At Home in Arkansas | May 2024

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From the Editor

My favorite before-andafter stories are not necessarily the ones where the house is so transformed you can barely see the outline of what originally was. Those makeovers are impressive, and often an improvement in both function and style, but it can be hard to pick out exactly what changed in the process. For me, having a signpost pointing toward the house’s original form not only makes the renovation easier to understand, but is a meaningful reminder of the home’s history.

You’ll see these signs in each of this issue’s feature stories. From the sweet cottage silhouette on our front cover to the windows overlooking Little Rock in a downtown condo, these abodes pay homage to their beginnings while better serving the people who live in them. If you’re embarking on your own update, no matter how big or small, I think you’ll find inspiration for your project in these pages. Happy reading!

Reader Responses

Feedback from stories in our April issue

“I have been out of town and a friend sent a screenshot last night of the Cheers at the OPO piece in At Home in Arkansas. Tiffany’s take was just perfect. It is truly the most well-written piece about the building that I have read, and of course brought tears to my eyes. A big priority for me is for people to know it was Mike’s vision. And it makes me very proud that the building will be his continuing legacy.”

—JANE ARNOLD, OWNER OF CHEERS AT THE OPO IN FAYETTEVILLE

Flip to page 80 to continue learning about iconic Arkansas structures through our End Notes column, Building History.

YOU ASKED, WE LISTENED: In years past we’ve always shown “before” photos in renovation stories in black and white. Every now and then, a devoted reader would write in and request our “befores” be shown in color for better comparison. Ask and you shall receive! We hope the update makes reading this Before & After Issue even more enjoyable.

Latest

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).

Jeremy Carter, owner of The Shade Above, has plans to open a second showroom and studio for the interior design arm of his business, JC Designs Located just a few doors down from The Shade Above in Little Rock’s Riverdale Design District, shoppers will find a mix of antiques, art, accessories, and upholstery, as well as a conference room and design center for client meetings. Keep an eye out for an official opening date in June. Call The Shade Above at 501.374.3555 for more information.

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

Tune in to KARK’s Arkansas Style as editor-inchief 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/arkansasstyle). Follow At Home in Arkansas on social media (@athomearkansas) for updates on Stephanie’s upcoming appearances.

Photo by Rett Peek.

Illustration by Bailey Dougan

BEFORE AFTER

JILL WHITE DESIGNS

PREVIOUS PAGE

Vintage amber glasses (set of 6) and oval mirrored tray from Ruth Hanna’s and orange Viking ashtray from Front Porch Patina.

South Main Creative, Little Rock SOUTHMAINCREATIVE.COM

1 Sculptural rattan “Ribbon” chair. Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock KAUFMANLUMBER.COM

2 Vintage Moe Lighting “Fiesta” swag light from Mid Mod Mike. Moxy Modern Mercantile, Little Rock MOXYMODERNMERCANTILE.COM

3 Teak folding fruit basket. Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM

4 Handmade macrame wall hanging by Hannah Genevieve Lawrence of Strands Textiles. Strands Textiles, Little Rock STRANDSTEXTILES.COM

5 Visual Comfort “Whitman” brass desk lamp.

Lighting Emporium, Springdale LIGHTINGEMPORIUM.COM

6 Sculptural hand. Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM

7 Rust pillow with light pink edge. Presley Paige, Fayetteville PRESLEYPAIGE.COM

8 Surya “Ultra Shag UTG-2309” rug. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM

9 & 10 Brass butterfly and vintage orange stretch vase from Front Porch Patina. South Main Creative, Little Rock SOUTHMAINCREATIVE.COM

Photos by Rett Peek (macrame, sculptural hand, teak fruit basket, brass butterfly, and orange stretch vase) and courtesy of vendors

On the Surface

From bright whites to dark, rich veining, refresh your countertops with the latest offerings

PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS

Image courtesy of MSI Surfaces

Keep it Light

Inspired by the palace of the same name, Silestone’s “VERSAILLES IVORY” from the Le Chic collection features golden metallic flecks.

MSI Surfaces’ “AZURMATT” features gentle gray veining and aquamarine undertones in a stain-resistant quartz.

Cambria’s Inverness collection, shown here in “EVERLEIGH,” combines cool gray and warm honey hues in a durable quartz that comes with a lifetime warranty. Available in eight other colorways.

Local Retailers

CAMBRIA

Alpha Countertops, alphacountertops.net Arkansas Granite & Marble, arkansasgraniteandmarble.com Brothers Granite & Quartz, facebook.com/ BrothersGnQLlc Countertop World, countertopworldar.com Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com Emcar Marble & Granite, facebook.com/emcarmarblegranite Gilmore Kitchens, gilmoreskitchens.com Kitchen & Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz Kitchen Distributors, kitchendistributorsinc.com Kitchen

Tune-Up, kitchentuneup.com Midway Marble & Granite, midwaygranite.com New Century Countertops, newcenturycountertops.com Pacific Shore Stones, pacificshorestones.com ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale.com Restructure Design, restructurear.com Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com Schmidt Countertops, schmidtcountertops.com Southern Interiors, southerninteriorsfa.com Specialty Woodworks & Tile, specialtywoodworksandtile.com Westbrook Premier Kitchen & Bath, westbrookpremierkb.com

FORMICA

Gilmore Kitchens, gilmoreskitchens.com Kaufman By Design, kaufmanlumber.com Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com Sutherlands, sutherlands.com Vore’s Kitchen & Bath, voreskitchenandbath.com Whit Davis Lumber Plus, whitdavis.com Woodunique, woodunique.com

“CALCITE BLUE” MARBLE “PITAYA” GRANITE

Photos by Bailey Dougan and courtesy of vendors

Go Deep & Dark

Formica’s “JATOBA BROWN” from the Living Impressions collection is a large-scale replica of stone recreated on laminate. Available in six additional stone patterns.

Local Retailers (cont.)

