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
kaufmanlumber.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.
Find Your Great Outdoors at Acme Brick Company.
If you’re ready to enjoy outdoor living, see the experts at your nearest Acme Brick showroom. Acme carries all the products you need to create the back yard of your dreams. We offer outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, top-quality grills and even full kitchens. Need a place to put all these beautiful features? No problem, we stock an extensive line
of brick pavers for walkways and patios and can recommend qualified masons. We also provide advice for the do-it-yourselfers. Ready to take the next step in home design and add enjoyment and value to your home? Take it outside with support from your nearest Acme showroom.
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Springdale Texarkana brick.com/sds brick.com/txs March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 1
Dental Artist / Smile Designer
Patients come from all over the USA and internationally (even as far as Denmark) to take advantage of his skillful genius.
2 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
Š2019 Jeffery K. Garner, DDS, PA
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 3
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING! Call for your FREE design consultation
2216 Cantrell Road 501.907.7105 // 866.833.2105 4 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
Proudly Organizing Arkansans’ Homes for Over 16 Years! Little Rock • closetfactory.com
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 5
C O N T E N T S
March 2019 // The Outdoor Living Issue
STYLE 13 SHOP
Emerald Ways
17 DESIGN
Outfit Your Outdoors
21 REFRESH
Dining Redefined
LIFE
25 TASTE
3 Well-Rounded Meals
31 DISCOVER
The Little Rock Metro
SPECIAL SECTION 65 TRENDSETTERS
Landscape & Pool Professionals
IN EVERY ISSUE
10 WELCOME 12 LATEST 72 END NOTES
ON THE COVER A Fayetteville family’s backyard retreat. Design by Daniel Keeley, DK Design. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 42.
42 HOME 35 ALL IN THE FAMILY
The owners of Little Rock’s Better Lawns & Gardens share their own backyard renovation.
42 AN ELEGANT ESCAPE
Designer Daniel Keeley gives a Fayetteville family a dream setting for all things outdoor.
52 A GARDEN FOR ALL SEASONS Heber Springs native Kay Kelley Arnold creates a garden to savor year-round.
Vol. 24, No. 2 © 2019 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.
6 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
Happy to be Outdoors
Arkansas’ LARGEST selection of interior barstools! The Ultimate Cooking Experience
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Casual Furniture • Wicker • Barstools Gas Logs • Grills • Accessories
Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • 501.663.1818 kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com • Like us on Facebook • Facebook.com/KenRashsArkansas March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 7
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
Your Private Paradise Awaits Designing, building and servicing luxury pools & spas in Little Rock and the surrounding areas for over 10 years.
Pool Design & Construction
Senior Graphic Designer
Jessie Fuchs (ext. 107) jessie@athomearkansas.com Contributing Illustrator
Will Echols Contributing Photographers
Connor Goad, Rett Peek Contributing Stylist
Angela Alexander Account Managers
Stacey McClellan (ext. 105) stacey@athomearkansas.com Brittany Teague brittany@athomearkansas.com Marketing and Distribution Coordinator
Outdoor Patios & Kitchens
Debbie Tissue (ext. 100) debbie@athomearkansas.com
Pool Remodeling
HOW TO REACH US
2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510
Maintenance & Service
athomearkansas.com AT HOME IN ARKANSAS SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Call 800.927.6847 or subscribe online at athomearkansas.com Annual subscription rate: $12.95 Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling
Change your perspective with a Diamond Pools backyard remodel!
DiamondPoolsAR.com 501-868-SWIM (7946) 5501 Ranch Drive, Suite 2, Little Rock, AR
8 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019 At-Home-Ad-Half-Page-Vertical.indd 1
Lauren Cerrato (ext. 103) lauren@athomearkansas.com
1/28/19 4:27 PM
Arkansas’ leader in no-mess roofing ARKANSASROOFINGKOMPANY.COM
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W E LC O M E
peaceful retreats I’m not what you would call an “outdoorsy” type, but I do have several places where I love to be outside. My first such spot was Camp Mitchell, a retreat center atop Petit Jean Mountain, which is about an hour from Little Rock. I started attending summer camp there in the third grade. As I got older, I found ways to spend more and more Photography by Rett Peek time on the mountain, including weekend retreats in middle school, then summer sessions where I could serve as a counselor’s assistant in high school. As you can imagine, memories from camp are loud, almost chaotic. I remember whistles screeching at the pool, children singing over one another, ecstatic chatter in the dining hall—kids are noisy! But my favorite memories from all those years are the quiets ones: Sitting outside the open-air chapel while watching a thunderstorm in the valley below. Hiking to Cedar Falls for the first time and gazing up at the waterfall in wonder. Lying on the bottom bunk after lights out, taking in the breeze and the sound of cicadas through the screened-in windows. I found a lot of peace in those moments. We spend so much time planning activities and agendas, and the stories in this issue reminded me that one of the most important reasons to return to nature is for respite from all that. I loved seeing the ways in which homeowners turned their outdoor spaces into places for peace and calm, whether that meant diving into a gardening project or having friends gather with them on the patio. Here’s to finding your outdoor sanctuaries this spring—and making time for the quiet moments.
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com
10 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
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.
Your local window and door experts.
Pella Window & Door Showroom 8740 Maumelle Boulevard, North Little Rock, AR
Windows & Doors
501-758-5050 | PellaLittleRock.com © 2018 Pella Corporation
WE’VE MOVED! Come visit our new location at 2322 Cantrell Rd (In front of Cajun’s Wharf) Little Rock, AR • 501.399.9909 • www.candfcarpet.com
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 11
L AT E S T
SHOP LOCAL
What’s New? URBAN FORGE
MOUNTAIN VIEW AND ROGERS
Stone County Ironworks, a Mountain View-based blacksmithing company that has been creating custom furniture and decor available to the trade since 1979, launched a directto-consumer brand and storefront, Urban Forge, last year. Now, owners Andy Baker and his father and fellow
product designer, Corky Baker, have opened a second location in Rogers. “When you come to our stores, you can browse beds, barstools, lighting, and hardware all made by hand right here in Arkansas,” Andy says, noting that current clients include international brands like Anthropologie. “In Rogers, we partnered with Ave. Design Co. to supply all the store’s soft goods, including upscale bedding, rugs,
upholstered furniture, and home décor that pairs well with what we do on the iron side.” Andy and his team hope to eventually expand retail locations regionally. “We’re local to Mountain View and Arkansas, but we do big things for special clients. This company has a very interesting story.” Visit Urban Forge’s new location at 124 W. Walnut in Rogers or the flagship store at 201 W. Main St. in Mountain View. urbanforge.com
A collection of canopy beds is one of Urban Forge’s most popular product lines.
The “Aztec” rug is available through C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery.
