates for both function and style were on the agenda. Garry started by looking at the layout through a different lens and reimagining it; namely, he took out the attic and raised the ceiling height. Additionally, bedrooms that were used for grandkids and guests were relocated to a new addition over the garage, freeing up valuable square footage to create a flow between the rooms and to give more

space within them. Eliminating the attic also meant finding a home for its contents. Dawne’s mother’s crystal and her grandmother’s china were both relocated from attic storage to a newly created entertaining closet in the dining room. “There were some pieces I hadn’t seen in years; it was like Christmas to open those boxes,” she adds, noting how easy to access they are now.

“Dawne has classic, traditional taste, but comfort and meaning were very important to her,” Garry says in regard to style. Speaking to this, he used beloved furnishings and artwork alongside durable selections that will hold up to the everyday wear and tear of family living. And, he didn’t skimp on color. “I was thinking I would do neutrals, but Garry brought me to color,” Dawne admits. For example, the blushpeach hue in the front entry gives a feminine air as guests are welcomed inside, while Dawne’s collection of blue-and-white pieces inspired the palette seen deeper into the home. “When people visit her house, they say, Dawne, this is so you! And, that’s my goal,” Garry says. “This house really lets her be herself.” AH

With grandchildren in mind, Garry suggested kid-friendly sofas in a performance fabric for the den—a central hangout for the entire family. Contemporary cubbies display Dawne’s collection of blue-and-white wares, allowing each piece to have a designated place. A framed television hangs over the skim-coated stucco fireplace, while the newly installed coffered ceiling gives architectural interest.

IN HER COLOR

The blush-peach hue in the entry (below) is a nod to Dawne’s mother. “We called my mother ‘Peaches,’ and this was one of her favorite colors. It makes me feel close to her,” she says. The antique table previously belonged to Dawne’s father and now pairs with oversized ottomans that can provide extra seating during gatherings.

GAME TIME

A nook off the living room was carved out for a beverage counter and game table (above). Garry reupholstered a set of Chippendale chairs Dawne owned and paired them with the sleek, more modern table. Bronze wire mesh makes an unexpected appearance on the door fronts, coordinating with the hardware and plumbing fixtures.

DINING FLAIR

Garry dressed the formal dining room in a tan-and-white wallpaper, allowing him to continue a palette that was introduced in the adjoining den and kitchen while still giving the space its own character. A mix of timeless and modern flows throughout the room. For example, an antique French chandelier hangs from the newly installed tongue-and-groove ceiling, while upholstered host chairs pair with an option that is a current take on a classic fretwork. “Dawne wanted this room to be classic and traditional but also to feel updated,” Garry says. The artwork is by Delita Martin. “Her eyes were haunting me, and I kept coming back to it,” Dawne notes.

During the renovation, space was carved out of a bedroom to allow for a series of built-in shelves housed behind jib doors. Pieces that were previously boxed in the attic, including heirloom china and crystal, are now conveniently stored near the dining table.

OPEN ISLAND

Garry bumped out the home’s former sunroom wall to create a larger kitchen that includes clerestory windows. “In typical Heights fashion the rooms were smaller,” he says, adding that the house previously stopped at the island’s current location. Features like dual dishwashers, warming drawers, and a newly created pantry make the space easy to use. As a nod to Dawne’s love of blue and white, Garry painted the island a deep blue hue. The tannishgray cabinetry is paired with a square backsplash tile that has a handmade look.

FOR WORK & PLAY

Previously working from a desk in her bedroom, Dawne was eager to have a dedicated office. To maximize square footage, Garry married beauty and function by designing a small space off the primary bedroom to function as both a closet and an office. “You can close yourself off in here but there’s a window for natural light,” Dawne says. “And, my background during Zoom calls is a row of shoes!”

“Dawne has classic, traditional taste, but comfort and meaning were very important to her.”

—Garry Mertins, designer

Using square footage from the former bath and one of the guest bedrooms, Garry designed a new primary bath. The updated layout includes a casement window that brings natural light to the makeup vanity and sink area. The soaking tub’s marble surround continues into a curbless, walkin shower, a forward-thinking design element that allows for aging in place. The serene palette continues in Dawne’s adjoining bedroom.

TIMELESS with a Twist

For a family’s forever home in Fort Smith, interior designer Melissa Hall Simmons creates a fresh take on tradition

Above the family room mantel, a custom Jane Waterous piece featuring 3D figurines—including two figures in pink, meant to represent the couples’ daughters—complements the heart of this home.

Melissa Hall Simmons of Studio MH helped her Fort Smith clients create a lasting home for their young family by mixing traditional bones with contemporary flair. “These clients have two young girls, and their first house was a smaller space,” Melissa says. “They were thinking, Long term, we want to raise our children in this home.” Having worked with the designer on a previous project, these homeowners were eager to collaborate again. “Melissa does a great job of introducing new ideas while at the same time narrowing down the amount of decisions throughout the process,” the homeowner says. “She would listen and evaluate our styles and wants and then present a few options, allowing us to feel very engaged but not overwhelmed.”