MSI SURFACES

Affordable Granite and More, facebook.com/affordablegraniteandstone Alpha Countertops, alphacountertops.net Arkansas Granite & Marble, arkansasgraniteandmarble.com Arnold’s Flooring America, arnoldsflooring-america.com Brothers Granite & Quartz, facebook.com/BrothersGnQLlc

Casa Blanca Granite, Marble & Tile, casablancagranite.com Countertop World, countertopworldar.com Design 1, lumber1.com/design1 Genesis Countertops and Accessories, facebook.com/genesis.ca.ar Granite Depot of Springdale, granitedepotspringdale.com McElroy Tops & Floors, mcelroytops.com New Century Countertops, newcenturycountertops.com Southern Interiors, southerninteriorsfa.com Tri-City Granite, tri-citygranite.com

SILESTONE

Advanced Bath & Kitchen, advancedbathkitchen.com Countertop World, countertopworldar.com Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, kitchensofarkansas.com Gilmore Kitchens, gilmoreskitchens.com Kitchen & Bath Ideas, kitchenandbathideas.biz Kitchen Tune-Up, kitchentuneup.com Pacific Shore Stones, pacificshorestones.com ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale.com Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com Southern Interiors, southerninteriorsfa.com

NATURAL STONES

Natural stones including granite, marble, and soapstone are available at various retailers listed above, as well as Triton Stone Group, tritonstone.com. Slabs photographed for this section were shot on location at Pacific Shore Stones and Countertop World

“OCEAN FANTASY”

BLACK HONED SOAPSTONE

“NORMANDY” GRANITE

“ROMANTIC ASH” from Silestone’s Le Chic collection

Photos by Bailey Dougan and courtesy of vendors

Inspired by industrial materials, “BRASS RELISH” from Silestone’s Urban Crush collection has the look of finely grained sandstone.

Make Her Day

Is it a coincidence that Mother’s Day falls during the peak of blooming gardens? We think not. To celebrate the leading ladies in our lives, three local florists put together meaningful arrangements that are sure to delight them on their special day

Fresh & Fun

Inspired by Palm Beach in spring, this vibrant bouquet features roses, tulips, hydrangeas, and snapdragons in saturated hues. Palm accents along with cut grapefruits and lemons add to its punchy appeal, while the rattan cane-wrapped vase and destination coffee table book make lovely gifts alongside the arrangement.

PURPLE HYDRANGEAS

YELLOW TULIPS

CARNATIONS

Represent a mother’s eternal love.

Natural Beauty

With a muted palette of 1970s-inspired mauves and vibrant greenery, this bouquet is naturally on trend. The amber midcentury vase, a thoughtful and useful gift in itself, is filled with garden roses, carnations, pincushion proteas, dusty miller, and a strand of immature dates among other textured blooms and pieces of foliage.

PINK ROSES

Symbolize gratitude and grace.

ROSEMARY Signifies remembrance.

Design by Bearded Bouquet

Jonesboro 870.333.1661

beardedbouquet.com

Timeless & True

This bouquet embodies a French country garden filled with peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas, lisianthus, and accents of dusty miller and greenery. The classic blooms are arranged in a blue-and-white vase, an ideal display piece for any collector drawn to the color combination.

WHITE ROSES Symbolize loyalty.

PEONIES

In Asian culture, representative of honor and good fortune.

Set the scene for spring entertaining with inspired pieces from Arkansas boutiques

Colored stemless champagne glasses (set of 6), $32.95. Also available as stemless wine, highball, old fashioned, shot, and stemless martini glasses.

Home, Holidays, and More, Batesville

HOMEHOLIDAYSANDMORE@GMAIL.COM

Hand-painted stoneware rabbit pitcher, $57.99. Eggshells Kitchen Co., Little Rock

EGGSHELLSKITCHENCOMPANY.COM

Striped pedestal bowl with handles, $54.95.

Freckled Hen Home, Fayetteville

SHOPFRECKLEDHEN.COM

The Palm Beach Collection, a two-book set featuring Palm Beach Living and Palm Beach Chic by Jennifer Ash Rudick, $150.

Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock

TANARALUXEFLORAL.COM

Beatriz Ball “VIDA” bamboo large chip ’n’ dip bowl, $75.

The Full Moon, Little Rock

FULLMOONLITTLEROCK.COM

Arkansas destination cutting board, $30.

Honeycomb Kitchen Shop, Rogers

HONEYCOMBKITCHENSHOP.COM

Images by Rett Peek (pitcher and chip ’n’ dip bowl) and courtesy of vendors

WHERE WE CAME FROM, WHERE WE ARE GOING

It is hard to believe that nearly seven decades ago, a group of local visionaries gathered to form a symphony orchestra to enhance the cultural lives of the residents of South Arkansas. The first concert was performed in 1957 by a 30-piece orchestra to an audience of the same size.

Today, Kermit Poling, our Music Director, will be conducting the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in his 30th year. SASO is the longest performing orchestra in Arkansas and has grown to be known as one of the top orchestras in the South. The mission of the founders that ignited this movement has never been more important than now, in its 67th season. When the world seems draped in uncertainty, music is the bridge that connects and binds people together.

Sara Coffman, our Executive Director, announces upcoming events that will feature brilliant performances, bringing together our community partners, including kids from all over South Arkansas. With the support of SASO sponsors, we continue to make our visionaries proud.

314 E Oak St, El Dorado, AR 71730 southarkansassymphony.com (870) 310-2244

ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN

Discover El Dorado

From a year-round calendar of live entertainment to a nationally rated golf course, this South Arkansas town has everything! Plan a family trip, corporate retreat, or weekend getaway in El Dorado and you’ll find all the amenities in a beautiful, small-town setting with cosmopolitan influences. Discover El Dorado: The perfect destination to stay, meet, listen, and play.

STAY MEET LISTEN PLAY

hilton.com

eldoradoconferencecenter.com

eldomad.com

golfmysticcreek.com

A 70-room boutique hotel in the heart of downtown El Dorado. Enjoy a drink and appetizer at The Well Bar or explore shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps outside the front door. Accommodations feature all the amenities to help you feel at home during your stay.

Tiffany Olson

870-677-6303 | eldet-salesadm@hilton.com

The premier space for meetings and events in South Arkansas. With over 12,000 square feet of unique meeting space, we offer versatile accommodations perfect for any occasion.

Melanie Parks

870-864-8447 | mparks@southark.edu

Live music, food, art, outdoor movies, and family fun. Discover it all at Murphy Arts District! Check out our calendar to see what’s happening next at MAD.

