Kaufman by Design West
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BALL CHAIRS
MARIANNA O’DEA & ELIZABETH FINCH
From the Editor
The Sound of Music’s “A Few of My Favorite Things” is a sort of accidental Christmas song. With its imagery of snowflakes, sleigh bells, and warm woolen mittens, it’s a perfect fit alongside popular holiday tunes. I found myself humming along to Julie Andrews in October while putting together this year’s Holiday Gift Guide (page 71) and thinking about my own favorite things, many of which—like in the musical—surface around the holidays. There’s the scent of citrus mingling with spices as I stir a pot of mulled wine on the stove. The crinkle of tissue paper as I carefully unwrap each ornament bound for the Christmas tree. Lines from White Christmas and The Holiday—movies I feel like I’ve seen a thousand times but that never get old—playing in the background while I wrestle wrapping paper around a pile of gifts. It’s no wonder people are decorating their homes earlier and earlier for Christmas these days—we want just a few extra days of our favorite things! In recent years, our Holiday Homes Issue has been added to the list of faves. It’s all about the joy we find in the season—and, perhaps most importantly, how to share it with others. Merry Christmas!
Reader Responses
Your feedback to stories in our October issue
“Best of Both Worlds,” featuring the home of designer Lee Anne Stelte
“Love it and wish there were more homes like this available in the area!”
—CAROL M. VIA FACEBOOK
“I drive by this house every day on my way to work. One of my favorite houses in town. Well done!”
—BRIAN B. VIA FACEBOOK
“Gentlemen’s Quarters,” featuring the home of designer Jonathan Parkey
“So nice to see some COLOR! Love this! ”
—LEA ANN S. VIA FACEBOOK
“Beyond talented. Little Rock is lucky to have him!!”
—KATIE W. VIA FACEBOOK
“Discover Jonesboro & The Delta”
“Thank you for another incredible taste of all the Delta has to offer. We are so tickled to see our friends in Stuttgart mentioned, as well as our sister museums throughout the state!”
—MUSEUM OF THE ARKANSAS GRAND PRAIRIE VIA FACEBOOK
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor in Chief STEPHANIE@ATHOMEARKANSAS.COM
GET IN TOUCH!
We love hearing from our readers. If you have a question, correction, or simply want to share your thoughts on a story, email stephanie@athomearkansas.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (@athomearkansas).
Photos by
Style
Cherry Picked
Test the trending theory that everything’s better with a pop of “unexpected red”
PREVIOUS PAGE
Jonathan Adler tray. Bear Hill Interiors, Little Rock 501.907.9272
“Colette” martini glasses. Cobblestone & Vine, Bentonville and Little Rock COBBLESTONEANDVINE.COM
9 Acrylic table with red leather tray. Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Little Rock CANTRELLFURNITURE.COM 5
Red glass bowl, cocktail napkins, and Vietri “Hibiscus” glass vase. Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock TIPTONHURST.COM
1 & 2 “Darcy” linen pillow in Cherry and Peacock and “Lana” mini bag in Red. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock CYNTHIAEASTFABRICS.COM
3 & 4 “Coral Reef” candlestick and 22-ounce cocktail shaker. Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM
5 Toile scalloped melamine plate. Sugartown Mercantile, Stuttgart SUGARTOWNMERCANTILE.COM
6 Tiled coasters. Darcy Apparel, Fayetteville DARCYAPPAREL.COM
7 “Olivier” club chair. Anthropologie, Little Rock ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM
8 Alexa Hampton for Visual Comfort 30-inch table lamp. Light Innovations, Little Rock LIGHT-INNOVATIONS.COM
Photos courtesy of vendors
Polished & Practical
Get a handle on your cabinetry with new options for pulls, knobs, and backsplashes
PRODUCER TIFFANY ADAMS
Photos courtesy of vendors
Door lever and cabinetry knob from Emtek SELECT’s “Walnut” collection, shown with coordinating rosettes in varying styles and finishes.
1 “Reeves” T-knobs in Warm Brass from Atlas Homewares. 2 Ashley Norton “Rectangular Knobs” in Oak and Walnut. 3 Crossville’s “Snippet” wall tile in Cotton. 4 Emtek “Habitat” appliance pull, T-knob, and button knob, all shown in Flat Black. 5 “Burnham” pulls from Top Knobs, shown in Ash Gray. 6 Baldwin “Gramercy” knob in Satin Black. 7 “Benning” knob with backplate, shown in Warm Brass from Atlas Homewares. 8 “Corrazzo” tile from Enhance by Emser Tile. 9 Ann Sacks “Dolante” porcelain tile in RiceNatural. 10 “Raku” glazed tile in Charcoal from Emser Tile. 11 “Lucas” lever in White Bronze Patina from Ashley Norton.
BALDWIN
Kaufman By Design West , kaufmanlumber.com PC Hardware, pchdwe.com Sanders Supply, sanderssupply.net
ANN SACKS
Available to the trade.
