At Home In Arkansas by Network Communications Inc.

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September 2011

AT HOME STYLE 12 Stylish Finds Luxurious bath goods 14 Design News What’s new and notable in The Natural State 16 Collections A North Little Rock collector’s citrus reamers 20 Design New products for the kitchen and bath 27 Before & After A fresh look for a Russellville den and wet bar 31 In the Garden A Fayetteville couple’s outdoor entertaining areas

AT HOME KITCHENS & BATHS

40 Organically Modern Designer Meridith Hamilton infuses an outdated kitchen and bath with sleek style 48 Clean and Serene Designer Garry Mertins creates an elegant and easy-going kitchen 54 Polished to Perfection Designer Tobi Fairley renovates a cramped kitchen and bath into airy spaces

SPECIAL SECTION

Arkansas’ Best Kitchen & Bath Pros

SPECIAL SECTION:

64 Arkansas’ Best Kitchen & Bath Pros

AT HOME OUT & ABOUT 70 On the Town Razorback ready fashions for game day and more 72 On the Road Designer Chris Goddard’s tips for a weekend in Fayetteville 79 What’s in Store Cooking Gear 80 At Home with Chef Lee Richardson

40 Vol. 16, No. 8 © 2011 by Network Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/ February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Network Communications, Inc., 2305 Newpoint Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 770-962-7220. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Lawrenceville, GA and additional mailing ofﬁces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; P.O. BOX 9002, MAPLE SHADE, NJ 08052-9652. Canada Post PM40063731. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5.

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We’re firm believers in the power of home. While shelter is a basic human need, a shelter for the soul (words I admire from architect Samuel Mockbee) has the power to affect every aspect of our life. A functional and personally pleasing home, whether big or small, grand or simple, fit for a family or sized for one, becomes our refuge. At home, we’re free to be ourselves, to find comfort, to dream, to be creative…and from that place of contentment, we can move forward in the world in a more caring way. We continually share the concept of how a well designed home can enhance your life, whether it’s pages of extra-efficient kitchens and baths, as in this issue, renovations and room makeovers, or entire homes. And we carry the idea out into the community by supporting home-related causes, such as this month’s second annual Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County ReStore & After event, sponsored by At Home in Arkansas. Local artists and other creative groups are busy rehabilitating furniture and decorative items from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and on the evening of September 29, the items will be auctioned during a party with live music by the Rodney Block Jazz Project, libations, hors d’oeuvres and raffles. It’s a win-win event: dated items get rehabbed and find new homes and the evening’s proceeds benefit the important work of Habitat for Humanity. For information and tickets: contact RestoreAndAfter@gmail.com, call (501) 580-0614 or follow the Facebook event page and @RestoreAndAfter on Twitter. We hope you’ll join us.

*September Inspiration: Sharing design ideas and giving away books all month long on our blog! Habitat for Humanity ReStore & After Silent Auction Beneﬁting Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County Lafayette Square Building 523 S. Louisiana St. Little Rock Thursday, September 29 6 to 9 p.m.

blog.athomearkansas.com

On the cover

A Little Rock kitchen by Tobi Fairley Interior Design. Photographed by Nancy Nolan. See page 54.

KITCHEN & BATH STYLE SECRETS DESIGNERS dish on their

BEST IDEAS

FRESH SOLUTIONS

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beautiful yet livable

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BATHING BEAUTIES A stylish bath is a luxurious treat, offering a chance for pampering at the beginning or end of each day. Indulge in the all-natural beauty of handmade VALE soaps, which use essential oils for moisture and fragrance. EcoFab, Little Rock

www.athomearkansas.com www.athomearkansas.com 11 11

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY NOLAN/PRODUCED BY: LAURA LARUE

Bathed in Luxury

1. Lovell Designs Green Clover clothes hamper. Bella Boutique, Little Rock 9 2. Set of four Provence Sante fine French soaps. Yves Delorme, Little Rock 3. Bagatelle butterfly tray. Yves Delorme, Little Rock 4. Oval soap dish with gold leaf accents. Bella Boutique, Little Rock 5. Lux Fragrances candles with jeweled accents. Express Your Self, Bryant 6. Natural sponges with reclaimed wood handles. EcoFab, Little Rock 7. Mata jacquard weave towels with Brazilian orchid pattern. Yves Delorme, Little Rock 8. Sachet stacks. Beth Davis Interiors, Searcy; Beth Davis Interiors at Fabulous Finds Antiques, Little Rock 9. Decorative seashell container. Lewis Lighting, Benton 10. Bath mats from Tag. The Boutique, Searcy 11. Vintage hand-poured soy candles. Bella Boutique, Little Rock 12. Green linen fleur de lys makeup bag. Beth Davis Interiors, Searcy; Beth Davis Interiors at Fabulous Finds Antiques, Little Rock

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SUBTLE SHADES In Little Rock, the new shop White Goat features the softer side of European furnishings

KITCHEN & BATH FOR A CAUSE

Little Rock retailer raises funds for Arkansas Children’s Hospital The Kitchen & Bath Concepts annual Home Expo returns with design pros and renovation resources setting up booths to offer information on appliances, surfacing, cabinetry, energyefﬁciency and more. Festivities begin on Thursday, September 8, with “A Night Out, for Children’s Sake,” sponsored by At Home in Arkansas and featuring hors d’ oeuvres, drinks, silent auctions and socializing. On September 9-10, visit with more local vendors and enjoy silent auctions, door prizes and free food and drinks. Auction items include countertop replacements and more. All proceeds beneﬁt Arkansas Children’s Hospital. For information, visit www.kbc1.com or call (501) 225-5221.

Light hues of white, blue and gray grace the interiors of the newly opened shop White Goat in the Heights neighborhood, featuring antiques from Sweden, Belgium and France mixed with accessories straight from the Paris ﬂea market. Sisters-in-law Anna and Eleanor Dickinson’s penchant for Scandinavian style inspired the business venture, which is housed in a renovated 2,000-square-foot space that formerly was home to Pﬂugrad’s Antiques. The duo also share a background in art, and Eleanor’s paintings will be shown in the space as well, mingling with antique and reproduction furniture, chandeliers, lamps and other accessories, including pillows featuring Swedish textiles. 5624 R St., (501) 603-9460

BREAKFAST & BOOK SIGNING

Cobblestone & Vine hosts renowned interior designer Suzanne Kasler Join Cobblestone & Vine in welcoming Atlanta-based interior designer Suzanne Kasler to Arkansas. The two-day affair begins with a book signing from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, at Cobblestone’s Heights location in Little Rock—featuring refreshments and copies of Kasler’s Inspired Interiors available on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis. Then on September 23, a private designer breakfast sponsored by At Home in Arkansas will take place at 9 a.m. at the Pleasant Ridge Town Center location. Call (501) 664-4249 or (501) 219-3676 or email info@cobblestoneandvine.com to reserve your space. One lucky customer from each location will be able to win two tickets to the breakfast. 14

At Home in Arkansas

The Zoe Room Group and Keagan Chair

THE RECLINERS WERE ONLY THE BEGINNING.

Little Rock la-z-boy.com/littlerock 501-224-4624

Springdale la-z-boy.com/springdale 479-725-0777

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A North Little Rock antique dealerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assortment of reamers puts a colorful twist on kitchen collectibles By Paulette Pearson

At Home in Arkansas

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY NOLAN /STYLING: MANDY KEENER

Main Squeeze

Watch for the Grand Opening of our second location at the Promenade at Chenal coming soon!