Contact us at: 870-444-3007 | info@eldofest.com

Rated the #1 Course You Can Play in Arkansas and #37 Top 100 Public Courses in America by GolfWeek, Mystic Creek is truly a hidden gem. Home of Mystic Grill, a casual restaurant featuring contemporary American cuisine and southern classics.

Melissa Ludwig

870-312-0723 | melissa.ludwig@troon.com

WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER BAILEY DOUGAN

fter spending time in the entertainment industry in California, Darrin Riley— now a curator with the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society—had just returned to his childhood home of El Dorado when he was tapped for his talents as a film and history buff. The organization, called SAHPS for short, had recently acquired a collection of memorabilia from El Dorado native and film historian Michael G. Fitzgerald. That project evolved into Darrin’s current role overseeing the museum’s premier draw, the historic Newton House, as well as monthly temporary exhibits. “We want people's stories, and it's not always about the oil barons and the huge mercantile owners,” he says. “And that's really kind of where we run within our galleries— searching out those stories from all the families that created the community.”

We spoke with Darrin about his work with SAHPS, the history of entertainment in South Arkansas, and the namesake fruit at the heart of the annual Mayhaw Festival, which takes place this year on May 4.

Q: THE MAYHAW FESTIVAL HAS BEEN ONE OF SOUTH ARKANSAS’S MOST POPULAR EVENTS FOR DECADES. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NAME AND THE FESTIVAL’S ORIGINS?

A: The mayhaw is a berry that comes off of the mayhaw shrub. Over time, it became a staple for jellies, syrups, and pies with the pioneers. But the shrubs only grow in a certain part of the U.S.— all within this Southern, swampy kind of region. It used to be that in the days of “mayhawing,” you’d go out, have a picnic, take your jonny boat out through the creeks, shake the trees so all the fruit falls in the waters, and that’s how they were harvested. Nowadays, we locally source as much as we can and then we create the jelly here at SAHPS off of a recipe by Rachel McKinney, one of the ladies who started this society. We will have almost 2,000 jars available for purchase during the festival.

Q: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE REGION THROUGH YOUR WORK WITH SAHPS THAT YOU THINK PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED BY?

A: If you research the area, you find out El Dorado was the hub of entertainment even back when motion pictures were

being shown in tents with a guy cranking a projector. We had 16 motion picture houses, three drive-ins, two opera houses— entertainment was the focus. This is where everyone from South Arkansas came. In 1939, Gone With the Wind premiered in two places: Atlanta and El Dorado. People from East Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi—if they wanted to see Gone With the Wind, they came to El Dorado and paid $1 a ticket to see it here.

Q: WHEN THE MURPHY ARTS DISTRICT OPENED, DID IT FEEL LIKE THE AREA WAS STARTING TO RECLAIM THAT PART OF ITS HISTORY?

A: I think that was a big part of it, especially for those of us who were really wanting to see that happen. El Dorado has such a draw anyway with the amount of actors, singers, songwriters, and novelists that come from here. If you’re into country music, Lefty Frizzell is an absolutely humongous name in country. Hank [Williams] wouldn’t have been Hank without Lefty. From Charles Portis, who wrote True Grit, to Cynthia Scott, who was a Raelette with Ray Charles, the area's resplendent with plenty of fascinating individuals who go beyond the people that we already know. As I worked with the Fitzgerald Collection, it made more and more sense why these visitors, these correspondents, came here. So, to me, yeah, that heritage is important. It stays here.

A: Outside of what really is going on with the revitalization downtown, it’s the push towards more focus on the arts. Culture is so important to community. I think we're seeing more diversity and bridging between communities, and I think a lot of that is through the power of the arts. Music and the arts transform the mind and thoughts, and it gets us to understand that we are really one.

Q: NOW THAT WE’VE TALKED HISTORY, WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE OF THE AREA?

Read on for a few more of our favorite ways to discover El Dorado & Magnolia.

Mod Maverick Studio in Magnolia

Downtown El Dorado

SHOP

MURPHY’S JEWELERS (murphysjewelers.com) in Magnolia is where brides-to-be and everyday shoppers go for wedding jewelry and the latest looks, including the popular line Vahan. BRIDGET’S ON THE SQUARE (bridgetsonthesquare.com) is a florist and gift shop offering fresh arrangements, potted plants, and gift baskets in Magnolia and surrounding areas. Visit BEAUTIFUL YOU MAGNOLIA (beyoumagnolia.com) for a range of medical aesthetic therapies, including skincare, weight loss, and fillers all done by qualified professionals. COLE’S JEWELERS (shopatcoles.com) is El Dorado’s source for fine and trending jewelry, including beloved brands such as Kendra Scott and Michael Kors as well as repairs and custom services. For women’s apparel and accessories, head to SOUTHERN THREADS BOUTIQUE (southernthreadsboutique.com) in El Dorado for the best selection of current, casual attire.

DINE

In Magnolia, LEFTY’S ON THE SQUARE (leftysonthesquare.com) is a speakeasy-inspired restaurant and lounge with a “modern American” menu and specialty cocktails open Fridays and Saturdays only. For a casual atmosphere and live music, head up North Jackson Street to MULEKICK (mulekickmag.com) and order a craft beer alongside a pizza or wings. When in South Arkansas,

there’s nothing quite like starting the day with a namesake pastry from SPUDNUTS (spudnutshop.com), which has locations in both El Dorado and Magnolia. For dining with a side of fun, check out DP’S FOOD TRUCK PARK (dpsfoodtruckpark.com), an El Dorado gathering place with food trucks and outdoor games that’s dog- and family-friendly.

VISIT

May 4 is the 32nd annual MAYHAW FESTIVAL (soarkhistory.com) sponsored by Murphy USA and First Financial Bank. Visit The Newton House and surrounding blocks for a 5K run, mac ’n’ cheese cook-off, mayhaw jelly sales, and shopping with more than 100 vendors. Main Street El Dorado’s MAY ON MAIN (mainstreeteldorado.com) takes place on the same day, encouraging the public to walk several blocks down to the square for even more fun and festivities while exploring downtown shops and dining. That night, South Arkansas band Jimmy Lewis & 8 Second Ride plays a free show at MAD House 101 Restaurant & Bar, the restaurant and live music venue that’s part of MURPHY ARTS DISTRICT (eldomad.com), which offers a full lineup of programming for adults and children throughout the year.

