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Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • Little Rock 501.663.1818 • kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com • facebook.com/KenRashsArkansas H U G E I N V E N TO R Y O F F I R E P I T S , B A R S TO O L S , A N D G A S L O G S AVA I L A B L E F O R I M M E D I AT E D E L I V E R Y
C O N T E N T S
December 2023 | The Holiday Homes Issue
Style 11 Side Kicks SHOP
15 Got It Covered DESIGN
19 Timeless & Relaxing REFRESH
Life 23 A Walk Down Gingerbread Lane 29 Benton TASTE
DISCOVER
Special Sections 57 Present Company HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
In Every Issue 8 64 WELCOME
END NOTES
On The Cover The Clarksville living room of Erin and Josh Wilson. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 42.
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Home 42
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TICKLED PINK
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY
BUILDING TRADITIONS
Drawing inspiration from this pinkhued home in the Heights, Dale Aldridge of Silks A Bloom adds a floralforward layer of holiday happiness.
In Erin and Josh Wilson’s recently remodeled Clarksville residence, the Christmas décor takes on an air of Southern elegance against the couple’s collected interiors.
Whitney Bonaminio finds the sweet spot between a husband and wife’s differing design tastes while adding seasonal cheer throughout the home.
Vol. 28, No. 11 © 2023 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.
4 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
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2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510
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W E LC O M E
What senses does the thought of Christmas call to mind for you? For me, it’s the taste of seafood gumbo on Christmas Eve, the smell of incense wafting through church, and the coziness of long pajamas and fuzzy socks. It’s the crackle of a fire, the twinkling of lights through glass ornaments on the tree, and the heft of a filled stocking Christmas morning. There’s a line from the late poet Louise Glück that I think about often: “We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.” Our earliest experiences become etched into us, making even the smallest moments take on the weight of hallowed traditions— especially around the holidays. As an adult, it can be harder to open your mind to new ways of looking at the world. This time of year, full of so much magic and joy, childlike wonder feels within reach again. I hope you have the merriest season!
Reader Responses Your responses to Springdale’s Little Eataly and Discover the Delta from our October issue “These are good people with great pasta!” — BRENA N. VIA INSTAGRAM
“My favorite! I purchase at Conifer Farmstand. Only pasta I buy.” —LEE ANNE S. VIA INSTAGRAM
“Best pasta! The bucatini is so good. Cutest little curated shop, too!” —JULIANNE C. VIA INSTAGRAM
“Thank you for including us in this wonderful article! Representing the people and history of this area is a true joy.” —MUSEUM OF THE ARKANSAS GRAND PRAIRIE VIA FACEBOOK
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Latest Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor in Chief S T E P H A N I E @ AT H O M E A R K A N S A S . C O M
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We love hearing from our readers. If you have a question, correction, or simply want to share your thoughts on a story, email stephanie@athomearkansas.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (@athomearkansas).
8 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
The Arkansas chapter of the Interior Design Society has announced its first ever Arkansas Designer of the Year Awards, inviting professional designers statewide to join IDS and submit projects across a range of categories, from single rooms to events and new builds. Submissions are due by January 31; save the date for an awards gala May 17 at Chenal Country Club. For more details and information about joining IDS, visit idsarkansas.com.
Photos by Rett Peek
From the Editor
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 9
Happy Holidays!
We opened our doors in 1949. Our focus then and now is to bring our customers a quality product to match the quality of service we provide.
400 N. Magnolia St. | North Little Rock, AR 72114 pchdwe.com | sales@pchdwe.com | 501-224-1724
U P D AT E YO U R S PA C E
Style Side Kicks Here, hold my drink: Sleek and sophisticated options to go beside every seat this holiday season
PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 11
S T Y L E S H O P
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7 PREVIOUS PAGE “Brenton” white resin drink table. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock BEARHILLINTERIORS.COM
1 Scalloped gold drink table with mirrored top. Art of Design, Little Rock SHADAVARI.COM
2 Two-tiered brass and marble side table with acorn finials. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock
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CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM
3 “Blair” rattan side table. Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM
4 Faceted crystal martini table. Art of Design, Little Rock SHADAVARI.COM
5 “Capella” white and gold accent table. Providence Design, Little Rock PROVIDENCELTDDESIGN.COM
6 “Marta” antiqued silver side table. Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock KAUFMANLUMBER.COM
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7 “Tildy” concrete side table. Presley Paige, Fayetteville PRESLEYPAIGE.COM
8 “Zach” wooden pedestal side table. HOWSE, Little Rock and Rogers HOWSE.COM
12 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
Images courtesy of vendors
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 13
C E R A MIC TILE PORC E L AIN TILE NATUR AL STONE TILE
Schedule an appointment today to see our HUGE tile inventory! 13241 Puppy Creek Rd, Ste 6, Hwy 49 | Springdale, AR 72762
When Qualit y Counts C.COUGILL ROOFING CO., INC. w w w.cougillroofing.com
Wo r t h t h e I nve s t m e n t.
S e r v i n g t h e L i t t l e R o c k A r e a f o r 2 8 Ye a r s . R ES I DE NTIAL •T i l e •S l a t e •A s p h a l t S h i n g l e s •Wood S h a ke •Me t a l Roof s •Roof Ma i n t e n a nc e
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C. COUGILL ROOFING CO., INC. • 10301 RIVERVIEW CORPOR ATE DR. • MAUMELLE, AR • 501.812.9400 14 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
S T Y L E D E S I G N
Image courtesy of vendor
“Canyon Lake” tile in Mist Gloss by Studio McGee Field Tile for Ann Sacks.