ASHLEY NORTON
Duke Custom Cabinets , dukecustomcabinets.com PC Hardware, pchdwe.com Sanders Supply, sanderssupply.net
ATLAS HOMEWARES
Design 1 , lumber1.com Distinctive Kitchens & Baths , kitchensofarkansas.com
Duke Custom Cabinets , dukecustomcabinets.com Encore Building Products , encoregroupusa.com Gilmore’s Custom Kitchens , gilmoreskitchens.com Kaufman By Design West , kaufmanlumber.com PC Hardware, pchdwe.com Sanders Supply, sanderssupply.net Southern Interiors , southerninteriors.net
CALIFORNIA FAUCETS
Falk Plumbing Supply, falksupply.com The Plumbing Warehouse, theplumbingwarehouselittlerock.com Triton Stone Group , tritonstone.com
CROSSVILLE
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 , lawsflooring.com ProSource of Little Rock , prosourcewholesale.com Southern Interiors , southerninteriors.net Statements For the Home, statementsforthehome.com
River Flooring , whiteriverflooring.com
WEEKDAYS
European Influence
A Bentonville family enlists designer Riley Lindley to transform their kitchen’s style and functionality
“Swiss Coffee” Benjamin Moore
After more than a decade in their home, Nikki and Mike Keller were ready to update one of their most-used and most-loved rooms: the kitchen. “She called and said, We are doing a project, and I have no idea where to start. Can you help?” recalls interior designer Riley Lindley, who was recommended by the Kellers’ contractor, Home Concerns. After hitting it off, Riley—who is part of a team of four at ESI Design, the firm her mother, Edith Snell, started decades prior—talked with the family about their needs and wishes and sketched out a plan.
“We wanted a lot of what we didn’t have,” Mike says. Notably, a spacious island with seating that faced the cookspace and the dining area, more storage, and a pared down, transitional style. Previously, the workspace and dining areas were focused in one corner, inhibiting the flow of the room and, perhaps, not making the best use of the square footage. Riley solved this with an updated floor plan featuring straight cabinetry lines that create a clear path through the room. “It’s more functional because we were all packed in one area. Now we can line up on the island and it is easier to go in and out,”
Nikki says. In the design process, Riley also extended the cabinetry to the ceiling and selected finishes that create what she calls a “European modern” style. “Nikki likes warmth but wanted it to feel a little more contemporary and a little less cottagey,” Riley says.
Other must-haves, including a larger refrigerator and range, were placed within the new plan, while new white oak flooring replaced a mix of red hardwoods and tile. Design tweaks, including the removal of heavy crown molding and updated millwork around the window frames also made a significant impact. “My job is to help others figure out what their style is; to cultivate that and make it a better version of what they need and want,” Riley says.
“People congregate in the kitchen—no matter how big it is—so making it functional is so important.”
—Riley Lindley, designer
1
COMPACT DISCS
Two slim, disc-shaped pendants from the Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort collection illuminate the island. The clear contrast of black and gold speaks to the kitchen’s mix of European and modern flair.
2
ANGLING STYLE
Riley selected an angled-neck Brizo faucet in matte black. “We chose a little more masculine lever because we thought that was fun,” she adds. It pairs with a large, single-basin sink that is ideal for washing large pots and pans.
3
AGED TO PERFECTION
After poring over multiple options for pulls, Nikki found an aged-brass style from deVOL Kitchens that everyone agreed was a perfect complement to the aesthetic. The hardware will continue to develop a natural patina over time.
4
SEAMLESS TRANSITION
Cambria’s “Everleigh” quartz extends from the countertops up onto the backsplash. “This has become a recent trend, but it’s honestly brilliant because you don’t have grout lines. If you splatter spaghetti sauce, you can wipe the entire surface clean,” Riley says.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Merry in the Making
Using her latest cookbook as a guide, Amy Hannon shares easy-to-prepare brunch ideas that look and taste gourmet
AMY HANNON’S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH MENU
HAM AND LEEK STRATA
PIMENTO CHEESE GRITS
LEMON PARSLEY POTATOES
SWEET CREAM SCONES WITH EASY CLOTTED CREAM & FRESH CRANBERRY SAUCE PARFAITS WITH HOMEMADE GRANOLA WITH CRANBERRIES & ALMONDS
Words like gracious and hospitable get thrown around in the kitchens of great Southern cooks all the time but at Amy Hannon’s home in Rogers they carry weight. Enter the front door during the holiday season and you’ll be greeted with the sound of Christmas carols crooned by legends, the sight of festive yet elegantly understated greenery and ribbon, and—of course—a mouthwatering mix of divine scents that waft in from the kitchen. As the founder of the beloved “hospitality lifestyle brand” Euna Mae’s, Amy practices what she preaches, if you will.
ORANGE CRANBERRY BREAD CINNAMON SUGAR CRUFFINS
A big part of this comes in creating, making, and sharing recipes. Her third book and second cookbook, Satisfied: Savories & Sweets that Feed the Belly and Soul, explores the joy of creating meals to share with loved ones that leave them (and you) “fed and filled” both literally and figuratively. As an empty nester, she notes the pace of her life has slowed and that’s reflected in this collection of recipes, all of which are still written with an ease of understanding and method that has the home cook in mind. “I’m cooking for pleasure now; it’s not a break-a-sweat, put-my-hair-in-a-ponytail, get-food-on-the-table rush, but a slowed-down, hearty, kind of heirloom style of cooking,” she says, pointing out her Scratch Meatballs and a beautiful
BERRY DELICIOUS SCONES
“My husband, Sam, and I regularly visit friends in the United Kingdom, which is where my love for scones began,” Amy shares. While they are a recent addition to her kitchen, she has been making biscuits for years. “Those two are practically kin,” she says with a laugh. For this version, which are more melt-in-your-mouth rather than dry and ideal for dipping in tea or coffee, she adds a helping of her Easy Clotted Cream and Fresh Cranberry Sauce. “The sugary tartness of the cranberries with the richness of the clotted cream are a match made in heaven,” Amy says. Not only do they look and smell like the holidays, they taste like Christmas, too.