Clockwise from top left: Mulekick and Lefty’s, both in Magnolia. Denim displayed at Southern Threads Boutique. First Financial Music Hall in El Dorado. Storefronts along the El Dorado downtown square.

SHOP DINE PLAY

Financing

South Arkansas

Murphy’s Jewelers Celebrates 85 Years

Founded in 1939 by Jerome Murphy, Murphy’s Jewelers is the trusted source for fine jewelry in Magnolia. Jerome’s son, Richard, joined the family business in 1972 and is proud to carry on the legacy his father built. “As we celebrate 85 years in business, we can’t forget our community that has allowed us to thrive for over three quarters of a century,” Richard says.

In addition to an expansive inventory of beloved brands such as Vahan, Kwiat, and Gabriel & Co., Murphy’s Jewelers offers repairs, maintenance, and custom designs, all facilitated by a team of

knowledgeable staff with decades of experience. “We strive to accommodate customers’ needs for every occasion and budget, and we never compromise quality for price,” says Mark Williams, managing partner. “Murphy’s has stood the test of time throughout multiple generations because of our staff’s commitment to customer service and providing high quality, beautiful jewelry at affordable prices. Our customers are like family.”

murphysjewelers.com

1920

VISIT (CONT.)

For another weekend of family fun, make plans to attend the MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM FESTIVAL ( blossomfestival.org) on May 17 and 18 in downtown Magnolia. You’ll enjoy the World Championship Steak Cook-off, Blossom Market, and Magnolia Arts Art Show, which has been around since the festival’s beginnings. To see more local art, visit the MAGNOLIA ARTS CENTER (magnoliaarts.net) to explore the paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, and more by local and regional talent. SOUTH ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (southarkansassymphony. com) closes out its current season with Symphony on the Square, a Memorial Day celebration on May 25 at the El Dorado Square. This concert is free and open to the public. Stop by the EL DORADO CONFERENCE CENTER (eldoradoconferencecenter. com) to take in the visual arts on display as part of the South Arkansas Gallery Collective, a collaboration between several local nonprofit and educational organizations that curates rotating exhibits inspired by the city’s history and people. Those interested in a tee time should check out MYSTIC CREEK GOLF CLUB ( golfmysticcreek.com), a semi-private club with a par-72 course and fully stocked pro shop.

STAY

In El Dorado, THE HAYWOOD ( facebook.com/thehaywoodeldorado), part of the Hilton brand, offers contemporary style and convenience in the heart of the Murphy Arts District. Grab a drink at the hotel’s Well Bar before heading out to explore the city’s nightlife. In downtown Magnolia, THE LOFT ON THE SQUARE (theloftsq.com) is a boutique hotel located in the revitalized Columbia County Bank. This family-owned operation provides accommodations just steps from shopping and dining favorites.

The Haywood in El Dorado

COMING UP:

May 11 - 18

74th Annual Art Show

JUNE 18 - 21

Firebringer: Prehistoric Comedy Musical

magnoliaarts.net

116 S. Washington

Magnolia, AR 870.901.3600

Bringing ART to the people and bringing ART out of the people in Columbia County!

Cottage Charmer

At his home in Fayetteville, Daniel Keeley packs a bold punch in a small space with tropically inspired patterns and colors

WRITER REBEKAH HALL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON

QCOZY COTTAGE

For his “bright and cute little cottage,” Daniel wanted to create the sense of an inviting outdoor room in the front yard. “The fence helps give it framework, which is important to making it feel enclosed like a room,” he says. “I wanted it to be simple and low maintenance, but with curb appeal.” Boxwoods also add structure, and Daniel says there is nearly year-round color, including ‘Encore’ azaleas, which bloom twice a year.

uality over quantity is important to landscape designer Daniel Keeley, who sold his previous home (featured in the October 2013 issue of At Home in Arkansas) before purchasing another cottage that he’d been eyeing on the same block. “I’d much rather have something of quality that’s finished and smaller, than have some big sprawling house or land that I’m never going to be able to finish,” he says.

Daniel designed his previous house with the intention of never selling, so the space was tailored to his more masculine, serene style. But in the new home, which is almost identical in size, he decided to experiment with color and playful patterns. “I wanted it to be 180 degrees opposite of the last house,” he says. “I wanted to have fun with it, and I love it.”

For this abode, which Daniel and his husband, Garrit, renovated from top to bottom, the couple were inspired by the airy atmosphere of South Florida. “I am not a huge color person usually, so I wanted to bust out of that box a little bit,” Daniel says. “I was thinking of Palm Beach and that light, airy vibe.” They had the hardwood floors painted in “Argos” by Sherwin-Williams, a treatment that Daniel admits he has long been interested in but never had the opportunity

to try. A palette of pinks, blues, and terracottas with touches of brass weaves throughout the home, contributing to the overall beachmeets-cottage appeal of the design.

Some of the home’s most significant indoor upgrades were in the bathroom and kitchen, where Daniel made an effort to use budgetfriendly materials that don’t compromise on style. “In my last house, the countertops were granite and had a full granite backsplash up to the cabinets,” Daniel says of the kitchen. “I knew I didn’t want to spend that much money, so the tile backsplash was much less expensive—and fun.” Butcher block countertops were another affordable replacement for the kitchen’s counters. Savings in these areas meant the couple could splurge on more structural changes such as walling off a kitchen window to create a more centered placement for the range.

For the landscape designer, transforming the home’s exterior and outdoor living spaces was also a priority. “It really had almost no landscaping—there was a dying maple tree in the front, and that was about it,” Daniel says. “I wanted the front yard to feel like a cottage garden. I’m always going to have some sort of fence or hedge, and a gate towards the street so the yard becomes a room of its own. I wanted it to be lighthearted and simple.” AH

CURATED FOR CONVERSATION

In the living room, a pink velvet sofa and textured slipper chairs, which can be pushed together to use as a settee, provide ample seating. An iron side table with gold coating and tree branch details is a carryover from Daniel’s last house. “I reused very little from the previous house, but that table was one thing I really liked,” he says. “I like things that reference the outdoors or the garden that are made for inside.”