Got It Covered Wallpaper patterns and backsplash tiles bring the wow factor PRODUCER BAILEY DOUGAN
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 15
S T Y L E D E S I G N
Climb the
Wall
Inspiration from the natural world inspires wallcoverings for every style
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1 “Mythical Land” wallpaper in Clay by Andrew Martin for Kravet evokes memories of folk art and fairy tales. 2 “Blockbuster” in Graphite by Donghia is made more mesmerizing by the addition of wavy striations within each motif. 3 “Chancay” wallpaper in Teal and Rose from Brunschwig & Fils features bouquets of botanicals. 4 Osborne and Little’s “Elysium” wallpaper from the Rhapsody Wallpapers collection flourishes with an array of water lilies and giant lily pads. 5 “Papyrus Plume” wallpaper in Beige from York Wallcoverings pays homage to the ancient natural wetland grass. 6 Kravet’s “Petal Blossom” wallpaper in Onyx offers a whimsical simplicity that can be at home in traditional and modern schemes. 7 “Intargia Paper” in Raven by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa is a modern take on animal stripes. 8 “Petit Leopard” in Emerald from the Madeleine Castaing collection by Brunschwig & Fils. 9 Osborne & Little’s “Villa Como” is a repeating scene of traditional lakeside villas inspired by the lakes in Northern Italy. 16 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
Make a
Splash
S T Y L E D E S I G N
Deco influences and a hint of glam make these backsplash tiles memorable
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10 & 11 Both from Emser Tile, the “Impulse” chevron patterned tile in Cream is made of marble, limestone and glass mosaic and the “Tubage” glazed porcelain tile in Green entices the senses with a sculptural silhouette and significant scale. 12 “Pagoni” tile in Cirio from Emser Tile is extruded porcelain. 13 “Elope” in Azure from Kelly Wearstler’s Gem collection for Ann Sacks. 14 The “Calacatta Viola” hexagon mosaic tile from Ann Sacks is a bold and sophisticated marble with burgundy and violet veins swirling around a base of cream and gold. 15 “Cotto Moderno” by Crossville Tile is available in four clay and terracotta tones, and the bohemian style and artisanal makeup of each unique tile make it feel as if made by hand.
Local Retailers CROSSVILLE TILE Arnold’s Flooring, arnoldsflooringlittlerockar.com BPI North Little Rock, bpiteam.com C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com D&D Floor Covering, ddfloorcovering.com Encore Building Products, encoregroupusa. com Laws Flooring and Rugs, jonesboro.abbeycarpet.com Peter’s Flooring, petersflooringandpaint.com ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale. com Southern Interiors, southerninteriors.net Statements For the Home,
statementsforthehome.com Stone Studio, stonestudiobycci.com Townzen Tile, townzentile.com White River Flooring, whiteriverflooring.com
EMSER TILE C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery, candfcarpet.com Emser Tile, emser.com Kaufman By Design West, kaufmanlumber.com Lumber One Home Center, lumber1.com Peter’s Flooring, petersflooringandpaint.com ProSource of Little Rock, prosourcewholesale.com Southern Interiors, southerninteriors.net Stone Studio, stonestudiobycci.com Townzen Tile, townzentile.com Triton Stone Group, tritonstone.com White River Flooring, whiteriverflooring.com Ann Sacks, Brunschwig & Fils, Donghia, Kravet, Lee Jofa, Osborne & Little, and York Wallcoverings are available to the trade. December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 17
18 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
S T Y L E R E F R E S H
Timeless & Relaxing Ashley Brewer Interiors gives a dark and dated bath in Marion the spa treatment WRITER EILEEN BEARD PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST ANGELA ALEXANDER
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 19
S T Y L E R E F R E S H “Dove White” Benjamin Moore
“Stone Hearth” Benjamin Moore
BEFORE
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hen Sarah and Bill Burrows moved into their Marion home in 2017, redesigning the primary bath didn’t top the priority list. But five years later, when a leak forced them to pull out the shower tiles, the timing felt right to renovate the dark and dated space. Having worked with designer Ashley Brewer to redo one of their children’s bedrooms, the couple called on her again to create a streamlined new bathroom with traditional touches to tie it to the rest of the home. “The elements in spas are typically neutral and light. That’s the feel we were going for,” Ashley says. Because the renovation wasn’t planned, she tried to keep the updates cost-effective. One of their biggest savings came from keeping the existing vanity. With a coat of warm taupe paint plus new hardware and quartz countertops, the piece has a brand-new look at a fraction of the cost. To make the room feel larger, Ashley installed a counter-to-ceiling mirror and added wall sconces for more light. Next, the deck-style tub was replaced with a freestanding version. “That was really important to Sarah because she loves to take baths,” the designer says. On the floors and shower walls, Ashley achieved a marble look for less with veined ceramic tiles. Real marble in a tiny
20 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
hexagon tile adds a fun detail to the shower floor and niche, but Ashley skipped tile as the tub surround. “She has molding in her dining room and up the staircase, so we thought it would be a really fun traditional element here,” Ashley says. In keeping with the updated theme, the designer mixed metals with a brushed nickel finish on the plumbing fixtures and antique brass on the lighting and cabinetry hardware. Fresh paint on the ceiling, walls, and trim lighten the space, and original artwork by Memphis artist Shelby Wimberly adds a pop of personality. The result is a timeless and relaxing place of refuge for the couple. “I work with clients who may not want to renovate a bathroom for another 10 years,” Ashley says. “We want to make sure it’s not going to be outdated in two.
S T Y L E R E F R E S H
“The elements in spas are typically neutral and light. That’s the feeling we were going for.” —Ashley Brewer, designer
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“Faux marble options can look just as beautiful as real marble but are more cost-effective and durable,” Ashley says of the “Taj Mahal” quartzite countertop. The creamy beige stone has white and brassy veining that harmonizes with the antique brass finish on the hardware and sconces.
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ANTIQUE APPEAL
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The “Glenwood” deckmount fixture from Signature Hardware plays into Sarah’s traditional style, with white porcelain handles and a bridge-style faucet. Its brushed nickel finish keeps it in the transitional realm.
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The homeowner loved these Visual Comfort sconces with classic linen shades and an antique brass finish, and the curve of the piece’s arm is a pleasing contrast to the straight lines of the mirror and vanity.