Melissa says one of the homeowners prefers traditional design elements while the other has a more modern and “slightly rustic” aesthetic. “The main narrative of our design experience was, let’s draw these two styles together in a way where both of them absolutely love it,” Melissa says. “Let’s give her the detailed trim and millwork, and let’s give him clean windows and lines. It was fun to put that together for them.”

The couple hired Tulsa architect Jack Arnold to design the

custom home in an elevated European cottage style. Melissa collaborated with Jack on the exterior finishes, including the use of local Arkansas stone. “They wanted this home to be very approachable, withstand time, and be something that they would always love,” Melissa says.

By starting with traditional roots—such as the high, coffered ceilings—then infusing the space with modern details, Melissa says she was able to create a home with a long lifespan ahead. “You stick with classicism and traditional lines, and then give them the current aesthetic that they really enjoy, keeping in mind that 15 or 20 years from now, they might prefer a different style,” Melissa says. “Then, we want them to be able to work with the bones that we’ve created.”

A serene color story of silvery blue, taupe, and cream weaves throughout the home, while metallic touches and mirrored elements add subtle warmth and interest. Melissa says they also selected unique lighting fixtures that marry the clients’ styles, such as the crystal chandelier in the dining room. “It’s a traditional French empire shape, but it’s sort of cleaned up and simplified,” she says. “This is very much the theme of this house. We’re layering all of these things together to give a feeling that is a little elegant and glamorous, but also simple and approachable.” AH

A work by Amanda Stone Talley anchors the entry space. “This whole vignette feels like what we were trying to achieve in the entire house: taking their young taste and this traditional European home and blending those styles together,” Melissa says.

LIVABLE ELEGANCE

Melissa’s clients are enjoying every element of their family home and making new memories in it. “I enjoy cooking, and we strive to have family dinners most nights during the week,” the homeowner says. “The layout of the kitchen and the openness of the adjoining family room allows us many memorable nights together as a family.” An icy blue accent color leans into the serenity of the space without feeling too bold.

“Elephant’s Breath”

Farrow & Ball

Mirrored door fronts to the left of the sink are an elegant touch that break up the expanse of cabinetry.

In the dining room, a gallery of large windows and doors saturates the space with natural light. The contemporary, clean lines of the mirror and lamps contrast with the classic design of the buffet and chandelier in a seamless layering of styles.

REFINED WHIMSY

A conical pendant light with a card paper shade hangs above the breakfast table (opposite), where a banquette is wrapped in a tailored fabric. “I love the pedestal on this table,” Melissa says. “It’s a very clean form; it’s a more contemporary look for a table, but it’s still borrowing from traditional design.” She notes the chairs are also a modern take on a Louis XVI French style.

KITCHEN BLEND

Touches of metal—including the hood’s brass details, the polished nickel hardware, and gold accent on the island stools—help merge the clients’ styles in the home’s hub. “This is a great example of where we are blending the husband and wife’s aesthetics together,” Melissa says, pointing to the pendants over the island. “We have a traditional glass lantern, but it’s been simplified into a cleaner shape.” A custom combination of polished silver and brassy gold on the fixtures further elevates the look while echoing the mix of metals throughout the space.

“Classic Gray” Benjamin Moore

FUN FORMALITY

In the formal sitting room, Melissa embraced layers of cream and taupe, adding warmth with bold touches of animal print and brass. Three hand-painted silk panels shimmer subtly and mirror the set of three bookshelves on the opposite side of the room (bottom right).

READY TO RELAX Grasscloth wallpaper and a large sectional give the media room an inviting sense of comfort. “I remember when we revealed this room to the family, their two girls ran in screaming and they just loved it,” Melissa says. “Because they’re young, you’d think they’d have wanted it to be hot pink, but they were bouncing all over the room with excitement.”

“I always think, how can we create a timeless feel in this home?”

—Melissa Hall Simmons, designer

Brass reading sconces flank the upholstered headboard, while grasscloth wallpaper envelops the room in calming texture.

STRIPED STATEMENT

Striped silk drapes in the primary bedroom anchor the serene space, while metallic touches provide warmth. “These drapes are just the perfect fabric for my clients,” Melissa says. “It is a stripe, which is timeless. It has their color palette of silvery blue, taupe, and creamy white. And it spoke to both of them—I think we started with this stripe for inspiration for the entire room.”

“They wanted to have a very traditional, European cottage-style home that was clean and simple at the same time.”

—Melissa Hall Simmons, designer

PRETTY IN PINK

For the guest bedroom, Melissa used shades of cream and pale pink for a pop of visual interest. “It was fun to be able to have a new color introduced, and in the guest bedroom, I think it makes a lot of sense,” Melissa says. “As you pass through the house, you get a glimpse of this bedroom, so it’s kind of a surprise moment.”

SUBTLE SHIMMER

In the primary closet, a chandelier of crystal flowers is a timeless fit for Melissa’s client. “It is just so her,” she says. “It sums up the exact feeling she wanted for this space, like a jewelry box.” The closet flows into the spa-like primary bathroom, where Melissa used a white Carrara marble paired with a creamy wall color. “The marble has this silvery blue undertone, and I’m super happy with the way that paint works so well with the stone,” she says. “It is neutral, but it’s almost like we’ve given the marble this new life by contrasting it with this creamy, off-white color.”