C&F FLOORING AND RUG GALLERY LITTLE ROCK
Image courtesy of Urban Forge
BEAR HILL STUDIO LITTLE ROCK
Readers who frequent the shopping district along Rebsamen Park Road in Little Rock might have noticed changes to the exterior of Bear Hill Interiors and the neighboring building to the south, which has been transformed into Bear Hill Studio—a counterpart to the showroom next door. Over the past year, owner and designer Kevin Walsh and his team renovated the space to make it suit Bear Hill’s needs. “We have offices over there, more storage, a larger fabric room,
12 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
and more room to spread out and be organized,” Kevin says. While the kitchen and open areas make Bear Hill Studio perfect for events like book signings and trunk shows, its primary function is as a workspace for Bear Hill’s designers. “It’s really great for our design clients. We can meet builders and clients, seat 10 people around the conference table and collaborate,” Kevin says. Bear Hill Studio is located at 1414 Rebsamen Park Road in Little Rock by appointment only. Bear Hill’s showroom (1420 Rebsamen Park Road) continues its regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. bearhillinteriors.com
Carol and Fred Auger have been operating C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery in Little Rock for 21 years. This spring, they celebrated a new milestone as they re-opened their showroom in a larger location. “We’ve been looking for the right place for a while,” Carol explains. “It felt good to move into the same complex but a bigger space. We have a lot of new products, and we’re excited to have the room to display it in a way that makes you go, wow.” Shoppers can expect increased selections of flooring, carpet, rugs, vinyl plank, and high-end tile products at the new location, Carol says. Visit C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery at 2322 Cantrell Road in Little Rock, next to Tanarah Luxe Floral. candfcarpet.com
Style
U PDAT E YO U R S PAC E
GREEN LIGHT
Emerald Ways This jewel-toned hue is perfect for everything from elegant furnishings to on-trend accessories.
PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK & COURTESY OF VENDORS
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 13
S T Y L E
S H O P
2
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PREVIOUS PAGE Yves Delorme “Scott” zipper pouch. Jayson Cain Interiors, Little Rock, jaysoncaininteriors.com Green and gold marbleized stationery set. Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, ransominteriors.com Statement necklace. Fresh i.d., Little Rock, (501) 478-6006 Antique linen velvet in Emerald. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com
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1 Currey & Company “La Malaquita” chandelier. GW Lighting and Home, Benton, gwlightingandhome.com 2 “Cirrus” sofa in Grass Green. Article, nationwide, article.com 3 Custom 22-inch pillow in “Perspective” (Grass) by Maxwell Fabrics. Cobblestone & Vine, Little Rock, cobblestoneandvine.com 4 Lizzie Fortunato “Porto” necklace with detachable green quartz heart. Barbara Jean, Little Rock, barbarajean.com 5 Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable coffee table book. Debi Davis Interior Design, Little Rock, debidavisinteriordesign.com 6 “Keldan” lamp featuring green glass set in resin. Ransom Interiors, Little Rock, ransominteriors.com
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7 Green velvet chair. Nadeau, Little Rock, furniturewithasoul.com
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14 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
8 & 9 “Tolli” three-drawer chest featuring malachite-print front and pair of ceramic foo dogs. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock, cantrellfurniture.com
BRICK STONE HARDSCAPE PAVERS FIREPLACES GRILLS & APPLIANCES CASUAL FURNITURE HOME DÉCOR 1609 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 72202 501-375-0060 AntiqueBrickInc.com
Presenting the
Gallery Collection by Craftmade
we proudly carry
ALWAYS ON THE CORNER OF RODNEY PARHAM & WEST MARKHAM 105 N. RODNEY PARHAM, LITTLE ROCK 501.223.9026 LIGHT-INNOVATIONS.COM March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 15
Arkansas’ Premier Casual Furniture Showroom
SAY GOODBYE TO CLOGGED GUTTERS!
Get LeafGuard gutters, a unique patented system designed to stay clog free. LeafGuard is the only seamless, one-piece leaf protection gutter system on the market.
501.508.6474 • 479.234.4147 501.508.6474 • 479.234.4147 877.848.2422 877.848.2422 WWW.CONGOFP.COM
leafguardandmore.com leafguardandmore.com
Daffodil Days & Tulip Extravaganza
February - April, Daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Spring brings thousands of beautiful blooms, starting with crocus, daffodils and hyacinths; followed closely by over 150,000 Dutch tulips. Check the Gardens’ Facebook page for up-to-date photos and bloom times.
Celebrate Spring Day! Saturday, March 23 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Kid’s Booths 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate color in the Gardens! Kid activities are included with admission – rainbow in a bag, rock painting, and color-surprise potions! Flossie’s Food Truck and the Chipmunk Café will be available to grab a bite to eat until 3 p.m. A Beer Garden opens at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion. $15 adults | $5 ages 4-12 | Free ages 0-3
550 Arkridge Road | Hot Springs | 800-366-4664 | garvangardens.org 16 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
@ garvangardens
S T Y L E
D E S I G N
PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHY COURTESY OF VENDORS
A roomy sectional is a new offering in Kingsley Bate’s “Frances” collection. Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com; Jack Wills Outdoor Living, jackwills.net
ALL-WEATHER ESSENTIALS
Outfit Your Outdoors Do you gravitate toward classic, contemporary, or a mix? Whatever your style, browse these pieces to update your exterior space.
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 17
S T Y L E
D E S I G N
Cool & Classic 1
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3 5 4
1 “York” wall-mount light by Hinkley Lighting. Hambuchen Lighting, hambuchenlighting.com; Light Innovations, light-innovations.com; TEC Electric, tecelectric.com; Sanders Supply, sanderssupply.net 2 Aidan Gray large zinc garden ornament. Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Phoenix Interiors, 501-225-0400 3 PK360 Grill & Smoker with teak shelf kit in Graphite. Congo Fireplace & Patio; congofp.com; Eggshells Kitchen Co., eggshellskitchencompany.com; Fuller & Son Hardware, fullerandson. com; Kaufman By Design, kaufmanlumber.com; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com; Kraftco Building Supply,
18 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
kraftcohardware.com; Mack’s Prairie Wings, mackspw.com; PK Grills, pkgrills.com; Ridout Lumber, ridoutlumber.com 4 Summer Classics’ “Lakeshore” 72-inch round teak dining table. Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Lighting Emporium, lightingemporium.com 5 Santa Barbara “Cirque” umbrella. Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com 6 Gloster’s “Ventura” outdoor furniture collection. Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Lacuna Modern Interiors, lacunamodern.com
S T Y L E
D E S I G N
Sleek & Contemporary 1
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1 Kichler “Manhattan” outdoor wall-mount light. Light Innovations, light-innovations.com; Lighting Emporium, lightingemporium.com; TEC Electric, tecelectric.com; Sanders Supply, sanderssupply.net
lounge. Antique Brick Outdoors, antiquebrickinc.com; Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture. com; Metro Appliances & More, metroappliancesandmore.com
2 13-inch “Living” planter. paulmichaelcompany.com
6 Lloyd Flanders’s “Elements” dining table and chairs. Burton Pools and Spas, burtonpools.com; Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp. com; Family Leisure, familyleisure.com; Ken Rash’s Arkansas, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com
3 Napoleon “Prestige PRO 500” stainless steel grill. Congo Fireplace & Patio, congofp.com 4 & 5 Woodard Furniture “Metropolis” rectangular table and chaise
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 19
AS S E E N I N
A S S EEN I N
LITTLE ROCK, AR
thescoutguide.com
LITTLE ROCK, AR
thescoutguide.com
Emily Brown Owner
contemporary women’s bou
5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard . Li @tulipsinl
conte
5817 Kava
Emily Brown, Owner
tulipsinlittlerock 20 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard • Little Rock 501.614.7343 • tulipslittlerock.com
S T Y L E
BEFORE & AFTER
Dining Redefined Designer Miguel Newberg transforms her family’s main dining space into an area reflective of their style
BEFORE
Dark red wallpaper was traded for an airy, light blueand-white damask pattern.