In a fast-paced world with electric juicers and frozen concentrates, old-fashioned reamers are no longer needed to enjoy the tangy juices of oranges, lemons and limes. But they make a charming collection—not to mention a whimsical addition to any kitchen. “What I love about reamers,” says Neil Palmer of Crystal Hill Antique Mall in North Little Rock, “is that they have a utility, but they’re also beautiful.” Reamers burst onto the scene after the Civil War, when it was discovered that citrus cures scurvy. That set the ball rolling for a slew of styles, beginning with simple hand held versions. Two-piece sets with measuring pitcher bottoms and separate reamer tops emerged in the 1920s. Other styles include saucer reamers, which are one-piece versions shaped like a disc, ﬁgural reamers and juice sets with matching cups. Reamers have also had promotional uses. Sunkist began as a marketing tool for California citrus farmers hoping to sell more of their crops to the East Coast. In support of their campaign, they distributed Sunkist reamers, with colors ranging from the most popular, white, to brighter greens, pinks, blues and yellows.

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The H.C. Fry Glass Company was also known for colorful reamers, producing jadite and milk glass as well, while companies such as Cambridge, Anchor Hocking, Jeannette and McKee followed suit with different shapes. Materials used throughout the years range from wood and glass to metal and pottery. Palmer’s expansive collection showcases just a fraction of the styles produced over the years. “Mine are primarily ﬁgural reamers made in Japan,” he says. Trade agreements with Japan in the 1930s led to the mass production and export of reamers to the United States. They poured into stores across the country, eventually overtaking their American made counterparts as a less expensive alternative. “They were made for everyday people and everyday uses,” Palmer notes. That’s not to say that the ﬁner tables couldn’t enjoy reamers too. Renowned European china companies such as Limoges and Royal Rudolstadt catered to the wealthy with elegantly crafted porcelain reamers. And while Palmer owns several fancier styles, from Czechoslovakia and Germany, his favorite is a clown-shaped reamer in the shape of a teapot. “Reamers,” he notes, “are one of life’s simple luxuries.”

Tips for Collecting Reamers t 7JTJU XXX SFBNFST PSH UP KPJO UIF /BUJPOBM 3FBNFS $PMMFDUPST "TTPDJBUJPO XIJDI JODMVEFT NFNCFST GSPN BSPVOE UIF XPSME t 5IF CPPL and Many More Reamers CZ .BSZ 8BMLFS JT UIF CFTU SFTPVSDF GPS JOGPSNBUJPO BCPVU DPMMFDUJOH SFBNFST BOE DPOUBJOT NPSF UIBO MJTUJOHT t 3FBNFST BSF JEFOUJm FE UISPVHI UIF 8BMLFS MFUUFS BOE OVNCFS TZTUFN XIJDI JT FYQMBJOFE JO .BSZ 8BMLFS T CPPL t i5IF QSJDF PG SFBNFST n VDUVBUFT EFQFOEJOH PO UIFJS QPQVMBSJUZ TDBSDJUZ BOE VOJRVFOFTT w TBZT 1BMNFS t #F DBVUJPVT PG SFQSPEVDUJPOT XIJDI BSF CFJOH QSPEVDFE VTJOH UIF PSJHJOBM NPMET

Join us for a Reception & Book Signing to meet

SUZANNE KASLER September 22nd 2-6pm Sponsored in-part by

For details call or email info@cobblestoneandvine.com

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SOOTHINGLY SOPHISTICATED New products for the bath feature shiny silver and dark accents for traditional-with-a-twist style

Robern Cite mirrored vanity cabinet with ebony leather frame.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

Falk Plumbing Supply, locations statewide

Kallista Counterpoint Collection sconce by Barbara Barry. www.kohler.com

MTI Whirlpool Parisian freestanding tub from the Designer Series. Ferguson, Marks Electric & Plumbing Supply, Plumb Perfect, Springdale; Noland, Harrison; Southern Pipe & Supply, Little Rock, Searcy; Winnelson, Fort Smith

Kallista Amedee decorative stone knob collection in Obsidian. www.kohler.com 20

At Home in Arkansas

Kallista Bellis vanity in French White with Statuary White honed marble countertop. www.kohler.com

Pulse Showerspas Kihei anodized aluminum pre-plumbed system with Rain showerhead, body jets, handheld sprayer and tub spout. PC Hardware, Little Rock

CHARMINGLY SLEEK Stainless steel appliances give a traditional kitchen setting a modern update

locations statewide; Ferguson, Springdale; J&B Supply, Fort Smith; Mid-South Plumbing Supply, Jonesboro; Southern Bath & Kitchen, Southern Pipe & Supply, The Plumbing Warehouse, Little Rock

Sleek cottage kitchen by Kohler. www.kohler.com

Jenn-Air 36-inch gas cook top. Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide

Kohler Porto Fino self-rimming/ undercounter entertainment sink and Essex faucet with wristblade handles.

GE ProďŹ le bottom-freezer refrigerator. Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide 22

At Home in Arkansas

Jenn-Air Trifecta dishwasher. Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide

Falk Plumbing Supply, locations statewide; Ferguson, Springdale; J&B Supply, Fort Smith; Mid-South Plumbing Supply, Jonesboro; Southern Bath & Kitchen, Southern Pipe & Supply, The Plumbing Warehouse, Little Rock

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

Kohler Dickinson apron-front, undercounter sink and Vinnata faucet. Falk Plumbing Supply,

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INVITINGLY WARM New products for the kitchen emphasize function in a relaxing environment

Supply, locations statewide; Ferguson, Springdale; J&B Supply, Fort Smith; Mid-South Plumbing Supply, Jonesboro; Southern Bath & Kitchen, Southern Pipe & Supply, The Plumbing Warehouse, Little Rock

Warm white kitchen by Kohler. www.kohler.com

Kohler Cursive design on Alcott apron-front sink in Earthen White and Translucent Cashmere. Falk Plumbing GE Monogram professional range with four burners, grill and griddle. Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide

Jenn-Air 42-inch fully integrated built-in French door refrigerator. Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide

At Home in Arkansas

Supply, locations statewide; Ferguson, Springdale; J&B Supply, Fort Smith; MidSouth Plumbing Supply, Jonesboro; Southern Bath & Kitchen, Southern Pipe & Supply, The Plumbing Warehouse, Little Rock

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF VENDORS

Kohler Parq deck-mount kitchen bridge faucet. Falk Plumbing

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At Home in Arkansas

In Russellville, a damaged lower-level den becomes an accommodating family gathering space and wet bar

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY NOLAN/STYLING: MANDY KEENER

By Taylor Bowers

Form and function have come together in a room designed for small gatherings and big parties in Beverly and David Keener’s Russellville home. When the couple purchased the traditional-style house in 1990, the lower level was a dance studio for the previous owners’ two daughters, complete with a mirrored wall and a ballet barre. As owner of Keener Construction Co., Inc., David handily transformed the space into a recreation room their family of four could enjoy. Twenty years later, as empty nesters, Beverly and David intended to update the lower level once again, which became an easy decision when ﬂooding caused by upstairs renovations severely damaged the walls and ﬂooring. For Beverly, it was an opportunity to transform the room from a recreational area into an inviting space for entertaining friends and family. Keener Construction Co., Inc. pulled www.athomearkansas.com 27