Design Resources

ARCHITECT Jack Arnold, Jack Arnold Companies BUILDER Danny Ruggles, American Dream Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Melissa Hall Simmons, Studio MH LANDSCAPE DESIGN Travis Brooks, Brooks Landscape Architecture ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, CARPET, FABRICS, FLOORING, FIXTURES, FURNITURE, HARDWARE, LIGHTING, MIRRORS, RUGS, AND TILE Studio MH APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY Spahn Cabinets FRAMING Scott Frame and Art WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Perpetual Vision WINDOW COVERINGS Laura s Draperies & Blinds and Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies

CURRENT &

CLASSIC

MAXIMIZE FLOOR SPACE

Nikki had a custom burl wood coffee table made for the living room. The generous size allowed her to surround it with plenty of seating for a crowd. The couple’s love of the outdoors inspired the quail-patterned drapery fabric. “This was one of the first pieces of the puzzle,” Nikki says. “It has a touch of traditional but is whimsical and feels younger than a heavy woodland print.”

The pillows and bench fabric play off of this to accent the neutral chairs and sofas.

The best of both worlds combine in a new build helmed by designer Nikki Hastings

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS

PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK

STYLIST BAILEY DOUGAN

It’s no secret that renovations rarely go exactly as planned. However, for this young Little Rock couple, plans for an update turned into plans for a new build. “They were having issues with the structure; and once we got in, we learned the plumbing and electrical weren’t up to code and would have to be ripped out,” explains designer Nikki Hastings. Weighing their options, starting afresh seemed to be the most viable path. “I know there are people who are quick to pull the trigger on just level it and go, but I really feel like we did the due diligence to not have to do that,” Nikki says.

As the principal designer and owner of Tilden House, a name that references the street where she grew up in Charleston, Arkansas, as well as her own “first definition of home,” Nikki has the capability to both draft and design a space from the ground up. For this home, she considered how the couple lives now as well as how they might live in the future. “When I drew the floor plans, there were so many things that we thought about for the future as their family grows,” she says. For example, the downstairs living and gathering spaces flow into one another, a feature that allows everyone to be within earshot without having a completely open-concept home. Additionally, bedrooms and baths are all located upstairs, allowing for close proximity. Nikki also considered the neighborhood setting, creating a traditional yet fresh facade that fits the environment. “They did not want to have to relocate in the future because they love the area, so a lot of thought went into all of this,” she says.

“They turned to me for a way to marry classic and traditional with current and youthful.”

—Nikki Hastings, designer

While the owners are young, they lean heavily traditional in their style. “They turned to me for a way to marry classic and traditional with current and youthful,” Nikki says. “They love their grandmother’s antiques and want to incorporate them, but they don’t want it to feel like their grandmother’s house,” she adds. As with all her projects, the designer strived to make the home feel like her clients, asking for a list of must-have features and pieces but also pushing them to

embrace color in unexpected places, such as the bookcases seen in the living room. “I mix a lot—I like doing high with low, modern with traditional, antique with new,” Nikki says. She applies the approach to each client’s situation. “Being personal in a design is fulfilling to me, and it’s fun. Knowing that my clients will walk in and can feel at peace in their home—who doesn’t want that? Home should be a refuge, not a headache.” AH

HIGHLIGHT A HUE

The shape of the arched front door is echoed in the bookcase design, a feature that begins the transition from the living room to the kitchen in the semi-open floor plan. Nikki notes she pushed the clients to go with blue for the bookcases, a fresh color that stands out against the neutral walls and furniture. The piece was designed with both concealed and open shelving. “They had a lot of things to display, and you can’t display everything on furniture or it starts to look busy and cluttered,” the designer adds.

BRING IN PATTERN

Wanting the look of a traditional wallpapered dining room but also thinking about their personal style, the client and Nikki selected Anna French for Thibaut’s “Kahan.” “This one had the trees to represent the outdoors but it is fun and funky at the same time. It goes with the house really well,” Nikki says. The designer balanced the couple’s existing dark wood table and a new-to-them antique buffet with sleek white chairs that have a more contemporary look. Overhead, the floralthemed Julie Neill chandelier also plays into the home’s common thread of natural influences.

KEEP IT CLEAN

The kitchen is a hub positioned between the living room and dining room, a space planning feature that allows the couple to cook dinner and converse with nearby guests. Wanting to create a workspace with plenty of natural light, they opted for windows that frame the range rather than upper cabinets. Adjacent cabinetry stores small appliances and even a television behind closed doors to keep the countertops clear. “As newlyweds, you often have a lot of china and things you won’t use everyday that need to be stored, so we did lots of built-ins to account for that,” Nikki adds.

The office’s entry doors open to a wet bar housed in the hallway off the kitchen. “It’s connected to the spaces but a little off the beaten path for hosting,” Nikki says of the setup that allows traffic to flow throughout the house.