W R I T E R T I F FA N Y A DA M S P H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO
R E F R E S H
The Newberg family hadn’t planned on a move (you may remember their previous home, which had been recently remodeled, was featured in At Home in 2016); however, this house spoke to them. “This was one of my client’s homes, and I had always loved it,” designer Miguel Newberg recalls. “I told my husband, Andy, I wanted him to see it, and when he walked in he felt the same way I did.” While the house had great bones and a comfortable flow, it needed updates to match the family’s preference for light, livable interiors. Case in point: the dining room. “The previous couple had lived here for more than 30 years, so everything fit their family,” Miguel says. “It was very lovely but needed to be updated to work for us.” The designer remedied this with new paint, wallpaper, and window coverings—all in an airy blue and white palette. She also incorporated pieces from their previous house, including the chandelier, artwork, and buffet, to make it feel like home. “I really wanted this space to be both happy and soothing,” Miguel says. “It’s not only a place where we sit down to dinner every night as a family, but also the space we use for entertaining guests, and it works for both those things.”
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 21
S T Y L E
R E F R E S H
1 STYLED SETTING
Pieces of Miguel and Andy’s wedding china (Lenox’s “Solitaire”) are paired with motherof-pearl chargers for an easy yet elegant table setting. Miguel inherited the same pattern from her parents, giving her a large set to use when entertaining guests.
2 IN BLOOM
Fresh floral arrangements bring a bit of the outdoors inside and provide color at the table. Here, a low vase of roses mixes with the height of calla lilies, tulips, white stock, and eucalyptus in the tall vase.
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3 LIGHT THE WAY
The couple brought all of the light fixtures from their previous home, including this chandelier, which adds a hint of patina and French flair to the room.
4 CHIC STORAGE
In need of more storage, Miguel found a pair of glass-front cabinets at Little Rock’s Phoenix Interiors. “I love the pine wood with the white wash, and I especially like being able to see all the pieces we’ve collected through the years,” the designer says.
“I really wanted this space to be both happy and soothing.” —Miguel Newberg
22 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
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March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 23
S T Y L E
R E F R E S H
GATHER AROUND
Miguel sold her previous dining table—which had a long, rectangular form—to a client and replaced it with this round option. Upholstered chairs soften the pairing of wood pieces. A piece of artwork by David Bell that hung in the master bath of the couple’s previous house found a new home over the buffet. “It adds an unexpected pop of whimsy here,” Miguel says, “and I love this mix.”
“I started going through books at Designer Effects and found this wallpaper (“Fleurish” by York) almost immediately,” Miguel says. “It has the depth and look of a grasscloth but it’s actually smooth,” she says of the damask pattern.
Design Resources INTERIOR DESIGN Miguel Newberg, M.N’Teriors ART The Showroom FURNITURE Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Cost Plus Furniture Warehouse, DP Designs, and Phoenix Interiors LIGHTING Light Innovations RUG Hadidi Rug and Design Gallery WALLPAPER Designer Effects
24 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
Life
M A K E YO U R S EL F AT H O M E
MINDFUL EATING
3 Well-Rounded Meals Anna Coon of The Culinary Coon shares her recipes for a day of healthy eating—breakfast, lunch, and dinner
W R I T E R T I F FA N Y A DA M S P H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 25
L I F E TA S T E
Little Rock native Anna Coon has cooking in her blood. “My mom and her mother are amazing cooks,” she says. However, it wasn’t until she married her husband, Tim, three years ago and they began the journey to parenthood that Anna truly began to put her culinary talents into practice. She focused on being more mindful about nutrition, and in turn began to learn about food’s overall role in her health and wellbeing. As the pair went through the struggle to conceive, Anna realized she didn’t want to “waste the wait” for a baby. She began passionately pursuing other interests, including joining a Bible study, helping with a prison ministry, and cooking with fresh, simple ingredients. “When I would post my dinner on Instagram, people would comment and say, I want that recipe! So, I started sharing recipes on my blog, The Culinary Coon.” In 2017, the couple began the process of adoption and in June 2018 welcomed their son, Colin, to the family. “Now that we have a son, I want to be the best version of myself for him, and eating properly can help me to do that,” Anna says. “I was sick a lot when I was in my early 20s, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence I haven’t been sick—at least not to that extent—since I started eating this way,” she adds. “I want Colin to grow up eating this same healthy, good food, and knowing its benefits, too.”
Anna says the majority of her recipes adhere to Paleo and Whole 30 guidelines and can be altered for personal preferences, noting that she never skimps on flavor. “I am not —Anna Coon going to live a life without flavor,” she says. Additionally, many of the recipes can be prepped ahead of time, so meals are never an after-thought at the end of a long day. “Now that I know so much about nutrition, I want people to experience eating whole, delicious, healthy food, and I want to give them the tools they need to fuel their body and find what works for them.”
“I am not going to live a life without flavor.”
26 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
Anna shares what’s on her plate on Instagram (@theculinarycoon) and her blog (theculinarycoon.com). Contact her about classes and workshops to make healthy eating a part of your lifestyle.
L I F E
TA S T E
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Sweet Potato & Apple Hash with Lemon Sage Aioli
SHOP HASH
SPICE MIX
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 1 pound sunrise medley or other mini potato medley, halved 1 pound breakfast sausage 2 Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, cored and diced 1 bunch Lacinato or dinosaur kale, stems removed and chopped juice of half a lemon 4 pastured eggs ½ stick of butter
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground sage AIOLI
(optional, for extra flavor) ½ cup mayo juice of one lemon 4 fresh sage leaves, very finely minced ¹/8 teaspoon ground sage ¹/8 teaspoon salt
“My son loves sweet potatoes and apples, so this grown-up version of the pairing was inspired by him,” Anna says.
PREPARE
(Serves 4) Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together ingredients for the spice mix. Place sweet potatoes in a bowl and cover with spice mix. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the coated sweet potatoes in one even layer. Cook for 10 minutes. While cooking, coat mini potatoes in spice mix. Add mini potatoes to sweet potatoes on sheet pan and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes or until crisp. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage. Add apples and cook until soft. Add kale and lemon juice. Cook until wilted. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet on medium heat. Fry eggs and baste with butter just until the yolk is set. Put all aioli ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until blended. To build the hash, layer potatoes, meat mixture, and fried egg; top with aioli.
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 27
L I F E
TA S T E
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
California Chopped Salad
“I have this for lunch often because it keeps my blood sugar from crashing in the afternoons, and I can put it together while I’m holding the baby,” Anna says. “It’s also great for an office lunch because you can keep all the components in containers and throw it together quickly.”