THE DETAILS: Granite countertops in Santa Cecilia Dark

Ceiling Row House Tan SW7689

Walls Townhall Tan SW7690

Bruce Turlington oak ﬂooring in Woodstock

up the carpet and removed the wood paneling from the walls, and with the room stripped down to the studs, it became a canvas for the Keeners to design a space suited to their entertaining needs. “We put sheetrock on the walls and hardwood on the ﬂoors,” Beverly says. “The addition of warm colors on the walls and through the cabinets and tile in the wet bar area makes the room feel cozy,” she adds, “and the hardwood ﬂoors keep it low maintenance.” The couple’s goal was to create a casual space that would work as well for a room full of guests as it would for simple family gatherings. A seating area featuring a new leather sofa and comfortable chairs is a prime space for relaxing. The adjacent wet bar is a reduced-sized version of a fully functional kitchen, with a below-counter refrigerator, microwave, icemaker, sink and even a range with a grill—which Beverly notes is ideal for making hot dogs during football games. “It became a room where family and friends could gather for holidays or special 28

At Home in Arkansas

occasions, or just to watch sports,” she adds. Though designed for entertaining, the room also serves as a meeting place for Beverly’s charity group. “I spend much of my time working with Circle of Friends, a group associated with Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” she notes. “Our family room is a great place for the group to meet. It’s such a multipurpose area.” Design Resources Contractor Keener Construction Co., Inc., Russellville Accessories Three’s Company, Russellville; Pottery Barn, WilliamsSonoma, locations statewide Cabinets The Carpenter Shop, Ratcliff Countertop Alpha Counter Tops, Russellville Fixtures MS Wholesale Plumbing, Inc., Russellville Furnishings Basset Furniture, Little Rock; Bethany’s Design Center, River Valley Furniture, Russellville Hardwood Race Carpet & Vinyl, Russellville Lighting Light Innovations, Little Rock Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide Tile Acme Brick, locations statewide

9805 W. Markham St. Little Rock 501-225-5221 www.KBC1.com

Home Expo 6th Annual

Beneﬁtting Arkansas Children’s Hospital Friday, September 9 9am-6pm Saturday, September 10 9am-3pm Kitchen & Bath Concepts 9805 W. Markham St. Little Rock

201 Edison Avenue, Benton, AR (501) 315-2400

www.athomearkansas.com 29

From Design Through Completion

Voted one of At Home in Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Top 10 Builders in the 2011 Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Best online poll.

Custom Homes and Remodeling 501-868-8900 www.curtiscustomhomes.com 30

At Home in Arkansas

On the Right Path

A Fayetteville couple creates an outdoor entertaining area that serves as an extension of their home

PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK/STYLING: DIANE CARROLL

By Tiffany Burgess

At Cindy and Mark McNair’s garden retreat, a brick path connects the side garden to a backyard patio and pergola. Crape myrtles and sun-loving perennials, including purple coneﬂower, Lilyleaf Ladybells, Coreopsis and Stoke’s aster, line the walkway. www.athomearkansas.com 31

A stone ﬁreplace provides a backdrop for a fall dinner or a few homemade s’mores. To add character, the couple mixed a cherished dining table, which originally belonged to Mark’s parents, with new OW Lee patio furniture, pillows and lanterns from Pottery Barn, and a coffee table from Sara Kathryn’s, Ltd. A candle-lit chandelier casts a soft glow for evening gatherings.

Lush flowers are in bloom, the lazy notes of a jazz band float through the outdoor speakers and dinner is on the grill. For Cindy and Mark McNair, these aren’t the signs of a special occasion. Rather, it could be any night of the week from March to October. “We live outdoors and take advantage of it every chance we get,” says Cindy. What began as a gardening hobby in 2000 has since grown into a full-scale backyard retreat. “When our kids went off to school, we started gardening and spending all our time outdoors,” says Cindy. “We referred to our first flower beds as the ‘empty nesters’ garden,” laughs Mark, “and now it has grown to become an extension of our home.” The couple created their backyard living area progressively. The initial plan for flowerbeds grew to include the fireplace and pergola, and then eventually expanded to the pool and outdoor kitchen. “The more we expanded, the more we enjoyed it,” says Cindy. While each space is a separate entity within the backyard, a charming brick walkway and the pool deck link all of the areas together. As the expansion grew, so did the number of parties. The backyard has provided the backdrop for everything from bridal showers to intimate family dinners. “We once hosted a ‘Drink, Dangle and Dine,’ where we invited friends over for cocktails, a dip in the pool and dinner,” says Mark. They also enjoy celebrating birthdays at the dining table, sharing s’mores by the stone fireplace and preparing Sunday breakfast on the grill’s griddle.

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The brick walkway connects to the outdoor kitchen, dining area and pool on the side of the house. While a pool may be the focal point in many backyards, it blends naturally into the lush landscape in this setting. Blue and green accents, including cushions covered in Sunbrella fabric, mimic the serene environment.

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www.athomearkansas.com 35

A wooden potting bench, offering a place to begin seedlings, is nestled in a garden bed of herbs and vegetables alongside the outdoor kitchen and dining area. With a built-in grill, prep sink and below-counter refrigerator, there’s no need to head inside for a snack—or even to cook dinner. Friends can gather around the bar, while the hosts ﬁre up the grill. The ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore’s Bird’s Egg. A teak dining table and vintage wrought-iron chandelier add casual charm.

The outdoor kitchen prep area and a built-in grill allow the couple to cook for family and friends without being indoors, where they might miss out on some of the conversations or fun. They also thoughtfully placed the cooking area near a side door that leads to the home’s kitchen, making it easy to transport appetizers, drinks and food to the grill. Fresh herbs, such as basil, rosemary and mint, dot the landscape of an edible garden that’s aptly placed near the grill. The couple’s son, Cole, is a trained chef and they often gather to make fresh batches of pesto from their harvest. Cindy also uses the area to pot smaller plants, which she gives away to friends and neighbors interested in planting a garden of their own. For a couple who admittedly loves to garden and cook, there’s no better setting. “I can’t imagine anywhere else we’d rather be,” says Cindy. Design Resources Design concept Travis Brooks, Fayetteville Installation Colonial Hills Landscape, Fayetteville Clock Lighting Emporium, Springdale Coffee table, garden accents Sara Kathryn’s, Ltd., Fayetteville Pillows, lanterns Pottery Barn, locations statewide Plants Perennials, Etc., Garﬁeld; Westwood Gardens, Fayetteville, Harrison, Rogers, Springdale; White River Nursery, Fayetteville Pool Seaside Pools, Springdale

At Home in Arkansas

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CREATE, REFINE OR REINVENT YOUR DECORATIVE STYLE

BETH DAVIS INTERIORS The Shoppes at River Chase 3532 E. Race, Searcy, AR 72143 s 501.305.3139 Also located inside Fabulous Finds, 2905 Cantrell Road, Little Rock beth@bethdavisinteriors.com Visit our blog >> blog.bethdavisinteriors.com >> Like us on Facebook >> Beth Davis Interiors

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At Home in Arkansas

33 Neighborhoods. One Resource.

www.athomearkansas.com 39

In Elizabeth Andreoli’s Little Rock home, designer Meridith Hamilton of MLH Designs uses high-gloss, cream-colored Crestwood cabinets, gleaming Caesarstone countertops and Crossville porcelain tile floors to reflect the light streaming through Pella windows. The sculpture is from Lamps Plus. Previous page: A Miele coffee system and KitchenAid microwave are seamlessly inserted into an efficient wall of Crestwood cabinets.