SAVORY THE MOMENT
The menu’s savory dishes offer flexibility for a cook who may be balancing gift opening and greeting guests with meal preparations. For example, Amy’s Ham and Leek Strata can be served warm or at room temperature, much like a quiche, while the Pimento Cheese Grits can be made up to two days ahead of time and reheated on the stove with the addition of a spoonful of chicken stock or milk. Lemon Parsley Potatoes make for a quick side dish that comes together in less than 15 minutes with little hands-on prep, leaving you free to savor the season with your loved ones. “It's a really lovely holiday menu that feels special to me, but, quite frankly, these recipes are ideal for New Year’s, Easter, and Mothers Day, too,” Amy says.
Released in November, Satisfied includes recipes for all of the dishes featured here. It is available for order on Amy’s website (eunamaes.com) and through select local bookstores. Meet Amy in person and snag a signed copy at Fayetteville’s City Supply on Sunday, December 8.
Mushroom Lasagna. “It’s probably a little more elevated, but it’s slower and more therapeutic where I’m just enjoying cooking because I’ve got the time to do it.”
However, as a mother of three, she does understand the fatigue that can accompany cooking, whether it’s being tired of the same go-to dishes or even lacking the know-how. “I wanted to put totally doable, normal-people recipes in your hands, so that you are more likely to find joy feeding your family on Tuesday or having your friends over on a Friday. That’s my hope; that everyday people, moms, wives, anybody can cook and make
TO KEEP OR TO GIVE
Food is a popular—and flavorful—gift during the season. Make a batch of Satisfied ’s Homemade Granola with Cranberries and Almonds days in advance and package it in airtight jars to give to friends and neighbors or serve at your own table. “It's so good with yogurt and fruit, and sometimes I eat it by the handful on its own to satisfy a little sweet tooth!” Amy says, adding that it stays fresh for several weeks. The newly released cookbook also includes a recipe for Orange Cranberry Bread that can be baked and wrapped to give away and be eaten within a couple of days.
this food and be proud of it,” Amy says. She also notes many of the dishes can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for quick weeknight meals or comfort foods to take to friends.
With Satisfied releasing as we head into the holiday season, Amy gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a few of her favorite recipes featured in the new title. “I really love this brunch menu because it can offer a breakfast, lunch, or even an early dinner feel,” she says. “With all of the company that comes and goes, it's nice to have a meal that can be enjoyed at various times of day to suit your Christmas Day or weekend schedule.”
PREPARE
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with 8 tall bakery parchment liners or create your own using 5-inch squares of parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unroll one can of crescent roll dough, pressing together the seams. Use a rolling pin to lightly roll the dough out. Spread 2 tablespoons of soft butter over the surface. Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle about ¼ cup over the buttered dough. Roll the dough into one long log. Use a knife to cut the log in half, then cut each half in half. Repeat with the second can of dough.
Run the tip of a sharp knife lengthwise down the top of each section, about ½-inch deep. Then roll each dough section into a spiral, tucking the
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Yields 8 SHOP
Pastry
2 cans of Pillsbury Grands
Butter Flake Crescent Rolls, (12-ounce, 8-count)
4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon half and half or heavy cream
splash of vanilla extract
end underneath. Roll the spirals in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place in the muffin pan. Repeat with all pieces. Reserve the remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, create the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, adding more powdered sugar or cream to your desired consistency. Remove cruffins from the oven and immediately sprinkle a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon sugar over each hot cruffin. Cool for 10 minutes before drizzling with glaze.
Follow Amy on Instagram (@eunamaes) for more recipes, culinary events, and kitchen inspiration.
Discover Benton & Bryant
A business owner shares how his passion for pizza has roots—and plans for future growth—in Saline County
WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER BAILEY DOUGAN
Mural by artist Jessica Kay visible from Progress Way in Bryant.
Pizza sauce runs deep in Brian Krikorian’s veins. The owner of Different Dough Pizza Co. in Bryant spent much of his childhood at his parent’s restaurant, Sergio’s Pizza, a mainstay in Benton’s Lincoln Square Shopping Center in the 1990s. Even after Sergio’s closed and Brian’s parents moved on to other things, his fascination with pizza remained. “I wrote my first pizza business plan when I was 14 years old,” he says. “I have other aspirations, but this is where I wanted to get my feet on the ground. Pizza is the dream for me.” After cutting his teeth at a major fast food franchise and training under a wellknown pizza chef in San Francisco, he opened Different Dough Pizza Co. in 2023. Here, we discuss the ways in which pizza brings people together and why this entrepreneur’s betting big on Benton and Bryant.
Q: TELL US ABOUT THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF PIES AT DIFFERENT DOUGH PIZZA CO.
A: I offer New York style and Detroit style. I love Detroit style, and we don’t have the opportunity for it much in Arkansas, so it
brings something new to the area. It’s also my favorite. I believe if you’re going to run a business based on passion, you shouldn’t offer things you aren’t royally passionate about. New York is on the menu to give people a real standard; though it has more sauce, cheese, and toppings than standard New York-style pizza, so it’s my version of New York.
Q: WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR MENU COME FROM?
A: I started with my parents’ recipe then got some training from the International School of Pizza. I have 14 books in my restaurant right now, just strictly about pizza. The beautiful thing about pizza is you can put anything on it. The sauce can be changed, the cheese can be changed—anything can go on pizza. You can bring in different cultures and get inspired to build something different.
Q: BENTON HAS HAD A STRONG COHORT OF SMALL BUSINESSES FOR DECADES, AND IT SEEMS LIKE A SIMILAR SCENE IN BRYANT IS NOW GROWING. WHY IS THAT?
A: It really does feel like it’s changing. When I opened in 2023, I could walk out the front door and see Speakeasy Cafe. There are seven buildings between me and Speakeasy now. They’re filling up, and this [Market Place Avenue] is becoming what
RŌBER True Gentleman
Brian Krikorian, owner of Different Dough Pizza Co.