SHOP SALAD
VINAIGRETTE
3 cups baby arugula 1 cup strawberries, sliced ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 orange bell pepper, diced 4 soft-boiled eggs 1 avocado, optional ¼ cup quinoa, optional
½ cup olive oil juice of half a lemon ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
28 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
PREPARE
(Serves 2) To soft boil eggs, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, gently drop eggs into the pot, and lower the heat to a gentle boil or simmer. Boil for exactly 7 minutes. Remove and place in an ice water bath immediately. Peel. Mix all ingredients (except eggs, which can be served on the side) in a large bowl (or serve deconstructed as shown above). Add avocado and quinoa for a heartier serving. Top with vinaigrette.
L I F E
TA S T E
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Prosciutto, Pear, & Parmesan Salad with Cranberry Pear Vinaigrette
“This is the perfect sweet and salty combo, and it makes a great dish for a dinner party,” Anna says.
SHOP SALAD
VINAIGRETTE
2 pears, peeled and sliced 5 ounces butter lettuce 3 ounces prosciutto 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, shaved
¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon cranberry pear vinegar ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
PREPARE
(Serves 2) Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and mix together. Top with vinaigrette.
March 2019 | athomearkansas.com 29
Silicone, eco-friendly straws
LOC A LUN A’S AR PR IVAT E P TY ROOM
Toss these straws in your bag, not in the ocean!
Perfect
FOR YOUR SPEC IAL OCCASION
Aunt Sadie’s Candles in a Can
BRIDAL BACHELORETTE SHOWERS DINNERS REHERSAL DINNERS
WEDDING RECEPTIONS
Accommodates groups of 75+ for receptions and 50 for seated dinners Private bar | Separate entrance Adjoins a New Orleans-style private outdoor deck and patio Great Menu Selection Centrally located in Riverdale Neighborhood
Contact Loca Luna’s Private Event Coordinator at 501.663.4666 or send an email to localunabanquet@gmail.com
LocaLuna.com | 3519 Old Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202 30 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
8121 Cantrell Rd. • Little Rock • 501-614-9030 Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm
L I F E
D I S C O V E R
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
I L L U S T R AT O R W I L L EC H O L S
Arkansas Arts Center
In addition to world-class art exhibitions, the Arkansas Arts Center plays host to lectures, children’s theater, art classes for young and old, and its recently revamped restaurant, Watercolor in the Park. arkansasartscenter.org
Antique Brick Outdoors
Catering to You
Visiting Little Rock to help host a shower or attend a much-needed girls night? Catering to You is a must-visit for all of your party needs. From take-out meals to gifts for moms-to-be, brides, and hostesses, it truly is a one-stop shop for any get-together. cateringtoyoulr.com
Congo Fireplace & Patio
Ready to start thinking about grilling weather? Head to Benton to outfit your outdoor living space with everything you need (from furnishings to a new smoker) to enjoy it this spring. congofp.com
Kaufman by Design
The design team at Kaufman can help you navigate the 10,000 square feet of showroom space offering flooring, lighting, hardware, and décor that will help make your house a home. Whether you’re building or remodeling, their west Little Rock location has everything you need. kaufmanlumber.com
One of the state’s oldest brick masonries, Antique Brick & Block, has this sister store, which showcases the latest styles in outdoor dining sets, lounge furniture, poolside furnishings, rugs, lighting, and more. antiquebrickinc.com
Ken Rash’s Arkansas
Whether you’re creating an outdoor space for entertaining or casual everyday living, Ken Rash’s has the grills, fire pits, and furnishings to make your space inviting year-round. kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com
Cynthia East Fabrics
Art of Design
This showroom features all styles of furniture and accessories, from traditional to contemporary. If you need help pulling it all together, owner and designer Sha Davari or a member of her staff will be happy to help. facebook.com/shadavari
Owner and namesake Cynthia East opened this shop—a staple of the central Arkansas design community— in the 1970s. Since then the company has grown to carry spirited gifts and home accessories, including ceramic table lamps, puzzles, and jewelry in addition to their extensive selection of fabrics. cynthiaeastfabrics.com
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L I F E
D I S C O V E R
CROSSROAD FESTIVAL
Light Innovations
In 2018, Light Innovations celebrated its 30th year of providing designers, builders, and homeowners with the latest in lighting. Their talented team can guide you through their seemingly endless supply of chandeliers, sconces, fans, table and floor lamps, and accent lighting. light-innovations.com
The Shade Above
If you’re seeking truly unique lighting for your home, check out The Shade Above, which specializes in custom lamps and shades. Proprietor Jeremy Carter, who also offers full design services, can turn a favorite heirloom into the perfect accent light. theshadeabove.com
Tulips
No matter the season or occasion, this Heights boutique always has on-trend outfits and accessories— which, for spring, include stripes, tassels, embroidered details, and just the right touch of glam. instagram.com/tulipsinlittlerock
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Loca Luna
Loca Luna’s extensive menu includes everything from wood-oven pizzas to étouffée, lobster bisque, and its everpopular white cheese dip, which local lore claims is the first of its kind in the country. Snag a spot on the back porch if possible! localuna.com
Red Door
While this restaurant’s lasagna is a must at lunch or dinner, you can’t beat their eggs Benedict or breakfast skillets—which both come in several mouth-watering varieties—at brunch. reddoorrestaurant.net
Museum of Discovery
This child-focused museum encourages learning and creativity through handson exhibits centered around the Earth, weather, math, shapes and patterns, the human body, simple machines, and more. museumofdiscovery.org
In addition to permanent exhibits about the 42nd president and his administration, this museum features rotating national exhibits, such as “Cultural Heroes,” a collection of seven sculptures representing players in the Civil Rights Movement (on display through May 26). clintonlibrary.gov
Zetêo Coffee
Zetêo offers quality coffee in an airy atmosphere, a respite from the hustle and hubbub of downtown Little Rock. From French press to espresso to pour over, they can satisfy even the pickiest coffee drinker’s request. zeteocoffee.com
March 1–3 // Pine Bluff This free, three-day event at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas explores the region’s unique culture through food, film, and music. asc701.org
LOU HOLTZ EVENT March 7 // Conway The legendary football coach and analyst makes an appearance at Reynolds Performance Hall as part of UCA’s Distinguished Speaker Series. tickets.uca.edu
“SALVADOR DALI’S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN” March 7 // Jonesboro This exhibit featuring illustrations from the famous surrealist will appear at Bradbury Art Museum (located on the campus of Arkansas State University) through April 10. bradburyartmuseum.org
26TH ANNUAL CAMDEN DAFFODIL FESTIVAL March 8–9 // Camden Spend the weekend exploring historic homes, antique cars, works by local artists, and, of course, daffodils in bloom at area gardens. camdendaffodilfestival.com
SOUTH ARKANSAS LITERARY FESTIVAL March 9 // El Dorado Guests at the second year of this free festival can choose between sessions focused on reading or writing. Events will take place at the El Dorado Conference Center. facebook.com/southarklibrary
EVITA March 15–17 // Little Rock The Tony Award-winning musical about the life of Argentine leader Eva Perón visits the Robinson Center stage. celebrityattractions.com
WORLD’S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE March 17 // Hot Springs This extra-small parade (with a big personality!) starts at 6:30 p.m. at Bridge Street and Malvern Avenue. shorteststpats.com
JAY LENO March 30 // Fayetteville Best known as the host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” the comic is returning to his roots with a stand-up tour that makes a stop at Walton Arts Center. waltonartscenter.org
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The Shade Above Lighting Collection
WE DO IT ALL.