“Home should be a refuge, not a headache.”

—Nikki Hastings, designer

MAKE A RETREAT

With a client who loves to soak in the tub, Nikki sought to create a primary bath design that was clean and spa-like. “We wanted it to feel relaxing and not busy; for that reason, it’s one of the most neutral homes in the house,” she says. To maximize space, the designer used both sides of the room to create separate his-and-hers vanities with drawers rather than cabinetry doors where items may be lost in the space’s depth. Timeless marble tiles cover the shower with the floor featuring a basketweave inlay made to look like an accent rug. Blue tones, like the ottoman and café curtain trim, tie back to the home’s predominant hue.

With the husband frequently working from home, a dedicated office was a must-have. “We wanted this to be a reflection of him and also to be a little darker and more moody in terms of color,” Nikki says. She notes the furnishings are a “fun collection of antiquing trips and Target finds,” pointing to the vintage Chesterfield sofa and wire end tables. The cypress tree oil painting is by local artist Sandy Hubler.

THINK DEEP

Design Resources

BUILDER Mark Caruthers, Willmark Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Nikki Hastings, Tilden House ACCESSORIES Cobblestone & Vine, J. Parkey, Providence Design, and Tilden House ART Bryan Frazier, Sandy Hubler, Vanessa Miller (Alabama), Amelia Ray, Ashley Saer, and Scott Shively CABINETRY Duke Custom Cabinets COUNTERTOPS Countertop World FABRICS Designer Effects, J. Parkey, and Tilden House FIXTURES Westlake Plumbing FRAMING BA Framer FURNITURE Cobblestone & Vine, J. Parkey, and Tilden House LIGHTING The Shade Above and Tilden House RUGS Tilden House

WALLPAPER Designer Effects and Tilden House WINDOW COVERINGS Christi Cooper Design

2024 Real Estate Agents to LOVE

Buying or selling a home is anything but stressful with a trusted agent by your side. Get advice for your next big move from some of our readers’ favorite agents on the following pages

Front Row, Left to Right: Jonie Burks, Amber Gibbons, Mandy Jackson, Mollie Birch, Jill Childers, Sheryl McKelvey, April Findlay, Myranda Grulke

Back Row, Left to Right: Jordan Roehrenbeck, Erica Ibsen, Sherry Curry, Lauren Clark, Michelle Miller, Jenn Cook, Emily McCarty, Jowaun Wright, Matty Ross, Heather McNeil Not pictured: Emily Young and Miranda Baden

Trey Clifton

As a residential sales specialist for Arkansas Land & Realty, Trey Clifton’s dedication to client experience sets his business apart.

“I pride myself on a genuine and transparent approach,” he says. With a background in property management and interest in interior design, Trey is uniquely suited to his work. “I love to offer my clients staging go-tos when getting ready to list and help them look past easily remedied

12521 Kanis Road, Little Rock 501.298.7596

@treycliftonarkansasrealtor

4810 W. Commercial Drive, Suite A

North Little Rock

Alicia 501.831.4009

Linda 501.831.2510

aliciathebroker.com

@aliciathebroker

cosmetic issues to envision what a home could be,” he says. In fact, he was recently named the #2 sales agent in central Arkansas for 2023.

Trey is also involved in improving his community. “I have a true passion for Little Rock’s historic districts and hope to expand awareness about historical structures in need of preservation and restoration,” he says.

SERVICE AREAS ACCOLADES

Central Arkansas, from SoMa to Sherwood, Cammack to Conway, Hillcrest to Hot Springs, and everything in between.

Alicia Averitt Haley and Linda Lou Averitt

Alicia Averitt Haley and her mother, Linda Lou Averitt, are both brokers with PorchLight Realty’s North Little Rock office. “We are a boutique-style real estate firm,” Alicia says, “with support staff that helps in every aspect of our business, from showing property to keeping files in compliance.” Both Alicia and Linda are driven to succeed by the relationships they build with their clients. “We take pride in the excellence we

SERVICE AREA

Central Arkansas

deliver with each home sold,” Linda says. “We will be there for our clients long after the transaction is over.”

Alicia and Linda’s commitment to their business extends beyond their work with clients. Linda has served as a director for the North Pulaski Board of Realtors, where she is also a lifetime member, while Alicia is also currently serving on the NPBOR as well as the Arkansas Realtors Association.

AFFILIATIONS ACCOLADES

Both Diamond and Double Diamond Award earners.

Brokers, ABR, CRB, CRS, C2EX, GRI, C-RETS, MRP, RENE, SRS, SRES

2023 Double Diamond Award from the Little Rock Realtors Association. Over $60 million in sales in 2023.

Photo by Connor North Goad

Edward Loveless, Realtor, GRLA

Leslie Tetrev, Realtor

501.224.3900

adkins-associates.com

11621 Rainwood Road, Suite #4 Little Rock 72212

FRONT ROW - LEFT TO RIGHT

BACK ROW - LEFT TO RIGHT

NOT PICTURED

Robert Klein

Jennifer Adkins, Realtor, Evecutive Broker, Owner

Wally Loveless Realtor, Executive Broker

Kristen Hinson, Dana Yates, Phillip Bridges

Kris McKenzie, Margaret Bell Hughes, Maradyth McKenzie, Hannah Howe, Cara Hazlewood

Photo by Connor North Goad

Pixel Properties

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 non-stop 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!!