Different Dough Pizza Co.
will eventually become a downtown area. It’s giving people the opportunity to live in this community without having to leave. Before opening the store, I looked it up and the average commute time in Bryant was 28 minutes. That makes us a suburb, not a town where people will raise their children and those children will raise their children. Are we finished? No. But we’re getting to build a community between Benton and Bryant that is a self-sufficient community—where you can drive 5 or 10 minutes up the road and find everything you need. That’s what’s driving this growth. That’s what’s going to get us into the future.
SHOP
Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Benton and Bryant
With locations in Benton and Bryant, TRUE BOUTIQUE (trueboutiquebenton.com) is Saline County’s go-to for women’s apparel, from in-season trends to game-day looks. Shopping for the man in your life? Check out sister store TRUE GENTLEMEN ( 501-303-0302) in Benton for fleeces, quarter-zips, formalwear, and more. For a selection of fine jewelry and gifts, visit SPARKS FINE JEWELRY AND GIFTS (sparksfinejewelry.com), which has the reputation as Benton’s “hometown jeweler.” In Bryant, treat yourself with an appointment at FLAWLESS MED SPA ( flawlessmedspa.info), which offers hydrafacials, dermaplaning, laser treatments, injectables, and other med spa services.
Copper Mule Table & Tap
Baja Grill
A stack of pancakes at Blue House Bakery & Cafe in Bryant
Creative Floors
DINE
For inspired Mexi-Cali, head to BAJA GRILL (eatbajagrill.com) in downtown Benton and order one of their famous margaritas with your choice of tacos, nachos, quesadillas, a burrito, or a naked bowl. Next door, the same restaurant group is behind R Ō BER (eatrober.com), which offers elevated drinks and dishes in an intimate atmosphere. COPPER MULE TABLE & TAP (coppermuletableandtap.com) in Bryant is Saline County’s go-to for Cajun eats; be sure to ask for a cocktail menu and daily specials. Also in Bryant, ROOKH (rookhknight.com) offers a unique fusion of Italian and Indian cuisine—think Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza and Spaghetti Vindaloo.
VISIT
Just in time to celebrate the season, THE ROYAL THEATRE (theroyaltheatre.org) in Benton presents Silver Belles: A Christmas Comedy. Sponsored by Everett Buick GMC, the show runs December 5-15 with evening performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and a matinee showing on Sundays. The City of Bryant hosts its first CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK holiday celebration on December 14. Follow Bryant City Hall on Facebook ( facebook.com/BryantCityHall) for more information regarding the festivities, which take place 1-6 p.m. in Mills Park.
Copper Mule Table & Tap
Downtown Benton
True Boutique
Southern Draw
“Our house looks very different now than it did when we moved in,” says the owner of this Chenal home. After a decade of living with a neutral palette, the empty nest couple—who now have grandchildren—craved color and comfort. “We had gone through some hard things and had the itch to make a change,” she further explains. In particular, they wanted to create a welcoming refuge from the world where pieces are meaningful but nothing is too precious that you can’t put your feet up and relax. “I grew up in Mississippi and remember homes with a sense of warmth and elegance but also a casualness. I admired them and how
you felt when you were there, and I wanted to replicate that,” she says.
Having just completed a beach house with the help of Birmingham-based designer Fran Keenan, the homeowners called to see if Fran was willing to redesign their primary residence. She jumped at the chance. “I would work with them until I’m 80!” she says. Taking a client-based approach to her projects, Fran seeks to bring out the best of what each homeowner is drawn to and capitalize on that. Here, this philosophy meant working with a collection of art and antiques and bringing in time-honored colors and fabrics that will never feel dated. “I have a hashtag that I use a lot, ‘#oldbreaksthemold,’” Fran says. “When you take an antique
WARM WELCOME
The front door opens to introduce a classic, understated Christmas scene with fresh garland, pinecones, and satin bows draping from the banister. Underfoot, a brick floor with worn formations brings instant character to the entry. Aside from being a comfortable perch, the French settee, recovered in Colefax and Fowler’s “Castele,” creates an enchanting drop zone for guests’ winter coats and handbags.
or vintage piece and recover it, no one else has that. It makes your house your own—taking a piece with a bit of pedigree and thrusting it into daily life with a fabric that is fresh.” While wall colors, fabrics, and rugs set the backdrop, these pieces of interest, including furniture, collectibles, and numerous paintings were key in building the evolved-overtime look. “I love antiques and, as we could afford, I have bought to add to our home. I’ve always been drawn to their history, and I don’t mind if a drawer sticks when you go to open it,” the owner says, adding that she has learned more about her personal style as she’s grown older. “You’re the one who will be surrounded by it all the time, so you have to love it,” she says.
During the Christmas season, there’s an extra layer of cheer throughout the home as fresh cedar garlands adorn the banister and mantels, all part of a design created by Tanarah Luxe Floral. “She always likes a very English antique vibe,” notes floral designer Steven Berardesca, adding that touches like the keepsake ornaments and pinecones dropped from bows on the trees personalize the look. “When you have beautiful antiques like this, you want to embrace that natural elegance,” he says. With the couple’s four grown children now having busy lives of their own, the holiday season is an extra sweet time to pause, reflect on its meaning, and enjoy togetherness. “You can show love towards others and your family through your home, and that’s my intent,” the owner says. AH
“You can show love towards others and your family through your home, and that’s my intent.”