Lamp Shades • Lamp Repair • Custom Lamps • Accessories
theshadeabove.com 2208 Cantrell Road, Little Rock • 501.374.3555 theshadeabove@gmail.com
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Upholstery | Pillows | Drapery | Headboards | Wallpaper | Home Accessories 10:00-5:30 Mon-Fri, Sat 10:00-4:00 • 1523 Rebsamen Park Rd • Little Rock • 501-663-0460 • cynthiaeastfabrics.com
Home
THE OUTDOOR LIVING ISSUE
PATIO UPGRADE
All in the Family After years of putting clients first, the owners of a landscaping company finally get the outdoor space of their dreams W R I T E R S T E P H A N I E M A X W E L L N E W TO N P H O T O G R A P H E R R E T T P E E K S T Y L I S T L AU R E N C E R R ATO
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A front porch and swing original to the house hold dear memories from David and his brothers’ childhoods. Plantings in containers coordinate with flora found on the patio.
After 35 years in the home they built in west Little Rock, Ruth Ann and David Munsey, Jr.— owners of Better Lawns & Gardens—decided it was time to revamp their backyard and patio. And when you own a landscaping company, who better to call on than the family business? Leading the project was their oldest son and general manager of Better Lawns & Gardens, David Munsey, III. He describes the home’s previous patio as an area that was used and wellloved, just not quite finished. “When it’s the owner’s personal home, well, you kind of pick at it,” David says. “We’d be on jobs, get a break, come work on it for a little bit, then have to leave again.” Last year, David’s younger brother, Mark, and Mark’s then-fiancée, Jessica, decided to hold their wedding at the Munsey home, which provided the motivation to prioritize an outdoor renovation.
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Over the years, Ruth Ann had imagined her dream garden, saving any images she ran across that had the look she desired. “I kind of knew what I wanted, and I’m always looking in magazines. If I see something I really like, I’ll save it in case there’s a chance I can use it,” she says. “My mom showed me a picture of a patio in a Southern Living from, like, 1998,” David laughs. “The page was folded back so hard, there was a crease the wrong way on the magazine! It didn’t look exactly like how this project turned out, but the way the columns framed the walkways, there’s some elevation change, concrete planters… We definitely took a little from that look and went with it.” What was most important to Ruth Ann was that they’d create a space she and her family would truly use. “That’s where we go to have quiet time, talk about the day, and relax,” she says. “We really are outside people. We just enjoy it there.”
STEP IT UP
French doors from the home’s living room open out to the patio, offering an uninterrupted flow when the Munseys use both spaces for entertaining—plus, the kitchen is nearby, which is handy when dining al fresco. David and his team built a pergola and wooden landing to enhance this entrance. “The pergola creates a little shade into the kitchen windows, and it also frames the doorway and gives a nice spot for hanging baskets and pedestal planters,” he says. ‘Cora Cascade’ fuchsia vinca, yellow lantana, and a ‘Super Sweet 100’ tomato plant line the steps.
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Teak outdoor furnishings by Summer Classics feature a latticework motif that complements the Munseys’ traditional garden.
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STAY AWHILE
The patio, once covered in poured concrete, received a facelift with blue stone hardscaping. The focal point is a fireplace built from Arkansas native stone, one of Ruth Ann’s favorite aspects of her outdoors. “We’re out here all the time, no matter the season,” she says. “In the spring and fall, it’s just so pretty with the trees. And when it’s cold, we take a blanket and sit by the fireplace.” Bistro lights were set up for last year’s wedding festivities; they lent the space such a lovely ambience at night that the family decided to leave them up year-round.
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FIRESIDE FLORA
Containers with yellow zinnias, ‘Cora Cascade’ fuchsia vinca, ‘Blue Daze,’ and a trellis of ‘Sun Parasol’ white mandevilla flank the fireplace.
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ALL IN THE MIX
Arborvitae, several varieties of boxwoods, and concrete planters suggest an English influence, while Ruth Ann’s robellini palms and bursts of color lend the garden a tropical air. The overall effect is an elegant yet casual atmosphere.
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NATIVE ROOTS
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‘Cora Cascade’ white vinca surrounds a ‘Baby Gem’ boxwood in the concrete planter atop a column built from Arkansas native stone.
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ACCENTS OF COLOR
Groupings of containers on the patio include more ‘Cora Cascade’ white vinca, lime coleus, lantana, pink pentas, purple scaevola, and English ivy. “I like to change out my shrubs and flowers,” Ruth Ann says. “I fell in love with all white for a while because I could accent it with anything. Now, I’m back to using more color.”
“We’re out here all the time, no matter the season.” —Ruth Ann Munsey, homeowner
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SET THE TABLE
It’s not uncommon to find the Munseys dining outdoors when the weather will allow. They decided to leave this portion of the backyard unpaved, forming some separation from the fireplace seating area while also tying it to the crushed granite lining the circle drive in the front of the house. Large oak trees overhead provide shade and sturdy branches for lighting and dÊcor. While an installation of hanging vases elevates this garden party, Ruth Ann and her family have hosted more casual gatherings in this setting.
Design Resources DESIGN Better Lawns & Gardens ACCESSORIES, OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS, AND STONE Antique Brick Outdoors FIREPLACE Better Lawns & Gardens
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Areas for playing, gardening, and lounging abound in this spacious Northwest Arkansas outdoor retreat WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK
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A stately “she shed” stores the homeowner’s gardening tools and also serves as a craft and project area for the children.
ARTFUL PLANTING
Arkansas artist George Dombek created the tree sculpture that is permanently planted in a bed of hydrangeas and purple and white angelonia. “The homeowners knew they wanted a piece from him, and early on in the design process they tasked me with finding a place to incorporate it,” Daniel says. The sculpture can be seen from the back of the home looking over the pool into the seasonal beds.
Practicality and poise go handin-hand in this backyard, which received a full renovation after a young family moved into the home. Designer Daniel Keeley of DK Design shared the couple’s vision for an elegant yet relaxed outdoor living area and helped them create a space they can enjoy for years to come. Prior to the renovation, the back of the home included an upstairs/ downstairs deck and a pool but was otherwise a blank slate. The deck was removed and replaced with brick terraces, which are an extension of the home and match the style of both the interior as well as the garden to create a sense of continuity. A vegetable garden and “she shed” were also on the homeowner’s wish list for the space. “She actively works in the garden with her children, teaching them to grow and harvest plants,” Daniel says. The pool also received a full-scale makeover, including a re-plastering of the shell, along with the addition of a spa and retractable cover. “Overall, this is an updated traditional design; it’s very classic but there’s a hint of modern edge,” Daniel says. For example, a limited palette and repeated symmetry reflect the timeless appeal of the garden, while clean lines and industrial materials, including concrete and iron, are indicative of a modern approach. “As this garden ages, it’s going to become even better and more defined,” Keeley concludes.