Designer Meridith Hamilton uses natural light, sleek surfaces and ultra-efďŹ cient amenities to update an aging kitchen and bath Interview by: Deana Nall Photography: Nancy Nolan Styling: Diane Carroll www.athomearkansas.com 41

At Home in Arkansas:

This kitchen and bath look extra efﬁcient and ﬂooded with natural light. What were the rooms like before the transformation?

Meridith Hamilton:

The home was built in the late 1950s, and the kitchen was a series of small, closed off rooms with outdated tile and finishes, as well as low ceilings. It definitely wasn’t very efficient. AHIA: Was the bathroom any better? MH: It was very confined as well. The previous owners had added some ductwork and lowered the ceiling to cover it, so the entire area has a seven-foot ceiling. I had to make that room appear and feel bigger than its actual size. AHIA: In the kitchen redesign, what were the homeowner’s top priorities? MH: The homeowner, Elizabeth Andreoli, wanted a clean, modern look and more open space. But the washer and dryer are in the kitchen and she wanted to leave them there. They were exposed, so I had to figure out a way to keep the laundry area without making it look like a laundry room. AHIA: How did you hide the washer and dryer, as well as other appliances and elements in the kitchen? MH: The washer and dryer are hidden behind new walnut cabinets. The refrigerator and dishwasher are also totally integrated. I tried to hide everything that I could. I streamlined the ovens as much as possible. You can’t really hide the microwave and coffee maker, but I tried to design it in a way that they’re not obtrusive aesthetically. The vent has a glass hood that keeps it from looking huge. I wanted everything to be very sleek, furniture-like and non-obtrusive. AHIA: How did you create the illusion of more space in a small kitchen? MH: I opened it all up, taking out a dividing wall by the dining room, enlarging the front door and replacing the windows. We also replaced a dark parquet floor with porcelain tile. To keep this space open, I minimized wall cabinets, and instead created a pantry-like space alongside the refrigerator and ovens for storing things like dishes and stemware. AHIA: Limited space and light was also an issue in the bathroom. How did you visually enlarge this space? MH: We removed the wall between the bathroom and the dressing room and enlarged the space a little more so we could fit the tub and the larger double vanity the homeowner wanted. The shower is totally open and because of the way it’s arranged, the water falls and stays within the shower. With this low ceiling and confined space, I had to make it as open as possible, so even adding a frameless glass door or barrier would have created a closed-in feeling. 42

And I added built-in wall niches in the shower, to eliminate the need for shelves. AHIA: With such limited space, how did you incorporate a pretty, yet functional vanity area? MH: The medicine cabinets are a space-saving design by Robern that accent the horizontal instead of the vertical. I wanted to use these to make the space appear longer and larger, but because the doors slide up the entire height of the cabinet to open, they would have hit the ceiling. So I bumped out an area where the previous cabinets were, took the glass tile that we used as an accent throughout the room and ran it all the way up and created this lit niche above. You can turn it on to highlight the glass and it almost creates a waterfall type effect. AHIA: How did you keep the monochromatic theme interesting? MH: Textures are very important when working with a monochromatic palette. The ﬂooring is the same polished, porcelain tile that’s in the kitchen, and then the wall tile is all textured porcelain. To balance everything, I used glass tile in stripes integrated throughout the entire room. AHIA: Both rooms feature ample light and natural elements. Was it important to the homeowner to bring the outdoors inside? MH: This type of house is meant to almost become one with nature. It has that architectural quality because of all the windows and because of the homeowner’s love of the outdoors, and I complemented that with an organic feel throughout the spaces.

Design Resources Contractor Richard Cone Construction, Little Rock Interior design Meridith Hamilton, MLH Designs, CKD, Allied ASID, Little Rock Appliances Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide Art M2 Gallery, Little Rock Cabinetry MLH Designs, Little Rock Countertops Advanced Bath & Kitchen, Little Rock Fixtures Falk Plumbing Supply, locations statewide Tile-ﬂooring ProSource, North Little Rock Tile-glass mosaic Elder Distributing, North Little Rock Lighting Light Innovations, Little Rock Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide Sculpture in kitchen Lamps Plus, Little Rock Windows Pella Windows & Doors, North Little Rock, Springdale

Hamilton chose the glass-topped Mille dining table by Bonaldo to complement the homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing chairs. The raindrop-like pendant chandelier is comprised of three separate ďŹ xtures from Light Innovations. A quarter-sawn walnut Crestwood cabinet creates a partial divider between dining and cooking spaces. Walls are covered in SherwinWilliamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Balanced Beige. 43

Sleek and organized cabinetry and appliances aid efďŹ ciency. A Blanco undermount sink curved for spaciousness sports a Kohler single-handle faucet, both from Falk Plumbing Supply. A Crestwood cabinet complete with electrical outlets lifts open for easy access to appliances. The range and hood are Thermador; a Miele double oven is adjacent to a cabinetry-clad Sub-Zero refrigerator. Metallic Emmei barstools feature wipeable white leather seats. Visitors would never suspect the kitchen doubles as a laundry room, thanks to an Asko washer and dryer tucked away behind cabinetry.

*STYLE SECRET “Minimizing upper cabinets to allow for additional windows visually enlarges a room.” —Designer Meridith Hamilton

*STYLE SECRET “Use textural details to keep a monochromatic space from looking bland.” —Designer Meridith Hamilton

An open shower, Pella windows and a reflective combination of Caesarstone countertops, glass mosaic Walker Zanger accent tile and cream-colored Crossville porcelain tile on the floor and tub area lighten up the renovated master bathroom. The soothing effect continues with walls and ceiling painted Sherwin-Williams’ Balanced Beige. An undermounted tub and sinks as well as sleek fixtures are all Kohler. Quarter-sawn walnut cabinetry is from Crestwood; the Robern medicine cabinet from Falk Plumbing Supply lifts open for space-saving storage. Glass pendant lights are from Light Innovations; the art and glass bowl are by Ginger Williams-Cook, available through M2 Gallery. 47

*STYLE SECRET “The cabinetry’s grid pattern establishes a rhythm that makes the room feel streamlined and organized.” —Designer Garry Mertins 48

Designer Garry Mertins turns an out-of-date kitchen into a tranquil space for effortlessly relaxing, cooking and entertaining Interview by: Paulette Pearson Photography: Nancy Nolan Styling: Mandy Keener

Once dark and outdated, this Little Rock kitchen owes its newfound functionality and style to designer Garry Mertins and builder Chris DeBin. Sleek cabinetry by Distinctive Kitchens & Baths provides ample storage, easy-to-clean travertine marble replaced hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;ooring, and an enlarged window streams in plenty of natural light. The sink and faucet are Kohler from Falk Plumbing Supply; refrigerator is Sub-Zero. Paint is custom Sherwin-Williams.

