KAUFMAN By Design st We
FREE Interior Design Services! New Construction Design Consultants Flooring Specialist | Lighting Specialist 14900 Cantrell Rd. | Little Rock, AR | 501.673.3992 kaufmanbydesignwest.com
Hardware: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Flooring-Lighting-Furniture: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
FURNITURE • LIGHTING • ART • RUGS • INTERIOR DESIGN 2200 Cantrell Rd. | Little Rock | 501.615.8565 | 501.425.3776 | shadavari.com VISIT OUR NEW 7,500 SQUARE FOOT SHOWROOM
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 1
2 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
AS SEEN IN
LITTLE ROCK, AR
thescoutguide.com
Emily Brown Owner
contemporary women’s b
5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard . @tulips
tulipsinlittlerock 5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard • Little Rock 501.614.7343 • tulipslittlerock.com
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 3
Contents J U N E 2018
46 Home
Style
43 OH, BABY
11 FINDS
67 2018 FOODIE FAVES
14 LATEST
In Every Issue
The creative director of Emporium Home builds a family home that radiates with her personal style.
17 DESIGN
8 WELCOME 72 END NOTES
58 ECLECTIC EXPRESSION
Life
A new addition inspires a down-toearth nursery in designer Kathyrn LeMaster’s home.
46 SELF REFLECTION
Designer Jill White takes us on a tour of her black-and-white themed west Little Rock home.
Style Station Events, Openings & Launches Fabrics to Fancy
24 GET TO KNOW
Hand-Built Career
Special Section
On The Cover The Little Rock living room of Emporium Home designer Ashley Childers. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 46.
26 FASHION
Summer Statements
31 FLAVOR
The Flavor of South Main
36 GARDEN
A Lasting Impact
40 SPOTLIGHT Tailor Made 4 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
Vol. 23, No. 5 © 2018 by Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Root Publishing, Inc., 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR 72202. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR.
1420 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 501-907-9272
www.bearhillinteriors.com
BRICK STONE HARDSCAPE PAVERS FIREPLACES GRILLS & APPLIANCES CASUAL FURNITURE HOME DÉCOR 1609 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 72202 501-375-0060 AntiqueBrickInc.com
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 5
The Shade Above Lighting Collection
PUBLISHER Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com EDITOR Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany Adams (ext. 104) tiffany@athomearkansas.com ART DIRECTOR Lauren Cerrato (ext. 103) lauren@athomearkansas.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jessie Fuchs (ext. 107) jessie@athomearkansas.com
Lamp Shades • Lamp Repair • Custom Lamps • Accessories
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Jackson and Rett Peek
theshadeabove.com 2208 Cantrell Road, Little Rock • 501.374.3555 theshadeabove@gmail.com •
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Hay (ext. 105) jennifer@athomearkansas.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Megan Beard (ext. 106) megan@athomearkansas.com MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Debbie Tissue (ext. 100) debbie@athomearkansas.com
HOW TO REACH US 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510
athomearkansas.com AT HOME IN ARKANSAS SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Call 800.927.6847 or subscribe online at www.athomearkansas.com. Annual subscription rate: $12.95. Canada and Mexico add $24.00 per year. Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling.
CASEY SARKIN INTERIOR DESIGN 2686 N. Timberglen • Fayetteville, Arkansas 479.530.0686 • CaseySarkinDesign@gmail.com CaseySarkinInteriorDesign.com @caseysarkindesign 6 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
Showroom 2314 Cantrell Road Little Rock | 72202 501.372.1886 providenceltddesign.com
Jayson Cain Interiors Upscale boutique offering Bed Linens, Table Linens, Bath Linens, Furniture, Antiques, Gif ts & Handcrafted Luxur y Mattresses . 8202 CANTRELL ROAD LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 501.960.4802 | 501.940.5411 JAYSONCAININTERIORS.COM
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 7
W E L C O M E
PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK
decisions, decisions If you’ve been reading my letter in the magazine these past few months, you know I’ve been house shopping. I’m happy to report that my husband and I finally found the perfect little 1930s Craftsman, and by the time you’re reading this, we should be all moved in. So all the hard stuff—the inspection, the paperwork, the packing and unpacking and moving boxes—is finally over. Right? Wrong. I’ve been daydreaming so much about decorating a home that now that the day is here, I’m paralyzed! The part that I thought would be oh-so-much fun is proving to be a daunting task, and I know that’s a feeling many of you may have encountered. I’ve needed some serious inspiration to get started, and for that, I’m turning to the pages of this issue. Every month, we feature enviable yet livable houses that showcase designers’ creative energies. However, it’s not often we get the chance to peek behind the curtain into the places those designers go home to every day. I’ve been anticipating this opportunity for a while. Where do they drink their morning coffee, relax with a glass of wine, and play with their kids after work? (Most importantly, I wondered, how do they keep everything looking so flawless all the time? Spoiler alert: Everyone has a least one room they don’t want us to see. Phew!) One thing that designer Ashley Childers said while showing us around her home stuck with me: When you’re designing a home, you have to make decisions. That’s true whether you’re working with a professional or trying it out on your own. When you distill the process into this clear instruction, the whole thing seems a little more manageable. It’s an instruction that I’m going to take to heart as I start this next phase in homeownership. If we were able to manage the process of buying a house—one decision at a time, one after the other—then we can make the place feel like a home in the same way.
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com
8 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
DIGITAL EDITION
Take us with you anywhere. Visit athomearkansas.com.
@ATHOMEARKANSAS
Follow along on social media for more home inspiration, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
14300 Cantrell Road • Little Rock • 501.868.9333 Mon - Friday 10am - 6pm • Saturday 10am - 5pm
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2701 E. Parker Rd., Jonesboro | 870-933-7800 8800 Maumelle Blvd., Little Rock | 501-758-1988 801 Metro Place, Lowell | 479-750-2200 June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 9
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Vacation in your own
backyard.
Huge Selection of Furniture for Outdoor Living Available for Immediate Delivery. Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 facebook.com/KenRashsArkansas • www.kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com 10 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
Style
T H E L AT E S T I N
DÉCOR & DESIGN
PRODUCER: STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON | PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK & COURTESY OF VENDORS
TABLE TOPPERS
Style Station Items often look best displayed in odd numbers, especially in groups of three. This is referred to as the “rule of three,” and it's a helpful guideline when styling a chic and simple coffee table. Turn the page for info on the pieces shown here and more inspirational finds.