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WARMED UP WHITE
“Spaces that use a lot of white can sometimes feel cold,” Ashley says. To counter this, the designer looked for tile with a hint of beige veining for the flooring and shower walls. The added warmth also plays off the hue of the newly painted vanity.
Design Resources CONTRACTOR Michael Rushing, Quality Flooring & Cleaning INTERIOR DESIGN Ashley Brewer, Ashley Brewer Interiors COUNTERTOPS, FIXTURES, FLOORING, AND TILE Quality Flooring & Cleaning LIGHTING Magnolia Lighting (Memphis)
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 21
15228 I-30 | Benton, AR 72019 | 501-316-4008 | info@blueheavenbenton.com | blueheavenbenton.com
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HOME CENTER
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22 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
M A K E YO U R S E L F AT H O M E
Life
A Walk Down
Gingerbread Lane Jennifer Maune honors her grandmother with a recipe for a Christmas classic
WRITER EILEEN BEARD PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST BAILEY DOUGAN
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 23
L I F E TA S T E
Updated Classic
“Gingerbread is definitely a favorite,” Jennifer says. In her rendition, the sweetness comes from honey rather than molasses. Turn to page 26 for the recipe.
24 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
L I F E TA S T E
“When I’m in the kitchen cooking or baking, it’s my happy place.” —Jennifer Maune
Neutral Ground
Jennifer loves to decorate for the holidays and often shares seasonal design tips on her blog. Her current Christmas scheme of earth tones with touches of gold plays into the modern organic aesthetic of her home.
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f you don’t recognize the name Jennifer Maune, chances are you will soon. In September, the lifestyle blogger from Little Rock became one of three finalists on Season 13 of MasterChef, Fox’s popular cooking competition hosted by Gordon Ramsay. Besides creating recipes and other inspiring content for her website, Jennifer is hard at work developing concepts for a future restaurant and forthcoming cookbook. But this busy creative is used to juggling plates, and she’s thrilled to share her passion with the world. “I love to gather people around the table,” Jennifer says. “It’s where milestones are celebrated, memories are made, and holidays are spent with loved ones. I count it as an honor to be a part of people’s celebrations when they’re making my recipes.” Though Jennifer has pastry and culinary degrees from the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech and an advanced pastry certification from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Jennifer counts her grandmother as her most influential teacher. “We would cook and bake together, and I wanted to have a big family because of her,” she says, recalling Christmas celebrations with 40 or more relatives filling the house. That’s where Jennifer learned to embrace the beautiful chaos of hosting holiday get-togethers, such as cookie
swaps and gingerbread-decorating parties. “Christmas is for sure my favorite holiday—the decorating, the food, the faith, and spending those precious moments with my family,” she says. Just as her grandmother did, Jennifer turns baking into quality time with her six kids. “They gather and measure ingredients and take turns cracking eggs and using the mixer,” she says. “I always tell the kids we can be as messy as we want in the kitchen as long as we clean up, because messy is fun.” For Jennifer and her family, gingerbread is more than a special treat around the holidays; it's a reminder of the woman who inspired her to pursue a career in the kitchen. “When she was still alive, my grandmother used to come and read ‘The Gingerbread Man’ story to the kids,” she says. In fact, her grandmother actually lived on a street called Gingerbread Lane in Little Rock. For this issue, Jennifer honors these memories with a cookie recipe that trades molasses for honey. “It has a different flavor and a softer texture than a gingerbread cookie usually provides,” she says. Read on for Jennifer’s gingerbread cookie recipe, and visit jennifermaune.com for more inspiration. December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 25
L I F E TA S T E RECIPE
Yield 12-24 cookies
Jennifer's Gingerbread Cookies SHOP Cookies 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground allspice ½ cup cocoa powder 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup honey 2 eggs Icing 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar 1 ½ ounces water 1 ½ ounces light corn syrup ½ teaspoon almond extract
Share t he Love
For this cookie swap set-up, Jennifer called on one of her former culinary school professors, Jan Lewandowski—who owns Blue Cake Co. with her husband, Steve—for an array of sweets. Peanut butter blossoms, chocolate crinkles, Christmas spritzes, and Linzer cookies complement Jennifer’s gingerbread treats.
PREPARE In a large bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add honey and eggs and mix. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated and a dough forms. Transfer the dough to parchment paper and lightly knead to form a ball, being careful not to overwork. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator. After 30 minutes, remove dough from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line half-sheet tray with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out chilled dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut out cookies using holiday-themed cookie cutters, then use an offset spatula to transfer to lined baking sheet tray. Bake until edges are firm, about 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on sheet tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. While cookies are cooling, prepare icing. Exchange the paddle attachment for the whisk attachment on your stand mixer and whip confectioners’ sugar and water on low speed for 2-3 minutes. Add corn syrup and almond extract and mix until incorporated, scraping the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl as needed. Transfer icing to a piping bag. Once cookies are completely cool, cut a small opening at the bottom of the piping bag to decorate each cookie. Allow to dry completely before storing or serving.
26 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
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28 At Home in Arkansas | April 2023
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
L I F E D I S C OV E R
Discover Benton Pieces of Saline County history stand tall as reminders of this town’s pioneer beginnings WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER BAILEY DOUGAN
The Saline County Courthouse in Benton’s downtown square.