At Home in Arkansas:

The kitchen in this 1920s Hillcrest home was dark and outdated. What were your main goals for the redesign?

Garry Mertins:

With their children grown, it was about how the homeowners want to live. They love to cook and entertain. The big thing was having a large workspace to spread out on, within a relaxing, cleaner, more contemporary kitchen. Creating a work triangle—between the stove, refrigerator and sink—and adding storage were also important. AHIA: Were structural changes necessary? GM: We took everything down to the studs. We rebuilt the entire kitchen. Removing a laundry room at one end allowed us to expand into that space with a refreshment counter, including an icemaker, wine refrigerator and coffee bar. We also evened out the ceiling height, replaced the hardwood flooring with new travertine marble floors and installed all new cabinetry. AHIA: You devised separate areas for cooking and entertaining. GM: Traffic flow is really important. Consider how traffic will flow through the kitchen while you’re working. If you have the luxury of space, create a working side and an entertaining side. We placed the barstools on the end of the island, where someone can have a glass of wine or eat cereal, while keeping traffic in the workspace to a minimum. AHIA: We love your choice of granite. GM: We looked at a ton of different stones, and ended up choosing this one because it has enough movement, pattern and color variation to pick up the highs and lows of the cabinets doors and the stone floors. It provided a good springboard for the rest of the kitchen design. AHIA: Tell us about your decision to use two wood tones on the cabinetry. GM: From a design standpoint, it’s more architecturally interesting. The darker banding around the cabinetry throughout gave us the opportunity to continue that dark color on the island, in the refreshment bar area and above the range hood as well. It gave us a way to play with color and texture. AHIA: You also designed the cabinets with functionality in mind. GM: The goal was to have beautiful dark wood on the exterior of the cabinets for contrast, and we chose lighter 50

wood for the interior to make it easier to see the items that are stored. The refreshment counter cabinets open up like a garage door. That also provides easier access, and they can be left open and stay out of the way while entertaining. AHIA: Is the new kitchen easy to maintain? GM: A damp mop cleans the floor, and you can place a hot pan directly onto the granite countertop. The grid design of the cabinetry also establishes a rhythm that makes it feel much cleaner, without being stark or cold. AHIA: Was lighting an issue? GM: We had to let in as much natural light as possible. We enlarged the window above the sink and reconfigured the ceiling with can lighting. There’s also Xenon task lighting hidden under the cabinets, which produces much brighter light than fluorescents. I chose the pendant lights because of their scale and Asian influence—they’re glass globes and have a brushed metal finish. AHIA: What are your tips for achieving a beautiful yet functional kitchen? GM: Get a professional involved, whether it’s a designer or an architect. Look through books and trade magazines. Don’t begin until you have a good plan. And remember, it’s not a matter of how your neighbor would live in the house, but how you live in the house.

Design Resources Contractor Chris deBin Construction, Little Rock Interior design Garry Mertins Design, Little Rock Appliances Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide Cabinetry Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock Countertops/ﬂoors All Natural Stone, Little Rock Fixtures Falk Plumbing Supply, locations statewide Florals Tipton Hurst, Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock Furnishings Mertinsdykehome, Little Rock Light ﬁxtures Garry Mertins Design, Little Rock Tile Acme Brick, North Little Rock

Spacious granite countertops cater to cooking and entertaining. Honed tumbled marble tile from Acme Brick appears on the backsplash. The range is Thermador. 51

*STYLE SECRET “The coffered ceiling not only repeats the grid pattern, but also disguises pipes that couldn’t be removed.” —Designer Garry Mertins

A sitting area replaced a breakfast room as a spot for the empty nesters to relax. Thomas O’Brien club chairs are from Mertinsdyke Home; antique prints adorn the wall. Facing page, clockwise from top left: Refreshment center amenities include an icemaker and wine refrigerator. The oven is GE Monogram. Dark cherry cabinets reveal lighter interiors featuring drawer dividers for easy organization. The refreshment center’s cabinet doors lift open for space savings. Corner cabinets outﬁtted with circular shelves maximize storage.

Designer Tobi Fairley renovates a cramped kitchen and bath into airy rooms with a sea-inspired color palette and elegant detailing Interview by: Tiffany Burgess Photography: Nancy Nolan Styling: Diane Carroll

Shades of blue on the island and in window treatments evoke the sea in a Little Rock kitchen renovated by interior designer Tobi Fairley. Maritime-inspired pendant lights and a lantern from Visual Comfort complete the look. 54

Clockwise from above: Two-tone cabinetry with a faux finish gives a fresh perspective to the classic color palette, while the strong lines of the coffered ceiling and columns add architectural interest. Amenities for the chef abound, including a pot-filler faucet and a double oven and warming drawer from KitchenAid. Cabinetry panels conceal a Sub-Zero refrigerator, while a prep sink in the island completes the work triangle. Shades of white in the Silestone quartz countertops, Walker Zanger backsplash tile, Kohler apron-front sink and Florida Tile ceramic floors enhance the room’s airy appearance. 56

At Home in Arkansas:

The cool color palette in the kitchen and bath is so clean and inviting. Where did you ﬁnd the inspiration?

Tobi Fairley:

One of our first steps with any homeowner is to discover what they like and don’t like. When we first sat down with this couple, we immediately had a sense of their style. The wife had tons of magazine clippings and pictures of kitchens and baths she found attractive. Time after time, the pictures she showed us were of beach-inspired rooms with neutral tones and pale green or aqua accents, so we took our cues from there. AHIA: Is this a big change from the previous palette? TF: A huge change. Their home was very traditional and both the kitchen and bath were dark spaces with maple cabinetry and dated décor from the late 80s or early 90s, so changing the palette really altered the tone of the home. AHIA: Did the homeowners have a wish list for their kitchen renovation? TF: Drawing from the light color, they wanted the spaces to look and feel very airy. Since the room was so dark, they wanted more natural light and an open space. They had a side porch off the kitchen and we incorporated it into the room to physically gain more space. We added a large window and French doors, which helped to bring in more sunlight and gave them a nice view of the golf course in their neighborhood. AHIA: What about storage space? TF: One of the other things they both wanted and needed was storage. With two kids and a dog, there are a lot of accessories. The homeowners wanted to be able to keep the countertops clear of clutter and have a place for mail, keys and the kids’ school items when guests rang the doorbell. We began with plenty of built-in cabinetry that can house small appliances and anything else that might be left on the countertops, and then added large cubbies with baskets on one end of the island to give them a place to stash items quickly. Even the banquette has a small built-in drawer for storage. AHIA: The kitchen design also has a polished and somewhat traditional feel to it. What elements helped you achieve this? TF: The architectural details add interest to the space and give it that traditional touch. Since we took in the side porch, we needed to keep one of the load-bearing columns in place. To make that column appear more balanced, we added a second one and covered the two with panels. The kitchen also had a preexisting ceiling beam. We created a coffered ceiling to tie this in with the rest of the space and again keep with that classic look. I also love the glazed subway tile along the backsplash and the two-tone fauxfinished cabinetry. They both give an unexpected twist on 58

traditional. And, of course, the apothecary-style pendants over the island are timeless fixtures with modern appeal. AHIA: How did you carry the same style and feeling from the kitchen to the bath? TF: It was important to the homeowners to create a continuous flow throughout the home, so we used a palette that was very close to the kitchen colors. In this room, we also took in a side porch to gain more space. We used the former master bath to create a closet for the couple, and then turned the former porch area into their new bath. This allowed us to bring in plenty of natural light by adding windows, just as we did in the kitchen. AHIA: So the open, airy feel and the calm palette set the tone for the room. What other features worked to bring the look together? TF: The freestanding tub and its telephone-style fixture really take center stage in this room. Not only are they a luxury for the homeowner, they also add to the classic look. We used a clean, white tile and sea glass accent tile in the shower to brighten up the space. I also repeated a round motif, using it in the drum shades on the light fixtures, the circular pattern on the fabric for the roman shades, in the vanity lighting and even on the vanity’s round hardware. Repeating one of two motifs throughout a space is a great way to tie a room together.