BURSTS OF BLUE

The kitchen’s range hood was painted the same blue as the bathroom ceiling, a decision that Daniel says came after some trial and error. “We painted that hood three different times,” he says.

“First it was white, then it was navy, then we finally settled on that blue. I had already picked out the tile, and if you look really closely, it has little tiny specks of that same color.”

BEFORE

“Resolute Blue” Sherwin-Williams

FUN AND FUNKY

For the small dining area, Daniel used a reproduction of a Knoll table from the 1960s, which had previously been in his office. Bistro-style chairs with woven caned backs, which were made for outdoor use, pull up along with a bench beneath the window. A navy ceiling lamp with gold discs fit the vibe Daniel wanted throughout the house. “It’s a little bit funky, and it’s a little bit feminine,” he says.

TOUCH OF TROPIC

Plaster urns with fiddle leaf ficuses flank the bar, a teak sideboard that was also originally intended for outdoor use. Providing additional symmetry are two custom lamps Daniel had made at The Shade Above in Little Rock. “I had a vision for what I wanted but just couldn’t find it, and I went in there and they had two jars that were exactly what I was looking for,” he says. An original work by Daniel’s friend, artist Jack Henry, incorporates all the colors seen in this pass-through space.

Brass finishes, including the commercial-style faucet and textured cabinet pulls, fill the kitchen.

BEFORE

CRAVING COLOR

The bathroom was the first room in the house to be renovated, and Daniel says the color palette inspired his choices in the rest of the home. A pair of shower curtains hung from the ceiling makes the 8-foot walls appear taller while also elevating the style of the space.

In addition to painting the walls and ceiling, a new tub, plumbing fixtures, and tile on both the floor and surround gave the room a whole new look. Replacing a pedestal sink with a marble-topped vanity provided storage and necessary counterspace.

“Alyssum” Sherwin-Williams

RELAXING RETREAT

“Muted and masculine is what we were going for, just a little simpler,” Daniel says of the bedroom. Neutral bedding repurposed from his previous house helped set the palette, and an upholstered headboard was a necessity for Daniel. “That was to elevate the look,” he says. “I don’t mind a bed in front of windows, but if it didn’t have a headboard, I feel like it would look a bit amateur.” A sisal rug, brass reading lamp, and bedside vignette complete the space.

COLLECTED CORNER

In the corner of the second bedroom, which Daniel and Garrit use as an office and secondary den, an antique Louis Philippe secretary steals the show. “It came from French Metro Antiques, and I just think it’s absolutely wonderful,” Daniel says. Atop it, an antique French drawing cozies up to a carved wood urn. The art hanging over the settee is a piece of macro photography done by one of Daniel’s friends.

OUTDOOR OASIS

As a landscape designer, Daniel was excited to completely reimagine the entire backyard. “There was nothing back here,” he says of the existing property. While the exterior of his former house was painted a dark gray, Daniel chose Benjamin Moore’s “Cloud White” for this home. “I knew from experience not to paint something too crisp on the outside because the sun is so blinding, and it can kind of end up looking cheap,” he says. Beyond the deck, a firepit (which, when covered, acts as a coffee table) invites conversation every season of the year.

“Cloud White” Benjamin Moore

“I wanted it to be lighthearted and simple.”

—Daniel

Design Resources INTERIOR AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN Daniel Keeley, DK Design

AND ART Cobblestone & Vine and French Metro Antiques BEDDING

DK Design

AND TILE Flooring America by CarpetSmart FURNITURE Bassett Furniture, DK Design, and French Metro Antiques IRONWORK (AWNINGS) Razorback Tent & Awning WINDOWS AND

Encore Building Products

PERFECT PERCH

A corner of the new deck hosts what Daniel says is a French-inspired bench and set of bistro chairs for hosting guests or enjoying an evening cocktail.

A trio of cobalt blue planters features (from left) pink dipladenia, pink pentas, and ‘Kimberly Queen’ fern with white vinca.

Keeley, designer and homeowner

BRING IN THE

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST ANGELA ALEXANDER

Shayla Copas updates a west Little Rock home with cheerful hues, comfort, and functionality

FEMININE FLAIR

“The wife loves pink, and her husband was very agreeable to using it in the formal living room,” Shayla says, pointing to a muted shade of the color that is seen alongside the lavender sofa. She and the homeowners opted to keep the existing wall color but updated the trim and ceilings with a fresh coat of white paint. “They didn’t think this would make a big difference but called me as soon as they saw it and were amazed,” Shayla says. The abstract work on the mantel was commissioned from local artist Stephanie Hutchinson to tie the room’s hues together.

Color was key when Shayla Copas took on this Chenal Valley family home renovation.

“This family loves color, and I love it when clients allow us to use different hues,” the designer says. As someone who enjoys color research and trend reports, Shayla married hues that are on the horizon with the family’s personal preferences to update the entire home. At an initial meeting, the homeowners shared a Pinterest board that included a dark teal. This led Shayla to weave blues throughout the home, starting with a deep shade reflective of her clients’ inspiration on the den’s chairs and moving into more subdued tones in the kitchen and breakfast area. “They are all muted shades, so it creates a flow,” Shayla says.

Built in the 1990s, many of the rooms featured a creamy tan wall paint, ornate millwork, and dark countertops—elements that were at their peak at the time but not necessarily reflective of the new inhabitants’ style. “They wanted a transitional look—not so contemporary that it felt cold but also not so traditional that it was stuffy,” Shayla says.

Structurally, the biggest transformation came in the kitchen where Shayla worked with Bill Wrape of Distinctive Kitchens & Baths to streamline the space for ease of use while also updating its look. “I focused on the function of the kitchen,” Bills says. “We wanted to make it work better for the family and give them organization that made sense.”

From the start, Shayla involved everyone in the family of five, which includes college and high school teenagers, in the process. “When we work with families, I like to talk with the children directly to figure out what they want,” she says. “And the husband was just as involved in design decisions as the wife,” she adds. “They were so open to change and meandering in different directions to get it just right.” AH

CUSTOM BLEND

A Thibaut wallcovering that resembles grasscloth takes center stage in the formal dining room. “This wallpaper has a lot of pattern but, again, it’s all very muted,” Shayla says. The designer paired a clean-lined, contemporary table with more traditional, upholstered host chairs, a mix that reflects the couple’s penchant for transitional style. Shayla notes the open design of the chandelier, which is accented with blue milk glass, keeps it from overpowering the wallcovering.