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ven with its quaint gabled roofline, Victorian trim, and multicolored stone facade, Dr. Dewell Gann’s former office at 218 S. Market St. in Benton is an unassuming little structure. However, there’s something that makes it unique: It’s the only known building in existence constructed out of bauxite. And it holds a lot of history inside. Originally built in 1893, the property was gifted by Gann’s son to the city of Benton in the 1940s to use as its library. Now, it serves as the Gann Museum of Saline County, showcasing exhibits about the area’s history from its Native American beginnings and booming aluminum industry to information about the popular Niloak pottery. Earlier this year, the Saline County Library assumed ownership of the museum, bringing its story full circle for long-time residents. “A lot of people love
this place because for many of them, this was their first library,” says special collections assistant Cody Berry, who is a multigeneration Benton native himself. Recently, Cody has been digitizing the museum’s collection for the library’s website, making it more accessible to those curious about Benton’s early days. Throughout Benton, other reminders of Saline County’s past abound. For example, just a half a mile from the Gann Museum is the Shoppach House, the oldest surviving brick structure in the county. It was built in 1853 by John W. Shoppach, a German immigrant who constructed the house out of bricks formed and fired on site. “He didn't build a wood frame house and then put a brick veneer on it,” says Harold Pelton, a descendent of Shoppach’s wife, Sibby Pelton. “He built the brick house three bricks thick, then he went in and added wood. That's why it’s December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 29
L I F E D I S C OV E R
Clockwise from top left: The Shoppach House. An eye-catching vignette at Rober. The entrance to the courtyard at Blue Heaven. The Gann Museum.
still standing.” Harold is also a member of the Saline County Art League, the organization charged with preserving the home. “I think it's really important; it's part of your history,” he says of the community’s efforts to maintain its historic buildings. “If you don't know your history of where you came from, you don't really know where you’re going.” All around these landmarks and others, the city continues to move steadily into the future. “We’re growing big-time,” Cody says, pointing to a certain football rivalry between Benton and Bryant high schools as evidence. “The Salt Bowl is a good way to see how things have changed. In my parents' day, those two schools played each other at their own fields. Now, they have to do it in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium, and over 30,000 people come every year.” That crowd also likes to shop and dine, meaning there’s no shortage of local restaurants and boutiques to support in town. Many of these new businesses take up residence in buildings that have been around for a century or more; for 30 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
example, the popular Baja Grill is in the Palace Theater building, one of the area’s first theaters built in 1919. At Loblolly Creamery just off the downtown square, hand-painted signage for a “Family Shoe Store” pays homage to the 1950s store that came long before. As Benton continues to thrive, both Cody and Harold are looking for more ways to increase awareness about their respective resources. On December 2, the Gann Museum will celebrate its 130th anniversary and grand reopening, as it has been closed since the spring due to complications from a lightning strike next door. The Shoppach House is available for tours only during open houses or by appointment, and the Saline County Art League aims to create consistent open hours so more people can visit this relic. “We still have people come by and say, I've lived here all my life, and I never knew the house was even here,” Harold says. “There's a lot of work that needs to be done, but we're trying to bite it a little bit at a time.” Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Benton.
EatBajaGrill.com
DINING. DRINKS. ENTERTAINMENT.
EatRevival.com
LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS + SATURDAYS
ValkyrieBenton.com
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 31
EatRober.com
302 W. South St. Benton, AR
32 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
L I F E D I S C OV E R
Clockwise from top left: Swing Shop offers refreshments at the bar. Racks of on-trend clothing at True Boutique. The Gann House, a beautiful Queen Anne-style home that is still a private residence located next door to the Gann Museum. Blue Heaven is a popular dining destination in Benton. Swing Shop, Benton's new golf simulator attraction. A cocktail at Rober.
DINE Located just off Interstate 30, BLUE HEAVEN (blueheavenbenton.com) bills its menu as a “fresh take on Southern,” serving up favorites such as surf and turf and pasta alongside a mouthwatering set of house cocktails. Downtown, THE TACO SOCIETY (eatbajagrill.com) boasts four dining concepts drawing people from near and far: BAJA GRILL , which serves a creative take on tacos, nachos, burritos and more; ROBER , a more upscale, intimate dining and cocktail lounge; REVIVAL , the group's newest restaurant with pizza, burgers, and snacks on the menu; and VALKYRIE , an axe-throwing venue that shares a menu with Revival, located downstairs.
VISIT Play iconic courses without leaving central Arkansas when you visit SWING SHOP (swingshopgolf.com), which offers top-of-the-line Trackman golf simulators in open and private bays. For frequent visitors, memberships are available. Sponsored by Everett Buick GMC, the city’s ice skating rink at the Downtown Benton Farmers Market pavilion is open from December 1-31 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Contact the CITY OF BENTON PARKS & RECREATION (bentonar.org) for hours and more information. To get into the holiday spirit, snag tickets to A Christmas Carol: The Musical at the historic ROYAL THEATRE (theroyaltheatre.org). Also sponsored by Everett, the show runs December 1-11. December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 33
123 N East St., Benton, AR 72015 501-847-1940 clientservices@schraderhomes.com
34 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
T H E H O L I DAY H O M E S I S S U E
Home Tickled Pink
Silks A Bloom adds a layer of bright holiday décor to a cheerful Little Rock residence
A life-size nutcracker doll stands guard over packages wrapped in the Parkers’ selected hues of the season. W R I T E R T I F FA N Y A D A 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 A U R E N C E R R AT O
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 35
BOLD BOTANICALS
The dining area’s light palette with pops of pink adheres to the aesthetic of the nearby kitchen. “The colors on the chair back fabric just happened to flow with the Christmas scheme,” Dale says. Wendy found the Barry Thomas painting at his gallery and asked him to customize the piece with a layer of pink to better match the space. Holiday greenery placed in the table’s everyday bowl is mixed with faux peonies.
36 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
LIVING IN COLOR
In the living room, a neutral backdrop provides a serene setting for the holiday décor. In moving to a pastel Christmas palette, Wendy also opted for smaller, more classic ornaments, building the collection over the past couple of years. These adorn the tree as well as a mix of real and Natural Touch greenery along the mantel and play off the colors in the Barry Thomas painting of a nun seen over the mantel. “My main thing about our home is I want people to feel comfortable when they are here,” Wendy says. “I don’t want it to be a museum. I want you to feel happy here.”