Coffee table styled by Sha Davari on location at Art of Design. All items available at Art of Design, Little Rock, (501) 425-3776
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 11
S T Y L E
F I N D S 1 1 “Ava” cocktail table. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock, cobblestoneandvine.com
2
2 Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms and S is for Southern. Southern Life, Little Rock, shopsouthernlife.com 3 & 4 “Mocha slate” tray and magnifying glass. Obsessions Interiors, Little Rock, obsessionsinteriors.com 5 Marble hexagon coasters. Blue Goose Antiques, Furniture & Gifts, Fayetteville, bluegoosenwa.com
3
VARY THE HEIGHTS OF YOUR OBJECTS TO KEEP THE COMBINATION INTERESTING
6 Brass plant mister. Freckled Hen Farmhouse, Fayetteville, freckledhenfarmhouse.com 7 Steel pedestal planter. WITH Home Supply, Fayetteville, withomesupply.com
4
8 White cut-wood decorative boxes. Blue Goose Antiques, Furniture & Gifts, Fayetteville, bluegoosenwa.com
12
9 Jill Rosenwald “Slim Keith” vase in the West Palm pattern. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com
5
10 Antiqued gold-leaf clock. Kaufman by Design, Little Rock, kaufmanbydesign.com
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11 Karastan “Levant” multicolored rug. Martinous Oriental Rug Co., Inc., Little Rock, martinous.com
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12 “Omari” agate sculpture. Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, ransominteriors.com
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8 7
A PLANT OR FLORAL ARRANGEMENT ADDS INSTANT LIFE TO A COFFEE TABLE
12 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
4306 S. THOMPSON SPRINGDALE, AR 479.750.7300 HARPERHOWEYINTERIORS.COM
Arkansas’ Premier Casual Furniture Showroom
ALWAYS ON THE CORNER OF RODNEY PARHAM & WEST MARKHAM 105 N. RODNEY PARHAM, LITTLE ROCK WWW.CONGOFP.COM
501.223.9026 • LIGHTINNOVATIONS.COM June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 13
S T Y L E
L AT E S T
ARRIVALS, OPENINGS & LAUNCHES NEWS FROM AROUND THE NATURAL STATE
Juliska's “Country Estate” pattern in Delft Blue at Tipton & Hurst
NEW SHOP ON THE SQUARE
The concept behind Fayetteville’s recently opened CITY SUPPLY HOMESTEAD PROVISIONS & GOODS is one that husband-and-wife team Kirsten and Chase Morman have had for “well over a year,” Kirsten says—it was just a matter of waiting to find the perfect spot for it. “We didn't want to venture too far away from the downtown square,” she explains. When the location next door to Kirsten's first brick-and-mortar store, Riffraff, became available, the Mormans pounced on it. Kirsten describes City Supply as a “modern-day mercantile” that carries gifts and home goods inspired by a sense of nostalgia, from T-shirts to candles to frameable prints. Exposed brick and a “media wall” featuring classic ’80s and ’90s movies adds to the store’s throwback vibe. “The Sandlot, Princess Bride, and 8 Seconds have been three of our top crowd favorites so far,” Kirsten says. For more information, visit citysupplyfayetteville.com.
BEIGE MAKES A MOVE
Little Rock boutique BEIGE recently moved from downtown to the Heights neighborhood. While owner Ashley Peeples says shoppers will find the same minimal aesthetic and well-curated stock they’ve come to expect from the store, they might notice a few changes in the atmosphere from the shop’s original location. “Some of my favorite stores are modern, but they also have traditional aspects in the design, which I feel makes them more inviting,” Ashley says. “The new location is definitely going to feel very homey. I want our customers to feel invited and comfortable when they visit.” To achieve this feel, Ashley worked with local designer Jill White to incorporate arched doorways, raw linen fabrics, and soft colors to warm up the space. “Jill has been a customer of ours since we opened, and I have always admired her work. I was on the phone with her as soon as we signed the lease. I knew that she would get my vision for the new space,” Ashley says. For more information, visit beigelr.com.
14 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER BRIDES
This spring, TIPTON & HURST launched a bridal registry program at its Heights location in Little Rock. According to bridal registry consultant Grace Hoffman, the store has expanded its gifts and entertaining pieces to include china, crystal, and flatware, including popular lines Juliska, Casafina, Anna Weatherley, Skyros, Vietri, and Pickard. “We have added lots of accessories and bridal gifts in the store, and we are developing our online registry now,” Grace says. This is a natural addition for Tipton & Hurst, which opened in 1886 and has long provided wedding floral design for brides. Find out more about Tipton & Hurst’s bridal registry at tiptonhurst.com.
The perfect place to call
home
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NEW HOMES & NEIGHBORHOODS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS. At Buffington Homes, our goal is to make you happy. That’s why we build the very best homes in communities and towns you’ll love. Come visit and we know you’ll agree. Bentonville
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June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 15
re
r
G A rI LL d er G e sT Y o
r
eA sA N T
G
m e
T N se PL IN EW e ou
co
LI G H u o
AT
FURNISHINGS | DESIGN | GIFTS | BEDDING Little Rock • cobblestoneandvine.com • 501.664.4249
AUTHOR I Z E D DEALE R
melissahaynesdesign.com
D O N NA H A N NA I N T ER I O R S
Christopher Allen Decor 1814 N. Crossover Road Suite 3 Fa y e t t e v i l l e , A r k a n s a s 479.435.6535
16 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
S T Y L E
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
D E S I G N
Gold shimmer lumbar pillow, “Vienna” in Splash abstract print fabric, and “Anhalt” floral fabric in Charcoal. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com Novus floral cut velvet. Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net “Magda” floral print in multicolored Summer. Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com
FROM NATURAL TO BOLD (AND EVERY STOP ALONG THE WAY), THESE FRESH FABRICS ARE SURE TO BRING LIFE TO YOUR DESIGN
Fabrics to Fancy TEXTILE TRENDS
P R O D U C E R : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK A N D CO U R T E S Y O F V EN D O R S
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 17
S T Y L E
D E S I G N 1
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1 Anna French “Twiggy Floral Embroidery” in Brights on White. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics. com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects. net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 2 Fortuny “Girandole” in Truffle and Antique Rose. Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com 3 Lee Jofa “Timberline Print” in Red. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 4 Magnolia Fabrics “Belair Brushstrokes.” Cynthia
18 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 5 LuLu DK for Duralee “Tennyson” in Carribean. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 6 Rebecca Atwood “Floral Collage” in Multi-Blush. Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com 7 Schumacher “Saku” in Pink. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.