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“Overall, this is an updated traditional design; it’s very classic but there’s a hint of modern edge.” —Daniel Keeley, designer
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A STUDY IN SYMMETRY
“The entire pool area is “We started with the idea of a black and white tile in the entry to offset all the color of the balanced and symmetrical,” spaces beyond, then we took it to the next level with a bold black front door,” Ashley says. Daniel says of the design, Contractor Taylor Wood worked with Andrea onsite to create the pediment overhead. “Hefeatures a fire pit area which had tracing paper and we adjusted height and scale until we got it right,” Andrea says. opposite chaise lounges. The existing pool was re-plastered and a spa was added at one end. “All of the inspiration pictures she showed had square tiles with grass joints, so we incorporated this around the pool’s perimeter,” Daniel says. Four brick pillars capped with limestone-look concrete and surrounded by seasonal color further define the pool’s entry areas. XXXXX
Tall European hornbeam trees and classic boxwoods anchor the area along the fence, a precautionary element that the designer notes could be removed as the children get older.
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STATELY ENTRANCE
The back of the home opens up to the expanse of the yard and was a collaborative design between Daniel, contractor David Harris, and the home’s interior designer, Melissa Haynes. Plantings of purple and white angelonia and hydrangeas hint at what’s to come deeper into the outdoor space.
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LOUNGE AREA
The lower level of the home’s back terrace is a less formal, more masculine hangout. Upholstered outdoor furniture and a contemporary concrete coffee table lend a current feel while still adhering to the overall style of the garden.
DINING OUT
Along the back of the home, the interior living areas open to an upstairs terrace, which houses a grilling and dining area. The hood was inspired by the one found in the home’s kitchen, while lattice chairs paired with a stone table echo the comfortable feel of interior furniture. Patio heaters, recessed in the ceiling, make the space usable throughout much of the year.
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HOLDING COURT
A bocce court is a draw when the family entertains guests. A raised bed constructed from regional Smokey Mountain Blue stacked stone and a border of arborvitae outline the court, while a casual seating area offers a place for players to lounge.
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PURPLE PLANTING
The four corners of the gated pool area house oversized iron containers (they are 42 inches tall!). The Englishstyle planters give a manmade contrast to the greenery of the space. Supertunia’s purple ‘Bordeaux’ trailing petunias pair with a white duranta tree in the center.
“She loves white and green and simple. She and I are really perfect matches for our color and style.” —Daniel Keeley, designer
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ROOM TO GROW
One of the homeowners loves to garden, and Daniel worked closely with her on the design of the she shed. The structure creates a focal point in the lower rear garden and is in close proximity to the edible and flower gardens, meaning tools and seeds are close at hand. “This is really an experimental place for her. She and her children plant different things, care for them, and then harvest and cook what’s in the garden,” Daniel says.
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WARMING TREND
A sleek fire pit featuring spherical stones lends a slightly contemporary feel to the design. The fire pit features a large outer ledge with enough room to place drinks, allowing it to double as a coffee table. This seating space also serves as an observation area for the bocce court just below.
Design Resources CONTRACTOR David Harris, David Harris Construction Co. DESIGN (TERRACED PORCHES) David Harris Construction Co., DK Design, and Melissa Haynes Design LANDSCAPE AND POOL DESIGN Daniel Keeley, DK Design ART (SCULPTURE) George Dombek EXTERIOR FLOORING AND FIRE PIT Ozark Pattern Concrete OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS DK Design POOL AND SPA (RENOVATION AND FABRICATION) Seaside Pools STAIR RAILINGS Razorback Awnings and Ironworks
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A Garden for All Seasons
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WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGR APHER RE T T PEEK ST YLIST ANGEL A ALE X ANDER
Daylilies line a path that leads from the cottage to a porch overlooking the Little Red River.
ON THE BANKS OF THE LITTLE R ED R I V ER, K AY K ELLE Y ARNOLD IN VITES GUESTS T O S AVO R T H E B E A U T Y O F A Y E A R-R O U N D G A R DE N Upon driving up to Kay Kelley Arnold’s Heber Springs getaway, one might assume the landscape is the result of decades of work. The property, which includes a spacious fenced-in garden and greenhouse situated alongside the driveway as well as a pavilion and screened-in sleeping porch overlooking the Little Red River at the back of the site, is bathed in shades of green accented with seasonal color—or lack thereof, depending on the time of year you visit. However, with the exception of the trees, the majority of the garden has taken root within the past 10 years. After purchasing the property, Kay, along
with Wade Rodgers of Heber Springs’s Pro Landscapes, began to select the plantings—starting with the back path, moving to the main beds in the front, and then onto the recently added pavilion—piece by piece and implement their plan accordingly. “It was a yard—not a lawn, if you know what I mean—and it was really just where we parked the cars when we had a big party,” Kay says of the space that is now the front garden. Similarly, the screened porch was in place, but the pavilion and fireplace are two new features Kay dreamed up after hosting gatherings for friends and realizing she could enhance the space for entertaining.
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Just as it’s now hard to imagine this piece of land without an overflowing garden, it’s difficult to think Kay was new to gardening before this project. “I didn’t know much about it,” she says. “My mother always gardened. We had a big yard growing up, but I was always in school or working and didn’t have the time.” The Heber Springs native, who now splits her time between the river retreat and her condo in Little Rock, was eager to learn once she retired. “One of the things I love about gardening is it’s a process. For instance, at the start of the year the seed catalogs come in, and you start looking over those. There’s a structure, and that’s very appealing to me,” she says. “There’s really not instant gratification. You plant things that you may never enjoy, but you know you’re planting for another generation. Learning this type of patience is, I think, helpful. And in a garden you have to be patient; you don’t have a real alternative.”
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Kay is of the belief that all good retreats need a name. Inspired by friends who had a getaway on the Little Maumelle River known as “Idlewild,” she christened her vacation home with the same moniker. “I thought we needed a camp Idlewild for this remote location of the original,” Kay says. “The use of the term Idlewild is also abundant in literature and history, but I just liked the idea of it being both ‘idle’ and ‘wild.’”
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SIT A SPELL
A screened-in sleeping porch was pre-existing when Kay purchased the property. It offers the perfect perch to look out over the water and reflect, plus, it’s a great place to post a bird feeder. Orange-and-green Adirondack-style rocking chairs mimic the palette seen throughout the outdoor living spaces. “I like orange; it’s one of my favorite colors, and I thought it would be something different,” Kay says.
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Approaching her garden from a year-round point of view has inspired Kay to enjoy it at all stages. “In the wintertime, it’s still beautiful to me even though there’s not a leaf or a flower to be found. There’s sort of a bone structure to it that is attractive, and I think, oh, what it’s going to look like, and I get pleasure thinking about that. I feel the plants have a real integrity at every stage.” Kay also notes she doesn’t do all of the work.
“I’m just the beneficiary of it,” she says, pointing to the efforts of Wade and his team as well as the numerous pieces from local artists, including Hank Kaminsky, Michael Reese, and Corky Baker of Urban Forge, scattered throughout the space to bring vitality throughout the year. “I wanted a place with originality and creativity—and I think I got it. Otherwise, I’m known as the crazy old lady with the garden … affectionately, I hope!” she laughs.