—homeowner
FEELS LIKE FAMILY
“All the walls here were white, and Fran said, I want this room to feel like a hug ,” the homeowner says of the living room transformation that started with green paint. “I wanted to give it a shot of B12 with some pigment,” Fran adds. “The room really began to sing with the green.” With the owners already having a large collection of 18th and 19th century framed landscape paintings, Fran chose to display these prominently. “We love doing gallery walls because they can make a room feel grounded and intentional, and it’s expressive for the clients,” the designer says. Sofas placed in an L-shape invite close conversation, while a pair of bergère chairs add to the room’s European flair.
MADE FOR HER
“We call this ‘the lady room,’” Fran says of a small study located just off the entry. “She knew I liked to have a place to do my bible study or read and sip coffee, so she made this space for me,” the owner says. While the armoire was already a part of the scheme, the wall color seemed to bring the room to life. “This is a French pink that has enough brown that it can relate to the older pieces in the room,” the designer notes.
Tanarah Luxe Floral outfits the family tree with natural pinecones that drop from silky satin bows, and the family places keepsake ornaments that personalize the look. Each year, the father also writes letters of affirmation to the couple’s children and tucks them into the tree on Christmas Eve to be opened the following morning.
NEUTRAL GROUND
Fran painted the kitchen cabinetry in an aged white that gives the room an instant warmth and also feels harmonious with the adjoining keeping room. “When you have a kitchen that talks to a living space, a neutral makes it feel cohesive; it makes the house feel comfortable,” the designer says. Four-sided metal lanterns and caned-back Louis XVI-style barstools complete the space, while understated greenery adds a touch of festivity.
Using the homeowners’
holiday pattern, the table was set for a family dinner, complete with magnolia leaves that double as place cards.
GRACIOUS DINING
In the dining room, a GP&J Baker wallpaper strikes a bold yet refined note on the walls, hints of which can be seen from the entry. The couple held onto a table they had purchased years prior while Fran added hostess chairs that are reupholstered in a pair of fabrics (as seen on page 45). “There’s a lot of wood so the fabric needed to make a statement here, and bringing in a different one on the back makes the chair feel lighter,” she notes.
LIVABLE LOUNGE
In the keeping room, Fran played off the statement-making ceiling and reclaimed heart pine floors with draperies that bring a softness to the windows and walls. When it’s just the two of them, the couple spends the majority of their time in this space so a comfortable sofa and swivel chairs in durable fabrics were key. The sconces were purchased years prior when Providence Design existed as a booth inside Fabulous Finds. “I had these in my last house and had to bring them here; I absolutely love them,” the homeowner says of the pieces, which she had outfitted with custom shades.
SEEING A PATTERN
Fran created the custom upholstered bed frame, fondly naming the design after her client. Its fabric (Namay Samay’s “Alya-Chota”) complements Lee Jofa’s “Luzon” print on the drapes. The homeowner purchased the botanicals on a trip to Jackson, Mississippi, while the plates are a find from Roy Dudley Estate Sales. After connecting with fellow antique lover Jen Bienvenu at Little Rock’s Sweet Home clement, the homeowner asked for her help in artfully hanging these pieces and locally sourcing other accessories to complete the room.
AN OPEN INVITATION
Wanting to create a welcoming statement and bring in natural light, Debi traded the home’s single wood entry door for a more modern ironand-glass pair. A wooden stairwell was also exchanged for a black iron version that complements the new doors. Paul starts the blue, white, and gold Christmas scene at the front door to give guests a glimpse of what to expect throughout the house.
Creating Calm
Paul Guess, owner of the Guess & Company Christmas warehouse in Des Arc, works with designer Debi Davis to create an elegant retreat complete with holiday décor
There’s no place like Des Arc for Paul Guess. Having worked as a pharmaceutical rep for 13 years, Paul traveled to and lived in numerous locations both in Arkansas and beyond. But he always longed for home. “Family is a core value for me, and I thought I had missed too many of my nieces’ and nephews’ activities, so it was time for me to come home,” says the Prairie County native.
The path that led him back was an unexpected one. During his time in sales, Paul attended a Harvard Business School program that reignited an interest he had long held in international business. In 2008, he decided to dip his toe in the water with a pop-up Christmas shop in Searcy. “I was testing the theory that if you have a good product and provide exceptional service, you can be successful even in a down economy,” he says. This first endeavor was a hit. After his then-employer asked him to move to Indianapolis, he knew it was time to head home and consider making this new venture a full-time gig. Upon moving back, he spent his days curating a list of importers he could work with on designs for holiday décor and accessories.
Today, Guess & Company has become known as Arkansas’s holiday destination. From October through early December, some 30,000 people descend on the town to shop 60,000 square feet of ornaments, floral pieces, ribbon, and seasonal accessories—two-thirds of which are designed by Paul—and candles from his Lux Fragrances line. However, he is as tickled about what this means for Des Arc as he is about following his passion. “There is nothing that makes my heart more full than to drive through town at
this time of year and see other businesses full,” he says. In addition to bringing guests to town, the warehouse employs more than 50 high school students and donates the sales of all VIP Night tickets to charitable organizations. “It’s very humbling for me to think about, but I also feel a great sense of responsibility,” Paul says.
With all of these plates spinning, Paul feels it is imperative that his home be a place of calm where he can rest. To achieve this feeling of serenity, he turned to longtime friend and Little Rock designer Debi Davis. “Debi is one of the most talented designers in the Southern U.S. Nobody can pull together textiles and textures like her,” he says. Having worked together on several of his homes, she knew his taste and needs well. “I wanted everything to work with his lifestyle and for this to be a really livable home for him where he can relax,” Debi adds. Paul notes he was especially grateful, having rented a home in the area for years before purchasing this one to make his own.