We’ve spent years working with thousands of clients to create a

phenomenal home buying and selling experience. Being nominated and recognized affirms our dedication to creating a better way to do real estate.

KNOW BEFORE YOU LIST

“Always contact a trusted Realtor before making any improvements to your home if you may be selling in the future. We can provide guidance on decisions about which updates will increase price and desirability and which projects you may want to reconsider because they may negatively impact a future buyer's opinion of the property.”

—JOJO CARTER, ENGEL & VÖLKERS

“In most cases, you don't want to remodel your home right before you sell it. Among the free and inexpensive things you can do that will attract more buyers is neutralizing paint colors, making sure the house smells good, ensuring all lights match temperature, deep cleaning the house, and fixing the little things, like loose handles and knobs.”

—RAY ELLEN, PIXEL PROPERTIES

Advice from the pros on easy improvements to make before you put your house on the market

“A clean, well-kept home is the cheapest thing you can do. Decluttering is also very important—less is more! The front door is the first impression, so buy a new door mat and make sure the entrance is pristine.”

—MICHELE PHILLIPS, MICHELE PHILLIPS & COMPANY REALTORS

“Always reach out to your agent before making any major decisions about updates. Sometimes what you may think is valuable will not affect the desirability nor the value of the house. Deep cleaning your home—especially baseboards and fans—as well as freshening your landscaping and a pressure washing can make an immense difference and are relatively affordable.”

—NIKKI HYNES, PORCHLIGHT REALTY

“My best advice is to clean up clutter, have fresh paint, and have the yard looking pretty!”

—JANET JONES, THE JANET JONES COMPANY

"Potential buyers are looking for a home with refreshed curb appeal, minimal deferred maintenance, and a clean, wellmaintained appearance. Simple tasks like paint touch-ups, adding fresh mulch, and incorporating seasonal colors in flower beds can greatly enhance the appeal of your home."

—TREY CLIFTON, ARKANSAS LAND & REALTY

870-335-5393 @nea_real_estate_carrie

870-215-1511 @brooksie_realtor

870-273-5650 @amandahoodrealtornea

SERVING NORTHEAST ARKANSAS + SOUTHEAST MISSOURI 3501 Stonegate Drive Paragould, AR 72450 | 870-236-2121 | myimagerealty.com | @imagerealtynea

Brooksie Hartness Executive Broker/Owner

Carrie Dozier Executive Broker

Amanda Hood Associate Broker

Standing: Kristin Kyle (The Holly Driver Team), Haley Davis, Barb Raney (The Holly Driver Team), Lanie Driver (The Holly Driver Team), Holly Driver, Jay Calhoun, Lee Smith, Tracie Walker, Bill Williams, Alan Byrd, Megan Seyler (The Holly Driver Team)

Seated: Heather Stuart, Mitsy Tharp, Amy Bush (The Holly Driver Team), Candice Whitlock, Tracy Norwood

GUIDE TO BUYING

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or ready to downsize, take this advice before beginning the search

“Get preapproved with a local lender before you start house hunting. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford and strengthen your offer when you find the right property. Then, define your needs and wants. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-tohaves in a home.”

—JONIE BURKS, THE CHARLOTTE JOHN COMPANY

“Many buyers have misconceptions about purchasing a home. You don't have to put 20% down, and there are programs that can assist with the cash needed to close. Many times, your house payment will be less than rent. Stop paying your landlord’s payment every month!”

—KERRY DARE AND CAROLE SMITH, CRYE-LEIKE, REALTORS

“After getting preapproved with a local lender, I encourage my clients to stay within the budget they are comfortable with. You don’t want to be ‘house poor.’ Once we know you are ready to start your home search, we talk about the area, schools, and commute. Finding out what you want and need helps me guide you in the right direction.”

—MICHELE PHILLIPS, MICHELE PHILLIPS & COMPANY REALTORS

“Keep an open mind! A diamond in the rough that you can afford in a location that best serves you for the next 3-5 years can turn out to be an excellent financial choice in the long run, if you’re willing to put in a little work to update it while you live there.”

—MADELINE BALGAVY, RE/MAX ELITE

“The first step is to know what price range is good for the buyer. Establish this with proof of funds for cash or a prequalification letter for a loan before you ever begin looking at homes. Next, have a consultation to figure out areas and home features that are important to the buyer.”

—HOLLY DRIVER, SIGNATURE PROPERTIES

“The very first item on the agenda is a buyer’s consultation. You want to get a game plan for moving forward with how much money you are going to spend, where you want to live, and what that new home looks like in your mind’s eye. Meeting with your real estate agent before you begin the house hunt is crucial!”