com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 8 Floral abstract print. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 9 Stout “Isadora” in Coral. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr. com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 10 Samuel & Sons “Cirque” pom pom fringe in Azalea. Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Jayson Cain Interiors, jaysoncaininteriors.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com
S T Y L E 1
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1, 2 & 3 “Deilen Embroidery” in Cream on Natural Linen, “Laurence Plaid” in Beige, and “Water Course” in Grey; all by Anna French. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery. com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies. com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com
trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr. com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com
4 Cowtan & Tout “Shanti” in Dove. Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Jayson Cain Interiors, jaysoncaininteriors.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com
7 Magnolia Fabrics “Edward Glam.” Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery. com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com
5 & 6 “Kravet Contract 4458-814” and “Magaluf” in Ivory; both by Kravet. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the
8 Thibaut “Corneila” in Grey and Gold. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc.,
fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery. com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies. com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 9 Robert Allen “Globetrotter” in Truffle. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects. net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 10 Samuel & Sons “Carolina Ombré Brush Fringe” in Sand. Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Jayson Cain Interiors, jaysoncaininteriors.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 19
S T Y L E
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1 Stout “Ignore” in Harbor. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr. com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 2 “Frond” in Lubu. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 3, 4 & 5 “Kenzie” in Blue, “Sylvan Leaves” in Kiwi, and “Suki” in Green; all indoor/outdoor fabrics by Thibaut/Sunbrella. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr. com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com;
20 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 6 Magnolia Fabrics “Kronus Green.” Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery. com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 7 & 8 “Marbled Flora” in Oyster and “Leaf Through” in Truffle; both by Robert Allen. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr. com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com
9 Duralee “Synergy” in Indigo. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr. com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com 10 Schumacher “Talitha” in Leaf. Cynthia East Fabrics, cynthiaeastfabrics.com; Designer Effects (to the trade), designereffects.net; Fabrics Etc., fabricsetclr.com; Fabric Gallery, thefabricgallery. com; Interior Creations, searcydesigncenter.com; Laura’s Draperies & Blinds, laurasdraperies.com; M. Grace at Home, mgraceathome.com
Coordinate and Captivate Bolts and bolts in stock!
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Fayetteville, Arkansas 479.287.4222 whitelinedesigns.com
Free In-Store Design Services • Custom Labor • Gifts & Home Decor 1523 Rebsamen Park Rd | Riverdale Design District | Little Rock, Arkansas Ph 501.663.0460 | Mon - Fri 10–5:30, Sat 10–4 | cynthiaeastfabrics.com
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ROYAL OVERHEAD DOOR 10725 Otter Creek East Blvd Mabelvale Sales: 501-943-3667 Service: 501-455-3667 June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 21
COMFORT
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Third Generation Builders Building Quality Homes for Over 40 years Residential • Commercial • Remodeling
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Pottery by Julie Holt
2616 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock, Arkansas 501.661.1167 shopboxturtle.com 22 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
9107 North Rodney Parham Road • Little Rock • (501) 225-2729 BosleyConstructionInc.com • bosleyhomes@sbcglobal.net •
Life
PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK
C E L E B R AT I N G YO U R L I F E S T Y L E
LOCAL FARE
Spice Things Up! Street tacos, hand pies, and other Latin Americaninspired dishes are just a few of the menu items at Little Rock's soon-to-open Dos Rocas Beer & Tacos. Turn to page 31 to read the full story.
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 23
L I F E
G E T
T O
K N O W
Hand-Built Career MEET JULIE HOLT
THE CERAMICIST BEHIND JULIE HOLT STUDIO AND SMALL BATCH POTTERY CREATES WHIMSICAL POTTERY PIECES FROM HER CHARMING HOME STUDIO IN LITTLE ROCK I NTERVI EW: STEPHAN I E MA X WELL N EW TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK
24 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
L I F E
G E T
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K N O W
Julie is already hard at work producing her popular clay Christmas trees, a favorite gift and decorative item during the holidays.
FOR YOUR FINE ARTS DEGREE, YOU DECIDED ON A CONCENTRATION IN CERAMICS, EVEN THOUGH YOU ALSO PAINT AND SEW. HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON POTTERY? Where I went to school—the University of North Texas—had a very strong ceramics department. I’d gotten a bachelor’s in business communications previously at Baylor, but I worked for a year and was like, “Nope, I don’t want to do this.” For a degree in fine arts, you have to pick a concentration, and at the time I was really interested in throwing pottery. It seemed like a natural pick. CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH CLAY? I was first exposed to it in elementary school. Somebody came and did pottery with my class, and I remember making a bowl out of little clay balls. I don’t have the piece anymore, unfortunately! I actually had a friend who teaches art in a school in Little Rock who recently asked me to come as a guest artist for a day, and I thought, “What am I going to do with them?” So that’s basically what I taught them—the same bowl out of balls of clay. HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR HOME STUDIO IN HILLCREST? I’ve been in my studio here for 12 years. I love working from home. I have a small cottage-style house and often work with the doors and windows open. I’m surrounded by plants, even in the winter. I also have a small garden and love my screened-in front porch.
ANIMALS AND PLANTS SEEM TO BE A RECURRING THEME IN YOUR WORK. WHAT IS IT ABOUT NATURE THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO INCORPORATE IT INTO YOUR DESIGNS? Over the years I’ve had a few cats, but currently there is only one, Squeak. He often sits beside me in my studio while I’m working. Like cats, plants are also imprinted on my brain, and I can’t help but paint them. I love the wispy and repetitive pattern of ferns— especially maidenhair, Boston, and asparagus ones—and the juicy, harder shapes of succulents. I also like insects—especially butterflies and beetles because of their delicacy, varied color, and form—and they are some of my favorites to paint and draw. THE GREAT THING ABOUT HILLCREST IS THAT YOU HAVE SOME DISTRACTIONS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE IF YOU NEED THEM. DO YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD MUCH? As a matter of fact, I do that a lot. I go to Knoop Park because it’s so close. Hillcrest is great because there are so many places that are walkable. I’m close to Kavanaugh, so all of the restaurants and coffee shops are nearby. As I mentioned, I also have a really nice garden and the front porch where I can just go outside and sit or water my plants when I need a break. Julie’s work can be found at Box Turtle, Butler Center Galleries, Gallery 26, and The Green Corner Store. Find out more about Julie at julieholtstudio.com.