P
ink is a way of life for Wendy and Ray Parker. Walk into their traditional-style home and you’ll find whimsical touches of the accent color on everything from the kitchen barstools to the art glass in the living room—and the holidays are no different. “Christmas does not have to match your home, but it should be something that brings you joy,” says the couple’s longtime floral designer, Dale Aldridge of Silks A Bloom. “Pink is her joy; it’s what she loves.” For Dale, creating this sense of joy has been a lifelong passion, even as far back as his childhood days in Magnolia. “When I was less than 10 years old, I remember sneaking out to the shed in the night while my parents and sister were sleeping. I got all of our Christmas decorations out, put them up, and simply could not wait to see the looks on their faces when they came into the room,” he recalls. Now the company’s co-owner and managing partner, Dale has worked with Silks A Bloom for
more than two decades—a role that has allowed him to fill area homes with holiday cheer and even watch many of his clients' children grow up through the years. For the Parkers’ home, he played up the everyday palette with the addition of whimsical ornaments, glittering life-size Nutcracker dolls, and even a jolly old fellow who is normally dressed in red. Having designed and installed their Christmas décor for years, Dale has seen the couple through different design iterations, including a move to a lighter palette, which complements a recent refresh of the interiors. “As she redesigned her home she brightened the Christmas décor, moving into pastels that still sparkle,” he says. Leaving no room untouched, Dale deftly wove the seasonal touches into the rooms where the family celebrates and as well as those where they spend quiet time. “It’s special to me that clients let me in and trust me to make an imprint on such a memorable time of the year,” he says. AH December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 37
FRONT AND CENTER
Dale complemented the fuchsia cut-velvet leopard fabric on the barstools with cool-colored seasonal pieces displayed in a nest of greenery on the spacious island. Shimmering ice crystals on the nutcrackers mimic the crystal accents on the chandeliers. A preserved boxwood wreath adorned with a large velvet bow brings a hint of the season to the kitchen window.
A VISIT FROM SANTA
Having wanted a Santa for years, Wendy was delighted to find one dressed in pink. “I remember when I was a little girl there was a house that had a Santa coming out of the chimney, and I thought it was so neat,” Wendy says. “Now, our neighborhood kids love this one and come to get their picture made with him.” 38 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 39
ALL IS CALM
Peace and tranquility were top of mind when considering the primary bedroom’s classic, white and gold design. Boxwood wreaths on the mirrors mimic the look seen over the kitchen sink, bringing a subtle hint of holiday flair to the room. Designer Debi Davis helped Wendy update this room and her office (left) during the pandemic. “I was stuck in a dark, gloomy office and it was depressing,” she recalls. “The whole desire to go with a lighter palette stemmed from this update.”
SUNNY SPOT
In the family room (opposite), the artwork over the mantel set the tone for the addition of yellow to the holiday décor. Ray’s uncle painted the special piece for his mother, and it was handed down to the couple. Pink accents, from the trim on the ottoman to the pillows, carry the signature color into the room’s everyday scheme.
40 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
“It all makes me so happy. It goes up before Thanksgiving so I can enjoy it for longer.” —Wendy Parker, homeowner
Design Resources ARCHITECT (ORIGINAL) Rodney Parham CONTRACTOR (KITCHEN RENOVATION) Chris DeBin, Chris DeBin Construction CHRISTMAS DESIGN Dale Aldridge, Silks A Bloom INTERIOR DESIGN (OFFICE AND BEDROOM) Debi Davis, Debi Davis Interior Design ACCESSORIES Cobblestone & Vine, Providence Design, and Urban Pad APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Jill Rosenwald, Barry Thomas, and Steve Zieman CABINETRY Moody Cabinets COUNTERTOPS Triton Stone Group HARDWARE PC Hardware MILLWORK Greenfield Millworks PAINTING Barger Painting LIGHTING AND WALLPAPER Urban Pad WINDOW COVERINGS Cobblestone & Vine
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 41
Hometown Hol iday Taking cues from its classic style, photographer Erin Wilson and her husband, Josh, update a Clarksville home W R ITE R T I F FA N Y A DA M S PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON
J
osh Wilson was no stranger to the Clarksville home he and his wife, Erin, purchased and renovated in 2020. “Josh grew up in the River Valley, and this house actually belonged to one of his childhood friends,” Erin says. “His grandmother even lived just a few houses down.” While memories spilled over during their initial visit, the home’s traditional floor plan and features as well as the potential for updates made a lasting impression. “We loved the classic bones but there were some parts that didn’t match up, and we had a vision for that,” Erin says. For example, during their remodel, the couple reallocated space from the home’s formal living room to enlarge the adjoining den and create a dining room. This allowed them to use the previous dining room as an office for Erin. As a full-time wedding photographer who often travels to destinations around the county, Erin is exposed to new trends and styles continuously. However, she notes the furnishings here are a true blend of Josh’s traditional bent and her slightly more modern approach. “My mom taught me to decorate. I think a lot of my creativity stems from childhood and her nurturing those things into me,” she says. Since this renovation, the Wilsons have relocated to Dallas but fondly recall holidays spent here with their family, which includes daughter Penelope and son Emerson. Erin points to her and Josh’s own childhoods as the inspiration for their seasonal décor. “Both of our families love, love, love Christmas,” Erin says. “Josh has lots of traditions with his family. Every room in their house is decorated with
42 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
sentimental pieces that have been collected over the years while my mom has a more magazine-worthy approach,” she says. “At our own home, we want the holiday décor to have a cozy feel but still be puttogether and pleasing to the eye.” AH
Josh and Erin Wilson
WARM, FAMILIAR FEEL
Custom shelving took the place of a brick fireplace surround that originally covered an entire wall of the living room. The shelves are filled with law books that were once a part of Josh’s father’s practice. “They had been sold to a local antiques store, and I went and bought them back,” Erin says with a laugh. A fresh-look garland from Silks A Bloom hangs on the mantel alongside the family’s stockings, while a tree filled with ornaments selected within the holiday palette complements the room’s everyday scheme. The mirror over the mantel was a gift from Erin’s mother, while the buffet was an antiquing find. December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 43
“Agreeable Gray” Sherwin-Williams
CHIC & STREAMLINED
Erin worked with freelance designer Kylie Avaritt as well as Reveal Cabinet & Closet to achieve her vision for the kitchen. “The kitchen that was here when we first walked through the house was non-existent to me; we knew we would have to redo that space first,” she says. Staying true to their traditional tastes, the couple opted for light gray cabinetry and a practical quartzite countertop that continues seamlessly onto the backsplash. Photographs Erin took on a trip to Italy make for meaningful artwork in the kitchen’s adjoining breakfast nook.