It’s obvious he finds joy in decorating for the season, but Paul is mindful this is not the case for all. “I hope that we are all conscientious about the photos we share of our wreaths, garlands, and gifts this season. By sharing my home, I hope it brings joy for others but never makes someone feel less than. Times are not easy, and I want to be cognizant of that,” he says. To this point, he takes a sensible approach with holiday decorations, basing schemes on his everyday décor and choosing pieces that speak to him. “I’m on a budget just like everyone else, so I don’t change it up every year, but I will add to what I have,” he says. “It’s very calming and serene because this is my sanctuary.” AH
WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST BAILEY DOUGAN
WELL-ROUNDED DÉCOR
Debi complemented Paul’s beloved old-world-style dining table with a contemporary light fixture and mirrored walls that she notes help make the small dining space feel larger. The table’s coordinating chairs were recovered in an elegant cut velvet that adds to the design’s current accents.
“The way I select Christmas décor is based on my everyday décor, but it’s equally important that it reflects me.”
—Paul Guess, homeowner
Paul Guess of Guess & Company in his living room.
WINTRY MIX
White walls and neutral furnishings provide a serene backdrop for gilded Christmas décor in Paul’s formal living room. His tree is adorned with floral picks, ornaments, and accessories in the gold, blue, and white palette found throughout the home, while a coordinating garland, crafted from the same elements, brings cheer to the mantel.
REORIENTED, RESTYLED
“The previous layout of the kitchen was L-shaped, and it just didn’t work well for him,” Debi says. To remedy this, she gave the room a full makeover with cabinetry being repositioned to create a small bartop for quick meals and the sink being relocated to offer a view outdoors. A former dining space in the bay window was transformed into a sitting area, a feature Paul felt he would use more frequently.
“I love helping people create a tree or a place setting because it brings them joy. I can help them forget about all their problems for a moment—or three hours if they are shopping in the warehouse!”
—Paul Guess, homeowner
OUTDOOR INSPIRATION
“Paul is big on having the inside and outside match—and so am I,” Debi says, pointing to the den, which has views of the home’s pool and outdoor living area that feature a similar palette and style. “You don’t want to go into a colonial home and see something very contemporary,” she adds. In the background, a powder bath features a blue chinoiserie wallpaper that is echoed in this room’s accessories. Solid-hue swivel chairs, gold accents, and an acrylic glass-top table add to the clean and current feel.
A Fresh Take
Thoughtful details and a palette of pastels— both at the holidays and year-round—bring cheer to a west Little Rock new build
WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON
PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK
STYLIST BAILEY DOUGAN
SEASIDE INSPIRATION
Whitewashed woods and rattan details give the home a coastal flair, which Amy notes was an underlying theme throughout the design. “They love the beach, and we were just trying to bring a little bit of that here,” she says. AF Decorative completed the faux finish on the ceiling and beams, and the abstract beach scene over the fireplace is by local artist Lauren Anderson. The chandelier, a bespoke creation from Julie Neill’s line for Visual Comfort, was one of Amy’s favorite selections for the room.
ELEVATED ENTRY
The arched front door framed by draperies is a favorite feature for both the designer and homeowners. “It offers privacy at night, but also looks so cozy from the inside,” Amy says. Over the entry table, a painting by Lauren Anderson introduces the home’s aesthetic from the get-go.
“Alabaster”
ALL IS CALM
The neutral palette continues in the kitchen, where a honed quartzite covers the countertops and backsplash. The blend of black plumbing fixtures with gold hardware and lighting was a suggestion from Amy that creates a more custom look. “The mix of metals was eye-opening for me. You get in your mind that everything has to match,” Karen says. A wet bar to the left of the kitchen invites guests to pour a drink when the family entertains.
Karen and Kris Upton were on a walk through the recently developed neighborhood they now call home when they happened upon the perfect lot. “It was during COVID, and we ended up walking through this neighborhood and just loved the houses on the golf course,” Karen says. As president and CEO of real estate firm RPM Group, Kris’s initial thought was to purchase several lots, build houses, and put them on the market. “Then we decided we wanted one for ourselves,” Karen recalls.
They started working on the home’s drawings with Rick Alexander, residential home builder and a member of RPM’s staff, in hopes of creating a customized residence. “Our previous home was a spec house, and this time we wanted our own house from start to finish,” Karen says. “As we were working on the plan, I realized I was going to need help.” Enter
Sherwin-Williams
O, CHRISTMAS SCHEME
Like the everyday décor, the Christmas tree has a transitional flair: Traditional ribbons and baubles adorn the tree, but a pastel palette and sprigs of eucalyptus give it a contemporary feel. Blush and blue are woven throughout every detail, from the ribbons and ornaments to stacks of presents spilling out underneath.
SITTING PRETTY
In the casual dining space, a nature-inspired chandelier was intentionally hung high so as not to block the view of the golf course; after all, the green setting was the couple’s main draw to the lot. The fixture’s contemporary style is balanced by the vintage feel of the sideboard. “We were definitely trying to keep some traditional roots with this,” Amy says of the mix. Miniature wreaths on the back of each dining chair and a garland coordinate with the home’s Christmas scheme.
Sherwin-Williams
Amy Terry, designer and owner of AC Designs. With a son the same age as the Uptons’, Amy had known the couple for years and even helped with small interiors projects and Christmas décor in the past.
For this home, Karen and Kris desired an open floor plan downstairs where they could host friends and family as well as a designated space upstairs for their college-aged son. To that end, a media room located right off his bedroom is a popular hangout when he’s home for the holidays. Amy helped delineate the spaces with color: a neutral palette accented with soft pinks and blues sets the tone on the lower level, while the second story rooms are drenched in a moody navy blue.