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Kay’s spring and summer garden includes edibles as well as flowering plants. Here are just a few of the plantings you’ll find. 1. Muscadine grapes 2. ‘Postman Joyner’ caladiums 3. ‘Apache’ blackberries 4. ‘Bobo’ hydrangeas 5. ‘Everlasting’ hydrangeas 6. Globe amaranth 7. ‘White Christmas’ caladiums 8. Astilbe ‘Younique Cerise’ 9. Double Knock Out roses
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Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter
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“It’s not a formal garden; it’s just a casual cottage garden so there’s a lot of room for mistakes and room to change to your mind. If you try something and you think, oh, this is going to be perfect, and then it doesn’t work there, it’s OK.” —Kay Kelley Arnold
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Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter
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GATHERING PLACE
Situated in between the cottage and the river is the newest addition to the garden, a covered pavilion with a custom outdoor fireplace and wood-fired oven. “I went to cooking classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and learned to cook in a wood-fired oven. I had to have one of my own when I came back,” Kay says. Architect Bennet Dunkley, a friend of Kay’s who is based in New York, designed the space. The furniture as well as the chandelier and custom ironwork seen around the fireplace were locally made by Urban Forge in Mountain View. On the mantel is a mosaic by North Carolina artist Lisa Tevia Clark, whom Kay met during her time at the folk school. “I went into her studio and this piece had all of the animals I have on the property— deer, red foxes, rabbits, butterflies, and birds. Every animal I see on my property was in there, and I had to have it for the fireplace,” she says.
CASUAL DINING
Guests often dine on pizza from the wood-fired oven while sitting along the bar overlooking the river. “I want this place and the parties I host here to be casual, fun, and easy, so people don’t feel like they have to come at a certain time or leave at a certain time. They can just enjoy themselves,” Kay says.
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Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter
IN THE ‘LIMELIGHT’
Autumn brings the last blooms of the ‘Limelight’ hydrangea tree, which Kay clips to use on her table or give to friends. This tree is special as it came from her parents’ former home. “When they moved we dug up as many of the plants as we could, including some rose bushes my grandmother had grown and this hydrangea tree,” Kay says. “At the time when my mother bought it, she was the only one in town who had one. People would stop to ask, What is that beautiful tree? Where can I get one of those?” she recalls of the shrub, which is now more readily available in local nurseries.
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FALL FOCUS
During autumn, Kay focuses her efforts on cleaning up the garden, pruning anything that needs to be cut back, and pulling out any plants past their peak. She also mulches around plants that need an extra layer to survive the winter. However, the seasonal color is far from gone. “I host a soup party for 75 people in the fall, and I use lots of mums and gourds to decorate for that gathering,” she says.
EAT YOUR VEGGIES
The garden is home to a variety of gourds during the autumn months. However, Kay admits she doesn’t grow all of her own produce. “I’ve learned there are some things I can buy at the farmers market that taste a lot better and are a lot cheaper than what I could grow,” she says. Aside from gourds, other edible plantings throughout the year often include asparagus, new potatoes (“There’s nothing better than a new potato fresh from the garden,” Kay says), spring peas, lettuces, and herbs.
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Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter
WINTER IN THE GREENHOUSE
Kay’s friend, architect Bennet Dunkley, also designed the greenhouse, which matches the style of the nearby pavilion. It’s here that the planning and prep work for the year begins. “Wade and I meet to go over everything at the start of the year, thinking about what we want to do again and what we want to change,” Kay says. “In particular, we discuss what we want to put in the greenhouse to get a head start.” In addition to the just-started seedlings, hibiscus, kumquat trees, and even lemon and lime trees are often overwintered in the greenhouse.
“I’ve learned the garden is a work in progress. There’s never a time when it’s done, and that’s OK because it gives you an opportunity to be creative and do fun things and learn.” —Kay Kelley Arnold
Design Resources ARCHITECT (PAVILION AND GREENHOUSE) Bennet Dunkley, HLW New York City LANDSCAPE DESIGN Wade Rodgers, Pro Landscapes IRONWORK AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE (TABLES, BENCHES, AND BARSTOOLS) Urban Forge
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
trendsetters CA LL ON LOCA L L ANDSCAPE AND POOL PROFESSIONAL S T O G E T Y O U R O U T D O O R S PA C E S W A R M - W E AT H E R R E A D Y A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
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T R E N D S E T T E R S
11 Pool Features to Wow A pool is an amenity you will enjoy for years to come. Before you dive into construction, consider these design features to make it perfectly yours. PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK
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SHAPE
What is the style of your home? An oval or kidney-shaped pool will complement traditional exteriors, while the straight, clean lines of a rectangular pool pair well with contemporary architecture.
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STYLE
Your home’s surroundings will also determine the materials you’ll want to use. Does the yard back up to a wooded area, or are you in an urban setting? The choice to use concrete, tile, or native stone will set the tone of the outdoor space.
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STEPS AND LEDGES
Broad, shallow steps not only provide a play place for young ones and surface for additional lounge chairs, but they create a bold visual statement as well.
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The range of styles available means these water features can give your pool personality—whether playful, dramatic, or elegant.
5 WATERFALLS
Like fountains, waterfalls instantly up the atmosphere of your pool, but with a more natural look and often a calming effect.
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LIGHTING
Not only a practical and safety consideration, thoughtful lighting can add ambience to your pool, especially when placed close to water features or landscaping.
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JUMP ROCKS
Say goodbye to the diving boards of old! This updated feature is built into the design of the pool, meaning it’s more aesthetically pleasing (while offering just as much fun).
9 SLIDES
You don’t have to sacrifice style for function! Much like jump rocks, slides have come a long way in design and can now blend with the style of the pool.
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SWIM-UP BAR
Now this is a feature parents (and their friends!) will love: A built-in pool bar. Pull up a few in-water barstools (or have them built-in as well) and you’ve transformed the backyard pool into a personal resort.
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SPAS
AUTOMATIC COVERS
Nowadays, a spa is almost a given as a complement to any pool. Incorporate yours into the design of your pool for a seamless look.
Last but not least, you want your new pool to be easy to maintain. Consider installing an automatic cover to keep leaves and debris at bay.
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NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Seaside Pools & Spas Founded in 1967 and now in its third generation as a familyowned-and-operated business, Seaside Pools & Spas is a trusted destination for design, service, and all things pool- and spa-related. Their team has constructed nearly 5,000 pools and can help you design and install a new pool or renovate an existing one, in either a residential or commercial setting. Seaside Pools & Spas wants to create a place where your family can make lasting memories and enjoy time together. And they’ll be with you through the years to ensure it continues to operate at peak performance. Following installation, they can assist with opening and closing your pool, all necessary maintenance, equipment repairs, and more. In addition, their two retail stores, located in Springdale and Bentonville, make it convenient to pick up supplies and accessories. The Seaside team notes many customers want their backyard to be the destination for fun, thus it needs to be outfitted to host everything from barbecues to swimming parties. They meet with each individual to hear his or her wants and needs, then create something they know will give the homeowners years of enjoyment. This may mean incorporating covered patios, fire pits, and more into a design. Additionally, they are designing or renovating pools to include tanning shelves, swim-up bars, benches, and lighting, keeping them at the forefront of design.
trendsetters KNOWLEDGE OF TODAY’S TRENDS AND MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE MAKE SEASIDE POOLS & SPAS A TRUSTED SOURCE
Seaside Pools & Spas | 4686 N. Thompson St., Springdale, 479.756.6543| 1301 S.E. Walton Blvd., Bentonville, 479.271.9933 | seasidepools.com
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Groundcover Solutions Do you ever look around and think you need to cover some ground? These four options, all of which take to Arkansas’s climate, can help control erosion and bring beauty to any space. Find one that suits your style. PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK
If You Want a Classic Look, try… ENGLISH IVY
While it prefers shade and moist soil, it can and will grow in sunlight, making it ideal for surrounding trees that allow some light to filter through their branches. Note that it can be invasive and will climb fences and walls. The cold freezes of winter we experience in Arkansas help to control it; however, you should cut it back at least once per year to contain its path.