Design Resources Interior design Tobi Fairley Interior Design, Little Rock Appliances Metro Appliances & More, locations statewide Cabinetry Moody Cabinets, Benton Countertop The Countertop Store, North Little Rock Faux ﬁnish on cabinetry Janet Canalichio, Little Rock Mirrors Pottery Barn, locations statewide Paint Sherwin-Williams, locations statewide Plumbing ﬁxtures, bathtub Southern Pipe & Supply Company, locations statewide Tile Elder Distributing, North Little Rock Upholstery Chism Upholstery & Furniture, Little Rock Window treatments Mountjoy’s Custom Draperies, Mabelvale

*STYLE SECRET “Using a family of light, cool colors can make a space feel larger and more open.” —Designer Tobi Fairley

A side porch was incorportated into the kitchen and allowed space for a family dining area with a built-in banquette. A Schumacher print enhances the banquette, which includes built-in storage drawers below. Fairley used three shades of Pindler & Pindler linen in the draperies to complement the room’s color palette. SherwinWilliams’ Wool Skein covers the walls; the trim is Sherwin-Williams’ Shoji White. 59

*STYLE SECRET “Repeating one or two motifs is a great way to tie a room together.” —Designer Tobi Fairley

In the renovated master bathroom, the clean white backdrop (a combination of Sherwin-Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wool Skein on walls and Shoji White on trim) is accented with touches of blue-green in the border tile and Roman shade. Frosted glass panels soften the doors to the commode, shower and closet. A pendant light ďŹ xture and sconces from Stonegate pair with mirrors from Pottery Barn.

Clockwise from above: White porcelain sinks from Kohler blend with Silestone quartz countertops to create a near seamless appearance. Aqua sea glass Walker Zanger accent tile adds interest in the shower, while a rainfall showerhead and handheld nozzle provide plenty of luxury. A freestanding tub from Kohler is the centerpiece of the master bath. Drawing from the homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspirational pictures, which showed colors reminiscent of the sea, the room is bordered in aqua sea glass tile. A chrome telephonestyle ďŹ xture from Kohler adds to the classic appeal and includes a handheld nozzle for the bath. 63

2011

Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Best

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Top 10 Kitchen & Bath Professionals

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At Home asked readers in an online survey to recommend their favorite kitchen and bath design professionals statewide. Their top picks (which included a tie, resulting in 11 pros), listed alphabetically, include:

Advanced Bath & Kitchen, Little Rock Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Little Rock Inside Effects, Little Rock Kitchen & Bath Concepts, Little Rock Kitchen Distributors, Fayetteville Kitchen Tune-Up, Little Rock Lindsey Binz, Little Rock Meridith Hamilton, MLH Designs, Little Rock New Century Counter Tops & Tile, Springdale Red Chaise Designs, Conway Susan Latta Design, Fayetteville Cast your vote for other Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Best professionals at www.athomearkansas.com/arkansasbest a special at home in arkansas promotion

64 At Home in Arkansas

KITCHEN TUNE-UP This thriving business promises a fresh look for your kitchen or bath minus the hassle NAME: Kitchen Tune-Up OWNER: Charlie and TRADEMARKS: Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in

Susan Johnson cabinet refacing and redooring, custom cabinets, and the restoration and reconditioning of stained wood cabinetry. They also provide countertops and backsplashes as well as accessory items to complete a new look for your home. HISTORY: Charlie and Susan are part of an award winning franchise system, which has achieved a top ranking in home improvement for more than 20 years, and the pair has been recognized three times as national customer service award winners. The franchise offers personalized service and incredible results. DESIGN ADVICE: An update to your kitchen or bath does not have to include demolition and displacement from your home for weeks. Kitchen Tune-Up offers several options, which require only a few days to complete, and they pride themselves on ďŹ nishing jobs promptly, on budget and with minimum disruption to customers. By making the process a pleasurable experience for the homeowner, it is Kitchen Tune-Upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remodel your expectations.â&#x20AC;?

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KITCHEN DISTRIBUTORS, INC. A family-owned and operated business specializes in the design and installation of top-quality cabinetry NAME: Kitchen Distributors, Inc. OWNER: Dave and Carol Albert,

and daughter and son-in-law, Andi and Mike Stephens In addition to specializing in the design and installation of custom/semi custom cabinetry, they are a Wood-Mode/Brookhaven Cabinet dealer. HISTORY: Founders Dave and Carol Albert began their careers as teachers. In 1970, they decided to leave the world of education, combine their talents for building and accounting, and open a cabinet shop. For many years, Dave manned the shop while Carol managed the ofďŹ ce. In 1994, they brought on daughter and son-in-law, Andi and Mike Stephens. Kitchen Distributors now offers consulting services from experienced professional designers with more than 20 skilled cabinet craftsmen and installers. DESIGN ADVICE: The kitchen is more than the place where you prepare food. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where you do homework, watch television, work on crafts and where heart-felt conversations occur. Remember to ask yourself: Will it accommodate my entire family? Will it work if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m left-handed? Will it be conducive to entertaining? Will it serve any other purposes? When building a home or remodeling a kitchen, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about how it looks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about how you function in the kitchen every day, how you entertain, and how often you utilize the space. TRADEMARKS:

Kitchen Distributors, Inc. 7 !SK 3T s &AYETTEVILLE s www.kitchendistributors.com www.athomearkansas.com 65

INSIDE EFFECTS The Knoedl family business earns high marks for its in-house design team, tile and slab showrooms and turn-key work NAME: Inside Effects OWNER: Joe Knoedl TRADEMARKS: Father and

son team, Joe Knoedl and Scott Knoedl, have 70 years combined experience under their belts. They have carved a highly respected name for themselves in the industry, earning referral business statewide as a one-stop shop and offering expertly customized, beyond-the-basic installation of everything from plumbing ďŹ xtures and kitchen cabinets to carpet, tile, granite, marble and more. A large in-house staff of skilled artisans, plus a keen attention to detail, gives Inside Effects the capacity to tackle elite residential and commercial projects of any size, recently including Little Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capital Hotel. Inside Effectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offerings range from design services and fabrication with stateof-the-art equipment to installation, which means they can work from start to ďŹ nish to give each client a personalized customer experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;while staying within budget. HISTORY: Scott grew up in the business, learning the trade from his father. Today, their teamwork at Inside Effects continues to uphold the esteemed Knoedl name, synonymous with superior work. DESIGN ADVICE: Stop by and visit with the Inside Effects design team, LeAnn Smoot and Leslie Tetrev, who will put you at ease with a consultation on the design of your next project and with a tour of options available in the extensive tile and slab showrooms. Inside Effects 3 3HACKLEFORD 2D 3TE ! s ,ITTLE 2OCK s WWW INSIDE EFFECTS COM