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 25
L I F E
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PRO D U CER: STEPHAN I E MA X WELL N EW TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O
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SUMMER STATEMENTS ACCESSORY UPGRADES
THERE’S NOTHING SUBTLE ABOUT THIS SEASON’S LOOK-AT-ME ACCESSORIES
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Sunny Days Shades with bold frames and technicolor lenses double as conversation starters 1 Illesteva “Boca II” sunglasses. Scarlet, Little Rock, scarletclothing.com 2 Mirrored single-plate sunglasses. Beehive, Little Rock, lovebeehive.com 3 Alice + Olivia “Walker” cat-eye sunglasses. Scarlet, Little Rock, scarletclothing.com 4 Bay Sky cat-eye sunglasses. Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com 5 Diff Eyewear "Becky" sunglasses in rose gold. E.Leigh’s, Conway, Fayetteville, and Little Rock, shopeleighs.com
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6 Quay rounded black sunglasses. Steamroller Blues, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Rogers, steamrollerblues.com 7 Black heart-shaped sunglasses. Beehive, Little Rock, lovebeehive.com
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FA S H I O N
Step It Up Chunky heels and funky details update last season’s mule trend for summer 1 Stuart Weitzman “Rockrose” sandal in white. Barbara Jean, Little Rock, barbarajean.com 2 & 3 Schutz “Graceanne” embroidered pointed toe mule and Dolce Vita “Javi” leather sandal with wrapped heel. Beyond Cotton II, Little Rock, Instagram.com/beyondcotton2 4 Mercedes Castillo “Izar” frayed block-heel slide sandal. Barbara Jean, Little Rock, barbarajean.com 5 Louise et Cie “Korella II” peep-toe heeled mule. Vesta’s, Little Rock, Rogers, and Conway, instagram.com/vestasgirl 6 “Yand” platform wedge pump. Warren’s, locations statewide, instagram.com/warrensshoes 7 Free People “Rosie” ruffle heel in black. Steamroller Blues, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Rogers, steamrollerblues.com
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FA S H I O N
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Ear Candy These statement pieces play on classic hoop shapes and recent tassel trends 1 Deepa Gurnani “Roberta” earrings in red. Barbara Jean, Little Rock, barbarajean.com 2 Graphic gold hoops on posts. E.Leigh’s, Conway, Fayetteville, and Little Rock, shopeleighs.com 3 Deepa Gurnani “Chauncey” earrings in black. Barbara Jean, Little Rock, barbarajean.com 4 & 5 Fringed teardrop earrings and Vintage Flower Hoop by Neely Phelan. Tulips, Little Rock, instagram.com/tulipsinlittlerock
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FA S H I O N
Basket Beauties Whether woven, raffia, or wicker, this season’s ‘it’ bag is a natural 1 Sondra Roberts macramé clutch. Feinstein’s, Little Rock, feinsteins.com 2 Half-circle woven clutch with stars. Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com 3 Carolina Santo Domingo “Corallina” bag in ivory. Barbara Jean, Little Rock, barbarajean.com 4 Bamboo clutch. Beehive, Little Rock, lovebeehive.com 5 Wicker crossbody bag with pineapple. Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com 6 Wicker Weekend Crossbody. Beehive, Little Rock, lovebeehive.com
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F L AVO R
EAT UP!
The Flavor of South Main
ONE COUPLE’S PASSION FOR LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD CONTINUES TO GROW IN DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK >>> S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK
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F L AVO R
CORRI BRISTOWSUNDELL’S INTEREST IN GROWING HER OWN FOOD
was piqued at her grandparents’ homestead in east Texas. “They raised chickens, and they had a small kitchen garden where they grew food for themselves and enough to sell. It was a very Southern place,” she says. “I always remember sitting outside shellin’ peas and gabbin’,” she adds with an accent that alludes to her own native Little Rock roots. “I think visiting them really gave me a lifelong love for these experiences.” Corri’s passion wasn’t unmet. Years later she was shopping with the Arkansas Local Food Network (ALFN) when she met her now-husband, Jack Sundell. “At that time it was called Arkansas Sustainability Network
The Root Cafe
WHERE TO EAT
1500 South Main Street, Little Rock WHEN TO EAT Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dinner Wednesday–Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Mondays CONNECT therootcafe.com
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and was just an email list,” she says of the resource that has since become a staple shopping experience for many central Arkansans. For the pair, shopping with ALFN wasn’t a trip to the grocery, but rather part of a deeper love of fostering community and enjoying local fruits—literally. As with Corri’s instilled childhood experiences, Jack brought years of food and gardening knowledge to the relationship. After marrying, the couple embarked on a three-year startup process to launch a restaurant with locally sourced foods. The Root Cafe opened its doors in 2011, and now they’re off to the races again, planning and preparing for this summer’s opening of Dos Rocas Beer & Tacos.
THE ROOT CAFE
“Our mission statement at The Root is ‘Building Community Through Local Food,’” Jack says. To accomplish this, the restaurant’s menu features dishes made from ingredients from more than 50 Arkansas farmers.
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F L AVO R
A staple on The Root’s dinner menu, the pork belly is served with pickled pinto beans and cream-braised cabbage. Use the restaurant’s recipe to recreate the beans in your own kitchen.
Pickled Pinto Beans
The Root Cafe started with breakfast and lunch and added dinner to their offerings in 2017. “We wanted to do things a little bit differently at night, so we offer table service rather than the counter service we have during the day,” Jack says. “For the menu, we try to keep the same idea of foods that your grandmother would recognize—so you’ll see deviled eggs and our toast with purple hull pea hummus,” he adds. Last year, an expansion— which resulted in 1,200 additional square feet that is used not only for seating but also a larger kitchen and an office space—helped to continue to propel the restaurant's momentum. With funding from a Chase Bank grant known as Mission Main Street, a total of eight shipping containers were converted into the aforementioned spaces. “It’s an honest interest of ours to be local supporters and use sustainable practices. Being good stewards of the environment is a natural part of our own lives,” Corri says of the material choice. “The expansion has also taken away the seasonality of the restaurant,” Jack adds. “Previously we were so reliant on the patio for seating, and we would see a decline in customers during the winter months. Now it has leveled out and that, in turn, allows us to continue to support local farmers year-round.” In tune with their mission statement, much of the startup process for the restaurant involved community-centric events, including organizing canning and food preservation workshops and fundraising dinners. Today, they continue to be good neighbors by hosting and co-hosting events like their annual Hot Pepper Eating Contest, Traditional Pie Bakeoff & Recipe Swap, and the much-anticipated Beard Growing Contest.