44 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
“We want the holiday décor to have a cozy feel but still be pleasing to the eye.” —Erin Wilson, homeowner
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 45
ROOM FOR ALL
When Josh and Erin first moved to Arkansas almost a decade ago, they were in need of a dining table. “Someone had left this in a friend’s rental house. Josh stripped and stained it, and we’ve had it ever since,” Erin says. “We love to entertain, so even in searching for this house it was important to have a space where it would fit.” Warm accents like the green velvet drapes and vintage art help to give the gathering space an inviting feel.
Penelope baked this pistachio cake, a holiday favorite passed down from Erin’s great-grandmother. Visit athomearkansas.com/blog for the recipe. 46 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
GARDEN SPACE
As a photographer who often works at client-driven destinations, Erin needed a dedicated space to host consultations and edit images. With plenty of natural light and a close proximity to the kitchen and living rooms, this space previously used as the dining room made the most sense. “I wanted it to feel like a garden,” Erin says. Retaining the wainscoting below the chair rail, she opted to wallpaper the top portion with a cheerful botanical print.
Design Resources KITCHEN DESIGN Kylie Avaritt CABINETRY Reveal Cabinet & Closet ACCESSORIES AND FURNITURE Jenifer’s Antiques CHRISTMAS DÉCOR Park Hill Home and Silks A Bloom COUNTERTOPS AND TILE Alpha Countertops FIREPLACE Rick Richard PAINT Sherwin-Williams
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 47
BUILDING TRADITIONS Whitney Bonaminio helps family friends create a cohesive design story in their home—at Christmas and all year-round W R I T E R R E B E K A H H A L L S C O T T 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 A U R E N C E R R AT O
W
hitney Bonaminio has specialized in holiday decorating with her business, Christmas by Whitney, for many years, but she recently branched out to full-service interior design projects. When some close family friends were building their new house in Little Rock’s Falstone neighborhood, they approached her to help with every element, including the home’s layout, architectural features, and furnishings. “This couple envisioned building their dream home,” Whitney says. “They wanted it to be full of all the amenities and welcoming to their four children in this blended family.” Whitney says the homeowners have completely different design styles, which presented a challenge she was excited to take on. “I looked at it as an opportunity to make a really interesting space,” she says. While one homeowner was drawn to “dramatic, masculine, contemporary, and moody” design, his wife kept coming back to inspiration that was “clean and fresh, peaceful, beachy, and airy,” Whitney says. To combine these aesthetics, the designer used a white paint color throughout the home for a clean backdrop, but chose a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings and accessories to bring the spaces to life. “The furniture, décor, and lighting is bold, and I included architectural elements to create a home that leaves a lasting impression,” Whitney says. The couple loves to shop vintage stores and flea markets, so Whitney included many of their finds in the home, including a pair of antique wooden doors and one-of-a-kind Turkish rugs. The homeowners also enjoy entertaining, so ensuring the space had plenty of room for gathering was key. “They have a beautiful outdoor space, so they wanted the home to flow naturally between inside and outside,” Whitney says. “I asked them recently what their favorite spot in the house is, and he quickly said it’s their back patio.” For the holidays, Whitney says this tight-knit family goes all out. “Christmas is very special to them,” she says. “My client wants to create traditions for her children to have as
48 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
their own, since they don’t have extended family.” This time of year, Whitney adorns the home with traditional red and green décor with a touch of glam. “I wanted to extend the fresh but glamorous design that the house has,” she says. “The Christmas décor needed to be traditional, but with a twist.” The result is a sophisticated mix of timeless festivity with bold modern touches, a fitting representation for the family. AH
MOODY AND MERRY
In the study, Whitney’s client was very specific about what he wanted this room to look like. “I used this color to create a more moody, masculine and modern feel in this room,” she says. Leather chairs and a shagreen bar cabinet bring an upscale lounge effect to the space. For the jubilant Christmas tree, Whitney continued the home’s holiday narrative with plaid ribbons, ornaments, and bursts of holly, along with a large-scale gold beaded garland.
“Kendall Charcoal” Benjamin Moore
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 49
WARM AND WELCOMING
Inside the foyer, Whitney highlighted the height of the 12-foot ceilings by hanging a large mirror over a rustic console table. A brass light fixture by Visual Comfort adds a bold statement. “I wanted something that would appropriately stand out and make an impression,” Whitney says. Swaths of pine, cedar, and red holly berries bring cheer to the entry, along with ceramic white and gold Christmas trees by Arkansas artist Julie Holt.
50 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
“The Christmas décor needed to be traditional, but with a twist.” —Whitney Bonaminio, designer
COMPELLING COMFORT
Because Whitney’s clients brought her into the building process early on, the designer was able to suggest architectural elements that add to the home’s appeal, including the arched bookshelves that flank the fireplace in the living room. Matching sofas and a patterned swivel chair provide seating for the whole family, and a teak root coffee table plays off the open shelving and other natural textures. In lieu of a Christmas tree in the space, a swagged garland above the mantel provides festive coziness. “Since the client requested beaded garland, I wanted to ensure it was in a highlighted spot in the house,” Whitney says.
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 51
GLIMMERS OF GOLD
In the kitchen, which opens to the living room, Whitney and the homeowner chose large hammered brass pendants for over the island. A marbled tile behind the range and along the adjacent wall keep the space feeling light, and leather stools with brass legs from Urban Pad provide ample seating at the bar. White glass Christmas trees bring subtle cheer to the open shelving, along with sprays of cedar and red berries. On the range hood, Whitney layered a large magnolia wreath with a smaller red berry wreath and the same ribbon used throughout the home.