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

“Shelves give limited accessibility and sight, so we traded those for pull-out columns that take full advantage of the space,” Bill explains.

FUNCTION MEETS BEAUTY

Removing the previous walk-in pantry and its heavily carved black doors addressed both ease of use and aesthetics in the kitchen. The range was already in place, giving Shayla the opportunity to personalize the room with a custom metal hood. The rest of the space was refreshed with light, neutral cabinetry and a muted blue island. The bronze metallic in the backsplash plays off the room’s other finishes and is also a reflection of Shayla’s color research. “Browns are going to be huge again,” she says. “We saw that coming in our color trend report and leaned into it here.”

FAMILY STYLE DINING

The breakfast room features a blue-green hue that plays well with the kitchen island’s hue. Shayla notes she designed the room with the large-scale light fixture as the focal point. “You need one star and a supporting cast in every room; otherwise, everything competes,” the designer says. The wood-grain table, which sits atop a more contemporary shagreen base, has a leaf that transforms it from a circle to its current oval shape, making it possible to accommodate the entire family. The table pairs with chairs upholstered in an indoor/outdoor fabric, a design decision that is equally practical, comfortable, and attractive. New cabinetry provides both display space and concealed storage. Its backsplash repeats from the kitchen for continuity.

“You need one star and a supporting cast in every room; otherwise, everything competes.”

—Shayla Copas, designer

Connected to the kitchen by a hallway, the den was designed to be a comfortable area where everyone could relax, catch up, and watch television. Its chairs were the starting point for much of the home’s blue palette. “We used the color on the pillows, accessories, and side chairs so it really sings,” Shayla says. As a nod to the existing wall color, Shayla introduced a charcoal, black, and cream floral pattern for the draperies. Elements like the acrylic drapery rods and ombré 3D string artwork add to the transitional style.

BEFORE

CREATING COMFORT

PATTERNS OF BLUE

While talking with the teen daughter who lives in this room, Shayla discovered she loves teal and blue. To this point, the designer presented a geometric Thibaut pattern for the wallpaper and coordinating comforter fabric. The existing window seat was also updated with a cushion in the same print along with acrylic hardware, white sconces, and a Roman shade featuring a dramatic wide tape. Pieces like the mirrored bedside tables and abstract-patterned lamps keep the look youthful.

Knowing this space would serve as a bedroom for the couple’s college-aged daughter as well as guests, Shayla paired neutrals with an understated shade of pink. The built-in desk stayed in place but was refreshed with a coat of white paint and a contemporary-style chair.

“They wanted a transitional look—not so contemporary that it felt cold but also not so traditional that it was stuffy.”

—Shayla Copas, designer

While the ground-floor primary bedroom is

more

A mix of pieces, including an animal print fabric on the bench and pillows, a large-scale geometric bolster, and—the star of the room—the veneer wallcovering, create visual interest in the retreat. “The woodgrain in the wallcovering gives it a 3D appeal with different tones,” Shayla says.

“This room is why we bought the condo,” Melanie says of the former bedroom that now serves as an office and den. “It has a beautiful view south and west that is so bright,” she says, noting the Cathedral of St. Andrew’s steeple in the distance.

“Palladian Blue” Benjamin Moore

CAPITAL CITYChic

Designer Melanie Siegel channels Art Deco design and New York City influence into her Little Rock condo

Downtown Little Rock’s historic Lafayette Building has always held intrigue for Conway residents Melanie and Bill Siegel. They went in with their daughter to purchase their first condominium in the complex when she moved to the city after college and have since bought, renovated, and sold several apartments within the building. But there was one they envisioned as a long-term retreat—a top floor unit with sunset views of the city. “I grew up in Magnolia but Bill is from New York City. For an urbanite, this is his ‘lake house,’” Melanie explains.

As a designer who specializes in renovations and space planning, the opportunity to make the condo their own intrigued Melanie, and the timing seemed meant to be as both of the couple’s children (and their grandchildren!) now call Little Rock home. They started by evaluating their needs and considering updates that would streamline the getaway. For example, with their most-frequent guests already living in the city, a combination den and office made more sense for the couple than a second bedroom. In the kitchen, a catty-corner island and diagonally placed stove were realigned to create clean lines reflective of the couple’s style and to maximize the view of the city.

Although the Lafayette, which originally served as a 300-room hotel, was built in the Renaissance Revival

style, it was completed in 1925 at the peak of the Art Deco movement. This along with Bill’s roots in New York—a city marked by the style—prompted Melanie to celebrate the period in finishes and furnishings. Notably, the celestial motifs seen on the wallpaper of the living room ceiling and coordinating wall mural were inspired by the original Cloud Club at the top of the Chrysler Building, which Melanie notes is an Art Deco icon. “Bill’s father worked in The Empire State Building, so we also used that as inspiration,” she adds.

In the baths, the designer was able to incorporate a feature that pays tribute to the period as well as the Lafayette. The top floor of the building served as a ballroom during its heyday. One day Melanie opened the door to a communal hallway closet to find a surprise underfoot— remnants of the room’s original tile. “I thought, This is it; this is the missing piece ,” the designer says. Local vendor American Restoration Tile was able to recreate the design for use in both bathrooms.

The retreat is a departure from the Siegels' primary residence’s look, which Melanie describes as a “New England farmhouse-style home that is very colorful and casual.” However, the sophisticated city condo also holds deep meaning with links to the couple’s past as well as their future as they create new memories with their family. AH

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST LAUREN CERRATO

CONDO CONFIGURATION

AFTER

Relocating the sink to a window makes kitchen chores more scenic.

More play space was a higher priority than guest quarters, so the second bedroom became a den.

Melanie specified the narrow walnut floors to have a look authentic to the building’s original era. A geometric backsplash with a slight glimmer also plays into the time period inspiration.

Removing a corner tub created space for a double vanity in the main bathroom.