—ALICIA AVERITT HALEY, PORCHLIGHT REALTY

Kelly Tedder

Kelly Tedder is a broker with PorchLight Realty and has more than 16 years of experience in real estate. “I love working with new home buyers, new construction homes, and have recently thrown my hat into building a few homes in Cabot,” she says. She also enjoys flipping homes and finding investment properties for her clients. “I have a very strong work ethic, and I believe that hard work pays off.”

203 Dakota Drive

Office 501.286.6025

Cell 501.259.0909

porchlightar.com

@kellytedderporchlightrealty

At PorchLight Realty, Kelly believes she’s found family in her workplace. “When you love where and who you work with, it’s not a job anymore,” she says. She finds joy in the ever-present challenge that is the real estate industry, from keeping up with a fast-paced market to learning lending and title issues. “The best part of my job is seeing the look on my clients’ faces when they find the home that fits,” she adds.

SERVICE AREAS AFFILIATIONS ACCOLADES

Central Arkansas, including Cabot and Little Rock Air Force Base

Double Diamond Award (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020) and more than $14 million in sales in 2022.

Broker and Military Relocation Professional

The Dare-Smith Team

The Dare-Smith Team is comprised of Kerry Dare and Carole Smith, both executive brokers with Crye-Leike in North Little Rock. As central Arkansas natives, the two have strong knowledge of the local market, and—along with the support of their larger CryeLeike team, including principal broker Brenda Rhoads—are wellequipped to help you buy or sell a home. “Crye-Leike is a one-stop shop,” Kerry says. “We also have a local lending company and title company, and we feel really lucky to have such a great team,”

3400 John F Kennedy Blvd.

North Little Rock

Office 501.975.2100

Kerry 501.765.3272

Carole 501.351.5903

daresmith.realtor

@daresmithteam

Carole adds.

The two are proud to hold designations such as Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Seller’s Representative Specialist, Graduate Realtors Institute, Military Relocation Professional, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Real Estate Negotiations Expert. Plus, both are involved in their communities; Carole is on the board for River City Ministry of Pulaski County, while Kerry is a part of the Summit Circle for Central Arkansas Christian Schools.

SERVICE AREAS ACCOLADES

Central Arkansas, including North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Cabot, Little Rock, Bryant, Benton, Conway, Mayflower, and Vilonia

Triple Diamond 2020, 2021, 2022, and Diamond 2023

Brandy Harp

Serving as Jon Underhill

Real Estate’s principal broker, Brandy Harp provides an exceptional customer experience to help clients achieve their real estate goals. Brandy takes great pride in carrying the torch as they celebrate 30 years serving Little Rock clients! The company’s mission and commitment is to deliver unparalleled customer service to clients selling and purchasing their homes. Brandy has sold over $250,000,000 in residential home sales in Little Rock resulting in her achieving the status of a top performing Realtor. With proven results in customer service, financial management, marketing, and advertising, she develops a specialized approach and employs unique strategies to serve her clients. “It is a privilege to help people make one of the most important decisions in their lifetime,” Brandy says. She is particularly passionate about assisting clients in earning the highest price for their home, from analyzing results, researching economic trends and deploying marketing strategies. “I believe that each home has a special story to tell, including unique features and its floor plan. Conveying this in creative marketing is one of my hallmark fortes.”

501.580.4277

Recognized as a Top 10 Multi-Million Dollar Realtors 2015-2024; Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXV; Certified Residential Specialist

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

“We tell buyers to drive around different neighborhoods at different times of day and see how the neighborhood feels. Find the house you love, and don't let the interest rate dictate what you do. Buy now and refinance later!”

—KERRY DARE AND CAROLE SMITH, CRYE-LEIKE, REALTORS

We asked real estate agents: What can make the buying or selling process easier?

"Choosing the right Realtor is key! Opting for a Realtor with a solid reputation for integrity, expertise in the local market, and a history of successful sales can significantly impact the level of stress you experience during your real estate journey."

—TREY CLIFTON, ARKANSAS LAND & REALTY

“One thing that can make the process easier is having realistic expectations and being open to compromise. Too often, buyers and sellers have rigid expectations or unrealistic demands, which can lead to frustration and delays. Overall, having a willingness to be flexible, embracing technology, and relying on your Realtor as your trusted advisor are key factors that can make the process much easier for everyone involved.”

—JONIE BURKS, THE CHARLOTTE JOHN COMPANY

“Being totally prepared to make a decision can give you an advantage.”

—SUSAN REYNOLDS, THE JANET JONES COMPANY

“If you like the location of a property, the lot it sits on, and the layout of the home, you have a potential new home! Everything else can be updated. The only questions left to answer are the cost of the property and cost of the things you need changed. This is one of the thought processes we go through with our clients to help them decide between homes they love.”

—RAY ELLEN, PIXEL PROPERTIES

“Really focus on how you like to live your daily life. Do you love going out to eat and running to the store quickly, or do you love privacy and watching the stars at night? Knowing what areas appeal to your happiness and regular routine will really land you in a home—and area—you love.”