52 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
SOPHISTICATED SPREAD
The dining area is anchored by a large frosted glass pendant with brass joinery from Visual Comfort, which makes a statement over a substantial table from Restoration Hardware. High back chairs with nailhead trim lend a more traditional touch, while glass trees in gold and silver provide a modern edge. A garland of fresh juniper, cedar, pine, gold and red berries, and red velvet magnolia leaves winds its way through the tablescape. Whitney chose a wide red and white striped runner, then placed a more narrow plaid runner on top. “Every tablescape needs to have a layered look—the more layers, the better,” she says. The clients’ own reindeer dishes add a sweet sentimentality, along with glittery spiked star ornaments at each place setting (opposite).
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 53
BOLD IN BLACK AND WHITE
Whitney commissioned her sister, Arkansas artist Audrey Rich, to draw a series of abstract designs, which she framed to create the graphic gallery wall in the primary bedroom. “I wanted to do something bold, and black and white is bold,” Whitney says. “I also wanted to do something really eccentric.” On the bedside table, small gold trees are a quiet nod to Christmas. “The glass trees in here are subtle and feminine—just a little touch of the holiday season,” Whitney adds.
REFRESHING RETREAT
Gleaming large-scale marble tile travels seamlessly from the floor up the entire wall behind the black, hammered-copper bathtub. The chandelier is made of pieces of wood designed to look like candles, which Whitney says she wanted to be the focal point of the room. Picked up during the clients’ travels, a hand-knotted Turkish rug “ties in that unique, antique feel that they like,” Whitney says. The antique wooden doors were the inspiration for the custom doors at the home’s entrance.
54 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
On the patio, a large wreath topped with magnolia blooms and ribbon anchors the fireplace, which is flanked with lanterns and small trees. A hammered copper drum table displays bursts of greenery, red velvet magnolia leaves and gold berries, bringing holiday cheer to the outdoors.
Design Resources CHRISTMAS AND INTERIOR DESIGN Whitney Bonaminio, Christmas by Whitney and W Design CONTRACTOR Coburn Construction Company ACCESSORIES, BEDDING, FURNITURE, HARDWARE, MIRRORS, AND RUGS W Design APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More ART Audrey Rich, Barry Thomas, and W Design CABINETS, MILLWORK, AND PAINTING Coburn Construction Company COUNTERTOPS A1 Granite Man FABRICS AND UPHOLSTERY Cynthia East Fabrics FIREPLACE Antique Brick & Block and Congo Fireplace & Patio FIXTURES Ferguson Plumbing Supply FLOORING AND TILE Kaufman Lumber LIGHTING TEC Electric and W Design OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS Ninth & Co. WALLPAPER Designer Effects WINDOWS Coburn Construction Company and Elite Entries Iron Doors WINDOW COVERINGS Elite Blinds & Shades
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 55
56 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
PRESE PRE SENT NT
COMPANY Find the perfect pick for everyone on your shopping list with our Holiday Gift Guide
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 57
HOLIDAY GIF T GUIDE
DAVID YURMAN “MERCER” NECKLACE IN 18K YELLOW GOLD WITH PAVÉ DIAMONDS, $30,000.
Sissy's Log Cabin, sissyslogcabin.com
CONSUELA HANDMADE LEATHER “CHICA TOT E” IN SOPHIE, $165.
Kindred Mercantile, Conway, shopkindredmercantile.com
EMILY MCCARTHY “ROWAN” WRAP DRESS IN WINTER POP CHEETAH, $378.
Fairley Fancy, Sheridan, fairleyfancy.com
FOR HER
EMILY MCCART HY “POPPY” TOP IN GREEN SEQUIN CHEETAH, $268, AND COORDINAT ING “DOWNTOWN” JOGGERS, $248. “WILLA” EARRINGS FEATURING HAND-SET GLASS CRYSTALS, $248.
Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com
58 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
Fairley Fancy, Sheridan, fairleyfancy.com
YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND DANGLE EARRINGS, $1,995.
Wilkerson Jewelers, Stuttgart, wilkersonjewelers.com
HOLIDAY GIF T GUIDE
FOR HIM IM TAG HEUER “CARRERA” THREEHAND WATCH WIT H BROWN ALLIGATOR STRAP, $3,100.
Romance Diamond Co. Jewelers, Fayetteville and Rogers, romancediamond.com 2023 ONYX ADVENT CALENDAR FEATURING 24 DIFFERENT WHOLE BEAN COFFEE OFFERINGS, $189.
Onyx Coffee Lab, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Rogers, onyxcoffeelab.com
TALL COTTON GIN, GROWN AND DISTILLED IN ARKANSAS BY THE WILLIAMS FAMILY USING INGREDIENTS FROM THEIR FOURTH-GENERATION, BLACKOWNED FARM, $32.
Delta Dirt Distillery, Helena, deltadirtdistillery.com
LEE JOFA “FLYING DUCKS” BROWN LINEN PILLOW, $298.
Sugartown Mercantile, Stuttgart, sugartownmercantile.com
DUCK CAMP MALLARD EMBROIDERED SNAP-BACK HAT, $34.
Sugartown Mercantile, Stuttgart, sugartownmercantile.com
“FRANKIE” BUCK WALL MOUNT. FOX, RABBIT, MOUSE, BEAR, ELK, DUCK, MOOSE, DOE, AND PEACOCK ALSO AVAILABLE, $527.95.
Home, Holidays, and More, Batesville, 870-569-8037
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 59
HOLIDAY GIF T GUIDE
WHITE “SAND” PORCELAIN BOWL, $90.
Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock, kaufmanlumber.com
‘Orange Crush’ roses, ‘Free Spirit’ roses, red roses, blue hydrangeas, white hydrangeas, coffeeberries, and fresh-cut oranges
CERAMIC NUTCRACKER CONTAINER WITH A FRESH ARRANGEMENT, $350.
Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock, tiptonhurst.com
FOR T HE HOME
RECTANGULAR CAPIZ SHELL TRAY, $125.
Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock, kaufmanlumber.com
OPALINE GLASS HINGED BOX, $990.
Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com DECORATIVE BEETLES WITH MIRROR INSIDE, $79, AND WITH HIDDEN KEY HOOK, $39.
Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com
OUTDOOR UPHOLSTERED OTTOMAN WIT H REMOVABLE COVER, AVAILABLE IN MORE T HAN A DOZEN PATTERNS, $395.
Ken Rash’s Arkansas, Little Rock, kenrashsoutdoorfuniture.com UNIQUE “SPLASH” BOWL MADE OF HANDBLOWN GLASS USING THE FAZOLETTO TECHNIQUE, $485.
Fig Modern, Conway, figmodern.com
60 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
HOLIDAY GIF T GUIDE
FOR T HE TABLE “RIALTO” GLASS COUPE IN LIMONCELLO, $38 EACH.
Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com
RIBBED GLASS PITCHER, $39, AND COUPE GLASSES, $13 EACH.
Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com
“CASA NUNO” PINK AND WHIT E DINNER PLAT E, $60.
Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock, bearhillinteriors.com
FANCY PANZ 8X8 RED PLASTIC FOIL PAN CARRIER, $20 (INCLUDES CUSTOMIZATION).
Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock, mrspolkadot.net
BEATRIZ BALL “VIDA NUBE” MELAMINE BOWL, $56.
Casey Sarkin Home, Fayetteville, 479.530.0686
“BELLE FLEUR” BLUE GLASS GOBLETS, $80 (SET OF 4).
Sugartown Mercantile, Stuttgart, sugartownmercantile.com December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 61
HOLIDAY GIF T GUIDE
CHRIST MAS CLASSICS
HEREND GINGERBREAD HOUSE BOX, $520.
Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock, tiptonhurst.com
GREEN POM-POM TREES, $32 AND $38.
Casey Sarkin Home, Fayetteville, 479.530.0686
VIETRI “OLD ST. NICK” DINNER PLATE, SALAD PLAT E, AND BOWL, $59 TO $64 EACH. “SAFARI CHRISTMAS” LUX SATEEN CAPRI PAJAMA SET, $92.
Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com
The Full Moon, Little Rock, fullmoonlittlerock.com
HEREND CHRISTMAS TREE FIGURINE, $390.
Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock, tiptonhurst.com
GLASS TREES, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY, $37-$46.
Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com
LAUREN DUNN ACRYLIC NATIVITY SET, $230.
Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 62 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
HOLIDAY GIF T GUIDE MICRO-SUEDE GLOVES WITH VEGAN LEATHER BOW, AVAILABLE IN THREE COLORS, $21.
Rhea Drug Store, Little Rock, rheadrugstore.com
FLOUWER CO. ARTISANAL EDIBLE FLOWER CRACKERS, $13.50, AND SALTS AND COCKTAIL CUBES, $22 EACH.
Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com
SPONGELLÉ PEDI BUFFER WIT H BUILT-IN CLEANSER, AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF SCENTS, $18 EACH.
Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com
ST OCKING ST UF F ERS ANTEAGE MD TWO-STEP COMPREHENSIVE SKIN-CARE SYSTEM HARNESSES THE POWER OF STEM CELL GROWTH FACTORS TO PREVENT AND REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF SKIN AGING, $280 FOR SET.
Marina Lifestyle Medicine, Little Rock, marinalifestylemedicine.com
“CLASSY CHRISTMAS” KITCHEN TOWEL, $22 (PLUS $8 FOR CUSTOMIZATION).
Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock, mrspolkadot.net
JELLYCAT HOT CHOCOLAT E PLUSHIE, $35.
Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock, mrspolkadot.net
December 2023 | athomearkansas.com 63
E N D N OT E S
STATE OF INSPIRATION
Written by Stephanie Maxwell Newton. Photos courtesy of Henri Linton.
Henri Linton
“Arkansas River #70” by Henri Linton 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas
The sky takes on a range of hues in Henri Linton’s early landscapes, but in “Arkansas River #70,” it veers toward the pastel. Touches of blue-green and chartreuse show up in the trees and fields below, and the water has an almost purple tone, like the lavender reflected in the clouds above. “Color helps me express a mood or feeling,” Henri says, “more so than anything else in terms of how I feel and respond to the landscape around me.” Henri first discovered his love of art in the rural Alabama town where he was born and raised. He remembers saving his money from shining shoes and washing windows to buy art supplies and receiving encouragement from teachers to pursue his education at art school. “I entered a national competition at Columbus College of Art & Design and I received the top prize, which was a scholarship to attend the school,” Henri says. He graduated from the program in 1966 and, after completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Boston University, was offered a position at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. During his education, much of his work had been figurative. But that started to change when his wife went back to school in Ohio to work on her doctorate, and Henri 64 At Home in Arkansas | December 2023
flew often to visit her. “I’d spent a lot of time looking at the landscape from the ground level, but I began to see the world a lot differently when up in the sky in a plane,” he says. “You get a different sense of space and time.” He started taking pictures on these flights and sometimes enlisted the help of friends with planes at the small airport in Pine Bluff to take him up for 30 minutes or an hour at a time. Thus began a series that became popular throughout the 1990s: scenes of Arkansas waterways and farmland viewed from above and rendered in the impressionist style that made him considered one of the most well-known landscape artists in the state. During his 45-year tenure at UAPB—almost three decades of which were spent as the art department chair—he influenced countless students, giving them the confidence and skills necessary to dream big. After all, to Henri, bigger is better; in fact, he considers the works in his Arkansas landscape series to be quite small, and many of his more recent commissions span entire walls. “When I get up there to about 5, 6, or 7-foot squares, that’s a good, comfortable size for me,” he says. Henri takes commissions on a very limited basis. You can reach him at lintonstudio62@gmail.com
After
ACTUAL PATIENT Images have not been retouched.
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