BEFORE

An angled island created awkward traffic flow and encroached on available dining space.

An unnecessary peninsula of cabinetry made the kitchen feel smaller than it is.

Two sets of closet doors made this small storage space more difficult to navigate.

Bar accessories are conveniently stored on a cart between the living and dining rooms. Each cover of The New Yorker in the grid has personal significance to the couple. The black door opens to the newly built pantry, a feature that keeps countertops clear and offers additional storage.

A walnut table from HOWSE pairs with bentwood chairs in the dining area. Melanie sourced the vintage chairs from 2Brothers (formerly Two Brothers Salvage) and had them recovered in an easy-to-clean vinyl.

ALL THE RIGHT ANGLES

Eliminating unneeded cabinetry allowed Melanie to reimagine the flow of the kitchen, creating an L-shaped workspace along its perimeter. In what she recalls as a pivotal moment, she relocated the sink from the island to a space under the kitchen windows, which offers sunset views of downtown while sudsing dinner plates. To further streamline the room, the awkwardly angled island was replaced with an open-shelving furniture piece that sits squarely in the center of the space. Decorative English Flemish glass from Soos Stained Glass adds character to the cabinetry above the range.

BEFORE

SKY-HIGH FEEL

Bradbury & Bradbury’s “Stardust” wallpaper, which is a re-creation of the pattern used in The Cloud Club atop the Art Deco-style Chrysler Building, covers the ceiling of the gathering spaces. The celestial theme is mimicked in a mural on the side wall. The curved back, white twill sofa reminded the designer of a high-end version she had seen years prior, while the green one was a birthday gift that Bill purchased for Melanie after she admired it in the window at Cantrell Furniture Design Center. Black trim and window casings as well as the semicircle design of the rug add to the graphic appeal.

DEEP DREAMS

A rich-hued wall color was the starting point for the couple’s bedroom, with blue and copper accents helping to create a warm environment. As in other spaces, the bed, walnut dresser, and brass finishes are all subtle nods to the home’s Art Deco inspiration.

“I love to walk downtown, pop in to shop next door at Bella Vita Jewelry, and grab dinner at nearby restaurants.”

—Melanie Siegel, designer and homeowner

“Steel Wool” Benjamin Moore

STYLE & SPACE UPGRADE

In the primary bath, the layout was completely reworked. A soffit was eliminated to raise the ceiling, and a cramped tub was removed to give space for a vanity with dual sinks. On the opposite wall, the shower was modernized with seamless glass and the building’s signature ballroom flooring that was re-created for the renovation. The subway tile on the backsplash and shower wall is from the same supplier used by the New York City Subway, another nod to the couple’s love of The Big Apple.

BEFORE

PURPOSEFUL REFRESH

In the bedroom-turned-den, Melanie opted to bring in more color. The exposed brick column was added by the designer; she picked out a random assortment of bricks, had them installed, and weathered them with her own paint process to make the accent feel original to the structure. Pieces such as the vintage floor lamp, a ceiling mobile, and a photograph Melanie took in Latvia further personalize the room.

Design Resources

CONTRACTOR Danny Cox, Home Run Remodeling INTERIOR DESIGN Melanie Siegel, MSiegel Design BRICK Antique Brick & Block CABINETRY Kitchen & Bath Ideas COUNTERTOPS Alpha Countertops

DOORS (PANTRY) Kaufman Lumber FRAMING BA Framer FURNITURE 2Brothers, Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Cobblestone & Vine, HOWSE, and Midtown Vintage Market GLASS Soos Stained Glass

PAINT Benjamin Moore PAINTING (DECORATIVE) Art by Jessica Jones TILE (KITCHEN) The Tile Shop TILE (BATH) American Restoration Tile WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Mike Mace

TRENDSETTERS

Ready to start that long-awaited remodel? Call on a local renovation professional to help transform your home

Photo by Rett Peek. Design by Jill White Designs

Home Run Remodeling

Contractor Danny Cox started his renovation business, Home Run Remodeling, in 2007 shortly after dipping his toes into the world of remodeling in his last year of college. “I quickly fell in love with taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary,” he says.

“I realized there was a huge niche in the market for specializing in onsite customer services and taking measures to protect the home during our remodels.” While Home Run Remodeling specializes in kitchen and bath projects, many clients call on them to complete

Kitchen Tune-Up

Over the past 16 years, Susan and Charlie Johnson have enjoyed helping homeowners get more out of their kitchens through their Maumelle-based business Kitchen Tune-Up. “In today’s home, the kitchen is truly the center of activity,” Susan says. “The way the kitchen functions is a key component of how the whole home functions.”

Kitchen Tune-Up’s specialties include cabinet refacing, redooring, new cabinets, and the Original TuneUp. They offer personalized service to create kitchens that inspire and uplift. “Because of our diverse levels of services, we are able to work within most homeowners’ budgets, and

other areas of the home after finishing these key areas.

In his recent work, Danny has seen open-concept layouts, show-stopping countertop slabs, and handcrafted backsplash tiles trending in kitchens. In bathrooms, lighted mirrors and mitred shower niches have proven to be popular requests. “The most important thing about my business is our ability to form relationships with our customers,” he says. “We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and doing things right the first time.”

our timelines for completion are less disruptive to the household,” Charlie says.

Communication is key to the Johnsons. “I always like to know why the homeowner decided to pick up the phone and call,” Susan says. “Have they decided they are going to stay in this home for many years? Are they wanting to sell in the near future? The answer to these questions will determine how we advise them on the project.” In addition, Susan and Charlie’s level of service has earned the company several national customer service awards since they have been in business.

MAUMELLE

GRANITE & QUARTZ

OWNER: LINO RAMIREZ

501-650-6293

Office: 501-541-8729

9812 I-30 Little Rock, AR

@brothersgq85 BrothersGnQLlc

In collaboration with designer Carol Poet

Photography: Erhard Pfeiffer©

Renovation Checklist

Don’t start knocking down walls just yet! Approach your remodel with a plan in place for peace of mind—as well as savings in cost, time, and frustration

1 3 4 5 2

Interview and hire a pro

Even for the DIY gurus out there, you might find it’s best to outsource some (or all!) of your project. If you bring on a remodel contractor or designer early enough, they can help establish the project scope and budget, helping ensure realistic expectations. Interview at least two candidates, and be sure to ask for references and examples of past work to find the professional who is right for you.