SHOP >>> 1 pound fresh pinto beans 20 garlic cloves, whole 2 tablespoons Sambal Oelek chili paste 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper PREPARE >>> Combine pinto beans and whole garlic cloves in a heavy-bottom pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer and cook until beans and garlic are just softened, about 25 minutes. Drain and rinse. Return cooked beans and garlic to the pot, add remaining ingredients, and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool the beans in fridge and adjust seasoning when cold, if necessary.
Beer & Cheese Arancini
Purple Hull Pea Hummus on toast
Deviled Eggs
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F L AVO R
DOS ROCAS BEER & TACOS
This summer, Corri and Jack plan to open Dos Rocas Beer & Tacos just down the street from The Root in a space that was once occupied by Juanita’s Party Room. In partnership with another couple, Adelia Kittrell and Cesar Bordon-Avalos, they hope to create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with—you guessed it!—locally sourced dishes. Cesar is well-versed in Arkansas-produced foods, having served as The Root’s lunch kitchen manager since 2012. Luis Vasquez, who is currently the breakfast chef at The Root, will be managing the kitchen at Dos Rocas. As a native of Honduras, Luis brings his own Latin American influence to the restaurant.
Street Tacos
Honduran Pupusas with slaw and pickled onions
Pastel de Mandioca (a Paraguayann Yuca hand pie)
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The team has been gathering every Monday at The Root for tasting sessions, creating their vision and tweaking recipes to taste-bud perfection. Dos Rocas’s menu will include a variety of tacos and Latin American street food along with housemade margaritas and a huge selection of local craft beers. “Jack and Cesar love this aspect, and we’ll definitely have a ‘best of Arkansas’ lineup,” Corri says of the restaurant’s brew offerings. As for the name, “Dos Rocas means ‘two rocks’ and refers to Little Rock, and also to Cesar's hometown in Paraguay, which is called Itá and translates to ‘rock’ from his native language of Guaraní,” Jack says.
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F L AVO R
Dos Rocas’s menu will include a variety of tacos and Latin American street food along with house-made margaritas and a huge selection of local craft beers.
WHERE TO EAT
1220 South Main Street, Little Rock WHEN TO EAT Lunch, dinner, and after dinner; TuesdaySunday. Official hours will be announced prior to opening.
Left to right: Jack Sundell, Corri Bristow-Sundell, Luis Vasquez, Adelia Kittrell, and Cesar Bordon-Avalos.
CONNECT dosrocasbeerandtacos.com Watch their website and Facebook page for details about their opening.
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L I F E
G A R D E N
S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK 36 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
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G A R D E N
A Lasting Impact CONSIDER CONTAINERS
MAKE A STATEMENT IN YOUR OUTDOOR AREA WITH CONTAINER PLANTINGS THAT WILL THRIVE THROUGH THE SUMMER AND FALL
WHAT’S PLANTED Phoenix roebelenii palm, ‘Lanai’ white verbena, English ivy, and a mix of ‘Cabaret Light Pink,’ ‘Aloha Kona Hot Pink,’ and ‘Callie Apricot’ calibrachoa.
“Containers are one of the most under-utilized garden features,” says David Munsey III, general manager of Little Rock’s Better Lawns & Gardens. “You don’t need a lot of them to start with; you can make a big impact, colorwise, with just one or two plantings. Plus, they are less expensive than planting a bed and can be used in small spaces or apartments,” he adds. To prove his point, David worked with his mother, Ruth Ann Munsey, to create a variety of vivid container gardens, each of which features plants that have similar water and sun requirements and will withstand the Arkansas climate. “Mom works with all of our clients on their containers, and she’s great at sourcing our high quality materials,” David says.
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G A R D E N
For every container they create, David and Ruth Ann start with a focal piece in the center and accent with seasonal color that fills in and spills over the edges. “We want to customize these to a client’s space, just as we would a traditional landscape, so we often pull color ideas from the furniture, existing landscape, or surroundings,” David says. Better Lawns & Gardens works with their clients in a variety of ways to get them both the look and the longevity that makes containers so attractive. David notes that many of their clients like to get their hands in the dirt, too. That’s why in addition to their full-service design and planting programs, they also offer consultations where the plants and the design are specified, but the homeowner gets the joy of playing in the dirt to create the container.
When to Water? A good rule of thumb for outdoor containers that are not under a covered porch is to water every day during peak temperatures. Check moisture levels and overall plant health if you are unsure or concerned about overwatering.
What about Drip Irrigation? David says drip irrigation is a great tool to assist with watering but shouldn’t take the place of checking the soil moisture levels daily and adding water as needed.
‘President’s Red’ Hibiscus
Don’t Forget the Feedings Keep your plants looking their best with a helping of plant food. Choose a food based on your planting’s needs and attributes.
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“Even if you start small, one of my favorite things to do with containers is create groupings of three. When you do this you can vary the height, color, and texture and get a lot of visual interest.” —David Munsey
Majesty palm
‘Sun Parasol’ pink mandevilla
creeping jenny
English ivy
asparagus fern
‘Calipetite’ yellow calibrachoa
‘Aloha Kona Hot Pink’ calibrachoa
‘Bombay Blue’ scaevola
Design Resources CONTAINERS AND PLANTINGS Better Lawns & Gardens June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 39 OUTDOOR FURNITURE Ken Rash’s Arkansas
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The most captivating feature of the showroom’s space may be the dressing rooms, a series of four freestanding, cylindrical spaces that are enveloped in velvet curtains, the interiors of which feature Japanese imagery.
Tailor Made BESPOKE BOUTIQUE
S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: M A R K JACK S O N
DESIGNER CHRIS GODDARD CREATES A WORLDLY EXPERIENCE FOR SHOPPERS AT HUBBARD CLOTHING CO. IN ROGERS
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Donnie Hubbard had only two simple requests when he hired his friend Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group to create the interiors of his Rogers men’s store: A place to hang clothes and lockers in the private lounge area. Known for his expertise in high-end and luxury design, Chris created a story that tells the tale of Hubbard Clothing Co. “When you walk in the door, you feel like you’ve been transported to Madison Avenue or a shop in Europe,” Chris says of the design that started with antique oil paintings, which can be seen in a number of applications throughout the space. Here’s how he designed three distinct areas that function together for the ultimate luxury shopping experience.
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S P O T L I G H T
“When you walk in the door, you feel like you’ve been transported to Madison Avenue or a shop in Europe.” —Designer Chris Goddard
THE STORE
Hubbard Clothing Co. features men’s clothing selections from around the globe, so it was important the design of the shop reflected this cosmopolitan influence. Chris custom designed all of the display pieces, allowing him to carry his vision throughout even the smallest details. Solid black backgrounds allow the clothes to stand out, while the incorporation of plaids and leather lend what the designer calls an “English country house feel” to the overall look—thus adding to its worldliness.