—NIKKI HYNES, PORCHLIGHT REALTY

20 Years of Selling Beautiful Homes

MARKET PREDICTIONS

“Central Arkansas will likely continue its trend of attracting new residents from other parts of the country because of housing affordability, outdoor activities, and family friendliness.”

—MADELINE BALGAVY, RE/MAX ELITE

“We are optimistic that this will be a great year for real estate in 2024!”

—HOLLY DRIVER, SIGNATURE PROPERTIES

“Being the optimist I am, I always believe it’s a good time to buy or sell a home. Interest rates are higher than they were for a while, but are still at a great rate compared to through the years. Prices are always appreciating in our area, and real estate is always the best investment.”

—JANET JONES, THE JANET JONES COMPANY

“I think we will have a strong second quarter followed by a stronger third and fourth quarter as interest rates are predicted to ease down.”

—ALICIA AVERITT HALEY,

PORCHLIGHT REALTY

“2024 is a great time to buy and sell a home! Inventory remains low and prices are strong, which is great for sellers. For buyers, interest rates have improved over 2023 and are historically very reasonable. Plus, real estate is always a good investment.”

—JOJO CARTER, ENGEL & VÖLKERS

Congratulations to our Agents to Love!

Front Row: Conley Golden, Shawn Clark, Susan Reynolds, Missy Cozzens, Kelly Johnson, Debbie Teague

Middle Row: Sarah Beth Lowe, Bob Bushmiaer, Mary Crismon, Ashley East, Shannon Treece, Catherine Langley, Margaret King, Dawn Scott, Michael Teague

Back Row: Donna Dailey, Casey Jones, Jennifer McCarty, and Lynn Dickey

Amanda Elrod Allison PIckell

Lynn Pangburn

Stacy Hamilton Whitney Elmore Lakesha crow

IneZ Reeder Marva Caldwell

Kim Robbins

Photo by Connor North Goad

The Honea Team

Mother-daughter team Lolly Honea and Michelle HoneaFrueauff bring more than 50 years combined of personal experience to their clients.

Both Lolly and Michelle’s husbands have played an active role in their success. Ross, Lolly’s late husband, ran a successful insurance business, and Michelle’s husband, David, is the CEO of the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation. They have vast knowledge of the Little Rock market as well as the Ferndale area, which is growing

12814 Cantrell Road

Little Rock

Lolly 501.960.4277

Michelle 501.837.9189 lollyhonea.com

and becoming one of the most sought-after areas in west Little Rock. In addition, Michelle has more than 20 years of IT experience, allowing them to market your home quickly and effectively through multiple platforms. Their firm, Keller Williams Realty, offers highly advanced, technology-driven marketing and communication applications to its clients. They are extremely grateful their clients have entrusted them with one of their most valuable assets, their home.

SERVICE AREAS ACCOLADES

Little Rock and West Pulaski County

Double Diamond Status for over 30 years with the Little Rock Realtors Association and a Little Rock Soirée Best Realtor. Sold $69.3 million+ in the past 4 years.

Michele Phillips & Company

For Michele Phillips, principal broker and owner of Michele Phillips & Company, good business is all about teamwork. “We have a wonderful office full of amazing agents,” she says. “We all like to consider each other as family, and everyone helps everyone.” That teamcentered approach helps the office work as a whole to provide the best possible experience for each client. “When you hire

one of us, you hire all of us,” she says. “We all work together to ensure everything gets taken care of. We are the Realtors your friends recommend!”

Outside of work, members of Michele Phillips & Company are involved in their communities, serving in their local Rotary clubs, United Way, and several Chambers of Commerce throughout central Arkansas.

8700 Hwy 107, Suite A. Sherwood, AR

Offices also in Cabot, Benton, and Searcy 501.834.3433

michelephillipsrealtor.com @mphillipsco_realtors

Photo by Connor North Goad

Realtors left to right:

Jacob Hall, Karen Thornton, Mindy Barranco, Shannon Brooks, Gina Myers-Gunderman, Michele Phillips, Terry Keck, & Erika Peters.

Candy Adams

Candy Adams A.A., B.S.E., M.Ed. is known for her positive attitude and vivacious personality. She works diligently to assist in locating your dream property as well as listing your current property, and she goes above and beyond expectations to achieve your desired results.

Candy has earned numerous certifications and accreditations in her varied careers. She is a retired financial advisor,

stockbroker, public school administrator, and school guidance counselor. She served as Southern Arkansas University’s first and only female Sports Information Director. As an Arkansas native, she has been active in her local community for many years, serving on the Board of Directors for the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Magnolia Country Club and as a member of the Hot

trademarkhsv.com

501.922.0707

870.904.9050

candyadams1@yahoo.com

1060 DeSoto

Springs Village Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, HSV Visitor Center, and more.

Clients who work with Candy agree she is trusted, respected, and recommended. As a financial advisor, Candy received a perfect 100% client satisfaction score, and she has carried that same work ethic into her real estate profession. She enjoys spending time with her family and knows the importance of owning a

home—a place to grow, thrive, and make memories.