Define your goals

How long do you see yourself in this house? In other words, are you remodeling for you or possible resale value? If approaching an outdated kitchen or bath, what elements of functionality could be improved alongside giving the space a more current aesthetic? Spend some time imagining how this project fits into the bigger picture of your home before making any firm decisions.

Establish a budget

While the scope of your project will help to narrow in on a budget, many variables can contribute to savings—or surprise costs down the line. Start researching pricing in your area for both materials and labor to get a ballpark estimate for what a project of your size might cost. From there, contact a loan officer for advice, if additional financing is needed for your project.

Gather inspiration

Chances are you’ve been dreaming of the end result of this project for a while; now it’s time to bring those visuals to life. Start by creating a collaborative board with example images of your end goal to share with your designer and/or contractor. Try to be as specific as possible, adding notes about your priorities, must-haves, and dislikes, so your team can help guide you toward suitable solutions within the budget.

Prep for the remodel

Depending on the size of your project, you might be vacating the home for several weeks or months, or you may simply be living amid a work zone for a period of time. Even light demo and sanding can create a mess, so cover furniture, remove breakables from areas of high traffic, and think ahead about how you might have to use spaces of your house differently in the meantime. (Hello, makeshift kitchen!)

Photo by Rett Peek. Design by Harper Howey Interiors

Ellis Home Inspections

Patrick Ellis started his work providing home inspections more than seven years ago while he was still on active duty with the Air Force. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.

“I am one of the few people I know who actually enjoy doing what I do,” he says.

“Every home is different, and every home is an opportunity to see something I’ve never seen before.” As a home inspector, Patrick works with everyone from first-time home buyers to families buying their dream homes to empty nesters downsizing. “The homes I’ve inspected have

had a size of 800 square feet to more than 10,000 square feet, and built from as early as 1871 to today,” he says. In almost a decade of service, Ellis Home Inspections has completed more than 2,500 home inspections.

In addition to basic home inspections—which include checking structural components such as roofing, plumbing, insulation, electrical, and heating and air—Patrick’s company also offers sewer scope inspections, thermal inspections, mold inspections, and radon testing. He is also qualified

to provide inspections of commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings. After each inspection is complete, Ellis Home Inspection provides a full report of his findings so clients can feel confident about the investment they’re making in a home. After every inspection, Patrick takes pride in the level of communication and satisfaction provided to clients. “As cliche as it sounds, a top quality product—the report—and top quality service—the inspection—are my priorities,” he says.

6 Majestic Valley Drive

501.548.5522

ellishomeinspectionsllc.com @ellishomeinspectionsllc

CONWAY

Photo by Connor North Goad

Whiteline Designs

Lee Anne Stelte has become the name to know for those looking for contemporary, functional design in Northwest Arkansas. It all started in 2012 when she took her background in art, graphic design, and residential and commercial interiors and decided to launch her own design firm: “I realized that my true calling was to establish my own company, where I could channel my passion and expertise to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” she says. “Thus, Whiteline Designs was born as a platform to deliver bespoke, artistic, and functional spaces that resonate with each client’s unique story and aspirations.”

Lee Anne approaches every project with her client’s individuality in mind, particularly in kitchen and bath remodels, which are some of the hardest-working rooms in the house. “We offer custom services ranging from tailor-made furniture and cabinetry to handpicked materials sourced from around the globe,” she says. She also focuses on maximizing practicality, which means finding clever storage solutions and creating multifunctional spaces in addition to choosing timeless, durable finishes. “My mission is to enrich lives through design, and that is a commitment that I cherish every step of the way.”

whitelinedesigns.com

479.263.6867 @whitelinedesigns

Kitchen & Bath Ideas

While the workhorse rooms of the house—kitchens and baths—are among the most popular projects for Kitchen & Bath Ideas, the North Little Rock-based renovation company also completes full-home and turn-key remodels. “We offer design and drafting services, and also have a showroom showcasing tile, cabinetry, hardware, lighting, faucets, flooring, and anything else you need to complete a remodel,” says Leslie Tetrev, design consultant with Kitchen & Bath Ideas. When looking ahead at upcoming trends,

Leslie says she’s noticing a shift from painted to stained cabinets— “mostly white oak with a white wash,” she says. “I’m also excited to see metal-framed cabinets with glass inserts hitting the kitchen cabinet market. It’s a really fresh update.” No matter your style, the team at Kitchen & Bath Ideas is ready to make your dream come to life, and will stand by during every step of the process. “We follow through on every project and work through any situations as they come up,” Leslie says.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Photo by Rett Peek

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Blytheville Greyhound Bus Station

If the walls of the Blytheville Greyhound Bus Station could talk, they’d undoubtedly share pieces of this small northeast Arkansas town’s past. Since its 1937 construction, the building has witnessed WWII soldiers solemnly arrive for training at the town’s air force base—and also depart for battle. It has seen spirited blues musicians travel the route from Memphis to Chicago to play their next gig. And, it has watched as families were reunited or set off for a holiday to destinations untold.

Operating for more than 60 years, the Art Modernestyle structure became a beacon in the town until the last bus on the Dixie Line route pulled out of the station in 2001. For several years, the building fell into disrepair until, through his work with a state leadership program, resident David Gullic was able to secure a grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The funding, along with numerous generous donations, allowed for

proper restoration of the building, bringing it back to its former glory and allowing future generations to enjoy its iconic place in the community’s history.

Today, the bus station is home to Main Street Blytheville, an organization dedicated to preserving and growing the historic downtown, and it also serves as an event venue and town visitor center. Guided tours with knowledgeable local docents are available by appointment. Inside, the original ticket booth, the divided entrances and waiting rooms that were a part of segregation, and numerous relics from the station’s decades of operation are available for viewing. “We have people from all over the world who stop in to see the station, and many of them want to come in and tell their story of catching the bus or riding through here,” says Main Street Blytheville board president Amy Brothers Riston. “If it wasn’t here, our town wouldn’t be the same.”

WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS ILLUSTRATOR BAILEY DOUGAN