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THE LOUNGE
In the private lounge area, which is accessed by walking through a custom-built armoire, the theme continues. “This is really like a gentleman’s speakeasy,” Chris says of the secluded space that occupies one third of the store’s square footage. A series of wall lockers store liquor with watchful eyes peeking through each of the oversized keyholes. Similarly, oil paintings (and a 1950s mounted Dall sheep) look down from the wall space above a red Chesterfield sofa. Finally, a billiards table invites endless games and fosters the communal sense of camaraderie that seems to flow through the shop.
To learn more about Hubbard Clothing Co., visit hubbardclothing.com.
THE BARBER SHOP
Hubbard’s bespoke barber shop, which is manned by Italian barber Gaetano Mariconi, is no different in feel than the rest of the store. Again, reflecting the inspirational oil portraits, a paper created from Polaroids that Andy Warhol took of himself with different haircuts and wigs covers the front of the washstand, giving the feel of eyes looking out at clients who are in the chair for a trim. The rich black walls lend a cozy, private feel that adds to the complete luxury experience of a shop and a shave. 42 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
Home PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK
DESIGNERS’ HOMES
NATURAL STYLE
Baby Blues A North Little Rock designer plans her son’s nursery with the future in mind. Turn the page to read the full story.
With a changing pad on top, this vintage campaign-style chest is nursery ready, but in a few years, it could live in any room of the house. “It’s kind of the multifunctional piece of my dreams,” designer Kathryn LeMaster says.
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S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK
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NATURAL ELEMENTS AND A COZY COLOR PALETTE CREATE A NURSERY THAT PARENTS AND BABY ALIKE CAN ENJOY
Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Kathryn J. LeMaster, Allied ASID, Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design CUSTOM WOODWORK Jonathan T. McNair ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE, HARDWARE, LIGHTING, MIRRORS, RUGS, AND UPHOLSTERY Kathryn J. LeMaster Art & Design ART V. Noe FABRICS (DRAPERIES)Designer Effects MILLWORK AND PAINTING Luis A. Rodreguez PAINT Sherwin Williams PLANTS The Good Earth Garden Center WINDOW COVERINGS (FABRICATION) Monica Smith
hen Kathryn LeMaster started planning for the arrival of her son, Liam, there was one question she remembers hearing over and over again: “The biggest thing everyone seemed to ask was, ‘What theme are you going to do in the nursery? Is it going to be cars? Is it going to be elephants?’” she says. But Kathryn didn’t want a typical nursery theme. She decided to focus on symbols of nature to tie the room together instead. She used a tree-shaped bookshelf built by a friend as a starting point and then added in more subtle nods to this aesthetic—like a spherical wicker light fixture, which represents the sun, and a blue ceiling, which gives the impression of the sky on a clear day. “The goal was for it to feel organic,” Kathryn says. “There are a lot of natural finishes to bring a little of the outdoors in.” Animal imagery and plenty of live plants continue this trend. Painting the ceiling blue and the walls white was also a strategic move to make the room seem larger. “The room is already kind of narrow, so I decided on white walls with white trim and blue on the ceiling. Plus, the color really draws your eye up,” she says. Most importantly, Kathryn wanted to design the room in a way that wouldn’t lock it too firmly into one style or function. “I wanted it to feel flexible enough that it could grow with him for several years, or if we had more kids, that it would be easy to swap out accessories,” she says. “I also wanted it to be a room that I could enjoy. He isn’t going to remember any of this. Maybe one day he’ll appreciate it when he sees pictures, but, honestly, the nursery is more for the parents to hang out in! It might as well be a space we enjoy, especially to ease the stress of the all the late-night time spent in there.” June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 45
S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O
Self Reflection
THE DESIGNER BEHIND EMPORIUM HOME CREATES A DREAM HOUSE FOR HER FAMILY THAT OFFERS AN EXPRESSION OF HER STYLE AT EVERY TURN
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LINEAR EQUATION
The front entry’s steel doors not only make a graphic statement but also allow natural light to spill into the great room. “I had a picture of this large window at the landing and the steel doors in my mind, but I had to figure out how to make it work with the staircase and the lighting and the overall entry,” Ashley says. The zebra rug was an 18th birthday gift to Ashley from her mother, an indication of her lifelong appreciation for style.
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The abstract work over the fireplace is part of a set (the other of which hangs in the dining room) that Ashley painted. “I’m a real fan of original art; as with vintage finds, it just brings such a soulful feel to a house,” she says.
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shley Childers is not a typical first-time homebuilding client. As the creative director and former owner of Emporium Home, a fashion-forward collection of lighting, furniture, and accessories available through market, she knows the trends and she knows what she likes. “It’s information overload when you are a designer yourself. It’s an amazing thing, actually, that I have the job I have because I get to see so much,” she says. “In my travels, I get to see beautiful architecture and spaces that are dedicated to gracious living and so many different materials and applications,” she adds. When it came to building her own house and culling down those “ten thousand Pinterest boards,” Ashley was not daunted by the task. The west Little Rock house she shares with her husband, Garrett, and their two children encapsulates her style. “I’m really all about the feeling I get in a space, so I wanted our home to be a reflection of our lives and personalities—the places we’ve been, the experiences we’ve had, and the things we love. I have a young, happy, creative family, and I want our home to nurture and celebrate that!” she says.
A GRAND GREAT ROOM
The home’s design started with the great room. “I knew I wanted a vaulted, two-story room, and I knew that I wanted a really grand fireplace and two seating areas in this space because of the way we entertain and live; and I wanted it to be open to the kitchen,” Ashley says of her goals for the main living area.
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THE ART OF DINING
Ashley’s artistry doesn’t stop when she leaves her desk. She took to the dining room’s wall, sketching and painting gold leaf branches for a custom treatment. When it came to the home’s furnishings, the designer notes that not everything in the house is new; many pieces from her former house grace the rooms—often in different configurations and applications. “I also had some things in storage that I couldn’t fit into our old house but I knew I wanted to use at some point,” she says. Case in point, the dining room table, which is a piece she designed for Emporium Home. The chairs and chandelier are also from the line.
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“I’m a huge collector of vintage finds.” —Designer Ashley Childers
ON DISPLAY
“I just love art glass and milk glass and little sculptures. My husband thinks I’m insane because I come home with stuff all the time. In my travels I get to pick up some really cool pieces, too,” the designer says.