Candy is fair and works aggressively to negotiate on behalf of her clients. Her services continue to be referred to friends and family by her clients because she wholeheartedly enjoys helping others with their real estate goals. When you’re ready to begin your real estate venture, Candy would be honored to be of assistance by offering her expertise.

Hot Springs Village ARA Awards of Excellence (2022 Platinum, 2021 Diamond, and 2020 Silver)

Executive Broker, ABR, C2Ex, GRI, RENE, RSPS, SRES, SRS, and National Association of Realtors

Staci Medlock

For almost 20 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 coagents at Re/Max Elite, whom she describes as a “family-style” support system. “I am a 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 tell my clients, let me handle everything! Most of the time I’m solving problems they don’t even know they have. I genuinely love what I do!”

SERVICE AREAS ACCOLADES

2411 McCain Blvd. North Little Rock 501.944.8687 stacimedlock.com

Central Arkansas, and statewide per client request

850.384.0871

@nikki.hynes.realtor

2016 President of the North Pulaski Board of Realtors (NPBR), 2016 NPBR Realtor of the Year, Diamond level multi-million dollar producer for almost 20 years, Justice of Peace for Pulaski County Quarum Court for District 15 for 4 terms.

Nikki Hynes

As a real estate agent with PorchLight Realty, Nikki Hynes brings a relational perspective to her business. “A home is personal and I will never treat anyone like a transaction,” she says. With a Bachelor’s in public relations and minor in psychology and more than 10 years in customer service, Nikki approaches every part of her job with client experience in mind. “I want to use my skills to leverage the best deal possible and take the stress out of buying or selling.”

It only seems natural that

SERVICE AREAS

Little Rock Air Force Base and surrounding areas

98% of Nikki’s clients have been military affiliated. “Growing up as a ‘Navy brat’ and being an Air Force spouse prepared me best to serve and understand the struggles and unique circumstances my military clients face when buying and selling,” Nikki says. She began her real estate career as an assistant, which provided valuable exposure to the industry. “I then decided to be an independent agent at my office and have now assisted over 30 families with their real estate needs in less than two years,” she says.

AFFILIATIONS ACCOLADES

NPBOR Board of Directors, Gold 2023

Real Estate Negotiation Expert, Military Relocation Professional, and currently enrolled in Graduate Realtor Institute

Photo by Connor North Goad

FOODIE FAVE S 2024

501.882.9626

backporchrealtors.com

With almost 20 years of real estate sales, renovation, and interior design experience, and numerous awards and recognitions, JoJo Carter has helped many Arkansans follow their dream home.

501.773.9949

2807 Kavanuagh Blvd, Little Rock

Kassi Bell

As principal broker for Back Porch Realty based in Beebe, Kassi Bell is proud to create a legacy in the town she grew up in. “I’ve loved watching this town grow but still have a hometown feel,” she says.

In 2023, she opened Back Porch Realty with a mission to build relationships while serving each client with respect. “Helping people in central Arkansas find their first home, build their forever home, or sell their property is my love language,” she adds.

In addition to her role as principal broker, Kassi is an

accredited Real Estate Negotiation Expert. She’s active in the community, serving as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, North Pulaski Board of Realtors, and more. She also started a program called Homes Closed, Lunches Paid, in which a portion of proceeds generated from each Back Porch Realty real estate transaction is used to resolve outstanding lunch debts in her local school district. “Giving back was something I always wanted to do when I started Back Porch Realty,” Kassi says.

SERVICE AREA ACCOLADES

Central Arkansas Multimillion-dollar producer with $15 million in sales in 2023.

Nominate

310 W. Dewitt

Beebe

Cheers at the OPO

The middle of the Fayetteville Square has always been a hub of sorts. Originally the lot for the Washington County Courthouse, the structure that now occupies the intersection of Block Avenue and Center Street served as the town post office from 1911 to 1963. Falling vacant after the post office was relocated, the Neoclassical Revival building was slated to be razed as part of an early 1970s Urban Renewal Plan. Fortunately, its value and character didn’t go unnoticed, and a group of local citizens stepped in to petition for it to remain. They won out, and by 1974 the building had not only been saved but was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From a white-tablecloth restaurant to an office space and even an ice cream parlor, many businesses have occupied the space since that time, but the name “Old Post Office” or “OPO” has stuck. The current owner, Jane Arnold, and her late husband, Mike, purchased the

property in 2018. She recalls the vision Mike had for the space. “We went to visit one weekend and walked by the Square at night. It was so dark and sad. I said, I guess you’re right; we have to purchase this and light up the Square again,” she recalls. “We hoped it would be important to the community.”

Having previously brought the Razorback Pizza brand to central Arkansas, the Arnolds decided to reverse the concept by taking a beloved Heights eatery, Cheers, to Northwest Arkansas—with the blessing of the Little Rock restaurant’s owner. The formerly vacant interior was completely renovated to house the restaurant, and Cheers at the OPO opened in April 2019. Since its opening, Jane and Mike’s son, Curtis, has served as the manager, keeping the spirit of the vision in the family and the spirit of the city alive with an eatery that welcomes one and all in for a meal on the Square.