During the building process Amy looked for opportunities to tweak built-in details. “We wanted to do a few things that would make this house special and help set it apart,” the designer says. The gentle slope of the living room fireplace, a herringbone feature wall in the dining area, and an arched front door are all evidence of these early changes. “I definitely
HER SPACE
Sliding barn doors off the entry lead to Karen’s office, where Schumacher’s “Indian Arbre” is the star of the show behind the desk and in the built-ins. The mirrored desk and Greek key-patterned pillows speak to the home’s traditional influence, while simplified ginger jars and clean-lined chairs keep the look current. Wreaths, ribbons, and a holiday swag continue the seasonal cheer.
think building and new construction is a team approach,” she adds. “Even your best laid plans will have to change and be reconfigured. Everyone working together comes up with the best plan.”
Candace Davis, Amy’s partner in AC Designs Holiday, came on to help with the family’s Christmas décor—which was installed at the same time the Uptons moved into their new home. The team infused the seasonal additions, from baubles on the tree to ribbons tied on wreaths and swags throughout the house, with the home’s soft palette of pinks and blues. “I love walking in every room and seeing a little touch of Christmas,” Amy says.
“Having Rick and Amy work together with us was probably one of the best decisions we ever made,” Karen says. “I know people think design work is expensive, but I will truly say having Amy’s expertise prevented me from making costly mistakes. Her knowledge and ability to tie everything together made the biggest difference.” AH
“Crushed Ice”
HIS RETREAT
Upstairs, the media room is color-drenched in a navy hue for a more masculine take on the downstairs’ beachy blues. “We love how that treatment completely makes it cozy,” Amy says. The hair-on-hide ottoman, textiles, and, in particular, a custom painting ordered from Etsy speak to Kris’s desire for a Southwest theme, while built-ins house family photos and memorabilia. “We wanted a place to display their personal items, and everything there is meaningful,” the designer adds.
“Gibraltar” Sherwin-Williams
SIMPLICITY REIGNS
Amy and the homeowners opted for layers of neutrals in the primary suite. “I love simple; simple doesn’t have to be boring,” Amy says. Polished nickel and marble are timeless selections in the bathroom, where the vanity offers his-and-her sinks for getting ready. “We wanted something to stand the test of time and be classic, and when we saw those faucets we knew we had to have them,” the designer says. “Those were our starting point.”
“I love walking in every room and seeing a little touch of Christmas.”
—Amy Terry, designer
In the powder bath, Thibaut’s “Prisma” grasscloth marries the light and dark shades of blue seen throughout the house. An evergreen swag with blue and pink ribbons signals the holiday season over the mirror.
Design Resources
BUILDER Rick Alexander, RPM Group CHRISTMAS DESIGN Amy Terry and Candace Davis, AC Designs Holiday INTERIOR DESIGN Amy Terry, AC Designs ART AC Designs, Ashley Saer, Amy Waggoner, Emily Cobb, Lauren Anderson, and M2 Gallery APPLIANCES Metro Appliances & More CHRISTMAS DÉCOR Juniper Hill, Silks A Bloom, and Tanarah Luxe Floral COUNTERTOPS Affordable Granite and More FABRICS, LIGHTING, WALLPAPER, AND WINDOW COVERINGS AC Designs FURNITURE Cobblestone & Vine, Cost Plus Furniture Warehouse, HOWSE, Kaufman By Design, and Providence Designs FLOORING AND TILE Lumber1 Home Center PAINTING (DECORATIVE) AF Decorative RUGS AC Designs and Martinous Oriental Rugs
MERRY & BRIGHT
HOLIDAY PLAYLIST HOLIDAY PLAYLIST
Turn up the radio and shop local with gift ideas from Arkansas retailers inspired by the sounds of the season
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Knot hand-felted wool slippers (also available in pink and red), $86. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock
Lux+Soul lotion candle (with skin-nourishing ingredients for your hands, feet, and body), $36. Lux+Soul, Little Rock
$115. The Shop at Fringe (located in Fringe Salon), Little Rock
Elephant plushie by Jellycat, $35. Box Turtle, Little Rock
Pickles: The Quick-Action Party Game That’ll Get People Talking, $20. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock
For foodies, cooks, and those who love to host
$179.99 (includes customization). Cache River Mill & MetalWorks, North Little Rock CACHERIVERMILL.COM
Reindeer wine bottle holders, $19.99 each. Cache River Creative Company, North Little Rock CACHERIVERCREATIVE.COM
SO Restaurant Bar’s Chocolate Sack dessert. Gift cards available in any amount. SO Restaurant Bar, Little Rock 501.663.1464
The Hungover Cookbook by Milton Crawford, $10. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock CYNTHIAEASTFABRICS.COM
Salon), Little Rock THESHOPATFRINGE.COM
in
Adult and child’s striped apron set, $45 (plus $8 for customization). Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock MRSPOLKADOT.NET
Teak folding fruit basket, $56. The Shop at Fringe (located
Fringe
Vietri “Incanto Stone” assorted 16-piece place setting (featuring four dinner plates, four salad plates, four pasta bowls, and four cereal bowls), $892. Studio West, Little Rock SHOPSTUDIOWEST.COM
Dreaming of a Bright Christmas
Vahan 14K gold and sterling silver ring featuring topaz and 0.13ct diamonds, $2,250. Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry, Little Rock JONESANDSON.COM
Abstract cross necklaces by Paris designer Louise Hendricks, $172-200 (available in three sizes, two shown here). Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM
18K gold-plated pave heart necklace, $64. HJane Jewels, Little Rock HJANEJEWELS.COM
Roberto Coin “Cialoma” 18K yellow gold and diamond twist drop earrings, $5,700. Sissy’s Log Cabin SISSYSLOGCABIN.COM
Layered pearl and coin necklace, $178. Tulips, Little Rock TULIPSINLITTLEROCK.COM
Vahan 14K yellow gold and sterling silver 30mm diamond hoop earrings, $2,325. Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry, Little Rock JONESANDSON.COM
Floral jacquard asymmetric ruffle dress, $75. True Boutique, Benton 501.672.0706
Home for Christmas
For the art, home design, and decorating enthusiast
“Blue U Vase” by Grace McCraw, $550. MIXD Gallery, Rogers MIXD.GALLERY
Barefoot Dreams “Sandalwood Luxe” soy candle, $55. Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock
“Shard Amphora” by Chase Travaille, $3,000. MIXD Gallery, Rogers MIXD.GALLERY
KAUFMANLUMBER.COM
“Santorini Rose” by Tracy Rivers, $375. AF Decorative, Little Rock AFDECORATIVE.COM
“Cosmos” large gold sculpture, $520. Debi Davis Interior Design, Little Rock DEBIDAVISINTERIORDESIGN.COM
Blue table lamp, $400. Kaufman By Design West, Little Rock
Deck the Halls with Pretty Patterns
For the fashionista with a bold sense of style
Acrylic tray with decorative handles, $7999 (plus $48 for customization with Laura Park wallpaper, available in two sizes and an assortment of handles).