Today, you’ll find Ashley in her home office (which she admits is not photo-ready; “It had to be upstairs so no one could see the mess when they walked into our home,” she laughs) happily designing Emporium Home’s new collection that is set to debut in a complete re-launch of the brand later this year. “We’re going to be doing rugs, soft goods, tabletop items, and hundreds of other things,” she says of the much-anticipated reveal. However, while the lure of newness and creative energy beckons, she confides it’s nice to design with permanency in mind. “At market, we are used to designing and setting up showrooms that feel like real interior spaces—and then, they are only there for five days. So it’s nice to do something that sticks and lasts,” she says. “A lot of people get nervous about making decisions and sometimes people try to do it without a professional designer, but for us, especially me, it’s our life.”
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Windows on either side of the range offer a view of the backyard and let in an abundance of light.
CHICLY FUNCTIONAL
An island large enough to seat her family was a priority in the kitchen. “I also wanted it to be in the center of the space and be oriented toward the hearth room and great room, so we could all talk no matter where we were,” Ashley says. “And a lot of the time when we are with our extended family, we cook together, so it was important to me that this all flow.” Soft brass finishes add to the trendsetting feel of the space and are also a nod to Ashley’s innate design aesthetic. “I use a ton of gold in my design work. When I launched Emporium Home, we did a lighting collection that was satin brass, and that was really right before it became popular. I’m drawn to beautiful, soft satin, feminine brass; it’s gorgeous, and when it’s paired with gray it just sings for me,” she says. To this end, the home features numerous gray hues and cooler tones paired with warm brass finishes.
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“I’m drawn to beautiful, soft satin, feminine brass; it’s gorgeous, and when it’s paired with gray it just sings for me.” —Designer Ashley Childers June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 53
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
“All of the decisions I made in this house were based on what I really love. For instance, I wanted a banquette,” Ashley says. “Come hell or high water, I was getting a banquette,” she laughs. “There were just things in my mind that I’ve seen and that stuck with me through the years, and that was one of those.” The view from the seating area looks out onto the front lawn, while the space behind it opens to a lounge area situated just behind the kitchen island.
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Ashley designed the built-in shelves specifically to house her collection of new and vintage finds, which continues to grow and evolve over time.
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CLEAN & SERENE
A clean palette of gray and white with accents of brass and gold sets the tone in what Ashley describes as the “beautiful and serene” master bath. She had two must-haves in this space: a vanity and a soaking tub positioned near a picture window. “I didn’t have a vanity in our previous house, and it’s such an everyday luxury,” she says of the perch that is outfitted with a faux-fur topped stool. The standalone tub offers a view of the property’s private wooded area. Black-and-white abstract artwork, which Ashley painted, adds to the room’s current feel.
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PERSONAL SPACE
Pieces from the Emporium Home line fill the master bedroom, including the Wellington mirror (seen over the bedside tables), which Ashley says has been the company’s best-selling mirror for the past five years. The sofa is known as the “Lauren,” named after Ashley’s sister. “It’s got a lovely feminine shape and tapered legs that are so sexy and chic. I also love that our entire upholstery collection is made right here in the USA,” she says. The designer chose a favorite Belgian linen by Libeco for her bedding. “If I had to, I would give up coffee to keep that bedding,” she laughs.
Design Resources CONTRACTOR Bosley Construction, Inc. HOUSE PLAN AND INTERIOR DESIGN Ashley Childers ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND MIRRORS (EMPORIUM HOME) Available for order through Phoenix Interiors APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CABINETRY Moody Cabinets CARPET, COUNTERTOPS, FIREPLACE, FLOORING, AND TILE Lumber One Home Center FABRICS Cynthia East Fabrics FIXTURES Southern Pipe & Supply MILLWORK Garrison & Sons Custom Trim PAINT Benjamin Moore PAINTING Nick’s Custom Painting PAINTING (DECORATIVE) Ashley Childers WINDOWS Kaufman Lumber
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ECLECTIC EXPRESSION DESIGNER JILL WHITE SHARES THE BLACKAND-WHITE AND LOVED ALL OVER BEAUTY OF HER LITTLE ROCK HOME
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STYLED FOR STELLA
S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O
While Jill’s house features a mostly monochromatic scheme, she thought a bright wallpapered accent wall in her daughter Stella’s room was an appropriate punch of color to represent the 5-year-old’s fun personality. Stella’s craft room (pictured on opposite page) was formerly Jill’s office. She converted it to a play space so Stella would have more room to be creative. “She loves to draw, read, and do crafty things, so it’s worked out really well,” Jill says. June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 59
Jill has two thriving fiddle leaf fig plants, which are notoriously hard to keep alive. Her advice? “I think the best thing for them is to leave them in filtered light,” she says. “You can’t put it in direct light and you can’t over-water it. I limit myself to a pitcher of water every week and a half or two weeks.”
JILL WHITE’S INTEREST IN INTERIOR DESIGN STARTED AT AN EARLY AGE, and for it, she has grandparents on both sides of the family to thank. Growing up on a farm in rural Arkansas, Jill spent a lot of time at her paternal grandfather’s hardware store, Altheimer Lumber Company. “I’ve been around builders my whole life,” Jill says. “My first job was at my grandfather’s hardware store. Every summer my sister and I worked there. We answered phones and mixed paint. I’ve always been around that scene and interested in it.” These days, Jill’s the one on construction sites, checking boxes off her list on a new build that might include scalloped millwork in a daughter’s bathroom or the perfect black-and-white tile for a master bath. In talking about her career path into interior design, Jill also references her grandmother on her mother’s side. “She had the coolest house when I was growing up,” Jill says. “I credit my grandmother with my style and knowing about good design. I remember going into her house and always thinking, ‘This is different.’” For high school graduation, this grandmother gave Jill her first piece of art. Though she laughs now about how her tastes have grown since then, Jill appreciates that her grandmother instilled in her an appreciation of paintings and color. “She has style. She travels and buys antiques and art, and I got my interest in those from her,” she adds.
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ALL ABOUT THE ART
The gallery wall at the center of the living room sets the tone for the black-and-white-and-bright-all-over aesthetic seen throughout the rest of her home. A white console, white lamp, and black-piped white chairs blend with the walls to let louder statement pieces, like her gallery wall and Stray Dog striped pendant light, really stand out. The coffee table is a piece from her greatgrandmother’s house, which her stylish grandmother picked out. “I love it because it was hers,” Jill says.