LINDSEY BINZ HOME COMPANY An interior designer draws on her real estate expertise to create homes that are both stylish and functional NAME: Lindsey Binz Home Company OWNER: Lindsey Binz TRADEMARKS: Through her full service interior design ďŹ rm and

real estate company, Lindsey assists clients in making informed decisions when purchasing, building and decorating their homes. She involves clients in the process so their homes reďŹ&#x201A;ect who they are, and her business is based on referrals as she strives for the comfort and happiness of her clients. HISTORY: Lindsey graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2001 with a bachelorĂs degree in interior design, and has specialized in residential and commercial design work in the Little Rock area for 10 years. Her projects range from redecorating a single room to drawing plans for kitchen remodels and new construction homes. Earning her real estate license in 2007 has allowed Lindsey to get to know her clients before ďŹ nding their home, to assure the layout and design suit their needs. DESIGN ADVICE: A kitchen or bath remodel is an ideal way to update your home and assure a good return on your investment. Splurge on some of the things you want, from heated travertine ďŹ&#x201A;oors to Carrera marble counter tops. Buy what you love with a focus on function, scale and balance. If you are unsure, hire a professional. Lindsey Binz Home Company ,ITTLE 2OCK s WWW LINDSEYBINZHOME COM s JANLINDS GMAIL COM 66

At Home in Arkansas

MLH DESIGNS, INC. A renowned interior designer showcases a ďŹ&#x201A;air for clean, uncluttered spaces in a variety of design styles NAME: MLH Designs, Inc. OWNER: Meridith Hamilton, CKD, Allied ASID TRADEMARKS: Hamilton derives inspiration from her

clients, developing a relationship with them to understand their personality, how they live with their family, how they interact with friends and how they want their home to function. With a deep love of architecture, she is also inspired by the architectural character of her clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes; and whether the outcome is traditional or modern, Hamiltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skill for creating clean, uncluttered and art-ďŹ lled spaces has made her a favorite among Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; elite designers. While specializing in kitchens and baths, Hamilton will take on any project, small or large. HISTORY: In 2003, Hamilton founded MLH Designs, Inc., a full-service interior design ďŹ rm specializing in residential interiors and select corporate projects. Hamilton has received 19 ASID Design Awards, including 11 gold awards, with work featured in numerous local and national publications. She has participated in six Symphony Designer Houses, Build for the Cure 2004 and was design co-chair for Arkansas Arts Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tabriz from 2005-2009. DESIGN ADVICE: Hamilton advises all homeowners considering a renovation to hire a professional. In the end, not hiring a pro will cost more due to the problems that often arise from inexperience. MLH Designs, Inc. MERIDITH MLH DESIGNS COM s ,ITTLE 2OCK s www.mlh-designs.com

SIXTH ANNUAL

HOME EXPO BENEFITING KITC HEN & BATH CON CE PTS G IVE S BAC K. Kitchen & Bath Concepts is having a 3 day event beneďŹ tting Arkansas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. 100 % of all proceeds and donations from the 3 day event are donated to Arkansas Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. Donations are raised through silent auction items. This event has beneďŹ ted from the overwhelming support of Arkansans for the past 3 years and we have been blessed to have donated over $87,000. A NIGHT OUT, FOR CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAKE Thursday, September 8, 2011 6-9pm Silent auction, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oeuvres & drinks (By invitation only. Contact Kitchen & Bath Concepts for an invitation.) Kitchen & Bath Concepts 9805 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72205

HOME EXPO Friday, September 9, 2011 9am-6pm Saturday, September 10, 2011 9am-3pm Kitchen & Bath Concepts 9805 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72205

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At Home in Arkansas

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PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY NOLAN/STYLING: MANDY KEENER

STYLISH SPECTATOR

Fall brings the excitement of sporting events and gatherings with friends and family. Whether you’re cheering from home or tailgating in this month’s On the Road destination, Fayetteville, we show you how to set the scene and dress for the win. Picnic blanket, sun hat. Catering to You, Little Rock. Flower ring, fringe clutch. Haus Werk, Little Rock. Tailgate invitations. By Invitation Only, Little Rock. Sunglasses. Maude Boutique, Fayetteville. Essie polish. Glo Limited, Little Rock.

www.athomearkansas.com 69 www.athomearkansas.com 69

RAZORBACK READY These tailgating ensembles will score extra style points on game day

NECKLACE AND CUFF Maude Boutique, Fayetteville

Cinch Win

DRESS Pauln KC. Maude Boutique, Fayetteville

EARRINGS AND RING Haus Werk, Little Rock DENIM TOP Cousin Earl. Haus Werk, Little Rock

BELT Motel. Maude Boutique, Fayetteville HANDWOVEN BELT Jenny Krauss. Haus Werk, Little Rock

RETRO SUNGLASSES Maude Boutique, Fayetteville

LEATHER SANDALS Seychelles. Maude Boutique, Fayetteville MULTI-STRAP HANDBAG Maude Boutique, Fayetteville

At Home in Arkansas

WRAP BRACELET Haus Werk, Little Rock

COLORED JEANS Chili Pepper by M2F Brand Denims. Haus Werk, Little Rock

RED LEATHER HANDBAG Haus Werk, Little Rock

EYE SHADOW Estee Lauder in Cobblestones. Belk, Dillardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, locations statewide

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY NOLAN/PRODUCED BY: PAULETTE PEARSON

Pattern Play

BOOTS Liberty Black. Haus Werk, Little Rock

Go Long NECKLACE The Vintage Wolf. Monroe Boutique, Fayetteville

JACKET Sexy Modern Edgy Generation. Monroe Boutique, Fayetteville

MAXI DRESS Ya Los Angeles. Monroe Boutique, Fayetteville

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2020 Central Avenue • Hot Springs

501-321-9168

BRACELET Monroe Boutique, Fayetteville

LIPSTICK Estee Lauder in Red Velvet. Belk, Dillard’s, locations statewide

MONOGRAMMED CUP By Invitation Only, Little Rock

NAIL POLISH Essie in Smooth Sailing. Glo Limited, Little Rock

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INSIDER’S GUIDE TO

FAYETTEVILLE By Diane Carroll

Designer Chris Goddard offers an itinerary for a weekend’s-worth of shopping, dining and relaxing

Fayetteville’s historic Dickson Street

In the fall, football season, cooler climes and colorful foliage beckon Arkansans to Fayetteville for a weekend getaway. Since the city offers a myriad of choices for shopping and dining, At Home in Arkansas asked Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group to compile a design savvy itinerary of his favorite sources and sights.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING AND DINING Designer Goddard frequents shops on Dickson Street and the Fayetteville Downtown Square for unique ﬁnds conveniently located in the city’s historic center. The day begins at FRENCH METRO ANTIQUES (200 W. Dickson St., 479-587-0804, www.frenchmetro.com), a favorite source for direct-from-France imports of ﬁne furnishings and accessories. Be sure to check with French Metro for the fall workshop schedule, as Goddard conducts seasonal classes on decorating with French art and antiques. Head down the street a block to ROMANCE DIAMOND (248 W. Dickson St., 479-443-9289, blog. romancediamond.com) to soak in the décor, which Goddard Design Group recently updated, and to shop for elegant jewelry, including offerings from JB Star, Marco Bicego and Kwiat, and exceptional watches. Next, it’s on to the chic shop and spa LUXE BEAUTY (608 W. Dickson St., 479-582-3800, http://luxearkansas.com) to shop for scents (both personal and home fragrances) and relax with a massage or facial. For a lunchtime break, Goddard recommends a few nearby favorites. Located a block away from the square and below street level, HUGO’S (25 1/2 N. Block Ave., 479-521-7585, www.hugosfayetteville.com), renowned for its crepes and burgers, has the feel of an urban hangout. Alongside the Frisco Trail bike path, TRAILSIDE CAFÉ & TEA ROOM (546 W. Center St., 479-966-4945, www.trailsidetea.com) offers fresh soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as refreshing teas, in a relaxed setting.