Interior Fabrics & Design, Fayetteville FABRICSANDDRAPES.COM
Bohemian multicolored velvet pillow, $57. The Shop at Fringe (located in Fringe Salon), Little Rock THESHOPATFRINGE.COM
Acrylic frame with corner mounts, $69-199 (available in multiple sizes and color options).
Interior Fabrics & Design, Fayetteville FABRICSANDDRAPES.COM
The Art of Gracie: Handpainted Wallpapers, Timeless Rooms , $60. The Shop at Fringe (located in Fringe Salon), Little Rock THESHOPATFRINGE.COM
Outdoor upholstered pool stool with removable cover, $395 (available in more than a dozen patterns).
Ken Rash’s Arkansas, Little Rock KENRASHSOUTDOORFURNITURE.COM
Caballero “Ember” jacket in Vintage Cheetah, $298. Tulips, Little Rock TULIPSINLITTLEROCK.COM
Laura Park “Antigua Smile” duffle and small cosmetic bag, $135 for the pair (also available separately).
Interior Fabrics & Design, Fayetteville FABRICSANDDRAPES.COM
Tartan plaid acrylic tray, $50. Rhea Drug Store, Little Rock RHEADRUGSTORE.COM Set of four Christmas napkins, $50 (plus $8 for customization). Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock MRSPOLKADOT.NET
Vietri “Old St. Nick” 2024 limited edition square platter, $194. Home, Holidays, and More, Batesville 870.569.8037 Driftwood nativity scene, $42.
Katie Kime “Holiday March” modal and cotton pajama set, $128. Box Turtle, Little Rock SHOPBOXTURTLE.COM
Mark Roberts Christmas Tree Fairy, $167. Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock TIPTONHURST.COM
Juliska “Winter Estate Country Frolic” 18-inch platter in Evergreen, $225. Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock
Have Yourself a Merry Local Christmas
For those who want to support independent makers
Acrylic “Shelfies,” $68 each (200+ designs available). Chelsea McShane Art, Northwest Arkansas CHELSEAMCSHANE.COM
SILOAMSYRUPS.COM
Lux+Soul 16-ounce Lux Life Candle, $38. Lux+Soul, Little Rock SHOPLUXSOUL.COM
Cavender’s Greek Seasoning apron, $35. Cavender’s Greek Seasoning, Harrison GREEKSEASONING.COM
Arkansas-shaped wall art, $99.99 (includes customization). Cache River Creative Company, North Little Rock CACHERIVERCREATIVE.COM
Siloam Syrups trio of original three flavors (Apple Spice, Rich Aunty, and Not So Vanilla), $45. Siloam Syrups, Siloam Springs
The Loft on the Square
WRITER TIFFANY ADAMS ILLUSTRATOR BAILEY DOUGAN
As a real estate investor with a love of architecture, Magnolia native Kevin Barker has a penchant for buildings with history. This passion recently led him and his wife, Heather, to purchase The Loft on the Square in the heart of the town.
Built in 1892 as the home of Columbia Bank, it was the first two-story structure in Columbia County, drawing crowds from around the small farming community who were eager to see a dual-level building. During the Great Depression, the bank ceased operations and the bottom floor became a grocery store while attorney and dentist offices went in upstairs. Kevin believes this arrangement lasted until the late 1950s or early 1960s. Following that, other businesses have come and gone on the ground floor, including a jewelry store, but the classic structure remained largely vacant until it was renovated in the early 2000s. Today, five fully furnished loft-style hotel rooms are available for rent on the top level.
The Barkers, who currently operate The Loft on the Square and own four other buildings on the Magnolia Square, have plans to renovate the downstairs portion as well. “We don’t have a lot of old buildings in Arkansas like they do in the Northeast. This is about as old as you will find,” Kevin says. “It was built by hand in an era when everything had to be brought in by mules and wagons, and you can tell people really took pride in their work,” he adds, pointing out floral details that were incorporated into the stone, the original tin that can still be seen on the upstairs ceilings, and two enormous walkin bank vaults—one of which he has plans to turn into a wine cellar. “That’s why I love old buildings—you can’t afford to build them like this today and nobody would do it. They will last, and with some care, hopefully we will have 200-year-old buildings someday,” he says.