HEIRLOOM DESIGN
The dining room is just about the only room in Jill’s home without a piece (or several) of bright artwork. Instead, a gilded mirror—another family antique—hangs over the console. The gold in both pieces elevates the formality of this room, while the quieter palette gives the eye a rest from the livelier living spaces. Jill’s love of plants makes an appearance as the print of a pillow peeking out of one dining chair.
Once you step foot in her west Little Rock new construction home, there’s no denying the influence of Jill’s past on her present success. She had this home built in 2014, right around the time she was officially launching her interior design business, Jill White Designs. The home contains many of her favorite design details, including an open floor plan, contemporary style mixed with collected finds, and lots of black and bright accents against a white backdrop. “Some people are over white walls and white kitchens, but I am not,” she laughs. “I still love them, and I think it makes your art and accessories pop more. I just wanted a clean palette so I could put in my fun stuff.”
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FAMILY FRIENDLY
The black-and-white motif shows up again and again in Jill’s design, especially in the family room, where Jill and her family spend most of their time hanging out. The art above the fireplace is by Alabama artist Susan Godwin.
HARD-WORKING HUB
Since Jill was involved in the construction of her home, she was able to make sure it included not only beautiful but also functional details. In the kitchen, a cutting board extends over the drawer that contains the trashcan, allowing scraps to be emptied directly into the receptacle. To the left of the refrigerator is an appliance garage. “Every one of my clients gets one of those,” Jill points out. “No one wants coffeemakers, blenders, and mixers on their counter. You want everything to be clean. There’s electrical built in, and everything is plugged in; it’s just out of the way.”
A small desk built into the kitchen provides a convenient mail drop or place for Stella to do her homework while Jill prepares a meal.
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Some people are over white walls and white kitchens, but I am not. I still love them, and I think it makes your art and accessories pop more.” —Designer Jill White
EFFECTIVE ACCESSORIES
Jill’s gallery wall features work by her daughter in addition to other favorite artists. The designer also loves to decorate with books and plants. “Every room has a touch of live green. That’s a huge thing for me,” she says. The consistent black-and-white backdrop in Jill’s design helps these brighter accents stand out.
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STATEMENT PIECES
Another of Jill’s beloved antiques can be found in the master bath; she had a French chair of her grandmother’s recovered in a favorite Lindsay Cowles fabric. The artwork above the porcelain-tile surrounded tub is by Little Rock artists Emily Cobb and Rachael Oberste.
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Springdale’s Allison Hobbs is one of Jill’s favorite local artists, as evidenced by the collection of the artist’s work hung around the house. Jill had Allison add a layer of abstract black paint on the cushion of this chair in her bedroom. “I’m kind of obsessed with Allison!” she laughs.
BOHO BEDROOM
Another element consistent throughout Jill’s design is the use of natural finishes and rich textures. A rattan chair, pom-accented throw, and embroidered pillow give the room a bohemian flair, but the orderly lines of the hexagonal mirror and headboard keep it from feeling chaotic.
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COOL & COLLECTED
Jill’s boho vibe comes out again in the guest bedroom where a peacock chair sits alongside a vintage headboard found at a Bentonville antique store. Understated bedding, aside from a pair of Dalmatian-spotted pillows and a bright lumbar pillow, allows these two vintage finds to shine.
Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGNER Jill White, Jill White Designs CONTRACTOR Brenda Hartness, Hartness Construction ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, FABRICS, FIXTURES, RUGS, AND WALLPAPER Jill White Designs APPLICANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Allison Hobbs Art, Brandi Rogers, Dot Design by Rachael Oberste, Emily Cobb, and Lauren Meredith Art CABINETRY Capitol Custom Cabinets CARPET, FLOORING, AND TILE Carpet Barn COUNTERTOPS Casa Blanca Granite, Marble & Tile FURNITURE Bassett, Cantrell Furniture Design Center, De Madera Trading Company, Jill White Designs, and Painted Tree Marketplace HARDWARE Jill White Designs and PC Hardware LIGHTING Jill White Designs and Light Innovations MILLWORK Ridout Lumber MIRRORS Staley Glass UPHOLSTERY Cynthia East Fabrics and Jill White Designs WALLPAPER (INSTALLATION) Hardin WINDOWS 66 AtBecky Homeand in Butch Arkansas | June 2018 Jill White Designs and Pinnacle Blinds WINDOW COVERINGS Cynthia East Fabrics
F O O D I E
FAV E S
L O O K I N G F O R YO U R N E X T B I T E O U T T O E AT ? H E A D T O O N E O F T H E S E R E A D E R - N O M I N AT E D A R K A N S A S FAV O R I T E S .
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 67
BRINGING THE BEST TO YOUR TABLE
BRINGING THE BEST TO YOUR TABLE Creative Cocktails | Fine Dining | Special Events
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68 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
425 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock 501-850-0265 | cachelittlerock.com
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3920 Central Avenue Hot Springs, Arkansas 501.520.5900 Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 4 p.m. - til close
Come experience award-winning cuisine from chef, founder and owner Diana Bratton. 1209 Malvern Avenue | Hot Springs, AR | 501.624.MAMA • tacomama.net 70 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
8201 Cantrell Road Pavilion in the Park | Little Rock 501.221.3330 www.triosrestaurant.com
June 2018 | athomearkansas.com 71
E N D
N O T E S
how they got their name FASSLER IS A GERMAN TERM MEANING “ONE WHO MAKES BARRELS.” Since the restaurant is a beer hall with European inspiration, the term seems a fitting moniker.
what’s on tap
all fun & games
Ladder ball, bocce, cornhole, and giant Jenga are a few of the free, ready-to-play outdoor games guests can enjoy, along with sidewalk chalk for the kids (and kids at heart).
spaten optimator
pretzel with Dusseldorf Sauce and Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce
You’ll find 18 beers ready for a mug, including five locally brewed selections as well as several German and Eastern European options.
ayinger bräuweisse chicago dog
72 At Home in Arkansas | June 2018
PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK
New to town and quickly becoming a crowd favorite, Little Rock’s Fassler Hall is a German pub featuring local and European brews and house-made sausages along with a weekend brunch. “Fassler Hall is all about bringing the community together. It’s why we have communal seating—so you can grab dinner with your all of your friends or sit down with someone from the community that you may not know and have a beer,” says general manager Ashley Price.
duck fat fries
For more information about Fassler Hall, including location and hours, visit fasslerhall.com.
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING!
CALL FOR YOUR FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION
2216 Cantrell Road 501.907.7105 // 866.833.2105 Proudly Organizing Arkansans’ Homes for Over 13 Years! Little Rock • closetfactory.com