At Home in Arkansas

PHOTOGRAPHY: LAURA LARUE

Designer Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group

The House Special Interiors

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French Metro Antiques

Fayetteville Underground/ Work by Jennifer Libby Fay 1936 Club Luxe Beauty Corazon

Vintage Foundations

After lunch, shopping continues downtown with a Riffraff visit to CORAZON in the One East Square Plaza building (1 E. Center St., 479-587-9294, http:// corazonhome.org) for unique home furnishings with a Latin flair. Goddard is a fan of the one-of-a-kind glassware, suggesting a colorful bowl as a statementmaking look in a home interior. In the same building, visit FAYETTEVILLE UNDERGROUND’S art galleries and store (1 E. Center St., 479-387-1534, www. fayettevilleunderground.com), a nonprofit visual art collective featuring four galleries and more than a dozen working artists’ studios that welcome visitors. Next, Goddard suggests visiting two downtown home design shops that appeal to his penchant for modern design: the newly opened VINTAGE FOUNDATIONS (121 W. South St., 479-521-2444), boasting a treasuretrove of Mid-Century Modern finds; and LACUNA MODERN INTERIORS (620 N. College Ave., 479-5823876, www.lacunamodern.com), featuring contemporary international furnishings. After a day on the design trail has worked up an appetite, Goddard suggests dining at HJEM in the One East Square Plaza building (1 E. Center St., 479966-4344, www.hjemrestaurant.com), a Scandinavianinfluenced restaurant he recommends for the calming and crisp atmosphere as well as the delicious food; 74

At Home in Arkansas

French Quarters

DON’T MISS BLOCK AVE. DÉCOR FAVORITES: FRENCH QUARTERS (11 N. Block Ave., 479-443-3355, blog.frenchquarters.com) for antiques, accessories, books and more in a charming setting. RIFFRAFF (19 S. Block Ave., 479-571-4000, www.shopriffraff.blogspot.com) for colorful and creative home furnishings, including hand-painted furniture and local art.

October 25-30

waltonartscenter.org Box Ofﬁce: 479.443.5600 Broadway Series Sponsor

Show Sponsor

West Side Story is part of the Procter & Gamble Broadway Series and is sponsored by Dove Chocolate. Media support by NWA Media and 40/29 News.

Named “one of the top 200 places to shop in the South” by Southern Living magazine.

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Fayetteville

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Lacuna Modern Interiors

The House Special Interiors

Sara Kathryn’s, Ltd.

or 1936 CLUB (300 W. Dickson St., 479-442-9682, www.36clubfayetteville.com), his favorite place to join friends for a dinner out, enjoying the ever-changing menu and vintage, eclectic décor.

Bella Jack’s

FURTHER AFIELD Round out your weekend and wind your way around the city with a few more At Home in Arkansas design-oriented favorites. Housed in a charming historic home, SARA KATHRYN’S, LTD. (600 N. Mission Blvd., 479-444-9991) features fine gifts, luxury linens and tabletop wares, including items from Pine Cone Hill, Bella Notte Linens, Dash & Albert Rug Company and April Cornell. Venturing eastward, discover THE HOUSE SPECIAL INTERIORS AND RED HILL GALLERY AND HOMEWARES (479-527-6464, www.thehousespecialinteriors.com) in the shopping plaza at the northwest corner of Mission Boulevard and Crossover Road. The duo of shops, housed in one locale, offers new and vintage home furnishings and accessories, creative wares, gifts and more. At THE PARTY HOUSE OF NWA (577 E. Millsap Rd., Ste. 4, 479-443-3800, www.partyhouseofnwa.com), find home décor mixed with a wide array of party supplies, unique gifts and kids’ wares. Nearby, BELLA JACK’S CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE (3660 Front St., 479-444-8767, bellajacks.blogspot.com) brings couture to kids with cute clothing, shoes and accessories, plus fun furnishings and toys to boot. Heading north, INTERIOR FABRICS & DESIGN (4155 N. Steele Blvd., 479-444-0222) offers eye-catching fabrics and showcases readymade draperies in a wide range of colors and styles. A recent addition to the Northwest Arkansas antiques scene, the shop EXCLUSIVE ANTIQUES (2305 S. Thompson St., Springdale, 479-361-8772) is a treasure-trove of unique finds. 76

At Home in Arkansas

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At Home in Arkansas

COOKING GEAR 1. HANDWORKS Grilling needn’t be a chore. Simply marinate in the bag on ﬂexible, stainless steel grilling skewers by FireWire, throw on the grill and get the party started! Available at Handworks, Helena. (870) 338-4340

2. CATERING TO YOU Headed to a picnic or potluck? This stylish insulated casserole carrier even has a zippered top to hold serving utensils! It happens to be a perfect shower gift as well, especially if paired with a gift card for a delicious casserole. Available at Catering to You, Little Rock. (501) 614-9030 3. FIESTA DINNERWARE Heat things up in the kitchen, both literally and ﬁguratively, with Fiesta Dinnerware’s three-piece baking bowl set in Scarlet. Available at www. ﬁestafactorydirect.com. 4. CLINTON MUSEUM STORE Every cook and kitchen deserves a great cutting board. These are handmade in Arkansas by JR. Each makes a beautiful and long lasting gift. Clinton Museum Store, Little Rock River Market. (501) 748-0400

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At Home with Lee Richardson OCCUPATION: Executive chef and food/ beverage director for the Capital Hotel. BEST KNOWN FOR: Bringing what I call New Americana cuisine to Ashley’s restaurant in the Capital Hotel. It’s a style of cooking that involves creating dishes with local and seasonal ingredients, a strong adherence to cultural traditions and a very intense degree of handcrafting. This summer, I received the 2011 People’s Choice award as a best new chef in the Midwest from Food & Wine magazine. LIVES IN: A mid-1940s post-war bungalow in Little Rock’s Cammack Village with my wife, Martha, our five-year-old daughter, Fiona, and our Rhodesian Ridgeback dog. MY FAVORITE PART OF MY HOUSE IS: My dining room table, for the quality of family time spent there. Martha does the cooking at home, and it’s where I can unwind, relax and have uninterrupted time with my family. I’M MOST AT HOME: When we’re spending time with friends. When I first visited Little Rock five years ago, I knew nothing about the city. I was greeted with an unmistakable sense of neighborliness that I’ve felt ever since.

Photography: Nancy Nolan 80