If You Want an Evergreen with Flair, try… MONDO GRASS
Commonly seen along borders, mondo grass likes partial sun to shade and moisture. Its dark green shoots grow to be 6 to 8 inches tall, providing height as well as color to a space.
If You Want a Hint of Color, try… LIRIOPE
Plant Liriope muscari for a hint of lavender hue in your garden. The plant is a tough groundcover that is also drought-tolerant, meaning Arkansas summers won’t deter it. Popular cultivars include ‘Big Blue’ and ‘Majestic.’
If You Want Bold Color, try… DIANTHUS
A drift of dianthus can enliven a formerly blank space. With an abundance of colors available (from pink to white, red, and bi-colored), the perennial can help with erosion, and its fragrant flowers are also attractive to birds and bees. It prefers sun and well-drained soil.
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BRYANT
Jeff Self Pools & Spas Since 1988, Jeff Self Pools & Spas has been the source for all of central Arkansas’s pool needs. Family owned and operated by Deborah and Jeff Self, the company provides a variety of services and products in addition to pool design. Their retail store, which is open year-round, offers pool chemicals, parts, covers, and accessories. When it comes to design, they specialize in concepts for both pools and spas. “We enjoy helping people relax in their own space and even reap the health benefits of a home pool or spa,” Deborah says. They also replace liners and can re-plaster basins as well as offer equipment repair and replacement. In addition, they offer monthly and vacation service for customers. “We are here all the time for all the things,” Deborah says. Finally, they are known for outstanding customer service and pride themselves on their handson approach—while one of the owners is always in the store, the other is on job sites to ensure the highest level of quality. “We want our customers to become lifelong friends, and we strive to provide them with the very best service possible,” Deborah says. “They can count on us for the best of everything and complete customer satisfaction.”
trendsetters
Photos courtesy of Matrix Pools
WHETHER IT’S DESIGN, PARTS, CHEMICALS, OR OUTDOOR ACCES SORIES, JEFF SELF POOLS & SPAS IS THE SOURCE FOR ALL OF YOUR POOL AND SPA NEEDS Jeff Self Pools & Spas | 21941 Interstate 30 S, Bryant | 501.847.6990 | jeffselfpoolsandspas.com
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Stock Your She Shed It’s time to take inventory of your “she shed”—or greenhouse, mudroom, or wherever it is you stash your gardening tools! As you prep for spring projects, make sure you have these five items in your gardening toolbox.
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SOIL KNIFE
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WATERING CAN SPRINKLER ATTACHMENT
Known in Japan as a hori hori (the Japanese word for dig), this multipurpose tool plays the part of knife, pruners, saw, spade, and trowel thanks to its double-edged blade (one serrated, one not) that is perfect for digging, cutting stems, separating roots, and more.
Plastic watering cans are lighter and easier to tote than their metal counterparts, but they tend to come with narrow spouts that can overwhelm or drown small plants. Grab a sprinkler attachment that distributes water in gentle streams.
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LOPPERS
Loppers are the long-handled answer to classic garden shears, and they’re great for trimming those harder-to-reach places and cutting thicker branches (longer handles equal more leverage).
LOOP HOE
This hoe differs from the standard variety in that the blade is curved into a “loop” or stirrup shape. This allows you to pull weed roots without damaging nearby plants—perfect for smaller gardens.
501.613.7660 | 479.443.9002 | dkdesignoutdoor.com 70 At Home in Arkansas | March 2019
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PRUNING GLOVES
While a short and slim variety might be better for dexterity, be sure you have a pair of sturdy, elbow-length gloves to protect your forearms during projects like pruning.
Looking for more she shed inspiration? Visit our blog (athomearkansas. com/blog) for our review of She Sheds Style by Erika Kotite.
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Better Lawns & Gardens After earning his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, David Munsey, III, joined Better Lawns & Gardens, the landscape company his father founded in 2002. “I have always loved being outside,” he says. “When I had the opportunity to start designing landscapes and outdoor living spaces that could positively impact someone’s lifestyle and help them enjoy being outside as much as I do, it was natural.” From lawn maintenance and irrigation to the design of pools, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces,
patios, and more, Better Lawns & Gardens is committed to bringing a client’s vision to life. In addition, the team prides itself on implementing designs and products that are new to the market to create truly unique living spaces. “I don’t feel like we have ever designed and built two spaces that are the same,” David says. “We understand that our clients trust us with their money to create a space of their dreams, and we don’t take that lightly.” Turn to page 35 to see one of Better Lawns & Gardens’ recent projects!
trendsetters B E T T E R L A W N S & G A R D E N S B R I N G S A G E N U I N E PA S S I O N F O R E N J OY I N G T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S T O C L I E N T S A L L OV E R T H E S TAT E Better Lawns & Gardens | 501.454.9803 | betterlawnsar.com | @betterlawnsar
FORT SMITH AND SPRINGDALE
Burton Pools & Spas Brothers David and Dan Burton opened Burton Pools & Spa in 1978. Since that time, what started as a humble business has grown into one of Pool and Spa News’s “Top 50” building and service companies in the United States. Today, they say seeing families use their pools and spas and truly invest in spending quality time together continues to excite them as they strive to bring the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas areas the best in both pool design and service. As a
one-stop shop, they build every type of pool imaginable and work with their clients to find features to best suit their design goals and needs. Burton Pools & Spas’ goal is to see their customers enjoy their products to the fullest with little inconvenience. To accomplish this, they have two full-service retail locations to provide the customer with everything needed after installation and to make maintenance simple and less time consuming.
trendsetters T O P- R A T E D D E S I G N A N D A C O M M I T M E N T T O S E R V I C E M A K E B U R T O N P O O L S & S PA S A N A M E T O K N O W I N T H E F O R T S M I T H A N D NORTHWEST ARKANSAS AREAS
Burton Pools & Spas | 6121 S. Zero St., Fort Smith, 479.648.3483 | 725 S. 48th St., Springdale, 479.756.5511| burtonpools.com | @burtonpools
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PHOTOGRAPHER CONNOR GOAD
UNWIND
back to nature Ah, the great outdoors. No matter how much you love the inside of your house (we’re an interiors magazine, we get it!), it’s a relief to finally get outside and stretch your legs after being cooped up for the winter months. Will you lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails? Or drop a canoe in one of the state’s hundreds of lakes, like Lake Maumelle, pictured here? In the Natural State, there are countless opportunities for fresh air. Make the most of them this spring.
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